HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity_Council_Packet_9-09-2020CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
September 9, 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.September 2, 2020 City Council Workshop Meeting
2.August 19, 2020 City Council Workshop Meeting
3. August 26, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting
E.PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 9/03/20 $18,959.68
Payroll through: 8/31/20 $19,435.79
2.Approval of City License
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Folwell Avenue and Fulham Street Outfall Easement -1605 Fulham Street
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 discussionwill 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
City Council Workshop City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
September 2, 2020
6:30 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm.
B. ROLL CALL: _X_ ANDREWS _X__ GUSTAFSON _X_ LEEHY _X__ MIAZGA
_X__WEHYEE
STAFF PRESENT: _X_ THONGVANH _X_ MARKON _X_ WALTER _X_ OLSON _X_
FREIHAMMER
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. POLICY ITEMS:
1. Stop Sign(s) Request
City Engineer Freihammer
The agenda packet includes results of the traffic study which we feel shows accurate results.
Speeding does not appear to be an issue. The majority of vehicles are not speeding. Typically for
stop signs, they’re used for assigning right of way. Putting them up to control speed is a poor
approach and can cause problems during winter on icy roads. We looked at the speeding issue
and option of installing a stop sign and neither seemed reasonable.
Council Member Miazga
Residents had expressed that a stop sign was cheaper than stop light. Had this been done
during the State Fair, I think the study would have shown different results.
Council Member Wehyee
If stop signs are coupled with speed reduction, how would that play out?
City Engineer Freihammer
People tend to drive at their comfort level speed. If you install a stop sign, people will go
slower, but you sacrifice people running it eventually. It also creates ice issues in winter, and
you will have people accelerating so that can also create noise concerns. We do a dozen or so of
these studies in Roseville and FH and this is one of the lowest ranking in terms of people
speeding.
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City Administrator Thongvanh
There may be some alternative methods we can do, such as having a deputy around during
peak speeding times.
Council Member Leehy
What I’ve learned in past years, the perception of speeding versus actual speeding is important.
I also want to acknowledge is kids are playing in their yards more because people are home, so
I’ve been thinking about that. When we consider putting in extra stop signs it creates a false
sense of safety.
City Engineer Freihammer
There is a concern that allowing the request to proceed sets a precedent for other requests.
Throughout the metro, there are many stop signs that actually create more problems. The City
of Crystal has been very active about removing unwarranted ones. Sometimes they get
pushback.
Council Member Miazga
I’m absolutely in favor of a stop sign. I disagree with the city engineer’s perspective.
City Administrator Thongvanh
I do get quite a few calls about stop sign requests every year.
Council Member Wehyee
It seems to me that the pros outweigh the cons. The ultimate objective is to decrease speed. It’s
important for us to make a decision that could potentially be lifesaving. I think it’s imperative
for us to move forward with the stop sign.
City Administrator Thongvanh
If this goes forward, I want to make sure we have some form of standard for future requests.
Most of the concerns for residents is regarding speeding. Once the stop sign is installed, it’s
difficult to remove it.
Mayor Gustafson
With stop and go traffic, will be more noise and increased fuel consumption.
Council Member Andrews
I would like us to look at lowering the speed limit first. If we lowered the speed limit, then we
could determine if that made a difference. I like the idea of having the traffic monitoring police
there.
City Administrator Thongvanh
We can continue to monitor and research to see if we need to do any traffic calming for the
streets.
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Council Member Miazga
If we put this on a workshop a couple months from now, and we gather the data and look at
other traffic calming options in the meantime, we’re not saying no to stop signs.
Mayor Gustafson
Gather data, do some studies of other cities that have a similar layout as Falcon Heights so we
have a standard going forward.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Just to recap, the consensus is that the current request does not meet the threshold of the
standard, but it does allow us to be more proactive and looking at other places that may
warrant it. I can look at previous requests to decide whether we need to reevaluate.
2. Lower Speed Limits
City Administrator Thongvanh
In 2019 the state legislature authorized cities to set speed limits. Minneapolis and St. Paul
established procedures for lowering speed limits. I wanted to discuss whether this is something
we’d like to consider.
Council Member Wehyee
Would enhance safety. I would personally be interested in pursuing
Council Member Miazga
Very rare to see speed limit sign, seems like lack of clarity on what speed limit on neighborhood
streets are.
Mayor Gustafson
Moving to a lower speed limit in the city is a good idea. Could we roll these two agenda items
together- both the discussion of the stop sign and the speed limits?
City Administrator Thongvanh
Yes, that will be the direction going forward.
3. Beekeeping Ordinance
Community Development Coordinator Markon
This was first discussed in 2012 and was discussed at the Environment Commission in March
and again when we reconvened in June. In July, had a representative from the U of M bee lab
(Gary Reuter) to present on residential beekeeping. To clarify, this is honeybee keeping for the
production of honey for one’s own consumption or sharing small-scale. At the moment, code is
silent on beekeeping except for some language on mason bee habitat structures.
The draft ordinance is about 90% copied from the 2012 version of this discussion. At the last
planning commission meeting, we gathered a few comments about flyway barrier and permit
related to allergies. A few of these were implemented into the version in front of you. I’m
looking for any feedback from the council at this point. The Environment commission will
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review again before recommending for review by the Planning Commission and a public
hearing. Finally, the Council would do a final review and vote in October. The permitting
would likely follow a similar process to backyard chickens, and we anticipate fees would be
similar.
Council Member Andrews
Environment commission is enthused and has worked hard. This is about benefitting
pollination of plants, not just about honey production.
Council Member Wehyee
Question about requiring source of water required. What constitutes that?
Community Development Coordinator Markon
Yes, the water requirement is for the bees. Information for residents in packet-form could be
developed to help educate them on requirements.
Council Member Leehy
Are there guidelines about how many houses can have bees, i.e. density of permits?
Community Development Coordinator Markon
Mr. Reuter didn’t discuss this as a potential issue. We aren’t anticipating that this will be a
heavily demanded permit, probably similar to the chicken permits where we have 8-10 in the
city.
Council Member Leehy
I think it’s important to have language about density limitations in the ordinance in case it
becomes an issue.
Mayor Gustafson
Could be an issue if too many bees and not enough food sources locally for the pollinators. But
it may be something that would regulate itself. The ordinance also seems to put a lot of pressure
on permit holder to be responsible beekeepers.
Council Member Andrews
There is a certain cost to having bees, that will also create some internal regulation.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Regarding allergy concerns, could institute a time window for neighbors within a certain radius
to comment on requested permit, similar to the process of notifying for a public hearing.
Council Member Leehy
I know we’d like to keep the turnaround time short for approving the permit. But maybe should
be a clause about nonresponse from neighbors to account for transition of neighbors, if they are
out of town, etc.
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City Administrator Thongvanh
We also may need to consult city attorney. I’m thinking about cases of turnover in property
owners. We’re authorizing a use, difficult to remove without some legal parameters. Also
relevant in cases where an allergy is acquired.
5. 4. 2021 Proposed Budget and Levy
a. General Fund
b. Special Revenue
c. Debt Service
City Administrator Thongvanh
Page 125 of the packet is a broad overview of Revenues, Expenditures, Debt Service, and
Capital Projects if we’re doing one that year. The 2021 levy is 8.9%; I’ve been trying to balance
being fiscally conservative with keeping our AAA bond rating and getting the tax rate to single
digits again.
Council Member Miazga
Are there any challenges for us keeping this at single digits looking ahead to 2022?
City Administrator Thongvanh
We want to keep it within the realm of other cities. Concern of fiscal disparity where if we
continue to lower the levy, the assumption is that you no longer need it. For 2022 and beyond,
will want to have a more focused conversation with council because we’ll have street projects
coming up that will bring debt service in the next budget year. We’ll also be discussing future
changes to the Community Park building.
The preliminary levy is based on current operations. We can reduce the levy, but we can’t
increase it come December.
Mayor Gustafson
We should set this up so that we’re covered for our expenses. We want to make sure we’re not
levying at a certain increase level. We get additional state revenue if you have to increase levy
in order to meet city expenditures. But if you work to keep levy low, you can’t use that as a
source of revenue.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Some cities have 0% levy or negative levy, but that’s usually in extreme cases. One was because
the city sold their golf course for a few million and used that revenue to supplement their levy.
Mayor Gustafson
Where do we need to be to maintain fiscal disparities?
City Administrator Thongvanh
About where we were last year, 7.9%. I give a lot of credit to staff for their collaboration on this.
Move forward unless more questions in future. Will bring forward a resolution to Council at
one of the council meetings in September.
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4. 5. City Council Process and Procedures
City Administrator Thongvanh
We’ve talked about this before. Had a presentation from Dave Unmacht with the League of
Minnesota Cities about procedures and strategies for effective councils.
Mayor Gustafson
I think it’s a great exercise. I see this as part of our admin manual.
Council Member Miazga
Would like to review this every year, have a document that can be shared with future council.
Council Member Andrews
I really like the Woodbury document. Seems like we all like that version, would be a good
format to start from. I would like to see a draft.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Direction will be to put together a draft based on the Woodbury directive, and try to
incorporate additional comments from council as I receive them. Then we will recirculate for
review.
E. INFORMA TION/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Andrews
Garden committee is a challenge, however, we are making progress. Had a meeting last night,
it’s clear that no one is concerned about edible vegetation in residential garden. More confusing
about what constitutes a community garden and where/how it would exist. Trying to use
experience of spring as guide. Anticipated we’ll have an ordinance to bring before council
within the next month. Had over 300 respondents to the survey, but some weren’t Falcon
Heights. Working with staff to sort through the results.
City Administrator Thongvanh
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office won’t participate in Night to Unite this year. The Fire
Department is potentially open to participating. Wondering if the Mayor and council would like
to participate, or if we should cancel the city’s role this year. Do council members feel open to
attend block gatherings if invited?
Still work on boulevards. Council Members Leehy and Wehyee and I met with Mariah and
Kathy at the UMN, who had previously worked with us in 2016. Council has approved funds
for the purpose of community conversations in the wake of the George Floyd killing. Dena and
Julie from the CEC were also involved in planning some next steps. Going to try to move
forward, hold at least one conversation in September or October. We’re going to have to host
remotely, probably using Zoom. Still need to work on setting expectations for what are we
trying to get out of these conversations.
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Ramsey County Sheriff will be coming to the September 23rd meeting. He will provide a general
update and some changes related to COVID-19 procedures and operations.
Council Member Leehy
Would like to provide him some initial points we’re happy with in terms of our partnership
with Ramsey County to set the stage in a positive way. Are we promoting Night to Unite as
much as in the past?
City Administrator Thongvanh
Not as much as in past due to COVID-19. Within the form, we’ll include option to request
presence of Council members/mayor.
Council Member Wehyee
Have we done anything to promote the Welcoming City policy? The night to Unite would be a
good chance to promote.
Council Member Leehy
When we roll out our first community conversation, this would be a good place to include it.
Council Member Miazga
I also would like for us to promote this, we don’t do enough to talk about our accomplishments
as a city.
Mayor Gustafson
Could put into the e-newsletter and formalize the fact that we’re a welcoming community. To
confirm in formal policy what we’ve been doing for the past 7 years. We could clarify what the
policy means, what staff procedures are, etc.
Council Member Andrews
I think it’s important to emphasize the seriousness of COVID-19 and to clearly state that we are
not promoting Night to Unite, and that we recommend physical distancing with those outside
one’s household.
Mayor Gustafson
Should encourage people to hold block party distanced from other houses. Similar to Tuesday
Together.
City Administrator Thongvanh
I am concerned about fire department’s participation, putting our city’s first responders at risk
of exposure.
Council Member Leehy
Could do drive by with fire trucks, council members could also drive by in vehicles if
requested.
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City Administrator Thongvanh
I will tell staff. The fire department’s participation will drive by. Mayor and council members
may participate if requested but this will also be as a drive-by.
F. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24pm.
_______________________________
Randall Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 2nd day of September, 2020
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
August 19, 2020
6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS _X__ GUSTAFSON__X__ LEEHY_X__
MIAZGA _X__ WEHYEE_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH_X___ OLSON_X__ NANDKUMAR_X__
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. POLICY ITEMS:
1. Council Process and Procedures
• LMC Executive Director Dave Unmacht will walked through some exercises to
help answer the following four questions for City Council members; role in the
city, city’s reputation, what the council wants to achieve, and working together.
• Council should look into operating guidelines that work best for them. The
guidelines will assist with business being done effectively.
• Unmacht provided some articles about the qualities of governing and successful
city staff. Qualities of an effective governing body include; clear staff
expectations, agree to disagree, personal responsibility, stay connected to
residents, and be human.
• Qualities of a successful city staff; understand politics, tell the truth,
communicate in a timely manner, remain fair and impartial, and be open to
change.
2. Proposed 2021 Budget – General Fund (order switched)
• Discussion and review of the General Fund.
• $489 lost in Fiscal Disparities. In the past any increases in Fiscal Disparities or
Local Government Aid would be added to the capital fund.
• Revenue for city hall rental and Lauderdale fire services will decrease in 2021
due to not renting out city buildings and the City of Lauderdale ending their
contract.
• $1.3 million revenue (2020) compared to $1.2 million revenue (2021).
• The City has been working on not being dependent on Local Government Aid
(LGA) due to the fact that LGA has been cut in the past. Funds to the capital fund
have increased $29,000 from 2020 to 2021.
• Franchise fees – Comcast, other franchise fees are in the capital outlay fund.
• Cooperative Services paid to NYSF.
• Transfers to capital – money from revenues (Fiscal Disparities, LGA).
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• Election contract with Ramsey County – pays for election judges, supplies, etc.
• Roseville IT will become a separate entity. Expenditures for IT services will
increase a small amount. The agreement will have to come back to City Council
for approval.
• Slight increase for police services (COLA).
• Decrease in 911 dispatch because another community joined the agreement.
• Increase in Fire Department funds – assuming new PT chief and administrative
staff. Contract with Roseville ends in December. Council will make a decision on
the next steps.
• Tree trimming services moved from capital fund.
• Anticipating having recreation sports in 2021. $26,000 transferred.
• Contingency fund is used on a rainy day. Unemployment claims against the City
are pulled from here.
• 7.8% levy – increase of $64 annually to a median value home (City’s portion
only)
3. CARES Act Funding
• Could use the funds for public safety, grants for small businesses, PPE,
technology, rental assistance, etc.
• Staff will provide ideas to the Council at a future meeting.
E. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
F. ADJOURNMENT:
________________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 19th day of August, 2020
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
August 26, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm.
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS _X__ GUSTAFSON_X___ LEEHY_X__
MIAZGA _X__ WEHYEE_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH_X___
There was a request to change the order, to move item G3 to the first item of discussion under
Policy Items ‘G’. There was also a request to add a discussion of an inclusion consultant as a
fourth discussion item to ‘G.’
Mayor Gustafson Moved, Approved 5-0
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. August 5, 2020 City Council Workshop Meeting
2. August 12, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting
Council Member Leehy mentioned corrections to the minutes for August 5th regarding Restoration
and Unity day to clarify that the City’s role in the event will be similar to previous years.
Council Member Andrews Moved, Approved 5-0
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 8/15/20 $232,189.98
Payroll through: 8/15/20 $19,938.04
2. Appointment of Ashleigh Walter as Administrative and Communications
Coordinator
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City Administrator Thongvanh
Ashleigh is being recommended for approval as the City’s Administrative and Communications
Coordinator, with a start date of tomorrow. Ashleigh is a recent graduate from the University of
Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and has previous city work experience, both
with the City of Delano and the City of Bloomington. She also worked as a research assistant
and teaching assistant during her time at the Humphrey School.
Ashleigh Walter
Thank you. I’m really looking forward to joining with the city and meeting the council and
other staff in person soon. Local government is a passion of mine and I’m very excited to begin
with the city.
Council Member Wehyee
We’ll work closely with the CEC, I’m excited to have you on my team. Welcome.
Council Member Andrews
Welcome, glad to have you on board.
Mayor Gustafson
Welcome, it’s great to have a staff member with your qualifications. Looking forward to
working together.
Council Member Leehy
Thank you for selecting us as a place of employment to continue your career in local
government.
Council Member Miazga
Welcome, I noticed that you worked for CURA at the U of M. They do a lot of great work.
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 5-0.
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Amendment to the Administrative Manual to include Standards Concerning
Communication and Enforcement of Immigration Laws
City Administrator Thongvanh
The item was brought up a number of years ago by Mayor Lindstrom, and then it was recently
brought up by Council Member Wehyee. We had discussions to determine whether the best
course of action was an ordinance, resolution, or administrative policy, and the latter was
determined as the best approach. The agenda packet includes language for an amendment to
the City’s administrative manual. This was drafted by the city attorney with the help of Council
Member Wehyee. Staff is now seeking a motion on the approval of the amendment.
Council Member Wehyee Moved.
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Council Member Leehy
I like how this is worded, it’s positive in how it’s presented and shows the equity and
inclusivity that we desire in our city. Other Council Members agreed with Council Member
Leehy.
Council Member Wehyee
Thank you to the staff for the research that they did on this, also to my council colleagues for
their support of this. I’m proud to support this policy that reinforces personal security and
allowing everyone to feel welcome in the city.
Approved 5-0.
2. Capital Region Watershed (CRWD) Project- Seminary Pond in the City of
Lauderdale
City Engineer Jesse Freihammer
This is a cooperative project between the watershed district, Cities of Falcon Heights and
Lauderdale, Ramsey County, and the University of Minnesota. The goal is to address a historic
flooding problem and to improve water quality in the area. The timeline would be to award
contracts in September and begin work this fall. Falcon Heights’ cost would be $85,005, which
would be covered up front by CRWD. The city could then repay this in 3 yearly payments from
2021-2023. The city will gain some storm water volume credits, and the city would be
responsible for 40% of the long-term maintenance costs.
The requested action tonight is to approve a resolution for the agreement for Seminary Pond
improvements, as well as an action to approve a Memorandum of Agreement related to storm
water utility fees from the U of M.
Council Member Leehy
Does one institution receive a bill for the project maintenance costs?
City Administrator Thongvanh
The university would complete the project and then invoice the city for the 4% maintenance
cost.
Council Member Wehyee
How much do we have in the Storm and Sewer fund currently?
City Administrator Thongvanh
About $240,000 within that fund. Part of this project is that we will need to obtain property from
a homeowner in Lauderdale as well. The action requested is approval of the Seminary Pond
agreement, Memorandum of Agreement, the resolution as sent earlier, and authorization for the
mayor and city manager to authorize all necessary documents.
Council Member Andrews Moved, Approved 5-0.
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3. Capital Region Watershed (CRWD) Project – Fowell/Fulham Outfall Improvements
City Engineer Freihammer
This is a secondary project to the Seminary Pond project. Currently, drainage from the Grove
neighborhood outlets into Seminary Pond near Folwell/Fulham and the outlet is badly eroded
and needs repair. The project scope is to extend the outlet pipe which should reduce erosion,
removal of trees and grading. The cost to the city is estimated at $100,000, and would be payed
upfront by the CRWD and repaid over 3 years from 2021-2023. The requested action is to
approve a resolution to approve the Folwell/Fullham Outfall Cooperative Agreement.
Council Member Wehyee
Why is the city paying 100 percent of the cost of this project given that Seminary Pond is used
by both Lauderdale and Falcon Heights?
City Engineer Freihammer
This outfall into Seminary Pond only collects Falcon Heights’ drainage area, so that is why the
city is responsible.
Council Member Leehy
In contracting the work, how is a decision made on who actually executes these agreements?
How can the city ensure quality work is being done?
City Engineer Freihammer
CRWD is the contracting authority and they would be the lead agency on the project. Once the
city enters into the agreement, they will coordinate with the contractor and Falcon Heights will
just be invoiced. Regarding work quality, CRWD has specifications and requirements and their
engineering firm follows those.
Council Member Wehyee
How soon would the project be done?
City Engineer Freihammer
Bids come in early September, if awarded, work would begin in October and November. Most
work would be done this year, maybe some restoration work finished next spring.
City Engineer Thongvanh
Once the project date is set, we’ll notify residents that will be impacted.
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 5-0.
4. Discussion of Inclusion Consultant (Item added by council motion earlier in the
meeting)
City Administrator Thongvanh
The city met with two consultants following the Philando Castile killing in 2016. There was a
request since the George Floyd murder that the city consider holding conversations. The
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mediation center was recommended by one of the consultants, and could assist with facilitating
and organizing these conversations in the future, but rather than the conversations in 2016, this
iteration of the conversations would require more involvement from staff, council, and
commissions. Once council approves some funding for this, we’ll proceed with meeting with
members of the CEC and start setting some expectations for the process. The requested action is
authorization of funding up to $20,000 for work as it would relate to this proposal.
Council Member Wehyee Moved, Approved 5-0.
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Andrews
The survey for the community garden ordinance is done today or tomorrow.
Council Member Leehy
Nalisha submitted the community park garden survey, and this has been sent out for the public
to complete.
Council Member Wehyee
I’m excited that the inclusion subcommittee is making progress on establishing the
conversations. We’re going to start in the next few weeks with more concrete steps.
Council Member Miazga
I recently read our contract with Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and there is a clause that
stipulates that if the contract is not terminated 9 months before the end of 2021, the county will
continue as the law enforcement agency for the City. Question for Sack Thongvanh: Are we
planning to request proposals for law enforcement services?
City Administrator Thongvanh
This will be something we discuss at an upcoming workshop.
Council Member Miazga
I think this is more urgent, I hope we don’t delay too long. The USPS has shut down mail
sorters, including some in Minnesota which makes voting more difficult. You can vote in
person, vote absentee and send in the ballot 2 weeks early, or early vote in person at the Ramsey
County Elections Office starting on September 18th.
Mayor Gustafson
The planning commission reviewed the beekeeping ordinance at the last meeting. We’re going
to see the ordinance at an upcoming workshop, and an eventual hearing and vote on the
ordinance. Thank you to everyone that participated in the garden survey. Work continues on
research to address community gardens. Welcome to our new staff member, and thank you to
the staff for keeping things running smoothly in the absence of a person filling the
Administrative and Communications Coordinator position.
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Council Member Leehy
I received information about housing resources from Ramsey County for residents struggling
with housing costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City Administrator Thongvanh
We’ve begun work on the medians on Larpenteur to make landscaping more low-maintenance
and drought-tolerant. We continue to work on the 100 year anniversary of Curtiss Field. Our
biannual mail newsletter is in the works and will be sent out in the next few weeks. We’re
beginning work on transitioning to winter work in public works. The mayor and I will continue
to have conversations about public safety as brought up by Council Member Miazga.
Council Member Wehyee
Question for Sack Thongvanh: Could you give the council an update on your conversations
with Ramsey County Sheriff?
City Administrator Thongvanh
I received a call from the Sheriff requesting a date to present to council but I have been unable
to reach him to set a date. The department wanted to present an annual report to the council,
and we’re considering including Sheriff Fletcher in the conversations on community policing.
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT:
Council Member Leehy Moved, Approved 5-0.
_______________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 26th day of August, 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: 9/03/20 $18,959.68
Payroll through: 8/31/20 $19,435.79
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 September 9, 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
Description
The following individual has applied for a Home Occupation License for 2020.
Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Breeze Virtual Solutions, LLC (Briana Murphy, 1582 Hollywood Ct)
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve the Home
Occupation License Application.
Meeting Date September 9, 2020
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Justin Markon, Community
Development Coordinator
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Approve Drainage Easement at 1605 Fulham Street
Description
On August 26, the Council approved a cooperative agreement with Capital
Region Watershed (CRWD), the City of Lauderdale, Ramsey County and the
University of Minnesota for work on the Seminary Pond Project and an Outfall
Agreement with CRWD.
The outfall project involves restoring the ditch downstream of the outfall which
serves the Grove neighborhood. The outfall has been severely eroded overtime.
Work involves tree removal, grading, installation of additional storm sewer, turf
stabilization and tree restoration. The new design should eliminate the erosion
concern and make maintenance easier.
Currently this portion of the storm sewer outlet is not under any easements. In
order to construct the work a drainage easement from the property owners will
need to be approved. Attachment A is a drainage easement document which
would be dedicated to the City from the property owner. The cost of the easement
would be $2,100 based on the easement value of the land based on Ramsey
County tax records.
Budget Impact The cost of the easement is $2,100 which would be paid using storm sewer funds.
Attachment(s) • Drainage Easement
• Project Location Map
Action(s)
Requested
Approve Drainage Easement at 1605 Fulham Street and authorize the Mayor and
City Administrator to execute all necessary documents.
Meeting Date September 9, 2020
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachment Easement, Project Map
Submitted By Jesse Freihammer, City Engineer
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1
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
THIS INDENTURE is made as of this day of , 2020,
between Charles J. Smith and Myrna G. Smith, co-trustees of Charles J. Smith Trust and Myrna
G. Smith Trust (“Grantors”), and the City of Falcon Heights, a Minnesota municipal corporation
(“City”).
WITNESSETH:
That said Grantors, in consideration of One and no/100 Dollar ($1.00) and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, does hereby
grant and convey unto the City, and its successors and assigns, permanent drainage easements on,
over, across and through a portion of the following described real property located in Ramsey
County, Minnesota, to-wit:
See attached Exhibit A;
Said easements being those parts of the above described parcels which are legally described as
follows:
See attached Exhibit B (collectively, the “Easement Areas”).
The Easement Areas are shown as the areas labeled “Drainage Easement” on attached Exhibit C.
The grant of the foregoing easements includes the right of the City, and its contractors,
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agents, employees, and successors and assigns, to enter upon and use the Easement Areas to
construct, reconstruct, inspect, operate, use, maintain, repair utilities, drainage, other
improvements and appurtenances, on, over, across and through the Easement Areas; to grade,
level, fill and drain the Easement Areas; to excavate culverts, cuts, slopes and ditches within the
Easement Areas; to remove and import soils from and into the Easement Areas; to remove trees,
brush, undergrowth and other obstructions from the Easement Areas; and to do all other acts and
things which are reasonably necessary for or incidental to the enjoyment of the easement rights
granted herein.
The Grantor hereby grants the foregoing easements for the purposes specified above without
divesting itself of, and by reserving unto itself, its successors and assigns, the right to use and enjoy
the above described Easement Areas, subject only to the right of the Grantee to use the same for the
purposes specified above.
The foregoing easements shall be binding upon the Grantor and its successors and assigns,
shall inure to the benefit of the City and its successors and assigns, and shall run with the land.
The Grantor, for itself and its successors and assigns, covenants with the City, and its
successors and assigns, that Grantor is the owner of the Easement Areas described herein and has
good right to grant and convey the easements given herein to the City.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD THE SAME, together with all the hereditaments and
appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining, to the City, its successors and
assigns, forever.
[signature follows on next page]
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IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Grantor have caused this easement to be executed as of
the day of , 2020.
GRANTORS:
By: _________________________ Charles J. Smith
By: _________________________ Myrna G. Smith STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss.
COUNTY OF )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of
, 2020, by Charles J. Smith and Myrna G. Smith, co-trustees of Charles J. Smith Trust and Myrna
G. Smith Trust.
Notary Public
Drafted By;
City of Falcon Heights
2077 Larpenteur Ave W
Falcon Heights, MN 55113
651-792-7600
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Exhibit A (1 of 1)
EXHIBIT A Legal Description
The North 15 feet of Lot four (4) and all of Lot (5), Oak Wood Ramsey Co. Minn. and the vacated alley and the East ½ (Should be West ½) of the North 153 feet of Fulham Street (vacated) accruing thereto and Ridgewood Terrace (vacated) accruing thereto.
Abstract Property
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Exhibit B (1 of 1)
EXHIBIT B
Legal Description for Easement Areas Beginning at the point of intersection of the northerly line of Lot 5, Oak Wood Ramsey Co. Minn., extended easterly, with the easterly line of the westerly one-half of Fulham Street
(vacated); thence North 89 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds West (Basis of Bearings: The
northerly line of Lot 5, Oak Wood Ramsey Co. Minn. Is assumed to bear North 89 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds West), along the said northerly line of said Lot 5 extended and said Lot 5, for a distance of 123.56 feet; thence South 66 degrees 48 minutes 17 seconds West 19.50 feet; thence South 33 degrees 34 minutes 27 seconds East 40.30 feet; thence North
64 degrees 33 minutes 17 seconds East 49.33 feet; thence North 75 degrees 54 minutes 29
seconds East 13.21 feet; thence North 81 degrees 43 minutes 30 seconds East 32.15 feet; thence North 77 degrees 18 minutes 17 seconds East 23.55 feet; thence North 83 degrees 39 minutes 19 seconds East 7.06 feet to a point on the easterly line of the westerly one-half of Fulham Street (vacated); thence North 00 degrees 18 minutes 57 seconds East, along the
easterly line of the westerly one-half of Fulham Street (vacated) a distance of 5.70 feet to
the Point of Beginning,
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Exhibit C (2 of 2)
EXHIBIT C
Depiction of Easement Areas
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Prepared by:Engineering Department
Data Sources and Contacts:* Ramsey County GIS Base Map (11/2/15)* City of Roseville Engineering DepartmentFor further information regarding the contents of this map contact:City of Roseville, Engineering Department,2660 Civic Center Drive, Roseville MN
DISCLAIMER:This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This map is a compilation of records,information and data located in various city, county, state and federal offices and other sources regarding the area shown, and is tobe used for reference purposes only. The City does not warrant that the Geographic Information System (GIS) Data used to preparethis map are error free, and the City does not represent that the GIS Data can be used for navigational, tracking or any other purposerequiring exacting measurement of distance or direction or precision in the depiction of geographic features. If errors or discrepanciesare found please contact 651-792-7075. The preceding disclaimer is provided pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §466.03, Subd. 21 (2000),and the user of this map acknowledges that the City shall not be liable for any damages, and expressly waives all claims, and agrees todefend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City from any and all claims brought by User, its employees or agents, or third parties whicharise out of the user's access or use of data provided.´
0 160 320 480 640 FeetSeminary Pond Location Map
August 21, 2020 mapdoc: Seminary Pond - Location Map.mxdmap: Seminary Pond - Location Map.pdf
Larpenteur Ave
MN 280
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Channel stablization between Fulham St and Seminary Pond
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