08/11/2015 - City Council SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 11, 2015
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Councilmembers present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Hansen and Tilley.
Councilmember Fields arrived at 5:40 p.m.
City staff present: City Administrator Osberg, Director of Finance Pepper, Assistant Finance Director
Feldman, Director of Community Development Hohenstein, Director of Parks & Recreation Johnson,
Public Works Director Matthys, Transportation Operations Engineer Plath, Police Chief McDonald, and
Fire Chief Scott.
ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Hansen seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as
presented. Aye:4 Nay:0
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
SHORT TERM RENTALS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
Mayor Maguire noted tonight's discussion is follow up on research that the Council asked staff to
provide regarding short term rentals. For purposes of the discussion, short term rentals are defined as
those for less than 30 days at a time. This topic is before the Council at this time, in part, because a
residential property owner in Eagan has expressed interest in offering short term rentals of a part of
their home. Maguire noted this agenda item is intended for discussion of the activity generally and not
the application in particular.
Community Development Director Hohenstein provided background information noting the public
policy questions and practical issues. He noted that rentals of less than 30 days at a time are considered
a commercial use, which are only permitted in certain commercial zoning districts under the City Code.
Sharon Hill, City Attorney, was available for questions.
The Council discussed at length short term rentals in residential neighborhoods and touched on the
policy questions. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Council to not move forward with
an ordinance amendment to allow short term rentals of rooms or portions of homes in residential
neighborhoods.
The Council took a 10 minute break.
Special City Council Minutes
August 11, 2015
Page 2
ANALYSIS OF COST TO PLOW ALL CITY TRANSPORTATION TRAILS
AND IMPACT ON SERVICE LEVELS
Public Works Director Matthys introduced the item and gave an overview on the analysis of options to
provide winter trail maintenance on all city transportation trails.
The Council discussed the proposed options. Mayor Maguire suggested getting input from residents by
asking a question regarding winter trail clearing on the next community survey.
After further discussion it was the consensus of the Council not to modify the Winter Trail Maintenance
program and Snow and Ice Control Policy.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET PRESENTATION
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting Council will be reviewing the preliminary 2016
General Fund operating budget, the proposed property tax levy and public policy questions. Any
modifications to the proposed levy and budget will be presented to the Council at the September 1,
2015 regular City Council meeting.
Osberg provided additional background pertaining to the preliminary general fund budget and related
tax levy. Osberg noted formal action on the levy and the preliminary 2016 General Fund Budget are
scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on September 1. The final levy certification and budget
action is scheduled for the December 15, 2015 regular City Council meeting. The final Property Tax Levy
that is due at the County no later than December 28 can be decreased but cannot be increased from the
preliminary certification.
Osberg provided additional background pertaining to the proposed increase in the General Fund
expenditure budget. Osberg added the proposed General Fund Budget reflects an increase of 2.75
percent over the 2015 budget. Osberg provided an overview of the proposed General Fund Budget as it
relates to specific departments and operations, and summarized the public policy issues for the City
Council's consideration.
Finance Director Pepper provided additional background pertaining to the preliminary general fund
balance, market value and tax capacity, and local tax capacity trends.
The City Council discussed the proposed 2016 budget and the proposed payable 2016 Property Tax Levy.
There was Council consensus that the budget level at a 2.75 percent increase was appropriate. There
was Council consensus that the proposed department budget items were appropriate.
There was Council consensus that the proposed total tax levy of 4.9% was appropriate. There was
Council consensus that the allocation of the preliminary tax levy was appropriate.
Osberg noted Dakota County is holding its Truth -in Taxation hearing December 1St. In the interest of
avoiding a scheduling conflict with the City's Truth -in -Taxation hearing, it is proposed to be rescheduled
from December 1 to November 30, 2015. There was Council consensus to reschedule the December 1,
2015 regular City Council meeting to Monday, November 30, 2015.
Special City Council Minutes
August 11, 2015
Page 3
There was Council consensus to produce and cabiecast live in late fall another virtual budget open house
modeled after the same format as 2014.
There was no other business to be heard.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Tilley moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.
Aye:5 Nay:0
E 1, VV. A+
City Clerk