City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

January 23, 2012

 

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 January: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe).  City Attorney Charlie Bartholdi was also present.

 

2.         Approve Agenda

Councilmember McGehee requested removal of Consent Items 7.e , i, j, and k respectively entitled, “Receive Shared Services Quarterly Update,” Adopt a Resolution Categorizing City Fund Balances in Accordance with new Governmental Standards,” Adopt Resolution Approving the State of MN Agency Agreement between Department of Transportation and City of Roseville for Federal Participation in Construction,” and Receive City Council Work Plan Report.”

 

McGehee moved, Willmus seconded approval of the agenda was approved as amended.

 

                                    Roll Call

            Ayes: Pust; 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.  No one appeared to speak at this time.

 

4.         Council Communications, Reports, Announcements and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Report

          Councilmember Willmus announced an upcoming Parks and Recreation Renewal Program Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Roseville Skating Center, where staff and volunteers would share information and provide updates on the program and seek additional community input.

 

Councilmember Willmus recognized several local inductees into the Roseville Youth Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the Hockey Day Minnesota, and a joint program of the Parks and Recreation Department and Roseville Youth Hockey Association held last Saturday.

 

Mayor Roe encouraged citizens to participate in local government by applying for vacancies on a variety of citizen advisory commissions, with an application deadline of February 29, 2012, to be followed by interviews of those candidates with the City Council.

 

Mayor Roe noted incorrect information on tonight’s meeting agenda on upcoming public meetings, advising that the February 1, 2012 Planning Commission was still scheduled and not cancelled as indicated on that schedule.

 

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

           

a.            Proclaim February Black History Month

Mayor Roe read the proclamation declaring February of 2012 as Black History Month in Roseville and inviting all members of the Roseville community to renew their commitment to ensuring racial equality, understanding and justice.

Johnson moved, Willmus seconded, proclaiming February, 2012 as Black History Month in the City of Roseville; as amended with a correction of the year from 2011 to 2012.

                                      Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

         

          b.         Accept Granite Foundation Donation

Police Chief Rick Mathwig introduced and recognized the Tim and Diane Madden family; a local family foundation entitled the “Granite Foundation,” for their assistance in purchasing equipment for the Police Department as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated January 23, 2012.

 

Willmus moved, McGehee seconded, acceptance of a $6,000 donation from The Granite Foundation to the Roseville Police Department for equipment to be used by the Investigations and Patrol Divisions.

 

On behalf of the City Council and community, Councilmember Johnson thanked the Madden Family and the Granite Foundation for their generosity.

 

                                                Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

            c.         Accept Donation to Police Department from Hugh and Julie Thibodeau

Chief Mathwig introduced Hugh and Julie Thibodeau, long-time friends of the City and Roseville Police Department, and recognized their gracious support in the past as well as currently through their donation to replace one of the City’s K-9 units that will be retired due to health issues.

 

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, acceptance of a donation from the Thibodeau family in the amount of $10,000 to be used by Roseville Police Department; and recognition of the Thibodeau continued and generous support to the City’s Police Department.         

Mr. Thibodeau noted their family’s belief in the importance of the K-9 units as a factor in the Police Department’s enforcement mission and their feeling that it was imperative that the unit be kept at full force with three K-9 units.  Mr. Thibodeau expressed the importance of public safety in the quality of life in Roseville and the need for a strong Police and Fire Department presence in the community; stating that this was his family’s rationale in their strong support of both departments.

 

On behalf of the City Council and community, Mayor Roe thanked the Thibodeau’s for their continued and generous support of the City’s Public Safety Department.

                                                Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

6.         Approve Minutes

 

a.            Approve Minutes of January 9, 2012 Meeting

Comments and corrections to draft minutes had been submitted by the City Council prior to tonight’s meeting and those revisions were incorporated into the draft presented in the Council packet.

 

Johnson moved, Willmus seconded, approval of the minutes of the January 9, 2012 meeting as amended.

 

Corrections:

                        Page 13, Line 26 (McGehee)

Correct Roll Call vote to indicate that Councilmember McGehee abstained from the vote, with four ayes, no nays, and one abstention (McGehee).

 

                                                Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson;; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

         Abstain:  McGehee

 

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

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the following claims and payments as presented.    

ACH Payments	$235,079.14
65078-65117	249,811.56
Total	$585,890.70

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

b.            Approve Business Licenses

          McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, approval of business license applications for the period of one (1) year, for the following applicants:

                            

Applicant/Location	Type of License
Blazin Wings Inc., Buffalo Wild Wings 1777 County Road B-2	Amusement Device
Darcellia Hill at Massage Envy Roseville 2480 Fairview Avenue, Suite 120	Massage Therapist

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

c.            Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding $5,000

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the submitted list of general purchases and contracts for services presented as follows:

 

Department	Vendor	Description	Amount
Police	Dodge of Burnsville	Squad Car Replacements (5 units purchased off the State Bid Contract)	$113,270.00

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

d.         Receive Imagine Roseville 2025 Quarterly Update

Mayor Roe noted the need to correct the location of the highlighted new JPA with North St. Paul from its current category to the category for collaborative partners immediately below.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, receipt of the quarterly update of the Imagine Roseville 2025 Medium and Long-Term Goals.

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

f.             Receive City Grant Applications Quarterly Update

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, receipt of the quarterly City Grant Applications report.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

g.            Award Contract for Operation of a Clean-Up Day

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, award pf the 2012-2014 Clean-Up Day Contract to Lightning Disposal, Incorporated.

                                

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

h.            Approve Terms of 2012/2013 IUOE Local 49 Maintenance Workers Contract

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the proposed terms and conditions of the 2012/2013 collective bargaining agreement with the IUOE Local 49, and directing City staff to prepare the necessary documents for execution, subject to City Attorney approval.

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

8.         Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

e.            Receive Shared Services Quarterly Update

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Malinen briefly reviewed this quarterly update.

 

Councilmember McGehee, questioned, under Item 2, what programs were offered to the City of Lauderdale and the fee schedule for doing so.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke advised that this was an ongoing relationship between the two communities, through an arrangement to provide recreation staff and reimbursement for those services.

 

Councilmember McGehee had additional questions on Items 7, 8 and 9 for Chief Mathwig, but as he was not currently available in the Council Chambers, City Manager Malinen advised that staff would seek that information out and advise the Council at a later date.

 

Councilmember McGehee had questions of Fire Chief O’Neill on Item #16, which was also to be addressed at a later date once an update is available.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, receipt of the quarterly Shared Services update.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.

 

i.             Adopt a Resolution Categorizing City Fund Balances in Accordance with New Governmental Standards

Councilmember McGehee questioned if there was a need to reconsider the 35-45% reserve in light of additional debt service being incurred with the bond issue; and impacts or adjustments needed due to that additional debt service.

 

Mayor Roe pointed out that the 35-45% was the floor, and if the fund balance went higher, it would still meet the City’s policy.

 

Finance Director Miller noted that this policy only pertained to the City’s General Operating Fund, with bonds accounted for in a separate and distinct fund.  However, Mr. Miller advised that this reserve percentage was intended to be sufficient to meet the City’s general day-to-day needs; and when the City structured its debt, it assured that tax levies would be met.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10964 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Adopting Fund Balance Categorizations;” in accordance with GASB Statement $54; and superceding a similar resolution adopted on November 28, 2011.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

                        Nays: None.

 

j.             Adopt Resolution Approving the State of MN Agency Agreement between

            Department of Transportation and City of Roseville for Federal Participation in Construction

            Councilmember McGehee expressed her serious concerns with Phase II of the Fairview Pathway Project.

 

          Mayor Roe sought clarification from Councilmember McGehee on whether her concerns were related to technical aspects or other aspects of Phase II.

 

          Councilmember McGehee questioned how a safe pedestrian pathway could be constructed on the east side; and at what point in the design process additional changes could be accommodated from Phase I.

 

          Mayor Roe suggested that Councilmember McGehee question staff on that for follow-up outside the meeting; and personally expressed his reliance on staff’s expertise regarding project design.

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No.10965 (Attachment A) entitled “Resolution Approving the State of Minnesota Agency Agreement (MnDOT Agreement No. 99918-Attachment B) for Federal Participation in Construction.”

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

                        Nays: None.

 

k.            Receive City Council Work Plan Report

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Malinen summarized this new report providing for the status of various areas of the City Council’s work plan.

Councilmember McGehee advised that since this was a new report with a new format, she had numerous questions she felt the City Council should address; and suggested further discussion by the City Council on this report, not as part of the Consent Agenda.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that the report could be brought back for further discussion at a future meeting.

 

Councilmember Johnson suggested that the report would fit well with the upcoming Work Plan meeting.

 

Mayor Roe noted that he had also intended to remove this item from the Consent Agenda, based on his suggestions for the report:

1)    Reformat the report to reflect the status or progress of each item visually or percentage-wise;

2)    For ongoing projects or goals, provide a percent of completion related to establishing the ongoing process;

3)    Include the expected completion date on the report.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted that there were a number of items listed that were not feasible due to insufficient funds; and suggested that those items be removed from the main list and put in one place with other unfunded items for specific consideration and discussion.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, receipt of the initial City Council Work Plan update; with the report to be brought back for discussion at a future meeting.

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

12.         General Ordinances for Adoption

 

13.         Presentations

Mayor Roe amended the agenda to allow time for the full legislative delegation to arrive.

 

b.            Living Smarter Home and Garden Fair

Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Housing Program Manager Jeanne Kelsey announced and detailed the upcoming annual Living Smarter Roseville Home & Garden Fair, scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Ms. Kelsey highlighted the vendors, sponsors, door prizes, and unique how-to seminars; as well as the opportunity to review the online Green Remodeling Plan Book.

 

c.            Senior Programs in Roseville/Sara Barsel

At the invitation of the City Council, Ms. Sara Barsel provided an update of senior programming in Roseville.  Ms. Barsel advised that as a senior advocate, she provided her services on various senior-related committees and boards, including as a board member on the North Suburban Senior Council Board and Ramsey County Department of Human Services, Citizen Advisory Council, Adult Services Committee.  Ms. Barsel thanked the City Council for this opportunity to address the public and City Council; and provided a bench handout consisting of three components, attached hereto and made a part hereof.  The handout included Ms. Barsel’s talking points for tonight’s presentation on senior issues; a proposal for senior-relevant Roseville City-sponsored forums; and a copy of the survey developed by the North Suburban Senior Council.

 

Ms. Barsel noted the limited amount of funding and programs for seniors in the community and area, and urged the City Council to include senior-relevant programming in future discussions and strategic planning for 2012 and beyond, as well as linking resources on the City’s various media options.  Ms. Barsel further noted the need to no longer exclude some Roseville residents in senior programming if they were outside School District 623, but in District 621 within the City of Roseville boundaries; and encouraged the City to think about a centralized community center rather than separate meeting centers designated in individual neighborhoods.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Barsel provided various options for seniors to participate in the survey, including its availability at City Hall’s Park and Recreation desk, the senior lounge at the Fairview Community Center, or by mail to the North Suburban Senior Council at 1910 County Road B West in Roseville, phone 651/604-3520, or e-mail at nssc@isd623.0rg, and website nssc.nonprofitoffice.com.

 

Councilmember Willmus thanked Ms. Barsel for the update, opining that it was a very solid foundation as a starting point.  Councilmember Willmus questioned if Ms. Barsel had approached the School District Boards for their involvement in similar discussions and programming.

Ms. Barsel advised that, to-date, she had only approached the Financial Committee of School District 623, but that the NSSC was preparing to address other Districts and agencies.

 

Councilmember Willmus opined that it would be good to involve the Board members of those two organizations with this report as well.

 

Ms. Barsel advised that the organization of this initiative was still in progress and was functioning at this time as a think tank, but would hopefully encompass other boards and community members in the near future.

 

Regarding decentralized gathering spaces, Councilmember Willmus advised that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan included both decentralized and centralized gathering spaces.

 

Based on the condition of the existing Fairview Community Center, Ms. Barsel suggested that the Master Plan Implementation provide more emphasis on a centralized gathering place as a more imperative community need.

 

Councilmember Pust, on behalf of the NSSC and as its current President, thanked Ms. Barsel for her attendance tonight; and elaborated on the work of the NSSC over the last several months, with the survey the culmination of a lot of different groups and people, and spearheaded by Ms. Barsel.  Councilmember Pust advised that it was the intent of the NSSC to take the survey out to various community groups; and provided her phone number (651/503-2725) as another way to obtain a copy of the survey.  Regarding School Districts, Councilmember Pust advised that there was currently a contractual agreement with the School District, and that there was significant financial support received from the Roseville School District.  While there was currently no direct connection with other School Districts,  Councilmember Pust noted that the NSCC was not Roseville-specific and was planning to seek support from other entities, an action step that has been too long deferred.  In noting that the City of Roseville’s contribution of $6,000 in funds toward senior transportation services, Councilmember Pust noted that the Roseville School District’s financial contribution was significantly more than that amount annually in support of senior programs.  Councilmember Pust advised that it was the view of the NSSC that the cities haven’t stepped up enough, and that they were now going to be asked to do so.  Councilmember Pust suggested that this discussion be held at the City Council’s upcoming strategic planning meeting.

 

Discussion included other opportunities to provide the survey to the public, including through Survey Monkey, which the City had access to.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted that, in her discussions with older caregivers, they were interested in volunteering away from the care giving role through other volunteer opportunities, such as through mentoring or reading programs that could mesh with the City’s ever-growing immigrant population that would use their accumulated knowledge.

 

Councilmember Pust announced that the NSSC met the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m., with the next meeting in February in the lower level of City Hall, and welcomed anyone to come and participate in the discussion.

 

Mayor Roe thanked Ms. Barsel for her input and for alerting the City Council to include this on its strategic planning radar.

 

a.       Legislative Update

The City’s legislative delegation was present at this time, including: Rep. Bev Scalze, Rep. Mindy Greiling, and Senator John Marty.

 

Rep. Scalze noted that since this was a bonding year, it was typically a short session, with most legislators hoping for the session to be completed by the Easter break if not before.  Rep. Scalze advised that she served on the Bonding Committee, and had co-sponsored a bill with Senator Runbeck for the Rice Street bridge over I-694 to match the new construction over Highway 36.  With the considerable discussion and rhetoric on constitutional amendments, Rep. Scalze opined that the fall ballot would be loaded with those issues, causing her to be somewhat apprehensive that the major issues would be lost in that rhetoric. 

 

Rep. Greiling noted her recent announcement that she would not be running for re-election; advising that this was allowing her to have her best year of all. 

 

While not being satisfied to sit around and watch, Rep. Greiling advised that since she was unsuccessful in her educational initiatives due to minority status, she had been working on a bill in support of organized trash hauling.  Rep. Greiling advised that she had met with the City of Roseville’s Recycling Coordinator Tim Pratt last week, and found him to be a wealth of information.  Rep. Greiling noted that, through her past involvement in the League of Women Voters and their formal platform supporting organized collection, she had a history in exploring the many facets of this issue.  Rep. Greiling noted past legislative action, due to heavy lobbying by refuse haulers that significantly hindered this cost-saving option for municipalities.  Rep. Greiling referenced the only City successful in implementing organized collection since that legislation, that of the City of Maplewood, and the cost of the Council seat of Mr. Nephew in that debate.  Rep. Greiling advised that this was basically due to a campaign of misinformation by refuse haulers that flooded the community prior to the election; and advised that she had available the misinformation literature distributed by those lobbying groups, serving as an example of what big money can do in stifling decision-making for local government simply thinking of the bottom lien for its citizens.  Rep. Greiling advised that the MPCA, LMC and other agencies were supportive of organized trash collection, and Conservation Minnesota’s support was pending.  Rep. Greilng asked that the City look at the upcoming legislation, which she had co-authored, with Sen. Marty carrying the bill in the Senate, opining that it was a process worthy of the Roseville community and was based on accurate information, not misinformation.

 

Sen. Marty expressed his pleasure in attending tonight’s meeting, and his pleasure in working with Reps. Scalze and Greiling.  Sen. Marty briefly addressed the current budget forecasts that were better than previously anticipated, and the number of constitutional amendments that were hot issues.  Beyond that, Sen. Marty advised that he was not anticipating anything major, but that some session business always remained an unknown.

 

Mayor Roe addressed two items of interest to the City of Roseville: legislation introduced regarding the local option sales tax and the ability of cities to enact the tax for specific purposes; and encouraged legislative support of those efforts, noting the unique situation of Roseville and its significant retail environment.  Mayor Roe also addressed the City’s interest in the market value homestead credit being not reinstated, unless  with dedicated funding that would not disappear or that would successfully work for cities, unlike the old system that never was feasible.

 

Even though the City had no bonding projects this year, City Manager Malinen offered staff’s assistance as a resource to the legislative delegation at their discretion.

 

Councilmember McGehee questioned the potential for the City of Roseville to get funding included in the Bonding bill for freeway overpasses to allow safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Rep. Scalze advised that the current bonding bill had been pared down from $2 billion in requests, with the Governor supporting his version of the bill, and the legislative majority looking at even less funding.  Rep. Scalze advised that any such project as mentioned by Councilmember McGehee would be a long-term project to get it into the works and fit it with other interested projects, noting that the Rice Street bridge  project was four years in the making; and many taking up to ten years to find their way into a bonding bill if at all.

 

Councilmember McGehee further questioned a rail line along Highway 36; with Rep. Scalze advising that there was a long-term fight to get funding for the Central Corridor Rail Line.  Rep. Scalze advised that the northeast suburbs didn’t ask for things often enough to initiate significant interest, with state dollars going to those suburban cities in the southwest who ask for things.

 

Mayor Roe offered strong City Council support of bringing the Northeast Diagonal back to the forefront.

 

Councilmember Pust opined that the City Council should be more supportive of the legislative delegation; and encouraged them to invite the City to the table for discussions.  Councilmember Pust advised that, in the long-term, the public transportation needs of the northeast suburbs and Ramsey County residents needed to be back on the map.  Councilmember Pust thanked the delegation for their service, noting that they weren’t thanked enough for their dedication and time in representing the community and area.  Councilmember Pust specifically thanked Rep. Greiling for her twenty years of work for the area, opining that the whole community was already missing her.

 

Councilmember Pust questioned if there was anything to report back on yet on the community survey currently in progress by the legislative delegation, and any areas of interest to Roseville or the broader area.

 

Rep. Greiling advised that the Survey Monkey results were still pending.

 

Sen. Marty noted his recent meeting with the Fourth Congressional District with Sen. McCollum, and the obvious lack of representatives of local NE suburbs at the table, and the need to get things back in the bonding bill that were supportive of this area.  Sen. Marty advised that if the larger version of the proposed Stillwater Bridge was approved, Highway 36 traffic had the potential to get much worse, and while MnDOT plans for expanding Highway 36 were long-term, if more vehicles were channeled onto it, the timeline needed to be pushed forward significantly.

 

Councilmember Willmus echoed the comments of Mayor Roe regarding the local option sales tax and homestead credits, as well as Councilmember McGehee’s comments on better pedestrian and bicycle safety access.  Councilmember Willmus noted that, with a local option sales tax, it would allow the City to put those dollars to work without going to the state for bonding; and would serve as a really important tool necessary to explore in the near future.

 

Sen. Marty addressed market value homestead credit, opining that if it came back, it should be fully funded since it was not fair for the legislature to continue to chip away at it, however property tax relief was addressed, and not in name only but actually funded.  Sen. Marty opined that this was an extremely difficult time for the City to seek local option sales tax, since the main concern at the state level since the 1970’s was in maintaining the equity between communities.  Sen. Marty advised that the opinion was that since the cities such as Roseville with significant retail benefited through higher property values from that commercial traffic, thereby compensating them for the additional hassles of retail.  Sen. Marty suggested that the burden should be on schools and counties, without taking state aid from them, since there was no connection for human services and education to  property taxes.  Sen. Marty noted the need overall to look for ways that would not increase disparities, but was unsure if sales tax would be one of the most popular ways for consideration; while recognizing that property taxes were crushing a lot of people.

 

Mayor Roe noted that City Manager Malinen and the LMC group he was serving with were looking at a system to pool local sales tax to address equity issues.

 

Sen. Marty advised that he would be happy to discuss that system with City Manager Malinen and the LMC.

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed her concerns on the costs to the City with the additional retail to deal with in serving the larger metropolitan area, while receiving no compensation for the costs for additional traffic on City infrastructure and public safety costs in the community for this regional shopping center.

 

Rep. Greiling opined that whether the City was successful in obtaining funds through the bonding bill, it didn’t preclude asking for it and making people aware of the needs.  Rep. Greiling spoke in support of the pooling aspect.

 

City Manager Malinen provided as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof, a copy of the proposed legislation, House File No. 1777, and consistent with the LMC Fiscal Future Policy.

 

Rep. Scalze noted other communities who were successful in bonding requests, and suggested that, while people hated the terms of earmarks, Roseville taxpayers were paying for the improvements in those other communities who were successful, and should promote their own needs as well.

 

Rep. Scalze announced upcoming Town Hall meetings of the legislative delegation on Saturday, February 11, 2012, with Rep. Greiling and Sen. Marty at the Roseville Library from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., and then Sen. Marty and Rep. Scalze at the Little Canada City Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. that same day.; and encouraged citizens to contact them and/or provide input.

                                         

Mayor Roe thanked Rep. Greiling specifically for her years of service, and personally from his work with her on the League of Women Voters and in his capacity as a Roseville City Councilmember and Mayor.  Mayor Roe further expressed appreciation to Sen. Marty and Rep. Scalze for their ongoing support of Roseville citizens.

 

8.            Public Hearings

 

9.            Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Consider City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 835 West County Road B

Permit Coordinator Don Munson reviewed violations at this single-family detached home located at 835 West County Road B, currently rented and property owner listed as Helen R. Reinhardt, Trustee, 1532 Arden Place, Arden Hills, MN.

 

Mr. Munson noted that the City Council had previously heard an abatement at another property on Ryan consisting of the storage of this of this same material in violation of City Code, now moved to this address.

 

Mayor Roe noted that neither the property owner nor renter were present in tonight’s audience.

 

Mr. Munson provided an update, including pictures, of violations, consisting of mechanical equipment for [pools and landscaping business, as well as junk and debris stored under tarps in the rear yard (a violation of City Code Sections 407.02.M. and 407.02..C and D); with abatement costs to move and storage costs for the mechanical equipment for pools and landscaping business, and junk and debris stored under tarps in the rear yard estimated at approximately $2,500.00.

 

Discussion included the length of processing time required from notice to abatement of Code violations; staff work with the property owner to take action against the renter; staff estimate that the earliest resolution would be 2-3 weeks; staff’s identification of the actual Trustee just this past week, furthering communication efforts; and responsibilities of the owner to deal with the renter.

 

Councilmember Johnson expressed his frustration with this violation moving from one property to another in Roseville; and the costs to the City in dealing with these abatement processes; and expressed his strong interest in expediting this issue once and for all.

 

McGehee moved to authorize the Community Development Department to abate the public nuisance violations if the homeowner had not resolved them within thirty (30) days.

Mayor Roe declared the motion failed due to lack of a second.

 

Councilmember Pust expressed her interest in abating this violation immediately.

 

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, authorization to the Community Development staff to abate the public nuisance violations at 835 West County Road B by hiring a general contractor to move and store the mechanical equipment for pools and landscaping business, and junk and debris stored under tarps in the rear yard, pending disposition; estimated at an abatement cost of approximately $2,500.00; with actual abatement and administrative costs billed to the property owner; and if not paid, staff is directed to recover costs as specified in City Code, Section 407.07B.

        

Councilmember McGehee expressed her concern in the potential redundancy of staff and the property owner resolving the issue.

 

Mr. Munson advised that, while it may seem redundant, staff worked cooperatively with the property owner to resolve the issue in the most efficient manner possible, and with discretion.

 

Councilmember Willmus advised that he was supportive of a more expedited completion of this violation, since the complaint had been neighbor-generated.

 

Councilmember Pust advised that the purpose of her motion was to make residents aware that they couldn’t simply move City Code violations from one property to another, and further advised that her motion stands as stated.

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; and Roe.

Nays: None.

Abstentions: McGehee.

Motion carried.

 

b.            Consider City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2751 Galtier

Permit Coordinator Don Munson reviewed violations at this single-family detached home located at 2751 Galtier Street N, currently owner-occupied with the current owners listed as Lawrence and Margaret Kovarik.

 

Mr. Munson provided an update, including pictures, of violations, consisting of an inoperable vehicle, a truck parked in the driveway with a flat tire (a violation of City Code, Section 407.02.0); with abatement costs to remove the wheel, inspect the tire and repair or replace the tire estimated at approximately $200.00 – 350.00.

 

Mr. Munson advised that the homeowners were elderly; and that this vehicle had apparently been inoperable in the driveway since approximately 2006, had been found during the most recent Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) inspection.

 

Mayor Roe confirmed that the homeowner was not present at tonight’s meeting.

 

At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Mr. Munson confirmed that the vehicle had a current license tab, but that the code violation was the inoperable nature of the vehicle due to missing parts making it operable.

 

Discussion included whether this violation could be deemed subjective; whether it was necessary to further clarify or define City Code to avoid potentially arbitrary issues that were complaint-driven; and liability issues for the City if someone simply inflated the tire to make it operable, but the tire was later found to be bad creating safety issues.

 

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, authorization to the Community Development staff to abate the public nuisance violations at 2751 Galtier Street N by hiring a general contractor to either remove and inflate the tire or remove and replace the tire; at an abatement cost of approximately $200.00 – 350.00; with actual abatement and administrative costs billed to the property owner; and if not paid, staff is directed to recover costs as specified in City Code, Section 407.07B.

 

City Attorney Bartholdi read the two sections of City Code and definition references addressing inoperable vehicles due to missing or defective parts for normal operations versus unlicensed vehicles deemed junk.

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Willmus; Johnson; and Roe.

         Nays: Pust and McGehee.

         Motion carried.

 

c.            Adopt a Resolution Amending the City’s Investment Policy

Finance Director Miller summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated January 23, 2012, noting that the city’s current investment policy provides for short-term operational needs, as well as long-term investments for debt payments.  In order to capitalize on those long-term investments, staff is requesting that the City Council amend their current investment policy to include two (2) additional vehicles as detailed in the packet.  These options would include Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GIC’s) and Banker’s Acceptances.  Mr. Miller advised that this would allow necessary liquidity needs for the City to meet its needs, while allowing these additional options, both considered safe with highest credit ratings, and both allowed and commonly used under State Statute parameters, but just not yet included in the City’s current Investment Policy.

 

Mayor Roe noted that the staff report detailed consideration of only those offerings of AA or higher credit rated institutions, and questioned if that was also included in the current language.

 

Mr. Miller advised that current practice was to restrict investments to those institutions only rated at AA or higher; however, he suggested that practice be memorialized in the revised Investment Policy as well relevant to repurchase agreements and guaranteed contracts.  Mr. Miller suggested additional language on Page 5, under Portfolio Management (lines 188 – 191) such as, “…the City’s procedure to restrict investments to only…., [those agencies]  with AA ratings or better.”

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed concern with language related to unsecured promissory notes.

 

Mr. Miller advised that, using the AA credit rating or better, the City would continue to only make purchases through a broker that was trusted to monitor their credit rating agencies, as staff does on a regular basis, with assurances in place to avoid compromising the security of the public’s money.  Mr. Miller advised that, if a credit rating should be downgraded, a mechanism would be in place to maintain the safety of those investments, similar to current practice, while allowing the City to receive much better interest rates.

 

Councilmember McGehee questioned if it was customary for the City to pay brokerage fees.

 

Mr. Miller advised that customarily broker fees were factored into investment pricing, and subsequently included in the rate of return for those securities.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10966 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Adopting Financial and Budget Policies for the City of Roseville;” approving a revised investment Policy; amended to add language on page 5, line 188-191 under “Portfolio Management, that the City’s procedure would restrict investments only to those agencies with AA ratings or better.”

 

Councilmember McGehee questioned the difference in AA or AAA credit ratings.

 

Mr. Miller advised that there were more investment opportunities in AA versus AAA ratings; however, there was a slim margin between those two credit ratings, and the AA still provided nice returns.  Mr. Miller advised that ratings of a single A alerted him and were beyond his comfort zone.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Miller confirmed that the City of Roseville’s credit rating was AAA, among only 6% of cities retaining that high of a credit rating.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

Mayor Roe noted, for the record, that this investment policy was constrained  and operated under State Statute parameters.

 

d.            Adopt a Resolution Rejecting Proposed Grass Lake Water Management Organization (GLWMO) Joint Powers Language (JPA) and to Petition Dissolution

Public Works Director Duane Schwartz summarized staff recommendations, in conjunction with City of Shoreview staff recommendations to the respective City Councils for initiating dissolution of the Grass Lakes Water Management Organization (GLWMO).  Mr. Schwartz noted the rationale for this recommendation as detailed in the RCA dated January 23, 2012, and in accordance with provisions of the current JPA with the organization.

 

Mr. Schwartz reviewed the background of this recommendation based on requirements of the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to revise the current JPA, with that information provided to the City Council at previous meetings, and subsequent meetings of the mayors and applicable staff of member cities Shoreview and Roseville.  Mr. Schwartz advised that the outcome of those meetings were consistent in recommending that a different direction be addressed for this organization, with three (3) potential recommended options for the respective City Councils to consider, detailed in lines 11 – 39 of the RCA..

 

Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of staff’s recommendation to reject the proposed revised JPA language and petition dissolution of the organization; however, she questioned the next step following that decision and the responsible parties to proceed with that next step.

 

Mr. Schwartz advised that the responsible parties would vary depending on the direction determined and negotiated by the member cities on the best future for residents living in the geographical boundaries of this water management organization.  Mr. Schwartz advised that, once both City Councils had taken action, staff would return at a later date seeking additional direction on the next steps.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Schwartz advised that it was up to the member City Councils to dissolve the JPA as per its parameters, and petition the GLWMO for dissolution.

Public Comment

Mayor Roe recognized members of the audience who may wish to comment on this item, including GLWMO Board Chair Jonathan Miller, GLWMO Technical/Administrative Consultant Tom Petersen, and several Lake Owasso residents (Joe Bester and Len Ferrington) were in the audience at tonight’s meeting.  However, no one came forward to comment on this issue.

 

Johnson moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10967 (Attachment A) entitled, “Resolution Rejecting Proposed Grass Lake Watershed Management Organization Joint Powers Language and to Petition Dissolution.”

 

Mayor Roe noted that, while all storm water fee payers in Roseville currently supported the GLWMO across the City and this may change that situation, the mechanism to do so becomes the issue.  However, he noted that it became a bigger issue if the City Council approved the proposed budget and funding and the member cities’ ability to meet the requirements set out in this organization,.  Mayor Roe noted that those discussions had been brought forward in our previous discussions and impacts to residents of Roseville or specifically just in this WMO.  Mayor Roe opined that the way the system was set up for water management districts and organizations made sense and while there were concerns about losing local control, he was not as concerned about that potential.

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed her favorable impression with the Third Generation Plan developed by the GLWMO; however, she opined that the financing was not realistic in making the Plan work, and that for the preservation of the watershed, there needed to be a larger oversight and control organization.  Councilmember McGehee noted that this was a huge drainage area; and this action was not based on any failure on the part of the GLWMO Board or their proposed goals, but purely an effort to have a larger organization with taxing authority to implement the goals of the watershed.

 

Mayor Roe thanked the GLWMO Board for their work.

                                

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

e.            Adopt Ordinance Amending Title Seven, Section 703.04, to Exempt Publicly Owned and Operated Public Safety Facilities from Driveway Width Maximum Regulations

City Manager Malinen briefly summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated January 23, 2012.  Mr. Malinen noted that this became an apparent revision as the plans for the new fire station were being designed.

 

At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Fire Chief Tim O’Neill advised that all three (3) current fire stations exceeded the 36’ curb cut and was recommended due to Code 3 responses from those stations.

 

At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Chief O’Neill advised that the City was currently working with Ramsey County on revising their maximum of 55’ for a curb cut, advising that they were willing to make adjustments since this was a public safety facility.

 

Councilmember Willmus referenced an issue raised by a citizen as to how a public safety facility was defined.

 

City Attorney Bartholdi advised that such a facility was not defined in statute; however, it was clear that such a facility was used by a public entity of some sort for safety purposes, both from a public and safety basis issue.

 

Mayor Roe noted that this amendment was not being sought to allow the City a huge opportunity to create a significant number of curb cuts, and that a certain amount of reasonableness would be taken into account as well.

 

McGehee moved, Johnson seconded, enactment of Ordinance No. 1423 (Attachment A) entitled, “An Ordinance Amending Title Seven, Section 703.04, to Exempt Publicly Owned and Operated Public Safety Facilities from Driveway Width Maximum Regulations.”

 

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

Recess

Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 8:34 p.m.

 

10.         Business Items – Presentations/Discussions

 

a.            Discuss Amending the Tobacco Ordinance

Finance Director Miller summarized this discussion item as detailed in the RCA dated January 23, 2012; with staff seeking two (2) proposed amendments: 1) limiting the types of tobacco products and devices allowed in Roseville; and 2) regulations defining tobacco shops (page 2, line 42) in accordance with State Statute.  Mr. Miller noted recently-expanded legislation, and requested direction for staff as to the City Council’s preference to follow State Statute as revised, or update City Code language with additional restrictions.

 

Mr. Miller advised that staff had been approached by at least one prospective business looking to open a hookah café or lounge, advising that staff anticipated additional  requests coming forward in the near future  and was looking to have an ordinance in place before then.  Mr. Miller noted that a representative of the Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition was in tonight’s audience and prepared to assist in this discussion.

 

Councilmember Pust advised that she had a strong reaction to this potential type of business, and suggested that the City take whatever action was necessary to ban them in Roseville.  Councilmember Pust offered her assistance where ever needed to make that happen. Councilmember Pust observed that a number of communities had such businesses, and they tended to accumulate where there were a significant number of young people, and opined that the colleges in Roseville and the area were potentially providing incentive for these businesses to locate here.  Councilmember Pust strongly supported the findings of those personal and public safety problems detailed in the RCA; and expressed the need for the City to stand up for kids.

 

 

Katie Engman, Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition, Roseville resident

At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Ms. Engman reviewed those communities already having such an ordinance in place – both those that allow such establishments and those that do not allow them.  Ms. Engman provided a definition of hookah lounges or cafes, currently using an exemption in state law providing for sampling of tobacco products to by-pass “No Smoking” restrictions for restaurants and bars.

 

Councilmember McGehee echoed the remarks of Councilmember Pust, and expressed her desire to change language so that no sampling would be allowed in any establishments, no matter what they were called.  Councilmember McGehee stated that she considered such entities in violation of the Clean Air Act, creating a hazard and limiting the ability of those people working in such an establishment who are subjected to second hand smoke, proven to be a real and definite health hazard.

 

Mayor Roe noted that it did not seem from his reading of the staff report that State Statute does not allow banning of sampling.

 

Mr. Miller advised that other communities have banned sampling; however, it is a grey area.

 

Ms. Engman noted that the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) in cooperation with the Public Health Law Center had available language for a model ordinance that banned smoking of any kind in any establishment and served to level the field.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe on how smoking was allowed in such an establishment, Mr. Miller advised that it avoided defining sampling.

 

Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of outright prohibition.

 

While Mr. Miller advised that staff was not currently aware of any traditional tobacco shops operating in Roseville that would be impacted by such an amendment, but noted that there were a number of establishments that sold tobacco products.  Mr. Miller did advise, however, that Ms. Engman, Police Chief Mathwig and he would need to review businesses once again, as Ms, Engman alerted staff to a kiosk in Rosedale that sold such products.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Miller confirmed that such an operation would need to be licensed by the City.

 

Pust moved, Willmus seconded, directing staff to work with the City Attorney’s office to develop language banning any of these types of establishments for sampling in the City of Roseville, and that this language be brought forward post haste to have an ordinance in place before any applications came forward for consideration.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

b.         Consider Adopting Financial Policies as Ordinances

At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember McGehee noted that, since she had originally brought forth this request, she had come to the conclusion that the same majority vote rules would apply, therefore negating her preference to revise these policies into ordinances.  Councilmember McGehee noted that her original request was made in light of the recent Council majority vote to override their standing policy regarding voter referendums and use their Port Authority to issue bonds.  However, at this time, Councilmember McGehee suggested leaving the policies as they are; but she personally encouraged the City Council to follow their own policies.

 

Mayor Roe recognized Councilmember McGehee’s point; and clarified that a 3 vote majority was required for ordinance enactment, a policy or resolution could be adopted on a 2/1 vote if a full City Council was not in place at that time.

 

Councilmember Pust advised that she didn’t quite agree that changing an ordinance was as easy as changing a policy, since there were different notice and public hearing requirements before such action.

 

Mayor Roe noted that the City Council had adopted an ordinance earlier this evening, without a prior public hearing.

 

City Attorney Bartholdi advised that enactment of an ordinance did not necessarily require a public hearing, but needed to be deliberated and voted upon by the City Council, with no separate notice requirements, other than publication of it after enactment.

 

c.       Discuss Funding Change for Engineer Position in Public Works

Public Works Director Schwartz summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated January 23, 2012, and staff recommendations regarding funding for an Engineer position in Public Works, previously a shared position with the City of Arden Hills under provisions of a JPA.

 

Councilmember Johnson sought to clarify, for the public’s edification, that if the City of Arden Hills were to exit this JPA, they were required to provide a one year notice. 

 

Mr. Schwartz advised that the City of Roseville had requested that provision, knowing that the Engineer hired would have been solely funded through the JPA.

 

At the request of Councilmember Johnson as to whether Arden Hills had provided any notice to-date, Mr. Schwartz advised that the only notice had been verbal, allowing for this discussion with the City Council before additional action was taken by either City.  Pending tonight’s direction, Mr. Schwartz advised that staff of both cities would meet, and negotiated revised JPA terms, as Arden Hills remained interested in continuing GIS services from Roseville.

 

Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of this request; but questioned if there were other JPA’s with Arden Hills and whether any additional problems may be indicated.

 

Finance Director Miller advised that the only other JPA was for Information Technology (IT) services, and there appeared to be no other issues of which staff was aware.

 

Councilmember Pust opined that this was a definite loss to Arden Hills, but a gain for Roseville.

 

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, authorizing a staff engineer position in the Public Works Department with funding from the Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Sewer Funds beginning July 1, 2012; and until that time, the City of Arden Hills would continue to fund this position in accordance with the provisions of the JPA.

                                 Roll Call

         Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

         Nays: None.

 

d.            Discuss a Process for 2013/2014 Strategic Planning

City Manager Malinen initiated this discussion on how the City Council wished to proceed with the upcoming strategic planning sessions, noting that all Departments had been charged with completing strategic plan and defining broad areas on which to focus on 2013, 2014 and beyond. 

 

Mr. Malinen noted that Cobalt consulting services, had worked with Department Heads in how to take data from the 2011 community survey and translate it into action at a policy and administrative/staff level.  Mr. Malinen suggested that the City Council may wish to include a similar and brief exercise as part of their strategic planning, since this was not part of Cobalt’s original detailed presentation, and only included in their written report, as strategic priorities, included in tonight’s meeting materials and focused on residential input.  Mr. Malinen advised that this would allow the City Council to take those survey results (Attachment A) and combine with the Imagine Roseville 2025 goal process (Attachment B).  Mr. Malinen advised that this attachment was staff’s attempt to match survey questions with vision statements and goals, as well as areas of focus based on survey results.  Mr. Malinen suggested that between staff and the City Council, this could identify ten (10) broad areas that staff could then develop into more specific strategies for achievement.  City Manager Malinen suggested that a Cobalt representative could participate in the strategic planning meeting for a maximum of fifteen minutes, at no additional cost to the City.

 

Councilmember Willmus observed that it was difficult to pare down the survey wish list into a realistic strategy.

 

City Manager Malinen reviewed the drivers of satisfaction and behavior designed into the survey at the City Council rather than staff level, and how to take those broad areas and show areas for improvements from the lower quadrant identifying those areas considered at a lower satisfaction rate by residents.

 

Discussion included scoring of the survey based on American Consumer Satisfaction Index’s 100 point range; qualitative versus quantitative measures. 

 

Councilmember McGehee questioned the accuracy of the survey results from raw data.

 

Mayor Roe noted that, while the survey results may be subjective, it made sense from his interpretation to focus energies in those areas not receiving as high of a citizen satisfaction response in the survey, in addition to other strategic planning opportunities.

 

Councilmember Pust sought assurances that this presentation or discussion with Cobalt would not exceed fifteen minutes; opining that she was more concerned about the process for strategic planning for the remainder of the workshop, and questioned if individual Councilmembers had ideas on the process, structure and facilitation of the meeting.  Councilmember Pust noted that strategic planning was only as valuable as those making the investment at the table, and that the process should be clearly laid out in advance, with any “homework” assignments completed before the meeting.  Councilmember Pust stated that it was her preference to have the City Council and Department Heads around the same table, rather than relying on other people’s ideas, to discuss where the City currently was, where it will be in three and five years, and beyond that and how to accomplish listed goals.

 

Mayor Roe concurred that some things were known intuitively, and some the City may not be able to influence, therefore City resources shouldn’t be expended to solve those problems that the City may not be technically or statutorily able to resolve.  In using City Manager Malinen’s recommendation, one option would be to determine a focus based on those resident satisfaction levels in the lower quadrant but in broader categories, and whether that made sense as part of the discussion for strategic planning.  Mayor Roe noted the senior issues brought up earlier tonight as part of that discussion focus, and how to allocate City resources on areas of focus to accomplish existing and future goals.

 

Councilmember Pust suggested that the process be designed to allow a specific amount of time for all at the table to name what that is; however, she didn’t think another adult was needed to provide that information; and reiterated her interest in a maximum amount of fifteen minutes to hear from Cobalt before proceeding with the rest of the meeting to make the best use of everyone’s time.

 

Councilmember Johnson stated that he was not a fan of having the survey information guide the strategic planning discussion; but was open to a very brief presentation as part of the discussion.  Councilmember Johnson opined that the last goal planning session that was held was the most meaningful on in the last three (3) years, with staff and individual Councilmembers looking at the “musts” and “ought to’s”  and providing a simple, but effective agenda, with most of those goals having been accomplished.  Councilmember Johnson suggested that individual Councilmembers and Department Heads come prepared with their short- and long-term goals.

 

Mayor Roe assured Councilmembers that he and City Manager Malinen were not suggesting the entire planning session revolve around the Cobalt presentation.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that last year’s work plan that had been developed from the strategic planning had been effective, and suggested that it be built upon at this planning workshop.  However, Councilmember McGehee suggested that, in addition to the survey results and Imagine Roseville 2025, the Roseville 2030 Comprehensive Plan’s goals and policies, which was another community-driven document and process,  be used in the strategic planning and not relegated as a secondary zoning tool, but part of long-term planning.  Councilmember McGehee suggested a fifteen minute presentation by Cobalt, with all participants also providing – in writing – one or two short-term and one or two long-term goals.

 

Mayor Roe and Councilmember Johnson concurred with that suggestion.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that this year’s strategic planning work from the City Council’s work plan, and based on accomplishments to-date, as well as additional items for 2013 and 2014.

Councilmember McGehee noted this could be derived from revisions to the report received tonight from staff.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that the enhanced version could also be discussed at future meetings; with staff and Councilmember discussions for strategic planning focusing on short- and long-term suggestions to goals in the Comprehensive Plan and Imagine Roseville 2025, since there were already a whole host of goals set out in those planning documents, with expressions of desired outcomes, with a need to develop a plan to achieve those outcomes.

 

Councilmember Johnson concurred with Mayor Roe’s suggestions.

 

Mayor Roe advised that, as individuals did their homework assignment prior to the strategic planning session, they review the current City Council work plan and how it relates to community goals, as well as continuing discussion on economic development issues, and any other things to add to that mix.

 

Councilmember Willmus suggested that the same formula for short- and long-term goals be used as that done last year.

 

Mayor Roe noted that the “musts” and “ought to’s” could be done, but short- and long-term goals were needed on both and provided a big distinction as alluded to by Councilmembers Pust and McGehee also.  Mayor Roe suggested that those things required administratively due to mandates didn’t need to be included on the goals and didn’t necessarily need to enter into the discussion, especially if no City Council direction is needed for staff.

 

Councilmember Pust concurred, other than if resources or other changes were indicated.

 

Mayor Roe concurred, but noted that if not on the list at least from staff’s perspective, it made the process more concise.

 

Councilmember McGehee reminded staff of her request that staff budgetary needs be removed from the quarterly report in the next revision.

 

Councilmember Pust volunteered to serve as facilitator at the strategic planning session, to which Mayor Roe concurred; and reiterated that the Cobalt presentation not exceed fifteen minutes.

 

Mayor Roe asked that homework assignments be provided to the City Manager as soon as possible to be included in the agenda packet allowing individual responses at the meeting.

 

City Manager Malinen requested those assignments by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012; and noted that the Strategic Planning meeting was slated for 6:00 – 9:000 pm on Monday, January 30, 2012 in the City Hall Council Chambers.

 

Councilmember Johnson asked that the City Council receive the assignments from Department Heads before the meeting as well, with City Manager Malinen advising that they would be included in the meeting packets with the deadline of Thursday.

 

e.            City Manager Goals

Mayor Roe advised that the document in the agenda packet was the draft prepared by City Manager Malinen following previous discussions and directives. 

 

Discussion included this draft compared to that originally prepared by Councilmember Pust, with City Manager Malinen advising that mandated items and others not specific to his goals had been culled out unless organizationally relevant, and categories to tie into general categories and evaluation forms used, as well as expected completion dates added.

 

Mayor Roe noted that this was not an action item, but provided for Councilmembers to review prior to subsequent approval.  Mayor Roe suggested any additional comments or questions be addressed off-line or with City Manager Malinen outside the meeting, with those comments considered before adoption at a future meeting.

 

14.     City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Malinen reviewed upcoming agenda items.

 

15.         Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

Councilmember Willmus referenced a recent Star Tribune news article that he’d provided to staff and Councilmembers on types of recyclables being collected by other companies, and whether Eureka had any additional markets for plastic materials and available to Roseville residents.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that Eureka be invited to provide an update to the City Council and for public information at an upcoming meeting. 

 

Councilmember Willmus requested that future presentation materials for background be included in meeting packets rather than just through display at the meeting, allowing people easier access online rather than just at the meeting.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that future discussions include issues related to sanitary sewer backups for storm water and related issues for the City Council to consider on a policy level, once staff had prepared research materials.

 

16.         Adjourn

Johnson moved, Willmus seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 9:33 pm.

 

                     Roll Call

            Ayes: Pust; Willmus; Johnson; McGehee; and Roe.

            Nays: None.