CC WORKSESSION 08302010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Capital Equipment Budget. The City Manager reported that the capital equipment budget totals $330,400, with revenues coming from Liquor Operations profits, MSA Revolving funds, Fund Balance, and interest. He also reported that when possible, grants and donations are sought. Momson indicated that proposed expenditures for the Police amount to about $120,000; Fire expects expenditures to be approximately $58,000; and Public Works propose $80,000 in expenditures for 2011. Discussion. 3. Fire Pumper Discussion/Capital Equipment Certificate. The City Manager and the Finance Director presented information regarding Certificates of Indebtedness. Mornson stated that the City has historically financed large pieces of equipment with Certificates of Indebtedness. Other cities finance their large equipment needs in the same manner. Momson suggested that if the City Council considers using Certificates of Indebtedness that the certificates should be paid for with funds from Capital Equipment revenues. It was stated that using Capital Equipment funds for a certificate of indebtedness for a fire pumper may prevent the fire department from purchasing other capital equipment needs. Discussion. The Fire Chief responded to Council request to evaluate the possibility of providing the same level of service with two pumper trucks instead of three. Chief Malenick reported that 3 pumpers certainly provide a depth of security for the community and a level of self - reliance in that the City would not have to rely on neighboring communities to provide fire service to our community. He also reminded the Council that having the third truck also maintains 80% seating capacity for fire fighters when responding quickly to an emergency. He also stated that maintenance for the older vehicles is estimated to be between $600 - $700 /year, not including major repairs. The Chief also said that parts are difficult to find for older trucks. When asked about the return on the investment when the fire department has on average one major fire event every 8 years, the Chief reported that pumpers are used for training so that the staff is ready for any fire event and can respond within the time that the residents have come to expect. The Fire Chief also reported that there are several commercial buildings in the Village that are not sprinkled. Discussion. 4. Metropolitan Council - Livable Communities Act. The City Manager stated that the City has participated in the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act since 1996. The City is being asked to continue its participation for another 10 years. By electing to participate, the City is eligible for grants and loans that support the City s ongoing efforts in meeting its affordable and life -cycle goals. The City Manager stated that this item would be on the August 10th Council consent agenda. 5. Community Garden Update. Jay Hartman, Public Works Director, gave a report on his research of other cities with community gardens, their costs, the community needs and soil testing results. He stated that based on information he received from the site's soil borings and master gardens that he talked to, it is estimated that it will cost the City about $40, 000 to prepare the site to make it suitable for growing vegetables. Discussion. 6. Other Business. The City Manager stated that the next work session is scheduled for August 31, 2010. There will be a joint meeting with the School Board at 5:15pm, prior to C: \Documents and Settings \barb.suciu \Local Settings \Temporary Internet Files \01-1t24 \Council Staff worksession 08022010.doc