HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-98 CCMMINUTES 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.
2. Resolution regarding Tax Abatement
The Council postponed consideration on the resolution to give itself time to look up the State Statute
referred to in the resolution and talk to Attorney Nelson, if needed.
M/S/P Dunn/Johnston — to postpone consideration of resolution regarding implementation of a tax
abatement program until the December 14, 1998 Council workshop. (Motion passed 4-0).
3. Oak Park Heights Update
Administrator Kueffner reported she attended the December P Oak Park Heights Planning Commission
Meeting where they discussed annexing part of Lake Elmo and part of Baytown Township. Chuck
Dillerud was unable to pick up a copy of the plan amendment because OPH did not get Mary Kueffner's
FAX request, and they did not have a copy of the plan amendment. Administrator Kueffner will attend the
OPH December 10°i Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan. She will talk to Pat St.Claire to see if
Baytown will authorize Attorney Magnuson's attendance at this meeting. The Council will be sent a copy
of the legal opinion from Attorney Fills.
M/S/P Johnston/Dunn - to approve the expense and check on the availability for City Attorney Filla to
attend the Oak Park Heights December 10 public hearing on the comprehensive plan, as an observer, and
report back to the Council with his observations. (Motion passed 4-0).
The Council adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted by Sharon Lumby, Deputy City Clerk