HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMIN_27_MarchPage 1
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
March 27, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: Vacant Seat ___ LEEHY_X___ HARRIS_X___ MIAZGA _X__
GUSTAFSON_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__
C. PRESENTATION
1. Appointment of Council Member Randy Gustafson to Mayor and Oath of Office
City Administrator Thongvanh
The Agenda is to appoint Councilmember Randy Gustafson as Mayor and do the Oath of
Office. The Council will have to take a vote to elect Randy Gustafson as the mayor and adopt
the resolution to appoint Randy to the seat and declare of a vacancy on the Council.
Mayor Pro-Tem Leehy stated that they would need a motion for Resolution 19-12 to appoint
Randall C. Gustafson as Mayor and declare a vacancy on the Council.
Council Member Harris Moved, Approved 4-0
2. NYFS Annual Report – Jerry Hromatka
Jerry Hromatka
NYFS has been around for 42 years, and the primary population is from 5 - 21 years old (youths,
adults, and families). The annual budget is $3.3 million (Day Treatment 38%, OPMH 35%, Com
Service 12%, Admin 4%, Development 6%, and Building 5%) and the organization focuses on
Mental Health, Day Treatment, and Community Services. NYFS revenue sources come from
Contracts, Fees, Grants, and Contributions. Your support buys services for residents are
assured, benefits (Educational attainment, Effective workforce, Citizenship), reduce costs to
public, and leverage outside resources.
The 2017-2018 Service Summary provides the number of Falcon Heights households that
received services from NYFS. In 2017, Counseling was $450, Diversion was $1,237, Senior Chore
(seniors/youth) was $120, Cost of Contracted was $1,807, Non Contracted was $12,790, and
City Contract $9,017. As of September 2018, Counseling was $3,387 , Diversion was $620, Senior
Chore (seniors/youth) was $1,308, Cost of Contracted was $5,315, Non Contracted was $63,406,
and City Contract $9,399.
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NYFS future events are Leadership Lunch on May 1st and Taste of Northeast on October
10. Everyone is welcome to attend the event.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. March 13, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Leehy
Prior to the meeting, I sent the grammatical errors to City Administrator Thongvanh.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Another change is the spelling of the word Mayor.
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 4-0
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 3/20/19 $173,448.97
Payroll through: 3/15/19 $19,377.07
2. Approval of City License(s)
3. Council Appointments as Liaison for City Commissions
4. University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund
City Administrator Thongvanh
Item F3: Council Appointments as Liaison for City Commissions
Due to Mayor Peter Lindstrom’s resignation, there is an open seat for a liaison in the
Environment Commission. Council Member Miazga used to be the Chair for the Environment
Commission, and with his experience and passion, I think it is a good idea for him to be the
liaison.
Item F4: University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund
The city continues to apply for the University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund to enhance
operations throughout the city. In the past, we used the fund for Piano in the Park and Fix-it
stations. We are applying for the fund again, and it will focus on “Cultivating a Caring
Community” theme. The funds will go towards building a storage shed for sports equipment at
Curtiss Field, story time with Falcon Height’s Elementary students and area seniors, and Rec on
the Go.
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 4-0
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G. POLICY ITEMS:
1. 2018 Ramsey County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
City Administrator Thongvanh
The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) is a requirement of the Federal Disaster Mitigation
Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). The development of a local government plan is required to maintain
eligibility for federal hazard mitigation grant funding programs. For communities to be eligible
for future mitigation funds, they must adopt an MHMP. The plan intends to reduce the actual
threat of specific hazards by limiting the impact of damages and losses.
City Council asked Bryan Mayer from Ramsey County to elaborate Number 16, Severe Winter
& Summer Storms, because the status is new. Mr. Mayer stated that one of the larger items is to
bury the power lines. One of our biggest concerns are ice storms because power lines primarily
come from trees or built from ice. In the wintertime, it takes a long time to get heat back on.
Heat does not work in houses unless the power is working. In Minnesota, if the temperature
drops down below zero and following an ice storm, it will be dangerous. It is a new
development and we will work with power utilities to bury the power lines. It will also be in
zoning, planning and 2040 Comprehensive Plan and it will point to the mitigation plans. If
funds become available, it is certainly something we can pull it in to assist with it.
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 4-0
2. Resolution of Support for Grant Application for Redevelopment at 1667 Snelling Ave
(Formally TIES Building)
City Administrator Thongvanh
The building at 1667 Snelling Ave (formally TIES/Sourcewell) is in the final phases of being
sold. The new owner, Buhl Investors, is making plans for how to redevelop the property. In
order to recover some of these clean-up costs, Buhl Investors, and Braun Intertec Corporation
plan to submit a grant application for the Metropolitan Council’s Tax Base Revitalization
Account. If awarded, the City would be the grantee and agree to be a legal sponsor to
administer the funds appropriately. A separate agreement between the City and Buhl Investors
will be needed if the grant is awarded.
Peter Deanovic (Buhl Investors)
Resolution 19-13 is to proceed with a plan we have to reinvigorate at the TIES Building. As you
may be aware, Sourcewell recently vacated the property and is looking to sell the
building. Buhl Investors stepped in and are in the purchase agreement process with
Sourcewell. As a 1940s building, it needs asbestos mitigation and other maintenance that was
deferred over many years. We are asking the City’s support in customary and requesting grant
funds from a group like Met Council to assist with the expenses associated with removing the
asbestos.
Council Member Miazga asks if he can distinguish Falcon Heights being in the legal sponsor
versus a partner. Mr. Deanovic stated that he does not know, but the letter before Council is
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what the Met Council request from any municipality that would be receiving grants and put
them towards an individual project such as the TIES Building.
Council Member Harris asked Mr. Deanovic why Buhl Investors want to buy the property, how
they would use it, and are they leasing it to others. Mr. Deanovic answered that the firm has a
long history of acquiring assets that do not have occupancy. When it was identified as a
property that was going to be vacant, we thought it was well suited for our skills and step in to
improve something that becomes vibrant to the city. We plan to lease it to others for office use
and believe it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Council Member Miazga Moved, Approved 4-0
3. City Council Vacancy
City Administrator Thongvanh
In the last Regular City Council meeting, the Council accepted Peter Lindstrom’s letter of
resignation and declared a vacancy on the Falcon Heights City Council. Minnesota Statute
states that the City Council “Shall” appoint, but it does specify when the City Council has to fill
the vacant seat. The Council does have to appoint someone before the end of the term, which is
December 30th, 2019. There are three options, and the City Council must choose the following
three:
• Option #1: Take Applications and Interview
• Option #2: Hold a Special Election - This can only be during designated dates and
times (August and November) allowed by Ramsey County. It will cost the city up to
$10,000.
• Option #3: Appointment - The City Council can appoint a person for the vacancy. The
Council does have the option to appoint after the November election when the voters
have decided a candidate.
Council Members Miazga, Leehy, and Harris like Option #3 because it saves the city money,
can appoint a person for the vacancy, and citizens can choose someone in the November
election. Mayor Gustafson likes Option #1 where the city takes applications and interviews.
Council Member Harris Moved, Approved 3-1
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. April 3, 2019 City Council Workshop Rescheduled for April 10, 2019 after the Regular
City Council Meeting
Council Member Miazga
• NYFS and the Bonding work are keeping me busy.
Council Member Leehy
• I received an invitation to speak on Sunday at the Falcon Heights United of Christ. It
was an enjoyable opportunity to interact with everyone. I represented two presentations
that were brought to the city already and looked at the essential items. The two things
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that stood out were the food trucks and surveys (S.O.S and Community Survey). They
appreciate the efforts that the city is doing to create more inclusive and cultivating a
caring community.
• Parks Commission is meeting Monday, April 1st at 6:30PM.
Council Member Harris
• Last night, the Planning Commission met and discuss the changes to the 2040
Comprehensive Plan because the Met Council made some comments. We decided on
recommendations that would be presented to the City Council, and one of them is
building heights. Also, we had two residents who attended the meeting. One was a
parent and a high school student. The high school student was interested in a planning
career, and we invited them to contact anybody who works in planning; such as Justin
and continue to attend our meetings.
Mayor Gustafson
• Community Engagement Commission met on Monday. We discussed Spring Together,
Neighborhood Liaison, Neighborhood Watch Program, and youth engagement ideas
that revolves around “Cultivating a Caring Community”.
• Spring Together is on June 8, 11AM - 2PM at Curtiss Field Park.
City Administrator Thongvanh
• Due to a death in Ron Rabinovitz’s family, we had to reschedule the event to
Thursday, May 23, 7pm at City Hall. We hope everyone can make it.
• We will continue to work with the Fire Department in terms of structure. Mayor
Gustafson, Council Member Leehy, and I will schedule individual meetings with
Assistant Fire Chief, Captains, and all fire department employees.
• Tim Pittman, Public Works Director and I have been working together to replace the
dump truck. The good news is that it will not cost the city $150-160,000 and is looking at
$80-90,000. The bad news is that the county is going the dual axle route instead of a
single axle. This means the turning radius will be wider and it will be difficult to go
through the University Grove and narrow roads in the community. That is a concern for
us. The best option is to retain the old truck as a backup. We need to look at different
options and structures.
• Regarding the half basketball court in Curtiss Field, we originally wanted it in last fall,
but with the rain for three straight weeks and snow, we did not make it in time. Once
the snow thaws and the ground is dry, we will put the half basketball court in.
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Bryan Sullivan (1802 Eustis, Lauderdale, MN)
I want to talk about your management team. You stated that the safety of the community and
fire department is a priority and I call BS on that. The Fire Department is in a very vulnerable
state right now. If we get a real emergency, it is not going to be good. You expect one of those
management team members to run complex fire incident baffles me. None of them has been in
command or leadership roles. I have a newborn son at home, and I do not know if I am going to
go in a burning house with someone who is in command and have never walked in those
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shoes. If that does not bother all of you, then I do not know what will. Nobody here has the
experience, knowledge, certifications, and insight scope on this City and Fire Department more
than Rich did. You made a big mistake. It is very evident when all the community members
came up and spoke in the last few weeks. Make this department safe again and bring Rich
back.
In addition, I want to address about the names that appeared in the newspapers. It was
embarrassing to Ben Smith and me. We were both told that this incident was classified and
would remain in personal files. It is the city’s responsibility to protect the names and by
releasing it shows the incompetence of our administration and the lack of compassion you have
for your employees. I trust the administration and council to have the names remain
confidential, yet you betrayed my trust and faith. In last week’s meeting, Ben wanted to know
who was responsible for releasing the information to the news stations and so far, no one took
responsibility for it. It upsets me because my file was not requested yet my personal
information was released. This leads me to file a Workplace Hostile Work Environment against
our city administrator because this was blatantly careless and hurtful. You fired Rich for the
wrong reasons, and you owe it to the community to make it right.
Dale Huff (1795 Fry St)
I am a former firefighter for about ten years. I received an email that Rich was terminated and it
is unbelievable. You made a big mistake. I do not know what were you thinking when you
released the files but whoever released them should be fired as well. Hire him back because
you can never replace him. You made a mistake.
Daryle Goodmanson (1803 Malvern St, Lauderdale, MN)
I want to talk about the 22 minutes fire response. In the last meeting, one of the council
members stated that the fire chief had the highest percentage of being the first one on the job
but not over 50%. Rich has his phone on whether he was on vacation or not. He does what he
has to do whether he is in Florida or other places. His mind is always in the fire department.
Rich does not just go on vacation and be on vacation. He is a firefighter, he is the chief, and
more knowledgeable than anybody. I do not see the fire department getting any better unless
he returns.
The City Administrator said that “one person does not make a fire station” and I am here to
disagree with that. If you have a person in any business, I don’t care what it is. If he is
knowledgeable, get the business going, and good with his employees then his business will
thrive. If not, his business will not last. Rich has built this Fire Department, and you fired the
wrong person.
Steve Scott (Arden Hills Council Member)
My wife and I are part of the Ramsey County yellow ribbon network and assist veterans who
are currently deployed and after when they return. Ramsey County oversees the north metro
cities, and Falcon Heights is one of them. I will send some network information to you and get
more representations from Falcon Heights. Ten years ago, a group of three Gold Star (a family
that lost a service member in combat) families decided to establish an education fund to fallen
soldiers. They hosted an Ice Cream Social event in their backyard and did not expect over 400
people. They continue to host the event at an outdoor venue park and added a 5K run and
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other outdoor activities. The event continues to grow throughout the years, and five years ago,
they moved the event to Arden Hills Army Training Site. This year’s Ice Cream Social is on
Sunday, April 28, at Arden Hills Army Training Site from 10 AM - 3 PM. This year’s guest
speaker is Chaplain John Morris. If you are interested in participating in the 5K run or 3K run,
please register at www.scoopsfortroops.net.
Mayor Gustafson asked Mr. Scott to send the electronic flyer to City Administrator and the city
will put it on the newsletter.
Tom Brace (1433 Idaho Ave)
Have you considered hiring someone that is skilled in conflict resolution that can help bridge
this situation? It is not common for a fire chief to get crosswise or uncoordinated with the
council and mayor. What is the level of fire suppression activities of your current management
staffs? Fighting fire requires a great deal of training, experiences, and leadership. As a city, you
want to make sure that whoever is in charge has the experience to do it. I am not putting a
negative on the staffs and council, but Falcon Heights has enjoyed a good fire department for a
long time.
J. ADJOURNMENT: 8:47 P.M
________________________________
Randy Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 27th day of March, 2019
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator