HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 12132011CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2011
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5 CALL TO ORDER.
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7 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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11 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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13 ROLL CALL.
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15 Present:
16 Absent:
17 Also Present:
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20 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
21 ITEMS.
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23 I.
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Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Jenson, Roth, and Stille.
Cotmcilmember Gray.
City Manager Mark Casey, Fire Chief John Malenick, Finance Director Roger Larson,
Director of Public Works Jay Hartman, and City Engineer Todd Ilubmer.
33 II.
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APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13, 2011, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Mayor Faust requested the addition of an update by the St. Anthony Community Theater as
agenda item II.B.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of December 13, 2011, as amended.
Motion carried 4 -0.
PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION "S.
A. 2011 Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners.
Fire Chief Malenick presented the 2011 fire prevention poster contest winners, as follows: 4th
place — Hanna Wilke (5th grade), 3`d place — Sophia White (5th grade), 2 "d place — Kate Sandage
(5th grade), and 1St place — Elli Carlson (4th grade). He added that the posters will be taken to the
State Fire Marshal for submission in a statewide contest.
Mayor Faust congratulated the contest winners and complimented them on their hard work.
B. St. Anthony Community Theater Update.
Mr. Bob Foster and the St. Anthony Community Theater cast presented a song from their
production of A Christmas Carol.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 2
1 Mr. Foster stated that they will be performing A Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 17 ", at
2 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 18'h, at 2:00 p.m. at the high school auditorium.
4 III. CONSENT AGENDA.
6 A. Consider November 22, 2011, Council meeting minutes;
7 B. Consider licenses and permits:
8 C. Consider payment of claims:
9 D. Consider Resolution 11 -077• Accepting a Donation from the St. Anthony Village Lions
10 Club for the Veteran's Memorial;
11 E. Consider Resolution 11 -078: Approving the Appointments to the Parks Commission: an d
12 F. Consider Resolution 11 -079- Approving the Appointments to the Planning Commission.
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14 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
15 Agenda items.
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17 Motion carried 4 -0.
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19 IV. PUBLIC HEARING.
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21 None.
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23 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
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25 None.
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27 VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
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29 A. Resolution 11 -080: Relating to $2,215 000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series
30 201 IB: Awarding the Sale, Fixing the Form and Details and Providing for the Execution
31 and Delivery Thereof and Security Therefor and Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the
32 Payment Thereof. Stacie KvilvangEhlers & Associates, presenting.
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34 Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, explained that the City is refunding its 2004A and
35 2005A General Obligation bonds in the amount of $2,215,000. She stated that the rating call
36 with Standard & Poor's was held on December I" and Standard & Poor's upheld the City's
37 "AA" bond rating with a stable outlook. She indicated the City's rating is related to its strong
38 income levels, healthy financial profile, strong fund balance, good management practices,
39 diverse tax base, and rapid amortization of debt. She advised that the sale was held at 10:00 a.m.
40 today and six bids were received with United Bankers' Bank of Bloomington, Minnesota, as the
41 low bidder. She noted that the bid amount was reduced by $5,000 due to savings from the
42 underwriter's discount, resulting in a refunding of $2,210,000. She stated that the overall
43 savings over the next nine years is 11% or $230,000.
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45 Councilmember Stille requested confirmation that the bonds are not callable given the short
46 term.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 3
2 Ms. Kvilvang stated that this was correct.
4 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Resolution 11-
5 080; Relating to $2,210,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2011 B; Awarding the
6 Sale, Fixing the Form and Details and Providing for the Execution and Delivery Thereof and
7 Security Therefor and Levying Ad Valorem Taxes for the Payment Thereof.
V Motion carried 4 -0.
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11 B. Resolution 11 -081, Setting the City of St. Anthonv's 2012 General Operating Bud eg t and
12 Property Tax Levy. Roger Larson, Finance Director, presenting
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14 Finance Director Larson presented the proposed 2012 General Operating Budget totaling
15 $5,498,650 and proposed 2012 General Operating Levy totaling $3,045,166. He discussed the
16 City's budget meetings held this year which includes financial planning, prioritization of capital
17 equipment purchases, and review of affordability of services. He stated the City's 2012 budget
18 parameters used a three -year averaging method, provide for salary increases of 1 %, and a $100
19 per month increase in family health insurance. He indicated the 2012 General Fund budget
20 represents a 0.38% increase, or $20,650, over the 2011 budget and the 2012 General Operating
21 Levy represents a $99,655 increase over 2011. He pointed out that the City's Property Tax Levy
22 remained the same in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He reviewed the 2012 General Fund revenues
23 compared to 2011 revenues as well as the 2012 General Fund expenditures. He discussed the
24 proposed 2012 Property Tax Levy and allocation of property tax dollars. He stated that a median
25 taxable valuation of $223,000 will pay $3,933.11 in property taxes with the City's portion
26 representing $1,382.85. He explained that the average cost for road improvements in 2012 is
27 $405.92 and the average cost for all City services is $823.65. He indicated that the City's
28 Capital Equipment budget for 2012 is $409,200 and has no impact on the Property Tax Levy
29 because capital equipment is funded by other revenue sources, including liquor profits, grants,
30 and interest earnings. He noted that the City has received over $15 million in grants and
31 donations since 1999. He stated that $400,000 will be transferred to the General Fund and
32 Capital Equipment Fund from the City's liquor operations. He advised that the City's fire and
33 liquor non -union contract negotiations have been completed and negotiations with the police and
34 public works unions are pending. He encouraged residents to contact him with any questions.
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36 Councilmember Stille stated that the City's use of a three -year averaging method does not mean
37 that the City averages what it has spent over the last three years. He indicated that the City
38 Council challenges almost every line item in the budget and requires staff to justify the City's
39 expenditures and capital improvement purchases.
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41 Finance Director Larson stated that the City uses the three -year averaging method as a
42 benchmark in preparing its budgets and all departments are required to justify their expenditures.
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44 Councilmember Jenson requested further information regarding the 2012 total Property Tax
45 Levy increase of 4.8 %.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 4
1 Finance Director Larson stated that the City's 2012 budget is $5,948,650 which is 0.38% higher
2 than 2011 and the 2012 total levy increased by $239,344, or 4.8 %. He explained that in 2012,
3 General Fund revenues decreased by $22,300 for property clean-up and $84,900 for fund
4 balance /reserves. He stated that the City is required to balance its budget and will not be
5 reducing its fund balance; as a result, the City needs to increase its levy.
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7 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
8 11 -081; Setting the City of St. Anthony's 2012 General Operating Budget and Property Tax
9 Levy.
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11 Motion carried 4 -0.
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13 C. Resolution 11 -082; Accepting and Approving the Grant Agreement between the City of
14 St. Anthony Village and the Rice Creek Watershed District for Construction of the
15 Central Park Biofiltration System. Todd Hubmer. WSB & Associates presenting
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17 City Engineer Hubmer presented the cost -share agreement with Rice Creek Watershed District
18 (RCWD) for construction of the Central Park Biofiltration System on the north end of Central
19 Park. He advised the agreement awards $50,000 in matching funds to the City and the project is
20 part of the City's overall storm water program aimed at improving water quality and reducing
21 run -off rates. He stated the total project will cost approximately $150,000- $160,000 and
22 includes construction of a large rain garden that captures water and filters sand and vegetation
23 before being discharged downstream to Mirror Lake. He advised that from the standpoint of
24 meeting permitting requirements for projects within RCWD, the City is obligated to do some
25 stone water improvements and this project is eligible for meeting those permitting requirements.
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27 Councilmember Roth asked how many credits this project will provide to the City.
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29 City Engineer Hubmer replied that staff is currently working with RCWD to determine the
30 number of credits, but felt this project would garner approximately 1.5 credits. He stated that
31 they have had discussions with RCWD regarding construction of these types of regional systems
32 as well as doing some improvements in Mirror Lake to improve water quality and trying to find a
33 way to equate these improvements with RCWD's requirements for street construction projects.
34 He indicated that the City has clay soils and the RCWD rules mandate volume reduction to
35 remove stone water volume and while the City has built a storm water reuse facility, it has
36 maximized its volume potential. He stated that they have been working on this process for the
37 last two years and felt the City would be allowed to convert its projects to credits so that it can
38 continue its street improvement projects.
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40 Mayor Faust stated that this project has no impact on the City's efforts in dealing with the
41 volume in Mirror Lake and only relates to water quality.
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43 Councilmember Roth indicated that the City's clay soils will continue to be a challenge as the
44 City works on its roads within the RCWD. He asked if the City will be required to obtain new
45 credits in the future as it reconstructs its roads, e.g., in thirty years.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 5
City Engineer Hubmer stated it is difficult to predict what environmental laws will be in place in
the future. He indicated the City is operating under a process called adaptive management,
which is a pollution control standard, and felt that the City's current efforts will help the City
achieve its goals. He added that the measures currently in place should perform and the City
should not need extra credit; however, if the City does not achieve its goals, then the City will
need to evaluate what it has done and find new ways to reduce pollutants.
Mayor Faust asked if the MWMO has been approached to provide assistance for this project.
City Engineer Hubmer replied they are looking for other financial partners, including MWMO.
Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
11 -082; Accepting and Approving the Grant Agreement between the City of St. Anthony Village
and the Rice Creek Watershed District for Construction of the Central Park Biofiltration System.
Motion carried 4 -0.
D. Resolution 11 -083; Appointing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to Act as the
City's Agent in Accepting Federal Aid. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, presenting,
City Engineer Hubmer explained that this is a housekeeping item and appoints MhIDOT to act as
the City's agent in accepting Federal aid.
Councilmember Stille asked if the agreement is simply a pass through agreement.
City Engineer Hubmer replied in the affirmative and advised that the State insures that the City
meets all Federal reporting requirements.
Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Roth, to approve Resolution 11-
083; Appointing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to Act as the City's Agent in
Accepting Federal Aid.
City Engineer Hubmer reported that the installation of the LED stop sign at Crestview and 29`h
Avenue will be operational within one week. He stated that the stop sign is radio activated and
should improve safety in that location. He advised that the City was notified last week that it
received an award of $10,000 from the Operational Research Assistance Program (OPERA) to
study LED lighting in pavement. He stated that mid -block LED crossings will be installed at
34th Avenue and Silver Lake Road and also near Pahl and Kenzie Terrace. He indicated that a
Capstone study at the University of Minnesota will be done on the installation of these LED
crossings both before and after installation to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems.
Mayor Faust commended City Engineer Hubmer for his efforts in securing financial assistance
for this project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 6
E. Resolution 11 =084• Approving a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of St.
Anthony and the City of New Brighton for Fuel Purchasing for the period of February 1,
2012 to January 1, 2014. Jay Hartman, Public Works Director, presenting,
5 Public Works Director Hartman presented the proposed Joint Powers Agreement with the City of
6 New Brighton for fuel purchasing. He advised that the City of New Brighton is currently
7 dispensing unleaded fuel at its Ramsey County garage site located near Highways 10 and 96
8 which has proved to be inconvenient. He stated that Highway 10 and Highway 96 will undergo
9 reconstruction in the next three years which will make it difficult to get fuel at the Ramsey
10 County site. He explained that the City of New Brighton will pay $10,000 in upfront upgrades to
1 I the City's current fuel system, including a new key card system and software upgrades. He
12 stated that the City of New Brighton will pay for all fuel purchased and after 18 months, will pay
13 a $.10 surcharge per gallon purchased. He noted that the City expects to receive approximately
14 $4,50045,000 annually under this agreement which will be used for maintenance and repair.
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16 Mayor Faust stated that this is a win -win situation for both cities and commended Public Works
17 Director Hartman for collaborating with the City of New Brighton on this project.
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19 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
20 11 -084; Approving a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of St. Anthony and the City of
21 New Brighton for Fuel Purchasing for the period of February 1, 2012 to January 1, 2014.
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23 Motion carried 4 -0.
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25 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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27 City Manager Casey stated he is excited to be working at the City.
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29 Councilmember Jenson reported on his attendance at the November 29`h joint meeting with the
30 School Board. He also reported on his attendance at a meeting to interview applicants for the
31 Parks Commission and Planning Commission.
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33 Councilmember Roth reported on his attendance at the following:
34 • November 29`h joint meeting with the School Board, as well as the meeting to interview
35 applicants for the Parks Commission and Planning Commission.
36 • Cable Commission meeting last week in which the contract negotiations with Comcast
37 were discussed.
38 • December 12th Parks Commission meeting. He advised that the School District applied
39 for and received a grant from the Twins Stadium Fund to install new lights and fencing at
40 the football field.
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42 Mayor Faust asked Councilmember Roth to advise the Cable Commission that the audio
43 reception is poor during its broadcast of Cable Commission meetings.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
Page 7
1 Councilmember Stille reported on his attendance at the joint meeting with the School Board. He
2 expressed thanks to Hennepin County Commissioner Stenglein for his assistance in obtaining the
3 grant from the Twins Stadium Fund.
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5 Mayor Faust reported on his attendance at the following:
6 • November 29`n joint meeting with the School Board.
7 • November 30th Urban Storm Water Management course by the University of Minnesota.
8 • December 5th Rice Creek Watershed District Board meeting.
9 • December l Otn parking lot and snowplowing symposium sponsored by the Minnesota
10 Pollution Control Agency and hosted by the City.
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12 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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14 Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
15 are not on the regular agenda.
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17 Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda
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19 IX.
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24 X.
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INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Councilmember Roth stated that a reception will be held at City Hall on Thursday, January 5th
from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. to thank Finance Director Larson for his dedicated service to the City.
/\ 111rel"9 010 101019
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Hughes
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
34 ATTEST:
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