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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/26/2016LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 3 January 26, 2016 Mayor Dains called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Councilors present: Mayor Jeff Dains, Mary Gaasch, Roxanne Grove, and Lara Mac Lean. Councilors absent: Denise Hawkinson. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator and Jim Bownik, Assistant City Administrator. Approvals Mayor Dains asked for changes to the meeting agenda. There being none, motion was made by Councilor Gaasch to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilor Mac Lean and carried unanimously. Councilor Gaasch moved to approve the City Council meeting minutes of January 12, 2016. Councilor Grove seconded the motion and carried unanimously. Councilor Mac Lean moved and seconded by Councilor Grove to approve the claims totaling $27,582.48. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Mayor Dains asked if any Councilors wished to remove items from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Councilor Gaasch moved and seconded by Councilor Mac Lean to approve the Consent Agenda thereby approving December Financial Report, Quarterly Investment Report, Phased Retirement Agreement and Resolution 012616A Authorizing 2015 Transfer of City Funds. Motion carried unanimously. Informational Presentations/Reports A. MnDOT Presentation Regarding 2016 Improvements for Trunk Highway 280 Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Marcell Walker, project manager, addressed the Council regarding the mill and overlay of Trunk Highway 280 with the project scope being south of the Como Avenue exit north to Interstate 35W/ Highway 36. The timeline for construction is May to July consisting of three phases and involving ramp closures at Como Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue. Additionally, the work schedule will include nights and weekends. The benefits of the project are reduction in congestion by improving the layout of the ramp and putting in place a zipper merge from northbound Highway 280 to northbound I -35W, increase safety by replacing guardrail and adding concrete median barrier, provide a smoother ride, improve drainage and extend service life of roadway, bridges, and drainage system. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 3 January 26, 2016 Discussion / Action Items A. Purchase 1821 Eustis Street Mayor Dains noted that Council had held several closed sessions regarding negotiations to purchase 1821 Eustis Street. City Administrator Butkowski noted that the Council had established a goal improving housing stock. The City has attempted to purchase other foreclosed property without success. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation accepted the City's offer of $87,000 based on the final letter of intent drafted by City Attorney Batty. Motion was made by Councilor Gaasch authorizing the mayor and city administrator to execute the purchase agreement for 1821 Eustis Street. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. B. Resolution 012616B Authorizing an Interfund Loan for Advance of Certain Costs in Connection with a Tax Increment Financing District Administrator Butkowski reviewed the resolution noting that it is required should the City desire to establish a tax increment financing district in the future and reimburse itself for costs incurred with acquiring properties. The resolution must be adopted prior to incurring expenditures. Motion was made by Councilor Gaasch and seconded by Councilor Grove to adopt Resolution 012616B Authorizing an Interfund Loan for Advance of Certain Costs in Connection with Tax Increment Financing District. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. C. Mutual Aid Agreement for Automatic Fire Department Dispatch Fire departments within Ramsey County have been preparing a new mutual aid agreement that would capitalize on the CAD system implemented by Ramsey County. The agreement would allow the 911 call center to dispatch the closest emergency response unit to the address. Administrator Butkowski stated that the City does not have to sign the agreement because Falcon Heights provides fire services for Lauderdale. City administrator noted the next meeting may include the Benedictine Health System Conduit Debt. City Administrator Butkowski noted that Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire will attend the March 8 meeting and the Annual Police Report is scheduled for March 22. Work Session A. Public Comment Anne Feider of 1698 Eustis Street inquired as to the acquisition of 1821 Eustis Street and Council plans for its future. Also, Ms. Feider questioned the brightness of the decorative lights on Larpenteur Avenue. B. City Council By -Laws Mayor Dains reviewed discussions with City Administrator Butkowski about making the meetings more efficient by eliminating polling council members and following Roberts Rules of Order more closely. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 3 January 26, 2016 C. Community Update Administrator Butkowski reviewed discussion with MnDOT regarding their parcel and fence on Walnut Street by the City park. MnDOT is considering several options including selling the parcel to the City or granting a permanent easement and moving the fence. Mayor Dains noted that the Deluxe Corporation is granting $500,000 for redevelopment to small cities which City Administrator Butkowski to research. There being no further business on the council agenda, motion was made by Councilor Mac Lean and seconded by Councilor Grove, carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Terry J. erg Deputy City Clerk