HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 05132008I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 MAY 13, 2008
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5 CALL TO ORDER.
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7 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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11 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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13 ROLL CALL.
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15 Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Roth, Stille, and Thuesen
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17 Also Present: City Manager Mike Momson.
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20 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
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23 I. APPROVAL OF MAY 13, 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
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25 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the City
26 Council Meeting Agenda of May 13, 2008.
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28 Motion carried unanimouslv.
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30 H. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
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32 A. Recognition of the Citizen's Academy Graduates. Police Chief John Ohl presenting_
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34 Police Chief Ohl thanked the Council for the recognition of the Citizen's Academy graduates.
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36 Officer Sunde thanked the members of the Citizen's Academy and provided a brief overview of
37 the Citizen's Academy Program.
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39 Councilmember Thuesen stated the members of the Citizen's Academy came into this a little
40 unsure of what it would be about with different levels of knowledge about the police force. It
41 was a very educational experience and they should all be proud of the professionalism of the
42 officers and the staff involved with the program. He stated he is very proud of St. Anthony's
43 police force and would not trade it for any department in the Twin Cities. He recommended any
44 citizens that would like to learn more about the police force, and in general about police
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47 Mr. Roger Antilla expressed his sincere appreciation for what first responders do and thanked
48 everyone involved in putting on Citizen's Academy. He encouraged anyone who has the
49 opportunity to attend Citizen's Academy to do so.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 2
Police Chief Ohl and Officer Sunde presented a certificate of completion to the graduates of
Citizen's Academy.
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Mayor Faust stated the individuals that participated in Citizen's Academy really participated in
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community policing. When the public joins in this way it shows the dedicated public servants
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that their work is appreciated. He recognized Wal *Mart for contributing $1,500 to the next
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Citizen's Academy.
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III.
CONSENT AGENDA.
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A. Consider April 22, 2008 Council meeting minutes
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B. Consider licenses and permits.
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C. Consider payment of claims.
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D. Resolution 08 -030, Accepting a Donation from Wal *Mart Corporation for the St
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Anthony Police Department Citizen's Academy.
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E. Resolution 08 -031; Approving the City of St Anthony and the St Anthony — New
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Brighton School District Improvements Between the City of St Anthony and the St
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Anthony —New Brighton School District #282
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F. Resolution 08 -032; Transferring of Funds to the 2007 Street Reconstruction Project
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Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve the Consent
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Agenda items.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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IV.
PUBLIC HEARING.
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None.
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V.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
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None.
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VI.
GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
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A. Consider Resolution 08 -033• Request to Keep Bantam Silkie Chickens as Pets in an R -1
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Zoning District.
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City Manager Momson reviewed the resolution with the Council and indicated that on April 10,
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2008 Ms. Sang Tran approached staff about the process to keep chickens in a residential area. He
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reviewed the provision of the City Code, Chapter 12, Section 1210.02, which states "No person
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may keep swine, cattle, horses, goats, or more than two dogs or three dogs allowed under City
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Ordinance 515 or fowl, within the City nearer than 500 feet to any human habitation or platted
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land, without approval of the Council. The Council may, before approving or denying any
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request for approval, request a report from the Health Officer concerning the effect on public
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 3
health." City Manager Mornson stated staff contacted Hennepin County Public Health and was
told that approval of the request was under the City's jurisdiction.
4 Councilmember Roth suggested an overall review of the St. Anthony Ordinance Section 1210 —
5 Animals Prohibited as Nuisances. He noted the review is likely beyond the scope of the
6 discussion on this specific request.
8 Ms. Sang Tran, 3121 Rankin Road, stated they look at keeping the chickens as a good
9 opportunity for their kids to take care of a pet. They chose Bantam Silkies because they are little;
10 her mom raised them in Saigon and kept them strictly as pets. She stated her position that it is
11 good to be culturally diverse and have different options in the City.
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13 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Resolution No.
14 08 -033, Request to Keep Bantam Silkie Chickens as Pets in an R -I Zoning District.
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16 A friendly amendment was requested by Councilmember Stille and was accepted, that
17 Resolution No. 08 -033 be amended as follows: "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that
18 the City of St. Anthony has completed its consideration of the request for approval to keep as
19 pets, no more than three female the Bantam Silkie chickens..."
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21 Councilmember Stille pointed out that they can try this situation and see how it works, and they
22 are not required to allow it somewhere else.
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24 Councilmember Thuesen stated his opposition to granting this request. He stated he has talked to
25 a variety of residents; there is a concern that this will open up the gates with the potential for
26 animals such as potbelly pigs, ponies, pheasants, etc. He does not see chickens as a good pet for
27 the City and this could set a precedent for more people. He stated his agreement with a review of
28 the ordinance.
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30 Councilmember Gray stated his position that the adoption of the proposed resolution is a good
31 way to proceed. He stated the person requesting this carne forward and asked for permission,
32 while she could have gone ahead with the chickens and no one would have likely found out. He
33 stated the City has enough controls that this will not get out of hand, and the Council has the
34 ability to say no in the future for something that would be more intrusive. From what he has read,
35 keeping these chickens is nothing more than owning a cat or dog.
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37 Mayor Faust stated he believes there is a reason they did not allow livestock in the community,
38 but on the other hand thinks that may be archaic. As far as this getting out of hand, even if the
39 ordinance is not changed everyone is required to come before the Council and request permission
40 for this type of situation. He stated his support of reviewing the ordinance. He pointed out that
41 there is a good faith effort on the part of this applicant. There are many people that come from
42 different backgrounds that need to be given opportunities. If this situation goes awry the
43 resolution can be rescinded, and in the meantime they can look at making situations that may
44 come up with animals like llamas or horses a little more difficult to handle.
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46 Ayes — 4, Nays —1 ( Thuesen). Motion carried
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 4
B. Consider Resolution 08 -034; Approval of the Sale of General Obligation Street
Reconstruction Bonds Series 2008A for Silver Lake Road Reconstruction. Stacie
Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates presenting.
Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, presented Council with the bid tabulation for
$1,910,000 General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2008A. She advised it is
recommended that Council award the bid to Cronin & Company, Inc. The bid received by
Cronin & Company, Inc. was $1,918,748.65 with a net interest cost of $689,342.18 and a true
interest rate of 3.8263 %.
Councilmember Roth requested information regarding the listing of personal property of $2.4
million in Hennepin County and $900,000 in Ramsey County.
Ms. Kvilvang indicated she will provide Council with the requested information.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Roth, to adopt Resolution 08-
034, Approval of the Sale of General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds Series 2008A for
Silver Lake Road Reconstruction.
Motion carried unanimously.
C. Ordinance 08 -004; Chapter 6 — Fees, Rates, and Charges. Mike Mornson, City Manager
presenting. (Final Reading)
City Manager Mornson reviewed the ordinance with the Council and indicated this is the third
and final reading of the proposed amendments to multi - family license fees. The adoption of this
ordinance will increase fees from $7 to $10 per unit and establish a $150 base fee. This
ordinance is coming forward in conjunction with the housing code ordinance adopted last month.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Third and
Final Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 08 -004, Chapter 6 — Fees, Rates, and Charges.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. Ordinance 08 -005; Chapter 9 — Parking During Snow Removal. Mike Mornson, City
Manager presenting. (Second Reading)
City Manager Mornson reviewed the ordinance with the Council and indicated this is the second
reading of the proposed ordinance related to parking during snow removal. The ordinance will
sunset on July 1, 2009. He reported three calls have been received from residents objecting to the
proposed change.
Councilmember Roth inquired about the ability for a prompt into a voice box to inform residents
that call City Hall whether or not snow removal restrictions are in effect.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 5
City Manager Momson indicated this type of system could be put in place. He noted this
ordinance will only be in effect for a one -year period, which will allow them to monitor how
well the changes are working.
Councilmember Thuesen requested clarification on whether vehicles that are parked on a city
street overnight when two inches of snow have accumulated will be towed, or whether the
vehicle can remain parked until the snow has stopped.
City Manager Morrison replied his interpretation of the ordinance is that the vehicle would be
subject to a citation or tow once two inches have snow has accumulated. Typically there would
be a citation issued.
Councilmember Thuesen stressed that residents should know if their vehicle will be towed if it is
left on the street.
City Manager Mornson stated in the past remedies or penalties have not been listed in the
ordinance; they have been left up to the Police Department. He noted when there is a snowfall it
is difficult to get towing companies out; it is easier to issue the citation and hopefully the car will
be moved the next day. There are currently rules in the city ordinance under general rules of
parking that state if there is a car sitting for a period of hours the City has the ability to take other
steps, whether there is snow or not. This amendment just relates to two inches or more of snow,
versus the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. He indicated Council can add additional amendments
to the ordinance if they choose.
Councilmember Thuesen stated this is a major change and to be fair to the residents they need to
be as clear as possible on what will happen. The better this is done, possibly the better the
acceptance will be by the community.
Mayor Faust pointed out that the question regarding a citation or towing could have been asked
under the current ordinance. It is a police issue and currently if someone is parked between 3:00
a.m. and 7:00 a.m. between November 1St and April 1St they are issued a citation even though it is
not stated in the ordinance. In some ways this is a change and in other ways it is actually a little
more lenient. The current ordinance was arbitrarily picked from November 1St to April 1St, and
this ordinance may be a little more flexible in putting more control in the hands of the
individuals.
Councilmember Thuesen stated for the most part he agrees and thinks this ordinance is worth
trying, especially with the sunset. He would like to raise some questions to think about in order
to make this as seamless as possible, and it should be considered that with the change there will
likely be more vehicles on the streets at night because most people now realize they cannot park
overnight on city streets.
Mayor Faust noted the Council agrees that there should be a sunset on the ordinance and it does
not necessarily need to remain the way it is currently written. He pointed out that previously
there have been people that have been issued citations in November and December when there
was no snow on the ground, and they are trying to reach a balance with the change.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 6
Councilmember Roth pointed out that in changing the ordinance as it is written it will better
align with the two cities where St. Anthony provides policing service and should help the
officers in doing their job. Over time the three cities could possibly work out an ordinance with
similar regulations.
7 Councilmember Gray stated he hopes the residents see that with this ordinance they are trying to
8 be less restrictive during times when there is no snow. Yet it does not only snow overnight, and
9 if there is a two -inch snowfall at 10:00 a.m. they probably do not want cars on the street when
10 the plows are out. This is a one -year trial and the City will be listening for concerns from the
I 1 residents and the snowplow operators. The idea is to make it friendlier to the residents who have
12 their cars out overnight.
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14 Councilmember Stille stated he can support this on a trial basis. He will be looking to see how
15 crisp and clean the streets are and if they are plowed neatly. If there are things that do not go
16 quite right they will find those out.
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18 Mr. Jim McNulty, 2921- 33rd Avenue, addressed the Council and stated his concern that he just
19 learned about this ordinance today on the second reading. He commented on the many times he
20 has heard that the City of St. Anthony does a good job of plowing their streets. He stated it is not
21 only night they have to worry about; if there are people you do not know that park in front of
22 your house and the plows come along you are stuck with the big pile. He stated it will take the
23 plows longer to plow the village and then they will have to go back to all the places where they
24 had to go around parked cars. He stated there was a situation in his neighborhood where there is
25 a house that is suspect with traffic; the Police Department is aware of it and the cars are coming
26 and going all night long. He expressed concern with the street being opened up for these
27 individuals to park all night long; all year long. He also expressed concern that a trial basis will
28 result in a situation like in Minneapolis where there are so many rules and regulations that the
29 people are confused, and if the new rules are removed with the sunset of the ordinance there will
30 be more confusion. He stated he has talked to quite a few people and this is not a popular thing.
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32 Mayor Faust stated the plowing will not be any less effective, and as far as having vehicles on
33 the street longer that is not really known. There is a lot of conjecture on both sides and the
34 Council believes in the trial basis, which is what they did with single sort recycle hauling as well
35 so they could look at the data.
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37 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Roth, to approve the Second
38 Reading of Ordinance 08 -005, Chapter 9 — Parking During Snow Removal.
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40 Motion carried unanimously.
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42 E. Consider Resolution 08 -035; Authorizing the City Manager to begin advertising for Task
43 Force Members to research a Single Garbage Hauler within the City of St. Anthony and
44 Atmointing Members thereto. Mike Morrison. Citv Manager mesentina.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 7
City Manager Morrison reviewed the resolution with the Council and indicated the resolution
authorizes the City Manager to begin advertising for Task Force Members to research a Single
Garbage Hauler within the City and appointing members. Staff will advertise for the task force in
the St. Anthony Bulletin as well as on the City website. Applications will be taken through June
13, 2008. Assistant City Manager Kim Moore -Sykes will be the staff liaison for the task force.
City Council representatives are Councilmembers Roth and Stille. The City Council will appoint
the task force at the June 24, 2008 City Council meeting. City Manager Morrison stated Council
has been provided with an article from the City of Prior Lake that is currently going through this
process and a summary of Minnesota Statute I I5A.94 which was initiated by the garbage haulers
two to three years ago. Based on other cities efforts to tackle this issue the haulers will likely
notify their customers via postcards and will likely contact the City Council. Staff's position is
that the Council is setting up a task force to look at this option at this time.
Mayor Faust noted the Council's Environmental Goal in researching a single garbage hauler as a
viable option. He stressed the importance of having a clear dialogue with the community and
finding out the community's desires on this before beginning any sort of a formal process. He
noted the resolution specifically states that the task force will research a single garbage hauler
within the City. He verified with City Manager Momson that the task force meetings will be
open to the public to attend.
Councilmember Roth asked how many people normally would make up a task force.
Mayor Faust stated from past experience the City has a very volunteering community. Task force
groups have always had about 7 to 10 members at a minimum, and a couple may have had up to
25 members. It has seemed to be a very self - regulating, self - interested type of approach to things
with people who are interested in each task force for different reasons.
Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to adopt Resolution 08-
035, Authorizing the City Manager to begin advertising for Task Force Members to research a
Single Garbage Hauler within the City of St. Anthony and Appointing Members thereto.
Motion carried unanimously.
VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
City Manager Morrison reported on the following:
• Councilmembers have been provided with his presentation to the city manager group on
civic engagement and on how to be a more effective board member.
■ The Metropolitan Council will not be adding the I/I Surcharge to the City's wastewater
treatment charges due to the City's work in satisfying its total I/I Surcharge on applicable
projects. This will result in a savings to the City of $236,600.
2008 Employee Recognition Program with recognizing 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 -year
employees of the City.
■ Overview of the proposed Emerald Park Schedule.
■ Rice Creek Watershed District is providing the City with $50,000 for the Storm Water
Reuse Plan.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 8
A meeting was held with Minneapolis Parks and Council Member Ostrow with a
discussion on the missing link of Grand Round Trail. The Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board will hear a report on May 2151. The information received was that St.
Anthony Boulevard and Stinson Boulevard are the two options for the missing link.
Staff's position is that this is a Minneapolis issue and should remain a Minneapolis issue.
7 Councilmember Roth noted work has commenced with the removal of sidewalk and they will be
8 redoing the entire bike path to the Camden Bridge this year. On the Minneapolis side they will be
9 putting in a 10 -foot wide cement sidewalk/bike path where there once was a sidewalk. He
10 suggested rather than the name of the Minneapolis Grand Round Trail, that the trail could be
11 renamed as the Minneapolis /St. Anthony Grand Round Trail.
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13 Mayor Faust stated he was a little disappointed with the meeting. It appears that the
14 recommendation is a 10 -foot concrete bike /walking path on the north side of St. Anthony
15 Boulevard, which the City of St. Anthony has not given approval to, and they will not do so until
16 they hear from their constituents. He stated if this is approved it needs to be for a position that
17 reflects the desires of the residents and is good for the City of St. Anthony, and they need to be
18 very cautious in how they enter into an agreement in relation to maintenance and plowing.
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20 Councilmember Roth stated he has received one letter in favor of putting a bike path through St.
21 Anthony from a resident that lives on St. Anthony Boulevard. He noted this will likely get some
22 interest from people that enjoy biking, especially with the cost of gas.
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24 City Manager Mornson reported on the following:
25 A Multi- Jurisdictional meeting on NE Diagonal was attended by the Public Works
26 Director, the Police Chief, and himself. There was discussion regarding who will do the
27 maintenance on the non - Minneapolis part of the trail, which includes the cities of St.
28 Anthony and Roseville. There was also discussion on complaints about dogs running at
29 large. The Three Rivers Park District will do maintenance for St. Anthony, the cities of
30 Roseville and Minneapolis will do maintenance in their cities, and each jurisdiction will
31 enforce the dog ordinance.
32 The Silver Lake Road Construction Project started yesterday. Information is posted on
33 the City website and included in the newsletter. The City is working in cooperation with
34 Hennepin County, but the County has made it clear that this is a Hennepin County
35 project. Information will be updated as the project progresses.
36 • The Water Reuse Bid Award scheduled for the May 27th meeting will be pushed to June
37 10th.
38 ■ The audit scheduled for the June 10`h meeting may be held off until June 24th.
39 • The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for this month has been cancelled.
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41 Councilmember Stille reported he received an email from the School District stating that the
42 Silver Lake Road Project will be under construction until later in 2009. It should be noted that
43 the majority of the project will be completed in fall of 2008.
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45 City Manager Morrison stated 85% of the project is projected to be complete November 1, 2008.
46 Landscaping and punch list items will likely be held off until the spring.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 9
Mayor Faust requested City Manager Morrison to pass on the Council's thanks to the employees
included in the Employee Recognition Program for their dedication to the City of St. Anthony.
Councilmember Roth reported on the following:
• The Village Gardeners Annual Plant Sale is scheduled for tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.
Last week Mayor Faust, Councilmember Stille, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the
Assistant City Manager and himself attended the Northwest Youth and Family Services
Annual Luncheon Fundraiser. It was a good success and he appreciates everyone that
attended.
Councilmember Stille reported City Clean Up Day was held on May 3'a
Councilmember Thuesen stated he has nothing to report.
Councilmember Gray reported City Clean Up Day was held on May 3 d. He noted there was not
as much garbage collected as previously with one empty dumpster at the end of the day.
Mayor Faust reported on the following:
• On April 25`h he welcomed Hidden Treasures at the St. Anthony Shopping Center. This is
a public organization/thrift shop in the old Snyder Drug area that helps people and gives
to overseas areas.
• On April 28`h he attended the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
(MWMO) Logo and Visioning Meeting. They came up with a logo that will be more
inviting and instructive. The logo was approved at today's MWMO meeting.
• April 291h was the joint quarterly meeting with Independent School District 282.
• City Clean Up Day was held on May 3'd.
• Last week he attended the Northwest Youth and Family Services Annual Luncheon. The
luncheon was attended by impressive people that talked about how Northwest Youth and
Family Services changed their lives.
VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
IX.
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Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
are not on the regular agenda.
Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Mayor Faust announced that the Silver Lake Road Project has commenced.
ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Faust adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:27 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
Page 10
2 Respectfully submitted,
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5 Carol Hamer
6 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
7 C..
8
9 / `( M yor
10 ATTEST:
11 City Clerk
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