City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, June 04, 2024 at 6:00 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Jeff Phillips, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Police Chief Jim Exsted, Assistant City Engineer Trevor Thompson, Public Works Director Trevor Walter, Assistant Finance Director Brenda Brooks, and Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Public Transit Update – Brainerd City Engineer Jessie Dehn City Administrator Chapulis explained last year the council voted to increase transit fares for Baxter services to help offset the operating deficits that were projected by the transportation advisory committee and Brainerd staff. Jessie Dehn, Brainerd City Engineer, summarized the year ending 2023, ridership usage since the fare increase was implemented, the proposal received for the next 3-year service contract for transit services, and the updated agreement between Baxter and Brainerd. The current service contract expired the end of June and the council will consider a new 3-year contract with Blue Sky Transit during the June 18th council meeting. The proposal from Blue Sky was the only one received. The service fee was reduced as expected with the reduction of service to Pine River and across Crow Wing County. 2. HWY 77 Assessment Discussion City Administrator Chapulis explained on May 20th the council held an improvement hearing for the proposed project. During the hearing the council heard concerns from a property owner about the special assessments and inquired as to the possibility of a deferment on the proposed assessment. At the conclusion of the hearing, the council directed staff to provide some additional information on the legal clarity on setting precedence of adjusting assessment terms, the position of David Quisberg, and options for assessment deferrals. Based on the city attorney’s response and the financial liability of holding additional project costs on this project, and future projects due to additional deferrals, administration is not supportive of the requested deferral. An executed petition and waiver agreement has not been received by Mr. Quisberg. Public Works Director Walter explained Mr. Quisberg indicated to him that he would sign the agreement. 6/4/2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 City Administrator Chapulis explained the city attorney indicates in her letter that any special assessment deferments should be written into the assessment policy so that it is fair and equitable to all. The council discussed the wording of the assessment policy and if there is an exception to the policy for an exceptional use and if there is an option in the policy to defer the principle of an assessment. In order to proceed with the project this year, the project needs to be ordered on June 18th. City Administrator Chapulis will confirm the senior exemption outlined in the city attorney’s memo. 3. 2025 Budget Council Work Session Finance Director Vacinek explained the purpose of the meeting is to review potential impacts to the 2025 budget and discuss preliminary council goals and priorities. The council is required to adopt the preliminary budget by the end of September and the final budget by the end of the year as identified in the calendar on the regular agenda. City Administrator Chapulis asked the council to share any comments they have with him or Finance Director Vacinek. ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Cross, seconded by Council Member Phillips to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator