HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-17-2021_work session minutesMedina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 1
August 17, 2021
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF
AUGUST 17, 2021
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in work session on August 17, 2021 at 6:00
p.m. at the Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN.
I. Call to Order
Members present: Martin, Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers and Reid
Members absent:
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Assistant City Administrator
Jodi Gallup, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, Public
Safety Director Jason Nelson, and Planning Director Dusty Finke
II. 2022 Budget – General Fund
Finance Director Erin Barnhart provided the City Council with an updated draft budget
for 2022. The budget discussion centered on the general fund budget for 2022. Staff is
working to keep increases to a minimum, keeping at least a flat property tax rate of
22.92% from 2021 to 2022. Hennepin County is estimating a 6.8% market value increase
for Medina. Staff is currently negotiating contracts for fire, IT consultant, and Police
Union (LELS). Remaining funds are proposed to be allocated to the future fire facility.
Barnhart informed Council that the remaining antenna revenue ($34,168) has been
removed from the general fund budget, a cost-of-living increase of 3.5% has been
included with the draft budget, and Medina may need to create a 3rd voting precinct in
2022 due to growth and current number of registered voters in precinct 1B. Barnhart also
provided an update on moving the shared Planning/Zoning/PW Administrative Assistant
to full-time at 600 Clydesdale Trail for Public Works. The position is currently shared
between City Hall and 600 Clydesdale. The position would continue to be utilized to
track different responsibilities for public works, take on more park related
responsibilities, and provide further administrative help for public works staff. A full-
time Administrative Assistant position would be created for Planning/Zoning to process
permits, free up review time for the planners, allow more in-house GIS/infrastructure
planning and reduce consultant costs. The position will primarily assist with daily
building inspection operations and will be funded by building inspection revenue. Staff
has budgeted for the implementation of workflow software to integrate electronic form
submittal and streamline online processes. Barnhart also requested promoting the
Accountant II to Accountant I pay grade 5 and explained that the Accountant I duties are
currently being performed and is an integral part to segregation of duties within the
Finance department.
Finally, Barnhart discussed the ARPA Funds and possible uses. Staff suggested using the
funds for water treatment plant upgrades, water meter replacements and purchasing
supplies related to COVID-19. Barnhart explained that the expenditure deadline for
ARPA funds is December 31, 2024, allowing the City time to evaluate how to best utilize
Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 2
August 17, 2021
the funds. The City Council was comfortable with the budget as provided. The budget
will be brought forward for preliminary approval at the September 7th Council Meeting.
Mayor Martin mentioned receiving complaints about ongoing broadband issues for
residents in Medina. Hennepin County is looking into using their fiber infrastructure to
help provide broadband service improvements in the area. Council Member Cavanaugh
also informed Council that T-Mobile is expanding 5G coverage in Medina through
hotspots.
Staff and Council reviewed the draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff informed
Council about ongoing discussions regarding the future Hackamore Road project. Future
meetings will take place with Plymouth and Corcoran. Medina and Corcoran received a
$700,000 LRIP grant from MNDOT for the project.
Steve Scherer informed the City Council that he is trying to coordinate a project with
Orono and Independence on Townline Road South in conjunction with Medina projects
on Juniper Curve and Spruce Way.
Staff also discussed the possibility of using ROW on Hamel Road for additional on street
parking with the proposed Prairie Creek Addition. The City Council was open to
exploring this option with the developer.
Staff also discussed the current drought conditions that may prohibit the fire works
display for Celebration Day. Staff will investigate options and possibly move the date of
the fireworks display.
Adjourn
Albers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 p.m. on August 17, 2021.
Cavanaugh seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk