HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 08-06 FCM JOINT SESSION WITH CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
GENERAL WORK SESSION
MEETING WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION
AUGUST 6, 2001
CONFERENCE ROOM B
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session with the Financial Commission at
Brooklyn Center City Hall in Conference Room B and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness
at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, Bob Peppe, and Tim Ricker.
Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, Fiscal and
Support Services Director Doug Sell, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
Financial Commission Members present were Chair Donn Escher and Commissioner Mark Nemec.
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF 2002 BUDGET PROCESS
City Manager Michael McCauley discussed the development process being used for the 2002 budget,
which is very general at this time, due to the results in the loss of HACA, some Local Government
Aid (LGA), and levy limits. Several issues dominate the development of the general fund budget
which include PERA contribution rates that have been increased by the Legislature for both the
employee and the City, insurance costs rising in 2003, LOGIS imposing a $26,000 to $27,000 special
assessment for the financial system, and the police software being replaced which is estimated to cost
in the $270,000 to $350,000 range.
Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher questioned the salary and benefits for the employees. Mr.
McCauley explained the salary and benefits were listed separately and what the cost breakdown was
for the employee and City.
Councilmember Peppe asked about the status of the Fire Relief benefits. Mr. McCauley responded
that defined contribution is being explored, but the ability to implement has not been achieved where
new and older members would both be even. Mr. Sell will be familiarizing himself with the situation.
Mr. McCauley discussed that personnel costs in the general fund expenditures continues to be the
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highest single component. It is proposed to continue the increase for personnel at three percent;
however, the three percent increase may be increased closer to the final budget time to deal with
increased pension costs.
After further discussion of the general fund budget and levies it was the consensus of the Council to
move forward with the 2002 budget process.
OPTIONS
Mr. McCauley requested direction from the Council with pursuing the increase of rental license fees.
Councilmember Lasman questioned other cities that had been compared. Mr. McCauley responded
that the other cities compared had more and or some had less units so it varies from city to city.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward and put this issue on a City Council agenda.
Council discussed the creation of a street light utility, the possibility of shifting back to bonds for
street improvements, and franchise fees on utilities and will await the formal recommendation from
the Financial Commission.
SOCIAL SERVICE REQUESTS
Council discussed the requests received for 2002 and was in consensus of the following:
Joint Powers
Five Cities Transportation $13,804
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council $18,777
Project Peace $54,784
Services Dependent on City Funding
PRISM $10,000
Services Aided by City Funding
Brooklyn Peacemaker Center, Inc. $ 7,000
North Hennepin Mediation Program, Inc. $ 4,000
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING
Mr. McCauley discussed that truth in taxation hearings are not required this year and recommended
no truth in taxation hearing this year. The additional expenses for a hearing would not be warranted,
as information can be given in City Watch and at regular City Council meetings which are televised.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Council discussed the upcoming National Night Out, Council Retreat, the enforcement at Willow
Lane Park, and the Highway 100 project. It was noted that the Council would like to have an update
on the enforcement at Willow Lane Park.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to adjourn the meeting at
7:32 p.m.
City Clerk Mayor
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