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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWkspAgenda 6-29-2011Falcon Heights City Council Workshop City Hall 2077 W Larpenteur Ave. 6:30 p.m. AGENDA Wednesday, June 29, 2011 1) 2011 -2012 City Council Goals Discussion 2) Domestic Partner Ordinance If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to attend this meeting, please notify City Hall 48 hours in advance between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 651- 792 -7600. We will be happy to help. The City That Soars! REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Meeting Date June 29, 2011 Agenda Item Workshop 1 Attachment 2010 -11 City Council Goals Submitted By Justin Miller, City Administrator Item 2011 -12 City Council Goals Discussion Description Each year, usually during June or July, the Falcon Heights City Council establishes their goals for the upcoming year. This process is done during the summer so that staff can incorporate any financial needs associated with those goals into the preliminary levy, which must be set by September 15th of each year. Attached to this report are the 2010 -11 goals as well as an update on their status. Budget Impact Dependent on goals identified by the city council Attachment(s) 2010 -11 City Council Goals Action(s) Staff will collect suggestions by the city council and present them for formal Requested approval at the July 13th city council meeting. Families, Fields and Fair City of Falcon Heights 2010 -11 Goals Purpose: To sustain this community as a great place to live, work and visit. Goal 1: To protect the public health and safety Strategy 1: Provide public safety services to citizens. Action Items Status Red =not compete, Blue =in progress, Green =com leted or ongoing Provide a responsive, visible, police service utilizing 2009 report can be found here: community oriented policing model htt2:Harchivexi.falcon- heights.m.us/archive main/SAPD AnnualRe ort2009. df Provide a responsive, well- trained fire service Each firefighter averages 100 hours training per year Practice the emergency management plan Council /CERT exercise held 2/3/11 Continue to offer training to prepare volunteers to CERT classes held on March 24th assist with disaster response Refresher courses scheduled for fall 2010 Maintain Community Emergency Response Teams Grant money secured to conduct CERT CERT throughout the city classes through 2013 Work with other cities, agencies and institutions in Emergency Manager participates in monthly Ramsey County to practice and implement a county- county -wide meetings, exercises wide emergency management inventory and plan Continue to use St. Paul for ambulance service Ongoing Participate in the North Suburban Haz Mat Team Ongoing Develop a bicycle safety program Held May 7, 2011 Conduct proactive neighborhood crime prevention Crime prevention meetings held during meetings as needed, including outreach to Falcon October at Falcon Heights Town Square and Heights Elementary, group homes and senior housing Senior Apartments buildings. Promote services provided by SAPD such as premise Ongoing checks, vacation checks and car seat Car seat installation clinic held May 7, 2011 safety/ installations Monitor and evaluate rental licensing program 28 licenses issued in 2009 33 licenses issued in 2010 2011 inspections in process Adopt dangerous dog ordinance and response plan Ordinance approved 9/22/10 Strategy 2: Participate in initiatives designed to prevent crime and the need for emergency responses. Last Update 5/26/2011 Action Items Status Promptly remove graffiti from public buildings and Six reported cases as of 4/1/11 provide removal materials for city businesses Removed within five days Expand opportunities for using technology to improve Implemented Nixle notification system crime watch notification in 2009 Communicate regularly with residents about Homeland Seven crime alerts distributed between Security and the emergency management plan 7/1/10 - 5/20/11 Support the work of the Neighborhood Commission and Ongoing recruitment of commission Neighborhood Liaisons members needed Use traffic - calming tools including the speed monitoring Five deployments as of 12/16/10 trailer and warning signs Will deploy spring 2011 Take steps to prevent hate crimes through the activities of No reported cases in 2010 the Human Rights Commission Strategy 3: Participate in early intervention programs with juveniles. Action Items Status Support Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS) Annual contribution (per joint powers agreement) budgeted Continue referrals to NYFS through facilitating connections between NYFS and SAPD Ongoing Strategy 4: Protect the public health Action Item Status Participate in Ramsey County public health emergency Volunteer requests sent to CERT team exercises members as needed Publicize mosquito control measures, including free tire pick- Will include in summer publications up by Metropolitan Mosquito Patrol, utilizing city council meetings and other publication methods. Continue education about preparing for pandemic flu in this More educational materials need to community be distributed Distribute free gun locks Supply of 75 gunlocks delivered to city hall in April 2010 - all have been distributed Goal 2: To sustain and promote the assets of the ci , 's unique neighborhoods and tax base including commercial, residential and open space uses for present and future generations. Strategy 1: Maintain and enhance the neighborhood and community parks with updated facilities, recreation and communi services Action Items I Status Last Update 5/26/2011 Maintain community landscaping and investigate Project completed additional options, with an emphasis on native plant Continue to review and communicate city code requirements to business and commercial property owners varieties Maintain the desirability of neighborhoods through education and code enforcement Maintain a sound maintenance program for public Ongoing facilities Communicate community standards through photos and code information on the website Focus on the quality, appearance, and longevity of public Ongoing improvements maintenance and expansion Research opportunities for enhancing recreational Ongoing resources at Falcon Heights Elementary School Support and continue to promote an Adopt -A -Park Curtiss Field and Grove Park clean up program programs occurred in October Implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Plan sections need to be assembled into master document Strategy 2: Work with businesses and homeowners to maintain a functional and desirable business and residential environment. Action Items Status Continue to review and communicate city code requirements to business and commercial property owners Materials in newsletters and Falcon Flyer Maintain the desirability of neighborhoods through education and code enforcement Ongoing Use non-profit organizations such as NYFS Ongoing Communicate community standards through photos and code information on the website Ongoing Publicize Falcon Heights businesses when appropriate On oin Strategy 3: Maintain the City's infrastructure. Action Items Status Maintain and increase the pathways Fairview Trail on schedule for 2011 construction Maintain the sanitary sewers and storm sewers Complete sanitary system cleaned in 2010 Storm inlets repaired as needed Continue with a boulevard tree program for replacement, 55 ash trees removed in 2010 maintenance and expansion Replacement trees planted 38 ash trees removed in 2011 Replacement trees will be planting in May 2011 Publicize the resources available through the Housing Ongoing Resource Center Maintain streets and alleys in accordance with the Streets east of Snelling sealcoated during Pavement Management Plan summer 2010 Last Update 5/26/2011 Strategy 4: Protect and enhance the physical land use characteristics of the community. Action Items Sponsor buckthorn removal day with University Grove 4000 pounds of buckthorn removed in neighborhood and Lauderdale October in Grove Park and Trolley Path 9/8/10 area Review urban forestry programs in response to threats Plan reviewed by city council - no such as Emerald Ash Borer and continue to seek creative changes recommended financing options to maximize city and resident resources government decisions do not negatively impact the City's Approach the University of Minnesota about providing Initial meeting held with experiment pedestrian opportunities for residents through research station staff - no desire at this time to fields. extend trails through fields Strategy 4: Protect and enhance the physical land use characteristics of the community. Action Items Status Regularly review and update zoning code as necessary Zoning code updated by city council As needed 9/8/10 Participate in planning discussions, and get the required As needed planning expertise if needed to assure that University of Offer local businesses opportunities to be included in Minnesota and State Fair land uses and future inter - new resident welcome packets and community activities government decisions do not negatively impact the City's Support redevelopment projects to allow for maximizing neighborhoods property tax generating opportunities Expand the use of the GIS system for land use planning P &Z Director attends trainings and and maintaining information on the city's land use and monthly user group meetings, keeps facilities data current with county sources and participates in Metro GIS efforts. City supports free on -line mapping service for residents. Support environmental education programs and activities GreenStep Cities in progress, received report from U of MN Law Students on Municipal Renewable Energy Financing Options Strategy 5: Pursue community and economic development opportunities and business retention activities. Action Items Status Be well informed with the necessary planning, As needed engineering, financial and legal expertise when making land use decisions Offer local businesses opportunities to be included in Annual park and recreation solicitation new resident welcome packets and community activities mailed out Support redevelopment projects to allow for maximizing Approved redevelopment of Cornerstone property tax generating opportunities Construction site into apartments, no activity et Last Update 5/26/2011 SPIRE Credit Union/ dental company CUP approved Strategy 6: Expand pedestrian and bicycle opportunities. Action Items Status Be an active partner in the Active Living Ramsey County! ALRC initiative Ongoing Complete North Suburban Connector trail project Fairview Trail on schedule for 2011 construction Participate in the 1000 Benches of Ramsey County program Will be part of Fairview Trail /Larpenteur Streetsca e projects Complete Lar enteur Avenue Streetsca e project Project completed Strategy 7: Promote the unique assets of Falcon Heights. Action Items Status Distribute the "Fun Facts About Falcon Heights Flyer" Not yet completed Develop city publications in alternate languages Grant received to complete in 2011 Promote the unique resources of the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus Ongoing Goal 3: To expand opportunities for the interaction and involvement of citizens of all ages in their neighborhoods and community. Strategy 1: Promote and participate in youth development. Action Items Status Continue the Junior Leaders program Six Junior Leaders hired in 2011 Include youth as commission members by contacting Youth currently on human rights and RAMS and RAHS environment commissions Include youth in city meetings, trainin s and courses Ongoing Informally interact with youth when the opportunity Ongoing arises Speak about local government at schools or youth related 4f Grade class held at city hall - Mayor functions Lindstrom spoke about diversity in the city Recognize youth achievement at City Council meetings, Two youth recognized in March with in the newsletter, and through the Neil Kwong Youth Neal Kwong Award Citizenship Awards, and the North Suburban Gavel Association Promote awareness of the Cable Commission Presentation made at winter city council scholarships and internships meeting Last Update 5/26/2011 Encourage student participation in City Council Meetings Youth who attend, such as scouts, are asked to introduce themselves Participate in the Kids Voting Program at precincts one Both precincts held Kids Voting during and two through the Roseville Rotary Club general election Conduct a council meeting with students 41h Grade class held at city hall - Mayor Held 8/21/10 Lindstrom spoke about diversity in the Ongoing city Strategy 2: Host community/ nei hborhood events and activities Action Items Status Sponsor Annual Ice Cream Social Held 7/29/10 Sponsor Winterfest Held 1/30/11 Sponsor the Falcon Heights/ Lauderdale 5K Fun Run Held 8/21/10 Encourage neighborhood gatherings Ongoing Support the Neighborhood Block Parties and Night to Unite activities Night to Unite held August 3rd Support the Fire Department/ Public Safety Open House Held 10/2/10 Encourage volunteers to be involved in community planning activities Effort begun to find Garden Club volunteers Hold an annual food drive in conjunction with Falcon Heights Elementary School and other community partners Annual event, also sponsoring "Adopt - A- Crop" campaign Review and explore existing and additional city sponsored events Movie in the Park planned for July 13 Review city ordinance prohibiting retail activity in city arks Workshop held March 2, 2011 to discuss - no changes recommended Strategy 3: Explore, create and provide an arra of recreation programming. Action Item Status Provide recreation programming for all age groups 408 participants in 2009 502 participants in 2010 Provide referrals for alternate programming Ongoing Manage recreation programming on a seasonal basis Ongoing Provide space for and promote the Falconeers Senior program Meet twice monthly in city council chambers Promote recreation scholarships and the Friends of the Park program Ten scholarships given in 2010 Four given through 5/20/11 Investigate "'splash ad" concept at Community Park Not yet completed Sup ort and publicize cross country skiing opportunities U of MN Nordic Ski Club grooming trails Last Update 5/26/2011 at Les Bolstad Golf Course Strategy 4: Encourage citizens to participate in city government. Action Items Status Promote resident participation Ongoing Promote, recruit, and publicize citizen participation in city council meetings, city commissions and task forces Ongoing - members needed for neighborhood commission Develop volunteer programs to supplement city services Effort begun to find Garden Club volunteers Strategy 5: Build stronger community and neighborhood connections. Action Items Status Distribute the "Welcome to Falcon Heights" booklet New booklets given to apartment Support the work of the Falcon Heights Human Rights Commission complexes Support and promote the Neighborhood Liaison Ongoing Program Use conflict resolution resources for neighbors to use in No referrals as of 5/20/11 resolving nei hborhood conflicts Produce three newsletters per year Spring newsletter mailed in March 2011 Distribute monthly Falcon Flyer and post to city website Suspended due to delivery cost issues Support and ex and the city's website Ongoing Promote and support the AARP Tax Assistance Program 192 returns prepared by AARP volunteers Continue implementation of "Aging -In- Place" in the Ongoing City, including promotion of services such as NYFS senior chore program, meals on wheels, and block nurse programs. Strategy 6: Maintain and promote our commitment to human rights and diversity. Action Items Status Promote diversity on our commissions Ongoing Support the work of the Falcon Heights Human Rights Commission Ongoing Promote outreach to the community's youth in relation to human rights topics "Spring Together" event held 5/5/11 Goal 4: To provide a responsive and effective city government. Strategy 1: Communicate promptly and clearly with citizens, business owners and institutional representatives by anticipating information needs and quickly responding to questions. Action Items Status Last Update 5/26/2011 Provide a photo of new staff members and a description of jobs in the newsletter New employee's photos and bios in city newsletters Publish a summary of the goals in the City's newsletter and on the website Dashboard (this document) to be published on website Educate residents about the property tax Completed during budget process Hold a budget hearing annually Held December 8, 2010 Develop dashboard/ monitoring rocess for city goals Completed Strategy 2: Maintain collaborative relationships with other entities. Action Items Status Participate in the U of M Campus/ Community Advisory Mayor and city administrator attend Committee and on the Stadium Area Advisory Group quarterly meetings Maintain regular communication with the University of Ongoing Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council, Ramsey County, the Minnesota State Fair, the Capital Region Watershed District, Rice Creek Watershed District, the cities Ongoing surrounding Falcon Heights, and the State of Minnesota Turnover remains low - one departure in Convey city goals to the City's representatives at the Mailed April 2010 legislature, the Metropolitan Council and the County, as Salaries in line with 90% of average policy well as to neighboring communities Met Council presentation at future council meeting Scheduled for June 8, 2011 Participate in Northwest Youth and Family Service, Ongoing North Suburban Communications Commission and CTV15, the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, and the Regional Council of Mayors Encourage Council members and staff to participate in Ongoing service and professional organizations Strategy 3: Effectively manage the City's cons Iting and personnel resources. Action Items Status Evaluate the performance and work assignments of City Performance reviews conducted in employees through annual performance reviews December Provide employees with affordable resources they Ongoing require to efficiently and effectively do their jobs, including a training plan and technology resources Evaluate and review consultants' performances and fees Ongoing Retain highly skilled and high- functioning employees Turnover remains low - one departure in 2009/2010 Provide salaries and benefits that are competitive with Salaries in line with 90% of average policy cities of a similar size, scale, and scope Last Update 5/26/2011 Strategy 4: Effectively manage the cit 's financial resources. Action Items Status Update and provide a well- researched five year capital Approved as part of 2011 budget process improvement program Review and adjust fees and policies as part of the annual Approved as part of 2011 budget process budgeting rocess Requests made routinely, quarterly Research and pursue new revenue sources, including 2010 grants applied for - Two CERT rants grants (both awarded Pursue conduit bonding opportunities Ongoing - one possible option being Develop and expand use of social networking sites such investigated by bond attorney Review and evaluate the City's long term financial needs Included as part of 2011 budget process and the City's current and future financial resources to meet these needs Continue to research and pursue new opportunities for Ongoing reducing expenses by using more contracts and joint powers agreements to share equipment, personnel, and technology with other levels of government Maintain a contingency fund to be prepared for Fund balance at end of 2010 unexpected, but necessary, expenditures approximately 80% of 2010 expenditures, which is adequate Continue to meet the standards for the GFOA Award for Received 2009 award Excellence in Financial Reporting 201h consecutive year Evaluate all city services in regards to costs, benefits, and Ongoing opportunities to find efficiencies by partnering with adjacent cities or organizations Strategy 5: Develop and expand an e -mail capability to communicate with residents Action Items Status Solicit e -mail addresses through the Falcon Flyer and 368 email addresses in system newsletter, at the front desk, on the City website, and at community events Solicit new resident e -mail addresses Requests made routinely, quarterly drawing conducted for prize Provide critical information in a timely manner utilizing 16 alerts sent through 5/20/11 city's list sery Develop and expand use of social networking sites such 234 Twitter followers, 175 Tweets as of as Twitter and Facebook 4/1/11 Strategy 6: Expand the capability to conduct any city -to- resident transaction online Goal 5: Provide for a clean, healthy, sustainable environment. Last Update 5/26/2011 Strategy 1: Undertake efforts to maximize recycling. Action Items Status Research an incentive program to encourage recycling Environment Commission exploring options Conduct rain barrel workshop for city residents Held May 21, 2011 Conduct city-wide energy fair Held during Ice Cream Social Complete recycling contract negotiations Contract approved 9/22/10 Strategy 2: Consider environmental benefits in city purchasing Action Items Status Consider environmentally - friendly options in city vehicles and public works Policy approved 2/23/11 by city council Change to energy-efficient, compact light bulbs City Hall retrofit completed October 2010 Pursue bulk purchasing program for environmentally friendly products (i.e. solar water heaters, water saver toilets Not yet completed Strategy 3: Continue support of Community Garden. Action Items Status Continue publicity in newsletter, on website, and in the Falcon Flyer All 29 plots occupied by residents, waiting list of at least 20 people Strategy 4: Create an inventory of greenhouse/ global warming emissions. Action Items Status Conduct comprehensive review of the city's carbon Completed 2009 output, including identifying steps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the city. Implement GreenStep Cities program Resolution adopted 1/12/11 Implementation in process - ten of twelve best practices completed Last Update 5/26/2011 10 The City That Soars! REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Meeting Date June 29, 2011 Agenda Item Workshop 2 Attachment Outfront Minnesota Info Sheet Human Rights Commission Recommendations Submitted By Michelle Tesser, Assistant to the City Administrator Item Domestic Partner Registration Ordinance Description The Human Rights Commission was approached in January by Outfront Minnesota to discuss the possibility of implementing a domestic partner ordinance in the city. Domestic partner registration ordinances allow a couple, whether same -sex or different -sex, to register as domestic partners for a nominal fee and receive a certificate that verifies their registration. This type of ordinance exists in Minneapolis (1991), Duluth and St. Paul (2009), and Edina, Rochester, Maplewood, Golden Valley (2010) and Richfield (2011). At the January workshop, the council directed the Human Rights Commission to further investigate how to best implement a domestic partner registration ordinance in Falcon Heights. Phil Duran, the Legal Director of Outfront Minnesota, presented information on the historical path cities have taken when determining whether to adopt a domestic partner ordinance. With help from Mr. Duran many questions from the commission were answered. The commission agreed to recommend adopting the ordinance to the council. In their preparation of the recommendation, the commission prepared provisions to the ordinance in an eleven -part tabulation attached hereto. Budget Impact Minimal impacted based on number of applications received. Attachment(s) Domestic Partner Information Sheet from Outfront Minnesota Human Rights Commission Recommendations Action(s) No action requested at this time. If desired, staff will take direction from the city Requested council and work with the city attorney in preparing a draft ordinance. Families, Fields and Fair What are municipal domestic - partner registration ordinances? In 1991, the City of Minneapolis created Minnesota's first municipal domestic - partner registration ordinance. Since then, other cities have followed suit: Duluth (2009), St. Paul (2009), Edina (2010), and Rochester (2010). These ordinances allow a couple, whether same -sex or different -sex, to register as domestic partners for a nominal fee (usually $20 -$25) and receive a certificate that verifies their registration. Municipal domestic - partner registrations serve purposes beyond symbolism. Undeniably, under Minnesota law, local governments are very restricted in terms of the rights or privileges they could attach to a domestic - partner registration. In particular, local governments in Minnesota may not offer their employees' domestic partners health coverage akin to that provided to employees' spouses. (Other employment benefits, e.g., bereavement leave, maybe offered.) A registration ordinance provides unmarried couples who attest that they satisfy the City's definition of a "domestic partnership" the ability to secure government documentation that a relationship exists. That documentation function strengthens couples' ability to secure benefits or protections from businesses, hospitals, or other entities which can rely on a registration certificate for their paperwork needs. Municipal domestic - partner registration ordinances impose no costs on local businesses. None of the domestic - partner ordinances passed in Minnesota requires any private business or other entity to pay to provide financial benefits of any kind to couples who register. Much of the conversation about domestic partnerships relates to health benefits; under Federal law, in most cases no city or state can require that private employers provide any particular health benefits to their employees. A domestic - partner registration ordinance, however, can make it easier for those businesses who would like to provide these or other benefits but who don't want to create their own, internal registration processes. Passing a municipal domestic - partner registration ordinance imposes no costs on a City itself. The cost of preparing forms for couples to use for registration is more than offset by the registration fee couples are charged. Passing a domestic - partner registration ordinance does not require a City to provide any particular benefits to its employees' domestic partners, though naturally a City may choose to do so, other than dependent health coverage. Municipal domestic - partner registration ordinances can help attract businesses and residents. There is no evidence that in twenty years' experience, businesses or residents have left, or declined to move to, Minneapolis due to its domestic - partner registration ordinance. In OutFront Minnesota's experience, local leaders express support for such ordinances because they believe they enhance their city's reputation as welcoming to all families and communities, and that this is conducive to welcoming new businesses and residents. Municipal domestic - partner registries do not affect places of worship. A municipal domestic - partner registration ordinance is entirely a function of civil government and has no effect on places of worship. Should a place of worship choose to conduct a ceremony for domestic partners, they are of course free and welcome to do so, but no government entity may require that a place of worship recognize or act on a domestic - partner registration. Municipal domestic - partner registries do not violate state law. While Minnesota law currently restricts marriage to different -sex couples, state law also allows local governments to register domestic partners. Each of the domestic - partner registration ordinances in Minnesota provides for recognition of registrations from other cities, as well as domestic partnerships, civil unions, and even marriages from other jurisdictions — as municipal domestic partnerships, and nothing more. Domestic - partnership registration ordinances do not create or limit rights or obligations in such areas as inheritance, adoption, child custody, separation, or related areas governed solely by State law. Falcon Heights Domestic Partner Registration Recommendations by the Human Rights Commission Issues presented by Phil Duran, OutFront Minnesota ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Whether to charge a fee for registration $40.00 and how much Portion of fee to go to Human Rights Commission activities 2. Whether DPs would be required to give Termination forms will be available but notice of terminating their relationship not required. Cost $20.00 3. Whether to require residency Residency required by at least one person 4. Whether to require that DPs share a No residence 5. Whether to recognize registration from Yes other cities 6. Whether to require notarization of Yes application 7. Whether to require citizenship No 8. Whether to establish an age requirement 18 years and older 9. What the status of data associated with Seeking attorney's recommendation the application would be (privacy issue 10. Whether the registry would be open to Open to both both same- and different -sex couples 11. Whether multiple partners would be No multiple partners acceptable, e.g., in keeping with Somali, Hmong practice