12-06-04 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
December 6, 2004
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:31 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich (arrived at 6:33
p.m.); and Sue Sandahl.
Members
Not Present:
John Enger.
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, Acting City Manager; Bruce Palmborg, Community
Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Brad
Sveum, Acting Fire Services Director; Bill Fillmore, Municipal Liquor
Operations Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Dan Scott,
Public Safety Director; Chris Regis, Finance Manager; Cheryl Krumholz,
Recording Secretary; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney (arrived at 6:45
p.m.).
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to excuse Council Member Enoer from the December 6, 2004
Special City Council Meetino.
Motion carried 3-0. (Ulrich absent.)
Item #1
Acting City Manager Devich made a presentation entitled, 2005 Proposed Tax Levy,
Greater Reliance on City Revenues - "Focus on Services and Stability": (Clerk's File No. C-403)
. Timetable and Key Events
. 2005 Budget Influences
Special Council Meeting Minutes
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December 6, 2004
. Key Issues For 2005 and Beyond
. History of State Aid Losses
. LGA Comparisons
. Revenue Comparison
. City Council Budget Preparation Philosophy
. 2005 Proposed Budget
. Gross Tax Levy History
. Full Time Regular Personnel
. 2005 (2004) Proposed Budget General Fund Revenues & Expenditures
. 1995/2005 Expenditure Profile
. Franchise Fee Increase
. 2005 Monthly Costs for Services
. 2005 Proposed Levy Estimated Impact
. 2005 Tax Capacity Rates
. Critical Issues
. Where are we going?
Acting City Manager Devich explained the impact on properties and taxes related to the
State's removal of limited market value by 2007. People who benefited previously may now realize
the impact. Most Richfield residents will feel the impact this year.
Acting City Manager Devich added that the City is facing some significant challenges if the
State's deficit continues.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed the recommended 2005 utility rates. Major costs
and capital improvements are needed at the Water Plant.
Kathy Yahr, 6244 James Avenue, addressed the City Council regarding her sanitary sewer
charges.
Public Works Director Eastling explained how the summer and winter usage is used to
determine the charges. There is no sanitary sewer meter so the fee is based upon water usage.
Acting City Manager Devich stated most cities determine rates this same way. For most
residents, this is the fairest way to determine rates.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, addressed the City Council by reading a list of
questions and concerns. He provided one copy to the City Council to do with as they wished.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that Mr. Wozniczka's question regarding the use of a
portion of franchise fees for a new City Hall has always been a part of the fees. She clarified that
the Portland, Oregon conference he questioned was in 2004.
Acting City Manager Devich responded to Mr. Wozniczka's question regarding the health
insurance costs for City employees. He added that cities in the LOGIS group use this procedure.
Ms. Yahr asked about the use of franchise fees and then questioned the portion used for
tree planting.
Public Works Director Eastling explained the designated use of the fees.
Council Member Sandahl explained the tree planting is an important way to maintain
community property values.
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December 6, 2004
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to close the public hearinQ.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to schedule final action on the levv and budQet items and utility
rates for the reQular City Council meetinQ of December 14. 2004.
Mayor Kirsch stated public testimony was taken only tonight and cannot be taken on
December 14 since City Council action is scheduled.
Motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Kirsch stated the continuation of the TNT on December 13, 2004 is canceled
because the public hearing was concluded tonight.
The TNT meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:15 p.m.
Council Member Sandahl requested the City Council cancel the scheduled Special City
Council Closed Executive Session because the City Manager's annual performance evaluation is
not necessary since the City Manager intends to resign the end of the year.
Council Member Sandahl stated the City Attorney has been requested to prepare an
employment separation agreement for City Council consideration at their regular meeting on
December 14.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to cancel the December 6 Special City Council Closed Executive
Session.
Motion carried 4-0.
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Date Approved: January 11, 2005
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Cheryl rumholz
Recording Secretary
Steven . Devich
Acting City Manager