City Council Minutes 10-26-1998 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, October 26, 1998 - 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Fair, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Roger Carlson, Bruce Thielen
Members Absent: None
A special meeting of the City Council was held for the purpose of discussing the 1999 municipal
budget and tax levy.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that at the second budget workshop, the
Council reviewed $117,682 in reductions to the non-debt portion of the levy, bringing the
new levy total to $4,584,725. After discussion, staff was directed to look for additional
budget cuts that would further reduce the budget by $67,000.
To arrive at the $67,000 reduction, budget items totaling $35,000 were eliminated or
delayed, and $32,000 was eliminated from the tax levy requirement but proposed to
remain in the budget by utilizing general and tree fund reserves. The additional
reductions result in a 4.3% increase in the non-debt portion of the levy over 1998, for a
19991evy total of $4,617,725.
The City Administrator also noted that a few items continue to remain unfunded in
economic development such as the $16,750 increase requested by the Monticello
Community Partners (MCP), $200,000 in matching grant funds for a scattered housing
program, and $35,000 for acquisition of downtown/riverfront land. In addition, the
City's matching contribution with the IRA for future industrial park land was reduced to
$25,000, leaving $50,000 unfunded. Library remodeling and repairs were also discussed,
and it was noted that the current budget included only $20,000 for window
replacement/repair; however, additional repairs are needed but are unfunded at this time.
It was suggested that a feasibility study be completed, including input from the :Library
Board, regarding repairs and space needs for the library, which could be funded through
reserves. Librarian Marge Bauer also distributed information regarding class action
lawsuits throughout the country relating to synthetic styrofaam stucco material failures
similar to the product believed to have been used on the library exterior, which could
possibly result in some recourse for the City through the manufacturer.
Council continued discussions regarding the $50,000 reduction made for purchase of
industrial park land, and the City Administrator noted that it was also unlikely that the
HRA would be able to contribute its match of $75,000 due to a tight budget and previous
commitments. HRA member Darrin Lahr Hated that although the HRA has been trying to
purchase riverfront property as it becomes available in order to avoid additional
relocation cast, it was the opinion of the HRA that industrial land is the first priority.
After further discussion, it was suggested that the amount budgeted far industrial land
remain at $25,000 and possibly use reserves for additional funding if necessary.
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Special Cauncil Minutes - 10/26/98
Mayor Fair also requested that the Council discuss the MCF's request for an additional
$7,250 for a total of $42,500. Councilmember Stumpf noted that Council's original
agreement was a match of funds up to $35,000, which he felt was a reasonable
contribution. Councilmember Herbst requested that the MCP submit a breakdown of the
source oftheir donations. MCP Project Manager Rita Ulrich responded that she did not
have that information with her; however, she felt that the list was sensitive infarmation
and should not be made public. Councilmember Herbst noted that it wouldn't have to be
made available to the public; however, he felt that Council should have an idea of the
source of the MCP's matching funds.
It was the consensus of Council to make na changes to the l 999 budget as proposed by
the City Administrator, which would amount to a 4.3% increase in the non-debt portion
of the levy. In addition, it was the consensus of Council to authorize completion of a
feasibility study far repairs and space needs of the library to be funded through reserves.
2. Chuck Keyes of PSG, the company contracted to manage the wastewater treatment plant
facility, reported that the 1998 Annual Evaluation and Planning System process For the
wastewater treatment plant was complete. After reviewing the evaluation, the MPCA
submitted a report to the City far Council review. Mr. Keyes reviewed each section of
the MPCA report and requested that the Council certify that the report was discussed.
After review of the report, Mayor Fair noted that he would submit the required
certification to the MPCA that the wastewater treatment plant evaluation report had been
reviewed by Cauncil.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
'L.i ,
Kare Doty
Deputy City Clerk
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