1992-06-16MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - JUNE 16, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Members present were: Mayor
Skip Johnson, Councilmember Liz Jensen, Phyllis Jessen and Andrea Ahrens. Absent
and excused: Councilmember Ken Smith. Also present: Jon Sutherland, Building
Official; Jim Fackler, Parks Director; Tom McCaffrey, Dock Inspector; Peggy James,
Secretary; John Norman, Finance Director; Ed Shukle, City Manager; Parker Hodges,
Sailor Newspapers; Mound Fire Department Pension Relief Board: David Carlson, Jeff
Andersen, Gene Garvais, Barry Palm, Don Bryce, Brad Landsman and Steve Erickson.
Other interested persons were present: Carole Munson, Mark Hanus, Mark Goldberg
and Greg Knutson.
A discussion was held on the level of contribution to the Mound Volunteer Fire
Relief Association Pension Program. City Manager Ed Shukle outlined the history of
the pension program and focused on the level of contribution the City has been
providing over the past several years. He indicated that back in the early 1980's, the
City of Mound and other cities within the fire service area annually provided a 10%
increase beyond the 2% state aid payment for the pension program. About 2 years
ago, the City staff analyzed this contribution and determined that it was not realistic
in terms of providing what was needed for pension benefits in relationship to what
was happening within the economy. City staff indicated that with the cutbacks in
local government aid from the state of Minnesota to cities, that all departments were
analyzed to see where adjustments could be made. City staff in its analysis
determined that an increase of 4% could be provided to keep the pension benefits at
their current level. The last two budget years contained a 4% budget increase each
year. City staff indicated to the pension board in meetings held prior to adoption of
these budgets, that the level of contribution would be looked at annually. In an effort
to try to bring some definition to where the pension benefits were heading, the City
staff and City Council began a dialogue with the Fire Relief Board. It was determined
that we would try to further define the benefit increases over the next several years.
The pension relief board indicated that they would like to see a $25 per year pension
benefit increase. After some discussion, it was suggested that the Fire Department
contact their actuary who could possibly do a projection over the next five years to
determine what the cost would be to fund a $25 per year increase for the next five
years. Dave Carlson indicated that he would be in touch with the City staff.
John Norman, Finance Director, was present to discuss the water shutoff policy
proposal. John clarified the intent of the policy. He indicated that most of the
administrative time as well as public works labor, was involved in shutting water off
after delinquencies occurred. He indicated that we would be going to a once a year
assessment program where delinquent utility bills would be assessed on the owners
property taxes for the upcoming year with an interest charge. City Manager Ed
Shukle reviewed this proposed policy with the Council at the June 9th regular Council
meeting. There was concern at that time by the Council that proper notification
needed to be given to owner/renter situations. Mr. Norman explained that it would
be easier if we were able to bill the owners of the property rather than the renters and
MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING - JUNE 16, 1992 - PAGE 2
would suggest that owners should be encouraged to accept the billing and bill the
cost of the water into the renters rent payment. He indicated that some owners had
already contacted the City following a delinquent situation and asked that they be
sent the bill. Council agreed that we go forward with this policy and that owners of
rental property be notified regarding our change and the opportunity for them to make
a change on how they charge their renters for utilities. Mr. Norman will prepare a
press release and it will be published in the local papers and city newsletter
concerning the new policy. Mr. Norman also explained the $5.21 charge for lead
testing that is being mandated by the federal government and administered by the
Minnesota Department of Health. Each household is to be charged $5.21 per year to
pay for this testing. He indicated that we would be placing this on the billing for the
July, August and September quarter.
Jim Fackler, Jon Sutherland, Tom McCaffrey and Peggy James were present
to present the Commons Dock/Public Land Inventory Document. They reviewed this
with the Council. The Council suggested that they take it under advisement and
discuss it again at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Commons markings was briefly discussed. The two basic questions are:
#1 - Should we install markings? #2 o If so, how do we pay for it? This matter was
moved to the June 23rd regular meeting.
"After the Fact" permits were discussed. The city manager indicated that we
have had a number of problems with people not obtaining permits for building as well
as for public lands. The Council had indicated earlier that somehow they wanted to
get the message across that permits are required. City Manager Ed Shukle and
Building Official Jon Sutherland reviewed the documentation that was included in the
Committee of the Whole packet, from existing ordinances, uniform building code, DNR
policies and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District policies. It was suggested to bring
this back for discussion at the first regular meeting in July, which is July 14th. At
approximately 10:30 PM Andrea Ahrens left the meeting.
Advisory commission appointment and reappointment was briefly discussed.
This was continued until the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
A brief discussion was held on the proposed 1993 LMCD budget. Council
suggested that this be discussed on the June 23rd agenda.
The city newsletter was briefly discussed. City Manager Ed Shukle indicated
that Ann Henson has announced that she is resigning as the city newsletter editor due
to her full time job requiring more hours. The City Manager brought this to the
attention of the Council to find out if they want to continue with the newsletter due
to cost. After some discussion, it was suggested that this matter be brought to the
June 23rd meeting.
MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING - JUNE 16, 199Z - PAGE 3
City Manager Ed Shukle presented some information with regard to complaints
on geese at Dutch Lake. He also indicated that there is a problem in another area of
the city, including Mound Bay Park. He presented a letter from the DNR on two ways
in handling this problem. After some discussion, Mayor Johnson indicated that he
knew someone who works for the city of Duluth who has had experience in working
with this problem and will contact that individual for that information.
Artwork for the city council chambers was continued until the next COW
meeting.
Under other business Mayor Johnson indicated that the Westonka Community
Action Network subcommittee on housing will be holding a meeting on July 7th, at
Mound city hall from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM. He invited the Council to attend. There
will be a Committee of the Whole meeting in July and it is scheduled for Tuesday,
July 21, 1992, 7:30 PM, at Mound city hall.
Upon motion by Jensen, seconded by Jessen and carried unanimously, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:55 PM.
Resp.ectfully submitted,
City Manager
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