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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 12112012I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 11 ,2012 4 5 CALL TO ORDER. 6 7 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 8 9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 10 II Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. 12 13 ROLL CALL. 14 15 Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Jenson, and Stille. Councilmember Roth. 16 Absent: 17 Also Present: City Manager Mark Casey, Finance Director Shelly Rueckert, Police Chief John Ohl. Stacie Kvilvang (Ehlers & Associates). 18 Guests: 19 20 21 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING 22 ITEMS. 23 24 I. 2 5 26 27 28 29 30 31 II. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 11,2012 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of December 11,2012. Motion carried unanimously. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS. A. Presentation from Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom presented the Council with an overview of the past year, stating there have been some great service -related items happening in the City. He outlined the Sheriffs role , which includes: (I) detention services throughout the County, adding that there is an average of 400-450 people detained at any time for a period of over six days; (2) court security, bailiff, civil portion , (3) patrol for communities in Ramsey County for cities that don 't have police, crime lab, canine, or SWAT, (4) water patrol, which is a statutory requirement, that encompasses 82 lakes in Ramsey County with 18 miles of the Mississippi River, (5) administrative and investigative functions, noting that since the deputy has authority in 17 areas they can assist in regional investigations, manage court-related histories, etc . Sheriff Bostrom said they are refocusing the Sheriffs mission, which points to divisions and units, to an individual unit mission statement so that all pieces are moving forward and working together. He said these unit missions will help provide staff with clarity and give staffa sense of the big picture . Sherriff Bostrom referred to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council , explained the Regional Chiefs Association, Attorney 's Office, and Bench, stating they have all City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December I I , 2012 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 Page 2 28 m. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 IV. 46 agreed as directors to meet each month for a de-confliction. He said this is an exciting opportunity for the groups to work together and make some decisions on how we can improve our justice services within the County. Sheriff Bostrom said the department is working on better communication, including their website and social media with a purpose. He referred to a simple on-line form that will allow the community to share what is good and what can be improved on . He noted they have received mostly positive input. Sheriff Bostrom highlighted the prescription drug tum-in program with the Ramsey County Department of Health. He explained the Ramsey CO lmty Sherriffs Association, announced this spring. He stated this is a 50 I c3 that improves services and helps with financial requests for events such as Fright Night. He noted there are multiple ways to contribute to Sherriffs Department but this will allow people to do so in one designated tax-deductible vehicle under the gu id ance of a Board. Announced this spring. Sheriff Bostrom thanked the City and Police Chief Ohl for their cooperation , stating they do great work in making the community safer, which is good for the entire Ramsey County. Mayor Faust said the prescription drug drop off program is very good from a criminal and clean water perspective. He said it is important to educate the public on this program. He stated the most important activity for Ramsey County may be the water patrol as it is very visible and going very well. Mayor Faust referred to the computer interface with dispatch, noting this topic has been discussed with the County Commissioners. He said we do not want to have to re-do of the entire project we want to be an integral player and asked for any support from the Sheriff. He thanked Sheriff Bostrom for attending. CONSENT AGENDA. A. Consider November 27,2012, Council meeting minutes; B. Consider licenses and permits; C. Consider payment of claims; D. Resolution 12-088; Accepting Donations and Grants for the City ofSt. Anthony; E. Resolution 12-089; Approving the Appointments to the Parks Commission; F . Resolution 12-090; Accepting the Resignation of Planning Commissioner Don Jenson; G. Resolution 12-091; Approving Appointments to the Planning Commission; and H. Resolution 12-092; Au thorizing Transfer. Closing the Flmd Specified and Expenditures as Noted. Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray , to approve the Consent Agenda items. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I I 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 December II, 2012 Page 3 V. VI. None. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF. None . GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL. A. Resolution 12-093; Relating to $1,500.000 General Obligation Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds. Series 2013A; Awarding the Sale. Fixing the Form and Details and Providing for the Execution and Delivery Thereof and Security Therefor and Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Payment Thereof. Stacie K vilvang. Ehlers & Associates. presenting. Stacie Kvilvang , Ehlers & Associates, reported that three bids were received and opened on December 11 ,2012, for the General Obligation Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bond s, Series 2013A. She indicated that they are not expending the term but merely refinanc ing a term already in place. She said they held a rating call from Standards and Poor who affirmed the City 'S AA rating. Ms. Kvilvang said notable items are access to the Twin Cities metro market area, which is favorable , a healthy financial profile, and a strong general fund balance amortizing 18% of the debt. Ms . Kvilvang said the lowest responsible bidder is Raymond James and Associates at 1.5177% for $1 ,477,000 . She stated this will result in a savings of future value of$236,000 or $21 ,000 per year. Councilmember Stille thanked Ms. Kvilvang and staff for their work on these bonds, adding we are covered . Mayor Faust asked what the previous rate was. Ms. Kvilvang said the previous rate was in the range of3-4% range and will now be just over 1.5%. Mayor Faust noted that in 2003 those rates were considered low. Councilmember Stille said they will only be borrowing at less than 1.5%, which is a factor of the market. Motion by Councilmember Jenson , seconded by Councilmember Gray, to adopt Resolution 12- 093; Relating to $1,500,000 General Obligation Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2013A ; Awarding the Sale , Fixing the Form and Details and Providing for the Execution and Delivery Thereof and Security Therefor and Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Payment Thereof. Motion carried unanimously. B. Resolution 12-094; Setting the 2013 General Operating Budget and Property Tax Levy . Shelly Rueckert. Finance Director. 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 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December II , 2012 Page 4 Finance Director Rueckert shared a presentation on the 2013 General Operating Budget and Property Tax Levy and the prospered resolution. She reviewed the process for establishing the budget , including assumptions and parameters. Finance Director Rueckert thanked the Mayor and Council for their assistance in the budget process. Councilmember Stille said the levy is increasing just under 4% but noted there will be a 3% increase for streets, .5% for operating expenses and .5% for CIP. He said we all reali ze that while this amount is never enough it is a direct correlation to the job Finance Director Rueckert has done. He stated the health coverage increase was much les s than anticipated, adding the Mississippi River Water Management Organization garnering has helped. Councilmember Stille said this favorable result is directly related to Finance Director Rueckert's work in doing what is best for the City and that he commends her on locating funds for roof repair and other items . Councilmember Jenson referred to new partnerships and the fact that they did not add any staff. He said while there have been no overtime charges there have been improved efficiencies thanks to Finance Director Rueckert and City Manager Casey. Mayor Faust said the partnerships are a classic example of how a City can leverage and increase sustainability and cost containment. He referred to the huge savings on health insurance by offering different plans and HSAs, which is new to the City. He stated they have never had a CIP fund that we levied money to but said there is a need for new trucks, HVACs, and roofs so thi s is good . Mayor Faust said $3 million is raised in real estate taxes out of a $5.4 million budget and that we re ceive $400,000 of liquor funds and $94,000 into the CIP, which would re s ult in an increase of 11-12% just to maintain what we had. Councilmember Stille stated that refinancing lease revenue bonds to $30,000 helped as well. Mayor Faust said this budget demonstrates how the City is always looking for ways to save without lengthening the rate. Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to adopt Resolution 12- 094; Setting the City ofSt. Anthony 's 20\3 General Operating Budget and Property Tax Levy. Motion carried unanimously. C. Ordinance 2012-\3; Amending Chapter 33: Fees, Rates, and Charges (Second Reading). Mark Casey, City Manager, presenting. City Manager Casey presented the Second Reading of Ordinance 2012-13 that would amend Chapter 33: Fees, Rates and Charges. He indica ted that setting fees , rates, and charges by resolution will reduce costs and create greater flexibility in determining fees. Mayor Faust asked if staff has received any feedback from contractors, businesses, or residents. City Manager Casey said staff has received no feedback regarding the fees. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 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 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 11,2012 Page 5 VII. Councilmember Gray reiterated that this resolution helps us to better match the cost of services with the fees charged which has not happened before so this is a good thing. Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Stille , to approve Second Reading of Ordinance 2012-13 ; Amending Chapter 33 , Fees, Rates, and Charges. Motion carried unanimously. D . Resolution 12-095; Supporting Participation in the "Fire and Rescue Shared Services Feasibility Study Grant Program." Mark Casey, City Manager, presenting. City Manager Casey reviewed the resolution with the Council and indicated that the Fire Departments ofSt. Anthony, Fridley, and Columbia Height applied and were awarded a grant to participate in a shared services study through the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal 's Division. He said a full report will be presented to Council on completion. Councilmember Gray applauded City Manager Casey on finding ways to share City services such as shared police service with Lauderdale and Falcon Heights as well as shared human resources services with New Brighton. He said he would like to continue on this path to see where we can reduce other duplicated services. Councilmember Jenson asked about the duration of the study . City Manager Casey said staff anticipates completion the first quarter 2013. Mayor Faust said this work is a continuation and validation of reviewing everything we do to find the best and most economical feasible methods possible. Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson , to adopt Resolution 12- 095; Supporting Participation in the "Fire and Rescue Shared Services Feasibility Study Grant Program." Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. City Manager Casey reported on the following: • The City and school district will be applying for Safe Routes to School Grants . He said the first application will be for a planning for safe routes for the Wilshire population and right-of-way inventory and that once submitted staff will follow with an infrastructure improvement grant. He said they hope to have a letter of support for Council consideration in early February. Mayor Faust said the City has been working on this project for a long time and thanked staff for their efforts. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I I 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 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December II , 2012 Page 6 Councilmember Stille: No report. He added that this has been a very good meeting this evening as they refinanced bonds, set an operating tax levy that included many good items for revenue generation, amended fees for a more equitable and higher revenue generator, and studied components in Fire to see if we can do things better, which is great. Councilmember Gray: No report. Councilmember Jenson reported that at the last worksession they interviewed members for the Parks and Planning Commissions. Mayor Faust thanked everyone who applied to those Commissions, adding they had interested some great applicants. He asked that those not selected stay involved as there are always other opportunities to serve. Mayor Faust reported on his attendance at the following events: • City Water Management Executive Committee Meetings. • Regional Council of Mayors on December 10. Mayor Faust said he attended this meeting with the City Manager where they highlighted Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), a program that allows businesses to work with the government to improve property with the bonding ability allowed in Statute 429. He likened it to the Honeywell energy sav ings program, adding they will be taking this to the business community to see if anyone is interested . Mayor Faust noted there is no direct benefit to the City but could be a goo d program for corporate citizens and businesses. VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM. Mayor Faust invited residents to come 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 Faust said this would be the last Council meeting of year and asked residents to consider donating to the St. AnthonylNew Brighton Endowment Foundation. He said their donation would be tax deductible and if interested to contact Lia Sly at the School Board . X. ADJOURNMENT. Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 7 :52 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 44 Respectfully submitted, 45 Cathy Sorensen 46 TimeSaver OjJSile Secretarial, Inc . 1 2 3 4 5 City Co "I unCI Regular M . December 11 , 2012 eetmg Minutes Page 7 ATTEST: f1LLb1LL~ a City Clerk ( UA