Minutes - Council - 12/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor LeTourneau referenced the statement that the pavement management account is restricted and clarified that means that the funds in that account can only be used for pavement management purposes. Councilmember Musgrove thanked Ms. Palmer for coming forward tonight. She stated that she attempted to share similar concerns during the budget discussions and commented that she believed that Ms. Palmer’s comments will help to provide additional context for future discussions. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Menth, to Adopt Resolution #20-291 Adopting the 2020, Payable 2021, Municipal Tax Levy; Adopt Resolution #20-292 Adopting the 2021 City of Ramsey General Fund Operating Budget; and Adopt Resolution #20- 293 Adopting the 2021 City of Ramsey Economic Development Authority Fund Budget. Further discussion: Councilmember Specht thanked staff and the members of the Council for the work to develop the budget. He thanked the resident for sharing her comments as he shared similar concerns. He referenced the tax capacity rate, which allows the City to spread the taxes over a larger population. Mayor LeTourneau stated that the City monitors the tax capacity rate, as that reflects the value of the growth of the community. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she will not be supporting this budget, even though staff did a great job. She stated that they are living within a pandemic but is spending as though it is not. She commented that citizens have been burdened with the franchise fee which does not even result in a decrease to the levy. She felt that the Council should do better for its residents. Mayor LeTourneau recognized that the franchise fees are a new aspect but will fund the repair of roads, which continues to be a high priority of the City and the residents. He stated that this method of funding will provide the best rate of return for the investment of the residents. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Kuzma, Menth, Riley, and Specht. Voting No: Councilmember Musgrove. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Adopt Resolution #20-297 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of $9,065,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2020A and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Resolution #20-297 authorizing approval of the sale of $9,065,000 of GO Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2020A as bonding was one of the recommended funding sources identified in the Capital Improvement Plan for the Public Works Campus and agreed upon after much discussion by the City Council. Stacy Kvilvang, Ehlers, reported that the sale occurred this morning with four bidders and provided details on the sale and lowest responsible bidder. Councilmember Riley commented that this comes in under the amount planned which decreased the levy and is a win for the City. City Council / December 8, 2020 Page 9 of 17