Red Wing City Council briefs

Budget calendar set

The City Council approved a 2013-2014 budget calendar Monday night.

The plan includes workshops in June and August to discuss the budget, setting the levy in September, another workshop in November and setting the final budget and tax levy in early December following the truth in taxation meeting.

“We really want to bring the budget process forward and try to resolve some of our major issues earlier,” Council administrator Kay Kuhlmann said.

The council recently decided to shift toward a two-year budget cycle. This year staff also plans to extend the capital improvement plan out 10 years rather than five.

City supports fire department

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution of support for the current Red Wing Fire Department structure.

In the past, including this year, the department has been pointed out as a potential area of study during the budgeting process.

After discussion during a council workshop, members determined the current combination of both full-time and paid-on-call members best meets the city’s goals and is the most cost effective.

Council members told Fire Chief Tom Schneider to “stay the course” while continuing to look for ways to trim costs and streamline operations.

Appointments approved

City Council members unanimously approved the appointment of John Sachen to the Port Authority Board for a three-year term ending Feb. 10, 2015.

Members also unanimously reappointed Council member Dan Bender to the Joint Recreation Board for a term ending January 2015.

In other news…

•A public hearing on the proposed drug paraphernalia ordinance was set for the Feb. 27 council meeting.

•The City Council added to its legislative priorities the opposition of a bill that would limit how and when local governments can implement interim ordinances, such as the recent silica sand mine moratorium. “This is a clear usurpation of local government control,” Council member Lisa Bayley said of the proposed changes.

Meeting watch

Monday’s City Council meeting lasted for about three hours and 35 minutes before members went into a closed session to discuss Council Administrator Kay Kuhlmann’s performance review. All members were present.

--Compiled by Danielle Nordine, staff writer

Tags: red wing, city council, government