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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.30.17 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION OCTOBER 30, 2017 Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:09 p.m. Roll Call Present-Larson, Bartholomay and Donnelly Absent-Bernhjelm and Craig Staff Present-Administrator McKnight, Community Development Director Kienberger, Public Works Director Gehler and Parks and Recreation Director Distad. Agenda Motion by Bartholomay, second by Donnelly, to adopt the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. 2018 Budget Review Administrator McKnight reviewed the 2018 budget and budget process one additional time for the city council. This is the fifth work session that the city council has reviewed the draft 2018 budget and tax levy. The city council approved the 2018 preliminary tax levy on September 5, 2017 and set the preliminary levy at $10,494,185. This represents a 4.98% increase over 2017. The proposed general fund budget and net tax levy are as follows: 2017 Budget 2018 Budget _ Change Expenditures $12,203,490 $12,631,013 3.50% Less: Revenues $3,107,737 $3,163,198 1.78% Fiscal Disparities $2,136,834 $2,187,003 1.02% Net Tax Levy $6,958,919 $7,280,812 5.80% Plus: Debt Levy $3,037,903 $3,213,373 5.80% Net Tax Levy $9,996,822 $10,494,185 4.98% October 30, 2017 Work Session Minutes - 1- There are a number of reasons the 2018 budget and tax levy are increasing. The most significant of which include: • The city has settled union contracts with its four unions that include wage increases of 2.75%. Similar increases are anticipated for non-union staff. • Benefit costs increases for 2018 for the city include a 14% increase in health insurance costs and an 8% increase in dental insurance costs. • Increased funding for initially anticipated additional staffing has now been placed in the Administration budget for a to be determined use. • Increased debt payments in the amount of$325,470 are required in 2018. • It is assumed the pool will be closed in 2018. • Short and long term funding for the many strategic and capital improvement plans continues in the 2018 budget. McKnight reviewed departmental budgets and the reasons for the larger increased in Administration, Human Resources, Community Development and Transfers Out budgets. McKnight reviewed highlights of budgets other than the general fund. The items of note included: • The EDA budget is similar to previous years but does not include a transfer from the general fund in 2018. • The Park Improvement Fund will receive $85,000 revenue with $10,000 coming from local government aid and $75,000 coming from liquor store profits. There are also $75,000 in projects anticipated in 2018 in this budget including replacing the fence/backstop at Feely Fields field #2; resurfacing of basketball courts at Evergreen Knoll and Dakota Estates Park; and Prairie Pines Park facility investments. • Reviewed anticipated profits for 2018 from the liquor store budget. • The Stormwater Fund has a planned fee increase in 2018. • The Water Fund has a planned purchase of a plow/dump truck that is a part of the advancing the overall fleet replacement program with funding from the water, storm water, solid waste and general funds that the city council gave consensus to earlier this year. • The Sanitary Sewer Fund has received the estimated fees from the Met Council. These fees for 2018 will be$1,146,504.86. This is $280,000 less than anticipated. • The Stormwater Fund has a planned purchase of a street sweeper to replace the 1999 sweeper at a cost of$160,000. • The Solid Waste Fund has a planned purchase of a waste hauler at a cost of$360,000. Additional solid waste issues will be discussed at the December 11, 2017 work session. • Pavement management was discussed and the 2018 budget includes two trail segments that have been identified for replacement and paid for out of liquor store profits. October 30, 2017 Work Session Minutes -2- The city council asked questions on a number of areas and highlights that were pointed out by staff. The consensus of the city council was to bring the budget forward to the December 4, 2017 city council meeting for presentation and consideration. 2018 Fee Schedule Review Public Works Director Gehler and Community Development Director Kienberger reviewed the draft 2018 fee schedule. Changes to the structure of the document were made to make it more user friendly. The document was reviewed last week with Councilmembers Bernhjelm and Craig to get their input into the 2018 fees. Kienberger and Gehler reviewed the recommended changes to the 2018 fee schedule including: • The new set up to the document to improve organization and usability. • Building permit increases to incorporate our transition to electronic permits. • Business license removal of fees. • Reviewed the development process and fees and the changes that will get us in line with the approach that most other cities use in this process. It will be viewed as positive to developers as well. • Reviewed the changes made to fire fees as discussed in the August work session. • Pawn shop investigation fee increases to get in line with surrounding communities. • Utility rate fees and the continued rotation of increases to get in line with the 2030 financial plan Staff also reviewed the new language/section and reasoning in the area of escrow deposits, grading permits and right of way permits. The city council was in support of what was recommended in this area. Councilmember Bartholomay asked about the number of fees and how the average consumer would be impacted by what is being proposed. Kienberger responded that these small increases over time should not have a major impact on most consumers. 2040 Comp Plan Update Jeff Miller of HKGI provided the city council, planning commission and EDA an update on the 2040 comprehensive plan work to date. The issues of current and proposed land use, water and sewer availability, projected population, the status of land in and coming out of ag preserve, what our neighboring cities are thinking in terms of land use on bordering properties and more. A number of suggestions and comments were made on the location and amount of future commercial and industrial land. In addition, how the land on the west side of Farmington develops was the point of much discussion. October 30, 2017 Work Session Minutes -3- Discussion occurred on potential development areas on the east side of the city and the importance of serving the current and future residents of this side of the city with commercial opportunities. All in attendance were happy with the update and input provided. Another update will be presented at the December 11, 2017 city council work session. Community input meetings will be scheduled in the next few months to start to get additional input from the community on the 2040 comp plan. Adjourn Motion by Bartholomay, second by Donnelly, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted David McKnight, City Administrator October 30, 2017 Work Session Minutes -4-