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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_07Jun13Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council June 13, 2007 Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Lindstrom, Harris, Kuettel and Talbot, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser, and Parks and Public Works Director Pittman. Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Presentation: 1. The first presentation was given by the City’s prosecuting attorney’s office, Hughes & Costello. Martin Costello introduced Katrina Joseph and Tory Stewart from his office, and Costello began by explaining the three areas of focus: advising and drafting ordinances, criminal prosecution, and civil litigation. Stewart spoke about criminal prosecution. Joseph spoke next, by talking about civil injunctions. She explained that an injunction is a cease and desist order that is subject to fines and ultimately jail time but is used rarely. She next explained civil litigation, which stays with a single judge for the length of the case. Since it’s the same judge, they see the case through to the end and have all the information from the very beginning. Joseph stated that the attorney’s meet with staff, staff send letters and document their actions, and as a last resort the attorney’s office gets involved. Council member Talbot asked if a case can go to court without council approval. Joseph replied it could, but the council lends support. Council member Lindstrom asked how the city could make Hughes & Costello’s job easier. Joseph answered that staff is easy to work with, and the office has a great working relationship with SAPD. Public Hearing: 1. The first public hearing presentation was given by Tim Pittman, Parks and Public Works Director, for the MS4 permit requirement. He outlined Falcon Heights’ actions to remain in compliance with the MS4 regulations, and explained the permitting objectives are to keep pollution from getting into our water resources. Council member Talbot asked about MS4 requirements for construction. Pittman replied they always want vegetation on dirt and silt fencing around erosion areas to combat runoff. Administrator Miller added cities aren’t responsible for enforcement of that, it would be up to the watershed district to issue a stop work order. Council member Lindstrom asked about the city’s fleet maintenance and building maintenance, as outlined in the permit. Pittman replied by ensuring there are no leaks and nothing that would run into the storm sewer. Mayor Gehrz opened the public hearing. She closed the public hearing. 2. The second public hearing was introduced by Administrator Miller regarding the city’s new assessment manual. He explained the differences between the current policy and new manual, and stated the main difference is that new assessments would be charged on a percentage basis, rather than a set per-foot dollar amount. Council member Kuettel stated that the city has studied the policy, and couldn’t afford to subsidize assessments any longer. Council member Harris stated that now was a good time to implement a new policy, since there aren’t any major projects coming up in the near future. Residents won’t be at risk for a higher assessment for some time. Council member Lindstrom agreed. He said that each resident would be charged a percentage based on per linear foot, and that was a fair shake. Council member Talbot asked about the senior deferment and changes regarding sidewalk repairs. Administrator Miller answered sidewalk repair remains city responsibility, and deferral is still based on need. The state allows cities to defer assessments with interest accrued. Interest accrues at 6.5% and must be paid out should the property change ownership. Mayor Gehrz opened the public hearing. She closed the public hearing. Council member Lindstrom rose the topic regarding deferments and stated that as the manual reads, a deferment can be granted to anyone who earns below 50% the median income. He proposed increasing it to 75%, with seniors in mind who may live on a fixed income. Even with a ten-year deferment, it may be a hardship for some. Council member Talbot agreed it was a good idea to examine. Administrator Miller stated the median is based on metro wages and the number in each household. The council discussed whether to increase the percentage to 75, with not only seniors but also young families in mind as well. Administrator Miller said from a financial standpoint, interest would accrue quickly at 6.5%, but the assessments and deferments would be approved at the same time. Mayor Gehrz stated more information was needed in order to consider the increase. She asked if the council would table the item until more research could be done. Council member Harris stated other cities manuals could be checked, and Talbot wanted to know more about the median income. Administrator Miller proposed the council approve the manual as-is, and staff would bring back the deferment portion later. Council member Talbot moved to approve the manual with section six brought back at a later date. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes of the May 23, 2007 regular council meeting were approved as submitted. Consent Agenda: Administrator Miller pointed out one disbursement was on the credit card rather than the check roster, which amended the total disbursements to $102,025.89. Council member Kuettel moved to approve the following three items on the consent agenda. The motion passed unanimously. 1. General Disbursements through 6/6/07: $102,025.89 Payroll through 5/30/07: $15,993.04 2. 2007 Licenses 3. Resolution to change polling place location Policy Agenda: 1. Changes to the Employment Contract for the City Administrator Mayor Gehrz gave an overview to the council by stating Justin had been with the City for one-year, and in accordance with the city’s practice, was up for review. Interviews conducted by the Mayor with city staff and the council produced excellent reviews of Justin’s performance. Data from comparably-sized cities placed Justin at just over $83,000, which is 90% of the average for that data set. She recommended increasing Justin’s salary to $83,300 effective June 19, 2007. Council member Harris said she was in favor of the increase and asked what percentage that would be. Administrator Miller answered he made $75,000 currently and so it was be an 11% increase. Council member Talbot took issue with the city’s compensation policy, asking why employees weren’t paid at 100% of the average of comparably-sized cities. Mayor Gehrz replied the city doesn’t operate it’s own utilities, and so that was the reason. Council member Talbot and Kuettel both congratulated Justin on one-year, and both were impressed with his contributions to the city. Council member Lindstrom stated he would be in favor of more than just a 3% increase for employees in coming years, as has been the practice for COLA adjustments at the new year. Council member Harris moved to approve the changes to the employement agreement for the City Administrator. The motion passed unanimously. Administrator Miller thanked the council and staff for making his first year a good one. Information/Announcements: Council member Harris reported the Parks/Rec Commission will start holding their meetings in the various parks around the city in order to survey and inventory the resources. Council member Lindstrom stated the Environment Commission met, and that he’d seen the garden was doing very well. He joked he also heard some people want to start a garden at the east side of town. Council member Talbot said CTV15 finished the installation of the new cameras in the council chambers, which will produce better video and audio once the kinks are worked out of the system. He thanked Pat Cook and Maureen Anderson for the improvements. Mayor Gehrz announced the council’s goal setting workshop would be Jun 20 at 6 p.m. Public is welcome, or pass along your ideas to a council member. The Consolidated Dispatch Center opened Monday, with a grand opening and tours of the facility. Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser reported new block party play kits are available for free use during the summer months. Balls, Frisbees, and a parachute are among the items included. Call City Hall to reserve. Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey Kreuser Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk