HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_07Jun27Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
June 27, 2007
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Kuettel, Harris, Lindstrom, and Talbot, Administrator Miller, and Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Presentations:
1. Eagle Scout Award to William Plaisance. Mr. Plaisance explained his project to the council, stating that he had built a display at the Great Northern Railroad office, which outlined
historical artifacts and other information about the railway. He hopes it will be on display for three years.
Emily Mendenhall was also recognized by the council for her completion of the Girl Scout Gold Award project, which focused on emergency preparedness for families and pets. She said
it was a positive experience that allowed her to collaborate with several agencies and cities.
The council congratulated both scouts and the mayor presented each with a city logo pin.
2. NYFS Presentation.
Kay Andrews, Executive Director of NYFS, thanked the council for their continued support, and presented Jerry Hromatka, Associate Executive Director.
Hromatka presented to the council the strategic plan for NYFS for the year 2008, along with the services provided by the organization to Falcon Heights residents.
Council member Kuettel asked about the 80% recidivism rate. Hromatka answered it was a statewide statistic from YIPPA.
Council member Harris asked if Hromatka knew of STRIVE, a mentoring program for high school students. He did not, but said that was just the type of program NYFS wants to get involved
with. He said new programs don’t always have to be started, instead, sometimes a bridge linking people to resources is enough.
Warren Plaisance, Falcon Heights resident, asked how citizens can get inquire about mental health services for teens. Hromatka replied thorough schools, contact on your own, the website,
doctors, faith communities, insurance – a multitude of ways.
Mayor Gehrz asked how NYFS can help with some of the programs Falcon Heights already offers. Hromatka replied the youth workers are responsible for finding resources and researching.
The minutes of the June 13, 2007 regular meeting were approved as submitted.
Consent Agenda:
The following four items were moved for approval by Council member Kuettel. The motion passed unanimously.
Fire Chief Kurhajetz was present to answer questions regarding the grant award. He said a new computer and saw were purchased with the funds.
1. General Disbursements through 6/20/07: $112,662.43
Payroll through 6/15/07: $15,728.38
2. 2007 licenses
3. Salary adjustment for Parks and Public Works Director Tim Pittman
4. Acceptance of $5000 grant from Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies
Policy Agenda:
Mayor Gehrz asked the council’s permission to remove the BC/BS grant application from the policy agenda. The city received word monies for grants were spent for 2007. The city will
attempt application in 2008 if monies are available.
1. Community Park Lease
Administrator Miller began the item by explaining the main points of the lease remain the same. The new lease is a series of 15 one-year concurrent leases, which do not require annual
approval. The new lease would run through the end of 2024.
Council member Kuettel asked about “removal of improvements” as listed in the lease and also about the phrase “quietly yield and surrender” in terms of ending the agreement. Administrator
Miller replied that permanent fixtures would remain in the park, but other improvements, such as the big toy, would be taken out prior to the end of the lease. Council member Harris
stated that “quietly yield and surrender” meant for the city not to make a legal fuss, however it would still be okay to voice concerns and go to the media. She added that if the U
wanted the city to not be able to speak to the press, they’d have added that in as a separate clause.
Council member Talbot expressed his gratitude towards the U, while Council member Lindstrom added the U was good to work with, especially with the Community Garden allowance.
Administrator Miller added that the U has not said anything about their intentions of giving up the park.
Mayor Gehrz said there has been more shared use with the park and with the U has gotten much better about communication and collaboration. With the Stadium Area Advisory Committee,
neighborhoods, along with the U, have been included in the planning processes.
Council member Harris moved to approve the Community Park lease. The motion passed unanimously.
2. 2008 Goals
Council read the 2008 goals aloud.
Council member Harris asked about adding in a goal related to pursuing grants for active living opportunities, while the Mayor asked about adding in a goal related to public safety initiatives.
Administrator Miller replied there was a catch-all goal under the financial strategies, and it’s the usual practice to apply for grants when they come available. The council commended
Administrator Miller on his grant writing skills.
Council member Lindstrom moved to approve the 2008 goals. The motion passed unanimously.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Kuettel reported the Planning Commission had a workshop, and has been working on the comp plan. She noted that the ideas in the comp plan, which is based on forecasts
for housing by the Met Council, is out there just in case, and that it’s not the policy of Falcon Heights to necessarily change immediately, however they are possibilities that could
arise in the next 20 years.
Council member Talbot urged residents to sign up for the City list serv.
Mayor Gehrz echoed that, and reminded people of the play kits available for block parties.
Administrator Miller said the Back to the ‘50s went well, and that the SAPD was on extra patrol for Friday/Saturday nights, paid for by the MSRA.
Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk