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City Council Minutes <br /> September 6, 2022 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br /> 5.1. Splash Pad Fundraising Update <br /> Rich Spiczka stated that all fixtures are installed. Nick Roy said Pikes is the <br /> plumber. Test run during the weekend for a few hours before it must be <br /> winterized. Potentially a Grand Opening on Thursday of Memorial weekend <br /> 2023. <br /> 5.2. Initial 2023 Budget Updates <br /> Larry Leege (4467 Griffin Circle) addressed the Council. He stated there are six <br /> families that live in the subdivision. He said there has always been a water and <br /> sand problem since the building was built. He said the president of the <br /> association put a "bump" in the road without permission. He stated that it is on <br /> the city right-away. He said it is a traffic hazard and it is difficult to get in and out <br /> of the subdivision because of the bump. He would like to see the bump taken out <br /> and Larry has offered to pay to have it taken out. Communication can be done <br /> through him, as the president has resigned. Larry will then forward the <br /> information to the Association Board of Directors. Rich stated water and sand <br /> would run in if there wasn't something there. Mayor Gardner stated that he would <br /> like Nick Roy and Tim Houle to look at the issue. Tim stated the bump could be <br /> taken out and possibly put in concrete apron that slopes back toward street. It will <br /> be more of a hump than a bump. Discussion ensued about the city asking to <br /> have the bump removed out of the right of way, as it was not authorized by the <br /> city. Larry would like to see the apron installed to remedy the water run-off issue. <br /> Tim suggesting putting in a surmountable curb, like the curb to the north. Council <br /> directed staff to look for a remedy and obtain costs. <br /> 5.3 Preliminary Lew <br /> Rich Spiczka stated that this is the top amount that the city can levy at. Capital <br /> projects can be addressed with the tax rate. <br /> Mayor Gardner set a goal to get to a 50% tax rate. Roughly $400,000 increase. <br /> Council member Pedersen said what is nice about that number they reach the <br /> 50% goal, and they can stay at the 50%. He further stated that this has been the <br /> idea for several years to keep tax rate lower and still having the funds to do what <br /> the city needs to do. Gardner said this a substantial jump and he does not <br /> believe it is going to be the norm. Council member Pedersen is comfortable with <br /> the 50% and he said the county usually gives a conservative number. Pedersen <br /> also stated that the tax rate is dropping 2.5% and a total of 5% in the last two <br /> years. Gardner would like to see the preliminary set at$2.1 million, previous <br /> number was $1.945 million set with not capital improvements. Council member <br /> Ronning would like to see the 50%. Rich said the goal as always been 50% and <br /> we want to stay at flat, sustainable percent. If we are always dialing it back, <br /> improvement projects won't get done. Gardner would like to see some of the <br /> amenities and expenses and make sure they are necessary. He also would like <br /> hard discussions on if anything can change. No control over the appraised value <br /> of property. Discussion ensued. Gardner asked: If the rate is dropped too much, <br />