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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 08-21 CCM Special Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL WORK SESSION AUGUST 21, 1995 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, and Kristen Mann. Also present were Interim City Manager Cam Andre, Director of Finance Charlie Hansen, Financial Commission members Donn Escher, Ron Christensen, Ned Storla, and Jay Hruska. Also present was Council Secretary Connie Beckman. Councilmember Barb Kalligher was absent. JOINT DISCUSSION WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION 1996 PRELIMINARY BUDGET The Interim City Manager in presenting the preliminary budget noted no major changes were being proposed in program areas and anticipated only moderate increases in revenues. no increased revenues. There is still uncertainty with regard to federal subsidies. The Director of Finance presented the proposed City 1996 Budget Calendar. Information received from the state indicates the City's share of HACA, higher than estimated in the budget. The Director of Finance suggested September 6, 1995, for additional consideration of the proposed budget. The deadline for certification of a chosen property tax levy amount is September 15, 1995. Additional work sessions in November may be necessary to further discuss the budget and allow for public hearings. A final budget could not be adopted until public hearings are conducted. The Director of Finance discussed the five funds with property tax levies. General Fund, E.D.A., H.R.A., Special Assessment Bonds of the previous year, and Special Assessment Bonds of the current year. A figure of three percent is used to estimate taxes. The levy will be going up about 3.8 percent, State Local Government Aid going up about 3.7 percent. Tax based revenues are estimated at an increase of 2.61 percent. A typical rule -of -thumb in determining an actual dollar amount increase to residents would be $4 for every $100,000 levied. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the organizational structure chart on page five of the proposed budget as compared to the organizational structure chart on the 1995 budget. The Director of Finance answered there are no changes. 8/21/95 - 1 - The Director of Finance explained the equipment revolving fund in the Central Garage amortizes equipment of all departments. Increased proposed expenditures are necessary because of (1) new additional equipment and (2) increased costs of replaced equipment because of inflated costs. The Interim City Manager said the Council should have a report on the subject of liquor store operation and prospects in six to seven weeks. The memo indicating the City Manager department budget requests was distributed. Councilmember Mann requested a report on the use of staff vehicles. Councilmember Mann left the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom requested information on comparisons about legal fees other governments /communities are paying for services similar to the City. The Interim City Manager indicated the City was slightly lower because most attorneys require a retainer and hourly rate; the City's hourly rate is lower. Councilmember Mann returned to the meeting at 8:25 p.m. In response to Councilmember Carmody, the Director of Finance indicated that the cost of improving the existing council sound system and acoustics would be approximately $200,000, and noted previous Councils did not express interest in this project. In response to a uestion b Council Hilstrom the Director of Finance assured that q Y at all costs were included in the liquor store fund. Ned Storla added he suspected the new accounting approach would provide better detail. Councilmember Carmody inquired about the allocation of Data Processing Costs. The Director of Finance clarified ordinary costs are charged to the activity but a larger cost (i.e. mobile police units) is charged Q ,� d to the using department m the bud In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Carmody, the Director of Finance said the school which utilizes the School Liaison Officer reimburses the City about seventy -five percent. Councilmember s Hilstrom and Carmody requested more information on the Code Enforcement Officer job description and activities. Councilmember Carmody asked for more information regarding the animal control program. The Interim City Manager promised to report on this program. The Council asked for more information on Capital Outlay. 8/21/95 -2 - CORRECTION It was decided the next Budget Work Session was scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 1995. OTHER BUSINESS EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER Councilmember Hilstrom expressed concern regarding financial status of the Center. Mayor Kragness indicated she had talked with Judith Bergeland and the Director of Community Development. Both people suggested the Council hold a work session at the Center which would provide Council with an opportunity to view the Center. Councilmember Hilstrom stated Council needs to have proper information and /or futures planning in hand to make an informed vote regarding budget items for the Center. She added refusal to approve any budget until concrete ideas are provided about the Center's financial stability. Councilmember Mann requested that the EBHC Management study be supplied to the new councilmembers. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 9:44 P. M. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Connie Beckman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial I 8/21/95 -3 -