04-13-05 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2005 the Country Drive Trail should not be a problem, Che railroad crossing for the Waterworks Trail is very problematic The railroad has indicated they do not want a railroad crossing unless it is a street. The railroad also has extensive permit fees and insurance requirements for crossings. The Administrator indicated that he will continue to work with the railroad on these issues. Allan asked about an off-street path to the Water Works property in the area of McMenemy Street. The Parks & Recreation Director responded that that an off-street trail through the Water Works property is part of the long-term plan. However, this connection would be in addition to the on- street path along McMenemy. Council reviewed the proposed action plan for "Conduct Emergency Management Training & Conduct Emergency Operations Exercise with Council and Staff '. The Administrator noted that a training exercise was conducted a few years ago, but it was time to do another as well as hold an emergency operations exercise. Allan asked the timing for the purchase of the back-up generator. The City Administrator estimated that the generator would be purchased this summer. Blesener suggested that someone like former electrical inspector Dick Nelson be contacted to determine the size and type of generator needed. The proposed action plan for "Upgrade Land Use Plans & Ordinances" was reviewed. The City Administrator noted that in updating the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Subdivision Code as it relates to environmental regulations, as well as the Parks Master Plan, it may be beneficial for these documents to be looked at from a fresh perspective. The Administrator estimated that Che cost of this work will be substantial. Therefore, the City Administrator recommended that the City conduct an RFP process for planning services. Blesener agreed that it may be beneficial to accomplish this goal with an outside planner, even if the City continues to contract for planning services with its present City Planner. Keis asked if staff knew when the Metropolitan Council might mandate the next Comp Plan update. The Administrator indicated that he did not know, but felt that it would not be too far off. Keis indicated that he did not want to do major work in updating the Comp Plan just prior to a mandated update. It was suggested that the City could review these plans and ordinances for corrective actions postponing major work for the time updates are mandated. The Parks & Recreation Director indicated that the 2