City
Council Meeting Minutes
January 7, 2013
Public Reception
City Council Oaths of Office
1. Roll Call
Mayor Roe called
to order the Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:30 pm
and welcomed everyone. Immediately prior to the meeting, a Public Reception was
held in the City Hall Lobby followed by City Council Oaths of Office in the
City Council Chambers for incoming Councilmembers Jason Etten and Lisa
Laliberte. (Voting and Seating Order: Willmus; Etten; McGehee; Laliberte; and
Roe). City Attorney Mark Gaughan was also present.
Mayor Roe
welcomed incoming Councilmembers Laliberte and Etten to the Roseville City
Council.
2. Approve Agenda
Councilmember
McGehee requested removal of Consent Items 7.c and 7.h, respectively entitled
“Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items in Excess of $5,000;” and
“Approve 2013 City Sign Permits.”
Mayor Roe
requested removal of Consent Item 7.a entitled, “Approve Payments.”
Willmus moved, McGehee
seconded approval of the agenda as amended.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten; McGehee;
Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
3. Public Comment
Mayor Roe called
for public comment by members of the audience on any non-agenda items.
a. Mark
Petersen, 1132 Laurie Road
Mr. Petersen
advised that he had experienced a serious car accident on January 2, 2013 at
the intersection of County Road B-2 and Lexington Avenue, as he was eastbound
on County Road B-2 and turning left onto Lexington Avenue, with a pick-up truck
striking his minivan. Mr. Petersen advised that his sister had sustained a
minor concussion from deployment of the airbag as a result of the accident.
Mr. Petersen asked that the City give serious consideration to reprogramming
signals at that intersection to avoid future accidents to alternate east and
westbound traffic so there was is no crossing of opposing traffic. Mr.
Petersen thanked the City Council for their time and consideration.
Mayor Roe
thanked Mr. Petersen for his comments; and expressed his relief that Mr.
Petersen’s sister was recovering. Mayor Roe advised that, while this intersection
was under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County and they would be in charge of signal
timing, he assured Mr. Petersen that the City’s Public Works Department would
contact and coordinate with Ramsey County Public Works Department to address
Mr. Petersen’s concerns.
Councilmember
McGehee introduced Public Works Director Duane Schwartz in the audience and
suggested that Mr. Petersen follow-up with him in resolving this issue.
4.
Council Communications, Reports, Announcements and Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Report
Mayor Roe
announced a need for interested persons to buy burgers and chips at the White
Bear Lake V.F.W. on Highways 61 and 96 on the second Monday of each month from
5:00 – 8:00 pm, with proceeds from the fundraiser going to support military families
and sponsored by the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group of Northern Ramsey County.
Mayor Roe
announced the next seven week session of Roseville University every other
Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 pm, starting on February 28, 2013. Mayor Roe noted
that this interactive process was provided a fun and informative behind-the-scenes
look at local government. Mayor Roe advised that Roseville U was free, but
since space was limited, residents were asked to sign up to keep class sizes reasonable;
with sign up available at City Hall or via the City’s website.
Councilmember
Willmus recognized a recent newspaper article regarding the Roseville High
School Boys Basketball Team, and the generosity of a couple toward the team
over the holiday tournaments who bought the entire team’s lunch in Alexandria,
MN. Councilmember Willmus noted the favorable impression the couple had received
with the team’s decorum and politeness; which served to show the great work of
our local schools, coaches, and teachers; and thanked the team for being such
good ambassadors for the school and the entire City of Roseville.
Mayor Roe
concurred.
Mayor Roe
recognized the City Police Department for recent recognition received from the
Karen community for their work with and support of that immigrant community in
Roseville.
5.
Recognitions, Donations, Communications
a. Proclamation
of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
McGehee moved,
Willmus seconded, proclaiming January 21, 2013 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day;
urging all citizens to join together to recognize, praise and honor the efforts
of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
6. Approve Minutes
a.
Approve Minutes of December 10, 2012 Meeting
McGehee moved,
Etten seconded, approval of the minutes of the December 10, 2012, meeting as
presented.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
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 Business Licenses
Willmus moved, McGehee seconded, approval of business license
applications for the period of one (1) year, for the following applicants:
|
Applicant/Location
|
Type of License
|
|
Eureka Recycling; 2828 Kennedy
Street NE; Mpls., MN
|
Recycling Hauler
|
|
Stepanie Salak, Elizabeth
Hector, Virginia Brand
Massage Xcape; 1767 Lexington Avenue
N; Roseville, MN
|
Massage Therapist
|
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
b.
Adopt Resolution Designating Bank Depositories
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11038 entitled, “Resolution on
Designation of Depositories.”
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
c.
Adopt Resolution Designating Bank Signatories
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11039 entitled, “Resolution of
Designation of Bank Signatories.”
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
d.
Designate 2013 Legal Newspaper
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, designation of the lowest bidder, the Roseville Review,
as the legal newspaper for the City of Roseville for 2013.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
e.
Approve Solicitation of Donations for 2013 Special Events
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, authorizing the City Manager or his designee to send letters
requesting support from various community and civic groups and businesses for
certain city functions and special events for 2013, as detailed in the Request
for Council Action (RCA) dated January 7, 2013.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
f.
Designate 2013 Assistant Weed Inspector
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, appointment of the City of Roseville Community Development
Department Codes Coordinator as the duly authorized and designated Assistant
Weed Inspector for the calendar year 2013, pursuant to MN Statutes 18.80.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Mayor Roe recognized
newly-elected Roseville legislator, Representative Alice Hausman in the
audience, and encouraged her to seek successful legislation in an upcoming
session related to the archaic Assistant Weed Inspector Statutes and need to
designate an Official Newspaper annually, due to changes in technologies that
should be supported by changes in legislation accordingly.
g.
Accept Corrective Deed from Roseville Properties for Property Purchased
for Twin Lakes Parkway
Willmus moved,
McGehee seconded, acceptance of the corrective deed from Roseville Acquisitions
as detailed in the attachment to the RCA dated January 7, 2013.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
8. Consider Items
Removed from Consent
a.
Approve Payments
Mayor Roe, for
the benefit of other Councilmembers, advised that he had spoken to Finance
Director Miller regarding the possibility of a different format for this report
that would be organized and subtotaled by fund and account. Mayor Roe advised
that, an additional cost of $400 for software allowing that formatting, could
be provided by the City’s existing financial software vendor. With City
Council concurrence, Mayor Roe suggested that this may be a good expenditure
for that formatting.
McGehee moved,
Willmus seconded, authorizing staff to upgrade the financial software program
to allow for improved formatting of the check register.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None
McGehee moved,
Willmus seconded, approval of the following claims and payments as presented.
|
ACH Payments
|
$1,352,745.33
|
|
68447-68746
|
2,550,249.60
|
|
Total
|
$3,902,294.93
|
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None
c./ Approve General
Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding $5,000
A revised
Request for Council Action (RCA) dated January 7, 2013, was provided as a bench
handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
At the request
of Mayor Roe, City Manager Malinen provided a brief summary of this item,
noting that the total amount of the squad car purchase remained the same, but
the report had erroneously listed replacement of four (4) rather than the
actual five (5) squad cars.
Councilmember McGehee
asked for clarification of how amounts and vendors were arrived at for blanket
purchase orders, and whether they were all part of the State Contract.
Public Works
Director Duane Schwartz advised that many were state bid items, and when
available, the City generally purchased items through that process. However,
Mr. Schwartz advised that others were negotiated or through shopping around by
Department Heads for the best value; and amounts were typically based on
historical usages.
McGehee moved, Etten
seconded, approval of the submitted list of general purchases and contracts for
services presented as follows:
|
Department
|
Vendor
|
Description
|
Amount
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
GCR Truck Tire Centers
|
Blanket Purchase Order (PO) for vehicle repairs
|
$8,500.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Midway Ford
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
8,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Roseville Chrysler Service
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
6,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Roseville Chrysler Parts
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
6,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Titan Machinery
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
6,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Tousley Ford
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
6.000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Fleepride Parts & Service
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
9,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Factory Motor Parts
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
14,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Suburban Tire
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
26,000.00
|
|
Vehicle Maintenance
|
Winter Equipment
|
Blanket PO for vehicle repairs
|
8,000.00
|
|
Police
|
Midway Ford
|
Replacement vehicle for
investigations
|
19,572.19
|
|
Police
|
TeamIntel
|
Cellular audio listening device (purchased with forfeiture
funds)
|
9,940.00
|
|
Communications
|
Alpha Video
|
Replace bulletin board system (Cable Channel 16)
|
5,990.00
|
|
Police
|
Dodge of
Burnsville
|
Replace 4 squad cars
|
114,937.00
|
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
McGehee moved, Etten
seconded, approval of trade-in/sale of the following surplus item:
|
Department
|
Item /
Description
|
|
Police
|
Trade-in investigation vehicle ($3,500)
|
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
h.
Approve 2013 City Sign Permits
At the request
of Mayor Roe, City Manager Malinen briefly summarized this request, as detailed
in the RCA dated January 7, 2013, for known annual events during the upcoming
year.
Councilmember
McGehee noted, in her discussions with some community businesses and their
desire for an annual approval process as well, questioned if the Community
Development Director Trudgeon could streamline their permitting process as
well, similar to that of the City, with an annual submission for their various
events. Councilmember McGehee suggested that this process and rules be
codified to handle such requests.
Mayor Roe noted
that the City’s Sign Ordinance dictated the process for sign approval, handled
administratively by staff.
Community
Development Director Patrick Trudgeon advised that this sign permit process and
ordinance had been reviewed and revised two (2) years ago; and changes were
made at that time to make it easier for businesses to have signs for special
events, with some limits on display. Mr. Trudgeon noted that, typically,
temporary signs were not very durable; and the issue of enforcement was always
a consideration, since for every sign permitted, there were several that did
not seek approval before displaying signage. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff
attempted to work with the business community, but remained open to better ways
to enforce the Sign Code for the benefit of the entire community and in
fairness to all businesses. Mr. Trudgeon opined that it may be difficult to
get a list for annual approval, as often temporary signage was related to
periodic sales. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the January 28, 2013, City Council
agenda had a discussion scheduled about City Code in general, and suggested
that it would be appropriate to discuss signs at that time also.
McGehee moved, Etten
seconded, approval of the 2013 sign permit for City uses and promotions as
detailed in the 2013 Sign Summary, as Attachment A to the RCA dated January 7,
2013.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
12.
General Ordinances for Adoption
13.
Presentations
14.
Public Hearings
15.
Business Items (Action Items)
a.
Designate 2013 Acting Mayor
Mayor Roe
advised that, from an historical perspective, the City Council had no set
policy, and designating an Acting Mayor was typically at the discretion of the
City Council as a whole.
Etten moved, Roe
seconded, designation of Councilmember Bob Willmus to serve as the 2013 Acting
Mayor.
Councilmember McGehee,
while having no problem with that designation, suggested that this designation
be taken up annually to allow an opportunity for all Councilmembers to serve in
that capacity as needed.
Mayor Roe noted
the limited times the Acting Mayor was called upon, unless unexpected
circumstances occurred.
At the request
of Councilmember Laliberte as to his willingness to accept the role,
Councilmember Willmus expressed his willingness to do so.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Etten; McGehee;
Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Abstentions: Willmus.
Mayor Roe noted
that statutory requirements indicated that the City Council designates an
Acting Mayor annually, so this action would be considered again in 2014,
thereby addressing Councilmember McGehee’s suggestion.
b.
Consider Reappointing Citizen Advisory Commissioners
Mayor Roe
reviewed the established process for reappointment of eligible Advisory
Commissioners and current interest and applications of those interested in
reappointment, as detailed in the RCA dated January 7, 2013.
Willmus moved, McGehee
seconded, reappointment of eligible commissioners to three (3) year terms
beginning April 1, 2013 and ending March 31, 2016, as follows:
Human Rights
Commission
Scott Becker
David Singleton
Parks and
Recreation Commission
Erin Azer
Randall Doneen
David Holt
Police Civil
Service
Don Drackert
Public
Works, Environment and Transportation Commission
Duane Stenlund
Councilmember Laliberte
suggested that all eligible for reappointment be interviewed, opining that some
may have served for many terms and could be blocking someone new in the
community from becoming engaged.
Mayor Roe noted
that current Policy required advisory commissioners to have term limits for
that express purpose to allow turnover. However, if a minimum of two (2)
Councilmembers wished to interview any or all eligible existing commissioners
for reappointment, they were welcome to do so, and the original motion could
then be withdrawn or amended accordingly.
Councilmember
McGehee suggested that, if the intent was to interview, all should be
interviewed.
Mayor Roe
suggested that, since the policy was already in place, any discussion to change
that policy should be a separate discussion at a future date, and not specific
to this these particular set of applicants. Mayor Roe reiterated that,
if it was the desire of a minimum of two (2) Councilmembers to interview candidates,
the motion could be amended or withdrawn, noting that it did not require a City
Council majority to do so.
Councilmember
Willmus spoke in support of the current process from the context that often
those commissioners eligible for reappointment under the existing policy should
be allowed to serve for their two (2) full three (3) year terms; and opined
that he would be reluctant to remove someone from a commission unless for egregious
reasons. Councilmember Willmus stated that it took commissioners time to get
up to speed on commissions, and the current process still afforded opportunities
for new people to come on board and did not limit their access to commissions.
Councilmember Willmus opined that the current system appears to work well, and
if it was the desire to interview everyone, the City Council should be
cognizant that it would be a fairly lengthy interview process.
Mayor Roe
sought Councilmember Laliberte’s intent in seeking interviews, whether for the
purpose of interviewing or to become familiar with them before reappointment,
or whether the interviews may indicate her lack of interest in reappointment
candidates.
Councilmember
Laliberte advised that her intent had nothing to do with specific individuals,
but was to ensure that the process remained open to engage new people on the
commissions.
Mayor Roe suggested
that, if the City Council wanted to review the existing policy, it could be
done. Mayor Roe noted that there were at least three vacancies on various
commissions (Ethics, Parks and Recreation, and Planning) that would allow new
commissioners to come on board, and advised that the City would be seeking
applications for those vacancies shortly.
Councilmember
Laliberte expressed appreciation for the informative discussion, noting that
this had been her intent.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
As indicated,
Mayor Roe advised that applications would be sought shortly as part of the appointment
process, and encouraged those interested to contact City Hall.
Councilmember
Willmus asked that staff be directed to use all available media, not just those
options used in the past, as they sought an applicant pool.
16.
Business Items – Presentations/Discussions
a.
Discuss City Council Rules and procedures
Mayor Roe
introduced the annual opportunity for any revisions to the current City Council
Rules and Procedures.
Councilmember
McGehee requested a further look at how the City handled public comment during
Public Hearings when individual questions were held until the end of public
comment rather than answered at the time the questions are asked. Councilmember
McGehee suggested that the program be changed accordingly to avoid stifling
dialogue, and serving to actually shorten the entire process and address
similar questions of other speakers, and ensure the questions are adequately
clarified.
Mayor Roe noted
that this was not something currently addressed in the City Council Rules and
Procedures, just a past practice and procedure for public hearings. Mayor Roe
concurred that it was worth discussion, and that there were merits to both
points of view and various perspectives to consider. Mayor Roe suggested that
discussion be held at a future meeting at which time proposed language could be
available for consideration in amending the Rules of Procedure. Mayor Roe noted
that the January 28, 2013 meeting agenda was fairly full, and suggested that it
may need to be discussed at a subsequent meeting in February. Mayor Roe, for
the benefit of staff, advised that both items raised tonight be brought forward
for discussion at that time:
·
Process for appointment/reappointment of commissions
·
Rules of procedure for answering of questions during public
comment
Councilmember
McGehee noted that often senior citizens may prefer to speak during public
comment rather than waiting for an item to come up on the agenda, however, the
current process of taking comment at the beginning of a meeting only on items
not on the agenda, precluded them from doing so.
Mayor Roe
advised that, in the past, the agenda has been adjusted, and suggested that
people be made aware of that option if applicable. Mayor Roe noted that, as
the person presiding over the meetings, he asked Councilmembers to remind him
to announce that option to the audience to make them aware of that. Mayor Roe
questioned if the City Council wanted a locked-in-stone rule that could
imbalance competing items, and preferred to exercise some flexibility with
agenda orders. Mayor Roe suggested that options be incorporated into the “How
to Participate in a City Council Meeting” flyers kept in the back of the
Council Chambers.
Councilmember
Laliberte noted that the City Council needed to also be cognizant of those
anticipating their later time on the agenda, cautioning that and not moving
them forward and could impacting their ability to be present for
their agenda item.
b.
Discuss City Council Liaisons
Mayor Roe
briefly summarized this annual designation for applicable Council liaisons to
various organizations and groups, noting that only the first three (3) listed
needed a designated representative. Discussion ensued regarding the meeting
dates and times for each of those groups.
Based on her
availability, Councilmember Laliberte expressed interest in serving on the
Ramsey County League of Local Governments, as well as her interest in becoming
more familiar with local communities.
Councilmember McGehee also expressed interest in serving on this group, and her
willingness to serve as an alternate.
Mayor Roe noted
that all Councilmembers were invited to attend RCLLG meetings for their
informational sessions, but only one person would be designated for voting
during their business meetings.
Willmus moved, Etten seconded, Councilmember Laliberte, with
Councilmember McGehee as an alternate, to serve as the City of Roseville
representative to the Ramey County League of Local Governments.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Regarding a Roseville Board Member to serve on the Northwest
Youth and Family Services Board, Mayor Roe advised that he had been approached
to serve as that designee.
Willmus moved, McGehee seconded, designating Mayor Roe to serve
on the Northwest Youth and Family Services Board.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; and Laliberte.
Nays: None.
Abstentions: Roe.
Regarding a Roseville Board Member for the North Suburban
Communications Commission / North Suburban Access Corporation Board,
Councilmember Laliberte sought clarification that a contract was to be
negotiated this year.
Mayor Roe, as current Board Member, advised that the Comcast
franchise agreement with ten (10) member cities was set to expire late in 2013;
and that information gathering and developing a case for those cities with negotiations
had been ongoing for the last two (2) years. Mayor Roe noted that City Manager
Malinen served on the Franchise Renewal Group as part of that process, and at
this point, key points were being developed to be used during negotiations.
Regarding the Access Corporation, Mayor Roe noted that this was specific to
public cable services, training of operations, and facilitating public media
within the member communities. Mayor Roe volunteered to continue as the City’s
designee to the Board, however, he expressed an interest in transitioning off
that group.
Councilmember McGehee asked that Mayor Roe continue to serve
based on the current status of negotiations.
Mayor Roe noted that every meeting over the course of the next
year would not necessarily involve those negotiations, and suggested an
alternate be designated.
City Manager Malinen, based on his discussions with Executive
Director Cor Wilson, concurred that an alternate be designated.
McGehee volunteered to serve as an alternate; however, she
noted that she did not have this cable system at her residence, so had no
personal experience in its service.
After further discussion, City Manager Malinen agreed to be
the alternate for the City of Roseville.
McGhee moved, Etten seconded, Mayor Roe as the City of Roseville’s
Board Member to the North Suburban Communications Commission / North Suburban
Access Corporation Board, with City Manager Malinen designated as the alternate.
Mayor Roe noted
that this designation could be changed at any time, as there was no statutory
requirement that it be done annually.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Mayor Roe suggested that the current liaisons to the ISD 623
Owasso School Site Task Force remain in place for 2013; as well as the
Ex-officio members (Malinen and Roe) to the Roseville Fire Relief Association
Board of Trustees.
City Manager Malinen advised that designation of the City of Roseville’s
Emergency Management Team would be on the January 28, 2013, meeting agenda.
City Council Subcommittees
Mayor Roe noted that the City Council currently had two (2)
standing Subcommittees: City Manager Performance Review and Capital Improvement
Plan/Program. Mayor Roe referenced his January 7, 2013, Memorandum (Attachment
B) with suggestions and rationale for those suggestions for those standing
committees: to retain the City Manager Performance Evaluation Subcommittee, and
to rename the CIP Subcommittee as the “Finance and Budget Subcommittee” and
expand its responsibilities for overall budget and financial oversight and to
make recommendations for revisions to the full body. Mayor Roe also suggested
adding a “Council Rules Subcommittee.”
Councilmember McGehee noted her service as an ad hoc Subcommittee
of one (1) as a Video Committee over the last year, and suggested that be incorporated
into the Rules Subcommittee for reviewing items, in addition to those items previously
discussed at tonight’s meeting.
Councilmember Laliberte opined that she liked the idea of a Subcommittee
to discuss the public comment process and video commentary and how to do so; however,
she didn’t suggest that it be a standing subcommittee for that particular item.
Councilmember Willmus opined that, while that was one way to
look at it, it may be more beneficial to have such discussion of the entire
City Council in a work session environment.
Mayor Roe noted that none of the proposals would preclude a
full City Council discussion, using the CIP Task Force as an example, allowing
the Subcommittee to delve into a lot more detail beyond a work session format
without the more formal meeting process, and allowing for a more detailed
analysis that could then be synthesized for City Council discussion, with the
subcommittees not taking any formal action, simply making recommendations to
the full body after their exhaustive research.
Discussion ensued on subcommittee advantages, using previous
subcommittee results for liquor and pet licensing as examples.
Mayor Roe suggested that, until more discussion was held on
the Rules Subcommittee, no action be taken on that at this point, either
whether it would be a standing or ad hoc subcommittee; and sought interest from
individual Councilmembers on the other two (2) standing subcommittees.
Councilmember McGehee expressed her interest in participating
in the CIP Subcommittee; however, she questioned if the documents needed annual
review.
Mayor Roe noted that the previous CIP Subcommittee had already
made recommendations and the City Council had adopted a resolution that became
part of the City’s Policy. However, Mayor Roe noted his intent to expand the
role of that subcommittee as noted in his Memorandum for the City’s budget and
overall City finances and related process and documentation to allow for
further fine tuning allowing the City Council and public to better understand
the City’s budget moving forward.
Councilmember Laliberte noted that the City’s budget and financial
component was one of the most important things the City Councilmembers undertook,
and spoke in support of having the subcommittee in place for that extra process
and transitioning it into something newly defined. Councilmember Laliberte
also spoke in support of leaving the City Manager Performance Subcommittee in
place, as that was important as well.
Councilmember Etten questioned if the Budget and Finance Subcommittee
should not include more people from the community with expertise in the financial
field that could participate in a more in-depth study of this extremely
important function to take care of the City’s money. Councilmember Etten
suggested it may be prudent to consider that as a formal advisory commission
versus a City Council Subcommittee, allowing more citizen involvement based on
their levels of expertise. Councilmember Etten opined that the list of
responsibilities was quite comprehensive.
Councilmember Willmus advised that he would support looking at
that as an Advisory Commission, as he had suggested in the past; and expressed
interest in exploring an Advisory Budget Commission.
Mayor Roe noted
that this may tie into something being considered in an upcoming discussion;
and noted that a City Council Subcommittee was also open to work with community
experts as well as a formal advisory commission would be, but without the
appointment/interview process. Mayor Roe suggested that a trial subcommittee
be instituted first, encouraging as much public participation as the
subcommittee chose, as a starting point. Mayor Roe recognized the good points
made by Councilmember Etten of how exhaustive the list of responsibilities was
at this time; however, he anticipated that the list would become shorter as
part of the process of review and would eventually not require wholesale
revisions of documents and processes once the initial review and
recommendations were accomplished. Mayor Roe noted that the overall goal is to
improve the process and documents to benefit the understanding of individual
Councilmembers and the general public.
Councilmember
McGehee concurred with Mayor Roe, to allow the Subcommittee to reach out to the
public and perform serious research, after which a formal advisory commission
could be put in place if needed.
Councilmember Etten explained his rationale in suggesting an
advisory commission was to provide a formalized process and commitment from a
group thoroughly vetted by the City Council body versus individuals who may not
have an in depth understanding of city budgets and statutory requirements, and
how and why things happen in that budget process. Councilmember Etten advised
that he continued to support an advisory commission – now or later – to remain
open to the community and hopefully allow them to better understand the process
of public finance in local government settings.
Mayor Roe recognized Councilmember Etten’s rationale.
Councilmember McGehee concurred with Councilmember Etten’s
approach; but suggested the City’s use of other technological media vehicles as
available to encourage participation. Councilmember McGehee opined that there
were significant resources in the community who were unable to commit to a
long-term commission appointment, but would be available to brainstorm with a
Subcommittee on finance and budget issues.
Councilmember Laliberte opined that there was value in both
comments; and the overarching issue was for the City to reconsider how it
engaged people in the process. However, Councilmember Laliberte does not
believe any of that replaces the need for the City to have two (2)
Councilmembers on the Subcommittee and to formalize the thought process for
that engagement.
Mayor Roe suggested that as a sensible charge for the Subcommittee
moving forward, and a subsequent recommendation back to the City Council for
ultimate action. Mayor Roe noted that the purpose of a Subcommittee was to do
the legwork; noting that another aspect of their responsibilities listed in his
Memorandum was their quarterly review of financial reports and proposed City
Manager-recommended budgets as an additional step before those documents came
forward to the entire body; with their expertise in addressing the details
developed throughout the process.
Further discussion ensued on the interest of individual Councilmembers
on serving on either of the standing subcommittees, and whether to take that action
at this or a subsequent meeting.
Councilmembers Etten and Willmus expressed interest in serving
on the City Manager Performance Review Subcommittee for 2013.
McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded,
designating Councilmembers Etten and Willmus to serve on the City Manager Performance
Review Subcommittee for 2013.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Councilmembers McGehee and Etten expressed interest in serving
on the City’s Finance and Budget Subcommittee for 2013.
Willmus moved, Laliberte seconded Councilmembers McGehee and
Etten to serve on the City’s Finance and Budget Subcommittee for 2013.
City Manager Malinen noted that the previous CIP Subcommittee
had included the City Manager and Finance Director, and whether the City
Council wished to continue their service on this newly named subcommittee.
With consensus, the City Council concurred that it made sense
to keep staff on the subcommittee based on their expertise.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Commission Subcommittee
Councilmember Laliberte suggested establishment of a subcommittee
to look at the City’s advisory commissions in general, noting that the City
Council had already received a recommendation from the Human Rights Commission
to establish a Civic Engagement Task Force. Councilmember Laliberte suggested
this be an ad hoc commission that would make recommendations regarding the
proposed at the Task Force, as well as number of members, meeting
frequency, new commissions that might be needed, etc. Councilmember Laliberte
expressed her interest in serving on that body.
Councilmember Willmus spoke in full support of such a subcommittee,
opining that it was good to review operations from time to time.
Councilmembers McGehee and Etten also spoke in support of
Councilmember Laliberte’s suggestion.
Etten moved, Willmus seconded, establishing a Commission Review
Ad Hoc Subcommittee, designating Councilmembers Laliberte and McGehee as members.
Mayor Roe advised that he had some related thoughts to share
with the Subcommittee at a later time.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Willmus; Etten;
McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.
Nays: None.
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Subcommittee
Councilmember McGehee advised that she had personally already
started an ad hoc committee related to prostitution and sex trafficking, based
on a letter from a former Roseville mayor. Councilmember McGehee noted that
meetings were already taking place with staff and community members to think of
ways beyond police action that the community could be made safer and less
inviting for this type of activity. Councilmember McGehee advised that the
City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) staff (Executive Director
Patrick Trudgeon and Housing Manager Jeanne Kelsey), as well as the Roseville
Visitors Association (RVA) Executive Director Julie Wearn had been involved in
that brainstorming with her, and suggested it be expanded to a subcommittee to
bring recommendations forward to the City Council. While recognizing the great
job being done by Police Chief Mathwig and his department, Councilmember
McGehee opined that once those issues were reported in the newspapers, they
didn’t serve to reflect well on the community.
Councilmember Willmus questioned if it had to be a City
Council Subcommittee, or a group consisting of City staff and the RVA.
Councilmember Laliberte questioned if that wasn’t something
under the role of the Human Rights Commission.
Mayor Roe noted that there were considerable and significant
aspects to that topic, and before establishing a subcommittee, more information
was needed.
Councilmember McGehee advised that she was starting it, and it
was only at the brainstorming step right now, and any thoughts or ideas from
the community would be welcome, as well as recommended changes or funding
sources. Councilmember McGehee advised that she was utilizing the development
expertise of HRA staff at this time, noting the benefit to the City’s revenue
and overall safety of the community from a number of aspects. Councilmember
McGehee offered to continue as is, in the brainstorming mode, and encouraged
public participation; offering to report back to the full body at a later date.
Mayor Roe recognized that the City’s Police Department was already
working proactively in this area, as well as Ramsey County Attorney’s Office,
some through educating hotel management about related issues and activities,
and how to be aware of them. Mayor Roe opined that all those efforts were
good.
Mayor Roe noted, as suggested in his Memorandum, that subcommittees
could be adjusted as indicated, but opined that tonight’s actions were a good
start moving forward.
On page 3 of his Memorandum, Mayor Roe noted other policy
committees for Metropolitan Cities or the League of Minnesota Cities, and
suggested working with City Manager Malinen and his staff to get applications
in, without any formal City Council action required.
Councilmember Willmus questioned the City Council’s representation
at Roseville Rotary meetings, noting their significant donations over the last
year to the City. Councilmember Willmus suggested that it may be a good idea
to explore membership in that organization, as well as reviewing other organizations
where membership may be advantageous.
Mayor Roe noted that, in the past, cost of membership had been
an issue, whether personal attendance and membership or corporately by the
City.
Councilmember Willmus suggested that costs and associated
benefits be reviewed again.
Mayor Roe noted the existence of two (2) Chambers of Commerce
in the area, both interested in the City’s membership. Mayor Roe opined that
it made sense to reach out to the community and participate in that regard,
noting that the one of the City’s Strategic Plan goals was to work on
economic development over the next year, which dovetailed with that as well.
Councilmember McGehee noted that the HRA was planning to get
an updated list of community businesses to begin that outreach, as part of
their updated strategic plan, in addition to that of the City.
Mayor Roe noted that this was part of the HRA’s increased funding
request to allow staff the time to do so.
c.
Discuss 2013 November Council Meetings
At the request
of Mayor Roe, City Manager Malinen reviewed the request of Councilmember
McGehee to discuss the November 2013 City Council meeting schedule based on the
Thanksgiving holiday.
Councilmember
McGehee noted that her issue was due to people traveling over the holiday
before and after Thanksgiving, and questioned the need to have meetings
conflicting with the holiday.
City Manager
Malinen referenced the 2013 calendar, and noted that the December 2, 2013,
meeting date was designated for the annual public comment on the upcoming
year’s budget following mailing and receipt of Ramsey County Property Tax
Statements.
Noting that
other individual Councilmembers and/or staff may have conflicts beyond those
concerns of Councilmember McGehee, Councilmember Willmus suggested nothing be
done at this time, and if adjustment was needed later in the year, it could be
done at that time.
After further
discussion, the Council asked that staff return in late September or early
October – at the latest – for a review of the holiday meeting schedule.
Regarding
November 11, 2013, Mayor Roe noted that this is Veteran’s Day and he and City
Manager Malinen had volunteered to serve at the White Bear Lake V.F.W. as part
of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon support for military families; and encouraged
other Councilmembers to commit to attending and volunteering to support area
veterans.
17.
City Manager Future Agenda Review
City Manager
Malinen reviewed upcoming agenda items.
Discussion
ensued regarding round table discussions (e.g. dry pavement policy and input
from the Fire, Police and Public Works Departments; Best Value Procurement
presentation by Arizona State University); whether to defer abatements in
consideration of weather issues; and reiterating the request that this review
document be provided to the City Council electronically.
Councilmember
Etten noted that he had a conflict on January 28, 2013, with the All Conference
Choir performance in North Branch, MN, but that he was seeking alternatives to
ensure his attendance at the City Council meeting if possible.
Councilmember
McGehee questioned the status of the City survey; with Mayor Roe noting that
intent was to utilize that as part of the budget process.
City Manager
Malinen advised that it had not moved forward due to a lack of support; but he
offered to proceed with requests for proposals again if so directed by the City
Council.
Mayor Roe asked
that staff include it for discussion on the January 28, 2013, meeting agenda.
18.
Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings
Councilmember Willmus
noted that, at the end of 2013, the current Recycling Contract would expire;
and asked that the City Council have a review and offer their perspective on
the Request for Proposals (RFP) prior to it being sent out.
Mayor Roe
suggested that it be included on an agenda when the RFP was being prepared for
submission.
Councilmember
McGehee also requested that a review of the types/frequency of sorting be
assigned to the Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission (PWETC)
prior to that time so the City Council had that information available as part
of the RFP process and its own study.
City Manager
Malinen advised that the previous RFP process did not have City Council review
and approval of the RFP; however, the City Council had referred the process to
the PWETC to represent community values for recycling and preferred type of
sorting prior to the RFP’s being sent out.
Councilmember
Willmus advised that he had heard significant comments from the public, even
back to 2005, that the PWETC recommendations still hadn’t all been realized;
and expressed his interest in having the City Council take a hands-on approach.
While appreciating the work of the PWETC, Councilmember Willmus noted he
continues to hear from residents that are not happy with the current
(collection) process.
Mayor Roe
suggested, before the RFP, that the PWETC review the process and then the City
Council review and formally authorize the RFP or submission for quotes.
Councilmember
McGehee requested that research and background information be forwarded from
the PWEC to the City Council on the various sorting types and their recommendation
based on their research.
Councilmember
Willmus requested sorting variables, options and costs of other communities.
Mayor Roe asked
that staff put this item on a future City Council agenda to so direct the PWETC
to research single/dual sort and costs; and a formal City Council action to proceed
with an RFP.
19.
Adjourn
McGehee moved,
Laliberte seconded, adjourning the meeting at approximately 8:08 pm.