Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2024 - Council Meeting MinutesDATE: TIME STARTED: TIME ENDED: LOCATION: LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES August 26, 2024 6:30 PM 9:28 PM City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty, Councilmembers Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz MEMBERS ABSENT: None Staff Members Present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane Hankee, Public Safety Director John Swenson, Deputy Public Safety Director/Police Kyle Leibel, Finance Director Hannah Lynch, Public Servies/Parks & Recreation Director Rick DeGardner, and Communications Specialist Andrea Turner. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:30 PM. Mayor Rafferty provided an overview of the Rules of Decorum. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Rafferty opened the public comment period at 6:35 p.m. Elizabeth Larkin, 980 Aspen Lane, Lino Lakes, stated that she is not opposed to residential growth, however, she believes the City should have the tools in its toolbox to manage development. She stated that the City should adopt regulations to require background checks for developers. She stated that she does not support a development being segregated from the full community. She stated that the City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to manage the development process. Luke Walter, Love Lino Lakes Group Representative, 7800 Maryland Drive, Lino Lakes, stated that his primary concern with the proposed Madinah Lakes project is that it would be directed at one specific community per their marketing materials. That raises concerns for him about exclusion. He cited the Fair Housing Act, which is intended to prevent racial segregation. Derek Lind, Ramsey, stated that he represents a citizens group, the Anoka County Elections Integrity Team (ACEIT). He presented a report stating they have 20 members. He stated that the goals of the group are related to ensuring small voting precincts, secured Election Judge data, verified registered voters, validated paper ballots, paper poll books and hand -counted paper ballots. He stated that with him this evening are three other members of the group that will provide further details. Paul Berndt, ACEIT Member, 1235 129th Circle NW, Coon Rapids, focused his presentation on the Statewide Voter Registration System. He stated that they had requested Anoka County Council Minutes -2- purchase software to review the voter registration lists. However, that was not funded by the County Board, due to cost. He said a free software (NCOA) has since been used by the County. He stated that ACEIT would like the City Council to adopt a resolution to request that Anoka County review the voter registration list. Joe Richardson, ACEIT Member, 15224 Swallow Street NW, Andover, stated that when he served as an Election Judge, he noted that everything was done twice except the hand counting of votes. He noted that the State has prohibited the hand counting of votes on Election night. He reported that the State conducts a Post Election Review (PER) audit of the vote totals through a hand count. He suggested expanding this to hand -counting all ballots at the local level. Lori Mahowald, ACEIT Member, 12872 Bluebird Street NW, Coon Rapids, provided the concluding comments from the ACEIT. She stated that their request is to have the City of Lino Lakes adopt a resolution requesting Anoka County to have an expanded PER hand count of ballots and that all races be hand counted. She stated that ACEIT's contact information has been provided and requested that the Council invite them back to further discuss their proposals. Mayor Rafferty requested that the City Administrator schedule time at a future work session to discuss this further. The City Administrator announced that concludes the list of people who requested to speak at public comment. Motion to close the public comment period at 6:55 p.m. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz SETTING THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS State Senator Gustafson MN State Senator, Heather Gustafson (36 DFL), stated that she represents Lino Lakes, in addition to eight other cities and White Bear Township. She stated that she was here to provide an overview of what the MN State Senate has been working on the last two legislative sessions and what they will be working on this next year. She reported that the state is entering into a budget year in 2025. Last year was a policy and bonding year. Senator Gustafson stated that this next session she intends to bring forward another $300 million -dollar Public Safety bill, as she had brought forward a successful Public Safety bill in past years. She reported that last time the City of Lino Lakes received $929,000 in Public Safety Council Minutes -3- funding from the state. In speaking with fire departments, she understands that there is a shortage of firefighters. So, the MN Senate is looking at ways that they can boost our fire department as well. She is working with Senator Rest and the Tax Department and Tax Committee, to make sure that they can fund this properly. She stated that for those who don't know, every single city, county, and tribal nation of Minnesota received Public Safety funding that was locally controlled, dollars where they could determine what was best for their community to use towards public safety. Senator Gustafson stated that she met with the Governor to review the local police and fire department needs in Lino Lakes and other cities. She thanked Lino Lakes Public Safety Director Swenson for providing the information and testimony needed to secure the funding. Senator Gustafson said another priority she will be working on is lowering the cost of elementary school student before and after school care. She spent most of her teaching career at Centennial High School and knows that the expense of after -school activities for High Schoolers can also be a burden for families and she would like to see more kids involved. She said that she was happy the School Resources Officer (SRO) situation has been resolved. She said that she is a supporter of SROs, and she believes they would probably back her up in saying that when kids are more involved and they have more connections with their community, they are less likely to get in trouble, and there are just more people looking after them. So, they will be looking into things like that. Senator Gustafson said that she has talked with the city about bonding for an inclusive playground, and she would like to revisit that as that state budget forecast comes out. Senator Gustafson reported that this past session, they increased the penalty for straw gun purchases. In Minnesota that used to only be a gross misdemeanor, therefore it was very rarely charged by prosecutors, but now it has been increased to a felony level. Senator Gustafson said the childcare tax credit continues to be in effect. She said they are working towards increasing that to hopefully benefit more middle-class families and extra funding for paramedics was passed this year too. Senator Gustafson said that being able to properly fund our police and fire departments is something that is important to her. She said that she will be fighting for those dollars as much as she can in this next session. Senator Gustafson said that she is here to listen and encouraged the City Council and staff to keep connecting with her on important local topics. Mayor Rafferty thanked Senator Gustafson on behalf of the City Council. He recognized her work on behalf of the eight cities she represents. He highlighted the City of Lino Lakes public safety projects that were supported by the Public Safetyfunding and identified the state grant for the City of Lino Lakes water treatment plant that was awarded this year. Council Minutes -4- Volunteer Service Award Presentation The Public Safety Director presented a 20-year Volunteer Service Award to residents Karen and Lyle Bye. He thanked them for their kind acts of service to our City's Police Officers and Firefighters over the past 20 years. 1. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Rafferty requested to table the approval of the August 5, 2024 Work Session minutes He requested that they be amended to strike the line regarding the Center for Value -Based Initiatives under Item #6 Public Safety Consultant Committee Recommendations. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items #1A through 1D and Item 1F; furthermore, to table Item #1E "Consider Approval of August 5, 2024 Work Session Minutes". RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz 2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT The Finance Director reported that Tax Increment Financing District 1-12 was created for the Clearwater Creek Business Park Project on March 24, 2017, and is required to be decertified by December 31, 2026. The TIF PAYGO Note issued to Distribution Alternatives on November 22, 2017, has been paid in full in the amount of $1,200,000 as of August 1, 2024. With all obligations of the district satisfied, the district should be decertified to allow the affected parcels to be added back to the tax base benefitting all local taxing jurisdictions. The Finance Director stated that staff recommends approving Resolution No. 24-110, Decertifying Tax Increment Financing District 1-12. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 24-110, Decertifying Tax Increment Financing District 1-12. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Council Minutes -5- 3. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT 3A—Appointment of Government Buildings Custodial Worker Motion to appoint Brie Scott to the Government Buildings Custodial Work position as presented. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz 3B thru 3D — Appointment Firefighters The Public Safety Director provided an overview of the recommendations to hire a Part -Time Firefighter and two Paid On -Call Firefighters, providing information on the current staffing levels and proposed locations for each new hire. Motion to appoint Cole Huebner to the Park -Time Firefighter position as outlined in the staff report. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Motion to appoint Scott Schmidt to the Paid On -Call Firefighter position as outlined in the staff report. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Motion to appoint Jake Crooks to the Paid On -Call Firefighter position as outlined in the staff report. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Council Minutes -6- 4. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT 4A — Professional Services Agreement with Citygate Associates. The Public Safety Director stated that staff is bringing forward the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Citygate Associates to complete a public safety study. The PSA includes a not to exceed amount of $150,000, This amount is based on the Citygate scope of work and includes core project cost of $132,706 and optional services for community survey and public engagement workshops up to $17,294. Staff would communicate with the City Council members before authorizing any of the listed optional services. It is recommended that this public safety study be funded with MN Public Safety Aid funds. Councilmember Stoesz received confirmation from staff that the data to be used by Citygate would be City of Lino Lakes generated data. Mayor Rafferty requested to table this item to allow for further review and discussion. Councilmember Cavegn stated that he and Councilmember Ruhland were on the selection review committee, and he therefore is comfortable moving forward, however, he is willing to table the matter to allow the full Council to review further if there is interest in tabling the matter. Councilmember Lyden asked the Public Safety Director if he had any reservations regarding signing the agreement. The Public Safety Director stated that he did not have any reservations regarding the contract meeting the specifications of the request for services. Motion to table the approval of the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Citygate, with discussion scheduled for September 9t" at a Special Work Session, immediately following the Regular Meeting. RESULT: CARRIED [4-1] MOVER: Rafferty SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Ruhland and Stoesz NAYS: Lyden 4B — Resolution 24-112 Authorizing Grant Agreement for the 2024 Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training Grant. Deputy Public Safety Director/Police, Kyle Leibel, reported that in an effort to expand the applicant pool for current and future police officer vacancies, the Public Safety Department applied for and was awarded grant funding under the 2024 Intensive and Comprehensive Peace Council Minutes IVA Officer Education and Training (ICPOET) grant program. The initial grant was accepted at the April 8, 2024, Council Meeting with the approval of Resolution 24-26. Deputy Public Safety Director Leibel stated that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has additional grant funds available for the 2024 ICPOET grant program and has awarded the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department an additional $50,000 grant. If the City Council accepts this grant amendment, that would bring the total 2024 ICPOET grant to $100,000 awarded to Lino Lakes Public Safety Department. Deputy Public Safety Director Leibel stated that this grant program enables agencies to hire individuals that have a two- or four-year degree in any field and want to make a career transition to a police officer. The grant award is for $50,000 for expenses covering wages, benefits, recruitment, pre -hire assessments, and training at Alexandria Technical College that will meet the MN POST Board requirements to become a police officer in Minnesota. Deputy Public Safety Director Leibel stated that it should be noted that this second grant will incur housing costs that are not funded in the grant. Staff will fund the additional housing costs through existing funds budgeted in the 2024 Police Division adopted budget and the 2025 Police Division proposed budget. Motion to approve Resolution 24-112 authorizing staff to enter into the grant agreement amendment for 2024 ICPOET grant program. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz 4C — Donation of Motorola Portable Radios Deputy Public Safety Director/Police, Kyle Leibel, reported that the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department has operated with Motorola XTS 2500 portable radios for many years. All Anoka County law enforcement and fire departments updated public safety radios in/around 2017 to the Motorola APX 6000i portable radios. Since the replacement, the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department has moved twenty-one XTS 2500 radios to storage. Deputy Public Safety Director Leibel reported that in the interest of putting the portable radios to use, staff has identified a need for six of the radios within the Lino Lakes Public Works Department. The remaining fifteen have no use within other City of Lino Lakes departments. Through collaboration with other departments, staff has identified a need within the City of Harris Fire Department for the remaining fifteen XTS 2500 radios. As such, staff is requesting Council authorization to donate fifteen Motorola XTS 2500 portable radios to the Harris Fire Department as outlined in the staff report. Council Minutes -8- Motion to approve the donation of the radios listed in the staff report to the City of Harris Fire Department for use in their fire service. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz 5. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT No Report 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT 6A — ORDINANCE NO. 12-24 VACATING DRAINAGE & UTILITY EASEMENT, 904 KELLY STREET The City Engineer is requesting City Council consideration of the 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 12-24 Vacating Drainage & Utility Easement, 904 Kelly Street, Lot 11, Block 3, Pine Glen 2nd Addition. 904 Kelly Street is a residential parcel owned by Jody and Jesse Fronek. The property owner submitted a land use application requesting the vacation, of a portion, of a drainage easement on their property for the installation of an above ground pool. Motion to dispense with the full reading of Ordinance No 12-24 Vacating Drainage & Utility Easements, 904 Kelly Street, Lot 11, Block 3, Pine Glen 2nd Addition RESULT: MOVER: SECONDER: AYES: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] Cavegn Stoesz Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Motion to provide Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 12-24 Vacating Drainage & Utility Easements, 904 Kelly Street, Lot 11, Block 3, Pine Glen 2nd Addition RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz (By Roll Call Vote) Motion to adopt Resolution 24-113 Approving Summary Publication of Ordinance 12-24. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Council Minutes -9- 6B — Resolution No. 24-109 Letter of Concurrence, Rice Creek Watershed District Boundary Change The Community Development Director stated that staff is requesting City Council consideration to concur with the proposed boundary adjustments between Rice Creek Watershed District and the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization. In 2022, the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) undertook a hydrologic boundary review within Ramsey, Anoka and Hennepin Counties. The purpose of the review was to align the jurisdictional boundary more closely to the hydrological boundary between the respective water management organizations. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 24-109 Approving Concurrence for Watershed District Boundary Adjustment RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 8. NEW BUSINESS 8A — City Administrator Performance Evaluation Motion to Close the Meeting to conduct the City Administrator's Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Minnesota Statues 13D.05, Subd. 3 at 7:41 p.m. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz Mayor Rafferty re -opened the meeting at 9:28 p.m. 9. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS Notices were posted and provided on the agenda for public information. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m. Council Minutes -10- These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on September 9, 2024. Roberta Colotti, CIVIC City Clerk 4 1 Ro Ra erty, M