4.1 DRAFT MINUTES 09-16-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes September 3, 2024 Page 7 of 8 The Council directed Mr. Carlton to look into a feasibility study to take a closer look at the development potential within the current urban service area. Councilmember Grupa added that Mr. Carlton should include the potential for 280 additional acres of development in his calculations. 11.2 Discuss Public Safety Facility Patio Addition and Public Safety Aid Update Acting Police Chief Darren McKernan was in attendance to present a plan to the Council for a patio addition on the northeast side of the Police Station. If the Council approved, they would go out for bid which may be $50,000. The cost of the project could be covered by the State of Minnesota Public Safety Aid funds. The Council directed staff to go ahead with getting bids for the project. 11.3 2025 Budget Mr. Stremcha reviewed the budget status and recommended the addition of a part-time position of Shelter Rental and Athletic Tournament Liaison which would help with shelter and field rentals, maintenance, restocking of supplies, and cleaning. Mayor Dietz stated he would like to see the final budget increase by less than 4%. The Council discussed ways to reduce the amount, including increasing the amount of money moved from the liquor store budget from $750,000 to $1 million. Councilmember Westgaard suggested reducing the employee cost of living increase from proposed 4% to 3.5%. Mayor Dietz was in favor of keeping the amount at 4% since Elk River Municipal Utility staff may be receiving 4-6% increases. Mr. Portner asked the Council if they would consider moving part or all of the Public Works debt onto the general levy. Mayor Dietz was not in favor of that increase but would look at the numbers. Mr. Portner reminded the Council that they will need to set the preliminary levy at the second meeting in September. They can decrease the amount from there, just not increase it. Councilmember Westgaard asked if any expenses could be taken care of in the 2024 budget. He is concerned about the Furniture and Things Community Event Center budget and would like to start creating a sinking fund for the building. Councilmember Beyer would also like to see the final budget number be under 4% and to keep costs as neutral as possible. Mr. Stremcha reviewed if the 3% goal was for the September 16, 2024, Regular City Council meeting or the meeting in December. The Council asked if it was possible to get the reduced numbers by the September 16 meeting. They are also hoping to see updated estimated market value numbers from Sherburne County. Mr. Portner stated that the city had received the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District Page 9 of 381