HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 22, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting MinutesA
B.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES - AMENDED
April 22, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
CALLTO ORDER: 7:03 PM
ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON X MAY X MOGEN X
MIELKE X WASSENBERGX.
STAFFPRESENT: LINEHAN_X_JOHNSON_X_BROWN_X_
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Linehan walks through amendments, stating that consent agenda item 3 was removed
and policy item H2 was added; added a sample of a purchase agreement for playground
equipment. Changes have been updated.
Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve the agenda;
Approved 5-0
PRESENTATION
1. St. Anthony Police Departrnent Annual Report from Chief Spiess
Chief Spiess presented the St. Anthony Police Department Annual Reporf highlighting
deparknent growth and key accomplishments. SAPD has expanded from 1 officer to 26
full-time officers, along with Community Service Officers, a cadet program, and 3
civilian staff.
Crime data showed no significant concerns. Both Part 1 and Part 2 crimes were
consistent with surrounding communities, and the Investigative Division achieved a
42% clearartce rate in 2025, reflecltng strong case resolution.
The Patrol Division focuses on 9L1" response, proactive policing, traffic safety, and
community engagement with haffic enforcement driven largely by community
concems. The departrnent tracks 37 performance metrics to monitor trends and guide
decision-making.
Chief Spiess noted full compliance with training requirements and highlighted ongoing
initiatives, including a therapy dog program, safety camp funding efforts, and expanded
social media outreach. Technology updates included continued use of body cameras, a
new video system, and the launch of a drone program used for missing persons and
investigative support under strict guidelines.
Recruihnent remains a priority, with career fairs, grant-funded hiring pathways, and a
growing cadet program supporting efforts to athact and retain high-quality officers.
C
D
27
Officer wellness and community engagement are also key focuses, with 260 documented
engagement activities in Falcon Heights.
The report concluded with updates on long-term goals, including continued regional
integration, recruihnent and retention strategies, facility planning, and expanded
support services.
2. Presentation of Updated City Website
Linehan introduced Johnson and Browry who presented the City's new website and
outlined the next steps for launch.
Johnson explained that the City contracted with CivicPlus to redesign the website. The
project focused on improving navigation, modernizing the desigR and ensuring
compliance with updated ADA accessibility requirements for government websites.
Brown and Johnson highlighted key design updates, including new layouts, fonts, and
colors, and shared sample pages to demonstrate the updated look and strucfure.
A key addition is CivicSend, which allows staff to create newsletters and post news
updates directly on the website, improving communication with residents. Staff is also
working with CivicPlus to migrate the City Code to Municode, an online code hosting
platform.
Next steps include continued content updates, document migratiory system testing, and
collecting feedback from staff and Council prior to launch.
Councilmembers asked about access to a live version of the site. Staff noted that a post-
launch survey will be available for public feedback and that most staff have already
completed training with CivicPlus. They also clarified that the website search function is
keyword-based and does not search documents.
Staff emphasized that the new site improves usability and accessibility compliance,
while full document accessibility will be addressed as a separate project. Linehan noted
that staff will continue working with Council on opportunities for feedback.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1,. March 25,2026 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
2. April 8, 2026 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
3. April S, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Mielke motions to approve the meeting minutes;
Approved 5-0
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements tfuough a/17/26: $85,011.91
Payroll through a/ 9 / 26: $21.,95579
Wire Payments througha/V /26: $15,57'1,.04
2. Approval of City Licenses
E
G.
28
H
i\risions
4. Approval of Resolution 26-3'1, Reappointing Jacob Brooks to the Planning
Commission
5. Approval of Resolution26-S2Approving a Contract with Electro Watchman Inc. for
the Expansion of Current Lenel/52 Netbox System for Added Access at Community
Park
6. Approval of Resolution26-33 Authorizing the Budget Amendments to
Transfer Funds and for the Purchase of '1407 Larpenteur Ave. W. - Get
Pressed
7. Approval of Resolution2634 Authorizing a Change Order for 2026 Sanitary
Sewer CCTV & Clean Project #26-02 with American Environmental, LLC
8. Consideration of City Hall Operating Under Summer Hours
9. Approval of Resolution 26-35 Awarding Bid for the 2026Sanitary Sewer
Lining Project FH 25-03 to Visu-Sewer
10. Approval of Resolution 26-36 Authorizing the City to Enter into a Grant
Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor
Recreation Grant Program
11. Approval of Resolution 26-37 Authorizing the Purchase Agreement for
Playground Equipment from Northland Recreation at Community Park
Mayor Gustafson motions to approve the consent agenda;
Approved 5-0
POLICY ITEMS:
1. Approval of Resolution26-38 Appointing Members to the Les Bolstad Golf Course
Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
Linehan outlined the process used to establish the CAC and the recruitrnent of members,
noting the committee is now ready for appointments.
Councilmembers Wassenberg and May expressed appreciation for the strong experience
of the applicants. Councilmember Mogen noted that only one member has formal
planning experience and suggested adding Scott Wilson, given his background on the
Planning Commission. He proposed either expanding the committee to 10 members or
replacing one of the atJarge seats to include additional planning expertise, emphasizing
the importance of development knowledge for the group.
Councilmember Mielke asked whether Bolton & Menk staff would attend CAC
meetings. Linehan confirmed that they will, and also that he and City Planner Hannah
Myhren will participate. Wassenberg also noted that SAP representative involvement
brings valuable development expertise and emphasized balancing skills and
perspectives across the committee.
Councilmember May expressed concern about altering the selection process after it had
been established, noting the importance of maintaining consistency and transparency.
Councilmember Gustafson supported moving forward with the recommended slate,
stating that the process was clearly defined, the candidates were evaluated collectively,
and additional input could be provided through staff and consultant participation.
29
Councilmembers discussed the CAC's role, emphasizing it is advisory and intended to
represent community perspectives while incorporating technical expertise through staff
and consultants. Mogen ultimately withdrew the request to modify the committee
composition.
The Council proceeded with the appointments as presented.
Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve Approval of Resolution26-38
Appointing Members to the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community
Advisory Committee (CAC);
Approved 5-0
2, Request of Out-of-State Travel Reimbursement for an Elected Official
Linehan explained that state law requires cities to have an out-of-state havel policy for
elected officials, establishing clear standards for reimbursement and approval.
Councilmember Mielke requested approval to attend the Strong Towns conference in
2026,wtichshe also attended n2025. Linehan noted that the conference budget line is
expected to be exceeded regardless, but could be adjusted in future budget cycles,
including n2027.
Mielke asked that in lieu of attending the LMC conference, the estimated $800 cost to
attend that event be applied toward the cost of attending the Strong Towns National
Gathering, and she would cover the balance.
Gustafson asked whether covering the full cost of the conference would require a formal
budget amendment. Linehan responded that a budget amendment is not necessary at
this time, as expenses still fall within the overall fund structure, but staff will continue to
monitor spending to ensure the general fund remains balanced.
Councilmember Wassenberg motions to approve Resolution23-29 the Request of Out-
of-State Travel Reimbursement for an Elected Official;
Approved 5-0
I: INFORMATION / ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Wassenberg expressed excitement about advancing grant funding for the
playground project.
Councilmember May suggested involving additional individuals who were interviewed for the
CAC, noting the strong pool of community talent. She also shared that the Sustainability Fair
was successful.
Councilmember Mielke reported that the Community Engagement Commission met on
Monday, now has a full membership, and is preparing for the May 16 Spring Together event.
The Commission is also working on its mission statement and planning two pilot listening
sessions'in May.
30
Councilmember Mogen attended the Metro Cities Annual Meeting. He also noted that the
Planning Commission will meet next Tuesday to discuss city code updates and thanked staff
and volunteers for the Sustainability Fair.
Mayor Gustafson echoed appreciation for the Sustainability Fair and reminded everyone of
upcoming events, including Spring Together on May 16 and the Ice Cream Social on July 16.
Linehan shared excitement about moving forward with DNR grant funding and noted
continued progfess at the Community Park. The existing playground will remain in place until
the new one is installed. He also reported that Public Works has completed spring street
sweeping operations and that planning continues toward a Community Park grand opening.
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:9:02
Councilmember Mielke motions to adjoum the meeting;
Approved 5-0
Amendrnents to the agenda are noted in bold for additions and #r.ileelJ+r+*g!t for remwals
Randall Mayor
of May,2026
City Administrator
13th
J
31