HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMIN_04.28.21CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
April 28, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:OOPM
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS X GUSTAFSON X LEEHY
MIAZGA _ WEHYEE_X_
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH X
C. PRESENTATION
1. Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) Annual Report
Tara lebens-Singh, Executive Director
NYFS is a community -based, trauma -informed, nonprofit mental health and human services agency. We
partner with 15 municipalities and 3 school districts. We support low-income, under and uninsured
youth, families, and adults and we have been serving the northern suburbs for 45 years. We offer mental
health clinics in Shoreview and White Bear Lake, we offer telehealth services and school -based mental
health services in three different school districts. Our community -based human services include our
diversion program, senior chore program. Our community advocate is our newest program and connects
community health agencies with local law enforcement agencies to allow them to refer residents for these
services.
The City of Falcon Heights contract for services was $10,038, and the cost of services provided was
$11,423. We had 4 individuals utilize our mental health services, 2 seniors who received senior chore
services, and we had 1 youth who received services through the NETS program.
Looking ahead, we are anticipating a return to in -home senior services, greater return to in -person mental
health counseling, with telehealth remaining as an option. We are looking to grow our community
connections program, expand our online presence, and culturally responsive care.
Council Member Wehyee
What impact has COVID-19 had on demand for services?
Tara febens-Singh
Initially our capacity to provide resources was decreased, but after we shifted many services to online
platforms, we did a lot of work to train people on how to access services in this way. Our numbers are
now back up, most of our practitioners have full case -loads. Both the pandemic and the death of George
Floyd have amplified issues that were already in existing. We've also seen an increase in the number of
individuals with financial needs.
We had a very bold ask for our contract fees in 2021 and it was pretty universally accepted and supported
throughout our municipalities, so we appreciate that. The other thing that is helpful is that to make our
services more visible. Promotion of our services is always appreciated.
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Council Member Andrews
Our City newsletter would be a great way to promote this work, either through regular content or
occasional information.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. April 7, 2021 City Council Workshop Minutes
2. April 14, 2021 City Council Regular Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes by Council Member Wehyee;
Approved 3-0.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F, CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 4/22/21 $64,601.41
Payroll through: N/A
2. Approval of City License(s)
3. Department of Employment and Economic Development Grant Extension Request #2 for the
Amber Union Project
4. 2021 Pavement Management Project (PMP) Construction Materials Testing Quote
5. Surplus City Property
Motion to approve the consent agenda by Council Member Andrews;
Approved, 3-0.
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Amendment to Section 105-25 and 105-26 of the Building Code in the City Code
Administrator Thongwanh
The City adopted the MN Building Code by reference. The building code is updated periodically, and in
2020 a new version was updated and published. These changes include language updates in our permits
and fees section, and it updates requirements for R-1 and R-2 fire protection. There is updates to the flood
proofing and grading. The building official Steve Westerhaus sent a memo advising the city to adopt the
new provisions to remain current with standards.
Motion to approve the Amendment to Section 105-25 and 105-26 of the Building Code in the City Code by
Council Member Wehyee;
Approved, 3-0.
H. INFORMATION/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Wehyee
The Environment Commission met Thursday, April 15. Topics included projects and seeking potential
funding opportunities. We discussed CARES funding uses, and I did advise the commission to wait until
Council has a better sense of what those funds will be used for.
Council Member Andrews
The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday. Just a reminder that we are accepting
registration for parks programming.
Mayor Gustafson
The Community Engagement Commission met last week and discussed a number of possible events for
the City. We're hopeful that the ice cream social will happen in July.
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Administrator Thongvanh
I am working on a number of items regarding Amber Union, including an encroachment agreement on
the east side of the building. The tax increment financing has been completed and notices have been sent
out. Staff and I continue to explore options for the park building renovation or construction.
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.
Sharon Castle
I live on Pascal Street and I'm a member of the Landscape Committee for the Philando Castile Peace
Garden, which is located near the North entrance to the State Fair grounds on Larpenteur Avenue. It's
going to be a nice addition to that spot. It will have permanent structures that allow for the display of
artwork as well as plants and a bench. Construction will tentatively begin in the next month. This year
will be the 5 year anniversary of Philando's death.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:46PM
RedGus on, Mayor
Dated this h day of April, 2021
Sack Thongvanh, ity Administrator
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