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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-2021 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 3 4 5 6 f/ 8 9 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES September 79 2021 . i$00 P.M. Council Member Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty None to Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Finance Director Hannah 11 Lynch; Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer; Community 12 Development Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen; Public Services 13 Director Rick DeGardner; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; City Clerk Julie 14 Bartell 15 16 1. Alexandra House Presentation — Public Safety Director Swenson recalled 17 council discussion at a budget meeting and a council direction to hear from Alexandra 18 House. 19 20 Connie Moore, Executive Director, explained that Alexandra House is an emergency 21 shelter with a housing service element. Within the shelter program they provide services 22 depending on needs, including referrals, employment assistance, counseling, legal 23 advocacy, hospital response, volunteer program and more. They have been in Anoka 24 County for almost 45 years, starting as a helpline. They have increased capacity over the 25 years and also utilize hotel and motels. They are the only shelter of their type in Anoka 26 County. Officials contact them when domestic violence occurs. There is nothing they 27 do that isn't in partnership with the community. They provide services virtually as 28 necessary and that may be a permanent change in some cases. They also offer an elder 29 abuse program. They also provide community education. This past year they saw an 30 increase in the volume of services needed. Most program participants are from Anoka 31 County. There has been a huge increase in the last five years for Anoka families using 32 the emergency shelter. 33 34 Councilmember Ruhland asked about staff size and if they are able to meet all the 35 demands. Ms. Moore talked more about their services and how they are keeping up, 36 noting that Allina Health chose the organization to do a pilot project for hospital 37 assistance (volunteers are key). Court hearings are not happening in person right now. 38 Ms. Moore explained how they are generally called into situations — law enforcement 39 does an assessment and if information is gathered indicating the need, they provide ao services. Ms. Moore noted the number of domestic violence homicides the past year and 41 current this year. 42 43 Councilmember Lyden noted that service models are always changing and this year has CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 44 changed even more. He discussed with Ms. Moore now the health and welfare checks 45 are occurring (differently?) in this City. 46 47 Director Swenson noted that Alexandra House has been a major resource for the Lino 48 Lakes Public Safety Department. Police officers encounter domestic violence situations 49 and being able to refer to Alexandra House is at the core of trying to resolve issues long 50 term. A police officer visit is a short term fix. With respect to sexual assault advocacy, 51 he cannot overstate the value of their services — the value to victims is vital. When this 52 community experienced an uptick in domestic assault, Alexandra House was ready to 53 help. 54 55 When Councilmember Lyden asked how much funding they seek from the City, Ms. 56 Moore noted $5,000. She added that they receive funding from other cities (some request 57 a contract for services). Alexandra House does keep information on the cost for their 58 services in the City and it is $12,720. 59 60 Director Swenson added that he knows that the court system relies on advocates and the 61 prosecutor for the City does as well. 62 63 Councilmember Cavegn asked how they cover the shortage if the City doesn't pay it. 64 Ms. Moore noted fundraising, foundations, community organizations, government 65 funding. The larger foundations may not fund in Anoka County so that's a bit of a 66 challenge. 67 68 Mayor Rafferty thanked Ms. Moore for her time and information provided. 69 70 Statewide Volunteer Firefighters Retirement Plan — Human Resources and 71 Communications Manager Sawyer read her written report that outlines the City's option 72 to increase its benefit level to full time firefighters under the Statewide Volunteer 73 Firefighter Retirement Plan, based on recent state legislation. Noted was information 74 provided by the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERA) that indicates the City's fund 75 is financially able to support an increase. Ms. Sawyer also reviewed state law changes 76 that will allow for reimbursement of pension costs for full-time fire personnel, indicating 77 that increased benefits would come at no cost to the City. 78 79 Mayor Rafferty remarked that firefighters serve the City well and this proposal would 8o increase the retirement benefit to them. The increase should also help with retention in 81 the firefighter position. 82 83 Councilmember Ruhland asked for further information on the law change on 84 reimbursement. Director Swenson explained that the City's ability to increase the 85 benefit level has always been there, in terms of City dollars, there have been no general 86 revenue funds past the first year as it is fully funded by fire state aid dollars. Public 87 Safety Director Swenson added that the City cannot seek the reimbursement noted unless 88 the fund is fully funded. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 89 90 The council directed staff to prepare a resolution (on increasing the benefit) and work on 91 formalizing an allocation plan (on reimbursement), both to be considered for formal 92 council action. 7c? 94 2. Huntson Addition Concept Plan — (Councilmember Ruhland moved to sit in the 95 audience). City Planner Larsen noted that what the council is seeing is strictly a concept 96 plan - a general overview and high level conversation to inform the property owners, 97 Mike Ruhland and his wife. The property in question is located at 6941 Ware Road and 98 is a four acre parcel that the owners wish to divide to develop one six unit townhome 99 building and one two unit building. 100 101 Ms. Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint that included information on the following: 102 - Aerial Map; 103 - 2040 Future Land Use Plan (different MDRs); 104 - Density chart — how many units does a four acre parcel have to take on$ the 105 proposal includes nine units which puts the proposal within range, with the understanding 106 that wetlands and roadway would have an impact; 107 - Property is currently zoned rural; future zoning changes would be required; 108 - For a PUD, public benefit should be determined; 109 - Split site plan for two parcels; 110 - Oak Hollow Street — one side would be six townhomes and other side a two unit 111 structure; 112 - Square footage base lots are required for both developments and the sites do not 113 meet those requirements; 114 - Wetlands on properties noted; 115 - Staff comments (review of preliminary findings); 116 - Preliminary design standards noted; 117 - Utilities would be required; 118 - Advisory Board comments reviewed. 119 120 Ms. Larsen noted that staff is requesting general feedback from the council. 121 122 Councilmember Cavegn noted concern about proposed lot size and garage width. He 123 asked if the applicant would consider twin homes rather than townhomes. 124 125 Applicant Mike Ruhland noted that he attended the (area) housing association meeting 126 and, considering their feedback, he is feeling now that he may want to make some 127 changes to the proposal. 128 129 Councilmember Stoesz asked if there is any concern about storm water drainage; City 130 Planner Larsen remarked that each development is required to have a plan. 131 132 Councilmember Lyden asked about the property to the west; Ms. Larsen said there is a 133 single family house there. Councilmember Lyden noted the single family housing that 3 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 134 exists in the area and he wonders if a similar design could be a consideration. Mr. 135 Ruhland explained that his vision is individuality even with a row home development. 136 137 Mayor Rafferty remarked that he has worked to be in tune with some of the facts — nearby l38 Raven's Hollow is a PUD and it fits; that's the kind of development that would be more 139 acceptable for the neighbors he believes. He has historically tried to avoid anything less 140 than fifty foot lots. 141 142 Councilmember Stoesz asked if a private drive would help this development; the council 143 also discussed the cukde-sac element. Planner Larsen explained that staff is actually 144 looking at some changes to the cul-de-sac ordinance (updating). 145 146 Mr. Ruhland suggested that there will be information forthcoming, after they relook at the 147 project. 148 149 3. Advisory Board Appointment — Environmental Board — Administrator Cotton 150 reviewed the written report. There are two openings however they do not expire at the 151 same time and one term expires at the end of this year. She noted two applicants 152 remaining from the last round of appointments and that those two applicants were 153 interviewed already. Beyond that, one new application has been received and that person 154 has not been interviewed. She reviewed options presented by staff. 155 156 The council will interview all candidates prior to an upcoming council meeting 157 (September 13th or 27th). Terms may be changed to realignment and make them 158 appropriately scattered. 159 160 4. Livable Communities Act Participation —Community Development Director 161 Groe a reviewed his staff report that outlines participation requirements and benefits. 162 Some grant eligibility is based on participation in this program. There are more upsides 163 than downsides. The City has been a participant since 1996 and dropped off last year 164 because the Comp Plan wasn't done. 165 166 The council concurred that the matter will move forward to the council. 167 168 5. 2022 Draft Budget and Tax Levy — Finance Director Lynch noted Page 2 of the 169 annual budget as it shows changes from the council's first discussion to tonight. Staff 170 has brought the budget down to a 41.0 tax rate as requested by the council. Changes that 171 would bring the budget to that level are noted; some are changes in funding source (to 172 reserves). She noted attachments relating to recreation program funding ($52,000) that 173 would bring the tax rate to 41.209 and an explanation of the phase in for a new fire duty 174 crew. Ms. Lynch did note that updated tax capacity numbers have not been received from t75 the county and that could mean some change to the numbers. 176 177 Administrator Cotton noted areas that could fluctuate due to estimates such as health 178 insurance rates. 4 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 179 180 Mayor Rafferty noted an update to the information that provides an option for a lower tax 181 rate. He'd like to begin the discussion at that lower rate of 40.95. He suggested that 182 tonight's discussion is about moving forward a preliminary budget and tax rate — not a 183 final one. More discussion can be had. 184 185 Councilmember Lyden said he is grappling with this on many levels but he is okay with 186 that figure becoming the maximum. 187 188 Councilmember Cavegn said he'd like to have the parks and recreation funding included 189 even it raises the rate a bit. Mayor Rafferty suggested that he's comfortable that can be 190 worked in and that this maximum will still work out. 191 192 Councilmember Ruhland said he's okay with 40.95. 193 194 Councilmember Stoesz is fine as long as total revenue is accurate. 195 196 Mayor Rafferty noted outstanding discussions: 197 - Warming houses; 198 - Blue Heron Days; 199 - Rec Center. 200 201 6. Rec Center Update — Public Services Director DeGardner reviewed his written 202 report. He noted Mr. Bourassa's generous assistance in bringing parties and talent 203 together. Staff is trying to continue on the process of moving toward an eventual 204 opening of the rec center based on the recommendations of the ISG report. 205 206 Councilmember Stoesz asked how marketing can be done when the product isn't exactly 207 clear. Mr. DeGardner suggested people have a good idea of what this will be, at least 208 from staff s perspective; he feels that the council expects staff to keep moving forward. 209 Mr. DeGardner remarked on the importance of rebranding the facility for success in the 210 future. Staff thinks the majority of the city council is on board with that direction. 211 212 Councilmember Lyden suggested a rebranding following the concept "Lino Lakes Life 213 and Sports Center". 214 215 Community Development Director Grochala noted that there are components necessary to 216 move forward — branding is an important element. It even gets into monetizing the brand. 217 218 Director DeGardner noted that they don't know exactly what this will entail but it's 219 important to keep moving toward this phase — to see what these people can come up with. 220 The proposal is three different phases. The total cost was noted. 221 222 Councilmember Stoesz noted the ongoing bond expense (monthly) and suggested that is a 223 steady expense so it's important to get things going. 5 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 224 225 Mayor Rafferty asked what the $6,500 cost would cover and Mr. DeGardner suggested 226 it's an honest estimate of general work and not specific work such as architectural 227 changes, etc. 228 229 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the City owns land by the freeway for signage and 230 Administrator Cotton noted that the entrance to Town Center Parkway would be one 231 targeted sign area. 232 233 The council concurred with staff s proposal and authorized placement on the next council 134 agenda as a business item. 235 236 Director DeGardner then noted the request to create a recreation center steering 237 committee and a request for two members of the council to participate. He stressed the 238 need to bring in people that have energy and are devoted to bringing this project to 239 fruition. This group will be very important and he recommends that only those people 240 fully committed and with a "will to win" should be involved. 241 242 Mayor Rafferty and all councilmembers volunteered for service. 243 244 Councilmember Lyden challenged Mayor Rafferty's insistence on being a representative 245 to the group. Councilmember Ruhland withdrew his interest based on time commitment. 246 247 Each councilmember was allowed to cast two votes for who would participate in the 248 steering group. The results were: 249 25o Rafferty — 4 251 Lyden — 2 252 Stoesz — 2 253 Cavegn —2 254 255 Another vote (for one position) was taken to break the tie. 256 257 Stoesz — 3 258 Lyden - 2 259 260 7. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council 261 262 There were no updates. 263 264 The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. 265 266 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on 267 September 27, 2021. 268 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 269 270 271 e — ' )Le � e - kk 272 q-ulfii4n e Bartell, City lerk 273 b Rafferty, Mayor