HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 05-22 CCM Joint Session with Financial Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND FINANCIAL COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
JOINT SESSION
MAY 22, 1997
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council and Financial Commission met in a joint meeting called to order by Mayor
Kragness at 7 p.m. in Conference Room B, City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman, and Robert
Peppe, Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher, and Commissioners Ned Storla and Ron
Christensen. Also present were City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane
Chambers, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, and City Clerk Sharon Knutson. Financial
Commissioners Jerald Blarney, Jay Hruska, Larry Peterson, and Michael Weidner were absent.
FINANCIAL COMMISSION UPDATE
Financial Commission Chair Escher reported that at the last Council meeting he made a presentation
on behalf of the Financial Commission regarding the revision to the Capital Improvements Fund
Expenditure Policy, and the policy was adopted by the City Council.
DRAFT BUDGET CALENDAR AND DISCUSSION OF ISSUES
City Manager McCauley stated this is the beginning stage of the budget process and the purpose of
this meeting is for the City Council and Financial Commission to raise issues and provide input in
the preparation of the 1998 budget. Mr. McCauley summarized the budget calendar and suggested
the Council schedule a budget work session prior to the August 18, 1997, work session.
City Manager McCauley gave an overview of the estimated sources of financing for the budget,
which includes approximately 52% property taxes, 30% intergovernmental, 7% services charges,
4% lodging tax, and the remaining 7% is transfers and miscellaneous. He then reviewed how the
budget is appropriated by function, which is estimated at 43% public safety, 19% recreation, 15%
general government, 12% public works, 3% transfers out, 3% unallocated, 2% Convention Bureau,
2% debt services, and 1% Social Services.
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Chair Escher explained that in the early 1990s the City employees conducted a service prioritization
on how to increase revenues or decrease spending.
Councilmember Hilstrom indicated she would like the City to look at the possibility of participation
in more joint powers agreements and sharing of costs. She would like to add this as one of the goals
for this year.
Discussion ensued regarding a bond referendum for City building needs. City Manager McCauley
indicated the City component of property taxes could go up if it is a successful bond election.
Councilmember Carmody asked if there would be increased operating expenses with relation to the
1998 budget if the bond election is successful.
Councilmember Lasman inquired about the recreation director position. City Manager McCauley
stated the City is evaluating the park and recreation division.
COUNCIL ISSUES/DIRECTION ON BUDGET/BUDGET PROCESS
Councilmember Hilstrom discussed the issue of code enforcement, one of the Council's established
goals. City Manager McCauley said currently the code enforcement officers are in the police
department budget, however, one full -time code enforcement officer could be reallocated to the
community development department. Councilmembers Carmody and Hilstrom asked whether the
position is called code enforcement officer or community services officer.
There was discussion regarding Brookdale and any effects it may have on the City budget.
Councilmember Hilstrom indicated it was hopeful that the Governor would sign the $2 million bill
for redevelopment of Brookdale. Financial Commission members strongly encouraged the City
Council to keep Brookdale a top priority.
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS
City Manager McCauley presented a list of joint powers agreements in which the City participates.
Councilmembers Hilstrom and Carmody expressed concern with the Five Cities Senior
Transportation Program, especially as it relates to serving only seniors and does not include travel
to doctor appointments. Councilmembers recommended the City start the process to establish a new
program or look at other options. Regarding Project PEACE, Councilmembers recommended
looking at alternatives such as a joint powers agreement with another city.
CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
City Manager McCauley requested Council direction on the social service requests for the 1998
budget process. Councilmember Hilstrom said that previously the Human Rights and Resources
Commission would evaluate the social service requests and make recommendations to the Council.
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Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher and Financial Commissioner Ned Storla left the meeting
at 9:40 p.m.
Councilmembers agreed to the form and format for application for contractual services, the same
format as last year. Letters will be sent to those agencies who applied last year and notice will be
posted regarding the process for applying for funding, emphasizing the deadline to apply.
Councilmembers will review the requests.
City Manager McCauley recommended the City Council request the Financial Commission to
develop a policy regarding social service requests.
Councilmember Hilstrom requested a list of all the City's professional services and when the
contracts expire.
COMMISSIONER OPAT'S REQUEST
Council discussed a letter dated May 12, 1997, which Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat
wrote to Mayor Kragness regarding ISTEA funding as it relates to Brooklyn Boulevard. City
Manager McCauley will call Commissioner Opat to schedule a work session with the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
la
City Clerk Mayor
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