HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 111320071
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
[.ZITIUKOE "
Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Horst, Stille, and Thuesen
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Mike Morrison, City Clerk Barb Suciu
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS:
I. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 13, 2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Horst, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of November 13, 2007.
Motion carried unanimously.
II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
None.
III. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approval of October 23, 2007 Council meeting minutes
B. Consider licenses and permits
C. Consider payment of claims
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Consent
Agenda items.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
None.
Motion carried unanimously.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 2
V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF
A. Canvass Election Results from the November 6, 2007 Election
Mayor Faust called the Canvassing Board to order at 7:03 p.m.
City Clerk Suciu reported that St. Anthony held its municipal election on November 6, 2007 for
Mayor and two Council member seats. She reported Mayor Faust received 486 votes for Mayor,
Hal Gray received 461 votes for Council member, and Jim Roth received 464 votes for Council
member. She reported a ten percent voter turnout.
Mayor Faust closed the Canvassing Board at 7:05 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve the 2007 St.
Anthony general election results for Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
Motion carried unanimously.
VI. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL
A. Ordinance 07 -005: Single Sort Recycling (Final Reading)
City Manager Morrison presented the third and final reading for single sort recycling in the City
of St. Anthony. He reported that reading one was held October 9, 2007 and reading two was
held on October 23, 2007. He stated the approval would make Single Sort Recycling permanent.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Ordinance 07-
005, an Ordinance approving Chapter 555 of the City Ordinance, Single Sort Recycling, Final
Reading.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Resolution 07 -072. 2008 Contract with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
Authorizing the Annual Contribution to the Revolving Loan Fund and the Housing
Rehabilitation Fund
City Manager Morrison reported, the City of St. Anthony agreed to join the Greater Metropolitan
Housing Corporation (GMHC) of the Twin Cities in June 2002. He stated that in joining this
organization, the City of St. Anthony initially paid $5,000 for six months. He indicated that in
2003, the City paid $10,000 and from 2004 to 2007, the city paid $12,500 per year. He directed
Council to a memo from Finance Director Roger Larson, which explains the payments in greater
detail.
City Manager Morrison reported that in September 2002, GMHC staff and City Staff discussed a
revolving loan program, which would give residents the opportunity to make home
improvements. He stated the City Council approved the use of $100,000 of HRA funds for the
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 3
Housing Redevelopment Program. He explained the Housing Resource Center charged a 10%
administration fee and loaned out the remaining $90,000.
City Manager Morrison explained that Resolution 07 -072 authorizes the $12,500 to have GMHC
continue the consultant agreement for 2008 and provides $60,000 two programs, $30,000 for the
Revolving Loan Fund and $30,000 for a Rehabilitation Rebate Program.
Councilmember Gray questioned how many residents took advantage of the programs.
City Manager Momson reported the statistics would be reported by GMHC.
Ms. Suzanne Snyder, GMHC Program Director, introduced herself and Ms. Denise Elando,
Program Coordinator Northeast. She provided the history, background, and purpose of the
GMHC organization.
Ms. Elando exhibited a PowerPoint presentation on the relationship with the residents of St.
Anthony since 2002. She stated the Housing Resource Center — Northeast administers the
Revolving Loan Fund, the Rebate Incentive Program, and the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency Fix Up Fund Loan. She provided statistics on how many residents took advantage of
these programs.
Councilmember Stifle questioned the revolving loan fund and asked about the history of
delinquencies or losses.
Ms. Elando reported there have been no delinquencies or losses.
Councilmember Stille asked about the debt to income ratio as being somewhat high.
Ms. Elando replied the state would go as high as 55 percent.
Discussion ensued on the Revolving Loan Program.
Mayor questioned the rebate percentages, and asked whether the applicant's assets, as well as
income, were considered.
Ms. Snyder replied assets were not considered.
Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve Resolution
07 -072, a Resolution Approving the Contract with the Greater Metropolitan Housing
Corporation (GMHC).
Councilmember Stille commented this is a City asset and should be monitored.
Mayor Faust stated the rebate program should be approved at the Council level. He requested
additional feedback from the Finance Director and information on what is being spent on the
programs.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 4
Motion carried unanimously.
C. Ramsey County Commissioner, Jan Parker Presentation
Commissioner Parker, Ramsey County, presented Council members with a packet of updated
information on current Ramsey County programs and the Juvenile Retention Alternative
Program.
Commissioner Parker announced that the Truth In Taxation Hearings would occur on December
11, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Arlington High School.
Commissioner Parker announced the formation of the Ramsey County Bicycle group focusing on
safe biking for transportation and recreation. Active Living Policy Committee will meet on
November 14, 2007 and the kickoff meeting for the Ramsey County Bicycle group is scheduled
for November 15, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Roseville City Hall.
Commissioner Parker mentioned the matching grant program for the Active City program to
purchase benches for the Pathways to Health initiative. She stated this is a 50 percent matching
grant to purchase Ramsey County recycled plastic benches.
Commissioner Parker reported the 2008 budget is a 2.7 percent increase over 2007. She stated
this translates to a 5 percent tax levy increase.
Commissioner Parker announced that Ramsey County is looking at a Juvenile Detention
Alternatives Program and better ways to deal with juveniles before they get into trouble. She
stated this is a high priority as it would save the County a great deal of money.
Judge Gary Bastian, Co -Chair of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Program, explained the
process in dealing with juveniles who are arrested. He explained the concept of the Juvenile
Detention Alternatives Program and the cost to the County. He stated they are looking for
individuals to volunteer time with the program.
Councilmember Stille commented he is on the Family Services Collaborative and stated they
have a vested interest in this program and will discuss it at their next meeting.
D. Road Reconstruction Task Force Presentation
City Engineer Hubmer presented the Street Reconstruction Task Force conclusions. He stated
the Task Force held five meetings over the summer of 2007 to discuss the reconstruction of
concrete streets within St. Anthony Village. The stated the Task Force was comprised of ten
residents who reside on concrete streets, along with two representatives of the City Council, the
Public Works Director, and the City Engineer. He explained the purpose of the Task Force was
to determine how the concrete streets within St. Anthony would be reconstructed.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 5
City Engineer Hubmer reported the Task Force defined a number of parameters affecting the
decision to reconstruct existing concrete streets with either concrete or asphalt. He stated the
parameters included appearance, function, and cost associated with replacing existing concrete
streets with concrete or asphalt.
City Engineer Hubmer explained that throughout the five meetings, a number of issues
associated with both material types were evaluated, discussed, and a recommendation developed
for the City Council's consideration. He stated the Task Force clearly indicated a preference to
replace the existing concrete streets with new concrete streets, but acknowledges the significant
hurdle associated with the increase in capital cost associated with construction of new concrete
streets.
City Engineer Hubmer reported the Task Force feels that the combination of asphalt and concrete
streets within St. Anthony Village has added character to the Village and desires to have the
Council give consideration to the alternative selected to maintain concrete streets.
Councilmember Stille asked how many homes have asphalt and concrete.
City Engineer Hubmer stated they did not count them, however, he believes it is approximately a
60/40 percent split.
Councilmember Stille asked if the lifecycle of asphalt had a better rating than concrete.
City Engineer Hubmer explained the lifecycles of concrete versus asphalt. He stated the 14 -year
life cycle is important to maintain.
Discussion ensued on concrete versus asphalt.
Councilmember Gray asked for clarification on PCI.
City Engineer Hubmer referred them to Mr. Mike Ries, WSB.
Mr. Ries explained the concept of Pavement Condition Index (PCI) as a management tool to
budget for road maintenance.
Gray stated the condition for the lifecycle of the road would be best using asphalt.
Mr. Ries explained why asphalt is the better cost effective choice. He commented there are more
asphalt contractors that concrete; therefore, better competitive pricing.
Councilmember Gray questioned if the discussion included whether residents living on concrete
streets were willing to pay additional taxes for maintaining these streets.
City Engineer Hubmer stated the option of concrete was extensively discussed and assessing
those residents on concrete streets. He referred to the findings from the Task Force report.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 6
Councilmember Thuesen asked City Engineer Hubmer to discuss the pros and cons relative to
the need to dig up concrete versus asphalt for maintenance.
4 City Engineer Hubmer compared the processes, maintenance costs, and work involved with
5 each. He explained that digging up and replacing concrete requires greater area of street
6 replacement, and curing and maintenance time. He explained that a smaller area of asphalt could
7 be dug up to complete the repairs and generally completed in one day.
9 Discussion ensued on the concrete versus asphalt cost ratio.
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11 Councilmember Horst requested City Engineer Hubmer speak to the technologies Public Works
12 might require with the two different street materials.
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14 City Engineer Hubmer replied wholesale maintenance is contracted out for both asphalt and
15 concrete as it is more cost effective. He stated the City did not have the equipment, nor was it
16 cost effective for a City the size of St. Anthony to own it.
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18 Discussion ensued on concrete streets in other cities. City Engineer Hubmer commented
19 Minneapolis is replacing concrete streets with concrete streets; however, he is not aware of any
20 other cities doing the same.
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22 Mayor Faust invited Task Force members to speak.
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24 Mr. Brian Rude, Task Force Member, reviewed several points from the task force report. He
25 commented concrete would cost 6.8 percent more than asphalt. He explained that the cost for
26 concrete is spent up front and saved in the end. He explained how this equates to cost savings for
27 the residents on concrete streets and the City. He raised issues that were not addressed by the
28 Task Force or City Council, such as the overall maintenance cost of concrete streets for the past
29 50 years. He stated the PCI chart was not discussed in detail. He stated it has to do with
30 drivability and not maintenance. He commented that people on concrete streets would prefer to
31 keep them. He stated the only city that does a lifecycle analysis is Minneapolis. He commented
32 that in his discussion with other Cities, they were surprised that it is only 6.8 percent difference
33 in cost over asphalt. He indicated that residents are waiting to see the financial information and
34 their chance to express their opinions and hopes Council is open to hearing their comments.
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36 Mr. Allen Otte, Task Force Member, stated he had three concerns as to how this information
37 would be used. He indicated that first, he believes that a bias is created as all members live on a
38 concrete street; secondly, members of the task force are not on the fixed income; and third, no
39 one living on the existing asphalt community were on the task force. He stated he agrees that
40 Resolution 7 -22 passed in January 2007, was the right decision and sees nothing in the report
41 that causes him to change his opinion. He urged Council to make the decision logically and not
42 emotionally.
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44 Mr. Dennis Cavanaugh, 2909 St. Anthony Blvd, spoke in support of replacing concrete with
45 asphalt. He provided his perspective on the streets of St. Anthony. He stated the bottom line is
46 that St. Anthony is a small community with two road material — 60 percent asphalt and 40
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 7
percent concrete. In conclusion, he pointed out that the Task Force provided support for the
current policy. He pointed out that asphalt is more cost effective and the City is currently 30
percent fixed income and rising with as baby boomers retire and remain in the community. Mr.
Cavanaugh strongly recommends the Council adopt a street management plan for asphalt streets
and to stay with their decision to approve Resolution 7 -22.
Councilmember Stille stated he could not make a case for concrete streets based on the report
submitted by the Task Force. He stated that asphalt would result in a fresher, nicer road and
cheaper maintenance cost. He could not see where the concrete would be a better choice. To
bring closure he would prefer Council affirm its current policy.
Councilmember Horst commented that in the meetings, there is a bias by those living on concrete
street and he understands that bias. He stated he was always concerned over the cost difference
and could not get past this issue. He believes the issues were addressed. He stated he has a
difficult time justifying two technologies in the City. He stated drivability and smoothness in a
street is important to him. He would prefer a decision be made to go to all concrete or all
asphalt streets in the city of St. Anthony. He stated he believes the information makes a strong
case to keep the policy as it is to go to an all asphalt street system in St. Anthony.
Councilmember Thuesen expressed concern that all ten residents lived on the task force lived on
a concrete street and therefore the results are skewed and did not provide and overall view of the
city. He expressed concern over the significant cost difference and life cycle. He stated he
worries about the potential increase to the CIP and diverting funds that might compromise other
projects for the community. He stated he is of the opinion to support the current policy.
Councilmember Gray stated it really does come down to cash. He stated that given the
information provided, it would not be prudent to support concrete streets. He indicated he is
more convinced now than he was in January 2007 that asphalt is the best choice. He stated there
is not enough information to change to both concrete and asphalt. He recommended Council
stick to its policy.
Mayor Faust stated he is concerned with the cost difference also. He stated the initial cost is
difficult to accept. He stressed Council must be responsible to the entire community and prudent
with the City's dollars. He stated in the long run, asphalt would last better. He thanked the task
force members for their work and stated he did not have an issue with the composition of the
membership. He pointed out that what Council received was a report that would now provide
the data for Council to make its decision.
Mayor Faust declared and reaffirmed that the decision to approve Resolution 07 -022 stands with
asphalt as the standard.
E. City Engineer Update
City Engineer Hubmer provided an update on the 2007 Street Reconstruction Project and Foss
Road Lift Station Improvements. He informed Council that all utility and street reconstruction
improvements have been completed for 2007. He stated a number of restoration items still need
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 8
1 to be addressed and anticipated completion within the next week or two. He stated the Foss
2 Road Lift Station has been constructed and is currently operational. He indicated that the
3 restoration of Chandler Drive, Foss Road, and the lift station site would be completed in the next
4 week to ten days.
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City Engineer Hubmer reported that 2,260 water meters have been replaced within the City. He
stated approximately 40 meters remain to be installed, 25 of which are residential and 15 are
commercial. He stated they are hoping to have everyone up and running by the next billing
cycle and no cards by 2008.
Mayor Faust suggested some of the readings might be caused by the leaves coming off the trees;
therefore, causing better readings and penetration. He questioned if some money had been held
back.
City Engineer Hubmer replied they have yet to be paid and he is confident the Mayor could rest
easy. He stated there is a warranty on the items also, should replacement be required next year.
City Engineer Hubmer reported that Comcast, Centerpoint Energy, and Xcel Energy are moving
rapidly in relocating utilities underground along the west side of Silver Lake Road. He stated
this work is anticipated to continue for the next several months and would include installation of
the service lines from silver Lake Road to the individual residents. He stated Xcel Energy
recently installed new transmission line crossings at 33`d Avenue and Silver Lake Road, which
required some traffic modifications to complete the work. He explained staff is working closely
with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Hennepin County Highway Department in
securing the necessary permits for the reconstruction of the project in 2008.
Councilmember Horst questioned how the work on Silver Lake Road spilled over to Beldon.
City Engineer Hubmer replied it was always part of the plan to run it along that corridor. He
stated part of the Xcel right of way is included in that area.
Mayor Faust reported he received a call that trees would be trimmed along that area.
City Engineer Hubmer commented he also received a call and learned notification had not been
sent out by Xcel; had they known, communication would have been sent out.
City Engineer Hubmer reported on the Stormwater Runoff and Filter Backwash Water Reuse
Facility project. He stated staff worked closely with the Rice Creek Watershed District and other
entities regarding locating financing for the construction of this project to coincide with the 2008
Silver Lake Road improvements. He stated they are working with Rice Creek to accept the
water reuse project as the permit requirements for the reconstruction of Silver Lake Road and
coordinating the cost participating between the MWMO, Hennepin County, Rice Creek
Watershed District, and possibly Met Council for the installation of this facility. City Engineer
Hubmer reported that St. Anthony recycles storm water and backwash water from the City's
water treatment plant to irrigate Central Park and the City Hall campus.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 9
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9 VII.
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Mayor asked if it would negatively impact Mirror Lake.
City Engineer replied it would not.
Mayor Faust stressed that this is groundbreaking and new for Minnesota and the nation. He
stated it is a quantum step forward to being green and preserving water resources and saving the
cost savings of purifying the water.
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Manager Morrison reported that the next Council meeting is November 27, 2007. He stated
union contracts for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works would be
presented for approval as well as an amendment of the school district community lease.
City Manager Morrison reported applications are still needed for seats on the Parks Commission
and Planning Commission. He stated the deadline for submission is Friday November 16, 2007.
City Manager Morrison reported the Police Department held two safety seminars, one on October
24, 2007 regarding computer and internet safety and the second seminar on November 7, 2007
covering sexual assault and personal safety. He reported a total of 66 residents attended. He
commented he heard positive feedback from the community.
City Manager Momson reported that the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management
Organization would, for second year in row, provide a free seminar on December 13, 2007 from
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on training topics of snow and ice removal from sidewalks and parking
lots. He indicated this is open to private and public businesses. He stated more information is
available on the web.
City Manager Mornson reported he received a press release from Chicago indicating the City
would receive a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Reporting from the Government
Finance Office Association. He stated a formal presentation would probably be held.
City Manager Mornson reported Ms Jackie Senko, Finance Department, resigned to take a
similar position in West St. Paul.
City Manager Morrison reported a new Police Officer would be sworn in at the December 11,
2007 Council meeting.
City Manager Morrison reported he is currently the Vice President of the Metro Area Managers
Association and would take over as President in 2008.
Councilmember Gray presented the Northwest Youth and Family Services report ending
September 30, 2007. He stated the City pays $3,695 for services for the year and the value of
services so far this year equates to $16,130.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2007
Page 10
1 Councilmember Stille mentioned that Kiwanis calendars were recently delivered to residents by
2 the Builders Club (6`h to 8th Grades), Key Club (91h —12th Grade) and K -Kids. He reported the
3 Kiwanis meet three times per month and new members to mentor kids are always welcome.
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5 Councilmember Stille reported that on November 4, 2007, he attended a Sister City Association
6 meeting, where he and Jay Hartman gave a presentation on their trip to Salo, Finland. He
7 encouraged residents to get involved with this organization.
9 Mayor Faust reported that on October 27, 2007, he thanked Chandler Place for being in business
10 for 40 years in St. Anthony. He thanked the managers and directors of that corporation.
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12 Mayor Faust reported that on October 30, 2007 Council met with School District 282 at a
13 quarterly joint meeting.
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15 Mayor Faust reported that on November 4, 2007 he attended the Sister City Association meeting.
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17 Mayor Faust reported that on November 7, 2007, he attended the Chamber of Commerce Board
18 meeting. He commented that this year they would sponsor a local family or families in crisis.
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20 Mayor Faust reported that on November 10, 2007, he dedicated Sheridan Park's Veteran's Park
21 behind the Grain Belt Brewery in Minneapolis.
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23 Mayor Faust reported that on November 13, 2007 the MWMO approved the 2008 budget of $1.2
24 million. He commented that the Water Reuse Project requires partners for cost sharing.
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26 Mayor Faust encouraged businesses and property managers to attend the snow and ice removal
27 training for parking lots and sidewalks.
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29 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM
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31 Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
32 are not on the regular agenda.
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34 Mr. Jim Schluender, 2708 27th Avenue, addressed the street rebuild on 27th Avenue and stated he
35 informed staff that the new curb and gutter is about three to four inches higher than it was
36 previously, resulting in drainage issues. He stated that with the sidewalk essentially flat,
37 drainage would become an issue in the spring. He stated he would like this corrected before
38 winter.
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40 Mayor Faust questioned if staff answered him and visited the location.
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42 Mr. Schluender replied staff responded that they would look at this next spring.
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44 Mayor Faust suggested Mr. Schluender and staff get together and look at this area together.
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46 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Mayor Faust distributed a Sharing of Wealth bulletin on fiscal disparities put out by the National
Association of Industrial and Office Properties and the Citizen's League. He stated it gives an
interesting report of how taxes are distributed. He indicated the information could be accessed at
www.NAIOPmn.org.
X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS
None.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianna Wise
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
r
&AQ6 ayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk