11-20-2023 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes November 20, 2023 Page 5 r Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn the regular meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0. The Council recessed at 7:48 p.m. and reconvened in work session at 7:52 p.m. 10.1 Safe Haven Baby Box— Karlie Myette/Nichole Hoffman, ERFD Foundation Ms. Hoffman discussed current law and proposed legislation with a bill being carried by Representative Novotny. Ms. Myette discussed installation and security of the box and recommended it be housed at Fire Station #1 due to staffing. She noted the ambulance service, and the county are in support of the program, and she is meeting with various groups to determine costs for monitoring, installation funding, grant opportunities, and donated labor. The Council is in support of the program but would like more details on the items noted by Ms. Myette, plus the ongoing program costs. They further asked staff to research bid requirements, liability, and insurance. 10.2 Hockey Day Minnesota Branding at Furniture and Things Community Center Mr. Stremcha presented the staff report. The Council concurred Hockey Day Minnesota branding could go in the main lobby area on the lower level of the facility because it was a special commemorative community event in which many organizations were involved who should also be recognized as part of the branding. They directed discussion on design work back to the multi -purpose facility commission. 10.3 2024 Budget Mr. Stremcha presented the staff report. Mayor Dietz noted the proposed 2024 Truth -in -Taxation statements went to property owners this week and he felt Elk River was high compared to other entities. He suggested utilizing additional liquor store revenue to lower the tax rate. Mr. Stremcha stated Elk River is evenly matched when compared to other cities. He stated the school district is lower because they are in multiple communities. He hesitates to use the liquor store funds currently without knowing the status of the Northbound location. Councilmember Westgaard noted the original proposed transfer out of liquor store funds for 2024 is less than it was in 2023. Mr. Portner noted the Council used both ARPA and additional Liquor Funds to decrease the General Fund levy for 2023, both one-time transfers, an unsustainable revenue that will need to be addressed at some point in the future. Councilmember Westgaard agreed that as long as the fund reserve is healthy, proceeds from the Liquor Fund should offset the General Fund which would show the public there is a benefit to having municipal liquor operations. He stated some things are outside of the city's control, such as home valuations and the homestead market value exclusion.