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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 09-21 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 i SPECIAL SESSION SEPTEMBER 21, 1981 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Tony Kuefler, and Bill Fignar. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Mayor Nyquist noted that Councilmember Scott was absent from this evening's meeting and was excused. PUBLIC HEARING ON 1982 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET Mayor Nyquist requested the City staff to present an overview of the 1982 proposed City Budget and noted that after the staff presentation the Council will recieve comments from persons present at the meeting. The City Manager proceeded to review the 1982 proposed City Budget pointing out that the total proposed 1982 Budget is $6,502,697 which is a $522,996 increase over the 1981 nta erc Budget. He added the e a increase over the 1981 Budget is 8.75 %. He g P g noted the 1982 property tax levy is proposed at $2,965,702 which is a $219,682 or S 8% increase over 1981. He pointed out the property tax levy percentage increase is limited by the State at 8% and if a City exceeds the percentage it would be penalized by loss of State aids. The City Manager proceeded to review the proposed 1982 tax on various home values in the City of Brooklyn Center. He noted that a home valued at $56,000 would be paying $73.45 in property tax in 1982, a home valued at $48,600 would pay $61.58 and a $76,000 home would be paying $141.66. Councilmember Lhotka arrived at 7:14 p.m. The City Manager stated that the persons in attendance this evening have an interest in a particular portion of the budget, that being the Recreation Department Budget dealing with the Band, Harmonettes, and Children's Chorus. He noted a correction in the 1982 proposed budget and stated that the funtime program was to have been eliminated instead of the community schools as is indicated in the proposed budget. Because of.the 8% levy limit, the City Manager pointed out, that the staff has made a decision on financial matters specifically with regard to this levy limit. He pointed out that one full time position has been eliminated in the City Manager's Department and there have been numerous other cuts in various City departments. 9 -21 -81 -1- i Councilmember Kuefler inquired whether there had been any discussion with or dialogue with any of the organizations represented at the meeting this evening with regard to the possibility of the organizations increasing dues or sharing the financial - load with the City. In response to a question from Councilmember Kuefler, . Baton commission has Administrative Assistant Bublitz noted that the Park & Recreation gone on record as supporting the continuation of funding for the Harmonettes, Children's Chorus, and the City Band for 1982. Councilmember Lhotka inquired what fees, if any, are presently being charged members of the organizations. June Scofield, former Director of the Children's Chorus and Harmonettes, stated that the Harmonettes are charged a fee of $12.50 per person, the children in the Chorus are charged $6 per year and she also pointed out that the Harmonettes contributes $500 per year to the City. She noted that in looking at other City expenditures she believes the Harmonettes and Children's Chorus are a minimal expense. Mr. John Kempel, Director of the City Band addressed the Council and stated that he believes the good -will derived from band concerts is worth the $4,500 the City is required to provide for the program. He stated the good -will is a service which other cities cannot obtain for $4,500. He added that if the groups are lost they will be impossible to build again. Mayor Nyquist inquired how many people the band performed for. Mr. Kempel stated that they have had as many as 150 people at a concert. Councilmember Kuefler inquired how many hours per year the band devoted to performing. Mr. Kempel stated that the band performs on the average of 200 hours per year in addition to practice time. Ms. Scofield added that the 200 hours of performing time is approximately the same as that of the chorus. } Ms. Jane Vieg, current Director of the Harmonettes and Children's Chorus addressed the Council and read a letter from Paul Courtney of the Westwood Nursing Home requesting that the Harmonettes and Chorus not be eliminated from the 1982 Budget. Mayor Nyquist recognized numerous members of the City Band, Harmonettes, and Children's Chorus who spoke to the City Council requesting that the Council continue funding of the Harmonettes, Children's Chorus, and Band for 1982. Mayor Nyquist recognized Jackie Albright, a member of the Brooklyn Center Park & Recreation Commission who stated that when the Council has an opportunity to read the minutes of the Park & Recreation Commission meeting, it will show that the Commission supported continuation of these programs Mayor Nyquist continued to invite discussion from the members, of the audience with \ regard to their comments and requests for continuation of the Harmonettes, Children's Chorus, and City Band programs. Mayor Nyquist thanked all persons in attendance and explained that a decision regarding the continued funding of the Harmonettes, City Band, and Children's Chorus would not be made this evening but would be made at the next scheduled Council meeting. REVIEW OF CITY BUDGET The City Manager proceeded to review the 1982 proposed City Budget by departments beginning with the Council, Charter Commission, and City Manager's Office Budget. 9 -21 -81 -2 He pointed out that one full time position has been eliminated in the City Manager's Office and the addition of an Administrative Intern has been proposed for 1982. He also pointed out an addition of $5,000 to the Professional Services Budget has been proposed in the City Manager's Department. With regards to capital outlay, he noted that a point of sales terminal is being proposed for the 1982 Budget to replace the cash register currently used in the front office. He proceeded to review °the Elections And Voter Registration Budget pointing out that there will be at least two elections in 1982 and that the Budget also accounts for the costs related to legislative reapportionment. The City Manager reviewed the Assessing-Department and Finance Department's Budget and also the Budget for the Independent Audit and Legal Counsel. With regard to the proposed Budget for Legal Counsel, the City Manager stated that he believed the Budget could be reduced by $5,000 and still be viable. The City Manager reviewed the Government Building's Budget and explained there is E no proposed change for staffing for 1982. Councilmember Fignar inquired what the E storage building proposed in the Budget would be used for. The City Manager explained, currently a metal dumpster is stored in the wooden building attached to the City hall along with lawn mowers and other yard equipment. He explained the storage building will house these items along with gas heaters for the lawn mowers and chlorine used for the pool. He explained special venting would be required in the building for storage of chlorine. Councilmember Fignar inquired what the redecorating items were proposed on page 57 of the Budget. The City Manager noted that the redecorating would be for the east fire station for painting and furnishings. He added that both the east and west stations have not undergone any improvements in several years. The City Manager reviewed the Detached Worker Budget and noted that presently cities in-the northwest suburban area are charged at various rates for the services of the detached worker and that he would hope to get some consistency in the rate structure in the future. The City Manager reviewed the Police Department Budget. Councilmember Lhotka requested the City Manager to review the maintenance cost associated with the Citations. The City Manager stated it is difficult to get a handle on the exact maintenance cost in that General Motors is providing parts and is generally interested in monitoring the operation of the cars as squad cars. He stated that there is less down -time on the Citations than there was with the Novas. Also, he pointed out, there appears to be less down -time over all with the Citations than in other suburban Police Departments. The City Manager proceeded to review the Fire Department Budget and noted that an increase in duty pay has been proposed for 1982, pointing out that it had not been changed in 3 years. Councilmember Kuefler left the table at 9:00 p.m. The City Manager proceeded to review the Planning & Inspection Department Budget and pointed out that the 1982 proposed Budget had relatively little change from the 1981 Budget. 9 -21 -81 -3- FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING PUBLIC HEARING The Director of Finance reviewed the Federal Revenue Sharing legislation for Council members pointing out that Congress created revenue sharing with the passage of the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 and that the program was modified with the passage of the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1976, and again in 1980 with the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act Amendments of 1980. He noted revenue sharing was originally conceived as a way of sharing the federal income tax with state and local governments which traditionally have had to depend on more regressive taxes. He added that its major purpose is to disburse federal assistance to governments with maximum flexibility on use permitting .recipients to determine the programs and activities where the money is most needed. Councilmember Kuefler returned to the table at 9:06 p.m. The Director of Finance pointed out that the Federal Revenue Sharing Program will continue at least to September of 1983. He noted that the law requires that a federal revenue sharing proposed use hearing be conducted, that this hearing was conducted on August 10, 1981 and that the minutes of the hearing are before the Council this evening. He stated that this hearing is designed to receive suggestions from the public on how to use the 1982 federal revenue sharing _funds. He added that the Council is also required to hold a public hearing on the proposed use of federal revenue sharing funds. The Director of Finance proceeded to review the City's policy with regard to federal revenue sharing, pointing out the policy is to use the revenue sharing funds for capital expenditures and for expenditures that do not create ongoing programs. He stated there will be approximately $463,514 in federal revenue sharing funds availab for use by the City in 1982. He noted this amount is arrived at by adding the remaining balance of revenue sharing funds in entitlement period No. 11, the amounts received for entitlement periods No. 12 and No. 13, and also the amount to be received in the first quarter of entitlement period No. 14. He added that notice of the public hearing this evening has been published in the official newspaper. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on federal revenue sharing funds for 1982. He inquired if there was any comments or suggestions i re from the City Council or members of the audience with regard to the City's revenue sharing funds for 1982. No one appeared to speak and the public hearing on federal revenue sharing funds for 1982 was closed. CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 1982 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET The City Manager proceeded to review the Emergency Preparedness and Animal Control Budget proposed for 1982 pointing out that the staff believes the City is receiving sufficient coverage with fewer dollars budgeted for animal control. He stated that there are less actual hours being used for animal control than in the past. The City Manager proceeded to review the Engineering Department Budget. The Director of Finance pointed out to the Council that on page 89 in the proposed 1982 Budget there is an error noting that there are four Engineering Tech III s, not three as listed in the Budget. He added that there is only one Engineering; Technician II and that the new position of Engineering Inspector will take the place of one of the Tech III position. In summary, there are no new positions proposed for the Engineering Department. 9 -21 -81 -4- The City Manager proceeded to review the Street Construction and Maintenance Budget, and the proposed Vehicle Maintenance Budget for 1982. He noted that the major item in the Vehicle Maintenance Budget for 1982 is the fuel dispensing system which is designed to control the dispensing of fuel for City vehicles. He noted the system utilizes a double card system, one card for the employee and one card for the particular piece of equipment the employee is using. He noted the current system is a mechanical system, is 11 years old and is wearing out. He added that the system will do all computations to eliminate the hand computations of fuel usage and mileage on City vehicles. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 9:35 p.m. and reconvened at 9 :40 p.m. CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 1982 CITY BUDGET The City Manager proceeded to review the Traffic Signs and Signal's Budget, Street Lighting Budget, Weed Control Budget, Health Regulation and Inspection Budget and Recreation & Parks Administration Budget. He pointed out there are no major changes in the Recreation & Parks Administration Budget. The City Manager reviewed the Adult Recreation Program's Budget. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether the staff had received any calls with regard to the closing of warming houses for the 1981 -82 skating season. The City Manager stated that the staff has received some calls and that the staff is looking into using satellite toilet facilities outside the shelter buildings and will experiment with closing down the plumbing inside the shelter buildings. The City Manager reviewed the Teen Recreation Program's Budget, the Children's Recreation Program's Budget, and the General Recreation Program's Budget. The City Manager pointed out that the community schools program was inadvertently eliminated from the 1982 Budget and that the program that should have been eliminated was the funtime program which affects only two or three grade schools in the area. He noted the community school program provides building supervisors to keep the schools open for such activities as Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other related activities. The City Manager reviewed the Community Center Budget and noted the capital outlay portion of this Budget appropriates funds for the replacement of pool area doors and windows, replacing of the weight room floor, pool filter elements, a chlorine leak detector, a whirlpool, and several items of community center furniture. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether any increase in use of fees was anticipated for the community center. The Director of Finance stated that the staff is proposing a fee increase in memberships from $30 to $40 for a three month family membership, $55 to $70 for a six month family membership and from $100 to $119 for a full year family membership. He added that the single memberships will also increase noting that the three month single membership will increase from $20 to $25, a six month member- ship will increase from $35 to $42, and a full one year single membership will increase from $60 to $72. The City Manager reviewed the proposed Parks Maintenance Budget for 1982 and noted that there is no change in staffing proposed for 1982. He noted the capital outlay 9 -21 -81 -5- portion of the budget include appropriations for new shelter building roofs at Bellvue and Happy Hollow Park, and the renovation of the shelter buildings at Grandview and Northport Parks. He explained an appropriation is also included for large tree transplants. The City Manager reviewed the 1982 Unallocated Departmental Expense Budget and pointed out the Budget reflects no major change in activities from the previous year with the exception of the reduction of copy machine costs because the City purchased a copy machine in 1981. He noted the capital outlay portion of the budget includes appropriations for a combined word processor and inter- active terminal station, a police management system, and a high speed modems for the Assessor's Office, all to be used in conjunction with the Logis Data Management System. Councilmember Kuefler requested that the staff review the fund balance for 1982. The Director of Finance pointed out that the fund balance consists of working capital which is 25% of the total Budget and totals $1,397,817, 5% of the total tax levy which is $118,370 and 10% of the revenue estimates which is $332,386. He noted the total amount available for transfer is $600,975. Mayor Nyquist inquired of the Council if there were any other questions or comments on the proposed 1982 City Budget. There being none, he proceeded with the next agenda item. RESOLUTION NO. 81 -190 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION REQUESTING SUPPORT FOR THE NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL The motion for the adoption of-the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Gene Lhotka, and Bill Fignar; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Kuefler and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:30 p.m. S } f f Cle Mayor t 9 -21 -81 -6-