12-07-1998 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes December 7~ 1998 Page 5 Barb Merrick indicated that her taxes have increased by 11 percent from last year. She objected to the city hiring consultants and economic development managers and to the increase in her taxes. Gary Atkinson questioned why his taxes increased so dramatically. County Assessor Ty Bischoff explained issues relating to the market value and how the market value affects residential homestead taxes. Tom Thompson indicated his concern that the property tax information he received from the county was difficult to understand. Paul Sawatzke requested the City Council to be prudent in its spending. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Duitsman closed the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO SET THE TAX LEVY AND ADOPT THE 1999 BUDGET ON DECEMBER 21, 1998. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Duitsman requested Ty Bischoff to convey to Sherburne County the need to inform green acres property owners of accruing interest on deferred special assessments. Mayor Duitsman suggested including a notice on the tax statements. Ty Bischoff indicated that the county is in the process of reviewing this request. 5.5. Consider Pay Resolution COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 98-133 ADOPTING THE 1999 PAY PLAN FOR NON-ORGANIZED EMPLOYEES. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.2. Consider Lease Between City and Boys and Girls Club for Property in Lions Park City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the city is proposing to lease land in the southeast corner of Lions Park to the Boys and Girls Club. City Attorney Dave Sellergren reviewed the terms of the ground lease agreement. Boys and Girls Club Director John Fitzgerald indicated that there were three issues that he wished to discuss with the City Council in regard to the lease agreement. The first issue relates to the length of term of the lease. The ground lease is set up for a 30 year lease with two 10 year options. John Fitzgerald requested that the City Council consider extending the term of the lease to a time period of more than 50 years. Mr. Fitzgerald suggested a time of 50 years with two 20 year extensions. It was the consensus of the Council that the 50 year time period stand as indicated in the lease agreement. The second issue relates to the right of first refusal. Mr. Fitzgerald indicated that he is requesting the right of first refusal only if the city sells the property to a private