12-01-08 Council T in T
December 1, 2008
A special meeting of the Scandia City Council to conduct the annual Truth in Taxation
Public Hearing was held on the above date. Mayor Seefeldt called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m. The following council members were present: Mayor Dennis Seefeldt, Dolores
Peterson, Donnette Yehle. Staff present: Administrator Anne Hurlburt.
The video “14 Reasons Property Taxes Go Up or Down”, by the League of Minnesota
Cities, was viewed. Administrator Hurlburt gave an overview of the proposed 2009
budget and tax levy.
Mayor Seefeldt opened the public hearing. Kim Bakken, 21959 St. Croix Trail, asked why
the city continued to contract for law enforcement services when the county sheriff’s
department is required to respond around the clock. Mayor Seefeldt responded that it was
decided in 2000 to contract for additional service. The city has an officer that is part of
the community, can have input on the schedule and gets more coverage for local events.
This allows law enforcement to better deal with local issues as they occur, such as the
recent vandalism incidents.
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Cliff Guggisberg, 12780 182 St., asked about the proposed car for the fire chief. Mayor
Seefeldt explained that the vehicle would be used as a mobile command post for the chief
officer responding to the scene. Administrator Hurlburt explained that the budget impact
would be $5,000 for the first year, after donations. Councilmember Yehle explained that
it would improve safety on the scene to have a command vehicle with proper equipment
including lights. Mr. Guggisberg asked if firefighters would continue to respond in their
personal vehicles if necessary. Ms. Bakken, a member of the Fire Department, answered
that they would continue to do so. Guggisberg asked if our Fire Department has
equipment that is not necessary for a rural department. The Mayor described the benefits
of some of the specialized equipment, such as lift bags. Fire equipment is regulated by
other agencies.
Kim Bakken asked why the city had hired a building inspector when permit revenues are
down. Administrator Hurlburt explained that the staff position includes more than
building inspection duties, and the improvements in service to the public that have
resulted. Stephen Toensing, 19553 Parkview, asked for more explanation of the cost
savings of the position. Administrator Hurlburt explained the cost of contracting out the
duties of the position (such as to a contractual inspector, planner and others) and that the
permit fees pay for a large percentage of the cost of the position.
Cliff Guggisberg asked how much PERA increases were impacting the city.
Administrator Hurlburt explained that in 2009 the city’s contribution would increase
from 6.5% to 6.75% of payroll. The larger concern for pension contributions is with the
fire department, where the funding level may not be adequate to meet obligations. Mayor
Seefeldt said that in 2009 the city will be increasing the local contribution by $25,000
over 2008. Hurlburt explained that the contributions from fire insurance premiums have
dropped and investment earnings are down.
Scandia City Council
December 1, 2008
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Cliff Guggisberg commented that he thought the city should not spend money on
Lilleskogen Park. Tom Triplett, 19420 Newgate, a member of the Park and Recreation
Committee, said that modest improvements would make the park usable especially for
children and seniors.
Stephen Toensing asked why Scandia receives no state aid. Administrator Hurlburt
explained that the complex state formula gave Scandia about $26,000 in 2008 and none
in 2009. The advantage is that the city is not dependent on the state for resources that are
often cut in tough times. Councilmember Peterson commented that the city would be
eligible for state aid for streets once the population reaches 5,000.
Peterson, seconded by Yehle, moved to close the hearing. The motion carried. No
continuation hearing will be held. Mayor Seefeldt announced that the final budget and
levy adoption hearing will be held during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday,
December 16 2008.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Hurlburt
City Administrator/ Clerk