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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity_Council_Packet_3-13-19CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA March 13, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. A.CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ___ LEEHY____ HARRIS____ MIAZGA ___ GUSTAFSON___ STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____ C.PRESENTATION 1.Accept the Resignation of Mayor Peter Lindstrom 2.Cleveland Ave Reconstruction Project 3. 2018 Community Survey D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. February 13, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes 2.February 27, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes E.PUBLIC HEARINGS: F. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. General Disbursements through: 3/06/19 $24,015.57 Payroll through: 2/28/19 $17,763.05 2.Designated Signor for City Funds by Mayor Pro Tem G: POLICY ITEMS: 1.Consider City Code Amendment Regarding Fences H.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: I. COMMUNITY FORUM: J.ADJOURNMENT: BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Accept the Resignation of Mayor Peter Lindstrom and Declaring a Vacancy on the City Council Description On March 6, 2019, Mayor Peter Lindstrom submitted a letter of resignation. Mayor Peter Lindstrom was appointed to the City Council on January 5th, 2000. Mayor Peter Lindstrom took his Oath of Office as Mayor on January 9, 2008, given by his father John Lindstrom. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) · Letter from Mayor Peter Lindstrom · Resolution 19-11 Accepting the Resignation of Peter Lindstrom and Declaring a Vacancy on the City Council Action(s) Requested Staff recommends approval of attached resolution accepting the resignation of Mayor Peter Lindstrom and declare a vacancy on the City Council. Meeting Date March 13, 2019 Agenda Item Consent C1 Attachment Resignation Letter & Resolution Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator 1 of 60 BLANK PAGE  2 of 60 March 4, 2019 Sack Thongvanh City Administrator City of Falcon Heights 2077 Larpenteur Avenue Falcon Heights, MN 55113 Dear Mr. Thongvanh: Due to my appointment to the Metropolitan Council by Governor Tim Walz, I hereby resign my position as mayor of the City of Falcon Heights effective March 6, 2019. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Falcon Heights in this capacity. Sincerely, Peter Lindstrom 3 of 60 BLANK PAGE  4 of 60 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION March 13, 2019 No. 19-11 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION OF MAYOR PETER LINDSTROM AND DECLARING A VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, Mayor Peter C. Lindstrom tendered his resignation from the Falcon Heights City Council effective March 6, 2019; WHEREAS, Peter C. Lindstrom was first appointed to the Falcon Heights City Council and took his first Oath of Office on January 5, 2000; WHEREAS, Peter C. Lindstrom took is first Oath of Office as Mayor on January 9, 2008, given by his father John Lindstrom; WHEREAS, approximately nine months remain of the regular four year term. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota as follows: 1. That the resignation is accepted, and 2. Declare a vacancy exists on the Falcon Heights City Council. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Melanie Leehy Mayor Pro-Tem LINDSTROM ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ HARRIS Sack Thongvanh GUSTAFSON ____ Against City Administrator LEEHY MIAZGA 5 of 60 BLANK PAGE  6 of 60 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Ramsey County Cleveland Avenue Project Description Ramsey County plans to reconstruct Cleveland Avenue from Como to Larpentuer. The reconstruction project would occur in either 2020 or 2021. The project is in preliminary design and 4 alternatives have been developed. Representatives from Ramsey County and their consultant, Kimley Horn and Associates will be here to give a presentation on the project and the alternatives. They will discuss the need for the project, public involvement process used, the schedule for the project and go over the alternatives. Budget Impact City costs are unknown at this time. A cooperative construction agreement will be established at a later date which will need to be approved by City Council. Attachment · PowerPoint Presentation · Alternative Comparison Table Action(s) Requested Receive presentation and offer feedback. Meeting Date March 13, 2019 Agenda Item Presentation C2 Attachment Presentation Alternative Comparison Table Submitted By Jesse Freihammer, City Engineer 7 of 60 BLANK PAGE  8 of 60 Cleveland Avenue Reconstruction Project Ramsey County 9 of 60 Agencies 10 of 60 Project Area 11 of 60 What is the Project? • Reconstruction of Cleveland Ave from Como Ave to Larpenteur Ave will: • Replace aging infrastructure • Improve stormwater management • Enhance pedestrian accessibility • Integrate safe space for bikes along Cleveland Ave, filling a gap in St. Paul’s bike network 12 of 60 13 of 60 14 of 60 Preliminary Design Analysis • Traffic and Signal Analysis • Retaining Wall Analysis • Tree Inventory • Parking Study 15 of 60 Public Engagement • Open House #1 – Falcon Heights City Hall, September 2018 • Gather feedback from community • Priorities were wide ranged • Pop-up Meeting #1 – St. Anthony Elementary School, October 2018 • Held during student conferences to gather feedback • Priorities were pedestrian accommodations and safety • St. Anthony Park Community Council Transportation Committee – Mimi’s Café, November 2018 • Committee and public feedback • Parking was high priority • Open House #2 – Falcon Heights City Hall, March 14th • To provide evaluation matrix of 4 alternatives • Final 16 of 60 Traffic and Signal Analysis 17 of 60 Tree Impacts TREE SUMMARY A ON-STREET BIKES WITH PARKING B ON-STREET BIKES NO PARKING C OFF-STREET TRAIL WITH PARKING D OFF-STREET TRAIL NO PARKING WE S T PERCENT TREES REMOVED DUE TO UTILITIES 56%56%56%56% PERCENT TREES REMOVED DUE TO ROADWAY/TRAIL 41%32%41%32% PERCENT TREES PRESERVED 3%13%3%13% EA S T PERCENT TREES REMOVED DUE TO UTILITIES 0%0%0%0% PERCENT TREES REMOVED DUE TO ROADWAY/TRAIL 31%3%88%85% PERCENT TREES PRESERVED 69%98%13%15% EXISTING TREE COUNT WEST 63 63 63 63 EXISTING TREE COUNT EAST 80 80 80 80 18 of 60 Parking Study • Permitting issues – no enforcement, potential over-permitting by City of St. Paul • Peak hour parking is at capacity on the U of MN campus and along Cleveland • Evening – near capacity night classes, residents, frats/sororities • Sufficient neighborhood parking along Raymond 19 of 60 Alternatives • Alternative A • On-Street Bike Lanes with Parking • Alternative B • On-Street Bike Lanes with No Parking • Alternative C • Off-Street Trail with Parking • Alternative D • Off-Street Trail with No Parking 20 of 60 Existing Conditions 21 of 60 On-Street Bike Lanes with Parking Proposed Alternative A 22 of 60 On-Street Bike Lanes with No Parking Proposed Alternative B 23 of 60 Off-Street Trail with Parking Proposed Alternative C 24 of 60 Off-Street Trail with No Parking Proposed Alternative D 25 of 60 Evaluation Matrix 26 of 60 Cost Participation • Participating Agencies • Ramsey County • City of St. Paul • City of Falcon Heights • University of Minnesota • Cooperative Agreement with all agencies is in progress 27 of 60 Cleveland Avenue Reconstruction Between Larpenteur and Como Avenues PROJECT GOALS CONSIDERATIONS A - BIKE LANES W/ PARKING B - BIKE LANES ONLY C - TRAIL WITH PARKING D - TRAIL ONLY E - EXISTING CONDITIONS Pedestrian Improvements Addition of bumpouts Included at road intersections Included at road intersections Included at road intersections Included at road intersections Not included with this project Enhanced crosswalk considerations Included with further plan development Included with further plan development Included with further plan development Included with further plan development Not included with this project Quality of experience Sidewalk provided on both sides, separate lanes for bikes Sidewalk provided on both sides, separate lanes for bikes Sidewalk provided on both sides, trail provided on east side for bikes with minimal separation between bicyclists and pedestrians. Sidewalk narrowed from 7’ to 5’ on east side. Sidewalk provided on both sides, trail provided on east side for bikes with minimal separation between bicyclists and pedestrians. Sidewalk narrowed from 7’ to 5’ on east side. Sidewalk provided on both sides, no separate areas for bikes. Bikes may use the sidewalk Bicyclist Improvements Addition of bicycle facility Includes bike lanes Includes bike lanes Includes an off street trail Includes an off street trail Only sidewalks exist Quality of experience Interaction with Cars Sidewalk provided on both sides, separate lanes for bikes. Cars will open doors into the bike lanes Sidewalk provided on both sides, separate lanes for bikes Sidewalk provided on both sides, trail provided on east side for bikes. Bicycle network connections create crossing of the road to access trail. Sidewalk provided on both sides, trail provided on east side for bikes. Bicycle network connections create crossing of the road to access trail. Sidewalk provided on both sides, no separate areas for bikesInteraction With Pedestrians Interaction with Parked Cars Interaction with Intersections Consistency with adjacent bicycle network Ties to on-street bike lanes to the north and south Ties to on-street bike lanes to the north and south Off-street bike lanes require crossing of Cleveland Off-street bike lanes require crossing of Cleveland Does not complete the connection Aesthetics Anticipated tree loss Tree loss for utilities and parking Tree loss for utilities Tree loss for utilities, parking and trail Tree loss for utilties and trail No tree removal Anticipated replacement trees Replacement possible Replacement possible Replacement only possible on west side Replacement only possible on west side and limited areas on east side N/A Pavement condition New pavement New pavement New pavement New pavement Maintenance of pavement including patch work Boulevard width Varies 5’ to 13’ on west side, varies 6’ to 14’ on east side Varies 7’ to 9’ on west side, varies 6’ to 19’ on east side Varies 7’ to 15’ on west side, varies 3’ to 11’ on east side 10’ west side, varies 6’ to 11’ on east side Existing boulevard with maintained Parking Accommodate on-street parking along Cleveland Ave Provides on-street parking Does not provide on-street parking Provides on-street parking Does not provide on-street parking Provides on-street parking PREFERRED ACCEPTABLE NOT PREFERRED COMPARISION TABLE 28 of 60 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA February 13, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM _X__ LEEHY____ HARRIS_X___ MIAZGA _X__ GUSTAFSON_X__ STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH_X___ C. PRESENTATION 1. Inclusion Events The city received $20,000 from the St. Paul Foundation to continue inclusion work. The city used the grant to fund ongoing or completed activities such as Cultivating a Caring Community event, Rec on the Go, Survey and Service on the Spot, Community Survey, and the mural at Falcon Heights Elementary. A. “Cultivating a Caring Community” City Administrator Thongvanh The event took place on October 5, 2018. Michelle Vilchez and Thomasina Russaw attended the Kettering Learning Foundation in Dayton, OH, and we asked them to be our guest speakers and share their experiences and skills. We used the grant for their flight tickets and hotel. We also had Ken Morris, who was the co-facilitator for the task force, and did a mini inclusion training. The Working Styles Wheel (aka Lakota Medicine Wheel) was the main activity of the event and concentrates on how cities and organizations deal with their employees, community, and interacts with people during a big incident. After the event, we sent out a survey, and 85% stated that they would attend future events. Everyone enjoyed the Lakota Medicine Wheel, speakers, and interacting with members of the community. Our guests wished it were in a diverse neighborhood, more interactive time with each other, and a lack of acknowledgment of the oversight of shooting. The things we can improve from this event are to add more time for interactions and a different day of the week to hold the event. Mayor Lindstrom It was a great event. I enjoyed it thoroughly especially the medicine wheel. I want thank John Thompson for attending the Kettering Foundation. It was a big commitment to attend all the three sessions. Council Member Gustafson It was a great event and an excellent opportunity to get the community together and bond with each other. 29 of 60 John Thompson It was nice to see City Administrator Thongvanh, Council Member Gustafson and other council members outside of the city and see them work towards a goal. It was my first time participating and doing the work. The last time I was here, it was a lot of complaining, but now we are doing the work to try to cultivate this community. I also want to let you know that Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is doing a great job in Falcon Heights and the culture of policing is changing. I want to recap a few things when my friend Philando was murdered. There were many people at City Hall who were angry. Mayor Lindstrom spoke about wanting to change the city, and I want to thank you for staying true to that statement and changing how we view police in Falcon Heights. This city has done a 360, and I owe it all to the work. You have changed my perspective on government, and we are getting better. I want to thank everyone for allowing me to connect with them and working towards cultivating a caring community. We built a relationship out of a tragedy. Thank you for believing in me. B. “Survey and Service on the Spot” City Administrator Thongvanh The purpose of this survey was to get feedback. Council Member Leehy stated Falcon Heights is a “Tales of Two Cities.” City One: people that live, work and play in the City, and City Two: commuters driving past Falcon Heights every day on Snelling Ave and Larpenteur Ave. The survey had six questions and on the back it had resources around the City. Council Member Leehy and I worked with Slick Text to do a text code. When people texted the code, they could take the survey and received a coupon to get $2 off a food item from the food truck at City Hall. Initially, we were going to ask Community Engagement Commission to help, but with limited time, we decided to ask city staff, council members, and Ramsey County Sheriff Deputy Brian Goodspeed to volunteer and pass out fliers. There were 294 responses, and 151 coupons were redeemed. The breakdown percentage is 45.92% live in Falcon Heights, 11.90% work in Falcon Heights, 6.12% visitors, 33.67% drive through Falcon Heights, and lastly, 2.39% live and work in Falcon Heights. People would like more coffee shop, enhanced safety on Snelling Ave and Larpenteur Ave, clean community, more housing, and fix parking during State Fair. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. January 2, 2019 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes 2. January 23, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes Approved 4-0 E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: F. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. General Disbursements through: 2/06/19 $72,588.85 Payroll through: 1/31/19 $18,688.74 2. SafeAssure Service Agreement for OSHA Training 3. Amendment to the 2019 City Fee Schedule for Boring Fee 4. Appointment of Nalisha Nandkumar to the Position of Assistant to the City Administrator 30 of 60 Nalisha Nandkumar I am currently in my last year in graduate school and am pursuing a degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in City-County Management. I am excited to continue this program because I can bring my background and help the Falcon Heights community. In my experience, I worked at the City of Sartell as an assistant, and at St. Cloud State University I worked closely with administrations and research policy. I am currently at Sterns County and work with the County and Assistant Administrator with various projects to improve the community. I am very excited to be in this position and my first day will be on March 4th. Thank you. Mayor Lindstrom asked what type of projects Ms. Nandkumar has been working on and Ms. Nandkumar answered that she has worked on various budgeting projects with the County Commissioners and updating administration projects. Council Members and Mayor welcomed Ms. Nandkumar to Falcon Heights. Council Member Harris Moved, Approved 4-0 G: POLICY ITEMS: H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Miazga · City Administrator and I are still working on the Community Survey. Right now, we are putting the PowerPoint together. We will present it on March 13. · I officially moved on to NYFS and will start on February 28. · Continue to work with the U of M about the Community Park lease. I met with City Administrator Thongvanh and discussed how we could align a plan regarding the needs of the park as a city. I am also putting a bonding proposal together, and it will be nice if we can get the funds for the park. · I signed up to testify the State on House File 113, which is a bill by Rep. Becker Finn that would provide more equity in distribution of proceeds from fines and fees. Currently we have around 50% instead of 67%. The public hearing went well; it will give us about $13,500, and it will help law enforcement efforts. · Regarding the Cultivating a Caring Community, I am excited to start the kickoff with Ron Rabinovitz who as a child was a pen pal to professional baseball player Jackie Robinson. His parents were very close to the Kennedy campaign in the 60s. There is a lot of cross-cultural communication and how he applies those unique skills to his daily life. He will be here on March 18. Council Member Harris · Planning Commission meets next week on Tuesday, February 26, at 7PM City Hall. Council Member Gustafson 31 of 60 · Community Engagement Commission met on January 28, and we discussed goals for the year. We are trying to gain more information on the census and make sure we count everybody. · As the city continues to create “Cultivating a Caring Community” events, we will have guest speakers come quarterly. It will look like a community training. The first event will be on Monday, March 18, 2019, City Hall and Ron Rabinovitz will be the speaker. The event is on the same day as the Community Engagement Commission regular meeting; therefore, we will move it to March 25. We also have an offer from Ellie Krug who creates community training programs. She does these training across the country and has offered to do it free for our city. She was also one of the co-facilitator for our community conversation at Falcon Heights church from Bureau Mediation Services. Ellie was an attorney and is now a transgender activist. In addition, the U of M is offering some training programs for the community. · Spring Together will be held on June 8, because we do not want to interfere with the weather, school and surrounding cities events, and Ramadan. · The phone scam is a big issue right now, and it is common towards grandparents. Please be cautious. Also remember that agents will never call you and ask you to pay with gift cards. If you do lose money to a scam, please call 911, and a deputy will come and help you with the process. Mayor Lindstrom · February 22, at Falcon Heights Elementary School, is Family Fun Night and is a fundraising event for a good cause. I will be tap again like last year. I encourage everyone to attend the event. · Thursday, February 28th, 6 pm, the community can paint the Cultivating a Caring Community Mural at Falcon Heights Elementary School. I want to invite John Thompson to attend the event and witness the art mural that is going to be painted by the 4th graders. · I was approached by the City of Minneapolis’ City Council, and they are going to the legislature to request the ability for cities to pass the stretch building code. Right now, cities are prohibited from enacting a code that is stronger than the statewide building code. Minneapolis’ City Council is saying that if our 2040 Comprehensive Plan has energy goals and if we are going to come close to any of those goals that deal with our building codes such as installation, windows, and more then it will need to be stronger. Therefore, cities should have the option to adopt a stretch code. Environment Commission passed this recommendation on Monday, and it will be presented to City Council in a couple of weeks. City Administrator Thongvanh · On February 28th, at 6pm the community, students, and parents can help paint the mural at the Falcon Heights Elementary. I will send out emails when I receive a confirmation date and time from the school. We will also post it on our E-weekly newsletter and social media. · I want to thank all the businesses and residents for being patient with our snow emergency. I appreciate residents moving their vehicle(s) off the road and shoveling their sidewalk during the snow emergency. 32 of 60 · The Council Retreat will be in March and we will recap what staff has done, priorities for the council and details on 2019 goals. We will also discuss future speakers, inclusion efforts, community trainings, and cultivating a caring community. These trainings are for city staff, city council members, and the community. Also, we will talk about workshop and inventory ideas so that everybody knows what is going on in the city. We will create a dashboard on the website, so the public has access to it. · I also want to thank the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Fire department, and Public Works for helping with snow emergency this winter season. Public Works has logged in many hours clearing the roads. Thank you everyone, for your hard work. I. COMMUNITY FORUM: J. ADJOURNMENT: 8:02 PM ________________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor Dated this 13th day of February, 2019 _________________________________ Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator 33 of 60 BLANK PAGE  34 of 60 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA February 27, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM _X__ LEEHY_X___ HARRIS_X___ MIAZGA _X__ GUSTAFSON_X__ STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__ C. PRESENTATION D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: F. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. General Disbursements through: 2/19/19 $83,810.21 Payroll through: 2/15/19 $19,439.07 Council Member Gustafson Moved, Approved 5-0 G: POLICY ITEMS: Mayor Lindstrom I want a motion to add an agenda to the Policy Agenda, and that is announcing the results of the closed meeting. The closed meeting is about the performance of the Fire Chief Rich Hinrichs and taking action that the Council seems appropriate. Mayor Lindstrom 1st Motion Council Member Gustafson 2nd Motion Approved 5-0 1. Results of Closed Meeting on Fire Chief Mayor Lindstrom The Council had a chance to evaluate the performance of our Fire Chief. I will speak for myself, and I find the performance of our Fire Chief has been unsatisfactory to me. He consistently violated the policies of the City of Falcon Heights, specifically on the "Respectful Work Place Policy." There have been interactions with employees from various departments with disrespectful language and angry outbursts. This is very disturbing to me. Second, the Fire 35 of 60 Chief conveyed information to state agencies and other local governments that have been explicitly against city official policy. I find it to be unsatisfactory and recommend that this Council terminate the Fire Chief. Roger Knutson, City Attorney, asked if the employee evaluation was shared by the Council. Mayor Lindstrom answered yes. Mr. Knutson then addressed that the next item is an appropriate action to make a motion. Mayor Lindstrom stated, “I would like a motion to terminate Rich Hinrichs as our Fire Chief and as a city employee.” Mr. Knutson asked if termination will effective immediately, and Mayor Lindstrom answered yes. Clement Kurhajetz Jr (1733 Hamline Ave) I want to address on the outbursts and not following city procedures. In order to be a chief, you have to have outbursts. I hope Rich has a good attorney and hope he gives out information to other cities, State, Federal government or ISIS so it can ruin this community’s look. I think Rich does a good job. I think the Council and Administration are wrong and should look inside the city itself besides the Fire Department. You should also look at the people other departments and in the office. I do not think you did your due diligence when you hired them. Michael Kruse, Fire Captain (1235 Roselawn Ave) I have been in the Fire Department for nine years. I do not think this is an open process and no one in the city knows that this is happening right now, except for the people in this room. It was not on the agenda, and the Council added it today. You are taking an action that no one in the public knows and does not have a chance to voice their opinions. I think that is a bad process. This move will jeopardize the safety of this community and the City of Lauderdale. Rich is a keystone of this department. You will have a tough time getting a suitable replacement. What happens tomorrow and who is in charge tomorrow? When we get a call at 2:00 AM tonight? Does anyone have that answer? I understand that this was brought on by an incident where I was present. There were no verbal threats made or physical threats. It was an animated discussion, and we had dozens of these kinds of conversations in the past. Rich was the Assistant Fire Chief under Clem and became the Fire Chief after he retired. I can say that he is the person who has the most technical knowledge about firefighting and can lead a department. There is no question in my mind about that. Anton Fehrenbach, Assistant Fire Chief I served in the Fire Department for almost 15 years and Assistant Fire Chief for over four years. I want to thank Rich for putting me in the position. I completely agree with Captain Kruse. What happens at 8pm tonight when the Chief is no longer involved? Who is taking over? Has that been thought of? I personally cannot put in as much time that Rich put in. I thought I put in a lot of time, but he goes beyond. A couple angry outbursts that look negatively to the City Council are how we deal on the fire side. We deal with emergencies and life and death situations. We handle ourselves differently because this job is tough on us. Recently, Minnesota passed PTSD 36 of 60 legislation which help first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder get coverage through workers’ compensation. We handle things differently and we are a big family. Removing our Fire Chief is sad and wrong. Many cities have reached out to us and are not happy about it. They stated that it would be a great loss to the city. It is saddening to see this happening right now. This is not good for the City of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Roseville, St. Paul, and Ramsey County. Michael Mckay (1753 Holton) Rich and I joined the Fire Department within a month of each other. As a taxpayer in Falcon Heights, I am concerned about the budget. A couple of years ago, the police department budget increased from $650,000 to over a million in less than three years. I also heard rumors that will increase. I want to know the Council’s plans for what is going to happen to the Fire Department. I hope that has been taken care of, and I would hope that you do not terminate someone, especially without notice. Rich has put in many hours, and I do not think the compensation that he receives is not even comparable to anything that you are going to get in the future. Another thing that worries me is that there were no communications to any members of the Fire Department from the Council and Mayor. You are not following your due diligence. Again as a taxpayer, I cannot emphasize that enough and our tax pay is limited. Our police department has gone up, and that is where most of our tax goes. Is there a planned budget for the Fire Department? Do we have a plan or are we going to pay Roseville or St. Paul? Mayor Lindstrom I would like to renew my motion to terminate the Fire Chief and as a city employee, effective immediately. Approved 5-0 H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Miazga · My first board meeting with NYFS is tomorrow. They do a lot of good work. · I have been working with Minnesota Management Budget to get the city registered for the upcoming bonding cycle, and this is for the Community Park. · If anyone is interested in talking about Grants.gov or other websites that might have funds for us for municipal items, please let me know. Some community members have been working on this but can need more help. · March 13, City Administrator Thongvanh and I will present the Community Survey results. Council Member Leehy · Tomorrow is the Cultivating a Caring Community Mural Making event at Falcon Heights Elementary School from 5-7pm. Community members can come and paint the mural. The project is led by Melodee Strong who is an artist and advocate and school Principal Beth Behnke. We look forward to seeing everyone there. 37 of 60 Mayor Lindstrom · I was at Family Fun night at Falcon Heights Elementary School last week. I got taped to the wall by children. The fundraising event was for the mural. It was a fun night. Council Member Harris · I attended my first Planning Commission meeting last night. We had a public hearing on zoning code changes specifically on fences. They will make a recommendation to the council. Also two of the new Planning Commission members attended their first meeting and everything went great. Council Member Gustafson · The Community Engagement Commission did not meet this month but is holding an event as a part of “Cultivating a Caring Community” on Monday, March 18 at 7pm, City Hall. The guest speaker is Ron Rabinovitz who is known for “Letter from Jackie”. Ron's story is of a kid, his larger than life hero, and the lessons he learned. Both of them were so different yet they formed a friendship that not even he can explain. Ron puts on a nice program. It is a good intergenerational speech and talks about how we can get along with each other and cross-culture. · The Community Engagement Commission will hold the regular meeting on Monday, March 25, 7pm at City Hall. We are working to update the Neighborhood Liaison program and looking forward to community events. · As we go forward with our Fire Department, they are still city employees and working for us. The chain of command will fall on the Fire Chief Assistant and Captains and will be responsible with all the 911 fire calls. City Council and Administration will work together and find a new Fire Chief. In order to follow the law, we will develop a process where public laws and public data privacy laws prevent us from telling anybody prior to this point about where things are going. We want residents of Falcon Heights to understand that the Fire Department is a good place and our leadership will continue to follow unless they choose not to. That would be their choice and not the decision of the City Council or the city. We must have a respectful workplace within a respectful work culture and to effectively deliver public service in the public safety here in Falcon Heights. City Administrator Thongvanh · Two days ago, I did a courtesy sidewalk plow on Larpenteur Ave and opened the sidewalk more. I would like to thank residents who helped clear the snow and followed city code. It has been a rough winter, we want to make sure our residents and visitors are safe. It is also going to snow again on Friday with 5-8 inches of snow. I. COMMUNITY FORUM: J. ADJOURNMENT: 7:26 PM ________________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor 38 of 60 Dated this 27th day of February, 2019 _________________________________ Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator 39 of 60 BLANK PAGE  40 of 60 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item General Disbursements and Payroll Description General Disbursements through: 3/06/19 $24,015.57 Payroll through: 2/28/19 $17,763.05 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 13, 2019 Agenda Item Consent F1 Attachment General Disbursements and Payroll Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director 41 of 60 BLANK PAGE  42 of 60 43 of 60 44 of 60 45 of 60 46 of 60 47 of 60 48 of 60 49 of 60 50 of 60 51 of 60 52 of 60 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 Melanie Leehy has been chosen to serve as acting Mayor Pro-Tem in the absence of the Mayor. Staff recommends approving council member Melanie Leehy to be designated signors for city funds with the intent to be used for emergency situations and the Mayor’s absence. Budget Impact NA Attachment(s) NA Action(s) Requested Continue designated signors for city funds for City Administrator/City Clerk Sack Thongvanh. Also, recommend the approval of signing authority for council member Melanie Leehy serving as acting Mayor Pro-Tem. Staff also recommends the removal of Peter Lindstrom. Meeting Date March 13, 2019 Agenda Item Consent F2 Attachment N/A Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director 53 of 60 BLANK PAGE  54 of 60 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Consider City Code Amendment Regarding Fences Description Currently, the City Code related to zoning of fences is sparse in its specifics. staff believe it is appropriate to recommend changes to the Code. A brief summary of the suggested changes includes: ·Naming a zoning permit as the proper permit required for fences. Currently, the Code states that a building permit must be pulled. The City Attorney brought to staff attention that Minnesota Statutes exempt fences under seven feet in height from requiring a building permit. To enforce the zoning code, a zoning permit would be established. Staff recommend requiring a building permit for fences over seven feet (only approved by variance) to make sure footings are appropriate. The zoning permit would also regulate signs and driveways. ·Adding language related to the type of materials allowed for fences. ·Clarifies setback from right of way as well as 30-foot visibility triangle for corner lots. ·Allows up to six inches of additional height for fence posts. Any approved changes to the Code would affect new projects moving forward. Fences already built would not have to be changed, but any alterations would have to comply with the new Code. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 26 to consider the recommended changes. No one spoke in opposition to the changes. The Planning Commission asked staff to further research a visibility triangle for alleyways. Occasionally, drivers cannot see around tall fences that are up to the property line when they are attempting to make a turn onto the street from an alley. Meeting Date March 13, 2019 Agenda Item Policy G1 Attachment Diagram of proposed changes & Ordinance Submitted By Justin Markon, Community Development Coordinator 55 of 60 Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) · Diagram of proposed changes · Ordinance 19-11 Amending Section 113-242 of the City Code Action(s) Requested Staff recommend approving of attached ordinance amending Section 113-242 of the City Code. 56 of 60 57 of 60 BLANK PAGE  58 of 60 ORDINANCE NO. 19-02 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 113-242 OF THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE THE CITY COUNCIL OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1 Section 113-242 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended as follows. 113-242 – FENCES Fences may be allowed in any zone and are subject to the following: (1) All fences shall require a zoning permit in addition to any other required permits. (2) If a fence is less than seven feet tall, a building permit is not required. If it is over seven feet, a building permit is required. (3) Fences in residential districts shall be comprised of chain-link, wood, plastic, or metal, but shall not be electric, barbed, weaved, or welded wire, except as allowed as a security arm. (4) All fences shall be kept in good repair, painted, trimmed and well maintained. (5) That side of the fence considered to be the face (finished side as opposed to structural supports) shall face abutting property. (6) In the event a fence is adjacent to and parallel with the front lot line, side lot line on the street side of a corner lot, or rear lot line adjacent to and parallel with an alley, such fence shall be set back at least one foot from the street and alley right-of-way or property line. (7) Fences are not allowed in a thirty-foot visibility triangle on street corners. This area is measured beginning at the intersection of the projected property lines of two intersecting streets, thence thirty (30) feet along one property line, thence diagonally to a point thirty (30) feet from the point of beginning. (8) Fences may be permitted along property lines subject to the following: a. Fences may be placed along property lines provided no physical damage of any kind results to abutting property. b. Fences in commercial and industrial districts may be erected on the lot line to a height of six feet above grade plus two feet for a security arm. The security arm may be barbed, weaved, or welded wire. c. Where the property line is not clearly defined, a certificate of survey may be required by the zoning administrator to establish the property line. d. Fences located within the side and rear yard non-buildable setback areas beginning at the front building line and fences located within the buildable area of a lot shall not exceed six feet in height from finished grade. Fence posts may extend an additional six inches. e. In residential districts, fences along or within the front non-buildable setback area shall not exceed 36 inches in height from finished grade. Fence posts may extend an additional six inches. SECTION 2 This Ordinance shall be effective upon adoption and publication according to law. 59 of 60 ADOPTED this 13th day of March, 2019, by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Melanie Leehy Mayor Pro-Tem GUSTAFSON ___ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ HARRIS Sack Thongvanh LEEHY ___ Against City Administrator MIAZGA 60 of 60