HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/05/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ST.CITY Louis OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 5,2003
The meeting convened at 8.00 p m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Chns Nelson, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Meyer), Deputy City Manager (Mr. Pires), Community
Development Director(Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Hunt);
Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Samson).
Also present: Steven Bubul, Kennedy & Graven, and John D. McCain, Belt Line Industnal Park,
Inc.
1. Proposed Wolfe Lake TIF District—Final Application
Mr. Hunt reported on Mr. McCain's final application for TIF assistance for Belt Line Industnal
Park, Inc., which is a proposed office and commercial redevelopment project.
Councilmember Nelson asked how the applicant closed the gap. Mr. Harmening said the interest
rate has been lowered.
Mr. Hunt said the LHB Engineers and Architects draft report states that the development meets
the qualification tests for tax increment eligibility.
Mr. Bubul stated that one condition that must be met for TIF eligibility, is that one building must
be determined to be substandard. A building is considered substandard if the cost to repair it is
15% greater than it is to build it. Mr. Bubul said that it is the developer's judgment to determine
what the nsks are. Mr. Bubul indicated to go forward with the final application.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the developer could acquire insurance. Mr. Bubul said he has
not heard of any insurance for TIF. Mr. Bubul suggested the City request the League of
Minnesota Cities to review the code issues again.
Mayor Jacobs suggested moving forward with the final application, however, he also stated that
perhaps LHB Engineers and Architects should review the property again.
Mr. Harmening said this item will return on May 19, 2003.
2. Budget Proposal Review
Mr. Meyer said there is a new formula for LGA distnbution and, at this time, he does not know
about caps. There was discussion regarding LGA
Councilmember Santa commented that people are asking that taxes be raised.
Budget: Community Development Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Bnmeyer brought up
raising taxes by referendum Other revenues streams discussed were: charge rent to the EDA;
increase rent to the Housing Authonty; fee increases in regard to planning and zoning; initiate
charging for re-subordination fees; and increase fees for Section 8 housing rentals.
Study Session Minutes -2- May 5, 2003
Mr. Harmening distributed a flow chart called Funding Shifts/Flow of Funds. Mr. Harmemng's
overall approach is to create new revenues, cut expenses and appropriations, and shift expenses
and appropriations to non-General Fund sources. Mr. Harmening discussed his shifting
mechanisms, which are outlined in his flow chart.
Mr. Harmening is also suggesting budget reductions and shifts for nonprofit support, such as
STEP, Senior Community Services, and neighborhood grant programs. He said the City must
look at all cuts for"our" social services for balance. There was discussion regarding St. Louis
Park's role in funding social services. Mr. Meyer stated that it could be helpful to have specific
agencies at the City's disposal for their specific expertise.
The Council would like to discuss social services in greater detail.
Budget- Inspection Department Mr. Hoffman distributed his Budget Deficit Reduction
Proposal. Mr. Hoffman said the Inspections Department will become multi-tasked. The paid
internship for a health inspector has been eliminated. His proposal also listed additional staff
reduction, housing and property maintenance services, and permit and licensing fees. Mr.
Hoffman stated that licensing fees for food services, multi-family housing, and lodging will
likely increase.
Mayor Jacobs stated that there continues to be a need for random inspections in restaurants.
Budget. Information Technology. Mr. Pires distributed his Budget Deficit Proposal, IT and
Cable TV Items and Impacts. Mr. Pires' items included: cable TV franchise allocation; cable
TV annual grant to the School Distnct, the elimination of one full-time equivalent IT employee;
PC and printer equipment pricing; and to restructure LOGIS charges and consider dropping some
applications. Mr. Pires is recommending the City pursue lower postage rates by using bulk mail
and post cards when appropriate. Mr. Pires said the website shall be maintained in an up-to-date
manner.
Mayor Jacobs said he would like discussion regarding results that are IT dnven.
Councilmember Bnmeyer raised his concern again regarding informing the public.
Mayor Jacobs would like a full page in the Sun Sailor to provide residents with information
about the City's budget and its impacts, and there was discussion regarding a press conference.
3. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
y Clerk M a yor /