HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_06Sep27Falcon Heights City Council Minutes
City Hall
7:00 p.m.
September 27, 2006
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Lindstrom, and Talbot, Administrator Miller, and Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Gehrz called the regular City Council meeting to order.
Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting on September 13 were approved as submitted.
Consent agenda:
Council member Harris lauded Lisa Abernathy for her work with the Parks/Rec Commission and said she was a great staff person.
Council members Lindstrom and Talbot and Mayor Gehrz said they appreciated all the applicants for the steering committee who are volunteering their time.
The following five items were moved for approval by Council member Kuettel. The motion passed unanimously.
1. General disbursements through 9/22/06: $95,856.55
Payroll through 9/15/06: $15,075.20
Step increase for Lisa Abernathy, Parks and Recreation Supervisor/ Administrative Assistant
3. Appointments to Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
4. Approval of Licenses
5. Approval for Mayor Gehrz to Accept Complimentary Tickets to University of
Minnesota vs. Michigan Football Game as the City’s Representative on the
Stadium Area Advisory Group
Policy agenda:
1. Discussion of Draft Solicitor Ordinance
Administrator Miller began the item by giving an overview of the current Falcon Heights ordinance, followed by an explanation of the ordinance of the City of Plymouth, Minn. He said
Plymouth’s ordinance required a more detailed application, including information on the individual, what the individual was selling, record of past criminal history, and provision of
a background check, among other requirements. He added the ordinance would not apply to non-profit, political, newspapers, or religious organizations or children. He said the same
provision for the “solicitors prohibited” signs would be included.
Council member Lindstrom asked about the current volume of licenses granted. Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser replied she had processed one or two in the past year.
Council member Talbot asked if solicitors would be required to wear a badge or carry identification with the City logo. Administrator Miller replied that would give the idea
that the City endorses the group; however, a license provided by the City would have to be carried.
Mayor Gehrz said that solicitors, peddlers, and resident's concerns about safety were the most common issues she hears about, and reiterated the importance of an ordinance regulating
them.
The council commenced in a brief discussion on their experiences with peddlers and solicitors coming to their door.
Council member Lindstrom requested amending the end time from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The council agreed that was a good suggestion. Council member Talbot added that if someone comes
forward to challenge the end time, the council could re-examine.
Administrator Miller stated any changes to the ordinance would result in major education through the City website, flyer, newsletter, and perhaps a newspaper article.
Mayor Gehrz asked how different the Falcon Heights ordinance is from our neighboring cities. Staff will research. She added the best solution to avoid these groups is to put up a “no
solicitors” sign on the door or simply do not answer the door to them. Staff will include the “no solicitors” sign in an upcoming newsletter for residents to use.
Council member Lindstrom asked about Plymouth’s suspension and revocation section, Administrator Miller replied the provision for a hearing is included in that, but will clarify that
section. He also said if the council’s intent were to suspend the license immediately upon a violation, he would have the City Attorney draft some language to insert in the ordinance.
Council member Talbot asked about non-profit organizations license requirements. The council discussed this briefly, and staff explained that non-profit groups must also carry a charitable
license with them issued by the City.
The council discussed briefly the issue of ice cream trucks and where they fall under the ordinance. They decided to eliminate “ringing a bell” from section 1140.13.
Administrator Miller was instructed to look into section 1140.01 and to research the party who is responsible for conducting the hearings.
2. Discussion of Alcohol Violation Fine Schedule
Administrator Miller began by explaining the council had asked staff to review the fine schedule for alcohol violations. After conducting research on metro cities, Falcon Heights’s
fine schedule was determined to be in-line with neighboring cities, Miller said.
Mayor Gehrz stated that when the increasing penalty schedule was set, along with the minimum, it was because the council wanted to be sure there was a minimum penalty in place.
Council member Talbot noted the maximum was outlined in the ordinance as well. He asked who imposes the penalty, and if there is a suspension of the license, when does that penalty
begin. Administrator Miller replied that would be researched. Talbot also asked about the compounding of fines. Mayor Gehrz pointed out what was on the schedule was a minimum. Administrator
Miller stated the code spells out the timeline of the fines, but the days of suspension are up to the council.
Council member Lindstrom asked if the council would agree to change the fine for allowing an officer onto the premises to inspect a business. He thought the current fine was too low,
and recommended $500 plus a one-day suspension. He said in other
instances the errors are more mistakes, but in this instance of refusal of access, it is a more egregious action. The council agreed.
Administrator Miller stated the ordinance would come back before the council for formal adoption.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Lindstrom invited all to the Northwest Youth and Family Services Open House from 6-9 p.m. on October 12 at the Shoreview Community Center. The cost is $25/person.
Mayor Gehrz announced there are openings on the Neighborhood Commission, and encouraged residents to apply. In addition, she noted that on September 28 the Ramsey County League of Local
Governments is holding a meeting on water issues in local government planning at the Ramsey County public works garage. All are welcome.
Council member Kuettel mentioned she had heard many people were out at the City garage sale and was pleased with the clean-up day. She added she had also heard positive things about
the new stop signs in the City.
Administrator Miller announced there are seats open on the environment, planning, neighborhood, and parks/recreation commissions. He also noted the speed cart had been delivered, and
will be placed around the City per resident’s requests. Call City Hall to sign up.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk