HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-01 Wk Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT EDINA CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
5:07 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle,
Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Member Sprague entered the meeting at 5:09 p.m.
Staff attending the meeting included: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Marketing Director; Wayne
Houle, City Engineer/Public Works Director; John Keprios, Director of Parks & Recreation; Karen Kurt, Assistant
City Manager; Jeff Long, Police Chief; Debra Mangen, City Clerk; Susie Miller, Braemar Arena Manager; Scott
Neal, City Manager; Eric Roggeman, Assistant Finance Director; Matt Sisterman, IT Director; Ceil Smith,
Assistant to the City Manager; and John Wallin, Finance Director. Mark Ruff, Consultant, Ehlers & Associates
was also in attendance.
Present on behalf of the Edina Historical Society were; Marci Matson, Executive Director, Bob Kelly, Treasurer
and Bob Kojetin. Ms. Matson explained the Historical Society's request to restore their funding from $7,500.00
to the 2009 funding level of $10,000. The Council discussed with the Society members the role the Historical
Society has played in Grandview Small Area Plan process as well as the functions performed by the Society.
Bill McCabe, Art Center Board Chair, presented the request for funding on behalf of the Edina Public Art
Committee. He explained that Lois Ring, the Committee Chair, was unable to attend due to being in a car
accident. Mr. McCabe presented the request for 2012 funding of the Public Art Committee. He noted they
were requesting $10,000 to support the cost of future sculpture exhibitions on the Edina Promenade and at
Grandview Square Park.
Manager Neal stated staff would respond to any questions from Council regarding the proposed 2012-2016
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Council discussed the prioritization of various improvements and reviewed
past capital expenditures. Some adjustments will be made to the final 2012-2016 CIP.
Mark Ruff presented the utility rate study noting the City has been reinvesting in its utility systems through
street and utility reconstruction projects, water treatment plants, and storm water improvements. The capital
projects create financial pressure on the utility funds. Currently, the city has used a combination of pay-as
you-go and bond financing for its capital project needs. Mr. Ruff said to reduce the need for long term
financing through bonds, the utility rates needed to be adjusted. For 2012 the recommendation was: water
rates increase six percent; sewer rates increase four percent; and storm sewer rates increase five per cent.
Council and staff discussed future improvements and the rate structure.
The Council reviewed the 2012 Proposed HRA Operating Budget. The City's HRA was established in 1974 for
the purpose of undertaking urban redevelopment projects. It was the driving force behind the 50th and France
Business District renewal as well as the Edinborough and Centennial Lakes mixed development projects.
Discussion included timeframe for the decertification of Centennial Lakes and Edinborough and future use of
funds if any would be available.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
i2A1 ANIL-
\ 1 Debra A. Ma gen, C t Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, November 15, 2011
James B. Hovland, Mayor