09/03/1996 - City Council Special MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ` '"Okv C`
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan,Minnesota
September 3,1996
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, September 3, 1996, at 5:30
p.m.at the Eagan Municipal Center building. Present were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers Awada, Hunter,
Masin and Wachter. Also present were Director of Public Works Colbert, Chief of Police Geagan, Director of
Finance VanOverbeke, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, Communications Coordinator Foote and City
Administrator Hedges.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED 1997 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
City Administrator Hedges stated that the purpose of the meeting was a request by the City
Council to review various questions they have concerning departmental budgets. He further stated that the City
Council reduced the general fund operating budget by$199,200 at the August 26 work session,which reduces the
estimated tax capacity rate from .22139 to.21766.
City Councilmember Wachter asked the City Council to review the salary for Mayor and suggested
that,with the amount of responsibilities,the annual salary should be increased by$500. Mayor Egan stated that
if the Council is planning to consider a salary increase for Mayor, a proportionate increase should be granted to
the City Council. City Councilmembers reviewed the summary of Mayor and Council salaries prepared by the
• AMM. After some discussion, it was suggested that the Mayor's salary be increased by$500 and the Council's
salary by$400. City Councilmember Masin stated her reluctance to consider an increase in the annual Council
salary at this time and suggested that any action be deferred until a later date, possibly 1997.
City Administrator Hedges stated that any action to increase the Mayor and Council's salary does
require an ordinance amendment and any amendment must be acted upon prior to a municipal election in order
for the salary to become effective for the following calendar year. After further review,the City Council gave the
City Administrator direction to adjust the budget to include an annual salary adjustment of$500 for Mayor and$400
for each City Councilmember.
City Councilmember Wachter raised a question regarding the proposal to finance shirts with the
official City logo for our building officials. Chief Building Official Reid stated that building inspectors are spending
considerably more time dealing with homeowners by entering more and more private homes to review plans for
additions, decks and many other permits and a shirt with an official City logo would provide identification and a
professional appearance for the inspectors. City Councilmember Wachter stated that he is in support of inspectors
wearing an official shirt with the City logo; however,they should be responsible for the cost of the uniform. After
further discussion, City Councilmembers concluded that the idea is good; however,the budgetary appropriation
as a City expense should be removed from the operating budget.
City Councilmember Wachter also raised a question regarding the Dakota County Economic
Development dues that are proposed at$6,500. He stated that there has been much discussion whether the City
should participate as a member in the Dakota County Economic Development Partnership. After discussion by
the City Council regarding future participation in the Partnership, Mayor Egan suggested that the City continue as
a member of the Partnership, but contribute$2,000 which is the same amount approved for 1996. After further
discussion,the City Council agreed to reduce the preliminary budget by$4,500,the difference between the$6,500
dues as proposed and the$2,000 amount suggested by the City Council for membership in the Dakota County
Economic Development Partnership.
•
• Page 2/Eagan Special City Council Meeting Minutes �.�
September 3, 1996
Numerous questions were raised regarding the Dakota County Economic Development
Partnership and the City's benefit for the GIS system. Staff was directed to research the GIS operation in terms
of who buys the hardware,who buys the software and who provides the data.
City Councilmember Awada stated that she is not in agreement with the capital outlay request
for cable and su gg ested that this budget
be revised for 1997. City ty Ad min'
Administrator Hedges stated that at the August
26 meeting, direction was given to prepare a memo that provides a rationale for the proposed equipment,which
is to be presented at the September 12 workshop. City Councilmember Awada suggested that this item be
discussed at this time without any further research and suggested that the proposed budget be reduced to$10,000
to be prioritized by staff as to which equipment is most necessary and beneficial for improving cable production.
It was acknowledged by the City Council and staff that this is franchise fees and will not impact the general property
tax levy.
OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items for Other Business.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
September 3, 1996 4 -211
Date City Clerk
TLH
•