League of Women Voters

Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer

All councilors were present.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK MASTER PLAN

Economic Development Director Jody Gunderson reported on the work of the Economic Development Authority and the Business Park Master Planning Steering/Technical Committee in setting up a schedule for creating a master plan for both the land annexed in the northwest part of the city, Site A, and the land along Armstrong Road, Site B (which is still under discussion for annexation). The schedule provides for “Concept Alternatives” for Site A to be ready by March 2010, and for Site B in April 2010. Final review and approval of the plan is scheduled for the end of October 2010. The steering committee appointed by the EDA to shepherd the process will meet in November. There will be a “Property Owners/Design Workshop with the consultant, Hoisington Koegler on November 13. On December 1 and 2, the Steering Committee/Property owners and public will participate in a “design charette.” City Administrator Joel Walinski noted that because there are three council members on the steering committee, communication with the council would be facilitated. Minutes of that committee will be distributed in the EDA packet.

UTILITY RATE STUDY UPDATE

The staff has recommended setting a higher base rate, which will cover more of the fixed costs of the stormwater, wastewater and water utilities. They also recommended establishing a policy for financing capital improvements costing under a certain threshold, and those projects costing more than the reserve would then be financed with bonds. This would provide the city with planning tools, would moderate rate increases, and prevent significant rate increases for debt service. Council Erica Zweifel noted that the city should have incentives for encouraging water conservation. The council was interested in the future of the water treatment plant. Walinski said there will be an analysis of the capacity in 2011/12.

The proposed street light utility Fee would, according the Walinski, reduce general fund expenditures, now under stress because of the reduction of the state aids funds and reduced property tax income. The current goal for the fee which would fund the operation, maintenance and installation of the 1000 streetlights for which the city has responsibility would be $250,000. Several council members suggested that shutting them off for some part of the night could reduce the cost of maintaining the lights. Others suggested that there might be safety issues with this practice. Staff provided 3 options for a fee system, the variable being the balance between the charge for residential property and for non-residential property. Mayor Mary Rossing urged attention to the burden a lower residential fee places on businesses. This matter will be taken up again in November

LIQUOR ENTERPRISE FUND

Liquor Store Department Manager Steve DeLong had prepared an analysis and charts of the operation. Again, the issue of whether to set aside profits from this fund for future capital costs, or whether to apply them to the general fund came up. Included in the 2010 budget is $20,000 for public programs. Councilor Betsey Buckheit wondered whether these are effective. Walinski replied that there wouldn’t be numbers for this information, that the council will have to make a judgment based on what the groups have done. (Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug use and the DARE program are now funded by this money.)

MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT

The city receives a small profit from this service. McBride noted that after 2010, the budget would no longer be balanced unless the state permits an increase in the fee. The council discussed possible changes in service to better accommodate the public. Mayor Rossing noted that it doesn’t have to be a city service and that the council might at some time want to discuss whether this is a service we want to continue. McBride suggested that the office might be included in a new safety center.

DEBT SERVICE FUND

McBride distributed information on the various funds for the council to add to their budget notebook.

ATTORNEY SELECTION PROCESS

Walinski outlined the history of city attorney services, noting that it is a good governance practice to review the contracts and seek new services periodically. The present selection committee in addition to himself is: Deb Little, City Clerk; Mark Taylor, Chief of Police; Brian O’Connell, Development Director; Kathleen McBride; Finance Director; and Mayor Mary Rossing. The city is seeking both civil and prosecutorial legal consultants. Four categories were agreed upon: years of experience; demonstrated knowledge of the areas for which the city uses attorneys and the scope of expertise in the practice; resources available; and cost. The firm Flaherty and Hood will be recommended for the civil services. The firm Campbell Knutson will be recommended for prosecutorial services.

Walinski submitted his report orally and no written information was distributed to the council or the public. He will bring contracts, which will be for 3 years, with the possibility for renewal, to the council on November 2. There will be a transition period during which the new firms will familiarize themselves with the city’s policies, code and other matters before beginning to work for the city on January 1, 2010.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.