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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_94Dec7CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 7, 1994 Mayor Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. PRESENT Baldwin, Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, Hustad, and Jacobs. Also present were Hoyt, Asleson, Kriegler, and Rigdon. COMMUNITY FORUM There were no comments from the floor. PRESENTATION Jerry Reuittiman of the Roseville Police Department and resident Judy Sabean were in attendance for the presentation of the National Night Out award. Reuittiman thanked Ms. Sabean for all of her work on the project in 1994 and in past years. Ms. Sabean then presented Mayor Baldwin with an award plaque. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 23, 1994 Minutes were approved unanimously as presented. .CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED The council approved the addition of item C - 1 (d) to the consent agenda, and approved said agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: a. General disbursements through 10/17/94: $5,474.98 b. General disbursements through 10/21 /94: 526,344.33 c. Payroll, 10/1/94 - 10/14/94: 511,951.87 d. General disbursements through 12/5/94: 518,550.21 2. Licenses 3. Rescheduling of December council meetings 4. Authorization for staff to apply for the Unitree Funded 1994 Neighborhood Tree Planting Grant established by Foster-Wheeler Twin Cities, Inc. and the University of Minnesota PUBLIC HEARINGS HEARING ON THE CITY'S PROPOSED 1995 BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX LEVY, TYPICALLY REFERRED TO AS THE "TRUTH-IN-TAXATION" HEARING Administrator Hoyt presented details of the proposed 1995 budget and tax levy, including its impacts on the typical Falcon Heights single family homeowner. She also explained how the city's budget process works and the breakdown of city revenues ~~ ~, 1 '~J City Council Minutes December 7, 1994 Page 2 n .u and expenditures. The total city budget amounts to 52,695,605, with the general fund making up 51,094,473 of the total. The largest increase in expenditures for 1995 will be for police services, due to a new police contract that will provide 24 hour a day patrol services. Falcon Heights proposes to levy less revenue in 1995 than in 1994. In 1994, the city levied 5527,852 and in 1995 is proposing to levy only 5520,867. However, the average single family homeowner will still see property tax increases due to two reasons: 11 a decrease in commercial-industrial property values and 2) rising residential property valuations. Councilmember Gehrz noted that 2/3 of the land in Falcon Heights is owned by the State Fair and the University of Minnesota -neither of which pays city taxes. Mayor Baldwin opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Dan Stout, 1914 Holton Street, asked what the city would be getting for the extra 570,000 that it will cost to have the St. Anthony Police contract. Mayor Baldwin responded that St. Anthony would be providing an officer in Falcon Heights 24 hours per day. The contract with Roseville had Falcon Heights as a part of a larger patrol district and the assigned officer was not always available to patrol Falcon Heights. The council decided to contract with St. Anthony after receiving numerous requests from residents for more police visibility. These comments were received both informally and at community meetings held on the subject. Ann Stout, 1914 Holton Street, admitted that she was not involved in the meetings that were held on policing, but that she has a very hard time justifying an additional 570,000 in police expenses when the current provider is winning awards such as the National Night Out award presented earlier in the evening. She also noted that she sees the police quite often in her neighborhood. Councilmember Hustad stated that while he was running for office a year ago, police visibility was the number one issue among constituents. The Roseville Police were only patrolling Falcon Heights an average of nine hours per day. The St. Anthony Police Department will provide 24 hour patrol, plus work with businesses and crime prevention. Councilmember Hustad also noted St. Anthony's excellent record of crime resolution. Dan Stout replied that Falcon Heights really has very little crime and again asked what the 570,000 was going to buy for the residents of Falcon Heights. Councilmember Gehrz stated that she too ran for office last year and discovered that the only people who were satisfied with the level of police patrol were those living near Roselawn Avenue, where Falcon Heights borders Roseville. She suggested that City Council Minutes December 7, 1994 Page 3 since the Stouts live on Roselawn they may see patrols more often. Gehrz further remarked that the council held numerous meetings and solicited comments and input on this decision for many months prior to selecting St. Anthony as the police provider. The council feels that the decision is the right one based upon the input that they received last spring. Patty Holmes, 1524 Iowa Avenue, thanked the city for explaining the budget in a clear and fair manner. She stated that it was refreshing to hear a straightforward presentation, rather than a bashing of the state legislature. Ms. Holmes had a question regarding the mathematics of a specific property tax increase that was used as an example. The question was answered by Administrator Hoyt. There being no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. The levy will be scheduled for adoption on December 21, 1994. HEARING ON DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES Administrative Assistant Asleson explained that, on an annual basis, the city assesses delinquent utility fees to the property tax rolls. The proposed assessment includes the actual amount due, the standard 10% penalty fee, 3% administrative fee, and a 6% assessment rate (charged since the city does not get the property tax revenue until July and December of 1995-. Mayor Baldwin opened the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. There being no one wishing to be heard on this subject, the public hearing was immediately closed. Councilmember Jacobs restated his belief that 6% is too low of an interest rate, and proposed that the rate be set at 8%. He moved adoption of Resolution No. 94-26, with the assessment interest rate set at 8%. The motion passed unanimously. POLICY AGENDA REQUEST FOR TATUM/LINDIG PARKING RESTRICTIONS Administrator Hoyt outlined a request from a resident on Tatum Street regarding limited parking on Tatum Street. As per the city's parking policy, staff studied parking patterns on this street and found that there is an unusual amount of extended parking in the middle of Tatum Street. A search of license plates showed that these long-term parkers are non-Tatum Street residents, most likely associated with the University of Minnesota. 3,~ At the Planning Commission meeting of November 28, 1994, residents testified that this long-term parking has become hazardous in that it is difficult for two cars City Council Minutes December 7, 1994 . Page 4 to pass each other on Tatum Street and that the parked cars make it difficult for drivers to see bikers and walkers (there are no sidewalks on Tatum Street). While not everyone in attendance agreed on a solution to this dilemma, the Planning Commission recommended that two hour, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except weekends and holidays) parking be extended to the entire length and both sides of Tatum Street. They further recommended that these restrictions also be posted on Lindig Street to avoid having the problem simply shift to another street. Wayne Wakefield, 1708 Lindig Street, stated that he would rather not see restrictions unless a problem on Lindig becomes apparent. He ordinarily only sees one person parking for long periods of time on Lindig Street. 1.~~; Roy Bauer, the manager of the Lindig Street apartments, stated that his residents need long term parking on Lindig since most of his tenants are two-car families and the apartment does not have enough off-street parking to accommodate all the cars. Administrator Hoyt noted that staff could leave Lindig unregulated for the time being and monitor the parking patterns after Tatum Street is posted. If it is apparent that Lindig Street is taking on a large number of displaced Tatum Street parkers, staff could bring the item back to the council for reconsideration. Councilmember Hustad made a motion to post both sides and the length of Tatum Street as 2 hour parking, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m except weekends and holidays, with the stipulation that Lindig Street be monitored after posting. Staff can bring the issue back to the council if circumstances warrant. Councilmember Hustad also included in the motion that Tatum Street residents be notified that posting will occur when ground conditions allow. 'The motion carried unanimously. REPORT AND ACTION ON A PROPOSED INDOOR PLAYGROUND Parks and Recreation Director Kriegler updated the council on the establishment of an indoor playground program. She has been conducting a needs assessment over the past year and has found that there may be a core group of users that will make the program a success. Negotiations are in progress with Falcon Heights United Church of Christ for use of their facilities. The playground would not be a daycare center, but would be a place for people to bring small children for recreational opportunities. There would be a "play at your own risk" regulation that would cover the city with respect to liability issues. The playground is proposed to be open two mornings and one evening each week from February to early May. To cover operating costs, approximately 12 tots or families would need to visit each session. There would be an initial capital cost of City Council Minutes December 7, 1994 Page 5 between 5500 and 51000 for toys and play equipment to supplement the equipment at the church. Councilmember Gehrz asked if there would be a lower age limit. Kriegler responded that the program is meant to be inter-generational and therefore no lower or upper age limits would be set. ~. ~ .,.~. Councilmember Gehrz commented that every study that is done on how to prevent violence and have healthy communities concludes that there is a need for strong neighborhood connections. This type of program is a perfect vehicle for encouraging neighborhood interaction. Kriegler stated that a more detailed proposal will come before the council in January for final approval. REPORT ON PLANNING FOR FALCON HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITE Parks and Recreation Director Kriegler reported on studies that have been conducted regarding the Falcon Heights Elementary School site. In many respects, this site functions as a city park, as it is the only play area in the city's northeast quadrant. A committee made up of parks commissioners and representatives of the school are reviewing surveys of student park users. In addition, Kriegler and intern Mike Shier conducted classroom discussions with 4th, 5th and 6th graders, as they are believed to have the fewest recreational opportunities at the school. These students expressed a desire to keep some open space at the school rather than using all available land for equipment. Kriegler and the committee are researching new capital improvements, taking into consideration the physical attributes of the site: SCHEDULING OF MONTHLY DISCUSSION WORKSHOP By unanimous consent, the council scheduled a monthly discussion workshop on the first Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., effective in February 1995. This workshop will allow councilmembers to discuss one or more issues in more depth than would be possible at a regular business meeting. CITY INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilmember Gehrz reported that a resident, Ray Garcia, had suggested that the city hold an open house to welcome the new police force. The council concurred that this was a good idea, and authorized staff to proceed with plans. It was suggested that the winter newsletter be used for publicity and that a written invitation be sent to neighborhood watch block captains. City Council Minutes December 7, 1994 Page 6 Administrator Hoyt made the following announcements: • City Accountant Joe Rigdon began work earlier in the week and was in the audience to hear the budget presentation. • A meeting of Northome residents was held the previous evening regarding alley reconstruction with 22 people in attendance. • The first snow of the year brought a few problems with snowplowing service. These will be ironed out as new drivers become more familiar with the city. • Tree trimming for the year is complete. • The St. Anthony Police Department is surveying area businesses in preparation for January 1995 service. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m. _~ Tom Baldwin, Mayor Carla Asleson Recording Secretary C ~.