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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.14.15 Work Session Minutes Council Work Session Minutes September 14,2015 Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Larson, Bartholomay, Bonar,Pitcher Absent: Donnelly Also Present: David McKnight, City Administrator;Robin Hanson,Finance Director;Jim Larsen, Fire Chief; Sue Miller,Administrative Assistant MOTION by Pitcher,second by Bonar to approve the agenda. The motion was approved 4-0. Fire Department Fees Fire Chief Jim Larsen reviewed the fee structure that exists in the city including those associated with the fire department. Chief Larsen review our current fees compared to other area cities. City councilmembers asked a number of questions in regards to our history of not collecting these fees,possible implementation of current and potentially new fees and other questions. City Administrator McKnight discussed the issue of implementation and how this could be perceived by the public. City staff will review how Empire Township handles this issue. Specific examples of overuse of the department on non-emergency calls were discussed. Finance Director Hanson talked about the collection of any fees we charge and some hurdles we would need to address. The city council did raise concerns about who would be paying these fees. The city council did not want Farmington residents charged for items that are covered by the property taxes residents pay unless there are circumstances that would justify a fee. City staff will look in the Empire Township issue,address some legal questions and collection questions and bring this item forward in the future. Economic Development Authority Structure City Administrator McKnight reviewed the requirements in state statute in regards to the structure of the economic development authorities in Minnesota. Currently Farmington has a five member group and state law allows either three, five or seven members. The city council has discussed in the past increasing the size of the economic development authority to seven members. In discussing the issue Councilmember Bartholomay favored adding two Farmington School Board members to the EDA. Councilmember Bonar and Mayor Larson agreed with the concept of adding two school board members. Councilmember Pitcher had a preference for one school board member and one other city commission representative. The consensus of the group was to move forward on this issue with adding two school board members who live within the city to the EDA. A public hearing will need to be held to change the structure of the EDA and city staff will inquire about some legal issues with the city attorney. Council Work Session September 14,2015 Page 2 Metro Cities City Administrator McKnight discussed the issue of membership in the Metro Cities organization. Farmington was a member of this group until 2010 when budget cuts impacted the ability to pay membership dues to this organization. The purpose of Metro Cities was discussed and city councilmember shared their opinions on potential membership. Councilmembers had thoughts both for and against membership in the organization. A representative from Metro Cities will be asked to come and present specific information on the group at a future work session. City Administrator Update The city council was provided updates on a bond upgrade the city received,a Hockey Moms television show that will feature a Farmington family and a needed equipment repair at the arena MOTION by Bartholomay, second by Bonar to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. The motion was approved 4-0.