02-06-2012 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 6, 2012 APPROVED 181 requires that the applicant fall under an income cap (the city has not received that 182 information from the applicant) and an asset and property value cap and that is not met by 183 the applicant. Staff noted that the code language, including the amount of the caps, dates 184 back to 1990. The city attorney has reviewed the situation and while he finds the city 185 language to be quite restrictive, he notes that state law does allow the city to decide. 186 187 The council concurred that they will require all the facts in the matter and will consider 188 the deferral when that information is received. Also the city ordinance should be 189 reviewed and updated if necessary. 190 191 8. Lake Drive Speed Study—Community Development Director Grochala noted that 192 the city has received a request to consider speed limit modifications on Lake Drive. 193 Specifically noted with this request is the increase in activity along the Drive including 194 bicycles and pedestrians. Speed limits are set by the state Commissioner of 195 Transportation with the county being the road authority for Lake Drive. The road lacks 196 continuity in its speed limits, something that the county prefers. He also noted that a 197 speed study could result in the speed limit being raised, however with a portion of the 198 roadway at 55 mph already that is somewhat unlikely. The cost of a study would be 199 covered by the state. Staff is asking council direction on proceeding with a request to 200 Anoka County for a speed study on Lake Drive. The city council concurred with that 201 direction. 202 203 9. Fundraising for Canine Program—Police Chief Swenson noted that the city's 204 canine program was begun in 2002 and it began with a donation. The current canine, 205 Recon, is nearing retirement age and his handler was promoted to a sergeant position 18 206 months ago. Chief Swenson suggested that the current status lends itself to looking at the 207 program and how it will be budgeted. There is much interest in keeping the canine 208 program. The cost of another dog is about $40,000 and funds have been raised in the 209 amount of about $6,000 already. The local Rotary Club is participating in raising funds 210 and there is an overall plan to bring the new program to fruition this year. At this point, 211 the chief noted, he wanted the council to know about the efforts in this area. A council 212 member asked Chief Swenson to talk about the benefits of a canine program and he 213 explained that the current team has been a great representative at trials, etc, have done 214 many community demonstrations, have aided in searches at the request of area schools, 215 assisted neighboring police departments (131 times),worked on traffic stops and searches 216 for this department and is good to have in event of tracking a missing person. Chief 217 Swenson added that he particularly sees the benefit in the community engagement. 218 219 The mayor noted that a canine program isn't a necessity for the department but he sees it 220 as an asset and a benefit to the community. The council accepted the Chief's report. 221 222 10. Five-Year Financial Plan—Finance Director Rolek reviewed his report that outlines 223 an updated Five—Year Plan draft. He noted that the updated Plan assumes new 224 projections in the areas of tax base, development and permit revenue and health insurance 225 rates. Staff is now looking for council direction. 5