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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Jul26Regular Meeting of the City Council July 26, 2006 City Hall Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Lindstrom, Kuettel and Talbot, Administrator Miller, and Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser. Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting minutes of the regular City Council meeting on July 12 were approved as submitted. Consent Agenda: The following two items were moved for approval by Council member Kuettel. The motion passed unanimously. Disbursements through 7/20/06: $107,638.42 Payroll through 7/15/06: $18,103.31 2. Approval of licenses Policy Agenda: 1. Approval of 800 MHz Subscriber Agreement and Dispatch Service Agreement with Ramsey County Administrator Miller began the item by explaining the 800 MHz Subscriber Agreement, stating the two agreements were separate, but both related to the 800MHz conversion. He said all agencies in the region are going to transition to 800MHz in order to communicate with each other. He said all cities would be signing an agreement through 2016, with renewals occurring in 30-year increments. The cost for Falcon Heights for 2007-08 is $11,504.00, Miller said, which is derived from the formula of 60% of the cost levied through County property taxes, and the remaining 40% based on call volume. Council member Talbot asked about the changing technologies cities will see in the future. Mayor Gehrz answered that with the system there will be ways to upgrade with software improvements. She added that through 800MHz, all cities would be the same, and as new members join the system, it will enlarge, and there will be room for more technology. She said Falcon Heights has obtained demonstration radios, and the SAPD has them already and is familiar with the system. Council member Harris asked about overcrowding the same radio system with every city using it. Gehrz replied there are “talk groups,” which designate certain channels for two-party communication, and other channels for wider ranges. She said not everyone is on the same channel unless there is a general need. Gehrz also stated there are seven antennas in the County, one in Falcon Heights. Council member Lindstrom reiterated the financing breakdown, stating that originally the County wanted to levy 100% of the dispatch center construction costs to taxes. He lauded Mayor Gehrz for her work in formulating a better financing package for Falcon Heights. Council member Kuettel asked how many Ramsey County cities would be using the dispatch center. Mayor Gehrz replied that White Bear Lake had not signed on as they have their own center and may continue to use it. Council member Talbot asked how certain the City could be that St. Paul would sign the agreement, as Falcon Heights costs may increase due to St. Paul’s participation. Mayor Gehrz said the St. Paul City Council had passed a resolution they would be part of the dispatch. She added that due to the call volume piece of the financing package, residents should not be discouraged to call 911. Council member Harris asked about the non-emergency police number, and whether it could be publicized more. Staff will speak with Chief Ohl. Answering Council member Lindstrom’s question, Mayor Gehrz said the City would be able to access the spare radios kept by the Ramsey County Manager’s Office in case of special events. Administrator Miller then gave an overview of the Dispatch Service Agreement with Ramsey County. The council discussed briefly the agreements signed by other cities and the future costs of the system. Mayor Gehrz said the cost for 800MHz was not included in the 2006 budget because no one foresaw the project coming together so quickly. She added that a budget amendment would be forthcoming. Council member Harris asked the Mayor to state who would carry the radios. Gehrz replied the police department would (radios paid for by St. Anthony), the fire department, Emergency Manager Greg Hoag, and there would be one or two at City Hall. Council member Talbot moved to approve the 800 MHz Subscriber Agreement and Dispatch Service Agreement with Ramsey County. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Review of Draft of Falcon Heights City Code Recodification (Part II) Administrator Miller stated the council had chapters 14, 22, and 30 to proofread for the recodification project. He asked the council for their changes to the draft code. The council went through the code, page-by-page, and made their changes. Information/Announcements: Council member Harris invited residents to the Ice Cream Social, July 27 from 6-8 p.m. in Community Park. Council member Lindstrom stated the Environment Commission would be surveying residents about the community garden proposal. Mayor Gehrz state there would be a CERT table, Neighborhood Commission, and encouraged residents to plan a block party for National Night Out, August 1. She said the budget workshop would be at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey Kreuser Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk