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07/28/2009 - City Council Special MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL RETREAT TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009 5:30 P.M. MOONSHINE PARK RETREAT CENTER City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields, Hansen and Tilley. City staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller, and Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke I. ROLL CALL AND AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Maguire called the meeting to order. City Administrator Hedges requested that an item be added to the agenda to discuss scheduling sump pump inspections. Hedges also asked that the Council discuss an e-mail correspondence the City received regarding temporary garden centers. Councilmember Tilley moved; Councilmember Fields 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. SUMP PUMP INSPECTION PROGRAM City Administrator Hedges noted that in preparation for the August 11 Council workshop, at which the Council will be briefed on a possible sump pump inspection program for the City, it has been suggested by the Public Works Director that each Councilmember participate in the City’s current sump pump inspection program prior to the workshop so they have an understanding of the program being considered. Hedges noted that the inspection has no cost, and is the same free service provided to any resident who requests an inspection. All Councilmembers expressed their interest in participating in the program. IV. E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE RE: TEMPORARY GARDEN CENTERS City Administrator Hedges distributed an e-mail correspondence that was sent to the City Council regarding continued frustration of the owner of Jerry’s Garden Center regarding the temporary garden centers that are opened throughout the city on a seasonal basis. V. GOALS UPDATE City Administrator Hedges reviewed an update of the 2009-2010 Goals. The Council discussed the goals. Councilmember Tilley requested a foreclosure update within the City. The Council discussed the University of Minnesota Community Connections program, and voiced that if Woodbury City Council Retreat Minutes July 28, 2009 Page 2 is not able to participate, they would be interested in approaching the city of Lakeville. Councilmember Bakken requested a discussion pertaining to the qualification requirements of election judges, which City Administrator Hedges noted would be an agenda item at the September 8, 2009 workshop. The Council also asked that a discussion pertaining to eligibility of groups to be exhibitors at Marketfest also be included on the September 8 workshop agenda. The Council discussed their plans for attending National Night Out block parties. VI. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION City Administrator Hedges and Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke summarized the 2009 adjusted general fund budget, the 2010 proposed general fund budget and 2011 budget projections. The Council discussed the 2010 budget process and requested a retreat in September with the Department Directors to hear from each of them on the challenges their departments are or will be facing as a result of the budget reductions in 2009 and 2010, or anticipated in 2011. City Administrator Hedges and Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke summarized the proposed Early Retirement/Separation Program to be considered. The Council gave direction to proceed with the program as presented for formal Council consideration this fall. City Administrator Hedges and Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke summarized the levy options for taxes payable in 2010. Councilmember Bakken requested that staff report back to the Council on how many tax exempt properties are located within the City. The Council emphasized that the State took away the Market Value Homestead Tax Credit (MVHC) away from the residents. The Council noted the 8.2 fulltime employee positions that have already been reduced in 2009. There was Council consensus to proceed with plans to levy back lost 2008 and 2009 MVHC and to plan for the replacement of funds to the fund balance in anticipation for 2011. The Council asked for communication from the City explaining to residents the impact of a 5.9% decrease in the City’s tax capacity. The Council expressed their comfort with the budget timeline and proposed next steps. VII. OTHER BUSINESS The City Council discussed ways to improve upon their communication with one another and applicants at City Council meetings. VIII. ADJOURN The City Council adjourned the retreat at 9:05 p.m.