09-08-04 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
September 8, 2004
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John Enger; and
Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:
Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Steve Devich, Administrative Services
Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety
Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Bruce Palmborg,
Community Development Director; Brad Sveum, Acting Fire Services
Director; Bill Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director; Chris Regis, Finance
Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Item #1
Mayor Kirsch stated the meeting tonight was not a public hearing and no public testimony
would be taken. Public testimony will be allowed during the Truth-in-Taxation meeting. The
date(s) for the Truth-in-Taxation meeting are to be set during tonight's meeting. A budget review
will be provided, but there will be no department presentations.
City Manager Orduno and Administrative Services Director Devich presented the budget
overview (Clerk's File No. C-398).
Council Member Rosenberg asked about increased duties of the communications position
that is proposed to become full-time in 2005.
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September 8, 2004
City Manager Orduno explained some of the duties include a new electronic City newsletter
via e-mail, promotional materials for the Remodeling Fair, marketing for the Family-Friendly
Initiative and providing support to all departments. The position's salary is from the cable television
budget not the General Fund.
City Manager Orduno clarified the City Hall electronic message sign funding discussed at a
previous meeting is from the cable television fund.
Council Member Rosenberg requested the communications position work with all City
commissions to get information out to the public.
City Manager Orduno stated the HRA Levy amount approved by the HRA in August was
incorrect. However, the amount in the resolution before the City Council tonight is correct.
Finance Manager Regis explained and clarified the reason why the HRA approved an
incorrect amount.
City Manager Orduno stated the Truth-in-Taxation public hearings are proposed for
Monday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. with a continuation to Monday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. if
necessary .
M/Ulrich, S/Sandahl that the followina resolutions be adopted. that they be spread in the
resolution book and that they be made part of these minutes; and the Truth-in Taxation public
hearinas be set for Mondav. December 6 at 6:30 p.m. with a continuation to Mondav, December 13
at 6:30 p.m. if necessary:
RESOLUTION NO. 9500
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY
FOR THE YEAR 2005
RESOLUTION NO. 9501
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET REVISIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 9502
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2004 BUDGET OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 9503
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING USE OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
POLICE AND FIRE FUND REFUND INTEREST EARNINGS FOR CERTAIN POLICE AND FIRE
EXPENDITURES
Council Member Sandahl stated continued support for the dedication of a portion of the
franchise fees to forestry, especially with the loss of so many trees due to Dutch Elm disease.
Mayor Kirsch stressed the importance of maintaining the level of Public Safety, Fire
Services and Public Works services.
Council Member Ulrich stated a future expense will involve traffic calming measures
requested by the neighborhoods.
Council Member Enger stated the City's tax increase is primarily due to the State and its
current administration. Richfield needs to become more tax self sufficient.
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September 8, 2004
Council Member Ulrich added that property taxes should be an issue of fairness between
higher and lower value homes.
Motion carried 5-0. These resolutions appear as Resolution No.'s 9500,9501,9502 and
9503 in Resolution Book No. 75.
Council Member Ulrich reported on the September 7 MAC meeting regarding the Part 150
sound insulation program. She requested staff to contact Senator Jane Ranum's office for a copy
of her excellent presentation at the meeting so it can be distributed to the City Council Members
and staff.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:17 p.m.
Date Approved:
September 28. 2004
~~
Cheryl Krumhol LU~
Recording Secretary