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09-11-07 WSSeptember 11, 2007 Page 1 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -September 11, 2007 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:30 p.m. on September 11, 2007, at, the Hopkins City Hall. Council members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson and Bruce Rowan were present. City personnel present were City Manager Rick Getschow, Finance Director Christine Harkess, Pavilion Manager Don Olson, Facilities Manager Jay Strachota, and Public Works Director Steve Stadler. 2008 Budget -Special Revenues and Enterprise Funds Pavilion Fund Pavilion Manager Don Olson said that ice use is down slightly; leagues grew a little bit; dry floor activity has increased, although income has come not come up much. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said the dog show is continuing and brings in $1200 for the weekend, and he has received inquiries for a cat show. Antique and estate salts are starting to grow. He is getting an increasing number of requests for information. Roller hockey is down to three nights with only a few hours each week. Soccer is likely to grow as Cargill already has some soccer at the Pavilion. Upstairs usage is showing slow but steady growth. He doubts there will be business from U Bus School. Answering Mr. Rowan, he said most people ask about the Pavilion because of the web site. Mr. Olson noted the large drop in lease income (from $153,806 to $38,000) is caused by the major payments being completed and only maintenance costs will be due. There have been no major changes in expenses. He would like to add additional part-time hours during ice season (about 15 hours/week) so that he can devote more time to tracking budget issues, developing new programs, etc. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said the roof was cut and skirted in 2003 or 2004, which added about 10 years to its useful life span. It will be in the CIP for replacement. The refrigeration tower is 18 years old. It looks good now, but he cannot estimate how long it will last. Mr. Strachota noted Mr. Olson gets a lot of credit for its usability as he keeps close track of demineralization of water. This is a computer controlled system, and that should be looked at to see if it should be changed. Mr. Getschow added money is now being put aside each year for Pavilion capital improvements. Answering Mr. Rowan, Mr. Olson said the budget shows a loss of $45- 50,000 last year, largely due to depreciation costs. If depreciation is not included, the loss would be about $8200 and he is hoping to reduce that to about $3000 next year. He said today he spent $1400 on compressor repairs. He does about 20% of the maintenance on that himself. He noted the lockers are done. Mr. Strachota noted that the increased part-time hours would be given to present employees so there would be no increased benefit costs. Art Center City Manager Rick Getschow said that Council had heard recently about the new model for operating the Art Center. Another meeting related to the implementation of that new model will be held later this year. Facilities Manager Jay Strachota said this year's budget looks very different due to the new management system that will soon take place (HCA figures have been included). Rentals went down slightly; lease income went up due to the school. "Admissions" includes revenue from concerts, etc. Answering Mr. September 11, 2007 Page 2 Getschow, he said there may be more than one fundraiser in 2008. Answering Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Getschow said the Art Center gets about half of the cable franchise fee money; the other half is used for city communications, including the web site, newsletter, annual report, etc. The current franchise agreement term ends in 2012. Mr. Strachota said more part-time help is needed as the Art Center is getting more back-to-back events. Regular employee overtime is used when Mike cleans carpets on the week-end, etc. Answering Mr. Rowan, he said there are 6 part-time employees. They have asked to have some type of uniform, such as a vest or shirt, with a logo; Mr. Rowan said he felt it should be an Art Center logo rather than the city's logo. Answering Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Strachota said the postage expense number is based on HCA Inc.'s history. Utility costs have gone up. The capital outlay is for the new information center. HCA, Inc. is working on their new by-laws and developing lists for new Board members in the change process. Other Funds Ms. Harkess said the State Chemical Assessment is totally funded by the state and federal governments. The Economic Development Fund ebbs and flows as development goes up and down. Answering Ms. Halverson, she said the property tax change is due to HRA levy change. Answering Mayor Maxwell, she said the employee benefit amount went up due to employee changes and retirement benefits. Hop-a-Ride. Answering Mayor Maxwell, she said the general fund transfer to this fund is done yearly, but has not been used. Mayor Maxwell noted this is a program that needs to be looked at and perhaps expanded. Parking is about the same; the capital. amount is for door changes, etc. Mr. Getschow said he has been talking to the IT department and we may be able to get cameras that would hook into the city system. Staff is looking into this more. Section 8 has no big changes. Cable Fund money was used for this year's city survey. It will pay for printing the annual report for most residents. Depot Ms. Harkess noted this is a draft budget as the students had to cancel a couple meetings. There are no new employees for the city budget. A resource coordinator will be paid for by the Park Nicollet grant. Mr. Getschow noted the Depot received a county grant of $20,000 for organic recycling. He said Fran Hesch is still helping with the business side. When she came, there was a deficit balance; now there is a positive fund balance. Mr. Brausen said when he has talked to Ms. Hesch, she has really appreciated the help of Mr. Getschow, Ms. Harkess and Mr. Strachota. Mr. Hesch has put in many hours also. He feels the city should recognize their contributions. Mr. Getschow noted Three Rivers is now partnering at the Depot and that is a positive development. TIF Mr. Getschow noted a large decertification (R. L. Johnson) will occur in the next few years. There was general discussion of celebrating successes for past redevelopment that is now coming to fruition as it relates to TIF decertification. Sanitary Fund Ms. Harkess said the figures for this fund must be redone as Met Council has raised their rate 8%, not 3% as she had projected. They also said to expect 6-8% September 11, 2007 Page 3 increases for the next 5 years due to capital improvements, Mr. Getschow noted that at least 60% of that fund's expenses are for Met Council fees. Mayor Maxwell asked that staff research how much money we have received from Met Council the last 4-5 years for such programs as Hop-a-Ride, Livable Communities, etc. Other Ms. Halverson noted Chaska has passed an ordinance on under-age drinking that ~'~ holds parents responsible. ' Mayor Maxwell reminded members of Bish's retirement party a week from Friday. Mr. Getschow said we did not receive a Livable Communities grant for Cottageville park. They want the improvements tied more closely to a development j project in the area. After more progress is made with the Atlas site, we can reapply. ', The LA Fitness developer may have a purchase agreement on the Mayon Plastic site. ' There was a Human Rights Commission meeting Monday night. The members are looking to establish a connection with the new Ubah Medical Academy. '. There will be not be a November 13 work session. Five people filed for City Council and one filed for Mayor. Mr. Getschow distributed a letter from the three area city managers, including I, himself, directed to TCW railroad. He will also check on switching station progress. '~ Mayor Maxwell said there were articles of interest on Wayzata and Stillwater. I We may need to look at our downtown situation. On motion by Ms. Halverson and second by Mayor Maxwell, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. on a vote of 4-0. Kasey Kester, Secretary COUNCIL MEMBERS : ,~