07-14-14 CC WS MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014
MINUTES
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
Mayor Zerby called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present. Mayor Zerby; Couneilmembers Hotvet, Siakel, Sundberg, and Woodruff; Administrator
Joynes; City Clerk Panchyshyn; Finance Director DeJong; Planning Director Nielsen
(arrived about 5:45 P.M.); and, Director of Public Works Brown
Absent: None
B. Review Agenda
Siakel moved, Hotvet seconded, approving the agenda as presented. Motion passed 510.
2. SIX -MONTH RETREAT GOALS CHECK
Administrator Joynes stated the meeting packet contains a copy of a spread sheet showing the progress
that has been made on the action items identified during the February 8, 2014, Council and staff retreat.
He went through the items by category in priority order.
l.) Financial Tasks — The rate study recommendation were implemented and the trail costs in the
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) have been recalculated. Storm water cost projection activities are in
progress. Most components of the new financial system have been implemented.
2.) Southshore Community Center (SSCC) — The Minnetonka High School Vantage Team presented
its business plan for the SSCC to Council two days after the retreat. Staff did a financial analysis of some
of the information in the plan for Council. A subset of the SSCC Advisory Committee (Greenwood
Mayor Kind and Tonka Bay Councilmember Ansari) prepared its SSCC 3 -Year Pilot Cove proposal and
presented it to four of the five cities that co -own the SSCC. Council met in executive session to discuss
the Cove proposal and a letter was sent to the other four cities stating the City's position and asking the
Cities if they wanted to continue to be involved with the SSCC. Earlier in the day he forwarded a copy of
a letter the City received from Mayor Kind. The City Administrators /Manager of some of the other cities
have indicated their Councils are unable to make a decision at this time. Those Councils wanted more
information. During a Greenwood Council meeting a comment was made that Tonka Bay had no
response on this topic. The City of Deephaven had submitted a letter a while ago stating it no longer
wanted to participate in the SSCC, but it was not clear about how it intended to go about terminating its
arrangement. The Deephaven Administrator has indicated that the Deephaven Council was intentionally
vague because it wanted to maintain some options.
Mayor Zerby noted that Greenwood has indicated it would be interested in modifying the SSCC joint
powers agreement (JPA) such that Deephaven could terminate its participation.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 2 of 9
Administrator Joynes stated based on conversations with the other Administrators /Manager there is a lot
of false information out there. There is some speculation that Shorewood is going to make a lot of money
on the SSCC. That is hard to understand being SSCC operations run a deficit each year. He thought there
are ways to ensure the other cities that is not the case. He noted the next step in this process is getting the
mayors together to work this out.
Joynes then stated there has been a slight pickup in rentals over the last few months. There have also
been some inquiries about the use of the SSCC kitchen. He noted that the ownership of and responsibility
for the SSCC needs to be clarified.
Mayor Zerby presented a hypothetical situation. Five people bought a strip mall. Only one of the five
actively tried to find renters and maintain the mall because they lived closest to the strip mall. He asked if
there is any case law related to absentee partners. Administrator Joynes stated there is a legal theory that
is consistent with that. It is called "failure to maintain the asset ". That would be the final step if the issue
had to be forced.
Administrator Joynes stated the other four cities have indicated publically and privately that they may be
willing to put capital money in to maintain the asset. None of them are interested in sustaining SSCC
operations. He does not think the cities can have it both ways. They can't say they are going to maintain
their equity but not participate in the operation of the SSCC. He does not think anyone believes that is a
fair position. Shorewood needs to find a way to drawn down their equity stakes over time if Shorewood
continues to solely fund deficits in the operation. The cities need to be provided some assurance that if
the operation becomes sustainable on its own that they would not lose their equity stakes. The City needs
to be protected for funding deficits.
3.) Public Works Staffing — Staff has written a job description for a support position under Public
Works. Staff will present a budget item for the position during the discussion of Item 3 on the agenda.
The initial recommendation is for a .75 Rill -time equivalent (PTE) position.
4.) Future Trails — The Smithtown Road east walkway feasibility report has been completed and
planting and construction for that project is in progress. The plans and specifications for the Galpin Lake
Road trail are complete and Council has authorized the advertisement for bids. Planning and construction
for that segment are in progress. The Planning Commission is going to review the trail and road plan
overlay. The one roadway and trail that needs serious consideration is the timing for Strawberry Lane
improvements and the construction of a trail alongside of that roadway. The safe routes to school (SRTS)
initiative will factor into that.
Councilmember Siakel stated she SRTS program has been referenced a number of times. She asked staff
to provide Council with some information about that. She asked if the City could apply for an SRTS
grant for Strawberry Lane. She would like to know what is available and what the City needs to do.
Administrator Joynes noted there is no funding for the Strawberry Lane walkway segment.
5.) Cooperative Functions — The salt storage cooperative arrangement with the City of Excelsior was
implemented the past winter. A study was done on a joint snow plowing initiative with Excelsior. That is
in Excelsior's hands now. Shorewood has an agreement to plow the LRT trail in Tonka Bay. Carver
County has backed away from a common boat inspection location. Staff has been discussing other
options for the Christmas Lake boat launch area with the Christmas Lake Homeowner Association
(CLHA). The CLHA has purchased equipment for power washing of boats. The City is in discussion
about how to set that up and running.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 3 of 9
6.) Organized Refuse Collection — Staff will address this with Council in the fourth quarter of 2014.
7.) Summit Avenue Roadway — During the retreat staff presented configuration options for Summit
Avenue. Drainage concerns have been addressed. Per Council's direction staff has asked the Minnesota
Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to conduct a traffic study. Once the study is complete Council
will need to make a decision on the options.
8.) Snow Removal / Plowing Policy — Staff has developed a priority snow removal list. During the Item
3 budget discussion staff will present a request to budget for a new piece of equipment for plowing the
trails /sidewalk.
9.) Technology Enhancements — Council authorized the purchase of a geographic information system
(GIS) data hosting services. "The purchase and installation of key pad door access, internal alarm system
and identification card technology is in progress.
10.) Other Issues — The Park and Planning Commissions have been reduced in size from seven to five
and commissioner attendance has been discussed. The mayor's term of office has been changed to four
years from two years effective with the 2016 election. The salaries for the mayor and councilmembers
have been adjusted based on area norms.
11.) Other Items Added After The Retreat — Council and staff revisited the plan for Badger Park.
Council has asked that an Option 1.5 be developed based on Council's feedback to staff. Staff has
scheduled WSB & Associates to discuss alternative energy options with Council during its meeting
immediately following this work session. That information is needed to solidify what the scope of a
request for proposal (RFP) for alternative energy should be. There has been a lot of discussion about
adopting a Bee Safe City Resolution. That will be discussed again during Council's meeting following
this work session. Staff has concerns about some of the language in the resolution that was proposed that
will hopefully be resolved during that discussion.
The succession planning for the Chief of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department (SLMPD) is in
its infancy stages. Initial Coordinating Committee discussions also included talking about the SLMPD
and Excelsior Fire District (EFD) organization structures concurrently. The City Administrators/Manager
are gathering information about calls and other requested data. There has been some discussion about an
interim person once the Chief retires to oversee SLMPD operations and to help the member cities
determine what the organizations should look like and operate like in the future. The next step is in the
Administrators court.
He and Attorney Keane have been involved in negotiations with an MGM Liquor franchisee about the
Heartbreaker site in Shorewood and with the owner of that site. The elements for an option agreement
have been identified. The franchisee has a contingent offer on the property. It is contingent upon getting a
liquor license. If the franchisee agrees to the option agreement the City will grant a liquor license. That
will be considered during the July 28, 2014, Shorewood Economic Development Authority meeting.
Staff has been heavily involved with storm related issues. Staff has been consolidating data that is needed
to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement. A preliminary application has been
submitted. There has some fallout from how the emergency services operated. EFD Chief Gerber is
planning on a fall exploration of lessons learned in terms of the cities abilities to cooperate.
Councilmember Woodruff stated residents are asking him what is going to happen with regard to the
temporary road surfaces on the Islands once the level of Lake Minnetonka recedes somewhat.
Administrator Joynes stated staff has discussed a permanent solution for that and that will require some
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 4 of 9
priorities be switched and some coordination with the City of Minnetrista. Woodruff stated some of what
is there no has to be removed before winter.
Administrator Joynes stated staff has accomplished the majority of items. Some items are dependent of
actions from those outside of Shorewood.
Mayor Zerby stated he asked for staff to provide Council with an update on this and suggested it be done
semiannually. He has heard Councilmembers asked what the status is of various projects. This discussion
is an opportunity for Council to discuss if the priorities for staff are the same and if there are new action
items that should bed added.
Councilmember Sundberg stated she thought the spread sheet is an extremely a helpful document. She
suggested using that type of format for things Council initiates; something she has brought up before.
Councilmember Hotvet stated the document is simple and to the point. She finds it very helpful
Administrator Joynes encouraged Council to have a retreat annually to establish goals. And, then get a
mid -year update or even a quarterly update on progress.
Mayor Zerby stated the emerald ash borer study was discussed at the retreat and that is not one of the
action items. Administrator Joynes stated that will be part of the discussion about the new staff position.
3. 2015 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DISCUSSION ON
COUNCIL PHILOSOPHY AND DIRECTION
Administrator Joynes stated the purpose of this discussion is to provide Council with a general budget
outlook for 2015 based on the information staff currently has. Also, to provide costs for some of the
things asked for in the retreat. The amounts in his presentation are approximate yet close to what staff
estimates them to be.
He reviewed the major components for the 2015 budget. During the 2013 Council and staff retreat it was
pointed out that the levy needed to increase 2 percent a year to maintain the General Fund reserve.
Anything above that is optional and up to Council. There are no levy limits for 2015. A salary reserve of
2.5 percent is recommended; it is au early indication of what the settlements are in the Twin Cities area.
He then reviewed the external elements that will affect the budget. The percentages are an
approximation. Fire — a 1.3 percent increase assuming the capital projects for the Excelsior Fire District
(EFD) facility EFD Chief Gerber identified get completed in 2014. Police — a 2.7 percent or 3.0 percent
increase. Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) contribution — a .5 percent increase. The
health insurance increase is not known at this time. The increases or decreases for the Lake Minnetonka
Conservation District, the League of Minnesota Cities / Association of Metro Municipalities, and the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will be negligible.
The General Fund reserve is estimated to be $3,557,000 at the end of 2014. The City's General Fund
Balance Policy stipulates a reserve level of 55 — 60 percent of the next year's operating expenditures.
Sixty percent of the year -end balance would be $3,333,000. That leaves $224,000 available for use (the
difference between the two amounts). The last two years the City has relied on transfers from the
reserves in the amount of $102,000. It is assumed that will be the same in 2015. That leaves an
undesignated balance of $122,000 above the 60 percent that could be available for use. The Office of the
State Auditor (OSA) a much looser guideline that if followed would give the City close to $1 million to
use.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 5 of 9
Couneilmember Woodruff stated it is his recollection that when the 2014 budget was finalized there was
a decision not to budget for the subsidy for Southshore Community Center (SSCC) operations. Any
shortfall would be funded out of reserves. It does not appear that the City will receive any funds for
operations from the other four co- owners of SSCC. Therefore, $70,000 in reserves will be needed to
subsidize operations for 2014. Administrator Joynes stated it is his understanding that the $102,000 will
cover that. Director DeJong stated for last year there were transfers out budgeted for in the Council
budget sufficient to cover the SSCC operating costs. But, that is not budgeted in the SSCC Fund. DeJong
then stated the $3,557,000 in reserves will be available January 1, 2015.
Administrator Joynes explained staff has identified three optional things identified during the February 8,
2014, Council and staff retreat that would impact the 2015 budget. The first is the proposed Public
Works support/forester .75 FTE position. The assumption is there will be a SSCC operating budget
deficit based on the current level of operations. That deficit could be increased by approximately $45,000
if Council chose to have a full -time coordinator on site at the SSCC. Staff has spent a significant amount
of time developing the SSCC Capital Improvement Program (CIP). If Council accepts the SSCC CIP and
the need to purchase the new trail plowing equipment, then the transfer to the Equipment Fund needs to
be increased to $150,000 from $75,000. If that is done going forward, then the City will be able to fund
the improvements that will be necessary to maintain the SSCC facility out through 2030.
Director Brown explained that at the beginning of this past winter he had informed Council that Public
Works did not think it needed any additional equipment to plow the trails and the new walkways. Staff
thought it would be able to use the City's wing plows on the tricks. That appeared to work fine. But,
after the spring snow melt staff realized that the wing plows caused damage to the new walkway surfaces
and curbs. The new Galpin Lake Road walkway will not be adjacent to back of curb. Staff is now
recommending the purchase of a trackless unit which is quite expensive. There are a number of
attachments that can be purchased along with the unit including a boom flail mower which would allow
Public Works personnel to reach out with a mower while keeping the operator safe on the roadway. The
trackless unit would be used basically all year round. That unit would be a tradeoff for equipment that is
already in the CIP. There would be an added expense of approximately $60,000.
Mayor Zerby asked how the trails have been cleared of snow in the past. Many of them have a grass
boulevard between the curb and the trail. Director Brown explained mostly with the skid steer and the
one blower. When there is a heavy or the wet snowfalls it takes 2.5 — 3 days to clear the trails. With the
proposed trackless unit it should take 1 day. The plow trucks push the snow from the roadways onto the
trails along Eureka Road and along Highway 7. Then the trails are cleared.
Administrator Joynes explained the primary duties of the proposed public works support position would
be City forester, the creation of a diseased tree program, help and consultation on tree and foliage related
issues when trails are constructed and roadways are reconstructed, developing a program for the emerald
ash borer issue, and possibly providing residents with consultation on personal distressed tree issues. The
secondary responsibilities would be related to stormwater management, MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System) requirements and survey work. The position would relieve WSB from doing some of that
work. The position could provide community contact to residents on private property issues that are
public works in nature. Response times to residents would be improved. The position would be a.75 FTE
position. The person hired to fill that position would likely have some of the skills the City would want
but would have to grow into the rest of the job. He expressed confidence that there are forester people
who would do that. It would be a person who would interested in getting into environmental issues. The
salary and appropriate benefits for that .75 FTE position would be approximately $64,000.
CITY OF SI3OREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 6 of 9
Approximately 50 percent of the proposed position could be funded out of a combination of the
Stonnwater Management Fund (MS4 related activities), the Street Reconstruction Fund (dealing with
trees and foliage as part of roadway improvements), the Trail Fetid (dealing with trees and foliage as part
of trail construction) and possibly user fees (for private consultation). The other 50 percent would be
funded out of the General Fund (i.e., general property taxes); the impact on the general tax levy would be
about $30,000.
Councilmember Hotvet stated she likes what is being proposed and that the City has a lot of needs. She
asked how a .75 FTE position was arrived at. She also asked why a person would apply for a .75 FTE
position. Administrator Joynes stated he knows there are a two people who would apply for the position
because it is a .75 FTE and they would be good candidates. A major part of the reason for it being a .75
FTE is logistical; where will that person be stationed. There is discussion about sharing office space. A
full -time position would be a larger problem for the City to accommodate. Joynes noted he thinks that the
position is clearly a full -time job. And that the job will generate more public use. Staff may eventually
ask that the position be changed to full -time. The .75 position will address the issues raised at the retreat.
Councilmember Siakel stated the concept for the proposed position is good. She then stated she thought
the Building Official was trained on diseased trees. She asked how diseased trees and stormwater
management tie together. She thinks it is disjointed.
Administrator Joynes stated there are people who have more of an environmental approach to things.
They may have a degree in forestry or hydrology. He noted that he thought it would be possible to find a
person that is a talented forester who wants to get involved in things other than just forestry. He
explained that the other things the person would be involved with are not terribly complicated; they do
not require an engineering degree. It will require an interest in doing other things. The person would be
trained to take on those other functions over time. He thought what is being proposed is an economical
approach to satisfying a number of needs the City has. The number of hours WSB consults for the City
could be reduced because some of the less skilled needs could be transferred to the new position.
Mayor Zerby stated there is definitely a need for help in Public Works and that tree diversification is
becoming more important. He noted that the gypsy moth is headed this way from the east coast and it will
go after oak trees.
Councilmember Woodruff stated the Street Reconstruction Fund and the Trail Fund are taxpayer funded.
Therefore, 75 percent of the position would be funded out of taxpayer dollars. He commented that at
some point lie would like to discuss user fees. Administrator Joynes stated the specifics of that would be
discussed in the fall.
Woodruff noted that the City recently raised the stormwater utility rate and the position would add a cost
to that Fund that was not factored into the rate study.
Administrator Joynes stated there are obligations that have to be met
Councilmember Sandberg stated she supports the proposed position and noted that she thinks staff will
come back soon and ask to make it a full -time position. She then stated she thought the person who fills
that position would be helpful to the City's residents on a variety of things such as invasive plants and
wetland regulations. She thinks there are people who are environmentalists at heart. She went on to state
there are a lot of intersections in the City where trees and shrubs are starting to limit visibility. She asked
if that position would be responsible for addressing that. Administrator Joynes stated that is a forestry
problem and a Public Works site line problem.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 7 of 9
Councilmember Woodruff stated that position could be responsible for putting out traffic tubes.
Administrator Joynes stated based on previous Council discussions the intent for the position is to try to
relieve staff members who are overloaded with things to do. Some of those tasks would become the
responsibility of this environmental type position; a position responsible for a variety of tasks.
Councilmember Siakel asked if that means the City will look for someone with an environmental
background. Administrator Joynes stated at least a background in forestry or hydrology or plant life and
with a willingness to learn and expand their knowledge base.
Administrator Joynes explained the current operation net deficit for the SSCC is $85,000. The reason it is
$85,000 and not the $70,000 that has been used the last two years is the Park & Recreation position is
coordinating things at the SSCC part of her time and is therefore not available to work behind the counter
at City Hall at times. That counter work has to be back filled and that will be an additional $15,000 for
next year. That is assuming the Park & Rec person continues to do the SSCC work. If she does not and
someone else is hired the $15,000 is not needed. If Council wanted to have a full -time coordinator at the
SSCC the expanded net deficit would be $130,000; a deficit increase of $45,000. Staff has been talking
with the City of Excelsior about having an events coordinator for the South Lake area at the SSCC. One
person would have coordination responsibility for the SSCC and special events. If that were the case
Excelsior may be willing to help fund the position. The police and fire departments are very supportive
of having one position coordinate all of the events. Special events are getting to be out of hand.
Mayor Zerby asked how much of the SSCC operating deficit is because of salary and benefits.
Administrator Joynes noted the SSCC does generate some revenue to help offset operating costs.
Director DeJong stated the deficit is not all for salary and benefits. DeJong stated the majority of the Park
& Rec Coordinator's time is still budgeted in the Recreation Department.
Zerby explained he asked a representative of the Senior Community Services (SCS), which runs the
Gillespie Center and two other centers, what they pay their center administrators. It pays a salary of about
$50,000 — $60,000 for a full -time administrator. Administrator Joynes clarified that the City also needs
support for the evenings and weekends. Zerby stated he assumes the evenings and weekend work is offset
by rental income and fees. Joynes noted that based on the data he has seen he is standing behind the
$130,000.
Councilmember Woodruff stated he would like to have a line item review of SSCC revenues and
expenses. He then stated it used to be about $35,000 to keep the SSCC doors open without labor costs
and that included janitorial costs. He went on to state that $50,000 — $60,000 is less than what the Park &
Ree Coordinator makes by a significant amount.
Councilmember Sundberg stated that it is difficult to provide an opinion on this because there is not a
well - defined vision for the SSCC. There are a lot of possibilities for where the City may want to take
that. The City may want to have a strong marketing oriented person run the SSCC. She asked
Administrator Joynes if there is a sense of what Excelsior's timeline is for making a decision about a
special events coordinator and the SSCC. Joynes responded it is two concurrent decision paths. Excelsior
is struggling with what it wants to do about the SSCC. Excelsior does want to figure it out this budget
cycle. He noted that he and Mayor Zerby have put the idea out there several times.
Sundberg then stated it is almost to the point where Council has to make some hard decisions about the
SSCC.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 8 of 9
Administrator Joynes noted that further on in this discussion he will recommend budgeting for the
current level of SSCC operations for 2015. He does not think the future of the SSCC will be solidified
during the 2015 budget process cycle.
Joynes then noted the meeting packet contains a copy of a SSCC CIP prepared by the Building Official
out through 2030. He explained that it shows the year of construction, the age of the various components
of the facility, the useful life of each component, the projected replacement year, the current cost, the
replacement cost, the projected funding to 2014, the projected expanded cost to 2030, and the costs for
elements identified in the Cove proposal, landscaping and a patio, and parking and driveway.
The total projected funding needed out to 2014 is $182,483.11. That is the amount of money that should
have been put aside starting in 1996 (when the SSCC was constructed) for future maintenance. No money
has been set aside. If that is projected out to 2030 then the amount is $344,400. That number includes the
additional costs for items identified in the Cove proposal. Those improvements are basically cosmetic but
they are needed to make the SSCC marketable. And, it includes additional costs for landscaping and a
patio and parking and driveway improvements. There are a number of maintenance items scheduled for
replacement in 2016 (exterior painting and caulking, plumbing systems and plumbing fixtures, and water
heater), 2017 (the roof) and 2018 (the mechanical systems, furnace and air conditioner). Those costs are
over $80,000.
He reiterated the SSCC CIP costs and the trail plowing equipment cost necessitate increasing the transfer
into the Equipment Replacement Fund to $150,000. Transferring that amount annually through 2030 will
fund the SSCC CIP if the City takes that responsibility on. If it had been structured correctly when the
SSCC was built, the cities would have put money aside to make the needed capital repairs.
He also reiterated that the available General Fund reserves (the amount above the 60 percent level) is
$224,000. Historically the City has transferred $102,000 from reserves to fund operations. That leaves
$122,000 of the excess reserves unallocated for 2015. He explained the General Fund Balance Policy
stipulates a 3 percent transfer cap which equates to $63,832. He has not been able to find the rationale for
the 3 percent transfer cap.
Joynes explained one budget option is to suspend the 3 percent transfer cap and use all reserves above the
60 percent level to help fund the budget. The three additional budget options — the Public Works support
position, the SSCC CIP, and the trail plowing equipment would be funded and the current level of SSCC
operations would be sustained. This option will result in a tax levy increase of approximately 2 percent.
Another option is to adhere to the 3 percent transfer cap, use reserves over the 60 percent level, add the
Public Works position, fund the purchase of the trail plowing equipment and the SSCC CIP, and sustain
the current level of SSCC operations. For that option the levy increase would be approximately 3.2
percent. The last option is to fund none or some of the selected proposals, adhere to the 3 percent transfer
cap, and use reserves over the 60 percent level. For that option the tax levy increase would be between 2
percent and 3.2 percent.
Councilmember Woodruff stated it is his recollection that the 3 percent transfer cap in the General Fund
Balance Policy was put in place to manage people's knee jerk desire to spend a lot of money because it
was available. He noted he does not think it would be a problem to remove the 3 percent stipulation from
the Policy particularly if the General Fund balance excess is calculated based on the 60 percent reserve
level. It would not affect the City's bond rating.
Administrator Joynes stated that if the City maintains a 60 percent level of reserves that is a gold
standard. It is sufficient to maintain the City's bond rating.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2014
Page 9 of 9
Mayor Zerby noted that reserves are basically like a rainy day fund. He stated he thought replacing the
roof on the SSCC is a good use of a rainy day fund.
Councilmember Woodruff stated that the General Fund reserves surplus over the 60 percent level is a
transitory thing. The City has been fortunate to be able to add to the reserves the last few years. He then
stated he thought that any of the three 2015 budget options presented would work. He would be
comfortable with any of them from a financial standpoint. He cautioned against counting on spending
surplus on a long -term basis. He can support it for one year but not long tern.
Administrator Joynes stated he thought the strategy could be used for two or three years but not long
term. If economic conditions change then it has to be revisited.
Mayor Zerby stated Badger Park is missing from the budget. Administrator Joynes clarified there is
something budgeted (about $400,000) in the Park Improvement CIP but it has not been increased because
there is no decision about the improvements to the Park yet. Joynes stated that bonding for the
improvements could be considered to spread the cost out over time, noting that he is not necessarily
advocating that. Zerby stated Badger Park improvements have been discussed for a lot longer than the
Public Works support person, for example. He believes Badger Park funding warrants discussion. There
has also been a lot of discussion about the need to improvement the parking area for the SSCC.
Administrator Joynes asked Council to provide staff with direction. They can take time to think about it.
Councilmember Siakel stated she does not want to wait until January 2015 before deciding on the future
of SSCC. She wants to know what the other four cities are going to do. She expressed hope that the five
mayors will get together to discuss it sooner versus later. That will have an impact on funding things.
Councilmember Sundberg stated she is comfortable with the first option presented in order to get the
budgeting process moving along more rapidly.
Councilmember Woodruff stated he is okay with the first option and suggested budgeting for a full -time
Public Works support person but possibly hiring a .75 person. Administrator Joynes stated that can be
created as an option.
4. ADJOURN
Woodruff moved, Hotvet seconded, Adjourning the City Council Work Session of July 14, 2014, at
6:50 P.M. Motion passed 5/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Christine Freeman, Recorder
ATTEST: S t Zerby, a r
Jean Panchyshyn, City Clerk