4.1. DRAFT MINUTES (4 SETS) 10-05-2015

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City Council Minutes Page 10 September 8, 2015 ----------------------------- Commissioner Dave Anderson from Parks and Recreation commission presented feedback regarding prairie grass growing conditions and maintenance. Mr. Paige offered input with determining sight lines and while he relies on crash data for determining specifics, he agreed the taller grasses would slow drivers down as it would obscure their vision and thereby impair their stopping reaction time. Mayor Dietz suggested as a temporary solution to cut the grasses down to 12” high similar to what was done last fall, and have a future discussion of what to put in its place before next spring. The council concurred. Chief Nierenhausen stated he will coordinate with necessary staff to ensure sight line safety is immediately resolved for the time being. The Council proposed to cut down the prairie grasses 12-24” inches in height as soon as possible using 106 feet of sight along the boulevard. Staff will come back to the council this winter for discussion on a long-term permanent solution to improve the sightline safety along Orono Parkway. 10.4 2016 Budget Mr. Simon presented the staff report. It was the consensus of the council to amend the quiet zone resolution to reflect the updated timing of the project and repayment timeline. It was the consensus of the council for staff to review the fire department, street maintenance, and park maintenance expenditures for 2016 and determine if any purchases could be made in 2015. It was the consensus of the council to levy the maximum tax levy option of $10,305,783 or a 2.88% change from last year. ------------------------------- Councilmember Westgaard indicated he will be absent from the October 5, 2015, city council meeting. ------------------------------- Mayor Dietz indicated that reporter Joni Astrup from the Star News is out for 6-8 weeks for surgery. Council requested staff send a get-well card on their behalf.