HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_08Oct8Falcon Heights City Council Meeting
October 8, 2008
Members present: Mayor Lindstrom, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Long, and Mercer-Taylor, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Lindstrom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The minutes of the September 25 special meeting were approved unanimously.
Mayor Lindstrom announced the winners of the Human Rights Poster Contest as Samuel Justice Stewart and Lillian Grace Stewart. Council member Harris explained the Human Rights Commission
wanted to boost it’s identity throughout the city and decided to hold a poster contest in conjunction with the state’s contest. The two winner’s posters will be sent to the state contest.
She added that with two entries, the commission hopes for more enthusiasm next year. The two winners received tickets to a show at the Youth Performance Company.
Consent Agenda:
Council member Kuettel moved the following two items for approval after she pointed out the first relief aid pass through. The motion passed unanimously.
1. General Disbursements through 10/1/08: $97,974.96
Payroll through 10/1/08: $15,276.73
City Licenses
Policy Agenda:
1. Adoption of New City Slogan
Administrator Miller began the item by explaining the process the city used for the new slogan. He said there were 50 entries received, and the city council narrowed their choices to
two: “the City that Soars,” and “Families, Fields, and Fair.” At the student-council meeting, students took a vote and they chose by an 85-21 vote “the City that Soars.”
Council member Kuettel said it was a nice way to search, with varied methods for collecting slogans.
Council member Harris said she has been asked why the city needs to have a slogan at all. The city is trying to bring visibility and wants to be more identifiable to everyone, and by
putting the slogan on banners, signs, and on the website, it is a step of that sort. Miller added the slogan would be printed on the website, on new shipments of letterhead, business
cards, and within staff’s email signatures.
Council member Mercer-Taylor said that students feel affiliated with the falcon from FH Elementary. Mayor Lindstrom agreed there were several good comments and good arguments by the
students for both slogans.
Council member Long said he liked “Families, Fields, and Fair” better, because of the identity it gives to the city through the unique characteristics Falcon Heights is known for.
Mayor Lindstrom said he likes both but thought “the City that Soars” gives a better inspirational image of launching into the future and was more memorable and easier to say than the
other was.
Council member Harris and Mercer-Taylor conversed about how the students liked it for the bird connection, but had trouble remembering the order of the other slogan. Harris added there
are no falcons here. Mercer-Taylor added a visual cue on the website while using “the City that Soars” as the slogan made a better sound bite. Harris said she liked the identity theme
with “families, fields, and fair,” but the order can be jumbled. Long replied that it would become more recognizable with time, and it is only a few words to remember.
Council member Harris asked for the item to be tabled so staff could figure out how to incorporate both. The item was tabled.
2. Community Park Tennis Court Reconstruction
Administrator Miller said the tennis courts are in bad shape at Community Park, and the council put money in the CIP for a resurface this year. After consulting with engineers, it was
determined the courts were too far-gone for a resurface and a reconstruction was required. He explained the USTA would cover 30% of costs associated with a reconstruction through a
grant. The grant has been applied for, but the city has not heard back about it. Three bids were solicited, and TA Schifsky was the lowest. The project will cost $56,580 for reconstruction
and engineering, and with the 30% coverage by USTA, the city portion would be $39,606. He said $10,000 was budgeted for 2008 for the resurface, and another $10,000 was budgeted for
the basketball court resurfacing. The basketball courts can wait, and with 25,000 coming from the Larpenteur Avenue streetscape line item, (TIF funds can be used for that project).
Approval by the council is contingent on the grant. The contractor thought the project would be finished this year and the courts will be ready for the 08-0 rec season.
Council member Kuettel asked about the $3600 for engineering. Miller said the scope of work was outside the city staff’s expertise, and that would cover the USTA’s specific requirements.
Council member Harris said through creative funding, the city could get it done and thought it was a good idea. Mayor Lindstrom agreed, stating the courts are heavily used and are in
poor shape. Kuettel added the city has the park lease for another 20 years as well.
Administrator Miller also noted there is a possibility of finding a grant for the basketball courts next year.
Kuettel said that it was difficult to vote for the project when money is tight and personnel cannot be hired. Mayor Lindstrom pointed out that by not giving approval, the city would
be passing up $17,000 in grant money.
Council member Mercer-Taylor moved to approve the Community Park Tennis Court Reconstruction. The motion passed unanimously.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Mercer-Taylor attended the CRWD meeting and learned about resources available to homeowners for watershed initiatives like rain gardens.
Council member Harris said the Human Rights Commission is awaiting response to a grant application from the State Department of Human Rights to enhance the skills of the commission –
reaching out to new residents/immigrant groups.
Council member Long encouraged residents to sign up for the music classes through parks/rec.
Mayor Lindstrom asked residents to sign up for the Rake-A-Thon on Oct 25.
Administrator Miller said the Fire Department Open House was well-attended. On Oct 16 is the open house for the Larpenteur Avenue Streetscape, 6:30 – 8 at City Hall.
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser said anyone needing to vote absentee could stop by city hall or call to request a ballot.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk