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City Council meeting of December 17, 2007
<br />Page 5
<br />special workshop on November 20, 2007, Council discussed with Building Official John Benson, Fire
<br />Marshal Marry Schwartz, and Deputy Fire Chief Jadon 011ila the changes recommended in the 2006
<br />International Building Code. One chapter, 1306, merited additional discussion in regard to some
<br />modifications suggested due to a tragic fire at a nightclub in 2003. Council discussed Chapter 1306 and
<br />its two options, 1 and 2, for consideration. Council agreed to recommend to the EDA discussion of this
<br />issue as well, as it relates to economic development issues for small businesses. The EDA addressed
<br />this issue at its December 17, 2007 meeting, and recommended the 2006 International Building Code
<br />with Chapter 1036, Option 2, be approved. Council member Puleo stated that he felt that there were a
<br />number of unanswered questions and needed more discussion at the Council level, with maybe a
<br />workshop.
<br />Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to table this issue until Council questions are answered.
<br />All aye. Motion Carried.
<br />APPROVE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING 2008 CITY BUDGET AND CITY TAX LEVY
<br />At its December 3, 2007 meeting, Council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing in order to
<br />take public comment on the proposed 2008 City budget. As per Minnesota Statute, Council does not
<br />approve the budget at that meeting in order to allow staff the opportunity the time to make any
<br />adjustments to the budget as directed by Council. In September 2007, Council scheduled December 17,
<br />2007 as the day on which it would formally adopt the 2008 City budget and set the City tax levy. As
<br />Council is aware, highlights of the proposed budget include a focus on police, parks, and transportation.
<br />Earlier this year, Council directed staff to prepare a budget that reflects a'/, of I% reduction in the City's
<br />tax levy, a reduction for the fifth consecutive year, totaling nearly 10%. At its December 3, 2007 TnT
<br />hearing, Council took comment from residents and directed City staff to address issues raised by them.
<br />City staff was successful in working with City Assessor Frank Langer to specifically address issues of
<br />valuation for Arta Rider on Elmcrest Avenue, and explained to Wendy Maxwell, the change in
<br />classification that increased her property taxes. Issues related to the request for a state audit are exactly
<br />the same as they were six months ago when staff first addressed this issue with the Deputy State Auditor.
<br />The proposed 2008 City budget reflects a conservative and fiscally prudent revenue projection and
<br />careful examination of City expenditures. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with a
<br />PowerPoint presentation addressing issues raised at the TnT public hearing and recommended Council
<br />approve the 2008 general fund budget in the amount of $3,894,088 and set the City's tax levy at
<br />$5,189,598.
<br />Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-63 RESOLUTION APPROVING
<br />THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE 2008 FISCAL YEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,894.088.
<br />VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron
<br />Motion Carried.
<br />Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-64 APPROVING THE FINAL
<br />TAX LEVY PAYABLE IN 2008 AT $5,189,598.
<br />VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried.
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