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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.10.17 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION JULY 10, 2017 Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll Call Present-Larson, Bartholomay, Bernhjelm, and Craig Absent-Donnelly Staff Present-Administrator McKnight, Community Development Director Kienberger, Finance Director Hanson, Human Resources Director Wendlandt, Fire Chief Larsen, Police Chief Lindquist, Public Works Director Gehler, Parks and Recreation Director Distad. Agenda Motion by Bartholomay, second by Bernhjelm, to adopt the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. Rambling River Center Plaza Preferred Concept Update Community Development Director Kienberger provided a summary of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan and the recommendation from that plan to include a plaza at the Rambling River Center. The city partnered with Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGI) to develop a preferred concept plan of a plaza adjacent to the Rambling River Center. A public input process, with city staff input as well, was held and HKGI presented the preferred plan to the city council. Staff from HKGI presented the preferred plan. Mayor Larson asked if electricity would be available in the plaza. Staff shared that it would be. Kienberger shared that the concept is trying to change the appearance of the building from an old city hall to a community asset. Councilmember Bernhjelm asked how the phases were prioritized. Staff shared that the parking elevation drove the inside park/plaza area to be completed first. Bernhjelm asked about the backsides of the business that would front the plaza and the visual concerns. Staff stated that the plan addresses this is somewhat but other options can also be considered. Staff also talked about options for hiding the mechanical portions of neighboring buildings. July 10, 2017 Work Session Minutes -1- Councilmember Bartholomay stated that the parking lot must be addressed and that this project is a good way to get families downtown. Bernhjelm shared that more entertainment options are needed in the community. Kienberger asked about the financial estimates for the project. The city council understood that a city investment in the parking lot was necessary and instructed staff to look for other partners, sponsors and grants for the project. Dakota Broadband Update Community Development Director Kienberger presented a history of the Dakota County Broadband project. The city has been working with the Dakota County CDA, Dakota County and the 11 major cities in the county on a possible broadband project. The project is at a decision making point in terms of future participation. The consultant for the project has developed some cost estimates for annual membership, gap project costs, operational costs, etc. At this point potential members are bringing the issue back to elected officials for an update and direction. The city council provided staff with direction to continue Farmington's participation in this project. Once all decisions are made and shared with the larger group the city council will be updated and a new decision may need to be made. Draft 2018 Budget Review Finance Director Hanson presented the first draft of the 2018 city budgets. The first draft summary includes: 2017 Budget 2018 Proposed Change Budget General Fund $12,203,490 $12,703,134 4.09% Expenditures Less: General Fund $3,107,737 $3,157,032 1.59% Revenues Fiscal Disparities $2,136,834 $2,115,466 (1.00%) $6,958,919 $7,430,636 Debt Levy $3,037,903 $3,363,373 $10.71% Less: July 10, 2017 Work Session Minutes -2- Use of General Fund $0 $150,000 NA Balance Proposed Net Tax $9,996,822 $10,644,009 6.47% Levy Hanson shared a number of important points about the proposed budget: • Revenues are projected to increase$49,295 • Human resources costs are projected to increase 5.32% • One additional position is included in the proposed budget • Non-human resource costs are projected to increase 1.66% • The debt levy is proposed to increase by 10.71% • $150,000 in fund balance is proposed to be used in 2018 to lower the tax levy • City staff is proposing to use $75,000 per year in liquor store profits to fund the park improvement fund • $19,000 is included for a community survey in 2018 Police Chief Lindquist and Fire Chief Larsen shared their reasoning for additional position requests with the city council. Councilmember asked a number of questions of both chiefs in terms of their proposed staff additions and other options available. Hanson presented information on non-general fund budgets and highlighted proposed purchases of a hook truck, rapid rail truck, plow truck and street sweeper in 2018. These items will be paid for out of different fund balances. Hanson reviewed the list of items that still do not have funding including additional staffing needs, building maintenance, compensated absences, EAB, park improvements and street and trail maintenance funding. City staff continues to prioritize items and will do so in the future. The city council discussed the overall budget and tax levy for 2018. None of the members were in support of the levy amount where it stood in the draft budget and instructed city staff to bring back a revised draft to the August work session with some guidance provided. City Council Roundtable It was the consensus of the city council to change the start time for regular work sessions to 6:00 p.m. starting in August. Adjourn Motion by Bartholomay, second by Craig,to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. July 10, 2017 Work Session Minutes -3- Respectfully Submitted David McKnight, City Administrator July 10, 2017 Work Session Minutes -4-