HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06.d
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
March 30, 2020
Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order via teleconference at 3:02 p.m. in the Marion
Conference Room at City Hall.
Members Present via telephone: Mayor Anderson, Council members Volk, Anderson,
Wheeler, Hellier and Lee
Staff Present: Justin Miller, City Administrator
Staff Present via telephone: Andrea McDowell Poehler, City Attorney, Tammy Schutta,
Human Resources Manager; Jerilyn Erickson, Finance Director; John Hennen, Parks &
Recreation Director; Paul Oehme, Public Works Director; Zach Johnson, City Engineer;
Charlene Friedges, City Clerk
Item 2-Revised Leave Policy
The Human Resources Manager presented a revised COVID-19 leave program which
includes the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The new federal law is effective
April 1, 2020. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act requires public employers to provide
their employees paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons
related to COVID-19. The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act grants up
to 12 weeks of job protected leave to care for children because school has been closed or
they are without childcare due to a public health emergency.
Ms. Schutta and Mr. Miller explained that funds to support this policy were unanticipated
and, therefore, not budgeted. City staff is tracking expenses related to the COVID-19
pandemic, including salaries and wages, for possible reimbursement from federal and/or
state government levels.
Motion was made by Wheeler, seconded by Hellier, to amend the COVID-19 leave
program to include the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes – Volk, Anderson, Wheeler, Hellier, Lee
Item 3-Bonding/Construction Projects Update
The City Engineer provided an update of the proposed 2020 construction projects that
include bonding as a funding source. They include the 2020 street reconstruction project,
Ames Arena parking lot improvements, 170th Street reconstruction and 179th Street
reconstruction. Favorable bids have been received for all four projects. Mr. Johnson
Special City Council Meeting Minutes – March 30, 2020 Page 2
explained that keeping these projects on schedule minimizes impacts to businesses,
residents and schools.
The Finance Director presented the proposed 2020 debt issuance and impact on the tax
levy beginning 2021. Based on preliminary calculations for the 2020 debt issuance and
assuming a 10-year term for the bonds, the first levy for 2021 is estimated to be $963,000.
Ms. Erickson presented four different scenarios the City Council could consider that would
mitigate the large increase in debt service levy. There are pros and cons with each scenario.
Extending the term for repayment and delaying the first principal payment would result in
additional interest costs for the City.
Council members considered the proposed scenarios and possible exceptions to the City’s
assessment policy to help minimize the financial impact to affected property owners due to
the current economic uncertainty. Ms. Erickson stated any changes to the City’s
assessment policy would need to be made prior to issuing bonds and adopting the
assessments. Staff will provide additional information for Council consideration at its April
27th work session. Council directed staff to move forward with all four projects and include
award of contracts on the April 6th Council meeting agenda.
Item 4-Park Referendum Update
Council members and staff briefly discussed the park bond referendum survey results and
whether to proceed with an August referendum. At the time the survey was conducted,
which was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker Tilly estimated that a referendum with
a tax impact under $80 per year for a $330,000 home would receive majority support.
However, council members expressed concern that an August referendum may be too soon
given the current economic uncertainty.
Council members agreed to continue discussion at the April 27 work session and decide at
that time whether to proceed with an August referendum. Council directed staff to prepare
an articulation of options that could be considered for potential improvements to the city’s
parks without referendum dollars.
Item 5-COVID 19 City Operational Update
Mr. Miller provided a COVID-19 City Operational Update.
Motion was made by Volk, seconded by Lee, to adjourn.
Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes – Volk, Anderson, Hellier, Wheeler, Lee
Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 4:16 p.m.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes – March 30, 2020 Page 3
Respectfully submitted,
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Charlene Friedges, City Clerk
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Douglas P. Anderson, Mayor