At the November 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a Capital Improvements Plan submitted by Mike Bubany, David Drown and Associates, was distributed. It was not discussed at this city council meeting.
It summarizes the city’s financial condition and provides a tool to evaluate the feasibility of future capital improvement projects and purchases. Bubany finds the city to be financially sound with healthy reserves in the general fund and currently in the utility fund (however these reserves are dwindling).
Chatfield has a higher cost of services than comparison cities, but is found to be an attractive place to live demonstrated by 15 to 20 new building permits each year.
Bubany goes on to explore two scenarios for the future; one with no new projects or purchases and the other with new projects and purchases. He offers estimates as to how each will affect future property tax rates. The tax rate will initially spike in either case due to the swimming pool project. Tax rates may fall off some thereafter or remain stable depending on new projects and/or purchases. Bubany recommends adjustments upward in water and sewer rates.
Other business in brief
• Brittney Nielson was administered the oath of office by City Clerk Joel Young; she will serve as a part-time patrol officer. Police Chief Shane Fox administered the law enforcement oath.
• During a public hearing on the delinquent utility assessment, there was no comment from the public or dispute of the delinquency assessment listing. A resolution was adopted directing delinquent utility accounts be collected with property taxes.
• Young reported the election results. Mayor Russ Smith, councilor Paul Novotny, and councilor Mike Urban were reelected. A total of 1,082 votes were cast, which is just under 70% of the city’s electorate. The canvassing of ballots was approved.
• Both the second consideration and publication of Ordinance #437 Critical Water Emergency Restriction were approved. The ordinance will regulate non-essential water usage upon a critical water deficiency.
• Pay estimate #2 to Benike in the amount of $140,372.95 for the pool project was approved. Pay estimate #3 in the amount of $47,500 to Ricchio was approved, also for the pool project.
• The first consideration of Ordinance #437 Fees was tabled. The fee schedule and possible changes are being looked at by the Personnel Budget Committee.
• A proposal from Smith, Schafer and Associates to do the city’s audit was approved. Young said they do an excellent job. Professional fees for the audit are estimated to be $21,100 total.
• Olmsted County Commissioners have invited small cities and townships to participate in a roundtable on December 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. Plans for long range transportation and land use will be discussed.
• Young reported on a project through Olmsted County, “Citizen Alert Service.” People can sign up for the service and be notified by e-mail, text message, or telephone call about a variety of emergency situations like snow plowing, water breaks, street closings, a rash of burglaries, and so on. The service doesn’t cost the city anything.