City
Council Special Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2015
1. Roll Call
Mayor Roe called
the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of 2016
Department Budget presentations. Voting and Seating Order: Willmus, Laliberte,
Etten, McGehee and Roe. City Manager Patrick Trudgeon and was also present;
along with several Department Heads for budget presentations during tonight's
meeting.
2. Pledge of
Allegiance
3. Approve Agenda
Willmus moved, Etten
seconded approval of the agenda as presented.
Roll Call
Ayes: Willmus,
Laliberte, Etten, McGehee and Roe.
Nays: None.
4. Public Comment
Mayor Roe called
for public comment by members of the audience on any non-agenda items.
a.
Sherry Sanders, S McCarron's Blvd.
As a resident
of the SE area of Roseville, and connections with the Cities of Maplewood and
St. Paul, as displayed by map, Ms. Sanders expressed concern with the
encroachment of blight and crime in to that area of Roseville and her neighborhood,
often from these adjacent communities.
Ms. Sanders
sited the former ICO gas station site, closed over 8-10 years, and its location
serving as an entrance to the City of Roseville, but also a major source of
blight as well. Ms. Sanders questioned if contamination of the site, area
ground water from underground tanks with a history of leaking, and leeching
pollution into McCarron's Lake had been addressed by the City and/or the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Ms. Sanders noted her e-mail last
year to the City Council, Community Development and Housing & Redevelopment
Authority staff regarding some of these concerns, and her suggestion to condemn
this commercial property or take it through Eminent Domain, and reiterated her
request imploring that something be done by the City due to public safety
concerns.
Ms. Sanders
reviewed some of the area businesses along this corridor and the gamut of
crimes they seemed to instigate, including home invasions, child kidnapping,
sexual assault, shootings, armed robbery, mailbox thefts, and thefts from
automobiles. Ms. Sanders stated that she, along with many of the neighbors in
this area, believed the increased crime was due in part to these
establishments, and questioned how the City had granted a license for Pawn
America when another pawn shop was already located just across the street.
Ms. Sanders
advised that the neighbors share her concerns for their safety; and while
millions had been spent by the City on its parks system, opined that it
wouldn't mean anything if people were afraid to use them due to public safety
concerns.
While in the
past, comments had been made that 'crime in other cities was not our concern,'
Ms. Sanders stated that the neighborhood did not want to hear that anymore, and
continued to feel neglected by their City Council, and abandoned by City staff
and employees. Ms. Sanders opined that it was time for Roseville to work with
other municipalities to address this concern, noting that crime didn't respect
lines drawn on a map.
Ms. Sanders
offered her willingness to help in any way needed; and asked for any updated
information on the possibility of a police substation at the corner of Larpenteur
and Lexington Avenues.
Mayor Roe responded
that SE Roseville was a high priority for Roseville as identified by the City
Council and staff earlier as one of those areas of focus in the Strategic
Planning exercise. While only preliminary conversations had been held to-date,
Mayor Roe advised that he had just recently spoken to the Mayor of Maplewood
offering their promise to step up enforcement, especially in light of the
recent shooting at a nightclub in Maplewood in that area. Mayor Roe noted a
desire expressed by Mayor Slawik for broader involvement in the issues in this
area, and an internal Roseville working group already in place and working
through the various processes and issues.
City Manager
Trudgeon concurred with Mayor Roe, noting discussions by the Roseville Police
Foundation for a potential police substation design for that former ICO corner,
and while still preliminary in nature and unsure of their schedule, expressed
hope for involvement of the neighborhood going forward.
As far as using
Eminent Domain, Mayor Roe noted law changes, however, he also noted the possibility
of using the Dangerous Building Statute criteria if applicable in addressing
the former ICO site.
City Manager
Trudgeon advised that he would check into whether or not there was an apparent
physical danger at the site; and also follow-up with the MPCA regarding
environmental concerns. Mr. Trudgeon stated he was under the impression that
the tanks had been removed, but would review public documentation and share
that information when available.
Councilmember McGehee
clarified the ordinances on the books when the pawn shop was approved, and
revisions made after the fact which could not be addressed at that time without
further ordinance provisions.
If a police
substation was being considered for that corner, Councilmember McGehee asked
City Manager Trudgeon that it be a multi-jurisdictional effort.
City Manager
Trudgeon clarified and reiterated that there had been no commitments made at
this point, and only concepts discussed but included among several
jurisdictions.
Mayor Roe
thanked Ms. Sanders for bringing this back to the City Council's attention
again, asking that the neighborhood recognize there were steps necessary in the
process before they could take any formal action.
b. Rick
Sanders, 363 S McCarrons Blvd
Mr. Sanders
echoed the concerns expressed by his wife for this area. Mr. Sanders noted
when he'd first moved to Roseville from California, he was excited to get away
from the crime issues and happy about the quiet community and abundance of
parks, trails and population diversity he observed. However, Mr. Sanders noted
his increasing concern with things happening in adjacent cities and spilling
into Roseville, making those safety concerns much more personal; and he had not
anticipated experiencing them in his neighborhood.
Mr. Sanders
recognized that the Roseville Police Department was not controlling the
situation, but asked that formal communications be undertaken with those other
jurisdictions advising them that this was not an acceptable situation and the
City of Roseville did not want this occurring.
While the idea
of a police substation at the former ICO site may be better than nothing, Mr.
Sanders questioned if that was the most desirable thing for people to first see
at the gateway to Roseville, or something that was more representative of the
City of Roseville.
Mr. Sanders
offered his willingness to work with the City to accomplish this; and expressed
his personal appreciation to Councilmember Etten for his recent NextDoor.com
communication, encouraging more such efforts even beyond that by the City
Council to residents to avoid the blame game.
c.
Desiree Mueller, Bossart Drive
Ms. Mueller
echoed the comment of previous speakers, expressing her pride in being a
Roseville resident, and her love of the community. However, Ms. Mueller noted
the challenges in SE Roseville, including litter, violence and transients
sleeping in parks. Ms. Mueller also thanked Councilmember Etten for his
NextDoor.com communication efforts since she had until them been uncertain of
the steps being taken to-date. Ms. Mueller expressed her interest in being out
and about in the community, and also expressed her desire to be more involved
in driving this effort and meeting these initiatives, and offered her
assistance to the City Council in achieving that goal.
Specific to
litter, Ms. Mueller opined that this not just a situation in SE Roseville, but
throughout the community, further opining that the battle also involved other
bordering communities who may have different priorities than Roseville, but impacted
Roseville's efforts also. Ms. Mueller opined that she didn't feel safe when
finding trash everywhere, since she felt that frequently spun out of control
and made the overall situation worse, while also affecting water quality. As
an example, Ms. Mueller noted the litter at bus stops at Larpenteur Avenue and
Rice Street, as well as at County Road B and Rice Street, and their lack of
garbage cans and therefore litter issues. Ms. Mueller advised that she had
been battling different agencies to find the responsible party to address about
his concern.
Ms. Mueller
concluded by asking the City Council to please clean up the streets of
Roseville literally and figuratively; and offered her assistance wherever and
as needed.
d.
Lisa McCormick, Wheeler Street
Ms. McCormick
offered her support of the previous speakers.
Ms. McCormick
noted when the Pawn America business license renewal came forward last fall,
she brought forward a model ordinance as a recommendation to help tie that
license to its conditional use. However, Ms. McCormick stated that she had
heard nothing since that recommendation, and reminded the City Council of this
and asked them to follow-up and report to the public on that issue.
e.
Frank Hess, 1907 Shady Beach Avenue
As a life-long
resident of Roseville, Mr. Hess stated his feeling that their quadrant of the
community was not taken into consideration, especially with the pawn shops and
multi-family apartments surrounding their neighborhood. Mr. Hess also offered
his assistance to the City in addressing the situation.
f.
Diane Hilden, Bayview Drive
Ms. Hilden
endorsed the comments of her neighbors, opining that this was a tacky gateway
to the City of Roseville and was getting worse, with crime issues in that area
for some time. Ms. Hilden recognized the multiple jurisdictions involved, and
long-term issues of the nightclub, offering some anecdotal history of negative
happenings and activities throughout the years. With serious issues, including
suspected gang activity, Ms. Hilden admitted it was scary to live across from
these businesses; and also noted previous problems at McCarron's Beach involving
rival gang activity. While recognizing some solutions found by multiple police
agencies in the past, Ms. Hilden opined there remained work to do, including
nagging ugliness that bred other issues.
In her career
working with crime prevention for the City of St. Paul, Ms. Hilden noted the
reputation of pawn shops in other adjacent jurisdictions and ongoing problems
with fencing.
While recognizing
that the City was now focusing on SE Roseville and its many issues, Ms. Hilden
cautioned that the patience of residents was wearing thin; and also offered her
willingness to assist in any way possible to resolve these issues.
Mayor Roe
thanked residents for reminding the City Council of the issues and their concerns;
and offered continued efforts by the City Council and staff on this end with
the dialogue. While also recognizing the need to make progress, Mayor Roe
noted that it was a bigger issue than just the City of Roseville. As he always
found the interest and support indicative of those residents in Roseville,
Mayor Roe expressed his appreciation for their interest in being involved in
the solution.
In response to
Mr. Sanders, Councilmember McGehee shared her anecdotal experience upon moving
to Roseville and similar safety concerns and ultimate improvements made,
offering him a light at the end of the tunnel. Councilmember McGehee noted the
ongoing efforts she would put forth to help resolve the situation.
5. Council
Communications, Reports, and Announcements
Mayor Roe
announced the opportunity for community feedback from residents and businesses
on the City Council's draft strategic priority policy / planning document,
available on the City's website or by contacting City Hall. Mayor Roe noted
the identification of five key areas of focus by the City Council: Civic
Engagement, Housing and Redevelopment; Effective Governance; Organizational
Effectiveness; and Infrastructure Sustainability, with subarea targets
identified for each of those focus areas. Mayor Roe advised that at June 8
City Council meeting, City Council will be discussing the document again, and
after receiving feedback, will take it up again at the June 22, 2015 City
Council meeting.
Mayor Roe
announced a vacancy on the Community Engagement Commission to fill a partial
term (ending March of 2017), with the application deadline on June 10,
interviews scheduled for June 15, and subsequent appointment, with information
also available on the City's website or at City Hall.
Councilmember McGehee
announced the 2015 State of MN Human Rights first place essay contest winner, Elite
Thor, a 7th grader who volunteered for this writing assignment,
opining this continued the City of Roseville's long history of winners at the
City and State level.
Mayor Roe
thanked Councilmember McGehee for serving in his place to welcome people to
last Saturday's community event, as he was unable to attend due to a previous engagement.
Councilmember
Laliberte thanked the Parks & Recreation Department staff and Volunteer
Coordinator O'Brien, and Roseville residents, for participating in the
Playground Build at Oasis Park last Saturday. Councilmember Laliberte opined
that a great time was had by all, and invited attendance at the next Playground
Build scheduled on June 27, 2015.
6. Recognitions,
Donations and Communications
7. Approve Minutes
8. Approve Consent Agenda
9.
Consider Items Removed from Consent
10.
General Ordinances for Adoption
11.
Presentations
12.
Public Hearings
13.
Budget Items
City Manager
Trudgeon briefly introduced the purpose of tonight's meeting as the initial
step in developing the 2016 budget, beginning with department presentations to
identify specific operational issues and priorities that will impact the 2016
budget. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff was seeking to present a fiscally
responsible budget with limited impact to the taxpayer, as well as identifying
other opportunities to provide services and/or identify any available cost
savings. Mr. Trudgeon advised that this was intended as a broad discussion of
the 2016 budget in addressing the City Council's priorities, while providing a
look at challenges for 2016 and beyond.
Mr. Trudgeon
noted that the intent tonight was for each department to provide a general discussion
with trends, areas of focus, and specific City Council feedback and/or requests
for additional information from those departments.
Mayor Roe noted
that, in accordance with the 2016 Budget Calendar and process, Department Heads
had now submitted their budget requests to the City Manager for consideration
and recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Trudgeon
advised that he would use their information and solicited any additional
feedback from the City Council, along with results of the priorities and
initiatives outlined in the strategic planning exercise as he prepared his City
Manager-recommended budget intended for presentation in July of 2015 for
further discussion and refinement.
Mr. Trudgeon
reviewed the budget process and next steps over the next few months, receipt of
their reaction and comments by the City Council at their June 15 workshop; opportunities
for public feedback throughout that process; and involvement of the Finance
Commission in the process before preliminary levy and budget adoption in
September and a Final Budget and Levy adoptedby December 8, 2015.
a.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Chief
Rick Mathwig, Police Services Manager Sarah Mahmud and Community Relations
Coordinator Corey Yunke were present for the presentation.
As
noted in his report, Chief Mathwig advised that ongoing pressures on the staff
continued to stretch the necessary focus of the department. However, Chief
Mathwig advised that he was proposing basically a status quo budget for 2016,
with the exception of one additional officer position with the specific focus
on mental health, elder abuse and fraud cases. Chief Mathwig noted the
successful investigation and conviction rate, in cooperation with the Ramsey
County and City Attorneys in bridging the gap for families of domestic abuse,
above and beyond many other jurisdictions. Chief Mathwig noted the continued
challenges associated with densely populated multi-family apartment complexes
within the community as well.
Councilmember
McGehee asked if the intent for this preliminarily entitled new office position
of 'Community Impact Officer' was intended as a combination social worker and
sworn police officer was the intent.
Chief
Mathwig responded that in a sense, this was accurate; however, he envisioned an
officer in uniform versus plain clothes, based on their ability to facilitate
the process and care of individuals needing such a presence and visible authority.
Chief
Mathwig reported that in the first eighteen days of May, the Roseville Police
Department had responded to twenty-nine calls for service from residents in
assisted living facilities who were in need of additional care within a
particular multi-level care facility in the community. Chief Mathwig provided
examples of other situations in some of the more than fifty foster and/or group
homes in the community in addressing the needs of those individuals.
Chief
Mathwig reviewed some of the other expectations of this new position in
bridging the gap between government services and insurance, utilizing the
Police Department as the first on arrival at a scene in multiple locations and
reactions of various people responding. Chief Mathwig anticipated one person
focusing on these issues would prove more effective.
Chief
Mathwig advised that another 2016 budget priority would be the conversion of
squad cell phones to smart phone technology allowing officers to be more effective
and efficient in their ability to capture considerable intelligence information
and information on victims of crimes (e.g. serial number information) that is
not currently available to them in the field via the squads.
At
the request of Councilmember Willmus as to whether this would reduce an officer's
need for relying on laptop computers in the squad, Chief Mathwig responded
that it would not and reviewed the information shared on air or radio traffic
on the main channel through dispatch, and that information available on the
computer screen for the officer alone to cross-reference information in a more
confidential way.
At
the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Chief Mathwig advised that currently
investigators and administration had smart phones (two out of five units), and
the need was to increase to a total of ten smart phones.
As
noted in his report, Chief Mathwig briefly reviewed challenges for the department
in 2016 and beyond. Chief Mathwig reported on the continued pressure on police
resources for commercial crime areas; and need to keep up with other technology
needs and officer training to capture and manage the data available to them as
they performed their public safety role.
At
the request of Mayor Roe and in conjunction with the report from the IT Department,
Chief Mathwig reported that improved laptops in squads are now in their fourth
to fifth generation and increased law enforcement activity needs of the
Roseville Department as well as other jurisdictions mandated the need for their
ability to report, share and store data across the board with compatible
software.
Councilmember
Willmus questioned how traffic stops on Snelling Avenue were tied back to
Wal-Mart related to calls for service there.
Chief
Mathwig responded that officers had been tracking that activity specific to
Wal-Mart as this area of new area of the community developed from its previous
uses and/or vacant land requiring little police presence. Chief Mathwig
advised that they did not track calls in this detail for those more-developed
retail areas in the community at this time.
At
the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Chief Mathwig and Mayor Roe clarified
the different budgetary needs outlined by the Police and IT Departments for
laptops and software upgrades; with the expenses projected in the Police Department
as a line item in their CIP, while the IT Department costs would involve
support of that technology.
At
the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Chief Mathwig responded that recent
changes in State Task Force legislation and mandates would not require
additional follow-up for the department, as it involved the front-end of
reporting. Chief Mathwig advised that they could possibly see more cases as
people became aware of the legislation, but he didn't see any significant
impacts.
Councilmember
Etten questioned how the proposed new officer position differed than the work
being done by Ramsey County Social Services.
Chief
Mathwig assured all that the Roseville Police Department had wonderful interaction
with Ramsey County; however, he also noted that the County was responsible for
the City of St. Paul, and most of their available resources were taken up
there. Chief Mathwig advised that this position was intended to fill the obvious
gap and bridge coordinating families with appropriate assistance, based on the
limited availability of the County's resources.
Councilmember
Etten questioned if this work could be performed by a lower-grade employee
versus a sworn officer.
Chief
Mathwig responded that this would not be feasible, as an example in fraud
cases, an important piece of the legislation involved emergency transport holds
to get a person to the hospital to make sure they're okay to be out in
society. If a sworn officer is available at the scene, Chief Mathwig advised
they could perform that transport, required by Minnesota State Statutes to be a
Peace or Health Officer only.
At
the request of Councilmember McGehee, Chief Mathwig explained that a Health
Officer did not apply to or involve Roseville staffing, but referred to someone
such as a Ramsey County Mental Health Officer. With the suggestion by Councilmember
McGehee that if a Social Worker was available within the Police Department,
some of that work could be done in-house, Chief Mathwig reminded her and
Councilmembers of the stretched rope comparison for staff.
Councilmember
McGehee expressed appreciation for the department's up-tick in community
policing, which she'd observed; and suggested expanding that even further to
allow officers within the community to know their residents and where they
live.
While
supporting the majority of the important work of the department, Councilmember
McGehee opined that she saw no need for SWAT; and suggested that funds used for
that could be transferred to community functions.
Mayor
Roe sought an update on the grant received for the Family Violence Investigator,
and how the department had absorbed funding after grant funds were expended,
and how that impacted current budgets.
Chief
Mathwig reported the position had been absorbed in previous budgets (2010)
after the grant funds for three years had been expended with changes in the
program depending on administration changes in Washington, D.C.
From
his perspective as the Police Chief, Councilmember Willmus asked what inter-jurisdictional
cooperation was being undertaken to address the concerns raised during public
comment tonight, and in furthering those common goals.
Chief
Mathwig noted the great working relationship currently among jurisdictions,
particularly highlighted that of the Cities of Little Canada, Maplewood and St.
Paul, and Ramsey County. Chief Mathwig advised that discussions were underway
about additional resources for regulatory enforcement by the Maplewood Police
Department. Chief Mathwig agreed with the validity of the concerns expressed
by Roseville residents, which he had been working to address and make other
jurisdictions aware of since 2003. Chief Mathwig assured the public and
Councilmembers that he would continue to monitor and do his best to try to gain
more traction with neighboring communities to prevent this crime wave from
bleeding into Roseville, and more specifically in working with the Maplewood
Police Department.
With
continued discussions over the last 5-10 years for the former ICO site, and
preliminary consideration by the Roseville Police Foundation for a small community
center and police substation for multiple jurisdictions, Councilmember Willmus
asked what could be fit on that small lot that would assist residents.
Councilmember Willmus noted that this SE area represented some of the community's
most economically distressed population, along with problems experienced with
the adjacent multi-family apartment building, as well as immediate adjacency to
the north end of St. Paul and their problems that acerbated the problem.
Ms.
Mahmud noted business owners involved in the Roseville Police Foundation and
their interest in finding solutions; with Chief Mathwig opining that the solution
started with the north end of St. Paul to keep the problem from bleeding into Roseville.
Councilmember
McGehee opined that a community center would be nice at the former ICO site,
along with a police substation. However, Councilmember McGehee also observed
that the City of St. Paul could contribute the huge block formerly housing the Lenders'
Greenhouse facility that would prove very amenable and close to the problem
area and resolution.
Chief
Mathwig noted that, while it was nice to talk about the potential for a police
substation, it was only intended as a small piece of a community center with
squad parking and a small office.
Mayor
Roe noted the need for community leaders representing and involving multiple
jurisdictions and residents, businesses and other stakeholders, requiring
considerable coordination. Mayor Roe noted the need to make sure everyone had
a voice in the matter, opined that any team efforts from a law enforcement perspective
that could be addressed beyond current efforts would be beneficial and
welcomed.
b.
Community Development Department Budget Presentation
Community
Development Director Paul Bilotta summarized the make-up and 2016 budget
priorities and challenges for the various areas of the Department, as detailed
in his written report. Mr. Bilotta advised that he wasn't proposing anything
much different than in 2015.
Mr.
Bilotta advised that 2014 had proven to be a challenging year for the department
with the initiation of multi-family apartment inspections that had stressed
staff, in addition to redevelopment in the Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area and
ongoing issues being addressed in SE Roseville. Mr. Bilotta noted his anticipation
of challenges similar to those found in 2014 within the 2016 budget, with SE
Roseville at the top of the Department's budget priorities as noted.
Mr.
Bilotta advised that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update period would kick off
in 2016; however, he noted some built in flexibility in that schedule, with
staff anticipating major efforts and expenditures in 2017 due to current
anticipated work loads. Understanding that the multi-family issue was a macro
issue to the Comprehensive Plan, Mr. Bilotta suggested if the City Council
chose to push that component forward, he would need to incorporate that into
the 2016 budget which he had not done at this time.
Mr.
Bilotta suggested economic development initiatives should be a topic of discussion
for the upcoming joint meeting of the City Council and HRA.
As
for budget challenges, Mr. Bilotta noted the nature of the Department's budget
being permit fee driven in accordance with Minnesota State Statute and Rules;
and unknowns regarding potential litigation specific to land use as areas
continue to develop throughout the community. Mr. Bilotta noted that economic
development and long-range planning were not currently funded, other than a few
small area studies and the comprehensive plan, as those other areas are not
included in fee revenue.
Mr.
Bilotta commended his staff in their entrepreneurial spirit as they adjusted
their spending and activities and reorganized efforts based on workloads and
available revenue rather than seeking additional funding. Mr. Bilotta noted
the significant increase in social engineering required as new building codes
went into effect, and increased complexity and review times, while still
requiring that additional work without any increase in fees to support it.
Mr.
Bilotta noted the department's aggressive use of grant funding to address additional
operational costs, as well as continually reviewing different delivery methods.
Mr. Bilotta advised that staff was currently, with the assistance of their
Financial Consultant Springsted, performing a deep review of all tax increment
financing districts (TIF) within the City to determine ways to utilize that
funding or take them off line to bring properties back into play for the tax
base.
Mr.
Bilotta advised that planning fees held at their current level as directed by
the City Council did not necessarily cover costs, and with staff involved in
more steps required in the review process, the money needed to be found
elsewhere (e.g. Conditional Uses, Vogel Sheetmetal, etc.). While not requested
an increase in those fees, Mr. Bilotta noted the need to balance staff's time
accordingly.
While
the department is extremely efficiency-oriented in its operations, Mr. Bilotta
noted that it also remained citizen-focused, particularly involving initiatives
involved in strategic planning efforts.
While
not proposing much difference in 2016 from the 2015 budget, Mr. Bilotta noted
as additional community engagement and neighborhood association efforts
increase, there would be impacts at current staffing levels. In comparison, if
additional redevelopment occurs (e.g. Har Mar Mall area), Mr. Bilotta advised
that St. Louis Park had twenty-four employees compared to Roseville's thirteen
employees in the Community Development Department, and asked that the City
Council be cognizant of that limited staff resource going forward.
Councilmember
Willmus requested additional information from Mr. Bilotta on comparisons of
permit revenue or dollar projects generated annually for the Cities of
Roseville and St. Louis Park.
As
to succession planning challenges, Mr. Bilotta noted potential retirements in
the code enforcement department within the next five years and the need to address
that transition to maintain an effective team, opining that they drove the efficiencies
of the entire department. Mr. Bilotta opined that he wanted to duplicate the
successful transition efforts performed most recently by the Public Works Department.
Noting
the age and limitations of the current permit software, Mr. Bilotta cautioned
the City Council on the increasing potential for a catastrophic failure of that
system. Mr. Bilotta noted that it was an old, locally-produced product, and
support for the system continued to deteriorate; as well as not allowing
historic data comparisons, especially with recent Microsoft software upgrades,
creasing considerable delays in obtaining information for applicants. Mr.
Bilotta noted that replacing this software would be a significant cost, even
though it would be a great advance with a more compatible product. Mr. Bilotta
advised that it was preferable that the City of Roseville wasn't the last
customer for this outdated software, given the few local users yet on that
system.
At
the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Bilotta clarified that new software
would allow more online availability and more efficiencies (e.g. applying for
building permits online) and freeing staff time for other duties. Mr. Bilotta
advised that staff was working with the IT Department on whether or not capital
costs could be leveraged across the entire organization rather than in the
department itself.
Councilmember
Willmus asked for a review of escrow accounts for various permit fees and what they
could be used for had been revised recently, or their threshold.
Mayor
Roe noted that had been accomplished in some areas already; however,
Councilmember Willmus suggested there may be some remedies for issues or areas
of concern being experienced now.
Councilmember
Willmus advised that he wanted to address the current comprehensive plan and
areas zoned as high density residential (HDR) and an issue that continued to
come up in various areas of the community. Councilmember Willmus questioned if
something had been overlooked in that previous plan, and asked that the HDR
component for the future update be done sooner rather than later.
From
his perspective, Mayor Roe suggested disengaging that review from the
comprehensive plan process and begun sooner as a stand alone issue.
Councilmember
Laliberte echoed the comments of Councilmember Willmus regarding looking at
multi-family housing sooner than later, expressing her hope that it could be
done before beginning the comprehensive plan process. Councilmember Laliberte
also spoke in support of escrow requirements and inconsistencies in amounts for
projects, and asked that costs be covered in all of those situations.
Councilmember Laliberte questioned where discrepancies were coming from with
staff time for review.
Mr.
Bilotta responded that meetings ahead of time, changes in plans, and other
parts of the process requiring additional staff time in multiple meetings and
personnel from the engineer, building official and/or planner, all with a cost.
Councilmember
Laliberte asked staff to look at things from a black and white perspective
versus an interpretation of conditions.
Specific
to any potential redevelopment in the Har Mar Mall area comparable to the West
End Development in St. Louis Park, Councilmember Laliberte noted this was not
discussed as part of the focus for strategic planning of the City Council, and
therefore, she wasn't sure it was a necessary component for the department's
budget.
Mayor
Roe clarified that was brought up by HRA members, and could be part of upcoming
discussions at the joint meeting of the City Council and HRA.
Councilmember
McGehee opined that additional funding was needed, beyond that realized from
permit fees, for major projects occurring citywide, with past failures
attributable to a lack of willingness for sufficient planning time to get the
job done. While not proposing additional staff specific to those efforts,
Councilmember McGehee suggested hiring a consultant to provide efficient focus
for the City, and work with residents and businesses willing to work and share
their ideas. Councilmember McGehee also noted the need for outside assistance
in finalizing ordinance revisions, along with preparing for the comprehensive
plan update. Councilmember McGehee opined that the City Council would be
remiss in overlooking this need and not funding it by the entire community,
since the department served the community and had a stake in supporting this
department (e.g. nuisance ordinance affecting all).
Councilmember
Willmus asked a similar question of Mr. Bilotta from a Community Development
perspective regarding what he envisioned for SE Roseville in the next 6-10
years, and the department's role or Roseville's role compared to other
jurisdictions.
Mr.
Bilotta opined that the ICO parcel is a critical piece, and whatever went in
there, the design element would be critical in identifying it as the gateway to
Roseville, emphasizing that Roseville was different, and any design should provide
a hard edge as a viable asset. While some of this branding may be Chamber of
Commerce related, Mr. Bilotta noted the same statement would be made with that
hard edge for that area by indicating that you can commit your crime over
there, but in Roseville, we'll be watching closer. Mr. Bilotta noted the
significant amount of tired retail along that corridor, even though the lots
are structurally difficult along such a linear corridor with shallow versus
deeper lots; and the desire to keep residential properties where they are and
address the retail frontages in some positive manner.
Mr.
Bilotta addressed other areas not yet developed that may provide potential
recreation areas and green space for adjacent multi-family apartment buildings;
and other areas providing buffers between commercial and lakeshore residential,
each requiring thought to achieve the most appropriate use and amenity for the
community as a whole. Mr. Bilotta advised that Roseville staff continued to approach
the City of St. Paul staff to address future redevelopment of the Margolis and
Linders sites, since they had strong impacts for Roseville, and the goal was to
get all the communities working together for the common good with that future
use.
Councilmember
Willmus noted this was what he was getting at, to continue working with other
local government units to find responsible solutions and have broader
conversations with partner cities.
Mr.
Bilotta advised that Roseville staff was using Ramsey County Commissioners to
push the area profile for these efforts, particularly on the St. Paul side.
At
the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Mr. Bilotta reviewed efforts for various
properties and future recreational uses, as well as efforts in working with other
organizations within the community, including the HRA's involvement in SE
Roseville and the layers available in working with Ramsey County, as well as
the school district and Metropolitan Transit. Mr. Bilotta advised that there
were other underutilized sites and potential opportunities; but there needed to
be discussions on balancing resources and needs, and matching thing appropriately.
Mr. Bilotta stated that he was encouraged to see increasing cooperation and
involvement among jurisdictions.
Mayor
Roe suggested looking broader for all four corners of Larpenteur Avenue and
Rice Street and not limit future visions by picking sites for little redevelopment
that may or may not by themselves address the major impacts needed. Mayor Roe
reiterated his desire to get all parties at the table to discuss that future
vision.
Specific
to the TIF review, Mayor Roe noted two aspects: if a district was closed, it
represented a one-time cash windfall of remaining funds that would benefit all
taxing jurisdictions. Mayor Roe asked consideration by staff and Councilmembers
on how best to use that one-time balance. Regarding decertification, Mayor Roe
also noted that those properties would be added to the tax base, increasing
taxable property, and thus increasing the ability to divide levy increases
among more payers, which limits the impact on the average taxpayer.
At
the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Bilotta clarified that, while TIF continued to a
complex issue, the analysis being performed by Springsted would provide sufficient
documentation on the limitations of and how or how not those remaining funds
or districts could be utilized of items paid out of. Mr. Bilotta noted that
this involved legislation in place when the districts were created; and would
involved future policy decisions for the City Council as to whether to leave
larger districts open or create new districts if and when needed. Mr. Bilotta
advised that new TIF legislation was much more specific in nature and easier to
interpret.
City
Manager Trudgeon reiterated the need for policy decisions by the City Council
as that report comes forward and amounts are identified. While staff may have
some recommendations to offer, Mr. Trudgeon noted it would be up to the City
Council as a whole to determine the best approach for use of this one-time money.
Councilmember
McGehee agreed with the comments of Mayor Roe about all four corners in SE
Roseville being considered. However, Councilmember McGehee also noted the
limitations of staff time, particularly that of the City Manager and Community
Development Director and additional efforts in orchestrating interaction and
planning across jurisdictions. In order to do things right, Councilmember
McGehee opined it may be necessary to seek outside assistance in those efforts.
c.
Public Works Department Budget Presentation
Public
Works Director Marc Culver briefly summarized the priorities and challenges he
saw for the 2016 budget as outlined in his written report. Mr. Culver highlighted
the recent department reorganization and addition of one FTE, as approved by
the City Council earlier this year and building on the initiatives implemented
by former Director Duane Schwartz and in succession planning efforts. Mr.
Culver thanked the City Council for their support of these endeavors, allowing
a needed shift as staff retirements were taken advantage of and shifting concentration
to management and asset management support, along with hiring an outside firm
for facility maintenance versus in-house staffing. Due to the work of former
Director Schwartz, Mr. Culver advised that he was seeking no additional
increases in staffing for 2016, opining that the department was in a good place
in the short-term.
Mr.
Culver noted increased maintenance costs as the Pavement Management Program
(PMP) funding was shifted from sealcoating to mill and overlay, and the potential
for additional costs for short-term maintenance based on delamination issues,
and more time and money spent on patching. Mr. Culver advised that he anticipated
increases in material costs with his proposed budget submitted to City Manager
Trudgeon showing a slight increase accordingly, and alerting the City Council
to potential risks with those cost projections in 2016.
Mr.
Culver advised that he also anticipated some increases in infrastructure replacement
and management costs due to experiences in higher bids coming in for Roseville
as well as its colleagues, even though long-term CIP projections had positioned
the enterprise funds well to assist in those endeavors. However, Mr. Culver
suggested there may be a need to adjust the CIP and enterprise funds accordingly,
as well as the street maintenance fund supported from the general fund levy.
Mr. Culver noted that this current bidding climate impacted smaller contracts
as well (e.g. patching, sidewalk installations, and water main breaks).
Mr.
Culver noted that, while increased pathways were always good as requested by
citizens, it also created a need to address those additional maintenance
costs. Based on that, Mr. Culver noted the need to revisit how that was
annually funded and how much was needed to sustain that maintenance fund. Mr.
Culver further noted that parking lot improvements and retaining walls were
also part of pathway projects, and also needed analysis and adjustments
accordingly.
One
of the department's highest priorities, snow and ice operations, Mr. Culver
reported continued to be unpredictable from year to year. However, Mr. Culver
noted that staff had committed to build a reserve of salt and ice removal
materials, but was unable to predict cost impacts on future purchases.
While
from a staffing perspective, Mr. Culver considered the department to be in a
good place, he anticipated continuing to see significant turnover with retirements
in addition to that. As that continued, Mr. Culver advised that he would
continue to monitor the organizational structure and changes as they occur.
In
the near future, and in reviewing the long-term organizational chart, Mr.
Culver advised that he saw the need for a third maintenance worker, since the
two current mechanics, maintaining in excess of 150 vehicles in the fleet, were
having difficulty keeping up without added overtime and longer delays in
accomplishing those repairs. While those overtime requests are not always
granted, Mr. Culver noted negative impacts on operations with delayed repairs
and causing other maintenance workers to perform their own maintenance or minor
repairs of vehicles or equipment, further detracting from their main duties.
Since this creates issues with union rules as well, Mr. Culver noted the need
to address this in the near future.
Mr.
Culver address potential losses in the future for both indoor and outdoor materials
and equipment storage facilities and the need to accommodate that shortage with
a potential cost to address it long-term.
With
the higher commodity demand and costs for salt and oil creating significant
material cost volatility, Mr. Culver noted the need to continue pursuing annual
and/or purchasing opportunities and use of state contracts.
Specific
to water main breaks, Councilmember Willmus asked if those were repaired
in-house or using an outside vendor; and where materials removed from those
sites are stockpiled.
Mr.
Culver advised that both in-house and outside vendors are used, depending on
the complexity and location of the breaks; and storage of soils removed
depended on the particular situation and time of year as well.
Regarding
pathway and parking lot issues and costs, Mayor Roe noted modeling and
projections used by the CIP Task Force accounting for additional mileage going
into the system annually, estimating a levy increase of $80,000 for the CIP to
cover costs in that projected timeframe; and intended to be programmed in as part
of the 2016 budget. Likewise, Mayor Roe noted the addition in 2016 for the
park CIP increasing the levy by $160,000 for those costs. While not a
complete solution, Mayor Roe noted that they addressed short-term needs until
repurposing City Hall bonds in 2021.
Councilmember
McGehee stated that former Director Schwartz, following his findings and study
of other metropolitan communities, consistently addressed the need to set aside
$5,000 per year for every mile of pathway. When reviewing that based on the 75
miles of pathway, Councilmember McGehee opined that the allotted $185,000
wouldn't meet that need. Councilmember McGehee advised that she had asked Mr.
Culver to review those projections.
Mayor
Roe briefly clarified total cost projections versus current allocations.
Mayor
Roe noted the continual reductions in Minnesota State Aid (MSA) funding
available and the PMP endowment no longer supporting higher construction and
maintenance costs. Mayor Roe expressed his personal concern that this was an
infrastructure crisis going forward.
Mr.
Culver noted recent discussions by the Public Works, Environment and
Transportation Commission (PWETC) and whether or not current pavement condition
index (PCI) calculations were appropriate or should be financed at a lower
level. Mr. Culver noted the need for further analysis and consideration. However,
he also noted the ramifications in lowering that PCI and whether or not the
public would accept a lower rating and roadway condition standard.
Specific
to MSA funding, Mr. Culver advised that he foresaw no increases coming forward
in that funding, and the City may need to consider using those funds for street
maintenance, but noted this would serve to only further compromise that fund.
Councilmember
Willmus noted another discussion for the PCI was the public was willing to pay
for a higher index in addition to consideration of revising the current
assessment policy citywide.
Mayor
Roe noted that potential revision to the current assessment policy had been on
the radar for some time.
Mayor Roe thanked Finance Commission
members for their attendance for these discussions; and thanked Department
Heads and their respective staff for providing this background information at
this point to assist the City Council in their decision-making process.
14.
Business Items (Action Items)
15.
Business Items - Presentations/Discussions
16.
City Manager Future Agenda Review
17.
Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings
18.
19.
Adjourn
Laliberte moved,
Etten seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 7:55 p.m.
Roll Call
Ayes: McGehee,
Willmus, Laliberte, Etten and Roe.
Nays: None.