HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-06 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
OCTOBER 6, 2009
5:30 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall.
Answering rollcall were: Members Bennett, Brindle, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Member Housh
was absent. Staff present included: Gordon Hughes, City Manager; Heather Worthington, Assistant
City Manager; John Wallin, Finance Director; Eric Roggeman, Assistant Finance Director; Ceil
Smith, Assistant to the City Manager; Wayne Houle, City Engineer/Public Works Director; Cary
Teague, Planning Director; Steve Kirchman, Building Official; Sherry Engelmann, Sanitarian; and
Debra Mangen, City Clerk.
Mayor Hovland stated the purpose of the meeting was to continue the Council's review of the
proposed 2010 Operating Budget.
City Manager Hughes stated the budget review would continue with those departments not finished
at the last meeting. He added that there had been a staff rearrangement to cover two retirements
without hiring any new staff. Mr. Hughes explained that the Public Works Coordinator and a Public
Works Administrative Assistant were retiring. To cover these positions, the existing Utility
Superintendent had been promoted to Assistant Public Works Superintendent, an administrative
staff member from the Building Department would be working at Public Works three days a week
with staff members from the Finance and Administration Departments covering her absence from
City Hall. This shifting of responsibility will allow coverage without any hiring. It was noted that all
the union contracts were up for negotiation this year.
Engineer Houle stated his intent to postpone as much as feasible any equipment purchases. He
said when replacing vehicles the intention was to go with smaller versions still capable of the
needed functionality.
Mr. Hughes noted the Planning Department's budget had been reduced in professional services
reflecting the completion of the Comprehensive Plan and because the Historical Planning
Consultant would no longer be attending meetings of the Heritage Preservation Board. He pointed
out this also eliminated budget monies for small area plans, but that the 2010 proposed budget for
Planning was more in line with what the department had traditionally budgeted before the
Comprehensive Plan update.
Mr. Hughes noted the Building Department would be juggling support staff since a member was
shifting to Public Works three days a week. He noted that part-time inspectors had been laid off,
but the City would be retaining its full time inspection staff. Mr. Hughes said that activity for single
family residential was still quite strong, but that commercial activity was down 37% from the same
time in 2008.
Mr. Hughes reviewed the Health Department's proposed budget. He noted that Karen Zeleznak of
Bloomington Public Health would attend the October 20, 2009, Regular Council meeting to review
the grant just received.
The Council briefly reviewed the Assessing and Administration Departments' budget. It was noted
that the Energy and Environment Commission budget would be reduced by $25,000. The City's
participation in Metro Cities was discussed as well as the benefit received for participation in the
various organizations such as the League of Minnesota Cities. It was noted that the contingency
Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/October 6 2009
budget had been increased over previous year and pointed out that there were no monies in
contingencies to fund studies not included in the budget.
The Council briefly discussed areas that might have some cost benefit if services were to be
shared regionally. Concern was expressed over the sacrifice of service accessibility to residents if
shared services were initiated.
The Council and staff discussed the proposed 2010 budget. It was agreed to invite the Boards and
Commissions to the October 20, 2009, work session at 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deb,ra A. Ma g , Ci Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, October 20, 2009.
i
. .` James B. Hovland, Mayor
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