HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-9-23 Regular Meeting
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
Wednesday, August 9, 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
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. July 26, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
G. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through 8/02/23: $234,016.96
Payroll through 7/31/23: $ 25,375.60
Wire Payments through 7/31/23: $14,909.84
2. City Licenses
3. Rehder Forestry Consulting Contract
4. Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative Contract
H: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Appointment of Colin Callahan as Public Works Director
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
2
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
7:00 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
B.ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON_X__ LEEHY_X__ MEYER _X__
WASSENBERG _X___ WEHYEE_X__
STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN_X__
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Leehy motions to approve the agenda; approved 5-0
D.PRESENTATION
1.Award Sale of General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A
Todd Hagen from Ehlers & Associates, Inc., presents the General Obligation Improvement
Bond, Series 2023A Sale. The bond of $521,000 was marketed to over 15 banks for sale. Four
bids were received up until the morning of Tuesday, July 25th. The best bid was received by
Zions Bank Corporation located in Salt Lake City, UT was for 4.41%, which is lower than
projected on the pre-sale report. The other three bids were also greatly appreciated by
Hagen. They were received by Security Bank & Trust Co., Hunting Bank and Citizen State
Bank, with slightly higher interest rates. The bond was lowered to $520,000 as the cost of
issuance came in lower than predicted at the pre-sale. The City will not be using a paying
agent, the bank will be paid directly. The bond also includes pre-payable on any date
without penalty, meaning after the closing the bond can be paid off earlier. Resolution 23-49
is attached for the Council to review.
Councilmember Wassenberg asks if the terms of the four bids received are of similar nature.
Hagen replies that the terms and conditions were locked in to prevent movement.
Councilmember Wassenberg asks if there is a preference for awarding the sale of the bond to
local banks.
Administrator Linehan answers that it is up to Council to decide, but traditionally the bid
with the lowest interest rate is selected. However, there is nothing that states the City has to
select a local institution.
Councilmember Meyer wonders if it is possible to negotiate with a local institution to match
the lower interest rate received from a bank out of state.
3
Hagen answers that would be a negotiated sale and those perimeters would have to be set at
the beginning. Typically, the bid with the lowest rate is selected if there is not another valid
reason to pick another bidder.
Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve
Resolution 23-49 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of $521,000 General Obligation
Improvement Bonds, Series 2023A pledging special assessments and levying a tax for the
payment thereof; approved 5-0
Administrator Linehan adds that Resolution 23-49 was updated to reflect the bond amount
of $520,000.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. July 12, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Wehyee motions to approve the Meeting minutes; approved 5-0
F.PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1.Fee Schedule Modification Ordinance
Administrator Linehan states this Public Hearing is for two different fee increases to consider. The
first is to increase the parking violation fee. At its last meeting, The State Fair Task Force (SFTF)
meeting, the SFTF discussed the importance of ensuring parking violations cover the costs for
violations during the State Fair. The current uniform parking violation is $50. Lot parking in
commercial lots near the State Fair reached $50 in 2022. The proposed ordinance change would be
to include language that parking violations are $100 from August 15th to September 15th, and $50
from September 16th – August 14th. The second fee is an increase in fees for right-of-way
obstruction permits, as currently the fees does not cover the costs occurred by the city.
Paula Mielke – 1506 Crawford Ave.
-Added that City will put up signage about the doubling of the parking violation fee. The State
Fair Task Force is working hard. They reviewed comments from the survey and Town Hall
meeting and are prioritizing these, resulting in motions that have been put forward to the
Council. They met on July 13th, with the new general manager of the State Fair and they
believe there will not be much relieve this year when it comes to parking issues. Metrotransit
will only have four routes, compared to eight routes years ago. This year they will also not be
able to add more Park and Ride lots. State Fair employee parking was added in Roseville. The
Task Force asked if the General Manager is willing to meet again after the State Fair to
continue the parking discussion.
Ross Allard – 1381 California Ave.
-To clarify the parking restrictions, there are already signs stating “no parking within 30 feet of
the corner”, but those signs are often ignored as the current fine is not much higher than it
costs to park at a lot. As a result, the street is wall to wall cars making it hard to see right or left
at an intersection and that is a safety issue and he encourages Council to vote in favor of
increasing the parking violation fee.
Councilmember Meyer motions to end the Public Hearing approved 5-0
Council commented it is good way to word the signs by saying fines will be doubled, also to
prevent Council from having to reassess every year. Then they discussed towing, if there is room
in signage to include this and what valid reason for being towed are.
Councilmember Wehyee asked how soon the fee schedule will be updated.
4
Administrator Linehan stated that the fee schedule will be updated upon passage and signs will be
ordered. Signs will be placed at the 30 feet mark at every corner and they will be put up before the
State Fair.
Councilmember Leehy motions to amend the 2023 City Fee Schedule; approved 5-0
G.CONSENT AGENDA:
1.General Disbursements through 7/19/23: $370,184.76
Payroll through 7/15/23: $23,987.91
Wire Payments through 7/15/23: $14,175.29
2.City Licenses
3. Night to Unite Proclamation
4. Authorize use of $14,626 in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) funds for the 2023 Pavement Management Project
5.2023 Pavement Management Project (PMP) Pay Request #1
6.Snelling-Larpenteur Study
Council decided to move item 4. and item 6. to Policy Items to allow for further discussion.
Councilmember Wehyee motions to approve the consent agenda; approved 5-0
H: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Authorize use of $14,626 in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) funds for the 2023 Pavement Management Project
Administrator Linehan explained that this is state funding made available during Covid, for
road projects and has to be used on eligible street projects. These funds have not been
utilized and it was advised by engineers to apply the funds towards the 2023 street project.
Councilmember Meyer motions Authorize use of $14,626 in Coronavirus Response and
Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) funds for the 2023 Pavement
Management Project; approved 5-0
2.Snelling-Larpenteur Study
Administrator Linehan states that the City applied for and received $50,000 in funding from
Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Pre-Development Planning grant to conduct a
Larpenteur-Snelling Corridor Study. A proposal was submitted by WSB for the study in the
amount of $54,685.00. WSB was selected because they won the bid for the City’s
Comprehensive Plan. A big part of the study is utilizing public engagement and making the
community an active stakeholder in looking at various opportunities and parcels along
Larpenteur Avenue.
Councilmember Wehyee wonders about the timeline.
Administrator Linehan answers, the deadline to spend the grant is the end of 2024. Plan is to
start the process as soon as the grant is funded as the City is aware of issues that need
addressing.
Council wondered if the University of Minnesota and the State Fair will be engaged in the
process by WSB. They also discussed adding neighboring municipalities and agencies.
5
Administrator Linehan says yes. Having the University and the State Fair as a stakeholder
will be important. Larpenteur and Snelling were selected for the study to keep the focus and
funding mostly within Falcon Heights.
Councilmember Leehy adds that the changing speed limit throughout Larpenteur should be
addressed in the study.
Administrator Linehan adds that Ramsey County announced that they will be lowering
speed limits on certain parts of Larpenteur.
Councilmember Leehy wonders if a disclaimer can be included as to what cannot be
changed with this study and grant.
Administrator Linehan wants to put out a press release if the Resolution passes.
Mayor Gustafson adds that the Planning Commission is thrilled with the proposal and grant.
Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve Resolution 23-51 Accepting WSB Proposal
and Authorizing City Administrator to Enter Into Contract With WSB For Larpenteur
Snelling Corridor Study; approved 5-0
I.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Wassenberg shares that it was a pleasure being at the Ice Cream Social and
handing out ice cream treats.
Councilmember Leehy thanks Administrator Linehan and Staff for organizing Ice Cream
Social and bringing the community together.
Councilmember Wehyee has no announcements.
Councilmember Meyer expresses gratitude towards City Staff. He is excited for Night to
Unite and is excited to be organizing a block party on his own street.
Mayor Gustafson also agrees, Ice Cream Social was a fabulous event and it was greatly
organized. There are 16 block parties for Night to Unite. Which is also a great event to
connect with neighbors. The Planning Commission had a workshop meeting, where they
started looking at City Code and zoning ordinances. The State Fair is coming up and
everyone is encouraged to watch where they park.
Administrator Linehan updates Council about the 2023 PMP, it is moving along at a good
pace. This week sidewalk installation is happening along with pavers on Ruggles pathway.
Next up, they will start milling on several streets. It is quick, but disruptive. The project is on
target to be finished a week before the start of the State Fair. Public Works is doing sidewalk
replacement on Hoyt Ave. as well as some other streets that needed emergency replacement.
Another grant the city applied for, was the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative. The city
asked for three benches, but is possibly receiving eight benches. Budget season will be
starting soon, staff is working on getting the numbers together. Lastly, the State Fair Task
Force has been meeting frequently and they have been coming up with good interim
recommendations. The plan is to come up with more permanent solutions. Council is
encouraged to attend the meetings.
6
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: 8:22 PM
Councilmember Meyer motions to adjourn the meeting; approved 5-0
_______________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor Dated this 26th day of July, 2023
_________________________________ Jack Linehan, City Administrator
7
BLANK PAGE
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
BLANK PAGE
18
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Approval of City License(s)
Description The following individuals/entities have applied for a Municipal Business
License for 2023. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Warners’ Stellian Company Inc.
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Multifamily Rental
Dwelling License for 2023. Staff have received the necessary documents for
licensure.
1.Bruce and Maureen Misgen; 1707 Tatum Street
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends approval of the City license applications contingent on
background checks and fire inspections as required.
Meeting Date August 9, 2023
Agenda Item Consent G2
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Kelly Nelson
Assistant to the City Administrator
19
BLANK PAGE
20
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Forestry Services
Description The City has had a two-year contract in place with Rehder Forestry Consulting
for forestry services provided since February 2021. The City would like to
extend services with Rehder Forestry Consulting, and sign a new contract
valid from this date (August 9, 2023) through December 31, 2025.
City staff and residents have been happy with the services provided by Mark
Rehder as City Forester. We have had a significant increase in forester requests
this summer with the extensive damage to trees from EAB.
Budget Impact Services provided within this contract will be budgeted for.
Attachment(s) •Service Agreement
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends approval of the service agreement with Rehder Forestry
Consulting for Forestry Services and authorize the Mayor and City
Administrator to execute all necessary documents.
Meeting Date August 9, 2023
Agenda Item Consent G3
Attachment Service Agreement
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Assistant to the City
Administrator
21
213710v1 1
AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 9th day of August, 2023, between the CITY OF
FALCON HEIGHTS, a Minnesota municipal corporation ("City"), and Rehder Forestry
Consulting, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company ("Consultant").
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE MUTUAL UNDERTAKINGS HEREIN
CONTAINED, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1.CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The following documents shall be referred
to as the "Contract Documents", all of which shall be taken together as a whole as
the contract between the parties as if they were set verbatim and in full herein:
A.This Agreement.
B.Proposal prepared by Rehder Forestry Consulting, LLC, dated
August 9, 2023.
In the event of conflict among the provisions of the Contract Documents, the order
in which they are listed above shall control in resolving any such conflicts with
Contract Document "A" having the first priority and Contract Document "B" having
the last priority.
2.OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT. The Consultant, a certified tree
inspector, shall provide the services described below and perform the work in
accordance with the Contract Documents and applicable state law, Minn. Stat.
18G.16, and Rules, Minnesota Rules Chapter 1505, concerning shade tree disease
control programs. Including the following:
A.Inspections for shade tree diseases on public and private property,
primarily Oak wilt, Dutch Elm disease, and Emerald ash borer.
Provide year-end report detailing GPS location, species, and
diameter of diseased trees. Make recommendations on treatment
options if available. Mail notifications to residents in ownership of
diseased trees as requested. Follow up on compliance issues and
enforcement, as necessary.
B.At City request, provide tree risk assessments of public and private
trees relating to tree issues, following International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) protocols.
22
213710v1 2
C.Enforce nuisance tree ordinance to include proper tree maintenance
that does not adhere to city code.
D.Be available for site plan review and assist with tree preservation
requirements and implementation as requested.
E.Provide homeowner response calls for tree related issues.
F.Be available to City Council, boards, advisory committees, staff, and
volunteer groups as requested.
G.Such other consulting services consistent with the general scope of
this engagement as may reasonably be requested by the City.
3.COMPENSATION. The City shall pay the Consultant $63 per hour in
accordance with the Consultant’s Proposal. Consultant’s hourly rate shall increase
on an annual basis at the rate of $2 per hour. Consultant’s time will be billed portal
to portal. In addition, the City shall reimburse Consultant for any reasonable out of
pocket expenses incurred by Consultant pursuant to the terms of this agreement,
including but not limited to mileage at the standard per mile rate approved by the
Internal Revenue Service for mileage within the city limits.
4.ASSIGNMENT. Neither party may assign, sublet, or transfer any
interest or obligation in this Contract without the prior written consent of the other
party, and then only upon such terms and conditions as both parties may agree to
and set forth in writing.
5.TERM. This Agreement shall be effective August 9, 2023 through
December 31, 2025.
6. TERMINATION. Consultant or City may terminate this agreement
for any reason at any time upon 30 days prior written notice. In the event of
termination under this section Consultant shall be entitled to and shall receive
payment in full for all services provided and all reimbursable expenses incurred up
to and including the effect of date of termination.
7.STANDARD OF CARE. Consultant shall exercise the same degrees of
care, skill, and diligence in the performance of the services provided under this
Agreement as is ordinarily possessed and exercised by a professional Consultant
under similar circumstances. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is included
in this Agreement. City shall not be responsible for discovering deficiencies in the
accuracy of Consultant’s services.
8.TIME OF PERFORMANCE. The Consultant shall complete its
obligations in accordance with the proposal.
23
213710v1 3
9.PAYMENT. Consultant shall submit invoices for work under this
Agreement on a monthly basis, detailing the work performed, hourly charges and
expenses. The City will make periodic payment to the Consultant as the work is
completed. Such payment shall be made not later than thirty (30) days after
invoicing by the Consultant.
10.PROMPT PAYMENT TO SUBCONSULTANTS. Consultant shall not
enter into subcontracts for services provided under this Agreement without the
express written consent of the City. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 471.25,
Subdivision 4a, the Consultant must pay any subconsultant within ten (10) days of
the Consultant’s receipt of payment from the City for undisputed services provided
by the subconsultant. The Consultant must pay interest of one and one-half percent
(1½ %) per month or any part of a month to subconsultant on any undisputed
amount not paid on time to the subconsultant. The minimum monthly interest
penalty payment for an unpaid balance of $100.00 or more is $10.00. For an unpaid
balance of less than $100.00, the Consultant shall pay the actual penalty due to the
subconsultant. A subconsultant who prevails in a civil action to collect interest
penalties from the Consultant shall be awarded its costs and disbursements,
including attorney’s fees, incurred in bringing the action.
11.WORKER’S COMPENSATION. The Consultant shall obtain and
maintain for the duration of this Contract, statutory Worker’s Compensation
Insurance and Employer’s Liability Insurance as required under the laws of the State
of Minnesota.
12.COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY. Consultant shall obtain the
following minimum insurance coverage and maintain it at all times throughout the
life of the Contract, with the City included as an additional name insured:
Bodily Injury: $2,000,000 each occurrence
$2,000,000 aggregate, products and
completed operations
Property Damage: $1,000,000 each occurrence
$1,000,000 aggregate
Contractual Liability (identifying the contract):
Bodily Injury: $2,000,000 each occurrence
Property Damage: $2,000,000 each occurrence
$2,000,000 aggregate
24
213710v1 4
Personal Injury, with Employment Exclusion deleted:
$2,000,000 aggregate
Comprehensive Automobile Liability (owned, non-owned, hired):
Bodily Injury: $300,000 each occurrence
$100,000 each accident
Property Damage: $300,000 each occurrence
13.DATA PRACTICES/RECORDS
A.All data created, collected, received, maintained, or disseminated
for any purpose in the course of this Contract is governed by the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, any other applicable state
statute, or any state rules adopted to implement the act, as well as federal
regulations on data privacy.
B.All books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and
practices of the Consultant and its subconsultants, if any, relative to this Contract are
subject to examination by the City.
14.WARRANTY. The Consultant shall exercise the same degrees of care,
skill, and diligence in the performance of the Services as is ordinarily possessed
and exercised by a certified tree inspector under similar circumstances
15.INDEMNITY. The Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold the City
harmless from any claim made by third parties as a result of the services performed
by it. In addition, the Consultant shall reimburse the City for any cost of reasonable
attorney's fees it may incur as a result of any such claims.
16.WAIVER. In the particular event that either party shall at any time or
times waive any breach of this Contract by the other, such waiver shall not
constitute a waiver of any other or any succeeding breach of this Contract by either
party, whether of the same or any other covenant, condition, or obligation.
17.INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The City hereby retains the Consultant
as an independent contractor upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. The Consultant is not an employee of the City and is free to contract
with other entities as provided herein. Consultant shall be responsible for selecting
the means and methods of performing the work. Consultant shall furnish any and
all supplies, equipment, and incidentals necessary for Consultant's performance
under this Agreement. City and Consultant agree that Consultant shall not at any
25
213710v1 5
time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any of Consultant's agents or
employees are in any manner employees of the City. Consultant shall be exclusively
responsible under this Agreement for Consultant's own FICA payments, workers
compensation payments, unemployment compensation payments, withholding
amounts, and/or self-employment taxes if any such payments, amounts, or taxes are
required to be paid by law or regulation.
18.COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS. In providing services
hereunder, Consultant shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations
pertaining to the provisions of services to be provided.
19.GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. In the event of
litigation, the exclusive venue shall be in District Court of the State of Minnesota for
Ramsey County.
20.SEVERABILITY. If any term or condition of this Contract is found to be
or become unenforceable or invalid, it shall not effect the remaining provisions,
terms, and conditions of this Contract, unless such invalid or unenforceable
provision, term, or condition renders this Contract impossible to perform. Such
remaining terms and conditions of the Contract shall continue in full force and effect
and shall continue to operate as the parties' entire contract.
21.ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Contract represents the entire agreement
of the parties and is a final, complete, and all inclusive statement of the terms
thereof, and supersedes and terminates any prior agreement(s), understandings, or
written or verbal representations made between the parties with respect thereto.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
BY: ____________________________ AND:___________________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor Jack Linehan, City Administrator
REHDER FORESTRY CONSULTING, LLC
BY: _____________________________
President
26
BLANK PAGE
27
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
Item Contract approval for grant funds through Active Living Ramsey Communities –
Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative
Description The City of Falcon Heights recently submitted a grant application to Active
Living Ramsey Communities to apply for park benches as part of their Be Active!
Be Green! Bench Initiative. The park benches would help create areas of seating
in a loop around the walking trails within Community Park and within Curtiss
Field Park.
Budget Impact The total grant request was for 7 park benches within Community Park and 1
park bench at Curtiss Field. In exchange, the City must supply ADA concrete
pads under the park benches and provide maintenance for the next twenty years.
Attachment(s) •Grant Applications
•Award Letter
•Resolution 23-52
•Contract Agreement
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommend approval of attached contract agreement to receive a total of 8
park benches through the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative.
Meeting Date August 9, 2023
Agenda Item Consent G4
Attachment Grant Applications, Award Letter,
Resolution 23-52, Contract Agreement
Submitted By Kelly Nelson
Assistant to the City Administrator
28
2050 Roselawn Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Proposed locations of Be Active! Be Green! benches
1
2
3
4
56
7
29
Name and detailed description of bench
route:
A .5 mile pathway encircles Community Park.A total of seven Be Active! Be Green! benches would be placed around the loop to provide a resting place throughout the park.
If thinking of the loop like a clock, the benches would be placed as follows:
12:00 o’clock -Bench #1 is at the north end of the park, just outside the park building and near the parking lot.
3:00 o’clock and 4:00 o’clock-Bench #2 would be at the 3:00 o’clock position and bench #3 would be at 4:00 o’clock position, offering seating and a view of the soccer fields.
6:00 o’clock –Bench #4 offers a resting place at the most southern end of the park.
8:00 o’clock –Bench #5 would be on the east side of the pond and bench #6 would be on the west side of the pond.
Between 10:00 and 11:00 o’clock -The final bench, bench #7, would provide a place of rest and observation near the Community Gardens.
30
Describe the need for benches on route:
The benches currently in Community Park are most heavily concentrated at the park’s north end.Aside from those, there is only one bench along the entire east side and one bench on the west side. Adding additional benches would offer a continuous loop of seating, all around the pathway.
Benches placed on either side of the pond would allow park users the opportunity to watch both the sunsets and sunrises, which multiple residents have expressed is important to them.Benches added along the eastern and southern sides of the park would allow parents a place to watch their children play soccer and provide a place of rest near exercise circuits.
A bench added on the northwest side would help complete the loop and provide a place of rest and observation outside the garden area.
31
Attachment B, Part 2 1551 Iowa Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Curtiss Field Park
Apartments
Single family homes
32
1551 Iowa Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Current bench locations within Curtiss Field Park.
Proposed location of Be Active! Be Green! bench
33
Name and detailed description of bench
route:
Approximately 950' of paved sidewalk surrounds Curtiss Field Park and
runs through the park. A Be Active! Be Green! bench would provide a
resting place at the north end of the park.
34
Describe the need for benches on route:
Curtiss Field Park has one paved pathway encircling the area and
running through the park, connecting the park to high-density areas
filled with businesses, multiple apartment buildings, senior housing
and single family homes. There are currently only park benches near
the playground / south end of the park. Outside of the park area, along
the pathway in the NW corner, there is also a pavilion with a bench in
it, but it does not face the park and a blanket of trees behind it also
prevent a view to the park.
A bench added within the park at the north end, next to the basketball
court, would provide a place for parents to watch their children play
and give nearby residents a place to rest, as they walk from one end of
the park to the other, and around the park area.
35
July 27, 2023
Dear City of Falcon Heights,
Congratulations on your award of seven benches for the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Route in Falcon Heights
Community Park and one bench for the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Route in Curtiss Field Park. Please get the
attached Be Active! Be Green! Bench Agreement signed and sent back to Connie Bernardy at
connie.bernardy@co.ramsey.mn.us by Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Please leave the date blank at the top of the
agreement. The date will be filled in at the end of the sign off process.
Once all awarded agreements are signed off, we will place the bench order. Our vendor projects we will receive
the benches within six weeks. Once we receive the benches, we will contact you for pick up. You will have two
weeks to pick them up.
Thanks so much for being a part of the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative creating a physically active friendly
environment. Facilitating these "pathways to health" bench routes help promote active living – especially for the
elderly, people with disabilities, and people with small children.
Please confirm with Connie Bernardy by email you received this award letter and attachments.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
Active Living Ramsey Communities Director
Ramsey County Public Works
1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Work: 651-266-7181
P.S. Please save the dates for our upcoming Active Living Ramsey Communities Quarterly Meetings:
Monday, September 11, 2023 and
Monday, December 11, 2023
2:30-4:30 PM
Active Living Ramsey Communities improves health through community engagement.
We promote and create environments that make it safe and easy for everyone to integrate physical activity into
their daily routine.
Attachments:
Award Letter – Falcon Heights
Be Active! Be Green! Bench Grant Agreement – Falcon Heights
Attachment A, Part 1 – Community Park and Part 2 – Curtis Field
Attachment B, Part 1 – Community Park and Part 2 – Curtis Field
36
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
August 9, 2023
No. 23-52
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZING CITY
ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH ACTIVE LIVING RAMSEY
COMMUNITIES BE ACTIVE! BE GREEN! BENCH INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, Active Living Ramsey Communities is an initiative dedicated to creating and
promoting environments that make it safe and convenient for everyone to integrate physical
activity into their daily routine; and
WHEREAS, Ramsey County has created the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative as part of
Active Living Ramsey Communities. It seeks to install networks of benches in parks, and link
local destinations, which are geared towards people of all ages and abilities who may not
typically be very active; and,
WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has approved funding for the Be
Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative, and has funds available through a grant process to support
bench routes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Falcon Heights desires to implement a bench route within Community
Park and at Curtiss Field; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to participate in the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative and
Active Living Ramsey Communities
WHEREAS, the City will pay for the concrete and Public Works will install concrete pads as
part of the bench project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota:
1. Hereby approves and authorizes submission of an application for a pathway for the Be
Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative attached hereto.
2. Hereby accepts the terms outlined in the grant application materials, and authorizes the
City Administrator to execute grant agreements with the County.
ADOPTED by the Falcon Heights City Council this 9th day of August, 2023.
37
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randall Gustafson
Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
LEEHY Jack Linehan
MEYER ____ Against City Administrator
WEHYEE
WASSENBERG
38
Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative Agreement 1
Be Active! Be Green! Bench Grant Agreement
This agreement dated ______________ is between the County of Ramsey
(“COUNTY”) and the City of Falcon Heights (“GRANTEE”).
RECITALS
A.GRANTEE has requested COUNTY provide Be Active! Be Green! benches for placement on
property GRANTEE owns or operates.
B.COUNTY wishes to provide the requested benches and wishes to ensure that they will be placed
as proposed and will be maintained.
AGREEMENT
THE COUNTY and GRANTEE AGREE THAT, in consideration of the COUNTY providing the indicated
number of benches for no charge, the GRANTEE:
A.Has a legal right to the trail, path, sidewalk, or other right-of-way (“right-of-way”) upon
which the benches will be installed. The legal right may be in the form of fee title,
permanent recorded easement, or lease with a remaining term of no less than 20 years.
B.Will provide transportation of the benches from a central distribution location to a safe
and secure location prior to its transport to the location of installation, at GRANTEE’s
expense, within two weeks of being notified by email that the benches are ready for
pick up. The safe and secure location shall provide protection of the bench from
condition that may cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.
C.Will assemble and install the provided benches, at GRANTEE’s expense, on publicly
accessible right-of-way at the locations indicated on Attachment A, and in accordance
with the plans and details contained in the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative
documents and grantee's application attached here to as Attachment B, within one year
of receipt. Installation shall include attaching the bench to a base sufficient to provide
security and stability of the benches. The location and pad must meet Americans with
Disability Act requirements.
D.Will promote the availability of benches and the Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative to
its residents and other visitors through its customary and usual communications tools
including any community newsletter, organizational website, or other common means
of communication and will be a part of the Active Living Ramsey Communities Coalition
by being a part of its mailing lists and attend meetings when possible.
E.Ensure each bench is maintained in safe and usable condition. The GRANTEE agrees that
benches will be available for use by all people regardless of race, gender, economic
background, or national origin.
F.The GRANTEE is solely responsible for the future maintenance, repair, upkeep, or
replacement of all benches installed.
G.Will provide the specific location data for each bench in a format that can be integrated
with the COUNTY’s geographical information system (GIS).
39
Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative Agreement 2
H.Will provide a photograph of each bench installed for use by COUNTY for its reporting,
messaging, and marketing purposes.
OTHER TERMS:
I.CANCELLATION and REMOVAL: GRANTEE agrees that, in the event a bench is removed
or not maintained, that GRANTEE will reimburse COUNTY for the cost of the bench at a
pro-rated amount based on a twenty-year useable life. If the bench is reinstalled at an
COUNTY approved replacement location, either owned by GRANTEE or another partner,
COUNTY may waive the reimbursement requirement.
J.LIMIT OF COUNTY PARTICIPATION: The County’s participation in this agreement is
limited to providing funding for the initial supply of benches, coordinating delivery, and
ensuring the benches are located, installed, maintained, and repaired, as it determines
is necessary and as provided herein. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the
County to pay or perform maintenance, repair, or replacement on the provided
benches.
K.INDEMNIFICATION: The GRANTEE shall defend and indemnify the COUNTY, its officers,
agents, and employees from all claims and causes of actions relating to or arising from
the GRANTEE's installation, use, and maintenance of the benches, or their use and
availability to visitors and other members of the public. This provision shall survive any
termination of this agreement.
L.ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement between
the parties and shall supersede all prior oral or written negotiations and any
amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing.
This Agreement is duly executed on the last date written below.
RAMSEY COUNTY GRANTEE
By: _________________________________
Ryan O’Connor, County Manager
Date: ______________________
By: _________________________________________
City Administrator
Print Name:___________________________________
Date:_________________________________________Approval Recommended:
_______________________________
Brian Isaacson, Director
Ramsey County Public Works
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
Assistant County Attorney
40
BLANK PAGE
41
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Appointment of Colin Callahan to the position of Public Works Director
Description Colin Callahan was appointed the position of interim public works director after the
retirement of Tim Pittman, on April 12th.
Colin started with the Falcon Heights Public Works Department in 2002 as a part-time employee. Over time, Colin has developed his skillset as an integral part of the department—from his ability as a plow driver to his knowledge of the city utility
systems. Colin previously was a senior maintenance worker.
During his first four months as interim director, Colin has done a tremendous job of leading the department through a rare period of transition after decades of stability. Colin has oversaw the onboarding of our new senior maintenance worker and seasonal
laborer. He also has played an active role in our 2023 PMP and Hoyt sidewalk projects.
As consideration for the additional responsibilities and the after-hour requirements of the position, Colin will have his salary increased 5%. He will have his first review scheduled for April 12th, 2024.
Budget Impact The 5% increase was budgeted.
Attachment(s) •Resolution 23-53 Appointment of Colin Callahan to the position of Public
Works Director
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommend approval of attached resolution accepting the appointment of Colin
Callahan to the position of Public Works Director.
Meeting Date August 9, 2023
Agenda Item Policy H1
Attachment Resolution 23-53
Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator
42
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION
August 9, 2023
No. 23-53 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
RESOLUTION APPOINTING COLIN CALLAHAN TO THE POSITION OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
WHEREAS, Colin Callahan was promoted to interim public works director on April 12, 2023; and
WHEREAS, it was stated that a review would take place in three to six months to determine if it was a permanent position or if the City would be going a new direction; and
WHEREAS, Colin Callahan has done a tremendous job in the interim role.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota:
1. Appoint Colin Callahan to the permanent position of Public Works Director, and2. Authorize a 5% increase in compensation; and3. Schedule an annual review of the director to be on the one-year anniversary of the interimappointment date of April 12, 2023.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randall C. Gustafson
Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
MEYER Jack Linehan
WASSENBERG ____ Against City Administrator
LEEHY
WEHYEE
43