HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-23 CC WS
City Council 2007-05-23, 8:45 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
Present were Mayor Mary Capra, Council members Michelle Lakso, Linda Broussard-
Vickers, Jeff Paar, and Tom Lee. Also present were City Attorney Kurt Glaser and City
Engineer Mark Statz.
City Attorney Glaser reviewed the status of the developer agreement with Beard Group
for downtown redevelopment. He indicated that staff had met with the developer and
their attorney last Thursday and had worked out nearly all of the outstanding issues.
Glaser suggested that the Council schedule a work session to meet with the developer and
get a report on the major provisions of the agreement. Then the developer could be
excused and the Council could freely discuss the issues and costs to the City. An
additional follow-up work session may be needed be to make sure all of the council
concerns are addressed. It is hoped that the agreement could be ready for approval by the
end of June.
The Council discussed the utility rates and a report prepared by John Meyer, Finance
Director. Meyer suggested that rates do not need to be raised at this time. While the
operating revenue does not fully cover all of the operating costs, interest and other
income do cover costs and provide a slight increase in retained earnings. The Council
expressed concern that not fully covering all of the operating costs could be a problem
later if interest income should drop. Staff was directed to budget for small increase for
2008 in order to avoid larger increases later. In the area of stormwater utility charges, it
was suggested that the rates for commercial and industrial properties should be modified
to better recognize the amount of impervious surface. This will be addressed as the
budget is prepared for 2008.
Administrator Larson presented options for sign types and possible locations for
community entry-welcome signs. This is one of the Council goals for 2007. It was
suggested that four signs might be constructed at the major entrances of the City.
Specifically they are on the east and west edges of the city along CSAH 14 and on the
south edge of the City along CSAH 21 and CSAH 54. Also recommended would be an
upgrade to the City Hall sign to include an electronic message board. A budget estimate
was presented indicating that these signs could cost between $25,000 and $35,000 each
depending on the sign type selected and whether they would be lighted.
Adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Dallas Larson
City Administrator