HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-18-2020_work session minutesMedina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 1
August 18, 2020
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF
AUGUST 18, 2020
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in work session on August 18, 2020 at 6:00
p.m. at the Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN.
I. Call to Order
Members present: Martin, Anderson, Albers, DesLauriers, Pederson
Members absent:
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Assistant City Administrator
Jodi Gallup, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, Police
Sergeant Kevin Boecker, and Planning Director Dusty Finke
II. 2021 Preliminary Budget Discussion
Finance Director Erin Barnhart informed the City Council that the preliminary levy will
be set at the September 1st City Council meeting. The final levy for 2021 will be set at
the December 1st City Council meeting. The preliminary levy amount can only be
decreased after it is set by the City Council on September 1st. Staff was directed to move
forward with a flat tax rate of 22.492% for 2021.
Barnhart reviewed the 5%, 10%, and 15% revenue loss scenarios for 2022, 2023, and
2024 that were requested by the City Council. Council thanked Barnhart for the valuable
information. Staff was reminded by the City Council to remain prepared and mindful of
future expenditures. Staff was also asked to be aware of possible future major
expenditures that could be cut.
Barnhart also provided an update on the CARES Act funding. Medina has approximately
$40,000 to $50,000 in expenditures that will be reimbursed under the CARES Act. The
City Council was supportive of staff being proactive on making application for public
safety payroll expenditures and holding the amount in reserve. The Loretto Fire
Department received FEMA reimbursement for their Personal Protective Equipment cost
due to COVID-19. Council directed staff to pay our portion of the cost of the remaining
25% of the FEMA match with Medina’s CARES Act funds. Council agreed that the
reimbursement for FEMA funds is available to all four fire departments.
City Administrator Scott Johnson informed the City Council about a meeting that
Planning Director Dusty Finke and he attended with Hometown Fiber from Maple Grove.
Hometown Fiber would like to conduct a broadband feasibility study for Medina at a cost
of $5,995. Staff continues to hear from Residents about poor service from our existing
carriers. This has only increased due to the COVID-19 requirement to work and provide
school from home. The feasibility study would provide what options exist in Medina to
expand and increase broadband options to improve service in Medina. Staff is looking
into using CARES Act funds to pay for the feasibility study. If these funds are not
available, then staff is recommending the use of franchise fees to fund the study. Council
Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 2
August 18, 2020
directed staff to bring forward the feasibility study option to the September 1st City
Council meeting.
Barnhart reviewed the proposed changes from staff to the CIP. Projects and equipment
were spaced out further into the future. The projects and equipment are reviewed yearly
and can be accelerated if the economy improves and Medina has stable funding. Council
Members asked questions regarding equipment and project expenditures, fire
expenditures, and directed staff to include fire contract expiration information with the
CIP. Staff will bring the final CIP forward for approval at the December 1st City Council
meeting.
Adjourn
Anderson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. Albers seconded the
motion.
Pederson Aye
Anderson Aye
DesLauriers Aye
Albers Aye
Martin Aye
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk