HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_08Mar12Regular meeting of the City Council
March 12, 2008
Members present: Mayor Lindstrom, Council members Long, and Mercer-Taylor, Administrator Miller. Absent: Council members Harris, Kuettel, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Lindstrom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Presentations:
There were no presentations.
Consent Agenda:
Council member Mercer-Taylor moved the following three items for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
1. General Disbursements through 3/5/08: $75,368.36
Payroll through 2/29/08: $17,166.78
2. City License Renewals
3. Commission appointments
The minutes of the February 27, 2008 regular council meeting were approved as submitted.
Policy Agenda:
1. Moratorium on New Electronic Signs
Administrator Miller provided background based upon new technology and how it impacts even smaller signs. He is not confident our current code has kept up with this technology.
There are no pending applications, therefore we can be more objective in our research to update our code. Ordinance No. 08-01 drafted by our city attorney prevents permits from being
issued for six months or until a new ordinance has been approved, which ever comes first.
Administrator Miller stated that six months is the maximum time allowed so if someone comes in on September 11, we will have to honor their request based upon our current code.
Council member Long commented that this makes sense, and he is in favor of doing the research. Mayor Lindstrom stated that if you “Google” this subject you will see many cities are
wrestling with this. Bank signs and such may be okay , but we don’t want to be a Las Vegas.
He also asked if we will do this internally. Administrator Miller stated that we may use a consultant planner to help us out. Council member Mercer-Taylor commented on time and temperature
being displayed on a billboard by the University, which may be a way certain companies are bypassing current ordinances. Mayor Lindstrom commented that we also need to consider first
amendment issues. Administrator Miller stated, with outside help and the Planning Commission wrapping up work on the Comprehensive Plan work can begin on this soon. Council member
Long moved to approve Ordinance No. 08-01. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Comprehensive Plan Update Review III
Administrator Miller began the item by explaining that this is the final part of a three part process. It is more technical than Parts I and II and covers transportation, utilities,
and storm water management. Because of this we had SEH do the research for us in 2006 – 2007.
Miller explained that the process for the Comprehensive Plan includes holding two open houses. The first will be held on March 13 at 6:30 p.m. Then the Planning Commission will review
it for eventual April approval by the Council. The second open house is April 3 for those who cannot attend the first one. Mayor Lindstrom stated that the maps are wonderful and that
Deb Jones, Zoning and Planning Director did a great job. Miller stated that no formal action is requested for tonight. Council member Long complimented Administrator Miller and Planning
Director Jones for all of their hard work on the Comprehensive Plan. He encouraged residents to be aware of it. Administrator Miller stated that this information is also on the city’s
website.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Mercer-Taylor encouraged residents to attend the open houses March 13 and April 3 at 6:30 p.m. here at City Hall. Council member Long stated that it is great to be appointing
more people to commissions, and that he is glad to see the community involvement. The Parks and Recreation Commission met Monday. The Spring/Summer programs schedule was in the March
newsletter, and can also be accessed at City Hall and on website. He encouraged those interested to get applications in quickly via online, mail, or City Hall before programs fill up.
They are also looking for instructors for some of the classes. Information is on the website for these summer opportunities. Mayor Lindstrom gave a reminder of the March 17 rain garden
workshop 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Administrator Miller stated that the next Council meeting on March 26 is a joint commissions meeting. All Commissioners are invited to attend, and
each chair will be giving a report. Mayor Lindstrom stated that there will be a commission appointment at that meeting of a new applicant who is a sixth grader and gardener. He is
being appointed to the Environment Commission. There will be a crime prevention meeting March 27, 6:30 p.m. at The Coffee Grounds.
Community Forum:
Melanie Leehy, 1547 Idaho Avenue, addressed the council on a proposal for a city slogan.
She began by stating that the phrase “The Fair City” she felt to be an incomplete description of what the city is as a whole, and that others have that same opinion. Leehy made a recommendation
that the city slogan become, “Falcon Heights, the City that Soars.” In support of this slogan she sited several traits of the falcon such as how they are known to soar, their ability
to fly above a storm, and how authors and others often use the words falcon and soar in the same sentence. Leehy then made parallels to what she sees as strengths of Falcon Heights.
Mayor Lindstrom stated that the Council cannot vote on community forum items, but will consider it. Possibly this is something that even the elementary school could have involvement.
Leehy offered to be available for any part of the process.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Leehy
Office Assistant