HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-2014 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
DATE
TIME STARTED
TIME ENDED
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
December 1, 2014
: December 1, 2014
. 6:00 p.m.
. 9:50 p.m.
: Council Member Stoesz, Kusterman,
Rafferty, Roeser and Mayor Reinert
: None
Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development
Director Michael Grochala; Finance Director Al Rolek; Public Services Director Rick
DeGardner; Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City
Clerk Julie Bartell
1. Potential Blue Heron Days Boat Race and Show Update- Public Services
Director DeGardner introduced Twin Cities Power Boat Association Commodore Arron
Wachholz, noting that he has been working with the group on the feasibility of
establishing a boat race event in Lino Lakes, most likely in conjunction with the city's
Blue Heron Days festival. They have determined that Centerville Lake is feasibile from a
size standpoint but there are issues that would have to be worked out in that or any
location.
Mr. Wachholz explained the types of power boat racing events that his organization is
already sponsoring, specifically noting their annual Forest Lake event. These events
most often involve two days because that makes it more financially feasible. The revenue
stream associated with the events involves people coming with their boats — utilizing
hotels and restaurants, etc. They do not normally charge for admittance to the event.
They obtain business sponsorships to cover much of the costs and he added that they have
raised up to $20,000 for expenses and the purse. The sponsors are allowed to set up
some advertising at the event.
Mayor Reinert asked if there are any negatives to a boat racing event? Mr. Wachholz
said he hasn't encountered any real problems in the years he's been involved. On
obtaining sponsorships, he has done the legwork for the Forest Lake event so he is aware
that it requires real commitment. The council discussed possible sponsors in the area
and the possibility of requesting some tourism funding. It was noted that access to
tourism dollars (Twin Cities Gateway) is legally limited to use for marketing only. Mr.
Wachholz stressed that the key to a successful event is to plan early and advertise a lot.
Mr. DeGardener remarked that to plan an event for 2015 would require moving on plans
very fast and that would most likely require some commitment of city funds to get things
going. Anoka County regulates the park on the lake and would be a key player in
moving ahead.
1
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 1, 2014
APPROVED
46
47 Mayor Reinert remarked that he hears that the council is interested in continuing the
48 discussion. He likes the idea because it connects with the Blue Heron Days and the
49 city's lakes. He suggests that the inclusion of a fireworks display would be good. The
50 council suggested that, considering the location, sponsorships could be sought in the
51 region rather than just the city.
52
53 Staff will report to the council after discussing the concept with Anoka County.
54
55 2. Steve Markuson, Twin Cities Gateway Bureau — Public Services Director
56 DeGardner noted that the council expressed interest in learning more about the
57 organization that handles tourism in the area and receives a lodging tax, Twin Cities
58 Gateway. He introduced the Executive Director of the organization, Steve Markuson.
59
60 Mr. Markuson gave a presentation highlighting the following:
61 The importance of tourism;
62 The benefits of tourism that extend beyond hotel nights to money spent
63 throughout the community;
64 The impact of tourism on Anoka County;
65 - The objectives the Twin Cities Gateway including promoting travel and
66 stimulating economic impacts;
67 - Their focus on on-line marketing and targeting a geographic market;
68 - Their goal of increasing hotel use during traditional downtime and enhancement
69 of website engagement.
70
71 Regarding the organization's budget, Mr. Markuson explained that the entire budget is
72 generated through a state authorized lodging tax that is distributed based on a formula.
73 The organization maintains a conservative financial position with fund reserves and
74 minimizes its overhead/administrative costs. Mr. Markuson added that the hotel
75 occupancy rates in the region continue to rise. He gave examples of their advertising that
76 includes special promotion of community events.
77
78 The mayor discussed the possibility of submitting a grant request for advertising for a
79 power boat racing event in the city. Mr. Markuson explained the grant process and noted
80 that a grant in the area of $5,000 could be requested but he added that such grants are not
81 meant as long term funding sources.
82
83 Council Member Roeser asked for advice on stimulating business to come to the city.
84 Mr. Markuson explained how events chose their venues, noting that banquet space is a
85 must.
86
87 3. Final 2015 Budget Review — Finance Director Rolek noted that the council has
88 received the final budget. He distributed and reviewed the Parks and Recreation budget
89 for discussion, noting that the fund does have a surplus some of which will be transferred
90 to the General Fund. Council Member Kusterman asked about the usual nature of such a
2
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 1, 2014
APPROVED
91 surplus since the funds are generated by user fees. Public Services Director DeGardner
92 verified that the user fees are set at an appropriate level; one change that has impacted
93 costs is the school district no longer charging for use of their facilities (unless after hours
94 staff is required). The council discussed skate park possibilities. The mayor noted the
95 area of Birch and Centerville Road and wondered if it makes sense to use the surplus
96 funds for the signage and parking that the council discussed earlier. Mr. DeGardner
97 recommended against that use at this time since Community Development Director
98 Grochala is preparing to bring forward for discussion a comprehensive plan for the area.
99
100 Mr. Rolek also distributed and reviewed information on the equipment replacement
101 budget.
102
103 Administrator Karlson offered comments on the city's budget. He recommends that the
104 council schedule a strategic planning session to set future priorities. An important
105 discussion will be about the use of city's reserves and the impact on future budgets.
106 Mayor Reinert noted that he sees the reserve use as very manageable and the city's
107 finances as a whole in very good condition. He concurs that a planning session can be
108 scheduled. Council Member Roeser noted that the council consciously moved to
109 reduce the city's reserves because interest rates on that money are historically low and it
110 was the responsible thing to do; the city has maintained a healthy reserve. He concurs on
111 the importance of long-term planning especially with new development coming. Finance
112 Director Rolek explained that, for rating agencies, the city's outlook for operations and
113 willingness to plan for the future is important.
114
115 The public hearing and adoption of the 2015 budget will be on the next council agenda.
116
117 4. MnDOT Municipal Consent Request — I 35E from Little Canada Road to County
118 Road J — City Engineer Hankee reviewed her written report, noting that MnDOT is
119 telling the city about an improvement planned on Highway I -35E that would impact a
120 small area of the roadway located in the city. This would be a MnPass lane improvement
121 that is occurring as a result of their study and with the goal of reducing congestion. The
122 improvement would include no cost to the city but they are requesting municipal consent.
123 She gave a presentation on the location of the project and also reviewed the MnPass
124 Program objectives. Council Member Roeser expressed concern that the project is
125 already well in place with no real concern for what the city thinks.
126
127 Community Development Director Grochala reported that MnDOT is requesting action.
128 The next step options he sees are: to do nothing; to have MnDOT come and review their
129 request with the council; to hold a public hearing; or approve a resolution giving consent
130 to the improvement. An impact of no support could be that MnDOT chooses to stop
131 the project at the city border and that could possibly cause a poorer traffic transition.
132 Mayor Reinert suggested that the project doesn't represent any intrusion to the city and
133 although there may be concern about the program itself, what the state is asking of the
134 city doesn't have any negative impact.
135
3
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 1, 2014
APPROVED
136 5. 2015 Street Reconstruction Project Update — Community Development
137 Director Grochala and City Engineer Hankee updated the council. Mr. Grochala noted
138 that the Street Reconstruction Program was approved by election this year and includes a
139 project for 2015 — the Shenandoah area consisting of about two miles of roadway. Under
140 the program there would be no special assessments and the costs would be paid through
141 the sale of general obligation reconstruction bonds. There is no water main included and
142 the area already has sewer lines (some minor repairs at the city's cost could be included).
143 He noted that communication throughout the project will be vital and that effort
144 commences with a meeting for the residents to be held at city hall on December 16 at
145 7:00 p.m. The city's engineering firm, WSB, will continue to work on their proposal for
146 the project. The council discussed the project schedule and Mayor Reinert said he has
147 some concern that the project not drift too later into next year. Ms. Hankee added that
148 information on the project will be continually posted on the city's website so that will be
149 a good way to keep people informed and right up to date.
150
151 Not on Printed Agenda Item — White Bear Lake Lawsuit Update — Community
152 Development Director Grochala reported that he has received information regarding a
153 settlement reached in the lawsuit; he briefly reviewed the terms of the settlement. The
154 City is included in the "Phase 2" area of the settlement and there is no timeline associated
155 with that phase. The settlement does include a goal to reduce water consumption within
156 involved areas. He doesn't feel there are direct implications for the City, certainly not in
157 the short term.
158
159 Not on Printed Agenda Item — Award to Police Chief — Mayor Reinert noted that
160 Police Swenson has been recognized with an award. He has earned the master level
161 certification of the Minneapolis Chiefs of Police Association.
162
163 6. Anoka County Fire Protection Council JPA — Chief Swenson explained that
164 the Council (ACFPA) has been around for many years but without the legal status that
165 would come with a joint powers agreement with the jurisdictions involved. With the
166 new data system, this group needs to execute a JPA. He explained the funding formula
167 for the system — basically it is tied to calls for service, market value and population. That
168 figure for Lino Lakes equates to 5.91%, although he anticipates the figure to drop since
169 the number of fire calls is expected to decrease. The structure of governance of the group
170 is two bodies — one consisting of elected officials that set the budget and authorize
171 expenditures over $50,000, with a weighted voting system based on the contribution
172 figure.
173
174 When Mayor Reinert said he'd like to understand the upside for the city's participation,
175 Chief Swenson said it includes participation in the mobile application, dispatch and the
176 records system. The mayor wondered if there are limits to future involvement and the
177 Chief responded that there are limits set by statute. The mayor and some council
178 members expressed the need to understand the implications long term and therefore the
179 council decided to postpone action on the matter to the second council meeting in
4
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 1, 2014
APPROVED
180 December. Chief Swenson indicated that the Anoka County Fire Mutual Aid Agreement
181 is related to the action on the JPA so it will be pulled from the agenda tonight as well.
182 The mayor announced that he wouldn't be able to attend the upcoming Centennial Fire
183 Steering Committee meeting and he understands Council Member Roeser won't be there
184 either. He'd like to be kept up to date on grant discussions.
185
186 Review Regular Council Agenda of December 8, 2014 — The Council reviewed the
187 agenda.
188
189 The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
190
191 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
192 December 15, 2014.
193
194
195
T96
197 J . ianne Bartell, City Jerk Jeff ' ei ert, Mayor
198
5