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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.05.21 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION APRL 5,2021 Call to Order Mayor Hoyt called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m. Roll Call Present-Hoyt, Bernhjelm, Pearson, Porter and Wilson Absent-None Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Public Works Director Gehler and Finance Director Malecha Agenda Motion by Bernhjelm,second by Pearson,to approve the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. Solid Waste Discussion Public Works Director Gehler provided an update on the city's solid waste program. She reviewed the goals of the waste management act and regulatory compliance issues with the city council. Mayor Hoyt reminded everyone that as an organized hauler we have additional rules to follow. Gehler reviewed the five-year financial model,collection history and disposal cost history. Hoyt asked the city council to consider if we want to continue to take on the risk of this issue with the information that has been presented. Gehler stated that the fund balance goal is just that,a goal. The solid waste fund balance is mostly operating costs. Councilmember Pearson stated that this is not a differentiator; at some point the risk will hit us. Councilmember Bernhjelm prefers that this be provided privately. There are benefits to the city being the provider and she could go either way at this point. Administrator McKnight shared that he preferred that the city stay as an organized collection city. Over his ten years, his view of being the provider has changed with the number of risks we take,the way staff is treated at times and more. Councilmember Porter asked about the number of staff in this area. Gehler shared we have five drivers and one supervisor. The city council was clear that staff is the top priority if we change how this service is provided but was not ready to make decisions at this point. The city council asked for continued discussion asking staff to bring back a 10-year financial projection specifically reviewing what would need to happen with rates to address the fund balance issue and look for any history with other cities who may have gone through this issue, specifically with staffing transitions. 2020 Transfers Finance Director Malecha presented the 2020 transfers for city council consideration. She reviewed the draft spreadsheet with the traditional transfers the city council reviews and approves. Councilmember Bernhjelm clarified that all of the transfers included on the spreadsheet are separate from the other transfers that will be discussed. Malecha stated that is correct. Malecha explained to the city council that 2020 has an odd year with the pandemic affecting every aspect of the city and the CARES Act funding providing additional financial resources for the city. Last year also so strong revenues in building permit numbers that exceeded the budgeted revenue. In discussions with the city administrator,staff has kept the General Fund balance at 45%,which leaves approximately$1.2 million in dollars that the city can spend on items. Malecha shared that the city administrator asked department heads for recommendations. There were over$3 million in potential expenditures submitted. Malecha and McKnight pared the list down to the recommended list included in the work session packet. The city council discussed the recommendations and came to a consensus that the additional EDA expenditures, holiday decorations and street banners would be removed totaling$90,000 with the EDA paying for these projects. The additional$90,000 would go towards the fire department radios so that project can be fully funded. Discussion took place about the parking lot repairs and the possibility of including lighting at the arena and how it may be incorporated into the 2022 Spruce Street project. The city council was in support of the additional funding for the sidewalk repair project as well. The city council discussed the General Fund balance level of 45%at the end of 2020 and whether that was where they wanted to be. There are additional street maintenance needs that could be addressed. City staff will bring this issue back for approval at the April 19,2021 city council meeting with a fund balance in the middle of where the city finished 2019 and what staff has proposed for the end of 2020. Motion by Porter,second by Pearson,to recess the city council work session at 6:47 p.m. Mayor Hoyt called the work session back to order at 7:33 p.m. City Administrator Update Administrator McKnight updated the city council on the following- ✓ City staff has been in touch with Hy-Vee about the business subsidy agreement that expires this year. The city council has asked for some additional background and will discuss this item again at the April 12, 2021 work session. ✓ McKnight shared that he will be sending out additional information on the staffing issue he shared with the city council last week so they can provide him with some guidance. Adjourn Motion by Bernhjelm,second by Porter,to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. APIF, motion carried.