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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/09/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MIN III UTES STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 8, 1987 1 . Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present: Ron Backes, Tom Duffy, Keith Meland, David Strand, Larry Mitchell and Mayor Hanks. The following staff members were also present: City Manager, Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director, Administrative Assistant and Administrative Intern. 3. 1987 revised budget/1988 proposed budget The Council decided to proceed through the budget review process on a page-by-page basis. The consensus of the Council was to keep the mill levy approximately the same in 1988 as in 1987. Councilmember Strand asked if it were legally permissible to transfer revenue sharing to the Municipal Building Fund. The City Manager responded it was legal but stated it would be a question of policy. 4111 Mayor Hanks asked what the total sewer replacement fund is. The City Manager stated it was a $245,000 and the water replacement fund is at $400,000. The City Manager said he recommends capping the water replacement fund at $400,000 and budgeting $50,000 for the sewer replacement fund in 1988. The City Manager presented the Community Relations budget. Mayor Hanks asked what the chances were for getting someone with good writing skills and video skills when the positions are part-time. The City Manager responded that chances were very good as that is what the market dictates. Councilmember Strand asked what these positions would accomplish vs. the current position. The City Manager responded that the position would coordinate all publications. Councilmember Strand recommended paying them a higher salary in order to ensure quality. He added that he didn't want to see the position funded unless the person serves as the media contact. He stated it is important to develop . a relationship with the media and make Council and staff available as needed. • Mayor Hanks asked whether the person would speak to groups and promote the City. The City Manager stated that he wouldn't expect that of the position, but if the individual was a good speaker it could be utilized. Councilmember Strand asked how much cable tv is watched and whether it is 41/1 performing the service. The Assistant City Manager stated that the City has never had a strong access channel and would consider combining the public access channel and the government access channel . 2. Councilmember Strand recommended reducing the Park Cable Works budget by $10,000. The City Manager stated he would reevaluate the Community Relations budget given Council 's comments. impact Mayor Hanks inquired as to what/ the new voting equipment would have on the num judges. The City Manager stated that the number of judges would remain the same but the hours would be reduced. Councilmember Strand asked whether the civil attorney has asked for an increase in fees. The City Manager stated that he was meeting with the City Attorney the following Monday and this would be discussed. Councilmember Strand recommended that the City Prosecutor be apprised of the budget process. Councilmember Meland recommended an increase , for the prosecuting attorney to $55/hr. He also asked the significance of special prosecutorial cases that Katz is finishing up. The Finance Director stated that it is minor, in the hundreds of dollars. Councilmember Strand asked about the paper shredder for the Police Department. The City Manager stated that it was a replacement of equipment. Councilmember Strand asked about the money for mediation. The City Manager stated that the allocation goes to West Hennepin Mediation Services and that they have used it. Councilmember Strand said he'd like to discuss this matter on a future agenda. Councilmember Meland asked whether there was a correlation between inspection complaints and the day on which the inspection took place. The City Manager stated that a study of that nature has not been done. Mayor Hanks asked what purpose the live traps would serve. The City Manager said it would be for racoons. Mayor Hanks asked what the public liability insurance is. The City Manager stated that it was $600,000 for the City Council . Councilmember Meland asked what account is paying for the overlay of Texas Ave. The City Manager said it was in the street department budget. Councilmember Strand asked whether a traffic signal would be needed at Beltline Blvd./W. 36th St. The City Manager responded that in time a traffic signal would be necessary. Mayor Hanks asked who would replace the carbon filter for the GAC plant. The City Manager responded that Reilly Tar and Chemical would be responsible. Mayor Hanks asked about the status of adding two additional columns to the GAC plant. The City Manager stated that that was still being discussed. Councilmember Strand asked about the increases over the past five years for the water rates. The City Manager stated that without the Remedial Action Plan there would probably have been no increases. The garbage rates have remained stable as have sewer rates. Mayor Hanks asked what the average water bill was. The Asst. Finance Director stated that it was approximately $15/quarter and a 4% increase represents $.60.