2023.12.11 City Council MinutesOTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order:
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmembers: Brittany Moores, Tina Goede, Jeff Dahl, and
Ryan Dunlap. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, Assistant City
Administrator/Human Resources Sabrina Hille, City Engineer Ron Wagner, City Planner Daniel
Licht, City Attorney Dave Kendall, and City Clerl< Audra Etzel.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Mayor Stockamp led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Open Forum:
Mayor Stockamp opened the Open Forum at 7:05 PM. No one from the public spoke.
Mayor Stockamp closed the Open Forum at 7:05 PM.
2. Consider Agenda Approval:
CM Dunlap motioned to approve the agenda as written, seconded by CM Dahl. All in favor.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Consent Aeenda.
3.1 Approve Claims List.
3.2 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes.
A. November 27, 2023 Meeting.
Be November 27, 2023 Special Meeti
3.3 Approve City Council Special Compensation for November 2023.
3.4 Adopt Resolution 2023-79 Accepting Public Improvements —Nantucket Shores.
3.5 Adopt Resolution 2023-80 Accepting Public Improvements —Boulder Creek 4th.
3.6 Adopt Resolution 2023-81 Accepting Public Improvements — Hunter Hills.
3.7 Adopt Resolution 2023-82 Approving Transfer of Funds — Kittredge Park Shelter Repair.
3.8 Adopt Resolution 2023-83 Approving Transfer of Funds — Fund Balance Policy.
3.9 Approve Pay Application #2 and Change Order #1 for the East-West Watermain
Connection Protect.
3.10 Approve Pay Application #1 for the Well #11 Protect.
3.11 Approve Hiring for the Information Technology Manager Position.
3.12 ADDrove Pav Application #1 for the Otsego Creek Crossing Proiect.
3.13 Approve the Proposed 2024 Pay Plans.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2023
3.14 Adopt Resolution 2023-84 Accepting Public Improvements — Highlands of Riverpointe
2nd
3.15 Adopt Resolution 2023-85 Accepting Public Improvements — Arbor Creek 3rd Phase 7.
3.16 Approve Pay Application #4 for the Pumphouse No. 4 Prolect.
3.17 Approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health.
3.18 Adopt Resolution 2023-86 Approving a Revised Development Contract — Anna's Acres.
3.19 Approve Pay Applications #15 and #16 for the West WWTF Improvements Phase 1
Prolect,
CM Dunlap motioned to approve the consent agenda as written, seconded by CM Moores.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Administration:
4.1 2024 Budgets and Property Tax Levy.
A. Truth in Taxation Presentation by City Administrator/Finance Director.
Be Public Input
C. Consider Resolution 2023-87 Adopting the 2024 Annual Operating Budgets.
D. Consider Resolution 2023-88 Setting the Final Property Tax Levy for the Taxes
Payable 2024.
E. Consider Resolution 2023-89 Adopting the 2024-2033 Capital Improvement Plan
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty presented the 2024 Truth in Taxation
Presentation.
Mayor Stocl<amp opened for Public Comment at 7:20 PM.
Marvin Valerius, 13701 70th Street NE said he would like to see the lights turned down on the
water towers to save money. Mr. Valerius suggested forming a committee to save money.
Isabella refused last name and address. Ms. Isabella would like to see more details within the
budget, so the residents can give feedback. She would like to know how much the City Council
and staff make.
Flaherty said a data request can be made with staff. Flaherty noted seven budget meetings
were held regarding the 2024 budgets, the detailed budget is available online.
Gabe Davis, 6689 Packard Avenue NE asked to have the lights on the water towers turned off.
Karla Thompson, 15428 96th Street NE said she called the assessor to address her value and
received no change.
Flaherty said home values can be addressed at the local board of appeal meeting in April/May.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2023
Tony Siegler, 8836 Packard Avenue NE has questions regarding hiring of staff and what is the
market rate? Mr. Ziegler is concerned about comparison with Hennepin County and does not
feel this should be considered. Mr. Siegler would like more transparency along with no more
growth within the City.
Flaherty said the Communications position is part time, and that the 2024 budget was $49,000,
including benefits.
Flaherty explained the 2024 water treatment pipe is to serve all existing water users.
Michelle Weidner, 15140 87th NE lives in an area that has very limited City services. Ms.
Weidner feels her house is over -valued, noting her taxes are over $7,000.
Shari Nordquist, 8190 Packard Ave NE and is frustrated and feels it is a privilege to view the
information online; she does not have a computer.
Charles Hediger, 9539 Parl<ington Avenue NE said his home values have increased in the last
two years. He would like the City to contact the Wright County Assessor's office on his behalf.
Additionally, he attended the open house and feels the vehicles can be stored outside.
I<arla Thompson, 15428 96th Street NE would like the City to contact Wright County on her
behalf to have her home value lowered.
Mile Riley, 9721 Jandel Avenue NE asked about the tax base for residential homes. Flaherty
explained the difference. Mr. Riley is concerned about his home value increase and the
residential growth within the community.
Neal Thompson, 15428 96th Street NE, thanked the City for lowering the speed limit, he would
like the speed to be enforced. Mr. Thompson does not want to pay more towards the school
districts.
Tony Siegler, 8836 Packard Avenue NE would like the City to work with the school and county.
Mr. Siegler does not want to be compared to larger cities like the City of Plymouth.
Ms. Isabella does not want any tax increases.
Bret Deneson, 5550 Ranvier Avenue NE has been a resident for 15 years and is asking for a no
property tax increase.
Mayor Stocl<amp closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting at 8:00 PM.
CM Dahl motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-87: Adopting the 2024 Annual Operating
Budgets. Motion failed due to a second.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2023
CM Dunlap asked if the City Campus Project is included in Resolution 2023-87. Flaherty said
debt service funds and budgets in the resolution do not include the City Campus project.
CM Dahl motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-87: Adopting the 2024 Annual Operating
Budgets, seconded by CM Goede.
CM Dunlap asked about the revenue total. Flaherty said this resolution is setting the operating
budget, the total revenues and expenses are balanced, the tax levy is independent of this
decision.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Flaherty noted Resolution 2023-88 setting property tax payable 2024 does include an amount
for the City Hall Campus Project.
Mayor Stoclamp said a lot of work has gone into the planning for the City Campus Project and
she also acknowledged the resident's feedback.
CM Moores understands the residents would like to find a compromise to help with the levy.
Flaherty said the packet does hold options for financing, including $975,000 of reserve
contributions to help reduce the levy to 4.7%. The City Council can choose between the
options.
CM Moores asked if the project time line can be changed? Flaherty suggested that if that were
a consideration, a future meeting would need to be scheduled.
CM Goede said this is the most residents she has seen in attendance and welcomed the
residents to attend future meetings. CM Goede agrees the City Campus Projects needs to be
looked at further.
CM Dunlap asked about the change of 19.49% to 4.74%. Flaherty explained the process. CM
Dunlap does not want to take funds out of reserves. Flaherty, when asked about the 2025 levy,
said he cannot speculate as there are too many unknown factors. CM Dunlap confirmed he
does not support any increase.
Mayor Stockamp asked about phasing in the project, what are options? Flaherty said all the
phasing options identified in the master plan exceed the amount currently estimated and that
this was the lowest overall cost for the identified projects. Mayor Stockamp has concerns
regarding the impact.
CM Dunlap said there is nothing to get around the $32 million, it's too much.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2023
CM Goede recommends going back to the drawing board and look at the essential needs for
the City.
CM Dunlap said the worst scenario without doing the project, some trucks will sit outside.
Mayor Stockamp wants to know what we can do for City Hall and solutions moving forward.
Flaherty said the resolution in the packet included financing for the City Campus Project; if
removed the tax levy amount is $8,988,761. CM Dunlap asked if this is lower than the 2023
Levy? Flaherty confirmed it would be lower. City Council discussed and agreed to striking the
City Campus Project line from the 2024 Tax Levy.
CM Dunlap motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-88 as amended, Setting a Final Property Tax
Levy for Taxes Payable 2024 at $8,988,761, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
Flaherty said Resolution 2023-89 is to adopt the 2024-2033 Capital Improvement Plans, which is
separate and different from the Capital Improvement Plan for the City Campus Project.
CM Dahl motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-89: Adopting the 2024-2033 Capital
Improvement Plan, seconded by CM Goede.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
4.2 City Campus Facilities Protect.
A. Presentation.
B. Consider Ordering Advertisement for Bids.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty suggested the City Council table based on previous
actions related to the levy.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to table 4.2, seconded by CM Goede.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
5. City Council Reports and Updates:
CM Dahl heard the residents and recommends the residents reach out to their representatives
to discuss Homestead Credits and the County Assessor to discuss their market values.
CM Dunlap thanked the residents for writing letters and attending the meeting.
6. Staff Reports and Updates:
6 1 Consider Cancellation of the Second Regula City Council Meeting of December 2023.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty suggested the City Council cancel the second
meeting of December.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2023
CM Dahl motioned to cancel the regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 27,
2023, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
6.2 Consider Scheduling a Special City Council IVleetinr on January 22, 2024.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty is requesting a 5:30 pm meeting on January 22,
2024 to discuss the central water facility project.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to schedule a Special City Council meeting for January 22, 2024 at
5:30PM, seconded by CM Dunlap. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille said the new streets employee started.
City Clerl< Etzel provided updates on the Advisory Commission openings, Election Judges, and
the new website.
City Planner Licht said a Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for December 18.
City Engineer Wagner had project updates regarding the East-West Watermain connection and
Otsego Creek Crossing.
Sergeant Jason Oltmanns, Wright County Sheriff's Office provided updates regarding thefts
following delivery trucks and stealing packages and driving violations.
7. Adjourn.
CM Goede motioned to adjourn at 8:49 PM, seconded by CM Dahl. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
ATTEST`-.... c,
Audra Etzel, City Clerk
City of Otsego:
.lexica Stockamp, Mayor
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