2007.01.02 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 10 DISCUSSION WASHINGTON COUNTY OPEN SPACE REFERENDUM PASSAGE LAST FALL On November 7, 2006, Washington County residents approved the $20,000,000 open space referendum authorized by the Washington County Board in an effort to preserve open space and improve water quality in lakes and streams and rivers in Washington County. As Council is aware, a presentation was made to Council on October 2, 2006 by representatives of an organization who supported and advocated for approval of the open space referendum. At its December 13, 2006 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the recent approval of the referendum and agreed that the City should be involved in identifying land or lands in the City for inclusion in the county's open space preservation program. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to contact Washington County to get a clear idea on direction on the open space initiative and report to Council, with further direction to the Parks Commission. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AND RETIREMENT PROGRAM At its October 2, 2006 meeting, Council discussed the creation of a formal employee recognition program. After discussion, Council agreed to table the issue in order to direct staff to include the members of the fire department as part of the policy program. Administrative intern Matt Stemwedel has worked closely with Fire Chief Jim Compton, as well as members of City staff, to include all City employees in the newly -named employee recognition and retirement program. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve adoption of the Hugo City employee recognition and retirement program to recognize dedicated and long -serving City employees, as well as to publicly thank those who have retired from service to the City. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON MCES TRANSFER LOCATION SITE IN FRIDLEY FOR SEWAGE DUMPING As Council is aware, change advocated by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services division has directed the closure of sanitary sewer collection sites in the Twin Cities metro area for septic system haulers. Council member Chuck Haas first brought the issue to the attention of staff several weeks ago, and a recent article in The Citizen explained how MCES officials would be closing four dumping locations in the metro area, opening up a new privately run facility in Fridley. Administrative Intern Matt Stemwedel completed additional research on the issue with Fridley city officials and staff included a copy of his report for Council consideration. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to send a letter of MCES in an effort to schedule a meeting with them to share the City of Hugo's concerns, with partnership with Washington County. All aye. Motion Carried.