Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 09-16 CCM Special 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 SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1985 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:07 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor an Nyquist, Councilmembers Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, Bill Hawes, and Rich Theis. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, and Deputy City Clerk Geralyn Barone. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Nyquist reconvened the public hearing on the 1986 annual City Budget and use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. Councilmembers began review of the 1986 revenues for the City. The Director of Finance noted the state homestead credit is contained in the ad valorem levy. Councilmember Lhotka requested an explanation for the large increase in rental dwelling permits, and the Director of Finance stated that revenues received from this permit are higher every other year and 1985 was one of the low years. Councilmember Theis requested that City staff review the license fee structure, and the City Manager stated that this review is in progress and will be completed by December 31, 1985. Mayor Nyquist proceeded to the review of the appropriation budget, and began with the City Council Budget, Unit No. 11. The City Manager stated that contrary to his budget message, funds have been allocated for lobbying. Councilmember Hawes stated he objects to lobbying efforts, and the City Manager stated that although the City has not expended anything in this account, he recommends maintaining the fund. Mayor Nyquist said he would like to keep the lobbying fund in the budget, but spending of such funds should be done judiciously. The Council next reviewed the Charter Commission Budget, Unit No. 12. The Council had no questions at this time. The Council proceeded to review the City Manager's Office Budget, Unit No. 13• The City Manager pointed out that the Office Manager's position would be shifted to that of City Clerk, and the position of Administrative Aid would be added to the staff as a paraprofessional position between the Clerk IV and Administrative Assistant position. Councilmember Lhotka asked if the shift of the Office Manager to City Clerk would be a promotion, and the City Manager stated it would be. Councilmember Lhotka requested additional detail on the capital outlay for government access television, and the City Manager stated he would prepare this information. Councilmember Theis asked for what purpose the paper shredder would be used, and the City Manager stated it would be used to shred documents that the City is required to purge. The Council next reviewed the Elections and Voter's Registration Budget, Unit No. 9 -16 -85 _1_ 14. The City Manager stated that the request for 1986 is more expensive than 1985 because two elections will be held in 1986. Councilmember Hawes asked why the Professional Services' Budget is doubling for 1986, and the City Manager stated this item includes fees for paying election judges, and with two elections in 1986 the amount is doubled. The Council had no questions on the Assessing Department Budget, Unit No. 15. The Council had no questions on the Finance Department Budget, Unit No. 16. The Council proceeded to review the Independent Audit Budget, Unit No. 17. Councilmember Theis requested staff to present the total audit bill, and to inform the Council of those people in the field responsible for completing the audit. The Director of Finance stated this information would be re r p pa ed for the Council. The Council then reviewed the Legal Counsel Budget, Unit No. 18. The Council expressed concern for the ever- increasing costs for legal services, and directed staff to present additional justification for the increases. The Council also requested that staff investigate alternatives that may help lower or maintain legal costs. The City Manager said staff will prepare such information. The Council proceeded to review the Government Buildings Budget, Unit No. 19. The Council requested information on why the request for equipment repair has nearly doubled, and the City Manager stated he would provide the staff with additional information on this item. Councilmember Lhotka asked for an explanation of other contractual service and janitorial service. The City Manager stated the janitorial service is for cleaning of the police department which is done by a service agency, nd the Director of Finance nance stated the other contractual service i s for regular maintenance of the cooling and heating equipment. The Council turned to the Data Processing Budget, Unit No. 20. Councilmember Theis requested additional information and clarification of the memorandum prepared b City Y the C Engineer, as well Y g , 1 as a projection of all future costs for such a project. Councilmember Theis asked what the timing of the project is, and the City Manager stated that at the earliest, the project would commence at the start of 1986. Councilmember Theis expressed concern for investing $30,000 in a project and stated he does not want the City using the logic that once $30,000 is invested in a project it is too late to back out of it. Councilmember Theis then asked what the fire department would be receiving as part of the Logis system. The City Manager stated that Brooklyn Center would be participating with other communities and it will allow the Fire Department to collect more information on their activities. The Council continued their review of the 1986 budget by proceeding to the Police Department Budget, Unit No. 31. Councilmember Theis asked why the City is not trading in police cars, and the City Manager stated that no vehicles will be traded in, but four of them will be sold at the City auction. He added he will see to it that the revenue from the auction is included in the budget. Councilmember Lhotka requested a breakdown of the 911 equipment repair costs, and the City Manager stated he would prepare this information for the Council. Councilmember Theis requested additional information on the overtime of regular employees, and the City Manager said he would prepare additional information. Councilmember Theis asked if the City purchased four squad cars in 1985, and the City Manager responded affirmatively. Councilmember Theis asked if the Council can expect to see a request for four squad cars every year, and the City Manager stated this will 9 -16 -85 -2- probably be the case. Councilmember Hawes asked for clarification of the PERA budgeted amounts, and the City Manager explained the differences between regular, combined, and police PERA. Councilmember Theis asked why no funds have been allocated for dental insurance, and the City Manager stated the police department union voted as a group to eliminate the coverage, due to the increasing cost of premiums. Next, the Council reviewed the Fire Department Budget, Unit No. 32. Councilmember Scott asked why no funds had been allocated for automotive equipment repair, and the City Manager stated most of the repairs are accounted for in the vehicle maintenance unit of the budget. Councilmember Lhotka requested additional information on the carry -all wagon, including what its usage will be. The City Manager stated he would provide this information for the Council. The Council had no questions on the Planning & Inspection Department Budget, Unit No. 33. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at 8:32 p.m. The City Council continued its public hearing on the 1986 annual City budget by reviewing the Emergency Preparedness Department Budget, Unit No. 34. Councilmember Lhokta inquired as to why the budget request for this unit decreased by half, and the City Manager stated there are no capital outlay costs in this budget. The Council proceeded to the Animal Control Budget, Unit No. 35. Councilmember Lhotka asked if the City still contracts with Funk Animal Hospital, and the City Manager responded affirmatively. Councilmember Lhotka asked if the code enforcement officer promoted to police officer is being replaced in the department, and the City Manager stated a replacement is being recruited. The Council proceeded to the Engineering Division Budget, Unit No. 41. The Council had no questions on this budget. The Council then reviewed the Street Maintenance Budget, Unit No. 42. Councilmember Theis asked if the City needs the vacuum sweeper and asked if there is a cheaper alternative. The City Manager stated the City does need it and added that the sweeper does more than just vacuum the street. He stated in the winter and spring the sweeper is able to draw in the water from potholes and also off the street after it rains. Councilmember Theis asked if the City has two of these vehicles, and the City Manager stated the City has a three wheel vehicle. He noted the requested vehicle is a truck and although it is more expensive it costs only approximately 20% more than a three wheeler vehicle. Councilmember Scott asked why the recommended amount for replacement trees is three times as much as the amount requested, and the City Manager stated he proposes planting larger diameter trees. Councilmember Scott asked if the City is having problems with the contractor who is removing the trees marked because of disease, and the City Manager stated there have been no problems. Councilmember Scott pointed out that several marked trees by the Mississippi River have not been removed, and the City Manager stated he would investigate this. Councilmember Hawes noted he received a call from a citizen whose tree had been cut but was not immediately removed. He stated someone from the City was able to get a crew to remove the tree. The City Manager noted sometimes the crew dropping the tree is different from the crew removing the tree. Councilmember 9 -16 -85 -3- Hawes noted that three stumps have not been cleaned out at 54th and Queen Avenues North, and the City Manager stated he would rectify the problem. Councilmember Theis requested an inventory on the number of vacancies from trees removed, and the City Manager stated he would prepare this information. The City Council next reviewed the Vehicle Maintenance Division Budget, Unit No. 43. Councilmember Lhotka stated the City should investigate the alternative of a fiber glass lift when purchasing a new one in 1986. Councilmember Theis asked why there is a substantial increase in the amount requested for motor fuel, and the City Manager stated that fuel prices were down in 1984 and have once again increased. He added prices tend to fluctuate and it is difficult to completely predict an accurate amount. Councilmember Lhotka asked why the process for replacing the fuel tanks is so long, and the City Manager explained the process used to replace the tanks. The Council proceeded to review the Traffic Signals Budget, Unit No. 44. Councilmember Hawes asked if the cost of the new signals installed due to the newly built businesses coming into the City will be assumed by these businesses. The City Manager stated that the businesses will pay a portion of the cost. Councilmember Lhotka requested clarification of the cost budgeted for traffic signals, and the City Manager noted the cost of new signals is included in the state aid account. The Council reviewed the Street Lighting Budget, Unit No. 45. Councilmember Lhotka requested a list of the locations of the ornamental street lights in the City, and the City Manager stated this information will be forwarded to the Council. The Council then proceeded to the Weed Control Budget, Unit No. 46. Councilmember Lhotka requested information on the process used for notifying violators of the weed control ordinance, and a list of those violators who are notified on a regular basis by the City. The City Manager stated this information will be prepared for the Council. Councilmember Scott asked who is supposed to mow the lawn at River Ridge Park, and the City Manager stated it is the City's responsibility. The Council next reviewed the Health Regulation and Inspection Budget, Unit No. 51. The City Manager noted that $7,600 will be moved from this budget to the Contingency Fund because the City of Crystal did not approve the additional personnel request. The Council reviewed the Recreation and Parks Administration Budget, Unit No. 61. The Council and staff discussed the request for a portable bandstand and the benefits of it. Councilmember Lhotka asked why the clerical position for shade tree disease control was removed from the budget, and the City Manager stated the responsibilities of this position have been transferred to the Engineering Department. The Council proceeded with the Adult Recreation Programs Budget, Unit No. 62. Councilmember Scott asked what type of tape recorders are being purchased for $350, and the City Manager stated he would investigate this request and report back to the City Council. Councilmember Theis asked if there has been an increase in the scheduling of adult programs because of the increase in the budget over the past few years. The City Manager stated there has been an increase in activity due to the interest of more females participating in the programs and a general interest in staying physically active longer in the adult's life. Councilmember Theis expressed concern that the teen program would be neglected, and the City Manager stated that the teen programs are expanding. 9 -16 -85 -4- There were no questions or comments on the Teen Recreation Programs Budget, Unit No. 63. The Council reviewed the Children's Recreation Programs Budget, Unit No. 64. The City Manager explained the major increase in this unit is due to the unrealiability of the availability of state Tree Trust funds. He said the City is proposing to fund this unit because of the possibility that the Tree Trust program will not be funded by the state. The Council proceeded to the General Recreation Programs Budget, Unit No. 65. The City Manager noted that the professional services request includes funds for entertainment in the parks and fireworks. Councilmember Scott asked if the City would be able to recuperate money spent for entertainment in the parks, and the City Manager stated he did not think this would be possible. The Council next reviewed the Community Center Recreation Programs Budget, Unit No. 66. Councilmember Theis asked why the budget for the community center reflects such a drastic reduction, and the City Manager stated the capital outlay is much less than 1985. Councilmember Lhotka asked for an explanation of the social hall floor (fill) which had been eliminated from the budget and the City Manager gave a brief explanation. Mayor Nyquist pointed out that the salaries have increased but the social security amount budgeted has decreased. The Director of Finance stated that he would make adjustments for this. The Council reviewed the Parks Maintenance Budget, Unit No. 69. Councilmember Lhotka asked what the shade tree disease control item includes, and the Director of Finance stated this is for trees on City property that are diseased. Councilmember Lhotka requested a report of vehicles owned by the City, and the City Manager stated a report would be presented to the City Council. The Council proceeded to review the Unallocated Departmental Expenses Budget, Unit No. 80. Councilmember Theis noted the substantial increases in insurance costs. The Council discussed the $25,000 budgeted for the 75th anniversary celebration for the City of Brooklyn Center. The Director of Finance informed the Council that a correction on page 35 of the budget document should show that object No. 4100 is salaries, full -time employees and object No. 4130 is salaries, part -time employees. The City Council proceeded to review the 1986 annual budget as proposed for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City. Councilmember Theis asked for an explanation of the salary of regular employees, and the City Manager stated that 75% of the Housing and Purchasing Coordinator's salary will be absorbed in this account, and 20% of the staff accountant's salary would generate from this account. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Theis to continue the public hearing on the 1986 annual City Budget and use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds to September 23, 1985. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 7 Dep y Ci y Clerk ayor 9 -16 -85 -5- I