HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/03/2008 Council Minutes1
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
DATE
TIME STARTED
TIME ENDED
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
November 3, 2008
: November 3, 2008
. 5:30 p.m.
. 10:45 p.m.
: Councilmember Gallup, O'Donnell,
Reinert, Stoltz and Mayor Bergeson
: None
Staff members present: City Administrator, Gordon Heitke; Community Development
Director, Mike Grochala; Finance Director, Al Rolek; Economic Development
Coordinator, Mary Alice Divine; Director of Public Safety, Dave Pecchia; Director of
Administration, Dan Tesch; Director of Public Services, Rick DeGardner; City Planner,
Paul Bengtson; City Clerk, Julie Bartell
18 1. 2009 Budget — Reallocation of Funds for Charter Commission - Finance
19 Director Rolek explained that the council received a request from the charter commission
20 in August of this year to increase their 2009 budget to $7,500. Through the 2009
21 budgeting process, the council was made aware of several funding requests from outside
22 groups and, considering the tight nature of the 2009 budget, the concensus was to not
23 include any of those requests in the budget. The charter commission has renewed its
24 request. If the council were to make an adjustment to the budget, it would most likely be
25 a reduction to the contingency. Mr. Rolek suggests that the contingency is already quite
26 tight for current conditions.
27 The council decided that they would not move forward on the Charter Commission
28 request now and suggested that if they are to consider the request they will need some
29 specificity as far as to how this additional funding would be used.
30 2. Request for Audit of Charter Commission - The council has received a request
31 for an audit of the charter commission from the Citizens for Safer Roads. If the council
32 were to move in this direction, it would be important to contain an audit to legal matters
33 only and that it be conducted by an outside party.
34 A council member noted some concern that this would set a precedent that the council
35 will authorize an audit or investigation for any request that comes forward. Also, a
36 question of shouldn't there be an opportunity for the charter commission to respond to the
37 allegations and show evidence as to their operations? It was pointed out that an audit
38 doesn't have to be a negative thing; it's a common practice in city government and the
39 charter commission will have an opportunity to respond as part of the audit.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
APPROVED
40 The matter will be on the agenda for the coming Monday evening's council meeting; the
41 charter commission will be informed. The council would like the scope of an audit to be
42 clear up front (notably official decisions and use of public funds).
43 Brian Fossey and Pat Smith, residents of W. Shadow Lake Drive, asked the council about
44 the charter commission budget request and how that relates to the audit request. Mr.
45 Smith presented the council with a spreadsheet outlining possible charter commission
46 discussion points; he used public data to put together the spreadsheet.
47 3. I -35W North Corridor Coalition Update — Administrator Heitke introduced
48 Dick Swanson, Blaine city council member and member of the corridor coalition. He
49 will be discussing the work of the coalition and inviting the city to get involved.
50 Mr. Swanson explained that the coalition is composed of Anoka and Ramsey County, the
51 cities of Blaine, Lexington, Moundsview, New Brighton, Circle Pines, and recently
52 Minneapolis. The group was originally created about 35 years ago to deal with land use
53 issues. About three years ago, they reevaluated their purpose and narrowed their scope to
54 transportation issues. The group exists to provide continuous support to the funding
55 needs of the northern 35W corridor. They are currently working on a Lake Drive
56 (southern end) extension onto the highway, and also worked hard to install the cable
57 separators between north and south lanes. They have a good working relationship with
58 MnDOT. The group would like the City of Lino Lakes to join them at the table; there are
59 issues relating to the highway that have great impact on the city. Many cities utilize their
60 economic development funds (not general funds) to pay for their participation in the
61 coalition. The fee is based on market value and population (with a first year fee of
62 $2,000). Some of those funds are used for engineering services, the director's salary, and
63 some accounting services. They are also seeking participation from the private side
64 (utilities, for example). They would like to know in December if the city will participate
65 in 2009.
66 The Mayor noted that the city is a member of the 35E coalition group. A council member
67 asked about the expectation of who would participate and Mr. Swanson explained that
68 they anticipate the participation of the city administrator and a member of the council; the
69 group attempts to meet quarterly. They do have some legislative action (National League
70 of Cities conference; Legislature).
71 The council agreed to discuss the issue of participation at the December work session.
72 4. Request to Amend Animal Ordinance — Administrator Heitke reported that the
73 council recently updated the city's animal control regulations. A family in Lino Lakes is
74 concerned about regulations that relate to the number of dogs that can be kept at a home
75 under one acre. The city attorney has opined that a variance would not be appropriate
76 with this type of regulation. Therefore, the matter is being presented as consideration of
77 amending the animal control regulations.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
APPROVED
78 Jeremy and Jamie Gudmundson, 992 Kelly Street, were present. Mr. Gudmundson
79 explained that there are two dogs at his home but his family has interest in providing
80 animal rescue through fostering. The fostering involves housing one additional dog at a
81 time that has been rescued from a kill shelter. They have lived in Lino Lakes for over a
82 year and probably wouldn't have moved here understanding the regulations. The city is
83 one of only two in the area that have acreage restrictions. He understands that a variance
84 wouldn't be wise and that is why they are recommending a change to the city's ordinance.
85 The council asked about the "temporary" nature of fostering a dog and heard that the
86 Gudmundson's would intend to take in one dog (over their permanent two) at a time and
87 house the dog until a permanent home is located.
88 A council member suggested that a fostering situation should be viewed differently than a
89 permanent accommodation for three dogs. When discussing the amount of time that a
90 dog would normally remain in a foster situation, it was explained that it varies but it
91 would usually be a few months to a year.
92 The Police Chief indicated that, if the council is considering a change to allow for
93 additional animals, he recommends that it be overall since enforcement of regulations that
94 include "foster dogs" would be difficult to enforce.
95 A member suggested that there appears to be four options: no change to the regulations;
96 special allowance for fostering; changing the number of dogs allowed, and; changing the
97 acreage requirement.
98 The council referred the matter to staff with direction to research the options of changing
99 the ordinance (not including allowing a variance) in a way that makes sense for the whole
100 community (not an individual situation).
101 8. Review of Citizen Awareness Plan - Charter Amendment Exit Poll - The
102 council discussed the value of proceeding with an exit poll after the election (that was
103 occurring the next day).
104 The council concurred to hold off on a poll in order to see the results of the election and
105 to have further discussion about the future and possible charter amendment questions.
106 Staff should communicate that to the consultant.
107 The meeting was briefly recessed
108 5. Five -Year Financial Plan - Finance Director Rolek reported. This is the first
109 time that staff has brought forward a plan that is unbalanced — the estimated
110 revenue/expenditures are not balanced. In 2010 and 2011, the city has a mandated limited
111 levy, and with the budget requests brought forward, there would be a deficit in those two
112 years. The plan was formulated using assumptions on growth, tax base, and state law
113 limits on raising taxes. With valuations dropping in 2010, flat in 2011 and a conservative
114 increase projected for following years, there is a gap. Mr. Rolek reviewed the plan
115 elements.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
APPROVED
116 Staff is recommending that the council establish a strategic planning process whereby
117 they will address future priorities — identifying services that must be provided and what
118 the council would like to provide past that.
119 A council member commented that it's obvious by the numbers that the city can't
120 continue "business as usual" in the current economy; the plan proposes staff increases
121 that may be unrealistic. Mr. Rolek explained that while staffing has a significant impact,
122 it only represents about 30% of proposed increases. When asked if the proposed
123 personnel increases would maintain the current level of services or increase services, the
124 police chief responded (all new positions are proposed in the police and public service
125 departments). The Chief explained that, in the area of public safety, there is an
126 expectation of maintaining the level of services as well as a different kind of services
127 needed as the city grows and changes; he anticipates that a decision on police services
128 will be made each year by the council based on current information.
129 The council directed staff to schedule some strategic planning sessions early in 2009 and,
130 since there is some obligation to provide the plan to the charter commission, to
131 communicate with the charter commission about when the plan is anticipated.
132 6. Utility Rates — Set Public Hearing — Finance Officer Rolek noted that the
133 council has had discussions about adjusting utility rates, has received the results of a rate
134 study and now staff is bringing forward a proposal for council consideration. He
135 reviewed the proposed residential and non-residential schedules included in the staff
136 report noting that both are designed to encourage conservation. Also included in the
137 report is information on average household impact. The rates have not been adjusted
138 since 2001. Further the State is requiring the city to take action that will encourage water
139 conservation.
140 A council member noted continuing concern about a rate structure that punishes larger
141 families and suggested that the city is not mandated to have a tier system. There could be
142 a more effective way of encouraging conservation.
143 Public Services Director DeGardner pointed out that 98% of the city's customers would
144 fall into the middle tier.
145 Engineer Studenski noted that the city's conservation plan has pieces, including lawn
146 sprinkling restrictions and a rate structure.
147 Finance Officer Rolek added that before any change would occur, an information piece
148 would be provided to customers with a public hearing opportunity. Also, while there is
149 not a mandate from the state to change the rate structure, there is a need for the city to
150 meet identified goals for less consumption.
151 Three council members requested that staff move forward with the rate structure as
•152 presented. An ordinance and public hearing will appear on the November 24, 2008
153 council agenda.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
APPROVED
154 7. Storm Water Utility (verbal report) - Finance Officer Rolek noted that the
155 storm water utility discussion feeds into the 5 year plan discussion. Revisiting the
156 question of this utility is also a council established goal for the year. If this is to come
157 forward, it would require an update of pertinent information for a new process of
158 consideration. Staff requests council direction on whether or not to move forward.
159 A member recalled that there was much concern in the community when this idea was
160 previously discussed and asked if staff considers that concern came from the numbers or
161 the concept.
162 Mr. Rolek recalled that there was concern about the impact on different types of
163 properties and credit for conservation; the concern was not strictly rate oriented.
164 The council decided to continue discussion of the topic at upcoming strategic financial
165 planning sessions in 2009.
166 9. City Code Update — City Clerk Bartell provided the council with a draft
167 document representing the city code updated to reflect ordinances passed since the last
168 recodification (1993), amendments to state and other laws, and suggested updates. The
169 code project is an identified goal for 2009 and staff is proposing a schedule for review
170 and passage of an updated city code for reprinting and establishment on-line (city web
171 site).
172 The council reviewed the proposed schedule and was requested to review the non -
173 substantive changes on their own time. Staff will be presenting the more substantive
174 changes for review at upcoming work sessions.
175 It was noted that the code project does not include the land use sections of the code since
176 those regulations will soon be updated separately based on the comprehensive plan
177 update project.
178 10. Economic Development Meeting — Economic Development Coordinator Divine
179 noted that the council has an identified goal to diversify, expand and enhance the city's
180 tax base with an underlying objective to prepare, approve and carry out an economic
181 development strategy to implement the economic development portion of the
182 comprehensive plan, including determination of the role of the Economic Development
183 Advisory Committee in carrying out a strategy. To that end, communication with the
184 EDAC group is important. Staff requests council direction regarding a meeting with
185 EDAC on this matter.
186 The council discussed the value of having an internal (council) discussion of economic
187 development in order to prepare to meet with EDAC. It would seem most valuable to
188 have that meeting with the EDAC board as it will exist in 2009.
189 11. Review of Regular Meeting Agenda
190 The council reviewed the agenda.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
APPROVED
191 Council Member Stoltz left the meeting.
192 12. Comp Plan Review — Community Development Director Grochala reported.
193 Staff has received questions from council members to which they will respond. Housing
194 and management of development seem to be overall themes of the questions. The
195 Comprehensive Plan Update ("the Plan") concept is really that the market will dictate
196 growth and the city should plan to be ready for that development when it comes along.
197 Reviewing a map, he noted that the areas indicated in purple basically represent the next
198 ten years. Using that basis, they have looked at how and when utilities can be provided in
199 those areas. The city remains the "driver" of the extension of utilities and staff suggests
200 that the extensions should be built out from existing infrastructure.
201 Mr. Grochala provided an explanation of sewer districting and how other entities'
202 (metropolitan for example) utility plans could impact new infrastructure development in
203 the city. There was also discussion of how infrastructure is funded and the city's
204 preference to have developer involvement in those costs.
205 There was discussion that the county is leading plans for some improvements to the 35E
206 interchange in 2009. Mr. Grochala pointed out that the improvements are somewhat
207 premature to the other development plans in the vicinity of that intersection and suggested
208 that there could be deferred assessments involved.
209 A council member suggested that there needs to be a compromise on the pace of
210 development called for by the Plan. Staff responded that the council can make that a
211 discussion point but there are underlying Metropolitan Council requirements (such as
212 density and affordability) that should be considered. Staff is presenting the proposed Plan
213 and explaining how it would function; the proposed Plan is based on market forecasts
214 and, when the council raised concerns about market changes, that information was
215 brought to the citizens task force and there was a change.
216 On the matter of sending the proposed Plan out to adjacent jurisdictions for review, staff
217 explained the purpose of that action. Sending out the plan doesn't indicate that it is final.
218 A council member raised the question of the council's comfort level with the proposed
219 pace of development. There was discussion about density, distribution of density and
220 how distribution could help reach affordability goals. It is not necessarily a goal to have
221 all affordable housing bulked together. Staff explained that there are ways, such as
222 density bonus programs, to bring affordability into different types of developments.
223 When a council member mentioned that the 6600 new units seems high and concern
224 about the city's ability to provide services that keep pace with that amount of growth,
225 staff pointed to the five-year planning process that will allow the council to plan for
226 future growth. It was also mentioned that the council maintains the ability to amend the
227 Plan based on continuing evaluation.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2008
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228 A council member noted concern that the council would only be allowed to adjust the
229 Plan but not to change the density. Staff replied that the Plan is based on goals and
230 policies.
231 A member noted that the transportation plan of the county calls for the development of
232 four -lane divided roadways throughout the city and concern that such high traffic areas
233 would not be acceptable to the residents. Staff suggested that the city's density is only
234 one part of what impacts future transportation needs. The city cannot dictate who will
235 drive through the city but should plan wisely for those needs. The member remained
236 concerned that high traffic roadways will have a negative impact on adjacent residents.
237 The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:45 p.m.
238 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
239 November 24, 2008.
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244 Julianne B 11, City Cler Ber son, Ma or
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