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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/25/2003Lauderdale City Council Meeting Minutes February 25, 2003 1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 P.M. 2. ROLL Council present: Giannetti, McCloskey, Gill -Gerbig and Mayor Dains Council absent: Christensen Staff present: Administrator Getschow 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A. Approval of Agenda. Motion by McCloskey, second by Gill -Gerbig to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 4. APPROVAL A. Approval of Minutes. Motion by Giannetti, second by Gill -Gerbig to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2003 City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. B. Approval of Claims totaling $49,230.92. Motion by McCloskey, second by Gill -Gerbig to approve the claims totaling $49,230.92. Motion carried unanimously. 5. OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA 6. CONSENT Lauderdale City Council Meeting Minutes, February 25, 2003 Page 2 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS/RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS 8. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 10. REPORTS A. Governor's Budget Plan - State Aid Reductions. The City Administrator reported on the potential state aid cuts to Lauderdale stemming from the governor's 2004-2005 budget proposal. Even though there has been discussion that these cuts average 5% of a city's revenue and cuts to a city budget need not exceed that amount, the fact remains that cities will lose approximately 29% of their aid in 2003 and over 30% of their aid in 2004. The 5% number is not necessarily applicable because several components of a city budget, such as the debt service funds, do not have flexibility for cuts or reductions. In providing information on the budget proposal and its several components that affect local government aid (LGA), the Administrator stated that the potential aid cuts have been planned and partially budgeted for by the city already. Fortunately, under the current proposal there should not be the need for major budget cuts or service reductions in the City of Lauderdale. The proposed 2003 cut is approximately $75,000. This will be covered by budgeting part of the loss in 2003 and using excess dollars retained from 2002. The 2004 cuts, proposed to be approximately $47,000, is lower than most other communities because the formula used by the Governor in calculating this cut has elements and variables that are not as detrimental to Lauderdale as other communities that have relied on more "grandfathered" aid. Another important point that was made is that this proposal is just that — a proposal. The Legislature has yet to take action on governor's initiative. As a result of this, the Mayor stated that the attendance of the Lauderdale state legislators at a future City Council meeting is important. Lauderdale City Council Meeting Minutes, February 25, 2003 Page 3 11. ACTION A. Approval of Hiring for the Deputy Clerk Position. The City Administrator presented the position description, proposed pay scale, and draft advertisement for the vacant Deputy Clerk position. Motion by Gill -Gerbig, second by McCloskey to approve the job announcement and job description for the Deputy Clerk position and to direct the City Administrator to advertise to fill the position. Roll: Yes: all. Motion carried. B. Approval of Resolution 022503A: A Resolution Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for the 2003 Utility Infrastructure Improvements. The City Administrator stated that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available for 2003 from Ramsey County through the federal government on a competitive application basis once again this year. The City previously received $80,000 in funds for the 2000 and 2002 Street and Utility Improvements. This year's application once again would request $80,000 in grant funds from Ramsey County that would be earmarked for the utility portion of the overall 2003 improvement project. The street reconstruction portion of the project is not eligible for CDBG funds due to the fact that assessable improvements are not eligible for these funds. Motion by McCloskey, second by Giannetti to approve Resolution 022503A: A Resolution Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for the 2003 Utility Infrastructure Improvements. Roll: Yes: all. Motion carried. C. City Code Revision to Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 2- Council Meeting Bylaws -Regular Meetings. The Administrator brought forward a city code revision that changes the start time of City Council meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. based upon earlier discussion by the Council to move to an earlier start time. Motion by Gill -Gerbig, second by McCloskey to approve the revised City Code Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 2- Council Meeting Bylaws -Regular Meetings. Roll: Yes: all. Motion carried. Lauderdale City Council Meeting Minutes, February 25, 2003 Page 4 12. DISCUSSION A. Potential Hazardous Building at 1728 Malvern Street. The City Administrator stated that in 2001, the City Council discussed the potential nuisance property at 1728 Malvern that has been vacant. At that time the City Council received a letter signed by a number of residents on Malvern Street between Larpenteur Avenue and Ione Street regarding the condition of a potentially vacant house at 1728 Malvern Street. The Council indicated that they would like to pursue dealing with this building as potentially hazardous under the Hazardous Building Act (State Statute Chapter 463). The Administrator then reported that before the City initiated any proceedings, the owner of the property passed away and a surviving member of the family was planning on seeking a demolition permit to remove the house. This has not happened and the property has continued to sell and be listed for sale as a contact - for -deed property. The Council was concerned about the property and indicated that they intend to address this issue once again under the Hazardous Building Act. Motion by Gill -Gerbig, second by McCloskey to direct city staff to begin to go through the proper stages of the Hazardous Building Act for the property at 1728 Malvern Street. Roll: Yes: all. Motion carried. B. Falcon Heights Nature Area DNR Trail Grant Application. The Administrator stated that he was approached by the City of Falcon Heights to be a partner in a DNR trails grant application for the main trail that goes through the Nature Area in Lauderdale and Falcon Heights from Lauderdale Hollows to Coffman Avenue. The grant would call for grading paving the trial for better use and access. The Mayor stated that he has concerns with paving the trail. The Lauderdale portion of the trail has some steep slopes that could be a potential hazard for bikers and roller-bladers that may use a paved trail. Also, there could be further erosion on the slopes of the trial with additional paved surface. He felt that it was important to partner with Falcon Heights- and this gesture is very much appreciated- but the preference is for the Council to focus on the condition of the other paths in the Nature Area at this time. Lauderdale City Council Meeting Minutes, February 25, 2003 Page 5 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 13. ADDITIONAL ITEMS 14. SET AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING 1. State Legislator's Presentation 2. Larpenteur Avenue 1997 Project Pay Requests 3. Work Session: Larpenteur Avenue Redevelopment 15. ADJOURNMENT Motion by McCloskey, second by Gill -Gerbig to adjourn at 8:27 P.M. Ayes: All.