HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-19 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
AUGUST 19, 2014
5:41 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall.
ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
Staff attending the meeting included: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Technology Services Director;
Lindy Crawford, City Management Fellow; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; Debra Mangen, City Clerk;
Chad Millner, Engineering Director; Scott Neal, City Manager; Mark Nolan, Transportation Planner; Eric
Roggeman, Assistant Finance Director; and John Wallin, Finance Director.
Mayor Hovland noted the purpose of the work session was to receive an update on the Blake Road Corridor
Study Report and to review the work on the 2015 Budget.
BLAKE ROAD CORRIDOR STUDY REPORT
Tony Heppelmann, WSB & Associates, Inc., the City of Hopkins' consultant for the Blake Road Corridor
Study, presented an update of the study. He noted that the City of Hopkins in conjunction with the Cities of
Edina and St. Louis Park and Hennepin County was conducting a corridor study to identify and plan for
transportation improvements needed to support construction of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT)
line. Mr. Heppelmann reported who has participated in the study and outlined its objections. He outlined the
schedule and scope of the study, reported the public involvement to date, presented a summary of
alternatives, and described the next steps.
2015 OPERATING BUDGET& CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROCESS UPDATE
Assistant Finance Director Roggeman reviewed the biennial budget process stating that in 2013 a two year
General Operating Budget was developed that covers 2014-2015. He stated in 2014, the 2015-2019 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) would be developed. Mr. Roggeman outlined the timeline explaining what had taken
place since April when the Council held its first session on the process until December when the final budget
would be adopted along with the levy set for 2015.
Mr. Roggeman reviewed the balances in the City's construction and equipment funds, shared feedback
gathered from Speak Up Edina and a survey circulated at the volunteer recognition reception, gave example of
projects and purchases which have been difficult to fund, reviewed the need to find reliable sources of CIP
funding, and also explained funds available for construction projects. The Council and staff discussed the
General Fund unassigned fund balance and staffs recommendation for these funds. The Council also reviewed
the 2014-2015 operating budget process and levy noting the needed changes. Staff presented their
recommended preliminary tax levies for 2015 then discussed with the Council the City's current tax capacity
and valuation as well as tax capacity changes anticipated in 2015. Council gave their feedback to staff regarding
the preparation of the 2015-2019 CIP and 2015 tax levies.
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Mangers; ity Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, September 2, 2014
James B. Hovland, Mayor