HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 11-15 CCM Work Session with Financial Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 15, 2004
COUNCIL /COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a Work Session with the Financial Commission at City
Hall and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, Bob
Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public Works Todd Blomstrom, and Director of Fiscal and
Support Services Daniel Jordet.
Commission Members present were Jay Hruska, Mark Nemec, Susan Shogren Smith, and Earl
Simmons. Commission Chair Donn Escher and Commissioner Timothy Elftmann were absent and
excused. Commissioner Lawrence Peterson was absent and unexcused.
LIQUOR FUND
City Manager Michael McCauley opened the discussion of the Liquor Fund Budget for 2005 with an
overview of the changes made in the liquor store configurations starting with the reduction from
three stores to one and finishing with the opening of new store number two last January. He
indicated that the ramp up of activity at the new store was not happening as quickly as anticipated.
Store number one would be working better utilization of personnel for cost savings. He indicated
that the Liquor Fund has a strong fund balance for equipment replacement and cash flow. Several
activities are taking place to attempt to increase sales at both stores including accepting competitors'
coupons and examining other successful municipal stores to glean operational efficiencies and
marketing strategies from their successes. It was indicated that the current quarter of
October/November/December is traditionally the busiest season for the stores. Even so, it is likely
that we will not achieve our net income goals for 2004.
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The topic of transfer to the Capital Projects Fund ensued. City Council set a target indicating that the
floor for annual transfer from the Liquor Fund to the Capital Fund would be $75,000. If performance
improves the Council may transfer additional funds. The currently budgeted transfer for 2005 will
be $125,000.
EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER
There are no major changes proposed for the Earle Brown Heritage Center (EBHC) in the near term.
Operations will continue as they currently occur. Longer -term revenues are relatively flat, however;
a strategic plan must be developed for the longer -term continuation and success of the operation by
increasing revenues. The impact of a proposed hotel adjacent to the facility should be positive.
Revenues for 2005 are lower because the budget is formulated conservatively assuming a flat
economy. There is some capacity for increase in revenues with booking spaces open. The Inn on the
Farm has to be run as an all or nothing proposition or the losses will be very large. Depreciation for
the EBHC facility is not being funded. Some money is being set aside for capital improvements in a
separate capital fund but the depreciation is not fully funded. It will likely never be fully funded by
the operations of the facility.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan as
proposed for 2005. There was discussion regarding the street reconstruction plan. It appears that the
plan is on track and will be completed in its initial phase by 2018.
GENERAL FUND
Mr. McCauley provided an explanation of the cafeteria benefit system and its increase for 2005. The
proposal reflects the discussion held in August 2004 and the preliminary property tax levy adopted in
September. The rationale for applying the majority of the audit fees to Mayor - Council was
questioned. As the audit is done under the direction of the Mayor and Council and is addressed to
them, it was most appropriate to apply the costs to that division. There followed an extensive
conversation on compensation including comparisons with other cities and private sector
compensation.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
A question was raised about the current FTE employment. Full time FTE is 150 in 2004 compared
with 166.5 in 2000.
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A request was made for more specific tax impact information regarding the waterfront properties.
Mr. McCauley responded that such an analysis would be part of the Truth in Taxation presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
City Clerk Mayo
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