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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/2015LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 4 September 22, 2015 Mayor Dains called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilors present: Mayor Jeff Dains, Roxanne Grove, Denise Hawkinson, and Lara Mac Lean. Councilors absent: Mary Gaasch. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator; Jim Bownik, Assistant City Administrator; and Terry Berg, Deputy City Clerk. Others present: St Anthony Police Chief John Ohl. Approvals Mayor Dains asked for changes to the meeting agenda. There being none, motion was made by Councilor Hawkinson to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilor Mac Lean and carried unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson moved to approve the City Council meeting minutes of September 8, 2015. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and carried unanimously. Councilor Mac Lean moved and seconded by Councilor Hawkinson to approve the claims totaling $64,313.43. Motion carried unanimously. Informational Presentations / Reports A. Adult Services Managers from Ramsey County Regarding Group Homes Mayor Dains introduced the topic stressing that the City of Lauderdale has no licensing authority for group homes but the Council's goal is to open dialogue and reconcile issues with the licensing authorities and the group homes' operators. City Administrator Butkowski introduced Bob Wagner and Jenny Lewis as Ramsey County Disability Supervisors. Mr. Wagner started the discussion by explaining that group homes exist for those with disabilities and their right to live in the community. Prior to the 1970's, those with disabilities were sent to State institutions and discussions began in the 1970's about individuals being warehoused with changes in the 1980's to group homes. Two types of group homes exist: mom and pop operations and corporate foster care with 24-hour staffing seven days a week. Jenny Lewis explained that Ramsey County is responsible for licensing the physical plant and the State issues the service license. Ramsey County inspects group homes annually or by request. Prior to 2014, the County had the ability to select vendors for services resulting in more oversight. Services are paid through medical assistance with 50% from the State and 50% Federal funds. Mayor Dains opened the meeting for public comment. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 4 September 22, 2015 Residents expressed concern of the disturbing behavior, safety concerns for group home residents and for property owners and families, negative impact on the community, frequency of police visits, and attempts to report incidents with no response or feedback. The conclusion is that the process is fragmented and broken. Others expressed frustration with the behavior of group home supervisors, violent episodes, and sexual overtones in speech and behavior toward City residents. Inquiries have left residents feeling handled with no feedback or improvements. In response to some of the concerns expressed by neighbors, the County staff explained that individuals in group homes can be arrested for breaking the law. Chief Ohl responded that police visits are a short term fix and putting disabled people in jail does not solve the problems being discussed. The Ramsey County representatives stated that they were not aware of the level of concerns and that safety versus livability is a priority. Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire promised to lead an effort to have all levels of government meet and formulate an action plan. Accountability would be the goal. There are several management groups operating group homes in Lauderdale. Dungravin operates the home on Eustis Street and were in attendance. Their representative stated that notes were taken and they would be working with partners to resolve. They manage 100 group homes in Minnesota. Mayor Dains called a recess at 8:56 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:14 p.m. Discussion / Action Items A. 2016 Preliminary Levy and Budget Administrator Butkowski noted that a resolution was prepared from the last meeting's discussion with a levy of $676,561 comprised of city levy of $560,404 and fiscal disparities of $116,157. Motion was made by Mac Lean and seconded by Grove to adopt Resolution 092215A Adopting the 2016 Preliminary Tax Levy and Establishing the Budget Meeting Date of December 8, 2015. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. B. Diseased Elm Abatement at 1820 Lake Street Staff provided notice to Anthony Erenberg, property owner, of two diseased elm trees. As of September 22, one tree has been downed and bark removed with one tree left to address. Should the tree not be removed, the city will contact its tree service provider to remove and dispose of the trees: The property owner will be invoiced. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 4 September 22, 2015 Mayor Dains opened the public hearing at 9:17 p.m. There being no public comment, Mayor Dains closed the public hearing at 9:18 p.m. Motion was made by Hawkinson and seconded by Grove to adopt Resolution 092215B Abatement of Dutch Elm Diseased Trees at 1820 Lake Street. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. City administrator noted the next meeting may include the August Financial Report, Presentation by University of Minnesota Sustainability Students, and Nuisance Abatement at 1847 Fulham Street. Work Session A. Public Comment. None. B. Accounting Software Upgrade City Administrator Butkowski recommended that the Council purchase the Accela/Springbrook financial software. The current software, Banyon Data Systems, was purchased in 1994. The implementation of the software takes approximately six months and funding would be from Fund 414 — Development Fund. Motion was made by Hawkinson and seconded by Mac Lean to accept the Accela/Springbrook quote dated September 21, 2015 for Finance accounting modules and authorize the mayor and city administrator to execute the contract. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. Staff will continue to evaluate software for Community Development that includes building permits, licenses and permits, and code enforcement. C. Revisions to Driveway Ordinance City Administrator Butkowski stated that staff continued with revisions noting the code does not contain an enforcement section, which is being addressed with the city attorney. Other items include the permit process for parking pads and developing the criteria, requiring unimproved or gravel driveways being improved, and parking in.yards. Councilor Grove inquired if pavers would be considered improved rather than concrete or bituminous. Discussion ensued as to timeframe for addressing gravel driveways and lot coverage with consensus to have further discussion. Administrator Butkowski will work with City Attorney Batty for a draft ordinance for council consideration on October 13. D. Brandychase Condominiums Sprinkler Repair Request Administrator Butkowski reviewed the three quotes for repairing the sprinkler system with the lowest being $2,319.57 in comparison to $4,100.00 and $7,400.00. Due to the lateness of the year, the work would be completed in 2016. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 4 of 4 September 22, 2015 Snow removal was the other part of the discussion; the city's contractor quoted $395.00 per month for Brandychase's sidewalk on Larpenteur Avenue. The city administrator will contact the Brandychase property manager to discuss. E. Community Development Update Administrator Butkowski reported the notice from the Metropolitan Council has been received for updating the Comprehensive Plan. Councilor Hawkinson reported that the Larpenteur Avenue street lights are on and look great. It was suggested that the older overhead lights be replaced with the same fixtures. Also, Councilor Hawkinson noted that the planter on Eustis Street and Como Avenue needs maintenance. There being no further business on the council agenda, motion was made by Councilor Hawkinson and seconded by Councilor Mac Lean, carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c� Terry J. erg Deputy City Clerk