HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-1996RECORD OF OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA?��
Adjourned Meeting No. 20 - September 12, 1996
Agenda
Item
A-1 President Hunziker called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. with the following
members being present: Councilmembers Evans, Hruska, Marcoux, McConnell,
Senjem and Stobaugh. Absent: None.
Mayor Canfield spoke about the Council's responsibility to the citizens of the City
of Rochester and how the taxpayers are faced with a very unfair tax system in
the State of Minnesota. He noted that taxpayers in the City pay about 52 cents
per day for City services. Lowering the tax levy for the City will mean a
decrease in City services and will bring the daily price a citizen is paying down to
only 50 cents per day. Mayor Canfield said that we are not the first to face this
anguish but we will need to face it with a great deal of courage.
E-1 The Councilmembers considered the recommended tax levy increase proposed
by the City Administrator of 6.47 percent. The recommendation included a
proposed budget amount for 1997 of $90,000,000.00. Such an increase in the
tax levy would allow for the existing union raises of personnel but hold all other
budgetary expenditures at the 1996 level.
Councilmembers proposed various options from 3 to 5.5 percent only and
possible elimination of the contingency fund. It was pointed out that if the
contingency fund is used, many organizations and priorities throughout the year
would not be able to continue to be funded. Dale Martinson, Finance Director,
pointed out that the contingency fund is a necessity for maintaining the City's
Triple A bonding rating.
Councilmembers Hruska moved, Senjem seconded, to approve the preliminary
1997 tax levy at 3.5 percent and to set the budget hearings dates as follows:
Initial Budget Hearing- December 2, 1996; Continuation Hearing (if needed) -
December 11, 1996; Adoption of 1997 Budget - December 18, 1996. Upon roll
call vote Councilmembers Hruska, McConnell, Senjem and Stobaugh voted aye;
Councilmembers Evans, Marcoux, and President Hunziker voted nay. Ayes (4),
Nays (3). Motion carried.
E-2 Councilmembers Evans moved, Stobaugh seconded, to adopt Resolution No.
511-96 approving the 911 Maintenance Agreement with U.S. West for an
enhanced 911 system. Ayes (7), Nays (0). Motion carried.
E-3 Councilmembers Evans moved, McConnell seconded, to adopt Resolution No.
512-96 declaring the winners of the City Primary Election as follows: Second
Ward Councilmember - Marcia Marcoux and Mary Lee Mathes; Fourth Ward
Councilmember - Walter Stobaugh and Jay Weichselbaum. Ayes (7), Nays (0).
Motion carried.
E-4 Councilmembers Stobaugh moved, Marcoux seconded, to reconsider action
taken at the September 4, 1996 meeting approving the Layout Plan for TH
14/West Circle Drive and sending the resolution to the State Commissioner,of
Transportation. Ayes (7), Nays (0). Motion carried.
RECORD OF OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA
477,4 Adjourned Meeting No. 20 - September 12, 1996
Agenda
Item
A letter was received from Representative Don Frerichs, Minnesota House of
Representatives, voicing his viewpoint on the closing of the Seventh Street
access. Mr. Frerichs felt that it is not too late to provide on and off ramps to
allow for Seventh Street to remain open.
Richard Freese, Public Works Director, stated that he and Mayor Canfield had a
meeting with Kermit McRae, District Engineer for MNDOT, to try to work a
solution to the Seventh Street access. After much discussion and debate, the
State agreed to allow a temporary right in -and -out connection between TH 14
and the frontage road for those businesses on the south side of TH 14 for a
period of three years. The City would be totally responsible for the costs
associated with land acquisition (easements), extending the frontage road 300 fet,
east, and the building of the access; approximately $150,000. Mr. Freese noted
that it is hoped that the three years would give the businesses and the City time
to look at alternatives to the Seventh Street problem. Mr. Freese asked that this
item be tabled to September 23rd to allow City and MNDOT staff time to look at
the specifics of an agreement. The MNDOT bid opening is set for four
September 27th, 1996.
Wishing to be heard was Al Larson, Trademart Furniture, Seventh Street Access,
asking for clarification on the proposed agreement.
Mr. Freese noted that at the end of the three year period, the City would again
assume all responsibilities for demolition of the access; possibly another
$25,000.
Wishing to be heard was Rob Larson, Trademart Furniture, asking whether or not
the agreement could be reached for a five or seven year period.
Councilmembers Senjem moved, Marcoux seconded, to have this issue
considered during the September 23rd continued meeting. Ayes (7), Nays (0).
Motion carried.
Having no further business, Councilmembers Hruska moved, Stobaugh
seconded, to adjourn the meeting to September 16, 1996. Ayes (7), Nays (0).
Motion carried.
ty Clerk