HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 24, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
PUBLIC HEARING
COLUMBI. A HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 24, 1980
The purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing regarding the 1981 proposed
budget.
The meeting was ~alled to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:00 pm.
Roll Call: Loga~z, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
Heintz, Norberg--absent
It was noted by the Mayor that Councilman Heintz was ill.
Mayor Nawrocki told the audience that since he has been Mayor it has been his
practice to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget so residents or other
interested parties may ask questions, request information or make comments relative
to the budget. He explained that at this time the budget is not finalized but is
as the City Manager has proposed. The Mayor referred to the many work sessions that
the Council has had with the staff for purposes of reviewing the proposed budget.
He also, mentioned the meetings yet to be held with various departments that are
included in this budget. In response to a question,the Mayor answered there are no
large changes in this budget, but it essentially continues the level of services
that the City has provided in the past.
A major area of activity for the coming year will be the Downtown Development Project.
The funds for this project are in the HRA budget for the most part.
The City Manager said two of the largest parts of the budget deal with the proposed
development of Sullivan Lake Park, much of which will be funded by grants, and the
upgrading and permanent surfacing of 37th Avenue, between Main Street and Central
Avenue, which is a joint project with the City of Minneapolis,
The Mayor advised that the anitcipated increases for garbage and rubbish pick-up
were not realized. A new three-year contract based upon bids between the City and
the garbage hauler resulted in rates that remained lower than anticipated. Columbia
Heights buys its water from the City of Minneapolis. Water prices are being increased
and the Mayor told the audience that the City has enjoyed a constant price of water
longer than most suburbs but will now be facing an increase. An increase in sewer rates
kis also anticipated as sewage treatment rates are going up.
Councilman Norberg joined the hearing at 8:10 pm.
The Mayor spoke to what the impact would be on the City relative to the Governor's
cutback in state aids. He said even though the City will possibly lose a significant
amount of state aid dollars the impact will be felt minimally. The Mayor feels there
are a number of reasons that the City will remain fiscally sound; the Council has
budgeted conservatively over the years, good budgetary accounting by the City Treasurer
continues to be employed, there remains a surplus with which to work, and each item
of the budget remains subject for review for the year. He restated that the policy
of the Council continues to be that all the monies budgeted for are not necessarily
spent.
The City Manager reviewed the utility rate increases giving per unit rates on
garbage, water and sewer. He said the capital outlay needs are being charged back
to the utility funds and gave examples of some of the expenditures anticipated in
this area. The Mayor said the utility rates are being closely watched by the City
Council and advised the audience that the recommendation for the utility rate
increases is subject for review and may not be accepted in its entirety. There
are alternatives that may be considered, particularly in water and sewage treatment.
Some discussion followed on general expenditures and sources of funding besides taxes.
Motion by Logacz, second by Hentges to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call: All ayes
Adjournment: 9:00 p.m.
~ ~u~lic Hearing
page 2
September 24, 1980
o-Anne'- Student? Counc~T"l
Secretary
Bruce ~ ~awrocki, ayor