08-06-08 Council Special Budget and CIP
August 6, 2008
A special meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Dennis Seefeldt
called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following were present: Council members Pete Crum,
Dolores Peterson, Donnette Yehle, Michael Harnetty and Mayor Dennis Seefeldt. Staff:
Administrator Anne Hurlburt, Treasurer Colleen Firkus and City Engineer Paul Hornby, Bonestroo.
Mayor Seefeldt suggested that the Council discuss goals for the upcoming budget process. He
stated that the city should carefully weigh its needs versus wants, and consider what is nice to have
versus its obligations. The emphasis should be on retaining what we have and limiting new
purchases.
Pavement Management Plan—City Engineer Paul Hornby
Engineer Hornby reviewed the draft pavement management study. Additional background
information on assessment policies of other communities was presented and discussed.
Overview of 2008 Budget Issues
Administrator Hurlburt presented an overview of 2009 anticipated revenues, a preliminary
calculation of maximum property tax levies, and factors influencing all city operations such as
inflation, fuel, and utilities. A preliminary list of issues for individual department budgets was
reviewed.
2009-2013 Draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Administrator Hurlburt presented the draft CIP as recommended by the Capital Improvement
Committee. Alex Bildeaux, Vice Chair of the Park and Recreation Committee, was present to
explain that the Parks and Capital Improvement Committees differed in their priority for a proposed
new project (skateboard park.)
The Council gave direction for detailed departmental budget proposals, which will be reviewed at
the special meeting scheduled for August 26. Staff will prepare budget options with 0% and 3%
wage increase options. Each line item will be analyzed from a zero-based budgeting approach.
Opportunities to reduce costs or services should be identified.
The August 26 meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. to allow more time for discussion.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Hurlburt
City Administrator/ Clerk