Laserfiche WebLink
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 7, 2010 <br /> APPROVED <br /> 90 <br /> 91 2. County Ditch 10-22-32 Repair Report—Doug Thomas, Rice Creek Watershed <br /> 92 District (RCWD) explained the history and status of a ditch system partially located in <br /> 93 Lino Lakes that is known as County Ditch 10-22-32. As part of preparing repair plans for <br /> 94 the ditch system, a report is being prepared that will include this ditch. The county is <br /> 95 requesting city consideration of a resolution consenting to their proposal to conduct <br /> 96 proceedings regarding this ditch. This permission is requested under the state's Ditch <br /> 97 Law rather than the Watershed Law to save costs. <br /> 98 <br /> 99 Community Development Director Grochala noted that the Environmental Board <br /> 100 considered this request,made a minor change to the proposed resolution and staff is now <br /> 101 recommending that the resolution be forwarded to the full city council meeting for <br /> 102 consideration. <br /> 103 <br /> 104 When a council member asked what this approach means practically, Mr. Thomas <br /> 105 explained that it means little specifically. He did note that the city could be assessed for <br /> 106 any affected city owned property; for area residents this approach means the project will <br /> 107 be less costly. <br /> 108 <br /> 109 The council concurred that they are most concerned that the cost implications to the <br /> 110 citizens are understood and that this approach will indeed be the best deal. Mr. Thomas <br /> 111 assured the council that the RCWD is very conscious of spending; the method of charging <br /> 112 for the improvements would be similar to a storm water utility that is considered an <br /> 113 equitable approach. The council concurred that staff should bring the resolution to the <br /> 114 full city council meeting. <br /> 115 <br /> 116 3. English as Official Language—Acting Administrator Tesch explained that a council <br /> 117 member brought forward the concept of the city council adopting English as the official <br /> 118 language of the city. He received information on the subject from the League of <br /> 119 Minnesota Cities (LMC) and has attached it to his staff report. It appears this type of <br /> 120 designation has been done by some entities and some challenges have occurred. There is, <br /> 121 however, no clear case law on the subject. The city has had very limited requests for <br /> 122 translator services (police department only). <br /> 123 <br /> 124 Council Member Roeser indicated that he brought the matter forward during recent <br /> 125 budget discussions as a potential cost saving measure. He provided a written report <br /> 126 indicating his reasoning for such an effort. He doesn't want the city to not do the right <br /> 127 thing for fear of a challenge. <br /> 128 <br /> 129 The council discussed the possibility that there is some risk in going forward and that <br /> 130 such a move could create a feeling that the city is unwelcoming. It was suggested that it <br /> 131 is a matter of treating everyone the same (not discriminating) and the council member <br /> 132 who brought the issue forward indicated that he may bring a resolution to the council <br /> 133 floor. <br /> 3 <br />