Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.13.18 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2018 Acting Mayor Bernhjelm called the work session to order at 6:10 p.m. Roll Call Present-Bernhjelm, Craig and Donnelly Absent-Larson and Bartholomay Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Acting Police Chief Rutherford, Fire Chief Elvestad, Finance Director Malecha, Public Works Director Gehler, and Parks and Recreation Director Distad Agenda Motion by Craig, second by Donnelly,to approve the agenda. APIF, motion carried. Other 2019 Budget Finance Director Malecha reviewed the draft budgets in the Utility Enterprise Fund, Enterprise Funds and Capital Funds. Councilmember Donnelly asked why the Sanitary Sewer budget is purchasing a dump truck. Public Works Director Gehler reminded the city council that the trucks are being purchased by individual funds on a rotating basis. Acting Mayor Bernhjelm asked if the planned purchase in the solid waste budget can be delayed until discussions occur in 2019 concerning this enterprise. Gehler stated the purchase can be held off until after the work session discussion. Councilmember Craig asked about the purchase of squad cars in 2019. Acting Chief Rutherford stated the 2019 purchase includes Explorers as opposed to Tahoe's since we are replacing Tahoe's. Councilmember Donnelly raised concerns about the performance of the hybrid vehicle. Rutherford shared the concern and stated the issue will be watched once we receive the vehicles. November 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes - 1- The city council was comfortable bringing these budgets forward for consideration in December. 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan Administrator McKnight reviewed the draft 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. The plan includes projects and equipment the city is planning over the next five years. While the plan covers five years, the first year is always the most important. The city council previously reviewed this plan this past summer. The plan includes budgets for the Park Improvement Fund, Equipment Replacement Fund- General Fund, Equipment Replacement Fund-Utility Funds, Street Reconstruction Fund, Street Maintenance Fund, Trail Maintenance Fund, Building Maintenance Fund, Fire Equipment Fund, Police Equipment Fund and Water Fund. Councilmember Donnelly asked about the timing of the work at Well #9. Public Works Director Gehler shared the work schedule and public notices that have been sent to date. The drilling should take between six to eight weeks. The city council was comfortable bringing this document forward for consideration at the next regular meeting. 2019 Fee Schedule Administrator McKnight reviewed the draft 2019 fee schedule. Each year department heads propose a fee schedule for the following year. The schedule for 2019 has changes in 13 areas: 1. Police Services (Fingerprinting for Non-Residents)-The department recently reinstated performing this service. In reviewing the fees of neighboring departments it was found that our 2018 $20 fee was significantly lower than the $37 and $35 fees that the two other departments in the county who perform these services for non-residents were charging. The proposed fee for 2019 is $35. 2. Parks and Recreation (Park Facility Rental Rates)-These fees are all proposed to increase by$5 both as a look at specific fees every three years and to generate additional revenue for specific programs. 3. Parks and Recreation (Rambling River Center Rental Rates)-These $1 and $2 proposed fee increases were done to generate additional revenue for the facility. 4. Parks and Recreation (Schmitz-Maki Arena)-These $5 increases in ice rental rates were done to help cover operational and maintenance costs so the arena operates at a break even or better status. November 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes -2 - 5. Platting Fees, Escrows and Sureties (Water Main Trunk Fee, Water Treatment Plan Fee and Park Development Fee)-These fees are proposed to increase based on an estimated 2% construction cost index increase. 6. Water Tower Communication Devices (Base Lease Rate and Additional Antennas and Space Rental Leases)-These fees are proposed to increase 5% annually to align with the 5% annual increase included in our existing leases. 7. Utility Charges and Fees (Water Fees)-This proposed increase was reviewed in detail at the October 8, 2018 work session. The increase is proposed to help cover the costs of continued operations and the large projects occurring in 2019 and beyond including Well #9 and a new water tower in 2020. 8. Utility Charges and Fees (Sanitary Sewer)-This increase is proposed to continue to cover the cost of ongoing operations and maintenance. This proposed increase, like all other utility charges, is moving to a smaller annual increase as opposed to a larger increase every three years. 9. Utility Charges and Fees (Other/Storm Water)-This proposed increase is twofold. First is to cover the ongoing operation and maintenance costs of this fund. The second reason for the proposed increase is to pay its share of street reconstruction projects and the future added cost of storm water pond capacity improvements that are needed in our storm water system. 10. Schedule C (Solid Waste Fee Schedule)-This fee increase was discussed in detail at the October 8, 2018 work session. This city is seeing a 60% increase in budgeted disposal costs from 2017 to 2019. These increases are anticipated to continue for some time. The ongoing operation and maintenance of the service also is factored into proposed increases. Changes in the annual cleanup day program to help alleviate cost increases will be presented at a city council meeting in early 2019. 11. Schedule G (Rambling River Center Room Rental Rates)-The $5 increase is proposed to generate additional revenue to cover increased operation and maintenance costs. 12. Schedule H (Outdoor Field User Fee Schedule)-These $1 to $5 fee increases are proposed to generate additional revenue to cover increased operational and maintenance costs. 13. Schedule L (Electrical Inspections)-Our contracted contractor is proposing a number of fee increases to make fees uniform across cities in the area. Acting Mayor Bernhjelm asked where the revenue from cell phone towers goes. Public Works Director Gehler stated this revenue goes into the water fund. Councilmember Donnelly shared information on the elevator looking into placing an antenna on their facility and having concerns about the fees associated. Bernhjelm asked in the February financial discussion could include potential fees that go towards the possible ice arena and plaza projects. November 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes -3- The city council was comfortable bring this issue forward to a scheduled public hearing at the next city council meeting. City Administrator Update Grocery Store Bill Administrator McKnight shared information about a requested resolution in opposition to the issue of liquor sales in grocery stores. The city council asked that this issue be brought forward for consideration at a future meeting. 2019 Retreat/Goal Setting McKnight brought up the issue of the 2019 goal setting session. The city council asked that this meeting be coordinated after the League of Minnesota Cities training in early February. Other Updates McKnight provided updates on the following: ✓ City Council pictures are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday,January 22, 2019 ✓ LMC Training will take place on February 1-2, 2019 for those interested ✓ The joint meeting between the city council, planning commission and EDA is scheduled for December 10, 2018. Adjourn Motion by Craig, second by Bernhjelm,to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. APIF, motion carried. Respectfully Submitted David McKnight, City Administrator November 13, 2018 Work Session Minutes -4-