2017-08-30 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Work Session
Tuesday, August 30, 2017
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was held at
City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Councilmembers Duggan, Miller, Paper and
Petschel were also present.
2018 BUDGET DISCUSSION
The Councilmembers considered budget improvement packages which included adding a GIS
Coordinator position at $100,720; adding a part-time Communications Coordinator position at $24,800;
adding fire education to the budget in the amount of $3,000; and adding repair and replacement of
firemen's uniforms to the budget at $5,000.
City Administrator Mark McNeill reviewed with the Council the impact these additions would have on
the proposed levy increase.
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker discussed with the Councilmembers the status of the General Fund
reserves and the desire of the Council to keep this at a minimum of 75% of the annual spending amount.
She reported that this fund is in excess of the 75% amount, and stated the Council could consider using a
portion of the excess funds for the one-time equipment expenditures in 2018.
It was also proposed to move the expenses for mobile computers for the Fire Department to the Cable
Television Fund.
Based on a report from the City's health insurance representative, the City has been told that renewal
rates are anticipated to increase by 9.1% for 2018. An 8% increase was previously factored into the
proposed budget.
Taking these proposed budget amendments into consideration, staff provided the Council with a revised
estimate of the levy increase, which was estimated to be a 7.61 % increase over FY 2017.
STREET ASSESSMENTS
The City's past practice of charging a 6% flat interest rate on street assessments to property owners was
discussed. City staff presented an alternate solution of charging 2% above the interest rate of the bonds
sold for the project. It was noted that few cities use a flat rate on street assessments charges. It was also
noted that the City does not have a formal policy on how to charge for street assessments.
After extensive discussion, a majority of the Council preferred the bonds for the 2017 street projects be
structured so the assessments are charged at a floating interest rate at 2% above the interest rate of the
bonds sold for the project. Councilmember Petschel suggested the Council formalize this with a policy
in the future.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
The five year Capital Improvement Program was presented to the Council. Administrator McNeill said
that the expenses for 2018 were included in the preliminary budget.
DISCUSSION OF RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson presented a revised job description for the Recreation
Program Coordinator position. This position description will be brought forward to the next Council
meeting for approval.
PARKS/RECREATION COMMISSION VACANCY
It was noted there is a vacancy on the Parks/Recreation Commission, due to Michael Toth moving to the
Planning Commission. The Council directed staff to advertise the opening to the public.
OTHER BUSINESS
City Engineer Ryan Ruzek updated the Council on the Mendota Heights Road construction project.
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
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Lorri mith, City Clerk
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Neil Garlock
Mayor
Auga�st 30, 2017 City CoznZcil Work Session- Budget Page 2