HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.04.89 Council Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR
DECEMBER 4, 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, Attorney Grannis.
2. MOTION by Sprute, second by McKnight to approve the agenda as presented. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. to consider the 1990 Operating
Budget. The public hearing was continued until later in the meeting.
4. MOTION by McKnight, second by Mayer to approve the minutes of the November 14,
1989 special meeting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
5. MOTION by Mayer, second by Kuchera to approve the minutes of the November 20,
1989 regular meeting. VOTING FOR: McKnight, Kuchera, Mayer, Galler. AGAINST: None.
ABSTAIN: Sprute. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Robert Stegmaier, Sr. stated that he felt the storm water utility fee was too
high and that the fees on new developments was double dipping. Mayor Kuchera stated
that the Council would take the matter under advisement.
7. Mayor Kuchera stated that he had received several favorable comments regarding
the Christmas decorations and thanked Councilmember Galler for the role he played in
the downtown decoration.
8. Mayor Kuchera reopened the public hearing to consider the 1990 Operating Budget.
Finance Director Henneke presented background information on the budget and a summary
of past, present and projected tax rates noting the following:
a. The proposed City tax levy would increase by 17%, but this would be offset
by a 14%+ decrease in the school levy. The major reason for the increase/
decrease was a shift in State Aid from cities to school districts.
b. The City lost approximately $64,000 in revenue raising capabilities with
the new State tax law.
c. Breakdown of operations and different funds.
d. Estimates indicate the City tax payers should see a slight decrease.
The following testimony was heard:
Robert Stegmaier: How much debt is left on the Arena?
Wayne Henneke: Approximately $450,000.
Cliff Koski: What happens to the contingency/surplus if it is not spent?
Administrator Thompson: It is added to the undesignated fund balance, which is still
too low.
Henry Iwerks:
I don't think you should pay appointed committee members
salaries. Also, the insurance should be bid.
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Adm. Thompson: In 1986, the insurance market "dried up" and an insurance
trust was started by the League of Minnesota Cities. I
don't think the City should leave this group now that the City has found some
stability.
Don Feely:
Adm. Thompson:
Cliff Koski:
How is the City's debt limit?
The City is in good shape.
How does Farmington's tax rate compare to other cities?
Adm. Thompson: It is very difficult to determine because you are comparing
"apples to oranges". Depending on which study you use,
Farmington ranks high or low. The Citizen League study rates Farmington in the
lower half of metro cities.
Don Feely:
Adm. Thompson:
Henry Iwerks:
Is railroad land tax exempt?
I believe it is. I'll check it out for you.
Is the homestead credit being eliminated?
Adm. Thompson: Yes, but it is being replaced by lower tax capacity rates
and a new HCAC credit. The problem is that HCAC is capped
rather than being open ended like Homestead Credit.
Jim Bell:
Did every city lose State Aid?
All except Duluth.
Adm. Thompson:
MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
9. Councilmember Sprute reviewed the recommended cuts in the Administrator's
November 14, 1989 memo. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to approve the afore-
mentioned operating cuts as recommended. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
10. MOTION by Sprute, second by Kuchera to approve the capital outlay cuts as
recommended in the Administrator's November 14, 1989 memo. APIF,MOTION CARRIED.
11. A lengthy discussion followed regarding items which were previously considered
for elimination. The majority of the discussion concerned the purchase of a
tractor/flail mower, and if the City had enough manpower to utilize it properly.
12. MOTION by Sprute, second by McKnight to eliminate the sign replacement funding
($2,000); reduce tree removal by $4,000; reduce reforestation by $3,000; and reduce
tree removal revenues by $3,000. VOTING FOR: Kuchera, Sprute, Mayer, McKnight.
AGAINST: Galler. MOTION CARRIED.
13. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to eliminate the Administration office
furniture and Fire Department furniture. VOTING FOR: Sprute, Galler, Mayer,
McKnight. AGAINST: Kuchera. MOTION CARRIED.
14.
FOR:
MOTION by Mayer, second by McKnight to remove the flail mower/tractor.
Mayer, McKnight, Sprute. AGAINST: Galler, Kuchera. MOTION CARRIED.
VOTING
15. Councilmember Sprute noted the City was scheduled to make $80,000 in repairs
to the swimming pool and the City may have to carefully consider the future of
operating the pool if the School District purchases a pool.
16. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to add $1,000 to General Services Supplies
and $300 to Fire Department Printing and Publishing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
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17. MOTION by Sprute, second by Kuchera to finalize the budget at a special meeting
to be held December 13, 1989 at 7:00 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
18. Administrator Thompson presented an ordinance regulating theraputic massage
as proposed by Charles Louis. Administrator Thompson stated that he was looking
for direction from the Council regarding researching the ordinance. Mr. Louis
stated that the present City ordinance posed some building code problems and that
the proposed ordinance requires training. Administrator Thompson stated that he
felt the training requirements was a good idea, but felt that Mr. Louis' main
concern was the $5,000 license fee. It was the consensus of the Council that the
Administrator review the ordinance with Mr. Louis and report back to the Council.
19. The Council next considered a request by James Pluntz to allow the City crew
to collect garbage on a private drive. Mr. Pluntz noted that the private drive
served 5 houses and it would be difficult to haul the garbage cans to CSAH 31.
Public Works Director Kaldunski stated that the request was reasonable, but he would
require an area to turn around. Mr. Kaldunski stated that the best solution would
be to improve the road to City standards and turn it over to the City. A lengthy
discussion followed regarding setting precedent, the difficulties of turning around
and the lack of control over snow removal. MOTION by Galler, second by McKnight
to deny the request and to urge the owners to improve the road and turn it over to
the City. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
20. MOTION by Mayer, second by Kuchera to approve the following licenses and permits:
Budget Mart - 705 8th Street
Budget Mart - 18266 Pilot Knob Rd.
Tom Thumb - 420 Elm Street
Tom Thumb - 22280 Chippendale
Farmington Lanes - 27 5th Street
James R. Jensen - 19224 Flagstaff
Dak. Co. Hwy. Dept - 4975 212th St.
Off Sale Beer
Off Sale Beer
Off Sale Beer
Off Sale Beer
Gaming Device
Commercial Excavating
Commercial Excavating
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
21. The Council next considered a resolution certifying delinquent municipal accounts
to taxes payable 1990 as recommended by the Finance Director. Great concern was
expressed regarding the increase in delinquent accounts, and it was suggested the
Council consider discontinuing the services at delinquent accounts. Councilmember
Mayer stated that the City should immediately discontinue services. MOTION by
Sprute, second by Galler to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R97-89 certifying the list of
delinquent municipal accounts for taxes payable 1990 and to consider discontinuing
services in the future. VOTING FOR: Galler, McKnight, Kuchera, Sprute. AGAINST:
Mayer. MOTION CARRIED.
22. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R98-89 accepting
the final State Reimbursement for Flagstaff Bridge 96802 of $18,092.00. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
23. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R99-89 accepting
the final State Reimbursement for Flagstaff Bridge 96803 of $46,950.00. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
24. The Council next considered a proposed ordinance and policies relating to storm
sewer and water area charges for the development of unplatted property or redevelop-
ment property. Administrator Thompson stated that the policies were necessary to
charge developers of unplatted property for their fair share of storm sewer and
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water related costs. MOTION by McKnight, second by Mayer to adopt ORDINANCE
NO. 089-224 relating to storm sewer and water area charges. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
25. MOTION by McKnight, second by Mayer to adopt the policies relating to storm
sewer and water area charges for the development/redevelopment of unplatted property.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
26. Public Works Director Kaldunski presented the plans and specifications for
Project 89-1 (2nd Street Storm Sewer). Mr. Kaldunski reviewed the plans noting
~hat the entire project would be divided into two phases - the first to be completed
along 2nd Street to be bid by itself; the second to be bid in conjunction with the
W~lnut Street project. Mr. Kaldunski also noted that the Council could not advertise
for bids until the State approved the plans. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. RIOO-89 approving the plans and specifications for Project
89-1 (2nd Street Storm Sewer). APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
27. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to approve the budget adjustments as presented
in the Finance Director's November 30, 1989 memo with the exception of the $40.00
to reimburse GAB. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
28. The Council next considered Change Order #1 for the recycling truck and a
capital outlay request for $11,000 to purchase a collection arm for the recycling
truck from Rahn Manufacturing. Mr. Kaldunski noted that the only manufacturer of
a commercially produced arm refused to supply the City with an arm because the City
had not selected their dump body. Mr. Kaldunski stated Rahn Manufacturing had agreed
to manufacture an arm for $11,000 as compared with $17,500 for the commercially
produced arm. Attorney Grannis reviewed the proposed purchase agreement and indi-
cated the Council should add a 1 year warranty, a time limit, and clearer specifi-
cations. Mr. Grannis added that the purchase and change order would not jeopardize
the legality of the bids. Councilmember Sprute stated that he was not confident
that the manufactured arm would work and was concerned the City was not getting
enough assurances or protection. MOTION by Galler, second by McKnight to adopt
RESQLUTION NO. RIOl-89 approving the following:
a. Change Order #1 to the recycling truck adding $1, 096.
b. Capital Outlay Request for $11,000 to purchase a recycling arm
from Rahn Manufacturing.
c. Approving the proposed purchase agreement with the addition of a
time limit and 1 year warranty. _ ! ~J.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.jc "b.u. ~~ --rn/~ ~ /,;.!'<</g1
29. The Council next considered a recommendation by Public Works Director Kaldunski
to appoint Robert Hanson as a Maintenance Worker II per the terms outlined in his
December 1, 1989 memo. Councilmember Sprute asked if any of the present crew applied.
Mr. Kaldunski stated that he had received applications, but not met the license
qualifications. Councilmember Sprute asked if any layoffs were going to occur.
Mr. Kaldunski stated that he was going to eventually layoff the part time solid
waste worker, but that it was a seasonal employee which was layed off annually,
Mr. Kaldunski stated that he had held the individual on because he was a good worker,
there was work for the position, and adequate funds in the budget. It was the
consensus of the Council that staff propose a budget adjustment to keep the
seasonal part time worker on staff. MOTION by Galler, second by McKnight to
appoint Robert Hanson as a Maintenance Worker II as outlined in the Public Works
Director's memo dated December 1, 1989 and that he start on January 2, 1990.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
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30. MOTION by Mayer, second by McKnight to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a. Approve a School/Conference request - Public Works.
b. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. RIOla-89 accepting a donation of park land from
ISD #192 and the Nordseths.
c. Approve a School/Conference request - Public Works.
d. Approve payment of the bills as submitted.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
31. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to adjourn at 12:30 A.M. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
/(/~.
Larry Thompson
City Administrator
Approved
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