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MINUTES APPROVED: September 2, 1997 IW.114ago lu eXelIIrav-9111►ejIWIN lilt) goWITLO77Y..4Hola�4112191- l AUGUST 25, 1997 Mayor John called the budget workshop to order at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Elmo Fire Hall. PRESENT: Dunn, John, Conlin, DeLapp, Fire Chief Sachs (departed 7:30 p.m.), Administrator Kueffner and Finance Director Banister. ABSENT: Councilor Hunt. Marilyn Banister presented an updated (thru 7/31/97) income and expense along with the 1998 proposed budget. General Property Taxes ($1,188,186) is the amount of the city's Levy Limit which means that is the most we can certify for the 1998 Budget. The levy limit is on for only two years. The actual tax levy went up 3%. However the total budget went up 6%. The difference being license, permits, police fines and other city charges increased by 3%. Marilyn pointed out that the month of December is the worst month to hold a hearing if you want people to attend. The Council asked Marilyn to send a letter to Senator Laidig and Representative Larsen protesting a December hearing, the City incurring the expense and suggest the Truth and Taxation Hearing be held in the first two weeks of November. Page 2: CAPITAL OVERLAY AND PERSONAL SERVICES: Capital overlay and personal services are high. Proposed 4% salary increases. Did not budget for a full- time person and two raises were given out at $1.50/Hr. which equals $6,000. After raises for 1997, we will be $8,000 over. With all the new developments, the Maintenance Foreman feels he needs another full-time person, but the City may look at contracting additional services. As a result, cost could be looked at to justify another maintenance employee. Newsletter figure ($7,500) is low—cost will be higher because it is done monthly. Advertisement would offset costs. Councilor Dunn stated the newsletter looks pretty, but should put in what's happening in city; such as overlay of streets to forewarn people. Professional Services: There is no Community Opinion Survey in 1998. Councilor DeLapp suggested asking Baytown if they want to share. This is the only way to find out what people want. Councilor Conlin felt philosophical questions should be asked for working on the 1998 comprehensive plan. ACTION TAKEN: The Council moved the $4,000 Community Opinion Survey into 1998. LEGAL SERVICES: Discussion on Baytown Annexation: Mayor John asked if the City Council will support Baytown in defending a principle keeping the area rural? Councilor DeLapp said he was willing to spend up to $150,000. Councilor Conlin felt as far as consolidation cost it is justifiable. As far as the 235 acres, where is the benefit to Lake Elmo? After the Municipal Board, we will have to deal with property owners making some demands and don't know if it is worth it. Councilor Dunn asked what could we do to lower the attorney fees? Councilor Conlin suggested costs be reduced by the steps the staff recommended: make the developer pay through pass-thru, review reports be written for packet, when there is a light agenda the attorney does not need to attend, Councilor DeLapp stated what the staff saves on attorney fees could go to salaries. ACTION TAKEN: Decrease legal from $80,000 to $70,000. Prosecution Costs: The Council felt prosecution costs were out -of -line and asked if criminal prosecution could be separated and put out for bids. Following discussion, the Council asked that putting out for bids for criminal prosecution be added to the next meeting.