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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2017 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: September 5, 2017
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting)
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 7:22 PM
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Williams, Murzyn Jr., Buesgens and Novitsky
Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Kelli Bourgeois; Human Resource Director /Assistant to the City
Manager, Joe Hogeboom; Community Development Director, Keith Windschitl; Recreation Director, Joe
Kloiber; Finance Director and Katie Bruno; City Clerk
K -12 School Space Requirements
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom indicated that earlier this summer, the City Council was
presented with a Site Plan proposal that included two K -12 schools. The site did not meet the lot area
requirements of the zoning code. City Council directed staff to research spatial requirements for K -12 schools
in surrounding schools, and determine whether or not Columbia Heights' ordinance should be amended. Staff
researched zoning regulations, as they pertain to school site size requirements, for surrounding communities.
Of the fifteen cities contacted, only the cities of Hilltop and Mounds View had spatial requirements for K -12
schools. The Minnesota Department of Education has established the following criteria for new public school
buildings: Elementary Schools: 10 -15 acres, Middle Schools: 25 -35 acres and High School: 60+ acres. Based
on the information obtained from the Department of Education, staff recommends that school sites continue
to accommodate significant outdoor space, and that no changes should be made to the Columbia Heights
City Code at this time.
Councilmember Buesgens suggested leaving the current restrictions in place, and explore an additional
zoning classification of "Institutional Use." Mayor Schmitt agreed.
Director Hogeboom indicated the Comp Plan would be an appropriate place to research various changes to
zoning classifications.
City Newsletter discussion
Recreation Director Keith Windschitl reported staff has obtained price quotes for a full color Heights
Happenings Newsletter. The newsletter is sent out four times each year. We currently are printing a 24 page
black and white document that costs $3,483 to print and postage that costs about $1,667 each quarter. Full
color pricing would be $4,358.28 plus postage, an increase of $875 per issue, $3,500 annually. Windschitl
indicated he would like to see the newsletter reflect the updated website. Mayor Schmitt reminded the
council that they can submit an article for the Council Corner section of the newsletter. The council all agreed
a full color newsletter is preferred.
Summary presentation on 2018 City Manager's Proposed Budget
Finance Director Joe Kloiber gave an overview of the City Manager's 2018 Budget Message. He reviewed the
process, the proposed expenses, the proposed revenues and addressed some questions he received from
Mayor Schmitt.
He indicated the preliminary levy will be voted on at the September 11th regular City Council meeting. Work
sessions in October and November will allow for detailed departmental proposals, and provide an
opportunity for discussion.
Kloiber reported labor agreements and market adjustments contribute significantly to the increase in
operating expenses. City Manager Fehst stressed the importance of keeping salaries in line with what the
City Council Worksession
September 5, 2017
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market is paying. Other increases include the addition of staff for a Communications Coordinator, increased
technology costs, the operating cost of the new library, and the 2018 election.
Kloiber reported the proposed levy increased $529,079 (4.9 %) from last year. Kloiber indicated the proposal
includes the use of $200,000 of existing Fund Balance, $120,000 in Local Government Aid, and the 4.9%
property tax increase. Director Kloiber gave an overview of the fiscal disparities program, indicating the
program is variable and cyclical.
Director Kloiber indicated capital items include a long -term vision for a new City Hall. For several years the
council has set the fund balance target of 45% of the following year's budget, currently it is about 65 %. Some
of that could be transferred as a one -time use to the building fund ($1.4 million) towards a new facility.
Mayor Schmitt stated she would like to have cash on hand to pay for a City Hall. Kloiber indicated that is a
possibility.
Mayor Schmitt reminded the council that they are eligible for mileage reimbursement if they travel out of the
city for city related business. Members were given reimbursement forms. Councilmember Buesgens
questioned the process for attending a NLC conference. Manager Fehst said he would check the budget, and
expressed his opinion that the NLC conference is valuable.
Mayor Schmitt questioned how the recent change to the newsletter would affect the budget. Kloiber stated
that will be discussed at the departmental budget meeting.
Mayor Schmitt reminded the council that the preliminary levy can decrease at the time of final adoption, it
cannot increase.
Discuss special assessment policy for private tree removal
Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported currently the City provides for a one year assessment period for private
tree removal costs. The assessed amounts ranged from $159 to $$2543 in 2016. Because of the potential for
a large dollar amount, a ten year assessment period is proposed for assessments over $500. Kloiber indicated
the assessments can be paid off early if desired.
Discussion of City Council Handbook
Human Resource Director /Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois asked if there were additional
suggestions for changes to the draft Council Handbook distributed at the last work session.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if a timeline for the budget process should be included. Bourgeois noted
chapter five does address the budget and levy process, but will add clarifying language related to the overall
schedule. Councilmember Buesgens requested clarification on the role of a councilmember as a commission
liaison. Mayor Schmitt suggested only responding to questions, or providing clarification.
Adiournment
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:32 PM
Respectively Submitted,
s� J
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk