HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-20 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
OCTOBER 20, 2009
5:00 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall. Answering
rollcall were: Members Bennett, Brindle, Housh, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Staff present included:
Gordon Hughes, City Manager; Heather Worthington, Assistant City Manager; John Wallin, Finance
Director; Eric Roggeman, Assistant Finance Director; John Keprios, Park and Recreation Director; Ceil
Smith, Assistant to the City Manager; Susan Howl, Administration Assistant; and Debra Mangen, City
Clerk.
Mayor Hovland stated the purpose of the meeting was to complete the Council's review of the proposed
2010 Operating Budget. He noted that representatives from the City's Human Rights & Relations
Commission (HRRC), the Edina Public Arts Committee and the Historical Society would be speaking. He
added that Park and Recreation Director Keprios would speak on behalf of the Edina Park Board.
Russ Stanton, HRRC Chair, addressed the Council explaining the rationale the Commission used in
reducing their 2010 Human Services Professional Services budget request by ten percent.
Commissioners Bigbee, Finsness, Kingston, Overholt and Newell also present added clarification to
Chair Stanton's presentation. The Council and Commission discussed the process followed and various
entities proposed for funding in 2010. Concern was expressed over the 2010 proposed funding of
STAND. Consensus was to move the 2010 funding for STAND from professional services to Operations
under programs/education.
Bob Kojetin, Edina Historical Society, thanked the Council for the $10,000 the Society had received for
the past two years. He outlined how the Society had used the funding. Mr. Kojetin noted they
understood the need for the City to reduce spending. He urged the Historical Society funding not be
totally deleted only reduced for 2010. Consensus was to reduce the funding level for 2010 to $5,000.
Brad Benn, Edina Public Arts Committee, relayed the Committee's request for $10,000 in the 2010
Operating Budget. It was noted the $10,000 previously received by the Edina Public Arts Committee had
been made as a one-time stipend and not an ongoing budgeted item. The Council expressed their
thanks for the work of the Committee but noted concern about ongoing requests for funds. Various fund
raising methods were discussed. Consensus was that no 2010 funding would be made to the Edina
Public Arts Committee.
Director Keprios reported the Park Board discussed ways to fund keeping both Countryside and
Strachauer Hockey rinks open. He said the Hockey Association told the Board it preferred that the rinks
be closed rather than provide more fees or a donation toward the cost of operating them. The Board
recommended closing the Countryside rink (the least-use in the City) and keeping the Strachauer rink
open. Mr. Keprios said that Park and Recreation staff would review the 2010 operating budget and find
the necessary reduction of between $3,000 and $4,000 to fund Strachauer's rink. Following discussion,
consensus was to follow the Park Board's recommendation.
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, ��A"�( Q A1h12A___)
Debra angen, City Jerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, October 20, 2009.
James B. Hovland, Nrayof-