HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 04132010I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 APRIL 13, 2010
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5 CALL TO ORDER.
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7 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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11 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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13 ROLL CALL.
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15 Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Jenson, Roth, and Stille.
16 Absent: None.
17 Also Present: City Manager Mike Momson.
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20 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
21 ITEMS.
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23 I. APPROVAL OF APRIL 13, 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
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25 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the City
26 Council Meeting Agenda of April 13, 2010.
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28 Motion carried unanimously.
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30 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
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32 None.
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34 III. CONSENT AGENDA.
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36 A. Consider March 23, 2010 Council meeting, minutes:
37 B. Consider licenses and permits; and
38 C. Consider payment of claims.
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40 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
41 Agenda items.
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43 Motion carried unanimously.
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45 IV. PUBLIC HEARING.
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47 None.
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49 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Page 2
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2 None.
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4 VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
6 A. Update on School Gymnasium Changes. Rod Thompson, Troy Urdahl, Wendy Webster,
7 and Summer Minnich, ISD #282 presenting,
9 Mr. Rod Thompson, Superintendent of Independent School District (ISD) #282, stated ISD #282
10 is here this evening to ask for continued partnership to make the school district, city, and
11 community a better place for the communities. A research project was conducted by ISD #282
12 on how to better utilize resources available within the school district and the community. They
13 found that many of the community groups think it would be beneficial to invest in a different
14 lease, or to change language in the lease that would allow them to utilize the gymnasium space in
15 city hall differently, and in doing so they would be able to utilize the school district differently.
16 Mr. Thompson explained that in the past there was limited availability and accessibility within
17 the school district due to security. He stated with upgrades to the facilities and security system
18 there is now the ability to allow community members to use the district differently. He stated the
19 school district is very optimistic that the facilities can be used 24/7. The school is viewed as
20 community based, with the programs available and open to the community.
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22 Mr. Troy Urdahl, ISD 4282 Athletic Director, provided an overview of the school gymnasium
23 changes proposed by ISD #282, including the following information:
24 • Proposal to reconfigure gym space available to the community.
25 • Move current weight room to old cafeteria space.
26 • Move current gymnastic space to community center.
27 • Upper gym becomes a court gym capable of holding two games simultaneously.
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29 Mr. Urdahl provided an overview of the following reasons for the proposed gymnasium changes:
30 • Meet the needs of the Physical Education Department.
31 • Improve co -curricular scheduling and training.
32 • Improve practice times.
33 • Limit team disruptions.
34 • Increased access for other groups.
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36 Mr. Urdahl stated the proposed gymnasium changes would dramatically increase gym time and
37 access for the community. He explained with the addition of the school district's new card
38 reader technology and building access, the school will have the ability to provide user groups
39 with cards which allows for building access. This technology, along with the new camera
40 security system, will allow for much greater security. He indicated that it is proposed to open the
41 gym for community use on Saturdays and Sundays.
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43 Ms. Summer Minnich, ISD #282 Gymnastics Director, provided an overview of the following
44 benefits the proposed gymnasium changes would provide for the gymnastics program:
45 • Allow a dedicated space for the gymnastic program to flourish.
46 • Allow for an expanded gymnastics program.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Page 3
1 • Increase access to the community.
2 • Improved viewing during gymnastic meets.
3 • Reduce wear and tear on gymnastics equipment.
4 • Eliminate safety and security concerns by having equipment in a more secured area.
6 Ms. Wendy Webster, Director of Community Services, indicated that this gymnasium proposal
7 falls in line with the State's philosophy of opening the schools up to the community. She stated
8 the gymnasium changes will provide Community Services with use of the 1,600 square foot
9 gymnastics floor which will allow them to add climbers and tunnels to the early childhood
10 program. In addition, the gymnastics floor and open space available is fitting for karate, Pilates,
11 yoga, and expanding gymnastics classes.
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13 Mayor Faust stated his support of the 24/7, community based philosophy.
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15 Councilmember Stille verified with Ms. Webster that the senior and daycare groups will still be
16 accommodated in the Community Service Program with the proposed changes. He asked
17 whether the concerns that have been raised regarding the need for another gym in the community
18 will be alleviated with the proposed changes. Mr. Urdahl replied that the proposed changes
19 should take care of these concerns.
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21 Councilmember Gray commented that the proposed gymnasium changes should eliminate or cut
22 down on the need for the basketball program to rent practice space outside of the community,
23 which has been necessary over the last two years.
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25 Councilmember Roth inquired who would be responsible for moving the floor if there were to be
26 an unforeseen circumstance where the City requires use of the gym. Mr. Urdahl replied it would
27 be the school's responsibility to move the floor.
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29 Councilmember Stille verified with City Manager Morrison that the gymnasium will be available
30 for city use during elections.
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32 Councilmember Jenson requested clarification regarding the 2010-2011 Community Services
33 Gym Schedule. Ms. Webster reviewed the proposed 2010 Community Services Gym Schedule.
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35 Mayor Faust requested information regarding the previous lack of soccer fields in the
36 community. Mr. Urdahl stated the Emerald Park renovations will increase the available soccer
37 fields in the community. There are also renovations happening at the soccer/football field at
38 Denison Field. In addition to the renovations, there will be removable goal posts added;
39 depending on community need, there will be the ability for one, two or three fields. Another
40 thing that recently happened to benefit all activities in Central Park is the lighting of field 3.
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42 Mayor Faust inquired about plans for a running track at the high school. Mr. Thompson replied
43 that the area is prepared for a 10 -foot wide path which will be asphalt or a cinder type of surface,
44 based on the budget.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Page 4
Mayor Faust verified with Mr. Urdahl that personal hygiene facilities requirements will be met
for the gymnastics program.
4 Mr. Gary Goldsmith, 2704 32nd Avenue, President of Sports Boosters, addressed the City
5 Council and stated his appreciation for the renovations at Emerald Park and the access to the
6 facilities and fields in the community. He requested continued partnership with the school
7 district. He stated a significant amount of money has been spent for basketball in other
8 communities due to the lack of space in the community. The proposed gymnasium changes will
9 make it easier for Sports Boosters to conduct fundraisers with the ability to run tournaments. He
10 stated Sports Boosters is very supportive of the proposed gymnasium changes.
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12 A resident addressed the City Council and stated fifth graders have been asked to start practice at
13 9 p.m. and then be at the top of their game academically with a start time of 7:30 a.m. It has
14 been discouraging for the middle school students when they compete with other communities
15 that are consistently practicing every day. He stated the proposed changes would be excellent for
16 St. Anthony students.
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18 Mayor Faust stated ISD #282 will also be attending the May 11, 2010 City Council meeting to
19 address the proposed gymnasium changes. He applauded the school district for including the
20 residents in totality in their consideration.
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22 B. Consider Ordinance 10-001; Amending 155.23; Signs Requiring No Permits, Mike
23 Morrison, City Manager, presenting (first reading).
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25 City Manager Morrison provided an overview of Ordinance No. 10-001. He explained that the
26 State Legislature has passed a bill to move the State Primary from the second Tuesday in
27 September to the second Tuesday in August. Because of this change there are several other
28 amendments to current election laws. One change that is directly affecting the City's ordinance
29 is the placement of political signs. The proposed ordinance amends the language as required.
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31 Mayor Faust suggested the ordinance be amended to state that signs may be posted for 28 days,
32 rather than including weeks in the verbiage. He suggested holding the first reading tonight,
33 rather than waiving the first and second reading, due to the proposed amendment.
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35 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Roth, to approve the first reading
36 of Ordinance 10-001; Amending 155.23; Signs Requiring No Permit, with the following
37 amendment: "...may be posted for 4 weeks 28 days..."
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39 Motion carried unanimously.
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41 C. Quarterly Goals Update. Mike Morrison, City Manager, presenting.
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43 City Manager Morrison presented the Quarterly Goals Update as outlined in the City of St.
44 Anthony Goals Charting updated 4/13/2010. Strategic Directions include: Environmental
45 Stewardship; Improve and Maintain Infrastructure; Technology Advances; Maintain and
46 Improve Housing; Generational Transitions; and Strong, Sound Progressive Community.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Page 5
2 Mayor Faust encouraged residents to review the goals. He pointed out that in regards to
3 Environmental Stewardship, long time St. Anthony resident Mike Sholl started Naturally Green.
4 The company is eco -friendly, with products that are natural and safe for kids and pets.
6 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL
8 City Manager Morrison reported on the pancake breakfast held for the firefighters at Applebee's
9 and on his attendance at the League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Update held in March. He
10 reported on the following items included on upcoming city meeting agendas:
11 • April 27, 2010 City Council: 1) Public hearing on the 2011 Budget; 2) Bid award and
12 bond sale for 2010 Street Project; 3) Amendment to the Chandler Tax Increment
13 Financing District; 4) Second reading of Ordinance 10-001.
14 • April 20, 2010 Planning Commission: 1) Concept review— PUD amendment for signage
15 at Silver Lake Village Center Variance; 2) Concept review — CUP and variance for coffee
16 shop drive through at the former Snyder Drug Store located at 2714 Hwy 88; 3) Public
17 hearing — Variance request for front yard encroachment.
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19 Mayor Faust stated Applebee's is a business that supports the public employees and firefighters.
20 He encouraged residents to stay in the City when spending their disposable income and to
21 remember the businesses that help pay taxes and go above and beyond as community members.
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23 Councilmember Jenson reported on his attendance at the League of Minnesota Cities Legislative
24 Update held in March, and a meeting with himself, Mayor Faust, City Manager Morrison, and
25 Secretary of State Ritchie.
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27 Councilmember Roth reported on his attendance at the April 1, 2010 North Suburban Cable
28 Commission meeting.
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30 Councilmember Stille: No report.
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32 Councilmember Gray: No report.
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34 Mayor Faust reported on his attendance at the April 6, 2010 Middle Mississippi Watershed
35 Management Organization Executive Board Meeting. He reported on his attendance at the
36 League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Update held in March, and a meeting with himself,
37 Councilmember Jenson, City Manager Morrison, and Secretary of State Ritchie. The Secretary
38 of State recognized City Clerk Suciu for going above and beyond in the recent election recount.
39 Mayor Faust stated he has suggested that Secretary of State Ritchie be invited to speak to the
40 Chamber of Commerce regarding the new businesses that have registered in the State.
41
42 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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44 Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
45 are not on the regular agenda.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Page 6
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18 IX.
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22 X.
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Mr. Jerry John, 3456 Silver Lane, resident of Evergreen Townhomes, shared a parody on dealing
with financial matters and the city budget. Mr. John stated his concerns regarding the Silver
Lake Project budget and stated there are about 200 people affected by the Silver Lake project
that do not agree with the project. Mr. John stated his concern regarding the city council.
Mayor Faust informed Mr. John that respect and civility are required in order to address the city
council.
Mr. John stated his position that there is no logical reason to prevent the City from doing the
necessary street improvements as quickly and economically as possible, but that the sidewalk
and lighting changes included in the Silver Lake Project are not necessary. He expressed
concern with the assessments on the project and stated he is ashamed to be a resident of St.
Anthony, and soon to be a somewhat poorer resident of St. Anthony.
Hearing no other residents wishing to come forward, Mayor Faust moved forward with the
agenda.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
None.
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Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Hamer
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Mayor