City
Council Meeting Minutes
November 28, 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 November: Willmus; Pust; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe). Mayor Roe advised that Councilmember Pust would not be at
tonight’s meeting due to illness. City Attorney Mark Gaughan was also present.
2.
Approve Agenda
Councilmember McGehee requested
removal of Consent Item 7.f entitled, “Adopt a Resolution Categorizing City
Fund Balances.”
Johnson moved, Willmus seconded,
approval of the agenda as amended.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
3. Public Comment
Mayor Roe called for public comment
by members of the audience on any non-agenda items.
a. Eugene Bahnemann,
2656 N Lexington Avenue
Mr. Bahnemann expressed his
ongoing frustration with the prairie grass on the City Hall campus, and as a
resident directly across Lexington Avenue from the campus, the impacts on hay fever
symptoms for both he and his wife. Mr. Bahnemann opined that there was ragweed
in the mixture, and this was causing the problem. Mr. Bahnemann stated that he
was giving the City fifteen (15) days from tonight to do something or he would
do something himself, whether legally or not. Mr. Bahnemann further opined
that the prairie grass looked terrible and he was forced to wake every morning
to the field of brown weeds.
Mr. Bahnemann also expressed his
frustration with the lights on at the City Hall campus 24/7, and stated that he
was also going to engage in a campaign about the impact of that lighting on his
home; stating that he seemed to be unable to get any satisfaction from City
staff about either matter.
5.
Council Communications, Reports and Announcements
Mayor Roe reminded citizens that
the annual Budget and Tax Levy Hearing, as well as a proposed increase in utility
fees to address capital improvement needs for this infrastructure, was scheduled
for Monday, December 5, 2011, at 6:00 pm to receive public comment.
6.
Recognitions, Donations, Communications
6. Approve Minutes
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
Councilmember McGehee questioned
the payment through the Police Department for the East Metro SWAT and how and
when the City of Roseville was reimbursed; and information on membership in
this group.
Police Chief Rick Mathwig advised
that the City of Roseville served as the fiscal agent for this group, by virtue
of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) Board consisting of other area communities,
including Saint Anthony, New Brighton, No. St. Paul, along with the University
of MN with the City periodically billing those individual entities in
accordance with the governance of the JPA. Councilmember [McGehee] asked when
and how were these funds, nearly $7,000.00 in this months’ bills repaid. Chief
Mathwig reported that the other communities were billed a percentage based on
the number of officers participating. McGehee asked and Chief Mathwig responded
that Roseville provides nearly 50% of the team. He stated that the funds are
generally funneled through the forfeiture program in the department and
eventually repaid to the operating fund.
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded,
approval of the following claims and payments as presented.
|
ACH Payments
|
$68,406.54
|
|
63655 – 64723
|
321,300.16
|
|
Total
|
$389,706.70
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Approve Business Licenses
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, approval
of business license applications for the period of one (1) year, for those applicants
as follows:
|
Applicant/Location
|
Type of License
|
|
Lightning Disposal; 1725 Meadow View Road
Eagan, MN
|
Solid Waste Hauler
|
|
Keith Krupenny & Son Disposal Service, Inc.
1214 Hall Avenue; West St. Paul, MN
|
Solid Waste Hauler
|
|
GMan Enterprises, LLC
7473 Meadowwood Court; Brooklyn Park, MN
|
Solid Waste Hauler
|
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
c.
Authorize Participation in the 2012 State Fuel Contract
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, approval
of the City of Roseville’s participation in joint purchase of fleet fuel for
2012 as part of the State of Minnesota contract.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
d.
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for the
SCORE Funding Grant
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, adoption
of Resolution No. 10949 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Requesting 2012
SCORE Funding Grant for Use in Roseville’s Residential Recycling Program;”
authorizing the City Manager to submit the grant application to Ramsey County
for grant funds in the amount of $69,728.00.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
e.
Accept Target Corporation Donation for Shop with a Cop
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded,,
approval of a donation from the Target Corporation in the amount of $2,750 to
the Roseville Police Department’s/Tubman Alliance 2011 Shop With A Cop Program
scheduled for December 7, 2011.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
- Consider Items Removed from Consent
f.
Adopt a Resolution Categorizing City Fund Balances
At the request of Mayor Roe, City
Manager Bill Malinen briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for
Council Action (RCA) dated November 28, 2011.
Councilmember McGehee questioned
why, in line 169 of the Policy (Exhibit A), it was necessary to wait three (3)
years to bring the fund balance back into compliance.
Finance Director Chris Miller
responded that was staff’s suggestion based on past experience and what they deemed
to be a reasonable timeframe under any circumstance that the City Council would
choose to draw down funds. Mr. Miller used, as an example, an unforeseen
circumstance such as a natural disaster where the City may have to spend excess
dollars, that this would provide a procedure to replace those funds. Given the
nature of such a circumstance, Mr. Miller noted that it may be difficult for
the City to replace the funds within a single year, thus staff’s suggestion for
three (3) years; however, he noted that this was not a mandate, but simply a
guideline for replacing the funds.
Councilmember McGehee opined that,
while concurring with Mr. Miller’s example of a natural disaster scenario and
additional time that could be necessary to replenish the funds, if the funds
were shifted around based on mismanagement or misappropriate of the City’s own
established policies, she didn’t think that there should be a lapse of three
(3) years before he funds were replaced.
Mayor Roe questioned Mr. Miller if
this policy would be applicable to interfund loans.
Mr. Miller noted that depending on
the particular circumstance, the City may take longer to pay back interfund
loans and that this was intended for those situations when the City Council specifically
chose to fall out of compliance with its own internal policies. Mr. Miller
advised that the purpose of this policy was to allow credit lending agencies to
observe that the City had a policy in place. Mr. Miller advised that the City
Council could make the policy two (2) or three (3) years at their discretion,
but that staff recommended three (3) years to allow sufficient flexibility.
Councilmember McGehee further
questioned line 171 of the policy related to how money will be expended first
from restricted fund balances and second from committee fund balances; and the
procedure currently followed by staff and whether that procedure was dictated
by formal City Council action or at staff’s discretion.
Mr. Miller advised that staff followed the directives of the City Council on
how the funds are expended; and that this policy simply affirmed and memorialized
current practice, with no changes proposed in staff’s approach to that procedure.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Miller confirmed that this reporting standard by the Government Accounting Standards
Board (GASB), as issued in February of 2009 under GASB Statement #54 provided
documentation of current procedures being used by staff.
Mayor Roe asked if there were
currently any fund balances outside City Council policy, or if by the end of
2011, there would be any.
Mr. Miller advised that only there
were two (2) funds that were applicable. One of those was the , the Community
Development Fund, due to 2010 having been a poor year for building permit
activity; and advise that he anticipated that 2011 would make significant
headway in getting the fund back, but perhaps not fully funded. Mr. Miller
further noted that the Information Technology (IT) Fund continued to be
strengthened, and he anticipated that one (1) more year would get it to
proscribed levels.
Mayor Roe asked if there was any
formal City Council action required to affirm those efforts to get within
policy.
Mr. Miller advised that tonight’s
meeting minutes and this public discussion should be sufficient for the record
to reflect that commitment; and reiterated that staff was confident progress
was being made.
Mayor Roe noted comment
opportunities through the annual budget process, as well as staff’s quarterly
reports on the financial health of the City.
Councilmember McGehee questioned
if the JPA’s for the IT fund addressed revenue shortfalls.
Mr. Miller advised that the JPA’s
now provided for annual adjustments based on ongoing technology investments; however,
he noted that the City of Roseville had funded for some costs upfront to
upgrade technology for member JPA municipalities and agencies in order for the
City to be able to support their IT efforts; but noted that those upfront costs
were within a year of being fully reimbursed to the City.
McGhee moved, Johnson seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10950 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Adopting
Fund Balance Categorizations;” in accordance with GASB Statement #54.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
12. General
Ordinances for Adoption
a.
Consider an Ordinance Amending Chapter 314.095 Adopting the 2012
Fee Schedule
Finance Director Miller briefly
summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated November 28, 2011; and
noted distribution of a bench handout, with minor revisions to pages 7, 8 and 9
of the proposed 2012 Fee Schedule, attached hereto and made a part
hereof. Overall, in addition to adjustment for existing fees as
detailed in the staff report (page 1), Mr. Miller noted two (2) new fees: accessory
dwelling unit (ADU) permit fee and a water main tapping fee. Mr. Miller noted
that the ADU permit fee had previously been authorized by the City Council, but
not yet included in the Fee Schedule; and that the water main tapping fee was
current practice, but also not yet memorialized in the Fee Schedule.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Miller confirmed that no additional changes, other than minor corrections to
pages 7, 8 and 9, had been made to the 2012 Fee Schedule from this draft to
that previously presented to and reviewed by the City Council.
City Manager Malinen noted on page
4 of the proposed 2012 Fee Schedule, footnote “c,” related to park dedication
fees for commercial properties based on previous City Council discussions, with
staff anticipating a formal resolution coming forward at a future City Council
meeting, but referenced in the Fee Schedule to ensure that it was obvious to
developers in the future.
Mayor Roe concurred, noting that
this was based on earlier City Council discussions related to when the market
value of a property was established.
Councilmember Willmus expressed
concern with the additional fees for a DVD copying charge; and personally
opined that the City should make it easier for the public without other
available means, to get copies of meetings; further opining that $25 seemed to
be a steep fee; and suggested it may be more palatable to structure the fee as
a deposit, such as the School District used, with the deposit returned once the
DVD was returned.
Mr. Miller clarified that the fee
included staff time for searching out the appropriate meeting or information
and time to burn the DVD. Mr. Miller advised that staff was amenable to a
deposit at the City Council’s discretion as long as they were cognizant that
staff time would not be recouped.
Councilmember Willmus opined that
part of staff’s time should be interacting with the public.
Councilmember Johnson questioned
the average number of DVD requests fielded by staff on a weekly basis.
Mr. Miller advised that he was
unable to respond to that query at this time, since most of the DVD requests
were related to the Police Department; and he would need to check with them.
Councilmember Johnson suggested
burning five (5) DVD’s of each City Council meeting and have them available for
the public.
Mayor Roe reiterated Mr. Miller’s
comments that the DVD requests may not be exclusive to City Council meetings.
Mr. Miller concurred, noting that requests ranged from City Council meetings;
Commission meetings; and again noted that this additional fee request originated
from Chief Mathwig related to regulatory issues and reflected the true cost of
the staff time involved in providing DVD’s. However, Mr. Miller advised that
staff would proceed at the direction of the City Council.
Councilmember McGehee opined that
she was in favor of leaving the DVD charge as is for the next meeting until the
Police Department could provide their rationale for the proposed fee; and
suggested that in the future a database could be set up to allow the public to
burn their own DVD’s.
Mayor Roe, suggested that one
course of action the Council could take would be to leave the current fee as
is, not to increase it to $25; noting that the Fee Schedule could be amended in
the future after staff provided additional information.
Regarding the proposed leaf pick up fee at $50, Councilmember Johnson questioned
if this was 100% user-sponsored, and no longer subsidized by the City.
Mr. Miller responded
affirmatively.
At the request of Councilmember
Willmus, Public Works Director Duane Schwartz advised that there were roughly
9,000 residential properties in Roseville, with approximately 1100 participating
in the leaf pickup program this last year; and that the fee was structured to
make the program payable through that user fee and included staff time.
Councilmember Willmus opined that
the City could be making better use of staff time rather than performing leaf
pickup.
Mr. Schwartz noted that, given
other storm water management mandates for the City, as well as ongoing staffing
challenges within the department, this program did not rank high in its overall
mission; and further noted that there were other opportunities for residents to
address their leaves.
Councilmember Willmus questioned
if part of the rationale for the leaf pickup program was based on the need to
clean storm gutters.
Mr. Schwartz responded
affirmatively; however, he noted that this year, for the first time, the City
had diligently tracked staff time for each portion of storm water management,
including cleaning gutters and catch basins and other related activities. Mr.
Schwartz noted that, in the past in conjunction with the leaf pickup program,
each crew would take a specific area to address all activities at the same;
time, while this year the functions had been separated, and results found that
more efficiencies were found with a separate crew working continuously on
cleaning gutters and basins; as well as operating with the City’s new vacuum
sweeper.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
she continued to hear many comments from seniors who use the leaf pickup program,
since they are able to get their leaves to the street, but not able to bag
them; and also had difficulty in finding a service to take care of their leaves
unless they employed a lawn service contractor throughout the entire season.
Councilmember McGehee stated that the comments she was fielding expressed
desire that the leaf pickup program not be ended.
McGehee moved, Johnson seconded,
enactment of Ordinance No. 1421 (Attachment A) entitled, “An Ordinance Amending
Chapter 314.05, Fee Schedule – Adopting the 2012 Fee Schedule;” as amended
through revisions on bench handout to pages 7, 8 and 9; and retain $5.00 per
DVD copying charge for now.
Councilmember Willmus questioned
if the question could be separated to address the leave pickup program from the
remainder of the proposed ordinance; and so moved.
Mayor Roe declared the motion
failed due to lack of a second.
Councilmember McGehee questioned
if staff was confident that the proposed fees were consistent with other communities
in the metropolitan area; with Mr. Miller expressing confidence that they were
comparable.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Consider an Ordinance Amending City Code, Chapter 302 Pertaining
to Non-Renewal of Liquor License
City Manager Malinen provided a
brief summary of the proposed City Code Chapter 302 revisions as detailed in
the RCA dated November 28, 2011 (Attachment A).
Mayor Roe questioned language in
line 27 of the proposed ordinance, and whether it should be …”suspension,
revocation or ‘renewal’ or if it should read ‘NON-renewal.’”
City Attorney Mark Gaughan
concurred with Mayor Roe, that the language should be ‘NON-renewal.’
Johnson moved, Willmus seconded,
enactment of Ordinance No. 1422 (Attachment A) entitled, “An Ordinance Amending
Title Three, Section 302.15B(3) (Minimum Penalty) and Section 302.15C (Hearing
and Notice) of the Roseville City Code;” as amended with language changed in
line 27 to [non-renewal.]
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
13. Presentations
a. Ramsey
County Presentation of Rice Street Project, Phase II
City Engineer Debra Bloom
introduced Ramsey County Project Manager Mr. Jerry Auge for Phase II of the
Rice Street Project from County Road B-2 to County Road C-2.
Mr. Auge provided a history of the
Rice Street project to-date; initial participation by the municipal
jurisdictions of Roseville, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights and Shoreview involved
in the initial Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) during 2006 – 2008; including
respective City Councils, business owners, residents, and respective City staff;
with the municipalities of Roseville and Little Canada involved in Phase II
portion of the project.
Mr. Auge reviewed 2009 traffic
volumes; the existing roadway; proposed improvements; impacts to businesses
along the Rice Street corridor; existing County Road C intersection site
distance problems on the west side of County Road C and proposed reconstruction
to make the site distance system better by raising the roadway on the Roseville
side, thereby eliminating the need for a split phase for the signal light allowing
more green light time for traffic along the Rice Street corridor. Mr. Auge
also reviewed proposed designated bicycle lanes and striping to accommodate
non-vehicular traffic, and improved operations at intersections through median
installations.
Mr. Auge further reviewed the
Little Canada Road intersection; cost participation for the project, absent
federal funding; and city cost-share with city responsibility to pay for rights-of-way;
new sidewalks; any colored portions of concrete boulevards; burying of private
utilities; street lighting; and Ramsey County responsible for intersection
lighting.
Mr. Auge addressed other design
considerations, meeting local watershed requirements; private utility
relocation; street lighting; any public infrastructure projects the respective
cities may want to do as part of this project; and receipt of comments from
respective cities and the general public on the proposed improvement.
Mr. Auge provided the projected project
schedule: Final Plan Design through 2012; Rights-of-Way Plan completed in January
of 2012; rights-of-way acquisition completed by February of 2013; private
utility relocation in July/August 2012; and road construction in 2013. Mr. Auge
noted that this schedule was based on cooperative agreements being completed
related to cost participation and maintenance for the roadway project, and private
utility relocation
Mr. Auge noted that future public
meeting(s) were anticipated with private property owners on the Roseville side;
however, he advised that an Open House was scheduled for December 6, 2011 at
4:00 – 6:00 pm in the Little Canada City Hall; with a brief presentation at
4:00 pm, and layouts and public/private utility information available at that
meeting.
City Engineer Debra Bloom advised
Councilmembers and the public that this was intended as a quick update,
recognizing that this was the first glance at the Phase II project and intended
as a general presentation. Ms. Bloom noted that there would follow discussion
at the City Council/Roseville staff level on the City’s cost participation and
how it would be funded, proposed through the City’s Utility Funds for water
main work, as well as assessments as applicable long the Rice Street corridor.
Ms. Bloom noted that the first step in the process would be for staff to return
at the December 12, 2011 City Council meeting requesting action by the Council
in ordering preparation of a Feasibility Report outlining those costs,
assessable units, and cost per foot assessment proposed to help finance the
project; followed by a Public Hearing scheduled in early 2012; with
rights-of-way needs and cost participation requiring municipal consent by both
Roseville and the City of Little Canada.
Discussion among Councilmembers,
Mr. Auge and Ms. Bloom included anticipated striping for bicycle refuges on
Rice Street, but not on County Road C due to the available tight corridor with
11’ minimum lanes and no additional space available; proposed elevation drop of
the intersection at County Road C and Rice Street projected at approximately
three feet (3’) and then tapering into the existing street; utility locations;
proposed sidewalk installations; and cost-sharing and ownership of private
utilities and responsibilities for their maintenance and/or relocation.
Ms. Bloom advised that this next
phase of the project would include further discussions by the City Council on
undergrounding utility lines, with those discussions including the City of
Little Canada and Xcel Energy.
At the request of Councilmember
McGehee, Ms. Bloom advised that there was no proposal at this time for fiber
optics in the corridor.
City Manager Malinen noted that, whenever
possible, the City took advantage of opportunities to install conduit for future
technology uses.
Mayor Roe noted the previous City
Council charge to the Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission
for recommendations on a policy related to undergrounding of utilities; and
questioned whether it would be coming forward to the City Council early next
year; with Mr. Schwartz responding affirmatively.
Councilmember Johnson questioned
if this Rice Street project would eventually be phased up to I-694.
Mr. Auge responded that, over the
last 3-4 years, Ramsey Council had overlaid bituminous on the north section of
Rice Street from County Road C-2, and was hoping to achieve a minimum of 5-7
years of life from that overlay. While anticipating some future project on
Rice Street north, Mr. Auge advised that the City of Little Canada was not
amenable to such a project at this time; and Ramsey County would consider
future reconstruction of that portion not in the near future, but after
completion of the I-694/Rice Street intersection.
Councilmember Johnson questioned
if the old highway was removed or if it was left in place when the first phase
of the project was done between Highway 36 and County Road B-2; and the
County’s intent for the second phase.
Mr. Auge advised that the existing
24’ wide old concrete roadway was removed as part of the Phase I portion of the
project; and that was the intent for this phase as well, with the contractor
typically recycling materials into new uses.
b. Ramsey County
Presentation of County Road B-2 Project
City Engineer Debra Bloom
introduced Ramsey County Traffic Engineer Ms. Erin Laberee – B-2 improvements
from Fairview to Snelling Avenues as detailed in the RCA dated November 28,
2011.
Ms. Laberee provided a project
overview; funding, and design/construction schedule; with the project providing
widening of County Road B-2 at Fairview and Snelling Avenue to add turn lanes;
bituminous replacement with concrete from the Wells Fargo intersection to
American Street. Mr. Laberee noted that the intersection of Fairview Avenue
and County Road B-2 on the northwest side (BP Amoco Station) required
significant easement takings to accomplish widening that intersection and to
extend medians in some areas. Mr. Laberee advised hat, based on current costs
for concrete versus bituminous, in addition to increased longevity for
concrete, this provided the rationale for pursuing concrete construction. Ms. Laberee
reviewed areas proposed for signal light replacement; replacement or installation
of sidewalks; curb ramps for ADA requirements; and audio pedestrian signals
(APS) at intersections. Specific areas reviewed by Ms. Laberee included the
west entrance into Rosedale; entrance into Rosedale Commons; and intersections
at Snelling Avenue and American Street.
Ms. Laberee reviewed several
proposed drainage improvements to address existing areas of concern, and to
meet requirements of the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), including the
Oakcrest Pond and Ultimate Electronic/Bremer Bank site, with those improvements
currently in their design phase.
Ms. Laberee advised that the total
project cost was projected at $9.5 million; with the City of Roseville’s share
estimated at $730,000 for signals and water main improvements. Ms. Laberee
noted that federal funding was available for the project; with Ramsey County
purchasing rights-of-way and easement areas. Ms. Laberee advised that the
project was currently in final design stages; with a preliminary projected
schedule for Final Plan approval in March of 2012; easements secured in May of
2012; contract award and construction beginning in July of 2012; and
anticipated project completion by October of 2013. Ms. Laberee noted that an
initial public meeting was held approximately one (1) year ago for area
businesses; with another proposed yet this winter.
Councilmember Johnson noted
proposed impacts to the BP Amoco station at Fairview Avenue and County Road B-2
for widening the easement; with Ms. Laberee noting that this was the most
significantly impacted area, with changes to their access points proposed for
safety considerations; and pending negotiations for the easements, with the
County not proposing a total take of the property at this time, only easement accommodations;
and current analysis of impacts to the business in the future. Ms. Laberee
noted that the northeast portion of the intersection adjacent to Wells Fargo
had less of an impact on their business as the easements were in existing green
space and had no impact on their parking lot of building; as well as the
Chili’s site on the southwest corner of the intersection, with only retaining
walls and grade accommodations required for the sidewalk; as well as minimal
impacts to the Rosedale Mall on the southeast portion of the intersection.
Councilmember McGehee noted that
the County was going to a lot of effort to install ADA and ADP compliant
sidewalks at these intersections, but that there was no way for pedestrians to
get out of the Rosedale parking lot safely to access Rosedale Commons. While
recognizing that this involved private property, Councilmember McGehee
expressed her anticipation that as those property owners sought to redevelop or
improve their parking lots, they would be required to install sidewalks and/or
refuge areas for easier pedestrian access and flow.
City Engineer Bloom advised that
current City Code addressed those issues when redevelopment occurred; with
staff working with them to meet those code requirements to ensure pedestrian
connectivity within City Code parameters.
In response to Councilmember
Willmus regarding pedestrian flow at County Road B-2 and Snelling Avenue
entrance ramps, Ms. Bloom advised that striping in the crosswalk into the
Rosedale Mall’s Lifestyle Center had included requirements as part of their
development to include pedestrian connectivity.
Councilmember Willmus noted that, from his personal experience in accessing the
mall, pedestrians using the crosswalk would find little protection from vehicular
traffic.
Discussion among Councilmembers,
Ms. Laberee and Ms. Bloom included average daily traffic volumes at 15,000
along this strip, with the project anticipated to improve traffic flow during
peak volume, but not specifically addressing or designed to facilitate peak
holiday traffic.
Mayor Roe suggested that, while
the project sought to meet RCWD requirements to not increase runoff; staff work
with Ramsey County as part of this overall project for other areas to reduce runoff
in other areas as well.
Ms. Laberee recognized that this
area was a “sea of pavement;” and advised that Ramsey County was amenable to
working with City staff to address other potential areas to alleviate runoff;
noting the financial constraints in the County’s committed financial resources
for additional easement purchases, leaving little if none available for
additional purchases to address storm water runoff.
Mayor Roe noted, while recognizing
certain cost prohibitions, there could be underground storm water control
options that may be found as part of this projects; expressing the City’s interest
in and appreciation for any considerations from Ramsey County in pursuing areas
where improvements in drainage could be found.
MS. Laberee suggested City
cost-share if such options were found.
14.
Public Hearings
15.
Business Items (Action Items)
a.
Consider a Resolution Certifying Delinquent and Other Charges to
the County
Finance Director Chris Miller
briefly summarized this quarterly request as detailed in the RCA dated November
28, 2011, noting approximately $30,000 currently outstanding for these delinquencies.
Mr. Miller advised that this quarterly opportunity provided property owners
with an opportunity to come forward to address the City Council to dispute any
of those delinquent charges prior to their certification to Ramsey County.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Miller confirmed that each case was considered individually prior to
certification.
At the request of Councilmember
McGehee, Mr. Miller advised that current interest rates on the delinquent charges
was approximately 6%.
There were no members of public
appearing to speak at this time.
McGehee moved, Johnson seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10951 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Directing
the County Auditor to Levy Unpaid Water, Sewer and Other City Charges for
Payable 2012 or Beyond.”
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Consider Approving Legislative Agenda
City Manager Bill Malinen
summarized the requested action detailed in the RCA dated November 28, 2011.
Discussion included the current
process and proposed League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) initiative for local
option sales tax by municipalities; referendums for such a local option sales
tax proposed during municipal general elections and state statute requirements;
and access from previous Council meeting packet information specific to the
local option sales tax
Councilmember McGehee requested
that either staff or the City’s legislative delegation provide additional
clarification on taxable items and how much of a local tax percentage was
customary or allowable, and any specific use restrictions.
Councilmember Johnson questioned
the percentage of sales taxes from residents versus non-residents and asked
that staff provide any research material on that ratio, and potential positive
impacts that residents may realize; and if those funds could be used for future
CIP infrastructure needs of the City that could reduce impacts to Roseville
taxpayers. Councilmember Johnson also questioned if those funds could be used
to pay down bonds or their interest.
City Manager Malinen noted that
the City of Roseville was blessed with a robust retail economy; and advised
that staff would pursue additional research through the Department of Revenue
on non-resident versus resident sales tax impacts to the City’s local tax base.
Councilmember McGehee requested
additional research of any potential negative impacts to the City’s retail
economy through implementing a local sales tax option; or potential relocation
of that strong retail base beyond Roseville due to competition from other
communities without a local sales tax option.
Councilmembers noted their
consensus to address transit issues with the legislative delegation during
discussions; and discussion of the other points detailed in the RCA by City
Manager Malinen; as well as determining the receptivity of the legislative
delegation to a potential local sales tax option for Roseville.
16.
Business Items – Presentations/Discussions
a.
Discuss Revised Joint Powers Agreement Regarding Grass Lakes
Water Management Organization (GLWMO) and Funding Request
Mayor Roe recognized attendance by
GLWMO staff representative Tom Petersen and GLWMO Chair Karen Eckman in audience.
Public Works Director Duane
Schwartz summarized this item as detailed in the RCA dated November 28, 2011.
Mr. Schwartz’ comments included staff concerns with the proposed revised Joint
Powers Agreement (JPA) and Implementation and Budget portions of the Third
Generation Water Management Plan that impacted the control of the member cities
of Roseville and Shoreview on that budget. Mr. Schwartz noted that, from a
staff perspective, the most significant issues were related to financing (line
266 in the JPA) (Attachment C); and various time frames; as well as Subd. 3.b with
the cash flow advance not defined to a level cities would be required to fund
the GLWMO; and Subd. 4 (line 306) related to CIP projects and timeframe for
cities to comment on proposed CIP projects.
Mr. Schwartz briefly reviewed WMO
versus WSD activities, funding and partnerships, and management practices; current
direct input of member cities under the current JPA; process utilized by
Capitol Region WSD and Rice Creek WSD with their budgets not subject to City
approval, but funded through taxpayers within their district.
Mayor Roe noted that currently all
taxpayers paying storm water fees in the City of Roseville were paying for
operations of the GLWMO; with those in the geographical area of the GLWMO not
currently paying any additional fee on their tax bills to cover water
management costs specific to the GLWMO.
Councilmember McGehee opined that
this was an unequal burden if the City continued to fund the GLWMO in this
manner, with Roseville taxpayers subsidizing residents living in the GLWMO, and
indicating a need to change that funding structure.
Mayor Roe noted that revising that
funding structure was part of the proposal currently before the City Councils
of Roseville and Shoreview through a revised JPA.
City Manager Malinen noted that
the GLWMO proposal was to fund the GLWMO residents through the City’s utility
billing structure; while other WSD’s were funded through storm utility fees,
not part of City fees. Mr. Malinen noted that special state legislation had
allowed the Vadnais Lakes Area WMO (VLAWMO) to establish their own fee on
property taxes; while the Rice Creek WSD (RCWD) was listed as a separate ad
valorem tax on property taxes for those in that watershed district.
At the request of Councilmember
Johnson, Mr. Schwartz advised that the GLWMO’s presentation and discussion with
the Shoreview City Council had been deferred to a meeting in early December due
to the lateness of their presentation at the Roseville City Council meeting
last week. From staff’s perspectives, Mr. Schwartz advised that Shoreview
staff held similar viewpoints as those of Roseville staff, and as addressed by
Roseville’s City Attorney.
Related to the GLWMO’s proposed
budget of $300,000 over the next three (3) years of implementation of the Third
Generation Plan, Mr. Schwartz noted that member cities were being requested to
provide $150,000 each; however, that budget did not include the proposed two
(2) FTE staff positions, as well as implementing other significant portions of
the Plan. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff of both member cities were of the
opinion that there were remaining issues needing to be further analyzed since
it required more of a partnership, in some areas up to 50%, from cities that
were not currently included in the current budget request.
Mr. Schwartz noted that the DRAFT
Water Management Plan also provided areas of concern for member cities staff,
based on their experience with other storm water projects, suggesting that implementation
projections were significantly understated and serving to drive up costs even
further at a future date.
Mr. Schwartz opined that the City
Council may want to consider, at a future date, the equity issue of an annual
storm water utility fee and how to fund that comparable to funding of the RCWD
and Capitol Region WSD within the confines of Roseville. If the City approved
continuing with the GLWMO as currently structured, Mr. Schwartz advised that
staff would recommend resolving the equity issue by creating a surcharge on
storm water utility fees for GLWMO properties, which would be approximately
$25-$30 per residential partial for 2012 to meet the $150,000 budget request.
Mr. Schwartz advised that staff was seeking more City Council direction on the
future of the GLWMO.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Schwartz confirmed that staff’s analysis was that, in the long-term, the cost
for an Improved GLWMO would be similar to the cost of merging with another WSD
and their per parcel annual taxing authority. Mr. Schwartz opined that other
WSD’s had staffing in place with significant professional areas of expertise;
and at this point, he further opined that staff did not feel prudent in recommending
creation of another organization similar to other WSD’s when the GLWMO area is
geographically small.
Mayor Roe noted the need for this
item to return to the City Council for future action; and asked that staff
provide a clear recommendation, as well as feedback from the City of Shoreview,
prior to or as part of the staff report for making that decision. Mayor Roe noted
that indications from the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) were that
they would not allow the existing JPA to continue with current budgeting
requests; and that they were prompting the proposed revised JPA. Mayor Roe
noted that the proposed JPA did not provide the City much input over rates for
GLWMO site area parcels, constraining the City’s range of action; while noting
that the City did not have much say in the rates for other WSD’s other than
through direct citizen connection and comment to them.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee,
Mr. Schwartz estimated approximately 3,500 parcels in Roseville included in the
GLWMO, with a similar number of parcels in the City of Shoreview.
Duane Schwartz stated that Rice
Creek Watershed District is significantly larger.
No one from the public appeared to
speak on this issue.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr.
Schwartz addressed the timeframe for City Council action related to storm water
utility fees, noting that those fees could be implemented when directed by the
City Council; however the Third Generation Plan would not be approved at the
state level until an amended JPA was approved by member cities.
Mayor Roe asked that staff provide
specific information on how long the Plan could remain unapproved at the state
level before they took action; and how and if a utility fee for GLWMO could be
worked into quarterly utility billings in conjunction with state constraints
and compliance requirements.
Mr. Schwartz advised that he would
continue to consult with the GLWMO Board and provide results of any Shoreview
City Council actions.
17.
City Manager Future Agenda Review
City
Manager Malinen reviewed upcoming agenda items.
Councilmember-Initiated
Items for Future Meetings
Noting her previous concerns
expressed related to fire station design and planning, Councilmember McGehee
sought how best to proceed in expressing her concerns.
Mayor Roe asked that Councilmember McGehee
work with City Manager Malinen and Fire Chief O’Neill on those issues and provide
her feedback and input to them; and reminded staff of previous City Council
discussions and requests for information on uses for the space and sharing of
exercise facilities.
18.
Adjourn
Johnson moved, Willmus seconded,
adjournment of the meeting at approximately 8:18 pm.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Johnson;
McGehee; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Mayor Roe adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:18 pm.