Agenda Packets - 1999/12/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 22, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting Page 9 City Administrator Whiting stated typically, the main area of difficulty for cities such as Mounds View, is the ability to fund the capital infrastructure replacement of streets, curb and gutter, sewer and water. He indicated that these are very expensive considerations that come forward from time to time, and the City could possibly do more in the area of financing its own infrastructure replacement. City Administrator Whiting stated in the past two and a half years, there have been discussions regarding the City's streets policies, and some decisions have been made recently in terms of creating a street fund. He advised that the interest earnings on the TIF Districts create an opportunity for the community to begin to re-fund its own capital replacement program. He indicated there are several means to pay for repairing the streets, which include borrowing or attempting to save, and paying for the replacement as it becomes necessary. He advised the latter option is much less costly, however, it is usually the most difficult for cities to commit to. He pointed out that progress has been made this year, in terms of committing to that ideal, and he would encourage the Council to continue in that direction. City Administrator Whiting stated several things have been done over the past two to three years to save on the costs of administrative City functions and to increase productivity. He indicated that over time, staff would attempt to find additional means to accomplish this. He stated the City would likely see significant forward movement in the coming year, in the areas of distribution of information and interaction with the residents, particularly via the Internet. He pointed out that this will assist with productivity, and also presents a fundamental change in the manner in which the City views itself as a local government unit interacting with the community, which provides for greater participation, and allows the City to be more reactive to specific residential concerns. He stated these are the trends that will be visible in Mounds View in the year 2000, and possibly beyond. Finance Director Kessel advised that the Long Term Financial Plan is required to be adopted every year by ordinance. He noted the first reading of this ordinance was listed on the City Council Agenda, and inquired if there were any questions prior to consideration of this item. Mayor Coughlin stated all of his questions had been answered prior to the meeting. Council Member Thomason suggested the Council schedule a meeting or a retreat as soon as possible, for the purpose of brainstorming to plan for the City's Year 2001 Budget. She explained that the Year 2000 Budget is basically a replication of the previous year's budget, although, on many occasions throughout the year, staff inquired regarding what the Council would like to see. She advised that this would be a good time for the Council to meet and discuss the upcoming issues, as well as their vision for the Year 2001 Budget. Mayor Coughlin stated it was the consensus of the Council to schedule a meeting for the purpose of planning the Year 2001 Budget. He requested the Council Member's consider their personal