City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes
September 21, 2015

1.       Roll Call

Mayor Roe called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.  Voting and Seating Order: McGehee, Willmus, Laliberte and Roe.  City Manager Patrick Trudgeon and City Attorney Mark Gaughan were also present.  Mayor Roe noted that Councilmember Etten had previously indicated he would be unable until tonight's meeting due to a work-related commitment. 

2.       Pledge of Allegiance

3.        Approve Agenda
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, approval of the agenda as presented. 

                                                Roll Call
Ayes: McGehee, Willmus, Laliberte and Roe.
Nays: None.

4.       Public Comment
Mayor Roe called for public comment by members of the audience on any non-agenda items. 

a.            Gary Grefenberg, 91 Mid Oaks Lane, Representing the Southwest Association of Roseville Neighborhoods (SWARN) On behalf of a SW Roseville neighbor, Mr. Grefenberg brought to the City Council's attention
an increase in crime occurring along Roselawn Avenue between Snelling and
Fairview Avenues in an area of the city currently under construction for water
pipe installation. Mr. Grefenberg introduced Ms. Ruth Kunkle, the neighbor having experienced two separate burglaries within a two day period. 

b.            Ruth Kunkle
Ms. Kunkle advised that on a recent Friday evening someone had entered their yard and broken into her husband's electrical contractor work van parked in their driveway, stealing a considerable amount of copper used at his job sites, in addition to other material yet being inventoried. 

While this alerted them to crime in their immediate area, Ms. Kunkle advised that the next morning their next door neighbor reported a deck chair stolen from their deck and found under the Kunkle's garage window where burglars had apparently gained access to the garage and again stole more copper and other items still in the process of being inventoried. 

To-date, Ms. Kunkle reported that at a minimum approximately $2,000 in copper had been stolen from their residence. Due to the value of the copper, Ms. Kunkle stated that they kept that inventory closer to home to avoid having it stolen from their warehouse property located closer to the St. Paul Midway area where other electrical materials were kept for job sites.  While now having installed an alarm at their residence, Ms. Kunkle expressed concern that they had now been targeted as the "copper home," making them feel very unsafe. As a realtor for Edina Realty, Ms. Kunkle noted that she frequently encouraged people to locate in Roseville, telling them it is a safe place to live; yet now she and her family fell violated and question that safety. Ms. Kunkle expressed concern that to-date, there appeared to be no increased police presence apparent in their neighborhood to address the frequency of these burglaries. 

Mr. Grefenberg noted that due to the infrastructure construction, the street had been closed off to the neighborhood, opining this made it more attractive to the criminal mind, supported by a burglary occurring on a Friday and following Saturday night. Mr. Grefenberg stated that this violated the sense of security for residents in this area within their own homes. 

In addition during the interim, Mr. Grefenberg advised that he had personally observed a number of cars driving down the Roselawn pathway. Mr. Grefenberg noted that he had been told that there were only three officers assigned to SW Roseville, and sought either confirmation or denial of that situation as to the actual number of squads patrolling that area of Roseville and how and when they were assigned; and asked for additional patrols or officers to patrol that area.  

Mayor Roe recognized the concerns of the neighborhood, opining their request was not unreasonable, and requested City Manager Trudgeon discuss this with the Police Department to review reports, and let the neighborhood know what is and would be done to assist them.   

As a resident of over twelve years in this neighborhood, Ms. Kunkle noted another ongoing problem in their area was feeling "bullied" when trying to exit their driveways with oncoming traffic coming through at 40-plus miles per hour and trying to intimidate or rudely respond to residents trying to get out of their driveways.  Ms. Kunkle opined that there used to be a police presence obvious closer to Snelling Avenue with radar, but she no longer saw that.  Ms. Kunkle reported that a new family with two small children had recently moved into the neighborhood and expressed her concern for those children and their parents with the lack of traffic control. 

Mayor Roe advised that the traffic issue could also be addressed in the neighborhood through a variety of options in addition to an additional Police patrol presence. 

Councilmember Laliberte asked what the process was when multiple reports were received by the Police Department on home residential burglaries, and asked what the threshold was in issuing alerts through NextDoor.com or other methods used. 

While not sure of the process in this specific instance until consulting with the Police Department, City Manager Trudgeon reported that when a spate of criminal activity was seen, the Department typically used any social and/or general media source available to alert the community. Mr. Trudgeon advised that he would see that the Department followed up directly with Ms. Kunkle and Mr. Grefenberg, after consulting with Chief Mathwig and Police Department Community Relations Coordinator Corey Yunke. 

Ms. Kunkle reported two other families that she was aware of having been burglarized on that same Friday night, one on the west side of Fairview on Tatum and the other on the corner or Ryan and Fairview, both shown on NextDoor.com.  Ms. Kunkle noted that she had made inquiries through NextDoor.com to see if there were other burglaries in the neighborhood or if their home had been targeted due to the electrical contracting advertising on her husband's truck when parked in their driveway. 

While the advertising on the van may have been a factor enticing burglars, Mayor Roe noted that he wasn't advocating that Mr. Kunkle remove his business advertising from his work truck. 

Councilmember McGehee opined that due to the construction activity in the neighborhood, it made it an inviting target for burglars to steal smaller equipment and tools from the area.  Councilmember McGehee further opined that the vehicles she had seen using the pathway appeared to belong to construction workers on the project, and considered that much less of a problem than the burglaries.   

Mayor Roe noted that this situation provided a good example for the broader community to look out for each other, and whether day or night, if they saw any suspicious activity in their neighborhood to not question it but call it into the Police Department to check out, whether or not it was a valid concern or turned out to be nothing.  While having seen postings on NextDoor.com by residents, Mayor Roe clarified that the Police Department purposely did not monitor that site to avoid any appearance of the City tracking the community conversations; and encouraged residents to take the appropriate route in directly contacting the Police Department or City directly. 

Councilmember Laliberte reiterated her interest in knowing what number of incidents triggered a Police Department alert, and if one was not in place, seeking a way to do so. 

In response to Councilmember McGehee's comments regarding vehicular traffic on city pathways, Mr. Grefenberg stated that he had not observed any city or contractor insignia on the vehicles he'd observed; and further noted that if they were workmen they were provided sufficient parking elsewhere. If he as a resident could drive down the street while under construction, Mr. Grefenberg opined that a workman could do so as well. 

Mayor Roe reiterated City Manager Trudgeon's intent, as directed by the City Council, to follow-up directly on the situation with the Police Department and neighborhood. 

c.            Kathleen Erickson, 1790 Centennial Drive, speaking for five other neighbors in attendance and appearing  

Ms. Erickson stated that she brought greetings from six of the seven residents on Centennial Drive, immediately north of Terrace Drive.  Ms. Erickson referenced the year long process with Vogel Mechanical related to their new facility on the north side of Terrace Drive.  Ms. Erickson opined that the role of negotiating conditions asked for by the neighbors to guarantee preservation of their quality of life in consideration of this new business had apparently fallen to the residents.  While not complaining about the business, Ms. Erickson noted that it not only will but had already impacted their lives, thus their request of conditions, which had subsequently been unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission and supported by the City Council, and subsequently been put before the Planning Commission again for their interpretation of those recommendations for staff's implementation. 

Ms. Erickson noted that the process remained ongoing, with a meeting scheduled with the Vogel's, City staff and the neighbors in early July of 2015, and their subsequent notice that the Vogel's would not be meeting with the neighbors, but would instead send their attorney, Mr. Dan Wall.  At that point, Ms. Erickson reported that the neighbors felt they needed their own legal counsel and asked neighbor Lisa McCormick, also an attorney, to represent them. 

Ms. Erickson lauded the efforts and support for the neighborhood from Ms. McCormick, opining that she functioned not only as their attorney for those few months her legal counsel was needed, but also as their neighbor and friend throughout the process, spending many hours pro bono to protect her neighbors and represent their interests to the parties involved, and publicly expressed the appreciation of the neighborhood for the efforts of Lisa as a good hearted person and great neighbor. 

Ms. Erickson advised that when the meeting with the Vogel Mechanical Attorney Wall, occurred with the neighborhood and their legal counsel, a proposal was provided to the neighbors, but nothing else was heard until August 27, 2015 when the neighborhood received a list of items needing addressed by the neighbors before construction of the fence could be accomplished by Vogel.  In that same letter from Attorney Wall, Ms. Erickson advised that the letter stated the Vogel's were anxious to get started on the fence installation.  Ms. Erickson noted that while most of the neighbors were able-bodies, they were aware removing the obstacles to prepare for the Vogel's to install the fence would create a hardship for some, they had determined for those able to do so to take it upon themselves to address the items on the list over Labor Day weekend which they had been done, with removal of all impediments to the fence from the neighbor's side having been removed and the last items hauled to the compost site by that following Wednesday afternoon.  Since that time, Ms. Erickson reported that Community Development Director Paul Bilotta had walked the area, and indicated everything had been satisfactorily cleared and nothing should prevent the fence's installation, with Councilmember Willmus also inspecting the area. 

Ms. Erickson reported that one large tree remained that may create a problem with a large limb extending into the Vogel yard and resting on their fence, which the neighbors could not physically or financially address, but were aware of and understood that the Vogel's had a right to address given its location; and suggested Vogel's should bear the cost of removal if they chose to address it.  Ms. Erickson opined that it probably was the oldest mature tree in the neighborhood, and felt it could be accommodated by framing the fence around that one spot, which the neighbors in the single-family home immediately adjacent were agreeable with. 

Since the neighborhood felt their need for legal counsel no longer existed, Ms. Erickson stated that the neighbors felt they had shown good faith to make it viable for the Vogel's to perform their fence installation, a conditioned placed upon their Interim Use permit by the City Council; and opined it should no longer be up to the neighbors to negotiate or enter into further legal action as they were under no conditions other than those applied by Attorney Wall, and since they were not longer represented by Ms. McCormick from a legal counsel basis.   

Ms. Erickson noted that the neighbors lived there 24/7 and were all neighbors and friends.  While the neighbors wished no ill to Vogel Mechanical, Ms. Erickson stated that they wanted to simply get this issue behind them.  Ms. Erickson recognized that the Vogel's wanted to move quickly and reported that they had already planted six trees along their side of the fence, and applauded their work in meeting conditions to-date.  Ms. Erickson reiterated that the neighbors felt they had fulfilled any responsibility on their part even though they had been required to give up a lot of cover benefiting their own yards, she noted their willingness to do so. 

With an unidentified female speaker at the table stated "now it's back in your ballpark," Mayor Roe clarified that the issue was back in the Vogel Mechanical ballpark. 

In conclusion, Ms. Erickson asked the City Council to advocate on behalf of the neighborhood in seeing that the Vogel's now met the terms of their conditions. 

Another unidentified female speaker at the table stated that the neighborhood wanted a seven-day notice ahead of the fence installation. 

Ms. Erickson advised that the neighbors had all signed a five foot waiver for access for fence installation on their side of the fence; but clarified that they had not signed any waivers should any damage be done during that installation. Ms. Erickson reiterated that the neighbors felt they'd been above-board and open with the City Council and Vogel Mechanical. 

Mayor Roe clarified that the neighbors were seeking a seven day notice from Vogel to the neighbors for the intended date for installation of the fence, to which Ms. Erickson responded affirmatively. 

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon noted that Vogel Mechanical would need to pull a permit for installation of the fence. 

Community Development Director Paul Bilotta

Mr. Bilotta advised that the documents had come late last week, as well as Vogel Mechanical dropping off a revised landscaping plan.  Mr. Bilotta advised that while the Vogel's had planted some trees on their property on Saturday, the landscaping plan remained with the City Planner for review and potential minor changes prior to approval and issuance of the fence installation permit allowing the Vogel's to proceed.  While the fence permit had been submitted last week, Mr. Bilotta noted it had been held up until a revised landscape plan and some minor technical issues could be addressed, but from his understanding of Ms. Erickson's report tonight, it sounded like those final issues had been addressed and staff would work on final review and issuance of the fence permit yet this week. 

Councilmember Willmus thanked Ms. Erickson and the neighbors for their report, and apologized that he needed to leave the meeting at this time; encouraging the neighbors to personally contact him at 651/633-4601, via e-mail through the City's website, or through Ms. McCormick if necessary. 

Ms. Erickson thanked Councilmember Willmus for hearing the neighbors and being aware of their struggles.

Councilmember Willmus left the meeting at approximately 6:32 p.m. for a prior personal commitment. 

Councilmember McGehee thanked the neighbors for their involvement and perseverance, and apologized that the process been so drawn out, but opined it should move forward quickly now and result in a fine project with hopefully good neighbor relationships of all parties. 

Ms. Erickson stated "people's lives matter," and citing several personal examples of neighbors of her neighbors, reiterated that they were not attempting to not be understanding, but living there 24/7, wanted to protect their quality of life; and thanked the City Council for hearing and their commitment to them.

5.       Council Communications, Reports, and Announcements

Mayor Roe announced several upcoming events, including Roseville University Fire Department classes; Housing & Redevelopment Authority community workshops scheduled at the Roseville Library; and a Playground Build at the Central Park Victoria Street Playground.

6.       Recognitions, Donations and Communications

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 September 14, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of September 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended. 

Corrections:

·         Page 1, Line 38 (Laliberte)

Correct to read: "KMSP" to KSTP

·         Page 6, Lines 30-31 (Laliberte)

Correct to read: "but had simply facilitated putting together a resource for residents [use to] if they were interested in pursuing [neighborhood] organized trash collection [on their own] [in their own neighborhoods].

·         Page 9, Lines 20-24 (McGehee)     

Correct to read: "Councilmember McGehee reiterated the usefulness of the refrigerator packet information available through the Fire Department and in partnership with the Police Department [for systems for locating] [to address problems] those with memory loss issues and dementia[.] [from wandering, allowing] [Such a system can help locate those who may wander, giving] caregivers more of a sense of security in their community."

·         Page 12, Line 39 (Laliberte)

Typographical correction: "an" replaced by "and"

·         Page 13, Line 20 (Laliberte)

Correct to read: "screening to [identify] [factor out] some of those health issues."

·         Page 21, Lines 2 - 4 (McGehee)     

Correct to read: "City Council in its PA [while also support] [and would keep] taxing, levy and bonding authority under elected officials, while still allowing funding for other commission[s] program needs."

·         Page 23, Line 26 (Roe)  

Inadvertent autocorrect for "Cigna" should remain as originally presented as "resignations"

·         Page 24, Line 10 (Laliberte/Roe)

Should remain as "that" rather than corrected to "than"

·         Page 24, Lines 22 - 25 (McGehee)

Correct to read: "Councilmember McGehee stated that this action simply provided the City Council the authority to [use to] improve the City of Roseville's economic environment within the metropolitan community [by allowing the City] [if allowed] to move more quickly with one decision-making body."

·         Page 27, Line 2 (Laliberte)

Correct to read: "since some of the positions would be funded in [other] ways"

·         Page 28, Lines 14-15 (Roe)

Inadvertent autocorrect for "Cigna" should remain as originally presented as "designated"

·         Page 29, Lines 39-40 (McGehee)

Strike: "asked to participate and having done so' 

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

8.            Approve Consent Agenda

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Patrick Trudgeon briefly reviewed those items being considered under the Consent Agenda; and as detailed in specific Requests for Council Action (RCA) and related attachments, dated September 21, 2015.

a.            Approve Payments

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

ACH Payments	$1,042,542/06
78922 - 78970	654,993.57
TOTAL	$1,697,535.63

                                     Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.                         

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

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, City Manager Trudgeon clarified that the budgeted amount was for general purchases of supplies as a line item, and included more than just road salt. 

McGehee moved, Laliberte 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 August 31, 2015.                       

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None. 

9.            Consider Items Removed from Consent

10.         General Ordinances for Adoption 

11.         Presentations

 

a.          Fire Department medical Direction & Education Provider Discussion

Fire Chief Tim O'Neill, Battalion Chief of EMS Greg Peterson and Battalion Chief of Operations David Brosnahan were present for this presentation.  Chief O'Neill also introduced Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services representatives Dave Walz in charge of medical education for Regions Hospital, and Dr. Peterson, who would serve as Medical Director for Regions Hospital under this proposed contract.

Chief O'Neill provided a brief history of medical services to-date and the City's partnership with Allina Health Emergency Services to provide medical direction, education, as well as serving as the local PSA licensed to transport patients.  Chief O'Neill reported that the City now averaged 3,500 medical calls annually within the community, with an average response time of 3 minutes anywhere within the City for arrival of first-line EMS staff, followed by Allina for transport as necessary, allowing the City's EMS staff to get back into service.  Chief O'Neill noted that those EMS services were provided by firefighters having a variety of different skill sets for that field response through educational efforts of the Department through Allina at this time.   

Chief O'Neill noted that importance of keeping the education of those first responders and their medical skills top notch, ensuring the safety of the community, and especially given the community's aging population.  Therefore, over the last few years, Chief O'Neill reported that experiences with that medical direction and education had tasked the Department to compare the Allina product with other potential providers; and based on ongoing conversations with Regions, presented this request for the City Council's consideration of entering into a three year contract with Regions for those education and medical services. 

Battalion Chief of EMS Greg Peterson

Chief Peterson reviewed the purpose of medical direction education providing oversight of what first responders did in the field and how they did it to ensure a quality product for customers.  Chief Peterson advised that Dr. Peterson would work with responders directly, with a total of three doctors available in total, providing an advantage in using Regions EMS, with Dr. Peterson primarily responsible for guiding City responders, and deciding at their end what and how responses were completed, and essentially being responsible for the action in the field based on best practices within the industry and medical field for that work.  As part of that role, Chief Peterson noted that Dr. Peterson and his staff would educate responders and firefighters would in turn be educated by those first responders. 

Chief O'Neill noted that one area of excitement was not only would this address what was currently done in the field, but also allow for expanding that level of service moving forward.  In initial conversations with Regions, Chief O'Neill advised that they could provide the City with different skills and medicines that they didn't currently use but would prove beneficial for clients.  Chief O'Neill advised that Regions formulated their education around firefighters; and noted that among others, the St. Paul Fire Department used Region's medical direction and education services, with Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department just switching over to their services in October of 2015. 

At the request of Chief O'Neill, Mr. Walz advised that Regions provided services to twenty-two other fire departments and agencies at this time; some including the Cities of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Mahtomedi, and White Bear Lake. 

Dr. Peterson

Given the amount of fire department training done by Regions, Dr. Peterson reported that most of the EMS services are now provided by firefighters in the field, and therefore Regions was well aware of how they functioned and how they functioned the best in the field. Dr. Peterson advised that St. Paul Fire Department was one of Regions' biggest clients, with the majority of their resources based in Ramsey County and in the East Metropolitan area. 

Chief O'Neill expressed the excitement of the City of Roseville Fire Department about the potential with Regions based on discussions to-date, opining that the consensus was that Regions could provide a more hands-on approach for field work.  Chief O'Neill noted that it wasn't beyond Dr. Peterson to show up at incidents in the street, especially when they involved a major fire or accident, which he was known to do now for other departments as needed.  Chief O'Neill advised that the Department began pursuing this enhanced service looking for something new; and further advised that Allina was very aware of this research and it would be no surprise to them that the City's Fire Department was considering this change in direction.  If approved by the City Council, Chief O'Neill advised that over the next few months, the intent would be to initiate that transition from Allina to Regions for implementation by January 1, 2016, and by contract come under Regions' procedures to develop firefighter skills under their protocols. 

Chief O'Neill endorsed this move to enhance service levels long-term; and from a cost perspective, advised that it would be similar to the current contract so no financial repercussions should be realized with this change, nor should the service level on the street change. Chief O'Neill advised that the Department would continue operating with an exchange program with Allina for medical equipment and replacement similar to that used today; with the only change being that Allina would no longer provide their education or medical direction, with the Department operating under Dr. Peterson's medical license after January 1, 2016. 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Dr. Peterson provided an explanation of the term "variance" related to the scope of medical practice levels. 

Dr. Peterson advised that, under Minnesota State Statute 144 governing EMS and medical care outside the hospital environment, the scope of practice levels were defined for basic life support levels of care allowed for EMT and First Responders based on their level of training as a paramedic and the scope of services they were allowed to provide in the field short of invasive treatment. Dr. Peterson advised that there were six variances or endorsements allowed by the State that Regions could authorize and that with additional training could enhance those services in the field and outside the hospital environment. 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Chief O'Neill confirmed that Allina would continue to serve as PSA for transport services, as they were the only service currently authorized to do so in accordance with state legislative action.  Chief O'Neill noted that the Department continued to be interested in pursuing a change in that PSA role sometime in the future as appropriate.  Chief O'Neill noted this would be a long-term goal, as the Roseville Department had only been providing EMS services for eight years, and needed additional medical education and more consistency in staffing before tackling a PSA role, which hopefully had been put in place with recent actions to transition from a part-time to full-time department. 

Councilmember Laliberte reiterated individual and corporate City Council support for the Department in advocating for them with the legislative delegation if and when that time arrives. 

With no public comment related to this issue, Mayor Roe thanked those presenting and recognized that this item would come back before the City Council before yearend to consider the three-year contract with Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services. 

12.         Public Hearings

a.          Public Hearing to Consider the Transfer of an Off-Sale Liquor License to Just Because Liquors, LLC (MGM Wine & Spirits)

Finance Director Chris Miller briefly summarized this request for transfer of this liquor license to a new ownership group, with operations remaining under the MGM name.  Mr. Miller advised that background investigations had been completed for the new ownership group, and staff recommended approval of this transfer for the remainder of 2015, at which time it would come before the City Council with other license renewals for 2016. 

Stacey & Kurt Kuhlman, Owners

Ms. Kuhlman advised that this was their first business purchase as a husband and wife; and expressed their excitement for this opportunity, seeking approval by the City Council. 

As with any new ownership group, Mayor Roe asked if they were aware of and had taken advantage of server and management training before pursuing this venture. 

Ms. Kuhlman responded that they were absolutely aware of it and were participating. 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Ms. Kuhlman clarified their ownership status as a franchise agreement with MGM Wine & Spirits. 

Mayor Roe opened and closed the public hearing at approximately 7:06 p.m., with no one appearing for or against. 

13.         Budget Items

14.         Business Items (Action Items) 

a.          Approve/Deny Transfer of an Off-Sale Liquor License to Just Because Liquors, LLC (MGM Wine & Spirits)

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the transfer of the Off-Sale Liquor License from MGM Wine & Spirits, Inc. to Just Because Liquors, LLC, located at 1149 Larpenteur Avenue N, effective upon the close of the sale on or about September 23, 2015. 

                                    Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None. 

Mayor Roe wished Mr. and Mrs. Kuhlman good luck with their venture. 

15.         Business Items - Presentations/Discussions

a.              Discussion of 2015-2017 Policy Priority Planning Document

Mayor Roe provided a brief background and alluded to his conversations with City Manager Trudgeon earlier this month, directing inclusion of this Policy Priority Planning (PPP) document on tonight's agenda.  However, Mayor Roe advised that at that time, neither had been aware of the intended absences of Councilmembers Etten and Willmus; in addition to considering putting it off until finalizing discussions about the future of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) or transitioning into an Economic Development Authority (EDA) or expanding the City's use of its Port Authority (PA) powers.  For the time being, Mayor Roe advised that the item had been left on tonight's agenda for a minimum of a procedural discussion. 

Councilmember Laliberte noted that this had morphed into something so completely different than her original suggestion seeking to get something documented that everyone was in agreement with and were all working toward.  Councilmember Laliberte recognized that City Manager Trudgeon and his performance review team were counting on the final document to develop goals, and offered her personal apologies to City Manager Trudgeon for not providing that, opining it was a complete disservice and injustice to him in establishing his annual goals beyond those carrying over from past years. 

Even though they're not present tonight, Councilmember Laliberte recognized the good input received to-date from Councilmembers Etten and Willmus, especially involving the housing and redevelopment areas resulting from much of their input. 

Key Outcome Indicator (KOI) SE Roseville

Councilmember Laliberte stated that one area that completely escaped her broader knowledge was the status of the SE Roseville category.  Councilmember Laliberte stated that she knew meetings were being held at various levels with residents and other jurisdictions, including Ramsey County, but she expressed frustration in not receiving regular periodic updates on that progress, making it difficult for her to task the HRA or an EDA with goals or aspirations moving forward.  While recognizing that she had recommended receipt of an update at every meeting, Councilmember Laliberte suggested getting an update even before finalizing or revising this PPP document.  

KOI Infrastructure Condition

Councilmember Laliberte opined that going into 2016, the City Council may be taking a harder look at this KOI given the work of the Finance Commission; and while having no specifics at this time, opined that the right things were being addressed.

Given the lateness of the year, Councilmember Laliberte suggested a future worksession of the whole City Council begin those conversations moving into 2016.

Mayor Roe asked if it was Councilmember Laliberte's intent in the organization of outcomes and strategic initiatives, that a need remained to determine and identify who the entities, staff members or commissions were to be involved and identifying them as part of this process as objectives or tasks were defined. 

Councilmember Laliberte stated that could be part of it; and given quarterly meetings held with advisory commissions, if there was something the City Council wanted to task them with, it could be put forward to them at that time.  However, without a real solid plan from the City Council, Councilmember Laliberte opined that it made it a struggle for commissions to plug into as well or to determine what was desired of them. 

Mayor Roe asked Councilmember Laliberte what the plan looked like from her estimate. 

Councilmember Laliberte noted that almost a year ago, the intent was to decide on three priorities to work on, things individual Councilmembers had in common; and then define what could be done, which things were out of the City Council's control, and what might need more staff assistance. 

Mayor Roe sought to further refine Councilmember Laliberte's intent as whether her plan involved who works on what, what gets done by whom, or what the City Council wished to accomplish. 

Councilmember Laliberte responded, "all of the above," defining what the City Council as a whole was going to do, and how to plug into the plan (e.g. City Council, staff and community roles) including who's doing what and who's reporting when.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that from her perspective, the reporting aspect was the missing piece.  As an example, while the Twin Lakes issue may be process-oriented, there remained bigger conversations beyond zoning or the Parkway, including a Brownfield consultant that needed to be brought into that conversation as well. 

Mayor Roe concluded that Councilmember Laliberte appeared to be seeking a "work plan" type of document. 

Councilmember Laliberte agreed, but clarified she didn't mean it simply as a staff or commission role, but overlapping, and making sure who within the community also wanted to be plugged in and where; that it wasn't just about the City Council. 

While agreeing with Councilmember Laliberte's thoughts, Councilmember McGehee opined that as far a work plan and who does what, she didn't see it as the City Council's job, but that of staff to bring the City Council a work plan from their point of view (e.g. SE Roseville where a working group is already in place).  Councilmember McGehee noted that if and when the City Council received a request to create an official working group or task force, it could do so with staff assigned from the appropriate city department(s) and coming forward as a proposal for creation of a working group or task force with specific meeting times and reporting to the City Council on a particular schedule, either monthly or periodically as specified or requested. 

While Councilmember Laliberte agreed that it may be necessary to do so, short of that more was needed.  As an example, Councilmember Laliberte noted that SE Roseville was shown as a priority for the City Council, but when the HRA established their strategic plan, SE Roseville wasn't mentioned as a priority.  Councilmember Laliberte recognized that other commissions had priorities they felt strongly about, but the City Council priorities needed to be plugged in as well. 

Mayor Roe opined that it may depend on how those priorities are approached as to whether they were staff-initiated or not.  Using the SE Roseville example, Mayor Roe stated that it was key to hear from the stakeholders in that area what their desired outcome was, and it was not up to the City Council to say.  Mayor Roe opined that the trouble with the HRA attempting to tackle that issue was that it hadn't evolved to that point yet to define the "what" yet, with conversations only happening to-date with an ad hoc staff and community group, without a form or mission at this time and therefore premature for the HRA to tackle it. 

City Manager Trudgeon clarified that the SE Roseville discussion was much broader than what is currently happening and much more advanced from the broader perspective.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that the only reason the SE Roseville issue had even come forward was due to a specific landlord/tenant issue in one multi-family apartment building that had been brought to the City's attention, and resulting in that most immediate problem having been solved in the most part.  However, Mr. Trudgeon noted that conversations were ongoing to address how best to support that specific constituency, but to-date those conversations had been limited to that issue alone.   

Mr. Trudgeon noted that the broader SE Roseville discussion transcended and envisioned a much larger process and was not specifically geographic in nature; and advised that staff had yet to begin formal discussions with Ramsey County beyond a staff level, and would not do so until receiving direction from the City Council to do so beyond continuing to work with landlords and tenants in those apartments on an ad hoc basis to address their issues.   

Once the City Council established their priorities, Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff could then draft a plan of ideas for the City Council to consider and subsequently kick off some processes.  However, Mr. Trudgeon reiterated that until the City Council provided that resolution or formally approved the KOI's it had established, and further discussion was held and approved on targets and strategic initiatives, in addition to who's responsible for what and their intended expectations, staff would not be rolling up its sleeves for 2016 without that direction.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that with that resolution, staff would develop a work plan for 2016, provide updates and set parameters. 

City Manager Trudgeon reiterated that the SE Roseville KOI in the strategic plan was intended to be broader and was totally different than the limited work being done by staff in addressing one area of concern of a group of Roseville residents. 

Councilmember Laliberte stated that this was totally news to her; and opined she was under the impression that things had gone way beyond how City Manager Trudgeon had summarized conversations to-date. 

Mayor Roe confirmed that only informal discussions had been held to-date with nothing formal having been initiated. 

City Manager Trudgeon clarified that while everyone may be aware that discussions are occurring, they were on hold at this time awaiting City Council direction beyond the specific apartment issues. 

Councilmember McGehee suggested having staff bring forward to the City Council their recommendations of which groups and/or departments to involve in the SE Roseville broader picture, possible goals, or initiatives needing City Council approval.  Councilmember McGehee opined that those initiatives and goals were not going to arise spontaneously.  She was very supportive of the great job done by staff in resolving the apartment issues, and sought to take advantage of the good working group already in place from that specific issue.  Councilmember McGehee noted remaining issues including pathways, the former ICO gas station site, trash build up along the path behind Dairy Queen and the pawn shop, etc.  She acknowledged work of the Roseville Police Foundation and pieces addressed by staff, but now saw the effort as needing the City Manager's executive staff to come forward to the City Council with a broader picture-not the details-for approval pushing this program forward. 

Mayor Roe clarified that the former ICO gas station parcel had been recently purchased by a private party. 

Mayor Roe stated that given the different approaches brought forward tonight by individual councilmembers, were a good indication of the need for the full City Council to be involved in the discussion.  Mayor Roe opined that he wasn't sure he was in complete agreement that staff be directed to return with a recommended work plan, suggesting that staff may be overwhelmed with that directive for SE Roseville in particular.  Mayor Roe opined that such an approach moving forward was better tasked to come forward from residents and businesses in SE Roseville.  However, Mayor Roe agreed that a process needed to be defined that may involve the City Council's advisory Community Engagement Commission (CEC) to determine the stakeholders and process, which again would require the full City Council to weigh in on that broader discussion. 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that this had far-reaching possibilities, including housing, schools, crime, safety, neighboring cities, businesses, and others; and suggested treating it similar to other broad planning processes by reaching out as a starting point to invite all with a vested interest in helping define the priority. 

Mayor Roe reiterated the need for the City Council as a whole participate in that conversation. 

City Manager Trudgeon expressed his agreement with the comments on the need to involve a larger group and determining priorities.  However, first things first, Mr. Trudgeon recommended that the City Council create and finalize their general priorities, at which time conversations could proceed on how the process is going to work.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that could include additional fact finding and due diligence before a final plan took shape, but focusing on larger topics to adopt as priorities indicating where the City Council intended to put its resources.  Mr. Trudgeon opined that this would establish priorities rather than pursuing the "flavor of the day" or following the hot topics of the day establishing a strategic plan that took precedence over periodic fads.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that this would serve to send a clear picture to staff and the community of what the City Council found important, and meet the expectations of the City Council and community.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that the details would follow moving forward, and allowing public discussions to occur before implementing it, but with this initial priority focus on the bigger picture. 

Public Comment

Sherri Sanders, 363 S McCarron's Blvd.

Mayor Roe noted the button displayed by Ms. Sanders, and invited her to share about it.   

Ms. Sanders stated that she had been privileged and honored with having the opportunity to attend the recent civility and government training session; and advised that she couldn't say enough good about it resulting in her becoming a member of that group based on her desire to help all Roseville citizens toward more civility, happiness and peace. 

Specific to this discussion, and in her role on the CEC, Ms. Sanders thanked Councilmembers and Mr. Trudgeon for their comments tonight, and expressed her interests in sharing some of her thoughts on potential priorities.  Ms. Sanders offered her service to assist in organizing community-wide meetings to hear from citizens; and thanked the City Council for being open to that opportunity, opining that she would love to help facilitate that happening.  In her work with the CEC, Ms. Sanders advised that an advocacy group had been established with the Karen community and the CEC continued to work with established members of that group to introduce information about their culture to the broader community and establish a dialogue between those established and newer residents, with suggestions for a community celebration beyond just seeing each other on the street. 

Ms. Sanders also noted that the work group mentioned by City Manager Trudgeon continued to work with the Karen community in SE Roseville, currently planning community gardens for next spring, after having resolved many of the issues, but continuing to work with Mr. Yunke's work group (e.g. soccer camp recently held at Tamarack Park) and additional efforts for that park after soccer nets were removed due to outside groups using the park and causing neighborhood concerns.  Ms. Sanders encouraged the City Council to work with the Parks & Recreation Commission over the winter months to facilitate revamping the park next spring.  Ms. Sanders advised that she would be attending future meetings regarding the Rice Street corridor and intersection at Larpenteur Avenue as the three jurisdictions continue to work together.  While it will take a lot of planning effort, Ms. Sanders expressed her confidence that the situation could be resolved, and offered her willingness to stay involved for the long haul. 

Ms. Sanders reminded the City Council that she was available and was more than willing to continue representing and participating with this community of approximately 1,000 households in the neighborhood from Rice to Dale Street and Larpenteur Avenue to Highway 36; and asked that they keep her in the loop as well. 

At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Ms. Sanders spoke to the need to engage children in that neighborhood, as well as others in Roseville, with opportunities for safe recreation at parks.  Ms. Sanders noted the work being done by Mr. Yunke with open gym opportunities and coordination with school district and fire officials to facilitate that, especially in overseeing transportation, since lack of transportation was a big issue for the majority of these residents, and getting youth from their residence to schools.  Ms. Sanders noted that the Fire Department had offered to help with this problem and seek financial aid options to provide that transportation. 

Ms. Sanders noted that Tamarack Park was unique, like other neighborhood parks (e.g. Oasis Park) backing up to residences, and many times there were more issues to address for those parks and adjacent residents in the vicinity.  Of the 32 houses in the neighborhood adjacent to Tamarack Park, Ms. Sanders advised that twelve of those households had met with Parks & Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke to share their concerns with vehicles racing up and down the area.  While Police Chief Mathwig advised the Police Department had received no reports of these incidents and therefore he was not aware of the problem, Mr. Brokke put everything at the park on hold until he spoke with those residents again.  Ms. Sanders noted that, even though they may not be representative of the entire neighborhood, they needed to be heard.  Ms. Sanders stated she was committed to continue working with Mr. Yunke to find a solution and meet this need. 

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon assured him that the City's Police and Parks Departments were both aware of the situation now and were working cooperatively. 

Mayor Roe stated that this is exactly the type of issues the City Council needs to understand and be aware of even though the solutions may not necessarily come from the City, they could still facilitate resolution.  Mayor Roe stated it was great that the neighborhood association was playing a significant role, opining that is what should be happening, even though active participants may vary given the transitory nature of multi-family housing.  Mayor Roe stated that it was a role of the City to promote business and address crime issues in those neighborhoods, but noted the need for the City to hear the issues and define its role along with those other efforts. 

Ms. Sanders reported on recent meetings of the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) and reaching out through NextDoor.com to connect those residents with that electronic capability, noting that the first Karen neighbor had been registered with that opportunity, an exciting step. 

Mayor Roe noted the potential availability of gymnasium space at the local National Guard Armory, while not being sure of the viability of that option, but noting that transportation would be less of a problem to that site. 

Councilmember Laliberte agreed that the community gardens were a huge step forward, and recognized the discussions Community Development Director Paul Bilotta had recently held with Ramsey County to get them involved since some of the proposed land was under their jurisdiction. 

City Manager Trudgeon clarified that those discussions were specific to one empty lot and additional land by Kent Street had only been discussed internally by City staff, and would be further down the road in planning and not as convenient, thus discussions by the group first about the empty lot available in their neighborhood. 

Mayor Roe noted the need for this discussion to refocus on the broader picture versus the details in order to develop a bigger picture plan and long-term objectives, after which the details can be sorted out.  Mayor Roe expressed his appreciation for what was currently being done, and expressed his appreciation for that work. 

Specific to that refocusing, Councilmember Laliberte noted there were six KOI's representing broad topics, and only eight City Council meetings remained in 2015; suggesting that time be set aside for one topic per meeting  to discuss each topic before yearend, while still allowing for collecting thoughts from businesses, residents and other stakeholders in the process. 

Mayor Roe clarified that those broader community discussions couldn't happen until the City Council put something in motion to confirm their corporate focus, after which neighborhood meetings and/or community input could take place.  Mayor Roe opined that confirming that focus and basic questions needing answered would be the next step for the City Council to understand the initial and subsequent steps to be taken.  Mayor Roe further opined that, until that happened, he didn't want to get too far down the road and spend all or a portion of a meeting on only one broad topic (e.g. SE Roseville); but to simply develop those six KOI's and what they meant in broad terms, including receiving additional input into the process after that and on which to focus before moving on. 

Councilmember Laliberte opined that she wasn't sure those 6 KOI's were still in flux, but questioned if the targets wouldn't be more informed after receiving additional input. 

Mayor Roe opined that he wasn't confident the column titles were accurate (e.g. Twin Lakes as a KOI) since some of those things described were more of a desired outcome; with the target being identified as what the City Council wanted to target for an outcome.  However, to have that broad discussion and refine terminology of the PPP, Mayor Roe opined would require the full City Council. 

Councilmember McGehee agreed that the subheadings needed to be moved further to the right, and subheadings fleshed out more in line with the two major strategic priorities as identified.  Then when the targets were identified, Councilmember McGehee opined that those needed further refinement as well.  Councilmember McGehee further opined that there appeared to be no question that the two strategic priorities and six KOI's were agreed upon by all Councilmembers. However, Councilmember McGehee suggested that then moving further right on the document, those columns for "targets" and "strategic initiatives" needed more refinement and required more general discussion of options (e.g. task forces, working groups, commissions, EDA/HRA/PA, additional boards not officially established to-date) and different ways to handle the various aspects of engagement and planning.  Councilmember McGehee stated that she would like to grasp some understanding of how to get to those options. 

Mayor Roe agreed that Councilmember McGehee's comments made sense, but reiterated the need to have the full City Council available for that discussion for the higher level and process as key portions moving forward and associated steps and potential outcomes for each to reach the big picture outcome, which he found to be a missing part of the document at this time. 

Using the SE Roseville KOI as an example, Councilmember McGehee addressed the need to incorporate that from various standpoints, including economically, socially, and from a safety and healthy community basis to reach the desired outcome. 

Mayor Roe concurred with Councilmember McGehee's statement, opining it was very well stated. 

Moving further into that SE Roseville category, Councilmember McGehee stated that underneath that broader category came the details of community gardens, Tamarack Park, open gyms, etc. and for each of those categories, a specific community group or entity could step in to fill their applicable piece of the broader picture. 

Mayor Roe again agreed with that synopsis, and suggested that tonight's conversation was focusing on a good direction, and suggested it continue with the full body at the next City Council Work session.  However, once that big picture is established by the City Council, Mayor Roe opined that it couldn't move much further without community input. 

Lisa McCormick

Ms. McCormick applauded this discussion tonight, including Councilmember Laliberte's comment regarding the need for community input.  While having heard a lot about the Karen community, Ms. McCormick noted the need to address other under-represented groups in the community that are not currently in the spotlight.  Ms. McCormick suggested using those things learned from the SE Roseville and Karen community efforts as examples for commonality to use and spread across the City as the City Council heard from the remainder of the community. 

Mayor Roe concurred that was an excellent point. 

16.         City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed upcoming draft meeting agendas.

17.         Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

Councilmember Laliberte asked that the potential Wheeler Street closure update be presented by staff as and when it became available.

18.         Adjourn

Laliberte moved, McGehee seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 7:48 p.m.

                        Roll Call

Ayes: McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.
    Nays: None.