City Council

September 26, 2018 Special City Council Meeting MINOT CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 at 6:30 PM ROLL CALL: Members Present: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky Members Absent: None Mayor Sipma presiding and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. ORDINANCE NO. 5319 – ADOPT THE 2019 ANNUAL BUDGET – SECOND READING – APPROVED Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council place ordinance no. 5319 on second reading, adopting the 2019 Annual Budget including the resolution establishing the 2019 rates, fees and charges pertaining to Minot International Airport, and the resolution establishing fees pertaining to sewer rates in the City of Minot, ND. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson and carried unanimously. Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council pass ordinance no. 5319 on second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Olson. Mayor Sipma began by commenting on how the budget process differed from the process in the past. He described all of the tools that are available to the public to understand how the budget was formulated. He said, he fully supports the budget as it is fiscally responsible and sets the City on a more stable path for the future. He empathized that these corrections are far from easy but they are necessary to get us to where we need to be. Alderman Wolsky also said, this is a fiscally responsible budget that puts us in a better position for the future. He acknowledged the burden placed on families but said it is the responsible thing to do. He mentioned the challenge it may create for schools since there is a need for more schools and a tax increase will make it more difficult to pass a bond issuance. Alderman Podrygula said, he is comfortable with the process of this year’s budget and he believes they have done all they can to minimize expenses and maximize resources. He raised concerns however, that to maintain the quality of infrastructure we may need to add a dedicated sales tax. This budget does not address some of the shortcomings of road maintenance. He requested staff provide a detailed report regarding an additional sales tax. Mayor Sipma suggested that conversation take place after the next legislative session when we will have more information about the legacy fund and funding sources for Flood Control. There may also be more HUB City funding for Minot. Alderman Straight said that his greatest concern is how to move forward with other issues and all of the other challenges ahead of us, if we increase taxes for residents. He said that he cannot support the budget because we need the community to stand behind us when it comes time to finance other projects. He recognized the City Manager and Finance Director for doing the best they could but said over the course of the next year, he will be mindful of City spending. Page | 1  September 26, 2018 Special City Council Meeting Mayor Sipma demonstrated his support for the budget once again and said that we need to address the here and now without kicking the can further down the road. Alderman Pitner said, as the newest Council member, he was impressed by the budget process. There were countless meetings, discussions and emails sharing information about the budget. He also reminded everyone that the Council members are tax paying citizens as well. He said, he felt encouraged after the public hearing and he encourages the public to participate throughout the entire process next year by providing input and suggestions before the budget is finalized. He invited the public to collaborate and be part of the solution. He concluded by saying, his goal for next year is to have better collaboration with organizations in the community throughout the process rather than just receiving complaints without solutions, after the process is over. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Jantzer, seconded by Alderman Olson and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Wolsky; nays: Straight. RESOLUTION NO. 3604 – APPROVE JOINING NDPERS – APPROVED Alderman Pitner moved the City Council adopt resolution no. 3604 to approve joining the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement Defined Benefit Program (NDPERS) effective January 1, 2019. Motion seconded by Alderman Jantzer and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Olson, Pitner, Podrygula, Sipma, Straight, Wolsky; nays: none. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Jantzer moved the City Council meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Alderman Wolsky and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm. ATTEST: ___________________________ APPROVED: ____________________________ Kelly Matalka, City Clerk Shaun Sipma, Mayor Page | 2