HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-2013 CCMMayor Pearson called workshop to order at 6:01PM
PRESENT: Mayor Pearson, Council Members Bloyer, Smith, Park [6:11PM], and Nelson[PM] Also Present: City Administrator, Public Works Superintendent Bouthilet, Fire Chief Malmquist, City Engineer Griffin, Finance Director Bendel, City Clerk Bell, and Planning Director Klatt Mark Youngdahl spoke about his background and experience with city development. He presented letter to the City and offered his assistance regarding design and drafting standards. HE said that his opinion is that the City should impose design standards. Mr. Youngdahl also noted that Lake Elmo has one of the best youth baseball systems in the metro area.
I. City of LE Growth Projections
Park arrived at 6:11PM City Admin Z spoke about the background of the CIP. Presented the residential growth projections. Does not include multi-family. Explained that the CIP plan covers 2013-2017. Projection is conservative with velocity and value. Bloyer asked about lennar breaking ground. Plan is to begin fall 2013. Will be completed by fall 2019.
Nelson arrived at 6:17PM II. City of LE Cash Availability Bendel explained the cash on hand status. City admin explained the Village fund was money owed back to the City general fund. Also explained the city facility fund vis-a-vis arbitrage. He confirmed that the city is now clear. The money can now be used and there is a longer time to use it. There was a small discussion about the arbitrage. III. General Fund/Equipment Zuleger gave overview of general fund/equipment a. Single axle plow – would replace contract service about $15,000 savings. Primarily a service quality issue. b. Diesel exhaust filter system – safety issue. These would be affixed to all diesel trucks in fire stations. c. Warning siren- replace older siren in Cimarron and complete last two out of 8 siren system initially planned. d. Dry hydrants- would aide in fire suppression. Discussion about effectiveness and issues that come up. Discussion to e. Sprinkler system in PW- Discussion of effectiveness. It was pointed out that many assets in building. Chief said system would make a difference. f. Replacement of Engine 1 (Aerial) - (2014). Replaces 30 year old piece of equipment that 80% of firefighters have no confidence in. New truck has a 75 ft ladder.
Because of age, parts have to be custom made to repair current truck. There are many aerials surrounding us, but they cannot meet needed response time of 7-9 minutes. The option of leasing equipment was also discussed. Smith recommended contacting the City of Carleton to inquire about their recently purchased truck that they may not need now. Zuleger noted that council can also request that the base option is also an option. Chief pointed out that used options need to be moved on right away. Cannot deliberate at length. Financing was discussed. Council was in favor of looking for used option. g. Replacement of SCBA- safety issue h. Replacement of Building Inspector vehicle- current is old. i. Pot hole patcher- five-year band-aid until City can go after streets with more permanent solution. PW wants to rent one and try it out to make sure that it works for what we need. Discussion about buying new vs. old. It was pointed out that the 2015-2017 was not being discussed. Some of the There was a discussion about city staff space needs. The use of the arts building was discussed. IV. Streets a. City Engineer explained the streets fund projects. The timelines were explained. Some of the projects have been moved timing wise to co-ordinate better with other needs. Discussion of residential and collector road improvements discussion. Discussion of city vs. resident share. City is responsible for 70%; residents are assessed for 30%. Discussion of length of how long it lasts. Reclamation lasts about 20 years. Reconstruct costs more initially but the repair costs are lower because you only have to replace top layer of bituminous. Also, concrete curb and gutter can add about 7 years to roadway life. b. Transportation improvements were discussed. There will be a 50-50 split in cost burden with developers. If City acts ahead of development, City portion will be higher. The reasoning and origin of the developer contribution was discussed. The total city cost for the 5th Street Parkway would be about $11,000,000.00. The signalization of intersections were discussed. Various intersections on Manning Ave were addressed. Total streets project costs are projected to be $37,486,000. City responsibility will be about $20,000,000. There was a discussion of the impact on property taxes. There was a discussion of how the City must play catch up to upgrade the infrastructure. Discussion about the 5th St. design. It was noted that it included theming costs. It would be a parkway which does cost more. A two lane with turn lanes with a median in the center. It was noted that one of the reasons the parkway was desired was to be inviting to developers. It was proposed that perhaps the bare bones be done initially and later add the “frills.” It was pointed out that the City’s costs wikll be higher if frills are added later. There is concern on the council that the theming is
a large percentage of expense. It was noted several times that the growth figures were very conservative and if higher will reduce expenses.
V. Sewer
a. City Engineer explained the sewer fund projects. Explained timeline of projects. Zuleger noted that this fund cash flows much better. It is basically developer driven. There will also be users who help pay for system. It was noted that more than half of the city’s septic systems are borderline failing or non-compliant. The village sewer system was discussed. The city would like to coincide with the county highway improvement on LE Ave. If the county does not move quickly enough the City is planning alternate projects. Zuleger explained that the SAC and connection fees will cover the debt service costs. This has been the most affordable capital improvement for many years, but previous councils and residents have been opposed to sewer.
VI. Storm Water
a. City Engineer explained the storm water fund projects. Explained timeline of projects.
VII. Water
a. City Engineer explained the storm water fund projects. Explained timeline of projects. Zuleger noted that cash flow will be at much later point. City cannot adjust water rates right now. Current status is $4,000,000… Several sources of funding will are EPA/Clean Water grants/funds…, 3M litigation. Discussion of possible consolidation. Purchasing water, etc. distribution system is still city responsibility.
b.
VIII. Wrap Up a. Dean asked council to be prepared to approve 2013 project and 2014 plan. 2014 project and 2015 plan when budget is brought… Zuleger stated that going forward, this will be done in 2yr increments. CIP does not include staff additions. With growth, additional staff will be needed. b. Zuleger reiterated that this is not asking for the world, but mostly playing catch up. The figures are not for wants, but needs.
Mayor Pearson adjourned meeting at 8:47