HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 03222005I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 22, 2005
4
5 CALL TO ORDER.
6 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
7
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
9 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
10
11 ROLL CALL.
12 Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Horst, Stille, and Thuesen.
13 Absent: None.
14 Also Present: City Manager Mike Morrison.
15
16
17 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
18 ITEMS.
19
20 1. APPROVAL OF MARCH 22, 2005 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
21 Motion by Councilmember Horst, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve the City
22 Council Meeting Agenda of March 22, 2005.
23
24 Motion carried unanimously.
�.,
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
II.
1II.
PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
None.
CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Consider March 8, 2005 Council meeting minutes.
B. Consider licenses and permits.
C. Consider payment of claims.
D. Resolution 05 -029, re: Consider approval of Hennepin County Recycling Grant.
34
35
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Consent
36
Agenda items, adding a 3.2 beer license for Village Blend under item III. B.
37
38
Motion carried unanimously.
39
40
IV.
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
41
None.
42
43
V.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
44
45
VI.
GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
46
A. Kathleen Anderson, Martin Sabos' Office.
Ms. Anderson thanked the Council for inviting her. She explained that Congressman Sabo has a
district office as well as an office in Washington. She noted Congressman Sabo serves on the
49
Appropriations Committee, and the Homeland Security Committee, among others. She said the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 2
Washington Office has a staff of 13, and there is always an intern. The district office has a staff
of 6 full time, and 1 part time, and an intern. The district office is more involved in constituent
3 service, while the Washington office is more involved in legislation. She said their main duty in
4 the district office is to serve the constituents. She said if any of the Councilmembers and their
5 constituents has problems with federal agencies, they should call the district office, and a case
6 worker will work as an ombudsman. She also said they can get copies of any bills needed at the
7 district office. She explained they also process applicants for the military academies. All cadets
8 need a congressional appointment. They can only appoint young people from the district. The
9 Congressman can have 5 cadets at any time at each of the 3 academies. She noted that flags can
10 be flown over the capital for individuals. She suggested this makes a good gift. Ms. Anderson
11 further noted that the district office takes messages for people who want to tell their
12 Congressman how to vote. She said he is aware of all the messages that come in and he will
13 respond to them in due time. She also indicated that the district office receives 10 VIP tickets
14 every week for Whitehouse tours. Though they go quickly, it is first come, first served. She also
15 said they can get other tickets to the FBI, Senate Galleries, and maps.
16
17 Mayor Faust thanked her on behalf of the City and the Council. He stated that Congressman
18 Sabo has been exceedingly kind to the city. In the late 1980s and early 1990, Congressman Sabo
19 was able to secure close to $10 million in funding for the water purification plant. Also, he
20 recently secured $750,000 for the new redevelopment. Mayor Faust said Ms. Anderson has been
21 the point of contact for the district office. Mayor Faust said he is pleased that Congressman
22 Sabo, and his expertise, is available when the City needs help. He said he looks forward to
having Congressman Sabo in the Village Fest parade this year again.
25 B. Consider Resolution 05 -029, re: Community Survey.
26 Mr. Morrison indicated that the last time a Community Survey was done was in 2001. He said
27 that one of the goals of 2005 is the Value of Services Survey. He noted Staff met with Decision
28 Resources and they provided a proposal to perform a 50- question survey for $10,200 plus a
29 charge of $135 for each additional question.
30
31 Motion by Councilmember Thuesen, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to adopt Resolution 05-
32 029, re: A Resolution Approving a Survey Research Proposal with Decision Resources for a sum
33 of $10,200.
34
35 Motion carried unanimously.
36
37 C. Consider Resolution 05 -030, re: City Website changing to GovOffice.
38 Mr. Morrison reviewed the resolution with the Council and indicated that there are two reasons to
39 make this change. First, it gives Staff the ability to make the changes. The other reason is that it
40 will save almost $7,000 per year to make this change. He noted GovOffice is affiliated with the
41 League of Minnesota Cities.
42
43 Councilmember Thuesen commented that in his seven years of being on the Council, he has
44 heard residents ask how to do business in order to save costs. He said that on the surface, $7,000
1; may not sound like a lot, but it does add up quickly. He noted it shows the City is serious about
using taxpayers' money efficiently.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 3
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to adopt Resolution 05-
3 030, re: A Resolution Approving a Contract with GovOffice for Hosting City Website.
4
5 Motion carried unanimously.
7 D. Consider Ordinance 05 -001; 200.12 re: Mayor and Councilmembers' Salaries — Final
8 Reading.
9 Mayor Faust reviewed the resolution with the Council and indicated that it requests the increase
10 of salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers effective January 1, 2006.
11
12 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the final
13 reading of Ordinance 05 -001; 200.12; Mayor and Councilmembers Salaries to $550.00 and
14 $440.00 respectively.
15
16 Motion carried unanimously.
17
18 E. Ordinance 05 -002; 305.04 & 305.07 - Planning Commission Compensation and Planning
19 Commission By -laws, respectively. - Final Reading
20 Mayor Faust said this pertains to the Planning Commission by -laws as well as a stipend paid to
21 the Commissioners. This is effective January 1, 2005.
22
^� Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve the final
reading of Ordinance 05 -002; 305.04 & 305.07; Compensation to include that commissioners
25 would receive $25.00 per month.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously,
28
29 F. Ordinance 05 -003: 306.07 - Park Commission By -laws. - Final Reading
30 Mayor Faust stated this codifies the By -laws from a separate document into the City Ordinance,
31 effective immediately.
32
33 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Thuesen, to approve the final
34 reading of Ordinance 05 -003; Park Commission By -laws.
35
36 Motion carried unanimously.
37
38 G. Ordinance 05 -004; Water Rate Increase Final Reading
39 Mayor Faust explained this is a recommendation from the Finance and Public Works
40 Department.
41
42 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Horst, to amend Ordinance 05-
43 004 Section 610.02 relating to Water Rates of the St. Anthony City Code.
44
^S Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 4
H. Public Works Annual Report, presented by Jay Hartman, Public Works Director
Mr. Hartman gave an overview of the events of 2004 and 2005. He said it has been an exciting
3 time because of the move into the new maintenance facility. He noted that on June 24, 2004, an
4 open house was offered to the residents and it was a huge success. He acknowledged the help of
5 the Council, Staff and residents. He said he personally wanted to thank the Council for helping
6 to get this project accomplished. He explained the Public Works Department consists of 13 full
7 time employees and two management personnel. There are some seasonal employees. He said
8 that Public Works is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the city's infrastructure. He
9 further explained there are four divisions including the Vehicle Maintenance Department, the
10 Street Department, the Parks Department, and the Utility Department.
11
12 Mr. Hartman explained the goal of the Vehicle Maintenance Department is to provide services to
13 all city equipment.
14
15 He said the Street Department provides maintenance for public streets. The primary procedures
16 are snow removal, curb replacement, crosswalk striping and street sweeping. He noted snow
17 removal and ice control are begun when the amount reaches two inches. Plowing is attempted to
18 be done between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., with parking lots and sidewalks attempted to be completed
19 within a 24 hour timeframe. He said they seal 50,000 square feet of roadway annually, which
20 allows completion of all blacktop roadways in five years. Concrete curb and panel replacement
21 is done in the spring. Crosswalk and center lane striping is usually done every spring and fall.
22 He indicated that the street reconstruction program was adopted by the Council in the early
1980s. He stated that based on the current schedule, it is anticipated by 2008 all bituminous
roadway east of Silver Lake will be completed, which is about 42% of roadway structure. He
25 listed the street segments that will be completed this year.
26
27 The Parks Department provides maintenance and repair to five city parks and city shelters. He
28 noted the increased use in the parks is dramatic.
29
30 Mr. Hartman said the Utility Department provides maintenance and repair of the city sanitary
31 and storm water system. This department assisted in six main breaks. The department also
32 continues the water meter replacement. He said they try to replace at least 25% per year. They
33 inspect the storm sewer structures. The Utility Department also provides the Consumer
34 Confidence Report on an annual basis.
35
36 Mr. Hartman noted the capital improvement projects completed in 2004 include a large
37 improvement project at the chemical treatment plant. Some improvements took place on the
38 Scada System. Also, a large reconstruction project was completed, as well as upgrading the city
39 street signs in order that they would be seen easier. He said the community electronic reader
40 board is running as well.
41
42 Mr. Hartman noted the upcoming projects and events, one being the annual spring clean up day
43 on May 7, 2005. Village Fest is scheduled for August 2005. He said they are anticipating the
44 2005 street improvement project on or about May 1, 2005. He noted there is one more portion of
s storm water retention to complete. He also stated that automatic reader systems are being
considered for water meters.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 5
Councilmember Thuesen questioned whether there are less main breaks recently. Mr. Hartman
responded there will be fewer main breaks with the reconstruction. He noted some of the mains
3 have been in the ground for many years.
4
5 Councilmember Thuesen said the Department is doing a nice job, particularly with snow
6 removal.
7
8 Councilmember Horst questioned whether the Department does the tree trimming. Mr. Hartman
9 replied that due to the lack of snowfalls, the Department has completed a lot of tree trimming this
10 past winter.
11
12 Councilmember Stille asked if Mr. Hartman would elaborate on the cooperation with the
13 schools. Mr. Hartman said the City cost shares for the fertilization of Central Park. In addition,
14 the Public Works Department responds to snow removal and ice control for all the public lots,
15 including school lots.
16
17 Mr. Morrison questioned the hours of Spring Clean Up Day. Mr. Hartman said the hours on May
18 7 are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
19
20 Mr. Morrison clarified the number of park users. Mr. Hartman responded it is just under 3,300
21 for all three parks. He explained that part time employees watch the shelters and keep
22 attendance.
�J
Mayor Faust noted that tours could be given even if a resident missed the open house by calling
25 ahead. He encouraged residents to see the building. He said that there is a sense of pride in the
26 Department, and he commended Mr. Hartman and his staff.
27
28 I. Liquor Operations Annual Report, presented by Mike Larson, Liquor Operations
29 Manager
30 Mr. Larson introduced his staff. He noted two liquor stores have opened in 2004. He explained
31 each store has a store manager, a store clerk and 15 part time employees. The first store opened
32 on June 18, 2004, and Store #2 reopened September 18, 2004 after being renovated for three
33 months. He noted the operations name was changed to St. Anthony Village Wine and Spirits.
34 Also, the store numbers were changed, and Store #1 became the St. Anthony Marketplace
35 location. Store #2 became Silver Lake Village location. He indicated parking at the St. Anthony
36 Marketplace location was an issue in the past, and now there is ample parking. He stressed that
37 the store is located between Wal -Mart and Cub for convenience in shopping.
38
39 Mr. Larson gave a nine -year profit history. He noted there was a dip in sales, but it will rebound
40 in 2005. He said there has been a major expansion of product selection. He also mentioned the
41 awards that were given, including the Readers Choice Award for the best wine selections. He
42 said his staff worked hard to win the award. He also noted the Minnesota Municipal Beverage
43 Association awarded them the Facility of the Year Award.
44
/15 Mr. Larson said the selection of wine is expanded. The web site will show the varieties, and will
also show the monthly specials list as well as a list of events. It will show party planning tips
47 and an online customer service survey. He noted that on the online survey, of approximately 54
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 6
responses, 100% rated employees friendly and courteous. He said store appearance and
cleanliness also received very high ratings.
4 Mr. Larson gave an update on legislative activities. He said the wine and grocery legislation was
5 introduced last week. This includes trying to allow grocery stores to sell wine within the grocery
6 store. It is legal, currently, to section off a wine section in the store. He said he is seeking to get
7 it put on the shelves.
9 He thanked the Council, Public Works Department and the City Manager for being supportive
10 and helping with these projects. He also thanked his Staff, and the consultants and contractors.
11 He also thanked the customers.
12
13 Councilmember Gray congratulated Mr. Larson and his staff on the awards, and for the
14 successful transition into the new facilities. He asked how long it took to get the daily revenue
15 up to the level it was in the old location. Mr. Larson said it took about three weeks at the
16 Marketplace location. He said the Silver Lake Village has been more difficult. The store was
17 opened while construction was going on, and many mornings, he said they swept up mud.
18
19 Councilmember Gray asked if Mr. Larson has noted any change in the products sold in the new
20 facilities. Mr. Larson responded the Romanian wines sell very well. He said "Mary's" beers sell
21 very well. He acknowledged Darla, and said she has done an awesome job at bringing in small
22 product lines. He stated the response to it has been great.
�z
Councilmember Thuesen complimented Mr. Larson on the compliance checks. He said the web
25 site information was fascinating. He asked if Mr. Larson saw anything he would like to do with
26 the web site. Mr. Larson said he had a chance to go to a seminar on GovOffice. Mr. Larson said
27 he hasn't had has much time to explore the site during the construction. Mr. Momson noted the
28 site is very user friendly, and after about 10 minutes he was moving freely through their pictures.
29 He said that GovOffice would allow staff to maintain the Liquor Operations web site as well,
30 thereby saving the Liquor Operations Department money.
31
32 Councilmember Thuesen congratulated Mr. Larson and his staff for the awards earned. He
33 thanked Kevin and Darla for their years of service.
34
35 Mr. Larson said Kevin was his right hand person through construction. He said they try to work
36 together so that any one of the full time people can step in if need be.
37
38 Councilmember Stille noted that 39 °i Avenue will be reconstructed, and closed for part of the
39 summer. He asked how that will affect the Liquor Operations. Mr. Larson said that the opening
40 of Wal -Mart will offset that. He said they have lived through reconstruction for about 15 months
41 before, and will work around it.
42
43 Councilmember Stille commented they do an excellent job of attending to the customers.
44
,15 Councilmember Horst thanked Mr. Larson for their support of Village Fest.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Match 22, 2005
Page 7
Mr. Momson commented the two stores cost $2 million. He noted that $1.7 was paid for by the
developers. The city negotiated the deals. The cost of the stores was, for the most part, picked
3 up by the developer.
4
5 Mayor Faust explained that the first goal is to control the sale of alcohol in the community, and
6 the second is to make a profit. He said it is important to make these issues clear when talking
7 with legislators. He stated it is undesirable to have young people in the grocery store selling
8 liquor to young people. He noted the compliance checks have been good every time. The City's
9 compliance checks are stricter than that of the state, and because of the professionalism of the
10 Liquor Staff, it makes our City look even better. He thanked the Staff and the part time
11 personnel.
12
13 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
14 City Manager Momson reported the following:
15 • Grant applications: The City has a phone system with the City of Roseville, which is
16 efficient and is saving money. The Fire Department will provide First Responders
17 training, which will save the City money.
18 • History Intern: Sarah Campbell from St. Thomas College will be hired to work with
19 Victoria Young on the Planning Commission. The City has talked about how we have
20 lost history in the redevelopment, and would like to capture it. Ms. Campbell will be on
21 board in April for a four -month internship.
22 • Chipotle Liquor License — Public Hearing Scheduled for April 26. The cost is $8200.
This will be the City's second license. The City can issue 6 intoxicating liquor licenses,
and St. Anthony will issue 3.
25 • St. Anthony Market Place Update: Mr. Momson and Kim held a meeting with the
26 developer earlier in the day. The developer will be present at the April 19 Planning
27 Commission meeting for a concept review for a restaurantibar and a conditional use
28 permit. There will be public hearings in May. There will be a request for an amendment
29 to the agreement with Amcon to swap space with the retail building. Would like to have
30 it approved by the end of May, and construction to begin in June. The restaurant opening
31 would be around September 2005.
32 • Silver Lake Village Update: Progress is being made on 39`h Avenue. He acknowledged
33 the help of the Congressman, and now there is federal paperwork to do.
34 • Sunset Cemetery Update: A report was presented at the Planning Commission meeting
35 the previous week. It will be presented in April for review, and neighborhood meetings
36 will likely be held.
37 • Liquor Store Facilities of the Year: Congratulations to Mike Larson for the award of
38 Facility of the Year. Mr. Momson said he was there during construction and was amazed
39 at the pride the employees took.
40 • Joint Meeting with School Board, March 29, City Hall at 6:30 p.m. The Council will
41 present their goals.
42 • Legislative Day at Capital sponsored by the League of MN Cities, March 31 from 8:30
43 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
44 • Autumn Woods Fundraiser raised $4000 for the Fire Department.
• Public Hearing on 2006 Budget Set.
46 • Hennepin County Representative and the Metropolitan Council Representative will be
47 present at April meetings.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 8
Councilmember Horst stated he attended a Sister City meeting earlier in the month. The
3 twentieth anniversary of the Sister City relationship is coming up and the planned activities will
4 be held in Spring 2006. There will be a Minnesota Rock Carving Symposium; artists from the
5 state will work to create sculptures that will be placed around St. Paul and in Silver Lake Village.
6 He also noted that earlier in the month he attended the Community Services Board meeting.
7 They went over the new catalog. There are significant changes this year including fully
8 operational internet signup.
9
10 Councilmember Stille had no report.
11
12 Councilmember Thuesen said he attended the joint meeting with the Planning Commission. This
13 meeting is held annually and it gives the opportunity to clarify the future plans of the City. He
14 noted the residents have high expectations of the City Staff, and he said the employees have met
15 the challenge well. He said they have done a lot of work this year, and made the Council look
16 good.
17
18 Councilmember Gray had no report.
19
20 Mayor Faust indicated that he received a call on the 14th of March to testify before the senate on
21 a subcommittee on liquor. The Subcommittee is chaired by Senator Pappas of St. Paul. The
22 senator was sick, however, and he did not get to testify on one of the issues as planned. He said
he was able to tell another Senator about how St. Anthony does business through the League of
Minnesota Cities, and that set the standard for the bill. He added that the City's close
25 relationship with the League of Minnesota Cities is important.
26
27 Mayor Faust said that on the 15'h he gave the goals to the Chamber of Commerce Convention,
28 and the next day he gave the City's goals in a talk at Chandler Place with about 45 people in
29 attendance. Those residents are very interested in what is going on. They are appreciative, and
30 know firsthand that Public Works is there when something goes wrong.
31
32 Mayor Faust said he got a call earlier in the day from the Mayor of Columbia Heights and
33 wanted to pass along that the former mayor came by to talk about some issues. He noted it was
34 unprofessional, and would not do that in the future. He is a supporter of Wal -Mart.
35
36 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
37 Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
38 are not on the regular agenda.
39
40 Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda.
41
42 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
43 None.
44
^ X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
None.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2005
Page 9
XI. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 Respectfully submitted,
8
9 Chris Moksnes
10 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
11
12 Mayor
13 ATTEST:
14 City Clerk