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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/2015LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 2 September 8, 2015 Mayor Pro -Tem Gaasch called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Councilors present: Mary Gaasch, Denise Hawkinson, and Lara Mac Lean. Councilors absent: Mayor Jeff Dains and Roxanne Grove. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; Jim Bownik, Assistant City Administrator; and Terry Berg, Deputy City Clerk. Others present: Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom and St Anthony Police Chief John Ohl. Approvals Mayor Pro -Tem Gaasch asked for changes to the meeting agenda. There being none, motion was made by Councilor Mac Lean to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilor Hawkinson and carried unanimously. Councilor Mac Lean moved to approve the City Council meeting minutes of August 25, 2015. Councilor Hawkinson seconded the motion and carried unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson moved and seconded by Councilor Mac Lean to approve the claims totaling $110,996.38. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Mayor Pro -Tem Gaasch asked if any Councilors wished to remove items from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Councilor Hawkinson moved and seconded by Councilor Mac Lean to approve the Consent Agenda thereby acknowledging the July financial report. Motion carried unanimously. Informational Presentations / Reports A. Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom Sheriff Bostrom thanked the city council for the opportunity to address them to highlight department activities and projects. The sheriff's department is responsible for detention services, court duties, paper service, patrol, and regional services such as water patrol. New projects include Coffee with a Cop that is advertised through social media and the Minnesota Sheriff's Association is responding to the president's report on policing. Across the state, public meetings will be held to gauge the level of satisfaction with county law enforcement services, as well as written surveys. The goal is a preliminary report this December. Lastly, Sheriff Bostrom highlighted technological advances that include a secure email system, automated voicemail, and video visiting from home for incarcerated individuals. Councilors expressed their appreciation for their working relationship and services provided. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 2 September 8, 2015 Discussion / Action Items A. 2016 Preliminary Levy and Budget Administrator Butkowski noted that expenditures are coming in at a modest 2.9% over 2015. The primary cost increases are for the police contract ($18,675), Comprehensive Plan update ($15,000), and staffing costs ($14,877). The additional expenses along with the loss of fiscal disparities revenue are resulting in a levy impact of 8.4%. Due to the significant increase in the City's tax capacity, a homeowner whose value doesn't increase should realize very little impact. Council expressed satisfaction with the proposed levy and budget. Administrator Butkowski will prepare the resolution for council adoption at the September 22 council meeting. It was noted that the City can reduce the levy in December before final adoption. City Administrator noted the next meeting may include the adoption of 2016 Levy and General Fund Budget, Driveway Ordinance Revisions, and Adult Services Managers from Ramsey County regarding group homes. Work Session A. Public Comment. None. B. Revisions to Driveway Ordinance City Administrator Butkowski highlighted the proposed revisions to the driveway ordinance as it could be more clearly written for the benefit of homeowners. The discussion highlighted that there are 80 unimproved driveways in the City. Council discussion ensued as to imposing a fee until driveway improvements are made due to storm water concerns and lot coverage being a consideration for the area of driveway and parking pads. Administrator Butkowski will work with City Attorney Batty for a draft ordinance for council consideration on September 22. C. Community Development Update Administrator Butkowski reported that improvements are being completed at the city -owned property on Larpenteur Avenue by staff with minimal costs. The neighboring property owner again expressed interest in the property during their meeting this past week. There being no further business on the council agenda, motion was made by Councilor Hawkinson and seconded by Councilor Mac Lean, carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Terry J. erg Deputy City Clerk