09-23-2013 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 9, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 11 (4. PRELIMINARY 2014 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY – PUBLIC INPUT INVITED, Continued) Printup thanked Finance Director Olson for his efforts on the budget this year and previous year. Printup stated in his view the City’s services are being maintained at an appropriate level and the City’s finances are in good shape overall. Printup requested the human services item be placed on the Council’s next work session agenda. Mayor McMillan opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. There were no public comments. Mayor McMillan closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. McMillan thanked Staff and the Council for their efforts at keeping the City’s tax levy flat for the past three years. Olson stated to his knowledge there are not too many cities in the state that have held their tax levy flat for three years. McMillan noted the City does not receive Local Government Aid, has had a declining tax base for three or four years, and has experienced historically high debt service payments for the past several years but the City has been able to keep the tax levy the same due to the efforts of all involved. Anderson moved, Printup seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6317, a Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2013 Tax Levy Collectible in 2014, and to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6318, a Resolution to Adopt the Preliminary 2014 General Fund Budget are presented, with a public hearing on the final budget set for the regular Council meeting of December 9, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. LMCD REPORT – ANDREW MCDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE McDermott reported there was less milfoil harvested this year versus last year due to the high water levels. The water levels have continued to drop since the spring and are still about eight inches above last fall. The milfoil harvesting season was shorter this year due to the weather but overall the harvesting was successful. The LMCD is also planning on starting their boater training class and that the LMCD will likely be asking each city to nominate a student or younger person to attend the all-day class in November. The size of the class will be approximately 30 people, which is approximately two per member city. Bremer asked what the age level is for the class. McDermott indicated the age level is around 15 to 18. McDermott noted Save the Lake is taking on this initiative. McMillan asked where the classes will be held. McDermott indicated the classes will be at the Hennepin County Water Patrol in Spring Park. Levang asked what the students will be learning. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 09/23/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 09/09/2013 [Page 3 of 11]