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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_96Sep11CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING c~ ~ ~, MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1996 Mayor Gehrz convened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, Hustad, Jacobs, and Kuettel. Also present were Hoyt, Asleson, Maurer, and Sampson. COMMUNITY FORUM There was no one wishing to take advantage of the community forum. MINUTES OF AUGUST 28, 1996 Minutes were approved by unanimous consent. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Councilmember Hustad to approve the following consent agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 1. Disbursements 2. Licenses 3. Approval of the use of the Kern, DeWenter, Viere auditing firm for the years ending December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998. 4. Accept the voluntary resignation of Pete Klingenberg as Parks/Public Works Superintendent 5. Scheduling a council meeting for September 18, 1996 POLICY AGENDA RESOLUTION ORDERING A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF LINDIG STREET Engineer Maurer reported that the condition of Lindig Street makes it necessary to consider reconstruction next year; the road will not last another two years. The first step for the city council to begin the process is to order a feasibility report. Informational meetings with property owners would begin in mid to late October. The cost for the feasibility study would be between 53500 and 54000. Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs to approve Resolution 96-10, ordering the preparation of a feasibility report on the Lindig Street improvement. Motion passed unanimously. City Council Minutes September 1 1, 1996 2 ~ `~ Page 2 CONSIDERATION OF REVISED FEE SCHEDULE Administrative Assistant/Planner Asleson reviewed proposed changes to the city's fee schedule. The major changes included were replacement of the fee schedule for mechanical permits, the adjustment of fees to more accurately reflect costs of providing service, and revision of the fee schedule format to make the schedule more "reader friendly." Motion was made by Councilmember Kuettel to approve the revised fee schedule. Motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS TO AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF CABLE FRANCHISE TO CONTINENTAL CABLE AND TO U.S. WEST Jerry Wallin, the city's representative to the Cable Commission, updated the council on the proposed transfer of the franchise first to Continental Cable and then to U.S. West after the two companies merge. After outlining the proposed transfer process, Wallin explained that the Cable Commission had examined the four legal criteria that have to be met in order for the transfer to take place. These criteria include: legal qualification, character qualification, technical ability, and other factors such as financial abilities and the company's willingness to abide by current franchise commitments. The Cable Commission has found that Continental and U.S. West have met these obligations. Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs to approve Resolutions 96-13 and 96- 14 authorizing the franchise transfers. Motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF DONATION REQUESTS The council discussed the items to be included in a letter to the Falcon Heights/Lauderdale Lions Club. The letter will contain proposed donations that the Lions could make to the city. Three of the items were related to the Park and Recreation program. The fourth, a small gazebo in the front of city hall, is still in the planning stages. The council directed staff to include all four items in a letter to the Lions. REVIEW OF THE 1997 GOALS OF THE CITY For the benefit of the viewing audience, the city council read their 1997 goals for the city. These goals were adopted earlier as a part of the budget process. City Council Minutes September 11, 1996 2 8 ~ Page 3 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND LEVY Administrator Hoyt explained that a resolution certifying the budget and the levy were necessary. The increase in the levy amount is necessary to offset corresponding increases in the cost of police service. Hoyt also reviewed the impacts of this levy increase on typical homes in Falcon Heights and explained some of the operating transfers made to the budget. Motion was made by Councilmember Hustad to approve Resolution 96-1 1, certifying the proposed general fund budget of $1,029,143 and certified levy of 5577,309 to the county auditor. Motion passed unanimously. SETTING OF DATES FOR 1997 BUDGET PRESENTATION The council established Wednesday, December 4, 1996 at about 7:15 p.m. as the date for the city's public budget presentation and hearing. A continuation hearing, if necessary, will be held on Thursday, December 19, 1996. PARTICIPATION IN MINNESOTA CITIES WEEK The council discussed possible ideas for Minnesota Cities Week. In addition to the annual Fire Department Open House on October 12, the council suggested that Larpenteur Avenue plans and a copy of the proposed budget be available to the public. Also suggested was a letter to Falcon Heights Elementary School offering educational speakers throughout the year. CITY INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilmember Kuettel reported on a successful Simpson Street block party and thanked the police and the Lions for their assistance. Councilmember Jacobs reported that he, Mayor Gehrz, and Administrator Hoyt had met with the Fire Department regarding their concerns about city's contract with St. Paul Fire to provide ALS service. Jacobs reported that he had assured the department that the present city council does not intend to change how fire protection service is provided. Jacobs also reported that the department is somewhat concerned about their future existence and that the message delivered was that St. Paul Fire will be providing this service and that the departments need to begin a working partnership. Councilmember Hustad responded that the council must make decisions in the best interest of the public for the least amount of cost. Hustad also reported on a successful Arona lawn party and a Northwest Youth Services fundraiser. City Council Minutes September 1 1, 1996 Page 4 ~.~ Councilmember Gibson Talbot reported on a first-ever block party in her neighborhood, which included a live band. Mayor Gehrz reported on a successful State Fair and a League of Women Voters town meeting. Administrator Hoyt reported a 20% turnout at the recent state primary election. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. ~lc~~av~ ~ -' ~~--Nit-. Susan L. Gehrz, Mayor C Carla Asleson Recording Secretary