09-06-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes

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City Council Minutes September 6, 2022 Page 2 of 7 5.1. Splash Pad Update Rich Spiczka stated that all fixtures are installed. Nick Roy said Pikes is the plumber and there will be a test run during the weekend for a few hours before it must be winterized. Mr. Spiczka stated there will potentially a Grand Opening on Thursday of Memorial weekend 2023. 5.2. Griffin Court Issue Larry Leege(4467 Griffin Circle)addressed the Council. He stated there are six families that live in the subdivision. He said there has always been a water and sand problem since the building was built. He said the president of the association put a"bump" in the road without permission. He stated that it is on the City right-away. He said it is a traffic hazard and it is difficult to get in and out of the subdivision because of the bump. Mr. Leege would like to see the bump taken out and has offered to pay to have it taken out. He stated communication can be done through him, as the president has resigned, and he will then forward the information to the Association Board of Directors. Mr. Spiczka stated water and sand would run in if there wasn't something there. Mayor Gardner stated that he would like Nick Roy and Tim Houle to look at the issue. Mr. Houle stated the bump could be taken out and possibly a concrete apron that slopes back toward street could be put in. He said it will be more of a hump than a bump. Discussion ensued about the city asking to have the bump removed out of the right of way, as it was not authorized by the City. Mr. Leege would like to see the apron installed to remedy the water run-off issue. Mr. Houle suggesting putting in a surmountable curb, like the curb to the north. Council directed staff to look for a remedy and obtain costs. 5.3 Preliminary Levy Rich Spiczka stated that staff is requesting the Council to set the Preliminary levy at$2,251,135 which is the 50% tax rate goal that the Council had set in the prior year. He stated some capital projects could be addressed with the tax rate. Council member Pederson said what is nice about that number they reach the 50% goal, and they can stay at the 50%. He further stated that this has been the idea for several years to keep tax rate lower and still having the funds to do what the City needs to do. Mayor Gardner said this a substantial jump and he does not believe it is going to be the norm. Council member Pederson is comfortable with the 50% and he said the county usually gives a conservative number. Council Member Pederson also stated that the tax rate is dropping 2.5% and a total of 5% in the last two years. Mayor Gardner said he would like to see the preliminary set at$2.1 million. Council member Ronning would like to see the 50%. Mr. Spiczka said the goal set by Council previously was 50% and to stay at flat, sustainable percent. He said if we are always dialing it back, improvement projects won't get done. Mayor Gardner would like to look at the amenities and expenses to make sure they are necessary. He also would like hard discussions on if anything can change. Discussion ensued about the appraised value of property and the stability of tax rates.