Minutes - Council - 09/24/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Riley stated that the largest portion of the increase is related to the existing staff contracts and health insurance costs, which were decisions that were committed to prior to the budget process beginning. He stated that the City is doing the best it can with the budget as proposed. He stated that cuts have been made from the originally proposed budget and decreasing to six percent is a good start. He commented that prior surplus funds are also being used to buy down the debt, which he believes is appropriate. Councilmember Kuzma noted that while there are surplus funds that can be used for roads next year, there is a huge shortfall to address related to roads. He commented that this budget does not include a plan for roads moving forward, which is a concern. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Menth, to Adopt Resolution #19-225 Approving the Proposed 2019, Payable 2020 Tax Levy and Schedule Budget Public Meeting. Further discussion: Councilmember Musgrove expressed appreciation of staff for listening to the concern from the Council and looks forward to additional discussion on how the tax plan could become even better. Mayor LeTourneau noted that tonight's action allows the City to move forward as required by State law to certify this information to the County. He noted that additional discussion can continue to occur related to prioritization of City services. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Kuzma, Menth, Heinrich, Musgrove, and Riley. Voting No: None. Finance Director Lund noted that the motion only addressed the first action and noted two additional resolutions are needed. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma to amend his previous motion to include two additional resolutions, seconded by Councilmember Menth, to Adopt Resolution #19-226 Adopting the "Proposed" 2020 City of Ramsey General Fund Operating Budget, and Resolution #19-227 Adopting the "Proposed" 2020 City of Ramsey Economic Development Authority Fund Budget. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Kuzma, Menth, Heinrich, Musgrove, and Riley. Voting No: None. 7.O1A: Consider Site Selection Options for New Hotel Concept Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and noted that the Planning Commission and EDA believe this is a worthy project for this parcel and are generally comfortable with either alternative site selection. Councilmember Musgrove asked for feedback from the members of the Council on the Planning Commission, related to this project and this site compared to another project that was not looked at as a favorable location. She stated that the retail component is that a restaurant would be included. She asked if this is supposed to be an area focused on retail or whether a hotel would be a desired use. City Council/September 24,2019 Page 8 of 14