04-27-11 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 27, 2011 SKATEBOARD CAMP WORKSHOP WITH PARKS RECREATION COMMISSION 2011 GOAL ACTION PLANS The Director reported that the Parks & Rec Department will be conducting a skateboard camp this summer. He noted the popularity of the City's skateboard park, and indicated that this camp will provide basic instructions for the 6 to 11 year old age group. The Director asked the Council if they wanted to schedule a follow -up workshop with the Parks & Recreation Commission given there was limited time left at the last workshop for general discussion between the Council and the commission. Blesener felt a follow up workshop was a good idea, and suggested it be scheduled after the City Administrator receives additional information from the Parks Consultant on the Trout Brook Trail. The first topic for discussion is the proposed Action Plans relative to 2011 Goals. The City Administrator reviewed the first action plan for the goal "Continue to Move Forward with New Public Works Garage ". The Administrator noted that McGough Construction informed him that they are not interested in being a part of the redevelopment of this area, and that they really like their site use as it is. The Administrator noted that to construct a new Public Works garage on the Roseville Plumbing property would make redevelopment of the general area difficult. The Administrator suggested that a separate workshop may be necessary to evaluate the redevelopment potential of the area. The Administrator also suggested that perhaps a subcommittee of the Council should meet with McGough and discuss the matter again. The Council agreed, and Montour and Blesener volunteered to meet with McGough along with the City Administrator. The Administrator raised the issue of consolidation /cooperation in light of the current economic times. He suggested that perhaps the option of consolidation of the City's Public Works Department with another city be explored, noting that the result could be that the City saves the cost of constructing a new Public Works Garage, saving up to $1.5 million. He indicated that he was not advocating for this idea and that, if pursued, many issues would need to be addressed. However, it may be wise to ask the question in terms of accountability. The Council discussed this suggestion relative to impact on service levels, the City's identity, and cost. It was noted that Little Canada already contracts for police protection with Ramsey County. McGraw felt there was a difference between a group of cities contracting with the Ramsey 2