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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/21/1998 Council Minutes• • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1998 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE : October 21, 1998 TIME STARTED : 5:36 p.m. TIME ENDED : 9:11 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Members Bergeson, Dahl, Lyden, Neal, Mayor Sullivan MEMBERS ABSENT : None Staff members present: Community Development Director, Brian Wessel; Administration Director, Dan Tesch; Consulting City Engineer, John Powell; Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland; Community Development Coordinator, Mary Alice Divine; Environmental and Forestry Coordinator, Marty Asleson; Building Inspector, Tom Jackson. City Clerk -Treasurer, Marilyn Anderson was excused at 6:30 p.m. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW, JERRY SHANNON Brian Wessel stated staff is working through the feasibility study for the Redevelopment Project Plan. The purpose of the study is to look at Lino Lakes ability to provide incentives in the Town Center. There is a lot of confusion in the community regarding the City's finances. The City is now ranked 57th in the metropolitan area in the Minnesota Taypayers Association Ranking of Property Taxes on an average value home. This is down from last year's ranking of 34th. He stated that companies considering relocation to Lino Lakes look more at the Comprehensive Plan than at property taxes. Mr. Jerry Shannon, a representative from Springsted, stated that he is proceeding with the City's financial analysis. A preliminary report will be available by the first part of November, 1998, with a final report completed by December 1, 1998. The City's ranking is determined by a tax payers report that looked at 108 communities that have a population over 2,500. The average home value in this City is approximately $135,000 an in the metropolitan area, $115,000. In April, 1998, the cash position of the City was more than $12 million. The City has committed $2.8 million for the Civic Complex. The utilization of $1.2 million will take care of the Early Childhood Center. The Centennial School District will pay the City $1.2 million over the next 10 years for use of the building. The City is investing in itself with the Civic Complex. The significant increase in the tax levy for 1999 was to pay the bonds issued for the Civic Complex and road reconstruction in the Lakes Addition area. The increase in tax levies this year is 25%. The normal levy increase has been 8%. The City has adequate moneys on hand to meet its ongoing needs CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1998 and there is adequate money in the General Fund to so that inter -fund borrowing will not be necessary. Mr. Shannon noted City received a double upgrade in its bond rating this year from Juran and Moody. The City rating is A2. Mr. Shannon stated the City had significant expenditures that were unplanned, however, money is available to pay them. Adequate planning in the future will enable the City to avoid those expenditures or at least allow the City to be better equipped to handle them. The market value of the City is growing. However, the tax capacity is not keeping pace with the market value because of what the Legislature is doing. Mr. Shannon indicated the City is in decent financial shape. Chris noted that the City has the highest tax rate in Anoka County. Mr. Shannon stated there were three (3) communities in 1997 that were higher than Lino Lakes. He said that Lino Lakes should be compared to their neighbors in Ramsey and Washington Counties with similar growth concerns. Chris stated the Council must be able to answer residents questions regarding the tax rate. Andy added that Lino Lakes has its own Police Department and Fire Department and that costs money to operate. Other cities in Anoka County used as comparisons contract these services with Anoka County or other nearby cities. He noted that quality services such as those in Lino Lakes are expensive. Kim noted the City is now paying expenses that were not planned. In addition, city hall is under staffed and many roads need maintenance. John added that at one time Lino Lakes was rated #1, the highest taxes city in the metropolitan area. Kim stated that no one likes the current tax rate but nothing can be done about it at this time. TIF/LGA, HACA UPDATE, MARK RUFF Mary Alice explained that the City received a request for tax increment financing assistance from three (3) businesses interested in locating on the G.M. Development property in the Apollo Business Center. Staff is asking Council authorization to prepare the modification of Development District No. 1 by deleting the remaining G.M. Development parcels and the Rehbein Business Park parcels on the southwest quadrant of the 35W interchange from TIF District No 1-7, and reconstitute them into a new TIF District No. 1-9. TIF District No 1-7 was established in 1995 and no longer has the capacity to provide a competitive incentive. The Council will also be asked to set a date for a public hearing on this matter. Kim asked about the recommendation regarding a 10% local contribution or paying a penalty. Mr. Ruff stated he highly recommends making a 10% local contribution. The contribution could be in each of the development contracts. There are several different options for the contribution. The contribution is 10% of the tax increment received. Mary Alice noted the values of the properties will be increasing next year. The properties need to be in the district before that happens. Mr. Ruff added that the Legislature clearly states that a developer can not pay the local contribution. Brian stated that Mr. Ruff will 2 • • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21,1998 be at Economic Development Authority meeting on Monday evening. Mary Alice indicated a new resolution calling for a public hearing will be included on the agenda. She stated the three (3) businesses will fill nine (9) acres of the new district. Mr. Ruff felt the three (3) businesses should be put in the new district so that the LGA penalty will go away or have a smaller financial impact. The businesses can be taken out of the district later at no additional cost. Kim stated that will be reviewed on an annual basis. She asked staff to have Mr. Shannon review the list of parcels coming out of the TIF Districts. Mr. Ruff recommended a procedure be in place to take them out of the districts after the public hearing. The request for a public hearing regarding the establishment of Tax Increment Financing District 1-9 will appear on the regular City Council agenda, Monday, October 26, 1998. ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT, MARY KAY WYLAND Mary Kay indicated this item came before the Planning & Zoning Board in September, 1998. The Board recommended to deny the request by a 4-3 vote. The amendment would increase the curb cut of a driveway from 26 feet to 36 feet. This request is being made by many residents because of the increase in three (3) car garages. Residents quite often fill in the side area of the driveway with rock or dirt to widen the driveway. There has been a problem with the City having to enforce the current ordinance after a resident had widened his driveway. The following were three (3) concerns expressed in opposition to the proposed amendment: 1. Increase in impervious surface thus affecting run-off into the storm sewers. 2. Aesthetic - sea of concrete in front of residential properties. 3. Snow storage on cul-de-sac properties. Mary Kay stated the amendment was revised to prohibit 36 feet driveways in cul-de-sacs. John expressed concern in cul-de-sacs regarding snow storage and the clearing of mailboxes and hydrants. Mary Kay stated the current Recreational Vehicle provision in the Ordinance allows residents to park recreational vehicles in their front yard if it is on concrete and further than 15 feet from the house. This item will appear on the regular City Council agenda, Monday, October 26, 1998. SEPTIC SYSTEM ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT, JOHN POWELL John distributed a memo giving a brief summary of recent action taken regarding the City's septic system inspection program. He stated the City requires septic system inspection every two (2) years. If low usage can be proven, the system must be inspected every three (3) years. The reason for the inspection is to ensure the system is operating effectively. A public health and safety issue is a concern if the systems are not inspected. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1998 It was the intent of Council to be more lenient regarding enforcement until the first cycle of the provisions of the Ordinance was completed. After completion of the first cycle, enforcement would become more strict. John indicated, at this time, the City has approximately 90% compliance. Some areas have not complied because they are waiting for City sewer. He suggested the City get a commitment from those that are waiting for City hook up. Other areas will be a problem regarding compliance. He asked for Council direction regarding the residents who have not yet complied and had their septic system inspected. Kim stated that legally the Ordinance must to be enforced. She stated residents must be aware that the City will begin to strictly enforce inspections. Council directed John to again notify residents that have not yet complied with the inspection requirement and clearly state a date when strict enforcement will begin. John is to include funding sources for residents who need financial assistance and a list of responsible pumpers. John will then follow up with another letter and outline a reasonable time frame for compliance. He is to inform the Council of action taken. UPDATE , ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS COMMITTEE, MARTY ASLESON Marty distributed a memo from Brauer & Associate, Ltd., listing the participants and refined meeting agenda for the Environmental Planning Charettes. He stated the consultants have been taking an inventory of the City's natural resources. They are now ready to start formulating the management portion of the plan. Planning sessions are scheduled for October 29 and October 30, 1998. The memo outlined the times of the meetings, focus, task, and participants requested. Marty stated the most important meeting time for Council Members is Friday, October 30, 1998, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Most Environmental Board members will be present for that meetings. Marty indicated he has asked Dennis to provide video coverage. Kim asked Council Members to individually let Marty or Mary Kay know what meetings they can attend. PDI ADMINISTRATOR'S SEARCH, DAN TESCH Dan stated that Harry Bruhl has contacted 33 City Administrators. A list of 17 names had been generated and only three (3) indicated they will not be sending a resume to Mr. Bruhl. Mr. Bruhl asked that all resumes be sent to him within one week. A schedule will be developed with Mr. Bruhl and Council will receive an updated schedule on Monday night. Kim noted Mr. Bruhl should have a tentative schedule from Dave Pecchia. Dan informed the Council that Dave is in Utah this week resting. He is expected back the first week in November, 1998. Andy stated Dave should not return as City Administrator. He did not want anything to happen to him. Kim stated she will talk to Dave when he returns. Dave should have a signed release from a doctor before returning to work. John 4 • • • • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1998 suggested the City give him the opportunity to not return if he does not feel up to it. Kim stated Dan's work load also should be considered. She stated she will have a conference with Dan, Dave, and Council to make a decision when Dave returns. CITY ATTORNEY AND BIDS, CAROLINE DAHL Caroline stated there has been a problem in the past with the City Attorney receiving the Council packets before the meeting. She stated Mr. Hawkins would be more prepared with recommendations if he could read the information before the meetings. She suggested the packet be delivered to Mr. Hawkins by the Police Department prior to the Council meeting. Kim directed Dan to work with Marilyn to make sure Bill receives his packet by Thursday prior to Monday's meeting. Any change in the agenda can be faxed to him. Caroline suggested Brian and Mary Kay use pointers when they are making a presentation at meetings. She stated TV viewers cannot see what is being presented. Kim directed Dan to work with Dennis to find the best angle for TV viewers regarding presentations. HOFF REPORT UPDATE, KIM SULLIVAN Kim stated Council Members received a copy of the Hoff report in their boxes. The Directors will be speaking to the employees named in the report. Staff will be aware of what is in the report prior to the report going public. The Council took a five (5) minute recess. REGULAR AGENDA, OCTOBER 26, 1998 Regarding Item 3, (Consideration of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Resolution No. 98 - 160), Council agreed to address the Comprehensive Plan and public comments and input from the public hearing. If it is decided to continue to the next Council meeting, Chris will have an agenda for continuation of the discussion for a decision to be made on November 9, 1998. Kim added she will run a tight meeting on Monday. The public hearing will not be reopened. She stated she will follow all meeting guidelines. She asked that if a Council Member needs more response time than allowed in the meeting guidelines, to let her know ahead of time. John suggested Kim ask for a show of hands regarding those who are present to address the Comprehensive Plan. It was the recommendation of Council for Al to look into the possibility of a biannual - annual review of the base number of homes that can be built, based on a recommendation CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 1998 from the Environmental Board and Community Development Department. Council Members asked Brian for a copy of the fax Fritz Johnson sent. Kim added she wants to make sure the City does not over build because too much MUSA is available. She stated the City should ask for additional MUSA but have regulations in the Comprehensive Plan so it is not over used. John asked for a copy of the Planning & Zoning minutes from October 14, 1998. He suggested the City clearly establish when public input regarding the Comprehensive Plan will no longer be taken. Regarding Item 5B, Kim stated she will ask staff that if the FAA was in place in Lino Lakes, would Consideration of Amended PDO, Behm's Century Farm Portion of Lino Air Park, be accepted. Kim stated the Clearwater Creek Convenience Center will be having a grand opening. They will be asking the Council to grant a permit for fireworks for the celebration. DISCUSSION OF POLARITY OF THE COUNCIL AND UNDERMINING STAFF'S ABILITY TO PERFORM, KIM SULLIVAN Kim stated Dave has brought it to her attention that the behavior of Council is having a negative impact on City staff. Individual Council Members are asking staff to do things other than what the full Council recommended. There is an issue of Council Members asking staff to research and provide information on other City staff. Council has been cautioned regarding the use of City consultants. If there is a question that will take more than 15 minutes for one of the consultants, staff should be notified first. Kim stated that what the Council does directly impact staff morale. The Council is to blame if the City has a bad reputation. Council needs to work with staff and provide positive constructive comments. She suggested Council back off of staff Council needs to stay focused on the Comprehensive Plan and development issues. John noted that if staff is confused by disagreements of Council Members they should tell Council Members directly and ask for direction. Chris added that Council Members are not always provided with accurate information. They are then put in the position of having to ask staff more questions. Kim stated problems should be handled internally. Staff issues need to stay at staff level. When problems arise, the City Administrator should be contacted. The problem will then be dealt with at a work session. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on November 9, 1998. 6 • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION •afif(41/1,,,2„,,,‘0 Marilyn G. Anderson, City Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • • 7 IL TOBER 21, 1998 I14 IAA y i . ullivan, Mayor