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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 10232012I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 23,2012 CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLLCALL. Present: Absent: Also Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Jenson, Stille, and Roth. None. City Manager Mark Casey, City Engineer Todd Hubmer, GreenCorps member Nick Voss, and S1. Anthony New Brighton Community Services Director Wendy Webster. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. I. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 23, 2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. Motion by Council member Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of October 23,2012. Motion carried unanimously. 30 II. 31 PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 A. Introduction of Nick Voss, GreenCorps Member. City Manager Casey explained the City applied for and was chosen as a host site for GreenCorps, a program sponsored by Americorps and facilitated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He stated there is no cost to the City and Mr. Voss will be with the City for eleven months. Mr. Voss stated he graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Environmental Science and Reconciliation Studies and is excited to be part of the GreenCorps program. He explained he will be working in the Living Green area focusing on storm water, clean energy, local foods, and recycling and will be working with schools, homes, and multi-family complexes on improving recycling rates and eliminating waste. He stated other projects include facilitating an invasive carp removal project in Silver Lake, storm water projects to provide education on rain barrels, and developing an education campaign regarding pet waste and its implications on water quality. He stated S1. Anthony is a standalone "Village in the City" with a unique history and has made significant strides in addressing run-off pollution. He stated he was excited to help progress this rich history that benefits the entire community adding that the City's efforts are leading the entire metro area and the State. He indicated as a Level 3 GreenStep city the City is City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23, 2012 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Page 2 9 III. 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 IV. 21 22 23 24 V. 25 26 27 28 VI. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 proving that a community can come together to make structural environmental changes that are healthy for residents and was confident the City would reach the GreenStep Level 4 city. He thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve the City. Mayor Faust thanked Mr. Voss for working with the City and stated the most important thing will be what the City does with the information presented by an unbiased professional to make the City better for the future . CONSENT AGENDA. A. Consider October 9. 2012, Council meeting minutes; B. Consider licenses and permits; and C. Consider payment of claims. Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING. None. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF. None. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL. A. Resolution 12-082; Authorizing Continued Support of the St. Anthony New Brighton Schoo l District #2 82 Community Services Recreational Programs for years 2013-2014. Wendy Webster, St. Anthony New Brighton Community Services Director, presenting. Mayor Faust introduced Wendy Webster, St. Anthony New Brighton Community Services Director. Ms. Webster explained that Community Services is affiliated with the School District and the City and has a philosophy that education is a lifelong process, that all citizens share the responsibility of educating all members of the community, and that citizens have a responsibility to be involved in determining a community's needs and identifying resources to improve the community as a whole. She stated that 2012 budgeted revenue totaled $1,084 ,000 with 76% of revenue from program fees , 17% from property tax levies, I % fro m State funds, and 5% from the City'S investment each year. She indicated that Community Services offers a wide range of programs and the Community Services Advisory Council includes an Early Childhood Advisory Council and Senior Citizen Advisory Council that advise staff on community needs and offer recommendations on programs. She described the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23,2012 Page 3 program that includes half and full day preschool and early childhood screening. She stated that Community Services also offers programs for grades K-6 that includes before and after school programs and an eight week summer recreation program. She stated that Community Services offers an open gym program and after school clubs for grades 6-12 and also coordinates aquatics programs and facility use and rental of School and City-owned facilities. She thanked the Public Works Department, particularly Mr. Jay Hartman, Mr. Chuck Autio and Mr. Tom Sullivan for the outstanding service they provide to Community Services. She discussed the adult programs and senior citizen programs offered by Community Services as well as the partnerships with the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, MWMO, and the Police and Fire Departments, adding that the Police and Fire Departments have been incredibly helpful in providing training on lockdown drills and fire drills. She stated that Mr. Voss has planned a creative activity on recycling for the Halloween carnival on Friday, October 26th , from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Mr. Voss will also be working with Wilshire Park Elementary on recycling. She indicated Community Services was fortunate to receive a grant to offer a Dad's reading night in January attended by 63 fathers, grandfathers, and male adults and included dinner, reading of stories, and a tour of the Police Department. She thanked the Police Department and Officers Erdman and Schlingman for their participation in the event. Council member Jenson stated he has been fortunate to be the Council Liaison to Community Services and stated everyone involved has a positive attitude and is enthusiastic to be there. He requested further information about the number of groups involved in Community Services. Ms. Webster stated there are 28 different budgets within the Community Services budget and she applauded the efforts of the Advisory Council. She added the annual report for Community Services will reflect there are approximately 10,000 program participants coming in and out of the School and City-owned facilities each year. Mayor Faust complimented Ms. Webster and the Community Services staff for their collaboration with the School District and City, adding that the City'S contribution to Community Services is absolutely the best value for the dollar and the City is happy to support the programs. Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution 12-082; Authorizing Continued Support of the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District #2 82 Community Services Recreational Programs for the years 2013 and 2014. Motion carried unanimously. B. Resolution 12-083; Authorizing the Application for Metropolitan Council Publically Owned Infrastructure Inflow/Infiltration Grant Program . Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, presenting . City Engineer Hubmer explained the State legislature allocated $4 million to 47 metro communities to reduce inflow and infiltration and the City has been a participant in the program in the past. He stated the City will submit a grant application to request $114,000 through this program, noting that the $4 million allocation would provide approximately $85,000 to eligible cities and Met Council has told the City it would receive about $50,000. He stated there are I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23 , 2012 Page 4 communities that will not use their total share and those funds get reallocated to cities that exceed their allocation . He advised the City intends to use the funds for 2012 street improvements as well as $39 ,000 for Emerald Park improvements in 2013 and $1 ,200 for miscellaneous replacement of castings for a total of $114,000. Council member Gray asked if the grant criteria is based on the projects themselves or whether it is based on how the City has done in controlling inflow and infiltration. City Engineer Hubmer stated the City still has some work to do in controlling inflow and infiltration and the criteria indicates that the 47 communities have been on the list because they are exceeding allowable flow. He noted that most of the communities are older communities with clay sanitary sewers that allow water to enter the sanitary sewer system. He advised the City has reduced its flow significantly but as its flows are reduced, the Met Council reduces the City'S allowable target. He added that the City exceeded its flow last year during the intense rainfall events and worked with Met Council to address the issue and avoid a surcharge. Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Resolution 12-083 ; Authorizing the Application for Metropolitan Council Municipal Publically Owned Infrastructure InflowlInfiltration Grant Program. Motion carried unanimously. C. Resolution 12-084; Awarding the Bid for the 2012 Drainage Improvement Project. Todd Hubmer. WSB & Associates. presenting . City Engineer Hubmer explained that the first portion of the project is located in the Autumn Woods assisted living facility to correct existing drainage issues. He stated they have met with the Minneapolis residents and Councilmember Reich to review the project and a maintenance agreement will be entered into between Minneapolis and St. Anthony. He advised the project includes installation of a new storm sewer along the north side of Lowry Avenue and new curb and gutter that will direct flow to the catch basins into the storm sewer line along Highway 88. He stated they will use directional drilling to protect the existing trees and landscaping and there will be no tree removal. He explained the second portion of the project represents the first phase of the flood response to the 20 II storm event at Mirror Lake and includes installation of a backflow preventer in the culvert under the railroad tracks. He stated the purpose of the project is to keep water off the low point on Foss Road to prevent flooding and will also repair the biofiltration swale and routing the larger storm sewer to reduce water to a manageable level. He advised the engineer's cost estimate was $238,000 and five bids were received with the low bid of$257,325.46 from New Look Contracting. He stated the City's share of$140,000 includes $50,000 for the Lowry Avenue improvements and $89,000 for the Foss Road improvements and the assessable portion of$116,500 will be assessed directly to Autumn Woods. He added that construction will begin next week with final completion the end of November. Councilmember Roth requested further information regarding the back flow preventer and how much rain it will handle . I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23,2012 Page 5 City Engineer Hubmer explained the backflow preventer will handle a ten year rainfall event, which is the equivalent of 4.2" of rain in 24 hours. He stated the Lowry Avenue improvements are designed for a 100 year rainfall event and will significantly reduce discharge rates. He added they are tearing up the parking lot on the south side of Lowry and installing pipes so that drainage from the new assisted living complex will drain underground to be let out at a slow rate into the Lowry drainage system being constructed. He added the Autumn Woods site is operating in accordance with the City's rules and MWMO rules. Councilmember Stille asked if the project currently is being done by New Brighton is in response to the flooding . City Engineer Hubmer stated the Freedom Park improvements are the first phase of a two phase project to deal with flooding issues east of Freedom Park. He added this water does not discharge into the City's ditch system and will not affect the City's projects or drainage. He also provided an update on the County ditch work being done by Rice Creek and stated they are working on language for a petition to the cities of New Brighton and St. Anthony to request Rice Creek to look at ditch improvements and mechanisms for funding. He stated he spoke with the DNR today and learned the DNR is looking for something from St. Anthony and New Brighton on this issue to take to the legislature. He added New Brighton has also begun evaluating their performance of the flood mitigation program and are in the process of preparing an analysis of those improvements which will be presented to the legislature in 2013. Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Resolution 12- 084; Awarding a Bid for the 2012 Drainage Improvement Project. Mayor Faust pointed out that the cost of the backflow preventer is not being assessed to any of the property owners. Motion carried unanimously. D . Ordinance 2012-08; Ordinance Amending Criminal Historv Background for Applicants for City Employment and City Licenses (Final Reading) Mark Casey, City Manager, presenting. City Manager Casey advised this is the third and final reading of the Ordinance to amend the regulations regarding criminal history background for applicants and noted that no changes have been made since the last reading. Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Final Reading of Ordinance 2012-08; Ordinance Amending Criminal History Background for Applicants for City Employment and City Licenses. Motion carried unanimously. E. Ordinance 2012-09; Ordinance Amending Section 31.12; Mayor and Councilmembers Salaries (Second Reading) Mark Casey, Ci ty Manager, presenting. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23 , 2012 Page 6 VII. Mayor Faust advised this amendment will increase the monthly salary for the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and Counci l members by $50 per month. He noted that the monthly salaries have not been raised since 2008 and the increases will not be effective until January 1,2014. Motion by Councilmember Roth , seconded by Counci lm ember Stille, to approve Second Reading of Ordinance 2012 -09; Ordinance Amending Section 31.12; Mayor and Council members Salari es. Motion carried unanimously. F. Ordinance 2012-10; Ordinance Amending Chapter 33 and Chapter 52 Regarding Utility Billing Procedures (Firsl Reading). Mark Casey, City Manager, presenting. City Manager Casey explained that the current process for charging penalties on delinquent utility bills is $2 for the first occurrence and 10% of the cumulative balance thereafter. He stated the ordinance would be amended to a 5% cumulative penalty per occurrence; in addition, delinquent accounts with balances greater than $50 and at least two quarters past due would be certified to the County. He added staff feels this will reduce delinquency and lower administrative costs. Mayor Faust indicated this ordinance has never been reviewed and encouraged residents to use automatic electronic payment to avoid any delinquency issues . Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Council member Jenson , to approve First Reading of Ordinance 2012-10 ; Ordinance Amending Chapter 33 and Chapter 52 Regarding Utility Billing Procedures. Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. City Manager Casey reported that the first utility billing for the City of Birchwood was completed using the City'S new financial software and everything went smoothly . He also reported that three of the five new bus stops have been installed on Foss Road. He stated the City currently has openings on the Parks Commission and Planning Commission ; applications are available on the City's website or at City Hall and are due November 16. Councilmember Gray -No report. Councilmember Jenson reported on his attendance at the October II th sustainability workshop. C ouncil member Roth reported on his attendance at the October 11th sustainability workshop and reminded residents that the second workshop will be held on Thursday, November 1 st, at 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Park and all residents are welcome to attend. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 IS 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 23, 2012 Page 7 Council member Stille reported on his attendance at the October II th sustainability workshop and stated the workshop focused on rain gardens, walkability, bikeability, energy and water conservation and what it means to be sustainable from an environmental perspective. He added the November I st workshop will memorialize a plan for going forward. Mayor Faust reported on his attendance at the following: • October 11th sustainability workshop attended by all Councilmembers. • October 12th dedication for the grand reopening of St. Anthony Shopping Center th . • October 13 Fire Department Open House where over 300 people attended • October 15 th Candidate Forum hosted by the City • October 19 th League of Minnesota Cities Planning Committee meeting for the 2013 conference in St. Paul. VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM. Mayor Faust invited residents to corne forward at this time and address the Council on items that are not on the regular agenda. Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda. IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. Mayor Faus t reminded residents of the November 1st sustainability workshop at 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Park. He invited residents to the MWMO open house on Saturday, October 27'h, from 10:00 a.m . to 2:00 p.m. at MWMO's new building on the comer of Lowry and Marshall. He stated the open house will include a dedication of the new Lowry Avenue Bridge around 11 :00 a.m . He also reminded residents to vote on Tuesday, November 6 th . X. ADJOURNMENT. Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Hughes TimeSaver OjJSile Secretarial, Inc.