HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/08/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OFFICIAL MINUTES
II( St. Louis Park CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
MINNESOTA ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 4, 2008
The meeting convened at 6:33 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, C. Paul Carver, Loran Paprocki and Susan Sanger.
Phil Finkelstein arrived at 6:40 p.m.
Councilmembers absent: John Basill and Paul Omodt.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Finance Director (Mr. DeJong), Assistant Finance
Director (Mr. Swanson) and Recording Secretary (Ms. Schmidt).
Guests: None
1. Preliminary 2009 Budget
Mr. DeJong presented the staff report. He stated the report was designed to provide summary
information regarding estimated revenues and expenditures in the General Fund and the Park and
Recreation Fund. Mr. DeJong explained the goal is to meet the levy limits reinstated by the
legislature, further stating that the preliminary levy would need to be certified by September 15`h.
Mr. DeJong advised Council that department directors were working to put together their budget
recommendations for 2009. He also explained the new program requests proposed by department
directors and the possible budget gap.
Council and staff had discussions relating to the school liaison officer, possible school district relief
options, and other possible budget scenarios based on the estimated figures provided by staff.
Mr. Harmening reminded Council that in 2010 they could use the new tax capacity from the
Excelsior Boulevard TIF District to pay off Rec Center bonds.
Mr. DeJong requested Council approval of the 2009 property tax levy at the maximum allowed by
statute.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated his concern with the housing market, stating the City should
allow for more funds in reserve against uncollectible taxes.
Councilmember Sanger suggested staff add a part-time or full time inspector for quicker response on
property maintenance issues.
It was the consensus of Council that they were comfortable with the estimates and advised staff to
move forward and prepare a more final detailed budget.
The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
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Nancy Stroth, Cqty Clerk Jeff Jaco ifs, ayo