HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_05Sep14CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 14, 2005
Mayor Gehrz convened the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 PM.
PRESENT: Mayor Sue Gehrz, Councilmembers Laura Kuettel, Robert Lamb,
Peter Lindstrom and Richard Talbot. Also present: City
Administrator Heather Worthington and Deputy Clerk Stacey Kreuser.
COMMUNITY FORUM: Ramsey County Commissioner Janice Rettman presented commentary on the 800 MHz radio system. Commissioner Rettman encouraged cities to get involved in the 800 MHz radio
system so that all arms of law enforcement would be able to contact each other through one centralized system. She congratulated Falcon Heights on the amount of time spent in drafting
the current proposal, citing Councilmember Lamb’s and Mayor Gehrz’s contributions. The newly-drafted proposal splits the cost of initiating 800 MHz, with costs covered 60% by the tax
base and 40% by the derived formula, a positive alteration for Falcon Heights. Mayor Gehrz commented that the current 800 MHz radio system funding formula proposal will save $20,000
per year in taxes for Falcon Heights taxpayers, and thanked Commissioner Rettman for her work on 800 MHz.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saint Anthony Police Department – 2004 Annual Report and Update
Officer Jeff Scholl presented the Saint Anthony Police Department’s (SAPD) Annual Report for 2004 to the Council. Officer Scholl stated that in 2004, the SAPD received 1587 calls for
service in Falcon Heights, with the highest volume of calls coming during the summer months of June, July, and August. The high volume of calls in the summer followed historical trends,
along with the lowest calls volumes coming in March, April and May. Officer Scholl reported the number of calls to the SAPD in 2004 were average compared with recent years. The top
five calls of 2004 in Falcon Heights were: suspicious activity/person/vehicle (145); medicals (106); public assists, like domestic or property disputes (98); motor vehicle accidents,
none fatal, 13 with injuries, and 2 hit-and-run (96); and false alarms, non-fire (91). When asked by Councilmember Talbot if there is a limit of the number of false alarms allowed,
Officer Scholl responded that no matter when the alarm is, regardless of how many alarms a home or business has had in a period of time, they will respond.
Officer Scholl also reported on the 287 criminal cases in 2004 in Falcon Heights. 151 cases were cleared in 2004, with 137 cleared by arrest.
In 2004, the SAPD received the following Part I crimes:
PART I CRIMES
2002
2003
2004
Murder
0
0
0
CSC
1
1
1
Robbery
1
0
2
Agg Assault
1
2
0
Burglary
22
14
33
Theft
88
111
106
MV Theft
8
7
4
Arson
0
0
0
Officer Scholl noted that the SAPD is addressing the spike in the number of burglaries in Falcon Heights. Scholl explained the difference between a burglary and a theft when asked by
Councilmember Talbot. A burglary is when a person gains unwelcome entry to a premises with the intent to commit a theft, but does not do so. A theft is when property is taken without
the individual entering a structure. Scholl gave the example of a bike taken from in front of a house. Scholl reported that the most common type of burglaries occurred in unoccupied
structures like non-residential buildings, and the burglar uses no force and no weapon. Scholl offered some tips on how to deter burglaries at your home: know who your child’s friends
are, leave the lights on a timer if you go to bed early or are away from home, and be watchful of solicitors gaining entry through “back-door” or “side-door” schemes. Never let them
in for any reason! Mayor Gehrz also reminded residents that all solicitors who are selling goods or asking for money within city limits must have a Falcon Heights permit, and it is
okay for residents to ask to see this permit as the solicitor is required to have it on his/her person while canvassing neighborhoods.
In 2004, the SAPD received the following Part II crimes:
Part II Crimes
2002
2003
2004
Assaults
2
7
9
Fraud/Forgery
1
2
6
Damage to Property
25
22
23
Other Sex Acts
1
0
2
Drug Offense
6
5
8
DWI
28
40
62
Liquor Laws
11
12
17
Other Offenses
46
24
12
Officer Scholl explained the jump in DWI offenses as being the result of nightcap operations in conjunction with Ramsey County. He also mentioned the drug offenses are increasingly
coming from vehicle stops that result in drug cases, and also the increase in
Saint Anthony Police Department – 2004 Annual Report and Update (continued)
the mixture of drug use. SAPD is now seeing more of dual-use of drugs – especially methamphetamine coupled with intoxication.
In 2004 the SAPD issued 2359 citations.
Officer Scholl touched briefly on crime prevention and told residents to contact Prevention Officer John Mangseth at 612-782-3366 if they are interested in becoming active. Officer
Mangseth deals specifically with block parties, National Nite Out parties, associates with crime block captains, and does premise surveys.
Officer Scholl encouraged residents to heed the “ATTENTION” flyers the SAPD puts out to residents when they notice a security or safety issue while out on patrol. He also mentioned
the SAPD has “SLOW” and other speed watch signs for neighborhoods, just call the SAPD at 612-789-5015 and they’ll come out and set one up. Scholl also mentioned the extreme importance
of knowing the location if callers should ever dial
9-1-1 from a cell phone. As these phones pick up signals from various cell towers, it is necessary to give your location when calling 9-1-1.
All Councilmembers thanked Officer Scholl for the presentation and the helpful tips.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes dated August 24, 2005 were approved as corrected.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None Scheduled
CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Gehrz said that Consent Agenda dollar amount for General Disbursement through 9/8/05 was incorrect. The amount of disbursements should read $68,752.57.
Councilmember Kuettel moved to approve the Consent Agenda, with correction, as outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved.
General Disbursements through 9/8/05: $ 68,752.57
Payroll (8/15/05 – 8/30/05) $ 13,895.15
2. Approval of Mechanical Contractor’s License for Wylie Plumbing
3. Appointment of Peggy Hall, Soren Olson, Captain John Ohl, and Kelsey McCoy to the Human Rights Commission
4. Approval of transfer of funds for new fire truck
POLICY AGENDA:
1. Consideration of the Human Rights Commission Bias/Hate Response Plan
Dan Detzner of the Falcon Heights Human Rights Commission (LMHRC) presented information to the council regarding hate and bias crimes, and the proposed plan for response should these
events occur. Detzner reported that over 50 cities across Minnesota have a Human Rights Commission (HRC).
The community response plan yields an immediate response and lets the individual committing these types of acts know that they are not tolerated. It also lets the victim
Consideration of the Human Rights Commission Bias/Hate Response Plan (continued) know that the city and community is there to support him/her. Detzner and Mayor Gehrz
discussed the low productivity of this commission in the past because of low need, but to have a plan in place of events or action heightens awareness in case something should happen.
Councilmember Kuettel mentioned that we may not always be able to catch the perpetrators of such crimes, but the plan at least lets victims know they have been heard, and is a start
to the healing process. Councilmember Talbot expressed the value in adopting a plan should the future need arise, and asked of Detzner how law enforcement can decipher between a “hate
crime” and a “regular crime?” Detzner replied that it is not easy, however language used during the encounter often is a give-away. Councilmember Kuettel noted she was on the HRC in
Falcon Heights, and they do not conduct an investigation, but noted the SAPD is quite sensitive to human rights issues. Councilmember Lindstrom expressed hope that this plan will never
have to be implemented, even though there was a racial crime last month. Councilmember Talbot echoed those sentiments in stating the type of behavior portrayed by hate crimes is not
tolerated in Falcon Heights, and this plan will hopefully make people think twice. Mayor Gehrz ended the conversation by thanking Mr. Detzner for his comments, and stated that Falcon
Heights had to put this plan in place before it was adopted, and it worked very well.
Councilmember Kuettel moved, and the motion was unanimously approved.
2. Certification of the Preliminary Tax Levy for 2006
The Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City to levy taxes in the amount of $865,008.00 for the year 2006 and to allow the County Auditor to extend the preliminary tax levy
in the amount of $865,008.00 for the year 2006.
Councilmember Lamb noted this is the third year in a row that Falcon Heights was not raising the city portion of the tax levy, but that residents should note they may still see tax increases
due to market value changes. Councilmember Lamb stressed the importance of the decisions made by the council to keep the levy at 0% for three years, while city staff continued to deliver
services at a high level, and in some cases services will be higher in 2006 (as in parks and recreation programs). Councilmember Lamb expressed his pleasure at being able to be part
of keeping the taxes low and at a rational level.
Councilmember Lamb moved for adoption of Resolution 2005-10, outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved.
NO. 2005-10
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY FOR 2006
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Falcon Heights authorizes the City to levy taxes in the amount of $865,008 for the year 2006, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Auditor should extend the preliminary tax levy in the amount of $865,008 for the year 2006.
3. Resolution Authorizing City to Eliminate 2005 Debt Levy on General Obligation Debt
The council adopted a resolution authorizing the City to remove G.O. Improvement Bonds 1999A from the 2005 tax levy in the amount of $125, 207.00, as outlined below.
Councilmember Lamb moved to adopt resolution 2005-11, and the motion was unanimously approved.
NO. 2005-11
ELIMINATION OF THE 2006 DEBT LEVY ON GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT
WHEREAS, the City Council of Falcon Heights has sufficient funds on hand in the Debt Service fund and other funds, and
WHEREAS, this amount is reserved for the debt payment on the General Obligation Improvement Bonds of 1999A;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Falcon Heights that the following be removed from the 2005 tax levy:
G.O. Improvement Bonds 1999A $125, 207.00
4. Variance Requests for 1800 N. Albert Street
Administrator Worthington began the item by giving a brief history of the property – information was retrieved from the council agenda packet for 9-14-05. She gave the specs of the
parcel, which is 68.58 feet wide by 295.4 feet deep, with an area of 20,473.2 square feet. The property is unusual in that it is one of the series of double deep lots on Albert and
Hamline, south of Garden and north of Larpenteur. These properties are at least twice as large as other properties in the neighborhood.
The owner of 1800 N. Albert proposed construction of a triple garage measuring 24’ x 38’ with space for three cars and a workshop, set 10 feet east of the house. The proposed garage
would require a variance of 8.5 feet on setback from the right-of-way. The proposed garage would also require a variance of 7 feet to accommodate the 31 foot driveway in order to give
access to the three bays of the garage. The property is eligible for a 24 foot absolute maximum.
Administrator Worthington reported the planning commission voted 4-2 to deny the variance. Councilmember Lindstrom encouraged the council to uphold the planning commission’s decision
by expressing concern on the set-back of the proposed garage because of its proximity to the street. The current garage structure allows for storage inside, however cars parked on the
driveway hang out into the street, causing concern for motorists and pedestrians. The new garage would be in the same location as the current structure, still 6 to 7 feet off the street.
Councilmember Lindstrom suggested the homeowner look into constructing the garage farther back on his lot to meet the set-back requirements since the space is available.
Councilmember Lamb stated he would support a variance for a width extension on the driveway, but the set-back was a concern. He questioned whether the planning
commission votes on the entire proposal as a whole or on each variance separately? Administrator Worthington replied that the planning commission has the discretion to separate by each
variance request, but for purposes of the staff report in the agenda packet it is combined. Councilmember Lamb suggested giving the council the separate requests and decisions, and
Administrator Worthington said staff would accommodate. Conversations on the variance then focused back on the driveway, with Councilmember Lindstrom suggesting a funneled or flared
driveway with a smaller opening onto the street and widening closer to the garage to accommodate the three garage stalls. Administrator Worthington said that staff encourages applicants
for variances to use this method to slow down run-off and alleviate curbing issues. She added that the homeowner has to explore the options and can still have the 3-car garage, driveway,
and shop, but that the structure cannot be in the current proposed location. Councilmember Talbot agreed, stating that no other uses are granted for public right of way use – not for
fences or anything – and it is the same for the homeowner, Mr. Thune. He went on to state that the proposed garage would not consider future uses for the right-of-way, including a potential
sidewalk. Councilmember Talbot also thanked the planning commission members for their work and Councilmember Lindstrom for being the council liaison to the commission. Councilmember
Lindstrom moved to adopt the finding of fact and to accept the planning commission’s recommendation to deny the variance request for 1800 N. Albert. Councilmembers Talbot, Lamb, and
Lindstrom, along with Mayor Gehrz were in favor. Kuettel was opposed. Motion passed 4-1.
REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS: No reports.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Talbot reminded residents of the garage sale on 9/17 and the clean-up 9/24.
Councilmember Kuettel reported the FH Elementary School would like to hold a food drive March 20-24, 2006.
Mayor Gehrz reported that the City will soon wrap up its inventory of available housing in response to the Governor’s request for the Hurricane Katrina victims who may be moving into
the Twin Cities’ area. Mayor Gehrz noted that the Neighborhood Commission will activate to welcome any of those victims who relocate to Falcon Heights. She also mentioned the FH Elementary
Annual Back to School parade on 8/30 was a great success of students, families, parents, and others celebrating the beginning of the school year.
Administrator Worthington reminded residents of the Roselawn Reconstruction Meeting on 9/15 at 6:30 p.m. and the Bell Museum Meeting on 9/21 at 7:00 p.m.
The regular City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Deputy City Clerk