DUNDAS CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 12, 2022
7:00 p.m. City Hall
Present: Mayor Glenn Switzer: Councilors Luke LaCroix, Luke Swartwood
Absent: Councilor Larry Fowler, Grant Modory
Staff: Engineer Dustin Tipp; Administrator/Clerk Jenelle Teppen; Deputy Clerk Linda Ripka
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Switzer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.
TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING (TNT)
Budget 2023 Review and Discussion of Levy for Taxes Payable in 2023
Financial consultant Jessi Sturtz of ABDO Financial Solutions presented the proposed Budget and Levy for 2023 with no change from September preliminary budget and levy. She stated overall the budget shows an increase of $166,082 from previous year or 12.06% to cover a balance budget for General Fund, EDA, and debt service. She indicated due to the tax capacity increasing, the City will see a decrease tax rate -3.2%. She indicated Rice County has increased home value which affect property taxes and provided a comparison showing no change in value of home vs 15% on property taxes. Sturtz reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) allocated cost of $723,000 in equipment and improvements for Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Public Safety. She indicated that the League of MN Cities recommends budgeting for a 10-15% increase in worker’s compensation and 5-10% general property insurance.
Final 2023 Enterprise Funds Budget
Financial consultant Jessi Sturtz of ABDO Financial Solutions presented the 2023 Enterprise Funds Budget breaking down the four categories of water, sewer, storm water and refuse. She indicated the enterprise fund budget has a net expense of $272,151 and utility rates for water and sewer will have a 3.0% increase and refuse 5.0% for 2023 with no increase in storm water.
PUBLIC FORUM
Cindy and Ken Hause of 555 River Valley Lane expressed concern on their proposed property taxes going up in 2023 with follow-up discussion from Mayor. Also expressed concern on numerous homes with debris in yard not meeting ordinance requirements and what City is doing to address these. Mayor explained process.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to approve agenda. Motion Carried Unanimously (MCU)
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to approve the consent agenda as follows:
Regular Minutes of November 28, 2022;
Resolution 2022-29 A Resolution Approving Gambling Premises Permits for 2023;
Resolution 2022-30 A Resolution Approving Cigarette Licenses for 2023;
Pay Voucher No.1 Kevin Casey, LLC - $40,715.10; and
Disbursements - $293,589.05. MCU
OLD BUSINESS - No old business brought before Council.
PUBLIC HEARING
Amending Chapter §34.01 of the Dundas City Code Adopting Fees and Charges
Mayor Switzer opened the public hearing on amending Chapter §34.01 of the Dundas City Code adopting fees and charges at 7:37p.m.
Staff Presentation: Administrator Teppen stated the 2023 budget incorporated change in rates for water, sewer, and refuse. She indicated other increases are the rental rate for the pavilion at Memorial Park and the base building set rate for issuing of permit for residential roofing, siding and window/door replacement. She stated all rate increases will be effective January 1, 2023.
Public Comment: No public comment received.
Closed Public Hearing: Mayor Switzer closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 2022-05 An Ordinance Amending Chapter §34.01 Fee Schedule of the Dundas City Code Adopting Fees and Charges
Motion by Swartwood, second by LaCroix, to approve Ordinance 2022-05 and Summary. MCU
Resolution 2022-31 A Resolution Approving 2023 Proposed General Fund Budget and 2023 Final Property Tax Levy
Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to approve Resolution 2022-31. MCU
Resolution 2022-32 A Resolution Approving a Tentative Agreement Between the City of Dundas and Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc. Representing the Police Officers Bargaining Unit for the Calendar Years 2023-2025
Administrator Teppen reported meeting with the LELS representatives and reviewed the discussions involving compensation plan, health insurance and participation in the MN State Retirement System Health Care Savings Plan involving two methods. She stated the Human Resource Committee have reviewed and recommend approval of the Tentative Agreement.
Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to approve Resolution 2022-32. MCU
Resolution 2022-33 A Resolution Authorizing Staff to Pay Invoices Received Between December 7 and December 21, 2022
Administrator Teppen indicated due to no Council meeting until next year (2023), payment of bills from December 7 through 21 need to be pre-authorized to be paid.
Motion by Swartwood, second by LaCroix, to approve Resolution 2022-33. MCU
NEW BUSINESS - No new business brought before Council.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City Engineer – Dustin Tipp
Tipp gave an update of project CSAH 1/TH 3 Pedestrian Crossing regarding the AT grant application stating City Council passed Resolution as did Rice County on November 22 with MnDOT and City of Northfield issuing a letter of support. He stated the application has now been submitted to MnDOT.
City Administrator/Clerk – Jenelle Teppen
Teppen stated Planning Commission will meet in January with a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit. She indicated newly elected councilor Ashley Gallagher will receive orientation this week meeting with Mayor, staff and consultants.
Mayor, Councilors and Committees
Mayor suggested Councilors look at goals for administrator and City for January meeting.
Mayor Switzer recognized Councilor Larry Fowler for his eight years of serving two terms from January 2015 through December 2022 on the Council.
ADJOURN
Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m. MCU
Submitted by: Attest:
_________________________________ _____________________________
Jenelle Teppen, Administrator/Clerk Glenn Switzer, Mayor
