City Council - 01/22/2008 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY,JANUARY 22, 2008 CITY CENTER
5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II
6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Jon
Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen,
Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and
Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, Assistant to the
City Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters
LEGISLATORS: Rep. Maria Ruud, Rep. Erik Paulsen and Sen. David Hann
Senator Hann joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Representative Ruud joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
I. MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS
A. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING SESSION
Rep. Paulsen said he anticipates this legislative session will be shorter than other
recent sessions. He noted this is not a budget year, and said the focus will be on
bonding on a bi-partisan level. He said the state may reach their debt ceiling.
How much bonding beyond transportation will be possible is difficult to predict
until the February budget forecast is released.
Senator Hann joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m. He said he had just come from a
Claims Committee meeting on bridge collapse compensation. He said he expects
the majority of funds to go toward bridge compensation and transportation
projects this year.
Rep. Ruud joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m. due to a work commitment. She said
the Governor may propose cuts, depending on the February budget forecast. She
also said a gas tax increase is possible, and she expects to see some policy in the
field of energy this session.
B. MARKET VALUE HOMESTEAD CREDIT
City Manager Neal said Eden Prairie receives between $500,000 and $700,000 in
Market Value Homestead Credit each year. Paulsen said he does not foresee a
reduction in MVHC unless there is unexpected news in the February revenue
forecast.
Neal said the City would like to see MVHC go directly to taxpayers rather than
being funneled through the City. Paulsen agreed.
Council Workshop Minutes
January 22, 2008
Page 2
C. GAS TAX INCREASE
Paulsen said he sees a straight five-cent gas tax as a possibility.
D. WINE IN GROCERY STORES
Paulsen said he does not expect to see Wine in Grocery Stores legislation move
forward this year. He said he has supported the legislation in the past from a
consumer's point of view. Neal noted that there are varying opinions on this
among the Council Members.
E. CAMP EDEN WOOD BONDING REQUEST
Paulsen said it may be difficult to get funding for non-infrastucture projects this
session, although not impossible. He said it often takes a couple of years to
obtain funding for projects like Camp Eden Wood. He said the most effective
means of advocating for the project is by communicating with Committee chairs
and members that live near the project area. Paulsen said legislators will be
interested in knowing the regional or statewide significance of the project. Neal
noted that disabled campers from across Minnesota use Camp Eden Wood. Hann
said he would check with the Senate Bonding Committee for an update. Ruud,
who joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m., said she will be submitting a report and
requesting a hearing on the project in the House. She said the proposal will likely
go through the Environmental Committee.
F. VOLUNTEER FIRE: EMS TAX
Fire Chief Esbensen said this is an initiative that would allow volunteer fire
fighters to receive a tax credit in return for their service. Governor Pawlenty has
said he supports it. Paulsen said he also supports the proposal.
G. FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION BENEFIT CAP INCREASE
Esbensen said he and his peers are hoping to obtain funding for a study this year
and come back to the legislature with proposed legislation next year.
H. STREET UTILITY
Public Works Director Gene Dietz said that as Eden Prairie's aging roads begin to
require major repairs and reconstruction, the City is looking for a stable source of
funding. City staff believes a street utility is a viable alternative; however, the
legislature has been hesitant to support it. Paulsen said he is not very familiar
with the street utility concept,but would welcome more information. Mayor
Young said he believes a street utility makes a lot of sense in the long run.
Council Workshop Minutes
January 22, 2008
Page 3
I. ISSUING DEBT FOR PURCHASE OF SOFTWARE
Neal said that cities currently do not have the authority to issue debt for the
purchase of software; however, software needed to support municipal operations
can cost in the millions. The City will be purchasing public safety
communications software with a cost of approximately $1 million later this year.
Senator Hann said he could see the benefit of cities being able to issue debt for the
purchase of software as long as the term is in line with the expected life of the
product.
II. OPEN PODIUM
There were no Open Podium Speakers.
IV. ADJOURNMENT