Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/19/2012

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Finance Director Lund noted the numbers from the County are estimates and additional impacts result from properties that appealed their valuation. Councilmember McGlone raised the option of using QCTV money to fund the telephone upgrades. City Administrator Ulrich stated he thinks there will be QCTV contributions to each member City in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. Those funds are supposed to replace cameras /audio equipment in the Council Chambers, when needed. However, this fund has no restrictions and can be used for a telephone system. Mayor Ramsey asked staff to check on the Council Chamber's equipment because Ramsey did not receive new equipment. Mayor Ramsey stated he had wanted to start a road reconstruction plan without raising taxes and it appears that can happen. He suggested staff lay out a plan for future years so there is a plan to keep roads in decent shape without raising taxes. Mayor Ramsey stated he has no problem with staffing cuts and thinks the Council should forego making a decision on the ED/HRA Manager position until September /October when the budget numbers are known. Councilmember Tossey agreed it would be a good idea to delay that decision; however, he does not want the position removed in case the Development Manager contract is revamped. He stated he also prefers to keep tax capacity the same, even if it means putting $1.4 million into roads instead of $1.5 million. Finance Director Lund asked whether the Council supported leaving the ED/HRA position in the levy amount and then making a decision after the preliminary information is available. She noted the Council cannot levy higher than originally set. The consensus of the Council was to leave the HR/EDA Manager Position in the budget at this time. Councilmember Backous asked if it cost $1 million/mile to reconstruct roads. City Engineer Himmer advised the reconstruction cost is about $680,000 per mile. Mayor Ramsey stated the $1 million/mile estimate includes curb and gutter and sidewalks. But, in reality, it is known those amenities will not be included on every street. He estimated rural areas would cost $300,000 to $400,000 per mile. City Engineer Himmer reviewed project and assessment costs and advised that the $1 5 million figure also includes street maintenance (overlays /sealcoats). The City currently spends $500,000 in sealcoats and overlays each year, leaving $1 million for reconstruction. City Engineer Himmer noted there are locations in Ramsey where full depth reclamation works but the Council had discussed "being fair" so curb and gutter should be in all areas. He stated his position that if the resident has a good road and access, they are being treated fairly. City Council Work Session / June 19, 2012 Page 5 of 15