HomeMy Public PortalAbout09/15/09 Special CCM275
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on September 15, 2009 at
6:00 p.m. in the Medina City Hall.
I. Call to Order
Members present: Weir, Crosby, Smith, Johnson (arrived at 6:55 p.m.)
Members absent: Siitari
Also present: City Administrator Chad M. Adams and Finance Director Jeanne
Day
II. AFLAC Supplemental Benefit Options
Adams explained that several employees had indicated in a benefit survey last year that
they were interested in the City providing a Short Term Disability policy. The City
received a few quotes for possible services and recommends AFLAC as the provider of
the benefit. Adams stated the policy would be available to employees at a group rate, but
they would pay all premiums and the City would not bear any cost with the exception of
some administrative time for payroll inclusion and limited paperwork administration.
Adams was requesting discussion from Council to consider adding this benefit for 2010.
Adams added that the packet demonstrated a survey of cities that already provide the
benefit.
The Council agreed to consider the program for 2010 pending additional information and
further review at the October 20th Council meeting.
III. Green Acres Deferred Assessments
Day provided presentation on the background of this topic, including: June 16 Council
direction to send courtesy letters to affected property owners informing them of their
assessments calculated at compounding interest; research with the County regarding liens
on properties at time of assessment, why the assessment does not appear on tax
statements if deferred, and the process for title searches; interest calculation history
dating back to 1977 and inconsistencies of using compounded interest and simple interest
in some circumstances; special assessment policy indicating use of compounded interest;
examples of residents paying compounded and simple interest; the City's accounting of
the assessments; and direction requested from the Council.
The Council discussed options to address the deferred assessments including a tax
amnesty period to allow residents to pay their assessments in a 90-day period using
simple interest; a 90 day period in which to pay accrued interest only, on a simple interest
basis; or staying with recently adopted policy to require compounded interest to be
calculated on all past, present, and future deferred assessments.
Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2009
276
The Council directed staff to place the deferred assessment discussion on a future regular
Council meeting agenda.
IV. Tax Levy
Adams provided a presentation and stated the City has received the "Net Tax Capacity
Used for Local Rate" from Hennepin County which helps the City identify actual
property tax affect on Medina properties. Adams explained that because of the City's
inconsistent fluctuating market values in varying geographic areas of the City that some
areas will see tax increases, some minor changes, and some decreases. He provided some
examples of the likely tax affect on some areas within the City.
V. Budget Insert
Adams provided an overview of the budget insert and recommended removing the market
value tax impact chart (because of the varying market value changes) and replacing it
with an actual monthly/annual tax impact from City services on some example homes.
The Council agreed to the change and provided recommendations related to the graph
titles, language, and paragraph restructuring.
Adams noted that he would make changes, send to Council asking for their individual
comments prior to him sending to the County by September 30a`.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
T.M. Crosby, Jr., Mayor
Attest:
1114
Chad M. Adams, City Administrator -Clerk
Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2009