9/20/2021 - City Council - Work Session - Minutes`1a
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SPRING PARK
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CITY OF SPRING PARK
WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 — 5:30 PM
SPRING PARK CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Present: Jerome P. Rockvam, Jeff Hoffman, Pamela Horton, and Gary Hughes,
Mayor Rockvam chaired the meeting.
Others present: City Administrator Tolsma, City Engineer Mike Nielson, Mike Mason, Rick Gorra
5:30 - 2022 Budget, Preliminary Levy, and Capital Projects
Tolsma provided the 2022 budget calculations to the Council. Tolsma advised of the 2.5% increase over last
year's Levy. Discussion was had surrounding the increase and expenditures. The most notable increases
were the police and fire contracts. Public Works expenditures roughly the same cost over last year. Several
capital projects recommended to take place from 2021-2026. Rockvam inquired if there would be any cost
savings with the Fall/Spring cleanups and discussion was had regarding the possibility of residences utilizing
alternative clean-up programs in conjunction with the Spring Park clean-up. Hoffman suggested removing
the cleanup all together and providing alternative options to residents. Tolsma pointed out the need to com-
plete the capital project for the water plant and lift stations. Discussion was had with confirmation that the
technical improvements will help keep tabs on the lift stations and water plant.
6:10 - Electric Utilities Undergrounding Policy Discussion
Discussion Point #1: Responsibility for burying the main line and cost allocation.
Neilson talked to Excel Energy and, they were not able to provide an estimate to bury the main lines on West
Arm Road West because the design team didn't have time to put one together. Excel provided a guesstimate
of $3,000-$5,000 but Neilson would like to get a firmer estimate before they send out the questionnaire to
residents.
For burying the main lines, Horton asked what other cities do. Tolsma would like to do more research but
stated typically the costs fall on the residents. Discussion was had and Rockvam suggested Tolsma check with
the county to see if there are funds available to assist. Neilson added that we would also have to add lighting
poles since the power poles would be removed which would add to the expense. Hoffman asked if there
would be any advantage to burying the lines when the county does the road reconstruction. Neilson said
maybe a slight one and commented that overall Excel doesn't like burying lines as it is harder for them to lo-
cate power outage issues. Neilson suggested contacting the person at Hennepin County that consults with
cities for projects like this for guidance. Hoffman and Rockvam agreed. Rockvam asked if there are grants
Work Session Proceedings
August 16, 2021
Page 2
available to assist. Neilson also commented that if some residents didn't want to bury their lines and some
did there are ways to do it.
Discussion Point #2: Percentage in favor threshold for moving forward (i.e. 50% in favor, 66% in favor, 75%
in favor, etc.). Rockvam stated the percentage should be something like 51% in favor. Hoffman stated he
would like to approach differently. Discussion was had surrounding how to structure so that we are not put-
ting the cost burden on the individual property owners and instead have the city share in the costs with the
residents. Rockvam asked if we can we see if the county can help with costs and can they provide financing.
Tolsma suggested putting together a bond package to spread the cost out over 20 years. Rockvam asked if we
could at least get some estimated costs per square foot in order to analyze.
Discussion Point #3: Assessment process if project moves forward.
No discussion was had surrounding how to assess
6:45 - Miscellaneous - none
6:50 - Adjourn
There being no further discussion, Hoffman motioned; being seconded by Horton to adjourn the meeting.