HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 03101998 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1998
Document: CC MINUTES 03101998
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 MARCH 10, 1998
4 Mayor Ranallo welcomed all to the first live cable broadcast of the City of St. Anthony Council
5 Meeting. The meeting can be seen live on Channel 16 and will be rebroadcast on Wednesday, March 11
6 at 6:30 P.M. and Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 A.M.
7 I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL.
8 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor
9 Ranallo.
10 II. ROLL CALL.
11 Councilmembers Present: Ranallo, Marks, Faust, Cavanaugh, and Thuesen.
12 Also Present: City Manager Mike Morrison.
13 Councilmembers Absent: None.
14 III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 10, 1998 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
15 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the March 10, 1998 Regular Council Meeting
16 Agenda with the following change:
• Under III. Approval of Agenda add: A. Jerry Skelly, Chairman of Cable Commission.
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19 Mayor Ranallo noted the loss of newly elected New Brighton Councilmember George Gregory.
20 Mr. Gregory passed away last weekend while attending the National League of Cities
21 Conference in Washington, D.C. Ranallo asked that a moment of silence be held in his honor.
22 A. Jerry Skelly, Chairman of Cable Commission.
23 Mr. Jerry Skelly congratulated the City of St. Anthony on their live cable broadcast and wished
24 them good luck in their continued broadcast.
25
26 IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 24, 1998 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
27 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen to approve the February 24, 1998 Regular Council
28 Meeting Minutes as presented.
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30 V. LICENSES/PERMITS/PETITIONS.
31 Motion by Marks, second by Faust to approve the following licenses:
General Contractors License:
01 Pine Cone Nursery Inc., Coon Rapids, MN/no job as of yet
u
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 2
1 Ceres Environmental Services Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN/demolition of 2 cabins at
2 Salvation Army Camp
3 Suburban Lighting Inc., Stillwater, MN/sign work at 2400 - 37`'Avenue NE
4 Garbage Haulers License:
5 United Waste Systems of MN Inc., dba: USA Waste Services, St. Paul, MN/formerly
6 Gallagher's (Commercial & Residential License)
7 Aagard Sanitation Inc., Eagan, MN (Commercial License)
8 Larry's Quality Sanitation, Ramsey, MN (Residential License)
9 Vending Machine License:
10 Cub Foods
11 SJN Inc., St. Anthony Laundry
12 Bench License:
13 U S Bench Corporation, Minneapolis, MN (21 Benches)
14 Heatiniz Contractors License:
15 Quality Air, Inc., Coon Rapids, MN/work at 2517 - 301 Avenue NE
16 Motion carried unanimously.
17
18 Motion by Faust, second by Thuesen to approve the following license:
40 Cigarette License:
20 Cub Foods, 3930 Silver Lake Road(counter sales)
21 Voting on the motion: Ranallo, Faust, Cavanaugh, Thuesen voted aye. Marks voted naye.
22 Motion carried.
23 VI. PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS.
24 Motion by Marks, second by Thuesen to approve the following claims:
25 Mayor Ranallo noted that Item C. Legal 1. Dorsey & Whitney should be reduced from $1,415.10
26 to $725.10 and the $690.00 for Chazin Homes should be considered at the HRA meeting.
27 A. Grant Application:
28 1. WSB & Associates in the amount of$1,043.75 for professional services rendered
29 January 1 through January 31, 1998 for MCES Grant Application.
30 B. Auditor:
31 1. Stuart Bonniwell in the amount of$5,165.00 for professional services rendered
32 for services related to the December 31, 1996 audit and other financial matters.
33 C. Legal - Prosecutions:
1. Dorsey & Whitney in the amount of$725.10 for legal services rendered through
40 January 31, 1998.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 3
1 2. Foster, Wentzell, Hedback& Brever in the amount of$3,000.00 for legal services
2 rendered the month of March 1998.
3 D. 5 pages of Verified Claims as presented by the Finance Director.
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5 VII. REPORTS.
6 A. Carrie Luther, Hennepin County Assessor.
7 Carrie Luther, Hennepin County Assessor, indicated she had provided the Councilmembers with
8 a sales book which listed-samples of homesalesin the.City of St. Anthony over the past year and
9 included a map of the area of physical reevaluation performed this year. This area included the
10 south side of St. Anthony Boulevard from Stinson to Hwy. 88 and up to 33'd Avenue, east to
11 Silver Lake Road. She reported that in the City of St. Anthony residential valuation increased
12 3.4%, commercial decreased 6.9% (this was due to the closing of the grocery store), industrial
13 increased 5.1%, the apartments increased 14.5%, the condominiums increased .5%, and the
14 townhomes increased by 6.3%. The Local Board of Review meeting will be held on April 7,
15 1998.
16 Thuesen noted the possible buy-out of three homes and replacement with holding ponds on Pahl
0 Avenue. He questioned how this would affect valuation of the properties in that area.
18 Ms. Luther stated a buy-out would basically have no negative impact to the values of the
19 properties in the surrounding area. She noted the buy-outs demonstrate that the City is beginning
20 to correct the water problems in the area.
21 Mayor Ranallo asked when the assessors began physical inspections.
22 Ms. Luther stated this is usually started in August or September. Postcards are sent to the
23 affected property owners prior to this to make residents aware and to allow for setting of
24 appointments.
25
26 B. Bill Weber, BRW, Update on the Comprehensive Plan.
27 Bill Weber, BRW, reported that in the first half of 1997 he worked with a committee of 19
28 residents, business owners, members of the Planning Commission and Council, to begin to
29 update the City's Comprehensive Plan. This process focused on the strengths and positive
30 aspects of the City and mid-course corrections in some areas. A draft plan was prepared and
31 reviewed by the Planning Commission. In the second half of 1997, the technical issues were
32 worked out with the Metropolitan Council and the findings of other engineering firms were
33 incorporated into the Plan. The draft is currently before the Metropolitan Council and a
34 favorable review is expected.
•
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 4
1 Cavanaugh stated he was surprised at the "open-endedness" of parts of the Plan. He asked if
2 there would be more opportunity to tighten certain aspects of the Plan. He cited the housing
3 rehabilitation section where it states what the City "could do" rather than what they "will do".
4 Mr. Weber explained the Plan is intended to be a long term guide and reflects the desires of how
5 far the members of the community want to go at this time. Currently the City is not conducting
6 many if any housing programs. The City relies on Hennepin County and the Metropolitan
7 Council to supply funds for housing rehabilitation.
8 Faust stated the Comprehensive Plan is meant to be an evolving living document which is used
9 as an overall blueprint. It is more of a philosophical approach.
10 Mr. Weber noted the Comprehensive Plan he prepared for the City in 1980 was even more
11 general than the current update. The Chairman of the Planning Commission and others who used
12 that Plan were very happy with it. They felt it provided good guidelines and it was a viable
13 document for fifteen years.
14 Faust stated the Plan provides guidelines so that as events occur and circumstances change, the
15 Council can use the Plan to make decisions. It provides the Council with a "menu" to chose
0 from.
17 Mr. Weber stated he sympathized with Cavanaugh's points. He noted the "open endedness" in
18 some cases was due to the funds not being available for implementation and in some cases there
19 was not being a consensus. He urged Councilmembers to tighten up areas of the Plan as they are
20 able.
21 Marks noted that when he served on the Planning Commission the Plan was viewed as a set of
22 goals.
23 Mr. Weber stated he would be willing to work with the City to tighten up areas of the Plan. He
24 suggested that the Plan be reviewed every year with a more specific review occurring every five
25 years.
26 Thuesen stated the Plan was meant as a basic outline. The "mays" in the Plan are good because
27 over time situations in the City do change and they allow flexibility.
28
29 C. Discuss Proposal from Business Records,re: Information Technology.
30 Alaine Aysta, Business Records Corporation, stated she has been the City of St. Anthony's sales
31 representative since 1990. Her company has provided the financial software and was involved in
32 the preparation and the move to the new City Hall. She noted the current IBM System 36 will
meet it's demise at the year 2000. Her company is prepared to recommend an upgrade to a new
system prior to that time.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 5
1 Jim Benson, Special Projects Manager/Technical Consultant, Business Records Corporation,
2 stated his company is prepared to respond to the City's request by providing a Technical
3 Requirements Analysis. This would include an interview of staff in each department, an
4 inventory of the hardware and software in each department, and an assessment of future needs of
5 each department including connectivity to the Internet. The result would be a five-year plan.
6 Marks stated that what the City of St. Anthony really needs to know is how to apply this
7 technology. This proposal actually addresses the second level of implementation, after the City
8 determines what it is they want and can do to make the entire City more productive and provide
9 services which have never been provided before. There is a need to define City-wide goals but
10 first there is a need for a vision and an understanding of what is possible. He asked what
11 Business Records Corporation could do to help with this first aspect.
12 Mr. Benson stated he is responding to what the City requested on their RFP. He agreed with
13 Marks and suggested the first thing the City may need to do is have a"focus group" kind of
14 meeting to brainstorm in terms of where the City is heading.
15 Marks suggested information be provided to Staff which illustrates what other Cities, even in
16 other parts of the country, are doing.
10 Mr. Benson stated he could provide this type of information. City government is his company's
18 business and they have City clients from here to the East Coast.
19 D. Councilmembers.
20 Faust reported that on February 26, 1998, he and City Manager had attended the League of
21 Minnesota Cities Legislative Day in St. Paul. It provided an opportunity to talk with'a number of
22 people including Senator Marty, Representative McGuire and Finance Commissioner Wayne
23 Simoneau and carry forward the message about the flooding problem. He noted an article in the
24 newspaper which reported that the Senate had approved $38 million in bonding. Things are
25 moving in the right direction but a concerted effort is still needed. He commended the Staff of
26 the League of Minnesota Cities for providing the City of St. Anthony with so much support.
27 Cavanaugh asked what type of concerted effort was necessary.
28 Faust noted there would be no more testimony allowed. The Senate and the House of
29 Representatives will need to reach an agreement in the Conference Committee. It is important
30 for the City to remain vigilant and watch the way things go and talk with the leaders of the
31 Senate and the House.
32 Cavanaugh asked if there was still the 'issue of the City of St. Anthony not being named on the
House of Representatives list for funding.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 6
1 Faust stated he suspected that it will be decided that the program can be administered state-wide.
2 Cities will then be able to apply for funds and the DNR is the most logical place for setting
3 priorities. The City of St. Anthony is high on their list and that is the important issue.
4 Mayor Ranallo stated the House of Representatives will be debating the issue tomorrow.
5 Marks reported his attendance at a meeting of the Sister City Committee. They now have a list
6 of the persons who will be coming from Finland and their ages. Some of the visitors are younger
7 than was anticipated and the Sports Boosters will be helping with this. The process of matching
8 the visitors with homes and families cannow be initiated. The Committee will now be meeting
9 every two weeks to finalize plans. Once this trip is finished there are two other groups from
10 Finland who are planning to visit. The Committee's focus will then change to the trip in the Fall
11 of a St. Anthony teacher to Salo and the hopes of other residents and Staff of St. Anthony
12 traveling to Salo.
13 Thuesen reported his attendance at a recent Community Advisory Council Meeting. The
14 Advisory Council expressed an interest in seating and art being located in the foyer. Thuesen
15 acknowledged the danger of vandalism but suggested this be discussed at a Council work
16 session. The Advisory Council also questioned the possibility of a message sign in the foyer.
41 Thuesen noted the idea holds a lot of merit as it would increase the visibility of the Council
meetings, etc. The Advisory Council also suggested the possibility of the City being more
19 involved with the acknowledgment of the good things youth do in the City. For example, an
20 official letter of City acknowledgment. He noted that the City currently does this to a point but
21 asked if this effort should be increased.
22
23 Mayor Ranallo noted that the building has been subject to a considerable amount of damage
24 since it opened.
25 Thuesen stated he was aware of this but suggested an art piece could be covered with a protective
26 covering. He noted there is still a potential for vandalism and that this option may be cost
27 prohibitive.
28 Marks noted that vandalism is not a new problem. He questioned if the City would let someone
29 who was causing vandalism take control and have an influence over the decisions made by the
30 City. Marks stated the City has to find a way to provide protection and put themselves back in
31 charge.
32 Faust suggested the Chamber of Commerce could name a Junior Villager of the Year or could
33 utilize a certificate of appreciation.
Cavanaugh reported he had received a telephone call from a resident asking if there was anything
that could be done to reduce his car insurance rate. His zip code is 55418.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 7
1 Mayor Ranallo noted the address needs to state clearly "St. Anthony" rather than "Minneapolis".
2 Cavanaugh noted there is a car on Kenzie Terrace and several other cars in the City which are not
3 in compliance with City Codes.
4 Fire Chief Johnson stated he had a letter in the printer addressing the car on Kenzie Terrace when
5 the printer broke. Compliance is a slow process and he is taking one violation at a time and
6 correcting it. He is finding that after talking with residents, they do resolve the issues. He is
7 planning to go around the neighborhood and drop off reminders of the Spring Clean-Up day
8 scheduled for May-2, 1998.-
9 Leslie Witterschein, Foster, Wentzell, Hedback& Brever, LLC, explained the criminal
10 prosecution process for these violations. She stated it is much better to obtain compliance with
11 local persuasion than to try to enforce the ordinances criminally.
12 Cavanaugh reported VillageFest will have its first meeting on March 11, 1998.
13 E. Mayor.
14 Mayor Ranallo reported that at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting, it was agreed to hire an
Executive Director. George Wagner has agreed to take this position. Ranallo stated the
161 Chamber of Commerce has offered to help train students to be clerks at the Council meetings to
17 greet residents and explain the procedures.
18 Mayor Ranallo introduced Ruth Mason who is running the video equipment.
19 F. CityMana Manager.
20 Morrison reported that seven members of Staff attended an Internet seminar in Bloomington. All
21 department's were represented and the seminar was well received by Staff. Morrison stated he
22 has also submitted a request to the National League of Cities for books on policies of how and
23 when to use the Internet.
24 Bob Moberg is leaving RCM. His replacement will be his supervisor who had been present at
25 the last Council meeting. Mornson stated he is very competent.
26 Peter Willenbring, WSB, attended the March 4 work session to discuss grant programs and other
27 flood related activities. There were several questions left unanswered at the completion of that
28 meeting and Mr. Willenbring will put together a list of questions and concerns and present them
29 at the March 24, 1998 Council meeting. Due to the limited amount of funding, he has suggested
30 that the following items be prioritized in this order: 1. Home buy out, 2. Grant program (because
31 it benefits the entire community), and 3. Central Park(because of ease and cost). Mornson
explained that under the proposed guidelines of the City grant program, the dates for application
10 were April 1 to May 15. It has been decided to postpone those dates to from May 1 to June 15.
34 This will give the City time to determine how much money will be made available by the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 8
1 Legislature and FEMA and will also allow time for promotion of the program. Adoption of the
2 grant program will be on either the March 24 or the April 14, 1998 Council agenda.
3 Mornson noted that at the last Council meeting, he was directed to obtain proposals for
4 appraisals of the five homes being considered for buy-out. Proposals have been received from
5 three firms and he will talk with two of the companies tomorrow. Both are highly recommended
6 by the Hennepin County Housing Program who acquires many of the homes in Hennepin County
7 and also by Ramsey, Hennepin and Anoka Counties. The projected cost is $3,000.
8 Mornson reported he will be meeting with the School Superintendent to discuss the survey that
9 was proposed at the joint meeting with the School Board. The 331 Avenue project will also be
10 discussed as the school has expressed an interest in widening their driveway and parking lot in
11 conjunction with that project. The engineer does not know if this will be feasible as it may
12 remove some of the parking. Central Park will also be discussed as the area to be lowered is on
13 school property and may require an easement or deed.
14 Cavanaugh asked how the questions on the survey are determined.
15 Ranallo explained suggested questions are submitted to the survey company and they rephrase
them and submit them to the Council for approval.
17 Mornson reported the police contracts with Lauderdale and Falcon Heights for the next two years
18 will be on the March 24 Council agenda, as well as the 1997 Annual Police and Fire Reports.
19 This is part of the process for the Performance Measurement Standards required to qualify to
20 Local Performance Aid. Mornson also noted that on March 25 the two St. Anthony Police
21 Officers who were involved in the apprehension in the Lauderdale incident will be named
22 Officers of the Year by the Minnesota Business Exchange Association.
23 Cavanaugh asked if the police contracts have been approved by the Lauderdale and Falcon
24 Heights City Councils.
25 Mornson stated one will be meeting tonight and the other prior to the March 24 meeting, and
26 they are expected to approve the contracts.
27 RCM was authorized at the last Council meeting to provide an analysis of the condition of the
28 water tower with the intention of painting, restoration and placement of the new logo. This
29 report will be presented at the April 14 or 28, 1998 meeting.
30 Five bids were received for the purchase of park equipment for the fenced-in area at City Hall at
31 costs of approximately $20,000. These have been submitted to the Parks Task Force and they
itwill provide a recommendation to the Council on April 28, 1998.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 10, 1998
Page 9
1 Mornson reported he had met with the school principal and suggested the idea of a clerk at City
2 Council meetings. He also noted that the Council is involved in an ongoing process of
3 determining what they would like in the foyer area. Staff is currently working on some ideas
4 which will be presented to the Council.
5 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None.
6 IX. NEW BUSINESS.
7 A. Resolution 98-032, re: Award Sale of Bonds for 1998 Street Improvements.
8 Jerry Shannon, Vice President of Springsted, stated he was present to ask the Council.to consider
9 the award of bid for$725,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 1998A. Five bids were
10 received. The lowest bid was received from John G. Kinnard& Company Incorporated at a net
11 interest cost of$347,519.58 and a true interest rate of 4.8580%. Moody's Investment gave the
12 City of St. Anthony a rating of Al based on the continued growth within the City, the wealth and
13 value of the community, and the location in relation to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
14 Cavanaugh asked if this was the maximum rating that the City of St. Anthony could receive.
15 Mr. Shannon stated that based on the community size, location and potential for additional
growth, this was the highest rating the City could achieve.
17 Motion by Thuesen, second by Faust to approve Resolution 98-032, relating to $725,000 General
18 Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 1998A; awarding the sale to John G. Kinnard &
19 Company Incorporated, fixing the form and details and providing for the execution and delivery
20 thereof and security therefor and levying ad valorem taxes for the payment thereof.
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22 Cavanaugh asked if the bonds had been sold or if residents could purchase the bonds.
23 Mr. Shannon stated he could check but in all likelihood the bonds had already been sold.
24 B. Resolution 98-033, re: Polling Location Change.
25 Motion by Cavanaugh, second by Marks to approve Resolution 98-033, approving a polling
26 location change.
27
28 Motion carried unanimously.
29 C. Appoint Prosecuting Attorney.
30 Bob Foster, Foster, Wentzell, Hedback& Brever, LLC, indicated he had provided the Council
with a prosecution summary and information in regard to the DWI law changes.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 10
1 Cavanaugh questioned the comment "It is significant to note that despite St. Anthony being the
2 only suburb to have its cases heard at the Government Center" and asked what this meant.
3 Ms. Witterschein explained that most suburbs have their cases heard in Brooklyn Center or
4 Edina. Those judges tend to enter into a more "suburb mode" rather than a "city mode" and
5 impose stiffer penalties. The City of Minneapolis sees so many cases that the judges tend to
6 push the cases aside and are likely to reduce the recommended sentence and fines.
7 Cavanaugh asked if the City could prosecute their cases at one of the other locations.
8 Ms. Witterschein stated that the St. Anthony Police Officers prefer to go downtown.
9 Mr. Foster stated it has been reported back to him many times that the judge will not accept the
10 recommendation even if it is agreed to by the defense attorney. He stated however, that the issue
11 of moving should be discussed with the Police Department.
12 Mornson noted there are other issues involved including an agreement whereas the City of
13 Minneapolis prosecutes the Ramsey County cases as well as the Hennepin County cases. This is
14 an issue which needs to be decided by the Police Department and the prosecuting attorneys.
Faust noted that the report indicates that the average gross revenue per citation and count for the
16 City of St. Anthony is $31.48. This is higher than the gross revenue of$19.66 for all of
17 Hennepin County and $14.75 for the City of Minneapolis. He stated this reflects high standards.
18 Ms. Witterschein stated her office makes a concerted effort to work with the judges and Police
19 Department to ensure that the cases are tight and makes all efforts to go to trial to show that they
20 are serious about prosecution.
21 Mayor Ranallo asked what the average gross revenue per citation and count was in Brooklyn
22 Center.
23 Mr. Witterschein stated she would check on this.
24 Cavanaugh asked if the prosecution would be more effective in Brooklyn Center and questioned
25 the average case calendar.
26 Ms. Witterschein stated she did not believe the effectiveness would be any different in Brooklyn
27 Center. She stated the case calendar varies from 8 to 42 in an afternoon. This past month she
28 has had three jury trials.
Marks asked if there was any tracking of how many cases were successful and the recidivism
rate.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 11
1 Ms. Witterschein stated her firm does submit a report of every file to the City every month.
2 Because these are generally misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases there is usually not a
3 high rate of recidivist.
4 Mr. Foster explained that during Ms. Witterschein's maternity leave, Steve Carlson will be
5 taking her place. He noted Mr. Carlson is familiar with the City of St. Anthony as he currently
6 assists Ms. Witterschein on heavy case load days. He also prosecutes for two other
7 municipalities.
8 Motion-by Faust, second by Marks to renew the contract with the firm of Foster, Wentzell,
9 Hedback& Brever, LLC for prosecution services with the City of St. Anthony ata rate of
10 $3,000.00 per month.
11 Voting on the motion: Marks, Faust, Cavanaugh, Thuesen voted aye. Ranallo abstained.
12 Motion carried.
13
14 D. Approve Computer Proposal.
15 Marks stated that he was not happy with any of the three firms which submitted proposals.
q6 Cavanaugh noted they all seemed to be responding only to the issues of the Internet and
17 computer upgrades.
18 Mornson stated that the companies were responding to the City's RFP. The Council had been
19 given an opportunity to review the RFP and provide their input.
20 Faust stated that even if the proposals were responding to the RFP there was a 70% increase
21 between the 82 hours proposed by one company and the 140 hours proposed by another.
22 Thuesen also questioned the big difference in hours.
23 Cavanaugh suggested that neither Staff nor the Council had the expertise to frame the RFP and
24 recommended that the City retain an individual who could help the City frame what the
25 community is really trying to arrive at.
26 Mornson stated he did previously try to hire a consultant and they are even more expensive than
27 the individual companies. He asked if Council would like to retain one of these three firms as a
28 consultant.
29 Cavanaugh stated the cost did not surprise him. What the City would really be paying for was
30 the front end work which is the most critical.
Faust stated the consultant would then not be able to bid on the upgrade. He noted LDSI was
33 highly recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities and asked if there was anyone at the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 12
1 League of Minnesota Cities that was able to act as a consultant. Faust stated he did not want
2 Staff to get the impression that the Council was not supportive but he would like to do this once
3 and do it the right way.
4 There was Council consensus to direct Staff to try to retain an independent to help the City
5 determine their needs and wants for the computer upgrade.
6 E. Consider Approval of the Fire Truck.
7 Fire Chief Johnson reported he had received three bids on a fire truck. The low bid of$207,272
8 from Central States does not meet the City's specifications. The compartments are too small._
9 He recommended the City purchase the fire truck from Toyne in the amount of$226,190. The
10 proposed fire truck will be the first yellow pumper in the City of St. Anthony that the capacity
11 exceeds the load that it carries. All the other trucks are over capacitated. The cab/chassis was
12 purchased by State bid and resulted in a savings of$10,000.00 which was spent to improve the
13 suspension. Many of the key components of the truck are made of polyurethane, fiberglass or
14 aluminum.
15 Morrison reported he had consulted with the City Attorney and as the low bid did not meet the
16 specifications of the RFP, there would need to be a motion to deny that bid.
q7 Motion by Faust, second by Ranallo to accept the bid from Toyne in the amount of$226,190 and
18 disqualify the bid from Central States as it does not meet the specifications as provided by the
19 Fire Department.
20 Cavanaugh stated he would like to speak in opposition to the purchase of the fire truck. He noted
21 that the Fire Chief has stated that engines 11 and 12 have at least five more years of life so this is
22 not an eminent decision. Cavanaugh stated there was no productivity gain in this purchase and
23 no reduction in cost. He noted the Council has on their 1998 agenda the consideration of
24 building a new fire station. The fire truck purchase would expend a significant amount of
25 capital. He stated the City of St. Anthony provides emergency services quite well but the
26 amount of calls for fire are only 6% and 94%of all calls deal with issues other than fire. He
27 stated that the real need for the fire truck comes from the insurance industry which requires a
28 pumping capacity rate. St. Anthony has an insurance rate of 5. He stated he had contacted his
29 insurance company and they had informed him that a 6 or 7 would not increase his insurance
30 premium. Cavanaugh stated that the cost per call in the City of St. Anthony is high. This is
31 because the Fire Department performs other services than fire with the fire truck. He suggested
32 there are other vehicles available to provide those services. He noted there is no other City in the
33 area that has as high of a cost per capita. The cost per capita in St. Anthony is $52 and the cost
34 per capita in Roseville is only $25.
35
Cavanaugh noted there are other capital expenditures necessary in the City such as the parks,
flood mitigation, renovation of the Stonehouse and SAV 1, expansion of the community center,
38 and street renovation. This is a tremendous capital expenditure and he did not see where this
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 13
1 truck fits any particular scheme of emergency service delivery. He recommended the purchase
2 of the truck be canceled and a task force be formed to look at the emergency service vehicle
3 needs of the City.
4 Chief Johnson noted that the St. Anthony capita is half that of Roseville and that Roseville does
5 not go on EMS calls. This purchase would replace a 26 year old piece of equipment that has
6 been patched together with plywood and boards. He stated the City could wait five years but
7 then they may have to buy two or three trucks. He believed the City of St. Anthony would rather
8 have a working fire truck than a new fire station.
9 Cavanaugh noted that during the retreat the first task the Council assigned to themselves was to
10 plan a new fire station for 1998.
11 Mayor Ranallo noted that the City has a fire station. This is not a purchase to buy a new fire
12 truck but to replace an old fire truck. There are times when the City is down to two trucks
13 because the other is in need of repair.
14 Faust stated there are a number of issues here. 6% of calls are fire-related, emergency type
15 situations. The City is looking to spend $221,000 on that issue. The flooding is a 1%event and
the City is willing to spend $6 million on that issue. In most cases flooding is not life
7 threatening where fire generally is. He noted Cavanaugh had stated that a drop in the pump
18 capacity rate would not increase insurance premiums. Faust stated he did not believe the
19 insurance companies would standstill when they saw a drop from 5 to 7. The cost of this would
20 be bourne by the taxpayers. He stated he felt the City needed the fire truck.
21 Marks stated the City had developed a strategy long ago to operate with the minimum size Fire
22 Department necessary for safe operation. The cost of the fire operations is high based on the
23 policies set up by the City to provide the fastest response time possible. There has been a lot of
24 input received from the citizens that they like this. Marks noted however, that the City had never
25 looked at the best way to provide these services in the long run. He agreed that there is some
26 value in looking at the best way to provide the services other than fire but stated that this was a
27 totally different issue.
28 Mayor Ranallo stated he would not support a task force looking at this issue. He noted the City is
29 not even following the recommendations of the Storm Water Task Force to purchase the homes
30 at the July 1, 1997 property value.
31 Chief Johnson stated there are options other than purchasing a new fire truck but there are not
32 many options as these three trucks are getting old. A mini-pumper and refurbishing the existing
33 equipment are options.
04 Thuesen stated that as a freshman Councilmember he had felt that this was a difficult decision.
35 He met with Chief Johnson to question the necessity of a new truck. After meeting with Chief
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 14
1 Johnson,he was convinced that a new truck is necessary. Even if a lot of the calls are not fire but
2 for medical, the City still needs a new fire truck. If the City waits they may have to purchase two
3 trucks. Also if the City waits five years the cost will increase by at least 3%due to inflation. If a
4 new truck is purchased now, there is the possibility that one of the old trucks can be refurbished.
5 This would provide two reliable trucks. He stated he believes it makes sense to purchase the
6 truck. Then the City can look at other possibilities such as servicing medical emergencies with a
7 suburban. He stated the purchase of this truck makes fiscal sense.
8 Cavanaugh commented that this was an analysis that he felt he had to make to formulate his
9 decision. He noted that Chief Johnson, City Manager-and Staff had all taken this serious and
10 been helpful and cooperative. He stated he had enjoyed the process and had learned a lot.
11 George Wagner, 3407 Fordham Court , stated he was in favor of purchasing the new fire truck.
12 The old truck is an ancient vintage and is worn out. He complimented the Fire Department on
13 their maintenance of equipment which had helped it to last this long. He stated he had an
14 occasion to use the emergency service and was glad it is as good as it is.
15 Vote on the motion: Ranallo, Marks, Faust, Thuesen voted aye. Cavanaugh voted naye.
Motion carried.
17 Mayor Ranallo suggested that the two new Councilmembers purchase a fire radio and listen to
18 the amount of calls. He stated it is the City's duty to take care of issues such as water, sewer and
19 fire. He noted a little boy who burnt to death two blocks from the fire station because it was a
20 volunteer Fire Department and the incident happened during the day and an incident where a
21 church which burned to the ground because the fire truck would not start.
22 Thuesen noted that he had voted in favor of the motion. He stated he would be remiss of his
23 duties as a Councilmember if he did not examine the issues and meet with Chief Johnson to
24 explore the options.
25 Cavanaugh stated he hoped this would not build a resistance to dialogue. He noted the
26 Councilmembers are all individuals and he was only exploring different means of delivering
27 service. He agreed 100% with the issues of fire safety and protection.
28 X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
29 A. Ordinance 1998-005, re: Water Rates ( 3rd Reading_Z
30 Motion by Thuesen, second by Marks to approve the 3rd reading and adoption of Ordinance
31 1998-05, relating to water rate, amending Section 610.02 of the 1993 St. Anthony Code of
32 Ordinances.
03 Motion carried unanimously.
34
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• March 10, 1998
Page 15
1 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
2 Motion by Marks, second by Cavanaugh to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 P.M.
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4
5 Respectfully submitted,
6 Lorri Kopischke
7 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. -
8 /[
9 4Mayor -a-11
10 ATTEST: Oe-�
City Clerk
•