05-04-2015 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED May 4, 2015 135 marketing). Staff has gathered as much information as possible about the grant. He 136 pointed out in his memo that there is a missing page but actually meant to say that there 137 was no missing page. It appears that everything provided was intact. Staff would be 138 happy to do further research if directed by the council. 139 140 Council Member Rafferty asked if the referral bonus would still be offered by the City as 141 a fire department. Chief Swenson said that should be possible. The department is 142 submitting requests for reimbursement on some hiring expenses and will be submitting 143 for certain firefighter equipment. 144 145 6. Metropolitan Council Thrive MSP 2040 Forecast Update — City Planner 146 Larsen explained that staff has reviewed the forecast. Staff wanted to show how things 147 have come forward. Their system updates will provide information for the city's next 148 comprehensive plan update. She reviewed the basic data included in her report. 149 150 8. 49 Club Demolition — Community Development Director Grochala reported on 151 discussions with the owner of the property whereby there is interest in demolition of the 152 building with the public taking the lead. With that in mind, staff understands that it is an 153 important time to look at other needs on the site such as water and sewer improvements. 154 He outlined how tax increment financing (TIF) could be leveraged with a specific plan. 155 To preserve the opportunity to use TIF, the city would need to take certain steps before 156 proceeding with a demolition. While it's clear that the building needs to go, he would 157 like council direction on preserving the TIF options. Mr. Grochala noted some points for 158 consideration: 159 160 There isn't certainty about the costs involved; 161 - There are some potential site issues such as the need to cap a well; 162 - The project is proposed for mid -summer; 163 - The cost of staff time could be charged back as part of the demolition cost that is 164 assessed. 165 - 166 The council agreed with the next step of directing staff to work with the city attorney on a 167 tax increment approach. 168 169 9. Police Department Staffing — Police Chief Swenson reported that he is seeking 170 council discussion and direction on staffing of the Police Division. His report outlines 171 the status of the department's staffing and plans for the future. Currently the department 172 is engaged in the hiring process for one officer that would bring the level to 25 officers. 173 174 Mayor Reinert noted that he has spoken against a certain level and he isn't certain that the 175 council actually approved the addition of an officer noted. Council Member Rafferty 176 recalled budget discussions and noted that he wasn't comfortable with adding three 177 positions. Council Member Stoesz asked the Chief to speak about the department's 178 model. 179 4