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MINUTES APPROVED: JANUARY 5, 1999 LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP DECEMBER 8, 1998 Mayor Hunt called the Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council chambers. PRESENT: Hunt, Armstrong, Dunn, Johnston, Maintenance Supervisor Olinger, Finance Director Banister and Administrator Kueffner. ABSENT: Council member DeLapp. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed 1999 Budget Finance Director Banister reported the total amount of the City's budget increased $156,915 in 1999 or 8.83% increase over 1998. The amount of tax dollars needed to run the City increased by $59,250 or 4.99% over 1998. Taxes provide 65.5% of the budget Building permits 15.5% State & City Aids 13.7% All Others 6.3% The total tax dollar is divided as follows: Lake Elmo 16.70% Washington County 23.72% School Dist #834 51.86% Misc. Others 7.72% Mayor Hunt opened up the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m The City received a letter from Richard Johnson, 8896 Lake Jane Trail, which was read into the record. Mr. Johnson indicated he had an opportunity to review the proposed budget for 1998 and is chagrined as to the direction of this Council and City staff in matters of fiscal responsibility. The percent increases in departmental budgets for 1999 over 1998 are far out of line and no way can they be justified. The increase in development does not justify these high increases. Johnson asked that the Council reviews and prepares the budget numbers with the responsibility it has of representing the taxpayers. Dan Olinger, Maintenance Supervisor, explained the Public Works budget has increased because of the seven new developments which increased sanding by 25%, increased time for plowing the narrow winding roads, and the equipment used is aging. The narrow roads pose problems for equipment to make turnarounds and pointed out Tamarack Farm as the worst development. Council member Armstrong shared the Supervisor's concern on the narrow roads. She also thought the City had enough parks and suggested the Council have a meeting with the Parks Commission. Police Protection: The third Washington County Deputy will be at full City pay in Year 2000 and fourth Deputy will be at full City pay in Year 2001. Administrator Kueffner estimated it costs the City approximately $50,000 (includes cars, dispatch, etc.) a year per Deputy. Legal Services: A concern was raised on legal services costing the City $80,000. This figure is not separated into Criminal and Civil services. Criminal legal services average $3,800/month. The question raised was why does the Attorney look at each individual case. Mayor Hunt closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Hunt announced the City cannot approve and adopt the budget at this meeting, The budget and levy will be approved at the Council Workshop meeting on December 14, 1998 at 5:30 p.m.