HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-07 TNT Hearing Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
5:00 P.M., MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING MINUTES
I. Call to Order: The hearing was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Beaudet.
Present: Councilmembers Abrahamson, Doerr, McComber and Swenson. Staff
present: Administrator Johnson, City Attorney Vierling, Finance Director Holst
and Public Works Director Ozzello. Absent: None.
II. Truth in Taxation Hearing:
Finance Director Holst reviewed the budget process. Holst outlined revenue
sources and General Fund expenditures. She reported that licenses and permits
have decreased and LGA reduced from seven percent to two percent. She
explained that expenditures increased in part because the City is proposing to pay
the entire cost of every resident's sanitation charges and for capital projects.
Tax levy and tax capacity were reviewed. Finance Director Holst stated that very
few properties increased in value, some properties received no increase, and some
received a decrease in assessed value due to the current market conditions.
Jim Kremer of 5475 Oakgreen Place came forward and questioned why the City
would take over the residents' garbage and recycling charges. He stated that he
felt that is a cost that residents should bear because they use the service, and he
was concerned because the budget was increasing 22.2 percent. Mayor Beaudet
explained that the City is in a position to do so because of the tax capacity due to
the Xcel Energy King Plant. He explained that residents using the middle size
container will be saving approximately $120.00 per year, and that a home with a
value of $250,000 will see an increase in property taxes of approximately $15.07.
No further public comments were made.
Councilmember Doerr, seconded by Councilmember Swenson, moved to close
the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Carried 5 -0.
Mayor Beaudet announced that a continuation hearing was not needed and that
the budget and levy adoption would be certified at the next City Council Meeting
on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
II. Park Lighting:
Public Works Director Ozzello explained that the Parks Commission
recommended that motion sensor lights be installed on the park shelter buildings
for added security after the park shelters close. He reported that he received a
rough estimate from a local electrician for halogen motion sensor lights that
would be on a timer. He stated that the bulb would be recessed so a cut -off can be
established. He reported that the estimate came in at $2,500 for materials and
installation.
Ozzello stated that the Parks Commission also recommended that lights be
installed on the green space to the south of City Hall. He stated that he contacted
City Council Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2007
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Xcel Energy to obtain an estimate for the lights. He stated that Xcel Energy
would operate the lights on a 20 year system which Ozzello estimated would cost
the City approximately $950 per year.
Mayor Beaudet stated that he wasn't sure that the green space needed much more
lighting than is received from the City Hall parking lot lights. Councilmember
McComber suggested holding off on the green space lighting issue until City Hall
plans are underway but stated she would like to go ahead with the motion sensor
lights in the parks.
Mayor Beaudet suggested the issue be postponed to January to discuss a spring
install. Councilmember Abrahamson, seconded by Mayor Beaudet, moved to
postpone to January. Carried 5 -0.
Councilmember Swenson requested an update on the water main break. Public
Works Director Ozzello stated that the crew has been out working on the issue all
day and that work was likely completed.
Councilmember Doerr stated he had a problem with an employee on overtime
plowing the trail. Mayor Beaudet requested that the City Administrator prepare a
memo and that this matter be placed on the next council meeting agenda.
Councilmember Doerr agreed.
III. Adiournment:
Councilmember Swenson, seconded by Councilmember Abrahamson, moved to
adjourn at 5:52 p.m. Carried 5 -0.
Respectfully submitted, Approved as to Content and Form,
Jennifer Thoen David Beaudet
Administrative Secretary/Deputy Clerk Mayor