HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_02Jan23City of Falcon Heights
City Council Minutes
January 23, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gehrz at 7 p.m.
PRESENT: Gehrz, Kuettel, Lamb, Lindstrom, Talbot. Also present was Heather
Worthington, City Administrator, Patricia Phillips, Deputy Clerk
COMMUNITY FORUM: There was no one present wishing to speak.
Mayor Gehrz welcomed Boy Scout Troop 285 who were present to observe the meeting in an effort to earn their "Citizen in the Community" badge.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of January 9, 2002 were approved with the suggestion by Councilmember Lindstrom that the name of a councilmember(s) who vote "nay" to a motion be written
in the minutes. Councilmember Lamb voted nay to the motion to approve the creation of the Neighborhood Security Commission and adoption of resolution 02-04. The inclusion of this suggestion
was to be made in the January 9th
council minutes.
CONSENT
Councilmember Talbot made a motion to approve the following consent agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
General disbursements and payroll
Licenses
Consideration of R-02-05 to renew the lawful gambling registration for Community Charities of Minnesota
2002 Roster of Fire Department Officers/Duties
POLICY
Consideration of a resolution relating to restrictions on the use and sale of phosphorous lawn fertilizers
Mayor Gehrz introduced Craig Dawson, the city administrator of the City of Shorewood.
Administrator Worthington said Dawson is making a presentation to council to solicit their support for the regulation of the sale and use of phosphorous lawn fertilizers in Minnesota
and the impact of such legislation. Dawson said water management organizations in the Metro area spend millions of dollars each year to remove phosphorus from runoff. Dawson said
he would appreciate the city's support of this effort by passing a resolution, writing a letter to the governor's office stating the city's support, contacting legislators, and any type
of financial support. After considerable discussion, councilmember Lindstrom moved to adopt the draft resolution which encourages state
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1/23/02
legislative delegation to consider and enact legislation to regulate and limit the use and sale of phosphorous lawn fertilizers. The motion passed unanimously. The financial support
will be discussed at the next council meeting.
Consideration of a contract with SafeAssure for OSHA compliance monitoring and training
Administrator Worthington said council is being asked to approve a one year contract in the amount of $2,548.00 with SafeAssure in order to bring the city into compliance with OSHA.
SafeAssure will make sure that the necessary city safety policies are in place, offer training for staff members, and inspect city facilities. Training is shared with Lauderdale and
Little Canada. After brief discussion, councilmember Kuettel moved to approve the one year contract with SafeAssure. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve hiring of city forester at 1/10 time
Administrator Worthington explained that for the past several years, the city used a forestry consultant. Staff recommends offering a higher level of service to its residents and recommends
the hiring of Anita Twaroski as a 1/10 full-time equivalent forester to provide the city's forestry needs. Ms. Twaroski will work approximately 20 weeks from May through September,
for two ½ shifts of 4 hours each per week. After brief discussion, councilmember Lamb moved to approve the hiring of Ms. Twaroski. The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of the 2003-2004 police contract with St. Anthony Village
Administrator Worthington said the police contract with St. Anthony Police Department
for 2003-2004 reflects a 4.5% increase for year 2003 and a 4.25% increase for 2004. This represents salary increases, a rise in health insurance costs, increased fuel costs, maintenance
costs and additional training needed after the events of 9/11/01. Worthington said council is not being asked to approve the continuation of the contract tonight but is asking for discussion
and recommendation to staff for the next steps to be taken. Mayor Gehrz said most residents have expressed their satisfaction with the police department and the city has had no negative
feedback. After looking over the present contract and brief discussion of the same, councilmember Kuettel suggested a new contract be drafted and presented at a future council meeting
for approval.
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INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmembers Talbot and Lindstrom thanked the Boy Scouts for attending tonight's meeting.
Councilmember Kuettel said the Human Rights Commission is sponsoring a meeting at city hall on February 28, 2002, at 7 p.m. with speakers from different cultures/faiths. This is an
informational meeting open to the public. Kuettel also said the commission has a couple of openings for anyone interested in serving.
Mayor Gehrz reminded everyone of another meeting on the same night, February 28, 2002, hosted by the Ramsey County League of Local Governments on organized collection of solid waste.
Meeting will be held at the Vadnais Heights city hall beginning at 7 p.m. Gehrz also said this organization will be holding five meetings a year rather than each month. RCLLG said
the meetings will have broader appeal.
Mayor Gehrz said nomination forms are available for names of youth from 12-21 who may be nominated for the Neal Kwong Youth Citizenship Award for 2001.
Mayor Gehrz reminded residents that with the postal delivery of the next city newsletter, there will be several inserts, one of which is a Household Emergency Booklet. There are some
tips that may be of interest to most everyone.
AJDOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Phillips
Deputy Clerk