May 2, 2006 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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Administrator Rafferty noted that he would be asking a council member to work with him on future policy changes for the Fire Department employee handbook. Assistant City Planner: The City Administrator reported the City should get an assistant planner on board before the development season starts so the City needs to move forward. Also, the existing City Planner has indicated he may retire within 4 years. This item will be added to the January 17"' Council agenda. Citv Engineer: The City Administrator reported this would be an entry level engineer that will grow into this office. With the anticipated growth, this person would do some inspections and minor design when needed. This position will also be used to set up the engineering office at the Public Works Building, moving all documentation on site and work closely with the Public Works Department. This position will be funded by redirecting fees and workload to the new engineer. Anticipated hiring date is late April or early May. This item will be added to the January 17a' Council agenda. Code Enforcement Officer The City Administrator said a council workshop, possibly in March, is necessary dedicated strictly for code enforcement in order to classify as "quality of life issues" so that a description can be developed. He said the Washington County Sheriff indicated he would train a community service officer. Council member Smith stated in order for the City to enforce their codes, this osition will be needed in the future This item will not move forward to the January 179 Council agenda. 5. Oakdale/Lake Elmo Communitv Playfield The City Administrator reported he, Chuck DilIerud, Tom Bouthilet, Tom Prew, met with Oakdale representatives to discuss the 3M donation of 28 acres, by Ideal Avenue and Stillwater Boulevard for park development. There will be a joint ownership of land between Oakdale and Lake Elmo and develop a Joint Powers Board. There would be cost sharing arrangements of a 50150 split (design, construction, and maintenance). They are talking lights for the ball fields and would limit the playfield to only kids. The City Planner stated the issue arose as why do we need a community playfield on the west side of the community and didn't we think about having a community play field in the Old Village. The Planner said he did an investigation of cities with 24,000 population of needs for playfields. He said Oakdale has one community playfield with a population of 26,000 and that is not enough. He said we would reserve the site in the OId Village, but not build it, and concentrate developing at the 3M site. The City Administrator said he thought it was well worth contemplating. The City Planner said the opportunity is now, and there would be a 50150 cost split. Council member Johnson voiced her concern on financing and what would this mean to staffing. The Finance Director responded this park development would be paid through park LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES January 10, 2006 2