City Council - 04/27/1992 - Workshop CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
i
Meeting Notes
City Council/Staff Workshop
April 27, 1992
The City Council and its staff met at The Meeting Point, University of Saint
Thomas, Chaska campus, for Part V of the series of "Challenges of Governing
and Managing a City" workshops. The meeting began at 5:30 pm. All
Councilmembers and the management staff were present.
The first portion of the meeting focused on financial and space programming
matters related to the City's anticipated purchase of the 8100 Mitchell Road
meeting. Councilmembers were concerned about the preliminary cost estimates
for finishing the space to be occupied by the City and ISD No. 272, the
amount and types of space proposed to be used by the City, and the
compensation proposed for architectural services. The Council gave direction
to develop further rationale for current and future space needs. It agreed
that architectural services should be paid on an hourly basis through the
detail design phase.
Following a dinner break, John Drozdal of The Drozdal Company led the group
through discussions of three topics:
1) Objectives of Planning and Study Sessions
• Planning sessions are those like this workshop--designed to look at
broad issues affecting the organization. The Council believed that
these meetings should continue on a bi-monthly basis.
Study sessions are those which focus on definable and more immediate
topics. These should be scheduled prior to regular City Council
meetings.
Councilmembers agreed to hold the second Tuesday evening of the month
open for possible planning or study sessions.
2) Wrap-up on Assessment Issues
Councilmembers were disappointed that the Hennepin County Assessor
asserted authority to adjust the City's valuations even if they fell
within the statutory definition of an acceptable assessment. They
wished to challenge the system as it currently operates.
3) Budget and Finance Policies
Councilmembers reviewed a synopsis of policies and practices in the
budget and finance areas. They were generally pleased with the City's
financial condition and expressed concerns that the City is doing all it
can to contain current and future costs. They agreed that they would
need to continue discussions in this area.
The meeting was concluded at approximately 9:45 pm.