1996-11-19MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE- NOVEMBER 19, 1996
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Mayor Polston; Councilmembers:
Ahrens, Hanus, Jensen and Jessen. Also present: Bruce Chamberlain, Economic Development
Coordinator; Gino Businaro, Finance Director; Jim Fackler, Parks Director; Ed Shukle, City
Manager; Leah Weycker, Councilmember-Elect; David Goode; Mary Goode; and Rita Pederson.
Proposed Redesign of the Lost Lake Improvement Project
Ed Shukle, City Manager introduced this topic by indicating that the Economic Development
Coordinator has developed a redesign of the Lost Lake Improvement Project. He indicated that
Chamberlain and himself had met with representatives of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD), DNR and LMCD regarding the proposed redesign.
Basically, the revisions call for a 70 foot wide Lost Lake Canal rather than the earlier proposal of
50 feet. The number of docks has been reduced from 34 to 27. The mm-around area remains the
same except the upland areas are not to be dredged and the fishing pier as proposed previously has
been eliminated. The pier now becomes basically an observation platform or circular pier and
dredging will occur right up to the structure which is located on land and not extended out into the
water. There will be a "gangway" from "finger-like" docks to the observation platform or what is
now called a circular pier.
The Council consensus was supportive of the revisions and asked that a resolution be prepared for
formal adoption at the next regular meeting.
Update on Auditor's Road Improvement Project
Ed Shulde, City Manager, updated the Council on the status of the right of way acquisition along the
proposed Auditor's Road. Also discussed was the relocation of the Post Office. Discussion focused
on the type of structure the post office is planning. More information regarding this topic will be
brought back to a future meeting.
Lineal Footage - Dock Program
Jim Fackler, Parks Director was present to discuss with the Council the multiple dock license
application to be made to the LMCD for 1997. Discussion focused on the number of boat storage
units to be counted for purposes of the application. The agreed upon number was 620 which
includes 30 reserved for Lost Lake. The Council also asked that Tom Reese, LMCD Representative,
be contacted regarding the extra fees that are charged for boat storage units that are not actually used.
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November 19, 1996
Page 2
Proposed Revisions to 1997 Proposed Budget
Ed Shukle, City Manager, reviewed the proposed revisions as discussed at the October Committee
of the Whole meeting. He pointed out that although the staff did not recommend a zero percent
increase in the tax levy, the staff was honoring the request from the Council regarding this issue.
He indicated that the revisions included a reduction in the General Fund balance to bring it closer
to 35% of the General Fund expenditures and a projected increase in building permit fees due to the
adoption of the 1994 schedule of the Uniform Building Code. Based upon these factors, the staff
prepared a revised budget in the General Fund to reflect a zero increase in the tax levy from 1996
to 1997. In addition, $25,000 was added back into the Recycling Budget to pay for the annual
cleanup days.
Also discussed was the Park and Open Space Commission's discussion of the proposed budget. The
Commission had disagreed with purchasing a flail mower for the Parks department. They did not
believe it was necessary to spend dollars to cut weeds. The Commission also asked that the Council
not spend any money from the Park Dedication Fund for the Mound Depot Improvements or for the
Bluffs Beach Improvements. The Commission believes that these expenditures should be paid from
other sources and the Park Dedication Fund should be used for land acquisition for parks only.
The Council discussed the Commission's recommendations and decided that the flail mower should
remain and that the Depot improvements should be paid for from the Park Dedication Fund. They
decided that the Bluffs Beach Improvements would be paid from the Park Dedication Fund but that
fund would be paid back $3,000 per year for 5 years from the Municipal Liquor Store Fund.
Update on Westonka Community Center
Ed Shukle, City Manager, updated the Council on what he knew regarding the School District's
proposed administration building to be located on the Shirley Hills site. He introduced the idea of
the City of Mound issuing a general obligation bond, following a bond referendum, to finance the
construction of a new Senior Center to be located on the Shirley Hills site adjacent or attached to the
new administration building being planned by the School District.
The City Council consensus was to support this concept and to move forward on the issue. Shukle
also pointed out that the other area cities who participate through CDBG or other means in the
operation of the current center also financially support the new Senior Center in some capacity.
"Consent Agenda" - "Approval of Agenda"
Ed Shukle, City Manager, pointed out some observations about this matter since it was put in place
about a month ago. He stated that the Council needs to decide what is to remain on the consent
agenda and then vote on that agenda with a roll call vote. Following that action, the Council need
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November 19, 1996
Page 3
to go back and deal with the items that were removed from the consent agenda. He pointed out that
the Council is doing the opposite and discussing the items they want pulled from the consent agenda
before they act on the consent agenda. He also pointed out that the Council needs to approve the
agenda (both consent and otherwise) before proceeding which brings out any items that were added
administratively prior to the meeting, during the meeting or at the end of the meeting. This type of
procedure provides for a more open process of dealing with local government issues. The Council
agreed with this approach and indicated that they intend to follow the City Manager's
recommendations.
Annual Christmas Party
Ed Shukle pointed out the invitation in the Council's packet. The party is scheduled for Sunday,
December 15, 1996, A1 and Alma's.
Other Business
Councilmember Ahrens distributed a letter to the editor from Tom Casey, Chair, Park and Open
Space Commission.
Councilmember Hanus distributed a proposal for the City Council to think about regarding the
creation ora dock commission. His proposal incorporates the idea of reducing the size of the Park
and Open Space Commission and possibly using some of the members from the Park and Open
Space Commission to be part of the new dock commission. This proposal will be discussed in
greater detail at the January Committee of the Whole meeting.
Upon motion by Ahrens, seconded by Jensen and carded unanimously, the meeting was adjourned
at 10:15 p.m.
It was noted that there will not be a Committee of the Whole meeting in December.
Ed Shukle
City Manager