HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.12.07 Work Session Minutes
Council Workshop
Minutes
February 12, 2007
Mayor Soderberg called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Soderberg, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson
Also Present: Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strategic planning.
Finance - Council reached a consensus that they would like to see the fund balance at 35% in 5
years. In order to accomplish this, realistic expenses and revenues need to be established and the
City cannot spend over 100% and needs to receive 100% of budgeted revenues. In 2006 some
items were pushed to 2007. Now, those costs need to be absorbed in 2007. The City needs to be
realistic when setting revenues and expenses. Council does not want to see the fund balance go
below zero. The debt service should never be 25% more than the levy. Council would like to
see the budget process start in May. Council requested staff research budgets of cities of similar
SIze.
Economic Development - Council agreed the commercial and industrial tax base should be at
30%. Currently residential is 95% ofthe tax base and that is too high. Staffwill obtain the
current ratio of commercial/industrial to residential tax base. Staff should develop a smooth and
quick process for development approval and market this to developers to entice them to come to
Farmington.
Transportation - Council discussed their major transportation concerns. They would like to see a
signal at CSAH 50 and Flagstaff Avenue and discussed talking to the County Commissioners to
voice their concerns. Council would like a signal at 208th and Akin Road. There should be more
discussion with the school district regarding participating in a signal, as much of the traffic is due
to the Middle Schools. 20Sth Street will be a major east-west corridor. A portion of Diamond
Path was completed in the first phase of Mystic Meadows. Council did not anticipate seeing the
second phase for several years. The completed section at least provides a connection to 195th
Street to go south. The intersection of Pilot Knob Road and 190th Street is also a concern.
Council suggested they should attend a County Board meeting with these priorities and have
staff follow-up. Council also discussed trails and sidewalks. Staff should research if there is an
ordinance stating bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.
Communication - Council felt the City Administrator's Weekly Update takes the place of the
Week in Review. Video streaming of Council meetings was discussed and Council noted this is
being done by the school district. A long-term goal would be to develop a list servo Council
noted the website is being kept up-to-date with frequent changes in information. Staff did a great
job of promoting the Plan Farmington Visioning Sessions and they were well attended.
Council Workshop
February 12, 2007
Page 2
Relationship - The relationship between the Council and School Board needs to be straightened
out on a regular basis. When it comes to the relationship with the school, Council feels they are
in a reactive mode. Council discussed being City leaders as opposed to worrying about what
others will do. Council needs to present itself with one message and one voice; however, they
have not had the opportunity to determine what that message should be. The City should inform
the school of what the City is doing as far as economic development. Other discussions with the
school could include participating in the signal at 208th Street and Akin Road and straightening
out the intersection of Dallas Avenue and the entrance to the Middle School parking lot. The
sportsplex is not a City issue. A marketing piece should be compiled by the City/School
District/businesses before the fall sports season to promote what Farmington has to offer for
attendees of sporting events.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 8:52 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
~J4-ludL
Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant