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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980/02/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (2) MINUTES Special City Council Meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota February 4, 1980 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Phyllis McQuaid at 6:40 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following members were present at roll call: Ronald Backes Keith Meland Lyle Hanks Martha Elstrom • Jerrold Martin John Ralles Phyllis McQuaid The City Manager was also present. 3. Community Education Councilman Meland stated that the Council Levy; Resolution No.6498 should support the addition of a one-dollar- per-capita increase to the Community Educa- tion levy. He said that this should be examined on a statewide basis. However, in the event that that statewide interest was not present, state-enabling legislation should be adopted to this effect for St. Louis Park. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Elstrom, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 6498, entitled "Resolution Supporting an Increased Levy for Community Education." The motion passed 7-0. 4. State Bridge The City Manager presented a brief explana- Bonding Program tion of difficulties which the City has encountered in replacing the Virginia Avenue railroad bridge due to the ineligibility of shoo-fly trestles for state funding. He stated that while the State Bridge Bonding Program was silent on the funding of shoo-fly trestles, the Minnesota Department of Transportation rules and regulations prohibit funding for this purpose. In the case of the Virginia Avenue railroad bridge replacement, $500,000 is estimated for new bridge construction, of which $150,000 would be the cost to provide a shoo-fly trestle to be used by Burlington Northern Rail- road during the actual bridge construction. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland, to encourage state legislation allowing for the funding of shoo-fly trestles as a part of the State Bridge Bonding Program. The motion passed 7-0. ' -39- I • Special City Council Minutes, February 4, 1980 5. Severance Payments The City Manager reported that two bills have been introduced into the legislature which would amend Minnesota Statute 356.24, which prohibits governmental subdivisions from distributing public funds to a supplemental deferred compensation plan maintained and operated in addition to a primary pension program. In compliance with this state law, the City no longer pays accumulated sick leave upon retirement for fire- fighters and police officers. The City Manager indicated that support of bills SF 1289 and HF 1453 would enable the City to resume this practice. It was moved by Councilman Hanks and seconded by Councilman Meland to support passage of bills SF 1289 and HF 1453. The motion was approved 7-0. 6. Land Values The City Manager said within the 7-county metropolitan area, there are disparities I in the level of assessment rates. To the extent that these assessment levels vary, those counties that are assessing properties at a higher rate will be, in effect, subsidizing metropolitan activities for counties assessing at a lower rate. I It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Martin, to support enactment of legislation mandating that cities within the metropolitan counties maintain a 90-percent assessment level. The motion passed 7-0. 7. State Civil Service The City Manager reported that the State Civil Service law is currently under review. As changes to this law are pro- posed, the Council will be advised. 8. Public Employees Labor Major changes are being proposed to the Relations Act Public Employment Labor Relations Act. At this time, these changes are being proposed for state employees. The proposed changes involve areas such as the determination of essential employees, an unlimited right to strike, and limitations on the recognition of bargaining units. Council will be kept abreast of proposed changes to this Act, since changes made at the state level may ultimately affect local government. 9. Levy Limits The City Manager stated that as a resultof the Tax Committee hearings there is some movement to support tying levy limits t° a , , recognizable economic indicator that can be adjusted for inflation. This would replace the flat six-percent increase in limits currently allowed by law. He commented that St. Louis Park is still levying within this six" percent limit. -40- Special City Council Minutes, February 4, 1980 10. Legislative Programs The Manager briefly explained some of the items being addressed in the legislative programs of the League of Minnesota Cities and the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. 11. Property Tax Distri- The City Manager explained that there is bution from Hennepin growing sentiment to require Hennepin County County to distribute property-tax monies collected by the County Auditor within a shorter time duration than the 45 days currently provided for in state law. Because of the computer capabilities which Hennepin County has, a major portion of this money could be distributed to local governments within one working week after the date the tax monies are received. This change would assist many cities which have had to borrow money at market interest rates to meet payrolls based on revenue not available until July 1 or later. The Manager noted that under the present arrangement Hennepin County is able to invest monies for a 30- to 45-day period before they are required to distribute them back to local governments. 12. Adjournment The special meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Qin 7 .-Ue-eZa Phylli McQuaid Mayor Attest: ,411.6Affiu Sharon Klump i' Recording Secretary • • -41-