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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/2007 Council Minutes• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2007 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : October, 1, 2007 TIME STARTED : 5:30 P.M. TIME ENDED : 10:15 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Council member Carlson, Reinert, O'Donnell, and Mayor Bergeson MEMBERS ABSENT : Council member Stoltz Staff Members Present: City Administrator, Gordon Heitke; Finance Director, Al Rolek; City Engineer, Jim Studenski; Community Development Director, Michael Grochala; Director Administration, Dan Tesch; Economic Development Coordinator, Mary Alice Divine; Public Service Director, Rick DeGardner; City Clerk, Julie Bartell Review Utility Rate Study - Finance Director Rolek introduced Patty Kettles, Springsted, Inc. Ms. Kettles reviewed the Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study using a PowerPoint presentation (on file). There was some concern that the proposed water rates may penalize larger families/larger households. In response, Springsted will provide information indicating impacts on larger households (average cost per different size households). Staff will provide historical data on use in the city. No sewer availability charge (SAC) increase is recommended until 2013. The council commented that conservation and continued operation of the system is the goal. While a tiered rate structure is one element of the plan, due diligence to other elements of the plan is important. Give people a "deal" on new conservation equipment. Also be cognizant that new construction be conservation wise. The council will receive an update based on the discussion and requests. Request to Subdivide Ordinance/Ordinance Amendment — Community Development Director Grochala noted the council directed the city attorney to prepare an amendment to the zoning code. The proposed amendment would allow an exception to the code where the creation of the new lot is needed to provide security for certain financing but only with a covenant recorded that prohibits transfer of the lots. A schedule is set forth on approval of the amendment culminating in January 2008. A staff concern is that this relates to a financial concern rather than land use policy. The council requested an explanation of why the language relates to general financing rather than just reverse mortgaging. 77th Street Realignment Feasibility Study — City Engineer Studenski reported that, as • requested, staff has revisited the pond placement. An alternative pond placement behind CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2007 APPROVED Marilyn Drive is presented that minimizes the impact of the pond on the commercial aspects. There are five properties that would be affected by the new layout. Historically the county did recommend placement'of the signal at 77th Street but the City trumped that based on development and residential interests. Also, two signalized intersections were promised when development occurred in the area. There is nothing new with the developer interested in the city land (Anderson) since the council did not approve their proposal. That was a primary funding source for the road work. Staff believes that Anderson Development is still interested in the original first phase of their proposal (the three city -owned parcels). The proceeds of that land sale could be applied to a realignment project. There was discussion about the possibility of the American Legion property gaining additional parking. There was no direction from the council on sale of the city -owned land. City Council Compensation — Director of Administration Tesch recalled that last year the council voted on only one year's salary and then with a reduction. Staff's recommendation is to return to a multi-year situation. • The council recommended that staff prepare an action representing a three -percent per year increase but with the idea that it will be revisited each year as necessary. • Compensation Study Proposal Meeting Date — The Mayor requested that the council set a special meeting to discuss this matter. A special meeting will be called for October 23, 2007, 5:30 p.m. The goal of the meeting will be to determine a scope for a request for proposals. The council will review the possible components of a compensation plan to make a decision on scope. Director of Administration Tesch noted that there can be many elements to a study; he would like to see the council approve a pay philosophy and a scheme to take a look at internal equity. Also there should be awareness that there are three labor contracts that will be negotiated soon. Council Member Carlson formally requested a list of employees whose employment has ended with Lino Lakes since January 1, 2004. 2008 Budget — Finance Director Rolek recalled that the preliminary budget was approved with the understanding there would be more discussion on some outstanding issues. Specifically the initiation of an in-house engineering staff is brought forward for discussion. The council does have until December 10 (Truth in Taxation hearing) to determine the final budget. Does the council need more analysis on the subject? CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2007 APPROVED Finance Director Rolek does not have a recommendation. The council received a copy of a memo from August 31, 2007 that includes a comparison of in-house and outsourced engineering services. The following comments were voiced by council members: it may not be a good time to make such a big change since revenues are down; outsourcing is many times a better value; the proposal was put into the budget but not at council direction; there are budget implications that must be addressed if the preliminary budget changes; are their situations in other communities where engineers are contracted on an as -needed basis; Community Development Director Grochala recalled how the proposal has evolved over the past several years. The additional revenue implications are related to being able to provide some additional services in-house. Although some areas of work are down, there are more regulations being enacted frequently. There are certain equipment needs that have been reviewed. He believes the proposal would be cost effective on a phase-in basis. The hourly cost comparison (contract versus in-house) is approximately $80/hour in- house to $130/hour contract. Staff has reviewed what will need to happen with the budget without the change to in- house (the council received an outline of suggested budget amendments). There is an approximate $85,000 impact. The council concurred that more discussion will be needed and the matter will included on the next budget work session agenda. There were no directions to staff for further information. Assessment Policy — Resolution No. 98-179 — Administrator Heitke recalled that during discussions of the West Shadow Lake Drive project, a question arose about how assessments would be handled for those properties that include potential future subdivided lots. Council Member Carlson requested that staff provide more historical information including the original staff report, minutes, copy of the full Public Improvement Financing Policy and a copy of the Bisel amendment. Even if the language was intended for development driven situations only, in fairness the policy should be in place across the board. The comment was made that assessment policy should be clear before a project is in place. Peddler Licensing — City Clerk Bartell noted that on two occasions when peddler licensees have been before the council, questions arose about the process and citizen CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2007 APPROVED awareness of the regulations. A fact sheet indicating the city's current regulations was reviewed. The concept of holding businesses responsible for unlicensed activity rather than individuals was raised. An opinion from the City Attorney will be sought. Anything that can be done to encourage compliance would be good. 2008 Council Goals — Quarterly Update — Staff stood for questions. There was a question about plans for the next round of goal setting. It should be earlier than March next year. January would be optimum. An updated cost estimate on the recreation center should be distributed to the council. VLAWMO — Council Member Carlson reported that there is an emergency board meeting called. VLAWMO staff wants to spend funds and staff time to send out the storm water utility bills this year (9,800 pieces). She believes the first class postage proposed is too high, it should be a bulk mailing. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning; she will be opposing that cost. Review Agenda Items — There were no changes to the agenda as presented. Not on printed agenda Items: Eagle Scout Letter — The council will send one letter congratulating the eagle scout. Hazardous House at 2395 65th St — Administrator Heitke advised the Council that the property owner, Wells Fargo, was served with the city's action ordering the repair or removal of the structure. City Attorney Baumgartner has found that they (Wells Fargo) would prefer to negotiate on a repair and ultimately be allowed to continue to show the property for sale. A negotiation could include that anyone that buys the property would have to bring it up to code. Administrator Heitke remarked that the neighbors support a full demolition of the hazardous structure. Any recommendation on this matter would be brought to the council for consideration. The attorney is not authorized to settle. The council voiced concern about the danger of allowing anyone into the property and also that the problems could just continue with a new owner. They will stand firm on the city's position. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting • held on October 22, 2007. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED e Bartell, ity erk • • October 1, 2007 Si4Paved•fti John J. Bergeson, Mayor