HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/09/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionIf/ St. Louis Park
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The meeting convened at 5:50 p.m.
Official minutes
City council special study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
September 4, 2018
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne
Mavity (arrived 6:00 p.m.), Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), Elections Specialist (Mr.
Stokka), CFO (Mr. Simon), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources
Director (Ms. Deno), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms.
Pappas).
Guest: None
1. 2019 municipal elections: ranked -choice voting planning and implementation
Ms. Kennedy stated this evening's discussion will review recommendations related to reporting
of results, recounts, testing of voting equipment and post-election review.
Ms. Kennedy explained voting equipment is tested multiple times prior to an election. Going
forward additional testing will be required to ensure each ranking for each candidate is
recorded properly and that the county is able to produce the cast vote record that will be used
for tabulation. She noted this will require additional coordination with Hennepin County.
Ms. Kennedy stated after the election, the city will continue to canvass results in the timeframe
set forth by state law. She reminded council that any races in which a winner cannot be
declared with first choice votes will be tabulated after Election Day, results will not be
immediate. She added that the city will communicate throughout the tabulation process and
provide regular status updates to the public. She added that the city will also produce summary
statements for each round of tabulation.
Ms. Kennedy noted because the city will be using a new voting method, it is important to
implement procedures that will ensure the public trusts the accuracy of the city's equipment
and results. She stated the ordinance would include requirements for voluntary post-election
review to verify the accuracy of the voting equipment. She also recommended that the city hire
an outside consultant to audit the tabulation procedures used.
Ms. Kennedy stated all prior topics discussed, including tonight's discussion with council, will be
presented in an ordinance to the council in November, with final adoption anticipated in
December. After the ordinance is officially adopted staff will begin outreach and education
efforts within the community.
Councilmember Brausen stated staff has been very thoughtful in this process, adding he
appreciates that, along with the focus on transparency and accountability. He added at this
point he trust's staff to write the ordinance and bring it back for final review and approval by
the council.
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Mayor Spano asked if there will be a mock election conducted. Ms. Kennedy stated yes, there
are plans to conduct a mock election, not only for public education, but also so staff is able to
test and practice tabulation procedures.
2. 2019 budget
Mr. Simon reported and noted at the August 13 study session, council discussed a preliminary
levy range of 5-5.25% over last year. The 2019 preliminary property tax levy adopted by the
council on September 7, can be decreased but cannot be increased after that date.
Mr. Simon noted on December 17th the council will be asked to adopt the 2018 revised budget,
2019 budget, final tax levies (city and HRA) and 2019-2028 CIP.
Councilmember Mavity said in analyzing the 10 -year plan, council has not yet adopted the
comprehensive plan and she is wondering if any assumptions rolling into this financial plan are
from the comp plan. She added the council must understand what changes will be made, and
what public investments will be supported.
Mr. Simon stated he is working hand in hand with staff on the financial plan as it relates to the
comprehensive plan. He also noted that he will discuss this further with council at the October
8 meeting.
Councilmember Brausen, Councilmember Hallfin, and Mayor Spano agreed with the policy
consideration questions: to set the 2019 preliminary tax levy at 5.18%; and, to set the 2019
preliminary HRA levy at 0.0185%.
Councilmember Rog stated she supports the HRA levy but wished she understood better what
5.2% will provide for residents and taxpayers. She stated many residents are not getting raises
to align with a tax increase, and she struggles with the impacts on the city's lower income
residents, adding it is a burden for them.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he does not hear this come up from residents, adding very few
people come to the truth in taxation hearing each year.
Councilmember Rog noted, however, that residents sought her out on this issue when she was
campaigning.
Councilmember Mavity noted the school bond referendum passed by 85%, adding there is
overwhelming support for quality and the value and services provided by our schools. She
stated this tells an enormous story of what our community wants.
Councilmember Rog stated this is 85% of 11% who voted and the vast majority of residents did
not vote in that election.
Mayor Spano agreed with Councilmember Hallfin, that hardly any folks come to the truth in
taxation meeting. He added the city has also been trying to update infrastructure, noting that
Study Session Minutes -3= September 4, 2018
folks do understand the value and why we are spending the money for services here in St. Louis
Park.
Councilmember Harris stated she supports both policy considerations, pointing out folks
receive police, fire, and water services, plus other core items, adding that other towns have to
purchase services from neighboring cities.
Councilmember Miller added he would like to hear more about the NOAH properties, and
understand the impact better. He stated the city continues to go back to the same lower
income folks, with a higher levy, adding he would prefer to come closer to a 3% levy.
Councilmember Miller added he is opposed to the preliminary tax levy of 5.18%.
Mayor Spano stated the tax helps provide police, fire, water, and other unique things in St.
Louis Park, like Connect the Park and the ROC. He also pointed out challenges do arise, like the
Water Treatment Plant #4 project, that must be taken care of.
Mr. Harmening stated staff will prepare some talking points for the council on what the
proposed levy is and what it will provide the city, along with special projects that are also
funded.
The Council agreed unanimously with the HRA Levy at 0.0185%.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
3. Dark fiber/conduit agreement with US Internet