funds in lieu of charitable gambling

The Corcoran Lions Club has informed the Corcoran City Council that it intends to stop its charitable gambling fund-raising.

As an alternative, the club is now interested in leasing land it owns to the Minneapolis Auto Auction.

The council also heard an update about the failing Shannon Lane bridge, and hosted the truth-in-taxation hearing.

These actions took place at the Thursday, Dec. 11, meeting.

LIONS

Lions President Tim Holmquist was present with a request for the city council.

He said the Lions decided to stop its charitable gambling operations. He said the club has been approached by the Minneapolis Auto Auction to temporarily store cars during the winter months. Holmquist said the auto auction would install security fencing, have 24-hour security and pay rent.

He said the funds would help offset the loss of gambling revenue and would help maintain the Lions Scholarship program at $20,000 a year and $6,000 for the food shelf.

Mayor Ken Guenthner suggested considering a conditional use permit and how it could be done. The council did express interest but wants to further look into the issue.

No more action or discussion was taken on this issue.

BRIDGE

FAILURE

In further matters, city engineer Joe Rhein and associate engineer Ron Benson were present with a summary about the failing Shannon Lane bridge (culvert).

They said an inspection was performed in October and that there are a number of issues to be considered regarding the culvert replacement, such as options for replacement, costs and funding sources.

The engineers said the culvert headwalls are inadequate, with embankments that are dangerously steep; the guardrail is failing and unsafe; and the roadway does not meet standards for a public road.

The council directed the engineers to provide planning, project timeline and proposal for the Monday, Dec. 22, council meeting.

TAXATION

In other news, the council conducted the annual truth-in-taxation hearing.

Administrator Todd Bodem provided an overview of the 2009 budget.

Figures indicate that the city's taxable market value increased 3.4% from last year; the total adjusted net tax capacity increased 5.2%; and the levy limit was determined to be $l,578,509.

Bodem said the proposed tax levy is 6.9% higher than last year, with proposed general fund revenues budgeted at 5.3% higher, and general fund expenditures 11.6% higher.

Bodem said the general fund is not in balance as a result of recent revisions to the budget.