HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity_Council_Packet_11-18-2020
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
November 18, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE*
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS ___ GUSTAFSON____ LEEHY___
MIAZGA ___ WEHYEE___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. October 28, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting
2. November 4, 2020 City Council Workshop Meeting
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 11/13/20 $329,786.47
Payroll through: 11/13/20 $34,932.09
2. City License(s)
3. Appointment of Jill Bartyzal to the Planning Commission
4. Appointment of Kevin Neff to the Falcon Heights Fire Department
5. 18-month Performance Evaluation – Nalisha Nandkumar
6. Request Bids for Fire Services
G: POLICY ITEMS:
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
I. COMMUNITY FORUM: Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred for consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion will be held
on these items.
J. ADJOURNMENT:
*You can participate in the meeting by clicking the following Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89488033956
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
October 28, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:02pm
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS ___ GUSTAFSON__X__ LEEHY_X__
MIAZGA _X__ WEHYEE_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. October 14, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting
Motion by Council Member Wehyee,
Approved 4-0.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 2021 Pavement Management Project – Order Improvement and Preparation of Plans and
Specifications
Luke Sandstrom, Assistant City Engineer
The project would involve mill and overlay of a selectin of roads in the city, and some drainage work on
Lindig. The project includes an option there to add an additional infiltration basin at a cost of $70,000, in
addition to the 2 catch basins at a cost of $20,000.
Assessments are based on the frontage of the lots, and the breakdown is based on residential, commercial,
and tax-exempt status of the property. Each segment of the project has different rates based on the work
involved.
Kevin Bush, Resident at 1804 Lindig Street
In support of the project, but concerned about the additional storm water retention pond and would
prefer the 2 catch basins.
Jim Ottney, Resident at corner of Pascal and Garden Avenue
Three years ago we were told that Garden Avenue needed to be redone, but it has not been done and is
still not up for improvement in the 2021 project.
City Administrator Thongvanh
At that time, the street was not included in the project because of budgeting concerns and the increased
cost for public safety services with the city’s shift in contracting from St. Anthony Park to Ramsey
County. With guidance from the city engineers, the street still falls within the window of maintenance as
reclaim and not as reconstruction. The addition of sidewalks could be an item that the Council reviews in
the future.
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Peter Glass, Resident at 1748 Tatum Street
Want to find out whether the project would impact some of the drainage issues at the end of the
driveway.
City Administrator Thongvanh
We can take a look at the grade with the engineers and let you know.
John Larkin, Resident at 1725 St. Mary Street
The Planning Commission is working on a vacant properties ordinance. We’ve been in conversation with
Xcel Energy about installing excessive flow valves installed on homes, and they recommend doing it at
the time of road construction. The City could help notify residents that this work can be done, and
communicate how they may request Xcel to do the work.
Letter from Resident at Tatum between Larpenteur and Roselawn, read by Council Member Leehy
Would like Council to consider traffic calming measures as part of the project, including speed humps to
reduce traffic speeds.
Council Member Miazga
I think we should make the speed humps on Tatum part of the larger research on traffic calming that we
are doing city-wide. I do not support the staff recommendation and instead support the $20,000 option of
two catch basins because of the potential increase in costs of other city services including policing.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Funds are already set aside in the storm sewer fund and can only be used for storm sewer improvements.
The balance is around $300,000.
Motion to approve Resolution 20-47 Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications
for the 2021 Pavement Management Project including $20,000 for the two catch basins and $70,000 for the
infiltration basin by Council Member Leehy.
Approved, 4-0.
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 10/22/20 $127,466.51
Payroll through: 10/15/20 $18,055.20
2. City License(s)
Approved, 4-0.
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. 2021 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project
Luke Sandstrom, Assistant City Engineer
Every year, Roseville bids a large lining project. This involves cleaning of the main and installation of a
liner that allows extending the life of the line without digging up the road.
Motion to approve 2021 Sanitary Sewer Lining Agreement by Mayor Gustafson.
Approved, 4-0.
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Fire Services Update – Request for Interest (RFI)
City Administrator Thongvanh
I will discuss the letters the City has received with City Council at the Workshop on November 4. My
recommendation would be to have each entity present to Council on their services, and present on costs.
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Staff would look for feedback from Council on the type of community input they would like regarding
the proposals.
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred for
consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion will be held on these items.
City Administrator Thongvanh
The City did not receive the funding for the park building that was requested in the Minnesota Bonding
Bill. We can continue to submit requests in future years. In the meantime, the City will need to address
immediate concerns with the building structural integrity.
Mayor Gustafson
We do have the documents related to the Fire Department RFI on the website for anyone interested.
J. ADJOURNMENT: 8:57pm
_______________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 28th day of October, 2020
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
November 4, 2020
6:30 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:32 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS _X__ GUSTAFSON_X___ LEEHY_X__
MIAZGA _X__ WEHYEE___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. POLICY ITEMS:
1. Police Services
Administrator Thongvanh
Council member Wehyee made a request to discuss this item. At the meeting with Sheriff
Fletcher, the Sheriff discussed the current model that Falcon Heights is operating within and
increased costs (around $400,000 per year) associated with the additional officer that is
recommended for the city. The city has the option to create our own police department but the
startup costs are high, around 1.2 million annually. Currently staff is looking for direction on
how to proceed with this request.
The City of Roseville said they are not in a position to add Falcon Heights at this time but could
revisit the issue in a year or two.
Council Member Miazga
Do we have power in the negotiation with Ramsey County?
Administrator Thongvanh
The County has to provide emergency services by state statute. But they do not have to provide
additional services such as patrols, follow up on police reports, etc. The Contract Cities group of
all cities part of the Ramsey County contract work with the County to negotiate the budget for
services.
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Council Member Wehyee
I think that the benefits of having our own police force will give our residents the ability to hold
the staff accountable. One of the things that came out of the community conversations was a
want for accountability.
Mayor Gustafson
Is it worth 3 million dollars a year to you?
Council Member Wehyee
We may accrue a heavy cost on the front end, but I think the cost will balance out over time. As
time progresses, we should get to a place where in the long run we would be paying less.
Council Member Leehy
As we look at cities that are dealing with similar issues, it’s important to consider urban versus
rural differences. If we make this change too soon, the high impact on homeowners with the
taxes is a large hindrance and something to consider.
Council Member Andrews
I am not interested in spending 3 million on our own police force. I think our residents would
be very upset by that much of a tax increase.
Mayor Gustafson
We are currently paying for 30 hours a day in coverage, so we operate with a 6.2-6.3 FTE
equivalent.
Council Member Miazga
I would like to see examples for staffing our own police department from some area cities.
Mayor Gustafson
I don’t benefit financially from the contract with the County.
Council Member Leehy
I think this is a healthy conversation, we are just getting questions that we are interested in
researching. As we look into this, I think it’s important for us to make sure that we consider
equipment costs as well as personnel costs.
Administrator Thongvanh
If the Council can let me know what specific areas they would like me to research, I will look
into how to get the information. I will start with operating costs, startup costs including capital
costs, annual costs, etc. I will also continue to have conversations with the City of Saint Anthony
Park.
2. Fire Service Request of Interest (RFI) Updates
Administrator Thongvanh
We received three letters of interest- City of Saint Paul, Roseville, and our own department. We
will have each agency provide a short presentation and an estimate of their costs either at the
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meeting or by the end of November. This will be a public meeting and we will notify residents
through the usual channels.
3. Amendment to Chapter 54 & 113 Regards to Residential Edible Landscaping
Administrator Thongvanh
This ordinance amendment builds on the native landscaping ordinance to allow for vegetable
and other edible plants to be grown in front yards. After the discussion with the subcommittee,
survey, and discussion with the Planning and Environment Commissions, the ordinance
amendment is now ready for review. It allows for edible gardens in front yards but imposes
regulations that restrict maintenance/caretaking/harvesting to the property owner of the
residential lot. The ordinance will be on the agenda for review and approval at the next Council
meeting.
4. Community Park Building
Administrator Thongvanh
We didn’t get funding through the bonding bill for improvements at the park building. We’ll
need to do some improvements and renovations on our own to keep it structurally safe for
users throughout the year. We won’t be using the building as a warming house due to COVID-
19. We will be flooding the Community Park for a pleasure rink.
I’m estimating $300,000-500,000 in renovations. It’s not currently budgeted in our levy, but there
are funds we can take it from. If we do nothing we will eventually have to tear down the
building. The land is leased from the University of Minnesota so I would likely pursue a longer
lease term to ensure we maintain use of the site before we make this investment.
Mayor Gustafson
For the coming years, are we looking at making repairs while developing a plan to tear down
and rebuild?
Administrator Thongvanh
We have some items on the radar for the coming summer including internal and external
improvements that would range from $100,000-150,000. We could use capital improvements
funds so it would not impact our levy. But when we start looking at more significant
improvements, we would need to start looking at how it may impact the general tax levy.
E. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Leehy
Our Parks & Recreation is energized in brainstorming ideas for residents’ activities this winter.
Council Member Wehyee
A resident has asked for us to consider ways to improve communications on the fire
department discussions. I would like to suggest doing a recording to talk about the situation
and uploading it to our channels.
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Council Member Andrews
The Environment Commission is looking at establishing some new priorities. The only other
thing on our agenda is the electronic charging stations idea which we are still exploring.
Mayor Gustafson
The Planning Commission is looking at a vacant housing ordinance.
F. ADJOURNMENT: 8:39 p.m.
_______________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 4th day of November, 2020
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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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: 11/13/20 $329,786.47
Payroll through: 11/13/20 $34,932.09
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 November 18, 2020
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 Approval of City License(s)
Description
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Municipal Business License
for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Golden Tailor
2. John A. Knutson and Co., PLLP
3. Spire Credit Union
4. Peterson Dental
5. Curves
6. Otto Law P.A.
7. Warner’s Stellian Co Inc.
8. The F.I.T. Lab
9. Premier Health of Roseville
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Home Occupation License
for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Pamela M. Harris, PLLC
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Refuse Hauler License for
2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Aspen Waste Systems of Minnesota, Inc.
2. Curbside Waste, Inc.
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Therapeutic Massage
License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Hair Designs Unlimited
The following individuals/entities have applied for a General Contractors License
for 2020. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Nexius Solutions, Inc.
(continued on following)
Meeting Date November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Ashleigh Walter
Administrative & Communications
Coordinator
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The following individuals/entities have applied for a Tree Contractors License for
2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. The Davey Tree Expert Company
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Charitable Gambling License
for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Multifamily Rental Dwelling
License for 2020. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Mahesh Gummadi- 1466 Larpenteur Ave
2. The Hendrickson/ Peter C. Austin- 1750 Larpenteur Ave
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Multifamily Rental Dwelling
License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Mahesh Gummadi- 1466 Larpenteur Ave
2. The Hendrickson/ Peter C. Austin- 1750 Larpenteur Ave
3. Mark Sagstetter- 1830 Larpenteur Ave
4. Donald Sobania- 1510 Larpenteur Ave
5. Douglas Lee- 1496 Larpenteur Ave
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Single Family Rental
Dwelling License for 2020. Staff have received the necessary documents for
licensure.
1. Matthew Lange- 1495 Larpenteur Ave
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Single Family Rental
Dwelling License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for
licensure.
1. Matthew Lange- 1495 Larpenteur Ave
2. Jill S. Copeland- 1372 Larpenteur Ave
3. Joan Deborah B. Edelsohn- 1391 California Ave
4. HPA Borrower 2018-1 ML LLC- 1406 California Ave
5. EvaJane Koeper- 1488 Crawford Ave
6. Invitation Homes/Mai Thao- 1598 Hollywood Ct & 1786 Tatum St
7. Kristin Jacobsen- 1755 & 1776 Tatum St
8. Li-Na Wei- 1757 Maple Ct
9. Sandra & Brian Lattu- 1758 Asbury St
10. HPA Borrower 2020-1 ML LLC- 1791 Holton St
11. Kristen Erin Mozeika- 1849 Tatum St
12. Charles E. Spaulding- 1879 Arona St
(continued on following)
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13. Xian (Sharon) Wu- 1930 Summer St
14. Greg Rogers- 1947 Autumn St
15. Ramsey County Historical Society- 2129 Larpenteur Ave
16. ASI Ramsey County, Inc.- 1746 Snelling Ave
17. Martha Gaudreau- 1890 Tatum St
18. Jeff Daley- 1843 Hamline Ave
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends approval of the City license applications contingent on
background checks and fire inspections as required.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Appointment of Jill Bartyzal to the Planning Commission
Description
City Staff and the Planning Commission Chair have interviewed and
recommended Jill Bartyzal for the Planning Commission. With Jill’s
appointment, the Commission still have no vacancies.
Full Name
Jill Bartyzal
Full Address
1791 Tatum Street
How Long At Above Address?
6 years
In Which Capacity Would You Like to Serve?
Planning Commission
What is the Reason You Would Like to Serve?
I love Falcon Heights and would like to get more involved in my community
and have availability/time. I love people and listening to many people’s
perspectives to try and find common ground.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) • Resolution 20-48 Appointment of Jill Bartyzal to the Planning
Commission
Action(s) Requested Staff would recommend approval of attached resolution appointing Jill
Bartyzal to the Planning Commission.
Meeting Date November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F3
Attachment Resolution
Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the
City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
November 18, 2020
No. 20-48
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
RESOLUTION APPOINTING JILL BARTYZAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission shall by the municipal planning agency authorized by
Minnesota Statutes § 462.354, subd. 1.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council on all
policy matters relating to City planning, zoning, and land use;
WHEREAS, City Staff, Commission Chair, and the Mayor have interviewed Jill Bartyzal and
recommend appointment to the Falcon Heights Planning Commission.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota:
1. That the appointment is approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Falcon
Heights.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall C. Gustafson
Mayor GUSTAFSON ___ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MIAZGA Sack Thongvanh ANDREWS ___ Against City Administrator LEEHY WEHYEE
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Appointment of Kevin Neff to the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department
Description
Kevin Neff submitted an application to the Fire Department because of his interest
in public safety. Fire Department personnel have reviewed his application and
interviewed Mr. Neff. The Department would recommend the appointment of
Kevin Neff.
Mr. Neff will have two years to complete the necessary training and education
before he will be an official volunteer firefighter.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) • Resolution 20-49 Appointing Kevin Neff to the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire
Department
Action(s)
Requested
Staff would recommend approval of attached resolution and appoint Kevin Neff to
the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
Meeting Date November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F4
Attachment Resolution
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION November 18, 2020
No. 20-49 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
RESOLUTION APPOINTING KEVIN NEFF TO THE FALCON HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the City of Falcon Heights has a Volunteer Fire Department and continues to advertise for people interested in serving the City of Falcon Heights ; and WHEREAS, the City received an application from Kevin Neff regarding his interest to serve on the Fire Department; and WHEREAS, the Fire Department conducted an interview and would recommend the appoint Kevin Neff to the Falcon Heights Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, the City Administrator and Mayor conducted a final interview and would recommend Council approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota: 1. Kevin Neff will have two years from the approval of the resolution to complete the necessary training and education before he will be an official volunteer firefighter. 2. That the appointment is approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randall C. Gustafson Mayor
GUSTAFSON ___ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MIAZGA Sack Thongvanh
ANDREWS ___ Against City Administrator LEEHY WEHYEE
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Assistant to the City Administrator Nalisha Nandkumar (Williams) 18 Month
Employee Step Adjustment
Description
Nalisha was appointed by the City Council on February 13th 2019 with a start date
of March 4, 2019. Nalisha has completed 18 months with the City. It is the practice
of the City to reward after the 18 month with up to a 5% step increase in their base
salary.
Nalisha has been essential in assisting me with the day to day operations of the
City. She has been very helpful with training the new Administrative &
Communications Coordinator and fulfilling some of the roles of the Community
Development Coordinator position as we continue to fill the position.
Budget Impact There are available funds for this step adjustment.
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
I recommend that the Falcon Heights City Council approve a 5% step adjustment
for Nalisha Nandkumar effective September 4, 2020.
Meeting Date November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F5
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Request Bids for Fire Services
Description
During the September 23 City Council, the Council directed the City Administrator
to send out a Request for Interest Letter to the surrounding fire departments.
The City received three “Letters of Interest”. They include the Fire Department of
Roseville, St. Paul and Falcon Heights.
During the November 4th Council Workshop, the Council discuss the idea of have
each agency that provided a “Letter of Interest” present to the Council at the
November 11th Regular City Council meeting that will include an introduction to
their department, scope of services provided and potential cost. Unfortunately, we
were not able to secure that approach and the agencies would feel more comfortable
providing a bid.
Budget Impact This will be determined when a decision is made by the Council.
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
Authorize the City Administrator to request bids from the City of Roseville and the
City of Saint Paul. The Falcon Heights Fire Department budget has been determine
with the adopted preliminary levy and budget.
Meeting Date November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F6
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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