The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About04-13-2010 packett CITY OF LAKE ELMO MAYOR & COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA ITEM: SUBMITTED BY: THROUGH: REVIEWED BY: DATE: WORKSHOP ITEM #: DISCUSSION Mahtomedi Public School Presentation Dr, Mark Wolak, Mahtomedi Public School Superintendent Bruce A. Messelt, City Administrator 1\01, NA 4/13/2010 SUMMARY AND ACTION REOUESTED: This Workshop Item has been scheduled at the request of Mahtomedi Public Schools. The City Council is recommended to receive a brief presentation and discuss with School officials their upcoming April 27th Bond Election. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Tonight's Workshop is intended to allow the City Council to receive a presentation by Mahtomedi Public School Officials on the planned April 27th, 2010 Bond Election. Attached for Council information is a letter from the School District regarding the proposed Bond election. Also attached is a draft Resolution supporting the Bond Referendum. This item is not scheduled for Council action but it presented for information purposes only at this time. STAFF REPORT: City staff will be present at tonight's Workshop to assist the City Council in their review of this topic. City staff offers no suggested position or specific Council action regarding this topic. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council receive the presentation at tonight's Workshop, as scheduled, and then undertake a discussion with School officials regarding relevant topics and issues. Alternatively, the City Council may elect to forgo the scheduled presentation and direct action on current or future discussions on this topic, as appropriate. -- page 1 -- City Council Meeting Mahtomedi Public Schools Presentation April 13th, 2010 Workshop Agenda Item # 1 ATTACHMENTS: 1. March 3lst 2010 Letter from Superintendent Wolak 2. Draft Bond Referendum Resolution SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS: Introduction of Item ....... „....„...., ...... Presentation Questions from Council to Presenter(s) Public Input, if Appropriate ...... ..„ Council Discussion ........... , City Administrator Mahtomedi Public Schools Mayor Facilitates . . Mayor Facilitates Mayor & City Council — page 2 -- a ntOffileGi r)uhIIL chools tr,iT141 March 31, 2010 Dear City I..,eaders: Oistriet Officc! l!'129 tliilornudi, MN 'I 4 1 W)1-40)-2001 651 401,2W2!) We, the school board members and administrators of the Malitcnedi Public Schools, request your support by resolution for the upcoming facilities bond election on April 27, 2010. Approval of the bond and implementation of the strategic facilities plan will provide for a new Wildwood School, improve instructional space al the high school. and increase safety and energy efficiency at all facilities. The strategic facilities plan, a result of more than two years of study and deliberation, will provide high quality learning environments for students, staff and community for many years to come. As a partner with your city, WC willimprove athletic fields to accommodate the growing needs of area community athletic associations serving children and youth. We continue to hold community meetings to share information regarding the facilities plan and answer citizen questions. Meeting schedules, reports, supporting documents and presentation materials are available on the district's website at \\.'ww.tualitomedi.k. 1 2.inn.us. Please contact me al 1ark\\ olak ( I)llltorncdi l 1 2.nLL.v.; or 651-407-2001 if you have questions or need more information. Enclosed is the Resolution for your review and adoption. Please return a signed copy to me al the above address. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Mark Wolak. Ed. D Superintendent of Schools S8r.vinq Commutiiiivs of OnlIvrood, Gr;int, Hugo, Lake, Elmo, M431itooliedi, 0171 1111lf% SprifIgn,k,Vtilte Be;fr isr!-, and 4, Nag iJI 1 toin(?1, ,Tait BOND REFERENDUM RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE MA HTOMEDI PUBLIC SCHOOLS Whereas the City of Lake Elmo takes great pride in the success of ISD 832 and is committed to ensuring that future generations of' students continue to receive the highest -quality education; and Whereas. We recognize that great schools benefit communities broadly and enhance property values for local residents; and Whereas, the strategic facilities plan for ISD 832 was developed over nearly two years in consultation with area parents, teachers, administrators and community members to identify upgrades that meet the unique student and community needs of ISD 832; and Whereas, the strategic facilities plan will deliver significant improvements in ISD 832's math; engineering, and science curriculum., as well zis additional computer labs, libraries, support for modern technology in all ClatiSTOOMS, and safer and healthier facilities for all teachers and students; and Whereas. improvements to athletic facilities will provide enhanced opportunities for ISD 832 students, local athletic associations and community members; and Whereas, the strategic facilities plan will benefit all residents of ISD 832 by providing access to meeting space, computer labs and other resources for local civic groups trid. community gatherings; and Whereas, by implementing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEH)) -standard improvements in all schools, including full LEE[) certification for the new Wildwood Elementary School, ISD 832 can continue its commitment to energy conservation by reducing consumption by 10%-15%, protecting the environment and preserving significant operating dollars for leachers and programs; and Whereas, the time is right for this project. as ISD 832 is in a unique position to maximize taxpayer value with the use of federal stimulus Build America Bonds, lower than normal construction costs and long-term investments that will deliver efficient operations for the next 50 years. Therefore, he it resolved by the undersigned elected officer that the City of Lake Elmo is in full support of the 1SD 832 facilities plan and bond referendum as approved on 'February 4, 2010 by the ISD 832 School Board. l\layor CITY OF LAKE ELMO MAYOR & COUNCIL WORKSHOP DATE: WORKSHOP ITEM #: DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Follow-up to City Council Strategic Planning SUBMITTED BY: Request of Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Bruce A. Messelt, City Administrato REVIEWED BY: - NA - 4/13/2010 2 SUMMARY AND ACTION REOUESTED: This item has been scheduled in order to allow the City Council to continue strategic planning efforts emanating from its retreat and to discuss "next steps" in the strategic planning and budgeting process. No specific Council action or direction is requested at this time, though such may follow from tonight's discussion. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City Council held its annual retreat on February 26th and 27th, 2010 at the Wildwood Lodge in Lake Elmo. Efforts were made to identify strategic objectives and major opportunities and challenges for the City and community in the upcoming years. The first follow- up session for the City Council was held on March 3rd, at which time additional ideas were addressed. STAFF REPORT: City staff is supporting the City Council in its strategic planning and visioning efforts. This agenda item affords the City Council to fine tune its thoughts on the retreat and continue laying out needed "next steps" in its strategic planning and budgeting process. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council take time tonight to review the retreat summary and continue efforts on identified next steps. No specific action or direction is requested at this time. However, the City Council may elect to provide staff additional direction or request certain action be taken with respect to moving this topic forward. ATTACHMENTS: Retreat Summary (Revised). Other materials will be delivered on Monday. SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS: Introduction./Report on Item City Administrator Discussion Mayor & City Council Public Input, if Appropriate Mayor Facilitates Discussion on Next Steps/Homework Mayor & City Council -- page 1 -- Lake Elmo City Council Retreat — February 27, 2010 Lake Elmo Perception Smith — Reputation — obnoxious politics, anti -developers Park — Open Space, not generic suburbs DeLapp — Bedrock for holding firm on Comprehensive Plan. Residents in control, not developers Johnston — Like Open Space feeling Emmons — Quality of town, has special feel If the City sets the table and sends out invites (for what), would people come without invites. Johnston — If we want desirable business have to send out invitations, Perpetual Planning Prevents Progress, Emmons — Agreed Johnston - Recognize and implement MOU Park — Would not want to fight MOU DeLapp — The City should not be inviting a few non-resident land speculators to tell our residents what they must accept. PHOTO REVIEW: Good - Bad - Wish We Had Brett Emmons GOOD Anchor downtown — historic architecture, small streets, parking and walkable downtown, landscaping along street. Blessed with natural resources (lakes), Plan green belt around development in Village BAD Randall Arndt's video is good at showing bad examples. Sprawling, no identified center, strip development on highway vs. walkable on new streets and turn lanes can be obstacles for walking/biking. Strip for Old Village and I-94 Corridor Signage — have restrictions and guidelines otherwise become unsightly. WISH WE HAD Landscaping -more inviting, patio seating, tasteful lighting, signage control, Brick street approach, concern with width of road to height of buildings. Too high or too narrow doesn't' work, Sculptures, public art make downtown area more inviting. Solar panels — energy usage. One-half mile radius walkable town: Examples: Grand Avenue — How do the beautiful houses in Old Village Fit; Eco-Industrial Park — 1/2 mile radius walkable town Examples: Antigua, Guatemala — signage control on buildings, cobblestone streets, downtown becomes huge destination, don't be afraid to be restrictive, have a clear vision, restrictions do not have to be anti -business. Lake Elmo City Council Retreat Saturday, February 26, 2010 Dean Johnston GOOD Neighborhoods Open Spaces Good Comprehensive Plan Residents proud of community BAD Insufficient playfields/trails No recreation program/facilities Must commute to work — very hostile environment Hostile political environment Not supportive of desirable business WISH WE HAD Value added creative jobs Senior housing Life cycle housing Viable downtown State of art library Nicole Park BAD Example: Intersection in Stillwater by Perkins Restaurant and Washington Avenue, Develop good safe intersections on 1-94 GOOD and WISH WE HAD Examples shown: Office park and ice rink located next to each other. KFC — old brick building renovated and had only a small sign Think of anchors for building downtown. Townhomes for 55+ seniors - a high quality building has to be connected and walk able. Example: Highland Theater is a destination. Maybe we would have a 3 picture theater Signs can have same look Senior development down along 1-94 corridor (transitional care) with court yard, bank, etc. One -level homes — good architecture, green buffer space around them (detached townhomes for seniors, sizeable one level) Steve DeLapp GOOD People showing personal, private initiatives, such as using our own backyards for skating rinks, pick-up ball and family barbeques, Sunfish Park — Absolutely overwhelming space for Eastern Minnesota Lake Elmo City Council Retreat Saturday, February 26, 2010 2 Lions Park — Wonderful gathering place summer and winter Downtown Lake Elmo attracts people building shown are esthetically inviting Eagle Point Bridge — Example of high quality homes that developers will do if forced BAD I. Examples: Ivy Ct, Front yard — mostly paved over and overwhelming dark brown commercial garage in these quiet residential neighborhoods, 2. Highway 5 — Excessively wide road in relation to vertical elements, o trees, wasteland, doesn't say "Welcome" 3, 1-94 billboard — Use of truck trailer as illegal billboards, 25'high sign on Hudson Blvd, barrel man and his trash 4, Front yard with trash house and multiple illegally parked vehicles, WISH WE HAD Form follows function — Example: Manceno, CA New England town — sign regulations Boardwalk — shared amenity, create artificial pond Buildings — nothing fake look old Welcoming narrow streets with trees Example: Hill Trail and Hidden Bay in Lake Elmo Anne Smith GOOD Schiltgen Farm Upgrade Picture of leadership — staff support Council wishes Park and recreation areas Example: Rosevelt and rink area Fall Festival — picture of volunteers Downtown — Close Architectures Landscape Plan (map provided did not get radius correct) City Trail Plan is a good plan WISH WE HAD The tenacity to get trail plan done, Jobs — good solid strategic plan Downtown — small streets, angle parking, landscaping for Lake Elmo Avenue and Highway 5, round -about squares, (she shared Emmons' vision) BAD Behind in technology to track records Focus on budget have not kept up with necessary cuts/furloughs, what's reasonable? Looking at quarterly reports Enforcement debacles. What do future diverse groups of residents want? Equipment plan needs Council comments on retreat: Park — Great, thankful for the City Administrator, needs consistency Lake Elmo City Council Retreat Saturday, February 26, 2010 DeLapp — Agree, the meeting was the most important in five years, decision making as a group, need to get to the core issues and need the facts to deal with issues Johnston — there are 4-5 major issues, significant issues, that's progress Emmons — Learn new things, free flow of issues, some friction in areas Smith — It's not AU or None ---find middle ground Lake Elmo City Council Retreat Saturday, February 26, 2010 4 STRENGTHS COMMUNITY: I. Parks and parks system 2. Happy residents that trust their Council/staff 3. Volunteer culture 4. Open Space — Leadership 5. Intelligent residents 6. Residents putting City first and neighborhood second 7. Strong sense of place — residents love Lake Elmo for what it is. 8. Strong and close community spirit in village area CITY: 1, Public Works/Fire Dept, 2, Staff wants to move forward and work hard 3 One shared downtown 4. All undeveloped land with potential to improve existing quality of life 5. Enough undeveloped land to allow improvement of environmental ethic and standards 6. Great park system 7. Small town approach to services/infrastructure (keeps $ & debt down) COUNCIL: 1. Approachable 2. Open to ideas, wants to focus on quality future for Lake Elmo 3, Good Plans 4. Care about quality 5, Diverse backgrounds 6. Strongly like (love) and support City WEAKNESSES COMMUNITY: 1. Not involved enough in Fall Festival and other City stuff, 2, Lack of transportation options 3. Weakness in attracting volunteerism 4. Not enough high paying jobs available for residents within the City limits 5. Split community a, School Districts and their communities b. Church communities c. Youth sports communities tied to school districts CITY: 1. Follow through (No Action Item List) 2. Budgeting 3. Commission misunderstand roles 4. Different standards for different people and land 5. Pockets of isolated clusters of residents 6. Government service efficiency 7, Zoning Enforcement 8. Small staff = staff must be good at multi -tasking. 9. Institutional memory is low 10,Staff in maintenance mode versus visioning/innovation mode COUNCIL: 1, Plan Implementation! 2. Politicizing 3. We are not sending out the invites and setting the table to attract and create the future we want. This takes time. 4. Knowledge on what works to attract jobs 5. Strong personalities creates conflict 6. Agree on approx. 70-80%, but fight on the 20% OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY: 1. Senior housing 2. Life -cycle housing 3 Quality/innovative 4, Jobs 5. Lake Elmo has a reputation as A GREAT place to live and visit. CITY: 1. The City could be buying land in certain areas to have future opportunities. 2. Using web and quarterly to full potential (disbursement of information) 3. We still have time to distinguish our surrounding communities in our own and unique innovative way. 4. Green incentives and funding: external and internal COUNCIL: 1. We all care about the future quality of Lake Elmo 2. Diverse make-up of governing body 3. This is our chance to set Lake Elmo's seat at the table within our surrounding communities. THREATS — (External) COMMUNITY: 1. Vandalism 2, If part of the community keeps fighting growth, the growth they'll/we'll end up with in the end will be left-overs. 3. City being split up by various conflicting institutions and outside factions (i,e. divide and conquer) 4. Met Council MOU — over development 5. Development pressure CITY: 1. Sewer implementation (w/poor market WAC's) 2, Met Council 3, Loss of library 4. Water 5, Lawsuits by landowners if we don't move forward with MOU. 6, Thru-traffic 7, All undeveloped land 8. Billboard/signage visibility of 1-94 9. Met Council MOU & WIF 10.Water system overextended 11.Costs of infrastructure in uncertain times COUNCIL: 1. Reputation of business climate 2, Lack of understanding of business site selection process 3. Views of very few trying to represent masses 4. Not enough time and money 5, Too much one-sided pressure from people who think they had money to make off City residents and by stealing City's exceptional reputation La_kp.E LakeElmo,Min w..e...,.._.pto * Governed by Responsible Local Leaders �► Sound Fiscal Practices and Programs History of Strong and Active Residents • Endowed with Natural Beauty Nurtured through Sustainable Practices �► Complemented by Passionate Local Businesses • Supported by Citizen -Volunteers and a Professional Staff OBJECTIVES Advance Public Safety Enhance Community Vitality Foster Good Government Parks & Public Works SUGGESTED "BUCKETS" (Examples in Italics) GOALS Performance Criteria Implement Code Red Emergency Communication System • Have Code Red operational by June 1 • Develop City Policy for use of Code Red Restart Human Rights Commission • Work to Identify HP Commission Volunteers Hold First Meeting in Fall 2010 Review/Update City Employee Policies • Establish Process for Review/Input • Complete Review/Update by EOY 2010 Undertake Planning for Reclaimed Landfill Area(s) Direct Parks Commission to Undertake Action Complete Plan by EOY 2010