HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 03132007CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 13, 2007
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5 CALL TO ORDER.
6 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
9 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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ROLL CALL.
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Absent:
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Mayor Faust; Council members Gray, Horst, Stille, and Thuesen.
None.
City Manager Mike Mornson, City Engineer Todd Hubmer, Director of
Public Works Director Jay Hartman, Fire Chief John Malenick, Police
Chief John Ohl, Liquor Operations Manager Mike Larson, Finance
Director Roger Larson, and City Attorney, Jerry Gilligan.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
I. APPROVAL OF MARCH 13, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Horst, Seconded by Councilmember Gray, go approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of March 13, 2007.
Motion carried unanimously
II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
Police Chief John Ohl addressed the Council introduced Mr. Bob O'Brien, Safe and Sober
representative the St. Anthony region of the State Minnesota. He pointed out Mr. O'Brien
Mr. O'Brien addressed the Council and stated he works for the Department of Public Safety,
Office of Traffic Safety and is the Law Enforcement liaison for the Metro area overseeing the
Safe and Sober program. He stated it is not just about enforcement, it is also about education
and working with the media to let citizens know what is happening with the Safe and Sober
program. He stated the St. Anthony Police Department took part in the December 2006
mobilization and was been awarded a prize. Mr. O'Brien mentioned Chief Ohl opted to take the
five educational opportunities worth about $3,000.
Mr. O'Brien stated the Safe and Sober program concentrates on driving under the influence,
seatbelt use, and speed limits. He pointed out more people died from car accidents last year than
from homicides. He mentioned Idea is officers are doing a great job of enforcement. He stated
the officers of St. Anthony are doing a terrific job resulting in lower crime rates and a safer city.
Mr. O'Brien stated he came to thank the City Council and the community for their efforts in
supporting the Safe and Sober program.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 2
Mayor Faust thanked Mr. O'Brien for taking the time to recognize the St. Anthony Police
Department. He stated it did not surprise him that Chief Ohl took the prize in the form of
training rather than the dollars.
6 Chief Ohl introduced Sergeant Dan Diagnau, who does the paperwork associated with the Safe
7 and Sober program. He stated Sergeant Diagnau is a 16 year veteran of the St. Anthony Police
8 Department. He stated many of the 2006 statistics are from the hard work of Sergeant Diagnau.
9 Chief Ohl introduced Officer Dan Johnson and Officer Jeff Spiess as two of the top performing
10 officers in the department. He stated Officer Johnson is an eleven year veteran with a total of
11 330 citations written in 2006. Chief Ohl reported Officer Jeff Spiess is an eight year veteran and
12 three years as a reserve officer before that. He stated Officer Spiess wrote a total of 935
13 citations written in 2006.
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15 Chief Ohl introduced Ryan Baker and John Schlingman as the two new police officers for the
16 City of St. Anthony. Mayor Faust swore in the Officer Baker and Officer Schlingman.
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18 Mayor Faust stated the first time he saw an officer sworn in, the Mayor told them to be safe. He
19 thanked the officers and their families
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21 III. CONSENT AGENDA.
22 A. Approval al o f February 13, 2007 C eil .di 4
23 B. Consider licenses and permits.
24 C. Consider payment of claims.
25 D. Resolution 07- 029, Accept a donation from the Middle Mississippi Watershed
26 Management Organization.
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28 Mayor Faust removed item A, Approval of February 13, 2007 Council Meeting Minutes, to vote
29 on them separately.
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31 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, Seconded by Councilmember Stille, to Approve the
32 Consent Agenda Items B, C, and D.
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34 Motion carried unanimously.
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36 A. Approval of February 13, 2007 Council meeting minutes.
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38 Motion by Councilmember Horst, Seconded by Councilmember Stille, to Approve the City
39 Council Minutes of February 13, 2007.
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41 Motion carried. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays,1 Abstention (Mayor Faust).
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43 IV. CONTINUATION OF FEBRUARY 13, 2007 PUBLIC HEARINGS.
44 A. Resolution 07 -024, Ordering Improvements
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46 Mayor Faust opened the public hearing as a continuation at 7:20 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 3
2 Mr. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, reported the project consists of street reconstruction,
3 replacement, and new construction of sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer lines,
4 sidewalk improvements, and lift station modifications. He reported three resolutions are before
5 the Council for consideration that include a resolution ordering improvements, a resolution
6 adopting and confirming assessments for the various public improvements, and a resolution
7 awarding a bid for the 2007 street and water main improvements.
9 Mr. Hubmer indicated the street reconstruction project would include the following locations:
10 27th Avenue N.E. from Stinson Boulevard to Coolidge Street; Pahl Avenue from Roosevelt to
11 Wilson Street; Roosevelt Street N.E. north of 27th Avenue; the alleys between Roosevelt and
12 Wilson Streets -north and south of Pahl Avenue; the ally south of 271h Street from Stinson
13 Boulevard to Wilson Street; 39th Avenue N.E. from Silver Lake Road to Chandler Drive;
14 Chandler Drive from 39th Avenue N.E. to Foss Road; the Foss Road Lift Station; the Foss Road
15 Lift Station force main from the lift station to Roseville; Highcrest Drive sidewalk and lighting
16 from 37`h Avenue to 33`d Avenue; and the Old Highway 8 sidewalk and lighting from 33`d
17 Avenue to 291h Avenue.
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19 Mr. Todd Hubmer informed Council the street and utility improvements include 27`h Avenue
20 N.E. from Stinson Boulevard to Coolidge Street, Pahl Avenue from Roosevelt to Wilson Street,
21 Roosevelt Street N.E. north to 27th Street, the alleys between Roosevelt and Wilson Streets; north
22 and south of Pahl Avenue, the alley south of 27th Street from Stinson Boulevard to Wilson Street,
23 and 39th Avenue N.E. from Silver Lake Road to Chandler Drive.
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25 Mr. Todd Hubmer reported the bids for the improvements were received, opened, and tabulated
26 according to law. He stated Meyer Contracting, Inc. of Minneapolis submitted the lowest bid.
27 He stated the bid for asphalt pavement and sanitary sewer rehabilitation is $3,456,243.27
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29 Mr. Hubmer stated some of the common project concerns expressed included driveway
30 replacement, access to driveways and alleys to homes, sidewalk and concrete step replacement,
31 access during events and for special needs and disruption to sprinkler systems and invisible
32 fences. He assured everyone that the City would work with them to mitigate the impact. Some
33 concrete and step replacement will take place at this time also. He instructed residents to contact
34 Mr. Pete Baker, Project Manager, with questions. He assured everyone the City would work
35 with them to relieve the impact.
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37 Mr. Hubmer stated the project was scheduled to begin in late April 2007, however, with the
38 recent snow, the road restrictions would probably remain until May. He indicated Center Point
39 Energy would relocate gas mains in all streets during this time. He indicated the project is
40 scheduled for completion the end of October 2007, weather permitting.
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42 Mr. Hubmer reported street and local draining costs would be assessed at 35 percent to the
43 residents, 50 percent to commercial tax- exempt properties and 65 percent to the City's general
44 levy. He explained the calculations were made using the lineal feet of street frontage. Mr.
45 Hubmer stated the water service replacement fee is a flat $400 fee. He explained how the
46 frontage estimates are assessed. He reported the total assessments are $523, 454.33. Mr.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 4
Hubmer explained the different options to pay the 2007 assessments, including full payment,
partial payment, deferred payment, and applying the assessments directly to property taxes.
Councilmember Thuesen asked to clarify the water connection fee for the residents.
6 Mr. Hubmer replied the City's policy is that residents are responsible for stop box from the
7 service line to the shut -off box and the City is responsible for the shut -off box to the City main.
8 He stated the boxes are about 50 years of age and need to be replaced.
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10 Councilmember Stille asked Mr. Hubmer to talk about the time frame and the expectations for
11 completion in comparison to last year.
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13 Mr. Hubmer stated last year was an unbelievable year for street construction. He pointed out the
14 great weather allowed projects to be finished nearly two months early. He indicated the 2007
15 projects would be weather dependent.
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17 Hearing no comments from residents, Mayor Faust closed Public Hearing at 7:34.
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19 Motion by Councilmember Gray, Seconded by Councilmember Stille, to Approve Resolution
20 07 -024, A Resolution Ordering Improvements.
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22 Motion carried unanimously.
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24 B. Resolution 07 -025; Adopt and Confirm Assessments for 2007 Street and Utility
25 Improvements.
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27 Motion by Councilmember Stille, Seconded by Councilmember Horst, to Approve Resolution
28 07 -025, A Resolution Adopting And Confirming Assessments For The 2007 Street and Utility
29 Improvements.
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31 Motion carried unanimouslv.
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33 C. Resolution 07 -026; Award the bid for the 2007 Street and Utility Improvements.
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35 Motion by Councilmember Gray, Seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to Approve Resolution
36 07 -026, A Resolution Awarding a Bid For 2007 Street and Utility Improvements.
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38 Motion carried unanimously
39
40 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
41 A. 2006 Department Head Reports
42 1. Fire Department
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44 Chief Malenick stated 2006 was an unbelievable year with a decrease in overall calls for help.
45 He reported EMS runs totaled 704, Fire/Hazardous conditions of 73, and service calls totaled
46 203. He reported total calls of 980 were down from the 1043 calls in 2005. Chief Malenick
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 5
stated this was partly due to the great weather. He provided a breakdown of their
trauma/medical calls, working fire calls, fire loss costs, and all other calls.
Chief Malenick reported on the 3000 hours of training provided, fire prevention programs and
the community projects they were involved in for 2006. He discussed the $200,000 grant
awarded and how the money was spent.
8 Chief Malenick summarized the local code enforcement and total documents reports. He
9 reported there were a total of 192 documented reports in 2006 compared to 104 in 2005. He
10 explained these consist of parking violations, vegetation, garbage, refuse, sign violations,
11 structure and yard maintenance, and noise violations.
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13 Chief Malenick stated pandemic planning for the City has begun. He explained the World
14 Health Organization identified a potential pandemic flu epidemic and asked all Cities to
15 minimize the impact. He reported his focus would be on department heads and workings with
16 City Administrator Mornson on the letting residents know what to expect with manpower and
17 supply shortages in case of a pandemic.
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19 Chief Malenick thanked his staff for the outstanding job they did in 2006. He reported they work
20 hard for him and the City.
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22 Councilmember Gray congratulated the Fire Department on a great year. He asked if there are
23 communities that do not report the dollars lost. He also asked Chief Malenick to talk about $91
24 amount per fire and the number of fires, explosions, and hazards and how it relates to previous
25 years.
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27 Chief Malenick replied some communities did not report the dollar loss amounts. He stated the
28 low dollar amount is mostly due to the weather. He indicated the State average is about $2500
29 lost per fire.
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31 Councilmember Gray asked if dollar amount impacts the ISO rating for insurance purposes.
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33 Chief Malenick replied they did look at it but it did not have much weight in the calculations He
34 explained that what the insurer looks at were for the ISO is mostly manpower, equipment, and
35 the water system used at each fire.
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37 Councilmember Horst stated one of the community's concerns with regards to the development
38 of Silver Lake Village was the influx of up to 2,000 residents, raising the population about 20
39 percent and the impact it had on emergency services.
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41 Chief Malenick replied most calls would be for emergency services. He reported seeing and
42 increase in calls but nothing significant. He reported what did generate more calls was the new
43 clinic that moved into Silver Lake Village.
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45 Councilmember Horst asked if this stress the Fire Department.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 6
Chief Malenick replied it did not as most calls are handled by a two person crew. He indicated
part time staff is also used when necessary.
Councilmember Stille stated on the average dollar loss for year, he would like to see a rolling
average. He stated, in regards to the clinic, it is interesting that it calls the Fire Department when
doctors are available at the clinic. He stated it is commendable for what the City could offer its
citizens. He stated as far as local code enforcement, the Fire Department did a really good job
with this. He informed residents the Hotline number is available on the website.
Mayor Faust expressed appreciation for the training received from the Emergency Operations
Center and the National Incident Management Center. He asked Chief Malenick to talk about
the ISO rating and what this means to individuals and businesses relative to insurance.
Chief Malenick explained the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) is a nonprofit organization
that rates cities on a scale of 1 -10 to mitigate hazards. He stated the lower the number the better
rating reflected on home owners and business insurance. He indicated St. Anthony has a rating
of four which mostly impacted commercial insurance.
Mayor Faust thanked Chief Malenick and the Fire Department for the excellent work they do.
2. Police Department Annual Report
Chief John Ohl thanked Mayor Faust, the Council, and residents for their support of his officers.
Chief Ohl He reported decrease in Part One offenses by 15 percent, which he attributes to retailer
policies. He reported an increase in Part Two offenses of 95 over 2005. He explained the Part
Two offences include certain patrol activities. He stated DWI and liquor are included under Part
Two offences. Chief Ohl mentioned the Safe and Sober money and increased staff on the street
added to the increase in activities. He reported total calls for services averaged about 18 per day.
He indicated this is due partly to new residents and businesses in the City.
Chief Ohl reported a total of 761 criminal cases with 470 of those closed by either arrest or other
means; a 61 percent clearance rate. He stated this goes to overall commitment on crime
prevention. He stated this sends a message that they investigate all cases, large or small to a
logical conclusion.
Chief Ohl reported on the Patrol Review which is the meat and potatoes of what police work is
all about. He reported 2246 citations for moving violations, 632 non - moving violations and
1115 arrests in 2006. He stated St. Anthony is not soft on crime. He reported there is a four
prong approach to crime prevention: arrest offenders, prevent offences, solve problems, and
increase the overall quality of life. He stated this sends a clear message to criminals that St.
Anthony would aggressively investigate all crimes.
Chief Ohl Police recapped the Education Summary reporting that most officers have BA and
continuous training is pursued by logging about 1200 hours. He listed the numerous types of
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 7
training for 2006 and stated a well educated agency delivers the kind of law enforcement service
the citizens of St. Anthony have come to expect.
4 Chief Ohl highlighted elements of the Reserve Officer Summary stating 3007 hours were
5 donated in 2007. He stated of this, over 650 hours were donated for events. He mentioned the
6 Reserve Officers group consists of law enforcement students and some are community
7 volunteers wanting to give back to the community. He stated this is an incredible asset to the
8 City of St. Anthony.
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Chief Ohl elaborated on the Crime Prevention Summary explaining it is a combined effort of the
community, businesses, and government. He reported DARE is part of crime prevention and an
opportunity to make positive impacts with children before a negative one is reported.
Chief Ohl reported they participated in the relay for life, naming Officer Mark Mosby, cancer
survivor, the Honorary Chair. He reported the raised approximately $2900.
Chief Ohl indicated the work plan is listed in the annual report for Council's review. He stated
the group of officers he has the honor of working with would mean much without the support of
City Council and the City Manager. He thanked Council for great year in 2006 and looks
forward to working together in the future.
Councilmember Thuesen asked about the commitment of the bike patrol for the spring and
summer.
Chief Ohl replied the bike patrol would be out more as overtime had been increased. He stated
he made it clear he would not steal from patrol to make things happen.
Councilmember Thuesen complemented the Police Department for their visibility in the
community. He stated it is a great tool and for adults and children to see an officer on a bike. He
stated he is amazed with what the Police Department does with an act of presence on the streets
and how routine traffic stops turn into greater offences.
Chief Ohl replied high visibility is the key and statistics bear this out. He agreed it is amazing
how a routine stop turns into a larger offence.
Commissioner Horst reiterated the impact of Silver Lake Village on St. Anthony and asked what
calls and/or stresses he has seen on the Police Department due to the development.
Chief Ohl replied he was amazed at the decrease in calls for 2006. He stated calls for service
increased and would continue to rise as new residents and businesses move into St. Anthony. He
sees this as new vitality and an opportunity to welcome new people into the community.
Councilmember Horst asked about the speed cart.
Chief Ohl stated the part time CSO and the fact that the speed cart is battery operated means it
runs out of energy before the CSO can replace the battery.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 8
1 Councilmember Gray complemented Chief Ohl and the department for the great job they do. He
2 stated that the more serious crimes have gone down year after year asked if this is typical of the
3 suburbs or is St. Anthony better than other suburbs.
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Chief Ohl replied St. Anthony is a first ring suburb and one of things the Police Department has
tried to do is to work hard to decrease crimes against persons and property. He explained crimes
against persons are relatively flat, partly due to active patrols, citizens willing to call, and very
active investigations. He stated it is the efforts of the Fire Department, Code Enforcement,
Public Works, and the Police Department that keeps it flat.
Councilmember Stille stated one other reason to take note of bike patrol is one of the goals is to
identify environmental impacts of the City. He indicated it would set an example of what the
City could do make people think. He commented that in regards to response time, he read an
excerpt from an email he received on how fast it was. Councilmember Stille asked Chief Ohl if
he tracked response time.
Chief Ohl replied two minutes from dispatch to entering on scene is what they consider
acceptable.
Mayor Faust stated he is a big advocate of the use of 911. He reiterated 911 is there for people to
use. He stated residents should feel assured they will not be criticized for using it. He stated
Chief Ohl is in agreement.
Mayor Faust congratulated the department and stated the sensitivity shown by the officers to the
citizens is above and beyond.
3. Finance Department
Mr. Roger Larson, Finance Director, presented the financial report based on Phase 1 of the audit
completed the last week of January 2007.
Mr. Larson reported on the General Operation Fund with $4,308.958 in actual revenues and
$4,212,886 in actual expenditures. He stated the general fund revenues are received in July and
December so the City must maintain an adequate balance to meet daily obligations. Mr. Larson
stated the benchmark is the fund balance should be at 35 percent of the next year's budget.
Mr. Larson stated interest earnings, cash, and investments. He stated the general investments
amounted to $253,620, water filtration at $222,737, and HRA Investments at $129,681.
Mr. Larson reported the issuance of debt for 2006 amounted to $3,190,000. He stated this is
broken down by a $2,020,000 in road improvement bon, a refinanced 1998A in the amount of
$465,000 and refinanced 2004 temporary bond for $705,000.
Mr. Larson reported on the City's credit rating. He stated the City made application for and
upgraded its rating tax capacity needs to be higher for a rating increase.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 9
Mr. Larson reported the Water /Sewer Fund revenues amounted to $1,511,273 and expenditures
were $1,452,309. He stated the Metropolitan Waste budget was $485,000 with an actual cost of
$418,009; a savings of $66,991. Mr. Larson indicated the I/I program should reduce future costs.
Mr. Larson commented the wireless water meters have been installed in 800 meters installed
with 1400 left to be installed. He asked the residents who receive a meter reading card to please
read their meter and return the card to the City. He stated that as the new meters are installed,
the meter cards would be discontinued.
Mr. Larson reported the City hired a new auditor in 2006. He stated the City is attempting to
receive the Certificate of Excellence Award. He stated this is presented by the Government
Finance Officers Association for financial reporting excellence. He indicated the first
submission would be summer 2007.
Mr. Larson reported projects for 2007 include the Street Improvement project bond sale set for
March 27, 2007 for $2,050, 000 and the payment/extension of the $3,350,000 Fannie Mae loan.
Councilmember Stille asked about cash and investments and the City's strategies and policies
with regard to investments.
Mr. Larson replied there are State restrictions on what the City could invest in. He stated the
City could do fixed investments. He stated the key is how cash is managed when everything is
due. He stated enough cash is kept on hand to meet daily and monthly obligations. He
indicated the real advantage is knowing what is long term and the ability to wait for better
interest rates. He stated the increase in 2006 is because short term rated increased significantly.
Councilmember Stille stated this is the inverted curve.
Mayor Faust asked about the day -to -day on 4M account fund.
Mr. Larson replied the rate would vary from five short and long 6.15. He stated there is probably
$2 Million in the account.
Mayor Faust explained this is the League of Minnesota Cities that is invested to help cities get a
better rate of return, but also gives them the opportunity to get the money in a day if it is needed.
Mayor Faust asked about the City's credit rating and what total tax capacity is
Mr. Larson replied tax capacity is at $7, 941, 153 and the City needs to get to $9 or $10 Million.
He stated this is strictly tax capacity.
City Manager Morrison commented there are other items St. Anthony would have to accomplish
to raise the credit rating.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 10
1 4. Public Works Department
2
3 Mr. Jay Hartman presented the Public Works Department report. He presented a brief overview
4 of the department and its accomplishments in 2006 and the proposed 2007 goals.
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6 Mr. Hartman stated Public Works is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the City's
7 infrastructure and is divided into four departments; Vehicle Maintenance, Street Department,
8 Parks Department and Water /Sewer Department. He stated every January, the goals and
9 objectives are discussed.
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1 I Mr. Hartman reported the capital improvements projects completed in 2006 include the water
12 infiltration plant, GAC filter media replacement, the 2006 Consumer Confidence Report, the
13 rehabilitation of municipal well number four and the elevation of the tank and ground storage
14 reservoir inspection and cleaning.
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16 Mr. Hartman stated the 2006 Street Reconstruction included 30`h Avenue, Roosevelt Street,
17 Murray Avenue and Coolidge Street. He reported the improvements included the replacement of
18 the water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewers and the road surface to include curb and gutter.
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20 Mr. Hartman stated the 2006 departmental accomplishments included the AMR/I &I public
21 education and contract award, the Silver Lake Road Task Force, the Market Place landscape
22 project, the Salo Park sculpture installation, and the addition of three Public Works employees.
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24 Mr. Hartman reported the 2007 Public Works projects include the Foss Road Lift Station and
25 force main project on 39`h Avenue; sidewalk and street lighting project on Highcrest Road
26 between 37` Avenue and 29`h Avenue; the water treatment plant filter media change; and
27 AMI/I &I inspection completion goal of June 1.
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29 Mr. Hartman stated plans beyond 2007 include the 2008 Silver Lake Road project, sidewalk and
30 street lights on Silver Lake Road, the south side of 37`h Avenue, Stinson Boulevard, Silver Lane,
31 Water Quality Improvements, Storm Water Reuse/MWMO, and Mirror Lake dredging.
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33 Mr. Hartman reported the upcoming events in 2007 include the Safety Fair on April 28; the
34 Annual City -wide Clean Up date at Public Works on May 5; Salo Park Sculpture Dedication on
35 May 17, and Village Fest in August 2007.
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37 Mr. Hartman reported 2006 was a very productive year for Public Works. He stated that overall
38 they were able to accomplish their goals. He indicated he attributes the success of Public Works
39 Department to the dedicated and knowledgeable employees. Mr. Hartman stated it has always
40 been their mission and focus to meet and exceed the level of other public works companies.
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42 Councilmember Gray stated it is easy to focus on snow removal this time of year. He indicated
43 he had lots of complements on the Public Works staff and their ability to keep the City moving.
44 He asked Mr. Hartman if he received any complaints.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 11
1 Mr. Hartman replied they received no complaints. He stated staff put in the time. He stated he
2 received lots of complements from surrounding cities.
4 Councilmember Gray asked if, on the 1/I program, there is enough opportunity to. be enough to
5 take care of the spikes in the water.
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7 Mr. Hartman anticipated it would. He pointed out the pilot program indicated that 70% of the 60
8 homes failed, meaning there is a passive system causing problems downstream. He stated that
9 they are finding many failed systems and once these are taken off line it should make a
10 difference.
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12 Mayor Faust stated this has been a crazy year. He stated that Public Works kept the ice rinks
13 open when it was warm and kept the City streets open during the storms. He asked for the width
14 it of sidewalks going in would be.
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16 Mr. Hartman replied they would be five foot standard concrete sidewalks.
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18 Mayor Faust asked Mr. Hartman to pass on to his staff that it is very responsive and respectful.
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20 5. Liquor Operations
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22 Mr. Mike Larson, Liquor Operations Manager, presented the annual liquor report. He stated this
23 is the first full year that he could report good comparable information. He stated the stores
24 opened in the summer and fall of 2004 and did not have full year to report on.
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26 Mr. Larson reported that during 2006, St. Anthony owned and operated two off -sale liquor
27 stores. He stated one is located in the Marketplace store at 2700 Highway 88 and the other at the
28 Silver Lake Village Store located at 2602 39th Avenue. Mr. Larson stated the operation employs
29 a Liquor Operations Manager, a full time Assistant Operations Manager, a full time clerk, and 24
30 part time employees.
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32 Mr. Larson stated the goal of Liquor Operations is to control the sale of beverage alcohol to
33 minors and intoxicated persons while simultaneously generating revenue for the community, in
34 accordance with City, State, and County liquor laws and ordinances.
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36 Mr. Larson summarized the total 2006 sales were $6,814,000 or an increase of $520,000 over
37 2005. He stated sales at Marketplace were $2,933,000 and $2,881,000 at the Silver Lake Village
38 store. He indicated this was a gross profit increase of 16.5 percent and a net profit of $414,000.
39 Mr. Larson recapped the activities for 2006. He stated Liquor Operations hosted many in -store
40 product samplings events, assisted with the Village Fest Beer Garden and the St. Anthony
41 Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, hosted the Liquor Forum with other Municipal Liquor
42 Operations, and hosted the tasting Events at the Village Pub.
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44 Mr. Larson stated St. Anthony Liquor Operations were the recipients of the Lillie Newspaper's
45 Reader's Choice Awards, the Best Wine Selection and the Best Beer Selections. He stated
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 12
1 Liquor Operations successfully passed all of the alcohol and tobacco compliance checks
2 performed by the Police Department.
4 Mr. Larson commented on the customer survey responses. He indicated the surveys indicated
5 employees are courteous, knowledgeable, provide carryout service and accurate; the interior and
6 exterior are clean and organized; the product selection and prices, and they are knowledge of
7 reduced taxes. He reported they received a 94% excellent or good rating.
9 Mr. Larson thanked all City Staff, departments and the council for their support.
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11 Councilmember Thuesen asked what results are seen from the sampling events.
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13 Mr. Larson stated sampling events work out very well for most retail environments. He stated
14 they have a two prong tasting option. He stated an on -line sign up option with the event held for
15 their on -line club members or in -store tastings are held in the store with the different vendors and
16 suppliers of the stores. He stated they carry such a variety of beers and wines that it is
17 overwhelming for customers to know what is available. He stated these events help the
18 customers make more informed selections.
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20 Councilmember Thuesen congratulated Mr. Larson on the compliance checks and for the record
21 year.
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23 Mayor Faust stated the police and liquor work hand in hand and are mutually supporting. The
24 goal is safety and the sale of liquor. He pointed out compliance checks are unannounced as the
25 potential to sell to a minor are tremendous. He stated that earlier Mr. Roger Larson pointed out
26 the $414,000 in profit on liquor sales equates to 17 percent less the City has to collect in property
27 taxes. Mayor Faust congratulated the Liquor Operations staff.
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29 Mayor Faust stated the Council and community witnessed five presentations by department
30 heads on what happens in the City. He said each department talked about goals in internal to
31 their departments. He stated everyone also heard department heads have a great deal of
32 cooperation together. Mayor Faust stressed this is what the City and department heads do that
33 synergizes the City.
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35 VI. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL
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37 A. Resolution 07 -030; Establishing a Road Reconstruction Task Force
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39 City Manager Mornson stated this is a resolution calling for the establishment of a task force of a
40 group of citizens to study the reconstruction of concrete streets. He stated it had been the City's
41 intent to reconstruct concrete streets with asphalt with concrete curb and gutter. Mr. Morrison
42 indicated the next time a concrete street is 2009.
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44 City Manager Mornson reported that at the February 13, 2007 Council meeting, two residents
45 approached the Council about an opportunity to have some public discussion on the City's
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March 13, 2007
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assessment policy. He stated that at the meeting residents indicated to the Council there were
several other residents concerned with the City's policy on the reconstruction of concrete streets.
City Manager Morrison indicated the proposed schedule for the task force would be March 21 to
advertise for task force members, approval of the task force by Council on April 24`s, and the
task force kickoff meeting on May 17, 2007. He stated all meetings would be held from 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Morrison proposed Mr. Jay Hartman would be the facilitator and Mr.
Todd Hubmer would assist. He indicated Council should decide if they would appoint two
members to the task force.
Mayor Faust stated there are typically two Council members on a task force to insure buy in and
provide guidance. He asked Council who would be willing to serve on this task force
Councilmember Gray commented he pushed for the reconstruction policy as it is, indicating
asphalt was the most economical way to proceed. He stated he did not realize how emotional the
issue would be. He indicated he thinks this is a good way to get the community involved.
Councilmember Stille asked if Ehlers would be involved.
City Manager Morrison replied they would be involved relative to the financial element.
Mayor Faust said the task force is a good idea for this emotional issue as it provides an
opportunity to discuss this in another venue. He stated he is supportive of a task force to look at
this as it involves everyone.
Council members Thuesen and Horst volunteered to be on the task force.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, Seconded by Councilmember Gray, to Approve Resolution
07 -030, a Resolution Establishing a Road Reconstruction Task Force and Appointing Members
Thereto.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Resolution 07 -031; Approvin¢ Issuance of Tax Increment Revenue Bonds (Silver
Lake Village Phase IA Housine), Series 2007 by the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority of the City of St. Anthony.
Mr. Jerry Gilligan, City Attorney, stated this is a resolution approving the issuance by the HRA
of Tax Increment Revenue Bonds for Silver Lake Village Phase IA housing portion of the
development. He stated now that the project is complete the City would reimburse the developer
for costs eligible under the TIF and in addition, proceeds would be used to pay down the Fannie
Mae loan pursuant to the redevelopment agreement with the developer. He stated the revenue
bonds are only payable from the available TIF derived from the Phase IA development.
Councilmember Stille asked how long it would be before the bonds are paid off.
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City Attorney Gilligan replied that typically the amortization would be about 22 years. He stated
conservative modeling is done based on the existing market value and if there is increment
greater than what is needed to pay the debt service would be used to pay down the bonds.
Councilmember Stille clarified the more value created, the faster the note is paid off and the
faster the increment would come back to the City.
City Attorney Gilligan replied the more increment the faster the bonds are repaid.
Councilmember Stille stated if tax rates do not hold up, bond holders would be paid off later, but
the City would not have to pay off the debits.
City Attorney Gilligan replied that was correct as the City did not pledge this. He stated the
detail would be available at next meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Gray, Seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to Approve Resolution
07 -031, a Resolution Approving Issuance of Tax Increment Revenue Bonds (Silver Lake
Village Phase IA Housing), Series 2007 by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the
City of St. Anthony.
Motion carried unanimously.
VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
City Manager Mornson thanked the department heads for the great reports, the energy, the
synergy, enthusiasm, and the inter department cooperation s unbelievable. He stated the
department head all have five different strengths that they bring together to make the City
succeed.
City Manager Mornson reminded Council of the joint with the Planning Commission on March
20, 2007.
City Manager Mornson reported the next regular Council meeting will be on March 27, 2007.
City Manager Mornson stated he and four members of the Council would attend a meeting at the
Capital on March 29, 2007 for the Legislative meeting with the League of Minnesota Cities.
City Manager Mornson reported he started his Junior Achievement program with the second
graders and mentioned they are very good listeners. He stated he plan to bring the students to a
Council meeting and present them with certificates at that time.
City Manager Mornson stated he would be part of a focus group for the League of Minnesota
Cities insurance trust fund. He stated one of the things they are considering is providing flood
protection for City buildings, which they currently do not have. He stated they are looking for
ten to fifteen cites who have had experience with flooding.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2007
Page 15
Mayor Faust stated it is important City Manager Morrison did these types of things because
every time he does something with League of Minnesota Cities, St. Anthony benefits.
Councilmember Thuesen congratulated all the departments on their wonderful performance for
and to keep up the good work.
7 Councilmember Gray reported on the services provided by the Northwest Youth and Family
8 Services to the residents of St. Anthony. He commented the City contracts yearly for services at
9 a cost of 3,500 per year. He pointed out the total market value received is $15,574; hence, this is
10 a good value for the $3500.
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12 Councilmember Horst reported attending a dinner meeting on March 11, 2007 at the Mark's
13 residents to celebrate St. Earls Day. He mentioned St. Earl was the patron saint of Finland.
14 Councilmember Horst stated a board meeting was held after dinner to discuss the upcoming
15 student visit from Finland and the sculpture dedication.
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17 Mayor Faust reported Council met with the Parks Commission on March 12, 2007 to go over
18 goals, issues, and feedback.
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20 Mayor Faust reported Council would meet jointly with the Planning Commission on March 21,
21 2007.
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23 Mayor Faust reported Council met with the school district on March 13, 2007 for their quarterly
24 meeting updated.
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26 Mayor Faust reported he chaired the Middle Mississippi Water Management Organization on
27 March 13, 2007. He stated a feasibility study was approved to construct an inline storm water
28 treatment facility at the south end of St. Anthony. Mayor Faust indicated the City was given
29 $15,300 by the MMWMO to do this. He reported a second feasibility study was approved to
30 construct a storm water reuse storage facility at City Hall on Central Park to recapture some of
31 the water flushed down after a filter backwash is done. He stated $14,500 was approved for this
32 feasibility study.
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34 Mayor Faust reported Council approved Resolution #07 -029 to apply a $30,000 grant received
35 from MMWMO for best management practices towards a new street sweeper. He stated two
36 years of study would be done to identify the benefits of the sweeper. He stated the City of St.
37 Anthony garnered nearly $60,000 from the MMWMO. He stated this is an indication of the
38 good relationship between St. Anthony and the Middle Mississippi Water Management
39 Organization.
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41 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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43 Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items not
44 on the regular agenda.
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46 Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda.
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IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Mayor Faust informed Council he received letter for US Postal Service stating a new postal unit
would be located at the Fuel Mart at 3809 Stinson Boulevard. He said the mew postal unit
would provide a full range of services to the residents of St. Anthony and the surrounding areas
and provide extended weekend and evening hours. Mayor Faust mentioned he talked to the
station manager in Columbia Heights and was told this postal unit would provide everything
except sell money orders. He stated this would replace the contract postal office lost when
Apache Plaza was torn down.
Mayor Faust reported a Safety and Loss Control workshop would be put on by League of
Minnesota Cities for $20. He encourage any and all to attend.
X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
None
XI. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
24 Dianna Wise
25 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
26
27 / r
28 ATTEST:
29 City Clerk
30
ayor