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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 09-19-2005 ~ . ~~ILLS Approved: October 11, 2005 eITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA eITY eOUNeIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2005, 5:00 P.M. eITY HALL eOUNCIL eHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 eall To Order Mayor ApIikowski called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, David Grant, Brenda Holden, Lois Rem Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Operations and Maintenance Director, Tom Moore; City Engineer, Greg Brown . Northwest Youth and Familv Services Kay Andrews, Executive Director of Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS), and Mary Sue Hanson, Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative, were in attendance to provide the City Council with an overview of the programs and services presently being provided by their organizations to the Arden Hills community. Kay Andrews stated that Northwest Youth and Family Services has been existence for twenty-nine years. They have helped over 3,000 clients. The scrvices offered include counseling services, youth run bllsiness programs, senior chore program, and the NETS day program. The NETS program assists young people that cannot perform or function in a regular school environment. The annual City contract for services with the Northwest Youth and Family Services is $12,964. Since June 30Lh, the market value for the contracted services provided to the residents of Arden Hills is estimated at $18,568. The total estimated market value of non-contracted services is $8,400. Over the past six months, the projected market value for the services being provided to the residents of Arden Hills is $26,968. Mary Sue Hanson, Suburban Ramsey Family Collaboration, reported that the goal of her organization is to represent the needs of suburban children. Due to cuts in federal, state, and local government funding there has been a significant reduction in the number of programs being offered to suburban youths. A majority of the children being affected by these cuts are minorities. A number of these children also experience problems with transportation, language barriers, and an overall mistrust of the social system. It is important that community members . work together and create a safety net for these children. It is also important that local school ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES September 19,2005 2 . districts, counties, and the private sector work together to provide youth services for children that are experiencing financial or social problems. Councilmember Grant suggested that Northwest Youth and Family Services breakdown their financial contributions on an aggregate level. It is important that residents realize the number of people that these programs effect. It would help to underscore the importance that these programs have on the community as a whole. Councilmember Larson asked why some cities do not contribute to Northwest Youth and Family Services. Kay Andrews said that some cities have different organizations in their areas that provide social programs. Councilmember Larson asked if the NYFS is attempting to sell its services to other communities. Kay Andrews stated that NYFS has attempted to partner with other communities but they have not been very responsive. Councilmember Larson asked if non residents of this area can participate in the programs . provided by NYFS. Ms. Andrews said that non-residents can participate in the programs provided by Northwest Youth and Family Services but they are charged on a sliding scale or through their insurance companies. NYFS typically charges $50.00 per hour for counseling sessions. Mayor Aplikowski thanked Kay Andrews and Mary Sue Hanson for attending the work session. 2006 eitv Budl!et and eIP City Administrator Michelle Wolfe provided the City Council with an overview of the pending five year CIP program and an update on the Ramsey County shared dispatch services. Ms. Wolfe reported that the City has just received the PCI ratings. URS is compiling the information and will forward that information to City staff shortly. The proposed shared dispatch service with Ramsey County is moving forward. A compromise was proposed by the suburban communities requesting that the cost sharing for the dispatch services be divided in the following manner: . 60%-Residential Property Taxes; . 40% Residential Calls for Service in Each Community. Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui provided the City Council with an outline of the proposed 2006 budget. The 2006 preliminary budget has projected expenditures of $7,946,742. This . represents an overall reduction of 11 % from the adopted 2005 budget. At the September 12, 2005 City Council meeting, the City Council approved a 4% levy increase for the proposed 2006 budget. This translates into a $97,067 increase from the 2005 adopted budget. The preliminary 2 -- -------- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES September 19, 2005 3 . levy was certified to Ramsey County on September 14,2005. A final levy will be established by the City County in December. Overall, the preliminary budget was prepared on the basis of the City's needs, while taking into account new revenue streams. As a general guideline, the increases were limited to the cost of inflation for this year. The following is an overview of the proposed changes to the 2006 budget: . An increase of2.75% for employee step movements and cost ofliving increases . Increase the City's contribution towards health and dental care expenses for City employees from $533.00 per month to $628.00 per month. . Proposed budget has $20,000 eannarked to hire a consultant or temporary staff member to assist in updating the Finance Department's software system and to automated reporting. . Preliminary CIP numbers have been included in the proposed 2006 budget: 1. Ridgewood Neighborhood-$l, 764,000; 2. Reconstruct Lift Stations 1, 11, 12, & 13-$500,000; 3. Side Mount Tractor Mower-S5,000; 4. Replace One Toro Grounds Master-$30,000; 5. Tony Schmidt Underpass-$32,000. . . Document Imaging- $36,800- This item was budgeted for in 2005, but should be carried over to 2006 due to the City's current staffing situation and our inability to accomplish this task in 2005. This budget item has not been included in the preliminary budget for 2006. . City has budgeted $10,850 for equipment improvements at the Lake Johanna Fire Department in 2006. The overall budget for fire protection is scheduled to increase by 11.6% in 2006. . The following budget increases are being proposed through the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department: 1. Hiring ofa second Traffic Deputy-Arden Hills share would be 10% of the costs; 2. Proposed 2% salary increase; 3. PERA increase for police and fire personnel from 9.3% to 10.5%; 4. Insurance Benefit Increases; 5. Workers Compensation Increases; 6. Increase in Motor Vehicle Supplies; 7. $11,000 for Tasers (First half of a two-year program to acquire tasers for the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department); 8. Cost increase for vehicles and a replacement investigative vehicle. Councilmember Grant recommended that the City create an escrow account to cover future technology improvements. . City Administrator Wolfe said that city staff will explore this option. The City does have an expenditure policy in place that covers these types of purchases. 3 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES September 19, 2005 4 . City Administrator Wolfe said that she is concerned about the proposed funding formulas for the Lake Johanna Fire Department. The City needs to budget for future equipment and capital improvement purchases pertaining to the fire department, especially the future replacement of fire station # l. Councilmember Holden noted that the City of North Oaks will have fewer fire calls, because they do not have a business area. If a portion of the costs for fire service are based upon the number of calls, the City of Arden Hills may not be treated fairly. Councilmember Larson said that there is no perfect formula when calculating the cost for fire services. The Fire Board attempted to determine a more equitable formula than has been used in the past. Mayor Aplikowski noted that funding formula was a compromise amongst the three communities. City Administrator Wolfe said the projected budget for police service is $771,000. The additional costs are associated with the hiring of an additional traffic deputy, tasers, and vehicle replacements. . Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui reported that the general fund balance is healthy at this time. If the City Council was interested, City staff could look into transferring general fund dollars to the parks or other areas that may need additional revenue. Councilmember Grant asked if the budget amount of $ I 05,654.00 for costs associated with the Ramsey County Public Works building was correct. Finance Director Siddiqui said that the City is projecting $85,000 for costs associated with the Ramsey County facility. Councilmember Grant noted that the interest costs for the EDA TIF district #2 dropped from $286,376 to S262,250 in 2006. He thanked the City's Finance Director for refinancing the TIF district. Councilmember Grant asked about the City's projected fuel costs for 2006. Finance Director Murtuza Siddqiui stated that the fuel costs at the Ramsey County facility are less expensive because they buy in large quantities and have a yearly contract with a fuel vendor. Councilmember Holden asked about the projected natural gas costs. . Finance Director Siddiqui projected a l2% increase from the 2005 budget. Councilmember Holden mentioned that energy costs are expected to increase by 50%. 4 ---------- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES September 19, 2005 5 . Finance Director Siddiqui mentioned that he will adjust the preliminary budget totals accordingly. Councilmember Lois Rem left at 7:15 PM eouncil Reports Staff Reports . City Administrator Wolfe reported that TCAAP appraisal information will be arriving shortly. The appraisal will contain information that relates to the discussion regarding the highest and best use for the TCAAP property. . City Administrator evaluation has been scheduled for September 26th after the City Council meeting. . City staff has received a number of eal1s regarding the removing of trees by Xee1 Energy. Xcel Energy has been trimming and removing trees along transmission lines, al1 of the trees that have been trimmed or removed are located along the rights-of-way areas. Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore has been reviewing the activities of Xeel Energy. Xcd Energy has been doing a good job with the tree trimming, but a poor job with the clean-up around the neighborhoods. . Councilmember Holden stated that the City Council just wants to know what the tree removal policy is for Xcel Energy. City Administrator Wolfe said that it would be good to have a representative from Xcd Energy attend a future City Council meeting to explain their processes and procedures. It can be difficult for residents to understand the concept of easements and rights-of-ways. . City Administrative Wolfe reported that City staff is in the process of interviewing eleven candidates for the open Community Development Director position. . Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore reported that the Little Lakes Little League and Shoreview Babe Ruth Association would like to donate $15,000 for bal1 field improvements at Perry Park field #4. The proposed improvements would include a new outfield fence, foul line fence, and improvements to the existing ball field diamond. The projected improvement costs are not projected to exceed $l4,000 at this time. It is the first time that the Little League and Babe Ruth associations have offered to donate money to the City of Arden Hills for ball field improvements. Also, the City is discussing with the youth baseball organizations possible improvements to the Hazelnut ball field. . Members of the City Council requested that the $15,000 donation be placed on the next City Council meeting agenda for approval. . eouncilmember Grant 5 ----.-..- --- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES September 19, 2005 6 . Councilmember Grant noticed that Papa Murphy's recently placed a large sign in the . rights-of-way along Lexington Avenue. He is concerned that other businesses may also place signs along Lexington Avenue if we do not control the situation. . City Administrator Wolfe stated that the City's Building Official is looking into this matter. . Councilmember Grant asked if the PCI ratings are ready-to-go. . City Enginccr Greg Brown stated that URS has received the PCI ratings from GoodPointe Technologies and is in the processing of compiling the infornlation. eouncilmember Holden . Councilmember Holden asked why the County will not pay for the opticom system. . City Administrator Wolfe reported that Ramsey County considers the opticom system a city related police and fire function. eouncilmember Larson . Councilmember Larson reported that the Lake Johanna Fire Department board meeting has been cancelled for this month. Mayor Aplikowski . Mayor Aplikowski reported that the next library board meeting is September 20th. . . Mayor Aplikowski reported that the first neighborhood meeting is scheduled for September 21 st at Presbyterian Home. . A joint AMM and Met Council meeting has been scheduled for September 22"d at Maplewood City Hall. . Mayor Aplikowski rccently met with Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennet to discuss the 800 MHZ radio system. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM Respectfully submittcd by Schawn P. Johnson . iJli1!1i"~STRATOR . 6