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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