09-05-01 Special
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
September 5, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John Enger;
and Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager;Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety
Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Bill Fillmore,
Municipal Liquor Operations Director; Chris Regis, Finance Manager;
Brad Sveum, Acting Assistant Chief/Fire Marshall; and Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Item # 1CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION OF 2001 REVISED/2002 PROPOSED
BUDGET AND 2002 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY S. R. NO. 221
City Manager Orduno reviewed the purpose of the meeting. She explained that 2002
is a year of transition. She stated the preparation of this year’s budget was very difficult
because the information from the State was not received until September.
City Manager Orduno provided a budget review including:
x
Major Changes Proposed for 2002
x
Budget & Levy Influences
x
Budget Preparation Philosophy
x
2002 Proposed Budget Major Initiatives & Issues
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Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed the proposed issuance of
Equipment Certificates.
Administrative Services Director Devich provided an overview of the revised and
proposed budget including:
x
Full Time Regular Personnel
x
Gross Tax Levy History
x
General Fund History
x
Local Government Aid (LGA) Comparison
x
Homestead Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) Comparison
x
2002 Proposed Budget General Fund Expenditures
x
1992/2002 Expenditure Profile
x
2002 Proposed Budget General Fund Revenues
x
2001 Budget General Fund Revenue
x
2001 Tax Capacity Rate
x
2001 Taxes Payable on $125,000 Home
x
2002 Annual Costs for Services
x
2002 Proposed Levy Estimated Impact
City Manager Orduno reviewed and answered questions regarding the revised and
proposed Legislative/Executive/Legal Department budget and program highlights. The
divisions reviewed included Council/Mayor, Other Agencies, Human Services, City Manager
and Legal.
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed and answered questions regarding
the revised and proposed Administrative Services Department budget and program
highlights. The divisions included Information Technology, Cable Television, Human
Resources, Risk Management and City Clerk/Motor Vehicle Licensing.
Council Member Sandahl suggested that during the next legislative session, there
should be support for municipal deputy registrars to perform license renewals over the
Internet like the State.
Public Safety Director Scott reviewed and answered questions regarding the revised
and proposed Public Safety budget and program highlights. The divisions included Support
Services, Police and Inspections. Director Scott also reviewed the Fire Department budget
and highlights.
City Manager Orduno stated the Best Buy inspection permit fees paid in 2001 are for
work performed in 2002 to keep a balance with in-coming and out-going funds.
Council Member Enger asked for an explanation of the first alarm response with MAC
in the Fire Department budget.
Acting Assistant Chief/Fire Marshall Sveum answered it is similar to a mutual aid
response, which Richfield has with Edina.
Community Development Director Palmborg reviewed and answered questions
regarding the revised and proposed Community Development budget and program highlights
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which included Focus, Project Summary, Continuing Programs, New Program Initiatives and
Opportunities/Constraints.
Council Member Ulrich asked how many single family homes in Richfield are rental.
Community Development Director Palmborg said that information is not tracked, but it
appears to be less attractive because of the Richfield Rediscovered Program.
Council Member Enger asked about the status of Requests for Proposals for the west
side of Lyndale Gateway.
Community Development Director Palmborg answered a memo providing an update
will be distributed to the HRA and City Council next week. He said there is preliminary
mixed-use interest from significant developers.
Council Member Ulrich stated she was supportive of developers paying for all costs
associated with their projects.
Council Member Sandahl asked about the use of Gleason Mortuary.
Community Development Director Palmborg answered it is not being used for storage
space at this time.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed and answered questions regarding the
revised and proposed Public Works budget and program highlights. The review included
Public Works Mission, General Fund Expenditure Summary, Reason for Cost Increases,
Public Works Administration, Engineering, Street Maintenance, Forestry, Park Maintenance,
Water Utility, Wastewater Utility, Stormwater Utility, Central Garage and Building Services.
Mayor Kirsch asked staff to prepare a graphic reflecting the projected average yearly
water rates for Richfield and the metro area.
Council Member Sandahl requested that water softener expenses be included in the
comparison.
City Manager Orduno stated that, at the City Council annual strategic planning
meeting, the City Council may want to do a comprehensive analysis and long-term planning
related to Public Works issues, i.e. street maintenance and utility rates.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer reviewed and answered questions regarding
the proposed and revised Recreation Services budget and program highlights. The divisions
included Wood Lake Nature Center, Community Center and Recreation Programs and
Athletics. Mr. Topitzhofer also reviewed the Enterprise Funds including the Ice Arena,
Swimming Pool, Mini-Golf and Cash Flow Summary.
Council Member Sandahl requested the City review funding for a vehicle, driver and
float storage for the Miss Richfield Ambassador Program when they participate in parades in
other cities. She said the Ambassadors act on behalf of the City and the program should be
expected to provide the transportation.
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Council Member Enger said the Ambassadors promote and market Richfield in other
cities.
Administrative Services Director Devich said he would contact the Richfield Tourism
Board regarding their participation in this part of the Ambassador Program.
Municipal Liquor Operations Director Fillmore reviewed and answered questions
regarding the revised and proposed Liquor Operations Department budget and program
highlights. Review included Liquor Sales Statistics, Profitability and Marketing Campaigns.
City Manager Orduno said the legislation regarding wine sales in grocery stores
needs to be watched again next year.
Council Member Enger said the Shops at Lyndale Wine & Spirits Store does not
appear to be making any money. He said this store needs to be reviewed related to
profitability and signage.
Municipal Liquor Operations Director Fillmore explained depreciation, sharing of costs
with four stores instead of three and the reason for not having signage stating a “municipal”
liquor store.
Mayor Kirsch announced that the City Council had completed review and discussion
of the 2001 Revised/2002 Proposed Budget and Proposed 2002 Preliminary Tax Levy and,
therefore, the September 6, 2001, 5:30 p.m. Special City Council meeting would not be
necessary and would be cancelled.
All budget presentation materials are Clerk’s File No. C-375.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:02 p.m.
Date Approved: _________________
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Cheryl KrumholzSamantha Orduno
Recording SecretaryCity Manager