City Council

CityCouncil Meeting Minutes

April 20, 2015

 

1.       Roll Call

Mayor Roe called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.  Voting and Seating Order: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe. City Manager Patrick Trudgeon and City Attorney Mark Gaughan were also present.

 

2.       Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Approve Agenda

Mayor Roe noted staff's removal of the requested abatement action item number 14.c due to the in ability of the property owner to attend tonight's meeting and desire to attend to discuss the issue with the City Council at a future meeting.

 

Councilmember Laliberte requested a discussion or organized trash collection as an action/discussion item tonight versus as a future agenda item.

 

Councilmember McGee clarified that she had requested the discussion for a future meeting (June 8, 2015), at the request of a community member; and therefore, was not prepared to talk about it tonight other than in general terms, nor did she wish to withdraw her request from that future agenda.

 

Mayor Roe suggested the item be offered by Councilmember Laliberte as a motion to consider on tonight's agenda if she chose to do so.

 

Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, amending the agenda to include a discussion on organized collection under Business/Action Item 14.c.

 

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded approval of the agenda as amended.

 

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

4.       Public Comment

Mayor Roe called for public comment by members of the audience on any non-agenda items.  No one appeared to speak. 

 

5.       Council Communications, Reports, and Announcements

Councilmember Willmus announced the reinstatement of Roseville University, the popular educational opportunity for Roseville residents to see how local government works.  Councilmember Willmus noted that the program had been reformatted to more individual sessions between May and November rather than a series, with more information and registration available on the City's website. 
Councilmember Willmus briefly reviewed the various sessions being offered and
their anticipated schedule, encouraging citizens to sign up and attend.

 

Councilmember Etten McGehee announced several upcoming open houses at Rosebrook and Oasis Parks.

 

Councilmember McGehee announced the upcoming and a "Car Fit Check-up" for seniors as a joint effort of the Police and Fire Departments.

 

Councilmember Laliberte announced the kick-off event for Roseville Alzheimer's effort.

 

Mayor Roe provided an update from Ms. Beth Reitz, the City's representative on the Metropolitan Council, providing revised Roseville population and household forecasts, as part of the Thrive 2040 demographics.  Mayor Roe noted that both population and households had been reduced; and advised that the comment period for local municipalities remained open for comment until May 5, 2015.  Mayor Roe asked City Manager Trudgeon to distribute the revised information to the City Council, duly noted by Mr. Trudgeon.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon expanded on the meeting with the Metropolitan Council earlier today and how affordable housing goals will be drafted.  For the City of Roseville specifically, Mr. Trudgeon reported that from 2021 to 2030, the goal will be 145 affordable housing units, with affordable meaning income eligibility of up to 80% of area median income.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that this would need to be considered as a connection to the next comprehensive plan update to ensure sufficient land is available for higher density housing to meet that goal.

 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, City Manager Trudgeon advised that the Metropolitan Council did take existing housing stock and prices into account, and those numbers would continue to be involved in the overall affordable housing available in Roseville, with the goal to add affordable housing between the years mentioned to facilitate 400 new residents.

 

Councilmember McGehee pointed out that it remained an unknown of what the median income and/or home prices will be in 2020; and existing housing stock may be sufficient at that time versus 145 new units.

 

City Manager Trudgeon acknowledged that unknown; however, he cautioned the need to be aware of that projection to set the stage for future discussions and as information and projections are revised annually.

 

6.      Recognitions, Donations and Communications

 

a.            Proclaim Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Councilmember Etten read a proclamation recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders, adding to the American story and noting the challenges they face as they continue to embrace the American dream.

 

Willmus moved, Etten seconded, proclaiming May 2015 as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Roseville, MN.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

          Former Owasso School Site Update

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon provided an update for the City Council and public regarding the former Owasso School site, the subject of last week's Closed Executive Session of the City Council.  Mr. Trudgeon reported that City and School District staff continues to work at the staff level, as well as with United Properties representatives, pending developer/purchaser of the site to determine logistics for the property's development and use. 

 

Mr. Trudgeon that the appraisal on the property was expected to be completed by May 4, 2015, at which time the City Council would again meet in closed session to discuss that appraisal and next steps before expending any public dollars. 

 

Mr. Trudgeon further reported that concerns had been raised from the Roseville Area Baseball Association regarding use of the ballfields at this site this year; and advised that School District and United Properties representatives were talking to the Association to hopefully work something out.  Mr. Trudgeon noted the City's
support of the use of the ballfields and offer of staff's assistance to make that happen.

 

Dale Street Project

City Manager Trudgeon reported on ongoing meetings of City staff and the City Attorney with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation and Western Bank staff on the parameters of this project. Mr. Trudgeon advised that he anticipated a draft Preliminary Development Agreement by May 11, 2015; with work now being completed for a Phase I Environmental Review. Following those activities, and while a final date is yet to be confirmed, Mr. Trudgeon noted that he anticipated a neighborhood meeting between GMHC and the neighborhood between May 4 and May 12, 2015, to be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church.

 

7.       Approve Minutes

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.

 

a.            Approve City Council Minutes from March 23, 2015 Meeting

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of March 23, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended.

 

Corrections:

·         Page 20, Line 16 -17 (McGehee)

Correct to read: "than what had been implemented [or] [and] she'd reviewed the list of uses in that zoning district, [therefore] causing her to be very hesitant to apply blanket zoning or''

·         Page 24, Line 30 (McGehee)

Correct to read: "spoke [in support of qualified] [against] 24-hour operations"

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

b.            Approve City Council Minutes from April 13, 2015 Meeting

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of April 13, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended.

 

Corrections:

·         Page 14, Roll Call Vote Lines 4-8 (McGehee)

Councilmember McGehee recalled that her vote had been "Nay" rather than an "Abstention;" and asked that it be duly noted accordingly for the record.

 

While Mayor Roe recalled the vote as an "Abstention," since either way it represented essentially a "Nay," and without objection from the Council it was determined to change the record as requested by Councilmember McGehee.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

8.        Approve Consent Agenda

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Patrick Trudgeon briefly reviewed those items being considered under the Consent Agenda; and as detailed in specific Requests for Council Action (RCA) and related attachments, dated April 20, 2015.

 

a.            Approve Payments

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

 

ACH Payments	$3,404,972.77
77012 - 77147	557,587.95
TOTAL	$3,962,560.72

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

b.            Approve Business and Other Licenses and Permits

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval/renewal of business and other licenses and permits for terms as noted.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

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

Mayor Roe noted the need to correct the heading of the additional column added at his previous request; and thanked staff for adding the column to provide not only the budgeted amount, as well as the actual amount expended.

 

The requested correction was duly noted by City Manager Trudgeon.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of general purchases and contracts for services, and where applicable, trade-in/sale of surplus equipment as noted in the RCA and Attachment A entitled, "2015 Capital Improvement Plan Summary," updated
March 31, 2015.

                                   

                        Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

d.            Approve Resolution Awarding Bid for 2015 Pavement Management Program (PMP)]

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11218 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Awarding Bids for 2015 Pavement Management Program (PMP) Project;" to Park Construction Company of Minneapolis, MN in an amount not to exceed $2,312.776.03.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

e.            Approve City Attorney Contract

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approved waiving the requirement under the Professional Services Policy to go out for competitive bids for legal services.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of entering into legal services contracts with the firm of Erickson, Bell, Beckman & Quinn for civil and prosecution services for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

f.             Approve Resolution Awarding Bid for Victoria Street Reconstruction Project

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11219 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Awarding Bids for Project P-ST-SW-15-02, Victoria Street Reconstruction Project;" to North Valley, Inc., of Nowthen, MN, in an amount not to exceed $1,809,925.93.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

9.            Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

10.         General Ordinances for Adoption

 

11.         Presentations

 

12.         Public Hearings

 

a.            Public Hearing to Approve/Deny an On-Sale Wine and On-Sale 3.2% Liquor License for LISU, LLC, d/b/a Lisu Thai Taste, at 2575 Fairview Avenue

Finance Director Chris Miller briefly summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated April 20, 2015; noting staff's recommendation for approval as conditioned.

 

Mayor Roe opened and closed the public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment on the above-referenced request at approximately 6:29 p.m.; with no one appearing for or against.

 

14          Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Approve/Deny an On-Sale Wine and On-Sale 3.2% Liquor License for LISU, LLC, d/b/a Lisu Thai Taste, at 2575 Fairview Avenue

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, approval of LISU, LLC's request for an On-Sale Wine License and On-Sale 3.2% Liquor License located at 2575 Fairview Avenue; pending completion of successful background checks.

 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Finance Director Miller assured her and the City Council that part of the licensing process included alerting and monitoring server/manager training.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

13          Budget Items

 

a.            2016 Budget Calendar

As detailed in the RCA and attachments dated April 20, 2015, Finance Director Miller opined that from staff's perspective, it appeared that the 2015 budget process had been well-received by the City Council.  Mr. Miller advised that staff was seeking input from the City Council as to any areas of improvement that should be incorporated for the 2016 budget cycle; or any nuances they might wish to incorporate in consideration of the newly-appointed Finance Commission and the role the City Council wished them to play in this year's budget process.  As outlined in the RCA, Mr. Miller advised that staff had provided some thoughts specific to the Finance Commission.

 

City Manager Trudgeon distributed a bench handout entitled, "Potential 2016 Budget Calendar" with suggested dates available to consider for the budget process.  Mr. Trudgeon noted the limited dates available in May for presentations by the Department Heads, thus the need to move some optional dates into June to facilitate those discussions.

 

If following the same process as last year, Mr. Trudgeon noted that the proposed calendar fit into other scheduled City Council meeting dates, with the exception of the possible need for separate meetings over two dates, as done last year, to allow more time for those Department Head presentations early in the process.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that if those first dates for Department budget presentations can be formalized, staff would then move ahead with subsequent dates.

 

At the request of City Manager Trudgeon, Finance Director Miller confirmed that municipalities had until September 30, 2015 to submit their preliminary levies to Ramsey County.

 

Councilmember McGehee thanked City Manager Trudgeon and Finance Director Miller for the process followed last year, opining it was the best overall process yet from her perspective, allowing time to consider and revisit issues.  Regarding the role of the Finance Commission Councilmember McGehee expressed her interest in them spending time on utility fees (e.g. water and sewer) in advance of the budget process.  Councilmember McGehee commended staff, assuming that was under the auspices of Communications Director Garry Bowman, on the 2015 Budget sheet now available on the City's website and providing very easy access and a clean budget summary. Councilmember McGehee stated her pleasant surprise in her discovery of that positive step forward.

 

Regarding the Department Head budget presentations, Councilmember Willmus sought clarification as to whether that was something that needed to be held in the evening, or could be done during the day, or as done several years ago, held on a weekend.  Specific to the role of the Finance Commission, Councilmember Willmus, given that group's involvement and inquisitive nature, suggested the City Manager-recommended budget be bounced off the Finance Commission for their feedback and any areas of concern.  Councilmember Willmus opined that this would provide yet another set of eyes to highlight or call attention to things from their perspective.  Councilmember Willmus stated that he wanted the Finance
Commission to be as involved in the budget process as they wanted to be.

 

Councilmember Laliberte thanked staff for the timeliness of the proposed budget calendar; opining that last year's process went fairly well from her perspective. Councilmember Laliberte further opined that she wasn't concerned with the timing for the initial department presentations; advising that three of the four proposed dates for those presentations would work for her schedule.  Specific to the Finance Commission's role, Councilmember Laliberte opined that it would be nice for them to weigh in on the City Manager-recommended Budget if the timing worked for that to happen; and suggested the Finance Commission invite the public to attend their meeting to voice their opinion if doing so at the City Council level was too intimidating.  Councilmember Laliberte concurred with the need to review water and sewer fees.

 

Mayor Roe clarified, as confirmed by Finance Director Miller, that utility fees were part of the Commission's work plan.

 

Councilmember Etten, agreeing with the comments of Councilmember Willmus, noted that the whole purpose of the Finance Commission was to review financial matters and advise the City Council, especially given their professional expertise in that area.  After having been in place for a year, Councilmember Etten opined that the Commission should have gained a greater understanding that would serve the City Council well in moving forward; and as part of that, suggested the Commissioners attend the department presentations or watch them at some point to be fully involved and be privy to the same information as the City Council in order to make their recommendations.  Regarding department presentations, Councilmember Etten noted the various and different forms and sizes they had taken last year, and expressed his interest in the budget priority idea, and hearing things that were being done that are high priority and high impact, as well as new investments and challenges, and things being recommended to shift to create savings to invest more in other priorities.  Councilmember Etten stated his expectation that the work of a Department Head was to balance their department's needs with
those of other departments.

 

Mayor Roe echoed the comments of Councilmember Etten regarding the pluses/minuses of various ideas and priorities; and steps being taken.  Mayor Roe opined that it was good for the City Council and public to hear from departments on both sides of the ledger, whether a program shift was indicated or the status quo; and resource shifts they recommended one way or another as the City moved into the 2016 budget process.

 

Councilmember Willmus noted an example from the last City Council meeting, when Public Works Director Duane Schwartz provided staff's evaluation and update on the leaf collection program, and their recommendations from their perspective and that of the Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission.  Councilmember Willmus opined that he found those in-depth evaluations helpful as each department evaluated their needs on that level; identifying current things with what could be shifted or done without.

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that she would find a discussion on the Fairview Fire Station helpful: whether the land has value, or steps should be taken to pursue something different, for another City need versus current leased space, or to sell the property.

 

Regarding specific and initial dates proposed on the budget calendar for department budget presentations:

·         Councilmember Laliberte is unavailable on June 4, 2015

·         Councilmember McGehee is open to all dates

·         Councilmember Etten is open to all dates, suggesting and depending on time parameters for department presentations

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that staff anticipated each presentation to last from 6:00-8:00 pm, unless the City Council had other suggestions or preferences.

 

Mayor Roe noted the rationale in splitting the presentations into two different days was to avoid an additional four hour meeting for staff.

 

·         Councilmember Willmus stated that he could make no commitment to any of the dates as this time until consulting the family schedule.

 

Mayor Roe noted past practice had been to ask the administrative office to survey Councilmembers for the best two dates for the majority; and suggested that practice be followed and not finalize dates tonight until that process had occurred.

 

Mayor Roe advised that he concurred with the comments of his colleagues regarding the role of the Finance Commission, opining that this provided good commonality from the City Council's point of view.

 

City Manager Trudgeon asked for more City Council discussion on the role of the Finance Commission, noting that after his release of the City Manager-recommended budget on June 13, 2014, the Finance Commission met the next day, June 14, 2015.  Mr. Trudgeon suggested that he meet with them to report to and present the recommended budget at their meeting as well, allowing them two meetings to digest and discuss it and consider recommendations on specific levy goals, personnel increases or other areas.  However, specific to the Finance Commission's role with each department, Mr. Trudgeon sought clearer direction from the City Council on their expectations for the Commission at that more detailed level.

 

Mayor Roe reiterated that he was open to whatever role the Finance Commission chose to take in that aspect.  Mayor Roe concurred that it made sense for the City Manager and Finance Director to present the City Manager-recommended budget to the Finance Commission either before or immediately after presenting it to the City Council.  However, Mayor Roe noted that if presented to the Finance Commission before the City Council, it would allow them time to react at their June meeting and provide feedback to the City Manager on developing his recommended budget, and then in turn reflect on what came before the City Council on July 13, 2015.  Mayor Roe sought interest from his colleagues on whether or not the Finance Commission should be tasked with holding the preliminary budget hearing rather than at the City Council level, similar to the practice by the Planning Commission for land use cases.

 

Given the apparent level of involvement for the Finance Commission, Councilmember Willmus suggested they meet several times per month during the summer as part of the budget process, helping the City Council to remain more flexible in their overall budget process.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted the planned joint meeting with the City Council and Finance Commission; questioning the timing of that.

 

While unable to respond with the proposed date at this time, City Manager Trudgeon suggested it be held at the third City Council meeting in August.

 

Councilmember McGehee suggested that meeting be held in work session format.

 

Mayor Roe noted that schedule would also allow the Finance Commission time for discussion at their August Commission meeting as well.

 

At the request of Councilmember Etten, Mayor Roe confirmed that the joint discussion should not only include the budget in general, but also the capital improvement program.

 

Discussion ensued regarding timing of the City Manager-recommended budget in correlation with meetings of and review by the Finance Commission, advantages and/or disadvantages of holding the public hearing at the Finance Commission level, or adding another hearing to that more formal hearing at the City Council level.

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed her openness to having a hearing at the Finance Commission, but did not want to exclude an opportunity for residents to also comment at the City Council level if that provided a better comfort level or if that was the venue they usually spoke at.  Councilmember McGehee opined that no matter the opportunity provided for that public comment, that either or both be well-publicized.

 

Mayor Roe concurred that it made sense.

 

Councilmember Etten expressed concern that, if only one meeting was held, or if two opportunities were provided at both the City Council or Finance Commission level, it was important to have at least one of those opportunities on a City Council meeting night.

 

Councilmember Laliberte concurred with Councilmember Etten; opining that if an additional opportunity was provided by the Finance Commission, it was still important for the City Council to hold a public hearing as well.

 

If the City Council was interested in both, City Manager Trudgeon suggested not holding them on back-to-back nights, but allow for some separation.  At the request of Mayor Roe as to his rationale, Mr. Trudgeon advised that otherwise, the meetings may be too close together. 

 

Mayor Roe opined that holding them on back-to-back nights could provide an option for the public in case of a conflict with one or the other.

 

On the same subject, Finance Director Miller sought input from the City Council on whether the usual information covered by staff during the budget hearing and open-ended questions from the public or a statement from them, was the preferred format or what the City Council intended for either or both of those presentations.  Mr. Miller advised that he at a minimum of staff would be present; however, he questioned if the City Council intended the Department Heads to be available at the Finance Commission hearing as they would typically be at the City Council public hearing to answer public questions if and as needed.  Mr. Miller noted this would impact the Department heads and their schedule, proposed as back-to-back meetings as well.  If the City Council was open to it, Mr. Miller suggested that an option would be to not have those public questions addressed that night at the Finance Commission, but at a later date after both hearings.

 

Mayor Roe opined that was a legitimate approach, identifying the hearing before the Finance Commission as a preliminary hearing, as long as questions would be answered intentionally during the project.  Mayor Roe opined it didn't seem prudent to ask Department Heads to attend two meetings in a row.

 

Councilmember McGehee suggested preliminary hearings be held at the  City Council level on August 10 and at the Finance Commission on August 11, and similarly scheduled in November.

 

Mayor Roe noted at this time, the entire schedule was subject to change.  Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Roe asked that staff return with finalized recommended dates for action on a future Consent Agenda, based the proposed schedule as presented by staff and tweaked accordingly based on tonight's discussion.

 

14          Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Approve/Deny an On-Sale Wine and On-Sale 3.2% Liquor License for LISU, LLC, d/b/a Lisu Thai Taste, at 2575 Fairview Avenue

 

b.            Approve Forestry Coordinator Position

City Manager Trudgeon summarized this request as detailed in the RCA dated April 20, 2014.  Mr. Trudgeon opined that this creating a job description for this proposed position would meet the City's needs this spring and summer to increase hours; and could be vacated in the future if the City Council decided to again pursue a full-time Forester position.

 

Councilmember Willmus opined that, if and when the transition was made to full-time forester, the half-time position be eliminated to get if off the books.

 

City Manager Trudgeon responded that typically a job description was left open as approved, and simply not filled unless authorized by the City Council, but leaving the position open for reinstatement if and when needed.  As an example, Mr. Trudgeon referenced the Senior Planner and Associate Planner positions, and shifting of the positions as experience was gained as the cycle moved forward, but allowing a new hire to start at the lower level position and left vacant until needed.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted that the Community Development Department had chosen to solicit proposals from a consulting firm to provide landscape plan review and inspection services for development projects, and questioned why the City did not similarly contract out services, such as needed for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) needs for the Parks & Recreation Department.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that the current Forester had over twenty years working on those issues, and was currently performing the work.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that this would simply expand those hours on a temporary basis and avoid going through a request for proposals process at this time.

 

Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of considering a contract position for these services, allowing for a fresh view to better address management of the City's forests, landscaping and other related issues.

 

Councilmember Laliberte questioned if the seasonal position would be eliminated or vacated.  Councilmember Laliberte questioned if this expansion of hours and duties was being prompted by filling the role until fall and renewal of a search for a full-time Forester.

 

City Manager Trudgeon opined that he had not thought that far ahead at this point; but either way, the goal was eventually for a full-time Forester, making the other positions unnecessary.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that part of the rationale was the legal requirements defining seasonal versus part-time positions related to benefits.  Mr. Trudgeon further noted that currently Parks & Recreation Director Brokke was providing oversight of the EAB issues as expansion of duties had inadvertently been delegated to that department.  However, Mr. Trudgeon noted that shifting those day-to-day duties to this proposed position would also provide an expansion of duties and additional hours available to manage it rather than Mr. Brokke needing to continue doing so.

 

At the request of Councilmember Etten, City Manager Trudgeon advised that this position was only ranked at the grade of 9 versus the full-time Forester position ranked at a Grade 12 and subsequently higher salary range based on duties and level of review and higher professional expertise needed by the Community Development Director for that higher position.

 

Councilmember Etten asked that additional long-term, full-time equivalent (FTE) hours be used for working with the Public Works Department and staff to make sure streetscapes are better planned and cared for, as well as more training of guidance for City staff in tree trimming.

 

City Manager Trudgeon noted that this proposed position and expanded hours would allow for some additional assistance and interaction with the City crews; however, ultimately and in the long-term, a full-time forester would  provide more consistency.

 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, staff clarified that the current employee is a tree inspector, not an arborist.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that she was finding a disconnect between this proposed coordinator role and oversight and streetscaping needs; and therefore, questioned whether this is the right person for the job, even though she still supported using the current staffing.  However, Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of seeking consultant services from an outside firm, such as Stantec provided through a Natural Resources consultant.  Councilmember McGehee further opined that there were so many arborists around it should make it easy to find such services, whether pruning, streetscaping or tree management, and suggested seeking one on a part-time contract.  Councilmember McGehee asked for additional information from staff on what adjacent communities did for this service (e.g. Arden Hills, Shoreview and Maplewood) and whether or not they had full-time foresters or not, since she remained unconvinced that the City of Roseville needed a full-time forester.

 

Mayor Roe clarified tonight's discussion, noting that it was not about a full-time forester, as that discussion was held during the 2015 budget process.  However, Mayor Roe agreed that staff could provide additional information as requested by Councilmember McGehee.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that she would like to see an arborist in this position.

 

Councilmember Laliberte suggested directing staff to provide additional information from other metropolitan communities; the advantages of an arborist versus a tree inspector and their related job descriptions; and whether there were time and hours available to work with the Public Works Department as originally intended.

 

Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, authorizing the creation of the Forestry Coordinator position FOR THIS SEASON ONLY at the proposed pay grade within the City's compensation plan; and as detailed in the RCA dated April 20, 2015; and revisit the position again in the fall of 2015.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that it was the intent to bring the position back for reconsideration this fall.

 

Mayor Roe clarified that the maker of the motion intended that the position be provided on a temporary basis for as long as needed; with Councilmember Laliberte confirming her intent.

 

Councilmember McGehee stated that she could support the motion for the Coordinator position; but could not agree to moving the existing person into that role based on their lack of expertise as an arborist.

 

While Councilmember Laliberte clarified that this was her intent with the motion, as outlined in the RCA; Mayor Roe clarified that this was not a City Council decision unless it dictated that the position be filled by an arborist.

 

AMENDMENT

                   McGehee moved an amendment to fill the position with an arborist. 

 

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

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: McGehee.

Motion carried.

 

c.            ADDED ITEM

Organized Trash Collection

At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember Laliberte advised that her desire to discuss this issue tonight was to clarify, for her personal edification, why this item is coming back before the body.  Councilmember Laliberte noted, to her knowledge, no new information had been presented or the issue had not changed in any way to prompt its return.  Councilmember Laliberte further noted that staff had not brought forward any new information on the issue indicating that it had changed in any way.  During the City Council's recent two-day strategic planning exercise, Councilmember Laliberte noted that Department Heads and the  City Council had extensively reviewed priorities, and this issue had not been listed as a priority to consider; nor had any residents attending and invited to provide public input during that exercise, come forward with such a request to reconsider the issue.  Councilmember Laliberte expressed her concern that the body focus on the priorities identified at that exercise, opining that given the calendar, the City Council was already behind in addressing the priorities identified.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted her rationale for including this as a future agenda item.  Councilmember McGehee stated that Ramsey County was not going to perform resource/recovery, changing the complexity of this issue; and also noted that the City of Bloomington had recently begun negotiations for organized collection; and in April, the Village of St. Anthony began a similar process.  Councilmember McGehee advised that she had personally collected additional information, and in her discussions with residents, in addition to last week's staff presentation about pavement delamination, she found reconsideration of this issue of vital importance.  Councilmember McGehee, based on her consultations with City Engineer Mark Culver regarding seal coating and the overall delamination issue, opined that the deterioration, problematic across the region, was hastened by larger, heavier trucks.  Councilmember McGehee
offered to continue collecting more information and have it ready to present at that future meeting.

 

Councilmember Willmus stated that this was an issue discussed with constituents, and questioned via survey; and remained at the threshold where residents were not yet interested in abandoning their current system.  Therefore, Councilmember Willmus stated that he would not pursue any other direction than the current service until residents indicated their interest in the City Council doing so, regardless of the actions taken by other communities.  Specific to delamination issues, Councilmember Willmus opined that the reaction of the seal coat itself was causing failure on the surface of the roadway; and in similar discussions he'd held with Mr. Culver, if vehicular traffic was actually causing deterioration, it would be seen from the bottom up, thus creating no concern about that traffic from his perspective.  Councilmember Willmus opined that the City Council owed it to the community to continue surveying them going forward, in addition to the many opportunities to-date for the community to come forward for these discussions.  Unless there were clearly three votes to move in a different direction, Councilmember Willmus opined that the body was not doing deference to the priorities it needed to address.

 

Councilmember Etten stated that he would support the idea of organized collection; however, recognized that the details were where laid the difficulties; and expressed disappointment if Ramsey County decided not to direct resource recovery.  Councilmember Etten noted a lack of any consensus to move in a different direction based on comments from the rest of his colleagues.

 

In follow-up to Councilmember Willmus' remarks, Councilmember McGehee assured him that she well understood delamination, a reaction between the base and seal coat, and the problem in the mix where they join and the thinness of the seal coat that did indeed have an impact, with further weight hastening that deterioration.  Councilmember McGehee stated that was the discussion she had been having with residents, and those residents had asked that she bring this issue forward. Councilmember McGehee opined that her proposed agenda scheduling would allow plenty of time for due diligence; and further opined that the City Council had spent a great deal of time on items of much less interest in the past.

 

Councilmember Laliberte clarified her understanding that no decision had yet been made on resource recovery by Ramsey and Washington Counties, and if so, she was certainly unaware of that decision.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that, since the scheduled discussion of the Ramsey County League of Local Governments later this week was specific to that resource and recovery issue, she did not think a decision had yet been made, making planning future discussion a moot point since it was still under discussion at this time based on her understanding of the issue.

 

MOTION

Willmus moved, Laliberte seconded, that we do not consider organized collection and that we do not place it on a future agenda.

 

Councilmember Laliberte suggested a friendly amendment directing staff to bring back, for City Council consideration, a residential garbage collection kit/process similar to that used by the Cities of Chaska and Chanhassen, for neighbors to self-organize.

 

Mayor Roe suggested this be considered as a separate motion from the original motion.

 

Mayor Roe opined that he tended to agree with the notion that not much had changed since this was last discussed; and even though other communities have chosen to go forward in negotiating for organized collection, he was not aware that it was attributable to delamination issues.  Until any additional survey or other changes indicate interest by a majority of residents in seeking organized collection, Mayor Roe suggested the status quo remain.  Mayor Roe further opined that it always has been his preference, if and when Ramsey and Washington Counties proceed with resource recovery versus a city by city approach.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that the community survey question had been slanted, and as she argued against the wording when drafted, she continued to question it.

 

Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: Etten and McGehee.

Motion carried.

 

Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded asking staff to bring back a residential self-trash organization kit/process model for review and potential adoption.

 

Councilmember Willmus noted that, for some time, the Public Works Department had information on the communities sited by Councilmember Laliberte as an example.

 

City Manager Trudgeon duly noted this for follow-up with staff.

 

Mayor Roe expressed his support of such a kit providing interested residents with some assistance; with Councilmember Laliberte noting that the information would provide sufficient information and documentation to help neighbors organize their own street.

Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

 

15          Business Items - Presentations/Discussions

 

16          City Manager Future Agenda Review

Councilmember Laliberte advised that she would be unavailable for the May 11, 2015 meeting; and questioned the timing of the joint HRA and City Council meetings before the HRA drafted their strategic plan.

 

Councilmember Etten advised that he would bring that up at tomorrow night's HRA meeting, recommending they put off their planning session until June and until the City Council receives their draft report.

 

City Manager Trudgeon concurred with the comments of Councilmember Etten, noting that there were many moving parts still needing to be finalized with upcoming schedules.

 

Councilmember Willmus requested that staff provide an update on the Sherman project at the May 4, 2015 meeting similar to that provided by City Manager Trudgeon tonight on various projects.

 

City Manager Trudgeon duly noted that request, clarifying for the public's benefit, that it would simply be a verbal staff update, with no City Council action.

 

At the request of Councilmember Etten specific to Finance reorganization and Fire Department staffing plan updates proposed on May 4 and May 11, 2015, and related impacts to subsequent department budget presentation meetings, City Manager Trudgeon addressed staff's intent to provide ample opportunity for those communication efforts above-and beyond the budget process, while still recognizing their interaction.  Mr. Trudgeon noted the desire to provide a broader discussion; however, if the City Council preferred it as part of the department budget presentation, it could be done.

 

In considering 2016 changes as well as beyond that, Councilmember Etten expressed his frustration in the past with staffing discussions being held in July and budget decisions not happening at the same time.  Councilmember Etten stated he would be more supportive of having those discussions on the evenings set aside for that department, and presented as one concept for that one department.

 

To assist the process, Mayor Roe suggested staff provide information as background material prior to their presentation and in order to limit the time needed for the presentation, allowing for more discussion time.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that he would revise upcoming agendas and budget discussions in accordance with tonight's requests.

 

17          Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

 

18          Adjourn

Laliberte moved, Etten seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 7:32 p.m.

 

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.