HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_08Mar26Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights City Council
March 26, 2008
Members present: Mayor Lindstrom, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Long, and Mercer-Taylor, and Administrator Miller. Absent: Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Call to Order and Neal Kwong Award Presentation:
Mayor Lindstrom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and began with a presentation of the 2008 Neal Kwong Award. Lindstrom spoke about Kwong, stating he has made a very positive
impact on the city in a short period of time; and his commitment, and other young people’s, to the city is very important and appreciated.
Mayor Lindstrom announced Ben Prather would be presented with the Neal Kwong Award.
Allan Kwong thanked Ben and Nick Allen, the other winner first, and went on to thank other youth leaders in the community. He added that big things often come in small packages, and
encouraged all youth to take the examples given by the award recipients.
Laura Kwong told a bit about her brother Neal, stating he was active in Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation and in Boy Scouts, and always seemed to be going the right way in life. The
award was created to memorialize Neal and his commitment to the community.
Laura recognized Ben Prather as active in CERT, stating he completed the 24-hour training program when he was just 13 years old. Ben also volunteered at the Citizen Corp Conference
held at the U of M, and has logged numerous hours bettering the community by staying active in CERT training. Ben is a great role model to other youth in the community.
Nick Allen, winner of the 15-19 age group, would be recognized at the April 9 meeting.
The minutes of the March 12, 2008 meeting were approved as submitted.
Consent Agenda:
Council member Kuettel pointed out the disbursements included sewer charges to the Met Council, insurance premiums, Roseville, etc. She added the agreement for the city forestry contract
should include a correction of the word “the” under #7.
Council member Harris asked if references were checked regarding the forestry contract award. Miller replied City of Eagan had supplied a favorable reference. Parks and Public Works
Director Pittman and he conducted interviews.
Council member Kuettel moved the following three items for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
1. General Disbursements through 3/20/08: $121,455.29
Payroll through 3/15/08: $16,045.07
2. Approval of Contract for 2008 City Forester
3. Commission Appointment
Policy Agenda:
1. City Commission Updates
Planning Commission – Chair Eric Watkins stated the commission began the year with orientation of new members; in April the commission recommended a change to the code in regards to
composting; June included a workshop; August saw a request for a fence variance that was denied, and in October, the Town Square PUD was amended. Council member
Kuettel added the Planning Commission also was working very hard on the comp plan in 2007, and in 2008 will be working on the sign code.
Human Rights Commission – Chair Wayne Groff reported the commission works for equality for all citizens. In 2008, the commission has not heard any complaints. As a goal for 2008, the
commission will be conducting neighborhood outreach to alert the residents of the commission’s existence. He added the commission would be collaborating with the Neighborhood Commission,
and has shown videos on human rights on Channel 15, CTV. A poster contest in conjunction with the State Dept. for school-aged children in is in the works. A new member was appointed,
and a commission logo was selected in 2007. Mayor Lindstrom announced the community meeting at the Coffee Grounds for the 13th, and offered the commission the opportunity to be present
with materials for the public.
Environment Commission – Chair Ron Kroese reported he has taken over the chair position from Jim Kielsmeier, who would be missed on the commission. He said the highlight from 2007 was
the community garden’s success. In 2008, things are looking equally good with 19 of the 20 plots reserved by Falcon Heights residents. He added the recycling ratio is a focus for 2008,
and the city would be looking into the 2-sort recycling vs. single-sort when the current contract comes up for renewal. Rain gardens and storm water are an interest of residents, which
will positively affect the aesthetics of the city. The commission also will focus on energy conservation, and make the community move towards being carbon-neutral, or at least reducing
the use of fossil fuel.
Neighborhood Commission – Commissioner Laura Kwong reported in the absence of Chair Thompson, and thanked everyone who attended, trained, and volunteered for CERT classes/conference
in 2007, and Sue Gehrz who stepped down from the commission. In January, the annual gathering of liaisons and CERTs concentrated on the comp plan, the city listserv, and personal emergency
preparedness, followed by crime prevention seminars at Town Square. In July, the commission staffed a table at the Ice Cream Social, handing out “passports” to encourage attendees to
visit each booth. August saw National Night Out, with the success of the first-ever guerilla block party, and 22 other block parties hosted by residents. Towards the end of the year
the commission worked on literature to inform the community, including “Aging in Place”, “Resources for Seniors”, and “Apartment Safety” brochures.
Commissioner and CERT Kris Grangaard explained CERT is a community-based training program for residents, to prepare cities for an emergency in case professional help is delayed. CERT
is open to all Lauderdale and Falcon Heights residents. The next CERT class starts in May on Wednesday evenings. Post-graduation, CERTs can continue their education through tabletop
and HAM radio operations, along with other preparedness classes like winter emergencies and pet safety.
Parks and Recreation Commission – Council member Long reported in the absence of Chair Annie Green, and stated the commission has been spending time on the parks plan. The 2007 Ice
Cream Social and 2008 Winterfest, and they have been thinking about adding events for the spring and fall – maybe a 5K race to promote active living. Long commended Lisa Abernathy on
the great job she has been doing. He added residents could adopt a park and help sustain the city’s assets.
Mayor Lindstrom thanked the commissions on behalf of the council for everything they do.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Mercer-Taylor attended the joint Human Rights and Neighborhood Commission meeting and said she came away with a renewed appreciation, and thought other commissions may
want to hold joint-meetings as well. On May 14, the block nurse program will hold a meeting to address seniors who want to remain in their homes, location forthcoming.
Council member Harris will attend the RCLLG meeting, and invited anyone from the community who would like to come. The March meeting will promote effective communication.
Council member Kuettel again thanked the volunteers on all commissions. The food drive is still open, just go to the school to drop off your donation.
Council member Long thanked everyone who has made a commitment to the city by serving on a commission. Summer program registration is open, info on the website. Parks/rec also has
summer employment opportunities as well.
Mayor Lindstrom announced the city crime prevention meeting at Coffee Grounds and invited all to attend. A meeting with Jerry Hammer, Executive Director of the State Fair, was a productive
and beneficial experience, with the city learning of a RV aficionado’s convention at the fairgrounds this summer. Paul Charest will also meet with city leaders regarding holding a council
meeting in conjunction with the school.
Administrator Miller said the Comp Plan open house would be April 3 at 6:30 at City Hall. The council workshop on April 2 will discuss infrastructure. The city has available reusable
grocery bags and compost bins for sale.
Community Forum:
Resident, 1597 Burton, asked if the Bell Museum representatives have come to the council meeting to chat about the new museum, as she went to the meeting over the weekend. Council member
Mercer-Taylor added she went to the meeting as well, stating the residents as 1666 would be sending their support for the museum to the governor’s office and legislature. The council
also passed a resolution showing their support for the project.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. by Mayor Lindstrom.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk