HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Oct11City of Falcon Heights
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
October 11, 2006
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Lindstrom, and Talbot, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser, Parks and Public Works
Director Hoag, Engineer Bloom, and Shelly Eldridge of Ehler’s and Associates.
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting minutes of the September 27, 2006 regular council meeting were approved as submitted.
Public Hearing:
Administrator Miller gave a brief overview of the TIF development district, and explained that each year the City certifies a report to the State on its districts. In recent months,
Ehler’s and Associates brought to the City’s attention that development projects in certain TIF districts could be expanded. He stated there are two types of TIF districts: ones in
which TIF funds can be spent, and ones in which TIF funds can be collected. Upon Ehler’s recommendation, staff would ask for permission to expand the development district, where the
TIF funds could be spent. He outlined the types of projects the TIF dollars could be spent on: some infrastructure, sidewalks, and road reconstruction, among others. Miller explained
that expanding the TIF boundaries to encompass the entire city does not bind the council. It simply gives the City flexibility and keeps Falcon Heights tax dollars in Falcon Heights.
Council member Kuettel asked why the district boundaries were not set this way in the first place. Administrator Miller replied likely it was because there were projects in mind, and
the boundaries were drawn to include those areas. Shelly Eldridge, of Ehler’s, stated that laws have changed since the mid-80s when the boundaries were drawn. Adding that back when
the boundaries were drawn, it was common to include only project area, now it is accepted to include entire city limits. She added that many municipalities are making these changes,
and they comply with the State Auditor.
Council member Lindstrom asked about the law changes since the mid-80s. Eldridge replied that there are three active TIF districts in the City. The first two were created in the mid-80s,
the last one being the development at Snelling and Larpenteur. She added that the law grants more flexibility with older TIF districts.
Council member Talbot asked if Finance Director Olson agrees with the change. Administrator Miller replied he was, and the City would consult with Ehler’s before spending any of the
funds.
Mayor Gehrz opened the public hearing. No comments were heard. Mayor Gehrz closed the public hearing.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve resolution 06-24, adopting the modification to the development program for development district number one. The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda:
Mayor Gehrz asked Administrator Miller to give an overview of the schedule. Miller explained the legal schedule requires a resolution, public hearing, and publishing of those notices.
Engineer Bloom explained the process began in June 2005 with the Roselawn project and last
spring with Hamline/Hoyt. She explained the public meetings, assessment hearings, and research, and these resolutions are the culmination of the projects. She explained that at the
public hearing there would be summaries of what is covered by assessments, State aid funds, utility funds, and so on. She added there are 13 properties to be assessed.
Mayor Gehrz stated the parties assessed would be charged at the low rate of $26.50 per frontage foot. She added the assessments were covering a smaller portion of the project, and the
taxpayer’s portion was larger.
Council member Talbot moved the following three items for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
General disbursements through 10/4/06: $97,141.57
Payroll through 9/30/06: $13,987.27
Approval of licenses
Approve city resolution declaring costs to be assessed, receiving assessment rolls and setting assessment hearing date for 2006 street improvement projects
Policy Agenda:
1. Submission of a grant proposal to the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Mayor Gehrz began the item by explaining the State of Minnesota has $119,000 leftover from 2005 federal funds funneled to the State under the umbrella of the Citizen Corp. She added
there are 81 programs eligible in the State, but not all 81 are expected to apply. She said the CERT trainers and HAM coordinator aided in forming ideas for funding, and she would send
in the grant application.
Council members Harris and Talbot thanked Mayor Gehrz for her work on the proposal.
Mayor Gehrz added that kits for the next CERT class, supplies, and materials for the Neighborhood Commission are among the requests.
Council member Talbot asked when the City would find out if the funds were granted. Mayor Gehrz replied she would know Monday afternoon.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the submission of the grant proposal. The motion passed unanimously.
Authorize purchase of Street name signs (corner markers)
Parks and Public Works Director Hoag began the item by explaining the research that has gone into the project to date. He said the majority of the street signs are 25 years old, are
three-inch painted steel, and are in dire need of an upgrade. He showed examples to the council. He said the new technology includes diamond-grade reflective overlay, larger type,
and upper and lower case letters. He added that staff recommends the non-numbered signs, as they would be easier to keep in stock, offer less visual clutter, and are less expensive.
Council member Kuettel said she supported the non-numbered option.
Council member Harris stated she liked the numbered option since not all homeowners have lighted house numbers, and it is useful to see the block, especially for emergency vehicles.
Council member Talbot stated he supported the non-numbered signs because of the interchangeability and lower cost.
Hoag stated from a public safety standpoint, the block numbers of the street signs are not useful as the 911 dispatchers direct the drivers to exactly their address and cross street,
and in addition,
there are highly specific maps in the vehicles. He stated having numbers on the houses is more important than having the block number on the street sign.
Council member Talbot asked when the signs would be installed. Hoag replied that it would likely take place after December.
Council member Lindstrom stated he supported the non-numbered option.
Mayor Gehrz stated that $35,000 was budgeted for the project, when the estimate for corner signs has come in at about $17,000. She asked if more money would be necessary for the regulatory
signs. Hoag replied that many of the regulatory signs need an upgrade, and at this point this late in the year he didn’t anticipate using the balance this year. Hamline, Hoyt, and
Roselawn would be started outright rather than putting the old signs back out there. Administrator Miller also stated those would fall under the $5,000 limit for staff to approve.
Hoag added that he would appreciate the $5,000 for installation. He added the signs would arrive six to eight weeks after ordering, and staff would attempt to begin installation in
2006, however the bulk would occur in 2007.
Mayor Gehrz stated she supported the non-numbered signs.
A brief discussion on the usefulness of lighted house numbers ensued.
Council member Harris stated she understood the argument for the non-numbered option and would support it.
Council member Lindstrom moved to authorize the purchase of the street signs (corner markers). The motion passed unanimously.
3. Amendment to liquor violation fine schedule
Administrator Miller stated this item was follow-up from a previous council discussion, and the action would create the change in the new city code.
Council member Talbot stated they were outlined in the minutes, just as the council proposed.
Council member Lindstrom moved to approve the amendment to the liquor violation fine schedule. The motion passed unanimously.
Community Forum: none
Information/Announcements:
Council member Harris reported on the Park/Rec Commission meeting. The Commission covered the status of the rec programs, and learned yoga was a big draw for residents. The winter
event re-naming poll is up on the website, and the date has been set for January 28. She reported the Curtiss Field play equipment would be re-painted instead of completely replaced,
although some wooden pieces will be replaced with metal, giving the structure another 10-15 years life. The Adopt-a-Park program brochures are being printed.
Council member Lindstrom reminded residents to vote on the ‘Dead of Winter’ name online. The Northwest Youth and Family Services open house is on October 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Shoreview
Community Center. All are welcome. He also said the Environment Commission would bring their recommendation on the Community Garden project to the council on November 8.
Council member Talbot said the CTV workshop on citywide wi-fi was held October 11, more to come on that.
Mayor Gehrz reported the speed cart is out in the City, debuting on Arona. Call City Hall to request it on your block. She said the Ramsey County League of Local Governments would
hold
a meeting on October 26 from 4-6 p.m. on the progress of the Active Living Ramsey County group. Lastly, the Comp Plan Steering Committee’s first meeting will be held October 30 from
6:30-8 p.m.
Administrator Miller said the bulk e-mail tool is up and working in the City, so staff can send out crime alerts, park/rec info, etc. Log on and sign up. He announced that Parks and
Public Works Director Hoag submitted his resignation, and would be leaving to take on duties as the Arden Hills Public Works Director. Hoag’s last day in Falcon Heights is October 31.
Mayor Gehrz stated that Falcon Heights counter-offered, however could not offer the same opportunities as Arden Hills, in the areas of green space and park development. Hoag thanked
the council, and stated he was pleased to work in Falcon Heights, but Arden Hills offered an opportunity he could not pass up.
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser said that absentee ballots are available at City Hall for anyone who cannot make it on November 7.
Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk