1992-04-21~INUTES - COI~ITTEE OF THE ~HOLE - ~PRIL 2L, ~992
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM. Members present:
Mayor Skip Johnson, Councilmembers Andrea Ahrens, Phyllis Jessen
and Liz Jensen. Absent and excused: Councilmember Ken Smith.
Also present: John Norman, Finance Director; Ed Shukle, City
Manager; Fred Hoisington, Mark Koegler and Bruce Chamberlain of The
Hoisington Group, Inc., Jerry Pietrowski and Jerry Longpre of the
EDC, Jo Longpre, Parker Hodges of the "Sailor", Carole Munson and
Dean Hanus.
Fred Hoisington presented the preliminary feasibility report on the
Mound Visions project. He went through several different scenarios
in which he presented the tax increment financing approach as it
related to certain redevelopment issues that have been raised by
the Economic Development Commission and their various
subcommittees. It appeared that the drug store project on its own,
in conjunction with the re-alignment and improvement of Auditor's
Road, would be the most feasible at this time. Hoisington further
explained that doing half of Auditor's Road in 1992-93 was
affordable. After further discussion, the consensus of the Council
was to direct staff to contact the drug store company to resume
further discussions regarding the possible development project.
Mark Koegler presented the recommendation of the Planning
Commission with regard to modifications of the City's zoning
ordinance. This matter was continued until the next Committee of
the Whole meeting.
Ed Shukle, City Manager, presented information from the League of
Minnesota Cities which indicated that Local Government Aid cuts
were not going to take place in 1992. Rather, the legislature
passed a tax law which incorporates the 6.5% sales tax to be
applied to local government purchases. He defined what those
purchases would be and presented information as supplied by the
Finance Director, John Norman, on what expenditures in the current
operating budget would be exempt from the sales tax and those that
would not be exempt. He indicated that $25,379 is the figure that
represents a full year for sales tax. The estimated prorated share
with a June 1st implementation date would be $14,804. He also
presented what the estimated sales tax would be for the other funds
that are outside of the general fund. The city manager then went
on~ to explain how the nearly $15,000 would be covered. He
explained that personnel changes would be taking place within ~he
police department and parks department that would make up the cost
to cover the sales tax application. He further indicated that the
sales tax was a short term fix. He went on to say that LGA would
be scrutinized again iD 1993, with the eventual severance of the
state and local government fiscal relationship which could be
within a very short time. He further went on to say that we will
have to be fiscally responsible in determining the level of
property tax that the City wishes to place upon its residents~ He
further stated that the problems are more long term than just this
interim fix. He went on to say that he thought everybody realized
Minutes - Committee of the Whole - April 21, 1992 - Page 2
that and as long as we all keep this in mind, we will be able to
prepare for managing with less. The Council consensus was to
accept the city manager's recommendations.
City Manager Ed Shukle discussed the commons markings information
that was prepared by Jim Fackler, Parks Director, dealing with the
prioritizing of monument installation. Council consensus was to
look at the areas suggested during the Parks tour on May 21st and
discuss this at a subsequent Committee of the Whole meeting.
Ed Shukle, City Manager, outlined the presentation to be given by
Jon Sutherland, Building Official; Curt Pearson, City Attorney and
himself, dealing with the proposed rental housing ordinance. This
public hearing will be held on April 28, 1992.
Councilmember Andrea Ahrens brought up the idea of the conflict of
interest/ethics policy that was suggested by the Parks and Open
Space Commission. She indicated that Tom Casey of the Parks and
Open Space Commission had read this in the LMCD minutes and thought
that the City might explore this. The City Council consensus was
that they felt currently councilmembers and commission members know
when it is appropriate to remove themselves from discussions that
appear to be a conflict of interest. The Council indicated that
they didn't believe a policy was necessary.
Artwork for the City council chambers was discussed.
indicated that he was continuing to work on this.
Skip Johnson
A discussion was held on advisory commission appointment and re-
appointments. This matter was continued until the next Committee
of the Whole meeting with the intent of voting on a revised policy
in June.
There being no other business, it was moved by Jensen, seconded by
Ahrens and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
adjourned at 9~45 PM.
city Manager
ES:is