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06-06-1994 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION JUNE 6, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Don Priebe; and Russ Susag. STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative Services Director; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Jack Erskine, Public Safety Director; Byron Wallace, Community Development Director; Donald Fondrick, Community Services Director; William Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director; Mike Eastling, City Engineer; Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer; and Bridget Walstrom, Finance Manager. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m. Item ~I DISCUSSION OF CITY STREET MAINTENANCE AND STREET LIGHTING. S.S. LETTER NO. 15 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 15 regarding street maintenance conditions, methods, financial implications, and options. Wayne Burggraaff, Evanson-Dodge Inc., reviewed information and answered questions regarding the following street maintenance issues: • Community Objectives • Street Maintenance, Resurfacing, and Replacement • Possible Funding Sources -Annual budget/current spending level -Increased property taxes -General fund replacement sources (street light utility) -Matured street improvement bonds -Investment interest -Issuance of new debt • Street Maintenance Program Alternatives -Existing program -Moderate program -Optimum program • Street Maintenance Program Financial Analysis -Project needs and costs -Funding sources Mr. Burggraaff presented the following conclusions: • Higher level maintenance provides long-term savings. • Optimum program provides lowest total cost on actual and present value basis over 25 year period.. • Street maintenance expenditures are covered by identified - revenue sources for the existing program needs; other revenue sources will be needed for the moderate program beginning in year 18 and for the optimum program in year 21. Study Session Minutes -2- June 6, 1994 • Issuance of debt is deferred as followst Existing Program - Year 12 Moderate Program - Year 17 Optimum Program - Year 21 • Strong, well managed infrastructure maintenance and renovation programs support high credit ratings. Mr. Burggraaff identified three policy issues for consideration by the City Council; the program level of maintenance, how to fund the program, and the stability o£ the funding source. Council Member Priebe discussed the merits of a property tax increase to fund street maintenance in contrast to initiating a street light utility to allow additional general fund monies for street maintenance. He stated that if funded through the property tax, an income tax itemized deduction for the property owner is possible which would be beneficial over a utility charge. He said that he supported a property tax increase for funding the street maintenance program rather than a street lighting utility charge. Discussion followed regarding infrastructure maintenance and replacement funding, utility fees, and street maintenance program alternatives. There was a general consensus of the City Council to support the future presentation of a proposal for the optimum street maintenance program to be funded by some combination of Matured Street Improvement Sinking Bond Funds, the General Fund and General Fund Replacement (proposed street light utility) and possible future revenue sources. It was the consensus of the City Council that if the Legislature authorizes cities to establish street maintenance utilities, that a street maintenance utility would be the preferred funding method. Item III DISCUSSION OF CENTRAL GARAGE FACILITIES. S.S. LETTER NO. 16 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 16 regarding the status of the present City Garage facilities and future facility needs. Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the site size and space needs for the City Garage facility. He discussed the potential for relocation of City garage facilities to sites east of Cedar Avenue on Metropolitan Airport Commission land. He indicated the status of the availability of a site on MAC property will not be finalized until after the dual track study and airport location decision in 2-3 years. Ytem #III REVIEW OF RESULTS OF 76TH STREET WEST OF I-35W STUDY. S.S. LETTER NO. 17 Study Session Minutes -3- June 6, 1994 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 17 regarding the results of the 76th Street West of I-35W study. Community Services Director Fondrick summarized the history of the traffic issues related to this section of 76th Street. He stated the following three steps had been initiated last year: • Targeted public safety enforcement efforts • Street repairs • Authorization for the 76th Street West of I-35W Study Traffic Engineer Tom Foley summarized and answered questions regarding the six 76th Street concept alternatives presented to the Richfield Ad Hoc Traffic Committee and residents as a result of the 76th Street west o£ I-35W study. He stated that the Richfield Ad Hoc Traffic Committee unanimously recommended Alternative #3 (Widening 76th Street) with one modification. Council Member Rosenberg stated questions about the future traffic impact of the 77th Street Reconstruction Project and the 76th Street and Penn Avenue Ymprovement Project on this portion of 76th Street. She stated concerns about the provision for crosswalks and pedestrian safety related to the schools that are located next to 76th Street. Council Member Rosenberg suggested a delay in the decision until obtaining more - information about these traffic and pedestrian safety issues. It was the consensus of the City Council that this issue be scheduled for further discussion at the August City Council Study Session. Item #IV DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 18 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 18 summarizing the status of the following airport issues: • New Ford Town and Rich Acres Acquisition • Runway 4-22 Extension • MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan • Part 150 Sound Insulation Program Item #V DISCUSSION OF FUNDING FOR CITY BOARD/COMMISSIONS AND PROGRAMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN UPCOMING BUDGET. S.S. LETTER N0. 19 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 19 regarding funding for City Boards/Commissions and related programs. Study Session Minutes -9~- June 6, 1994 Council discussion followed regarding the existing City Hoard/Commission Funding and the annual recognition dinner. It was the consensus of the Council that City staff investigate the costs of alternatives to upgrade the recognition dinner and to provide plaques to outgoing Board/Commission Members. Item #VI DISCUSSION OF WHETHER TO ALLOW PULLTABS AT LICENSED LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS OTHER THAN V.F.W. AND AMERICAN LEGION. S.S. LETTER N0. 20 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 20 regarding the City's alternatives relating to allowing pulltabs at licensed liquor establishments in Richfield. Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed the legal issues related to the limited local authority over pulltab licenses and the current City ordinance relating to lawful gambling. T®m Mee, 5515 James Avenue, President ©x the Lichfield Hockey. Association (RHAj, discussed the interest of a local coalition of-youth activity organizations in initiating pulltab operations in the City. He indicated the profits would be used to support local youth activities. Steve Lindgren, 7411 Oak Grove Boulevard, spoke in support of the youth organization coalition's request for expansion of lawful gambling to benefit local youth activities. It was the consensus of the City Council that City staff prepare a proposed ordinance amendment for consideration of allowing lawful gambling in licensing liquor establishments other than the V.F.W. and American Legion. Item #VII PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION FOR 1995 BUDGET YEAR. S.S. LETTER N0. 21 City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 21 regarding preparation of the 1995 proposed budget. Council Member Sandahl requested information be provided identifying the service reductions in a 2.5~r scenario and costs if restored to the current level of service. The City Council requested a preliminary schedule of the dates for budget study session meetings, budget levy adoption, and budget hearings. Study Session Minutes ADJOURNMENT -5- June 6, 1994 The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:05 J p . m e Date Approved: 6/13/94 t Thomas P. Ferber City Clerk ~/ I n J ~ l~/~~-1-~..~/ ayor /I ~A A ~