Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/29/2001 - Budget

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leaving it the way it is for now and add BMA. Discussion ensued about the 50 acres south of Highway #10. Mr. Norman stated that similar to how the Park and Recreation Commission comes up with projects each year, he will ask the EDA to do the same thing for land uses. Mayor Gamec suggested changing the word from site acquisition to probably development. Discussion ensued relating to the City's involvement with development. Page 19 refers to street improvements and utilities. Page 24 - Councilmember Hendriksen feels that the road cannot be built for $92,500. Public Works Supervisor Kapler reported that this figure is for strictly the road and curb; page 32 shows the water utilities, etc. The project is divided in about three pieces. Councilmember Hendriksen asked if this is something the neighborhood is in favor of 100% and would 100% be assigned to the landowner? Mr. Norman stated that staff has been talking with the neighborhood. Councilmember Hendriksen asked will any of this be paid for at the City's expense. Mr. Norman replied that the City will be assessing it all out but deferred for sewer and water. Councilmember Anderson suggested cross-referencing what other pages deal with a certain project. It was felt that the sewer portion figures of this project are very low. It was noted that all utilities are listed on page 29. Council directed to Mr. Kapler that the street light on Armstrong and Alpine Drive become a Priority A - maybe also a right hand turn lane on that same road. Mr. Kapler offered to go back to the contractor to see what he would charge for putting that in. Page 59 deals with municipal buildings. Councilmember Hendriksen commented that he was not sure this was the correct timeline for City Hall. Councilmember Anderson stated that we know we have to make some improvements. Have we made a decision if we will add on or build a new City Hall? Some improvements have to be done soon. Mr. Norman stated that we have been having interim space needs discussions. They are coming back with an estimate and a proposal on how to fill in until construction takes place. We feel we will be able to internally finance this by reallocating funds within the budget. Councilmember Hendriksen noted that the construction has been moved up a year - it was in 2005 and now it shows it in 2004. Mr. Norman stated that it has always been in 2004. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that we cannot buy new everything all at once. We should not put together a plan that is financially not sound. We are becoming a spend and tax City. Mayor Gamec reminded Council that the CIP is just a planning tool - we can move things up or back. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that Council has said that they would be in this building (Fire Station No. 2) for five years. Mr. Norman stated that Councilmember Hendriksen said that and not all the members agreed with him. The City Hall construction has always been set for 2004. Councilmember Kurak noted that the property shown on page 66 has already been acquired. Mayor Gamec mentioned Elm Crest Park - and first phase Lake Itasca - it seems like Elm Crest just "died". He asked that this be sent back to the Park and Recreation Commission to see what's going on. Councilmember Hendriksen referred to page 68 - Central Park. Mr. Kapler stated that staff heard concerns about the entrance - we had a lengthy discussion about a water fountain, etc. City Council Budget Work Session/October 29, 2001 Page 3 of 4