2014-09-08 CC Minutes Budget Workshoplb�rtv�i))�
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, September 8, 2014
APPROVED MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Olson, Sorensen, and Wagner
Absent: Council member Vetsch
Others Present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, Finance Director Tina Lannes, and
City Clerk Kimberly Olson
2. PUBLIC WORKS STAFFING
Nafstad reviewed the additional responsibilities and tasks Public Works has taken on over the
last ten years. Nafstad stated Public Works goal is to continue to do more to maintain the same
level of service. Sorensen inquired about when the last time Public Works gained an employee.
Nafstad replied that two positions were added to Utilities since the early 2000's. Nafstad stated
the addition is generally needed due to aging infrastructure and additional infrastructure.
3. ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE
Nafstad reported the Wright County Sheriff's Office has recommended an increase in coverage
and they have done so since 2007. Sorensen inquired about the times where additional coverage
would be needed and Nafstad responded that it would fall somewhere between 2:00 p.m. and
10:00 P.M.
Nafstad stated there was some concern that when calls for shoplifting are reported, other calls for
service can pull the dedicated squad from surrounding cities. He stated that an average
shoplifting booking can occupy a deputy from two to four hours.
Olson inquired what the Sheriff's Office has added in terms of support and coverage for the
growth that has happened in northeast Wright County. Olson suggested an additional eight hour
car to serve all the northeast Wright County cities.
Nafstad reported on the percentage of levy for law enforcement for Wright County cities.
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Nafstad reported the number of calls has trended down in more recent years and it appears to be
due to an increase in service and patrols.
Council discussed factors that play into calls for service such as I -94, population growth, the
Outlet Mall, and the number of County roads running through town.
4. BUDGET OPTIONS
Hendrickson felt that both the Public Works position and added law enforcement coverage are
essential services and it is difficult to identify if one benefits the community more than the other.
Sorensen was surprised it has been nearly ten years since an increase in law enforcement
coverage and felt it is worth considering. Hendrickson stated she also sees the need for
additional Public Works staff.
Council discussed several different scenarios for the preliminary budget to include a full -time
Fire Chief, an added Public Works employee, Fire and trail capital, and law enforcement
coverage increase.
Wagner stated this is a big budget year with a new full -time Fire Chief and they may be justified
in waiting another year to implement a law enforcement increase. These are two public safety
issues to address. He suggested they may want to work with the Wright County Board to see if
an additional quadrant car could be put into service in the area.
Sorensen was concerned about implementing both an increase in law enforcement and Public
Works in stages over the course of several budget cycles. He did not want two issues hanging
over Council the following year and suggested they do one or the other.
Lannes reviewed the proposed levy increase costs per household and per business in town.
Wagner inquired about the impact on the golf course and felt that is an important amenity to
Albertville residents. Lannes reported she would calculate the cost to the golf course and email
it out to Council.
Olson stated that they can always decrease the final levy in December. Sorensen stated that if
they do the law enforcement increase, they may not need to go the full eight hours if four hours
appears to work.
Nafstad recommended that the preliminary budget be approved on September 15 in order for
staff to submit it to Wright County in time. Lannes stated that they will have the Truth -in-
Taxation hearing at the first meeting in December to hear public comment and it will also be
published in the paper. She stated that Council may want or need to hold another meeting in
November if they wish to further reduce the budget and levy.
Council was in agreement to keep the full -time Fire Chief, add 50% Public Works employee,
include Fire and trail capital, and increase law enforcement by four hours (starting in July 2015)
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Workshop Meeting of September 8, 2014
in the budget. Lannes reported she will bring back the preliminary budget and preliminary levy
resolution to Council on the consent agenda at the September 15, 2014 City Council meeting.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 7.32 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent: Vetsch. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly - Olson, Wty Clerk
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Workshop Meeting of September 8, 2014