HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet_9-27-17_CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
September 27, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ___ HARRIS ____ BROWN THUNDER ___
FISCHER ___ GUSTAFSON___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____
C.PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. August 6, 2017 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes
2. August 23, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes
E.PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 9/19/17 $531,016.55
Payroll through: 9/15/17 $20,046.69
2. Inter-Fund Loan Repayment From 2017 PMP
3.Budget Amendment for Fund 427
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1.Adopt 2018 Preliminary Levy
H.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1.Weekly Police Reports – Can Now Be Found At:
http://www.falconheights.org/index.asp?SEC=75B3E8BB-785B-4048-B543-
995BAE0716A5&Type=B_BASIC
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J.ADJOURNMENT:
BLANK PAGE
Falcon Heights City Council Workshop
City Hall 2077 W Larpenteur Ave. 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Council Present: Mayor Lindstrom; Council Member Brown Thunder, Council Member Harris, Council
Member, Gustafson, Council Member Fischer; City Administrator Thongvanh, Pittman, Olson, Sandvik,
O’Connor, and Hinrichs Call to order: 6:30 pm
1) Permitted Parking – Falcon Woods
There has been no parking installed in the south loop of falcon woods. There has been a petition submitted for the rest of Moore St. If each street individually petitions, that requires a public hearing for each petition. The Council can move to put permitted parking in the whole area south of Roselawn without a petition. The Council would like to consider a public hearing and sending a notice of the proposed permitted parking area. This will
be an opportunity to get feedback from residents that are in support or opposed to the permitted parking on their
streets. This public hearing would take place at an October Council meeting. 2) 2018 Proposed Budget The city received an increase in fiscal disparity. There is also an increase in LGA to $600,000. There is $10,000
allocated in the administrative fund for the potential to utilize that, in conjunction, with funds from grants for a
part-time staff to do the Task Force Recommendations work.
• Fund 116- Communication Expenditures: The changes have been made to split up the actual cost of i-net services between administrative, public works, and the fire department. This will guide discussions with
Lauderdale about the fire contract.
• Fund 122- Police Expenditures: We’re looking at a large increase to about $1.2 million. There were discussions with the Patrol Supervisor for Ramsey County about the Task Force Recommendations. There are recommendations that they’re already doing, some that they’re willing to do, and a few that
they will not do. They have many oversight boards, so that is one thing that they do not want to add to.
We are slotted to pay for .6 of an FTE for Ramsey Co. Sherriff’s Office.
• Special Revenues- Parks and Programming: We have limited space since we no longer have a building at Curtiss or can utilize Falcon Heights Elementary as they are doing some remodeling. We face challenges of not being able to put on programming with all of the benefits that Roseville has. There has
been some decreases in park program registrations, but there has been an increase in building and field rentals. If anything moves forward with the Community Park building, there would need to be plan in place. For a new building, it would be estimated at 2-3 million. Other improvements that have been discussed is the installation of a half basketball court at Curtiss field. That would be estimated at $15-20,000.
• Fund 132- Street Expenditures: Costs have been kept low, but there need to be considerations for the capital funds and replacement of trucks. This would likely be coordinated with Ramsey County’s cycle of when they will sell their trucks which will likely be 2018-2019.
• Fund 124- There is a requested 12% increase for salaries to be comparable with salaries within the
county. Comparisons can be seen in the Fire Study that was done in 2012. Little Canada is a comparable sized fire department with a similar call volume. This year, the department did really well with receiving grant money due to an increase of funds available. There are other areas that would be considered for
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improvement (i.e. re-carpeting in the fire department and a second truck to meet ISO standards). It was
agreed upon that the increase will be consistent with the increase for other staff of 5% for on-call and
drill. But no change for administrative.
• The options presented, with counsel from auditors and financial advisors, is to take from the sanitary sewer fund to offset the debt service. This would reduce our annual expenses by $23,000 for the 2013
street project, and it would reduce the expenses for the latest street project. This is possible because we
budgeted an increase in sanitary sewer last year, and this year we received a decrease from Met Council for sanitary sewer costs. Additional revenues can be through a franchise fee from Xcel. Non-taxable jurisdictions will make up 40-45% of the franchise fees. This would be for electric and gas bills. This could be implemented in January or February and would be paid out quarterly to the city.
• The general fund total is $1,486,134. The impact to a medium value home with a 24% levy increase would be $180, and an increase of a 34.8% levy increase would mean $263. The 34.8% is projected to only cover the police contract increases. A 17% increase would be $132 per medium value home.
• There are a few capital funds that will be expected to be depleted next year. There is no money being
invested back into capital funds, and therefore there has been a freeze in any capital expenditures. This will affect the Fire Department and Public Works.
• Updates: o Inet will be at the upcoming Council Meeting to propose a purchase for fiber.
o There was a meeting with Ramsey County Sherriff’s Office today and discussions about the Task
Force Recommendations.
o Once the Ramsey County contract is finalized, there will need to be a formalized contract with the State Fair for extra police services for large events. o There has been an application for pull tabs at Stout’s Pub. This will be on the agenda for the next
Council Meeting for vote. Adjourn: 8:45 pm
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
September 13, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 pm
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM _X__ HARRIS ____ BROWN THUNDER _X__
FISCHER _X__ GUSTAFSON_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH_X___
FREIHAMMER_X___
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. August 23, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes Approved
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 9/07/17 $96,020.05
Payroll through: 8/31/17 $20,947.95
2. Acceptance of Minnesota Historical Society – Grant Funding for an Interpretive Sign
for Curtiss Field
This will explain the historical significance of the airport that used to be located at Curtiss Field.
3. Acceptance of U of MN Good Neighbor Grant Award – Piano in the Park
These grant funds allow the city to have a piano at Community Park next summer, and a local
artist will paint it. The city will reach out for involvement on the theme and design of the piano.
4. Approve Payment #5 to Valley Paving, Inc. for the 2017 Pavement Management
Project
City Engineer, Jesse Freihammer, anticipates one more payment this fall and a final payment
next spring.
Council Member Gustafson Moved, Approved 4-0
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Approve Charitable/Lawful Gambling License and Premise Application – Pull Tabs
at Stout’s
City Administrator Thongvanh presented on the application submitted by Minnesota Brass
Association. The city received all the required materials in August. Minnesota Brass is a non-
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profit, performing arts organization. The city will receive 3% of local gambling taxes on gross
receipts. In addition to that, the city will also receive 10% contribution of net profit to be
administrated by the city. The city will have to set a process for distributing that money. A
501c3 can receive those funds. Staff has been directed to see if a park dedication fund would
qualify for fund distribution. The city can also observe what neighboring cities are currently
doing.
Council Member Fischer Moved, Approved 4-0
2. Fiber Optic Network to Roseville City Hall
The city has worked with the City of Roseville since 2004 through a shared service agreement.
The city utilizes INET to obtain these services. The new franchise agreement will no longer
provide access to Roseville through INET, so it will be necessary to obtain a comparable
network connection. It has been made feasible to pursue fiber optics.
Terre Heiser, Roseville IT Manager, stated that the institutional network is a fiber based, data
network that has been provided to cities. The city used to get about 6 strands of fiber, but that
has now been redistributed to Comcast. The cities in the collaborative haven’t had the need to
have servers in their buildings, they exist in data centers. Falcon Heights has relied on that data
connectivity. One of the options that was looked at was managed Ethernet services through
Comcast. That would be about $958 per month to utilize the services. An opportunity presented
itself in Falcon Heights because the City of Roseville recently received 12 strands of fiber from
conduit bonding for future opportunities to connect their schools in their district. This has
extended the fiber up to Fairview and Larpenteur. This allows Falcon Heights to connect to this
fiber for less than $50,000.
This would take Falcon Heights connection to 10gb per second. Through other service
providers, this service equates to about a $5,000 value per month. The cost to buy into these
services annually is $4,020. This segment would be included in the locate agreement, and they
would have a four hour response with fiber cuts. The majority of the Roseville fiber network
runs from St. Anthony to Oakdale along the Hwy 36 corridor.
Sarah Kohn:
Would this project affect traffic when the fiber is being laid along Larpenteur Ave?
Terre Heiser:
In order to lay the fiber, the equipment they use may require a lane closure. Typically this
wouldn’t take any longer than the course of a day. He anticipates that the project could be
completed by the end of October.
Council Member Gustafson Moved, Approved 4-0
3. Approve Resolution Receiving Assessment roll and Setting Assessment Hearing
Date for the 2017 Pavement Management Project
Engineer Freihammer stated that this year’s portion of the project is wrapping up. The project
will be completed next year as they are withholding the final layer of pavement until after
winter. Estimates have been made for the final layer, and assessments can be determined with
those totals. They are proposing a $1 increase per linear foot for residential, and for commercial
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they are proposing a $1.50 increase per linear foot. The Finance Director recommends the
interest rate be set at 5%. The public hearing will be on October 11, 2017.
The reason for the delay in putting on the final layer is to allow it to settle after the water main
work. In terms of drainage, that could be problematic in the low points, but they are looking
into putting in some patching this fall to help allow for draining. When the work is conducted
next summer, it should take about 2-3 days.
One thing that will need to be taken into consideration this year is parking during the winter
months. Due to not having that final lift, snow plowing cannot be done from curb to curb.
Naturally, this will narrow the streets and will specifically limit the amount they can clear with
vehicles parked. They are looking into limiting parking to one side of the street or no parking
during the winter.
Residents will have the option to discuss assessments at the public hearing and they can also go
through the appeal process.
Council Member Fischer Moved, Approved 4-0
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Weekly Police Reports – Can Now Be Found At:
http://www.falconheights.org/index.asp?SEC=75B3E8BB-785B-4048-B543-
995BAE0716A5&Type=B_BASIC
Council Member Fischer:
The Community Engagement Commission is meeting on Monday, and people are welcome to
observe.
Council Member Brown Thunder:
NYFS is having their Taste of NE fundraiser on Thursday, October 5 from 5:30-8:30pm. It is $30
per person, and there is great local food. Tickets can also be purchased online.
Council Member Gustafson:
The wording for the signage for Curtiss Field is included in the Parks and Recreation
Commission agenda packet for September. Staff worked with the Historical Society and the
author of the Curtiss Field book to put something together. To have more input on that, public
can attend the December Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Mayor Lindstrom:
No updates.
City Administrator Thongvanh:
• The Citywide Garage Sale is on Saturday, September 16, starting at 9am. The map can be
found on our website home page.
• The annual Fire Department Open House and Chili Cook Off is on Saturday, October 7
from 11am-2pm. They do fire demonstrations, have a bounce house, and people can
check out the fire trucks.
• The Falcon Heights-Lauderdale Family Fun Run/5K is on Saturday, September 16, and
registration begins at 7am at Community Park.
• Additionally, the Council will be adopting the preliminary levy at the next meeting on
September 27. The Council has worked diligently to decrease the levy from 34% to 24%
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by using reserves to offset debt service. The major increase is due to the increase in
police services.
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT: 7:48 pm
_____________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor Dated this 13th day of September, 2017
__________________________________ 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: 9/19/17 $531,016.55
Payroll through: 9/15/17 $20,046.69
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 27, 2017
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 Interfund Loan Repayment from the 2017 GO Street Project Fund 427 back to the
Sanitary Sewer Fund 601.
Description
An interfund loan for $300,000 was approved by the Council in 2015 to help finance
the 2015 Pavement Management Street Project. The reasoning for this approach
was to minimize the cost of issuing multiple bonds and obtain better interest rates.
This amount was included in the 2017 GO Improvement Bonds. In December 9,
2015 the Council approved the Declaration of Official Intent for Reimbursement for
the 2015 Pavement Management Project. The bond proceeds have been received
and the reimbursement to the sanitary sewer fund should be made. Staff
recommends repaying the inter-fund loan.
Budget Impact
Attachment(s) NA
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends repaying the inter-fund loan as described above from the bond
proceeds.
Meeting Date September 27, 2017
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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BLANK PAGE
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Budget Amendment for Fund 427
Description The Budget Amendment for Fund 427 include two changes.
First, in February, the broom for the JD mower broke and was deemed
unrepairable. This broom was needed as soon as possible. This broom is used for
sidewalk sweeping and maintenance and is especially useful during the winter
months for removing snow from the city’s sidewalks. Request retro council
approval since the broom cost $5,175 and was not a budgeted item.
Second, additional budget line items are needed for book-keeping purposes on
Fund 427, the 2017 PMP Capital Street Project.
Revenue:2017 Budget Amount
427-33435 St Paul Regional Water Utility $582,000
Expense:
427-4427-94900 Bond Fees/Issuance Costs $35,000
(Raise from $6,000 to $35,000)
Budget Impact
Attachment(s) NA
Action(s)
Requested
Staff requests retro council approval of the broom for the JD mower. Also, staff
requests budget amendments as outlined above.
Meeting Date September 27, 2017
Agenda Item Consent F3
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Adopt 2018 Preliminary Levy
Description
Each year, the City must set and certify to Ramsey County a preliminary levy by
September 30th.
Details for the preliminary 2018 General Fund Budget:
1) There are no levy limits imposed by the Legislature for the 2018 Budget.
2) The amount of LGA state aid was increased by an amount of $55,774 by the
Legislature for budget year 2018. LGA will increase from $544,817 to $600,591
in 2018.
3) Fiscal Disparity distribution dollars for 2018 increased by $14,374 over the
2017 level.
4) Change in Police Services from St. Anthony ($672,590) to Ramsey County
($1,001,640) for the 2018 Budget, an increase of 49%. The change in cost for
police services account for 26% of the initial 34% proposed levy increase. It
was determined that to reduce the impact of the 34% levy increase, the City
Council agreed to use Reserve Funds to prefund debt service for 2018. The
strategy decreased the levy from 34% to 24%.
Impacts to the Overall Property Tax Levy:
2015 2016 2017 2018
Proposed
Change
2017 to
2018
General Fund
Levy
1,014,116 1,046,183 1,152,646 1,487,059 334,413
Debt Service
Levy
69,734 127,264 125,585 98,330 -27,255
TOTAL
LEVY
1,083,850 1,173,447 1,278,231 1,585,389 307,158
Meeting Date September 27, 2017
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachment Resolution
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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Impacts on a Median Value Home in Falcon Heights:
2015 2016 2017 2018
Proposed
Change
2017 to
2018
Median Value
Home
251,500 247,700 252,600 266,600 14,000
Taxable Median
Value
236,895 232,753 238,094 253,354 15,260
Tax Capacity 2,369 2,328 2,381 2,534 153
City Tax Rate 23.470 25.840 26.358 31.770 5.412
City Taxes 556 601 627 805 178
Net Change 41 45 26 178
The 2018 proposed increase on a median value home is estimated to be $178 per year
or $14.83 per month.
Budget
Impact
Dependent upon adoption of the 2018 General Fund Budget. Budget Hearing
Scheduled for the Wednesday December 13th 2017 at 7pm City Council Meeting.
Attachment(s) •Resolution 17-27 Certification of the Preliminary Levy for 2018
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve the attached
resolution. The Preliminary 2018 Tax Levy is $1,585,389. Further, staff recommends
that the Falcon Heights City Council set a budget hearing meeting for December
13th, 2017, at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers for the purpose of receiving
public comment on the 2018 General Fund Budget and Levy.
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION September 27, 2017
No. 17-27 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR 2018 WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota requires the City adopt a proposed preliminary levy certification for its General Fund; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Falcon Heights is required to adopt its 2018 Preliminary Levy Certification on or before September 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights wishes to comply with State law in
this area. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
hereby does levy for the preliminary tax levy for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2017 and the following sums for the respective purposes indicated therein upon taxable property of the City of Falcon Heights, to wit:
PRELIMINARY LEVY
General Fund $1,487,059
Debt Service $98,330
TOTAL LEVY $1,585,389
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Peter Lindstrom
Mayor LINDSTROM ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ BROWN THUNDER Sack Thongvanh
HARRIS ____ Against City Administrator FISCHER GUSTAFSON
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