HomeMy Public PortalAbout07.19.2022 Work Session Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Work Session Minutes
July 19, 2022
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF
JULY 19, 2022
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in work session on July 19, 2022, 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, Reid
Members absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Clerk/Assistant to the City
Administrator Caitlyn Walker, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Finance Director Erin
Barnhart, Public Safety Director Jason Nelson, Planning Director Dusty Finke,
II. 2023 Budget and CIP Discussion
Finance Director Erin Barnhart provided the City Council with an updated draft budget for 2023.
The budget discussion areas included the capital improvement plan (CIP) and updates to the
general fund budget. For the CIP, Barnhart shared that there has been a reorganization of some of
the road projects and the City may need to bond for the projects in 2023. Barnhart highlighted
that there will be continued discussion about the impact of inflation and increasing interest rates
on the CIP. Public Works Director Steve Scherer and Public Safety Director Jason Nelson
discussed how supply chain issues are impacting their ability to purchase equipment in the
appropriate CIP budget year. They requested approval to be able to purchase equipment that may
be paid for in a CIP year that has not been formally approved by the City Council. The Council
was supportive of this and asked that department heads send an email to Council Members when
the equipment becomes available to ensure Council Members are aware of the purchase. Council
requested the amount budgeted for the future fire station be increased.
Barnhart reviewed changes to the general fund. The updated budget includes the addition of a
full-time police officer. The budget also includes a proposed 1.5% market inflation in addition to
the 3.5% COLA increase in staff wages. The Council was supportive of this additional market
inflation increase. Staff will work with DDA in 2023 to update the 2021 compensation study,
review the Planning Director job description and the Finance Director job description. Barnhart
reviewed revised property tax scenarios and Council shared they are interested in keeping the tax
levy rate the same as last year and putting the additional revenue aside for the future fire fund.
Nelson gave an update on the Police Department’s strategy for recruitment and retention of staff.
Nelson shared that the labor market for Police Departments has never had so many openings.
Other agencies are offering extras such as hiring incentives and paying for continuing education
as part of their recruitment and retention strategy. In the past, the department has relied on the
benefits package as a strong incentive, however, many cities now have similar benefits packages.
Staff is brainstorming ideas and will continue to update the Council on new strategies.
III. Adjourn
Albers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 19, 2022. Cavanaugh
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Medina City Council Work Session Minutes
July 19, 2022
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Caitlyn Walker, City Clerk