2004.12.06 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 5 TRUTH -IN -TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING At its September 7, 2004 meeting, Council adopted the proposed 2005 City budget and City tax levy and scheduled a public hearing for Monday, December 6, 2004 in order to take comment at the City's Truth - in -Taxation public hearing as prescribed by State Statute. The budget will not be adopted at the meeting, but will be considered for adoption at the Council's Monday, December 20, 2004 meeting. City staff recommended Council maintain the same City tax rate for 2005 as in 2004, which is 35.968% and reflects a 7% decrease over 2003. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided a Power Point presentation that very effectively outlined the proposed 2005 City budget. Mayor Miron opened the truth -in -taxation public hearing at 7:50 pm. Julie Williams, Director of the WB Counseling Center, made her annual appeal for funding of her programs. The hearing closed at 7:55 pm. Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a budget workshop for Friday, December 17, 2004 at 9:00 am., to finalize the City's 2005 budget. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION OF METRO GREENWAYS GRANT APPLICATION At its October 18, 2004 meeting, Council directed staff to forward to the Parks Commission the Metro Greenways Grant Application. At its November 10, 2004 meeting, the Parks Commission reviewed potential park projects under which the City may make application for grant funds. Commission members had suggestions, but were unsuccessful in recommending a project, which could comply with guidelines for the Metro Greenways Grant. City Administrator Mike Ericson contacted Lino Lakes CD Director Mike Grochala regarding an opportunity for the section of Hardwood Creek through the James Leroux farm, which is under purchase agreement by developer Len Pratt. This corridor may be an opportunity for Council to consider application for the Metro Greenways Grant Program. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to continue researching this matter and include on the agenda for the next joint meeting with the RCWD. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION OF MNDNR OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM Each year, the MNDNR solicits from communities, state wide, trail and outdoor recreation projects. As Council is aware, the City of Hugo submitted a grant application for the Oneka Lake Park this past summer, but was unsuccessful, as only seven applications were funded of the 86 that were submitted. The Park Commission would like to submit other grant applications for local trail connections and a possible park in the Diamond Point East subdivision. Because completion of the application requires many hours, Council member Granger suggested that staff determine how the previous grant awardees were determined to help in completion of Hugo's next grant application. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to investigate the seven grants previously awarded and how to proceed, and report to the City Council. All aye. Motion Carried.