Minutes - 1999/11/15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 19 four votes was to provide a more rigorous test, in order to prevent a change to this matter in the future. He stated the Council might wish to readdress this, so as not to raise an idea that this would be an easier thing to do. Mayor Coughlin stated this was his intention during the Work Session discussions, in that he did not want this fund to be subjected to raiding by future politicians. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Julie Olsen, Charter Commission Chair stated recently, a new sign that was voted on to be placed in front of City Hall. She stated it was her understanding when the sign issue had first come forward, that if billboards were constructed on the golf course, there was some means to obtain the sign at no cost. She stated she has since learned that if there were billboards placed on the golf course, the revenues generated would have to remain with the golf course, and therefore, could not be utilized for the sign. She requested clarification of this matter. City Administrator Whiting stated there was an offer made, however, the City has had to consider a Zoning Amendment in order to allow billboards on the golf course, and this precludes any type of deal with regard to the sign. He stated these are two separate issues. He explained if . the Council desires at some point in the future, once the Zoning is in place, to make some connection between the two, it likely could occur, however, there are many questions regarding what is appropriate or not appropriate in terms of this offer. He clarified that the City had previously accepted a bid for the sign, that bid was rejected, therefore, this item is currently being rebid. Ms. Olsen stated it was her understanding the only reason the new sign was considered was because it could be acquired without having to pay for it. She stated she did not think the City should spend any money on the sign, and was surprised to hear they were proposing to spend almost $50,000 for this purpose. She added that one-half of the funds were to come out of TIF, and it was also her earlier understanding that nothing further would be done with TIF, until the "Big Plan" was dealt with, and that the Council had until March to complete that. She inquired how the Council could approve one-half the cost of the sign to be funded by TIF. Mayor Coughlin stated this sign was a budget item, included in last year's budget by the previous Council. He stated the authorized amount was $40,000, which has been set aside. He stated since that time, it has come to the Council's attention that they would not receive any bids for signs within the $40,000 range, and the additional monies would not come from TIF, but rather from a variety of other sources. Finance Director Kessel stated at one of the previous Council meetings the prior month, the Council authorized staff to take the additional monies out of Contingency for the General Fund. Council Member Stigney inquired regarding the monies provided by the Coca Cola Fund.