This transcript has been cleaned for clarity, correcting phonetic errors (e.g., "Mayor Monkey" to **Mayor Monge**, "Twitter" to **Council Member Schweer**) and identifying speakers based on the provided municipal context and internal dialogue cues. **Note on Timestamps:** As the original text did not include markers, timestamps are provided as relative sequence markers `[HH:MM:SS]`. *** ### **Part 1: 2024 Budget Levy Workshop** **[00:00:00] Mayor Monge:** Council Member Schweer? **[00:00:01] Council Member Schweer:** Here. **[00:00:02] Council Member Wong:** Here. **[00:00:03] Council Member Nordby:** Here. **[00:00:04] Mayor Monge:** Here. One second... did someone motion? **[00:00:06] Council Member Wong:** Yes, I'll motion to accept the agenda. **[00:00:08] Mayor Monge:** I didn't hear a motion, I was waiting. We'll start off like this: do we accept the agenda? **[00:00:10] Council Member Wong:** I’ll move. **[00:00:11] Council Member Nordby:** Second. **[00:00:12] Mayor Monge:** All those in favor say aye. **[00:00:13] All:** Aye. **[00:00:14] Mayor Monge:** Thank you. I apologize, my computer did a reboot during the packet download. Topics: 2024 Budget. I think that’s you, Jason. Oh, I should probably announce you. **[00:00:20] Jason Zimmerman (Finance Director):** Thank you, Mayor and Council Members. Yes, tonight is the official kickoff of our 2024 budget process. Tonight, we're going to have a Levy Setting Workshop. We need direction from you. Brian [Frandle] and myself—our goal is to get you as well-informed on the budget as possible. I’m going to walk you through where we’re at with the 2023 budget, what we’ve accomplished in the last couple of years, and then talk about the driving factors heading into the 2024 budget preparation. Then we will have some activities. Council Member Cole knows that I take the workshop seriously. Since it's a workshop, I’m going to put you to work. The real reason is to find out information from you so we can supply better documentation as we go through the process. By September 30th, we need to certify our maximum levy to the county. We usually do that in the first meeting in September. The levy portion includes general operations, the debt levy (combined as the City Levy), and then the HRA and EDA levies. Those must be certified as a maximum by the end of September. Our internal service funds and enterprise funds budgets can continue and get ultimately approved in December. Starting with 2023 highlights: Property taxes comprise 56% of our general fund revenue. Intergovernmental is 18%, primarily Local Government Aid (LGA). Expenditures: Personnel and benefits comprise 63% of our general fund. Police makes up 42% of the budget; Fire and Code Enforcement make up 14%; Street Maintenance makes up 14%. In 2023, our levy was increased approximately 12.6%. Over the past 14 years, we've averaged a 5.8% increase. **[00:05:30] Council Member Nordby:** I have a question on the statement you just made. If we don’t spend, are we going to get less back from the government or the state? **[00:05:40] Jason Zimmerman:** It’s not from the state; it comes from all the cities through the Fiscal Disparities Pool. North St. Paul is a "winner" in this pool—we rank 17th. Last year, we got about $1.2 million. If our tax rates drop significantly compared to other cities, we might get a lower value in subsequent years, which shifts the burden back to our local residents. **[00:07:00] Jason Zimmerman:** (Continuing presentation) This is my third budget. I don’t want to be known as the Finance Director that keeps increasing the levy, but the City Council has directed a lot of funds toward the Police Department recently—about $726,000 from 2021 to 2023. We also faced staff reductions in 2021 to get to a 0% levy during COVID. Now we are investing in staffing and infrastructure. **[00:10:20] Council Member Nordby:** Looking at the comparisons to other cities—do any of those cities have their own additional sales tax? Would that be included in this data? **[00:10:35] Jason Zimmerman:** That’s a very good question. I can’t answer that right now, but we will research it. If they have a sales tax, their reliance on property taxes would be a lower percentage than ours. **[00:11:00] Council Member Wong:** As you look for comparable cities, do you mind looking at the regional ones closest to us as well, even if they aren't the same size? More people spend money here for services than our actual population size suggests. **[00:11:20] Jason Zimmerman:** Absolutely. Now, looking at 2024 driving factors: Personnel costs are up about $322,000 (4.9% levy impact). Our debt levy is increasing by $76,000. One big hit is Metro I-Net. Their charges are increasing by $52,500—a 19% increase this year after a 20% increase last year. **[00:13:30] Council Member Cole:** What is the percent they are charging us? How much did that go up? **[00:13:40] Jason Zimmerman:** It resulted in a 19% increase from 2023. Compounded with last year, we're looking at about 41% over two years. **[00:14:10] Brian Frandle (City Manager):** To explain the increase: Metro I-Net went independent from the City of Roseville. They hired a CIO, added about nine FTEs, and they didn’t have a fund balance for equipment replacement. They chose an option that resulted in this 19-20% increase. **[00:15:20] Council Member Cole:** Can you speak to the cost of those emails? **[00:15:30] Jason Zimmerman:** Part of the drive was giving all our commission members city email addresses. Every email address is a "user" fee. We are meeting with Metro I-Net to see if we can break some services out or find outside vendors to reduce costs. **[00:16:45] Jason Zimmerman:** (Regarding the Capital Improvement Plan) I am excited to show you our new CIP software. It provides descriptions and justifications for every project. It helps the Council identify priorities to minimize resident impact. **[00:20:00] Mayor Monge:** You called out a potential 12.3% levy increase? **[00:20:05] Jason Zimmerman:** That 12.6% was 2023. This year, just to maintain current levels, we are starting at roughly 5.5% to 6% before adding new requests. **[00:22:00] Jason Zimmerman:** Let’s start Activity A: Brainstorming. What do we do to maximize resources? **[00:22:15] Council Member Nordby:** Review IT and review insurance. **[00:22:30] Council Member Wong:** What about the Fire Department? I’ve heard other towns are going to full-time because they can't find volunteers. Where are we sitting on that budget-wise? **[00:23:00] Jason Zimmerman:** It’s worth a discussion. Some cities contract with the Ramsey County Sheriff. You could save $1.5 million, but is it the same level of service? Our Police Chief has a preliminary request for additional FTEs that would be a 7% levy increase alone. **[00:25:30] Council Member Wong:** Contractors and consultants versus in-house. **[00:26:00] Council Member Schweer:** Looking at grants—federal, state, or otherwise. **[00:27:30] Council Member Nordby:** Planned obsolescence of City vehicles. Are we replacing them because they are done, or just because the budget says it’s time? **[00:30:00] Jason Zimmerman:** Now, tell me your highest priorities for 2024. **[00:30:15] Mayor Monge:** Roads, completion of the downtown project, and adequate staffing. **[00:30:30] Council Member Cole:** Roads and the total compensation plan for employees. **[00:30:45] Council Member Schweer:** Community center planning, a Parks and Rec master plan, and a transportation plan that includes sidewalks and bike lanes. **[00:31:10] Council Member Nordby:** Keeping costs low, perception of safety, and limiting liability. **[00:31:25] Council Member Wong:** Roads, trails, business growth, and school safety. **[00:32:00] Jason Zimmerman:** What range would you like to set for the 2024 levy? **[00:32:15] Mayor Monge:** I’d like to see 5%. **[00:32:20] Council Member Nordby:** 1% to 5%. **[00:32:30] Council Member Schweer:** 6% to 10%. **[00:32:40] Council Member Wong:** 7% to 8%. **[00:35:00] Jason Zimmerman:** Final question: what additional info do you need? **[00:35:10] Council Member Wong:** Comparison data for Maplewood, Oakdale, and Mounds View. **[00:35:30] Council Member Nordby:** I want the department directors to sit down and decide collaboratively on the top priorities for the city, not just individual departments. **[00:36:00] Council Member Schweer:** I’d like to see impact reports on operations to see if the "needle" is actually moving. **[00:37:00] Jason Zimmerman:** Thank you. We will have more meetings with department heads coming up. --- ### **Part 2: Regular City Council Meeting** **[00:38:00] Mayor Monge:** I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... [Pledge of Allegiance]. Roll call. Council Member Cole? **[00:38:30] Council Member Cole:** Here. **[00:38:31] Council Member Schweer:** Here. **[00:38:32] Council Member Wong:** Here. **[00:38:33] Council Member Nordby:** Here. **[00:38:34] Mayor Monge:** Here. Can I get a motion to adopt the agenda? **[00:38:36] Council Member Schweer:** So moved. **[00:38:37] Council Member Cole:** Second. **[00:38:38] Mayor Monge:** All in favor? Aye. Consent Agenda? **[00:38:45] Brian Frandle:** [Reads Consent Agenda Items A through N]. **[00:39:30] Mayor Monge:** I would like to pull Item E [Lilly Redevelopment PUD Amendment]. **[00:39:40] Council Member Wong:** Motion to adopt the consent agenda minus Item E. **[00:39:45] Council Member Cole:** Second. **[00:39:50] Mayor Monge:** All in favor? Aye. #### **Open to the Public** **[00:40:00] Joe Stallman (Resident):** I’m here in support of Triple Crown Batting Cage. It’s a great asset to the community. I hope you consider continuing the agreement as it has been for 30 years. **[00:41:00] TJ Hawthorne (2618 2nd Ave E):** That place has been a staple in my life. I don’t see the logic in adding more tax to it. **[00:42:00] Eric Bartholomew (Lakeville, son of owner):** My dad has sacrificed for 30 years for this community. It’s a destinational place. People come from Duluth and Wisconsin. It’s a second home to many. **[00:44:00] Jay Tashney (Transfiguration Church):** I speak to the social aspect. Kids looking for a place to belong find it there. It makes them better athletes and people. **[00:46:00] Christine Adi (2528 15th Ave E):** It’s a slap in the face to this gentleman after 30 years. It’s a place for kids to relieve stress. We need places like this. **[00:48:00] Casey Carlson (3M Softball Commissioner):** Bart prices this for the common man. He’s only raised prices three times in 30 years. Our league brings business to the VFW and Newman's. **[00:50:00] Bob Masner (2086 Margaret):** I’ve known Barty for 40 or 50 years. He built the buildings and donated them. He deserves a break. **[00:52:00] John Schmall (2750 Chisholm Ave):** [Comments on Casey Lake Pavilion door issues, email notification times, and ADA requirements for the Lily building]. #### **City Business** **[00:55:00] Brandy Howe (Community Development Director):** Regarding participation in the Ramsey County HRA... [Discussion of HRA levy]. **[00:56:00] Mayor Monge:** Call for the vote to participate in the Ramsey County HRA. **[00:56:10] Council Member Wong:** So moved. **[00:56:11] Council Member Cole:** Second. **[00:56:15] Mayor Monge:** All in favor say aye. [Silence]. All opposed? **[00:56:20] All:** Nay. (Motion fails; City retains local HRA). **[00:57:00] Brian Frandle:** Next is the lease agreement for Triple Crown Batting Cages. The building was donated to the city after an initial 15-year lease. The current lease ends June 30th. The proposed rent is $3.50 per square foot ($2,100 per month). **[00:57:40] Soren Mattick (City Attorney):** My understanding is the sole issue is the contract amount. **[00:58:30] Mayor Monge:** It’s a for-profit business on city land. I negotiated the $3.50, which is an excellent price compared to the $5.00 market rate. **[00:59:10] Council Member Nordby:** To protect city assets, giving city property for free to a for-profit business opens us up to liability for favoritism. **[01:02:00] Dennis Bartholomew (Owner, Triple Crown):** I remortgaged my house 30 years ago to build this. I donated the building and the concession stand. We are a five-month business. I can’t make it at $25,000 a year in rent. I’ve given thousands to local charities and the food shelf. **[01:09:00] Soren Mattick:** I recommend a motion to extend the current lease for 60 days to allow for further negotiation. **[01:10:00] Council Member Schweer:** I move to extend the lease to August 31st. **[01:10:10] Council Member Cole:** Second. **[01:10:15] Mayor Monge:** All in favor? Aye. **[01:12:00] Jason Mallinger (Fire Chief):** Regarding the hazardous building at 2718 16th Ave. The house collapsed while under construction on Memorial Day weekend. The insurance company is being slow. We need this resolution to start the legal process for demolition if the owners don’t act. **[01:16:00] Council Member Cole:** I move to approve the resolution for repair or removal. **[01:16:05] Council Member Nordby:** Second. **[01:16:10] Mayor Monge:** All in favor? Aye. **[01:17:00] Mayor Monge:** (Regarding Pulled Item E: Lily Redevelopment) I just wanted to ensure the work-live units are ADA accessible. **[01:18:00] Jim (Developer):** Yes, they are fully accessible from the north side parking and the corridor. We added two ADA spots. **[01:19:00] Mayor Monge:** I move to accept the item. **[01:19:05] Council Member Schweer:** Second. **[01:19:10] Mayor Monge:** All in favor? Aye. **[01:20:00] Mayor Monge:** Any other reports? [Brief reports on National Night Out and downtown construction]. Meeting adjourned. **[01:25:00] Mayor Monge:** All in favor say aye. **[01:25:01] All:** Aye.