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City Council


City Council Meeting Minutes

January 4, 2016

1.      Roll Call

Mayor Roe called the meeting to order at approximately 6:32 p.m.  Voting and Seating Order: Willmus, Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.  City Manager Patrick Trudgeon was present and City Attorney Mark Gaughan arrived at approximately 6:40 p.m.

 

2.      Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.      Approve Agenda

City Manager Trudgeon advised that the applicant for Item 14.a had requested removal from tonight's agenda and rescheduling to a date yet to be determined.

 

Councilmember McGehee requested removal of Items 8.c and 8.i from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.

 

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

 

                                                Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

4.       Public Comment

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

 

5.       Council Communications, Reports, and Announcements

Mayor Roe made several announcements of upcoming community events, including the City of Roseville Fire Department's partnership with Ramsey County and Children's Hospital for a child seat clinic; a volunteer opportunity at Autumn Grove Park for a bee nesting house build; and Coffee with a Cop.

 

Councilmember McGehee thanked City Manager Trudgeon for a recent newspaper article extending wishes for a Happy New Year and highlighting some city-related items. Councilmember McGehee suggested a follow-up article on building bee houses and the effects of pesticides on the health of bees.

 

Councilmember Laliberte referenced a recent e-mail she'd received from a colleague and positive compliment to share with the Roseville License Center's passport personnel.  Councilmember Laliberte read the comments comparing their experience with a negative experience at the Ramsey County License Center when their family was attempting to apply for passports; and contrasts found based on their good experience at the Roseville passport office.  As mentioned in the e-mail, Councilmember Laliberte recognized City of Roseville employees Becky and Terry for setting the tone for this experience; and expressed kudos to the City of Roseville and its staff.  Councilmember Laliberte passed the comments on to City Manager Trudgeon for dissemination to the appropriate staff.

 

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 December 7, 2015 Council Meeting Minutes

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the December 7, 2015 Meeting Minutes as amended.

 

Corrections:

·      Page 2, Line 30 (Laliberte)

Correct to read: "2016 [. including input from Roseville Fire Chief O'Neill.]  Councilmember Laliberte [stated she had received input from Roseville Fire Chief O'Neill] and encouraged other Department Heads to bring forward their ideas to share."

 

                            Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

   

b.            Approve December 16, 2015 Special Council Meeting Minutes

McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the December 16, 2015 Meeting Minutes as presented.

 

                            Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

8.            Approve Consent Agenda

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager 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 January 4, 2016.

 

a.            Approve Resolution Designating Official Bank Depositories

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11286 entitled, "Resolution on Designation of Depositories" for 2016.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

b.            Approve Resolution Designating Official Bank Signatories

Councilmember McGehee asked for staff's rationale in making recommendation for official bank depositories within the City of Roseville.  While admitting she was not familiar with the process used in making annual recommendations, Councilmember McGehee noted that she had not observed any changes to the local banks being used, even though there were others within the community.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that, while staff considers fees and service levels received, he would review the recommendation process with Finance Director Miller and ask that he provide that information to the City Council on how that process was approached.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11287 entitled, "Resolution of Designation of Bank Signatories;" for 2016 designating the Mayor, City Manager and Finance Director.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

d.            Approve 2016 City Sign Permits

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, approval of 2016 sign permit for City uses and promotions as listed in the sign summary dated January 4, 2016.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

e.            Community Development Department Request for the 2016 Electrical Inspection Service Renewal Contract

Councilmember McGehee provided personal anecdotal information on her favorable experience working with the electrical inspector.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, approval of the 2016 Service Agreement (Attachment A) with Tokle Inspections, Inc. and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement after review by the City Attorney.

 

                             Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

f.             Designate Weed Inspector

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, appointment of the City of Roseville Community Development Department Codes Coordinator as the duly authorized and designated Assistant Weed Inspector for calendar year 2016, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 18.80.

                             Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

g.            Appoint Fire Relief Association Members

Mayor Roe noted that the Association by-laws specified the Mayor and City Manager unless amended in the future.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of resolution No. 11288 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Designating the Mayor and City Manager as Municipal Representatives to the Firefighter Relief Association."

 

                             Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

h.            Authorize Seeking Donations for Various City Functions and Events

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, authorization of staff to request donations, in accordance with applicable City Policy, for those events and functions as outlined in the RCA dated January 4, 2016.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

9.         Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

c.            Designate 2016 Legal Newspaper for Legal Notices and Designate City of Roseville Website as an Alternative for Public Improvement Contract Notices

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed this item being considered under the Consent Agenda; and as detailed in the RCA and related attachments dated January 4, 2016.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted that home delivery issues with this vendor and sought input from staff on how may impact residents receiving information on city issues.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that as with many local newspapers, there appeared to be problems in finding delivery people for home delivery, creating occasional gaps. 

 

Councilmember McGehee asked that staff remain aware of the need to publicize issues in the newspaper and not depend solely on the City's website for those not having access or choosing not to use that media source.

 

City Manager Trudgeon duly noted that concern, and clarified that the proposed alternative use of the website was in accordance with State Statues, but would be primarily used for businesses and contracts such as requests for proposals and bidding notices.

 

McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11289 entitled, "Resolution Designating Official Newspaper and Designating an Alternative Means of Dissemination;" designating the Roseville Review as the 2016 legal newspaper and designating the City's website as the alternative means of dissemination of notice for bid advertisements, requests for information and requests for proposals.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon clarified that the estimated home delivery of the Roseville Review was estimated at 1,300 households.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

i.        Approve Terms of 2016 - 2018 Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Police Officers Contract

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed this item being considered under the Consent Agenda; and as detailed in the RCA and related attachments dated January 4, 2016.

 

Councilmember McGehee reminded her City Council colleagues going forward that the compensation study recently done for non-union staff, decided by the City Council to be implemented at 98% of the average, continued to languish.  Councilmember McGehee noted that since that decision, the City Council had consistently approved lower cost of living adjustments (COLA) for those non-union employees than that of other cities in the metropolitan area.  Since the City Council approved a 2% COLA for non-union employees for 2016, but this union contract represented a 2.75% increase, the recent first contract for firefighters came in at 12%, and she anticipated 2.5% for the remaining union contract, she opined that the City Council needed to consider the ramifications for these non-union employees.  Councilmember McGehee encouraged the City Council to consider addressing some parity and equity for all staff, or her suggestion would be that those remaining non-union employees consider organizing as well.

 

Councilmember McGehee thanked City Manager Trudgeon and Human Resources Manager Eldona Bacon for their work on negotiating these contract terms, specifically the education component.

 

McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of the proposed terms and conditions of the 2016 - 2018 collective bargaining agreement with the LELS as detailed in the RCA dated January 4, 2016; and authorize staff to prepare the necessary documents for execution, subject to City Attorney approval.

 

Based on previous negotiation terms discussed in past closed session, Mayor Roe expressed his favorable surprise in the successful but unexpected education componentresolution; and in addition to City Manager Trudgeon and Human Resources Manager Bacon, also thanked LELS for their willingness to negotiate terms as well.

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

10.        General Ordinances for Adoption

 

11.        Presentations

 

12.        Public Hearings and Action Consideration

 

13.        Budget Items

 

14.        Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Consider Oak Acres Preliminary Plat

 

b.            Designate 2016 Acting Mayor

Mayor Roe introduced this item as detailed in the RCA dated January 4, 2016.

 

Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, designation of Councilmember Willmus as 2016 Acting Mayor.

 

While not having a problem with the motion designating Councilmember Willmus to fill this role, Councilmember McGehee noted her experience over the last five years in not being designated as Acting Mayor, making this appointment appear to be a popularity contest.  Councilmember McGehee opined this role should not be held by anyone seeking re-election during the year, but suggested either she or Councilmember Willmus were eligible to serve, and suggested at some point the rotation provide for all to serve in this role.  Councilmember McGehee recognized that this was Councilmember Willmus' second or third term as Acting Mayor.

 

Mayor Roe clarified that according to his records, Councilmember Willmus had served in that role twice, and this would be his third rotation.  Mayor Roe noted historical past appointment of Acting Mayors repeated based on their time, ability to perform the role, and willingness to do so, and there did not appear to be a practice or policy in place regarding rotation, but that each council considered each appointment on a case by case basis.

 

Councilmember McGehee opined that Councilmember Willmus had done a great job filling in for Mayor Roe, but in the interest of fairness thought everyone should be provided with an opportunity to serve.

 

Mayor Roe stated, now that Councilmember McGehee had made her colleagues aware, her interest would be kept in mind going forward.

 

                                      Roll Call

Ayes: Etten, McGehee, Laliberte and Roe.

Nays: None.

Abstentions: Willmus

Motion carried.

 

c.            Consider Citizen Advisory Commission Reappointments

At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the RCA and related attachments dated January 4, 2016.  Mr. Trudgeon noted one resignation on the Community Engagement Commission in addition to the vacancy.  Councilmember Trudgeon further highlighted one eligible for reappointment on the Ethics Commission, but not interested in returning to serve; but suggested the City Council not start a process for filling that vacancy pending the January 25, 2016 City Council discussion specific to that commission.

 

Councilmember Laliberte asked the rationale in Commissioners Gelbach and Heikkila attendance eligibilities based on the current Uniform Commission Code; with Mayor Roe asking City Manager Trudgeon to report back to them for future discussions.

 

Willmus moved, Etten seconded, reappointment of commissioners to a three-year term beginning April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2019 as follows:

Community Engagement Commission: Theresa Gardella

Finance Commission: John Bachhuber and Robin Schroeder

Human Rights Commission: Arlene Christiansen

Parks and Recreation Commission: Philip Gelbach and Luke Heikkila

Planning Commission: Robert Murphy

Police Civil Service Commission: Janet Henquinet

Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission: Joseph Wozniak

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, declaring vacancies and setting the appointment calendar as presented and as detailed in the RCA and related attachments dated January 4, 2016.

 

Discussion included clarifying that the motion included not taking any action at this time on the Ethics Commission; and advertising for three Human Rights Commission vacancies and two vacancies on the Community Engagement Commission.

                                                Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Councilmember McGehee thanked those commissioners willing to be reappointed.

 

d.            Discuss City Council Rules of Procedure

In referencing the RCA and current City Council Rules and Procedures (Attachment A), Mayor Roe noted one clarification proposed for memorializing action immediately following applicable public hearings (Rule 3, Order of Business #12) versus the current separate action item, but typically receiving action by the City Council upon completion of most public hearings.

 

Mayor Roe also noted one additional suggestion he was making to add the City Manager under Rule 3, Order of Business #5) to allow an opportunity for the City Manager to report back on items brought forward during previous public comment and needing follow-up, or to report on the Policy Priority Planning items as per recent discussions.

 

Rather than having an Order of Business for the Pledge of Allegiance, Councilmember McGehee suggested memorializing and affirming that the City Council would perform their duties to the best of their ability.

 

Mayor Roe noted that change could be taken under consideration at the discretion of the council if such a motion is made.

 

Specific to the suggestion to have action immediately after a public hearing, Councilmember Laliberte expressed concern with some situations allowing for the public hearing at one meeting and then action delayed to a future meeting.  Councilmember Laliberte noted her preference in allowing that gap for those non-day-to-day issues, for residents to provide their feedback.

 

Mayor Roe assured Councilmembers that the City Council retained the opportunity to take action at that meeting or table the item accordingly; but noted the current interpretation of not being able to take action under the public hearing section of the agenda, even though the action was often taken immediately following the hearing.  Mayor Roe recognized the agreement of individual Councilmembers that they would continue to reserve the right to table action if not required at that time.

 

Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, revising the Roseville City Council Rules of Procedure to add "City Manager" to Rule 3 Agenda Order of Business #5, and to add "& Action Consideration" to Rule 3 Agenda Order of Business #12, as per tonight's discussion.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

e.            Discuss City Council Liaisons

Mayor Roe initiated discussion on 2016 Council Liaison roles and appointments as detailed in the RCA and related attachments dated January 4, 2016.

 

Mayor Roe clarified that action on the Roseville Fire Relief Association had already been addressed in action taken earlier tonight.

 

While the others remained open for discussion, and some City Council subcommittees may no longer be useful, Mayor Roe noted all were open for discussion as applicable; and further noted that individual Councilmembers were encouraged to attend meetings of affiliated groups or organizations for informational purposes.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed appreciation for her role representing Roseville on the Ramsey County League of Local Governments (RCLLG) and her interest in remaining in that role.

 

Mayor Roe noted his willingness to step down from his role representing Roseville on the Northeast Youth & Family Services Board NEYS) and/or the North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC).  Mayor Roe recognized ongoing franchise negotiations with the NSCC; and noted the evolution of the NEFS over the years and re-engagement of the Board of Directors and purposeful fundraising beyond that annual contribution of the 15-member cities.

 

Etten moved, McGehee seconded, continuing current representation on the NYFS, NSCC and RCLLG through reappointment of Mayor Roe and Councilmember Laliberte accordingly.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Councilmember Etten expressed his concern that the City Manager Performance Review Subcommittee's efforts had been considerably stymied by delay in approving the Policy Priority Planning (PPP) document.

 

Councilmember Laliberte agreed that it had been a disservice to City Manager Trudgeon to not have something done; and expressed her interest in stepping in to be part of that subcommittee of two; noting there were some items carried over from previous years as well and outside the purview of the PPP.

 

As a current member of the Subcommittee, Councilmember Willmus stated he continued to be interested in serving, but had no strong feeling if others wished to step into that role.

 

CM Performance Review Subcommittee

Given the interest of four Councilmembers to serve for two positions, Mayor Roe opened the floor for nominations.

 

First Position

Councilmember Laliberte nominated herself to serve, seconded by Councilmember Etten; with no other nominations coming forward.

 

Etten moved, Willmus seconded, appointment of Councilmember Laliberte to serve as the first appointee on the City Manager Performance Review standing subcommittee.

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Second Position

Councilmember Willmus nominated himself to serve, seconded by Councilmember Etten, with no other nominations coming forward.

 

Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, appointment of Councilmember Willmus to serve as the second appointee on the City Manager Performance Review standing subcommittee.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted that it was good to have one of the two positions continue from previous appointments to provide an historical reference.

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

Commissions, Review Ad Hoc Subcommittees

Willmus moved, McGehee seconded, moved to discontinue the Council Ad-Hoc Subcommittee entitled "Commissions, Review Ad Hoc Subcommittees."

 

Councilmember Laliberte spoke in support of dissolving this Ad Hoc Subcommittee, noting it had achieved and developed those ideas and recommendations for which it had been created, especially with the Uniform Commission Code now in place.  However, Councilmember Laliberte suggested at some point, a 4-5 question exit interview be developed for advisory commissioners terming off or choosing not to continue in that role to provide information to staff and Councilmembers on their impression of that service, why they choose not to reapply (e.g. time constraints, or other issues), and any other major items of interest going forward.  Councilmember Laliberte offered to provide sample suggestions for a future meeting if her colleagues were in agreement.

 

Mayor Roe suggested that be part of upcoming general commission discussions.

 

Councilmember Etten suggested including a question on an advisory commissioner's role and whether they felt it had proven important to the city or provided any value added to local government efforts.

 

Councilmember Willmus concurred it was a good idea and would serve to keep the City Council more aware of any problem areas or suggestions for improvement from their perspective.

 

                                      Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

15.        Business Items - Presentations/Discussions

 

16.             City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Trudgeon provided a brief preview of upcoming agenda items; and noted the addition by staff of outstanding items not yet slated for a specific meeting agenda.

 

Councilmember Laliberte expressed her appreciation of the addition of the "watch list."

 

Mayor Roe noted the need to schedule an appearance by Roseville's legislative delegation.

 

17.        Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

 

18.        Adjourn

Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 7:40 p.m.

         

          Roll Call

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

Nays: None.