HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 08142007CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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10 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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12 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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14 ROLL CALL
15 Present: Mayor Faust; Council Members Horst, Stille, and Thuesen.
16 Absent: Councilmember Gray
17 Also Present: City Manager Mornson, Public Works Director Hartman, and City
18 Attorney Lindgren
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21 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
22 ITEMS:
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24 I. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 14, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
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26 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve the City
27 Council meeting agenda of August 14, 2007 as presented.
28 Motion carried unanimously.
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30 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
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32 None
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34 III. CONSENT AGENDA
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36 A. Consider Approval of the July 24, 2007 Council Meeting Minutes
37 B. Consider Licenses and Permits
38 C. Claims
39 D. Resolution 07 -057; Deferring a Special Assessment for the 2007 Street Improvement
40 Project
41 E. Resolution 07 -058: Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Roseville for Combined
42 Tactical Team
43 F. Resolution 07 -059; Accept a donation from John Mondati for the St. Anthony Fire
44 Department to Purchase Medtronic Defibrillators
45 G. Resolution 07 -060; Accept a donation from Wal -Mart Foundation for the St. Anthony
46 Police Department
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48 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Horst, to approve the Consent
49 Agenda Items B — G and remove Item A.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 2
Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Faust changed page 6, line 10, to read "the City of St. Anthony was not part of the
connection... "
7 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Horst, to approve the Consent
8 Agenda Items B — G and remove Item A.
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10 Motion carried unanimously.
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12 IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
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14 None
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16 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
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18 None
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20 VI. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
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22 A. Resolution 07 -055, Relating to Findings made by City Council on June 26, 2007
23 Concerning Resolution 07 -049.
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25 City Attorney Lindgren reported the results of findings on the June 26, 2007 by City Council to
26 reject a Conditional Use Permit application regarding a cell phone tower. He stated Council
27 directed him to prepare a resolution recording the findings. He explained that correspondence
28 was received on the afternoon of July 24, 2007, from the Larkin Hoffinan Law Finn regarding
29 the application. At that time, he recommended Council table action on the resolution until he
30 could review the letter.
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32 City Attorney Lindgren reported he reviewed the letter and recommended the City Council
33 proceed with consideration of adoption of the resolution. He explained that under the Federal
34 Telecommunications Act, the City may deny an application to permit the placement of a wireless
35 tower if the application is not consistent with the local zoning requirements and if the denial is
36 supported by substantial evidence in the written record. He stated findings are consistent with
37 local zoning requirements in the City Code and the applicant failed to adequately demonstrate
38 that there was not a sufficient location in a light industrial district to place the tower.
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40 Mayor Faust commented that since the motion was denied, there would be no further comments
41 taken from the audience.
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43 Motion by Councilmember Horst, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve Resolution
44 07 -055, a Resolution Relating to Findings made by City Council on June 26, 2007 concerning
45 Resolution 07 -049, until August 14, 2007.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 3
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Motion carried unanimously.
4 B. Resolution 07 -061; Awarding the Bid for Tree Removal on Silver Lake Road.
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City Engineer Hubmer reported that the City of St. Anthony solicited interest and bids to remove
trees along the west side of Silver Lake Road to facilitate the under grounding of private utilities.
He stated the project anticipates removing all trees within the right -of -way in conflict with the
utility relocation project by the end of August 2007. He stated the additional trees beyond the
limits of the existing right -of -way would be removed by the end of 2007. He commented that
prior to work commencing beyond the limits of the existing right -of -way, Hennepin County
would secure the necessary easements and/or rights -of -entry to facilitate completion of
underground utility work.
City Engineer Hubmer reported five bids were received. He stated Northeast Tree, Inc.,
submitted the lowest bid in the amount of $11,200.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Thuesen, to approve Resolution 07 -061, a
Resolution Awarding the Bid for Tree Removal on Silver Lake Road to Northeast Tree, Inc., in
the amount of $11,200.
Mayor commented the range in prices among the bids was significant.
Motion carried unanimously
C. Resolution 07 -062; Authorizing Staff to Enter into Negotiations with Sensus Metering
Systems, Inc., to Lease Antenna Space on the City Facilities for the Placement of a
Receiver Antenna to Read Automatic Water Meters
City Engineer Hubmer summarized the resolution approving the placement of an antenna for
Sensus, hic., on the City of St. Anthony facilities for automatic water meters. He stated the
resolution allows the City to enter into a lease agreement with Sensus, Inc. to place a receiver
antenna on its facilities to read the City's water meters.
City Engineer Hubmer stated the City did not anticipate that an antenna would be necessary to
complete the water meter installation project. He explained the need for this additional antenna
is a result of errors in calculations completed by Sensus, Inc., on the anticipated coverage zone of
the receiving antenna located at the Pillsbury Tower. He stated the purpose of the new antenna is
to read only the meters within the City of St. Anthony.
City Engineer Hubmer reported the lease agreement would require Sensus, Inc., to compensate
the City of St. Anthony if this antenna is used for commercial purposes receiving reads from
outside the limits of St. Anthony for which they are collecting fees and profits. He stated the
cost to maintain the antenna is the sole responsibility of Sensus, Inc.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 4
Councilmember Thuesen questioned whether there would be an issue of crowding on the water
tower.
4 City Engineer Hubmer replied coexisting antennas should not be an issue.
6 Councilmember Thuesen inquired if, from functional standpoint, one location is better than the
7 other.
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9 City Engineer Hubmer replied the two alternate locations approved were the Fire Station and the
10 water tower. He stated the water tower provided the best option.
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12 Councilmember Thuesen questioned if aesthetics were considered.
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14 City Engineer Hubmer replied the antennas are only about three feet tall.
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16 Councilmember Stille questioned how the City would know if the antenna was used for other
17 cities.
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19 City Engineer Hubmer replied the City would need to monitor the activities read by the antenna.
20 He stated records are stored in the system.
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22 Councilmember Stille questioned whether compensation to the City is spelled out in the lease
23 agreement.
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25 City Engineer Hubmer replied the wording of the agreement is being worked on with City
26 Attorney Lindgren.
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28 City Attorney Lindgren commented that the concept in the draft lease it to be clear the antenna
29 could only be used for St. Anthony and if it were used for other cities, compensation terms
30 would need to be negotiated. He stated it is best to leave this open ended.
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32 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Stille, to approve Resolution 07 -062, a
33 Resolution Authorizing Staff to Enter into Negotiations with Sensus Metering Systems, Inc., to
34 Lease Antenna Space on the City Facilities for the Placement of a Receiver Antenna to Read
35 Automatic Water Meters
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37 Motion carried unanimously
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40 D. Resolution 07 -063; Authorizing Distribution of the St. Anthony Water Resource
41 Management Plan to Review Agencies
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43 City Engineer Hubmer reported that the final draft of the City's Comprehensive Water Resource
44 Management Plan is completed. He stated it was initially prepared and approved by City
45 Council in July 1997. City Engineer Hubmer requested the draft be forwarded for review and
46 approval to the appropriate agencies. He explained the review process takes about 60 days. He
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 5
stated staff would respond to comments received, revise the plan as necessary, and present the
same to Council for consideration.
4 City Engineer Hubmer informed Council that three sections of the report were placed in their
5 mailboxes. He stated these sections include problems and corrective actions, goals and policy
6 section of the report, and implementation plan and procedures.
8 City Engineer Hubmer stated he anticipates significant comments from the review agencies. He
9 indicated it would behoove staff to see what these agencies respond with and then move forward
10 with changes.
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12 Councilmember Stille asked if these agencies are anxious to see the document.
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14 City Engineer Hubmer replied several are anxious to review them.
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16 Councilmember Stille asked if Council could wait until the next meeting to review the
17 documents.
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19 City Engineer Hubmer replied that was suitable to him.
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21 Mayor Faust questioned whether there would be a negative impact if this were tabled until the
22 next meeting.
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24 City Engineer Hubmer responded he would not submit it and there would be no negative impact
25 if it were tabled.
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27 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Stille, to table Resolution 07 -063, a
28 Resolution Authorizing Distribution of the St. Anthony Water Resource Management Plan to
29 Review Agencies until August 28, 2007.
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31 Motion carried unanimously
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33 E. City Engineer's Update
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35 City Engineer Hubmer provided an update on the current status of ongoing projects within the
36 City of St. Anthony Village. He reported on the following projects: 2007 Street Reconstruction,
37 the Foss Road Lift Station, Silver Lake Road, the Automated Water Meter and I &I Inspections,
38 and GIS. City Engineer Hubmer also provided a demonstration of the GIS system.
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40 2007 Street Reconstruction
41 Councilmember Horst reported on comments during National Night from residents off 39th
42 Avenue who asked if 39` Avenue were taking inordinately long time to complete.
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44 City Engineer Hubmer replied this area is a difficult project. He explained there are
45 requirements to keeping it open for emergency vehicles and the utilities and Xcel power lines
46 created difficulty.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 6
Councilmember Stille mentioned questions from residents at National Night Out on whether the
sidewalks from 37th Avenue through 29th Avenue would be completed this year.
City Engineer Hubmer replied these sidewalks would be completed before school starts.
Councilmember Thuesen questioned if rain would delay the project.
9 City Engineer Hubmer replied the major concern is at Wilshire and at Highcrest. He stated the
10 school district has an agreement with the contractor that the work would be complete before
11 school begins.
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13 Mayor Faust commented on concrete recycling in that the City is lucky to have good neighbors
14 that allow concrete to be stored on their property. He pointed out that this is a cost savings.
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16 City Engineer Hubmer commented the St. Charles Church and Berger Transfer has been terrific
17 neighbors by allowing them to store concrete on their property.
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19 Silver Lake Road
20 City Engineer Hubmer indicated that they already touched on Silver Lake Road but asked the
21 City Council if they had any questions or comments.
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23 Mayor Faust commented that finding an electrician could be a daunting task for residents. He
24 asked if avenues to assist the residents are available.
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26 City Engineer Hubmer replied staff would provide a list of licensed electricians but not make
27 recommendations.
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29 Mayor Faust commented the City would benefit from underground utilities.
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31 Councilmember Stille asked Mr. Hubmer to explain the meaning of the colored ribbons on the
32 trees.
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34 City Engineer Hubmer replied the orange ribbons are on trees located within the Hennepin
35 County right of way. He stated the green ribbons are on trees located within the temporary
36 easements and for which there would be compensation for the loss of these trees.
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38 City Engineer Hubmer further explained the stakes with orange ribbons indicate the right of way
39 stake and yellow identifies the proposed end of slope easements. He stated there are some
40 permanent easements and some are county rental easements for two years to make sure the
41 improvements work with the existing terrain. He explained that after the two years, the
42 easements would revert back to the homeowner.
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44 Automatic Water Meters/I & I Proeram
45 Councilmember Thuesen questioned if there was a sense of how many illegal hook ups existed
46 now that the I &I is nearing completion and how this would impact I &I in the future.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 7
2 City Engineer Hubmer replied a database would be compiled on the compliance and non-
3 compliant sump pumps and this would be available at August 28, 2007 meeting.
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5 Councilmember Horst questioned if the flow data information was available concerning the
6 recent storm event.
8 City Engineer Hubmer replied he has not yet received that information. He stated he would
9 bring this to the August 28th meeting.
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11 GIS System
12 Mayor Faust asked if all the Ramsey and Hennepin County information is in the GIS system.
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14 City Engineer Hubmer replied information continues to be entered into the system.
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16 Mayor Faust stated he did not know of any other year that the City has touched so many projects.
17 He stated the public has been very cooperative and in that cooperation, City Staff needs to be
18 sensitive and continue the cooperative spirit.
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20 City Engineer Hubmer expressed his appreciation for the patients of residents.
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22 F. Financial Management Plan for the City of St. Anthony
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24 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang defined the Financial Management Plan as a multi -year fiscal plan for all
25 tax - supported funds. She explained the Plan integrates existing debt, capital improvement plans,
26 future debt, tax based growth, and future operating expenses.
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28 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang stated the Financial Management Plan identifies baseline needs for the
29 community for the next ten years and helps manage expectations. She explained that the Plan
30 helps maintain assets, reduces stress during the budgeting process, reduces reactivity amidst an
31 unpredictable fiscal environment and unfunded mandates, and rating agencies like multi -year
32 planning.
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34 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang explained the Financial Management Plan treats budgeting as a multi -year
35 process rather than a snapshot one year at a time. She stated the Plan avoids tax rates that go up
36 one year and down the next and identifies appropriate levels of cash and bonds for capital needs.
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38 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported the City of St. Anthony completed its last Financial Management
39 Plan in 2002. She stated the main issues identified at that time were the need for a new Fire
40 Station and a Public Works Facility. She stated the public participation process for development
41 and support for these facilities and the financing and construction of the new facilities were
42 completed in 2004. She indicated that since 2004, the City has concentrated on financing top
43 City Council goals annually.
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45 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang stated the specific parameters for the 2007 Plan were to: review the City's
46 financial position; review the capital improvement plan and capital equipment needs with City
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 8
1 staff; review existing debt and future debt payments to determine ability to pay off early or
2 refinance at a lower rate to assure the City could continue the road improvement plan; review the
3 fund balance policy to determine adequacy; and keep the General Fund Levy at or below a 5.12
4 percent increase.
6 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported the City is financially well positioned. She stated the City has a
7 declining tax rate trend with prudent reserves set aside, a plan for capital expenditures, built in
8 flexibility for future needs and good financial and management policies in place.
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10 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported on the capital improvements and equipment for 2008 -2012. She
11 stated the long -term goal is to fund equipment. She indicated the estimated annual expenses are
12 approximately $450,000 and funding sources include Liquor Store transfers, MSA revolving
13 funds, the Water Filtration Fund, and miscellaneous funds. She stated future needs are addressed
14 with the annual set aside identified and the ability to issue an equipment certificate for major
15 capital equipment expenditures in the future if needed.
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17 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported the goal for the Street Construction/Reconstruction Projects is to
18 keep the debt levy at the existing level of about $1.3 million. She indicated the 30 -year plan that
19 was started inl993 would be completed in 2022 with the ability to maintain the annual
20 appropriation.
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22 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang summarized the existing debt analysis. She stated the City currently has
23 cash available in the bond fund to payoff bonds. She stated the 2007 payoff of the 1997A Road
24 Reconstruction Bond for portions of 35t' Avenue and Roosevelt Street could reduce the levy by
25 $54,000 in 2008. She explained that paying off the 1997A Bonds in 2008 would allow the City
26 to continue to levy this without negative impact to the community. She stated the funds would
27 be used to continue to fund Salo Park Maintenance from the HRA fund at $25,000 and to
28 increase the HRA Levy to $30,000 to cover administrative costs.
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30 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported the City has cash available in the bond fund to pay off the 1999A
31 Road Reconstruction Bond and the 2003D Bond in 2008. She explained that after paying these
32 off, the oldest outstanding debt would be from 2000.
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34 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang stated the repayment of special assessments history over the past six years
35 shows an average of $125,000 in prepayment.
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37 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang explained the current policy is to have a fund balance between 30 and 35
38 percent. She stated the current fund balance of $1.3 million is 33 percent of the 2008 Operating
39 Budget. She indicated this is adequate for the City and provides flexibility for unforeseen
40 expenditures. She stated the Liquor Store revenues provide additional flexibility in cash flow for
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43 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang reported future levy decisions include the Chandler TIF District
44 decertification that expires in 2010. She commented that an additional $87,000 in taxes would
45 be available. She stated Council could wait until 2010 to decide what to do with the increased
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 9
tax capacity due to this decertification. She explained the options include decreasing the levy or
Levy the amount for a capital equipment certificate or improvements.
4 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang summarized that the long -term financial planning allowed the City to
5 address needs without negative impact to tax payers. She reported the City has a strong
6 management system in place and is financially well positioned.
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8 Councilmember Stille commented on the liquidity and what the City of Minneapolis recently had
9 to spend regarding the I -35W bridge collapse. He stated St. Anthony must be prepared to handle
10 unexpected events. He commented this all ties in with the City's goals.
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12 Mayor Faust pointed out that even though taxes have not been zero or flat, the infrastructure, is
13 what the City should invest in. He stated that with Council's input, the City has been able to
14 manage the ups and downs. He explained many things are taken into consideration; for example,
15 the City has a planned procedure to take care of deferred maintenance needs.
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17 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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19 City Manager Morrison reported the new aerial and zoning map would be part of the
20 Comprehensive Plan by the end of the year.
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22 City Manager Morrison reported the tree removal on Silver Lake Road would be done this fall.
23 He indicated the next three steps in the process are for 1) Hennepin County to enter into an
24 agreement with the City, 2) in November the City's portion of the financing and 3) hold one
25 more open house prior to construction in April 2008.
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27 City Manager Morrison reported staff met with surrounding cities about improvements to
28 bordering streets. The cities are New Brighton, Roseville, and Columbia Heights.
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30 City Manager Morrison reported seal coating is underway in several areas of the city.
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32 City Manager Morrison reported Johnson Controls would attend the City Council meeting on
33 August 28, 2007.
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35 City Manager Morrison reported Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes was appointed Chair for
36 the Communications Committee by the League of Minnesota Cities. He stated this committee
37 would study broadband issues.
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39 City Manager Morrison reported the 2008 Budget Finance plan would be presented at the
40 September 11, 2007 Council Meeting.
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42 City Manager Morrison complemented staff for their support of the 43 National Night Out events
43 that took place in the past month plus Villagefest and the Mutual Aid support provided to
44 Minneapolis.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 10
Mayor Faust asked City Manager Mornson to comment on mutual aide relative to the 1-35W
bridge collapse.
City Manager Mornson explained that where St. Anthony teams were sent once the mutual aid
request came in. He commented there would always be a backup system in place. Columbia
Heights would cover St. Anthony and Fridley backs up Columbia Heights.
Mayor Faust stated mutual aide is one way cities support each other.
Councilmember Horst reported attending National Night Out and thanked the residents who
welcomed him to their neighborhoods. He mentioned thinking about the events of the last few
weeks and how important the infrastructure is to a City. He indicated that one of the most
important infrastructure features was the intelligent way the City went about its business. He
stated this is a Council who took the actions required to put the infrastructure together.
Councilmember Stille stated he participated in National Night Out. He explained the City was
divided the city into four quadrants to be more efficient in attending various sites. He stated he
managed to visit ten of the eleven sites in his area.
Councilmember Thuesen reported he participated in National Night Out and attended nine of
eleven sites in his area. He stated he feels guilty if he just runs in and runs out. He mentioned
National Night Out is a great event for the City to participate in. He thanked all the volunteers.
Mayor Faust reported Council and the School Board met for a joint meeting on July 31, 2007 to
review the budget line by line with department heads.
Mayor Faust stated the Village Fest volunteers did a great job at this year's event.
Mayor Faust reported attending the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
( MMWMO) meeting on Aug 7, 2007. He commented this is the only agency testing of the water
in the Mississippi River. He pointed out that there is not a great deal of pollution; however, it is
a turbulent river. He stated the MMWMO partnered with the Department of Transportation on
permitting so rubble does not enter the Mississippi River and sent a letter to the State to that
effect. He reported the MMWMO is communicating with Staff concerning a significant water
event as a result of the I -35W bridge collapse.
Mayor Faust reported he attended nine of the 12 National Night Out sites in his area. He stated it
is important that City representatives attend these events and to talk to residents on a personal
level.
Mayor Faust reported he met with the League of Minnesota Cities on August 8, 2007 to discuss
future fiscal policy.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Page 11
VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM
None
IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Faust commented on the work of the Northwest Youth and Family Services and the
excellent return they provide for the City's dollar.
Mr. Eric Hagen, Sun Focus Reporter, is leaving to work for another newspaper in Minnesota. He
thanked him for his work with the City Council.
X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS
None
XI. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianna Wise
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
ayor