HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/08/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session lirCITY OF
T. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
ARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
August 24, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:06 p m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, Chris Nelson, Robert Young, and
Mayor Gail Dorfman
Staff present. City Manager (Mr Meyer), Finance Director(Ms McBride) and City Clerk
(Ms Larsen)
1. Vision for the Arts - Strategic Plan
Sue Schneck, Lori Bramball and Carol Humphrey of the Friends of the Arts met with Council
to present the FOA's Strategic Plan for the Arts in St Louis Park
Mayor Dorfman began by congratulating the group on the award of a grant from the State
Arts Board She also applauded the group for retaining their original membership while
growing in numbers She said that growing membership is an indication of a healthy group
Sue Schneck talked about arts activities in the community and also gave an overview of the
strategic plan. The plan is intended to address long term outcomes The FOA feels that
interest in the arts will continue to grow in St. Louis Park because of the strong collaboration
between city, School, Business Community and Citizens
Lori Bramball said the grant from the State Arts Board will be used to fund a visioning
process which will involve nearly every facet of the community She also asked for a
contribution from the City in the amount of$2000 to cover a funding gap
2. Presentation and Overview of the Proposed Annual Budget for 1999 with Revised
Estimates for 1998
Kathleen McBride, the City's Finance Director presented the Proposed Budget document for
Council review She,presented an overview of the budget which highlighted key operational
components as well as the revenue sources to support those operations - including the
proposed tax levy for 1999
She informed Council that they would be asked to approve a preliminary budget and tax levy
at the regular Council meeting on September 8th The preliminary numbers approved at that
time will be used for the truth in taxation notices mailed to property owners later in the fall
Council also were informed that the hearing for formal budget approval has been set for
Monday, December 7th
Council asked questions related to the impact of the tax levy on the average homeowner, class
rates, and the City's tax capacity
Mr Meyer explained some of the changes in the 1999 budget related to staffing, operations
and programs
Councilmember Young'expressed concerns that more staff was needed in the Inspections
Department to respond to customer needs related to the new RV ordinance which goes into
effect in November
Mr Meyer also reviewed major staffing changes that has necessitated changes to the budgets
for 1998 and additions for 1999
Mr Meyer stated that with the new Parks and Recreation Director starting soon, there will be
greater emphasis on park operations and how they can be better coordinated with other Public
Works efforts Also, staff was still looking for better funding mechanisms for the Park
Improvement fund
Councilmember Nelson;indicated that he felt a public referendum to increase the fund would
be a good idea Councilmember Young felt that before going to referendum, the City should
act on recommendations from the Park and Open Space Task Force received some time ago
Council indicated that they would like a discussion in the near future regarding the storm
sewer water utility
3. Communication's
Mr Meyer reminded Council of the Employee Recognition Dinner to take place on September
17th
The meeting adjourned at 9 00 p m
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