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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.20 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION MAY 11, 2020 Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held virtually over Zoom. Roll Call Present-Larson, Bernhjelm, Craig, Donnelly and Hoyt Absent-None Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Finance Director Malecha, Communications Specialist Siebenelar and Deputy Police Chief Constantineau Agenda Motion by Craig, second by Donnelly, to approve the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. Stay at Home Order Mayor Larson and Councilmember Hoyt asked that this issue be placed on the agenda for discussion. Larson felt the current order is unfair and wants to open up the city. The order is random and people are frustrated. Councilmember Hoyt wants to send a strong message and push this issue from the bottom up. Business owners know their business and they need to know we stand behind them. Hoyt wants to support businesses and pressure our state representatives on the executive order. Larson expressed concerns on information received today from the League of Minnesota Cities and feels the city is handcuffed and has liabilities if any action is taken. Councilmember Craig stated she agrees that the broad-brush approach does not work. She reviewed the number of COVID cases and deaths in Dakota County. She encouraged the city and businesses to work with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce on this issue. May 11, 2020 Work Session Minutes - 1- Councilmember Bernhjelm understands the issues raised but Farmington is no different from any other city in the country. We should focus on controlling what we can with city issues. Mixed messages are not good. She expressed frustrations with a video that Councilmember Hoyt posted last week. Councilmember Donnelly shared that he agreed with much of what had already been shared. All of the city councilmembers want to have the businesses open. Every member took an oath to uphold the law. The city council has to set the example of how to do this the right way. The opening of the businesses is not up to the city. Hoyt stated that he did not promise anything in the video he posted. He will support the decisions made by business owners. Bernhjelm stated that we all want to see the businesses succeed. Larson asked how we could send the message to show we support local businesses. Craig encouraged the city to work with the chamber to share our message. Larson encouraged business owners to directly contact the Governor's office and share their message. Councilmembers asked what we can open up as a city and what we can do. Administrator McKnight shared the status of preparing city facilities for opening. The first issue is the status of the Stay to Home Order. Staff is preparing city facilities to open again and staff to return. Not all facilities will open right away like the Rambling River Center. Hoyt asked why we are letting ballfields stay open but have concerns about businesses. Donnelly stated the city did not direct any specific enforcement or lack of enforcement. There was no consensus to move forward with any action at this time. 2020 and 2021 Budget Discussion Finance Director Malecha and Administrator McKnight discussed the 2020 and 2021 budgets and the impact of the COVID issue on both. May 11, 2020 Work Session Minutes -2- Councilmember Bernhjelm asked about cash flow concerns. Malecha stated that for now we are in a good condition and reviewed the county's schedule for the disbursement of first half property tax payments. Bernhjelm asked if there were any applications for the new utility bill grant program. Malecha stated there has been one to date. Councilmember Donnelly asked for clarification on the county tax disbursement process. Malecha explained the 2020 schedule as compared to previous years. Councilmember Craig asked if there were any large 2020 projects that could be delayed, specifically an arena project. McKnight reviewed the arena project that the city council decided not to move forward on earlier this year. McKnight stated that cash has been set aside to address potential cash flow issues. Councilmember Hoyt asked if we have any thresholds in place that would trigger concern in each fund. Malecha stated we look at things as a whole and we are okay for now. Hoyt encouraged staff to look at issues metro wide as well as how we are doing as a city. There may be merits to doing projects now and not in the future when they cost more. The city council consensus was to move forward through 2020 and into 2021 with a conservative approach and use the facts we gain with time to make decisions. The city council will see their first draft of the budget in June 2020. COVID Update Administrator McKnight provided an update on the COVID pandemic. City Administrator Update McKnight shared that at the next regular city council meeting they would be discussing the 2020 elections and potential changes to address the pandemic. Adjourn Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Craig,to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. APIF, motion carried. May 11, 2020 Work Session Minutes -3- Respectfully Submitted jqOOVw�Iva'x;v� David McKnight, City Administrator May 11, 2020 Work Session Minutes -4-