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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-2000 Council Work Session MinutesI • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000 1. Tax Increment Financing Rusty Fifield of Ehlers Associates provided a general explanation of what tax increment financing is and how it works. Kelley indicated a concern that the City could sell bonds for improvements; and a future Council could use the TIF revenue for other purposes, and find itself without funding for the bonds. Kelley also indicated a concern that the City would use the TIF revenue for operating expenses, and would become dependent on the TIF revenue to fund significant services. At the time that the TIF district expired, the City would be left without the TIF revenue, but would still have the demand for the services. Fifield indicated that statutory restrictions regarding how the TIF revenue is used, and the way the City structures its obligations regarding the TIF revenue, can prevent these problems. The Council indicated an interest in obtaining more information regarding a potential TIF district, specifically the potential benefits of a TIF district in Navarre. The Council directed that staff put together information on all parcels along County Road 15 adjacent to the City's public parking lot and those parcels on the south side of County Road 15. The information will include the current assessed value and taxes paid for each parcel, and the assessed value and taxes related to potential • development or redevelopment of specific parcels. The Council questioned when the district would have to be in place in order to capture the new taxes related to the new development on the Church property. (Rusty Fifield has indicated the district has to be in place before a building permit is issued for the development.) 2. Governance Issues Jabbour indicated many things are accomplished due to relationships established with key people. It can take years to build these relationships. It is not possible for one person to build the necessary network of relationships. If all Council Members are involved in building these relationships, it would strengthen the City's ability to impact key issues. Kelley suggested the City take advantage of the knowledge, experience and networks of those who have served the City in the past, such as former mayors and former commission members. Jabbour indicated there are many good people in the community who would make good mayors and council members, but they will be surprised and potentially overwhelmed by the time and effort required to be an effective mayor or council member. The Council needs to create some sort of a job description so that potential mayors and council members can be clear about what is expected of them. Moorse indicated the Mayor, Council and City Administrator have not discussed how they can best work together. This includes the most basic aspects, such as communication - who is responsible • • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000 for keeping everyone informed, what responsibility does each member have for keeping the others informed of his or her activities. Right now, the Mayor plays the key role in communication and coordination. We need a set of guidelines to ensure we can operate effectively, regardless of who is mayor. Sansevere indicated any guidelines put together should not discourage Mayor Jabbour from continuing his efforts and involvement. Moorse suggested the most effective way for the Mayor, Council and City Administrator to develop an understanding about what is expected of each, and how they can best work together, is to take a day to work with a consultant/facilitator who is familiar with city governance issues. Dick Flint asked whether it would be better to wait until after the next election to do this. Jim Murphy indicated an important part of the legacy of the Mayor and City Council is their philosophy and perspective on governance - their thoughts about how the Mayor, Council and City Administrator can most effectively work together for the best interests of the City. If the current Council can work through these issues and provide the next Council with a framework for governance, they will have given the new Council a good head start. • Dick Flint asked whether, rather than spending a full day on a Friday, it might work to spend a half day on Friday and a half day on Saturday. Murphy indicated two full days would be ideal, but two half days would work well, since many positive things can happen during the informal social time in the evening between the Friday session and the Saturday session. The Council indicated they are willing to move ahead with an off -site facilitated session. 3. Highway 12 Water and Sewer Project Connection Charges Moorse indicated the reduction in connection charges is being proposed for two reasons. 1. The projected revenues exceed the project expenditures. 2. The connection charges are high compared to those in other cities. This puts the City at a disadvantage in its efforts to attract quality development, particularly in the area guided for medium - density residential development. Moorse indicated the owners of the property in the northwest quadrant of Willow and 12 may expect to receive a credit against the connection charges, based on a sewer and water assessment paid in 1965. Glenn Cook, the City's consultant engineer, has indicated it does not appear they would be eligible for a credit. This issue will be further explored prior to bringing final connection charge reductions to the Council. The Council indicated support for the connection charge reduction. 2 1 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000 4. City Administrator Compensation Council discussed various items of compensation, including salary and benefits. The Council determined the City Administrator compensation, effective 9/1/99, will be as follows: Salary: $78,000 Car allowance: $300 /month Health insurance family coverage: 100% paid ATTEST: Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Gabri Jabbour, May 1