2011-08-15 CC Minutes Workshop Nibertville
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ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Monday; August 15, 2011
BUDGET WORKSHOP NOTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL 8:56 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Mark Meehan, Council members John Vetsch, Larry
Sorensen, Dan Wagner, and Jillian Schommer
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Planner Alan Brixius, City Attorney Mike Couri, PW
Supervisor Tim Guimont, City Administrator Larry Kruse, Finance Director Tina Lannes,
Utilities Superintendent John Middendorf, City Clerk Bridget Miller, City Engineer Adam
Nafstad, Building Official /Zoning Administrator Jon Sutherland, and Fire Chief Tate Mills
Mayor Meehan called the 2011 Third Budget Workshop Session to order at 8:56 p.m.
Council member Vetsch began the conversation with the Council and staff looking at
increasing the effort toward more economic development. Vetsch suggested the City may want
to increase incentives for new businesses and possibly discount an Industrial lot. Vetsch stated he
would like to see more advertising and promotion.
Finance Director Lannes announced the City just received the quotes for the 2011 -2012 Health
Insurance amounts, which did not change. That is good for both the City and the employees
reducing the budget by $6,500 bringing down the preliminary levy to 2.08 %.
Council member Schommer wanted to thank staff for distributing the detailed budget
information that she received. Being a new Council member it helps making these decisions
where the City was and where it is proposing to go or hoping to accomplish.
Schommer directed staff to prepare a cost comparison so Schommer could see how much the
budget would go up or remain if the Council decided to bring the part-time employees back.
Schommer wanted to see each separate to get a clear picture how much it will cost.
Following Schommer's request, there was discussion related to the Cost of Living Allowance
(COLA) that Council appeared to have a hard time accepting. Sorensen visited with residents
during the recent National Night Out and some thought the City should demonstrate some type
of appreciate for the service. Sorensen expressed concern with how much and if it should
include the steps or not.
MAPublic Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 08 -15 -2011 wksp approved (bm).doc
City of Albertville
City Council Budget Workshop notes
August 15, 2011
Page 2 of 2
Wagner said he hears others comment about the economy and the tough times. It is a difficult
decision coming up with a fair recommendation. The citizens don't want to see their taxes go
up, yet staff has been patient with the wage freeze.
Mayor Meehan also commented and shared concerns weighing out the facts wanting to make
sure the Council looks at both the best interest of the taxpayers and somehow give employees a
little something.
City Administrator Kruse suggested that the Council could take a two phased approach and for
example provide e steps and a 1 %2% COLA. Then in June, the Council could revisit to see how
the budget is looking, at which time could approve another 1 /2% COLA increase if the funds are
healthy enough or if the economy is improving.
Council member Wagner and Sorensen both were in agreement to allow for the steps but were
very hesitant to granting the COLA because there just doesn't seem to be practical at this time.
Schommer shared that she is in the private sector and has not received a raise in approximately
three (3) years, which is similar to City staff. Schommer seemed more interested in the potential
of bringing the part-time staff back to full -time or as close to it.
Staff received their direction to sharpen their pencils and work more on the budget by calculating
the numbers at bringing the part-time staff employees back to full -time. To create worksheets
that would demonstrate the steps within the budget numbers. After the creation of the
worksheets with the steps, then include a 1 COLA increase.
Council reviewed the upcoming calendar and set Monday, August 29, 2011 beginning at
7:00 p.m. as the next 2012 Budget Workshop Session.
ADJOURNMENT
CMs Sorensen/Wagner motioned to adjourn the Monday, August 15, 2011 City Council Budget
Workshop session at 9:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
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Bridget Mill U, City Clerk (recording secretary)
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