08-25-09 WSAugust 25, 2009
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Halverson, Brausen, Rowan, Youakim and City Manager Rick Getschow; Public Works
Director Steve Stadler, City Engineer John Bradford, Director of Planning and Economic Development
Kersten Elverum, Finance Director Christine Harkess, Housing Officer Stacy Unowsky, Bolten Menk
Sarah Rippke and Mike Waltman.
DOW TOWERS UPDATE:
Ms. Unowsky stated that the Dow Towers wait list will open on September 15 16 and 1 7 th Applications are
accepted for people that are 50 and over and disabled individuals. She stated that the last time the list was open
was in 2007 and they received over 300 applicants. There are 350 units in HRA.
Ms. Unowsky stated that the minimum rent is $25.00 and the maximum is $584.00. She stated that financially
Dow Towers is doing well.
Ms Unowsky stated that Public Housing Authorities (PHAS) grading not been sent out yet. She stated each year
the financial area of the HRA is reviewed through the submission of our year -end information. This tool
analyzes the HRA on a number of areas, and compares us to other similarly sized HRAs. The other components
of the grade include a physical inspection by HUD, a management assessment tool and a resident survey.
In response to the Mayor's question about screening Ms. Unowsky stated that there is no screening. They do
prioritize by 62 years of age and health needs.
The Stimulus money is being used to buy a new generator. The unit has been ordered and should be installed in
September of this year. Ms. Unowsky stated that it is also being used to hire a Architect to look at landscape
work as well as window replacement. She stated that the work will begin in 2 weeks.
Ms. Unowsky stated that each year she receives an Operating Subsidy based on calculation performed by HUD.
Then, depending on how much Congress has funded the program, we get a pro -rated subsidy mount. In
addition, annually we receive Capital Improvement Funds. These funds also vary year to year based on the
money allotted by Congress. Stimulus money was made available to HRAs in 2009 in part to assist us in
addressing some the backlog of projects due to the capital fund program being funded at amounts that do not
allow us to meet all of the capital needs for the program.
Ms. Unowsky will provide an update on the windows.
August 25, 2009
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2009 STREET IMPROVEMENT UPDATE:
Sarah Rippke and Mike Waltman from Bolten Menk, Inc. presented a progress report from this year's
construction as well as the schedule for next years work. Included in the presentation they provided a sanitary
sewer video as well as a sample of the Orange Berg pipe. The handouts and video showed the root system
working its way into the pipes and blocking the flow thus causing the pipes to be replaced.
2010 BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Mr. Stadler stated that in 2003, three positions were cut from the Parks and Streets area and in 2005 the two
areas were combined into one division and one superintendent positions was cut. These actions amounted to a
20 personnel cutback. Mr. Stadler stated that Public Works is down to 13 personnel. He is requesting to hire
two more personnel for Public Works.
After some discussion it was agreed that Public Works needs to hire two more employees.
Ms. Harkess handed out an update to the proposed 2010 budget that was presented at the August 11 work
session.
Council member Rowan stated that he needed something that was clearer to him in regards to the salaries from
year to year. Ms. Harkess stated that she will provide that information to the council.
Ms. Harkess stated that the proposed budget will be presented on December 1 and then the adoption of the
budget would take place on December 15 council meeting.
OTHER:
Council member Youakim offered to attend the Hopkins in Motion on September 12, 2009. She asked if a
booth is going to be there. City Manager Getschow will look into this.
Council member Youakim asked if there would be an opportunity to walk through Nine Mile Creek to see
where changes are going to be made.
Council member Youakim inquired about U -haul trucks that are parked at Affordable Auto at 17 and
Mainstreet. She would like to know if they are licensed for having the trucks there. She also had some
concerns about school starting soon and the traffic on 17
Council member Youakim inquired about the Indian restaurant that is going into Michelangelo's. City Manager
Getschow stated that he would look into that and update the Council.
Council member Rowan stated that there will be a public hearing on September 17 for the LRT and the final
decision will be on October 14th
August 25, 2009
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City Manager Getschow stated cards were sent out in advance for routine neighborhood inspections for the first
time this year.
City Manager Getschow stated that Public Works met with the Elks and decided to have a permanent Christmas
tree in the downtown park area.
With no further business, a motion was made by Brausen, seconded by Halverson to adjourn the meeting. The
motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
ATTEST:
Eugene J. M xw Mayor
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