HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Mar08Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
City of Falcon Heights
March 8, 2006
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of the council were present.
PRESENTATIONS:
1. John Thein, Roseville School District #623
Thein addressed the council and gave his thanks to Falcon Heights staff, residents, and students of Roseville area schools for their support. Thein stated Falcon Heights would be included
in upcoming parks/recreation planning and in the sharing of resources in the future.
2. John Ohl, SAPD Annual Report
Chief Ohl presented highlights of the 2005 SAPD Annual Report. A hard copy of the report can be reviewed at City Hall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes dated February 22, 2006 were approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the following five items on the consent agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
1. General Disbursements through 3/2/06: $64,440.47, Payroll: $15,770.36
2006 Licenses
Step increase, reclassification, and regular appointment for Stacey Kreuser, Deputy Clerk
18 month step increase for Greg Hoag, Parks and Public Works Director
5. Replacement of 2001 Ford F250 Pickup Truck
POLICY AGENDA:
Mayor Gehrz asked for the Hoyt/Snelling Feasibility Report to be approved as policy item 3.
Resolution supporting the constitutional amendment for motor vehicle sales tax dedication to transportation (MVST)
Administrator Worthington began the item by explaining the MVST funding allocations. She explained the Legislature, during the late 1980s, dedicated MVST revenue to highways and transit,
intending that the money supplement other transportation funding. However, she added, this dedication was periodically changed or suspended due to shortages in the general fund. Worthington
noted it was abolished entirely beginning in Fiscal Year 1992, and from then until 2001, all MVST revenue was deposited into the general fund and used for non transportation-related
purposes. Passage of this bill would raise an additional $300 million per year. She stated the proposed language for the ballot question in November 2006 is: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution
be amended to dedicate revenue from a tax on the sale of new and used motor vehicles over a five-year period, so
that after June 30, 2011, all of the revenue is dedicated at least 40 percent for public transit assistance and not more than 60 percent for highway purposes?”
Council member Harris expressed her doubt at the passage of the resolution simply because of the language allocating exact percentages of revenues. She stated if it allocated solely
to transportation and did not distinguish between transit and highways, she would vote for it.
Mayor Gehrz stated that it might be harmful for the council to endorse only part of the resolution. Administrator Worthington replied she agreed that changing the language now would
be most damaging. Mayor Gehrz added it is not that she does not support the resolution, but she was not sure it belonged in the constitution.
The council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding transit versus highway funding and gas taxes and the language that would change the constitution.
Mayor Gehrz suggested the council table the resolution. The council agreed to table the item.
Drive-through Moratorium Study and Process
Administrator Worthington began the item by explaining the process of the moratorium that has been developed and the purpose and issues surrounding the moratorium.
Council member Harris stated one thing that came to her mind was the comprehensive plan. She noted that although some real estate is currently zoned one way, it may not be zoned the
same way forever.
A short discussion on when to hold the meetings - in the evening, over the weekend, or daytime commenced. Administrator Worthington also noted the new website will have a polling feature
and reminders online for residents to access for the latest meeting announcements.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the drive-through moratorium study and process. The motion passed unanimously.
Hoyt/Snelling Feasibility Study (addendum)
Engineer Bloom gave a brief overview of the feasibility report and the plan for the project. A hard copy of the report is available at City Hall.
Council member Kuettel asked about alleys on the Falcon Heights side of Hoyt and residential access when the reconstruction is occurring. Administrator Worthington replied that between
Arona and Snelling there is not an alley. Engineer Bloom added a meeting with property owners will be set for later this year to address this; however, the road will still be drive-able
during the reconstruction.
Kuettel then asked about the possibility of having the contractors pave driveways if the homeowners want them to. She added that in the past, a contractor who originally agreed to do
the work backed out at the last minute because they were too busy. Engineer Bloom replied that a provision addressing this is in the contract for Roselawn and will be addressed for
the Hoyt project as well.
Council member Harris asked what the council would be approving with the passage of the resolution. Administrator Worthington replied that the preliminary cost estimates have been received
by St. Paul and Falcon Heights. She added that under our classification, Falcon Heights must pass a resolution while St. Paul can treat it differently since they are a city of the first
class.
A brief discussion on the 429 process commenced.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the Hoyt/Snelling Feasibility Study. The motion passed unanimously.
INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Gehrz began by stating on March 3 Administrator Worthington submitted a formal letter of resignation to the City. She read the letter to the council and residents. The Mayor
added there will be a farewell gathering for residents to come and say congrats and goodbye. The council echoed the Mayor’s sentiments in Administrator Worthington’s departure.
Mayor Gehrz added the volunteer CERTs (13 of them) attended training and gave up their Saturday on February 25 to make the City a safer and more prepared place in the event of a disaster.
The Mayor adjourned the council meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk