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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2003
Document: CC MINUTES 09092003
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 1
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2
3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
4
5 SEPTEMBER 9, 2003
6
7 CALL TO ORDER.
8 Mayor Hodson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9
10 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
11 Mayor Hodson invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
12
13 ROLL CALL.
14 Present: Mayor Hodson; Councilmembers Horst, Sparks, Thuesen, and Faust.
15 Absent: None.
16 Also Present: City Manager Mike Morrison.
17
18 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
19 ITEMS.
20
21 I. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2003, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
22 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of September 9,
0 2003.
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26
27 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
28 None.
29
30 III. COMMUNITY FORUM.
31 Robert Kluwe, 2600- 34`h Avenue NE came forward to discuss the affects of the 2003 street
32 repair project. He noted he had contacted the City but had not received a response. He indicated
33 the project had been totally frustrating and aggravating and felt it could have been friendlier to
34 the residents and environment. He stated he was before Council to discuss the problems caused
35 to residents so other residents would not have to experience this type of frustration when another
36 project was undertaken.
37
38 Mr. Kluwe discussed the environmental problems that had been caused and stated a mess had
39 been left behind. He also had questions regarding the reasons for alterations to yards, the way
40 the sidewalk was installed, the quality of the fill used and preparation for laying the sod. He felt
41 money had been wasted because of how things were being done. He suggested the use of
42 retaining walls had been overlooked.
43
44 Mr. Kluwe indicated the City should look at ways to decrease the amount of dirt going into the
storm sewer, in addition to building up retaining walls. He invited Council to drive by his home
0 to review the situation.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 2
IV. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve August 26, 2003, Council meeting minutes.
3 B. Consider licenses and permits.
4 C. Consider payment of claims.
5 D. Consider Ordinance 2003-011. re: Fireworks(3'd reading).
6 E. Consider Resolution 03-074,re: Reclassifying a parcel of land.
7
8 Councilmember Faust requested the removal of Consent Agenda Item A.
9
10 Councilmember Faust requested that on page 9, line 6, it should read "$150 million" instead of
11 "$250 million."
12
13 Discussion followed regarding which number was correct. Staci Kvilvang, Ehlers and
14 Associates, Inc., confirmed the correct number was $150 million.
15
16 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve the Consent Agenda items.
17
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19
20 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
21 None.
22
VI. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
A. Review and consider approval of TERM sheet for Northwest Quadrant.
25 Staci Kvilvang, Ehlers and Associates, Inc., introduced the other project team members
26 attending the meeting. She indicated the concluding portion of negotiations was near
27 completion, as the final points were in the process of being solved. She added the goal was to
28 have the TERM sheet ready to present to Council at the September 23, 2003, meeting.
29
30 Ms. Kvilvang presented views of the development layout and discussed placement and types of
31 various housing and businesses. She noted the message to the team was clear that the City
32 desired the full development to be completed.
33
34 Ms. Kvilvang provided copies of a September 9, 2003, memo to City Manager Mornson that
35 discussed the development proposal and terms of the Development Agreement for the Northwest
36 Quadrant Redevelopment. She discussed the phases of the development and noted Len Pratt,
37 Pratt-Ordway, indicated Phase I and part of Phase II was ongoing. She added Phase III was
38 currently being considered, even though it might never be developed. She noted the current
39 buildings involved might need facelifts; therefore, moving forward was not a certainty.
40
41 Mayor Hodson asked if it was possible to require a facelift of existing buildings with other
42 owners. Ms. Kvilvang responded the owners could not be forced to make the changes; however,
43 the City could provide incentives so the existing buildings would be upgraded to consistency
44 with the rest of the area.
0 Ms. Kvilvang explained the valuation of the total development was $145 million to $150
47 million. She noted the estimated cost to acquire all the land, relocate existing businesses,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 3
demolish the structure and complete the public improvements would cost approximately$16
2 million for Phase I and$4 million for Phases II and III. She discussed the developer's proposal
3 for payment for land and special assessments for the Phase I development to assist in offsetting
4 this cost.
5
6 Ms. Kvilvang explained, based upon the latest Sources and Uses from the development team, it
7 was anticipated the Phase I development would generate approximately$10.5 million in present
8 value tax increment. She added, of this increment, it was anticipated the development team
9 would require approximately$7.5 million to $9 million to complete the redevelopment. She
10 warned these numbers were estimates and the final amount of increment would be presented
11 with the final Term Sheet.
12
13 Ms. Kvilvang stated all TIF calculations currently had included fiscal disparities being paid
14 within the district,pursuant to policy discussions with City staff and Council. She added this
15 option was currently financially viable since the current TIF projects showed excess increment
16 for the development. She noted the City may consider, however, keeping fiscal disparities
17 within the district for coverage on a Fannie Mae loan for the acquisition of the three commercial
18 properties needed for the Phase IA For Sale housing units.
19
20 Ms. Kvilvang indicated currently all TIF calculations showed 5% of available tax increment
21 being available for administration. She explained the City might elect to subordinate its 5%
22 administration until the entire development comes on line if the development required more than
95%of the TIF for actual redevelopment costs or coverage of bonds. She added it was
IP anticipated this would not be required at this time.
25
26 Ms. Kvilvang stated it was anticipated the development team would finance their development
27 costs up front and they would request the City to "take them out" after the development was
28 completed through the issuance of tax-exempt TIF bonds. She noted this was a tool used in
29 many of the metropolitan communities to assist developers with development and was a low risk
30 proposition for the City, since the developments would be constructed and paying taxes when the
31 City was issuing these bonds.
32
33 Ms. Kvilvang indicated 39' Avenue would be reconstructed and upgrades would be made to the
34 sanitary sewer lines as well. She stated it was anticipated it would cost approximately$1.7
35 million to $2.1 million to complete these improvements and the cost would be assessed to and
36 paid for by the development and other benefiting properties within the TIF district.
37
38 Ms. Kvilvang stated she knew the city park was an important part of the development. She
39 indicated the development team would pay for the park improvements, which were estimated to
40 cost approximately$1.43 million. She added they would be reimbursed by the City for a portion
41 or all of the park improvements through park dedication fees generated from the development
42 and any grants the City might receive. She noted the park improvements might be phased over a
43 three-year period if the City did not receive the $900,000 in LCDA funds it requested from the
44 Metropolitan Council. She explained a few changes had been made to the park concept plan as
0 they related to future maintenance issues.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 4
Ms. Kvilvang stated the developer would construct and furnish a new municipal liquor store
2 within the commercial development. She noted it was anticipated the liquor store would be
3 constructed prior to demolition of the existing store so as to cause minimal disruption to the
4 City's liquor operation. She added the City would work with Tires Plus to find a suitable
5 relocation site since they would be required to relocate their business. She indicated the
6 developer would pay the cost to relocate the existing Tires Plus building and the cost to construct
7 the new liquor store, up to an amount not to exceed $1.7 million.
8
9 Councilmember Horst asked if the current liquor store and Tires Plus were being removed to
10 accommodate parking. He noted possible variations of parking had been discussed with the
11 Planning Commission. Ms. Kvilvang responded sometimes the retailers had parking standards
12 in excess of a city's standards. She agreed the removal of the liquor store and Tires Plus was to
13 make sure there was adequate parking.
14
15 Ms. Kvilvang stated the developer had a signed Purchase Agreement for the existing Cub Foods
16 store for$10.85 million, inclusive of the restrictive property covenants. She noted the developer
17 intended to rehabilitate the store to upgrade its appearance to the quality of the new commercial
18 development and the estimated cost of this"face lift"was $580,000. She explained the agreed-
19 upon purchase price of the store did not allow the developer to obtain any more debt on the
20 property; therefore, the City would provide the developer full TIF assistance for the store's
21 rehabilitation as a qualified redevelopment cost.
22
Ms. Kvilvang indicated the developer had requested City assistance in acquiring the three
0 commercial properties upon which the Phase IA For Sale housing units would be located. She
25 noted the development team had discussions with Fannie Mae to assist in providing the"up
26 front"money needed to acquire these properties. She added Fannie Mae was willing to provide
27 the assistance but would require, as collateral, the land, Developer Guarantee and the City's
28 pledge of its General Obligation Taxing Authority.
29
30 Ms. Kvilvang felt the City assistance would indicate a partnership with the development team
31 and would say"we are in this with you." She added financing would be cheaper with Fannie
32 Mae; however, the risk would be if there was a downturn in the markets. She stated the City
33 could say"no"; however, the developer then would probably want to be compensated for the
34 higher risk they were taking.
35
36 There was further discussion involving risks involved. Councilmember Faust stated he liked the
37 idea of partnering but thought the City was a bigger partner than the developer. Ms. Kvilvang
38 responded the City's risk would be responsibility for the loan if the developer walked away. She
39 noted another option was to have the developer help the City with some of the needed $2.7
40 million, leaving the City with the need for a bond and being left with the land. She noted the
41 City would be putting its faith in the development team.
42
43 Councilmember Faust stated he had confidence in the development team, especially if more
44 commitment came from them. He noted the City was using its credit to obtain lower rates now
0 and when refinancing would be done in the future.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 5
Councilmember Horst asked if the discussion was related to the commercial properties only.
2 Ms. Kvilvang stated that was correct.
3
4 Councilmember Horst observed the developer also had risk in the first phase. He asked if there
5 was a possibility they would walk away. Ms. Kvilvang responded she did not think they would
6 walk away; however, she felt the risk was if something catastrophic would happen in the market.
7
8 Councilmember Horst asked if the City had to buy the property and work with Fannie Mae
9 before this was done. Ms. Kvilvang responded that was not correct. She stated the developers
10 were asking the City to provide the general obligation pledge and noted collateral.
11 Councilmember Horst indicated he would have a comfort level if the City were not looking at
12 general obligation but rather some pool of money, like the water filtration fund, the City might
13 have available.
14
15 Mayor Hodson stated he was comfortable with the proposal and thought the risks were minimal
16 for such a large project. He felt the team was strong financially and he was relaxed about the
17 team's requests. He added he did not want to assess small risks if they were not necessarily a
18 reality.
19
20 Councilmember Faust stated he was 95% sure this was going to happen; however, he did not
21 want the City to "throw $2.7 million out there"without more information.
22
Mayor Hodson asked if it was a viable option to guarantee the loan with the water filtration fund.
Ms. Kvilvang responded anything was possible. She added the team would be looking at other
25 options and funds with the City's finance director. She stated she understood Council wished
26 them to find other funding sources first and, if general obligation were necessary, more
27 exploration would be needed.
28
29 Councilmember Thuesen stated he was relatively comfortable with the City coming forward
30 with the collateral. He indicated using the water filtration fund was a good option to consider, as
31 he was not excited about using general obligation.
32
33 Councilmember Horst agreed, as his concern was the risk to the public. He added he would need
34 to feel pretty comfortable that there was little risk involved because he did not want to see the
35 taxpayer"on the hook."
36
37 Councilmember Thuesen noted residents had asked if their taxes would be raised and he had
38 been saying"absolutely not." He wondered if the taxes could be raised with the use of general
39 obligation.
40
41 Councilmember Thuesen stated he felt relatively confident the negative scenario would not
42 "come knocking"; however, he was looking for a friendly option to minimize risks to the
43 residents.
44
Councilmember Sparks asked Ms. Kvilvang if she could give an approximate risk to the
10 residents. Ms. Kvilvang responded she did not currently have those numbers.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 6
Ms. Kvilvang noted the developer of the For Sale housing units anticipated a 12%profit on the
2 development. She explained, once the developer obtained this profit margin, a"pay back"
3 would be provided to the City, which would be a prorated share of this profit, and, if the project
4 profit exceeded 15%,the City's prorated share of the profit would be increased. She added the
5 proration of the profit sharing was still being negotiated and would be finalized by the next
6 Council meeting.
7
8 Ms. Kvilvang indicated a mutually agreed-upon preliminary development proformas for the For
9 Sale housing and commercial development would be attached as an exhibit to the Development
10 Agreement. She stated this would be the basis for determination of assistance for the
11 developments and the actual development proformas would be compared with the preliminary
12 development proformas when the developments were completed. She explained, if the projects
13 performed better than anticipated and the For Sale Developer received the required profit amount
14 of 12% and the Commercial Developer met the construction and lease goals, the excess proceeds
15 would be disbursed to the City as excess TIF and would be made available for Phase II and
16 Phase II developments within the TIF district.
17
18 Ms. Kvilvang stated the City would use its best efforts to obtain LCDA and Tax Base
19 Revitalization grant funding and any other available funding from Metropolitan, State and
20 Federal sources.
21
22 Ms. Kvilvang stated the purchase price of land for each use would be reviewed and must be
0 shown to be at market and similar to what other projects were paying.
25 Mr. Mornson asked if the TIF note being discussed was$7.5 million to $9 million. Ms.
26 Kvilvang responded three notes would probably be involved, as they would be based on the
27 individual components.
28
29 Mr. Mornson asked if she was proposing approximately$7.5 million. Ms. Kvilvang stated that
30 was correct.
31
32 Mr. Mornson asked if the City would have increments pay for any cost overrun. Ms. Kvilvang
33 stated that was correct.
34
35 Mr. Mornson asked who made payments on the first two years of the Fannie Mae loans. Ms.
36 Kvilvang responded the loans would be negotiated so payment would not be needed the first two
37 years.
38
39 Mr. Mornson asked if the purpose of the general obligation of the City was to give Fannie Mae
40 security. Ms. Kvilvang responded that was correct. She added it was the City saying they would
41 pay the tab if needed.
42
43 Ms. Kvilvang stated the City had a great development opportunity with an excellent
`44 development team.
Councilmember Faust stated many items had been "hammered out" in the last two weeks and he
47 felt"we are almost there." He noted Council's concern regarding the general obligation should
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 7
• be understood; however, he felt that could be handled. He added he saw many good things
2 coming with this development and he appreciated the work the two sides had accomplished.
3
4 Councilmember Thuesen stated it would be wonderful to see a face lift of the Cub building. He
5 asked if there was concern regarding Cub running out of debt in the future, as they had
6 maximized their debt load. He questioned if this could be kept a positive business asset with
7 money available to handle future projects such as repaving the parking lot, for example. Ms.
8 Kvilvang responded the team was confident Cub would keep a quality project based on their
9 finances.
10
11 Councilmember Horst noted there had been discussion concerning a co-op component. Ms.
12 Kvilvang replied there had been conversation regarding rehabilitation in the early discussions.
13 She stated those options would be considered if there was additional increment available. She
14 added it was not currently included.
15
16 Councilmember Horst noted Robert Muir would own the "business main street". He asked if it
17 would be leased as rental and not for sale. It was stated that was correct and the only exception
18 was the municipal liquor store.
19
20 Councilmember Horst asked about the two-part assessment. Ms. Kvilvang responded a$1.2
21 million assessment would be applied to Big Box and the remaining $500,000 to the smaller
22 commercials over a period of time. Councilmember Horst asked if the assessments would be
0 incorporated into the lease structure. It was noted that was correct.
25 Mayor Hodson thanked Ms. Kvilvang and the development team for an outstanding job. He
26 stated he was excited the City was getting close to having the TERM sheet come together and
27 changes being made with"buildings coming down and going up." He added the residents
28 wanted to see this project go forward.
29
30 John Herman, Faegre and Benson, stated he represented the Pratt-Ordway Group, along with the
31 Pratt and Hunt Groups, for the for-sale units. He noted the development team would be pleased
32 to come back between the current meeting and the September 23, 2003, meeting with all of the
33 details. He indicated Ms. Kvilvang had done a good job laying out the general parameters of the
34 Agreement.
35
36 Mr. Herman explained some of the elements of the terms would have certain parts of the project
37 done by the private developer and not by tax increment because of the structure of tax increment
38 statutes. He discussed applications of these elements.
39
40 Mr. Herman also gave information regarding the advantages of acquiring the Fannie Mae loan.
41 He noted the advantages to the project from a marketing point of view. He also reviewed the
42 risks versus the benefits to the City of following the proposed plan.
43
44 Mr. Herman felt, when all the elements were added together, the amount of risk to the City was
pretty small. He added the City also had the real estate that would be sold to the developer for
$1.25 million. He noted there were many economic factors that, on balance, gave the City a
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 8
great deal of security against not actually having to pay any money that would be transmitted
into a general obligation tax assessed against the taxpayers.
3
4 Mr. Herman stated one of the big breakthroughs was understanding the commitment the City did
5 have to the second phase. He noted that would allow acceleration of the townhouse element, in
6 particular, and the ability to begin earlier discussions regarding the senior component. Mr.
7 Herman added he expected to return to the September 23, 2003, Council meeting.
8
9 B. Resolution 03-076, re: EAW for the Northwest Quadrant area.
10
11 Todd Hubmer, WSB and Associates, stated he had received the Environmental Assessment
12 Worksheet that was completed for the St. Anthony Village Northwest Quadrant redevelopment
13 site. He noted the comment dates period ended September 3, 2003.
14
15 Mr. Hubmer provided copies of a letter and memo regarding comments received regarding an
16 EAW, a findings of fact regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) and
17 the draft resolution calling for a negative declaration of need for an EIS. He also commented on
18 sources from which comments were received.
19
20 Mr. Hubmer indicated comments were received on the following: noise impact, particularly
21 along the Stinson Boulevard and 37`h Avenue vicinity, which he felt could be resolved during the
22 final design and with the transportation plan for the site; comment regarding water quality
impact on Silver Lake brought by the Met Council, which he felt would be solved with this
project; trail connections with parks and retail site recommended by the Met Council.
25
26 Mr. Hubmer stated the comments received did not warrant an Environmental Impact Statement;
27 therefore, he suggested Council adopt Resolution 03-076 issuing a negative declaration
28 regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Anthony Village
29 Northwest Quadrant redevelopment.
30
31 Motion by Councilmember Faust to adopt Resolution 03-076 issuing a negative declaration
32 regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Anthony Village
33 Northwest Quadrant redevelopment.
34
35 Discussion:
36
37 Councilmember Sparks asked if Council should pass this resolution without reading it. Mr.
38 Hubmer responded, compared to other Environmental Assessment Worksheets, this one had
39 received very few comments. He added there was nothing found in this EAW that had not been
40 addressed in the previous EAW that had been prepared. He stated he was very comfortable
41 having Council pass the resolution at this time.
42
43 Motion carried unanimously.
44
C. Ordinance 03-012, re: Amending water connection permit and sewer connection permit
fees (1"reading).
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 9
Todd Hubmer, WSB and Associates, noted this item referred to the City's development charges
as they related to the sanitary sewer access charge (SAC) and water access charge (WAC). He
3 explained the City of St. Anthony currently collected fees from developers to connect to the
4 City's trunk sanitary sewer systems and water systems and the current fees charged were
5 approximately$150 for SAC and $200 for WAC. He added these charges were typically
6 collected from development as it occurred to pay for the trunk system improvements necessary
7 to serve new homes and businesses within the City. He stated, in addition, the Metropolitan
8 Council collected a SAC charge of$1,275 for each new sanitary sewer connection.
9
10 Mr. Hubmer recommended, based on a review of development anticipated within the next five
11 years in St. Anthony Village, the SAC charge be increased from $150 to $850 and the WAC
12 charge be increased from $200 to $450 for all new development and redevelopment in the City.
13
14 Mr. Hubmer indicated the increased fees from SAC and WAC were anticipated to cover the
15 costs to upgrade and improve the City's sanitary and water system for the purposes of
16 accommodating future redevelopment. He added the City's water and sewer utility fees would
17 cover maintenance activities and routine replacement of systems.
18
19 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen to approve the I` reading of Ordinance 2003-012 relating to
20 fees, amending Section 615.07, Fee Nos. 7 and 10, of the St. Anthony Code as indicated.
21
22 Discussion:
0 Councilmember Horst asked if there was any need to move this forward and waive the second
25 and third reading. City Manager Momson responded he did not think that was necessary, as a
26 public hearing was scheduled for the PUD and the intent was not only to capture SAC/WAC in
27 this development but also in another development in the southern part of the City.
28
29 Mayor Hodson suggested Council move forward with what was presented.
30
31 Motion carried unanimously.
32
33 Mr. Hubmer stated he wished to update Council on the recent item regarding the Kenzie Terrace
34 sanitary, sewer and water main project, which would be tied into the City of Minneapolis'
35 sanitary sewer system. He explained concerns had been raised by a few Minneapolis residents,
36 as a few homes in the affected part of Minneapolis had been missed when pre-notification of the
37 scheduled meetings had been issued. Mr. Hubmer indicated he had spent time with a Council
38 member from Minneapolis discussing the items of concern from the neighborhood and noted
39 there had been a lot of misunderstanding as to the need for the project.
40
41 Mr. Hubmer explained the need was because the sanitary sewer that served approximately 1/3 of
42 the City was in danger of not making it through another winter and major problems would occur
43 if there was a failure in the system. He noted Council should forward any calls of inquiry or
44 concern to WSB and Associates.
40 Councilmember Thuesen asked Mr. Hubmer about this year's street project. He noted residents
47 had discussed concerns regarding being told no additional black dirt would be put down before
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 10
placing the sod. Mr. Hubmer responded the soil preparation was complete and the first phase of
2 laying the sod was commencing. He added additional black dirt was being provided to make
3 clean connections and because the first delivery of black dirt was unacceptable due to debris.
4
5 Councilmember Thuesen agreed the dirt being used was"pretty disgusting." Mr. Hubmer noted
6 the black dirt must be replaced if it did not meet performance specifications.
7
8 Mr. Hubmer indicated a construction bulletin was being sent out advising residents regarding
9 how to take care of their sod. He added the contractor was watering; however, any supplemental
10 watering would be a plus.
11
12 Councilmember Horst indicated the concern from the residents was that it was going to take a lot
13 of work to get that sod to grow with the soil that had been used. He stated residents felt it would
14 take years.
15
16 Councilmember Horst asked about the performance guarantee that indicated this sod would take
17 and the yards would come back to normal. Mr. Hubmer responded there was a two-year
18 warranty on the project and contractors had been brought back to do replacements on sod-related
19 and topsoil-related issues. He added there had been very few problems in the past.
20
21 VII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
22 A. Resolution 03-075, re: Proposed 2004 tax levy and budget in compliance with the Truth-
in-Taxation Act.
City Manager Mornson noted Resolution 03-075 was prepared by the City's Finance Director
25 setting the City's 2004 levy. He added the levy was impacted this year by changes made at the
26 State level which affected revenue the City received in the LGA program.
27
28 Mr. Morrison explained the City would receive $267,348 less in State Aid in 2004 than the City
29 was to receive in 2003. He noted the State was allowing cities to make up 60%of the loss in
30 revenue by authorizing levy increases. He indicated this would provide the City with $160,409
31 of the $267,348 reduction; however, there was no other authority given to cities to adjust for
32 inflation increases, cost of living increases, etc.
33
34 Mr. Morrison stated reductions would be implemented in budget line items, staff and the capital
35 equipment budget, along with a proposed 0% increase in salaries.
36
37 Mr. Morrison indicated the property tax levy was $2.3 million, along with other special levies.
38 He added there was also an additional levy for the certificate of indebtedness for the fire
39 equipment certificate and lease revenue bonds for the public facilities projects approved earlier.
40
41 Finance Director Larson and Mr. Morrison also presented summaries of the general operating
42 fund budget.
43
44 Mr. Morrison stated staff recommended adoption of Resolution 03-075, which set the levy for
2004 as well as set the Truth-in-Taxation date for December 8, 2003, which could be the last
meeting of 2004. He added, if a second meeting were needed, it would be set for Monday,
47 December 15, 2003.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Page 11
Motion by Councilmember Sparks to adopt Resolution 03-075 setting the City of St. Anthony
proposed 2004 tax levy and budget in compliance with the Truth-In-Taxation Act, establishing
3 the Truth-in-Taxation date for December 8, 2003, and, if necessary, holding its reconvening
4 hearing on December 15, 2003.
5
6 Motion carried unanimously.
7
8 VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
9 City Manager Mornson noted the closing of Stonehouse had been delayed for one week and
10 possibly would take place on the following Monday, with groundbreaking scheduled for 1:30 on
11 Tuesday at the site. He added the invitations had been submitted and were before Council for
12 review. He stated the owners of Spectators and Jim Winkels from Amcon would be the featured
13 speakers at the Chamber meeting.
14
15 Mr. Morrison indicated a meeting was held with the City's Metropolitan Council representative
16 regarding the grant submitted to the Local Communities Program. He stated there were$39
17 million in requests for funding from 35 communities and only$4 million was available. He
18 noted the City was working with its staff person and newly elected official to find the best
19 approach to make a presentation in front of the Local Communities Committee. He indicated
20 either Mayor Hodson or Councilmember Faust would make the presentation and, in addition, he
21 felt the developer and one of the City's consultants should be included. He stated October 10,
22 2003, and October 17, 2003, were the dates held aside for presentations in front of the
0 Committee and suggested a strategy meeting be held before that time.
25 Councilmember Horst indicated the Community Services Board met last Thursday and it was the
26 first meeting of the year, as the Board's year coincided with the school cycle. He stated the
27 major topic of discussion was looking at the Blueprint for a Brave Future for the school;
28 however, also reviewed was what is being called the parks and recreation function of
29 Community Services, which was funded by the"grandfather clause"that was taken out of the
30 State budget last year. He explained, in essence, the State cut off the Community Services'
31 ability to levy$54,000 a year in funding to have the parks and recreation functions, which
32 included everything from aquatics to scheduling the gym to scheduling park usage. He noted
33 Community Services was looking to the City to fund this parks and recreation function in the
34 future. He added most cities did fund their own parks and recreation function, and St. Anthony
35 had a unique situation having Community Services fund this function for the City. He indicated
36 funding continued through the next year and would end at that time. He stated at that time the
37 City would possibly need to establish its own funding; therefore, this issue should be considered
38 in context with the 2004 budget.
39
40 Councilmember Sparks asked to give her final report on Village Fest. She stated Mayor Hodson
41 had hosted the final party for the volunteers at his home and everyone was happy with how it
42 went. She noted it had been decided to go back to Central Park the following year. She
43 indicated a report from the treasurer indicated Village Fest operated at a loss this year, which had
44 not happened for a while. She added fundraising would need to be done with new vigor, as
contributions/revenue had been down.
47 Councilmember Thuesen stated he had no report.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
• Page 12
Councilmember Faust suggested Mr. Morrison put Councilmember Horst's report regarding the
2 funding issues related to the parks and recreation function of Community Services on the goal-
3 setting agenda in January. Mr. Mornson replied it was on the"top burner" and there was a game
4 plan. He asked that time be given to work out the details and noted Finance Director Larson had
5 good information and was working on some of the numbers.
6
7 Councilmember Faust stated he had a chance to view the Pratt and Dominion apartments in New
8 Brighton. He indicated he was very impressed with what he saw and felt they were of high
9 quality. He explained the model he toured was a two-story townhouse that was entered from the
10 outside. He added the lady next door had been moving in with a dog. He recommended anyone
11 with the opportunity should look at the New Brighton townhouses, as they were a good primer of
12 what was coming to St. Anthony Village.
13
14 Mayor Hodson noted the next months would be busy. He stated he was proud of the Council for
15 pulling together to iron out all of the details for not just the Northwest Quadrant but also other
16 issues. He added it was not just Council that made these things happen but also a team of
17 consultants, the Planning Commission, along with the developers. He stated he was very
18 grateful for the quality of staff and individuals available to help make the decisions.
19
20 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
21 None.
22
20 X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
None.
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26 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
27 Mayor Hodson adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m.
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31 Respectfully submitted,
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33
34 Marjorie R. Jenkins
35 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
36 •-
37 Mayor
38
39 ATTEST: iJ
40 City Clerk
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