2010.04.19 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Minutes for April 19, 2010 Page 6 of 9 residents had run ins with a number of cats, both domestic and feral, where the Washington County Sheriff's Deputy and animal control officer had no jurisdiction to require the resident to control the cats. At its April 5, 2010 meeting, the Council discussed whether cats should be added to the City's Animal Ordinance. Council tabled this item and directed staff to determine what the cost would be to include cats in the City's Animal Ordinance. City Clerk Michele Lindau explained the cost of impounding stray cats would be the same as for dogs, and according to Animal Control, cats were less likely to be reclaimed. Council discusses alternative solutions. Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff and EDA to contact local vets and business owners and invite them to participate in a low cost/no cost vaccinating and rabies clinic day, and to solicit ideas on how to best handle cats in the City of Hugo. All ayes. Motion carried. Recommendation from Parks and Recreation Commission to Approve Parks Planner Position At its April 14, 2010 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the addition of a permanent full time staff member to carry out parks programming related duties. The Parks Commission discussed the success the City has had in implementing its Parks Master Plan and using the parkland dedication ordinance to acquire parkland and construct a network of high quality neighborhood parks. The City has also completed the construction of regional amenities including the Oneka Elementary Gymnasium and the Hanifl Fields Athletic Complex. Many of these new facilities have been getting used recently by residents during special events and activities sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The success of these events along with the results from the recently completed University of Minnesota Community Growth Options Survey on parks facilities and recreation programming, has led the Parks Commission to shift its focus from construction of additional facilities to a concentration on Parks Programming. The Commission voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of a full time, entry level Parks Planner position, with funding provided by the parks levy. Community Development Director Bryan Bear provided Council with a detailed PowerPoint presentation of all the issues related to the position. Public Works Director Scott Anderson discussed with Council how the new staff position was necessary to continue and expand the parks activities. Parks and Recreation Chairman Jim Taylor, 4673 Empress Way North, talked about the how Parks Commissioners were volunteers who dedicated a lot of their time. The Commissioners had no time to put into programming. Parks Commissioner and former chair Roger Clarke, 14068 Fondant Avenue North, said there had been a lot of changes in the parks in the past seven years he has been on the Commission, and it was time for a new focus. Miron made motion, Weidt seconded, to direct staff to continue to work with the Parks Commission to finalize the Parks Planner job description, and bring it back to the City Council for final approval. All Ayes. Motion carried.