10-08-2003 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 8, 2003 information to St. Paul relative to the turnover. Based on St. Paul's reaction, he anticipated presenting a report to the Council on this matter within the next few weeks. With regard to the Public Works garage, Blesener indicated that he was at a meeting of the Rush Line Task Force. At that meeting there was discussion about the Unweave the Weave project and the possibility of utilization of the garage site for additional ponding. The Public Works Director indicated that there has been some discussion about expansion of the ponding area. Staff will keep the Council updated on this issue. Council discussed the long-term impact of the State aid cuts and whether there was the possibility of reinstatement of the lost aid. The Administrator noted that the State has allowed cities to levy back 60% of the lost aid. He also estimated that given the imposition of a franchise fee on electric, the City is in good shape for the next couple of year. Fahey asked about the additional options and opportunities identified by staff such as business licensing, multi-family housing inspection fee, increase in liquor license fees, employee health insurance costs, shared Building Official position, and forfeiture costs. The City Administrator reported that staff has not had a chance to fully study the business licensing and multi-family housing inspection fee and will do so. A recommendation will be presented to the Council in the upcoming months. The City Administrator reviewed the City's cost for employee health insurance, and it was noted that substantial changes were made to reduce the cost to the City. Fahey noted that this item is moving forward on a three-year plan that was implemented last year. The Administrator noted that he is renegotiating the contract with Falcon Heights for the shared Building Official position. The renegotiation will address the utilization of Jerry Maleitzke to assist with fire inspections. Council had a Lengthy discussion on the issue of forfeiture costs involving the seizure and sale of vehicles owned by people with multiple DWI offenses. Council directed the City Administrator to obtain input from the City Attorney and the Sheriff's Department on this issue. The Council reviewed the General Capital Improvement portion of the 2004 Budget and discussed specific equipment items. Fahey suggested that the City consider roof coverings for ballfield dugouts. The Parks & Recreation Director felt there was not much need for this given that most of the games are played in the evening. He acknowledged that the roof coverings are desirable during weekend tournaments. However, there are