09-29-03 WSITFORA -j
CITY OF OTSEGO
BUDGET WORKSHOP
September 29, 2003
Roll Call: Otsego City Council: Mayor Larry Fournier,
Councilmembers Virginia Wendel, Jerry Struthers, Dan
Scharber, and Vern Heidner.
City Staff: City Administrator Michael Robertson, City Clerk
Judy Hudson, City Bookkeeper Kathy Grover, and City
Accountant Gary Groen.
Mayor Fournier called the workshop to order at 6:05 p.m.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED 2004 BUDGET
City Administrator Robertson noted that after all departments
had been reviewed that their was a budget deficit of
$297,000. Council reviewed Robertson's suggestions for
balancing the budget.
Revenues - Robertson noted that he and Gary Groen had revised
their revenue estimates for an additional $45,000. Mayor
Fournier asked if the Building Permits estimates weren't
light. Robertson agreed that they were purposely estimated
low because it was a volatile revenue source that could go up
and down without much warning.
2003 Budget Surplus - Robertson and Groen said that if
present trends continued they expected a 2003 budget surplus
of at least $150,000-200,000.
Public Works - There was considerable discussion of public
works staffing levels and snowplowing. Council was in
consensus not to budget for an additional maintenance worker
in 2004 and to rehire Kurt Otterness for part-time work
during the winter months. This would be a savings of $25,000
in the 2004 budget. Council also agreed to cut the $45,000
budgeted for Dust Control because 88th Street and Quaday
Avenue will be paved. Mayor Fournier said the Public Works
Subcommittee would review the budget further with Dave Chase
on Wednesday.
Police - Council agreed to remove the additional $133,000 in
additional money from the 2004 budget and instead transfer a
similar amount from the 2003 budget surplus to a new account
entitled "Police Capital Equipment Fund':
Administration - Council agreed to cut the $10,000 budgeted
for an intern. Council will review the proposed telephone
system to determine whether leasing or purchasing now will be
the best option, which would save an additional $15,000.
Recreation - Robertson and Groen reviewed the amount of funds
available in the current recreation budget. Robertson
indicated that he had met with Charlie Blesner of the Elk
River School District to discuss the City contracting with
the District to provide some recreation services. Robertson
stated he had not heard back from Blesner yet. Council
agreed to cut the $20,000 for the proposed Recreation
Coordinator because there would still be enough funds in the
recreation budget for the position if the 2003 funds were
carried over to 2004. Council agreed they would discuss
recreation further when they heard back from the School
District.
With no other business, Mayor Fournier adjourned the meeting
at 7:25 p.m.
Michael Robertson
City Administrator
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CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNCIL WORKSHOP - DOG ORDINANCE REVIEW
September 29, 2003
Roll Call: Otsego City Council: Mayor Larry Fournier,
Councilmembers Virginia Wendel, Jerry Struthers, Dan
Scharber, and Vern Heidner.
City Staff: City Administrator Michael Robertson, City Clerk
Judy Hudson, City Attorney Andy MacArthur.
Mayor Fournier called the workshop to order at 7:25 p.m.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED DOG ORDINANCE CHANGES
City Attorney MacArthur reviewed the proposed changes to the
ordinance. Council discussed definitions, dangerous dogs,
other animals, and licensing.
Council agreed to limit homes to three animals total without
a kennel license, and with no more than two dogs. MacArthur
stated he would make the proposed changes and have the
ordinance on the Council agenda for the October 27, 2003
Council meeting.
With no other business, Mayor Fournier adjourned the meeting
at 8:25 p.m.
Michael Robertson
City Administrator