Minutes - 1997/03/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mr. Whiting noted that he had drafted an Advisory Election Question for the Council's review. He noted that a date needs to be established for the election; he is proposing that it be held on Saturday, Apri15, 1997 with voting being allowed at City Hall during normal work hours the two days prior to the election for those who are unable to vote on April 5th. He would also like to set a public informational meeting on the Bel Rae for Wednesday, Apri12, 1997. Mayor McCarty stated he would like some anticipated project costs provided on the ballot form so that residents will have an idea of what the project will cost. He also felt it important to let residents know where the revenues will come from. Council member Trude asked how the election will be paid for. She noted that it was not budgeted for and therefore the council will need to determine a funding source, If a budget amendment is done, a budget resolution will need to be passed, amending the 1997 budget. Mr. Whiting stated he talked with the City Attorney about whether specific fmancial details should be made a part of the ballot. Some concern was addressed about whether the city should do this, realizing that only architectural estimates have been submitted, not actual contractor estimates. Additionally potential revenue sources may not wish to be identified at this point when no agreements have been entered into. In terms of the . ballot, Mr. Whiting noted that he experienced difficulty knowing whether he should present the question in concept form or in actual estimated numbers. He feels much of the financial information could be presented in greater detail at the informational meeting and through a mailing to the residents. Steve Bubul, City Attorney stated the council must remember that the purpose of the election is strictly advisory to allow for feedback. The council needs to consider how good the feedback will be if number are provided that look very precise and then the final project ends up being different than that. Additionally, the city will still be negotiating contracts and leases and they must be careful not to jeopardize negotiations by adding specific rent numbers on the actual ballots. Some caution must be taken to ensure that the city does not bind itself. He feels voters need to be provided with as much information as possible, however it must be done cautiously. Background information such as mailings could provide a better explanation of the current estimates, which he feels would be different than having numbers on the ballot and having residents vote on particular numbers. William Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, wondered why the information couldn't just be provided on the ballot form with a clarification that the numbers are only estimates. Council member Stigney suggested that ballots be sent out to residents along with the informational mailing if the council is concerned about the cost of two mailings. He also noted that some "not to exceed" cost could be provided on the fmancial information. Mr. Stigney stated he also would like the information to include the loss of tax base incurred from the city now owning the Bel Rae property. Naja Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road asked if there will be anything on the ballot to indicate if the residents will pay more in property taxes if the community center is approved. Mr. Whiting stated the concept has been to insulate the city tax base from having to incur any increase in taxes for the community center. The city is currently looking at spending Tax Increment Financing funds to cover the up front construction of the project. Once the work is done, the city will not have any debt on the building but will need to maintain it. However, the tenants involved would pay an annual lease for a period of time to help