1996.09.30 CC Minutes - Special Council meeting

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feasibility of the outlet from the basin and provide information to obtain necessary permits. Hugo and Grant Township have signed the joint powers agreement to conduct the study and the City is now awaiting the City of Stillwater's agreement to participate. Following completion of the study; (approximately 30 days following the City of Stillwater's signing the point powers agreement) a public hearing will be held to decide whether to proceed with the project. It is expected that assessments will be made under Chapter 444 to fund the proposed outlet from the basin. Total cost of the stormwater engineering work to be completed 1997 is estimated at $60,130.00. $125,000 has been allocated from general engineering expenses in the City's proposed 1997 budget. The Council took the recommended projects under advisement. Financing of the new fire hall and how it is to be explained to the public prior to the referendum was discussed by the Council. At issue was how the City's growing property tax base would impact the additional tax levy required to pay the debt service on the new facility. Though it is obvious that new growth in the community will reduce the impact of the debt service levy for the fire hall on individual property owners in the future, the amount of the impact cannot be guaranteed due to fluctuations in growth rates. In addition, the current city council cannot bind future city councils as regards to use of the property taxes and any claim of reduction may be misleading to the public. It is also true that the dollar amount of the debt service requirement will not change, just the way that these funds are levied. For these reasons, the Council determined to use the maximum possible impact of the debt service for the new fire hall as a basis for explaining the property tax implications of the project. At 8:30PM, Leroux made motion, seconded by Miron to adjourn Upon roll call, all voted aye. Robert Museus City Administrator