HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 11-18 CCM Joint 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
GENERAL WORK SESSION
MEETING WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 18, 2002
COUNCIL /COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session with the Financial Commission at
Brooklyn Center City Hall in the Council /Commission Conference Room and was called to order by
Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:18 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, and Tim Ricker.
Councilmember Bob Peppe was absent and excused. Also present: City Manager Michael
McCauley, Interim Assistant City Manager /Director of Public Works Sharon Klumpp, Fiscal and
Support Services Director Doug Sell, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
Financial Commission Members present were Chair Donn Escher and Commissioners Timothy
Elftmann, Jay Hruska, Mark Nemec, Lawrence Peterson, and Gavin Wilkinson.
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF REVISED GENERAL FUND BUDGET
City Manager Michael McCauley discussed that the draft general fund budget is being presented in a
balanced format and that since the last budget worksession, an additional $16,337 of levy authority is
proposed based on the certification received to levy for additional Public Employee Retirement
Association costs; and that the draft budget reflects the elimination of three full -time positions
pursuant to the recently approved reconfiguration of positions.
Mr. McCauley suggested that the tuition reimbursement program be suspended. He believes that this
would be an appropriate area of savings since it is not widely utilized.
Mr. McCauley outlined an overhead discussing personnel costs and explained that the salary
increases should generally keep the City competitive with our comparable cities; however, the issue
of the level of insurance contributions made by the City would need to be further discussed. The
City is potentially in an uncompetitive position and may need to increase its contribution beyond the
budgeted increase.
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Mr. McCauley continued discussions that were outlined in the materials regarding the aid reductions
for 2003, new trash receptacles in the central business area, the Peacemakers funds, and the legal
costs.
It was brought to the Council's attention that the new trash receptacles are being considered for
purchase in 2002 and service started in 2003 if the Council was comfortable moving forward with
this expenditure for the final budget meeting in December.
Mayor Kragness expressed the need for this around the transit area. She has received many
complaints regarding the trash and believes this would be a worthwhile expenditure.
REVIEW ENTERPRISE
Mr. McCauley reviewed that the enterprises continue to be the same as previously discussed and the
rate increases will be the following: three percent for water, sewer, and storm sewer, one percent for
street light utility, and that there will be no increase for recycling.
Council discussed the street light utility increase and the number of streetlights currently not working
throughout the City. Mr. McCauley informed the Council that staff is working with Excel Energy to
resolve these issues and that the City of Brooklyn Center is not the only City facing problems at this
time. Interim Assistant City Manager /Director of Public Works Sharon Klumpp discussed that she
continues to work with the Engineering Department and suggested that the Council contact her
regarding any complaints or concerns.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS OF 2003 CALENDAR
Council discussed the proposed 2003 calendar and was in consensus with the addition of a
worksession after the January 13, 2002, Regular Session. This worksession will be an orientation for
the newly elected Council Members.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Lasman questioned what happens to the unexpended monies from the budget. Mr.
McCauley discussed that the monies are part of the funding source for capital improvements and
street reconstruction after applicable fund balance policies have been applied.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Ricker to adjourn the meeting at
8:11 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
J City Clerk Ma or
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