HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10 -- Fall
MAYOR: KEN GUENTHNER kguenthner@ci.corcoran.mn.us
COUNCIL: JOHN BUCHER jbucher@ci.corcoran.mn.us
DAVID GAGEBY dgageby@ci.corcoran.mn.us
CHUCK LYMANGOOD clymangood@ci.corcoran.mn.us
RON THOMAS rthomas@ci.corcoran.mn.us
A message from the Chief…
For most of us, Fall is a great time to be outdoors. As you step outside, you may hear gunshots in the distance. Hunting is permissible in the City of Corcoran in most areas. If you
are hunting, or allowing others to hunt on your property, please use common sense when in the field. You must also be familiar with all State game regulations and our City firearm
ordinance. Both of these are available at City Hall. The City’s firearm ordinance is also available on our website. Please respect others and their property while you hunt. Everyone
has the right to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Snow and cold weather are right around the corner, so make sure you are prepared. Here are a few reminders. Have your furnace checked and your fireplace chimney cleaned. Complete
maintenance checks on your vehicles, especially checking the tires, replacing the battery if needed and make sure that each vehicle you own is equipped with a winter survival kit.
A little preparation before the snow flies can save you a cold walk home, or possibly save your life. The Corcoran Police Department is here to address any concerns you may have.
It is a privilege to serve you. -- Chief Paul H. Schutte
Notes from the Administrator’s Desk…
Presently the City Council and City staff are working closely on the upcoming year’s budget. Again we are faced with budget constraints due to the reduction and elimination of various
monies previously provided through the State. In 2003, we lost $96,261 and in 2004 we will lose $101,074. This has caused the City to take a very strong, proactive approach, analyzing
and identifying priorities as well as sacrifices that will allow the City to remain fiscally healthy with the least amount of consequences upon its taxpayers.
Alternative means, identified below, have already been implemented or will be implemented after the first of the year that may reduce costs yet assure that essential services continue
to be provided to residents. We welcome any additional suggestions from the public.
Volunteers are working at the City hall, providing staff with additional office support.
An automated attendant will now answer when you call City hall. This has reduced staff time spent answering phones, and allows the caller direct access to the individual that they may
wish to speak to.
At present, the City offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, but we are considering reducing office hours to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This would create a
two-hour span (2:00 – 4:00) allowing staff to work uninterrupted. The net effect is reduced overtime.
Automation and upgrades to equipment can prove to save manpower and reduce supply costs. For example, the upgrading of a copier machine that will allow us to interface with all computers.
Staff has done an analysis and found that over a four-year period of time the city would realize a minimum savings of $5,500 just in supplies and outsourced expenses. This does not
take into consideration the staff time that will be saved through the advanced automation of the system.
Other items under consideration are the appropriateness of replacing equipment for the Public Works and Police Departments. We continue to analyze the City’s current situations to determine
at what time it becomes cost effective to replace and/or add equipment.
A complete reevaluation of the City’s fee structure to ensure that actual costs for services are being charged to the appropriate user.
On December 1, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., the City will hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. This hearing allows the public an opportunity to comment on the levy and the impact it has on property
taxes. It allows the City to identify the shifts in revenues and expenditures that have occurred over the past few years which have impacted the City’s levy. We encourage you to attend
this hearing. The proposed levy for 2004 calculates at a reduced tax rate of 29.732% compared to 30.920% in 2003, thus causing a net affect on the City’s portion of your property tax
to be reduced. For example a home with a taxable market value of $250,000 in both payable 2003 and 2004 will see a reduction in the City’s portion of the taxes by $29.70.
There are many things going on in the community as we continue to plan for the future. Along with those things, the City continues to evaluate existing policies and procedures and determine
where they may be lacking. One of the issues that the City continues to struggle with is the management of storm water. The City Council has dedicated a council meeting in November
to specifically address this matter. By establishing policies and procedures the city identifies the guidelines that they may use to effectively, efficiently and lawfully deal with
those specific issues.
We post a calendar on our website and at City hall that identify the various city meetings taking place. These include meetings of our newly created Parks and Trials Commission, Planning
Commission, Waste Water Commission, Home Occupation Commission and City Council meetings. This calendar is updated periodically reflecting any changes or additional meetings that have
been called. I strongly encourage you to be involved in your community by attending these meetings. If you cannot attend these meetings but are interested in what is taking place, you
may find information on our website or contact the City office directly. Staff is here to serve you, to provide information and answer any questions that you may have.
-- Sue Vergin, City Administrator, CMC
The next community open house will be held
Tuesday evening
NOVEMBER 18, 2003
6 – 8 PM
Corcoran City Hall
Please plan to attend
Refreshments will be provided
There will be a presentation by Staff and Council members
beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a question and answer
period for residents. Maps and exhibits will be on display
throughout the Civic Center for review and comment
Tentative public meeting dates
(Check with City Hall for final dates and times)
December 18, 2003
Special City Council Meeting
January 8, 2004
Public Hearing
January 22, 2004
City Council Action
All meetings are held at Corcoran City Hall
2003 CITY RECYCLING PROGRAM