08/12/2020 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 12, 2020
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
A meeting of the Special City Council was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmember Bakken, Fields, and Hansen.
Councilmember Tilley was absent.
City staff present: City Administrator Osberg, Assistant City Administrator Miller, Finance Director
Pepper, Assistant Finance Director Feldman, Parks and Recreation Director Pimental, Public Works
Director Matthys, Community Development Director Hutmacher, Fire Chief Scott, Communication and
Engagement Director Ellickson, and Police Chief New.
ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Aye:4 Nay:0
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY UPDATE
City Administrator Osberg noted every couple of years Dakota County Library provides an update to
the Council. Osberg introduced Dakota County Library Branch Manager Amanda Feist.
Amanda Feist, Branch Manager for Dakota County's Wescott Library, provided an update about the
library, including service changes in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.
Mayor Maguire thanked Ms. Feist for the update.
DIFFLEY ROAD (CSAR 30) SCHOOL AREA IMPROVEMENTS — UPDATE
City Administrator Osberg noted staff will provide an update on the proposed improvements and the
status of related ancillary items.
Public Works Director Matthys gave a presentation on the proposed improvements.
The Council and staff discussed the proposed improvements.
Theresa Eisele, 4209 Braddock Trail, addressed the Council with concerns regarding the proposed
roundabout and turn lanes.
Susan Flynn, 4339 Hamilton Drive, addressed the Council regarding the proposed improvements.
The Council thanked staff for the update.
Special City Council Minutes
August 12, 2020
Page 2
PROPOSED 2021 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
City Administrator Osberg noted the 2021 General Fund budget was prepared a year ago as the second
year of the City's two-year operating budget process. As a result of COVID and its effect on the
economy, amendments to the 2021 budget are being proposed, including a downward revision in
certain revenues and a reduction of travel expenditures. As proposed, the 2021 property tax levy is the
same amount presented a year ago, which would be a 5.4% increase over 2020. Osberg noted the 2021
General Fund budget and tax levy are scheduled to be considered at the regular City Council meeting on
September 1.
Finance Director Pepper gave a presentation and walked through the budget memo.
The Council discussed the proposed 2021 General Fund budget and the proposed payable 2021 Property
Tax Levy.
The Council provided the following feedback regarding the Public Policy questions:
• Is the City Council satisfied with the proposed levy? Yes
• There are uncertainties in the proposed budget due to COVID and its impact on the economy. Is
the City Council comfortable with delaying some final decisions until December, and in some
circumstances, until 2021? Yes
• Is the City Council accepting of the proposed new FTEs included in the budget, recognizing they
would not be hired until more financial certainty is established? Yes
• Does the City Council agree with the current plan to eliminate out-of-state travel for training
and conferences in 2021? Yes
There was Council consensus to proceed with the adoption of a preliminary levy and budget at the
September 1, 2020 Council meeting.
EAGAN CARES SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
City Administrator Osberg noted the City has received $5.1 million of federal CARES Act funding. Most of
this funding is proposed to be used to reimburse the City for costs related to COVID-19. Dakota County
has designated $10 million of its CARES allocation for a small business assistance grant program and has
invited Dakota County cities to participate in the program. The application process opened Monday, July
27, 2020 and will close Friday, August 14, 2020.
Community Development Director Hutmacher was available for questions.
The Council discussed the small business assistance grant program.
The Council provided the following feedback:
1. Should Eagan designate $500,000 of its federal CARES funding to a small business assistance
grant program? Yes
2. If so, should the City participate in the Dakota County program or should the City design and
administer its own grant program? Yes
Special City Council Minutes
August 12, 2020
Page 3
There was no other business to be heard.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Hansen moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adjourn at 7:36 p.m.
Aye:4 Nay:O
e I Ike 0 CA,
City Clerk