City council approves Local Improvement Policy

by Ruby White
An amendment to approve the city’s Local Improvement Policy, which clarifies when or when not to assess for road projects related to State or County Highway Road Projects, passed at a Special City Council meeting last Tuesday, December 31st.
All Councilpersons were present for the 9 a.m. meeting, along with City Administrator Chad Springer and City Clerk/Treasurer Sue Schamaun.
The meeting was called to approve the amendments that had to do with assessment for street improvements and to approve the Consent Agenda, which included bills and three other items,
Councilman Charles Bricher made the motion to approve the amendments. Bricher had been instrumental in drafting them, and since this was his last meeting, he made the motion for approval. John Friedmeyer seconded and it passed unanimously.
Amendments included removing language which had stated that the city could assess no matter who (County, State) was paying for the improvements. Instead, language was added which states that the City may assess only when the City has funds committed to the project—that is, only when a project is City-funded. City Attorney Peter Ekstrand had reviewed and approved those changes, the only changes to the policy. The Council did not discuss it further since it had been a discussion item at a previous meeting.
The only other General Business item was setting the date for a Council Retreat. It was set for January 13, 9 a.m. to noon at the National Eagle Center. Springer said they would be recapping 2014 and looking at where the City is going. There will also be a joint discussion with the Port Authority regarding the riverfront property between the National Eagle Center and Eagles Landing Condominiums.
The only other Special Meeting Agenda item was approval of the Consent Agenda, which included payment of bills; engaging David Drown & Associates to perform the audit on the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 1 Fund at a cost of $5,000; approval of the contract increase for WSB to complete the Mining Ordinance, not to exceed 25 hours; and approval of the Fire Relief Actuarial for 2015.
Before discussion, Councilperson Lynn Schoen moved, Bricher seconded to pull the bills out for separate discussion. This was unanimously approved. Several Councilpersons had specific bills that they wanted clarified. Schoen asked about the City’s mileage policy and use of Springer’s private vehicle for duties around the City. He said he turns in his hours. Another question was the even amounts of the charges for several items on the bills, such as Hawkins Garage Doors and Lake City Ambulance. She said that it is unusual to have this many even amounts, that this sometimes leads to questions during an audit.
Bricher had questions about when tires are purchased for police vehicles. Police Chief Jim Warren explained that they have a regular schedule for this.
Councilman Al Wharton noted a lot of expenses for the month of December and asked if this meant that department heads were spending money when they didn’t need to. Warren and Springer explained why some bills come in at the end of the year. Springer pointed out that spending the money before the end of the year puts the City in better shape for the next year, since they don’t have to budget for a particular item.
Mayor Rollin Hall asked why so many questions were raised now about the bills, and if they should be more aware of bills in the future. Schoen and Wharton both said they look over the bills before they are approved at the monthly meeting. They noted some citizen interest in the bills, as well.
Springer said, “The department heads do a good job and are savvy about finances.”
Councilman Dave Kruger said, “The staff does an excellent job following the budget. The questions raised at this meeting were not an attack.”
Following discussion, Wharton and Friedmeyer moved for approval of the Consent Agenda and it passed unanimously.
In the other Consent Agenda items, Springer felt that it is wise to have an audit done on the TIF 1 because it is coming to a close in the next couple of years. David Drown & Associates will perform the audit.
In regard to the WSB action, the firm will provide continued service pertaining to development of a mining ordinance for the City. This is for additional hours, not to exceed 25, to complete the work on the ordinance, which is nearly complete at this time.
New GasB 67 and 68 requirements led to Council approval for a Fire Relief Actuarial, which is required by the State Auditor and will be a part of the City’s 2015 audit. Cities that don’t have a Fire Relief Actuarial run the risk of it negatively affecting their bond rating, Springer said. The City will split costs with the Fire Relief Association.