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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 111220241 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Wendy Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Wendy Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL. Present: Mayor Webster, Councilmembers Doolan, Jenson and Randle. Absent: Councilmember Elnagdy. Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Finance Director Deborah Maloney, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, and Sustainability Coordinator Minette Saulog. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. IV. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of November 12, 2024, as presented. Motion carried 4-0. V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS - NONE. VI. CONSENT AGENDA. A. Approve October 22, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes. B. License and Permits. C. Claims. D. Student Liaison to Commission. E. Resolution 24-074 — Deferring Special Assessments for 2024 Street Improvement Projects. F. Resolution 24-075 — Electing to Participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account Prog,[am Under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act for the Calendar Years 2024 Through 2030. G. Resolution 240-76 — Approving the Five Year Joint Powers Agreement With Ramsey County for the Use of Yard Waste Management and Organic Waste Rec clip Sites for all St. Anthony Residents. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 2 H. Resolution 24-077 — Authorizing the City of St. AnthonyVillage to Apply for the Metro Council Environmental Services 2025 Private Property UI Grant. I. Resolution 24-078 — Authorizing; Mayor and City Manager to Approve Toward Zero Deaths Grant. Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Motion carried 4-0. VII. PUBLIC HEARING. A. Ordinance 2024-07 — Amending Multiple Sections of Chapter 33 Sewer Water License and Permit Fees Storm Water Facilities. Finance Director Deborah Maloney reviewed a PowerPoint on 2025 Utility Rates. The parameters include: • Align revenue sources with corresponding costs. • Provide transparency as to the basis of rates and rate adjustments. • Maintain a structurally balanced operation. • Ensure that rates appropriately support the ability to: o Provide safe drinking water. o Properly discharge sanitary sewer flows. o Appropriate control and treatment of storm water runoff. Water Fund expenditures are comprised of two primary operating functions: • Production $1,038,888 • Distribution $875,593 The current recommendation for adjustment to distribution fee includes: • Continuing the phase -in of a quarterly fee to support distribution system costs. • Quarterly Water Distribution fee will increase by $1.50. The current recommendation for adjustment to usage rates includes: • The Water usage tier rates increases will range from 12-20 cents per 1,000 gallons in 2025. • Water consumption for 2025 is projected at a similar level to 2024. Ms. Maloney showed a chart with the Adjustment Impacts. Sewer Fund expenditures are comprised of two primary operating functions: • Treatment $995,456 • Collection $584,010 The current recommendation for adjustment to collection fees includes: City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 3 1 0 Continuing the phase -in of the quarterly fee to support collection system costs. 2 • Quarterly Sewer Collection fee will increase by $2.00. 3 4 The current recommendation for adjustment to usage rates includes: 5 • Continue to manage the growth in usage rates to recognize the revenues provided by the 6 phase in of the sewer collection fee. 7 • MCES treatment rate up 15.4% - based on increase in volume plus 5.6% increase in rates. 8 • The Sewer usage rate will increase to $5.12 per 1,000 gallons. 9 10 Ms. Maloney showed a chart with the Adjustment Impacts. Residential Stormwater rates will 11 have an inflationary increase, while the rates for classifications 4-6 will be adjusted greater 12 amounts to move towards closing the gap between St. Anthony's rates and surrounding 13 communities. A chart with rates for classifications 1-6 in 2025 was shown along with a chart 14 showing Impacts by Tier Levels.. 15 16 Mayor Webster opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. 17 18 No one appeared to address the Council 19 20 Councilmember Randle stated this is fair and those using more utilities should pay more. 21 22 Councilmember Jenson stated this is well put together and is fair. He questioned stormwater 23 rates and closing the gap. Ms. Maloney stated we are raising the rates to close the gaps. We are 24 not currently losing money and she will research further. 25 26 Councilmember Doolan commented on the sanitary sewer cost and it is nice to see the sanitary 27 sewer increase to exactly what we are passing along. 28 29 Mayor Webster stated she appreciates the outline showing Tier levels. It was helpful to see what 30 the quarterly increases were and how residents were impacted directly. 31 32 Mayor Webster closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. 33 34 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve First 35 Reading of Ordinance 2024-07 — Amending Multiple Sections of Chapter 33 Sewer, Water, 36 License and Permit Fees, Storm Water Facilities. 37 38 Motion carried 4-0. 39 40 41 VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF. 42 43 A. Ordinance 2024-06 — Amending the St. Anthony City Code, by Amending Section 44 154.141 Relating to Permitted Uses in the L-I, Livht Industrial District. 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 4 1 Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello reviewed the applicant, a building owner/manager in the 2 City's Light -Industrial area, and has applied for an amendment to the City's zoning ordinance 3 related to principal uses in the L-I, Light Industrial zoning district. The application is intended to 4 expand the allowance for office uses in the L-I District to include professional offices that 5 include clinic uses, or more broadly, uses in which a client or patient is seen by a health 6 professional in either a group or individual setting. The zoning ordinance specifically 7 accommodates requests for zoning ordinance amendments from property owners in the City. 8 9 Currently, the Zoning Ordinance creates separate use classifications for "Professional Offices", 10 such as legal, real estate, or similar office -based personal services, "Commercial Offices", which 11 are identified as offices with a primarily administrative functions for commercial enterprises in a 12 wide variety of business categories, and "Medical, dental, veterinary, and related clinics, in 13 which customers receive such services in person, and which consist of offices, exam rooms, 14 laboratory and similar services, ad related activities". Each of these is permitted in the 15 Commercial zoning district. 16 17 In the L-I, Light Industrial District, only Commercial Offices for administrative purposes are 18 listed as an allowed permitted use. The majority of Light Industrial uses are manufacturing in 19 nature. It should be noted that "Adult Daycare" uses are allowed in both the Commercial and 20 Light Industrial Districts. 21 22 The Planning Commission considered this item at a public hearing on October 15, 2024. There 23 were no members of the public offering comment on the amendment. The Planning Commission 24 voted unanimously to recommend approval of the amendment. 25 26 Ms. Morello reviewed the proposed ordinance sections. Staff recommends approval of the 27 amendment. While there can be concerns with mixing commercial and industrial uses, those 28 concerns largely lie in heavy industrial areas. St. Anthony's district is dominated by lighter 29 industrial activities, only small amounts of warehousing, and other office uses that are already 30 present. As such, staff finds that the proposed amendment can be viewed as allowing compatible 31 use in the L-I District. The Planning Commission also recommends approval of the amendment 32 as being consistent with the intent and long-term land uses in the L-I District. 33 34 Councilmember Jenson stated he sees no issue if this is incorporated into the ordinance. 35 36 Councilmember Doolan stated appreciates Morello noted that the Indust ahareasCommission. t Anthonye 3'7 asked about walkability in that area. Ms. 38 are lighter industrial with fewer large trucks. 39 40 Mayor Webster stated it was helpful to read that the proposed amendment addresses the shift in 41 commercial. Ms. Morello stated showrooms are allowed in the light industrial district and 42 customers are coming to those areas. 43 44 Councilmember Doolan stated this will also encourage more businesses to come to the City with 45 that flexibility. 46 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 5 1 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve First and 2 Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-06 — Amending the St. Anthony City Code, By Amending 3 Section 154.141 Relating to Permitted Uses in the L-I, Light Industrial District. n 5 Motion carried 4-0. 6 7 B. Resolution 24-080 — A zrovin Surimign Publication 8 9 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Randle, to approve Resolution 10 24-080 — Summary Publication for Ordinance 2024-06 — Amending the St. Anthony City Code, 11 By Amending Section 154.141 Relating to Permitted Uses in the L-I, Light Industrial District. 12 13 Motion carried 4-0. 14 15 IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL. 16 17 A. Resolution 24-079 — Authorizing Participation in the Solar on Public Buildings Grant 18 Program and Annroving Asreements with Develoner for Citv Solar Installations. 19 20 Sustainability Coordinator Minette Saulog reviewed from May to September, Staff worked with 21 WSB to prepare a two-step grant application with the Minnesota Department of Commerce 22 under the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program. The City was eligible for a grant award of 23 up to 60% of project costs for a solar array built on or adjacent to a public building, with an 24 opportunity to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act's Elective Pay tax credits worth up 25 to 30% of the project cost. 26 27 The City identified the Public Works Building and Water Treatment Facility as candidates for 28 rooftop solar installations and submitted a grant application for both project sites. Building 29 Readiness Assessments were submitted a grant application for both project sites. Building 30 Readiness Assessments were submitted in June to determine the feasibility of solar at the 31 proposed sites based on utility data, solar potential, and other analyses. Commerce notified the 32 City of its eligibility to apply for the full grant application in July. 33 34 As part of the full grant application, the City opened a competitive Request for Proposal process 35 for each site in August to find a developer partner. Applications were received and scored by 36 staff committee, and All Energy Solar was identified as the developer best qualified for both 37 projects based on the submitted proposals. All Energy Solar provided proposals for each site 38 which were included in the packet for Council consideration. 39 40 In October, the City received conditional approval for grant funding of both projects, pending 41 submission of final documents including executed agreements with the developer. All Energy 42 Solar has provided their contract agreements to the City for the City Manager's signature. 43 Commerce will provide a contract for City approval once the executed agreements with the 44 developer are received. 45 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 6 1 Staff recommends authorization for staff to accept the grant awards and execute the grant 2 agreements from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Staff further recommends 3 authorization for staff to execute contract agreements with the developer, All Energy Solar, to 4 proceed with the solar installations at Public Works and the Water Treatment Facility under this 5 grant program. 6 7 Ms. Saulog presented a Power Point and reviewed the Timeline and RFP Process Summary. 8 Charts showing the expected solar production were provided for Council consideration. 9 10 Also provided for Council consideration were the Grant Award decision letter, Developer 11 proposal — Public Works, Developer proposal — Water Treatment Facility, Developer/City 12 contract agreement — Public Works, Developer/City contract agreement — Water Treatment 13 Facility, Draft State of Minnesota Grant Contract Agreement and Resolution 24-079. 14 15 Councilmember Jenson referred to the Public Works Building with an 88% payback. Ms. Saulog 16 stated it shows what the building is currently using for electricity along with the first year solar 17 production. The City would receive net metering credits. Councilmember Jenson asked about the 18 ROI. Ms. Saulog stated it is 3 years. The Water Treatment Facility payback is also 3 years. 19 20 Mayor Webster referred to the cost given the grant funding. The City funds used will be paid 21 back in 3 years. 22 23 Councilmember Doolan stated this is a great project and incredible savings to the City. The ROI 24 is a payback period of less than 2 years. She asked when construction would begin. Ms. Saulog 25 stated it is slated for Q2 or Q3 for 2025 on the water treatment facility. 26 27 Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to approve Resolution 28 24-079 — Authorizing Participation in the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program and 29 Approving Agreements with Developer for City Solar Installations. 30 31 Motion carried 4-0. 32 33 B. Ca ital Im rovement Pro'ects CIP . 34 35 Finance Director Deborah Maloney reviewed a PowerPoint on Capital Funds 2025-2041. 36 37 The Capital Funds Purpose — Capture the big picture of equipment used in the current delivery of 38 City services. With the big picture established: 39 • Equipment replacement timing proactively managed to ensure availability of resources. 40 • Allows time for investigating replacement alternatives: 41 o Sharing of equipment. 42 o Leasing. 43 o New equipment options that provide greater functionality or are less costly. 44 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 7 The City's capital funds are updated annually, covering chain saws to fire engines. A manufacturer's suggested end of useful life does not define replacement date; equipment condition is the determining factor. The process used by the City is: • Finance Staff provides updated schedules to department heads. • Department heads meet with their staff to evaluate their equipment's condition and future needs. • Department heads meet with the Finance Staff to reflect the updated information into the proposed replacement schedule. • City Manager and Finance Director provide the proposed Capital plans to the City Council for review and discussion. The Building Improvement Fund Sources include Building improvement levy, Community Center transfer, Liquor Store reimbursements and Transfers. The Uses include HVAC, Roofs, Lighting, Security, Windows & Doors and Tuck -pointing. Proposed projects for the Buildings Improvement Fund include: • City Hall o Replacement of Trane RTU & ductwork in the gym. o Water Heater replacements. • Fire Station o Rooftop Units/HVAC. o Overhead garage doors. o Asst. Fire Chief office construction. o Roof replacement. o Fire Station concrete floor protection. • Public Works o EV Charging station. o Rooftop Unit/HVAC. o Roof Replacement. o Solar on public buildings project. • Park Buildings o Central Park Pavillion Exterior updates. o Emerald Park Pavilion Interior updates (LED). o Silver Point Park Warming House HVAC and Parking Lot/trails mill and overlay. • Liquor Stores o Marketplace liquor o Silver Lake liquor ■ Water Heaters, Rooftop units, and Roof replacements. The Capital Equipment Fund Sources include capital equipment levy, equipment sales, grants & donations and transfers. Uses include Fleet — squads & unmarked, public works trucks and fire trucks and rescue vehicles, heavy equipment, specialty equipment and technology. Proposed projects for the Capital Equipment Fund include: • Police o 2024 — 2 Dodge Durango patrol SUVs. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 8 o 2025 — 2 Dodge Chargers to be replaced with Traverse, Chief Vehicle replacement, Squad Video Cameras, Drone Program Supplies, and Firearms/Red Dot Firearm Sights. • Fire o 2024 - Turnout Gear/Helmets/Helmet Lights. o 2025 — Asst. Chief Vehicle and Fitness equipment. • Public Works — Streets Division o 2024 fleet replacements include: F150 4x4/Replaced with Ford Lightning, 2024 Freightliner 108SD — Chassis purchase in 2023/Buildup in 2024. o 2025 planned purchases: F150 Pickup — Sign Truck to be replaced (prioritizing electric) and F450 Mini Dump 2 Ton 4x4 w/plow. • Public Works — Parks Division o 2025 capital planned purchases — Bobcat 3400G Utility Vehicle (ATV) Seeking EV Option. • Admin and Finance 0 2024 purchases — City Hall — Bizhub Copier replacement. 0 2025 planned purchases — Civic Financial Software — Modules may be expanded or added. The Park Improvement Fund Sources are parkland dedication fees, donations & grants, park improvement levy, transfers and interfund loans. Uses include athletic facilities & playground structures, park shelters, splash pads, and trail construction. • Significant costs in 2024 included: o Silver Point Park Play Equipment. o Silver Point Park Bituminous Trail Resurfacing. o Signage — Silver Point and Trillium. • Estimated expenses for 2025 include: o Emerald Park — provide accessible route to picnic shelter and grill. o All Parks with seating — Provide accessible picnic tables and benches. o Signage — Central and Emerald Parks o Central Park Ballfield netting. • Projects to be paid for with one-time funds that will be available after closing decertified TIF districts — likely 2025 or 2026. o LED lighting Updates Central Park $370,000 and Tennis Courts $165,000. The Utilities Infrastructure Fund Sources are connection fees, collection of inter -fund loans, grants as available, and utility fund transfer (beginning in 2025). Uses include water infrastructure & equipment, sewer infrastructure & equipment, and fiber infrastructure & equipment. • 2024 o Replacement dehumidifier for the GAC plant. o Completion of Well No. 4 Pump restoration project. o Replacement of Sodium Permanganate Pumps and chemical feed tubes. o Ford Lightning EV replaced a 2007 pick-up. o M2 Water Tanker/Flusher. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 9 o Water and sewer operating fund transfers to Utilities Infrastructure Fund begin in 2024 to support future infrastructure costs. • 2025 o Plant Components Assessment of water treatment plants recommended to assist in estimating timing and expense associated with future repair and maintenance items. o Funds earmarked for Wellhead Protection Plan Review and Amendment (MDH) are required every 10 years. The Stormwater Fund Sources are stormwater fees and watershed grants & cost sharing. Uses include permitting (MS4) & agency reporting, engineering studies, stormwater pond maintenance, flood improvements, water quality activities, and equipment. • Mirror Lake Outfall repair 2024. • Silver Lake weed management. • The placeholder for an Industrial Park flooding mitigation has moved to 2030, anticipating that redevelopment will not occur until a later date. • General pond maintenance and water quality costs. • MS4 engineering costs. Street Improvement & Debt Service Funds Sources include street improvement debt levy, bond proceeds, assessments, MSA allocation, and transfers & project savings. Uses include street improvement debt, street reconstruction, utility reconstruction, streetlights, sidewalks, mill & overlays, and alleys. The 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project includes asphalt resurfacing (mill and overlay) improvements along the following roadways: • 39th Avenue NE Stinson Blvd to Silver Lake Rd. • 30th Avenue NE Stinson Blvd to Silver Lake Rd. • Armour Terrace: Roosevelt St. to Silver Lake Rd. • Murray Ave: Roosevelt St. to Coolidge St. • 29th Avenue NE: Silver Lake Rd to Highway 88. • Roosevelt Street: St. Anthony Blvd to 30th Avenue NE. • Wilson St: St. Anthony Blvd. to 30th Avenue NE. • Coolidge St: St. Anthony Blvd. to 29th Avenue NE. • Anthony Lake: 29th Avenue NE to Cul-de-Sac. 2025 Street & Utility Reconstruction • Macalaster Drive from 39' Avenue to Railroad. A chart showing the Street Improvement Schedule by year was provided for Council consideration. Councilmember Jenson stated he appreciates the format showing the year-to-year comparison. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 10 1 Councilmember Doolan stated this is very easy to understand. She asked about the HVAC 2 equipment that is needed and whether there is energy -saving equipment available. She asked 3 about the LED lighting and what the payback would be on that. In looking at the trails in Central 4 Park it is good to see it is on next year's agenda. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Mayor Webster stated she appreciates the flexibility of the CIP. Staff helps with the maintenance on the City vehicles to get the longest life possible. The replacement schedule is very helpful. Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Capital Improvement Projects as presented. Motion carried 4-0. C. Goals Update City Manager Yunker provided a detailed update on the goals. Mayor Webster thanked City staff for helping residents with their water service line inventory. Councilmember Doolan congratulated staff on their work to make this a significant year in so many areas. X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. City Manager Yunker had no report. Councilmember Randle had no report. Councilmember Doolan had no report. Councilmember Jenson stated on November 7 he attended the Ramsey County Local League of Government Strategic Planning Meeting. On November 8 he attended the monthly program meeting for the Ramsey County Local League of Government. Mayor Webster stated on October 28 she attended the Regional Council of Mayors Meeting. On October 30 she spoke with a class of 2" a grade students. On October 31 she and Councilmember Doolan met with a resident regarding the Tibyan Center. On November 9, she met with the Voyagers. On November 10 she attended the Kiwanis fundraiser. She thanked the Councilmembers for debriefing on the telephone with her. XI. COMMUNITY FORUM. Mr. Mark Walker 3419 Maplewood Drive stated there are some things he is concerned about. The police partnership is not a good deal for the people of St. Anthony. The Bremer Bank decision made last week sounded like the Council caved to an angry group of people, many of whom don't live in St. Anthony. This is not a good thing for St. Anthony residents. He stated the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Page 11 purchasing of electric trucks does not make any sense for a maintenance department in our small community. XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT. Councilmember Doolan the Chamber of Commerce Networking Meeting is on November 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Steel & Hops. November 30 is Small Business Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center. XIII. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Councilmember Jenson, seconded by Councilmember Doolan, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Wolfe Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ATTEST: ti 4C1yClerk Mayor Motion carried 4-0.