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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_92Mar111~1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 11, 1992 Baldwin convened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT Baldwin, Ciernia, Gehrz, Gibson Talbot and Jacobs. Also present were Chenoweth and Hoyt. MINUTES OF 2/26/92 APPROVED Council approved the Minutes of February 26, 1992 by unanimous consent. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Council approved the following Consent Agenda by unanimous consent: 1. Disbursements: (a) General Disbursements through 3/5/92, $42,180.31 (b) Payroll, 2/16/92 - 2/29/92, $9,903.98 APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR $5,000 FOR BRIMHALL SCHOOL PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT (DEFERRED FROM 2/26/92 MEETING) At the February 26th meeting Council discussed the request for funding, then deferred the item to March 11 in order that all members might be in attendance for voting on the matter. Carol Weisberg, Brimhall PTA, stated she was representing the children of Falcon Heights, and again stressed that this is a neighborhood school attended by a large number of Falcon Heights children and that the school district has no resources for upgrading the playground leaving the children with an inadequate facilitx. Ms. Weisberg felt that the playground will meet recreational needs of residents of Falcon Heights as it is a short walk or bike ride and children like to play at their own school. She noted that the PTA has already raised $52,000 toward this project, will be establishing a fund for future needs, and that the present request for city funding is a one time request. Fred Storti, Principal of Brimhall School, restated his reasons for the improvements, safety, equipment should be developmentally appropriate, and handicap accessible. He stressed that the services will be accessible to everyone and agreed with Ms. Weisberg's statement that no matter where the children live, they prefer their own school playground. LaDonna Schugel, 1896 Holton, stated she was opposed to providing equipment at Brimhall because the city has already I MINUTES MARCH 11, 1992 PAGE 2 provided playground equipment to the children of Falcon Heights (at Falcon Heights School), and felt the dollars should be spent on the community park. She requested that if council votes in favor of the expenditure that it be published in the city newsletter so every resident knows how their tax money is spent. Ciernia asked if the request for funding had been presented to Roseville and Lauderdale, to which Ms. Weisberg replied in the negative. He also asked~if the city had received a formal request from the school district and if an agreement had been drafted similar to the agreement for the Falcon Heights School equipment. Baldwin then read the formal request from the district and explained that his understanding was that the agreement would be drafted after a decision had been made on whether or not to participate in the funding. Gehrz commented on the March 7th Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at which the matter was again discussed and the Commission did reaffirm their original motion supporting city participation. She explained that at that meeting the commission agreed to create a task force to address improvements to the Falcon Heights School playground in time to present the information to council for discussion with the 1993 budgeting process. Gehrz indicated she was in favor of assisting in funding the Brimhall project as it is an opportunity to provide recreational resources to residents of the city at a reasonable cost, it would protect residential property values in Falcon Heights as elementary school areas do impact property sales, and sharing of costs with many groups makes it possible to provide resources (including those not presently available such as the proposed amphitheater) without expending excessive funds. Gibson Talbot indicated approval of the plan to study recreation facilities in the northeast quadrant. She also stated she was in support of assisting with the Brimhall project as she felt it would enhance recreational facilities and serve a substantial number of citizens, plus the fact that the city is focusing on cooperation with others for high quality service with fewer dollars. Ciernia stated he agreed it was a wonderful project but in representing all taxpayers of Falcon Heights he had trouble with providing the funding and commented on the need to address recreational resources in the northeast area. He indicated he was in favor of cooperation but felt an obligation to meet the needs of the city residents first. He also commented on the. possible major loss of city revenue due to recent reductions being considered by the state, and felt it inappropriate to spend capital funds outside the city. f~ 1 fl MINUTES MARCH 11, 1992 PAGE 3 ~~~ Baldwin indicated his support of the funding as he felt it was a good opportunity to cooperate and share as the school district has land, the city does not; the city has funds, the district does not. He felt that this project could be funded in addition to addressing any proposed northeast area project. LaDonna Schugel requested that the Mayor not allow anyone going door to door to help the Brimhall project if the council votes to expend the $5,000. Baldwin replied that the city does not have that power. Gibson Talbot moved support of the $5,000 expenditure for Brimhall School playground equipment contingent upon an acceptable agreement being drafted by the city attorney. Ciernia felt that expending funds for use outside the city was significant departure in practice and since the Planning Commission annually reviews the Capital Improvement Plan, that this matter should be referred to that body for review. He offered a friendly amendment that the expenditure also be contingent upon Planning Commission recommendation. Gibson Talbot indicated she did not consider it a friendly amendment. Ciernia moved that the amendment to refer the item to the Planning Commission be accepted on the assumption that this is significant departure from usual practice. Upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor thereof: Ciernia, and the following voted against the same: Gehrz, Gibson Talbot Jacobs and Baldwin. Motion defeated. Ciernia requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission be asked to draft a proposed policy for spending of funds outside of the city to avoid these types of arguments in the future. The draft will be placed on a council agenda for discussion. Upon the vote being taken on Gibson Talbot's motion for the expenditure of $5,000 for playground equipment, the following voted in favor thereof: Gehrz, Gibson Talbot and Baldwin, and the following voted against the same: Ciernia and Jacobs. Motion carried. The attorney's draft of the agreement between the city and the school district will be placed on the March 25th agenda. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Solid Waste Commission Minutes of 2/6/92 2. Highlights from February 1992 Financial Summary a a ~' MINUTES MARCH 11, 1992 PAGE 4 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 P.M. ~~ o~ m Baic~win, Mayor ATTEST: ,- .~ ~~~ SFiir ey C en we City C ^er