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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06.bCITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Mayor Bellows called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was given. Present: Mayor Mark Bellows Council Member Laurie Rieb Council Member Kerrin Swecker Council Member Matt Little Council Member Colleen LaB Also Present: Roger Knutson, City Atto Steve Mielke, City Administrator Tom Vonhof, Police Chief Keith Nelson, City David Olson, Community & Economic. Development Director Dennis Feller, Finance Director Daryl Morey, Planning Director Steve Michaud, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Petree, Operations & Maintenance Director Charlene Friedges, City Clerk Citizens' Comments Doreen achin, 9011 -210th Street Ui asked the City Council to give the senior citizens time to complete an appraisal and survey before making a ecision regarding the sate of the former police station building. Ross, 7770 - 202nd Street, stated he feels a municipality does not have the right to operate :a business, and the City should allow the private sector to take over off -sale liquor business. Roger Jacobson, 17332 Ipswich Way, stated he supports the City's municipal liquor operation, pointing out that many programs and equipment purchases are supported by liquor profits. He asked what the City would do with its vacant stores and whether property taxes would increase due to the loss of liquor profits. He also asked the Council not to attempt to make important decisions when all members of the Council are not present. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 2 Judy Hayes, 17326 Idlewood Way, reminded the Council members that they wear many hats in the community, and they are all important. Marlow IIIg,17460 Highview Avenue, pointed out the Federal deficit and urged the Council to cut back on future spending. He also asked if the Council has identified a 5% reduction of the City's budget. Rebecca Sterner, 11560 195th St. W., asked the Council to consider authorizing an environmental assessment of the Midwest Asphalt gravel mining area before granting approval (Item 7 on the agenda). Ron Gerk, 100466 -175th Street, addressed the Council regarding the budget and the use of liquor funds for general operating expenses. He asked how much fuel storage capacity the City has. Mr. Mielke stated that the proposed budget adjustments discussed at the February 28Th Council work session will be brought forward as a resolution for the Council's consideration at the March 21St meeting. He stated staff will respond to Mr. Gerk regarding the City's fuel storage capacity. Bob Erickson, 18224 Justice Way, stated he feels that if a Council member wishes to make a donation to the City, it should be done anonymously. With regard to the possible relocation of the senior center to the former police station building, he ''encouraged the Council to first secure a buyer for the existing senior center building. He questioned the amount of money that was spent to build the Galaxie liquor store, and he voiced concerns regarding economic development and competitive growth. Wally Potter, 10691 - 202nd Street, spoke on behalf of the Lakeville Area Historical Society and Senior Citizens and urged the Council not to act on the sale of the old police station building at this time. H stated that the survey and appraisal, which the Council agreed to at its January work session, have not yet been completed. Additional Agenda Information - Mr. Mielke provided revised documents, as recommended by the City Attorney, for Items 7, 9 and 10. Presentations /Introductions Jeff Czyson, Operations Manager, presented the ALF Ambulance /Allina 2010 Annual Report. f. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCtL'MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 3 Chris Petree presented the February monthly report of the Operations & Maintenance Department. Consent Agenda Council Member Little stated he would abstain from v oting on Item 6n, as he is a member of the Lakeville Lions. 1 1.1 1 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Swecker to approve the consent agenda items as follows: a. Claims for payment. b. Minutes of the February 22, 2011 Ci' February 23, 2011 Council work session: c. Joint Powers Agreement wittl Independent School Districts 192, 194 and 196 for the Safe Routes to School Project. d. Renewal of tree work licenses tor Arbor Doctor, Northway Tree Service and Castle Rock Contracting & Tree Service, LLC. e. Temporary on -sale liquor license for the Lakeville Rotary Club. ncil meeting and the Resolution No, 1 1 -T4 calling public hearing on the certification of delinquent utilityaccounts. Resolution No. 1 1 -15 "accepting donations to the Police Department from Green Planet Car Wash and Lakeville SuperAmerica. :';'Memoranduni of Agreement Pertaining to Coordination and Cooperation of Activities and Programs Related to Protection and Management of the Southwest Metropolitan Area's Ground Water and Surface Water Resources. Joint Powers Cost Share Agreement with Dakota County for Pictometry International Corporation General License Terms and Conditions. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 4 Cross - Country Ski Trail Capital Improvement Grant Agreement with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. k. Agreements with Shane Anderson, Josh Deyo and Schiffelly Puppets for programs and performances at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Resolution No. 11-16 approving plans and specifications and setting a bid date for 2011 street improvement project Project 11-02. m. Appointment of the following advisory cornmTttee members: Planning Commission: Bob Boerschel (expires 12/31/13) Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee: Mott Dinslage (expires 12/31/12) and Robert Swan (Alternate- expires 12/31/11) Lakeville Area Arts Center Board: Timothy Murphy (expires 12/31/13) and Beth Adams (Alternate- expires 12/31/11) n. Resolution No 11-17 approving a lawful gambling premise permit for the Lakeville Lions at the Chart House. o. Tree work license for Branch and Bough Tree Service and Landscape Care. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 7 - Midwest Asp aft Corporation Interim Use Permit Blair Bury, President of Midwest Asphalt Corporation, requested Council approval of an Interim Use Permit and Site Improvement Performance Agreement to allow the mining of sand and gravel on property located in the northeast corner of Kenrick Avenue and 195th Street. The Interim Use Permit, he stated, requires the installation of orange snow fence to delineate the boundary of the bluff impact zone and shore impact zone. He asked the Council to consider an alternate type /color fence from the orange to make it more aesthetically pleasing from the lake. He also asked the Council to consider a reduced amount for the proposed financial security. Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the staff report. He explained that, given the site's proximity to Lake Marion, plans were sent to the Minnesota DNR for review. The Planning Commission CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 5 recommended approval subject to 23 stipulations. As recommended by the City Attorney, the Interim Use Permit has been amended to include a signature page requiring the applicant to acknowledge the conditions. Mr. Dempsey addressed the request from a nearby resident for an environmental study. He explained that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet is required for mining operations that are greater than 40 acres. In this case, the mining area is approximately 17 -18 acres. Mr. Dempsey addressed an email received today from a resident expressing concern regarding noise that could be generated from the mining operation. He explained that State Statute establishes the rr , maximum noise levels that are permitted on a property. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA), the noise that is generated by the proposed use of the property has to be separated from the noise surrounding the property. Mr. Mielke further explained that once the mining work begins, noise levels will be tested to assure that the applicant is in compliance with the limits set by the PCA. However, Midwest Asphalt cannot be held accountable for the freeway noise. In response to Council Member Swecker's questions, Mr. Bury stated that rock crushing would occur on an as needed bask, primarily during the construction season. Mining would progress from north to south, resulting in stockpiles being located between the crushing plants and the lake, which will help mitigate sound. Mr.empsey indicated that staff would work with Mr. Bury on an acceptable fence color and type to be installed at the boundaries of the excavation and mining area. The Interim Use Permit will be amended .cordingly. 11.12 Motion was made by Swecker, seconded by Rieb to approve an Interim Use Permit and Site Improvement Performance Agreement with Midwest Asphalt Corporation to allow mining and excavation on property located in the northeast corner of Kenrick Avenue and 195th Street. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 8 - Walmart Project Wetland Replacement Plan CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 6 Will Matzek of Kimley -Horn and Associates requested approval of a Wetland Replacement Plan for Outlots A and B, Lakeville Commerce Center, located near the intersection of Keokuk Avenue and 205th Street. Community & Economic Development Director Dave Olson explained that the site contains 1.36 acres of wetland that was delineated in September of 2010 by Kimley -Horn and Associates on behalf of Walmart. In order to develop the proposed 152,000 square foot retail store on this site, Walmart is proposing to fill approximately 0.97 acres of this delineated wetland. The Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) requires a 2:1 replacement of impacted wetlands. The proposed wetland replacement plan calls for the purchase of 1.94 acres in the Bachman Wetland Bank located in Eureka Township. Mr. Olson explained that no wetland impacts will occur until the City has received confirmation from the Board of Water and Soil Resources that the required credits have been officially withdrawn from the wetland bank. The City is the Local Government Unit (LGU) and thus is responsible for administering the WCA. Mr. Olson explained that the applicant intends to submit a preliminary and final plat for development of this property. Mr. Mielke pointed out that the issue before the Planning Commission andCity Council will be whether the plcit meets the City's requirements for approval and not whether Walmart can build a store at that location. He also clarified that the City has not expended any of its resources on this project. 11.13 Motion was made py Littie seconded by LaBeau to approve a Wetland Replacement Plan for Keokuk Avenue and 205th Street W., Outlots A and 8, Lakeville Commerce Center, for the proposed Walmart project. Roll call was taken an the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item Kingsley Shores Senior Living Frank Schoeben requested Council approval of the Kingsley Shores Senior Living project, located east of the Chart House restaurant on the north side of Klamath Trail, west of Kenwood Trail. Matt Frisbie of Frisbie Architects provided an overview of the proposed project, which consists of 23 independent living units, 46 assisted living units and 32 memory care units. The project includes the widening of Klamath Trail to meet the City's requirements for a major collector street, CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 7 including a westbound right turn lane into the site. A 10 -foot wide bituminous trail will also be constructed on the north side of Klamath Trail. Planning Director Daryl Morey stated the subject property is located in the shoreland overlay district of Lake Kingsley. He outlined the zoning ordinance flexibilities that the Council is being asked to grant for this project related to buffer yard building setback and screening, building height, shared parking and driveway access, underground parking stall depth and a shared freestanding monument sign ,The Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimousyrecommended approval. The ordinance rezoning the property has been modified to include additional language as recommended by the City Attorney. Mayor Bellows asked staff to address the issue of fire safety. Mr ,Morey stated that the plans were reviewed by the Fire Department and their comments have been addressed, including the installation of a commercial grade fire suppression system for the senior housing facility. Mayor Bellows asked Mr. Mielke to address the need for this type of housing in the city. Mr. Mielke stated that the actions before the City Council relate to land use and development issues. Mr. Frisbie indicated that a market study was completed for this area, and the results were very favorable for assisted, independent and memory care living. Council Member La Beau asked if the City is setting a precedent in terms of the zoning ordinance flexibilities. Mr. Morey explained that this site is unique given its proximity to Lake Kingsley and the shallow depth between Lake Kingsley and Klamath Trail. The DNR has reviewed the plans and is very comfortable with them. Council Member La8eau asked about the future of Lot 1. Mr. Morey stated Mr. Schoeben is currently marketing that property, which would be subject to the uses allowed in the O -R District. 11.14 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Swecker to approve the following: a. Resolution No. 11-18 approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment b. Ordinance No. 875 rezoning property to Planned Unit Development c. Conditional use permit for a planned shoreland development d. Resolution No. 11-19 approving the preliminary and final plat e. Resolution No. 11 -20 vacating public easements f. Resolution No. 11 -21 conveying City -owned property Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Item 10 - Hosanna 4th Addition Wm Hayes of Hosanna Lutheran Church requested, Council approval of Hosanna 4th Addition, a 93 -unit senior housing fapftity located on the Hosanna Lutheran Church property. Susan Farr, representing Ebenezer Management Services;putlined the need for memory care and assisted living housing in this area y Dan Neudecker of Pope Architects presented the site plan for the senior housing facility, which will be connected to the existing church building. The project contains a future 7,000 square foot"chapel and a classroom addition. Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report and proposed planning actions for this project. The Planned Unit Development allows for zoning ordinance flexibilities including building height, interconnection of buildings across property lines, underground parking stall depth, shared parking and driveways across property lines, and the monument sign. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval. The ordinance rezoning the property has been modified to include additional language as recommended by the City Attorney. 11.14' was made by Swecker, seconded by Little to approve the following: a. b. c. d. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 8 Resolution No Ordinance No Resolution No. Resolution No. 11-22 approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment . 876 rezoning property to Planned Unit Development 11-23 approving preliminary and final plat 11 -24 vacating drainage and utility easements Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes, unanimous. Roll call was taken CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 9 Item 11 - Airlake 70 Industrial Park Environmental Assessment Worksheet Dan Regan of Airlake Development requested the City Council authorize the distribution of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed Airlake 70 Industrial Park development and initiate the 30 -day comment period. He explained that Airlake Development is proposing up to 916,000 square feet of light industrial /warehouse development on a 66- acre parcel located southeast of the intersection of Cedar Avenue and the future extension of 215th Street (County Road MT. Mr. Olson explained that because this development exceeds 450,000 square feet, an EAW is required by Minnesota law to determine the impact of full development on the site. The proposed resolution authorizes distribution of the EAW for public comment. The City is the Responsible Government Unit in the preparation and review of the EAW. 11.15 Motion was made by Rieb, seconded by Swecker to approve Resolution No. 11-25 approving the distribution of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Airlake 70 Industrial Park. Unfinished Business- Proposed Sale of Former Police Station Building Council Member LaBeau clarified that in making this motion at the February 22nd meeting, she was trying to send a message that the City is being cis fiscally responsible as possible by putting the building up for sale. C ouncil Member Rieb stated she would like to allow the senior citizens and historical society an opportunity to finish their survey and appraisal before taking any action on whether to sell the building. Council Member Swecker stated that while she will not support a tax increase to move the senior center and historical society into the building, she believes the Council must explore all options prior to placing it on the market. he motion. Ayes, unanimous. Council Member Little stated he feels there is no urgency in making a decision. He felt that the Council would best serve its residents by conducting all the research before making a decision. CITY OF LAKEVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 7, 2011 Page 10 1 1.16 Motion was made by Little, seconded by Rieb to table indefinitely the motion to put the former police station building up for sale. Mayor Bellows stated he supports the sale of the building and feels it is inadequate for use by the senior citizens. He stated in his opinion getting all the options on the table would necessitate testing the market. Roll call was taken on the motion. Ayes- Swecker, it le, Rieb. Nays - Bellows, LaBeau. New Business Council Member Rieb stated that according to the Council's Rules of Procedure, items brought up under New Business are for Council discussion only. If the Council chooses to act on that item, it should be placed on a future agenda. Announcements - Next regular Mayor Bellows adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m. Respectfully sul?m Chtr rlene friedges, City Clerk Mark Bellows, Mayor Council meeting, March 21, 2011 In attendance: Staff: M i nutes Lakeville City Council Work Session February 28, 2011 Mayor Mark Bellows Council Member Laurie Rieb Council Member Kerrin Swecker Council Member Matt Little Council Member Colleen LaBeau Steve Mielke, City Administrator Dennis Feller, Finance Director Dave Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Daryl Morey, Planning Director Chris Petree, Operations and Maintenance Director Steve Michaud, Parks and Recreation Director Brenda Visnovec, Liquor Operations Manager Cindi ,bosten, Human Resources Manager Tom Vonhof, Police Chief Michael Meyer, Fire Chief Jadi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk At 5:30 p.m. Council members interviewed one candidate to fill a vacancy on the Lakeville Area Arts Center Board. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Bellows. ITEM #1 — County Road 50 /County Road 60 Intersection Study Dakota County Engineer Kristi Sebastian presented a study on the intersection of County Roads 50 & 60 (Kenwood Trail & 185 Street) which had recently been completed by Bolton & Menk at the request of Dakota County. The study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating existing traffic conditions, identifying current issues, and planning for future growth and increased traffic. The 50/60 intersection is currently controlled by a traffic signal and is functioning at a Level of Service (LOS) D, which is acceptable in an urban area. However, based on anticipated traffic by 2030, the intersection would be over capacity with excessive delays. Four -lane divided highways and intersection upgrades will be required for both County Road 50 and County Road 60 by 2030. In 2009 Dakota County and the City of Lakeville applied for and were awarded federal grant monies for a round -about option at the intersection. The study which was recently completed looked at that option as well as others and recommends a full double -lane roundabout to best handle the anticipated growth. A LOS C would be expected from the installation of this round-about. Benefits would include fewer delays, reduction in severity City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 2- of collisions due to the lower rate of speed, improved pedestrian safety and lower capital and operating costs. Council members expressed concerns for removal of the signal and asked if it would be more difficult for emergency vehicles to safely maneuver through the intersection. Other concerns were for the amount of space a double -lane roundabout would require and the impact it would have on surrounding residences and businesses, where right of way will need to be acquired. Estimated project cost is$2.1 million. Design and right of way costs would be split 45% City / 55% County. Construction costs would be funded 80% by Federal grants with the remaining 20% costs to be divided 45% by the City and 55% by Dakota County. This project is included in the approved City Capital Improvement Plan as a 2013 project. An open house is scheduled for March 22 at the Lakeville Water Treatment Facility to begin discussions with residents and development of a preferred alternative and design. The Kenrick Avenue extension project could impact this intersection by taking some of the volume from this area but it would not be enough to eliminate the need for improvements. The project will be brought to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and the Lakeville City Council in Jane for consideration. Council Member Little asked if an amendment to the agenda could be considered so that Council could discussajoint meeting between the Planning Commission and the City Council. Mayor Bellows will bring up the discussion after Item 5. 1 TEM #2 — Tax Increment Financing Summary Report Community and Economic Development Director David Olson provided a summary of Lakeville Tax Increment Financing as an informational item for the City Council. In the City's new Strategic Plan, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was mentioned as being in the "toolbox" of incentives for attracting businesses to Lakeville. The compilation of this information was prompted by a resident's comments at a Council meeting and by a letter to the editor in the local paper. Mr. Olson explained that the main objective of TIF is to encourage development or redevelopment which serves a public purpose and would not otherwise occur without the use of TIF. The most common public purposes are: expanding the property tax base; providing employment opportunities; redeveloping blighted areas; remediating polluted soils; and constructing low- and moderate - income housing. When the duration of the TIF has expired, the property goes back on the tax rolls for the city and school district. Finance Director Dennis Feller provided an overview of six existing and seven expired TIF projects in the City of Lakeville. He stated that return on investments has been favorable and the properties contribute more in taxes than what was paid out. The seven expired districts have a market value of approximately $40 million and employ between 900 and City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page -3- 1,000 workers. TIF projects have included affordable workforce and senior housing; redevelopment of blighted downtown lots; cleanup of contaminated soils from the site of a previous gas station; and creation of economic development opportunities. Modification to TIF District #8 provided for acquisition and renovations of property for the Lakeville Area Arts Center. The Dakota County CDA has also utilized TIF in Lakeville to provide affordable senior housing, rental workforce housing, and funding for a first -time homebuyer program. The expiration of a CDA TIF district in 2010 resulted in a 1.7% increase in the tax base. After 2014 there will only be one remaining TIF district in the city. ITEM #3 — Kenrick Avenue Extenson Project Report City Administrator Steve Mielke stated that the Kenrick Avenue connection is identified in the CIP as a possible 2011 construction project and Council is being asked to decide if the project should remain in the budget for planning purposes. He reminded the Council members that the CIP is a financial planning document; projects in the CIP do not occur until ordered by Council. Staff has been in contact with the property owner; however no agreement on construction has been reached. Mielke provided the Council with an overview of the project's background. The City's Transportation Plan identifies Kenrick Avenue from County Road 50 (Kenwood Trail) to County Road 60 (185 Street) as an A-M i nor Reliever, intended to relieve traffic on other roadways. The Kenrick connection will relieve traffic at the 185 St. and Kenwood Trail intersection; decrease short trips on I -35W; provide alternate transportation to the vicinity; increase traffic to the retail areas of Southfork, Argonne Village, and TimberCrest; and encourage commercial development in those business districts. With rental retail space at Southfork, Argonne and TimberCrest approximately 98% filled, market conditions seem to be favorable for additional commercial area at this location. This connection could also provide an alternate route during construction of the CR50 /60 intersection. Impediments to the project would be the property's wetlands and steep slopes that will increase the difficulty of constructing the road and limit the amount of buildable land for the property owner. Due to this, it is likely that some city financial involvement will be needed. Another possible downside might be competition for tenants between new and existing retail spaces. Wetland mitigation and soil conditions have not been determined. The City Engineer's cost estimate is$2.4 million. Financing options could include A. General Obligation (GO) Special Assessment Bonds (shown in the budget as $191,000 per year for 20 years); B. Capital Projects/Street Improvement Funds— non property tax dollars that could be utilized, however, if these funds are gone, municipal state aid or GO improvement bonds would then be needed for other projects. C. Tax Increment (TIF) financing D. GO Tax Abatement bonds. An additional levy would also be needed. City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page -4- E Grants: The project would likely be eligible for matching federal funding through a competitive grant process but there is no guarantee of funding. Even though the project has been identified in the 2011 CIP, due to the timeline it is no longer feasible to begin the project this year. The project will need to be moved to the 2012 at the earliest. Staff will stay in contact with the property owners' representative. Council Member LaBeau asked if sound barrier walls would need to be built. Staff stated that this project would not require walls, but if additional lanes were built on 35W a sound study would be conducted by MnDOT. Council Member Rieb thanked staff for providing information and clarification on this project. ITEM #4 — 2011 -12 Budget Review At the last work session, department directors were asked to identify and prioritize up to 5% of their budgets for possible reductions. Steve Mielke provided Council with a summary of what has been accomplished toward that exercise. Exhibit A— Recommended 2011 Budget Adjustments Starting with 2011 and showing the impact through 2012, staff's recommendations consist of budget adjustments which could be made with little or no impact on City services. Reductions beyond those in Exhibit A could result in service impacts such as reductions or eliminations. Staff reminded Council that tax levies are set in December and cannot be changed. H owever, expenditures which are currently budgeted for 2011 can be removed from the budget. Finance Director Dennis Feller provided a department by department summary of the General Fund proposed budget reductions that staff has brought forward. Council discussed use of Liquor funds for ISD 194 Chemical Awareness program. Council members expressed a desire to keep this program in the budget and asked that the program administrator provide a report at an upcoming work session. Exhibit B— 2012 Budget Factors to Consider City Administrator Steve Mielke feels this exercise has been beneficial in preparing for the 2012 budget. Dennis Feller stated that the budget process begins by receiving guidance from Council in order to best utilize staff's preparation time. A list of potential factors to consider in establishing the budget included: City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page -S- • Additional employee positions: New employees for 2012 include a police patrol officer, a police records technician and a street maintenance employee. • ABLE facility improvements. • Police Gun Range. • Senior Center. • Development Fee survey. • Liquor Fund Analysis. • Appropriation of liquor funds. • Dennis Feller reviewed and summarized several other budget topics including bonds, debt service and revolving loan funds. Staff will be looking for direction from Council on several of these issues and options as the 2012 -13 budget is prepared. • Citizen Budget /Finance Committee. • Budget documents (re-formatting). • Building permit revenue projections. • Inflation factors. Exhibit C— Potential 5% Budget Reductions Steve Mielke stated that 5% of the General Fund budget would equate to $1.2 million. This would certainly result in service cuts and hence reductions in staff. Council conducted a line by line analysis of Exhibit C. Council Member Little proposed donating half of his salary (Jjly through December) towardsa Police Records Technician in order to increase the efficiency of patrol officers. He further proposed using a transfer from the Liquor Fund for the remainder of the cost of the position until 2012 when the position would be funded from the General Fund. Resident Marlow Illg, 17460 Highview Avenue, addressed the Council and encouraged further cuts in the budget. He also expressed concerns about several aspects of the Kenrick Avenue project. City Council directed staff to prepare a budget amendment resolution for consideration on an upcoming Council agenda. ITEM #5 — Financial Advisory Committee Mayor Bellows envisions the committee to be a task force and not a commission. The purpose of the task force would be for Council members to ask questions about the budget and build confidence among the citizens. City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page -6- Council Member Swecker asked about the process Mayor Bellows used for choosing prospective members of the task force. She had contacted members of the ®C and they stated that they were not involved in selecting members of the task force. Council Member Rieb stated that a couple members of the EDC were asked, but not everyone. Swecker and Rieb had understood that the task force discussion would be involve all members of the ED C. Council Member Swecker provided information she had gathered from citieswith similar groups and the school district. Finance Policy and Audit Committees have been formed for various purposes including making recommendations to Council, acting as sounding boards for new ideas and concepts, reviewing specific projects and revenue sources, and recommending budget and debt policies. It should be made clear to task force members that they have no actual decision or policy- making power. Steve Mielke added that the task force should be charged with making recommendations, with the Council retaining the financial policy decisions. Budget open houses are held in several communities to obtain input and provide transparent information in a less formal setting. The ISD 194 Finance committee suggested no more than five members, with a precise application policy and mission. Swecker said she feels it is the Council's job to prepare the CIP, determine funding sources, and establish budget policies. She feels Council will benefit from this group by obtaining additional input from the community. Council Member Swecker, Steve Mielke, and Dennis Feller will meet to begin the process of developing written criteria for membership. Council Member LaBeau expressed her appreciation for the work that was done by Council Member S,ivecker to collect this information. LaBeau expects the group to be professional and not result in burdens or demands on staff. Dennis Feller said it was difficult to determine how much staff time would be involved. Council members stated they were in favor of additional transparency and opportunities to get new ideas. ITEM #6 —.hint meeting between City Council and Planning Commission. Mayor Bellows has spoken with Planning Commission Chair Bart Davis in regard to having a joint meeting. Mayor Bellows suggested the need for an analysis of Lakevil le's fees compared with other cities, a discussion about streamlining the planning process, and how Lakeville can become more business and developer friendly. Staff is working on a toolbox of incentives to attract economic development to the community and streamline the development process. Council Member Little also feels it is important to look at why developers are frustrated with the system and their perception of the City not being business or developer friendly. He would like to look for ideas and suggestions for how to help make things run more smoothly and improve the City's image with developers. City Council Work Session Minutes February 28, 2011 Page -7- Steve Mielke stated that the Planning Commission is just one piece of the process. An analysis of fees and a toolbox of incentive are not necessarily Planning Commission issues. The Mayor stated that in his discussions with developers he was told that they experienced some discrepancies in what they were told in the beginning of the planning processes to what they were told later on. Swecker asked if the developers would be able to make recommendations for how the process might be improved. Bellows said consolidation of departments had been suggested. Council directed staff to schedule ajoint City Council and Planning Commission meeting. Council members also continue to be interested in a strategic planning workshop. Staff will explore options for afacilitator and a possible date. ITEM #7. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:10 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Jjdi Hawkins Deputy Clerk Mark Bellows Mayor