Expense reductions, revenue increases – and the 2016 budget – discussed
Members of the Mountain Lake City Council took a first step for GESP (Guaranteed Energy Savings Program) at their Monday, September 21 meeting when they voted to begin the GESP project development process.
On hand at the meeting to present the idea of GESP was Drew Hage of the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC). GESP enables unites of government to undertake energy-saving projects with no up-front costs.
Funds for the projects are loaned by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The program is revenue-neutral, in that loan payment size is not greater than the savings realized from the improvements.
Projects are determined based on an energy audit of city buildings and structures. Loans are $250,000-$300,000 in size, and 15 years in length.
Cities that do not reach the required loan size, can bundle projects with other units of government to meet the requirements. City staff identified and discussed possible projects with the council members.
Volunteering to serve on the committee overseeing the process were Council Member David Savage and Council Member Dana Kass.
As a next step, Hage will arrange a conference call between the city and Minnesota Department of Commerce staff.
Tackling the 2016 budget
The council decided to set the 2016 preliminary levy at $665,305.66, a 10% increase over 2015. The final levy can be less than, but not greater than, the preliminary levy.
Preceding the decision, a discussion was held on possible expense reductions and revenue increases. It was noted that adjustments were, or have been, made to all department budgets that put the overall increase at 10%. The council intends to further reduce the final levy before it is adopted in December, with possible further reductions presented.
Council members decided to hold the 2016 budget discussion and public input meeting at 6 p.m., prior to the Tuesday, December 8 council meeting.
In other business
+ Learned that changes in National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rules, as a result of a federal court case, could result in the electric utility having to add catalytic converters to its diesel generators.
+ Learned that the Cottonwood Soil and Water District has applied for a three-part Clean Water Fund grant and an Urban Forestry Emerald Ash Borer grant on behalf of the city. The Clean Water grant will require a city contribution in-kind or cash. District water plan funds are being requested for the city’s tree program. The district is also encouraging the city to apply for a Cottonwood County Invasive Species grant to replace expected lost funding in 2016 from the Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Program.
+ Decided to NOT cut the grass growing over a gravel trail on city property on the north side of Mountain Lake in order to establish a rustic trail. This trail was abandoned to the surfacing of the Mountain Lake Trail because the grades did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Members also decided not to move a bench on that stretch of trail.
+ Briefly reviewed the 2016 Senior Citizen Meal Site agreement. The meal site is located in the Mountain Lake Community Center.
+ Heard a second reading of an ordinance revision dealing with the regulation of potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs. Mountain Lake City Attorney Maryellen Suhrhoff reviewed the modifications of, and additions to, existing city code.
+ Called for 2009B-2015B Electric Bonds after reviewing a preliminary debt service summary identifying the savings if the 2009B Electric Bonds were refunded and re-issued.
+ Approved the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Mountain Lake on behalf of City Attorney Suhrhoff. The joint powers agreement gives the city attorney access to the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension system and tooils.