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08/09/2010 - City Council Special MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010 5:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – EAGAN MUNICIPAL CAMPUS City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields, Hansen and Tilley. City Staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller, Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke, Public Works Director Colbert, Fire Chief Scott, Transportation and Operations Engineer Plath, Police Chief McDonald, Director of Communications Garrison, Director of Community Development Hohenstein, Deputy Police Chief Johnson and E-TV Supervisor Ongstad. I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Maguire called the meeting to order. Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Fields seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Aye: 5; Nay: 0 II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. III. SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that members of the Council have previously expressed an interest in having staff investigate the merits and opportunities of integrating solar power generation into the City’s energy needs. Hedges added that at the September 15, 2009 City Council meeting, the Council accepted a recommendation of the Public Works Committee to authorize SEH, Inc. to prepare a Solar Feasibility Study and directed staff to fund the cost of the project from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Block Grant. Public Works Director Colbert introduced SEH representatives George Johnson and Dan Zienty who presented the results of the Solar Study and recommendations for the City. The City Council discussed the Solar Feasibility Report. There was City Council consensus to accept the report; however, wait for the economic benefits of solar PV systems to improve before pursuing such technology in the City of Eagan. Mayor Maguire thanked the SEH representatives and the members of the Eagan Energy and Environment Commission, who were in attendance to observe the solar discussion. Special City Council Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 2 IV. JOINT MEETING WITH THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC)  Discuss 2010-2011 EEAC Value Statements and Goals City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that it is the Council’s practice to meet with each of their advisory commissions at least one time each year and this is the first opportunity for the newly appointed Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) to meet with the City Council. Mayor Maguire welcomed the EEAC members to the meeting. Each of the Commissioners introduced themselves to the City Council and viewing audience. EEAC Chairman Bruce Goff presented a summary of the draft value statements and goals for the EEAC, which included a recommendation to pursue the GreenStep Cities Program. The City Council and EEAC members discussed the GreenStep Cities Program. The City Council also discussed an opportunity to work with a group of students from the University of Minnesota’s School of Sustainable Education. EEAC Commissioners noted that the partnership with the University would allow for students to complete an inventory of best practices within the City of Eagan that meet the GreenStep Cities Program requirements. The City Council thanked the EEAC for their work in establishing the Commission and expressed their enthusiasm for the Commission’s future work and recommendations. V. 2011 E-TV BUDGET City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that 2011 will mark the beginning of the third full year of operations for E-TV which opened to the public in February of 2009, in partnership with Thomson Reuters Corporation. Hedges added that E-TV operations are funded with non-tax dollars through a mixture of Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) fees and franchise fees paid by the cable provider (Comcast). Communications Director Garrison summarized the proposed changes within the 2011 E- TV budget, and noted E-TV’s effort to provide greater promotion and awareness for E-TV programming. Garrison noted that the E-TV budget is proposed to increase in 2011 by 1.45 percent ($6,600). The City Council discussed the budget and directed the proposed 2011 E-TV budget to a future Consent Agenda for formal consideration. The City Council recessed at 6:57 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 7:08 p.m. Special City Council Minutes August 9, 2010 Page 3 VI. 2011 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND TAX LEVY City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that preparation of the 2011 preliminary General Fund Budget has been ongoing since April 2010. Hedges added that the appropriations in the current 2011 preliminary budget total $27,842,200. The proposed General Fund Budget reflects an increase of $305,100, or 1.1 percent over the 2010 budget. Hedges provided an overview of the proposed General Fund Budget as it relates to specific departments and operations, and also summarized the public policy issues for the City Council’s consideration. Director of Administrator Services VanOverbeke expanded upon the public policy considerations included and not included in the 2011 General Fund proposed Budget. The City Council discussed the proposed 2011 budget and the proposed payable 2011 Property Tax Levy. The Council provided direction to staff that the budget level at 1.1 percent increase is appropriate. Mr. Hedges noted that the City is required to certify a proposed payable 2011 Property Tax Levy to the County Treasure-Auditor on or before September 15, 2010. Hedges added that formal action on the levy and the preliminary 2010 General Fund Budget are scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on September 7, 2010. Modifications to the 2011 budget and department adjustments as directed by the City Council can continue beyond the September 15 deadline with final levy certification and budget action scheduled for the December 21, 2010 regular City Council meeting. Hedges added the final Property Tax Levy that is due at the County no later than December 28, 2010 can be decreased but cannot be increased from the preliminary certification. Upon reviewing the number of options associated with the 2011 Property Tax Levy, the Council directed that the Finance Committee review the specific implications of levy options for 2011 and 2012, and bring a recommendation back to the City Council. VII. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The City Council workshop adjourned at 8:33 p.m.