06/09/2009 - City Council Special
MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN ROOM – EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmember’s Bakken, Fields,
Hansen and Tilley.
City staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller,
Public Works Director Colbert, Superintendent of Streets Struve, Community Development
Director Hohenstein, Chief Financial Officer Pepper, Fire Chief Scott, City Engineer Matthys,
Police Chief McDonald, Support Services Manager Klein, and Communications Director
Garrison.
I. ROLL CALL AND AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Maguire called the meeting to order. City Administrator Hedges requested that an
item be added to Other Business to discuss a proposed change to the Ethan Allen planed
development.
Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Tilley seconded a motion to adopt the
agenda as amended.
Aye: 5, Nay: 0
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. REGIONAL ROADWAY VISIONING STUDY UPDATE
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that in 2006-2007, Eagan joined
with Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County to complete a joint “North-South Corridor Travel
Demand Study” to perform a preliminary analysis for a variety of roadway options in the north-
central portion of Dakota County and considered a consolidated regional and county perspective
broader than the local roadway system needs of each City. Hedges added that the next phase of
the study has been expanded to involve the cities of Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake, along
with MnDOT, the Met Council, and the Federal Highway Administration.
Public Works Director Colbert introduced Marie Cody, SRF Consultant, who provided a
background of the study, discussed major stakeholders, highlighted the study process and goals,
and gave an overview of the work completed to date. Ms. Cody also commented on plans for the
June 24, 2009 open house at which the study will be highlighted.
The City Council discussed the study and transportation needs in the community. The
Council discussed the impact of transit on the study, including whether transit will be available
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June 9, 2009
Page 2
by the 2030 timeframe outlined in the study. At the request of Mayor Maguire, Ms. Cody noted
she would seek clarification on the transit assumptions of the study.
IV. RECEIVE UPDATE ON EAGAN EMERGENCY PLAN AND EAGAN
EMPLOYEE PERSONAL SECURITY PLAN / UPDATE ON FEMA TRAINING EVENT
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that the City has an emergency plan
that would be relied upon in the event of a disaster. Police Chief McDonald introduced the
City’s Emergency Manager, Jeremy Klein, who provided a summary of the updates that are
being proposed to the emergency plan. Klein also updated the Council on the upcoming
emergency management exercise that will take place in Emmetsburg, Maryland the week of
August 24, 2009. Hedges noted that thanks to grant funding, the entire cost for the week-long
training is only $96/person.
The City Council discussed the City’s emergency plan and the future formation of an
Employee Security Team. Hedges noted that a future closed session could be scheduled for the
purpose of discussing the City Council’s security.
V. RECEIVE UPDATE ON THE 2009 GENERAL FUND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
AND ON THE 2010 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting the impact of the State budget deficit
on the City of Eagan’s 2008-2010 operating budgets. Hedges reviewed the history of Market
Value Homestead Credit (MVHC), and its impact on the budget. He also reviewed the status of
the 2009 budget, including a revised revenue forecast. Hedges added that the Council has the
opportunity to levy back any lost MVHC for both calendar years 2008 and 2009 should they so
choose. Hedges reviewed recommendations that staff had suggested through an all-employee
budget savings survey.
The City Council discussed the City’s current fund balance, and other recommendations to
address the budget situation for 2009 and 2010. The Council reviewed recommendations of the
management team, and suggested further looking at the following suggestions: revisiting the
DCC allocation formula (Council support for non blended rates), hiring a volunteer coordinator
position, review of non-essential services for volunteer possibilities, student workers from local
community colleges and technical schools, wage freeze for union and non-union employees,
software licensing changes, phased and early retirement, voluntary reductions in hours, capital
replacement of vehicles, and additional revenue opportunities.
The City Council discussed the budget payment for the DCC. It was suggested that the DCC
budget be temporarily placed on hold at the June 18 DCC Board meeting in order to further look
at the process to determine the funding allocation formula from each City towards the DCC.
The Council directed that an item be placed on the June 16 City Council agenda to amend
the 2009 budget by reducing revenues and expenditures by $592,000 and shifting or reallocating
a portion of the tax levy in the amount of $710,500 from Renewal & Replacement and Street
Reconstruction in order to balance the 2009 budget.
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June 9, 2009
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VI. OTHER BUSINESS
City Administrator Hedges noted a request received for a proposed change to the Ethan
Allen Planned Development. The Council noted they are favorable to the modifications
proposed to Building DD.
City Administrator Hedges announced that a closed session would be held to discuss
negotiations for a Fire Campus/Facility site.
The City Council adjourned to closed session at 8:05 p.m.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.