2006.12.04 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council meeting of December 4, 2006 Page 6 PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED 2007 CITY BUDGET — FINANCE DIRECTOR RON OTKIN (TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING) At its September 5, 2006 meeting, Council listened to the proposed 2007 City budget from Finance Director Ron Otkin. Council agreed and set the proposed tax levy for 2007 in an amount of $4,753,578. As Council is aware, this maximum tax levy cannot be increased but can be lowered later on at the adoption of the final budget. Additionally, the City's fiscal policy prescribes that it certify to the maximum allowable under State Statute to allow the Council flexibility in adoption of a final budget. Council agreed to schedule a workshop at which they would discuss the final budget targets and details of the budget. On October 3, 2006, Council held its budget workshop, and after a presentation from Ron, agreed to lower the City's tax rate as a demonstration of good faith for three of the four school districts that were seeking referendum approval for operation levies. Finance Director Ron Otkin presented Council a PowerPoint presentation with the proposed 2007 City budget with a reduction of 1.07% in the City tax capacity rate, which reflects a proposed tax levy of $4,693,260. Mayor Fran Miron opened the Truth in Taxation public hearing for any and all public comment on the proposed 2007 City budget. Julie Williams, director of the WBL Counseling Center, requested Council consideration for an increased donation. Kevin Church, 4869 130'h Street, expressed concern with the large increase in his taxes and property valuation. Jan Good, Homestead Drive resident, stated that she had surveyed a number of homeowners on her street, and that there was a wide disparity in the valuation and property taxes paid. Mayor Miron closed the hearing for Council discussion and commented that he had received numerous calls from residents regarding the large increases in property valuations. After Council discussion, Mayor Miron stated that the City should absorb a portion of the increase and requested Council consider reducing the City's 2007 budget by $100,000. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to prepare a revised 2007 City budget with an additional $100,000 in reductions beyond the proposed 1.066% tax capacity rate reduction agreed by Council at its October budget workshop meeting. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE FINAL PLAT FOR SUNSET SHORES BENCHMARK COMPANIES) On August 7, 2006, the City Council approved a preliminary plat and conditional use permit for "Sunset Shores", a rural preservation plat. The approval allowed a total of 39 lots on this 142.74 -acre parcel. The applicant is now requesting approval of the final plat and development contract for 39 lots. The Minnesota Land Trust Board of Directors reviewed the conservation easement at their November 30, 2006 meeting and approved the conservation easement. Staff reviewed the request for compliance with the conditions of preliminary approval and recommended adoption of the attached resolution approving the final plat and development contract for "Sunset Shores". City planner Kendra Lindahl provided a brief PowerPoint presentation providing a background of the project. Council discussed the new plat,