Minutes - 1999/11/15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 15,1999 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Administrator Whiting expressed his appreciation for Mayor Coughlin and Council Member Marty's kind words. He stated many people would miss Ms. Hickok, who was a fixture and . close friend to many people, and a very reliable person, in terms of their personal interests with regard to the payroll and health insurance questions. He extended his compliments to Ms. Hickok who was able to provide assistance to everyone, whenever necessary. City Administrator Whiting advised, in regard to the concern staff would not continue to give 110 percent, staff has attempted to assume neutral roles in dealing with the Council and residents, so as to avoid any appearance of a possible politicized agenda on their part. He indicated it was possible staff could do more, however, over the past 2 or 3 years, they have attempted to assume a role of professionalism and work in the best interests of the Council, the City Code, and the policies of the City. He explained that staff is not perfect, however, this has been their objective in the past 2 or 3 years, and individuals who have been with the City longer than he have indicated the same. 6. REPORTS Council Member Stigney stated at the previous Council Meeting, the Mayor indicated the Charter Commission had overspent their budget one and one-half times, and at that time, he had taken exception to this statement, as he is a Charter Commission member and did not believe this to be the case. He stated the next morning he discussed this matter with the City Administrator, who reviewed the charges and billings, and determined that there were no charges made by the Charter Commission, only charges made by the City. • Council Member Stigney reported at the Planning Commission meeting on November 3, there was discussion of the MSP Real Estate proposal to construct a senior residential facility, which would be before the Council that evening. He stated the Commission considered a Special Planning Case regarding Ordinance 642, which is related to driveway widths and curb cuts, and this ordinance is still undergoing some revision. Council Member Stigney reported staff updated the Commission regarding the billboard ordinance, and discussed with the Commission some legalities regarding the use of billboards on CRP and PF properties, in that allowing billboards in these areas may result in having to allow them in other parts of the City. He stated the Commission discussed this item quite extensively, and unanimously decided that the use of billboards conflicts with the basic land use objective of the PF Zoning District, therefore, staff is preparing an amendment to reflect this. Council Member Stigney stated two items were discussed prior to meeting proper of the Charter Commission on November 11. He stated one item pertained to comments made by the Mayor to the Charter Commission. He explained that several of the Commission members felt these comments were out of order, and perhaps an apology was due, as the Charter Commission is a volunteer organization and the members felt their integrity was being attacked in public, and took exception to this. Council Member Stigney stated there was also some confusion and discussion in terms of why a declaratory judgment was entertained by the Council. He stated the Charter Commission • members believed they had acted appropriately to staff s request to respond by a certain date, and responded with questions requiring clarification in order to proceed with making recommended changes to the Charter.