HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-22CITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
AUGUST 23, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Cadenhead, Councilmembers Dale Dorschner, Jeff Holtz and Lisa McGinn.
ABSENT: Councilmember Katrina Beckstrom
Staff present: City Administrator Handt, Planning Director Just, Fire Chief Kalis, Public Works
Director Powers and Building Official Taylor.
2023 Budgets
Handt presented the proposed 2023 General Fund, EDA and Utility Budgets. A 5.725% increase
in the levy would result in a decrease of city taxes on the median valued home at $553,500 of
about$25. There was a discussion of revenues and consideration of reducing the new homes
from 250 to 200. Discussion then moved to the general fund expenses. A review of fuel costs
amongst departments was discussed and further follow up on why not all use bulk fuel at public
works. Powers provided more information about the additional work that had been done in parks
due to less time spent pot hole patching. Staff proposed the creation of a Local Street
Improvement Fund to even out the tax impact of maintaining roads over the years. The EDA
requested funding for a consultant in 2023. Council direction was to remove this for 2023 but
consider it again in 2024. Handt presented the utility fund budgets for 2023. Revenues were
based upon 2020 Utilities Profonna which is proposed to be updated in 2023. There was
discussion about staffing and noted that the sheriff's contract increase does not provide another
deputy. Council may consider grants to neighborhoods in the future to help with crime
prevention efforts. Discussion of need to increase full time firefighters due to unpredictability of
POC model. Discussion of vehicle life expectancy.
Point of personal privilege was taken at 8:08prn.
Council resumed at 8:12pm
2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan
Handt presented a high level overview of the draft 2023-2027 Capital Improvement
Plan. Discussion about the timing of the new ballfields and Handt noted the CIP is a high level
planning document. All items would come back to council for approval before moving forward
and could be adjusted then. Discussion about the frontage road on TH36 and whether or not the
city had someone watching for federal funding to help. They do not. Further discussion on
vehicles for 2023. Is a boat of our own needed or can we rely on other cities and the county?
Will a second ender be needed? It was noted items later in the CIP like the tender will be
evaluated again once we get closer and in the new station. Discussion about funding for railroad
crossings. Some will come from developer but also require some city funding as railroads are
increasing pricing for permitting and inspections. Discussion about need for more pickle ball
courts. Those at Lions Park are already showing damage due to dual use as hockey rink. Staff
asked to include options in next discussion of CIP regarding vehicle needs and the impact of not
getting some.
Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
Ju ie ohnso , C't yClerk