07-05-2016 Council Work Session Minutes

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 5, 2016 APPROVED l8o suggested that NAC is reputable and he does trust their judgement. Additionally Utility 181 Supervisor Tim Hillesheim has indicated that the units are functioning at 50 percent and 182 that is a problem. 183 184 Council Member Manthey recalled that NAC didn't necessarily recommend replacement 185 — they gave information on the 19 year -old units and the outlook on their use. 186 187 Council Member Manthey noted that this decision is about two of the four civic complex 188 units. He wonders about the other two. Mr. DeGardner said they may need replacement 189 soon but, at this time, staff is just looking at the two units based partly on funding 190 available. 191 192 Council Member Rafferty noted that staff and the NAC representative suggested that the 193 units are at the end of their 20-year life but city hall didn't open until 1999 and that's not 194 twenty years. Is there a 20-year warranty? Mr. DeGardner said there is no warranty and 195 that 20 years is the average life of the units. 196 197 The council concurred that Mr. DeGardner will bring the matter forward for council 198 consideration. 199 200 4. Discussion about Agrihoods - Council Member Maher noted that she provided 201 the two articles included in the packet. She noted a statement about American's interest 202 in feeling closer to the land and what they eat. She recalled speaking with an 203 Environmental Board representative and them saying that this was a discussion item for 204 the group ten years ago. She understands the complexity of it but, if it can be achieved, it 205 would really put Lino Lakes on the map. The city has a glorious farming and rural history 206 that she doesn't want to be lost. 207 208 Mayor Reinert remarked that he likes the unique quality of the concept and he can see 209 how it would fit in the city. It would have to be an ambitious developer. Community 210 Development Director Grochala noted that the developments are clearly planned around 211 an agricultural area — current ordinances would allow for it so it ultimately comes down 212 to economics. You'd want to look at an area that supports agriculture well. 213 214 Council Member Maher suggested that she understands the challenges but feels the 215 concept would fit well in this community. She will be happy to contact developers and 216 speak about interest. 217 218 Council Member Maher added that she's spoken to many residents who are interested in 219 keeping chickens (not currently allowed). 220 221 5. Proposal to Reinstate Office Specialist Position to Full -Time Hours - 222 Administrator Karlson explained that Ms. Fogarty was recently cut to half-time but it has 223 been difficult since then for support staff to keep up. Additionally, there is now a 224 maternity leave coming up. He proposes that this position be reinstated to full time, 5