08-26-03 WSWAugust 26, 2003
Page 1
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORD SESSION -August 26, 2003
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:30
p.m. on August 26, 2003, at the City Hall. Council members Brausen, Jensen, Johnson and Rowan were
present. City personnel present were: City Manager Steve Mielke and Finance Director Lori Yager.
Discussion, 2004 Budget
Mr. Mielke commented on a discussion memo he received from Mr. Brausen's. A two-hour
furlough each week for all but police would save $150,000; if public works were not furloughed it would
save $75,000. The full furlough concept would equate to a 5 % wage reduction. Mr. Mielke fears it could
cause the loss of some employees disrupt morale. If it is to be done, he feels it should include as many
employees as possible. Mr. Brausen suggested an alternative might be to add a day to weekends or holidays
5-6 times a year. Ms. Yager said employees could choose to make that a vacation day to avoid loss of
wages, but the savings would still be there for the city.
All agreed a discussion was needed with Mr. Stadler as to the suggestions about public works. Mr. Mielke
said some of the communications position responsibilities could be contracted out, especially the newsletter.
A full discussion of the Cable Fund is needed to decide this issue. Ms. Yager said if expenditures from the
fund stay as they are the fund would be depleted in 2006. Ms. Jensen said the duties listed in the job
description are not happening.
It was decided then to look at the 2004 Budget Adjustment Proposal and then cover any additional
items in Mr. Brausen's memo . Mr. Rowan said he would rather see less cuts and more revenue raised to
keep services close to where they are now. Mr. Mielke noted that St. Louis Park is doing a 2-year
transition budget; this is an option Hopkins can keep in mind.
Ms. Yager noted that the full contingency amount was used in 1997 and 1998; normally usage runs
$30-60,000. The recommended cut would leave $88,000; Mr. Rowan commented he felt it could be cut
more. Ms. Johnson was concerned budget cuts might raise more labor issues When the MAMA-GMC dues
were discussed Ms. Johnson expressed concern that cost inay actually go up. Mayor Maxwell asked if there
would be an escalation limit in a six-year assessing contract with the county; Mr. Mielke will check if that
is possible. Several Council members were concerned if the records in police would stay caught up if the
secretary position were cut back. Mr. Mielke said the budget cuts for the Activity Center were their
proposal, not his; he noted their proposal would cut out youth and week-end/evening events to keep senior
activities intact. Mayor Maxwell said perhaps the Legion or VFW would underwrite teen events. Mr.
Mielke said the teen events were staff's #1 cut as attendance is down. Ms. Jensen noted the basketball court
always has a waiting list.
General Consensus: The City Manager's proposed cuts were agreed to with the following changes or
exceptions: Human Rights/Chemical Health should be funded $1000; Employee picnic should be funded
$700; Wellness programs should be funded $500. The police officer funding will be noted "officer to be
replaced in 2005." Firefighter monies should be transitioned down to 36 positions. Activity Center
proposals need more information on evening use if it can pay for itself, the Friday evening teen program, .
The cut for maintenance was agreed to. Public Works proposals were postponed until the meeting with Mr.
Stadler. The cuts for ice rinks were approved with the understanding the cuts meant warming houses and
staff but the~ice would remain. Mayor Maxwell suggested 2 rinks have warming houses on alternate nights.
Ms. Johnson asked for more information on the police lead dispatch position. All agreed more
discussion/information is needed about the fire marshal duties. Mr. Mielke said options could include
August 26, 2003
Page 2
combining the fire marshal and fire chief jobs into one full-time position, in the future. Mr. Brausen had
concerns whether fire inspections were happening, as they should. Ms. Johnson commented she would like
to know what state standards are as what had been given seemed like job justifications. Mr. Mielke noted
Minneapolis is starting to charge for some calls. '
Mr. Brausen suggested that future printout include the historical amounts for comparison.
Discussion then moved to an overall levy structure.
General Consensus: A letter of intent should be sent this week to both utilities quoting a $1.50
residential fee and minimum commercial fee. Staff should come up with recommendations that do not
exceed 9.9 % actual total levy increase.
A short discussion followed on the former officials meeting. All agreed on September 9 as the date.
Items of discussion should be the proposed cuts, franchise fees, selling parks.
Discussion moved to furloughs. Mr. Brausen said he feels it would prevent further employee cuts.
Perhaps it will be needed only one year if there is enough retirements the second year. The choice to use
vacation time to prevent loss of pay should be included.
Ms. Johnson asked if the same person could schedule both the Pavilion and the Art Center
Mr. Stadler will be at a future meeting to discuss Public Works budget concerns.
Other
Ms. Jensen noted she would not be here Sept. 9.
Ms. Johnson noted Highway 3 at 169 needs better signage during road closure.
Mr. Brausen brought up the bus traffic on 5`'' Avenue. He also asked about the sudden upsurge in
._ __ _.__
parking tickets in neighborhood areas. Several commented they thought that residential areas were "on
complaint. "
Ms. Johnson moved adjournment. Mr. Brausen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
ATTEST:
Euge e J. axwell, Mayor