City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

June 22, 2015

 

1.       Roll Call

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

 

2.       Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Approve Agenda

Collette Amor De Caballern, applicant for a cigarette/tobacco products license at 1742 Lexington Avenue N requested removal of Consent Item 8.b to address a question about the license application.

 

Laliberte moved, Etten seconded, approval of the agenda as revised and provided as a bench handout including the addition of item 14.e, "Appoint a member of the Community Engagement Commission," and as further amended.

 

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Willmus, Laliberte, Etten, 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

Mayor Roe announced several "Discover Your Parks" events coming up later in June at Acorn and Lexington Parks, and noted additional events scheduled in July and August.  Mayor Roe also announced the annual Rosefest activities, with additional information available for any of the events by contacting City Hall or viewing the Citys website.

 

Councilmember Etten noted the use of Snuffys Malt Shop later this week by movie director/actor Woody Allen, as a site being filmed for an upcoming production.

 

As Council Liaison to the North Suburban Cable Commission, Mayor Roe briefly updated residents and Council colleagues that negotiations are still in process between parties and their respective legal  counsel on the franchise with CenturyLink as a second cable franchise in the area.

 

6.         Recognitions, Donations and Communications

 

a.            Honor Superintendent Dr. John Thein on his contributions and service to Roseville Area Schools

Mayor Roe read a proclamation honoring Superintendent Dr. John Thein on his contributions and service to Roseville Area Schools.

 

Without objection and by acclamation, the City Council unanimously  approved the proclamation to recognize Dr. John Thein for his contributions and service to Roseville Area Schools and his cooperative and productive relationship with the City of Roseville during that time as well.

                                   

Dr. Thein thanked the City Council and residents for this recognition.  As a Roseville citizen and in his role of Superintendent before retiring, Dr. Thein briefly highlighted some of the activities and events over the years during his tenure.  Dr. Thein expressed his appreciation to the City staff for their assistance to and cooperation with the School District.

 

Councilmember McGehee mentioned the importance of the use by Roseville senior citizens of the Fairview pool.

 

b.            Proclaim Parks & Recreation Month

Mayor Roe read a proclamation declaring July 2015 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Roseville, recognizing the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.

 

Willmus moved, Etten seconded, proclaiming July 2015 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Roseville.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

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 June 8, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes

Willmus moved, Etten seconded, approval of June 8, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended.

 

Corrections:

·         Page 45, Lines 9 - 10 (Roe)

End sentence after date and strike remainder of sentence.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

b.            Approve June 15, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes

Laliberte moved, McGehee seconded, approval of June 15, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended.

 

Corrections:

·         Page 27, Line 24 (Roe)

Change "CPI" to "CIP" in this instance only.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

8.            Approve Consent Agenda

There were no additional changes to the Consent Agenda than those previously noted.  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 June 22, 2015.

 

a.            Approve Payments

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

 

ACH Payments	$912,853.67
77667 - 77861	1,191,987.76
TOTAL	$2,104,841.43

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

                                               

c.            Approve 2015 Business and Other License Renewals

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

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

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

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 May 31,
2015.

                       

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

                       

e.            Resolution Approving the Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County for the Victoria Street Sidewalk Project

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11227 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Approving the Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County for the Victoria Street Sidewalk Project;"

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

f.             Approve Conditional use for a Drive-Through at the Proposed new Spire Credit Union at 1880 Perimeter Drive

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon advised that he would verify that the guiding use and zoning of the parcels was Regional Business (RB) as noted in the RCA.

 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, City Manager Trudgeon advised that the developer had volunteered to work with the Montessori School staff to ensure the safety of children during construction; with that due diligence typically involved and monitored during any construction project.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of Resolution No. 11229 (Exhibit C) entitled, "A Resolution Approving a Drive-Through as a Conditional Use at 1880 Perimeter Drive (PF15-007)."

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

g.            Approve Victoria Street Property Acquisition Purchase Agreement

Councilmember McGehee thanked staff for negotiating for acquisition of this additional property for wetland management and preservation.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11228 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Execute the Property Agreement for Acquisition of Property from Patrick and Cynthia McNeely;" approving the purchase of Parcel PID142923240029 (a vacant parcel located between Pioneer Park and 1975 Victoria Street) in the amount of $96,500 with cost participation from the Capitol Region Watershed District; for the purpose of wetland and stormwater mitigation.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

9.            Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

b.            Approve New Applications for Business and Other Licenses

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon briefly summarized these requested new license applications, as detailed in the RCA dated June 22, 2015.

 

Public Comment

Collette Amor De Caballern, 1742 Lexington Avenue N (business application address)

Ms. Amor DeCallern advised that they had found a different location for this business, and asked if that would require them to withdraw this application and apply again with the new address at 2216 W County Road D.

 

From the audience, Finance Director Miller advised that the address could be changed with this application, and approved as revised.

 

Etten moved, McGehee seconded, approval of new business and other licenses and permits for terms as noted; amended with a new and different address for Deviate, LLC, now to be located at 2216 W County Road D.

 

Councilmember Laliberte confirmed that this address is still technically in Roseville, and questioned if there were any concerns in approving the license at the new address without further public notice.

 

Mayor Roe advised that it was still in Roseville; and since the change in address was being publically discussed at tonight's meeting, he saw no need to defer action.

 

Councilmember Willmus suggested deferring action until the next City Council meeting to provide more sufficient notice to the public about this change.

 

City Manager Trudgeon noted that the public would only be receiving notification through distribution of the Council meeting agenda packet; and that no specific mailing would be done to adjacent properties as per usual business license application for this type of use.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

10.         General Ordinances for Adoption

 

a.            Community Development Department Request for an ordinance Amendment Adjusting the 2015 Electrical Inspection Service Contract Fee Schedule

Codes Coordinator Don Munson briefly reviewed the request as detailed in the RCA dated June 22, 2015; noting that Electrical Inspector Peter Tokle was also present tonight for any questions of the City Council or public.

 

Mayor Roe noted on the draft revised 2015 fee schedule dated July 1, 2015 (Attachment C), the language/fees listed on the tables had not been stricken while the text around the tables had been revised and questioned if this needed further revision.

 

Mr. Munson apologized for this typographical error, and confirmed that it would need further revision and included in the description, with new headings above the charts.

 

Since the revised fee schedule goes into effect July 1, 2015, Mayor Roe suggested,  without objection, tabling action at this time, and have staff get a corrected version for action later in tonight's meeting.

Recess

Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 6:29 p.m., and reconvened at approximately 6:32 p.m.

 

4.       Public Comment

Mayor Roe recognized a resident just now arriving and having sought to address the City Council during the public comment portion of the meeting.

 

Back to Public Comment

Mary Bridgeman, 471 Wagner

Ms. Bridgeman wished to address her personal concerns with Roseville residents feeding wildlife, noting a $500 bill she had incurred to address raccoon/wildlife control for raccoons found living under her porch.  Ms. Bridgeman advised that, upon further investigation, it had been found that someone in the neighborhood had been feeding the raccoons.  Ms. Bridgeman stated that she had contacted Parks & Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke regarding what the City was doing about feeding wildlife in Roseville, and her understanding that there was currently no code to address that issue.  Ms. Bridgeman sought information on the status of such a code.  Ms. Bridgeman noted that the cost for the inspection of $214 and $59 for each raccoon removed from the service she'd used was an expanse she could not afford.  Ms. Bridgeman stated that she felt helpless in being able to address this concern.

 

 

Mayor Roe updated Ms. Bridgeman on the City Council's hearing several meetings ago of recommendations from the Parks & Recreation Commission for a wildlife feeding ban; and subsequent City Council direction to staff to prepare a draft ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife in Roseville and outlining other means of control. 

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon advised that the item had been tentatively scheduled to be heard again before the City Council on July 20, 2015.

 

As a frequent wildlife rehabilitator, Councilmember McGehee offered advice to Ms. Bridgeman to address raccoons living under her deck; and options to avoid the problem in the future without the expense of hiring an outside service.  Councilmember McGehee also suggested, of Ms. Bridgeman had this problem in the future, to consult the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic in Roseville by the Nature Center for their assistance.

 

11.         Presentations

 

a.            Joint Meeting with Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission (PWETC) Parks and Recreation Commission

Mayor welcomed members of the PWETC Commission, represented by Chair Dwayne Stenlund; Vice Chair Brian Cihacek; and Members Sarah Brodt-Lenz, Joe Wozniak, John Heimerl, and Kody Thurnau.

 

Chair Stenlund invited each member of the PWETC to introduce themselves; and noted it had been a good year for the PWETC with several opportunities for additional research and education.  Chair Stenlund expressed appreciation for former Public Works Director Schwartz, and the PWETC's appreciation of new Director Marc Culver.  Chair Stenlund thanked the City Council for providing recording secretarial services to the Commission as well.

 

From his unbiased perspective, Chair Stenlund opined that the PWETC is the "coolest commission out there," and expressed their interest in continuing to make respond to the City Council's desired focus for the Commission.

 

As part of tonight's meeting materials, Chair Stenlund noted the PWETC's
submission of a neighborhood organized trash collection guide (Attachment A to the RCA) for City Council consideration for the community.

 

Chair Stenlund briefly revised the activities and accomplishments of the Commission since last meeting jointly with the City Council, and as detailed in the RCA dated June 22, 2015.  Chair Stenlund sought City Council feedback on proposed work plan items for the upcoming year, as well as presenting questions to the City Council and hearing their concerns as part of tonight's discussion as follows.

 

Stormwater Management

Councilmember McGehee expressed her interest in infiltration via ribbon curbs rather than barrier curbs, other curbs, and swales as streets are replaced; noting her preference for ribbon curbs in parking areas to water vegetation in island parking areas.

 

Chair Stenlund opined that, to-date the City had done a marvelous job installing curb cut-outs, pervious pavers, and landscaping to treat rainwater where it fell.  From a civil engineering versus lay person's perspective, Chair Stenlund spoke to the City's efforts, using the recent land acquisition as part of the Victoria Street Project as an example of securing sufficient land to address stormwater management issues.    Chair Stenlund opined that he found the City to be quite advanced and doing a wonderful job looking at alternatives and considering future trending.

 

Sanitary and/or Water Service Line Laterals

Councilmember McGehee suggested a minimum notification of options available to residents when the City undertakes a sewer or water main lining project, allowing them to consider having their laterals lined at the same time.  Councilmember McGehee expressed interest in a possible cost-sharing effort between the City and residents to get those stub lines done and address leakages currently occurring and no longer remaining a vulnerable part of the system.

 

Councilmember Willmus expressed his interest in the PWEC's review and subsequent recommendation to the City Council regarding the various water/sewer service lateral issues before the next cold weather season.

 

Councilmember Laliberte agreed that more work was needed from the PWETC on water/sewer service laterals; and expressed her eagerness to see the commission's recommendations.

 

Councilmember Etten agreed with Councilmember McGehee, opining he would love to have cost-sharing as an option in lining his service lateral before it fails.

 

Regarding sanitary sewer laterals, Member Cihacek sought clarification on what the City Council desired as a goal or solution.  Member Cihacek questioned if the intent was for recommendation or a series of recommendations from the PWETC or what would be most beneficial for the end product for this complex and multi-faceted issue.  Member Cihacek opined there may not be only one solution, and sought more guidance for the PWETC in order to provide sufficient information to the City Council in their policy decision-making and for the PWETC to perform their research better and provide the best possible recommendations.

 

Since the PWETC's work as a body flows to the City Council, Councilmember Willmus opined that the PWETC did not necessarily need to prevent a unified approach, as he often found dissent from their discussions helpful as well.

 

Mayor Roe clarified that the main issue involved the choice to leave lateral ownership as is with property owners responsible for anything up to the main and including the laterals; or to change that defined ownership to something else.

 

Councilmember Willmus agreed with those choices; stated he was not going to direct the PWETC one way or the other, as he wanted to review their discussion and subsequent recommendations.

 

Councilmember McGehee stated she saw it as a multi-faceted issue and used the example of residents able to negotiate with a contractor performing work for the City to have their private driveways replaced.  Based on her past research of other metropolitan communities as part of her work with the League of Minnesota Cities, Councilmember McGehee agreed with Councilmember Willmus that the PWETC provide options.  Councilmember McGehee expressed confidence in the PWETC performing their typical thorough research and coming forward with a well-thought out recommendation or recommendations.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted the variables with certain situations treated differently in Roseville, based on the jurisdictional ownership of the road, as well as which side of the road on which the main was located.  Councilmember Laliberte suggested a comparison with other communities of the same or similar age to Roseville, and comparison of their policies compared to that currently in Roseville.  Councilmember Laliberte noted, when the HRA had recently met with the City Council, the availability of loan funds, and questioned if assistance to property owners may be considered as part of one of their loan programs.

 

Member Cihacek suggested the PWETC also look at other circumstances beyond ownership, including bid format, financial impacts, unfunded liability issues, options and other considerations that would prove productive and forward thinking in an effort to provide the best guidance for the City Council,.

 

Mayor Roe opined that a key part along with those other considerations would be the educational component, since most residents were unaware of the ownership of those connections until they developed a problem, at which time they became intimately aware of them.  Mayor Roe opined that, if upfront education can be provided, the better for all.

 

Councilmember Laliberte concurred with Mayor Roe, opining that preventative measures were an important component to alert homeowners.

 

Councilmember McGehee concurred, noting the educational efforts provided in the past by the City related to backflow preventers for sewer lines.  As an additional part of the educational efforts for this issue, Councilmember McGehee noted the disparity among homeowners in the City and lack of awareness as to the location of mains on one side of the street or the other.  Councilmember McGehee opined this was not something one even typically thought about when purchasing a home, or the potential variables in cost, nor was it part of their normal due diligence in that purchase.

 

Regarding City liability and costs, Chair Stenlund asked if it would be of value to the City Council for the PWETC to make recommendations on a potential ceiling for the cost of rehabilitation of the laterals, capping the cost for homeowners and the point the City should or could step in to share those costs.

 

City Councilmembers supported that suggested option.

 

Councilmember Willmus expressed appreciation already for this additional perspective from the PWETC, particularly preventative measures.  Councilmember Willmus suggested additional consideration should be discussed about potential steps the City can take as laterals are repaired to make sure City inspectors are reviewing and monitoring those new lines from a basic perspective to ensure the longevity of laterals, and avoid added future expenses as part of  preventative efforts.

 

Pavement Management Plan (PMP)/Delamination of Streets/ Sealcoating/Mill and Overlay/Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Ratings

Councilmember McGehee expressed her hope that any future PWETC fieldtrip would include monitoring and following-up on the delamination issue and research on the latest thoughts and/or technologies to address that issue.

 

Mayor Roe agreed with concerns of the PWETC on potential impacts to streets with delamination and deferral of sealcoating that may have long-term effects on the PCI.  Mayor Roe suggested different index standards may be needed in the future to address those correlated costs, while maintaining a balance.  As part of that review by the PWETC and future recommendation to the City Council, Mayor Roe suggested their review of the City's current assessment policy based on those funding challenges going forward and whether changes were needed in that policy  that may include revised cost-sharing calculations for those benefitting from street improvements. 

 

Pathway Master Plan Implementation

Councilmember Willmus noted apparent issues among individual PWETC members during their last ranking of the Pathway Master Plan, and no standard criteria in their individual scoring exercises.  Councilmember Willmus suggested that the PWETC's first step be to develop such a common set of scoring criteria for their next review and ranking exercise, opining that would be most beneficial to the commission and the community.

 

Councilmember Laliberte reported on her research of potential grant monies for sidewalks through the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).  Since the City Council continued to hear from residents in their desire for more connectivity, and those sidewalks and pathways were expensive to fund and prioritize accordingly, Councilmember Laliberte suggested additional research on grant funds that may be available to accomplish those efforts.

 

Mayor Roe suggested the PWETC, in their review of the pathway system again, make it a priority to consider connections between multi-family residential buildings and transit, as well as connecting with schools.  Mayor Roe provided several examples he and Councilmember Etten had discussed in their neighborhood in observing bus riders having to walk on the grass or on the street to get to a bus stop because there was no available pathway. Mayor Roe opined that making those short connections would certainly improve the quality of life for those needing to use transit.

 

Solar Power Discussions

Councilmember Willmus expressed his desire for the PWETC and City Council to continue their work on community solar and solar garden options, including the ability to write grants as applicable.  Councilmember Willmus suggested one aspect should be recommending if the PWETC feels an outside grant writer is needed to assist with those efforts in a timely manner.

 

Councilmembers Laliberte and Etten spoke in support of continued solar power resources and more involvement.

 

Transportation

Councilmember Laliberte advised that she had spoken earlier today with a Ramsey County Commissioner serving on the Ramsey County Transit Advisory Board (TAB) who questioned why the City of Roseville did not apply for more grants.  Councilmember Laliberte advised that the Commissioner noted, as a newer member of the TAB, money was frequently going elsewhere as there were no applications being received from the communities she represented.  While the commissioner noted her feedback on the cumbersome nature of those grant application processes, she suggested such feedback would prove helpful going forward.  Councilmember Laliberte suggested further research by staff and the PWETC of particular grants that may be available for City participation.

 

Leaf Pickup Program Outreach/Education

Councilmember Laliberte agreed that options were needed for those residents who needed to replace the leaf pickup program after discontinuation in 2015.  While there are many services available to perform raking and removal for residents, Councilmember Laliberte noted the need for an option for residents choosing to rake and pile leaves on the curb for pick-up.  Councilmember McGehee noted several questions she'd received to-date from residents seeking an option that would be comparable to the fee-based service they previously received from the City.

 

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)/Role of the PWEC for Equipment Replacement

Councilmember Laliberte encouraged the PWETC to work with staff to identify acceptable standards and capital improvement program (CIP) funding for street improvement projects (e.g. suggestions for those accepted standards, timelines, and funding) toward matching those efforts on a consistent basis.

 

Regarding the role of the PWETC in equipment replacement, Councilmember Etten suggested that staff may already have a cycle in place based on industry standards, but agreed that the PWETC may wish to review that schedule of replacement while recognizing staff's rationale in the cycle for replacement.  However, Councilmember Etten suggested the PWETC's recommendations in addressing the PMP schedule, and PCI cost issues long-term would be beneficial to the City Council.

 

Draft Neighborhood Organized Trash Collection Guide

Mayor Roe noted he had seen the original draft in the PWETC meeting packet, and noted the revisions and improvements made to it, which he found to be on the right track.  Mayor Roe sought input from his colleagues as to their preference for the next step: whether to seek public feedback at this time or bring it forward for action.

 

Councilmember Laliberte stated her understanding was that this version was made available by the PWETC for discussion tonight; and noted there had no public comment up to this point.  If the item was placed on a future City Council agenda item for potential action, Councilmember Laliberte opined that it would provide for public comment at that point.  Councilmember Laliberte stated that she had several minor technical items that she would review with the PWETC or Public Works Director Marc Culver.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Chair Stenlund confirmed that, from the PWETC's perspective, the guide was ready for submission to the City Council.

 

If the items mentioned by Councilmember Laliberte were policy related, Mayor Roe suggested it wait for City Council discussion and consideration.

 

General Individual Comments

As part of their field trips and from an operational standpoint, Councilmember McGehee suggested the PWETC recommend ways to beautify public boulevards, open spaces and rights-of-way that didn't require such intensive care (e.g. hand mowing) by installing more natural areas where applicable.

 

Chair Stenlund noted some favorable comments the PWETC had received from residents regarding reduced road speed to improve safety on one section involving a City project.

 

Chair Stenlund asked if the City Council was interested in maintenance-free landscaping that interested butterflies and served as pollinators, as many communities were looking into.

 

Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of that suggestion.

 

Mayor Roe spoke in support of maintenance-free landscaping efforts, provided the options were not cost-prohibitive.

 

Mayor Roe thanked commissioners for their report, their ongoing work, and their attendance tonight, opining that there was no better advertisement for residents to apply for future PWETC vacancies than tonight's discussion.  Mayor Roe expressed the City Council's and community's appreciation of the work of the PWETC and looked forward to the next joint meeting.

 

10.                         General Ordinances for Adoption

 

a.            Community Development Department Request for an ordinance Amendment Adjusting the 2015 Electrical Inspection Service Contract Fee Schedule

Codes Coordinator Don Munson provided a corrected revised 2015 Fee Schedule, reflecting updated electrical inspection fees.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, enactment of Ordinance No. 1480 (Bench handout) entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 314.05, Fee Schedule Revising the 2015 Fee Schedule;" for the 2015 Electrical Fee Schedule as revised.

 

Having personally used the services of Mr. Tokle, Councilmember McGhee thanked staff and Mr. Tokle for a well-tuned process.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, enactment of Ordinance Summary No. 1480S (Attachment B) entitled, "Amending Chapter 314.05, Fee Schedule, Revising the 2015 Fee Schedule."

 

                                    Roll Call (Super Majority)

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

Nays: None.

 

12.         Public Hearings

 

13.         Budget Items

 

14.         Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Consider Policy Priority Planning Document

As Councilmember Laliberte had been unable to attend the initial discussion of Councilmembers in May when this document was discussed, Mayor Roe invited her to share her feedback at this time.

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, the "City of Roseville-Strategic
Plan Summary for 2015-17 (part of Attachment C, page 3) was displayed for reference during her comments.  In general, and as she previously shared with her colleagues and City Manager Trudgeon, Councilmember Laliberte stated she was not in favor of adopting the strategic initiatives as presented.  Councilmember Laliberte reviewed each of the five strategic priorities listed and provided her comments specific to each.

 

Civic Engagement

Councilmember Laliberte questioned how or whether to include this as part of the strategic plan, especially her differing view of proposed strategic initiatives laid out by staff.  Recognizing that increased engagement was an overarching priority of this City Council, and recent creation of the new Community Engagement Commission (CEC), and regular requests of and a desire by staff and the community to improve those engagement efforts, Councilmember Laliberte questioned the need to included it as part of the strategic plan when it was already a given. 

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that the use of "civic" and "community" engagement meant different things, and while the City Council values that area of focus, she found a gap in understanding how best to achieve it.  Until that became a common understanding among all stakeholders, Councilmember Laliberte suggested it not be included as a new goal; and not be a checklist, but an ongoing process and culture shift that the City Council and staff had already made a commitment to.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed her confidence in allowing the newly-formed CEC, and her expectations of staff to engage the community, would suffice without defining additional strategic initiatives.  In consideration of those initiatives proposed by staff, Councilmember Laliberte noted the Key Outcome Indicator (KOI) for community satisfaction was already being addressed in surveys with commitment by the City Council to perform them every other year.

 

Regarding the KOI to increase volunteer opportunities, Councilmember Laliberte opined that the target goal to simply increase volunteer opportunities by 5% didn't necessarily translate into engagement.

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that the KOI of improving participation by under-represented populations in Roseville and target of engaging three new segments of the community, while appreciated, also did not mean engagement.  Councilmember Laliberte questioned if any of the targets or strategic initiatives as proposed actually got at what was needed or what the City Council hoped to accomplish.

 

Housing and Redevelopment

Councilmember Laliberte opined that this section needed more work by the City Council as a group, since it involved bigger issues and involved multiple departments, commissions, community stakeholders and others.

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that the KOI of SE Roseville should be a priority for everyone, but suggested more progress could be made if that priority remained open, and the who, what and when was better defined.

 

Regarding Twin Lakes, Councilmember Laliberte opined that there remained more work to do, and a clear priority should be for the City to define that work, the steps and processes to achieve it, and goals at the end of the process.

 

Regarding move-up-housing, Councilmember Laliberte agreed that it could be an initiative, but since the City didn't own the land, further discussion was needed about what was possible, what the City Council needed from staff and advisory commissions, and then set targets that could be realistically achieved.

 

Regarding the value of residential housing, Councilmember Laliberte suggested more discussion about the specifics of that section and proposed targets as currently outlined.

 

Effective Governance

Councilmember Laliberte suggested striking this strategic priority completely, opining that it involved individual leadership and actions speaking louder than words from each person.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that the proposed targets and strategic initiatives didn't serve to resolve any particular item; and recognized that involving the community may mean issues take longer to bring to fruition.  As far as the process transparency KOI, Councilmember Laliberte agreed with the concept, but since staff and the CEC had already been tasked to pursue that continuum, no new document was needed.

 

Specific to the KOI of respectful interaction of the leadership team, Councilmember Laliberte further opined that this was up to each individual and that there was no meaningful way to measure it or change it, and therefore there was no need for it to be addressed on staff's radar.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that, if residents didn't believe Councilmembers were being respectful of each other or them, they would address that during the next election cycle.

 

Organizational Effectiveness

Councilmember Laliberte also suggested striking this section entirely.  While the community and staff cared, Councilmember Laliberte noted the City Manager was hired and had expressed confidence that he could lead the organization in the most effective way possible.  Therefore, Councilmember Laliberte clarified that the community, City Council and staff either believed that or didn't, and it would become self-evident in other ways. 

 

Regarding the KOI of employee satisfaction, Councilmember Laliberte opined there was no need to hire another consultant, but under the City Manager's leadership and during employee reviews or exit interviews, part of the discussion should be why people stayed or didn't stay.  Councilmember Laliberte further noted that employee turnover could serve as another tracking measure.

 

Specific to the KOI for resource allocation, Councilmember Laliberte noted this was already under review by the City Manager and his management staff, and would be further reviewed annually by the City Council during the budget process.

 

Councilmember Laliberte suggested that the proposed strategic initiative suggesting an annual review of organizational interdependencies and collaboration opportunities was another aspect of why the City Manager was hired and part of what he was already doing.  If he had concerns or opportunities that should be brought to the attention of the City Council, Councilmember Laliberte opined that he could do so, but there was no need for any additional tracking.

 

Infrastructure Sustainability

Without focused work form this group or a lack of funds for improvements, Councilmember Laliberte opined there was a need for the City Council to focus on the CIP as part of the KOI for capital improvement funding should be incorporated in the budget process sooner rather than later.  Councilmember Laliberte noted the pending nature of the asset management software program across the organization and the City Council's desire to see that completed, opining that urgency should be monitored moving forward.

 

Regarding the infrastructure condition KOI, Councilmember Laliberte suggested this should already be part of the City Manager's work and area of focus for each department as they worked around industry standards.

 

General Comments

Regarding the actual document itself, Councilmember Laliberte expressed her concerns about cost, proposed timeframes, and staffing limitations. 

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that the City had done a disservice to the community with this proposed plan as currently drafted, suggesting it proceed cautiously about which portions it ultimately adopted.  Councilmember Laliberte noted the need to knowingly agree among Councilmembers the staff time and resources being expended.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted her initial hope that the Retreat exercises would allow the City Council and staff to come away with broad goals for the Mayor and City Council to address for one year, in addition to the ongoing work of the body.  Since it's now the middle of the one year, with the original proposal for a three year plan, Councilmember Laliberte noted that only two of those years remained, part of which could realistically be under the direction of a new City Council.  Councilmember Laliberte stated her unwillingness to obligate a future City Council to this sitting City Council's priorities.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted that considerable staff time had already been spent on this project, and given their time constraints, the City Council needed to decide if this was how they wanted their staff to spend their time.  Councilmember Laliberte recognized the City Council's commitment to measurable results and delivery of quality services in Roseville, and questioned if this plan allowed the City to make progress on specific issues in a timely manner.

 

Instead, Councilmember Laliberte suggested moving forward in the remainder of 2015 with only two to three short-term, big picture items that the City Council and staff could realistically work toward.  In defining those 2-3 strategic priorities, Councilmember Laliberte suggested making those a standing agenda item for each subsequent City Council meeting or at least on a monthly basis for an update or discussion publically to review continuing progress, allowing all stakeholders access to the same information at the same time.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that this would provide the public with the benefit of and assurance that behind-the-scenes work was being performed (e.g. SE Roseville working group or Twin Lakes community meetings).

 

Additional Strategic Priority or Goal

Councilmember Laliberte suggested the addition of one additional new item for discussion by the body, and as part of the short-term priority list specifically addressing the consistency of direction given by the City Council to its advisory commissions.  As those groups work on their own, Councilmember Laliberte questioned if the City Council touched base with them as often as it should whether through the joint meetings or in other ways.

 

SWOT Analysis

Councilmember Laliberte opined that the SWOT analysis provided good information, much of which didn't rise to the final document, but worth reviewing, and recommended that should be done on an annual basis moving forward.  Councilmember Laliberte suggested a swift review of the SWOT document be performed each January as part of the organizational meeting.

 

Councilmember Comments/Feedback

Councilmember McGehee

In response to Councilmember Laliberte, Councilmember McGehee agreed with her comments regarding civic engagement and effective governance, and emphasized her concurrence that both are cultural and under individual control.  In terms of transparency, Councilmember McGehee suggested the development of policies addressing a known and clear process inviting specific elements of a neighborhood or other or civic participation opportunity.  If those policies are not built into programming, Councilmember McGehee opined it would continue to be inconsistent on only complaint-driven.

 

Regarding move-up housing, Councilmember McGehee opined a good discussion had been held at the Retreat about that, and when she considers the twenty new units and their price point as part of the revised Dale Street Project, she thought that could be removed from the list once they're constructed.

 

Councilmember McGehee agreed that she didn't like the checklist approach either, and while agreeing this had been a good exercise, some things had come out of the Retreat that did not become part of the final report, nor had they been discussed in any meaningful way even though she found the overall discussion to be good. 

 

Councilmember McGehee agreed with the need to shine a light on the asset management program for continue monitoring and subsequent completion.

 

In terms of civic engagement, Councilmember McGehee opined that the City Council and City still had a long way to go, but the checklist would not get anyone there, and required a cultural shift.  Agreeing that outreach was a fine initiative, Councilmember McGehee opined that it needed to be to everyone, not only targeting a specific group, but across the board.

 

Whether or not an employee survey is done, Councilmember McGehee opined that it was important for the City Council to understand staff jobs.  Councilmember Member McGehee suggested that may be accomplished through the City Manager proposing a policy for consistent exit interviews; and how to provide enough steps within each department to satisfy employees as they grow in their career.  Councilmember McGehee stated she would defer to the City Manager on this topic, and if he felt a survey was needed he could provide information going forward to establish a policy.

 

Councilmember McGehee suggested a project template going forward, with minimal tweaking and similar to the Dale Street process, that would go a long way toward civic engagement and organizational effectiveness.  While understanding the need to do so as part of the budget process and allowing Department Heads to know City Council expectations for major focus items, Councilmember McGehee noted there were other policy issues for departments.

 

Councilmember Etten

Councilmember Etten expressed appreciation of many of the ideas expressed in Councilmember Laliberte's "white paper," and suggested taking items and making revisions that would essentially prioritize those priorities.  Councilmember Etten stated that he really liked Councilmember Laliberte's idea of having fewer priorities and monthly updates, even perhaps some quarterly as applicable, but keeping them in front of the City.  Councilmember Etten clarified that the purpose is not meant to direct all city operations and services, but those few areas the City Council wanted to specifically focus on.

 

Councilmember Etten opined that housing and redevelopment was important for Roseville as the market continued to improve and the City to transition.  Councilmember Etten also spoke in support of the need to look at how to task advisory commissions and boards with meaningful activities.  Specific to housing and redevelopment efforts, Councilmember Etten opined that this was largely up to the HRA and City Council working together to flesh out the targets and strategic initiatives currently listed on the right side of the document; with continual adjustment over time as citizens and advisory commissions bring new information forward for the City Council's and HRA's attention.

 

Specific to civic engagement, Councilmember Etten suggested changing the strategic priority to "Community Outreach."  Councilmember Etten noted that the CEC had already been tasked with many of these items, and had asked to be given the opportunity to address them in this important role.  While supporting volunteer opportunities, Councilmember Etten noted the need for more public input about how to get more new people involved.

 

Noting his total support of participation by underrepresented groups in the community, Councilmember Etten noted the need to continually and further address immigrant populations and apartment dwellers as part of that process and as a vital part of the community.  Councilmember Etten opined that those initiatives could be addressed as part of the role of advisory boards and commissions.

 

Regarding infrastructure sustainability, Councilmember Etten opined that it fell into so many departments, and under the adopted CIP.  Councilmember Etten opined that from his perspective, updating the CIP and adopting those updates in 2016 from the original 2012 document was a necessary step and would provide a more accurate document with those updates four years after inception.

 

Councilmember Etten agreed that individuals could work on respectful interaction on their own, but opined that things were in a better spot than in the past.

 

Councilmember Etten suggested moving the community survey into the Organizational Effectiveness priority. 

 

Regarding resolving items as introduced, Councilmember Etten agreed that sometimes items may need deferral to receive additional information or for a recommendation or clarification from a citizen advisory commission, but suggested that simply could involve providing additional information in packet materials for follow-through.

 

Councilmember Etten supported retaining the process transparency KOI as being vitally important.

 

Councilmember Etten recognized his appreciation of Councilmember Laliberte's idea to work with boards and staff assigned to those boards by providing clear direction allowing them to be more productive and positively engaged.  Councilmember Etten opined that this was a good goal to retain, as he had heard comments from a number of advisory commissions that the City Council had not helped as much as they could have.

 

Under a new document title of "City Council Priority Plan " 2015/2016," Councilmember Etten suggested revising the goals to focus on just a few things that would  end before a new City Council is seated and as follows:

1)    Housing and Redevelopment;

2)    Community Outreach/Communication (formerly civic engagement);

3)    Infrastructure Sustainability; and

4)    Effective Governance/Organizational Effectiveness

 

Councilmember Willmus

Councilmember Willmus thanked Councilmember Laliberte for providing her perspective; and offered his agreement with much that she had stated and the input from Councilmember McGehee.  While appreciating the ranking or prioritization suggested by Councilmember Etten, Councilmember Willmus was unable to fully support that, and agreed that "Effective Governance" and "Organizational Effectiveness" could fall off. 

 

In reviewing strategic priorities and tasking citizen advisory commissions, Councilmember Willmus opined that civic engagement specifically could fall within the role of the CEC.  When starting this process, Councilmember Willmus noted his understanding that this would identify several areas of focus for the City Council over the next two years.

 

Regarding infrastructure and housing, Councilmember Willmus noted the need for them to remain, but suggested more focus of the City Council and their citizen advisory commissions in order to attain the direction being sought.

 

One area of disagreement Councilmember Willmus noted as addressed by Councilmember McGehee included targets being static, but from his perspective they should be continually moving.  As an example, when the new housing units come online as part of the Dale Street project, Councilmember Willmus opined the need remained to continue evaluating housing needs.

 

Councilmember McGehee clarified that was not the intent of her comments, and agreed with Councilmember Willmus' perspective that they continued to move; and would constantly be in flux.

 

Mayor Roe

While in agreement with a lot of things already discussed and the common viewpoints expressed, Mayor Roe questioned the need to rank the priorities by number, but to simply recognize them as THE priorities with no one more important than another.  Mayor Roe spoke in support of streamlining and reducing the document.

 

Specific to organizational effectiveness, Mayor Roe agreed this was more internal, even though the goal was to have the City Manager more involved, it may be of lower priority for the City Council and therefore removed as part of this document.

 

Mayor Roe suggested combining organizational effectiveness with civic engagement re-titled as "Community Outreach/Engagement," and then have two other categories and priorities identified as "Housing and Redevelopment," and "Infrastructure Sustainability."

 

Councilmember Laliberte spoke at some length about the five priorities and initiatives, targets and measures. In the end, she recommended that civic engagement, organizational effectiveness, and effective governance be eliminated from the document because that work is already being done by departments and commissions and our City Manager. She recommended that the Housing and Redevelopment priorities and Infrastructure Sustainability priorities remain, but more work be done on the initiatives and targets/measures.

 

Regarding effective governance, if combined with civic engagement, Mayor Roe opined that only the area of process transparency be retained and development of ways to improve it and hold the City Council and staff accountable to ongoing improvement.

 

Mayor Roe agreed with Councilmember Etten's comments regarding updating the CIP.

 

Mayor Roe expressed his agreement in only going through 2016 from the point of view that 2015 is already half over, and if pursuing a similar exercise as this in 2016 it only be done with the purpose to further tweak this document.

 

When talking about strategic planning, and in response to the public and citizen advisory commissions, Mayor Roe opined that the City Council reworded it to reflect the intent as a priority planning exercise, and not an exercise to develop a new Imagine Roseville 2025 community document.  Mayor Roe clarified that such a community visioning process would be the focus in a few years, and the perception of this process became much larger than originally intended.  However, Mayor Roe expressed his appreciation to his colleagues that the original intent was being refocused, which should make the public more comfortable with the outcome.  Mayor Roe reiterated that the purpose of this exercise and subsequent document was not replacing the CEC discussion and larger community vision; and also emphasized that the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning process would need to be revisited in the near future, and would be an entirely separate process than this.

 

Councilmember Laliberte Responses

Councilmember Laliberte stated that, if organizational effectiveness was eliminated from the document, she was fine with that.

 

As for effective governance, if to remain or be disseminated, Councilmember Laliberte suggested it be discussed further at a future City Council Worksession.

 

Regarding renaming community outreach, Councilmember Laliberte opined that some still didn't serve to measure engagement.  If better direction is needed for citizen advisory commission, Councilmember Laliberte suggested the CEC provide recommendation to the City Council but not include it in this document for eventual adoption.

 

Specific to housing and redevelopment priorities, Councilmember Laliberte noted the many entities working on those items, including the Planning Commission, HRA, Community Development Department and CEC.

 

Councilmember Laliberte spoke in support of retaining the priority for infrastructure sustainability. Councilmember McGehee asked that her four overarching focus areas be incorporated into each and every goal as finalized, and including: educational outreach, transparency, formulation of policy, and process.

 

Public Comment

Lisa McCormick, 2950 Wheeler Street North

Ms. McCormick expressed appreciation for the thoughtful contributions provided by Councilmember Laliberte as well as the points brought out by individual council members tonight.

 

Under effective governance, Ms. McCormick expressed her total agreement, noting culture references by several Councilmembers.  As a member of the community, Ms. McCormick expressed her frustration at times to fully understand community and civic engagement, opining that sometimes they appeared to be at odds.

 

Without going into too much detail, Ms. McCormick referenced a personal incident this week causing her to pause and consider the current Ethics Code, and lack of mention in the Mission Statement about a code of professional conduct.  Ms. McCormick opined that this involved not only involved interpersonal interaction between Councilmembers, boards and citizen advisory commissions, but also should include those parties and their interaction with the public.  Ms. McCormick opined that it was important to her to be assured as a citizen if she interacts with a board member or commissioner, she would receive courteous treatment.

 

While appreciating the transparency efforts, and in her personal review of staff reports and staff presentations, Ms. McCormick noted the need to provide a review of financial implications as part of that information, especially impacts to infrastructure and CIP, both important aspects.

 

Ms. McCormick expressed appreciation for tonight's discussion, opining things were moving in the right direction.  However, regarding accountability being addressed at the next election as suggested by Councilmember Laliberte, Ms. McCormick stated she would prefer not to wait until them and as with conduct, people be held accountable as part of being challenged to be better.

 

Kathleen Erickson, 1790 Centennial Drive

Ms. Erickson expressed concern, specific to community engagement efforts, that often it seems like the only time the City was interested in that involvement was when seeking help clearing Buckthorn or building a playground, or serving on a task force or commission.  Ms. Erickson opined that it needed to start in the community and not just be a City Hall culture, but a recognition that each neighborhood had its own culture as well; and encouraged the City Council and staff to make themselves aware of the flavor of each neighborhood.  While not necessarily perfect, Ms. Erickson opined that people lived where they did for a reason, but often when speaking to the City Council at a public meeting such as this, it felt like the City Council and staff were light years away from understanding what the neighborhood valued and what they didn't want to lose. Ms. Erickson asked that community engagement not be thought of as "drive-through government" cruising through their neighborhood, but by expending effort to find out who they were.  As a result of recent neighborhood issues, Ms. Erickson noted she had found out she lives in a great neighborhood, and asked that the City Council and staff also look beyond the obvious perception of community engagement.

 

Mayor Roe thanked the public for their verbal and written comments throughout this discussion process.

 

Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, renaming the document to "City Council Priority Plan - 2015-2016," finishing out this year and tweaking it as needed in 2016; and adopt only two strategic priorities or goals entitled "Housing and Redevelopment," and "Infrastructure Sustainability."

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmembers Laliberte and Willmus confirmed that this would retain key outcome indicators as currently written.

 

Councilmember McGehee offered an amendment to incorporate her four goals as previously mentioned.

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that those would come into the targets and initiatives yet to be rewritten or refined.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted the public comment reference and upcoming training sponsored by the Human Rights Commission for community training addressing ethics and professional conduct.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that as an additional item, at the discretion of the body, following this discussion.

 

Councilmember McGehee reiterated the importance of ethics as an important part of civic engagement when citizens bring things forward and the City Council's current response is only "thank you."

 

As part of this overall process, Councilmember Etten stated his enjoyment of the robust discussion resulting in the community and among Councilmembers, as well as tonight's discussion.  However, Councilmember Etten opined that he was still not ready to let go of the third piece of the document; and therefore offered a friendly amendment to include a strategic priority for "cultural change" and how best to communicate and provide information as a City.

 

Etten moved, Roe seconded,  an amendment to include a third category entitled "Community Outreach/Communication," and including process discussion from the current "Effective Governance" priority for process transparency and other indicators (KOI's) involving participation of other areas from the current "Civic Engagement" category; and those areas that fall into the CEC realm for further refinement. 

 

To clarify the amendment, Mayor Roe reworded it as intended to add a third priority entitled, "Community Outreach/Communication," incorporating the process transparency KOI category from "Effective Governance," and participation by underrepresented populations KOI category as part of "Civic Engagement" at a minimum.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed her interest in working more closely with citizen advisory commissions on guiding principles to  use in working on priorities, not as a checklist but guiding those things not being tasked to advisory commissions.

 

Councilmember McGehee spoke in opposition to the amendment, agreeing with Councilmember Laliberte that the original motion presented a more manageable and cleaner approach, while still allowing inclusion of those other items as addressed by Councilmember Laliberte.  Councilmember McGehee expressed her preference for a clean, comprehensive document.

 

Councilmember Etten stated his rationale for including the amendment was based on the reasons outlined by Councilmember McGehee; opining that it included in the document it allowed for regular updates and tracking versus a checklist.

 

Councilmember Willmus stated his concern was even in providing charges to citizen advisory commissions, as a body the CEC incorporated a good group of people that he would like to allow an opportunity to take this document and see what they returned with versus the City Council now establishing its own KOI and targets.  Councilmember Willmus suggested allowing the CEC to bring it back; and therefore would not support the friendly amendment at this time; concurring with the two items in the original motion as moved by Councilmembers Laliberte and McGehee, and including the four goals stated by Councilmember McGehee and embedded in each goal.

 

Mayor Roe spoke in support of the amendment, stating that the priority of this City Council is to improve communications through the process of transparency, and nothing talked about the targets in the original, thus the added third category included.  As noted by Councilmember Etten, if additional KOI are received from the CEC or others, they can be added in, but this amendment to the motion reflected the February Retreat and subsequent discussions, and needed to be amended to the original motion to adequately address the priorities of this City Council and the City organization.

 

Councilmember Laliberte stated she would not support the amendment for the main reason that this direction had already been given and requests that these things happen outside of this document. 

 

                                                Roll Call (Amendment)

Ayes: Etten and Roe.

Nays: Willmus, McGehee, Laliberte.

Motion fails.

                                                Roll Call (Original Motion)

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

Nays: None.

 

As a follow-up to staff, without objection Mayor Roe directed that the "Rapp" document be identified as reference material only, and not the official document until this new revision was created as a separate document.

 

For clarification, City Manager Trudgeon reviewed that staff would create a similar one-page document listing the two priorities as adopted and KOI as part of that revised and separate document; with the "Rapp" report serving as reference material, and including the SWOT analysis.

 

At the request of City Manager Trudgeon as to whether to include Councilmember McGehee's four goals, Mayor Roe clarified that they were not yet an official action of the City Council at this time.

 

Regarding targets and strategic initiatives to support what has now been adopted by the City Council, Councilmember Laliberte asked that at a future work session, they discuss those further, at which time citizen advisory commission, staff and other feedback could be engaged providing a much broader group than just the City Council.

 

Personally, Mayor Roe opined the City Council needed to decide how to move on from here as a body.

 

Councilmember Laliberte opined those groups be involved a City Council work session.

 

Mayor Roe asked if this only got us back to the same current issue if citizen advisory commissions were part of that discussion, questioning if the City Council needed to figure it out now or have it as part of the next step in the conversation.

 

Next Steps

Councilmember McGehee yielded to Councilmember Laliberte on the work session, taking those two main items and KOI, with each individual coming up with a list of what they would like to see for the direction from input received from citizen advisory commissions and sending that input to the City Manager for dissemination, with the subsequent meeting to determine consensus.  After that, Councilmember McGehee suggested that document be forwarded to commissions for their feedback and responses to the City Council as to how they envision implementing it.

 

Councilmember Willmus agreed with that concept, recognizing the timing of the next HRA meeting and upcoming City Council work session, allowing the benefit of their background discussions at that time.

 

Councilmember Laliberte suggested the work session allow for a review of targets to determine which should be kept or tweaked; and then publicize who should be involved and how involved, with the public and commissioners "as private citizens" all having time to speak.

 

Mayor Roe noted this would serve in identifying targets as well as stakeholders.

 

Councilmember Laliberte clarified this was not to say it would remain static but would start with an initial group and add to it moving forward.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that she didn't see it as limiting if specific targets were identified, with the potential for short-term task forces and specific direction to interested community members.

 

Mayor Roe noted the City Council anticipated staff input as well during their review of the document, and as part of the public and City Council discussions at that July 13, 2015 Worksession.

 

McGehee moved to keep her four goals in mind as guiding principles: educational outreach, process, policy and transparency as part of this activity.

 

Mayor Roe directed staff to include that list on the bottom of the document; and was approved without objection.

 

b.            Authorize Interfund Transfer - Dale Street Development

As detailed in the RCA, Community Development Director Paul Bilotta summarized this request.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Bilotta confirmed if subsequent action didn't occur, this formalized expectations that the money would be repaid.

 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte and as noted in the RCA, Mr. Bilotta confirmed that only the actual amount would be the final interfund loan amount rather than the "up to $750,000."

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11226 (Attachment B) entitled, "Resolution Approving the Terms of up to a $750,000 Interfund Loan in Connection with Tax Increment Financing District No. 10 and Tax Increment Financing District No. 12;" for the purpose of purchasing property from the Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and performance of the actions necessary to meet the City's obligations as identified in the Resolution.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

         

          Councilmember Willmus asked staff to keep the neighborhood informed of steps going forward; with Mr. Bilotta duly noting that request.

 

c.            Community Development Department Request to Perform an Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 959 Brenner Avenue

Permit Coordinator Don Munson reviewed current code violations at this single-family, detached home (owner-occupied), with the current owner of record identified as Bernard Robichaud.  Mr.  Munson provided a status update, including photos, of current violations, including an inoperable and unlicensed vehicle in the driveway (violation of City Code, Section 407.02.O); dilapidated and collapsed shed in the rear yard with junk/debris inside (violation of City Code, Section 407.02.J, 407.03.H, and 906.05.C0; and a broken garage door in the op en position (violation of City Code, Section 407.02.J and 906.05.C).

 

Mr. Munson noted complaints first addressed last October, and given this elderly home owner and related health issues, resolution had not occurred, and subsequent complaints had been received since then, with the owner only able to complete some of the work.  Since it is now three months later, Mr. Munson asked the City Council's approval of the requested abatement, since debris remained in the backyard.  Mr. Munson provided comparison photos and updates as current. Mr. Munson advised that staff had attempted connecting the owner with the Northeast Youth and Family Services agency, but final resolution had not yet occurred.

 

Given the owner's resolution of several violations, including the vehicle, partial removal and disposal of the shed, and repair of the garage door, Mr. Munson revised the staff request to complete removal and disposal of the shed, junk and debris if not completed by the owner in the next two weeks.

 

Mayor Roe welcomed the property owner, Mr. Robichaud, for his response.

 

Bernard Robichaud, 959 Brenner Avenue

Mr. Robichaud reviewed the history of these violations, his ongoing and multiple health issues and hospitalizations and recoveries further delaying resolution, and his perception of what had been effectively cleaned up to-date, opining that three of the four items had been resolved. 

 

Mr. Robichaud referenced previous discussions he'd had with Mr. Munson and his intention to accomplish the work.  Mr. Robichaud reported that he had sold the car, and intended to address remaining issues, but asked that the City Council allow him five weeks to do so.  Mr. Robichaud reported the support of most of his neighbors, with only one person consistently complaining and having done so in the past as well.  Mr. Robichaud expressed his favorable impression with the competency of the City Council and thanked staff for their attempts to assist him and provide resources.  However, Mr. Robichaud stated that beyond health issues, it was financially difficult for him to hire work done, and if doing so for them to meet the timetable suggested by staff, thus his request for five weeks.  Mr. Robichaud opined that he had attempted to act in good faith outside his health issues.

 

Based on the health and financial issues addressed by Mr. Robichaud, Mayor Roe advised that the City Council would take the request for five weeks for resolution under consideration during their deliberations.

 

Public Comment

Lisa McCormick

As a member of the audience with several of her neighbors, Ms. McCormick offered their volunteer services to assist Mr. Robichaud in resolving this issue; in coordination with Mr. Munson.  Ms. McCormick did request the additional time beyond two weeks in order to coordinate and move forward as volunteers to accomplish the tasks.

 

Mayor Roe expressed the City Council and staff's appreciation of this offer.

 

While supporting the request for five weeks, Councilmember McGehee did so with the caveat that she would not like to see Mr. Robichaud attempt to perform the work himself given his precarious health.

 

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, directing the Community Development staff to abate the public nuisance violations (remove shed, junk and debris) at 959 Brenner Avenue, if not completed by the owner within the next five weeks, by hiring a general at an unknown estimated cost; with the property owner to be billed for actual and administrative costs, and if charges not paid, authorizing staff to recover costs as specified in City Code, Section 407.07B.

 

Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of the motion and personally thanked Mr. Robichaud for coming forward and the neighborhood group for volunteering.

                                   

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

d.            Community Development Department Request to Issue a Ramsey County Court Citation for Unresolved Violations of Roseville City Code and Minnesota State Statutes at 397 Brooks Avenue

Permit Coordinator Don Munson reviewed current code violations at this vacant, single-family home located in a residential neighborhood, with the current owner of record identified as Mr. William Acree, 1145 Glendon Street N, Maplewood, MN.  Mr.  Munson provided a status update, including photos, of ongoing and current violations, including outside storage or keeping of household furnishings or inoperable/unusable equipment in the backyard (violation of City Code, Section 407.03.H).  Mr. Munson referenced City Zoning Ordinance 1004.07 (Table of Uses) and Minnesota State Statute 609.71 (1) defining public nuisance as applicable to this property.

 

As part of staff's research on this property, Mr. Munson advised that the property owner homesteads property in the City of Maplewood, and according to the City of Roseville's Finance Department, there has been little water usage previously and none at all in the last six months, indicating the property is vacant and only being used for storage.  Mr. Munson noted complaints had been fielded by staff from multiple neighbors. 

 

While several vehicles had been removed as indicated in updated photos by Mr. Munson, four remained; and the backyard showed an overwhelming amount of outdoor storage.  A 2011 aerial photo provided perspective on the considerable amount of outdoor storage on this property.  Mr. Munson advised that it is staff's opinion that this residential property is not being used for its intended purpose, for it is vacant and used for storage, an unpermitted use in a single-family district, and a violation of Minnesota State Statute 609.74.

 

Mr. Munson advised that staff had been in contact with Mr. Acree informing that an INTERIM USE PERMIT, limiting outside storage was a potential option to resolve these violations.  However, Mr. Munson reported that Mr. Acree did not follow-up or pursue this option; and therefore, staff was seeking authorization from the City Council to issue a Ramsey County Court Citation to the property owner, allowing Mr. Acree due process through the Ramsey County court system for Mr. Acree to respond to the City"s request for action.

 

Mr. Munson advised that, at this point, Mr. Acree disagrees that this is violation; claiming he lives there and uses the items.  Mr. Munson noted the property owner was not present at tonight's meeting.

 

Discussion included clarifying that there is a backyard pool, covered and required to be fenced as per code in 2011.

 

Public Comment

An e-mail dated June 22, 2015 from Janice Johnson, 2433 Cohansey Street, providing written comment was included as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

Pam Grogan, Next Door Neighbor, 385 West Brooks Avenue

Ms. Grogan advised that the photos provided by staff had been taken from their property.  As a twenty-eight year resident at this address, Ms. Grogan addressed the hardship and negative impacts to them and their neighbors in seeing this on a daily basis.  As an example, Mr. Grogan noted her daughter's graduation last year could not be celebrated with a party at their home due to this view; and advised that when they were working in their yard, people biking or walking past often stopped to ask what was going on at the adjacent property.   Ms. Grogan stated the negative impacts were beyond just the adjacent neighbors but the city overall.

 

Dee Kennedy

Ms. Kennedy referenced her attendance before the City Council several meetings ago; and thanked them for working on resolving this issue.  As a bench handout, Ms. Kennedy provided a document from their realtor, in attempting to sell the adjacent property belonging to her ailing sister, and negative impacts to any potential sale of that home, and resulting in reducing the asking price by $30,000.  Ms. Kennedy advised that given her sister's critical health issues, she was serving as her representative in attempting to sell the property.  Ms. Kennedy opined it was obvious no one was living at this subject property; and when she had encountered the property owner in the yard earlier this year and asked him to clean it up "after he had been cited by the City" she reported he had been pleasant but nothing had resulted toward clean-up.

 

Connie Willmes, 396 Brooks Avenue W

Referencing the photos displayed by staff, Ms. Willmes clarified that what appeared to be an overhang on the vacant home was literally a 10' x 10' space filled with stuff.  Ms. Willmes reviewed the previous involvement among neighbors and kids growing up swimming in the pool and playing in the yard.  While residing across the street from this property, Ms. Willmes stated she was here to support the staff-requested action to address this property and improve the livability of their neighborhood, their quality of life and property values.   Ms. Willmes verified that the home was vacant, and the yard was only mowed when reaching a height of 8' to 10' long.

 

Ms. Willmes noted there were many neighbors attending tonight, and also others asking, most as long-term residents of Roseville, that this situation be resolved.  Ms. Willmes also expressed health and safety concerns about the pool, weak fence surrounding it, and resulting pooled water on the cover attracting mosquitoes and rodents; and asked that the City coordinate as needed with the Public Health Department to remove the public hazard issue created by this pool.

 

Ms. Willmes advised that she had also been asked to speak by another neighbor, Ms. Barb Gerte at 436 Brooks, noting her frequent contact with the City about this property and continued deterioration.

 

Bruce Herbst, 413 Brooks Avenue

As residents or 34 years, Mr. Herbst opined that the property has never looked this bad; and likened it to the old television show, "Sanford and Son."  Mr. Herbst also expressed concern with safety and the unreliability of the fence; in addition what appear to be multiple storage cans he suspected contained gasoline.

 

Tom Kolias, 408 Oakcrest

Having lived in his home since 1990, Mr. Kolias agreed that the fence surrounding the pool was very flimsy, and opined that a child could access it easily from the bottom as it was not set in the ground but simply tie-wired together.  Mr. Kolias reported ducks actually swimming on the water on top of the pool cover; and expressed his definite concerns.

 

Mayor Roe thanked the public for their attendance and comments.

 

Etten moved, McGehee seconded, authorized the Community Development staff to issue a Ramsey County Court Citation to the property owner, allowing Mr. Acree due process through the Ramsey County court system.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe regarding the length of the court process allowing the owner due process and to avoid any misperceptions by neighbors, City Attorney Gaughan offered to meet with neighbors in the hallway outside Chambers to review that court process and what they could expect.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed surprise that this had not come before the City Council prior to this.

 

Mr. Munson clarified that it had come before the City Council in 2011, with those violations taken care of until they had now returned and escalated.  Mr. Munson advised that the vehicles are all licensed, and staff was unable to verify that they were inoperable; thus their approach as per the RCA requested action.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

Recess

Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 9:02 p.m., and reconvened at approximately 9:08 p.m.

 

e.            Appoint Member to the Community Engagement Commission

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, appointment of Ebony Adedayo to the Community Engagement Commission for a term ending March 31, 2017.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

15.         Business Items - Presentations/Discussions

Due to time constraints, and without objection, Mayor Roe amended the agenda for the next three items as noted.

 

C.            Old Highway 8 Zoning Discussion

City Manager Patrick Trudgeon reviewed this request by Councilmember Willmus to initiate the process for the City to seek rezoning and comprehensive plan guidance for these parcels from high density residential (HDR) to medium density residential (MDR).

 

Public Comment

Rita Mix, 3207 Old Highway 8, Roseville (not Village of St. Anthony as noted at a previous meeting)

Ms. Mix displayed a map of townhome properties in this neighborhood; and addressed previous development proposals and concerns for these parcels, some located in Roseville and two townhomes located in the Village of St. Anthony.

 

Ms. Mix reviewed the background of the concerns beginning in 1997 when their developer purchased property from Williams Pipeline for development of Roseville Commons under a planned unit development (PUD) and under the City's Planning File documents #2891.  Ms. Mix reviewed various components and phases of that development and ongoing concerns as additional parcels were addressed; development proposals failed; and drainage issues became apparent and have created and exacerbated current concerns with the potential of another development project coming forward; and especially in light of the 2010 zoning change and comprehensive plan amendment changing the zoning to HDR.  Ms. Mix requested City Council consideration of reducing density by amending zoning designation and comprehensive plan guidance.

 

Mayor Roe reviewed the process for this requested action with hearings before the Planning Commission and subsequent return with their recommendations to the City Council for a final decision.  Mayor Roe sought to clarify the process, and outline opportunities for public comment during that process beyond this initial action before the City Council to initiate that process.

 

Willmus moved, McGehee seconded, directing staff to commence process for city to initiate zoning and comp plan changes from HDR to MDR at 3253 and 3261 Old Highway 8.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed her hope that this would start conversations for the City Council to consider other areas of HDR for lower density designation.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

b.       Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Overview

Given time constraints tonight, Community Development Director Paul Bilotta referenced the details in the RCA and attachments, intending this presentation only as a brief overview, with future action and more detail available at future meetings.

 

A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Summary was provided as a bench handout.

 

Mikaela Huot, Financial Consultant, Springsted

Ms. Huot provided brief overview, and at the request of Councilmembers McGehee and Laliberte, agreed to provide her presentation tutorial to staff for including as part of the meeting record and for public understanding of TIF.

 

Ms. Huot's presentation included an understanding of what TIF involved, a TIF model for redevelopment projects; why cities use TIF; common methods used to finance project costs, including general obligation bonds, pay-as-you-go notes, and revenue bonds; and a "but for" needs analysis in considering the use of TIF.  

 

Ms. Huot provided a summary of existing TIF districts in Roseville, with seven still active; three pre-1990 providing the most flexibility, two post-1990 containing considerably more restrictions; one housing district; and one economic development included provisions as part of the temporary jobs bill of 2010.  Ms. Huot referenced the map included as part of the materials provided in the RCA; and briefly reviewed limitations within each district, all of which were part of the City's development districts.  Ms. Huot noted the inclusion of two Hazardous Substance Subdistricts that could be used to address contamination costs.

 

Ms. Huot reviewed existing TIF obligations remaining for each district and project areas for each.  From a financial perspective, Ms. Huot noted a total of $1,557,807 remained, and provided planned decertification dates for each district.

 

Ms. Huot covered future considerations including existing obligations in a majority of the TIF districts; decertification of district #13 in 2015 with a sizable fund balance being returned as excess increment depending on 2014 and 2015 tax collections; and the City's share of $816,214 estimated as part of if and when that excess is redistributed to various taxing jurisdictions.

 

In an overview of TIF redevelopment district #17 (post-1990), Ms. Huot noted more restrictions that applied; but since it was also created in 2005 at the height of a falling economy, the five year rule had been extended to ten years, expiring in 2015.  At that point, Ms. Huot advised that there was some potential for staff being able to meet the ten year rule and requiring additional City Council discussions at a future meeting.

 

Mr. Bilotta advised that staff intended to identify potential and remaining infrastructure projects within that district, with the City Engineer currently reviewing any yet to be completed in the Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area; with the goal for the City to consider issuing bonds for that infrastructure construction as part of the TIF district before the deadline of September 3, 2015, thus allowable for coverage from TIF increments.  Mr. Bilotta noted there were some procedural mechanisms needed and rules to follow to extend the TIF district. 

 

Mr. Bilotta noted the elimination or expiration of broader and more flexible TIF districts of the past, with further legislative limitations more project specific, making TIF district #17 of significant importance at this time, since no similar future projects would be possible given current legislation.

 

Also, in an attempt to address next phases for making use of mitigation funding under the HSS districts, staff was pursuing the hiring of a Brownfield consultant for that phase to mitigate HSS and make sites shovel ready similar to previous efforts  used in the City of New Brighton and Ramsey County at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition site.

 

Discussion included future TIF restrictions; advantages in using TIF district #17 provisions at this time in covering a bond issue and without waiting to depend on future development that may or may not occur; financial implications addressing blight conditions and qualifications once that blight is removed; qualification of each parcel on its own merits; and how best to bond for the benefit of the community to clean up these parcels.

 

Mayor Roe thanked staff and Ms. Huot for their work to-date and the information provided tonight, as well as continuing analysis going forward.

 

c.       Twin Lakes Next Steps: Land Use Definitions and Building Height

Two e-mails providing written comment were included as bench handouts, consisting of one dated June 22 from Kathleen Erickson, 1790 Centennial Drive, and another dated June 21, 2015 from Lisa McCormick, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

In referencing the RCA, Mayor Roe noted it provided a summary by staff of City Council discussions and work completed to-date.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Senior Planner Bryan Lloyd briefly summarized the new subareas designated on the map representing those discussions and the new draft Table of Uses (Exhibit A) specific to community mixed use (CMU) designated zoning districts as reached by consensus of the City Council during their discussions.

 

As detailed in lines 35-58 of the RCA, Mr. Lloyd briefly summarized the next step processes and vetting at the Planning Commission level, and opportunities for public input.

 

Mayor Roe sought comment from individual Councilmembers as to any remaining outstanding issues or areas needing further clarification.

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed surprise with the 100' strip being a height restriction rather than an un-buildable buffer; with Mayor Roe responding and clarifying that the height limit was set at 35' within that 100' strip and dedication could come in the form or land to increase that buffer area and/or become part of the park itself.

 

Councilmember Willmus opined that this map and table clearly and accurately represented City Council discussions held to-date.

 

Councilmember McGehee expressed further concern that the 24-hour operation in subarea CMU-3 was closer to subarea CMU-2 than she had anticipated; expressing her preference to hold that use to the subarea CMU-4.

 

Mayor Roe clarified that,  the action of the City Council had been to include it; however, he noted it still had a ways to go in the  process and would be coming back before the City Council for final action at the end of that process.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Lloyd reviewed the open house process that would occur with this city-initiated revision, similar to that of a private developer; as well as statutory requirements they would follow and required for any rezoning and amendment to the comprehensive plan and subsequent review by other jurisdictions.

 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Mr. Lloyd reviewed the next steps in more detail; proposed comprehensive plan map changes from HDR north of Terrace Drive and consistent with other CMU areas; with rezoning and zoning map changes for each subarea moving forward.  Mr. Lloyd noted those changes would in turn prompt changes to the comprehensive plan map and zoning map, with the intent to combine them into one process and through holding one open house - at a minimum - for further information and public comment.  Mr. Lloyd further noted there would be at least one public hearing before the Planning Commission; and anticipated it would take a minimum of two months for the process and allowing for new notification refinements and open house process as identified by the CEC.

 

In his meeting with the CEC subcommittee last week, Mr. Bilotta reported that the main things applicable in this case would be broader notification involving renters not just homeowners, with applicable databases making that possible; in addition to mailing requirements for other lists and site specific or individual situations.  Mr. Bilotta admitted one remaining concern was that identifying multi-tenant office buildings was still a work-in-progress; but in as much as possible, staff would implement revised notices administratively as much as possible for the CEC subcommittee.

 

As reminded by Councilmember Laliberte, Mr. Bilotta assured the public and Councilmembers that all normal media options would be used, including nextdoor.com and other communication tools with as much as allowed with lead time available; and also meeting the large mandated mailed and published notice for any changes to the comprehensive plan as well.

 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Bilotta reiterated the mandated notification for auxiliary agencies such as MnDOT and the Metropolitan Council as part of those notices.

 

Etten moved, McGehee seconded, directing staff to initiate the processes to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code as discussed in recent City Council meetings and as summarized in the RCA dated June 22, 2015.

 

Councilmember Laliberte asked that any e-mails provided to the City Council as bench handouts be shared with the Planning Commission before they met on this issues; with Mr. Bilotta duly noting that request.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

9.            City Manager Future Agenda Review

 

10.         Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

 

Motion to Extend Meeting Curfew

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, to extend the meeting curfew for completion of the next item and the public summary upon returning to open session.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

At approximately 9:49 p.m., Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, moving into Closed Executive Session for the purpose of discussing potential purchase of portions of property located at 934-950 Woodhill Drive/2659 Victoria Street (Former Owasso School site).

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Closed Executive Session

Mayor Roe convened the City Council in closed Executive Session at approximately 9:50 p.m. for the purpose of discussing potential purchase of portions of property located at 934-950 Woodhill Drive/2659 Victoria Street (Former Owasso School site)..  In addition to Councilmembers, City Manager Trudgeon, City Attorney Gaughan, and Community Development director Bilotta were also present. 

 

At approximately 10:15 p.m., McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, adjourning the closed session and reconvening in open session.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Open Session

Mayor Roe reconvened the City Council in open session and provided a brief summary of the discussion of potential purchase of portions of property located at 934-950 Woodhill Drive/2659 Victoria Street (Former Owasso School site) during the closed session.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, to direct staff to continue negotiation of a purchase agreement for the referenced properties as reviewed during the closed session.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

11.    Adjourn

Willmus moved, Etten seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 10:16 p.m.

 

                                                Roll Call

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

          Nays: None.