HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-16 WSCITY OF LAKEVILLE
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
November 28, 2016
Mayor Little called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Members present: Mayor Little, Council Members Anderson (via video), Davis, LaBeau
Members absent: Swecker
Staff present: Justin Miller, City Administrator; Allyn Kuennen, Assistant City Administrator;
Chris Petree, Public Works Director; Jerilyn Erickson, Finance Director; Dave Olson,
Community & Economic Development Director; Brenda Visnovec, Liquor Store Manager; John
Hennen, Parks & Recreation Director
2. Citizen Comments: None
3. Dakota County CDA Strategic Plan Presentation
Tony Schertler, Executive Director of the Dakota County CDA, along with Matt Smith, Dakota
County Manager, provided an update on current programs, upcoming affordable housing and
redevelopment projects, as well as their role in the strategic economic development planning
process. The objective of the CDA's presentation was to seek input, feedback, and suggestions
from the Council as to what the CDA is doing right, and what areas could use improvement,
development, or further review. Dakota County Commissioners Holberg and Slavik provided
their input as members of the CDA Board of Directors.
The City Council asked questions regarding housing options for `youths at risk' and seniors in the
community, types of services offered by the County, and discussed infrastructure and income
based housing needs in the City.
4. EDC Strategic Plan Update
Mr. Olson provided an update on the status of the current goals and priorities of the 2014-2016
Strategic Plan for Economic Development; and presented the draft 2017-2019 plan facilitated by
Craig Rapp, LLC. The draft plan highlights the desired outcomes, key outcome indicators, and
performance targets for the following recommended priorities: business retention & expansion,
maintaining a competitive edge, housing to support economic goals, and workforce. Mr. Olson
also outlined the purpose of completing this strategic plan, and the process required which
includes accessing the current environment, reviewing the environment, determining success,
and implementing the vision.
City Council Work Session Minutes, November 28, 2016
Page 2
Prior to working on strategic initiates to implement the plan, staff and the EDC would like to
ensure the plan's vision and priorities identified align with those of the Council. The Council
clarified line items still needed in the plan, and the desire to include transportation expansion and
outreach/marketing to businesses. The Council agreed with the four main focuses of the plan.
5. Holyoke Streetscape Signage Options
At the November 21 City Council meeting, staff advanced the streetscape design agreed upon
with the DLBA to move forward with a feasibility study for the Holyoke Avenue Street
Improvement Project. The DLBA, as well as other stakeholders, have expressed an interest in
improving the downtown signage, however further research was required to determine what
funding options were available to cover the cost.
Mr. Petree outlined the various signage options: size, material, location, lighting & landscaping
components, and cost. The monument sign outside of City Hall would be fully funded by the
City at a cost of $74,925, and part of a separate project.
The three downtown business entrance monument signs, estimated at a cost of $78,300, would be
funded by $65,000 in CDA TIF Funds, and the balance of $13,300 covered through special
assessment.
The Council discussed the role of downtown businesses in the City, clarified the sign ordinance,
right-of-way, long-term landscape maintenance needs, and the special assessment cost estimated
at $144.23 a front foot for the entire project, including signage. The Council was in support of
the funding options proposed, and thanked staff for their efforts to finding resolution.
6. 2016 Year End Budget Preview, 2017 General & Liquor Fund Budgets', and 2017 Tax Levy
Ms. Erickson provided an overview of the proposed 2017 budgets for the Liquor Fund and
General Fund, and the property tax levy. The new proposed plan reduces the property tax
increase from 4.95% to 3.89%, maintains a fund balance ratio at 46.2%, and eliminates the need to
issue debt for equipment by using General Fund reserves.
The proposed budget also identified areas that may vary from the projected numbers which
include: building permits, investment income, snowplowing, and fuel; and outlined revenue and
expenditure changes in the General Fund.
The City Council clarified budget uncertainties, investments, financial impact on the average
household, and uses of the fund balance, while also expressing concerns for long-term debt. The
Council was in support of the budget as it addressed the issues raised at the time of preliminary
levy adoption and used fund balance for one-time or capital items.
City Council Work Session Minutes, November 28, 2016
7. 2017 Fee Schedule
Page 3
Ms. Erickson outlined the 2017 recommended fee schedule as part of the annual budget review
process which included: the proposed fee schedule changes & explanations, memo to the Parks
committee regarding park dedication fees, and memo regarding 2017 proposed utility fund rates.
As required by State Statute, a public hearing will be held on December 5, which will allow the
community to provide feedback and input about the proposed fee schedule. All feedback
provided by the public and Council on December 5 will be integrated into the proposed 2017
changes.
Council specifically asked for more detail on the current status of the Park Dedication fund and a
better explanation of how the current policy came into effect. Council also discussed in more
detail the impact of the revised water rates and agreed that a utility rate study was needed in 2017.
8. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Tamara "Ilhce,-Deputy City Clerk
Matt Little, Mayor