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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/08/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 11}f- I OF ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION August 28, 2000 The meeting convened at 7.00 p m Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Susan Sanger, Chris Nelson, and Mayor Jacobs Staff present City Manager (Mr Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr Harmening), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms Jeremiah), Economic Development Coordinator(Mr Kleve), Planning Coordinator(Ms Enckson), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Environmental Health Official (Mr. Camilon), Inspections Supervisor(Ms. Boettcher), Director of Finance (Ms. McGann), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert) 1. Lawful Gambling Six Month Review Ms. Reichert stated that upon Council request staff has reviewed the amount of expenditures to see if the lawful gambling tax percentage is appropriate to cover the cost of administration, investigation, and enforcement She stated that if a positive fund balance is found at the end of the year, the City must either issue refunds or maintain the positive balance if circumstances warrant it Ms. Reichert passed along several comments that she had received from the gambling organizations to request review of the tax. Council discussed and agreed that the rebate should be given this year and felt no change should be made in the percentage of taxes received due to the fact that six months is not adequate enough to establish a tax baseline. 2. 2001 Proposed Budget and 2000 Revised Budget _ Ms. McGann indicated that the 2001 budget was now balanced The budget utilizes a three- percent tax levy in the General Operating budget, a one- percent tax levy to the Park Improvement fund, and a service charge increase of two percent in the Water and Sewer Enterpnse fund. The only new expenditures will be limited to organizational development,part- time support staff in Finance, and one computer support position that depends upon receipt of grant revenue. Ms. McGann discussed the difference between contract work and employee work, stating that contract work can allow more flexibility. She indicated that some funds from the pension account were used to fund police and fire training. Ms. McGann discussed the market value increase and the effect it had on the property tax revenue. Councilmember Latz amved at 7.25 p.m Councilmember Sanger asked if additional money could be allocated to sidewalk repair. Mr. Meyer replied that the budget includes snow and ice removal and money for repairs has increased as well. He also indicated that curb cuts would be a major capital piece of the trail and sidewalk construction. Study Session Minutes -2- August 28, 2000 Councilmember Brimeyer had several specific questions on revenue and expenditures in the budget. Councilmember Sanger asked for concrete rationalizations for dedicating an additional one percent tax levy to the park improvement fund. Councilmember Latz supported an interim solution to the park improvement fund problems. Mr. Meyer briefed Council on the last levy limit update. Councilmember Latz wanted to know when to anticipate a long-term solution to the park improvement fund. Mr. Meyer replied that the Capital Improvement Plan will be available soon and will show the expenses anticipated. Council felt that a one- percent tax levy may not be enough and suggested using a two-percent tax levy with the option of lowenng it if needed. Upon further discussion, Council agreed to the one- percent tax levy for the Park Improvement fund. 3. Economic Development Authority 2001 Budget Update Ms. McGann indicated that the primary expenditure for 2001 is the Park Commons project which is funded through the Excelsior Blvd. Tax Increment District Councilmember Brimeyer had several questions about individual funds and expenses. Councilmember Latz asked how the School Distnct's use of market value calculation affects the city budget. Ms. McGann replied that the revenue numbers are lowered. Mr. Harmening discussed recent legislative changes, indicating the changes will not adversely affect the budget. 4. Proposed Licensing Program Staff has prepared a new licensing program to simplify the City's current program in hopes of setting reasonable fees, more focused inspection and enforcement, and simplifying the administrative process In the last twenty years, the current licensing program has only had minor changes and is complicated for staff and the public to use. Staff indicated the proposed program will have twenty-six types of licenses in four major groups: business, contractor, temporary use, and animal. Several licenses, such as plumbing and massage therapist, are proposed for deletion due to the fact that they are regulated and licensed by the State. Also, individual pieces of equipment will no longer be licensed unless they are grouped together in a large number which will then need to be inspected. The new temporary use permit will work to cover costs, especially in situations where several city departments are involved. The impact to the budget is expected to be very low. 5. Zoning Map Amendment—Comp. Plan Consistency, Cedar Lake Rd Staff discussed the current zoning of the four residential lots, concentrating on the flood plains, grade and density levels that affect the parcels. Councilmember Sanger felt the area should be guided to allow townhomes,but should discourage the development of multi-unit high-density housing. Study Session Minutes -3- August 28, 2000 Staff indicated the "Boneyard"could be zoned industrial on the western portion of the area as well as guided as park on the other. 6. Park Commons Update Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Dreher, TOLD, were both present at the meeting. Mr. Cunningham compared the new and old plans for the Park Commons project. He then presented the project scope, the number of units for sale and for rental, the amount of office square footage, and retail square footage. Mr. Cunningham indicated that they are working with the feasibility analysis and a step by step review. Council and staff discussed the landscape and parking plans, town green, owner/rental mix, and tenant prospects. Mr. Cunningham stated that TOLD would continue to work on closing the funding gap and emphasized they are very committed to the project. Ms. Jeremiah reviewed the upcoming schedule, reporting that the zoning deadline for changes is September 1. A neighborhood meeting will be held on September 12 and a detailed feasibility analysis will be available October 1. 7. Deferred Compensation Plan Councilmember Bnmeyer spoke briefly on the topic 8. Communications It was mentioned that Representative Jim Rhodes would like to sponsor legislation regarding housing repairs. Council discussed using Kathleen Lamb to lobby for them on both tax increment and civil service issues. Mayor Jacobs gave an update on taxi licenses. Mr. Meyer spoke about the costs for the renovation of Lenox Community Center. 9. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. i Ci Clerk Mayor I -