HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Dec13Regular Meeting of the City Council
December 13, 2006
7:00 p.m., City Hall
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Lindstrom, and Talbot, Administrator Miller, and Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The minutes of the November 8 and December 4, 2006 meetings were approved as submitted.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Council member Kuettel asked why there were extreme differences between the costs for proposals for engineering. Administrator Miller replied that the biggest difference was that SEH
was prepared to use lower-level staffers, and the City Engineer agrees they have seen similar bidding patterns in the past. He added that all companies bid on the same scope of work
and the City Attorney wrote a tight contract.
Council member Talbot asked the difference between engineering for the Comp Plan and the engineering Roseville does for Falcon Heights. Administrator Miller answered that the Comp Plan
is a more sophisticated analysis that most cities’ engineering departments cannot handle, while engineering firms have expertise and can complete the work in an economical and comprehensive
manner.
Council member Lindstrom asked whether Red Arrow was a commercial or residential hauler. Staff will check.
Council member Talbot moved the following nine items for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
General disbursements through 12/7/06: $196,147.30
Payroll from 11/1/06 through 11/30/06: $26,571.45
2. Approval of licenses
3. Continue Workman's Compensation coverage of Mayor and
Council Members
4. Temporary Delegation of Authority to the City Administrator for
Paying Claims Against the City when a Council Meeting is Cancelled
5. Mileage Reimbursement rate for 2007
6. Statutory Tort Limits Liability Coverage for City
7. Approval of an application for an exempt permit to conduct raffles for
the Falcon Heights Elementary PTSA
8. Commission appointments effective January 1, 2007
9. Approval of Consultant Contract with SEH for Comprehensive Plan
Update Engineering Services
Policy Agenda:
Mayor Gehrz asked the council to rearrange the order of the items on the agenda. They moved policy item four to item one.
1. Proposed Amendments to Falcon Heights Fire Department Relief Association By-Laws
Administrator Miller began the item by explaining firefighters get a pension when they retire from the department, and the relief association was created to handle the pension funds.
He said that there were discrepancies found in the by-laws and outlined the changes. In addition, the department has approved the changes.
Council member Talbot asked if the changes would be retroactive. Administrator Miller replied that they were not if the firefighter was retired and collecting pension already. It would
affect those not already collecting a pension.
Mayor Gehrz said the changes would help to keep firefighters in Falcon Heights.
Council member Harris asked the retirement age. Dan Johnson-Powers of the FHFD answered that there is no age, but vesting is determined by years of service.
Johnson-Powers explained the five-year rule, stating that firefighters can leave and come back to the department for any reason, and as long as it is within five years of their leaving,
they can pick up where they left off in the vesting process.
Council member Talbot asked the average length of service for a firefighter in Falcon Heights. Johnson-Powers replied he was not sure, but that he had been with the department for eight
years.
Administrator Miller said that no taxpayer dollars fund the relief association. A percentage of insurance premiums contribute to pension savings.
Johnson-Powers stated that when new firefighters come on board, there is a high initial investment and the department begs them each to discuss, consider, and make a five-year commitment.
Mayor Gehrz added that in addition to the 2% of insurance premiums, the relief association also does fundraisers throughout the year.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the proposed amendments to Falcon Heights Fire Department Relief Association By-Laws. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Adoption of the 2007 tax levy and budget
Administrator Miller said that the council and staff have been working on the budget since July with workshops, setting the preliminary levy, holding the TNT hearing, and finally adopting
the budget. He reviewed the increases.
Council member Harris asked the tax levy presentation be placed on the website.
Council member Kuettel said the levy was zero the last three years, and now is a $22 increase. She said the City is a tight ship, and even with zero increases, services were not lost.
Council member Talbot said that councilors asked themselves if the City would be part of the solution or part of the problem and attributed the zero percent increases to wise use of
reserves.
Mayor Gehrz said that every line item was scrutinized, and cuts were made without compromising services. She thanked staff for their hard work. She added that small increases to the
levy amount would be needed in the future to maintain fund balances.
Council member Lindstrom said external pressures related to the police contract, health insurance premiums, and utility rates make up the increase. He added that by being innovative
the City was able to maintain a ‘status quo’ budget, and is trying to do better, new things.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve resolution 06-31, adopting the 2007 tax levy. The motion passed unanimously.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve resolution 06-32, adopting the 2007 budget. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Amendments to Solicitor’s Ordinance
Administrator Miller began by giving an overview of the process to date and outlined the changes made.
Council member Talbot asked if there was a provision for magazine salespeople or non-profits, and said it seemed as though the proposed ordinance was working backwards since these people
do not need to obtain a license under the new ordinance.
Administrator Miller said there were exemptions in section five, and that in the City Attorney’s opinion the proposed ordinance was as restrictive as possible.
Mayor Gehrz said the new ordinance would be a change. Currently non-profits do need a permit, and under the new ordinance this would not be the case.
Council member Harris pointed out that if a solicitor approaches your home and is inappropriate, calling the police is still encouraged.
Council member Talbot reiterated that the new ordinance would be undoing what the Council wants to enforce.
Administrator Miller stated that the current ordinance could be challenged. Under the opinion of the City Attorney, the proposed ordinance could withstand a challenge.
Mayor Gehrz said the responsibility goes back on the homeowner to use their judgment to report any suspicious activity, and to use the “no solicitors” sign because that will still apply
under the new ordinance.
Council member Lindstrom asked if non-profits had to abide by the other provisions of the ordinance. Administrator Miller said they would, and would have to stay within the time constraints
outlined.
Mayor Gehrz pointed out the background check notice should be added to the application.
Council member Harris questioned paragraph 13, regarding ‘no solicitor’ signs. Administrator Miller to clarify with City Attorney.
Mayor Gehrz asked how anyone will know the changes if they do not see the ordinance. Administrator Miller replied they would be published in the spring newsletter, posted online, and
printed in the Falcon Flyer.
Council member Talbot stated the Council was not making any ground with the new ordinance.
Mayor Gehrz said that the old ordinance did not mesh with the Constitution, and the City legally could not enforce it.
The item will be brought before council at the next meeting, with the changes and clarifications made.
4. Background Checks Ordinance
Administrator Miller began by stating the SAPD and the City Attorney asked the City to update the ordinance. He said the ordinance would apply to employees, not just solicitors.
Council member Harris asked if the City has to notify an applicant for a solicitor’s license of the earliest date to reapply. She stated she is fine with the employment aspect of the
ordinance.
Council member Lindstrom asked if the new background check ordinance would apply to all employees. Administrator Miller replied that it could be as specific as needed. It would apply
to parks/rec applicants that work with children, solicitors, and liquor license applicants.
Council member Lindstrom moved to approve ordinance 06-04. The motion passed unanimously.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Harris said the Parks/Rec Commission would meet on December 18.
Council member Lindstrom invited residents to the Community Garden Steering Committee meeting on January 8 at 7 p.m.
Council member Kuettel said that meeting notices and web streaming of council meetings could be found on the new website, www.falconheights.org
Council member Talbot encouraged residents to buy local for their Christmas trees.
Mayor Gehrz announced that the tobacco sellers in the City passed compliance checks. She said the Comp Plan Steering Committee met and heard a presentation by the LMC on demographic
trends and land-use planning at their well-attended meeting. She said December 21 is the last 800 mhz policy planning meeting, as the process is complete. Lastly, a puppy is lost in
the Grove. Reward is offered; call City Hall with any info.
The Council thanked Mayor Gehrz for her hard work on the 800 mhz program.
Administrator Miller said the new Parks and Public Works Director, Tim Pittman would start work on the 18th. In addition, he announced the retirement of Pat Phillips at the end of December.
Applications are being accepted until December 29 for the 16-20 hour/week position.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk