12-16-2014 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 3 of 5 11. Approve 2015 Meeting Calendar 12. Approve 2015 Fee Schedule; Ordinance 08-115 13. Approve Easement Encroachment Agreement - 5730 57th Street Cove N. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO APPROVE THE OTHER CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 14: APPROVE 2015 CIP Finance Director Bendel presented the 2015 CIP. The 11ft parks mower was discussed and whether the $70K should be left in or a lesser amount and possibly purchasing two smaller mowers. Fifty thousand dollars was the estimated figure that would be sufficient for two smaller mowers. There would be no funding impact as it would come out of park funds. The Fire Command Vehicle replacements were discussed. It was explained that leasing may be an option and will continue to be looked into. It was noted that as these are emergency vehicles, the reliability is more critical than a typical vehicle. The new Warning Sirens coverage was explained. What the library’s proposed ADA restrooms entail was explained. The Lake Elmo downtown revitalization project costs were explained. City Engineer Griffin explained the scope of the project was raised from $7.2 million to $8.1 million. He does not think it will actually be that high. City Administrator Zuleger recommended that the Council be cautious when it is considering the expenditures on the Downtown improvements. Some of the improvements have to happen, such as stormwater and sanitary sewer, but some amenities may not have the same return on investment. There will be a Council workshop on the Village- perhaps in January 2015. Mayor Pearson agreed that the cost may help make certain decisions throughout the process. He also wants the village business owners to have buy-in for items such as the burying of utility wires. Council Member Nelson asked about stormwater improvements. Mr. Zuleger explained the broader impact the stormwater project has on the village. It was noted that Comcast is expecting the City to pay for the burial of the utility wires; however, this is a 1-in-50 year opportunity to do that. Mayor Pearson is looking for input from EDA. Council Member Reeves pointed out that the policy of “growth pays for growth” may not be applicable here. There are certain aspects that need to be done, but there are some that are considered wants. What the “all in” costs include was explained. It does not include a village green. Mr. Nelson recommended increasing the $8.1 million figure. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO POSTPONE THE FINAL 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN UNTIL FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion. Council Member Nelson said that the CIP should have been done much earlier and must be done prior to the budget being approved. He would like this to be approved to deal with the 2015 debt. Council Member Bloyer thinks the decision should be made by the new council. The other council members noted that there are many decisions, such as the budget, that are approved by current councils and then assumed by the next or future councils. The next Council is not locked into spending the funds. MOTION FAILED 1-3 (NELSON, PEARSON, AND REEVES – NAY) MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO APPROVE THE 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS AMENDED: REDUCING THE PARK MOWER FUNDS TO $50K, MODIFYING DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION TO “DOWNTOWN SEWER, ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, AND FLOOD MITIGATION,” AND TO INCREASE $7.1M FIGURE TO $8.177 MILLION. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. Council Member Nelson noted that as the CIP figures into future debt, the growth has to happen to pay for the debt.