2008.09.02 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Meeting of September 2, 2008 Page 3 of 5 Report on Finalists for the New Public Works Director At its August 18, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council listened to an update on the applicants for the new Public Works Director position to replace former Public Works Director Chris Petree who has been hired as the City of Lakeville's Public Works Director. A total of 24 applicants applied for the position and interviews were conducted on August 19th with 13 of the applicants after which five were selected for second round interviews which were held on Friday, August 28, 2008. City Administrator Mike Ericson reported to Council the results of the interviews and provided a short list of three applicants, which was requested by the City Council. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule interviews with the three finalists for September 12, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Hugo City Hall. The three finalists were Nate Ayshford, Bill Dirks, and Scott Anderson. All Aye. Motion carried. Report on August 28, 2008 Neighborhood Meeting Regarding 129th Street Improvement District — City Engineer Jay Kennedy On Thursday, August 28, 2008, the City of Hugo hosted a neighborhood meeting at Hugo City Hall with residents living in and around 129th Street with direction from Council to inquire as to their interest in the creation of a street improvement district. City Engineer Jay Kennedy and Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson along with Mayor Fran Miron and Council Member Becky Petryk attended the meeting in order to take public comment on the interest on creation of the district. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided Council with a recap of the meeting. Approximately 12 property owners from the area attended, and much of the discussion had focused around the timing of the utility extension and development of the Melody Stables property. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule a public hearing for October 20, 2008 on the proposed 129th street improvement district. All Aye. Motion carried. Presentation of Preliminary City Tax Lew for 2009 At its August 5, 2008 Midyear Budget Workshop, Council listened to a presentation by Finance Director Ron Otkin in regards to the financial position of the City through the first six months of 2008 as well as some projections for the remainder of the year. Ron shared with Council a report on the affects of the tornado disaster and the devaluation of many homes along with the reduction of home values of more than 80% of the homes in Hugo. Council directed the Finance Department to prepare a proposed 2009 City budget which could reflect a City tax rate decrease for the sixth consecutive year. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation proposing a 2009 preliminary City tax levy of $5,329,096. He explained MN State Statute states that the City must certify its proposed City tax levy no later than September 15th of the year, and that the tax rate cannot be increased but it can be decreased following the Truth in Taxation public hearing. Since the Council's second meeting in September is on September 15th, the Council must set the proposed 2009 City tax levy at this meeting. The Mayor noted that though the City tax rate decreased, the amount shown on residents' property tax