Minutes - 1999/11/22 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 22, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Kessel stated the Economic Development Authority, which is essentially the City Council, but a separate legal authority, manage the TIF Districts, and this fund is where the transfer of monies would occur. City Administrator Whiting stated that in June, staff presented long term trends the City sees based upon past City budgets and actual expenses. He noted the purpose of the budget is to identify expenses over a particular period in time, as each particular period is connected to the past, and will assist in predicting what occurs in the future. He stated that over the long term, the trends of concern to the City are in regard to its own ability to raise revenues to maintain itself as a viable self-governing community, and providing for its own administration. 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 infrastnzcture 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.