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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-17 WS'It ,,-ARQEN HILLS Approved: October 23, 2017 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council Work Session at 5:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Dave McClung, Fran Holmes and Steve Scott Absent: None Also present: City Administrator William Joynes, Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka, Interim Director of Finance and Admin Services Dave Perrault, Senior Planner Matthew Bachler, Deputy Clerk Jolene Trauba, Mounds View School District Board Members Marre Jo Sager and Sandra Westerman, and Mounds View School District Superintendent Chris Lennox 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM Mounds View School District Superintendent Chris Lennox thanked to Council for allowing them to come discuss the bond request that will be on this fall's election ballot. Mounds View School District Board Members Marre Jo Sager and Sandra Westerman gave a presentation with information relevant to the upcoming bond referendum. Councilmember Brenda Holden said she received a piece of literature that said the bond was being requested because of the pressure TCAAP will put on the schools and asked if the school district is using TCAAP as a reason for the bond. Ms. Westerman stated that TCAAP is a piece of projected enrollment growth, but not the driving force behind the bond request. She said there is a lot of existing development turnover happening now in the neighborhoods and other developments being built that are contributing to the enrollment. Councilmember Holden noted that there are already 2 levy line items on resident's tax bill from the school district. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 2 Councilmember Dave McClung said it is hard for taxpayers to differentiate an Operating levy from a Capital levy. Mayor David Grant requested a high level description of what will be done at Moundsview, Irondale, Chippewa and Highview schools as a result of the referendum passing. Ms. Westerman said Moundsview High School is the oldest building in the system. They will expand the second floor classrooms and add more with a net of seven classrooms. They will also add gymnasium space, cafeteria and update the HVAC system. She stated Chippewa is one of the newest buildings, but the entrance area will be updated to be more secure and a swimming pool will be added. Irondale will have the auditorium expanded, the pool shut down and a fitness space put in its place. Superintendent Lennox added that Highview would have a secured entrance and additional space for music. Councilmember Fran Holmes asked if the two schools that were closed would be reopened and how are they being used. Ms. Westerman replied that they are being used for Pre -Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Councilmember Steve Scott inquired about HVAC work at the schools. Superintendent Lennox said the HVAC work will be done on older systems as needed, and with any schools that have additions to the buildings. Ms. Westerman stated that the School Board would appreciate support from the Council individually or as a body and noted that property values are related to the level of schools. Mayor Grant responded that the Council as a body doesn't take a position on how someone should vote but they can lend support individually if they choose. B. 2018 BUDGET DISCUSSION Interim Director of Finance and Admin Services Dave Perrault presented a slide show highlighting items in the Preliminary 2018 Budget. He stated home values are rising at 8.3%. Both the fiscal disparity and taxable value have increased by about 10%. He noted the budget is based on assuming no levy increase, a 2.5% COLA increase, a reduced antenna revenue, the police contract increasing by 4%, fire contract increasing by 6%, an increase in transfers of 24%, and a staffing increase of .5 FTE's. He showed a scenario of a 3% increase in the levy, as well as the General Fund balance projection. Senior Planner Matthew Bachler discussed the EDA Revolving Loan Fund. The State Legislature passed a law giving the City a one time exception in which the City would be paid back 80% of the balance and the remaining 20% would be returned to the State. The 80% could be used anywhere in the City budget. As of December 2016, approximately $133,000 would be available (the Revolving Loan Fund balance is approximately $167,000). The City has until June of 2018 to decide if they would like to request the one time exception. If the City does not use the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 3 one time exception the funds would have to be used based on the current revolving loan fund guidelines and the adopted business subsidy policy that the City has in place. Interim Director of Finance and Admin Services Perrault noted the Staffing section includes the Recreation Programmer position and Community Development Director. Councilmember Holden suggested that the City consider hiring seasonal workers from the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka responded that staff has reached out to Shoreview to find out how the process has been working for them. She also said they are hoping to hire an intern or seasonal employee for rain garden maintenance. Interim Director of Finance and Admin Services Perrault noted the Preliminary Levy is due to Ramsey County by September 30, Truth in Taxation will be in December, and setting next year's budget. Councilmember Holden inquired about the 2.5% COLA increase. City Administrator William Joynes responded that the Personnel Committee was given data based on surveys that have been done, with the average COLA being 2.5%. The survey done by the Twin Cities Area Personnel Directors group ranged from 2 - 3%. City Administrator William Joynes noted that to eliminate the deficit completely the Council could use the tax levy, the money in the EDA revolving fund and some cost savings. Although he also said the Council should give some flexibility to the County because they can lower the amount they give them in the Preliminary Levy amount, but they can't raise it. Council discussed potential personnel in regard to the budget including Communications Coordinator, Community Development Director, Recreation Programmer, and Public Works positions. Councilmember Holden mentioned that there is a budget item for $47,000 for the City's share of for a vehicle replacement for the Lake Johanna Fire Department. She suggested that Presbyterian Homes Foundation be asked to contribute to that amount due to the volume of medical calls at their facility. Interim Director of Finance and Admin Services Perrault responded that a roundtable discussion was held with staff and the City Attorney recommended that the City not ask Presbyterian Homes to contribute towards capital equipment. City Administrator Joynes suggested that if the Council wants to ask Presbyterian Homes or another non-profit for a donation, it should be in the form of a policy that is implemented, instead of asking from an individual organization. Mayor Grant asked for the Councilmembers to say what at percentage they would like to see the Preliminary Levy set, and the consensus was 4%. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 4 Councilmember Holden requested the Council receive a spreadsheet that shows 2018 projected COLA increases at increments between 2% — 3%. City Administrator Joynes stated that staff will bring documentation to the next meeting setting the Preliminary Levy at a 4% increase, the actual levy will be set in December. C. GREEN STEP PROGRAM Councilmember Holmes asked about getting a Green Step Program sign to put on a City entrance sign, if one is purchased for $52 we can get one for free. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated the City had already received a free sign and they are planning to place it on the City population sign Hwy 51 going north from Roseville into Arden Hills. D. CITY ATTORNEY DISCUSSION Mayor Grant asked when Council would like to meet to discuss the recommendations for City Attorney. Councilmember McClung suggested a Special Work Session at 6:30 pm September 25, 2017. Council agreed to that date and time. City Administrator Joynes will send a narrative to the Council with the pros and cons for each firm under consideration. 2. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS Councilmember Scott requested the City provide meals to the election judges at the School Board Elections in November. Senior Planner Bachler handed out drafts of the State of the City slides for the Council to review. Senior Planner Bachler stated that Pulte Homes may come back to the October Work Session with a revised site plan for the townhome development on Parkshore Drive. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session at 7:18 p.m. zaq"�A David Grant Mayor