HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet_3-14-18-CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
March 14, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ___ LEEHY____ BROWN THUNDER ___
MIAZGA ___ GUSTAFSON___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. February 28, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 3/07/18 $28,828.17
Payroll through: 2/28/18 $18,370.95
2. Accept the Resignation of Ian McCready from the FH Fire Department
3. Designate City Signors for City Funds, Investments and Transfers
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Sanitary Sewer Credit for Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative (CTC)
2. Citizen of the Year Award
3. SolSmart – Solar Installation Checklist
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT:
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
February 28, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM __X_ LEEHY____ BROWN THUNDER _X__
MIAZGA _X__ GUSTAFSON__X_
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. February 14, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes
· Amend Council Member Gustafson update of CEC meeting time from 6:00 pm to 8:00
pm
Approved
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 2/14/18 $114,587.99
Payroll through: 2/15/18 $19,498.69
2. First Amendment - Conduit Bond for Saint Paul Academy and Summit School
Project
3. Impound Agreement with the City Saint Paul
4. Fire Department – Training Officer
5. Warning Siren
6. Appointment of Hibo Ali to the Community Engagement Commission
Council Member Gustafson, Approved 4-0
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Update-Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
Ramsey County Chief Deputy Steve Frazer provided an update after two months of
providing policing services to the community and that things are going well. There was
an event that happen on Friday night that created some stir in the community. Chief
Deputy Frazer met with community members Saturday evening on that event. He had
some conversations on the whys and wherefore. Wanted to reassure the Council and
community that the actions of the Deputies was the highest level and done well. There
are a number of things that cannot be discussed because it is an ongoing criminal
investigation. There no continue threat or immediate danger to the community.
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Omar Jamel – Agree with what the Chief Deputy Frazer and would like to thank him
for his support. Knowing that the City went through such a tragedy before, this was a
close call. Would also like to thank Sheriff Frazer for coming out at night and talking to
the family. I am glad tonight because we could have been in a much worse situation.
Thank god, we are not. I hope the City will learns from this situation and experience
that they will take precautionary steps to make sure in case things like this happen that
there is something in place.
Mayor Lindstrom stated that we would like to continue to work with you, residents of
Town Square Apartment and immigrants across the City to address the issues you
brought up. Just a month and half ago at the community room at Falcon Town Square
that the room exceeded capacity during a meet and greet for the Ramsey County
Sheriff’s Office. This is just a start for the learning process of items you discussed. This
Spring, the City received a grant to do a pilot program called Rec on the Go, which will
have a safety component to it.
Resident of Falcon Town Square – Would like to know if there has been other incidents
like this and if there has been any criminal charges for children playing with guns? We
could learn from the past to learn for the future. Would like to know rules of safety.
Chief Deputy Frazer – gun related incident, involving realistic copy or a real gun, it is
happening every day in the County, not necessary in Falcon Heights. I would ask that
parents have some strong guidelines and that it is a supervised activity and not in open
public spaces. When you overlay the potential outcomes and the narrative that is going
on in our county today and level of gun violence that are real gun violence, it is very
hard for the public and police officers to separate.
Hawa Samatar (resident at Falcon Town Square) – Wanted to thank the Sheriff’s Office
and the Mayor regarding the incident that happened on Friday. I was with the parents
all day and wanted to thank the Sheriff’s Department for meeting with the family. It did
a lot for the family and help the mom because she was able to ask questions and receive
answers. It is a very difficult time for the family. We are hoping that this is a situation
we can lean from and bring peace and togetherness for the community. I am willing
work with the City and the Sheriff’s Office to bring the community together.
Council Member Gustafson – The County is working with the property manager to
facilitate a time in the evening to meet with the community at Town Square sometime in
March. This is a good example of what the community was looking for in a police force.
The community spotted a problem, call us and police responded in a thoughtful and
correct manner to stop the safety threat and then to resolve the issue and do it in a
dignified way that deescalated things. I think that was what we were looking for as we
were meeting as a community to try to identify and determine what we value in a police
force and inclusion. This was a great example of that. As a parent, I see it as a teachable
moment. If we are going to play with guns, some of the critical things are; let’s not point
them at people and let’s not point them at people and shout hate language and let’s not
do any of that because they are wrong.
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Miazga
· Comprehensive Plan Public Input Session
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o If you were not able to attend, you can provide input to
paul.moretto@falconheights.org.
· The Hendrickson Senior Housing Project
Council Member Brown Thunder
No Update
Council Member Gustafson
· CEC
o New member for the CEC
o Develop action for Council Retreat
o Spring Together will be on Saturday, May 12th at Curtiss Field
· Attending the Kettering Learn Session in Dayton, Ohio. We were invited because of the
work that was done by the community and the Task Force. People from all over the
county. I attend with City Administrator Thongvanh, Council Member Leehy and
community member John Thompson was Director of Fight for Justice, LLC. Able to
share what communities did to engage their communities. Have been invited to more
later this year.
Mayor Lindstrom
· Would like to thank the City Administrator, Council Member Gustafson and Leehy, and
community member John Thompson for participating in the shared learning for the
Kettering Foundation.
· Would like to thank Falcon Heights Elementary for the opportunity to read to students a
book call “A Book with No Pictures”. It is a good one. It was a pleasure and was the
last day for reading month.
Administrator Thongvanh
· Ice Cream Social with Hotdog with a Deputy
· Shared Learning with the Kettering Foundation
o It was a great experience to not only share our experience with participates from
around the country, but to also learn from them of their successes and failures.
It was refreshing to hear from them that they were very impressed and
surprised about the things we were able to accomplish in Falcon Heights
because of our size. One of the things I stressed to them is that we were able to
do it because we had such an engaged community and a community that wants
and committed to change and working together. One of the main components
is that it is a learning process for everyone. We have to learn to keep on learn.
Let’s keep work together.
Council Member Miazga
· League MN Day at the Capitol is March 22
· League MN Training –Bonding Year
o Summer 2019
§ Community Park
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT:
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item General Disbursements and Payroll
Description
General Disbursements through: 3/07/18 $28,828.17
Payroll through: 2/28/18 $18,370.95
Budget Impact The general disbursements and payroll are consistent with the budget.
Attachment(s) · General Disbursements and Payroll
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve general
disbursements and payroll.
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Consent F1
Attachment General Disbursements and Payroll
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Accepting the Resignation of Ian McCready from the Falcon Heights Volunteer
Fire Department
Description
Resignation letter is attached.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) · Resolution 18-10 Accepting the Resignation of Ian McCready from the
Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department
· Resignation Letter
Action(s)
Requested
Staff would recommend approve of attached resolution to accept the resignation
of Ian McCready from the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment Resolution & Resignation Letter
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION March 14, 2018
No. 18-10 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION OF IAN MCCREADY FROM THE FALCON HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the City has a Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Ian McCready was appointed to the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department on January 27, 2016 and has submitted a letter of resignation. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota: 1. That the “Letter of Resignation” is accepted by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Peter Lindstrom
Mayor
LINDSTROM ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
GUSTAFSON Sack Thongvanh
BROWN THUNDER ____ Against City Administrator
MELANIE LEEHY
MARK MIAZGA
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Designate Signor for City Funds, Investments, and Transfers.
Description
In accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271 the Mayor and City Clerk are
required to be the designated signors for any orders drawn on the city’s funds. The
signors currently are Mayor Peter Lindstrom and City Administrator/City Clerk
Sack Thongvanh. Also, council member Randall Gustafson has been chosen to
serve as acting mayor pro tem in Mayor Lindstrom’s absence. Staff recommends
approving council member Randall Gustafson to be designated signors for city
funds with the intent to be used for emergency situations and Mayor Lindstrom’s
absence.
Budget Impact NA
Attachment(s) NA
Action(s)
Requested
Continue designated signors for city funds for Mayor Peter Lindstrom and City
Administrator/City Clerk Sack Thongvanh. Also, recommend the approval of
signing authority for council member Randall Gustafson serving as acting mayor
pro tem.
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Consent F3
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Sanitary Sewer Credit Request from Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative
Description
Credit of partial sanitary sewer fees for Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative due to
a large water main leak which they discovered December 2017.
For commercial properties the sanitary sewer fee is calculated based up the water
usage as metered by St Paul Water Utility. In December, Commonwealth Terrace
discovered a water main leak. This affected the monthly readings for both
November and December. The water that leaked did not go into the sanitary sewer
system and did not require treatment. After comparing other month’s usage to
determine a normal rate, it was determined that there was an additional 2438 units
(243,800 cubic feet) that should be credited Commonwealth Terrace. Staff
recommends that this value of $5,307 be credited to the sanitary sewer fees for
Commonwealth Terrace. Upon notification from Falcon Heights, St Paul Water
Utility will issue the credit on the next monthly statement for Commonwealth
Terrace Cooperative.
Budget Impact No impact on the budget or Sanitary Sewer Fund.
Attachment(s) Chart of water leak data. Request from Commonwealth Terrace for credit.
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends the approval of the credit of $5,307 in sanitary sewer fees for
Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative due to the water main leak.
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachment Document(s)
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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From:Roland Olson
To:Sack Thongvanh
Subject:FW: CTC Water Main Break
Date:Thursday, February 8, 2018 3:14:16 PM
F.Y.I.
From: Jeff Ciesynski [mailto:jeffc@umnctc.org] Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 11:13 AMTo: Roland OlsonSubject: CTC Water Main Break
Hello Roland,
My name is Jeff Ciesynski, I am the Facilities Manager at Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative, family
student housing on the St. Paul campus.
Back in late November/early December of 2017 we had a water main break within our complex that
apparently went unnoticed for days. As of Friday December 1, there were no visible signs of a water
leak in the area. This would have been easily seen not only by myself and staff who are out on the
grounds and streets all day, but by our residents who are very helpful with events such as this.
Early Sunday morning December 3, I received a phone call from both the University of Minnesota
Utilities Department, and my own on call service from a resident stating that there is water coming
up from the ground. I had met the U of M personnel out here, worked together on fast tracking this
water event, and within 36 hours of noticing the water leak it had been fixed.
Considering the circumstances, I am writing to request a credit of our sanitary sewer portion of the
water bill that occurred during the whole period of the water main break which from my
understanding lasted more than 10 days. This is a situation where the water either dissipated
through the ground, or when it finally became exposed, went down the storm water system.
Your consideration of this credit would be extremely appreciated. If you have any further questions,
please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Jeff Ciesynski
Facilities Manager
Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative
Family Student Housing
(651) 646-7526 #106
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Citizen of the Year Award
Description
In 2016, the idea of a “Citizen of the Year” award was introduced to the Community
Engagement Commission (CEC) by the Commission Chair. In 2017, as a resident,
Ms. Melanie Leehy presented the idea to the City Council. They Council decided to
refer additional feedback from the CEC and modifications.
On March 7, 2018 the City Council reviewed a modified version of the original
submittal with recommendations of approval process and who would be involved.
The intent of the award is to identify, honor and reinforce the activities of
exceptional caring citizens whose service or performance exemplifies the spirit of
giving back to their community and fellow Falcon Heights residents. It is the goal of
the City Council for this award to not only publicly recognize the volunteer efforts
of deserving citizens but also inspire others to step up and continue the tradition of
Falcon Heights citizens volunteering and giving back to their community.
Budget Impact The most would be minimal to the 2018 Budget.
Attachment(s) · Guidelines and Application Form
Action(s)
Requested
The City Council has two options regarding the Citizen of the Year Award. First,
the Council can decide to approve the recognition award and approve the
guidelines and application. Second, the Council can decide to defer for a
recommendation from the Community Engagement Commission (CEC).
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Policy G2
Attachment Award Guidelines
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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Falcon Heights Citizen of the Year Award
Purpose
To identify, honor and reinforce the activities of exceptional caring citizens whose
service or performance exemplifies the spirit of giving back to their community and
fellow Falcon Heights residents. It is the goal of the City Council for this award to not
only publicly recognize the volunteer efforts of deserving citizens but also inspire others
to step up and continue the tradition of Falcon Heights citizens volunteering and giving
back to their community.
Eligibility
Any adult resident of Falcon Heights who is a non-current elected City official that has
given active service to the community, whether in a job related, civic, or volunteer
activity(ies) is eligible for nomination.
Criteria
A nominee must possess and demonstrate a generous community spirit. Nominee must
have contributed quality service to the community of Falcon Heights through activities in
business, government, education, professional, civic, religious, or other organizations or
activities. The nominee must possess a record of noteworthy service that contributes to
the quality of life in Falcon Heights, is seen as a role model in the community and
thereby raises the standards of social responsibility.
Guidelines
Nominations may be initiated by any individual, group, organization or the City Council
to recognize the distinguished service of the individual. (Self nominations will not be
accepted.)
Guidelines for person(s) initiating the nomination:
1. Review the award criteria.
2. Complete the nomination form. Additional sheets, if required, may be used.
Please type or print clearly,
3. Obtain at least three (3) letters of recommendation from people who can give
personal testimony to the nominee’s accomplishments. Must have first and last
name, mailing address, phone number and if available an email address for all
people supplying testimony letters.
4. Mail the nomination form and letters to:
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City of Falcon Heights
Citizen of the Year Award Committee
2077 Larpenteur Ave W Falcon Heights MN 55113
Award Committee
The Committee would be comprised of two City Council Members as well as three
active Commissioners, one from each Commission. They would review all nominations
and provide recommendations to the City Council.
Timeline
All nominations must be received by (not postmarked by) the City of Falcon Heights no
later than May 30 of each year. The award would be given once annually, yet if no
nomination is submitted, they City Council reserves the right to give the award to a
recipient.
Recognition
The recipient would be honored as the “Citizen of the Year” at the Falcon Heights City
Council Meeting prior to the Annual Ice Cream Social and be acknowledged during the
Annual Ice Cream Social. They will receive a Certificate of Recognition, and be invited
to attend any City volunteer activities in that given year. They will have their name
displayed in a conspicuous location within the City Hall on a monument focused on this
award.
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FALCON HEIGHTS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
NOMINATION FORM
Falcon Heights City Hall
Citizen of the Year Award Committee
2077 Larpenteur Ave W Falcon Heights MN 55113
Citizen of the Year Nominee:____________________________________________
(Give full name of nominee to be honored, just as you wish the award lettered in the
event the award is granted.)
Occupation .
Address .
Phone . Email .
Nomination submitted by .
A. Background information: (Optional*) Please include information about
nominee’s family, education, accomplishments, other awards, honors,
recognitions, etc.) *Note: Award will not be granted based upon background
information listed below. The information is requested as biographical
information only, and may be used for the awards presentation and/or media
requests for background information about the award recipient.
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B.Service to the community: Describe specifically how the nominee’s
contributions have contributed to the quality of life in Falcon Heights.
C.Letters of recommendation: Please attach at least three (3) separate letters of
recommendation from people who can give personal testimony to the nominee’s
accomplishments. Letters of recommendation may include specific examples,
anecdotes, dates, and facts relating to the nominees accomplishments. Letters
of recommendation should include writer’s name, address, telephone number,
email address and relationship to the nominee. Please also note contact
information below for each recommendation letter being included.
1st Nomination submitted by: . Date .
Address .
Phone . Email .
Relationship to Nominee .
2nd Nomination submitted by: . Date .
Address .
Phone . Email .
Relationship to Nominee .
3rd Nomination submitted by: . Date .
Address .
Phone . Email .
Relationship to Nominee .
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item SolSmart - Permit Checklist
Description
SolSmart is a national recognition and a no-cost technical assistance program for
local governments designed to drive greater solar deployment and help make it
possible for even more American homes and businesses to access affordable and
renewable solar energy to meet their electricity needs.
Stakeholder Benefits:
· Reducing soft costs can increase return on investment for solar customers.
Complex or poorly-defined local government processes can add up to $2,500
to the cost of going solar.
· Eliminating red tape and making approval processes more efficient can save
local governments time and money, helping communities better manage
constrained budgets and limited taxpayer resources.
· Improving local processes for going solar can improve business prospects for
solar companies. More than one-third of solar installation companies say they
avoid serving communities because of permitting difficulties.
Community Benefits:
· National recognition on the SolSmart website, media campaign mentions,
and other means.
· An opportunity to receive awards for exceeding basic program requirements
and further distinguishing your community from its peers.
· The opportunity to host a SolSmart Advisor, a fully-funded temporary
staff member assigned to each of 30 to 40 communities for up to six months.
On September 28, 2016, the City Council approved to participate in the SolSmart
program. The City pledged to document the actions the city has already taken and
take additional steps to remove barriers to solar development.
Attached you will find a draft permit checklist to streamline the process of solar
installation and also a flat fee for solar installation permit. The City received
agreement from the City of Little Canada (the jurisdiction that provide Building
Inspection Services for the City) for the $200 flat fee for residential solar installation.
Meeting Date March 14, 2018
Agenda Item Policy G3
Attachment Draft Checklist
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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Budget Impact There will be minimal impact on building permit revenue.
Attachment(s) · Permit Checklist
Action(s)
Requested
Staff would recommend approval of a $200 flat fee for a solar permit installation for
single-family home.
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City of Falcon Heights
Residential & Commercial, Flush Roof-Mount, Solar PV Systems – Permit Checklist:
□ Building Permit
□ Electrical Permit*
□ Site plan showing location of major components on the property and a framing cross-
section that identifies type of support (rafter or truss), spacing, span dimension, and
approximate roof slope.
□ Structural Compliance** - Construction Plan, Specification Sheets, and Installation
Manuals for all manufactured components. Additional Information as Requested by
Inspector.
Residential & Commercial, Ground-Mount, Solar PV Systems – Permit Checklist:
□ Building Permit
□ Electrical Permit*
□ Site plan showing location of major components on the property, setbacks, elevations,
size, (other considerations you have?)
□ Structural Compliance - Construction Plan, Specification Sheets, and Installation
Manuals for all manufactured components. Additional Information as Requested by
Inspector.
The cost of a Residential Solar PV System permit (Ground or Roof Mount) is $ 200. The cost of
a Commercial Solar PV System permit (Ground or Roof Mount) is based on valuation per City
Building Permit Fee Schedule. Cost of permit to be paid at time of application with cash, or
check/credit card made payable to (Who?).
Once plans and/or permit are approved (in no more than 10 business days) installation may be
initiated. If you have any questions on what is needed to receive building permit, contact City
Hall at 651-792-7600.
*Electrical permits are issued by the State of Minnesota, and you can apply for one directly through
the inspector. Our electrical inspector is David Sawyer, 763-551-5557.
** The MN Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and Minnesota Department of Commerce
developed a standardized load table to help determine if the roof structure of wood-framed
buildings is sufficient to handle the additional weight of solar PV systems (see:
http://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/standardized-load-table-report.pdf). Permit applicants may use
the standardized load table report in conjunction with manufacturer installation recommendations
to demonstrate structural compliance without consultation by a structural engineer.
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