11-29-10 SpecialJ
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Meeting
November 29, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl {arrived at 7:15 p.m.); Pat Elliott; and
Tom Fitzhenry.
Members Excused: Fred Wroge
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director;
Chris Regis, Finance Manager; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to the City
Manager; Barry Fritz, Public Safety Director/Chief; Brad Sveum, Fire Chief;
William Fillmore, Municipal Liquor Operations Director; Jim Topitzhofer,
Recreation Services Director; John Stark, Community Development
Director; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to excuse Council Member Wroge from the November 29, 2010
Special City Council Meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Item #1 TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING 2011 PROPERTY TAX
LEVY AND 2010 REVISED/2011 PROPOSED BUDGET AND PROPOSED 2011
WATER, WASTEWATER AND STORM SEWER UTILITY RATES (STAFF
REPORT N0.221)
Finance Manager Regis gave a PowerPoint presentation (City Clerk's File No. 459) as a
general overview of the proposed budget and tax levy.
City Manager Devich discussed the impacts of the reduction in local government aid (LGA)
and that the emphasis of funding local services has shifted to local taxes.
Mayor Goettel stated feedback from residents is important to determine what City services
they would be willing to pay for or reduce/eliminate. She added that City staff continues to be
creative and innovative in maintaining quality services.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- November 29, 2010
Kevin Overson, 6612 Knox Avenue, expressed appreciation for the conservative approach
but tax increases should not be made every year, rather the City should make do with less and live
within its means.
City Manager Devich explained a .public sector wage freeze or decrease must be negotiated
with unions and are more likely to be handled by staffing level reductions. He added there may
come a time when some City services need to be reduced or eliminated.
Everil Niebuhr, 2905 West 74th Street, questioned the property valuation and tax disparities.
Finance Manager Regis explained the significant impact in the shift in tax capacity values
from commercial to residential properties.
Council Member Elliott suggested improved communication to the public.
City~Manager Devich discussed the status of Tax Increment Financing Districts.
Patricia Peare, 7415 Fremont Avenue S., stated the assessed value on her property was too
high and requested a review by the assessor.
John Detuncq, 6301 11t`'Avenue, expressed concern over continued tax increases.
. Finance Manager Regis explained the market value change impacts over the years and that
the City's goal is to minimize any tax levy increase.
M/Sandahl, S/Elliott to close the Truth=in-Taxation public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unani~tas~ot~ernt at 7 57 p
Date Approved: December 14, 20T0
Cheryl Kr•umholt " _ ~n . Deg
Recording Secretary - ~ City Manager