HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 0422200810
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 22, 2008
CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL.
Present:
Absent:
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Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Roth, Stille, and Thuesen
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City Manager Mike Momson, City Attorney Jay Lindgren, Police Chief John Ohl,
Finance Director Roger Larson, and Bruce DeJong of Government Finance Officers
Association.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
I. APPROVAL OF APRIL 22, 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of April 22, 2008.
Motion carried unanimously.
IL PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
A. Presentation of the "Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting" by
Bruce DeJong. Government Finance Officers Association.
Mr. Bruce DeJong, Government Finance Officers Association, stated it is his privilege tonight to
present Finance Director Roger Larson with the Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in
Financial Reporting. This is a very difficult honor to achieve and requires a lot of work by
Finance Director Larson, the Finance Department and the department heads. He commended the
City Council and City Manager for supporting this endeavor. Mr. DeJong stated these reports are
very dense and provide a complete picture of the governmental finances. This amount of detail
allows the City to show the citizens that they are exercising proper stewardship over the funds,
property taxes and other resources entrusted to the City. There are only about 120 other units of
government in the state, which is less than 10 %, that have achieved this honor.
Mr. DeJong presented the Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting to
Finance Director Larson.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 2
Mayor Faust congratulated Finance Director Larson. He expressed his agreement with Mr.
DeJong's comments on the efforts made with all the departments working together. He stated the
elite company Finance Director Larson is in and being honored by his peers this way speaks well
for his dedication to the City.
B. Recognition of Police Office Mosby and Police Officer Dokken for their assistance in the
arrest made on March 28 2008. Police Chief John Ohl Presenting.
Police Chief Ohl announced they are here tonight to recognize two of the City's Police Officers,
Officer Dokken and Officer Mosby, on their response to a bank robbery on March 28, 2008. He
provided information on the officers' careers with the St. Anthony Police Department and
commended them on their service.
Officer Dokken and Officer Mosby provided information on the response to the March 28, 2008
bank robbery at Twin City Federal Bank on Silver Lake Road, which included a high speed
chase and the suspect being shot by police after pointing his handgun at officers when his vehicle
was stopped.
Police Chief Ohl stated Officer Mosby and Officer Dokken saved the suspect's life by applying
first aid after he was shot. Officer Mosby kept custody of the suspect, rode to the hospital in the
ambulance, and maintained custody of the suspect until he was relieved by the FBI. Officer
Dokken remained at the shooting scene and assisted in coordinating the investigation of the
shooting and robbery. This suspect has been linked to five other bank robberies and was
escalating both the frequency and violence of his robberies. Police Chief Ohl commended
Officer Mosby and Officer Dokken on their performance and presented them with the
Department Commendation Award (5 -403).
Mayor Faust stated Officer Mosby and Officer Dokken serve the whole City and put themselves
in harms way. He thanked their wives, parents and children for the work they do on behalf of the
City. He expressed his gratitude to the officers and stated duty, honor and country are credos
these gentlemen live by. He stated the officers did this classically and perfectly the way they
were trained.
III. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Consider April 8 2008 Council Meeting Minutes.
B. Consider licenses and permits.
C. Consider pM nent of claims.
D. Resolution 08-029, a Donation from Wal *Mart Comoration to defrav costs of
the St. Anthony Police Department Citizen's Academy.
Councilmember Stille requested the following correction to the April 8, 2008 Council meeting
minutes: Page 3, line 21: " Councilmember Thuesea Stille requested..."
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Consent
Agenda items with the above amendment to the April 8, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 3
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4 IV. PUBLIC HEARING.
Motion carried unanimously.
6 A. 2009 Budget Mike Morrison City Manager and Roger Larson, Finance Director.
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8 Mayor Faust opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
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10 City Manager Morrison stated the public hearing tonight provides an opportunity for the public to
11 comment on the 2009 budget. He provided information on the following highlights of the 2008
12 budget:
13 ■ General Operating Fund Budget $4,998,600
14 ■ General Fund Levy $2,796,900
15 ■ Average Taxable Market Valuation $ 265,000
16 ■ Average City Portion of Property Taxes $ 1,155.51
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18 City Manager Morrison stated moving forward with the 2009 budget process, the budget will be
19 impacted by a salary increase based on the contract with the three unions, an increase in the
20 employer health insurance contribution, and escalation of fuel prices. He reviewed the 2009
21 budget schedule with the Council.
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23 Mayor Faust stated the public is welcome to provide input on the budget. He pointed out that the
24 City has been judicious in how they expend the City's money, and the budget process takes a lot
25 of work by Council and staff. The City department heads get involved with the Council on
26 capital improvement projects to ensure that there are not peaks and valleys in the taxes.
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28 Councilmember Stille informed the public that Council goes through the budget line by line with
29 staff.
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31 Mayor Faust closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
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33 Motion carried unanimously.
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35 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
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37 None.
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39 VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
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41 A. Consider Ordinance 08 -002: Sign Ordinance (Final Reading).
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43 City Manager Morrison stated this is the third and final reading of the Sign Ordinance. The City
44 has been working on this ordinance for over one year as a result of a workshop on Land Use and
45 Zoning issues that the League of Minnesota Cities sponsored. He noted Section 1400.08, Subd. 6
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 4
includes language regarding local election signs as exempted non - commercial signs, as was
discussed during the second reading of the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Faust pointed out that as they have done in the past, the City will continue regulating
itself on city election and school board signs on years where there are only local elections.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Third and
Final Reading and Adopt Ordinance 08 -002; Sign Ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Consider Ordinance 08 -003: Housing Code Ordinance (Final Reading).
City Manager Morrison stated this is the third and final reading of the Housing Code Ordinance
to address property maintenance code changes. The City has been working on this ordinance for
approximately one year. This ordinance will also adopt the International Property Maintenance
Code (IPMC) as an enforceable document as it pertains to St. Anthony rental property. He noted
the definition of rental unit in Section 1336.00, Subd. 22 has been changed based on discussion
at the second reading. City Manager Morrison stated there are other possible smaller amendments
to be added in the future. This ordinance is a work on progress.
Mayor Faust noted storage pods will now be limited under Section 1335.09, Subd. 9: Temporary
Storage Units.
Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Stifle, to approve Third and Final
Reading and Adopt Ordinance 08 -003; Housing Code Ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
C. Consider Ordinance 08 -004; Chapter 6 — Fees, Rates, and Charges (Second Reading).
City Manager Morrison stated this is the second reading of the Fees, Rates and Charges
Ordinance. The proposed ordinance will increase rental license fees from $7 to $10 per unit with
a $150 minimum fee. This ordinance is in conjunction with the Property Maintenance Ordinance
that was just adopted. He advised the additional revenue raised through the increased fees will be
used to hire an additional part time code enforcement officer.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Second
Reading of Ordinance 08 -004; Chapter 6 — Fees, Rates, and Charges.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. Consider Ordinance 08 -005; Chapter 9; Chapter 9 — Parking During Snow Removal (First
Reading).
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 5
City Manager Morrison reviewed the ordinance with the Council and indicated that this is the
first reading of the proposed ordinance related to parking during snow removal. He noted
Council has expressed an interest in considering a change to the city ordinance on parking during
snow removal. The current ordinance states that on -street parking is not allowed from November
Vito April ls` between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. City Manager Morrison reviewed the
proposed change to the ordinance:
No person shall park a vehicle on any city street for period of 48 hours, commencing
immediately after two (2) inches or more of continuous snowfall or until snow removal
has been completed curb to curb. This ordinance will sunset on July 1, 2009.
City Manager Morrison noted the sunset date of July 1, 2009 will allow evaluation of whether the
ordinance should be continued or changes should be made.
Mayor Faust noted that this ordinance seems to put more of a burden on the individual to be
cognizant of when there is a two inch snowfall to move their vehicle. However, when the streets
are clear parking will be allowed on the streets. Snow emergencies will be communicated to the
residents on the City website, channel 16, electric sign boards, and any other sources they can
use. This will be more reasonable in that it does not ban parking on City streets from November
1" to April I". The sunset of the ordinance will provide a good chance to see how it works.
Councilmember Stille pointed out this will make enforcement consistent with how the Police
Department deals with the cities of Lauderdale and Falcon Heights. The three readings of the
proposed ordinance provide an opportunity for the public to comment, and the sunset of the
ordinance allows them to evaluate whether or not to approve the ordinance again next year.
Councilmember Roth pointed out that residents can contact City Hall if they have questions on
whether the snow ordinance is in effect.
Mayor Faust suggested the answering system at City Hall include an announcement about the
snow ordinance being in effect if a two inch snowfall is declared.
Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve First
Reading of Ordinance 08 -005; Chapter 9 — Parking During Snow Removal.
Motion carried unanimously.
E. Quarterly Goals Review. Mike Morrison, City Manager.
City Manager Morrison reviewed that the City Goal Setting Retreat was held on January 10 —11,
2008. The goals were adopted by the City Council on March 25, 2008. This year they have
changed the structure of the goals to be considered more long term. They are looking at these
goals in five year increments which will be updated and reviewed annually at a Goal Setting
Retreat. He provided a summary of accomplishments and plans on the Five Goals:
1. Environmental Stewardship
2. Improve and Maintain Infrastructure
3. Technology Advances
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 6
1 4. Maintain/Improve Housing Stock
2 5. Senior Transitions
4 Councilmember Thuesen inquired if it is foreseen that there could be updates regarding the
5 Silver Lake Road Project on the City website more frequently than the planned two week
6 intervals if there are changes in the project due to weather, etc.
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8 City Manager Morrison replied if there are major changes to the project the website would likely
9 be updated more frequently, but the current plan is every two weeks. A newsletter will be going
10 out shortly to the residents on Silver Lake Road giving the basic outline of the project, and that
11 newsletter will also be posted on the website.
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13 Mayor Faust indicated the State Auditor will be coming out with a report on best practices for
14 energy equipment that other cities have used to be sure that cities are getting the best bang for the
15 buck. He noted the list under Environmental Stewardship and Rehabilitation will be continually
16 added to. Regarding issues under Tasks and Timeline, he noted there will need to be discussion
17 regarding plans for Senior Transitions. He requested input from the Council regarding the issue
18 of a Single Garbage Hauler.
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20 Councilmember Stille suggested forming a task force and receiving community input on the
21 Single Garbage Hauler topic.
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23 Consensus of the City Council was to direct City Manager Morrison to begin the process of
24 forming a task force to address the topic of a Single Garbage Hauler in the City, and to present
25 Council with a recommendation on how and when the task force would begin and the proposed
26 members of the Committee.
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28 Mayor Faust noted typically two councihnembers serve on task forces. This provides ability for
29 feedback to the rest of the Council and ensures that the Council is hearing from the residents on
30 the task force.
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32 Councihnembers Roth and Stille volunteered to serve on the Single Garbage Hauler Task Force.
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34 City Manager Morrison indicated Council will be provided with a staff report and resolution to
35 set up the process of forming the task force and applications will be taken. It will likely be 60 to
36 90 days out before the task force begins.
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38 Mayor Faust requested councilmembers to consider items listed on the Tasks and Timeline that
39 require input from the Council.
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41 City Manager Morrison noted in past years Council has reviewed the goals and held a City tour
42 midyear. He suggested scheduling this type of exercise in the fall this year due to the goals
43 having been established later this year.
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45 Motion carried unanimously.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 7
I VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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3 City Manager Morrison reported on the following:
4 ■ The third Citizens Academy graduation is upcoming
5 ■ Silver Lake Road Project bond sale is upcoming
6 ■ There will be a meeting held with the cities of St. Anthony, Minneapolis, Roseville, and
7 the Three Rivers Park District on maintenance issues to be cleared up in relation to
8 Northeast Diagonal Trail.
9 ■ He and 15 members of City staff attended Loss Control Seminars this past month put on
10 by the League of Minnesota Cities Trust.
11 ■ He and Police Chief Ohl, as well as other cities close to St. Paul, have been meeting with
12 St. Paul staff regarding the upcoming Republican Convention. The City of St. Paul is
13 proposing a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for additional police assistance that may be
14 required for mutual aid. The League of Minnesota Cities is reviewing the proposed JPA
15 on behalf of the cities that surround St. Paul. The benefit to St. Anthony is that if the
16 Police Department is called out on a mutual aid request related to the event they will be
17 reimbursed for the officers' time through funds set aside from the federal government.
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19 City Manager Morrison commended Finance Director Larson on receiving the Certificate of
20 Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
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22 Mayor Faust noted the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust has raised their rates.
23 Fortunately the City of St. Anthony has not had issues similar to those that have been occurring
24 in the City of Maplewood with the City Council and staff saying things that are not appropriate
25 and ending up in litigation. It is important for the public to realize that some cities do not work as
26 well as this city does with staff, elected officials, and residents.
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28 Councilmember Gray reported on attending the following events:
29 ■ VillageFest Committee Meeting on Tuesday, April 15`h. The parade route is being
30 finalized, the Committee reviewed a map of where the activities will take place, and it
31 was discussed that there may be fireworks.
32 ■ Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 17`h. He congratulated Brian
33 Brady on receiving the 2008 Villager of the Year Award and Wireless World for
34 receiving the 2008 St. Anthony Business of the Year Award.
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36 Mayor Faust explained that VillageFest is not run by the City; it is an event run by volunteers
37 and Councihnember Gray serves as the Council liaison. The committee is always looking for
38 volunteers; anyone interested in participating should contact the Committee Chair Juliann
39 Hunter.
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41 Councilrember Roth indicated he has nothing to report.
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43 Councihnember Stille reported on attending the following events:
44 Sister City Committee Meeting on April 13`h. The Committee is working on the
45 possibility of sending a couple of students to Salo, Finland in February 2009. A visit is
46 planned from the Sister City the first week of June.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 8
Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting/Award Banquet on April 17th. He congratulated
Shelly Freeman for receiving a special award. She has an extreme dedication to the
community and the Chamber recognized her for the gifts she has provided to the school,
which in turn enhances our quality of life.
St. Anthony New Brighton Schools Event on April 2151 with speaker Dr. David Walsh on
the topic of "Say Yes to No ".
Councilmember Thuesen reported on attending the following events:
• Joint Legislative Conference on April 10`11
• Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Annual Meeting on April 17th. New Board
members were elected and State Economist Thomas Stinson spoke on his perspective of
things we need to see for this economy to rebound.
Mayor Faust reported on attending the following events:
• Joint Legislative Conference on April 10[11: The conference was attended by cities,
counties, school boards and townships. They were able to meet with senators and
representatives. One thing that was discussed by the legislators was cutting out all the
policy issues in the laws; in the last 1 'h weeks they have seen a lot of the policy issues go
away with more discussion about the issues.
• Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Meeting on April 14th.
There was discussion on developing a logo.
• League of Minnesota Cities Board Meeting on April 17th.
• Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting/Award Banquet on April 17th. He stated his
support for the recipients of the Villager of the Year and Business of the Year and the
special recognition for Shelly Freeman.
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.
Ms. Sang Tran, 3121 Rankin Road, appeared before the Council and stated she is present to
request approval to keep chicks as pets. The breed they want to get are miniature chickens and
they are looking to keep females so there will not be a noise issue.
Mayor Faust asked if Ms. Sang Tran has spoken with staff about her request.
Ms. Sang Tran replied she sent a letter requesting approval and Kim Sykes -Moore said she
should come here and speak informally even though it is not on the agenda.
City Manager Mornson indicated Ms. Sang Tran's request will be presented to the Council at the
May 13, 2008 City Council meeting.
Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2008
Page 9
IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Mayor Faust encouraged everyone to become informed on the upcoming referendum on May
20`h. There is a notice running on Channel 16 and the School District will be sending out an
informational letter.
Mayor Faust stated the Council was in the midst of two heroes tonight when Officer Dokken and
Officer Mosby were presented with their awards. He requested City Manager Mornson to convey
this to the officers and stated as residents they need to be cognizant that the officers really went
out of their way and did the right thing. He recognized the heroes in Public Works that go down
in dark damp holes and put themselves in harms way.
Councilmember Roth announced the following upcoming events:
■ Village Gardeners Annual Plant Sale scheduled for Wednesday, May 14`h from 9:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. at Chadworth Greenhouses on old Highway 8 in New Brighton. He noted the
event helps the Village Gardeners raise money to beautify the City.
Northwest Youth and Family Services Annual Luncheon at Midland Hills Country Club
on May 7`h from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additional information is available at
www.nwfs.org.
X. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Faust adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Hamer
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
ATTEST: A&UL�J&�
City Clerk tj
Motion carried unanimously.
c\zz�c� -ee�
—4ayor