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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_94Aug24CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING y.y MINUTES OF AUGUST 24, 1994 ~+J e:1' Mayor Baldwin convened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Baldwin, Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, Hustad, and Jacobs. Also present were Hoyt, Asleson, Bachman, and Maurer. COMMUNITY FORUM There were no comments from the floor. MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 1994 Minutes were approved as presented by unanimous consent. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED The Council approved the following consent agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements a. General disbursements through 8/11/94, $46,895.77 b. Payroll, 8/1/94 to 8/15/94, $11,514.31 2. Licenses 3. Accepted of the resignation of Dave Bowers from the Human Rights Commission 4. Authorization for purchase of a television set for the Fire/Rescue Department 5. Request for authorization to enter into an agreement to hire a city auditor 6. Request for final payment for 1994 sealcoating 7. Scheduling a budget workshop 8. Purchase of waste receptacles for parks 9. Approval of election judges for the 1994 state primary election Councilmember Jacobs wished to have it noted for the record that he did not feel that the Fire Department needed to purchase a 31" television set; he felt a smaller set would be more appropriate. It was noted in Parks Director Kriegler's staff report on C-8 that while the Iron Mountain Forge receptacle was not the lowest bid received, it was the best value received among quotes submitted. The Iron Mountain Forge receptacle, unlike the others, includes a galvanized trash can. UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CONTROL Administrator Hoyt reported that traffic studies had been completed in the Falcon Woods neighborhood. Traffic counters reported a few cars going very fast but that overall, speeds were within the speed limit. Police in unmarked vehicles monitoring the traffic did not turn up any speeders. Hoyt suggested that, if the Council wished to ~~-ke further action, the most appropriate method would be a "no ,inlet" sign at the entrance to Falcon Woods, which might eliminate Page 2 City Council Minutes '-~ ~ 1• ~ ~ August 24, 1994 the occasional non-resident who is looking for an outlet to Larpenteur Avenue. She discouraged the use of "Slow for Children" signs, as they have been found to not be effective and are increasingly not used because most cities want all residential streets to have traffic watch for children. After discussion, the Council decided to not erect the "no outlet" sign. Councilmember Jacobs commented that the issue is not the "outlet", it is speed. While the police will attempt to monitor speeds, Councilmember Jacobs stated that the police need the assistance of residents of the neighborhood and said that a police presence in the city 24 hours a day should help. CITY/COUNTY SUPFLIIKENTAL AGREEI~[ENT PERTAINING TO PARR PATHWAY Administrator Hoyt explained that Ramsey County had agreed in a previous contract to re-seed and reconstruct the pathway at Community Park at the time of the Cleveland Avenue reconstruction. This reconstruction has not been completed to the satisfaction of the city. City staff have met with the County and have worked out an amendment to the agreement regarding this path. The County is proposing to give back $2,000 of the contract amount and the city will perform the reconstruction on its own. Parks Director Kriegler and City Engineer Maurer have determined that this amount will be more than adequate to cover the city's reconstruction costs. The Council found this amendment satisfactory and authorized the administrator to sign the contract amendment. DISCUSSION ON THE ITINERANT SALESPERSONS AND SOLICITORS LICENSE REQUTRELrItENTS Councilmember Hustad explained that he had asked for this item to be on the agenda after hearing from a constituent about paid, professional solicitors canvassing the neighborhood. He commented that paid solicitors may be more troublesome to the community than neighborhood canvassers, and asked for the Council's input and reactions to the issue. Mayor Baldwin commented that this is a sticky matter because of all the First Amendment issues that accompany solicitation. He questioned why the city would want to regulate solicitors. If it is a matter of public safety, for-profit and non-profit solicitors should be treated in the same manner. Attorney Bachman reported on some research that he'd done on solicitors. This issue has been taken to state supreme courts around the country, but not in Minnesota as of yet. He advised that if the Council found a compellina governmental reason to regulate solicitors, it could be attempted. However, there are numerous Constitutional issues that would be roadblocks to regulation, including freedoms of speech and religion, and the right to interstate travel. Page 3 City Council Minutes August 24, 1994 1 Mayor Baldwin stated that he didn't see a compelling interest for further regulation. Councilmember Hustad agreed and thanked Attorney Bachman for his research. Administrator Hoyt requested and Council to work with Attorney clarifications to this section o: merchants and solicitors. These regulations on solicitors more enforceable. received authorization from the Bachman to make propose minor E the code to regulate itinerant changes would make the existing succinct, understandable, and UPDATE ON "TURN OFF THE VIOLENCE° CANPAIGN Councilmember Gehrz reported on the Human Rights Commission's plans to commemorate the "Turn Off the Violence" campaign on October 22nd. Volunteers will be doing a door to door information campaign, and will also do a follow up survey to determine the effectiveness of their efforts. A $700 grant from the Ramsey County Non-Violence Initiative has been secured. The Human Rights Commission is requesting another $500 from the city to for "Turn Off the Violence" identifying hats and photocopying costs. Councilmember Gibson Talbot commended the Human Rights Commission for their work. She noted that, in the past, this Commission has rarely used its budget funds and that this is an effective use of their money. Councilmember Hustad stated that he liked the idea of the follow up survey. Motion by Councilmember Gehrz to authorize a $500 transfer of funds to the Human Rights Commission for costs associated with their "Turn Off the Violence" campaign. Motion passed unanimously. SCHEDULING CITY COUNCIL FALL RETREAT The Council discussed possible dates for the Council/Staff Fall retreat. After discussion, the retreat was scheduled for November 4 and 5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR A CITY ACCOUNTANT Administrator Hoyt reported that a position description has been written for the city accountant position and she requested authorization to advertise for applicants and proceed with placement. The position is currently open with the resignation of City Finance Director Tom Kelly. Motion by Councilmember Hustad to authorize the administrator to advertise for the position of city accountant. Motion passed unanimously. Page 4 ..~ rz City Council Minutes - ,~ ti August 24, 1994 INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF CITIES The Council was informed that the National Congress of Cities' annual convention was going to be held in December in Minneapolis. This is a time for the Council to attend a national conference without incurring great expense to the city. Councilmembers were asked to inform staff if they wished to attend or wanted more information. CONSIDERATION OF THE EXISTING CITY ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE DISCONNECTION OF STORM SEWER DRAINAGE INTO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM Administrator Hoyt reported that there are eight homes in Falcon Heights that are discharging storm sewer water into the sanitary sewer system. The St. Paul Water Utility has asked that the city enforce an existing ordinance that prohibits this practice. Hoyt requested that the Council direct staff to work with these property owners to make modifications to their water system, bringing these properties into conformance with city code. Councilmember Gehrz asked if these modifications would require the service of a professional. Administrator Hoyt replied that it was her understanding that the modifications were fairly simple. City staff would assist homeowners by explaining how to perform the disconnection and/or by providing the homeowner with the names of professionals licensed to work in Falcon Heights. CITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilmember Gibson Talbot reported that there had been good attendance at the Curtiss Field picnic supper for the Time-In Program. Administrator Hoyt reported that State Fair parking signs were up and parking ordinances being enforced. She reminded the viewing audience that there is no parking allowed on lawns. Hoyt also reported on miscellaneous small public works improvement projects. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. ./~ ,~ C '~6m B,~ldwin, Mayor C~.~. Carla Asleson Recording Secretary