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08/17/1993 - City Council Special OC2 70 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota August 17, 1993 A Special City Council meeting was held on Tuesday, August 17, 1993 at 5:00 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center building. The purpose of the meeting was to hold a general discussion regarding the 1994 general fund budget and provide a forum for discussion on several informative items requiring City Council direction. Those in attendance were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers Awada, Hunter, Masin and Wachter. Also present were Acting Director of Community Development Hohenstein, Director of Finance VanOverbeke, Chief of Police Geagan, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa and City Administrator Hedges. WESCOTT SQUARE PARK Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa presented drawings and illustrations for the development of Wescott Square Park. He reviewed in detail the various components that consist of hard courts, playground equipment, trails and open space. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa also reviewed the budget, explaining that the City Is a recipient of an HRA grant In the amount of $139,000. He stated that plans were reviewed by the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission and if acceptable by the City Council, a contact will be let in 1993 with the final work, including plant material restoration, to be finished in 1994. After brief questions and review by the City Council, there was a consensus for staff to proceed with the Wescott Square parkland development as presented. Mayor Egan stated that formal bids and contracts will be presented to the City Council at a regular meeting later this fall. 1994 GENERAL FUND BUDGET City Administrator Hedges stated that worksheets and narratives for a preliminary budget are being reviewed and will be submitted to the City Council for consideration at the September 1 Special City Council meeting. He stated that the main purpose for the September 1 City Council meeting Is to consider a property tax certification collectible in 1994 to satisfy the truth-In-taxation requirements. Property tax certification can be lowered by City Council action later in the fall, however, it cannot be increased which is the reason a preliminary budget is considered before property tax certification. City Councilmember Hunter stated that any budget the City gives consideration to this fall should be conservative, limiting new programs and placing an emphasis on the quality of existing local government service. City Councilmember Awada expressed her concerns on the lack of stability In calculating valuation due to the number of tax abatements, changes by the Minnesota State Legislature, property tax classifications and other similar factors. Mayor Egan expressed a desire to continue exploring creative ways to deal with revenue sources In addition to any property tax increase that may be necessary to support a constant level of service. He further stated that public Information is critical to support any property tax increase necessary for payable 1994. Mayor Egan further stated that it is his desire to not reduce any allocation for sealcoating and further that a dollar appropriation be set aside for the funding of the control of oak wilt. There was also a general consensus expressed by the City Council that any new programs proposed for 1994 should include new revenues or at least a method for funding. City Administrator Hedges stated that he Is concerned about the increase in tax abatements the City of Eagan has experienced In recent years and would like to propose special legislation that would Include the notification and Involvement of local jurisdictions once property taxes are appealed in District Court. Mayor Egan stated that a more formal review of the 1994 budget will occur at the work session on September 1 and thanked the City Council and staff for the various comments. Page 2/Eagan Special City Council Meeting August 17, 1993 CIVIC ARENA FUNDRAISING ASSOCIATION City Administrator Hedges stated that there Is a request by the Civic Arena Fundraising Association to use space in the Fire Administration building for a desk and telephone. After a brief review, the City Council expressed their support for use of the space during normal work hours. CABLE RATE REGULATION CERTIFICATION City Administrator Hedges explained a request by the Cable Coordinator to certify a resolution that supports cable television rate regulation by local jurisdictions. After a brief review and discussion by the City Council, there was a concurrence and consensus that local jurisdiction should have review over cable rate regulation. DISPOSITION OF LEXINGTON MEADOWS ADDITION Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa explained the disposition of City-owned lots In the Lexington Meadows Addition. The proposal to dispose of lots as presented by staff was given Council concurrence. RESCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Councilmember Awada requested that the Special City Council meeting scheduled for September 1 be changed from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. due to a personal matter. In official action taken by City Councilmember Hunter, seconded by Mayor Egan, with all members voting in favor, the September 1 Special City Council meeting was rescheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. the same evening. OTHER BUSINESS There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. TLH AirnLSt 17. 1993 Date City Clerk