2007.09.04 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 6 UPDATE ON RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ORDINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE For the past several months, the recreational vehicle ordinance subcommittee has been meeting with a membership makeup of City Council, Planning Commission, citizens at large, and City staff. CD Director Bryan Bear provided Council with an update on the subcommittee's work to date. At its August 21, 2007 meeting, the subcommittee drafted a proposed ordinance, which would regulate the parking of recreational equipment on property less than one acre in size. Miran made motion, Haas seconded, directing City staff to schedule a public hearing to be held on the proposed ordinance at the Planning Commission. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON HUGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AREA STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT At its August 6, 2007 meeting, Council considered a request from a resident who lives on Foxhill Avenue in the Hugo Elementary School neighborhood who would like his street reconstructed. Council directed City staff to hold a neighborhood meeting with residents living in and around the area to explain the project in more detail. On Monday, August 13, 2007, City Engineer Jay Kennedy and PW Director Chris Petree met with resident Hank Schnider to discuss his request for a street reconstruction project. Jay will provide Council with an update on the project. Jay provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the background, scope of improvements, financing, and potential project schedule. Council also discussed: trail/sidewalk connections; consideration of downtown redevelopment as it relates to Fondant/Lower 147' Street; storm sewers/drainage; and reconsideration of the assessment policy as this project unfolds. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule a special Council meeting to hold neighborhood meeting to discuss this proposed reconstruction project. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE PRELIMINARY 2008 CITY TAX LEVY On July 18, 2007, Council held its annual mid -year budget review meeting. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with recap of the 2007 City budget to date. Council discussed focused areas for the 2008 City budget, which included public safety, parks, and transportation. After discussion, Council agreed to direct staff to prepare the proposed 2008 City budget, which would reflect a decrease in the City tax capacity rate of 0.5%. Council agreed to set the preliminary tax levy at its September 4, 2007 meeting for certification to the State of Minnesota by the September 15, 2007 deadline. Finance Director Ron Otkin prepared a proposed 2008 City budget with a proposed City tax rate of 34.967% of tax capacity and provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation of focus areas for the 2008 City budget, as well as a recommendation for approval of the resolution certifying the 2008 City tax levy at $5,189,598. As Council is aware, the tax levy cannot be increased beyond this date; however, it can be lowered following the Truth in Taxation hearing scheduled for December 3, 2007.