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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_08May28Falcon Heights City Council Meeting May 28, 2008 Members present: Council members Harris, Long, and Mercer-Taylor, Mayor Lindstrom, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser, Chief Kurhajetz, and Finance Director Olson. Mayor Lindstrom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1. Acceptance and recognition of fire department kitchen appliances from Warners’ Stellian The first item on the agenda was acceptance and recognition of a donation from Warners’ Stellian for the fire department. Firefighter Anton Fehrenbach approached the business earlier in the year about obtaining new appliances. Council member Harris moved to approve the acceptance of a range, microwave and refrigerator for the fire hall. The motion passed unanimously. 2. CAFR Report The second presentation began with Matt Mayer, of Kern, DeWenter, Viere LTD giving the council a presentation on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for 2007. He explained the opinion given by the firm was independent, and was the best the agency could offer. He stated the City received the GFOA Award for the 17th year running, and based on what he’d seen to date would venture that the City would its 18th. Next, he explained the findings to the council by giving a summary outline of several of the City’s funds. Mayer said the general fund budget saw $1.493m in revenue, $1.634m in expenditures, with transfers at $141,000. Due to higher than projected revenue and lower than predicted expenditures across-the-board, the transfers necessary from the storm draining fund were just $4,000. He added there was no change in fund balance. Mayer reminded the council to keep an eye on the storm drainage fund operating line items and depreciation, and give consideration to the fund’s self-sufficiency rather than covering it with general fund transfers. In the audit findings, he said there was a lack of segregation among staff duties, noting the cost of hiring an additional staff person would outweigh the benefit. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mayer for the good information, and thanked Roland and Patrick for their hard work. Council member Long moved to approve the CAFR. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes of the May 14, 2008 meeting were approved as submitted. Consent Agenda: The following two items were moved for approval by Council member Mercer-Taylor. The motion passed unanimously. 1. General Disbursements through 5/22/08: $68,907.76 Payroll through 5/15/08: $9,137.50 Approval of new firefighter Policy Agenda: 1. Adoption of the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement Mayor Lindstrom said taking part in the agreement was an initiative by the Environment Commission, and was an interesting example of what local government can do to combat global warming. He explained the Kyoto Protocol was signed by roughly 180 countries around the world, but not the US. Seattle’s mayor, back in 2005, began by starting this local initiative and since then over 800 cities nationally have signed on. Among Minnesota cities, are Minneapolis, St. Paul and Roseville. Council member Harris moved to approve the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Agreement with the Minnesota Climate Change Corps Mayor Lindstrom explained the Environment Commission discussed how Falcon Heights could reduce its carbon footprint, and recognized the expertise to do any research could not be done in-house. He said that was when the Climate Change Corp was discovered as a free inventory service performed by retired engineers through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Council member Mercer-Taylor said she was thrilled with the opportunity. Council member Harris said it’s probably exciting for the volunteers as well, and wondered how long they’d been in business. Lindstrom replied he wasn’t sure, however it was to the city’s benefit. He added Falcon Heights isn’t under obligation to follow any of the corps recommendations. Mercer-Taylor said it was great that Falcon Heights would be able to get a base line for free, and knows that residents are ready to see opportunities to make a difference. Council member Long moved to approve the agreement with the Minnesota Climate Change Corps. The motion passed unanimously. Information/Announcements: Council member Mercer-Taylor announced the Neighborhood Commission had some turnover recently that in the coming months there would be opportunities to serve. Also, she said the commission would be hosting a National Night Out block party at Curtiss Field on August 5. Watch for details. Council member Harris stated the Human Rights Commission’s poster contest would be forthcoming, as soon as they learned of the state commission’s plans. She also said she would be attending the RCLLG meeting and would report back to council the happenings there. Council member Long announced summer registrations were still being accepted until June 6. He added there were new classes, like rugby, tennis, and the running club. He closed by stating Hugo residents would be in our thoughts as they begin the rebuilding stage. Mayor Lindstrom announced there are compost bins for sale at city hall for $35. Also, there is a supply of free gun locks available. He closed by stating summer hours at city hall are Mon-Th 7:30 – 5, and Fri 7:30 – noon. Administrator Miller announced the council would have a workshop at 6:30 June 4 to discuss goalsetting, rental licensing, and a city slogan. Community Forum: Bryan Olson, 1592 Roselawn addressed the council, taking issue with the passage of the climate protection agreement they had passed earlier in the business meeting. He said the issue was federal, and asked why city councils were addressing it. He added it was his opinion the action was a publicity stunt. Secondly, he wanted to remind the council pedestrian and bike path funding from the federal government often comes with strings attached, and the council should be extra careful in accepting their money. Mayor Lindstrom adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. and the council adjourned to a workshop to discuss the Larpenteur Avenue streetscape proposals. Respectfully submitted, Stacey Kreuser Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk