HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997.09.22 CC MinutesThe meeting was called to order by Mayor Fran Miron at 7:30PM.
PRESENT: Barnes, Goiffon, Leroux, Miron
City Administrator, Robert Museus
City Finance Director, Ron Otkin
The purpose of the meeting was for first consideration of the City's 1998 budget. Ron
Otkin explained to the Council that the City was under a State imposed levy limit for
1998, and the City's finance policy called for the City to levy the maximum amount
allowed by law in cases where the State has imposed levy limits. This results in a 4.9%
increase in the City's tax levy for 1998. Based on tentative community tax value figures
from the County, this would also result in a 7.6% reduction in the City's tax rate. Mr.
Otkin reviewed the proposed budget, line item by line item, with the Council, and there
were no major changes to any fund, though the budget did reflect an additional part-time
position of Office Assistant for the City. Substantially more money was budgeted for
snowplowing based on experience of last year, and expected heavy snowfalls for the
1997/1998 season. The Fire Chief provided the Council separate requests for increases in
the Fire Department's budget. The Council directed Mr. Otkin to work with the Chief to
determine how the existing proposed budget could be rearranged to suit the Department's
needs, and also to reformat the Chief's request so that it matched the budget document for
clarity. After discussion, the Council determined to meet with the Fire Chief and to
evaluate the budget in November following the bond referendum for the proposed new
Fire Hall.
The Council received a memorandum from the Clerk stating that Carol Murray had been
offered the position of Office Assistant, but declined the position as she had accepted
work closer to her home. The Clerk recommended that the City employ Michele Lindau
for the position of Office Assistant.
Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, to accept the Clerk's recommendation.
All aye. Motion Carried.
The City Administrator recommended that a planning workshop be conducted for the area
around the Peloquin Industrial Park in order to consider property owner concerns and
provide direction for development of the area. Concerns include not only the proposed
extension of sewer and water, and public streets into the area, but also drainage issues and
land -use considerations. The Mayor directed that this be placed on the agenda for the
Council's special meeting of September 29, 1997 regarding the Bald Eagle Industrial
Park.
City Council meeting of September 22, 1997
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The Mayor informed the Council that the City had received a letter from Roger Carle
requesting information on the proposed Peloquin Industrial Park improvement project.
Since some of the issues raised had policy implications, the Mayor requested the
Administrator prepare a letter of response for Council consideration at the meeting of
September 29th. The Mayor also requested that this letter be provided to the Council in
advance so that they would have adequate time to consider it.
Andy Goiffon informed the Council of the public hearing held by the Board of Soil and
Water Resources on September 17th to consider the establishment of the Browns Creek
Watershed District. The City Administrator provided the Council with a copy of the
letter to be sent to the Board of Soil and Water Resources objecting to the City of
Stillwater's proposal to base representation of the District's Board of Managers on a ratio
of the population and tax base that would, in effect, give the City of Stillwater control
over the District. The Council indicated their consent to this letter.
Dave Schumann mentioned that the Fire Department would like to conduct a pig roast as
a social activity in October as part of Fire Prevention Week.
Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, that each Council member set aside one
meeting's salary to support the activity and pay for the pig; and that the activity be
conducted on October 5, 1997.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Leroux made motion, Goiffon seconded, to adjourn at 9:1OPM.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Robert A. Museus
City Administrator