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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.26.89 Special Council Minutes MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING SPECIAL JULY 26, 1989 1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Kuchera, Mayer, McKnight, Sprute, Galler. Members Absent: None. Also Present: Administrator Thompson. 2. MOTION by McKnight, second by Kuchera that the following items be discussed: a. 1989/1990 Tax Levy; b. City Compensation Plan - General Services Organizational Chart. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. The Council reviewed a report from the Finance Director dated August 1, 1989 relating to Truth in Taxation. Mr. Henneke explained that the Legislature had eliminated most of the truth in taxation provisions in the 1989 Omnibus Tax Bill, but the Governor had vetoed the Bill so the 1988 provisions were still in effect. Mr. Henneke added that while there was conflicting opinion as to the applicability of the 1988 Truth in Taxation provisions, he had been advised by the League of Minnesota Cities to be conservative and to follow the 1988 provisions which required a levy be certified to the County before August 1, 1989. Mr. Henneke recommended the Council adopt a preliminary levy as follows: General Debt Special $ 846,835.00 324,771.00 5,099.00 Mr. Henneke noted that the levy was extremely conservative because once the preliminary levy is set, the Council may reduce it, but not increase it. A lengthy discussion followed regarding Truth in Taxation and levy limits. MOTION by Mayer, second by Galler, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R61-89 approving the pre- liminary 1989 payable 1990 tax levy as follows: General Debt Special $ 846,835.00 324, 771. 00 5,099.00 and that such levy be null and void if it is determined that the 1988 provisions of Truth and Taxation do not apply. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. The Council next considered the reorganization of the General Services Department as proposed in the Superintendent of General Services Kaldunski's memo of July 14, 1989. Mr. Kaldunski noted that a majority of departments in other cities divide the Public Works department by function and retain engineering services as part of public works. Mr. Kaldunski recommended that the Council reorganize his department as follows: a. change the title to Public Works; b. divide the Department into Solid Waste, Streets and Utilities and Engineering; c. appoint a Solid Waste Foreman and Streets and Utilities Foreman and Mr. Kaldunski would direct Engineering; and d. hire a maintenance worker with emphasis on sewer and water licenses and training. Mr. Kaldunski stated that he would recommend appointing Assistant Superintendent of General Services Jerry Bauer as the Street and Utilities Foreman and that he would advertise for a solid waste foreman. Administrator Thompson noted that by eliminating the additional solid waste truck driver as proposed by Mr. Kaldunski's memo, the proposal would fit into the 1989 Operating Budget provided the Solid Waste Coordinator's position is abolished. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the following points: a. the Solid Waste Foreman would be a "working" foreman; b. overstaffing of solid waste (to be reviewed again once the total system is operating); c. duplication of Street/Utilities Foreman duties with proposed Maintenance III duties; d. City's need for additional licensed workers; e. training needs; f. 3 levels of workers in General Services; g. separating Engineering from Public Works to increase efficiency; h. lack of solid waste in other cities makes it hard to compare Farmington with other cities; i. tremendous increase in population and demands; j. retain and possibly increase engineering services; and k. how Solid Waste Coordinator's duties fit into the reorganization. Councilmember Sprute stated that he was a strong supporter of the Engineer's position when it was established and continued to be a supporter. Councilmember Sprute stated that the Engineer should be separated from Public Works so that the Engineer can concentrate on engineering alone and that the Public Works Director could assume the Solid Waste Coordinator's duties. Mr. Kaldunski stated that his major concern at this time was not with his Superintendent duties but more with having someone oversee the day to day operations of solid waste. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to separate Engineering from Public Works and to establish an Engineer as a Department Head and Public Works Director as a Department Head. A lengthy discussion followed on the motion. Councilmember Mayer stated he felt Engineering should remain under Public Works and that an engineer should be appointed to serve under the Director. Administrator Thompson stated that it would require hiring an additional person, but that the Council could establish the position and consider funding it in the 1990 budget. Councilmember Sprute questioned the need for two engineers on staff. Mr. Kaldunski stated that the City Engineer would not have to be a registered Civil Engineer. Mayor Kuchera stated that he had reviewed the matter and felt the employees were in the best position to determine the City's organizational needs. Additional discussion followed addressing the following issues: a. amount of engineering presently being shipped out to Bonestroo; b. continuance of solid waste; c. future City growth; d. finding a person who will do office work and drive garbage trucks. Councilmember Sprute withdrew his motion, Councilmember Mayer withdrew his second so that his proposal could be reviewed. 5. It was the consensus of the Council that the next work session be held on August 16, 1989 at 7:00 P.M. 6. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to adjourn at 9:00 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED . Respectfully submitted, /z:X: City Administrator Approved ~,- 1-- z-q