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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230905 Work Session MinutesROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session meeting of the Rosemount City Council was held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM. in Rosemount Council Chambers, 2875 145th Street West. Mayor Weisensel called the meeting to order with Councilmembers Essler, Theisen and Klimpel. Councilmember Freske arrived at 5:06 p.m. DISCUSSION a. Updates to Rosemount Code of Ordinance, Title 10: Water Resources Management Stormwater Specialist, Jane Byron, presented proposed changes to the Rosemount city code regarding water resources management. Updates to the ordinance are required to come into compliance with the Minnesota Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and Construction Stormwater (CSW) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits (NPDES) administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Councilmembers questioned whether the Public Works/Police Department campus would be in compliance under these updates and staff confirmed the campus would be in compliance. Councilmembers had no further comments and agreed with staff to propose the updates for council approval at a future council meeting. b. Preliminary Review of 2024 Budget City Administrator Martin provided a recap on the latest updates regarding the 2024 budget. Mr. Martin highlighted the public safety grant that is forthcoming to fund possible police and fire positions. Chief Schroeder noted the importance of getting a full-time chief prior to having a duty crew based on feedback he received from other comparable cities. Councilmembers agreed to a special meeting in the future to discuss the future of the Fire Department in more detail, i.e. modifications to Fire Stations, staffing plans, etc. Councilmembers further discussed the proposed police department hires, noting the high financial impact. Staff agreed to have Chief Dahlstrom present the needs of the department at a future meeting. Currently, the one new officer hire will not impact the current budget. Council member Freske questioned having the administrative sergeant and crime analyst position be funded by the state grant. Council member Essler noted, if all these new hires occur with the police department, it is important to note that the hiring of one new police officer every year may not occur the following year. Staff noted a police officer would not be hired if not needed. Councilmembers also discussed that of the funds received by the state, funds should be set aside for fire as well. Public Works Director further discussed the public works hires, Council member Freske suggested the proposed parks employee should start prior to October to ensure the fields are ready as many residents view this as a high priority. Council members discussed the current levy and expressed concerns with the increase from prior years. Mr. Martin noted to focus on the dollar amount, as $50 of the increase is for the Public Works/Police Department Campus. In addition, in order to operate the city and maintain the same level of service the residents want, the operation budget has to increase. Councilmembers suggested illustrating when some of the new businesses that have come or are coming to Rosemount will have an impact on the tax base. Staff will work to get below an 8% increase in the property tax levy. The City Council will set the "ceiling" of the levy at the 2nd meeting in September. Mr. Martin also discussed the communication specialist changing from a part-time position to a full- time as there may be a better candidate pool with the updated status and this will allow additional capacity for the current communication manager to focus on additional duties. Lee Stoffel, Communication Manager, will attend a future council meeting to gain a better understanding of the Council's vision on engagement. c. Review 3rd Quarter Progress on 2023-2024 Goals City Administrator Martin provided a quick recap on the 3rd quarter status check on the Council goals. Mr. Martin suggested a formal mid-year goal check in and beginning of the year check in versus quarterly, as there isn't always much for updates to provide. Mr. Martin provided the following updates: Likely to see the Project Bigfoot item on the Planning Commission agenda in October. At that time we will have more information about the project that we can share with residents. UPDATES a. Project Updates Public Works Director Egger discussed the upcoming traffic study is leaning towards a roundabout at Connemara Trail and Akron Avenue. Staff will do what we can to speed up in priority on the Dakota County CIP. Parks & Recreation Director Schultz discussed attendance issues for Parks & Recreation Commissioners and an update in the bylaws may be forthcoming to address these issues. b. Staff Reports Council member Freske noted the Halloween Trail is at the end of October and anyone who is available to assist should reach out. Mayor discussed upcoming events. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council at the work session and upon a motion by Weisensel and a second by Essler the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Erin Fasbender City Clerk