City
Council Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2011
1. Roll Call
Mayor Roe called to order the
Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:00 pm and welcomed
everyone. (Voting and Seating Order for April: Willmus; McGehee; Pust; Johnson;
and Roe). City Attorney Charlie Bartholdi was also present.
2. Approve Agenda
Councilmember McGehee requested
removal of Consent Agenda Items 7.c and d, respectfully entitled “Set a Public
Hearing to Consider Amending City Code, Chapter 302, to Allow for a Brewery and
Off-Sale Retailing Liquor License;” and “Adopt a Resolution Supporting a
Two-Year Budget Process.” Councilmember McGehee suggested, and by consensus it
was agreed, that Item 7.d be discussed under Agenda Item 13.b, entitled,
“Discussion of 2012/13 Budgeting.”
Willmus moved, Johnson seconded,
approval of the agenda as amended.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
3. Public Comment
Mayor Roe called for public comment
by members of the audience on any non-agenda items. No one appeared to speak
at this time.
4. Council
Communications, Reports, and Announcements
Mayor Roe announced that
Roseville’s Cedarholm Golf Course was now open, and advised that space remained
on all leagues, additional information available by contacting City Hall or on
the City’s website.
Mayor Roe announced that the City
was seeking Roseville residents to serve on a Civic Engagement Task Force for
the purpose of reviewing the City’s civic engage policies and subsequent
recommendations to the City Council for improvements in citizen engagement and
involvement in its decision-making. Mayor Roe asked those citizens interested
in serving or seeking additional information to contact Carolyn Curti at City
Hall at 651-792-7026. Mayor Roe advised that the duration of the Task Force
was anticipated to be approximately five (5) months, and was proposed to meet
monthly beginning in late April of 2011.
Councilmember McGehee congratulated
Mark Rancone with Roseville Properties on being a recipient of a Minnesota
Green Award for their REI building parking lot.
Councilmember McGehee announced
that the Roseville AMC Theater located at Rosedale showed movies for children
with Autism one Saturday each month, and encouraged parents to contact the theater
for their schedule and movie offerings on those Saturdays.
Councilmember McGehee advised that,
as part of her learning about her role as a Councilmember, she was reviewing
other communities and their operations. During that review process, Councilmember
McGehee noted that the City of St. Louis Park had recently constructed a Fire
Station, and given their similar needs to those of Roseville, suggested that
Roseville take advantage of their Request for Proposals (RFP) and contracts as
a model for Roseville, and as a cost-saving measure rather. Councilmember
McGehee noted the energy efficiencies and environmentally sound design used by
St. Louis Park in accordance with their Green Building Policy, and encouraged
Roseville to consider similar measures. Councilmember McGehee noted the
willingness of St. Louis Park staff in providing assistance to the City of
Roseville in sharing resources and saving monies; their hiring of a
construction manager and efficiencies that method provided; and identification of
candidate firms selected from the Fire Chief’s Association.
5. Recognitions, Donations, Communications
a. Recognize
and Accept a $10,000 Donation from Hugh and Julie Thibodeau to fund the
acquisition of a new K-9 to replace retired Major
Police Chief Rick Mathwig
introduced and recognized the Thibodeau’s long-time support of the City’s
Police Department, and their most recent donation to replace Major, with any
additional funds to be used for recurring costs for the City’s K-9 program.
Mr. Hugh Thibodeau expressed their
family’s ongoing interest in supporting the City’s Fire and Police Departments
to ensure the safety of the community; and noted their specific interest in the
City’s K-9 unit and its importance to the Roseville Police Department; and the
need to get a new dog trained and in service as soon as possible.
On behalf of the City Council, the
community, and staff, Mayor Roe thanked the Thibodeau’s.
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
approval to accept the Thibodeau donation; and to recognize the Thibodeau’s by
showing the City’s appreciation for their generous support of the City’s Police
Department.
Councilmember Johnson offered his
personal thanks to the Thibodeau’s; and while recognizing their generous
financial contributions to the community, noted his recent service with Hugh
Thibodeau on the Fire Station Building Study Committee, recognizing their civic
engagement through generous donations of their time and talents as well.
Councilmember Pust echoed
Councilmember Johnson’s comments; opining that the Thibodeau’s were a great
asset to the community, and offered her personal thanks as well.
Mayor Roe, recognizing that this
recognition could only express the City’s appreciation in a small way to the
Thibodeau’s, and thanked them again for their generosity.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b. Recognize Outgoing
Advisory Commissioners
Mayor Roe thanked all those
serving on the City’s various advisory commissions; and presented recognition
plaques to those retiring advisory commissioners having completed their terms
the end of March. Those available and present for public recognition included:
Patrick Schmidt (Ethics); James Stark and Councilmember Bob Willmus (Parks
& Recreation); and Teresa Bailey (Police Civil Service).
Mayor Roe advised that staff would
see that the remaining retiring Commissioners would receive their plaques.
c. Proclaim April 29,
2011 as Roseville Arbor Day
Mayor Roe read a proclamation
designating April 29, 2011 as Arbor Day in the City of Roseville.
Johnson moved, Pust seconded,
proclaiming April 29, 2011 as Arbor Day in the City of Roseville.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
6. Approve Minutes
a.
Approve Minutes of March 28, 2011 Meeting
Mayor Roe had submitted comments
and corrections to the draft minutes prior to tonight’s meeting and those
revisions were incorporated into the draft presented in the Council packet.
McGehee moved, Pust seconded,
approval of the minutes of the March 28, 2011 meeting as presented.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Abstentions: Johnson.
7. Approve Consent Agenda
There were no additional changes to
the Consent Agenda than those previously noted. At the request of Mayor Roe,
City Manager Bill Malinen briefly reviewed those items being considered under
the Consent Agenda.
a.
Approve Payments
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
approval of the following claims and payments as presented.
|
ACH Payments
|
$331,634.45
|
|
61900-62128
|
500,841.97
|
|
Total
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$832,476.42
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding
$5,000
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
approval of the submitted list of general purchases and contracts for services presented
as follows:
|
Dept.
|
Vendor
|
Item/Description
|
Amount
|
|
Info Tech.
|
Software House
Int’l
|
Microsoft Licenses Renewal
|
$25,326.51
|
|
Recreation
|
Americana
Fireworks
|
Fourth of July Fireworks Display
|
11,340.00
|
|
Utilities
|
Gopher State One Call
|
Blanket P.O. for Utility Locate Requests
|
4,500.00
|
|
Streets
|
McCaren Designs Inc.
|
Boulevard Maintenance on County Road C
|
6,725.73
|
|
Streets
|
Highway Technologies Inc.
|
2011 Centerline Painting
|
8,337.85
|
|
Streets
|
Upper Cut Tree Service
|
Blanket P. O. for Tree Removal
|
25,000.00
|
|
Sewer
|
Ess Brothers
|
Blanket P. O. for Sanitary Sewer Manholes
|
30,000.00
|
|
Storm
Utility
|
Ess Brothers
|
Blanket P. O. for Storm Sewer Manholes
|
30,000.00
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
e.
Approve a Contract with Allina for Medical Direction Services and
Education
Pust
moved, Johnson seconded, authorization for the Fire Department to enter into
contract (Attachment A) with Allina Hospitals and Clinics (“Allina Medical
Transportation”) for medical oversight and education.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus;
McGehee; Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
d.
Approve a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Minnesota
Commissioner of Public Safety, Forensic Science Laboratory, for a New Breath
Test Instrument
At the request of Councilmember
Pust, Police Chief Mathwig confirmed that this was the breath test instrument
previously under public scrutiny, but confirmed as an accurate testing system.
Pust
moved, Johnson seconded, authorization for the City to enter into a Joint
Powers Agreement (JPA – Attachment A) with the State of Minnesota through its
Commission of Public Safety, Forensic Science Laboratory, for a Data Master
DMT-G with Fuel Cell Option breath test instrument.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus;
McGehee; Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
e.
Adopt Resolution Awarding Bid for 2011 Pavement Management
Projects
Pust
moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10888 (Attachment A)
entitled, Resolution Awarding Bids for 2011 Pavement Management Project to
North Valley, Inc. of Nowthen, MN, in the amount of $1,793,246.46.”
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus;
McGehee; Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
f.
Award 2011 Street Maintenance Materials and Contractual Concrete
and Paving Bids
Pust moved, Johnson seconded, a
motion rejecting the bid for FA2 sealcoat aggregate from Dresser Traprock.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
accepting the following bids for street maintenance materials and contractual
work:
|
1.
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Class 5 aggregate base
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Bryan Rock
|
|
2.
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Concrete panels, curb pedestrian ramps
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Ron Kassa Construction, Inc.
|
|
3.
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Bituminous reclaiming and paving
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Bituminous Roadways
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
accepting the following bids for street maintenance materials:
|
1.
|
LVNW35030B Base Asphalt ¾”
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Commercial Blacktop
|
|
2.
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LVWE45030B Asphalt Wear Mix ½”
|
Commercial Blacktop
|
|
3.
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LVWE35030B Asphalt Wear Mix ¾”
|
Commercial Blacktop
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
8. Consider Items Removed from Consent
a.
Set a Public Hearing to Consider Amending City Code, Chapter 302,
to Allow for a Brewery and Off-Sale Retailing Liquor License (Former Consent
Item 7.c)
At the request of Mayor Roe, City
Manager Malinen briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the RCA dated April
11, 2011.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
the proposed ordinance did not limit the number of this type of establishment;
and suggested that the City only consider one establishment at this time until
operations were put into practice and a determination made on the number
desired.
Mayor Roe clarified that the
ordinance was in draft form as a starting point for public information, with
tonight’s action only for establishing a Public Hearing to receive public
comment; with further policy discussion by the City Council subsequent to that
Public Hearing.
City Manager Malinen
differentiated breweries and brew pubs; and limitations under State Statute on
their specific operations and retail sales.
Councilmember Johnson noted that
the City already had a brew pub selling “growlers,” at Granite City; and
questioned if special consideration was provided for their operation.
City Manager Malinen clarified
that Granite City had a full liquor license, and that they were an establishing
selling food as well, and therefore, were licensed and regulated differently
than other off-sales and the City’s self-imposed limit of ten (10) such licensed
establishments.
Mayor Roe questioned if Granite
City could sell alcohol products for removal from their site (off-sale); and if
that was appropriate under their on-sale license.
Councilmember Pust questioned if
Granite City was violating their liquor license; and if so, why there was no
action being taken; since no other restaurant could sell alcohol products
(off-sale) to take off-site.
Finance Director Chris Miller
clarified that Minnesota State Statute provided an exception for a restaurant
making their own beer to sell the product to be taken off-site; as well as exceptions
for a restaurant to allow patrons to take unfinished bottles of wine off-site.
Mr. Miller advised that beer and wine were the only exceptions of which he was
aware, not hard liquor.
With Councilmember consensus,
Mayor Roe asked that staff, as part of this process, provide the City Council
with further clarification on the specifics for brewing and/or selling; and
licensing standards within City Code and State Statute.
Johnson moved, Pust seconded,
approved scheduling a Public Hearing for April 25, 2011, to consider amending
City Code, Chapter 302, to allow for a Brewery and Off-Sale Retailing Liquor
License.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Councilmember Pust
requested, as part of staff’s additional research, that they research other
municipalities where such a Brewery and Off-Sale Retailing Liquor License had
been proposed, but not passed, and their rationale for denial.
9. General Ordinances for Adoption
10. Presentations
11. Public Hearings
12. Business Items (Action Items)
a.
Consider Approving Request by Meritex Enterprises, Inc. for a
Preliminary Plat of the Industrially-Zoned Property at 2285 Walnut Street
City Planner Thomas Paschke
briefly reviewed the request of Meritex Enterprises to plat the southernmost
triangle of the parcel at 2285 Walnut Street as a separate lot, leaving the
remainder of the parcel as an outlot until future development plans necessitate
platting more of the property.
Mr. Paschke noted the Planning
Commission meeting minutes, included as detailed in the RCA dated April 11,
2011, the split vote and recommendation of the Planning Commission based on
pending technical information to be submitted by the applicant for review by
the City’s Engineering Department. Mr. Paschke noted that the Planning
Commission majority felt it was appropriate for staff to review that technical
information and continue working with the developer and their consultants to
finalize that information. Mr. Paschke advised that staff had since then
received the information from the developer, and supported the proposal.
Mr. Paschke advised that the Final
Plat and Public Improvement Contract would come before the City Council for
consideration in the near future; with the Public Improvement Contract
addressing completion of utility and infrastructure work prior to development
of the proposed subdivision.
Councilmember McGehee expressed
frustration that the agenda packet did not include information discussed at the
April Planning Commission meeting related to the ponds; and questioned their
location on the subject parcels.
Mr. Paschke clarified that the
April Planning Commission discussion was a separate issue that would come
forward to the City Council in the near future; but was a separate process.
Discussion among Councilmembers
and staff included the size of the overall acreage, and this parcel; demolition
of the existing building on the parcel; development of the property to
facilitate the proposed AirGas project as a separate and distinct land use
review process; and proposed use for this parcel for an office/warehouse use by
an automotive parts distribution firm.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
this was a good time to reference the size of this acreage, and the need for
the City to maximize its tax base rather than covering such a sizable parcel
with asphalt and single-story warehousing.
Mayor Roe recognized Councilmember
McGehee’s concerns.
Councilmember Pust clarified that
this was not City property, but private property.
Dan Williams, Chief Investment
Officer with Meritex
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Williams advised that the overall acreage of the parcels owned by Meritex was
forty-two (42) acres; with twenty-eight (28) acres represented in the two (2)
parcels; and another fourteen (14) across Walnut Street, and that development
of those fourteen (14) acres was the area most currently under discussion at
the April Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Williams clarified that this
request was for the southern most portion of the lot, for use by a wholesale
automobile body parts firm selling to automobile repair shops; and their
proposal for a 60,000 square foot office/warehouse facility on this approximate
five to six (5 to 6) acre site.
Public Comment
Written comment was received via e-mail
from Megan Dushin, 2249 St. Stephen Street, on this item and was included as a
bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
No one was present in the audience
to speak on this issue.
Johnson moved, Pust seconded,
approval of the proposed PRELIMINARY PLAT at 2285 Walnut Street; based on the
comments and findings of Sections 4-6, and the recommendations of Section 7 of
the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated April 11, 2011.
At the request of Councilmember
Pust, Mr. Paschke confirmed that all engineering items would be completed as
part of the Final Plat approval and a component of the Public Improvement
Contract, with most items already addressed.
At further request of
Councilmember Pust, Mr. Paschke reviewed apparent concerns of the minority of
Planning Commissioners that those infrastructure and utility items were still
in design stages; and that the information would be included in agenda packet
materials when Final Plat approval comes forward.
At the request of Councilmember
Willmus, Mr. Paschke confirmed that Parks and Recreation Commission
recommendations for park dedication fees for this development would be acted on
separately by the City Council as part of the Final Plat approval process.
At the request of Councilmember
McGehee, Mr. Paschke advised that the property owner was responsible for costs
of any additional curb cuts or site development.
Mayor Roe spoke in support of the
motion; and while recognizing the need to maximize parcels, he opined that a
different development could come forward as the process proceeded.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Consider Authorizing Police Department Restructuring
Police Chief Rick Mathwig briefly
reviewed the request as detailed and outlined in the RCA dated April 11, 2011
and the Draft Organizational Chart (Attachment A).
Councilmember Pust expressed
appreciation for the draft Organizational Chart, but questioned the location of
the Sergeant positions.
Chief Mathwig reviewed the Chart
and Sergeant positions in the Day A/B, Night A/B and IMPACT positions.
At the request of Councilmember
McGehee, Chief Mathwig reviewed the cost-savings realized through this
reorganization, with the Captain position remaining vacant following the retirement
of former Police Chief Sletner several years ago; and shuffling of positions
from Administration to Patrol. Chief Mathwig confirmed that the savings came
from funds already allotted for the Captain position in this year’s budget, and
reallocated among the other positions.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
with this proposed change the funds would become permanent, and could not be
removed and reallocated from department operations.
Councilmember Pust and Mayor Roe
noted that, had the Captain position remained intact, it would have been
subject to COLA and other benefit increases as well, so the funds would still
have been expended.
At the request of Councilmember
Willmus, Chief Mathwig addressed potential future needs for sworn officers and
street strength of the department, based on crime trends, and whether
cost-share discussions came to fruition for a retail officer. Chief Mathwig
confirmed that any future needs would come before the City Council for their
review and approval.
Councilmember Johnson questioned
how this restructuring of the Department impacted a Patrol Officer’s ability to
get ahead in rank, and if it made the department more competitive from the
Chief’s perspective.
Chief Mathwig responded
affirmatively, noting that the previous rank structure locked positions in for
ten to fifteen years, creating roadblocks for newer officers; but that this
structure gave them something to look forward to within five to ten years; and
provided career enhancement for officers, as well as succession planning for a
department of this size.
City Manager Malinen thanked and
acknowledged Chief Mathwig for his development of this structure, following
discussion of several possible scenarios upon his appointment as Chief; and for
his leadership in developing this helpful structure for the long-term viability
of the department.
Pust moved, Willmus seconded,
approval of the Police Department restructuring as outlined and detailed in the
RCA dated April 11, 2011 and attached Organizational Chart 2011 (Attachment A).
At the request of Mayor Roe, City
Manager Malinen advised that the City currently had a broad Lieutenant job
description in place, and that it would be adjusted to reflect administrative
versus patrol duties, and that no formal City Council action was required to
adopt a new job description.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Pust;
Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Abstentions: McGehee.
Motion carried.
c.
Consider Authorizing Creating the Housing Program Manager
Position for the Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Authority (RHRA)
In the absence of Community
Development Director and HRA Executive Director Patrick Trudgeon, City Manager
Malinen summarized this request for a change in job duties and creation of a
new job classification as detailed in the RCA dated April 11, 2011. Mr.
Malinen advised that this reflected the original assumptions and long-term
evolution of this position as anticipated when the position was originally
created and discussions among the City Manager, HRA Executive Director and HRA
Chair.
Councilmember Johnson expressed
his support of the request, with the exception of making the change
retroactive, and rationale and justification for that part of the request.
Councilmember Pust, speaking as a
member of the HRA, noted her civil service experience in creating formal job
descriptions and comparing job duties to ensure they were accurately depicted.
Councilmember Pust noted that, since its inception, the position had remained
in flux until actual day-to-day operations could reflect the duties and where it
should be classified; and now that experience had provided for a realistic and
official classification, as recommended; and that with that classification in
place, it affected a change in salary, which should reflect when the person
started those duties and thus be retroactive.
City Manager Malinen noted the
delay in bringing this forward, due to lack of opportunities for HRA meetings
and their subsequent recommendation, with several meetings being cancelled over
the last few months due to the lack of a quorum. Mr. Malinen advised that, if
the City Council so desired, they could delay action until Mr. Trudgeon was
present to provide a more detailed background for this request.
Councilmember McGehee opined that
the main motivation appeared to be the additional duties affiliated with the
Living Smarter Fair, and sought additional information on those actual duties.
Councilmember Pust reviewed some
of the various duties for this continuously evolving event as an HRA showcase
and marketing effort for Roseville to encourage environmental stewardship.
While noting that the Living Smarter Fair was a large piece of the duties of
this position, Councilmember Pust noted that when the HRA was first created,
the Community Development Director had served as their Executive Director and
hands-on person; and that the HRA was attempting to transition that position
back to its regular operating duties, with less time spent on HRA activities as
applicable. Councilmember Pust noted that it represented a responsible way for
government to look at how it used its limited resources at various levels.
City Manager Malinen concurred
with Councilmember Pust’s comments; and noted that going back to 2007,
transitioning within the City Manager and Community Development Director positions,
and lower level staff supporting the positions, had continued to evolve
following Ms. Kelsey’s hire and her taking on more of those duties.
Mayor Roe concurred with comments
of both Councilmember Pust and City Manager Malinen, noting that transitioning
those duties would get the Community Development Director position back on
track.
At the request of Councilmember
Pust, City Manager Malinen advised that this action was before the City Council
due to creation of a new job classification, not just adjusting an existing job
description; and included a change in salary range.
Councilmember Pust noted that
while the job description came before the City Council for review and approval,
the position was funded in its entirety from HRA Levy funds.
Mayor Roe concurred, noting that
the position was budgeted by the HRA from their 2011 Levy, which had remained
the same as the 2010 Levy.
Johnson moved, Pust seconded,
authorizing the reclassification of the Housing Program Coordinator position to
a Housing Program manager position; and further move that Jeanne Kelsey,
currently the Housing Program Coordinator be promoted to the Housing Program
Manager position, retroactive to January 1, 2011.
Councilmember McGehee noted, even
with this discussion, she was very impressed with Ms. Kelsey’s job performance
and her most recent presentation to the City Council.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
13. Business Items – Presentations/Discussions
a. Twin
Lakes Regulating Map Discussion
City Planner Thomas Paschke
briefly summarized and provided a short background on tonight’s presentation
and introduced Michael Lamb of the Cuningham Group, consultant for the development
of the Twin Lakes Regulating Map and Plan; as a subsequent action required by
the recent completion of the City’s Zoning Code update, and creation of the
Community Mixed Use District.
Michael Lamb, Cuningham Group
Mr. Lamb reviewed the Commercial
and Mixed Use District – Statement of Purpose (1005.01) and utilization and
incorporation of many parts of the Urban Design Principles previously created
for the Twin Lakes area, with updates as appropriate. Mr. Lamb focused on
urban design principles under consideration including, types of mixed uses;
connections to public spaces; commercial visibility; transition and
connectivity; gateways; dispersed parking; walk-ability; public edges; ranges
of transportation modes; street lighting; public signage; trees; frontage types
supports street life; minimizing setbacks and street walks; and
sustainability. Mr. Lamb provided several examples from other urban
communities and how they achieved pedestrian-oriented development.
Mr. Lamb reviewed the components
of a regulating map versus typical zoning maps, with emphasis on uses with a
pedestrian-oriented nature and recognizing streets as a public investment with
multi-modal characteristics and lines showing desirable patterns to enhance
pedestrian environments.
Mr. Lamb noted existing and new
rights-of-way and street improvements already in place in the Twin Lakes area;
utility and easement networks; and features to serve as a basis for a
regulating map; including area features to built upon, such as Langton Lake
Park and the how this enormous amenity can be used now and for future generation
stakeholders as well, and serve to maintain adjacent property values.
Mr. Lamb and Mr. Paschke reviewed
the proposed next steps in the process, including an Open House, Public Hearing
at the Planning Commission level, followed by City Council approval of the
Regulating Map and Plan. While recognizing that there would be additional
details forthcoming, questions and feedback from the City Council were
solicited at this time.
Mayor Roe asked that Mr. Lamb
further expound upon how buildings moved closer to streets promoted a
pedestrian-friendly environment.
Mr. Lamb addressed human nature in
seeking physical or sensory perception points for safety and harbor along a
street; and the ability to cross a street in a reasonable amount of time and to
safely do so. Mr. Lamb noted that proving physical enclosures and frontages to
facilitate a safe, convenient response for pedestrians was one of the patterns
driving the concept.
Discussion among Councilmembers,
Mr. Lamb, and Mr. Paschke included winter-related challenges and snow storage
and removal responsibilities from streets and sidewalks; potentially increased
costs for this type of development structure; how existing structures fit into
the total vision; systematic and periodic cycling of development in communities
providing incremental changes and opportunities; benefits to the City’s housing
stock; and how to provide efficient and pedestrian-friendly traffic flow and
movement.
Further discussion included
parking solutions to avoid additional seas of asphalt; removal of polluted soil
and additional green space; involvement of the community in the planning
process.
Mr. Paschke advised that the goal
was to have a public Open House and invite the public and property owners to
speak to revisions or refinements in the proposed Regulating Map and Plan.
Councilmember McGehee spoke in
support of having the citizens or property owners participate in ways other
than an Open House that may not be well-attended, and to receive their input
prior to a finished project being rolled out; a much different process than
proposed by staff.
Mayor Roe suggested that a process
be used similar to the successful model used for the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan, providing exercises to involve the public in the process, including
incorporating and involving immediately adjacent property owners in initial
planning and interactive. Mayor Roe encouraged involving those stakeholders in
the decision-making, while not anticipating that the product would be produced
in its entirety by those participants, but allowing for their input.
Further discussion included Twin
Lakes Parkway and how to enhance green concepts and connectivity or unification
of the area; potential for its connections in all directions; pedestrian
connections and characteristics already in place, as well as future development
once the framework was set in place; and how to enhance the vision of
multi-modal transportation while recognizing the significant daily vehicle
trips – existing and projected – from the proximity of the Parkway in
relationship to the area freeway system; how that traffic volume can facilitate
commercial development through managing flow and connections and to effectively
address exposure, access and convenience, while addressing safety concerns.
Mayor Roe noted that the traffic
analysis had been done a number of years ago with potential development
projects at that time, and actually showed some decrease from the east/west
traffic with the eastern end near Fairview Avenue; and opined that there was an
opportunity to transition the Parkway in a number of ways.
Councilmember Johnson expressed
his anticipation in seeing these issues addressed and presented in more detail,
including how mixed uses were combined with medium and high density residential
uses in that area. Councilmember Johnson opined that staff was on the right
track; and given the work done by past City Councils over the last few years,
this was the next logical step. Councilmember Johnson offered his support of
the work in progress, and thanked staff and Mr. Lamb for their presentation,
asking when the next update would be available.
Mr. Paschke reviewed the proposed
schedule for holding an Open House, preferably within the next few weeks, to
seek property owner/public engagement to shape the map and document; at which
time that information would be refined and taken forward to a Public Hearing at
the Planning Commission level. Mr. Paschke advised that staff was open to
whether the City Council wanted to see that information prior to the Planning
Commission’s Public Hearing or later in the process, noting that the proposed
schedule had been built into the proposal when staff had previously come before
the City Council for approval of hiring the consultant. At the request of Councilmember
Johnson, Mr. Paschke advised that staff hoped to return to the City Council for
review and adoption of the Regulating Map and Plan by June of 2011.
Councilmember Johnson noted
crucial need to facilitate development in the area by getting the Map and Plan
in place for developers to understand what uses the land could have and allowing
marketing of parcels.
Mayor Roe clarified that the
Regulating Map did not determine where specific uses were located, but provided
a frame for types of uses and how things would appear on the land, with the zoning
code addressing uses. Mayor Roe asked staff how transitions would be
determined, if part of the Regulating Map process or through other mechanisms.
Mr. Paschke responded that part of
the process would be to create buffer areas, and corridors put in place to
protect residential properties, including potential areas for park expansion or
no-build zones or green areas to enhance that transition; and that it would be
part of the Regulating Map to identify those buffers.
Mr. Lamb noted that the Regulating
Map provided a lot of flexibility by providing a tool to address areas
contiguous to certain amenities or adjacent to residential areas, by offering
various approaches to calibrate that flexibility.
Concluding discussion included how
to ensure public interaction for business owners and members of the community
throughout the process, with Councilmembers encouraging staff to approach the
process for notifying the public similar to that used in the Parks and Recreation
Master Planning process; including announcing the opportunities for input at
upcoming Council meetings and through other media sources.
Mr. Paschke advised that staff
would provide the additional information and meeting dates as it became available.
b. Discussion
of 2012/2013 Budgeting
Mayor Roe provided a brief
introduction and his intent for the flow of the discussion; and suggested that
the recently-completed survey results be worked into the corresponding system
with the City Council and staff providing their own numerical systems for
comparison with each other.
Budget Exercise (Attachment A)
At the request of Mayor Roe,
Finance Director Chris Miller briefly reviewed the exercise requested by the
City Council, at the prompting of Councilmember Johnson, and staff’s
presentation of a budget scenario for reducing programs/services from 2010
priorities by ten percent (10%). Mr. Miller noted the challenges in
eliminating programs altogether, given some contractual considerations that
could impede the ability to do so; and identifying budget reductions without
impacting programs ranked more highly by City Councilmembers. Mr. Miller
advised that the various program reductions or eliminations identified during
the process , and as detailed in the RCA dated March 28, 2011, provided an
estimated $1.4 million in cuts, with more possible at the direction of the City
Council, but currently involving reducing staff by thirteen (13) full-time
equivalent (FTE) employees.
At the request of Mayor Roe,
Councilmember Johnson spoke to whether the exercise captured his intent.
Councilmember Johnson advised that his intent had been two-fold: showing the
drastic impact possible to the budget based on the previous list of priorities,
and what departments or programs were most susceptible; and to use that
proposed ten percent (10%) reduction to meet the corresponding unfunded Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) needs. Councilmember Johnson suggested that the
exercise serve as an example as the current City Council reviewed and adjusted
their future ranking and methodology of what needed to be considered in
providing a well-rounded, balanced community versus more negative results.
Councilmember Johnson opined that it was unfortunate that a majority of the
impacts seemed to be in the Parks and Recreation area; and noted the need to
have a philosophical discussion on how to perform ranking. Councilmember
Johnson personally opined that he was not interested in sacrificing the
hometown feel that Roseville now had and what it looked like going forward.
At the request of Mayor Roe, City
Manager Malinen suggested that Councilmember Johnson’s statement that most
FTE’s were related to Parks and Recreation was not necessary accurate, while
recognizing that the department would be impacted significantly.
In an effort to keep things in
perspective, Mayor Roe reviewed some of those items identified for elimination
that were not related to Parks and Recreation, while recognizing that a number
of program listings for elimination were related to Parks.
Councilmember Pust noted that
Councilmember Johnson’s comments pointed out a natural conclusion of the
process used for ranking, that no matter how many different organizations go
through line items, some were at the top, some at the bottom, and some in the
middle. Councilmember Pust concluded that, based on current rankings and use
of numerical line items, the process didn’t allow for a broader discussion on
the level of services the community wanted. Councilmember Pust noted that it
remained her bias, that such a discussion occur without mathematical
computations.
Mayor Roe opined that part of the
process should include looking at higher ranked items if staff advised lower
items could not be reduced or eliminated based on contractual obligations or
other perspectives; but further opined that mathematical computations allowed
for part of that discussion.
Councilmember McGehee reviewed her
personal identification of line items using 2010 and 2011 budget amounts, and
provided several examples or ways to make cuts without eliminating jobs in the
current economic environment and job market. Councilmember McGehee suggested
other options for making significant reductions with limited impacts to
personnel, including furlough days each month for each staff person as a way to
“give back” without eliminating jobs; shared services with other communities
and agencies; possibly concentrating the City’s Police officers in the retail
sector and contracting for police services in residential areas with Ramsey
County; and addressing capital or replacement funds that are currently grossly
underfunded under established targets, even before recent drastic reductions in
interest earnings. Councilmember McGehee noted the consistent spending over
the last 5-6 years of approximately $2 million annually over revenues.
Councilmember McGehee had provided written comments related to examples of
budget process of other metropolitan communities, via e-mail dated April 10,
2011, included as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
At the request of Councilmember
Willmus, Mr. Miller confirmed that the City used interest earning projections
as a revenue source for budgeting purposes; and that the interest was not part
of the $2 million addressed by Councilmember McGehee.
Councilmember Willmus concurred
with Councilmember Johnson’s perception on the overly onerous impacts to the
Parks and Recreation Department, particularly when addressing past reductions
in the department.
Councilmembers Johnson and Willmus
advised that they were attempting to balance those impacts with other areas.
Councilmember Johnson, based on
the exercise presented, spoke in support of a 10% shift or reduction, with that
estimated $1.5 million going toward CIP needs. Councilmember Johnson advised
that, while the CIP Task Force was not yet ready to make their report to the
City Council, there should be some annual reflection, even if not the full 10%,
in the next year’s and subsequent annual budgets addressing those CIP needs if
the CIP goals were ever to be met.
Mayor Roe noted the need to
incorporate capital set aside or depreciation funds as part of the
prioritization exercise as part of the broader pictures.
Councilmember Pust clarified, for
the public, that past and/or current City Councils had not taken CIP funds for
use in the operating budgets; but that, other than the Pavement Management Plan
(PMP), those funds had not been set aside; and as a responsible financial
planning process, the City Council was attempting to get those set-asides on
track. Councilmember Pust further noted that the City had yet to be advised of
employee health care cost increases that would significantly impact the budget,
and potentially usurp the entire 3.9% mandated levy increase limit.
Budget Ranking
Prioritization/Methodology (Attachment C)
Mayor Roe referenced Councilmember
Willmus’s written comments, provided as a bench handout, attached hereto
and made a part hereof. Councilmember Willmus expounded on those
written comments and his philosophy on budget ranking and methodologies based
on community-based visions and goals rather than categorization rankings.
Mayor Roe noted that, as an added
thought, those items noted for the highest priority or score were perceived to
be those items doing the most to accomplish the vision in the various documents
used by the City, including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan document,
Comprehensive Plan update, Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning
process, and the recently-completed random community survey.
Councilmember Johnson opined that
the proposed community-based system was a good place to start, with the current
system not providing a sense of community for him; and suggested that the
language used in the Imagine Roseville 2025 document be used as a basis for
ranking methodologies. Councilmember Johnson expressed support for this
approach versus that used in the past.
Mayor Roe noted that using such a
ranking methodology would place a higher priority for those items addressed in
community visions and goals, while having an impact across all departments and
organization; and that if something was highly ranked, it achieved an aspect of
that community vision, or was related to that specific function and should be
part of the overall process and providing a linkage between programs/functions.
Mayor Roe suggested that Councilmembers be cognizant and agree on various goals
or visions prior to the individual ranking process.
Further discussion included
individual rankings based on community vision; recognizing staff costs and
impacts, no matter ranking methodologies or community visions and goals;
assumptions that each program/service had significant staff costs, but relating
priorities to how the visions is delivered to the community, not based on staff,
with that information still part of the process.
After additional discussion, it
was the consensus that individual Councilmembers develop several priorities or
vision/goal statements for review and consideration by the full body at their
next meeting; and using the documents previously referenced for development of
their statements, and recognizing that some of the documents were more current
than others not yet updated.
Further discussion included how to
determine what the number rankings meant based on vision/goal statements;
whether to retain only five (5) levels.
Mayor Roe asked that
Councilmembers, at their earliest convenience and for inclusion in the Council
Agenda packet materials, provide staff with their individual statements for
further discussion at the next meeting to finalize ranking methodologies.
Related to the revised budget
schedule (Attachment A), Mayor Roe sought consensus, resulting in support of
the schedule as revised, and inclusion of Item #19 as suggested by Mayor Roe.
Mayor Roe directed staff to
include formal adoption of the schedule on the next meeting agenda, allowing
staff to make further revisions based on tonight’s discussions.
Budget Documentation
Mayor Roe provided two (2) bench
handouts, attached hereto and made part of hereto; with program
listings ordered by budget fund and department, and divided within departments
based on the particular function within the organization; and providing program
descriptions, based on past information provided by staff on various programs/services.
Johnson moved, Willmus seconded,
approval of the Concept Documents as addressed in page three (3) of Attachment
B.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Budget Calendar
As previously discussed, it was
the consensus to formally adopt the budget calendar at the next meeting.
Adopt a Resolution Supporting a
Two-Year Budget Process (Former Consent Item 7.d)
Councilmember
McGehee opined that, given previous discussion, now hardly seemed the time
to revise the budget process from annual to biennial, further opining that it
would provide less oversight, and that the City Council needed to carefully
monitor what was occurring.
Councilmember Pust opined that the
same arguments were in support of a two-year process; building a review into
the process and allowing for revisions as unforeseen things occurred.
Councilmember Pust opined that government could not plan ahead if it only
looked at its budget in 12-month period without forward thought or planning
ahead. Councilmember Pust expressed her assumption that each Department Head
worked from long-range budgetary process within their specific departments and
were aware of their staffing and resource needs and replacements, even though
the City Council may not be aware of them. Councilmember Pust further opined
that the City Council needed to have a similar view, and spoke in support of a
five (5)-year budget goal to address long-term spending and resources, as well
as reducing the time spent each year on budget processes and address more
substantive work that needed to be accomplished and that was supported by the
citizens.
Councilmember Willmus noted that,
his parting words in 2008 as he completed his appointed service in fulfilling
the term of former Councilmember Thomas Kough, were in support of and
advocating for a biennial budget to allow built-in cost controls and to be used
as a tool to accomplish the City’s goals. Councilmember Willmus opined that
the City Council would not have less control over such a budget process.
Councilmember Johnson concurred
with the comments of Councilmembers Pust and Willmus, opining that it was a
common form of budgeting, and allowed fixed items from year to year; and focus
on items that could be impacted and within a shorter time frame. Councilmember
Johnson opined that it was the City Manager’s duty and job to present a budget,
and that he was owed the courtesy to provide a type of budget from which to
manage the day-to-day operations of the City; and if a biennial budget was the
best tool for him to work with, that request should be accommodated.
Mayor Roe opined that a biennial
budget was a good tool, allowing for a broader spending plan for allocation of
resources over the next two (2) years; and that it would remain subject to
annual review in accordance with statutory requirements and annual levy
adoption. Mayor Roe suggested that the City Council may wish to request more
frequent financial reports of staff in monitoring the budget process.
Councilmember McGehee strongly advocated
for monthly financial reports; opining that the City Council only had two (2)
responsibilities as per State Statute: budget and long-range planning.
Councilmember McGehee asked that City Attorney Bartholdi review the legalities
of the City adopting a biennial budget, given her research with the League of
Minnesota Cities (LMC) and their policy research.
City Attorney Bartholdi offered to
perform that research and report back, at the direction of the City Council;
but suggested that the question may be more appropriately addressed by the
City’s auditor.
By consensus, the City Council
directed City Attorney Bartholdi to provide a legal opinion on whether the City
could meet statutory requirements if it adopted a biennial budget process.
Councilmember Pust clarified that
she was not advocating that the City Council should not see an annual spending
plan; and that a biennial budget would not reduce any information currently
being provided to the City Council and public.
Johnson moved, Pust seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10889 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Providing
Concept Approval of a Two-Year Budget for the Fiscal Years of 2012 and 2013.”
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Pust;
Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: McGehee.
Motion carried.
Public Comment on Budget Process in General
Dick Houck, 1131 Roselawn
Mr. Houck opined that each level
of government was broke, whether federal, state or municipal; that government
was funded through its citizens; and that the deficits needed to be addressed
now. Mr. Houck further opined that government was responsible for two things,
and only two things: safety of its citizens and infrastructure needs, each of
which were addressed through Police and Fire services, and Public Works
activities; with the most important of those three the Police to keep citizens
safe. Mr. Houck opined that all other services and programs were on the table
for adjustment or elimination. Mr. Houck opined that handing off exercises to
staff for recommended reductions or eliminations was the worst possible way to
accomplish anything and only served to upset people. Mr. Houck advised that
citizens had elected the City Council, not staff, and it was their
responsibility to accomplish the task at hand, similar to that done by
Councilmember McGehee, whom he acknowledged for her efforts. Mr. Houck opined
that a ten percent (10%) reduction was not too much and was possible; and
suggested that individual Councilmembers determine adjustments or cuts, and
then collectively negotiate the final outcome for justification to the
citizens. Mr. Houck noted that staff could help, but it was the responsibility
of the City Council to take those steps.
Gary Grefenberg, 91 Mid Oaks
Lane
Mr. Grefenberg opined that, since
so much of the budget involves personnel that relate to each program, the City
Council’s schedule allow for a discussion on freezing salaries and step
increases, as well as preparing for union negotiations; that could address
potential cost savings. Mr. Grefenberg further opined that most citizens were
not looking at programs or services, but salaries as a significant part of
reducing the City’s annual budget, similar to experiences in the private sector
and being realized by many residents of Roseville. Mr. Grefenberg strongly
advocated for reduced or frozen salaries and step increases; and reduced
out-of-state travel. Mr. Grefenberg opined that what had been accomplished by
the City Council tonight was a good start, and spoke in support of a biennial
budget and using the various documents to determine community goals and
visions.
Mayor Roe opined that additional
personnel-related information was anticipated at the end of May; and that it
was his personal assumption that a zero percent (0%) increase was indicated.
City Manager Malinen advised that
part of the process was for the City Council to go through their prioritization
and ranking, providing direction to staff on how to proceed based on those
priorities. Mr. Malinen advised that labor negotiations were in process, and
sometimes could not be controlled depending on arbitration action; and
subsequent impacts on the City’s financial assumptions. Mr. Malinen advised
that, upon receipt of the City Council’s direction, staff would prepare a
Preliminary, Not-to-Exceed Levy and associated budget. Mr. Malinen noted that,
as part of those discussions and that direction, staff would present
Councilmembers with industry trends related to salaries and job
classifications.
At the request of Councilmember
Pust, Mr. Miller responded that health care rate increase information would not
be available until the end of September.
Mayor Roe advised that it was the
City Council’s assumption and part of the City Manager’s job in managing the
organization, to develop a budget based on the marketplace and with City Council
input.
Mr. Grefenberg spoke in support of
freezing salaries for any employees making $65,000 or more per year, based on
his personal philosophy of fairness to those lowest paid.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
her personal exercise called for voluntary furloughs by all employees versus
eliminating staff or asking them to take on more out-of-pocket health care
costs.
Mayor Roe expressed appreciation
for public comments heard this evening, and advised that time was scheduled in
July for additional public comment on actual proposed budget programs,
services, and funding allocations.
Councilmember Willmus, in
addressing Mr. Houck’s comments, noted the varying opinions from those having a
background in Economics; and opined that there were other services and programs
specific to and just as vital to the health and welfare of Roseville as the
Fire and Police Departments; and having made the community what it was today.
Councilmember Willmus advised that he would personally be supporting those programs
and services as well.
14. City Manager Future Agenda
Review
City Manager Malinen reviewed
upcoming agenda items.
15. Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings
Councilmember Willmus requested
future discussion on City Council and Advisory Commission packet preparation
and delivery for the general public on the City’s website and through
distribution to get materials and information out in a timelier manner.
Councilmember Willmus requested a
future policy discussion on where in the subdivision process the discussion
occurred on park dedication; and whether that discussion needed to occur
earlier in the process.
Councilmember McGehee, in a related
request, noted the need to address green space and possible community gardens
in residential developments.
16. Adjourn
Pust moved, Johnson seconded,
adjourning the meeting at approximately 9:23 pm.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; McGehee;
Pust; Johnson; and Roe.
Nays: None.