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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/13/2022LAUD F',RDAL Fi, CITY COUNCIL MhFi,TING MINUThS L auderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street L auderdale, MN 55113 P age 1 of 3 September 13, 2022 Call to Order Mayor Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Roll Call Councilors present: Duane Pulford, Roxanne Grove, and Mayor Mary Gaasch. Councilors absent Andi Moffatt and Jeff Dains. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; Jim Bownik, Assistant to the City Administrator; and Miles Cline, Deputy City Clerk. Approvals Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any additions to the meeting agenda. There being none, Councilor Grove moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the August 23, 2022 city council meeting. There being none, Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Grove to approve the minutes of the August 23, 2022 city council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Gaasch asked if there were any questions on the claims. There being none, Councilor Grove moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the claims totaling $136,752.59. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Grove to approve the Consent Agenda thereby acknowledging the July financial report. Informational Presentations/Reports C. City Council Updates Councilor Grove shared that she attended a Ramsey County League of Local Governments meeting where they discussed mental health issues She said the group was considering future topics Mayor Gaasch recommended organized collection. Councilor Pulford said that NineNorth was close to appointing a new executive director. Mayor Gaasch stated that the League of Minnesota Cities policy committee hosted a meeting where they discussed a variety of public safety issues. Discussion/Action Item A. 2023 General Fund Budget LAUDIA,RDALh CITY COUNCIL Mh,F',TING MINUTI',S L auderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street L auderdale, MN 55113 P age 2 of 3 September 13, 2022 B utkowski said the preliminary budget reflected the $47,130 loss in LGA, the $17,468 loss in fiscal disparities revenue, and the 6.4% increase in public safety costs. As previously discussed, the lost aid and increases in costs have created an unprecedented financial pinch. Staff proposed transferring $55,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to covei the costs for 2023 and 2024 if needed. Beyond 2024, the sanitary sewer and storm sewer funds would provide that on-going support to the general fund. The countywide median -value increases were enormous and Lauderdale's was the largest in terms of residential value of all of the suburbs. Butkowski explained the double-edged sword. Rising values are a positive, but cities that rise faster than the lest of the County see the tax burden shift to them. This will happen at the same time that residents see reductions in their Market Value Homestead 11,xclusions (MVHF,;) due to the large value increases. This creates a pinch point outside of the control of the City Council as it is based on what other taxing jurisdictions levy (Ramsey County, Met Council, school district, watershed districts, etc) While the City's tax rate will drop almost 2%, the City tax on a median value home is expected to increase about $93. Maplewood staff put together a countywide comparison of proposed property tax levies being considered. Lauderdale's proposed 6.3% increase falls on the low end of proposed increases. The Council can decrease the final levy but would not be able to increase it over what is adopted as the proposed levy at the next meeting. This year, the Truth -in -Taxation public hearing will happen on December 13. B . Resolution 091322A — Abating a Tree at 1947 Eustis Street There is a dead / diseased tree located at 1947 Eustis Street. Typically, staff are able to work with the owners of dead trees to have them removed through a petition and waiver agreement. In this case, the owners passed away and the party responsible for the property has not responded to the notices. This leaves little choice but foi the City to remove the tree. Staff have spoken to neighbors who expressed concern that the tiee will eventually cause damage to persons or property if left in place. At 8:00 p.m. Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to anyone in attendance interested in addressing the Council on this issue. There being no one interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor. Councilor Grove made a motion to adopt Resolution 091322A A Resolution Abating a Tree at 1947 Eustis Street. This was seconded by Councilor Pulford and carried unanimously. C. November City Council Meetings/Canvassing Election Results The first city council meeting in November is scheduled for the same day as the general election. Ramsey County informed staff that they will have results foi our canvassing board/City Council LAUDhRDALh CITY COUNCIL MF hTING MINUTES L auderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street L auderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 3 September 13, 2022 by Monday, November 14. The last day canvasing can be done is Friday, November 18. After discussing, the Council determined that Tuesday, November 15 would be the date for the canvassing board meeting and first November city council meeting. Set Agenda for Next Meeting B utkowski stated that the September 27 council meeting might include the August financial report, the 2023 general fund budget, a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy, and weed abatement at 1836 Carl Street. Work Session A. Community Development Update B utkowski shared that the City and St. Anthony jointly offered a position to a member of the forestry division of AmeriCorps. Residents with dead and/or diseased trees have received letters in the mail from City staff. There was an overland sewage spill on Eustis Street over the past weekend from a private sewage system. Staff contacted property owners on Eustis Street to set up a meeting in order to discuss the County's proposal of reconstructing the portion of the street south of Larpenteur. Staff has been working on Halloween ideas that will be presented in the upcoming newsletter. Finally, the retaining wall along Roselawn Avenue in Lauderdale Community Park needs to be replaced. B Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council Mayor Gaasch opened the floor to anyone in attendance interested in addressing the Council. There being no one interested in speaking, Mayor Gaasch closed the floor. Adjournment Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor Grove to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, *ego ceou, Miles Cline Deputy City Clerk