City Council Meeting - 2020-12-14

Detailed briefing

City Council Meeting — December 14, 2020 • Council opened and closed a public hearing on the proposed 2021 city budget and amended 2020 budget. Staff said the documents had been posted online and that the hearing received one public comment: Patrick O’Brien supported adding storm drainage to the East Third Street project. No comments were reported from YouTube or telephone participants. • Council did not adopt the budget at this meeting. Staff recommended returning December 21 to first adopt the capital improvements plan, as required by state law, and then adopt the budget with any edits. Staff said the revised budget would include a $100,000 tree-grate project allocation, structured as a general-fund transfer to the DDA, which would lead the project. • The tree-grate discussion focused on keeping the city’s contribution near $100,000. Members favored obtaining a base bid for basic sidewalk and tree-grate work, with optional items such as additional tree replacement or other improvements. Staff and public commenters noted that grants, DDA funding, or other support could potentially supplement the city contribution. Staff also noted that cast-iron grates alone had recently been priced above $38,000, excluding installation and tree work. • Staff recommended shifting boardwalk replacement planning toward 2022 while pursuing a Transportation Alternatives Program grant. The city also has an April 1 deadline for a separate land-acquisition grant application, which staff said requires substantial work. The boardwalk has received repairs and was described as not unsafe, but erosion beneath it was discussed. Previous bids would need to be rebid. • The CIP identified future needs including the Judd Street retaining wall, parks, municipal building maintenance, and recreation facilities. Staff presented a preliminary parks-and-recreation millage worksheet, saying potential park projects in the CIP totaled about $2.7 million. Council members said any possible millage discussion should consider the city’s broader revenue needs, public costs, and public education. • Other budget highlights included planned East Third Street water-main work and a possible $20,000-$30,000 storm-drain addition; electric-system modeling and study work; equipment replacements; pickleball-court work; and shared parking-lot resurfacing with the Methodist Church. Staff projected total 2021 fund balances of just over $9 million and described the general fund as above minimum reserve standards. Worth watching: • Whether council adopts the revised budget and CIP on December 21, including the $100,000 DDA tree-grate transfer. • Whether staff can complete grant work and rebid planning for a possible 2022 boardwalk replacement. • Whether council advances a broader discussion of operating revenue, parks funding, and a possible voter millage request. Upcoming: Council is expected to consider CIP and budget adoption on December 21, 2020. Why it matters: The budget decisions will shape which near-term infrastructure and downtown projects move forward and how the city addresses longer-term capital needs.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.