HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-28-23 Regular Meeting AmendedCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA - AMENDED
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
7:00 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER:
B.ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON____ LEEHY___ MEYER ___
WASSENBERG ____ WEHYEE___
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN___
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.PRESENTATION
1. General Obligation Improvement Bond, Series 2023A Pre-Sale
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1.June 14, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
F.PUBLIC HEARINGS:
G.CONSENT AGENDA:
1.General Disbursements through 6/21/23: $140,964.59
Payroll through 6/15/23: $21,584.74
Wire Payments through 6/15/23: $13,081.10
2.Release of RFP for Professional Construction Management and Pre-Design Services for
Community Park Renovation
H: POLICY ITEMS:
1.State Fair Task Force Recommendation – Extension of No Parking on Water Side for all
of Northeast Quadrant
I.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
J. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred for consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion will be
held on these items.
K.ADJOURNMENT:
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item General Obligation Improvement Bond, Series 2023A Pre-Sale
Description
On the April 26, 2023, the City Council awarded the Pavement Management
Project (PMP) to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for the following streets:
• Holton Street, Larpenteur Avenue to Roselawn Avenue
• Albert Street, Ruggles Street to Roselawn Avenue
• Sheldon Street, Ruggles Street to Roselawn Avenue
• Ruggles Street, Holton Street to Hamline Avenue
• Garden Avenue, East Snelling Service Drive to Hamline Avenue
• Idaho/Iowa Alleyway
The next steps will be to authorize the sale of bonds and set the date of the sale
of the bond to be awarded on Wednesday, July 26th at the regular City Council
meeting.
Budget Impact The debt service payments will be accounted for starting in the FY2024
budget.
Attachment(s) • GO Improvement Bond, Series 2023A Pre-Sale Report
• Resolution 23-44 Providing for the Sale of $521,000 General Obligation
Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Action(s)
Requested
Staff would recommend approval of attached resolution, authorizing the sale
of bond for the 2023 Pavement Management Project.
Meeting Date June 28, 2023
Agenda Item Presentation D1
Attachment Report, Resolution
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
June 28, 2023
PRE-SALE REPORT FOR
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
$521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds,
Series 2023A
Prepared by:
Ehlers
3060 Centre Pointe Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
Advisors:
Todd Hagen, Senior Municipal Advisor
Nick Anhut, Senior Municipal Advisor
Keith Dahl, Municipal Advisor
BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IT’S WHAT WE DO.
Presale Report
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
June 28, 2023
Page 1
Proposed Issue:
$521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
The City has directed Ehlers to assist in a financing method that is callable on any date without
penalty, does not require voter approval and would allow for payments over 5 years.
Purpose:
The proposed issue includes financing with other available funds, for the construction of
various street and utility improvements in the City.
Debt service will be paid from special assessments and property taxes.
Authority:
The Bonds are being issued pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapters:
MS 475 – General Bonding Authority.
MS 429 – Special Assessment Pledge. This Chapter allows cities to issue debt without
a referendum if the City is assessing at least 20% of the project costs.
The Bonds do not count against the Net Debt Limit of 3% of the estimated market value of
taxable property in the City.
The City has held the required public hearing and is under the maximum amount of debt limit
proscribed in MS 429.
The Bonds will be general obligations of the City for which its full faith, credit and taxing
powers are pledged.
Term/Call Feature:
The Bonds are being issued for a term of 5 years. Principal on the Bonds will be due on
February 1 in the years 2025 through 2029. Interest is payable every six months beginning
August 1, 2024.
The Bonds will be subject to prepayment at the discretion of the City on any date after closing.
Bank Qualification:
Because the City is expecting to issue no more than $10,000,000 in tax exempt debt during
the calendar year, the City will be able to designate the Bonds as “bank qualified” obligations.
Bank qualified status broadens the market for the Bonds, which can result in lower interest
rates.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED DEBT
Presale Report
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
June 28, 2023
Page 2
Rating:
We recommend selling this issue non-rated as the cost of the rating would not be expected
to be offset by the potential lower interest rates resulting from obtaining a rating.
For a larger bond issue or a longer-term bond issue, a rating might broaden the market for
the Bonds and result in an overall reduction in interest costs.
Basis for Recommendation:
Based on our knowledge of the City’s situation and objectives communicated to us, our
advisory relationship as well as characteristics of various municipal financing options, we are
recommending the issuance of general obligation bonds with a limited competitive sale as a
suitable financing option for the following reasons:
General obligation bonds provide a straight-forward approach to financing projects
identified by the City.
We expect that the size and term of the issue, with bank qualification, will attract
several quality bids based upon similar recent sales in Minnesota.
The City does not expect to have surplus resources adequate to pay the debt prior to
the scheduled maturities.
This is generally the most overall cost-effective option.
Method of Sale/Placement:
The City will pursue a limited competitive sale approach with an offering document for this
bond issue because of its relatively small size and shorter term. The Bonds will be offered to
a limited number of local and regional banks. The City will direct Ehlers to distribute the
offering document to no less than three banks, identified by the City as having an interest in
submitting a bid for this bond issue. The Bonds will be held by the financial institution as a
loan in its loan portfolio.
Review of Existing Debt:
We have reviewed all outstanding indebtedness for the City and find that there are no
refunding opportunities at this time.
We will continue to monitor the market and the call dates for the City’s outstanding debt and
will alert you to any future refunding opportunities.
Continuing Disclosure:
Because the Bonds will be placed with a financial institution that intends to hold the Bonds to
maturity, the Bonds are not considered a security and thus are not subject to the Continuing
Disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
However, the City may be required to disclose the issuance of the Bonds due to existing
Continuing Disclosure undertakings.
Presale Report
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
June 28, 2023
Page 3
The City will also provide its financial statements to the purchaser upon request.
Arbitrage Monitoring:
The City must ensure compliance with certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code and
Treasury Regulations (“Arbitrage Rules”) throughout the life of the issue to maintain the tax-
exempt status of the Bonds. These Arbitrage Rules apply to amounts held in construction,
escrow, reserve, debt service account(s), etc., along with related investment income on each
fund/account.
IRS audits will verify compliance with rebate, yield restriction and records retention
requirements within the Arbitrage Rules. The City’s specific arbitrage responsibilities will be
detailed in the Nonarbitrage Certificate prepared by your Bond Attorney and provided at
closing.
Small Issuer Exception ($5M or less) – The City expects to qualify for the small issuer
exception to arbitrage rebate on the Bonds.
We recommend that the City review its specific responsibilities related to the Bonds with an
arbitrage expert to help monitor the exception used above.
Investment of Bond Proceeds:
Ehlers can assist the City in developing a strategy to invest your Bond proceeds until the
funds are needed to pay project costs.
Risk Factors:
Special Assessments: We have not assumed any prepaid special assessments and we have
assumed that assessments will be levied as projected. If the City receives a significant number
of prepaid assessments or does not levy the assessments, it may need to increase the levy
portion of the debt service to make up for lower interest earnings than the expected
assessment interest rate.
GO Pledge: Because the Bonds will be general obligations of the City for which its full faith,
credit and taxing powers are pledged, if the annual special assessments and property taxes
collected are not sufficient to pay the debt service payments, other City funds will need to be
used.
Other Service Providers:
This debt issuance will require the engagement of other public finance service providers. This
section identifies those other service providers, so Ehlers can coordinate their engagement
on your behalf. Where you have previously used a particular firm to provide a service, we
have assumed that you will continue that relationship. For services you have not previously
required, we have identified a service provider. Fees charged by these service providers will
be paid from proceeds of the obligation, unless you notify us that you wish to pay them from
other sources. Our pre-sale bond sizing includes a good faith estimate of these fees, but the
final fees may vary. If you have any questions pertaining to the identified service providers or
Presale Report
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
June 28, 2023
Page 4
their role, or if you would like to use a different service provider for any of the listed services,
please contact us.
Bond Attorney: Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Paying Agent: City of Falcon Heights
Rating Agency: This issue will not be rated
Summary:
The decisions to be made by the City Council are as follows:
Accept or modify the finance assumptions described in this report.
Adopt the resolution attached to this report.
This pre-sale report summarizes our understanding of the City’s objectives for the structure
and terms of this financing as of this date. As additional facts become known or capital
markets conditions change, we may need to modify the structure and/or terms of this
financing to achieve results consistent with the City’s objectives.
Presale Report
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
June 28, 2023
Page 5
Pre-Sale Review by City Council: June 28, 2023
Distribute Request for Proposals to Banks: Week of July 10 and 17
City Council Meeting to Award Sale of the Bonds: July 26, 2023
Estimated Closing Date: August 17, 2023
Attachments
Estimated Sources and Uses of Funds
Estimated Proposed Debt Service Schedule
Bond Buyer Index
Resolution Authorizing Ehlers to Proceed with Bond Sale (provided separately)
EHLERS’ CONTACTS
Todd Hagen, Senior Municipal Advisor (651) 697-8508
Nick Anhut, Senior Municipal Advisor (651) 697-8507
Keith Dahl, Municipal Advisor (651) 697-8595
Sylvia Johnson, Senior Public Finance Analyst (651) 697-8580
Alicia Gage, Senior Financial Analyst (651) 697-8551
PROPOSED DEBT ISSUANCE SCHEDULE
EHLERS’ CONTACTS
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
$521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Assumes Current Market BQ Non-Rated Rates plus 50 bps
Local Bank Solicitation
Sources & Uses
Dated 08/17/2023 | Delivered 08/17/2023
Sources Of Funds
Par Amount of Bonds $521,000.00
Planned Issuer Equity contribution 800,000.00
Total Sources $1,321,000.00
Uses Of Funds
Costs of Issuance 21,000.00
Deposit to Project Construction Fund 1,300,000.00
Total Uses $1,321,000.00
Series 2023A GO Imp Bonds | SINGLE PURPOSE | 6/20/2023 | 8:17 AM
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
$521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Assumes Current Market BQ Non-Rated Rates plus 50 bps
Local Bank Solicitation
Debt Service Schedule
Date Principal Coupon Interest Total P+I Fiscal Total
08/17/2023 -----
08/01/2024 --26,136.83 26,136.83 -
02/01/2025 89,000.00 5.250%13,676.25 102,676.25 128,813.08
08/01/2025 --11,340.00 11,340.00 -
02/01/2026 104,000.00 5.250%11,340.00 115,340.00 126,680.00
08/01/2026 --8,610.00 8,610.00 -
02/01/2027 107,000.00 5.250%8,610.00 115,610.00 124,220.00
08/01/2027 --5,801.25 5,801.25 -
02/01/2028 109,000.00 5.250%5,801.25 114,801.25 120,602.50
08/01/2028 --2,940.00 2,940.00 -
02/01/2029 112,000.00 5.250%2,940.00 114,940.00 117,880.00
Total $521,000.00 -$97,195.58 $618,195.58 -
Yield Statistics
Bond Year Dollars $1,851.34
Average Life 3.553 Years
Average Coupon 5.2499998%
Net Interest Cost (NIC)5.2499998%
True Interest Cost (TIC)5.2320244%
Bond Yield for Arbitrage Purposes 5.2320244%
All Inclusive Cost (AIC)6.5372758%
IRS Form 8038
Net Interest Cost 5.2499998%
Weighted Average Maturity 3.553 Years
Series 2023A GO Imp Bonds | SINGLE PURPOSE | 6/20/2023 | 8:17 AM
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
$521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Assumes Current Market BQ Non-Rated Rates plus 50 bps
Local Bank Solicitation
Debt Service Schedule
Date Principal Coupon Interest Total P+I
105% of
Total Assessments Levy/(Surplus)
02/01/2024 -------
02/01/2025 89,000.00 5.250%39,813.08 128,813.08 135,253.73 67,907.40 67,346.33
02/01/2026 104,000.00 5.250%22,680.00 126,680.00 133,014.00 65,053.33 67,960.67
02/01/2027 107,000.00 5.250%17,220.00 124,220.00 130,431.00 62,199.25 68,231.75
02/01/2028 109,000.00 5.250%11,602.50 120,602.50 126,632.63 59,345.17 67,287.46
02/01/2029 112,000.00 5.250%5,880.00 117,880.00 123,774.00 56,491.09 67,282.91
02/01/2030 -----53,637.01 (53,637.01)
02/01/2031 -----50,782.93 (50,782.93)
02/01/2032 -----47,928.84 (47,928.84)
02/01/2033 -----45,074.76 (45,074.76)
02/01/2034 -----42,220.68 (42,220.68)
Total $521,000.00 -$97,195.58 $618,195.58 $649,105.36 $550,640.46 $98,464.90
Significant Dates
Dated 8/17/2023
First Coupon Date 8/01/2024
Yield Statistics
Bond Year Dollars $1,851.34
Average Life 3.553 Years
Average Coupon 5.2499998%
Net Interest Cost (NIC)5.2499998%
True Interest Cost (TIC)5.2320244%
Bond Yield for Arbitrage Purposes 5.2320244%
All Inclusive Cost (AIC)6.5372758%
Series 2023A GO Imp Bonds | SINGLE PURPOSE | 6/20/2023 | 8:17 AM
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
$393,666 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Assessments
2.00% over TIC - Equal Principal
Assessments
Date Principal Coupon Interest Total P+I
12/31/2024 39,366.61 7.250%28,540.79 67,907.40
12/31/2025 39,366.61 7.250%25,686.72 65,053.33
12/31/2026 39,366.61 7.250%22,832.64 62,199.25
12/31/2027 39,366.61 7.250%19,978.56 59,345.17
12/31/2028 39,366.61 7.250%17,124.48 56,491.09
12/31/2029 39,366.61 7.250%14,270.40 53,637.01
12/31/2030 39,366.61 7.250%11,416.32 50,782.93
12/31/2031 39,366.60 7.250%8,562.24 47,928.84
12/31/2032 39,366.60 7.250%5,708.16 45,074.76
12/31/2033 39,366.60 7.250%2,854.08 42,220.68
Total $393,666.07 -$156,974.39 $550,640.46
Significant Dates
Filing Date 1/01/2024
First Payment Date 12/31/2024
Series 2023A GO Imp Bonds | SINGLE PURPOSE | 6/20/2023 | 8:17 AM
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
June 14, 2023
No. 23-44
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $521,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2023A
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota has heretofore determined that it is necessary and expedient to issue the City's $521,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A (the "Bonds"), to finance with other available funds, for the construction of various street and utility improvements in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has retained Ehlers & Associates, Inc., in Roseville, Minnesota ("Ehlers"), as its independent municipal advisor for the Bonds in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 475.60, Subdivision 2(9).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota, as follows:
1. Authorization; Findings. The City Council hereby authorizes Ehlers to assist the Cityfor the sale of the Bonds.
2. Meeting; Proposal Opening. The City Council shall meet at 7:00 p.m. on July 26,2023, for the purpose of considering proposals for and awarding the sale of theBonds.
3. Offering Document. In connection with said sale, the officers or employees of the
City are hereby authorized to cooperate with Ehlers and participate in the preparationof an offering document for the Bonds.
4.Intent to Reimburse. The City declares its official intent to reimburse itself for thecosts of the improvements from the proceeds of the Bonds.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randy Gustafson
Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
LEEHY Jack Linehan
MEYER ____ Against City Administrator
WASSENBERG
WEHYEE
BLANK PAGE
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
7:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:02 PM
B. ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON_X_ LEEHY_X_ MEYER _X_
WASSENBERG _X_ WEHYEE_X_
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN_X_
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Administrator Linehan notes minor changes to the agenda. The State Fair Task Force
Appointments was moved from the Consent Agenda to Policy Items in order to add a
resolution and keep them numbered correctly.
Councilmember Wehyee motions to approve the
amended agenda; approved 5-0
D. PRESENTATION
1. Neal Kwong Award – Zach Lindstrom
In honor of Neal’s memory, the City of Falcon Heights has the Neal Kwong Youth
Citizenship Award presented by the Kwong family. This award is granted annually to one
person between the age of 12 and 19, who displays outstanding leadership, volunteerism, or
citizenship while making contributions to the Falcon Heights community.
Councilmember Leehy continues, Mr. Gary Kwong would recommend awarding the Neal
Kwong Citizenship Award to Zach Lindstrom. Kindness to others and showing this in
actions, not just in words, is important to Zach. Zach volunteers his time in an effort to help
bring positive change to issues important to him and to benefit his community. He currently
serves on the Community Engagement Commission, volunteers at the Bell Museum, will
captain his school’s debate team this fall, and serves on a social justice group called the
Youth Executive Board. Zach wishes to make a positive impact and lead others whenever
possible and is a true example of an outstanding Falcon Heights citizen.
Mayor Gustafson reads the Resolution, presents the Award to Zach Lindstrom. Zach thanks
the Mayor and Council for the Award and speaks a few words as to why he volunteers.
2. Third Sphere – Diversity and Leadership Training Proposal
Administrator Linehan provides a background to this project. The City is working towards a
more inclusive and caring community and recognized the importance of internal training for
staff and Council first and foremost. After researching various options, Third Sphere
consulting agency stood out. Dr. Ramón Pastrano and Dr. Jonathan Stuart are here to
present their proposal.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano thanks City Council and Staff for the opportunity to present.
Dr. Jonathan Stuart introduces himself through Zoom, he was a long-term Falcon Heights
resident and used to be a volunteer Fire Fighter. Dr. Jonathan Stuart currently resides in St.
Paul and teaches at the University of Minnesota. Together with Dr. Ramón Pastrano, they
have worked with numerous organizations in the sphere of cultural competence.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano is originally from the Dominican Republic and moved to Minnesota
over 30 years ago, where he worked as a Naval officer and for a pharmaceutical company.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano and Dr. Jonathan Stuart have worked with Fortune 100 companies,
major Minnesota sports teams and other cities, such as Las Vegas, Forest Lake and
Minneapolis. They help organizations create a more inclusive community by having them
look at themselves first and work from the inside outwards. Dr. Ramón Pastrano continues
that everyone has differences and similarities and they look at the idea of cultural
competence which accounts for these differences and similarities. Understanding ourselves
first is the key to understanding how to work with others. Our own experiences shape our
values, beliefs, feelings, and worldview, which then becomes the lense through which
people make decisions around the world. Helping leaders understand this process, helps
them make better decisions. Dr. Ramón Pastrano explains that everyone filters information
differently. The first step they do with organizations they work with, is help develop a
vocabulary and creating shared meanings. Dr. Ramón Pastrano defines the terms diversity
(the who), inclusion (the what), equity (the skill) and intercultural competence (the how).
The goal is to understand and to develop the skills and abilities needed to navigate and
adapt without losing yourself, rather to broaden your own perspective. When we do those
four things right, people feel like they belong. The first phase encompasses the Intercultural
Development Inventory (IDI) and this tool is used to increase one’s intercultural
competence. The second phase is helping understand what is the current culture and how
can that culture be strengthened and more inclusive.
Councilmember Wassenberg looks forward to the IDI and help learn more about himself.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano adds it’s one of many tools, activities and experiences that are part of
the whole process.
Councilmember Wehyee asks how Third Sphere’s approach sets themselves apart from
other approaches.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano answers, that their approach does not include guilt, shame or blame as
this does not help transform people. Second, their organization uses the neuroscience and
psychology behind it, helping people understand how the brain functions and why it
operates the way it does. Instead of making people look at it from a deficit standpoint,
they’re making people look at it from an equitable standpoint. He continues that they look
for the root cause of the problem.
Councilmember Leehy comments, she appreciates Dr. Ramón Pastrano speaking of these
building blocks as tools as well as the addition of personal coaching. It’s much more effective
this way, then just going through the IDI and receiving the report to read individually.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano agrees. He explains that as part of the IDI, participants take an online
inventory, then there is a group presentation and then participants spend 45-60 minutes in
one on ones with Third Sphere’s coaches reflecting on their report and setting up an
Intercultural Development Plan (IDP).
Councilmember Meyer asks what the phases are after phase two.
Dr. Ramón Pastrano answers that phase two could look different for each organization as
this phase is based on the outcome of phase one. This phase helps understand how to work
together now that everyone in the organization knows who they are. During this phase,
organizations can reflect on what is working well and what is not working well and what
will this look like in the future. This phase also allows organizations to connect with their
community and invite them in.
Dr. Jonathan Stuart adds that phase three is open and is not yet finalized for the City of
Falcon Heights.
Mayor Gustafson thanks Dr. Jonathan Stuart and Dr. Ramón Pastrano for the presentation
and asks Council for comments.
Councilmember Leehy comments that today is historical for Falcon Heights. The City is
putting action to words that they have been speaking towards for several years. She believes
with the assistance of Third Sphere we will be able to get on track with creating a more
inclusive community and creating a sense of belonging like Dr. Ramón Pastrano stated.
Councilmember Meyer motions to pass Resolution 23-39 to approve the proposal by Third Sphere; approved 5-0
3. Juneteenth Proclamation / Holiday Change to Personnel Policy
Administrator Linehan explains this proclamation and the Holiday Change is a follow up
from last week’s City Council workshop discussion. City Council directed City Staff to
include the Juneteenth Holiday in the Personnel Policy. Administrator Linehan introduces
Administrative and Inclusion Intern Fredi Ponce Parra and thanks him for the work on this
Proclamation, the CROWN Act, the Third Sphere proposal and his assistance with the 2024
State Bonding Request.
Councilmember Wassenberg reads Resolution 23-40, proclaiming June 19th as Juneteenth day
– an official city holiday, into the record.
Councilmember Wehyee comments that he feels privileged to have the opportunity to vote
on this important piece of legislation. It’s an accomplishment he would look back on
proudly.
Councilmember Meyer comments he was reflecting back on Juneteenth and trying to
remember hearing about this Holiday and it was kind of glossed over in history class.
Juneteenth is special as it underscores that it was a long fight and not something that
happened overnight. He is very excited to see this Holiday become a City Holiday a year
sooner than required.
Councilmember Leehy expresses her gratitude to her colleagues being in favor of this and
taking the steps for this day to be acknowledged and placed into official manuals as
Juneteenth. She shares a poem she wrote back in 2017, reflecting on Juneteenth.
Councilmember Leehy motions to pass Resolution 23-40,
Proclaiming June 19th as Juneteenth day – an official city holiday; approved 5-0
4. CROWN Act Personnel Policy Amendment
Administrative and Inclusion Intern Ponce Parra introduces the CROWN Act, which stands
for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”, which bans racial
discrimination based on hair. This resolution would authorize the City Administrator to
amend the Personnel Policy to include racial discrimination based on hair.
Councilmember Leehy comments that the CROWN Act is needed to ban racial
discrimination based on hair, for example, interns were told to wear their hair straight if they
plan to succeed in the corporate world. Processing hair has also caused chronical health
issues, tumors and even death. Councilmember Leehy adds she is very much in favor of
moving this forward and having this CROWN Act added to the personnel policy.
Mayor Gustafson reads Resolution 23-41, amending the personnel policy to include
requirements by the CROWN Act, into the record.
Councilmember Leehy motions to pass Resolution 23-41,
amending the Personnel Policy to include
requirements by The CROWN Act; approved 5-0
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. May 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. June 7, 2023 Workshop Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Wehyee motions to approve
the meeting minutes; approved 5-0
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
G. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through 6/7/23: $111,428.07
Payroll through 5/31/23: $19,992.20
Wire Payments through 5/31/23: $12,459.09
2. Amendment to City Administrator Contract Agreement
3. Safe Step LLC Saw-cutting Proposal
4. State Fair Task Force Appointments
Councilmember Meyer motions to approve
the consent agenda; approved 5-0
Mayor Gustafson comments on agenda item G2. Amendment to City Administrator Contract
Agreement and summarizes the conclusions of the closed session that took place at the last
City Council Meeting on May 24, 2023. The City Council is very pleased with the first year
of Administrator Linehan and the work he has been doing.
Councilmember Wehyee adds it has been a pleasure seeing Administrator Linehan grow
into his role as the leader of our City. He is also impressed by his institutional knowledge.
H: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Tree Trimming Budget Increase
Mayor Gustafson states that since the pandemic and due to other factors, the City trees have
been somewhat neglected and need trimming. The contractor, Upper Cut Tree Services, has
trimmed all street and right-of-way obstructions prior to the start of the 2023 PMP Project
and the City already spent what was originally budgeted for tree trimming. Each tree needs
360-degree trimming. To complete this, Interim Public Works Director Callahan is requesting
to increase the funds in order to complete this.
Administrator Linehan explains the City budgeted $30,000 for tree trimming for 2023.
Annually, the City rotates through the neighborhoods in which it has the contractor trim
trees. In 2022, the City spent $0 on tree trimming due to Upper Cut being unable to start
work before the end of the year. This factor, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, halted tree
trimming and the City must now catch up. It was determined by Uppercut and resident
demand that significantly more trimming is needed than what was budgeted for.
Mayor Gustafson adds that funds are available in the General Fund through our projected
surplus.
Councilmember Leehy motions
to approve the tree trimming budget increase; approved 5-0
2. 2024 State Bonding Request Application– Community Park
Administrator Linehan explains this policy item is an authorization request for City Staff to
apply for the 2024 State Bonding Cycle in the amount of$1,000,000. Funds will be used for
necessary replacements and renovations of Community Park. The City had applied in 2022,
but the bonding bill was not approved. The City did not apply in 2023, because it didn’t
officially own Community Park yet. In 2023, staff identified ways to fund the park building
and still believes State Bonding is an appropriate use of funds and therefore wants to apply
for State Bonding. Additionally, the City applied for the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation
Grant Program.
Councilmember Wassenberg wants to clarify if this State Bonding request is a debt taken on
by the state and funds are provided to the City of Falcon Heights like a grant and it’s not a
debt taken on by the City. He also asks if there are any matching requirements or other
obligations.
Administrator Linehan answers that it is a debt taken on by the state, but there is a matching
requirement. As part of the application, the City has to show how much the project is
estimated to cost and what percentage we are asking the state to provide.
Councilmember Wehyee motions to pass Resolution 23-42,
to submit the proposed Bonding Request
for Community Park; approved 5-0
3. State Fair Task Force Appointments
Administrator Linehan clarifies staff noticed that with the appointment of the State Task
Force it would be appropriate to have a resolution, therefore the item was moved from the
Consent Agenda to Policy Items as mentioned earlier in the meeting. At the June 7th City
Council Workshop, the City Council has recommended appointing all of the interested
members. The Task Force is scheduled to meet the first and third Thursday of each month at
6:30, starting June 15th. Following the State Fair, the Task Force would meet monthly through
its scheduled sunset date of December 31st or whenever final recommendations are made to
the City Council.
Mayor Gustafson appreciates the patience of the applicants, while the City was waiting to
receive more applications. He reads Resolution 23-43, appointing the State Fair Policies and
Procedures Review Task Force, into the record.
Councilmember Leehy extends her gratitude to each community member for stepping up
and participating in this much needed Task Force.
Councilmember Meyer motions to pass Resolution 23-43,
appointing the State Fair Policies and Procedures Review Task Force; approved 5-0
I. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Wassenberg appreciates the Parks & Recreation Commission along with the
Community Engagement Commission moving forward with their planning of the Ice Cream
Social Event on July, 20 and has no further announcements.
Councilmember Leehy is very grateful and happy for the items that were voted on today.
Councilmember Meyer had a great time at the Spring Together event and is looking forward
to the upcoming City events. He adds for everyone to take the Air Quality alerts seriously.
Councilmember Wehyee was present at the Parks & Recreation Commission and
Community Engagement Commission joint meeting.
Mayor Gustafson informs he was present at the 2023 PMP Neighborhood meeting, during
which the construction schedule was presented. Residents can sign up on the website for
updates to stay informed. Construction is scheduled to be completed before the start of the
State Fair. There was also a small neighborhood meeting, where residents were able to look
at sketches of a potential proposal to replace the vacant “Get Pressed” lot. Nothing is official
yet; the developer was able to hear where their proposal may need some changes prior to
submitting an official application to the Planning Commission. Night to Unite will take place
on August, 1. Residents can register to have deputies from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s
Office visit their block party, registration closes on July, 14. More information can be found
on the City of Falcon Height’s website. Lastly, Mayor Gustafson will be attending the League
of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth next week.
Administrator Linehan informs everyone of a Juneteenth Celebration on June, 17 at Central
Park in Roseville, which is being organized by Do Good Roseville and the City of Roseville.
On June 5th, the Parks & Rec Commission and the CEC had their joint meeting during which
they recapped Spring Together, discussed Ice Cream Social, Fall Programming, amending
the calendar and a Fitness Court Grant proposal. He also notes that 2023 PMP starts next
week, the specific streets impacted and the construction schedule are listed on our website as
well as on Roseville’s website. Next week the contractor will start by reclaiming Garden Ave.
with a grinder machine, taking off the top layer of the pavement. There is also some small
utility work, but the goal is to keep access to driveways and the roads open the majority of
the time. Permeable Pavers will be used to pave Ruggles Pathway. The City used resident
input to choose the color of the pavers. The contractor has to be done on August 18th, prior to
the State Fair. If they are not done by then, there will be escalation penalties. All parties are
confident that they will be done by the State Fair. For Public Works, Upper Cut will continue
tree trimming in the Northeast Quadrant. Public Works is also doing sidewalk panel
replacements. Administrator Linehan would like to put Restoration, which is on July 6th at
the Peace Garden and Unity Day, which is on July 7th in front of City Hall on people’s
calendar. Back to the fifties is June 23rd through the 25th at the Fairgrounds. The City will be
putting up additional temporary no parking signs along the Snelling Service Drive. The
Planning Commission will have their meeting on June 27th, during which they will have an
informal sketch review of the proposal for 1407 Larpenteur Ave. Administrator Linehan
stresses, no action is happening during this meeting. Lastly, he thanks the Council for their
kind words, contract modification and allowing him to run the day-to-day operations of the
City. He truly enjoys working for the City.
Councilmember Wehyee notes the next Community Engagement Commission meeting will
take place on July, 17.
J. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred for consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion will be
held on these items.
K. ADJOURNMENT: 8:54 PM
Councilmember Wehyee motions to adjourn the meeting; approved 5-0
_______________________________ Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor Dated this 14th day of June, 2023
_________________________________
Jack Linehan, City Administrator
BLANK PAGE
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Extension of No State Fair Parking on Water Side for All of Northeast Quadrant
Description
At the first State Fair Task Force (SFTF) meeting, the SFTF discussed a variety of
issues including parking. One parking issue that was brought up was the importance
of maintaining parking only on one side of impacted areas, as it can be difficult if not
impossible to get emergency vehicles down a street that is parked down both sides.
Additionally, the side for allowed parking is the non-water side to allow firefighting
crews access to hydrants without risking blockage from vehicles.
This led to the review of last year’s Resolution 22-40, which temporarily prohibited
parking on Albert Street north of Larpenteur and south of Garden Avenue. It was
discussed that there were other streets in the northeast quadrant similarly impacted.
The SFTF made a motion that was approved unanimously to recommend to the City
Council that the following streets be added to the one-sided parking restrictions
during the State Fair:
• Simpson Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Pascal Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Holton Street, north of Garden Avenue and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Albert Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Sheldon Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Garden Avenue, east of Pascal Street and west of Hamline Avenue
With Garden Avenue’s redesign, it will only have parking available on the water side
of the street. As such, there would effectively be no parking on Garden Avenue
during the State Fair.
Budget
Impact
N/A
Attachment(s) • State Fair Parking Map (current)
• Resolution 23-45 Prohibiting State Fair Parking on the Water Side of Streets in
the Northeast Quadrant
Action(s)
Requested
Approve the attached resolution restricting parking on the water side of streets as
identified in the Northeast Quadrant neighborhood during the State Fair.
Meeting Date June 28, 2023
Agenda Item Policy H1
Attachments Map, Resolution 23-45
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
June 28, 2023
No. 23-XX
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RESOLUTION PROHIBITING PARKING ON THE WATER SIDE CERTAIN STREETS IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT AREA DURING THE MINNESOTA
STATE FAIR
WHEREAS, the State Fair Task Force was appointed by the City Council on June 14th to make recommendations regarding the cities policies surrounding the stat fair; and
WHEREAS, the State Fair Task Force reviewed parking issues during the June 15th meeting; and WHEREAS, it was determined that restricting parking to only one side on roads impacted by the State Fair is essential to preserving the life safety of our community to allow for appropriate emergency response; and WHEREAS, parking in the Northeast Quadrant is continued to be impacted by the growth of the State Fair. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by, the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, that parking is hereby prohibited on the water side of the following streets during the period of the Minnesota State Fair:
• Simpson Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Pascal Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Holton Street, north of Garden Avenue and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Albert Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Sheldon Street, north of Ruggles Street and south of Roselawn Avenue
• Garden Avenue, east of Pascal Street and west of Hamline Avenue
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Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall C. Gustafson Mayor GUSTAFSON ___ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MEYER Jack Linehan LEEHY ___ Against City Administrator WASSENBERG WEHYEE