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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_92Feb26~~ MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2 6 , 19 9 2 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Baldwin, Ciernia, Gehrz, and Jacobs. Also present were Chenoweth and Hoyt. ABSENT Gibson Talbot. MINUTES OF 2/12/92 APPROVED Council approved the Minutes of February 12, 1992 by unanimous consent . CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Council approved the following consent agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: a. General Disbursements through 2/20/92, $30,125.31 b. Payroll, 2/1/92 - 2/15/92, $11, 687.12 2. Hiring of John Akins as After School Basketball Skills Instructor 3. Approval of Variance Request from Raymond Kinney, 1447 Idaho, to Construct Garage 4 1/2 ft. from Side Lot Line 4. Resignation of Robert Tapp from Solid Waste Commission 5. Adoption of Resolution R-91-55 Reclassifying Fund Balances 6. Appointment of Election Judges for April 7, 1992 Presidential Primary 7. Licenses: Image Premastering Services #0944 and Larpenteur Tan Line #0943 REQUEST FOR $5,000 FOR BRIMHALL SCHOOL PLAYGOUND EQUIPMENT Carol Weisberg, representing the Brimhall PTA, explained that Brimhall Elementary School which is attended by many Falcon Heights children (one-third of the student population), has a playground which was constructed in 1950s and needs to be replaced. The school district is unable to assist in financing the proposed $75,000 project and the PTA is pursuing funding. Ms. Weisberg commented on the fact that the city did participate in purchasing equipment for the Falcon Heights School playground ($5,000) and requested that the city give an equal amount to Brimhall School. The cities of Lauderdale and Roseville will also be requested to participate and she felt the decision made by Falcon Heights would impact the decisions made by the other communities. MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 1992 PAGE 2 Fred Storti, Principal of Brimhall School, presented three reasons for the proposed improvements; 1) safety, 2) equipment needs to be developmentally appropriate for physical education classes, and 3) needs to be handicap accessible and usable. He explained that any funds received will be turned over to the school district, equipment will be purchased and installed by the district, and become district property. Baldwin commented on a letter from Parks and Recreation Commission member Steve Schugel expressing his objections to the funding. Ciernia expressed concern regarding the possibility of setting a precedent for future requests, likely upcoming reductions in local government aids which would negatively impact the city's finances, and the fact that the Falcon Heights School project was considered an investment in the city's park system. He stated he would like to help but did not feel it would be prudent as the city has similar needs and funds should be invested in recreational areas in Falcon Heights. Gehrz expressed concern regarding playground safety and that by denying the request the city has given an advantage to one area of the city over another. She stressed that Falcon Heights children attend Brimhall not by choice but due to boundaries established by the district. Baldwin commented on the fact that the goal of the city is to cooperate with the school district in providing educational/recreational facilities and stressed that the city does not deal with schools but with the district. He indicated he was in favor of assisting in the financing as it works toward the goal of cooperation in the recreational area. He felt that the request for funding should come from the school board and that a contract should be drafted similar to the contract addressing the Falcon Heights School equipment. Jacobs did not feel that rejecting the request would impact decision making in Roseville and Lauderdale. He stated he shared Ciernia's concerns, felt the city must be prudent in expending funds, must take care of city needs, and felt the school district should look at funding for the project. He stated he could not endorse the proposed funding. Baldwin indicated however felt that next meeting when acceptable to the suggestion and the he had no problem with expending the funds it might be best to hold the vote over to the all members would be present if it was other members. All members agreed to the item will be placed on the March 11th agenda. '~ ~ MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 1992 PAGE 3 Baldwin suggested that the petitioners go to the school board and ask that the board request the city donate to the fund. The matter could then be brought up for discussion again. BOULEVARD TREE PRUNING CYCLE TO BE IMPLEMENTED Forester Linda Treeful reviewed the reommendation that a neighborhood boulevard tree pruning cycle be implemented, explained the purpose of the program, the proposed funding source, and gave a slide presentation showing the advantages of a proper pruning program. Following a brief discussion Jacobs moved approval of the implementation of a pruning cycle. Motion carried unanimously. CITY TO APPLY FOR AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL CHALLENGE GRANT Treeful explained that if awarded, the America the Beautiful Challenge Grant would provide funds to purchase a tree inventory software program to assist with documenting the city's boulevard tree resources. She explained that a thorough inventory will be necessary to document the size of trees to determine the cost of pruning. Ciernia moved approval of applying for the grant which carried unanimously. NO ACTION TAKEN ON POSSIBLE BOND REFUNDING Council briefly discussed the financial consultants report and agreed there was not a great deal of profit in refunding the bonds. No action was taken. COUNCIL WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR 3/14/92 Council scheduled a workshop for March 14, 1992, 8:00 - 10:00 A.M. to plan community meetings relating to the Falcon Heights/Roseville cooperative study. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 P.M. ,~ /~ ~~'t ic~~~-ec~c~.-~ Tom Baldwin, Mayor ATTEST J //,~ Shirley Ch noweth, City Clerk