12-04-06 Special
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
December 4, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:31 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; and Sue Sandahl.
Members
Not Present:
Bill Kilian; and Fred Wroge.
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, City Manager; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Mike
Eastling, Public Works Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services
Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; Brad Sveum,
Fire Services Director; Bill Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director; Chris
Regis, Finance Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to excuse the absence of Council Member Wroge and Council
Member Kilian from the December 4.2006 Special City Council Meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Item #1
City Manager Devich stated the Truth-in-Taxation (TNT) meeting tonight will discuss the
property tax levy, not property assessed value. The property valuation is handled in the spring with
the Hennepin County Open Book process or by contacting the Assessor's office.
City Manager Devich explained the City is not required to conduct a TNT because the 2007
tax increase over the 2006 levy did not trigger requirements for TNT hearing. However, the City is
conducting the TNT as in past years.
Special Council Meeting Minutes
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December 4, 2006
City Manager Devich made a presentation, 2007 Proposed Budget & Tax Levy, Local
Services Paid by Local Taxes: (Clerk's File No. C-428)
. Timetable & Key Events
. Key Issues for 2007
. History of State Aid
. Revenue Comparison
. LGA Comparison
. 2007 Proposed Gross Levy
. Gross Tax Levy History
Finance Manager Regis continued the presentation:
. Gross Tax Levy
. 2007 Proposed General Fund Budget
. 2007 (2006) Proposed Budget General Fund Revenues
. 2007 (2006) Proposed Budget General Fund Expenditures
. 2007 Proposed Budget General Fund Expenditures
. 1997/2007 Expenditure Profile
. General Fund History
. Full-Time Regular Personnel
. Who Determines your Property Tax?
. 2007 Proposed Levy Estimated Impacts
. 2007 Monthly Cost For Services
. 2007 Proposed Budget
. Where Are We Going?
City Manager Devich summarized that there are no proposed expansions of City services
except a more aggressive property inspection maintenance program which is included in the
budget.
Public Safety Director Scott explained the City Council's request for the proposed increase
of Community Services Officers' hours and clerical support as part of the 2006 revised/2007
proposed budget.
Council Member Rosenberg suggested the property maintenance education component
could be piggybacked with the Recreation Services neighborhood meetings on the Park Master
Plan.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained the Park Master Plan update is in
conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan and Bikeway Plan. The City will be divided into
quadrants so there might be more than one neighborhood meeting at a time.
Joel Schnell, 6408 Pleasant Avenue and Richfield business owner, asked about a sunset
for the franchise fees since more government aid has been received.
Mayor Kirsch stated there is no guarantee the local government aid will continue and the
franchise fees are a constant revenue stream for the City.
Special Council Meeting Minutes
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December 4, 2006
City Manager Devich explained the LGA formula is very volatile and unless that is fixed so
there are no wild swings in allocations, there could be a decrease next year. It is difficult to plan a
budget with that uncertainty.
Mr. Schnell said the numbers presented tonight are different than what is on his property
tax statement.
City Manager Devich explained the market value impacts on property taxes and if he
wished to contest that determination he should speak with the County assessor. The tax levy
process is being discussed tonight. The 7.5% market value average increase for residential
properties is from Hennepin County based on a year-to-year ratio study.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to close the public hearinQ.
Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:05 p.m.
Date Approved:December 12, 2006
"ve L. Devich
City Manager
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Cheryl rumh Iz
Recording Secretary