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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973/09/10 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularMINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA September 10, 1973 The special budget meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Pucci at 6:00 p.m. to conduct a public hearing on the proposed City Budget for 1974. The following Councilmen were present: Rose -Mary Griak Lyle Hanks Leonard Thiel Frank Pucci Councilman Fleetham arrived at 6:55 p.m.; Councilman Graves arrived at 7:35 p.m. Also present were the City Manager, Asst. City Manager, Director of Finance, Asst. Finance Director and Administrative Assistant (Acting Secretary). City Manager's Budget Message - The City Manager gave a summation of the proposed budget for 1974. He reviewed the method of preparing the budget and listed the community goals and objectives used to develop the City's 1974 fiscal work program. Several of the new programs were outlined that influenced the development of the budget including amendments to the PERA Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, modifications in workmen compensation liability, etc. The Manager reviewed legislation which also affected the proposed budget, including the Omnibus Tax Laws of 1971 and 1973, and the Metropolitan Revenue Distribution Law . i. The Manager explained that the proposed budget would provide for a reduction of the tax levy by .192 mills from the current year. The total levy provided in the proposed budget would be 16.461 mills ($2,985,195), or $25,567 below the 1973 levy. A brief outline was given relative to the General Fund Activities which constitute the major tax supported portion of the City operations. This levy, according to the budget, decreases $20,028, or .140 mills and represents the fourth consecutive year this levy has decreased. The Manager also outlined several organizational changes to be made including the transfer of tree maintenance personnel in the Street Department to the Park Alainte"nce Department. This reassignment will place total responsibility for tree maintenance and care with the Park Department, including the planting, spraying, trimming and removal of trees. Plans are also being developed according to the Manager, to combine the departmen.s of Health and Protective Inspection into one "service" department. This plan would be practical with the office modification work provided in the budget and allow for the consolidation of inspectional -type activities, such as: fire prevention, housing, health, building, etc. Also it would be planned to place the licensing activities within this department operation• The Manager advised the council that the proposed 1974 budget maintains current service levels and proposes a reduction of overhead costs, including certain equipment purchases and a reduction of the City's work force. 248 Council 1 Minutes, September JOS 1973 The Council then reviewed revenues anticipated and reviewed The following revi s ions were made DETAIL OF BUDGET each budget activity, mayor and Council - Councilman Thiel asked the City Manager to list the various memberships and subscriptions covered in the budget. An itemization was given and it was explained that the 1973_1974 dues for the State, Count and Metropolitan Leagues were due in July and reflected increases proposed by each yor organization, Councilman Thiel moved that the proposed amount of $10,063 for subscriptions and membership s (101-4010-1343) be accepted, but that the budget not designate whether dues will be paid to the Hennepin County League of Municipalities or the Metro olitan League of Municipalities. Councilman Hanks seconded the motion. The motip passed 4 - 0. on The City Manager explained that staff was working with the League of Women Voters to produce a booklet similar to Know Your City` to be available to the public; however, no funds were included in the budget for its publication. Councilman Hanks moved to add $1,200 to printing and publishing account (101-4010-1310) for publication of this information booklet. Councilman Griak seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 - 1 (Councilman Thiel opposed) . Councilman Thiel moved to delete $3,800 from professional and consulting services (101-4010-1130) and $3,500 from Capital Outlay (101-4010-1530) and to designate $10,000 in revenue sharing monies to be used for the purchase of a Mobile City Hall. Councilman Fleetham seconded the notion. The motion failed 2 - 4 (Councilmen Graves, Hanks and Griak and Mayor Pucci opposed). Councilman Hanks moved to trawoonnsfer $5,000 from the professional and consulting services account (101-4010-1130) to capital outlay (101-4010-1530) for purchase of a vehicle in 1973 for use as a Mobile City Hall. Councilman Graves seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 - 0. Cit Mana er's Office - At the request of Councilman Thiel, the City Manager outlined the duties of the two clerical persons, half of whose salaries are charged to the Mayor and Council budget. The City Manager stated that he wanted to discuss with the Council a general restructuring and staffing in the Manager's Office at a later date. Planni & Zoning - Councilman Thiel asked what specific projects required Professional and consulting services during 1973 and which projects for 1974 were proposed in the budget. The City Manager listed the various consultants reports from 1973 and outlined the proposed projects for 1974 that may require outside consulting assistance. Councilman Thiel moved to reduce the professional and consulting services fund (101-4080-1130) from $5,000 to $4,000. Councilman Ranks seconded the motion which passed 4 - 2 (Councilman Graves and Mayor Pucci opPosed). 249 Council Minutes, September 10, 1973 • tion - The City Manager explained that two additional Clerk positions Police Protection atchers. These personnel would then were proposed to provide for civilian disp atrol duties. Councilman Thiel relieve two uniformed police officers Defor artment has sufficient supervisory questioned whether or not the Po P er that personnel for the size of the depa�'tment. The City Man�ovidetadditionallast year an additional sergeant position was ahave abeen ted tmade for "acting sergeants" supervisory personnel and that provisions and shift coordinators. Councilman Fleetham moved to delete 000Counfrom ilmanCapital Snow and Ice Removal ON lack of a second Outlay (101-4230-1350) , The motion failed for Fleetham moved to delete $12,000 from Capital Outlay (101-4230-1530) for a snow welter. Councilman Thiel seconded the motion and after alongon osed)iscussi the motion passed 4 as (Councilor n Graves and Mayor Pucci pp Elections and Voter registration - The City Manager explained that this budget has increased due to the recent legislative actions which modify voteffer registration laws and permit registration at the polls on election days. of this legislation 41.1 require an increase in personnel for all elections. Animal Control - mayor Pucci questioned whether increasing the budget to increase the amount of patrolling done would help alleviate the animal nuisance problems p v in the City. Councilman Thiel replied that the key to animal control is public education and awareness and that spot or saturation patrolling in specific areas is the most effective way to cut down on these problems. The City Manager stated that the proposed budget contains funds for an additional 60 hours of patrolling during each of the five months when animal problems are most acute. Unallocated General Expense_ - Councilman Thiel moved to reduce the amount budgeted to $7,500 in the Insurance and Surety Bond Account for Unemployment Compensation Insurance (101-4970-1341). Councilman Hanks seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 - 0. Transfers - Councilman Thiel moved to delete $50,000 for the City's share of improvement costs from the Debt Service Fund (101-4990-1745). The motion failed for lack of a second. A general discussion was held relative to the need for such monies and their intended use. Councilman Thiel moved to reduce to $25,000 the City's share of improvement costs from the Debt Service Fund (101-4990-1745). Councilman Fleetham seconded the motion. A brief review of previous year expenditures was given showing that amounts budgeted in this account provide funds for the City's share of improvement costs (assessable projects), together with rights-of-way, structures and lands as authorized throughout the year by the Council, Mayor Pucci felt that such funds should be budgeted and spoke in opposition to the motion. After a thorough discussion relative to how such land acquisition and other improvements could be financed through General Obligation Bonding, the motion passed 4 - 2 (Councilman Graves and Mayor Pucci opposed). 250 Council Ninutes, September 103 1973 riunici al Parks -Councilman Griak stated that since the Cit has increase its park lands, more employees are probablyY continued to Mal Councilman Fleetham stated that he feltnstaff shouldfor report park whether or not there is a suf f is fent amount o f e report on • equipment to utilize additional persons. Councilman Grialc moved to increase the Temporary Employees' (207-4751-1120) to $35,552 to provide for part-time em 1 account by the City rlanager for Parkmaintenance pp oses ur , p lomaintenance as felt needed the motion. The motion passed 4 _ 2 (Counc,Councilman Graves seconded ilmen Thiel and Fleetham, opposed), Organized Recreation - Mrs. Lorraine Brasi;et 3360 Alabama Avenue South was in attendance and requested a minimum of $500 for support ' She provided a brief history of the Community Bandandrequestedthat theaCity Council allocate funds for the band* Councilman Fleetham moved to add $1,000 to Other Contractual Services (211-4740-1349) for the Community Band with understanding that this amount be approved for the 1974 budget only, and in no way would obligate the Council to continue budgeting for this special purpose. The Council also indicated to Mrs. Brasket that the Band, in accepting public funds, would be responsible for proper expenditure and review of operations. Councilman Graves seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 - 0. Federal Revenue Sharing - Councilman Thiel stated that he felt revenue sharing money should be used for those things previously covered by categorical grants, rather than being used to lower taxes in one year. He stated that he has several suggestions on priorities he thinks should be considered by the Council in spending revenue sharing funds. Councilman Thiel then moved that although specific items may be allocated for the Revenue Sharing Fund budget, all items and expenditures over $2,500 be approved by a majority of the City Council. Councilman Grialc seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 - 0. Mayor Pucci stated that he felt the Park Improvement expenditures proposed for 1973 should be increased to $200,000. Councilman Thiel stated that he feels $25,000 of the revenue sharing funds should be earmarked for tree nursery and funds set aside for the future purchase of a fire pumper which was eliminated from the 1974 budget by the City Manager. Councilman Grialc felt the general categories for expenditure of these funds, as contained in the budget, were satisfactory and would serve as a general guide to the Council in determining Priorities. She also stated that perhaps the snow melter could be purchased from such monies . COuncilman Hanks moved to accept the concept of the revenue sharing budget for 1973_1974 as outlined on Page 102-F and 102-G of the proposed budget. Councilman Craves seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 - 1 (Councilman Thiel opposed) . After further detailed discussions, Councilman Grialc moved to approve and adopt toe 1974 proposed annual budget. Councilman Graves seconded the motion. The tion passed 6 - 0. 251 Council Minutes, September 10, 1973 ORDINANCE NO. 1242 of Ordinance No* 1242 entitled, Councilman Graves moved to waive ffortthereading Fiscal Year 1974 and amending the "An Ordinance Adopting the Budget fo 1973 Budget as Adopted by Ordinance 1200 and amended by Ordinance No. 1206" and to set date for second reading on September 17, 1973. Councilman Griak seconded the motion. Motion carried 6 - 0. RESOLUTION N0. 4908 Councilman Graves moved to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 4905 entitled, "A Resolution Setting Minimum Tax Levy for Support of St. Louis Park Fire Relief Association". Councilman Griak seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 - 0. RESOLUTION N0. 4909 Councilman Hanks moved to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 4909 entitled, "A Resolution Setting Minimum Tax Levy for Support of the St. Louis Park Police P.elief Association". Councilman Griak seconded the motion. The motion passed 64. Municipal Building - Councilman Griak; indicated that she felt the City should improve its telephone system and that the plan outlined in r1 C 73-39 and contained in the budget should be implemented. The Manager briefly reviewed the study on the rental versus purchase of telephone equipment for City Hall. From computations of existing and quoted costs, it has been determined that the City could decrease its monthly telephone costs to approximately $894.83 (average) from the present level of $1,375.83. At the end of a ten year period, it is estimated the City will save approximately $70,000. Councilmen Thiel and Graves felt that the City should proceed to implement this plan because of the inadequacy of the existing system and the increasing costs. Councilman Thiel moved, seconded by Councilman Graves, that the Manager be directed to proceed with plans and bids for a new system. The motion carried unanimously. Communications from the City Manager - (1) The City Manager called the City Council's attention to a letter from the Executive Director from the League of Minnesota Municipalities inviting St. Louis Park to host a regional meeting on Wednesday, October 3, 1973, at the Ambassador Motel. The Council agreed that the City Manager should contact Mr. Dean Lund, Executive Director and advise him that the City of St. Louis Park would be happy to host the meeting and does not object to a reception. (2) The tSanager reviewed the history of the sewage lift station at Glenhurst and 31st and the resulting odor problems from this installation. Councilman Hanks moved to authorize staff to proceed vri th plans to correct this situation as provided in the Sanitary Sewer Utility budget. Councilman Graves seconded the motion. The motion carried 6 - 0. 252 r i Counci 1 Minutes. September 10, 1973 (3) The Hippogriff restaurant has re business during 1972 and 1973 quested that since it was not open for its license fees be refunded. After a brief review of Council policy, Councilman Griak moved to den t � request forlicensefee refund. Councilman Graves y he Hippogriff s passed 6 - seconded the motion and (4) The City Manager explained that in the 1973 budget funds were purchase of a programmable typewriter e e provided for equipment and requests authorization to talcefbids researched the available programmable typewriter, Councilman Fleetham movedotopauthorizeurchase id electric an electric programmab:.e typewriter. Councilman Graves seconded thesmotro The motion carried 6 - 0, motion, (5) The City Manager discussed the Lake Street improvement project include street paving, lights, railroad crossing signal, and Parking lot g Louisiana Avenue extension -Oxford to Excelsior. The assessment noticeshfor these projects will soon be mailed for the assessment hearings. A brief review of. -the bock round , of the ' improvements, together with costs was given. After discussion, -,'the Council directed the staff to prepare informatio possible cost distributions*' allocations. nand In order to review specific orcranizational in the budget, the Mayor scheduled a -7:-00 proposals and personnel matters contained pone meeting, September 17, 1973, Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m Attest, Susan Workman Actg . Secretary Frank J, 253 yor