ITEM 3.2B SCC 10.27.2014 MinutesITEM 3_2B
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PRAIRIE CENTER
OCTOBER 27, 2014
Call to Order.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp called the meeting to order at 8:55 PM.
Roll Call: Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Vern Heidner, Jason Warehime, Tom
Darkenwald and Doug Schroeder
Staff: Lori Johnson, City Administrator; Dan Jordet, Administrative Services Director; Daniel
Licht, City Planner, Ron Wagner, City Engineer, Kurt Neidermeier, Utility Operations Supervisor,
Ross Demant, Parks and Recreation Manager, Kevin Lamson, Interim Streets Maintenance
Supervisor and Sandy Lindenfelser, Special Licensing.
1. 2015 Budget.
City Administrator Johnson reviewed the proposed Utility Fund Operating Budget for 2015
beginning with the Water Fund.
Utility Operations Supervisor Neidermeier explained the well head protection plan funding
included in the budget noting that phase one of the well delineation has been completed and
phase two will be completed next year.
There was discussion about the revenue collected for SAC and WAC fees in relation to the
estimates used for the rate study. City Administrator Johnson said connections were estimated
at 100 the year the study was completed with minor increases each year thus we are well
ahead of those projections at this time. Commissioner Darkenwald commented that next year
should be a banker year.
The Council had no changes to the proposed Water Fund budget at this time.
Staff reviewed the draft Sewer Fund budget noting an increase in bio -solids disposal due to
increased volume and an increase in depreciation expense. Administrative Services Director
stated that the depreciation has increased in the sewer fund; $860,117 of the $1,101,053
budget is depreciation.
City Administrator Johnson said the odor coming from the west treatment facility has to be
addressed which prompts discussion of possible expansion of the facility. Utility Operations
Supervisor Neidermeier said the size of the digester causes a lack of time in the digester which
doesn't allow for the bio solids process completely, therefore, causing the odor issue. City
Administrator Johnson stressed the need to look at all options, short term and long term, as a
decision is made to address odor and system growth.
Mayor Stockamp questioned the sump pump ordinance and the costs included in the draft
budget to enforce the ordinance. Administrator Johnson said there is $21,000 in the draft
Sewer budget to hire part time interns/staff to perform compliance inspections on sump pumps
for 1700 homes in the west treatment facility area. She reiterated the concept of sending a
letter to these residents that would encourage voluntary compliance. Mayor Stockamp is
concerned about the cost and who is being charged for this. Mayor Stockamp requested that
the $21,000 for part time staff to implement this program be deleted from the budget. After
discussion, the Council agreed. Staff will explore other options and bring this back to the City
Council.
Administrator Johnson stated another item that hasn't been discussed yet is 2015 employee
compensation. She stated she surveyed other communities and reviewed the pay increase data
she received: Monticello — 3.1%, Rogers 2% -2 1/2%, Big Lake 2% plus adjustments from
new pay study, Albertville and St. Michael both at 2%.
Parks and Recreation Director Demant reviewed the proposed active older adult programs that
are starting this winter. He stated that they will be pairing up with Monticello and Elk River for
trips. Also there is a possibility of pairing up with St Michael. Charles Vonberg and Amy
Stemler have volunteered to work at the programs to help this program move forward. Mayor
Stockamp asked if they were planning on serving meals. Parks and Recreation Manager
Demant said not now. In the future if they serve a meal, it would have to be ordered out and
picked up or catered.
City Council has approved the purchase of a potable megaphone for the Parks and Recreation
Department.
Parks and Recreation Manager Demant requested the purchase of tumbling equipment which
include mats, spring mats and a balance beam using the money donated by the Bank of Elk
River that has not been used which according to him is approximately $4,000. The Council
concurred.
Mayor Stockamp requested a drop location be looked at for Bountiful Basket Food Co-op for
them to use twice a month for 2 hours. This location would be for residents to come and pick
up produce and breads at a lower price. Mayor Stockamp will send out information email to
council and staff for review.
City Administrator Johnson reminded Mayor, Council and staff about the upcoming CIP
meetings scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2014 at 5:30 and again on Monday November
24, 2014 immediately following the regular scheduled City Council meeting.
City Administrator Johnson reminded City Council that there will be an appreciation dinner for
all commission members scheduled for 6:30pm on December 10, 2014 at Prairie Center.
CM Darkenwald motioned to adjourn. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in favor.
Adjourned at 10:45 PM
Mayor Jessica Stockamp
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Written by Sandy Lindenfelser