Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />September 3, 2024 <br />--------- <br />Page 7 of 8 <br /> Acting Police Chief Darren McKernan was in attendance to present a plan to the Council for a patio <br />addition on the northeast side of the Police Station. If the Council approved, they would go out for bid <br />which may be $50,000. The cost of the project could be covered by the State of Minnesota Public <br />Safety Aid funds. <br /> <br />The Council directed staff to go ahead with getting bids for the project. <br /> <br /> 11.3 2025 Budget <br /> Mr. Stremcha reviewed the budget status and recommended the addition of a part-time position of <br />Shelter Rental and Athletic Tournament Liaison which would help with shelter and field rentals, <br />maintenance, restocking of supplies, and cleaning. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz stated he would like to see the final budget increase by less than 4%. <br /> <br />The Council discussed ways to reduce the amount, including increasing the amount of money moved <br />from the liquor store budget from $750,000 to $1 million. <br /> <br />Councilmember Westgaard suggested reducing the employee cost of living increase from proposed 4% <br />to 3.5%. Mayor Dietz was in favor of keeping the amount at 4% since Elk River Municipal Utility staff <br />may be receiving 4-6% increases. <br /> <br />Mr. Portner asked the Council if they would consider moving part or all of the Public Works debt onto <br />the general levy. Mayor Dietz was not in favor of that increase but would look at the numbers. <br /> <br />Mr. Portner reminded the Council that they will need to set the preliminary levy at the second meeting <br />in September. They can decrease the amount from there, just not increase it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Westgaard asked if any expenses could be taken care of in the 2024 budget. He is <br />concerned about the Furniture and Things Community Event Center budget and would like to start <br />creating a sinking fund for the building. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer would also like to see the final budget number be under 4% and to keep costs as <br />neutral as possible. <br /> <br />Mr. Stremcha reviewed if the 3% goal was for the September 16, 2024, Regular City Council meeting or <br />the meeting in December. The Council asked if it was possible to get the reduced numbers by the <br />September 16 meeting. They are also hoping to see updated estimated market value numbers from <br />Sherburne County. <br /> <br />Mr. Portner stated that the city had received the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District <br />Outstanding Conservation Cooperator Award and asked if a councilmember would be available to <br />accept the award on the city's behalf on December 4, 2024, and/or attend the SWCD Conservation <br />Tour on September 20, 2024. Councilmember Grupa is tentatively available depending on the time of <br />the event. <br /> <br />Mr. Portner stated that Mayor Dietz will be participating in the interviews of Police Chief finalist and <br />asked if any other councilmembers would like to attend. No other councilmembers were available on <br />that date.