Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes Page 8 <br /> September 2,2014 <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he felt it best to take the recommendation of staff <br /> and preliminarily chose Option 2 which would increase the levy by$450,000 to make <br /> up the shortfall, and allow more time to receive what he felt was important feedback <br /> from the community to educate and receive feedback on funding options. <br /> Councilmember Wilson stated he agreed with Councilmember Westgaard by <br /> choosing Option 2 at this time, but felt a utility fee was a more equitable and <br /> consistent approach to generate funds, and felt it seemed to work in other cities as a <br /> more acceptable approach to pay for essential needs. <br /> Mayor Dietz agreed with Councilmember Wilson but didn't want to impose another <br /> fee and preferred Option 3 at this time. He also wanted to gauge public input <br /> and by increasing the levy at this time by$450,000 this allows staff time to gauge the <br /> community's input. <br /> Councilmember Burandt stated she agreed with Mayor Dietz and Councilmember <br /> Motin. <br /> Councilmember Morin asked if the figure of$450,000 could be reduced. <br /> Mr. Portner stated staff is being incredibly conservative based upon a number of <br /> conditions facing the city's 384 stormwater ponds, such as this year's wet spring, lack <br /> of ongoing invasive repair and expansion on these ponds, and the degree and cost of <br /> maintenance that's unknown until work begins. He stated they are uncomfortable to <br /> propose a figure now and then have to increase that figure in 2-3 years. <br /> After further discussion,it was the consensus of the Council to pteliminaAy include <br /> the additional$450,000 in setting of the maximum tax levy, thereby allowing for staff <br /> to gauge public input and come back with the communities preferred option ahead <br /> of a final decision in November. <br /> 8.6 Yale Street Feasibility Study <br /> Mr. Femrite presented the staff report and feasibility study. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated the property owners in this area are extremely sensitive to this <br /> project and the city should remain as transparent as possible in communicating with <br /> the affected property owners. He requested staff send a letter to them explaining the <br /> feasibility study,provide a copy of the report, and offer an open house to <br /> communicate details of the project in person. <br /> Mr. Femrite agreed to communicate with the property owners to inform them about <br /> findings of the study and the future impacts of a project. This project is not <br /> currently listed in the City CIP and construction may be years away. <br /> P 0 M E A E I 1 1 <br /> NATUREI <br />