07/22/1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 Powers Agreement with Centennial Schools regarding the use and maintenance of the recreation area next to the new school on Birch Street. The Centennial School District is requesting that the City participate in the cost of constructing an underpass under Birch Street. The underpass will provide access to the school and the recreation area. Mr. Boxrud has estimated that the underpass including lighting will cost approximately $60,000.00. Mr. Schumacher recommended that the City portion of the underpass should not be more than $20,000.00 or one third of the total project. The type of construction of the underpass was discussed as well as safety concerns. It was noted that there is an underpass under Lake Drive in Circle Pines and there has been no reported incidents at that location. Mr. Boxrud noted that the Police Department as well as the school district and this City would be involved in the design and operation of the underpass. It was noted that a foot bridge over Birch Street would cost about $200,000.00. A signal light is not needed in the area at this time and the underpass would help delay a need for a signal light. Mr. Schumacher noted that since an underpass would help delay the need for a signal light, the County should also be encourage to participate in the cost of the underpass. The Council took a five (5) minute break at 9:05 P.M. OLD BUSINESS Resolution No. 70 - 91 Adjusting Non -Union Employee Annual Compensation - Mayor Bisel explained that the Council has met on this matter four times. The recommendations by the City Administrator have been presented. Council Member Bohjanen moved to concur with the 4% cost of living raise and approve the merit raises as outlined in Schedule "A" in Resolution No. 70 - 91 rounded off to $25.00. Council Member Kuether seconded the motion. Council Member Reinert expressed disappointment because the raises are outside of the budget. He said that the employees need and deserve raises. There are some who deserve merit raises, however there are some employees who deserve more than others. He objected to the "across the board" merit raises. Council Member Reinert said he was not opposed to giving good employees raises, he opposed the way the matter was presented to the Council. Mayor Bisel agreed that this matter has taken a long time. He also noted that it is extremely busy because of the amount of development taking place. Mayor Bisel said he felt the staff was preforming well under very difficult working conditions. PAGE 10 305