12-04-06 Special CC Minutes Special Meeting
of the
City Council
December 4, 2006
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a special meeting of the City Council of the City of
Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota was held at 7800 Golden Valley Road in said
City on December 4, 2006 at 6:30 pm.
The following members were present: Freiberg, Loomis, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer. Also
present were: Thomas Burt, City Manager and Judy Nally, Administrative Assistant.
Public Hearing
Sue Virnig, Finance Director presented the 2007 Recommended Budget and answered
questions from the Council. Thomas Burt answered questions from the Council.
The budget presentation included information regarding the budget schedule; 2007
proposed levy; proposed general fund levy relationship to general fund revenue; proposed
budget estimate on sample home in city; proposed levy impact on city tax; analysis of
percentage changes in total tax bills; proposed budget for the general fund; proposed
property tax breakdown for school district 281 and school district 270; and other truth in
taxation meeting dates.
The Mayor opened the meeting for public input and persons present to do so were
afforded the opportunity to express their view thereon.
Dale Huber, 6700 Olympia Street, stated some of his neighbors taxes increased 6-7% but
his increased 13% from last year; stated he has not made any improvements to his home;
wanted to know why there is such a range in the increases; he is living on a fixed income
and his taxes and cost of living keep going up; wanted to know if someone in his
neighborhood sells their home if it increases his.
Ken Landro, 1890 Hampshire Lane North, stated last year his taxes increased 13% but
this year it was only 2%; concerned for retired persons living on a fixed income; in the last
four years his taxes have gone up double-digits; feels as costs go up the retired persons
living on fixed incomes and young families will be driven out of town; asked about
consolidation of services with other communities; stated he lives by the railroad and
expressed concern over the lack of railroad maintenance and noise generated by the
railroad and wanted to know if the city has a relationship with the railroad and could get
noise issues fixed.
Steve Schulz, 7340 Olympia Street, wanted to emphasize keeping the expenditures to the
rate of inflation or lower; realizes that sometimes city can't control costs such as personnel
and insurance costs; and had questions regarding the increase in the legal budget.
Special City Council Meeting
December 4, 2006
Page 2
Public Hearing - Continued
Phillip Worthington, 2580 Regent Avenue North, stated surveyors were at his property and
left markers; wanted to know if the street would be widened, what kind of costs were
involved with the pavement management program, if sidewalk would be located on both
sides of the street, and wanted to know when the residents will be notified of the costs.
Nathanial Davis, 135 Edgewood Avenue South, stated he purchased his home a year ago
and wanted to know about the increase in his property values and will contact the
Assessing Department.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
The Council discussed and decided a reconvened public hearing was not necessary. The
Council will formally adopt the 2007 budget at the December 19, 2006 Council Meeting at
7 pm.
Adjournment
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Linda R. Loomis, Mayor
ATTEST:
Judy Nally, Administrative Assistant