HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 02082000 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000
Document: CC MINUTES 02082000
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 FEBRUARY 8, 2000
4 I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
6 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
7 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and the audience to join in the Pledge of
8 Allegiance.
9 III. ROLL CALL.
10 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks, Thuesen,
11 Horst and Hodson.
12 Councilmembers absent: None
13 Also present: Michael Morrison, City Manager.
14 IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 8,2000 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
15 AGENDA.
16 Motion by Cavanaugh to approve the February 8, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda with the following addition:
18 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
19 A. Census 2000 Proclamation.
20
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22
23 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
24 A. Census 2000 Proclamation.
25 Cavanaugh explained to the Council that he had attended a meeting for the opening of the Census
26 2000, and had joined the Mayor of Richfield and the Mayor of Minneapolis for opening remarks
27 regarding the ribbon cutting. Each city has been asked to pass a Census 2000 Proclamation
28 which, in part, states that the City proclaims Census 2000 as a top priority, is committed to a full
29 and accurate Census count, and places special emphasis on enumerating members of traditionally
30 undercounted population groups.
j 1 In emphasizing the importance of a complete and accurate Census, the City of Minneapolis re-
32 ported that significant dollar amounts of funding were lost for the City during the last Census
33 because of an incomplete count.
34 Motion by Sparks to approve the Census 2000 Proclamation whereby the City of St. Anthony
hereby proclaims Census 2000 as a top priority for all elected and appointed officials, and
36 encourages the community to place an emphasis on partnering with the U.S. Census bureau in
37 achieving an accurate and complete count in Census 2000.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
Page 2
1 Motion carried unanimously.
2 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
3 Mr. Scott Tankenoff,managing partner of Hillcrest Development, approached the Council. Mr.
4 Tankenoff explained that Hillcrest Development is working on the redevelopment of the Apache
5 Mall and he wished to provide the Council with a brief update on the project and answer
6 questions. One new development, he stated, is that Hillcrest is now under contract with US
7 Bank, and also that he has met with City Manager Michael Morrison and Staff to begin the
8 process of mapping out a good strategy for redevelopment.
9 Mr. Tankenoff stated that he is eager to move forward on the project and feels that Apache Plaza
10 has the potential to create jobs, provide energy to the community, and make the citizens of the
11 City proud. Mr. Tankenoff offered that the concepts for redevelopment are expected to be ready
12 in one or two weeks. Additionally, Mr. Tankenoff plans to be at future City Council and
13 Planning Commission meetings to offer updates, answer questions, and ensure that everyone is in
14 agreement with the current plans.
15 As a further point of interest, Mr. Tankenoff stated that Hillcrest continues to consider plans for a
community space concept surrounding the redevelopment of Apache Plaza. He plans on
0 spending meaningful time at the next Council and Planning Commission meetings to address that
18 concept. Currently, the concept would include a coffee shop area, athletic area, meeting rooms,
19 etc.
20 Mr. Tankenoff provided the Council with a recent article from the Star Tribune about helping
21 malls to survive. He thought it was interesting that Apache Plaza had not been included in the
22 article but, nevertheless, he thought the article provided valuable information.
23 Cavanaugh commented that, at some point, a formal position should be formulated with the Plan-
24 ning Commission. In that respect, he asked City Manager Michael Morrison to structure a plan
25 to coordinate with the Planning Commission.
26 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
27 Motion by Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda, which included:
28 1. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2000;
29 2. Temporary 3.2 Beer Permit(June 3, 2000, Central Park, Fagerlee Family Picnic);
30 3. Heating License (Alliance Mechanical Services, Inc.,Roseville, MN); and
31 4. Four pages of verified claims.
32 Motion carried unanimously
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
34 None.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
• Page 3
1 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
2 A. Resolution 00-019. re: Middle Mississippi River Water Management Organization.
3 City Manager Michael Morrison began the discussion by stating that Councilmember Amy
4 Sparks is the City's representative to the Middle Mississippi River Water Management
5 Organization. He stated that Resolution 00-019 involved decisions made in July 1999 by the
6 Watershed District and those decisions included minor boundary changes.
7 Morrison directed the Council's attention to page 28 of the Agenda packet wherein the Operating
8 Budget for the District was depicted and each City's contribution percentage was listed. St. An-
9 thony's portion was reduced from 3.5%to 3.3%. Morrison stated that the other cities have ap-
10 proved the resolution.
11 Hodson expressed concern whether the extensive legal description depicting the individual cities'
12 boundaries had been thoroughly reviewed.
13 Sparks offered that the Staff of the Watershed District had previously presented a map to her that
14 indicated boundary changes. Although she had reviewed the map, she had not specifically gone
15 through the legal description. However, she stated that she felt confident that the Staff had
presented an accurate legal description.
17 Motion by Horst to approve Resolution 00-019 wherein the City Council of the City of St.
18 Anthony hereby approves the proposed changes to the Bylaws of the Middle Mississippi River
19 Watershed Management Organization.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 B. Resolution 00-018, re: Approve auditor for the City and HRA 1999 Audits.
22 Morrison explained that approval of an Auditor is an annual requirement, and that all cities in
23 Minnesota are required to obtain an independent audit. Stuart Bonniwell, Morrison stated, has
24 worked with St. Anthony for a long time, and he has been recommended to perform this year's
25 audit.
26 Cavanaugh inquired about the anticipated fee for the audit. Morrison replied that the fee is ex-
27 pected to be about $12,000, and would be divided between different funds.
28 Thuesen asked how long the City had been working with the accounting firm of Stuart
29 Bonniwell. Morrison replied approximately 10 years.
30 Motion by Sparks to approve Resolution 00-018 wherein the City Council of the City of St.
31 Anthony hereby approves Stuart J. Bonniwell, Certified Public Accountant, to perform the audits
for the general purpose financial statements of the City of St. Anthony and the St. Anthony
Housing and Redevelopment Authority for the year ended December 31, 1999.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 4
l Motion carried unanimously
2 C. Ordinance 2000-001, re: Alcohol Compliance Checks (3rd reading).
3 Motion by Sparks to approve Ordinance 2000-001 (3rd reading) relating to the Revocation or
4 Suspension of Liquor Licenses, Amending Section 1000.06, Subd. 4 of the 1993 St. Anthony
5 Code of Ordinances.
6 Motion carried unanimously.
7 X. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
8 A. Springsted Financial Report.
9 Morrison provided the Council with an introduction regarding the company that provided the fi-
lo nancial report. Springsted, Public Finance Advisors, is an independent advisor to governments.
11 In 1999, the City Council requested Springsted to provide a financial study of the capital invest-
12 ment plan, which included Central Park,Apache Plaza, the St. Anthony Shopping Center, street
13 reconstruction project and flooding issues. The Council asked Springsted to review the number
14 of projects the City was considering and present the Council with various options of funding.
Morrison stated that Mr. Bob Thistle, Senior Vice President of Springsted, was in attendance to
0 present the financial report and he invited him to address the Council.
17 Mr. Thistle stated that the firm of Springsted had been in business for in excess of 50 years
18 advising the public sector. Mr. Thistle stated that he would like to provide an overview of how
19 government finance works.
20 In terms of government finance, he stated, there have been discussions in the past that
21 government should be run like a business. However,he stated that there is a fundamental
22 difference between government and business finance in that government finance begins at the
23 start of the year. In other words,the City knows what the revenue streams will be for that year,
24 and the anticipated projects. The City also is aware of the specific services it will be providing to
25 the community for that year. The goal is to provide services in the most cost-effective way and
26 produce a good product for the community. Government finance is run on a service basis,
27 whereas business is run on a product basis.
28 Mr. Thistle commended the City because it is highly regarded by the community, well respected,
29 has a high rating on services, and is well managed. The City has a long history and is an older
30 city by Minnesota standards.
31 Mr. Thistle explained that there is a system of rating cities for investing purposes. He stated that
the City has a high credit rating (A-1) which is important to investors in determining whether an
investment in the community is practical. The main characteristic investors look for is security,
34 and an A-1 rating is significant in that respect. Mr. Thistle explained that a comprehensive
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
• Page 5
1 review of the city is made in determining the appropriate credit rating. That review would
2 include: (1)how the city is managed; (2)how the city develops plans and follows through with
3 them; (3) demographics; (4) wealth of the city; and (5)historic precedent.
4 Additionally, Mr. Thistle stated that Springsted develops a Prospectus for the City, which is the
5 best source of information on the community. It provides up-to-date information and is an excel-
6 lent source document for the Councilmembers to have on hand.
7 Mr. Thistle offered a suggestion that the City was in a position to accomplish three major items:
8 (1) continue with-the maintenance of an older city and infrastructure; (2) revitalize portions of the
9 community; and(3) continue with the City's history of providing quality services to the
10 residents-- a noted challenge in a changing environment.
11 Mr. Thistle stated that Springsted developed a study in September 1999, and then provided an
12 updated study in January 2000. He reviewed the table of contents of the report with the Council
13 and then provided a brief overview of each topic.
14 The real crux of the study, he stated, is that cities have historically produced capital budgets that
pay for all of the public improvements, repairs, and equipment. Cities typically fail to match a
0l6 plan to the capital needs; in other words, how the needs will be financed.
17 In this respect, Springsted has instituted a capital improvement plan to assist with the efficiency
18 of the organization. Specific purposes include (1) analyzing the capacity of current fund
19 balances and projected revenues; (2) determining the level of additional project funding that can
20 be supported; (3) assisting the City in its process to schedule capital projects to meet existing and
21 projected needs; (4)reviewing tax increment financing; (5)analyzing the fund balances; and (6)
22 determining impact on the City's legal debt limit.
23 Mr. Thistle spoke about the effects of compression on the tax base. He stated that, since 1997,
24 the Minnesota legislature has made several changes in classification rates for taxable property.
25 Class rates have decreased for all types of property, but the most significant reductions have been
26 in commercial-industrial-public utility, seasonal recreational and residential non-homestead
27 property. The collective result of these changes is that a relatively greater share of the tax burden
28 has been shifted to residential homestead property owners. However, the impact of compression
29 has been offset by the increase in property values on all properties of the City.
30 Mr. Thistle directed the Council's attention to pages 18 through 20 of the Springsted report,
31 which explained the concept of compression. In particular, page 20 showed a table which ana-
32 lyzed the tax base composition. Regarding compression and the City's general fund, the report
stated that, as the compression of tax rates has diminished the City's tax base, the City has had
0 two options in terms of dealing with the decreased capacity. The City could raise rates to obtain
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 6
1 the same revenues or maintain or lower rates, reduce services, and receive less property tax reve-
2 nues.
3 Mr. Thistle pointed the Council's attention to page 39 of the Report wherein funding for the pro-
4 spective public works building was discussed. The Report stated that the City is considering
5 construction of a new public works building and the estimated cost of the building is $5.2 million
6 to $6.1 million (according to a report by Short, Elliot,Hendrickson, Inc. ("SEH")).
7 The increase in size from the original $1.8 million estimate from September 1999 changes the
8 scope and options available for the City. As such, Springsted set forth financing options -- a total
9 of five -- and of those five, three options were specifically identified as possibilities:
10 1. The first option is for the City to have a referendum to issue general obligation
11 bonds to build the public works building;
12 2. The second option is to borrow a portion of the money from the Army Filtration
13 fund, and to borrow the other portion using a lease revenue;
3. The third option is to have the H.R.A. issue the total amount as a lease revenue
5 bond.
16 In conclusion, Springsted reported that option 1 (issuing general obligation bonds), would be the
17 least costly to the city overall and would not require a reduction in other general fund expendi-
18 tures. However, option 1 would depend upon public support for a referendum. Both options 2
19 and 3 would require levying at the maximum for the operating levy and a reduction in other ex-
20 penditures to finance over$550,000 per year in debt service.
21 Cavanaugh expressed his opinion that a pro forma should be done to arrive at numbers for the
22 capital programs and discover what the realities are on a capital budget for the Council to con-
23 sider capital programs. Although the City has had surpluses each year, Cavanaugh stated, the
24 City needs certain amounts of those surpluses to do other projects. Cavanaugh felt that the
25 amount projected for the public works facility pointed towards a referendum,but that the pro
26 formas would give the Council an appreciation at the actual figures.
27 Cavanaugh requested that a pro forma be developed so that it can be incorporated into the next
28 conversation about the public works facility and the fire station.
29 Horst inquired if the project was positioned to be funded as a referendum, if that issue would be
30 on the November 2000 ballot.
•
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
•
Page 7
1 Mr. Thistle responded that question would have to be answered by City Attorney William Soth,
2 but he initially would believe that the referendum would be placed on a regular Election Day
3 ballot.
4 Horst stated that he is curious about the time frame the Council is working with to present the
5 referendum concept to the public. His concern, he stated, is that the project's cost would con-
6 tinue to rise as funding decisions were made.
7 Mr. Thistle stated that Horst raised an excellent point and that timing become critical when re-
8 lated to funding.
9 Mr. Thistle wished to provide a recap of the funding for the public works building. He stated it
10 basically comes down to two options: referendum or lease revenue options. The referendum dis-
t I tributes the taxes against the single-family home and there is the potential for the public not to
12 support such a proposal; but the lease revenue option is more expensive. For clarification, he di-
13 rected the Council's attention to page 41 of the Report.
14 Cavanaugh suggested that City Manager Michael Momson coordinate with Mr. Thistle and City
Finance Director Roger Larson to develop a presentation on the infiltration funds and the issues
6 involved in restructuring, as well as a time frame in working through those issues.
17 In proceeding through the report, Mr. Thistle brought up the issue of a potential new fire station.
18 He suggested the possibility of putting the two projects (public works building and fire station)
19 together into a single issue (referendum or lease revenue bonds).
20 On an unrelated subject, Mr. Thistle spoke about the City's interest in the Salvation Army prop-
21 erty. To sum it up, Mr. Thistle stated, the property is too expensive and should not be considered
22 by the City for a potential purchase.
23 Mr. Thistle stated that the largest project the City is currently involved in is the flood mitigation
24 and street reconstruction. He directed the Council's attention to page 36 of the Springsted Report
25 which explained in detail the funding sources in place for the project. In short, based on the
26 information provided by Todd Hubmer of WSB & Associate,the City has plans to use a mix of
27 payment sources including: (1) intergovernmental sources such as Minnesota State Street Aid
28 (MSA funds); (2) Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA); (3) Hennepin County
29 and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR); (4) grants; and (5) other sources such
30 as bonding, assessments, current balances, and storm water fees.
31 Mornson explained for the new Councilmembers that the page Mr. Thistle was referring to that
set forth dollar figures for the fund sources would be revised to provide current figures. In that
respect, Morrison specifically reviewed the funding sources and provided a background of infor-
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
Page 8
1 mation surrounding each source and the dollar figures that would be incorporated into the
2 Report.
3 Thuesen inquired that if a homeowner, who is living on a road using MSA funds, would be as-.
4 sessed. Mr. Thistle stated that the theory is that every parcel in the City should pay an
5 assessment one time. However, most parcels have paid an assessment once in the past already.
6 Thuesen asked Mr. Thistle if the City proceeds with the projects as planned, would the City en-
7 danger the A-1 credit standing?
8 Mr. Thistle responded that his opinion would be that the City would retain the A-1 credit rating;
9 however, he stated that in order to retain the current status, it would require discipline on the part
10 of the City in regard to developing the plan. He cautioned the Council, however, not to forego
11 sound policy decisions simply to.retain the current rating. In other words, the current status
12 should not be a deciding point when it comes to what is best for the community.
13 Horst is hopeful that the Council will be able to meet again with Mr. Thistle to review funding is-
14 sues. He is anticipating that the current discussion is simply an overview of the Report and as
projects are accepted by the City, the Council would again discuss with Mr. Thistle proposed
T6 funding and financial issues.
17 Mr. Thistle suggested that he meet with the Council for an informal discussion and meeting to
18 review the Report in depth and discuss future projects.
19 Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Thistle and expressed appreciation for his presentation.
20 Mayor Cavanaugh called for a five.minute recess at 8:50 p.m.
21 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 8:57 p.m.
22 B. Short, Elliott, Hendrickson("SEH")Report on the Proposed Public Works Facility.
23 Morrison provided a brief overview of the purpose for the report from the firm of Short, Elliott,
24 Hendrickson, Inc. He stated that in 1999,the City Council identified the need for a new public
25. works facility and in that respect, directed City Staff to request proposals from firms to assist in
26 designing the new facility. In the spring and summer, the City received requests from six firms,
27 and from those six,the firm of Short, Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) was recommended by City
28 Staff to the City Council.
29 In August, SEH began the Space Needs Report, of which a copy is included in the Council's
meeting packet. The report has been prepared for some time now, but the City deemed it advis-
able to present the Report after the new Council was seated. The Report presents the first phase
32 of the building and is an excellent starting point for the new Council.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
Page 9
1 At that point, Morrison introduced Ms. Nancy Schultz, Principal Manager of SEH, and invited
2 her to address the Council
3 Ms. Schultz reviewed for the Council that the firm of SEH had been retained to.design the new
4 public works building. The firm had spent significant time interviewing the Public Works Staff,
5 taking inventory of the building, and looking at other facilities. She introduced the Staff in atten-
6 dance: Bob Moberg, Jason Zemke, and Lloyd Pauly.
7 Ms. Schultz stated that the purpose of their presentation was to provide.theCouncil with the
8 findings of SEH and to ask the Council to provide a sense of direction to SEH for the next step in
9 the concept for the new public works facility.
10 Ms. Schultz continued by stating that it was the mission of SEH to determine the need for im-
11 provements of the public works facility and those findings are provided in detail in the Report.
12 In short, Ms. Schultz stated that the existing public works building needs to be demolished and
13 replaced with a recommended 45,000 square foot facility that would set the pace for the future..
14 Ms. Schultz asked Mr. Zemke to review for the Council the graphic representation of the Space ;
Needs Report. Mr. Zemke distributed a colored graphic which indicated the current space and
0 the space recommended. He reviewed each page in detail for the Council,pointing out the need
17 for mechanical and storage spaces, as well as the justification surrounding the proposed square
18 footage.
19 Ms. Schultz directed the Council's attention to Section 6,page 26, of the Report and stated that
20 this page provided a summary of each of the phases that Mr. Zemke had reviewed from the
21 graphic design. The total probable construction cost is listed at between $4,808,925 and
22 $5,246,670 for an approximate total square footage of 45,000. Ms. Schultz wished to point out
23 that-there are other costs involved and, in that case, directed the Council's attention to page 27,
24 which listed the total project budget. Those items included, but were not limited to,professional
25 fees (engineers, architects,planners, etc.); legal fees, testing (soils, surveying, etc.), and other
26 miscellaneous fees associated with the new building, bringing the total estimated cost of the
27 Public Works Building to between $5,197,000 to $6,095,000.
28 Ms. Schultz asked Mr. Pauly to address the Council and provide a presentation on the public
29 works activities.
30 Mr. Pauly stated that it was determined that a need existed to assess the current and future needs
31 of the public works facility. He was asked to review the practices of the public works industry
32 for Minnesota and nationally. In that respect, he held a series of meetings with public works
staff and became familiar with the City's infrastructure.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2000
• Page 10
1 In that respect, Mr. Pauly directed the Council's attention to Section IV. of the Report entitled
2 "Best Practices." Mr. Pauly stated that the public works practices, programs, and involvement in
3 maintaining the City's infrastructure is consistent with what one might find in similar
4 communities in the area.
5 In fact, some of the responses, practices, and duties exceed those services of public works
6 operations found in similar sized communities. For example, the practice of routine curbside
7 brush pick up, the time frame of snow removal, the frequency of citywide street sweeping, and
8 the trained involvement of the Public Works Staff as volunteer fire fighters all exceed typical .
9 standards. Mr. Pauly commended the public works department on the excellent work and opera-
10 tion.
11 In addition, Mr. Pauly found zero areas where the public works department was deficient, except
12 for the ability to retain good public works records and this is caused simply by a lack of electrical
13 components and space. Otherwise, he felt the public works department was being well managed,
14 particularly under the circumstances.
15 In conclusion, Mr. Pauly stated that the Council has recognized the need to upgrade the mainte-
nance facility so that deficiencies can be corrected, equipment properly housed and maintained,
and to provide an environment to retain an effective, motivated public works staff. With that
18 change and access to current technology, those administrative practices, which are vital to good
19 asset management practices, can be achieved by placing St. Anthony in accordance with other
20 progressive public works agencies.
21 Cavanaugh expressed disappointment that he felt that Mr. Pauly's findings did not adequately
22 relate to the facility. In other words, he asked Mr. Pauly what his sense of housekeeping was for
23 the building
24 Mr. Pauly responded that there is a significant shortage of space in the building and good house-
25 keeping is a difficult task, particularly when there is a variety of functions taking place in the
26 building at the same time.
27 Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Pauly for his presentation and introduced Capt. John Ohl, in attendance
28 as a representative for the Police Department. Mr. Ohl wished to discuss the possibility of incor-
29 porating a firing range into the plans for the new public works building.
30 Mr. Ohl provided a background of the concept by directing the Council's attention to his memo
31 dated January 25, 2000 to Chief Engstrom. In this memo, Mr. Ohl stated that the Police Depart-
32 ment can no longer utilize the Robbinsdale Firing Range and thus has lost the ability to train in
�3 certain POST mandated areas.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 11
1 The Department,he stated, needs a facility in which multiple moving targets in a dim-light
2 setting can be used for training. Buying space at other facilities is expensive. In that respect, Mr.
3 Ohl presented photographs of existing ranges, both outside and inside, and expressed his support
4 for construction of a firing range in conjunction with the new Public Works Building.
5 Thuesen asked about the difficulty of obtaining range time and if Mr. Ohl foresaw that as a con-
6 tinuing trend. Mr. Ohl stated that he has been involved in researching this issue and found that,
7 although some proposals have been discussed.in surrounding areas, that the issues are compli-
8 cated. Outdoor ranges are being shut down, and there are new requirements regarding air
9 quality.
10 Thuesen remarked that if the Police Department is going to continue to be an asset for the City,
11 that appropriate training must be available.
12 Hodson inquired if the amenities for the proposed facility would coordinate with court standards.
13 Mr. Ohl stated that the issue of amenities for POST and court standards would be resolved in the
14 type of range that he has proposed.
Regarding outside revenues for the range, Hodson asked about the type of training that could be
006 brought into the City. In other words, could the City outsource the range to other agencies?
17 Mr. Ohl stated that outsourcing is a viable option for the future. A benefit of the range would be
18 to provide a higher level of training to the Police Department, as well as to provide gun safety
19 programs and have the potential to provide many other types of programs.
20 Sparks inquired about the process for obtaining solid answers to questions.
21 Mr. Ohl stated that first the Council needs to determine whether the funds are available to
22 provide a training range for the Police Department. He further stated that Hodson brought up
23 excellent points about outsourcing the range to provide for additional revenue.
24 Sparks stated it would be beneficial to obtain some solid figures in order to justify the project to
25 the public.
26 Hodson stated that the potential liability to the City for outsourcing the facility needed to be re-
27 viewed, but even more importantly,the liability to the City for the Police Department potentially
28 not receiving the required training.
29 Mr. Ohl stated that, although at this particular point, the Police Department does not have a place
for training, a place would be found and requirements for training kept in compliance. However,
ill Mr. Ohl stated that he is presenting an opportunity for the City to increase its level of service and
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 12
1 to decrease the level of liability by incorporating a firing range into the new public works
2 facility.
3 Thuesen offered that he would be reluctant to rely on outsourcing the range in order to justify the
4 project. The justification for the project stands alone, he stated, and he believed the Council
5 should explore funding for the project.
6 Horst requested clarification for the parking stalls as depicted on the proposal. Mr. Ohl stated
7 that the Department is requesting approximately seven spots at the Public Works Facility in
8 which to house the Department's vehicles from the elements.
9 Horst wished to confirm that impounded or confiscated vehicles would not be internally stored,
10 and Mr. Ohl assured him that interior storage would strictly be for Police Department vehicles.
11 Mr. Ohl stated that the Police Department is mandated by the State to forfeit certain vehicles
12 from DWI offenders and storage for those vehicles has become a burden for the Department.
13 The Police Department expects to require storage space for as many as 10-15 vehicles at any one
-14 time.
Cavanaugh reminded the Council that the firing range is about 10% of the total project. He re-
0 quested that Mr. Thistle, Capt. John Ohl, City Finance Director Roger Larson, and City Manager
17 Michael Morrison work together to arrive at numbers for the total cost of the firing range so that
18 the Council could appreciate the costs that are being considered.
19 Cavanaugh requested research and a memo from City Manager Michael Morrison regarding the
20 issue of possible liability for the City due to potentially inadequate training. Since Mr. Ohl has
21 mentioned there could be a potential for liability, the City needs to address that issue at length
22 and reconsider existing training practices. It had been Cavanaugh's understanding that there was
23 not a deficiency in training.
24 Mr. Ohl was prompt in assuring the Council that alternative ranges would be found and consid-
25 ered for training, and that there would not be a lapse in training. However, those ranges are ex-
26 pensive, and Mr. Ohl stated that he was simply proposing a future way for the Council to provide
27 excellent and potentially less expensive training for the Police Department.
28 Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Ohl for his presentation, ideas, and suggestions.
29 On another issue,Ms. Schultz addressed the findings on the proposed new fire station. It is a
30 possibility, she stated, to house the station on the public works site. There is room there, she
31 said, yet some compromises might need to be reached in order to fit both facilities on the same
site. She is suggesting a fire station comprising of approximately 9,000-10,000 square feet.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 13
1 Sparks inquired about the need for a new fire station. Momson responded that the current station
2 is located by the St. Anthony Shopping Center, which is being redeveloped. Although the
3 current fire station meets the needs of the community, the possibility has arisen that a new
4 location for a fire station could be needed and the City is trying to determine if costs would be
5 saved if both the fire station and public works facility was built at the same time. Additionally,
6 Morrison stated that some interest has been expressed by a developer to purchase the site of the
7 current fire station due to the redevelopment of the Shopping Center.
8 Hodson expressed concern whether the developer's interest was bonafide. Morrison said the in-
9 terest is real, but a dollar figure had not been negotiated.
10 Ms. Schultz asked for direction from the Council in regard to the Space Needs Report and the
11 next step.
12 In response to a concern about the total cost of the public works building, Ms. Schultz responded
13 that construction costs continue to rise and are rising at approximately 12%.
14 Sparks asked what could be done to make the project more financially manageable. In other
words, would it be possible for the City to provide for an excellent facility, yet be able to reduce
6 the total cost in some areas?
17 Ms. Schultz stated that the recommendation of SEH provides for a building that would last for a
18 - long time and provide for the optimal use and management of the public works department.
19 She further stated that she needs the Council to inform SEH of the total figure that can be funded
20 and then SEH will rework the design and return to the Council with a different plan.
21 Morrison confirmed that the City would request for SEH to suspend the project until the Council
22 could determine the total dollar figure that the City is comfortable with using.
23 In that respect, Cavanaugh directed Mr. Thistle to research options for the City to incorporate a
24 total dollar figure into the budget.
25 Thuesen expressed concern about compromising the building and the City's vision for the public
26 works department by cutting costs. He was apprehensive about ignoring the recommendations of
27 SEH in order to reduce the total dollar figure.
28 Cavanaugh stated that the building is currently providing an opportunity for the Public Works
29 Staff to provide services, but he suggested increasing the base of the current building by a
smaller amount than recommended by SEH in the Space Needs Report. Additionally, he
recommended resolving the code compliance and storage issues associated with the current
32 building.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 14
1 Thuesen suggested that the Council discuss this issue at the retreat in February.
2 Cavanaugh requested that Mr. Thistle of Springsted, Finance Director Roger Larson, and City
3 Manager Michael Mornson review the proposal and develop a recommendation regarding the
4 range of dollars the City has available to spend on a public works building. The Council will re-
5 view the recommendations and if a resolution is passed relating to such recommendations,then
6 that figure will be provided to SEH for development of a concept plan.
7 Motion by Horst to extend the meeting beyond the 10:30 p.m. time frame.
8 Motion carried unanimously
9 C. City Manager.
10 City Manager Michael Mornson directed the Council's attention to his memorandum of February
11 4, 2000 regarding pending and upcoming issues. Mornson proceeded to review the memo as fol-
12 lows:
13 1. Mornson met with the Mayor, School Board Chair, and School District Superintendent
this week to discuss the agenda for a future joint meeting.
15 2. Regarding the position of Fire Chief, seven individuals will be interviewed during the
16 week of February 14, 2000. The new Fire Chief would probably start around the middle of
17 March.
18 3. Management Assistant, Kim Moore-Sykes, has resigned to take a position with the City
19 of Ramsey as the Assistant Administrator. Mornson stated that Ms. Moore-Sykes has been a
20 valuable employee of the City of St. Anthony for five years and she will be greatly missed.
21 4. An open house is planned for Ms. Moore-Sykes and retiring Fire Chief Dick Johnson for
22 Friday, March 3, 2000 from 2:30-5:00 p.m.
23 5. Mornson stated that there are flood mitigation issues scheduled for the February 22, 2000
24 Council meeting. These are not complicated issues and the Council has been studying them for
25 some time, and will include: (a) plans and specifications for 29th Avenue; (b) determination of
26 the outcome for the three homes on Pahl Avenue; and(c) review of the flood grant program.
27 6. The neighborhood meeting with the Harding area residents will be held on February 29,
28 2000. Mornson stated that he plans to post that meeting and wished to remind the Councilmem-
29 hers who plan to attend,to do so as an observer.
•
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 15
1 7. On February 29, 2000,the Mayor and Mornson will meet with Ramsey County Commis-
2 sioners, City Managers, and Mayors from New Brighton and Roseville to discuss possible future
3 cooperative efforts.
4 8. The police services contracts for Falcon Heights and Lauderdale will be considered at a
5 March 14, 2000 meeting. Offers need to be presented to those cities by April 15 for 2001 serv-
6 ices.
7 9. Currently, there is a lack of an agenda for the March 28, 2000 Council meeting. Conse-
8 quently, the March 14 regular Council meeting might be the only meeting in March.
9 10. Mornson wished to remind the Councilmembers to turn in their list for the Volunteer
10 Dinner.
11 11. Momson provided a brief overview of Mr. Tankenoff's presentation and progress regard-
12 ing'Apache Plaza. He reconfirmed Cavanaugh's suggestions of a joint vision between with City
13 Council and the Planning Commission, and stated that he and other City Staff have met with Mr.
14 Tankenoff. Additionally, it would appear that the Council will have three main issues to
consider regarding the project: (a) zoning; (b)tax increment issue; and(c)requirements of the
6 Rice Creek Watershed District.
17 XI. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS. .
18 Horst reported that he attended the newly-elected officials retreat and found it to be very infor-
19 mative relating to government issues.
20 Additionally, Horst reported that he is looking forward to the Council's retreat in February.
21 Also, he wished to extend a warm welcome to Councilmember Hodson.
22 Horst reminded the Council that the Second Annual Chili Cookoff would be presented this week-
23 end. Tickets are available at the door, the Community Center, or Horst's store.
24 Hodson stated that he will be participating in the Chili Cookoff as well and wished to encourage
25 everyone to attend.
26 In addition, Hodson attended the retreat for newly-elected officials and felt the information pre-
27 sented was excellent.
28 Hodson stated that he is looking forward to being a member of the Council and expressed thanks
29 for the warm welcomes he has received.
•
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 8, 2000
Page 16
1 Thuesen reported that he had attended a program on conducting a campaign on identifying and
2 recognizing adults as role models. He felt the program was highly successful and very
3 interesting.
4 Sparks reported that the organization ACTION received notification that a grant is being received
5 from the Ramsey Council Family Collaborative.
6 Cavanaugh reported that he attended the Community Prevention Coalition meeting. He stated
7 that the meeting had an excellent turnout and provided fascinating information.
8 He also attended a retreat for Northwest Family Services.
9 Additionally, Cavanaugh reported that Mayor Coleman had hosted the Mayors for the Winter
10 Carnival. He stated that it was a wonderful event and enjoyable to meet with the other Mayors.
11 The Friends of the Library had a used book sale and netted$400.00.
12 Lastly,the Census 2000 kickoff was an amazing event and Cavanaugh was proud to have been a
part of the festivities.
14 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
15 A. Minutes from the January 25, 2000 Council Vacancy Interview Work Session.
16 No comments.
17 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
18 Motion by Hodson to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 p.m.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 Respectfully submitted,
21 Sue Selseth
22 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
23 /►+'
24 a or
05 ATTEST: V ,
26 City Clerk