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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 25, 2022
CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Stille called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Stille invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Stille, Councilmembers Jenson, Walker and Webster
Absent: Councilmember Randle
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Public Works Director Jeremy Gumke, Police Captain
Jeff Spiess, and Finance Director Shelly Rueckert.
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
I. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 25, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Walker, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of October 25, 2022 as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
H. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION - NONE.
III. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approval of October 11, 2022 City Council Meetin¢ Minutes.
B. Licenses and Permits.
C. Claims.
D. Resolution 22-074 — Acceptingand nd Approving the Grant Agreement Between the City of
St. Anthony Village and the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Environmental Response Funds Program.
Motion by Councilmember Walker, seconded by Councilmember Webster, to approve the
Consent Agenda items.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
Motion carried 4-0.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 2
V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
A. Dog Park Feasibility
6 City Manager Yunker reviewed at the annual Goal Setting session, the City Council identified
7 an Action Step for staff to explore the feasibility of adding a dog park in St. Anthony. Staff
8 researched the topic and presented findings to the Parks & Environmental Commission on
9 September 12, 2022. Staff reviewed the City's parks layout and usage and other city -owned
10 property, and was unable to identify an appropriate location that would meet all or most of the
11 key criteria. In order to add a dog park current usage and/or amenities would need to be
12 eliminated. As a result, staff opinion is integrating a dog park into the park system is not
13 feasible at this time. Due to not readily identifying an appropriate location, staff did not yet
14 begin any preliminary design process, estimation of implementation cost, or ongoing
15 maintenance costs/staffing needs.
16
17 The key components that were reviewed included:
18 • Size — The recommended minimum size for dog parks varies considerable among cities,
19 but is generally between % acre and one acre.
20 • Buffer from Residential — A few cities provide definitive distances from residences,
21 varying from 50 feet to 200 feet. All strive to minimize conflicts and include guidelines
22 such as: making sure that noise and activity levels are no more than other park uses,
23 importance of screening or visual buffers, and having a minimal impact on residences.
24 • Parking — Recommendations include that parking should be readily accessible, close to
25 the site, sufficient/adequate size, and convenient. There were no standards for size; rather
26 it is important to consider parking when locating a dog park.
27 • Use Conflict Avoidance — Guidelines include avoiding play areas and other recreational
28 amenities, high use areas, natural areas and water sources, wildlife, trails, community
29 gardens and historic sites.
30
31 Staff presented the initial information gathered for input and any ideas on alternatives the staff
32 have not considered. The Commission acknowledged that there are no sites available within the
33 parks system or other city -owned property. The Commission also briefly discussed usage
34 parameters such as permits and the possibility of separate parks for small and large dogs,
35 dedicated hours for each size of dogs, and how resident education on available dog parks and
36 city ordinance around the ownership of dogs.
37
38 Discussion then focused on possible alternate locations, focusing on two areas:
39 • Open space west of Apache Animal Hospital (Railroad Right -of -Way).
40 • Open space between Hwy 88 and Rankin Rd / Old Hwy 8. (Hennepin County owned but
41 St. Anthony mows it).
42
43 Mr. Yunker requested the City Council discuss and provide feedback to staff on whether or not
44 either of these options should be explored with the property owners/jurisdictions. Does the
45 Council have any additional thoughts or observations? Other considerations for staff? A lengthy
46 recommendations and guidelines for Dog Park Site Selection, Design, Operations and
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 3
Maintenance was provided for Council review. Maps showing the location of the two sites were
also provided.
Councilmember Jenson asked what type of maintenance is required on a dog park. Mr. Yunker
stated they were more focused on location at this point. It would need nearly daily maintenance.
Residents would be asked to clean up after their dogs but City Staff would be the backfill.
8 Councilmember Walker asked why Site A is preferable to Site B. Mr. Yunker stated it is a
9 bigger area and more centrally located and the noise would not be affecting the neighborhood
10 over the highway noise. Councilmember Walker stated his concern would be the height of the
11 fence.
12
13 Councilmember Webster thanked Mr. Yunker and appreciated the research done on this matter.
14 The Ann Arbor report was helpful in looking at the two possible sites. She stated she would
15 move ahead with further exploration of a dog park in St. Anthony. Residents have expressed
16 interest in a dog park where they can take their dogs off -leash.
17
18 Mayor Stille stated Council needs to be realistic in looking at this. The Ann Arbor report
19 showed parking as key. There would not be good parking at the 37u Avenue site. One of his
20 greatest concerns is phosphorus going into the drainage ditch from the dog feces. He would like
21 to hear what the City Engineer would say about that. The usable space at the site is much smaller
22 if a fence was constructed. Those are barriers he has concerns with.
23
24 Councilmember Jenson stated he would not be in favor of cutting down trees to allow for a dog
25 park. The liquid urine will go right into the ground and there is no way to clean it up. It would
26 take a significant amount of maintenance. He is on the fence as the site is so small.
27
28 Councilmember Walker referred to the report and said those residents that really wanted it would
29 hopefully volunteer to keep it clean. He would like to move forward with further research of a
30 dog park.
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32 Mayor Stille stated he would be interested in knowing more but does not want to take a lot of
33 Charlie's time to research. Mr. Yunker stated he can check with the County whether it is an
34 option. He suggested staff explore it a little more.
35
36 VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
37
38 A. Resolution 22-075 — Approving the City of St. Anthony's Participation in a Joint Powers
39 Agreement for a Fence Consortium with Several Hennepin County Police Agencies.
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41 Police Captain Jeff Spiess reviewed in the spring of 2021, several police agencies in Hennepin
42 County expressed interest in exploring the possibility of using shared resources to secure a
43 fencing/barrier system to protect critical city infrastructure in the event of a civil unrest situation.
44 The goal was to have an anti -scale fencing structure readily available, within close proximity that
45 could be set up within hours. A Fence Working Group was formed with members of several
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 4
agencies from the Hennepin County area, to include police, fire, public works, and emergency
management. -
4 The group met several times over the next several months to hear from industry experts, vendors,
5 and evaluate various products through in -person demonstrations and displays. The vendor list
6 was reduced to two and discussions on logistics and cost information was initiated. Each agency
7 evaluated their need and blueprint for fencing and a final individual approximate cost was
8 developed. Additional agencies from the seven -county metropolitan area have since joined the
9 working group. In September 2022, the Consortium formally started.
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In late 2021 and early 2022, members of the St. Anthony Police, Fire, and Public Works met to
discuss potential need for fencing in the City of St. Anthony. A map covering the water treatment
facility behind City Hall was identified as a critical structure needing protection. A map was
developed and submitted to the Fencing Workgroup, which in turn estimated the total annual
cost to the City of $6,350. An effort to secure $5 million dollars in State Funding toward this
project was initiated, which was likely to reduce the cost to each individual city by at least 50
percent, but was unsuccessful. There are currently 25 members in the Consortium. The cost will
likely come down as more members join.
The Fence Consortium will identify a fencing vendor to own and store fencing in the metro area.
The Fence Consortium, will provide staffing for setting up the fence and for security during its
installation. The team would train three times per year and each individual city would be
responsible to cover costs associated with their personnel assigned to the team.
Staff recommends approval of the joint powers agreement to join the Fencing Consortium.
Councilmember Walker stated he understands the significance of protecting the water, but
typically if an event were to occur it would be at City Hall. Captain Spiess stated if the City Hall
was targeted the Fire Department would be targeted also. That would result in two and a half
times what the proposed cost is to the City.
Councilmember Jenson referred to the map and the water tower and water treatment plant would
be protected. That would also include the skateboard park. He asked if to include City Hall
would be two times the cost. Captain Spiess stated it would be $14,500 cost to include City Hall.
Captain Spiess stated he would revisit the other map if given Council direction.
Mayor Stille stated he had similar concerns but the $13M investment for the water treatment
plant needs protection. This had been discussed at a previous work session meeting.
Councilmember Webster stated she appreciates his reports. The people out of City Hall could be
relocated but the water treatment plant could not be relocated.
Councilmember Walker stated if a riot was to occur it would most likely be at this building. The
cost of replacing City Hall would not be as much as the water treatment plant.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 5
I Motion by Councilmember Webster, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve Resolution
2 22-075 — Approving the City of St. Anthony's Participation in a Joint Powers Agreement for a
3 Fence Consortium with several Hennepin County Police Agencies.
4
5 Motion carried 4-0.
6
7 B. Approval of Capital Improvement Plan for 2023-2027 & 2028-2039.
9 Finance Director Shelly Rueckert provided a power point presentation of Capital Funds 2023-
10 2039. The purpose of Capital Funds is to capture the big picture of equipment used in the current
I I delivery of City services. With the big picture established equipment replacement timing is
12 proactively managed to ensure availability of resources. This also allows time for investigating
13 replacement alternatives including sharing of equipment, leasing or new equipment options that
14 provide greater functionality or are less costly.
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16 Ms. Rueckert reviewed the Annual Update Process which covers chain saws to fire engines.
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18 The Buildings Improvement Fund sources include Building Improvement Levy, Community
19 Center Transfer, Liquor Store Reimbursements and Transfers and would be used for HVAC,
20 Roofs, Lighting, Security, Windows & Doors, and Tuck -pointing. Ms. Rueckert reviewed the
21 items to be addressed in 2022-2024 and future.
22
23 The Capital Equipment Fund sources are Capital Equipment Levy, Equipment Sales, Grants &
24 Donations and Transfers and would be used for Fleet, Heavy Equipment, Specialty Equipment
25 and Technology. Ms. Rueckert reviewed the items to be addressed in 2022 and future. A video of
26 the fire blanket was shown to the City Council.
27
28 The Park Improvement Fund sources are Parkland Dedication Fees, Donations & Grants, Park
29 Improvement Levy, Transfers and Interfund Loans and would be used for Athletic Facilities &
30 Playground Structures, Park Shelters, Splash Pads, and Trail Construction. Ms. Rueckert
31 reviewed the items to be addressed in 2023 and future.
32
33 The Utilities Infrastructure Fund sources are Connection Fees, Collection of Inter -Fund Loans,
34 Grants as Available, and Utility Fund Transfer beginning in 2025. The uses would be water
35 infrastructure & equipment, sewer infrastructure & equipment, and fiber infrastructure &
36 equipment. Ms. Rueckert reviewed the items to be addressed in 2022 and future.
37
38 The Stormwater Fund sources are Stormwater Fees and Watershed grants & Cost Sharing. The
39 uses would be Permitting (MS4) and Agency Reporting, Engineering Studies, Stormwater Pond
40 Maintenance, Flood Improvements, Water Quality Activities and Equipment. Ms. Rueckert
41 reviewed the items to be addressed in 2022 and future.
42
43 The Street Improvement & Debt Service Funds sources are Street improvement debt levy, Bond
44 proceeds, Assessments, MSA allocation, and Transfers & Project savings. The uses would be
45 Street improvement debt, Street reconstruction, Utility reconstruction, Street lights, Sidewalks,
46 Mill & Overlays, and Alleys. Ms. Rueckert reviewed the modified street improvement schedule
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 6
in 2022. Street and Utility improvements going forward are scheduled with an off year every
third year.
The Phase II Debt Levy Benefits were reviewed in detail along with the Resulting Debt Levy
Program 2023-2037.
Councilmember Jenson held up the book containing the Capital Improvement Plan noting it is
very detailed.
Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Walker, to approve the Capital
Improvement Plan for 2023-2027 and 2028-2039.
Motion carried 4-0.
C. 2022 Goals Update
City Manager Charlie Yunker reviewed in detail the 2022 Goals Update for the Yd Quarter. An
update on the Action Steps for Environmental Responsibility, Quality Infrastructure, Civic
Engagement, Thriving Neighborhoods, Communicate Transparently & Effectively, Safe &
Secure Community, and Fiscal & Organizational Strength was provided by Mr. Yunker.
Mayor Stille showed the goals pyramid that was determined in January and Mr. Yunker provided
updates to the pyramid.
Councilmember Jenson stated there are 57 items on the pyramid and 52 items have had some
action taken.
VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL
City Manager Yunker had no report.
Councilmember Webster stated on October 20, she attended the North Suburban Cable
Commission and North Suburban Access Corporation Board Meeting.
Councilmember Jenson stated on October 18, he attended the St. Anthony Historical Society
Meeting and on October 19, he attended the Metro Cities Board of Directors Meeting.
Councilmember Walker had no report.
Mayor Stille reported this afternoon he attended the Mississippi Water Management Watershed
Organization Executive Meeting.
43 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
44
45 Reverend Tyler Sit, Northeast United Methodist Church, stated he has been in St. Anthony
46 Village for 3 months. He urged the Council to continue bold Climate Change Action. He wants
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 7
to live in a City that matches their values to the budget. Racial Justice and Climate Justice are
needed. Investment in Climate Action is necessary.
Ms. Lona Doolan, 3511 Harding Street, she wants to start a conversation about Climate Action
Planning and the challenge of reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The 2040 Comp Plan goal
calls for 80% in City-wide emissions by 2040. A number of residents are installing solar panels
which helps reduce emissions. They have made numerous improvements to their home to reduce
their use of natural gas. She attended a conference and stated another City is drilling geo-thermal
wells. Thirteen Minnesota Cities have created Climate Action Plans. She urged the City Council
to support the acceleration of creating a Climate Action Plans. She provided suggested actions
for the City Council.
Ms. Barbara Draper spoke about the way to raise the bar higher and adopt a Climate Action Plan.
There is no plan for reducing City-wide emissions by 80% by 2040. She suggested a dedicated
person be hired to implement the Climate Action Plan. Electric vehicles could be purchased by
the City when replacing their fleet. She read a lengthy prepared statement.
Mr. Dan Kunitz, 3305 Skycroft Circle, they have lived in St. Anthony Village for 11 years. They
have reduced their emissions by upgrading their homes. He hears concerns from residents about
fear of climate change. Adding community commitments are a good way to address climate
change. A City Climate Action Plan would be an efficient way for the City and residents to scale
their efforts to address the climate goals. He asked St. Anthony to establish dedicated 2020
funding for Climate Action Planning.
Mr. Steve Botz, 2913 Townview, resident for 19 years, noted previous speakers have spoken
about values and how they have made their own choices to reduce emissions. He is an
environmental scientist and he works on climate change for Best Buy. Many cities and
companies hire people like him because they are concerned about Climate Change. Action needs
to be taken today. He supports all the previous speakers. They need the City Council to jump in
with two feet to support an action plan to reduce emissions. He cited reports on climate change
models.
Mr. Mark Grimes, 3201 Townview Avenue, has lived in St. Anthony since 1998. He thinks a
Climate Action Plan would benefit the City. He is a member of Faith United Methodist Church.
Solar panels have been put on the roof and it has saved money since being installed. LED
lighting has also been installed.
Mr. Paul White, 3201 32"d Avenue, lived in St. Anthony for 10 years. He stated the urgency of
the issues of Climate Change is serious. He encouraged the City Council to follow the lead of
other cities to minimize the City's impact. How do we want our children to face the issues.
Mayor Stille thanked everyone that spoke tonight. Council has embraced environment
stewardship and sustainability. One third of the plants in the City are powered by solar. A couple
of electric trucks have been ordered. The suggestions made tonight have been heard and it will
be discussed.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
Page 8
IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
The next City Council Meeting will be held on November 8, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The time was
changed due to elections.
On Saturday, October 29, Kiwanis is sponsoring the events — pumpkin decorating, and a fall
fest.
X. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Stille adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Wolfe
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
ATTEST:
Cio Clerk
Mayor