City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

September 19, 2016

 

1.            Roll Call

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

 

Mayor Roe noted that, due to a scheduling conflict, Councilmember Etten would be arriving to the meeting later; arriving at approximately 7:49 p.m.

 

2.        Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Approve Agenda

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

 

                                                Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

4.      Public Comment

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

 

a.            Owen Bachhuber, 2223 Marion Road

A junior at Roseville Area High School, Mr. Bachhuber spoke to the Pet Store Regulation and Licensing Discussion scheduled later on tonight's agenda.  Mr. Bachhuber stated he was a strong advocate for conservation and the humane care of animals; and read a prepared statement in support of the sale and dogs as outlined in the sample ordinance provided by the Minnesota Chapter of the Humane Society of America (HAS) as Attachment B.  However, Mr. Bachhuber opined that other areas of the proposed ordinance restricting reptile sales were unnecessary, and that the sample ordinance was too broad in restricting other animal sales beyond alligators and venomous snakes.  Mr. Bachhuber offered to work with the city to capture adequate language that would address the immediate concerns related to humane animal treatment and reasonable restrictions.

 

b.            Brad Koland, 1926 Gluek Lane

Mr. Koland submitted a formal Ethics Complaint to City Attorney Mark Gaughan, and spoke to the things he had learned throughout the process of seeking a minor lot subdivision and consideration of that request by the City Council.  Mr. Koland alleged false statements made in the public record, outlined in his findings of facts. 

 

Mayor Roe asked that Mr. Koland keep his oral comments of a general nature and not specificities of his allegations, noting submission of the Ethics Complaint to City Attorney Gaughan.

 

Mr. Koland read a prepared statement expressing his disappointment in the conduct of two of the five Roseville Councilmembers and their unjust actions against him and unwillingness to back down in the face of what he deemed necessary to resolve the situation. 

 

Mr. Koland concluded his statement by stating that he was concerned if this situation was left unaddressed, it may be repeated in the future.

 

5.       Council & City Manager Communications, Reports, and Announcements

Mayor Roe announced an upcoming Playground Build at Central Park - Lexington; Do-it-Yourself project workshops at the Ramsey County Library - Roseville Branch and sponsored in part by the City of Roseville related to energy savings and yard care.

 

Mayor Roe also announced the upcoming annual Fire Department Auxiliary Booya, Fire Department Open House and Fire Prevention Week activities.

 

Mayor Roe invited Roseville residents to attend an upcoming Imagine Roseville discussion about community policing, race and changing demographics in the community.  Mayor Roe listed participants, including Roseville Police Chief Rick Mathwig; and opportunities for large and small group discussion and feedback, with a question and answer period following those discussions.

 

City Manager Trudgeon noted, in his service on the Metro Cities Housing and Economic Development Committee, the recent adoption of policies.  Of those policy positions finalized by the committee for ratification by the full body, Mr. Trudgeon noted the recommendation that the county follow state statute for any attempted creation of an Economic Development Authority (EDA), allowing for municipal input before that creation.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised that last week he had filmed a segment for Hmong TV 25 addressing rental rights and responsibilities in Roseville, as part of the ECHO project sponsored in part by the City of Roseville. Once the ½ hour program is finalized, Mr. Trudgeon advised it would be linked to the city's website for additional public access.

 

6.              Recognitions, Donations and Communications

 

7.            Approve Minutes

 

8.            Approve Consent Agenda

 

9.         Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

10.        General Ordinances for Adoption

 

11.        Presentations

 

12.        Public Hearings and Action Consideration

 

13.        Budget Items

 

14.        Business Items (Action Items)

 

15.        Business Items - Presentations/Discussions

 

a.            Approve Resolutions Approving the Acquisition of Easements

Public Works Director Marc Culver spoke to this item, as outlined in the Request for Council Action (RCA) of today's date; a result of ongoing work by the city with Ramsey County for geometric improvements at the revised intersection of Fairview Avenue and Terrace Drive/Twin Lakes Parkway.  Mr. Culver advised that, after negotiations, the conclusion was that Fairview Avenue would be restriped as a three-lane section with center left turn lane.

 

Mr. Culver noted this proposal was presented to the public earlier this year, and mailings were provided to property owners along Fairview Avenue, with no comments received by staff in support or opposition, about the proposed striping changes.

 

Mr. Culver noted total compensation for both permanent and temporary easements at 2805 and 2770 Fairview Avenue were based on appraisals ordered by the city.

 

Mayor Roe offered an opportunity for public comment at this time, with no one appearing to speak.

 

Willmus moved, Laliberte seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11362 (Attachments A through E) entitled, "Resolution Authorizing Mayor and City Manager to Execute the Earnest Money Contracts for Easement Acquisitions at 2805 Fairview Avenue and 2770 Fairview Avenue."

 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Mr. Culver confirmed funding for the easements would come from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.  Mayor Roe clarified that was the same source of funding for the remainder of the project as well.

                   Roll Call

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

Nays: None.                                               

 

b.            Pet Store Regulation and Licensing Discussion

As detailed in the RCA, City Manager Trudgeon referenced a recent newspaper article regarding the condition of animals being sold at the Har Mar Pet Store (Attachment A), and considerable community discussion and concern following the article.  Mr. Trudgeon advised the intent of tonight's discussion was to provide direction to staff as the City Council considered potential regulation or licensing of pet stores, not currently done. 

 

Mr. Trudgeon noted there were currently four pet stores located in Roseville: PetSmart, PETCO, Chuck and Don's, and Har Mar Pet Store, all having been notified of tonight's discussion.  As noted in the RCA, City Manager Trudgeon, in researching other communities, advised that the City of St. Paul was found to license pet stores and provided some level of inspection, but he had not spoken personally their staff as to the logistics of their efforts. 

 

Mr. Trudgeon introduced, and Mayor Roe welcomed representatives of the Minnesota Chapter of the Human Society of America (HSA), having previously met with City Manager Trudgeon to provide information about the operation of pet stores and sharing their thoughts on a possible pet store ordinance for Roseville, including a sample ordinance recently adopted by Eastpointe, Michigan (Attachment B). 

 

Christine Coughlin, Minnesota Chapter HSA

Ms. Coughlin noted this had come to their attention, as it had the city's, specifically after the article and resulting community discontent.  Ms. Coughlin encouraged the City Council to consider a systemic and long-term solution rather than a band aid solution as it considered the issue and possible ordinance, as well as it being minimally burdensome for the city and its staff.

 

Ms. Coughlin recommended a dual effort, providing a systemic approach, but not over-structuring regulations.  Ms. Coughlin reviewed realistic and public or media perceived review of animals arriving I pet stores, their conditions, and their possible further health deterioration depending on where they originated from before arriving at the store. 

 

Ms. Coughlin stated the HSA's gravest concern was sourcing of the animals arriving at pet stores.  Ms. Coughlin reviewed some of those sources, some responsible animal breeders and other defined as "puppy mills" where commercial mass production breeding is done with the focus on profits versus animal welfare.  Ms. Coughlin advised the HSA had documentation available through undercover investigation and research.  Ms. Coughlin noted of approximately two million animals produced annually and directly funneled to pet stores, 95% of breed clubs adopted a position where they discouraged or didn't allow their members to sell to pet stores due to the puppy mills issues. 

 

Ms. Coughlin reviewed that regulatory oversight of certified pet stores and inspections by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  However, Ms. Coughlin advised that USDA standards were of a legal nature, and are not complied with in a majority of those facilities.

 

Ms. Coughlin stated the solution recommended by the HAS was growing in popularity around the country, with approximately 176 jurisdictions having adopted it and no longer allowing for commercial bred dogs and cats.  Ms. Coughlin recommended that the City of Roseville adopt a similar ordinance, encouraging them to partner with shelters and rescue shelters to co-host adoption events or provide space for those events.  Of the four pet stores in Roseville, Ms. Coughlin advised that three of them were already providing this option, and of the larger 24 pet stores in Minnesota, only one remains not doing it, even though it was commercially feasible.

 

Ms. Coughlin referenced numerous success stories, offering to provide that information to the city at their request; offering the services of the HAS to work with the pet store to make this humane transition, and not requiring a commitment to change their business model.  Ms. Coughlin advised that the HAS would provide infrastructure and promotion assistance for this transition.

 

Mayor Roe noted the article referencing a "USDA Animal Inspector Report," and asked how an inspector would end up at a pet store facility to perform an inspection; whether complaint-driven or if periodically done for pet stores by the USDA.

 

Ms. Coughlin noted she had questioned the article in that regard as well, noting pet stores are not typically regulated by the USDA, including this particular Har Mar store.  However, Ms. Coughlin noted this store has a Class B license, a class under the Animal Welfare Act for brokers and dealers selling some exotic animals, and thus subject to site inspections.

 

For clarification and at the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Coughlin stated that the USDA inspector inspected the facility not individual animals.

 

Mayor Roe referenced the model ordinance, noting certificates of USDA inspection and veterinary records, and in noting multiple violations with breeders from Iowa, he asked how and if those records were readily available or how they could be accessed by the general public or if a formal public information request was required for that access.

 

Ms. Coughlin responded that the USDA records were readily available via online search, but the CDI's Board of Animal Health at the State level held records as well until legislation for data privacy law restrictions in 2014 making those CDI's no longer available to the public.

 

Ms. Coughlin advised that the HSA has a spreadsheet available listing 2015 facilities supplying puppies to that particular pet store in Iowa referenced, and offered to provide that information to the City Council at their request.

 

Councilmember McGehee asked if the HSA had available any model ordinance language for amphibians as well.

 

Ms. Coughlin clarified that the model ordinance they were recommending to the City would deal only with puppies, dogs and kittens, as did the Eastpointe, Michigan model, even though the City Council could expand it at their discretion.  Ms. Coughlin advised that the HSA's rationale in limiting the ordinance to dogs and cats, was based on their research and investigations providing a link and strong grounds for court challenges to-date.

 

Councilmember McGehee asked if there was similar activity regulating the activity for importation of exotic species of birds and addressing their breeding.

 

Ms. Coughlin advised that she could provide additional information on that if so desired; however, she noted that this was not her area of expertise, even though their import and longevity was also of grave concern to the HSA.

 

Public Comment

Kristin Smith, Pet Store Owner in Blaine, MN

Ms. Smith advised that Har Mar Pet Store was her biggest competitor; and stated her reason for speaking tonight was that any decision made by the Roseville City Council could not only affect its community facilities, but also the three other stores in the State of MN that were selling puppies, hers included. 

 

Ms. Smith provided her perception of the situation at the Har Mar Pet Store, addressing various ailments observed by the USDA inspector addressed in the news article.  Ms. Smith noted these were typical ailments and could result even if and when dogs - or other similar animals - were being well-cared for.  Ms. Smith noted that when a USDA inspector comes in, they did a snapshot inspection on that particular day, and was always an unannounced visit

 

Vanessa Rojas, St. Paul Petland Store Owner

Ms. Rojas noted some ailments could also be a result of stress for the pet.

 

Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas provided their perspective on pet store operations and situations, and answered questions of the City Council as applicable.

 

At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Ms. Smith advised that not all USDA inspectors were veterinarians.

 

Ms. Rojas stated she welcomed access and transparency in her store, and reviewed her history from being in opposition to Petland to now owning the store, which had encouraged her to work to provide a bridge for both sides in working cooperatively whether as an animal rights activist or as a breeder.  Ms. Rojas noted this had resulted in her business growing over the last two years from 7 employees to 34.

 

Ms. Smith agreed, noting that all pet stores were unique and personalities of their owners also unique, but all facing the same daily challenges.  Ms. Smith cautioned that, while not familiar with Mr. Papineau of Har Mar Pet Store, the decisions made by the Roseville City Council were far reaching for these small business owners, their employees, customers and their very livelihoods.  Ms. Smith opined that the USDA standards were very minimal and every breeder should be able to comply with them and ensure customers that animals are being well cared for. 

 

Ms. Rojas noted that it was a full-time job caring for animals in this environment, and while the USDA wasn't perfect, opined that the alternative with no checks and balances in place was not a good solution either.

 

Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas provided further comments on the longevity of pet stores; impact of internet trade for national and international sales of pets; improvements to the breeding and inspection process; and changes in the industry to address breeding practices for physical and mental health of animals.  Further comment included defining the actual goal of the model ordinance, differences in pet stores and rescue organizations and assurances to purchases of an animal's breeding depending on their source; and many variables of pets based on their personalities, temperaments and breeding.

 

With the number of pet stores in the United States still selling puppies identified as fewer than 1,000, Ms. Rojas advised that there were 4,000 pet rescue organizations.  Ms. Rojas noted this was the only business of which she was aware that provided you could operate a legal business within the letter of the law, yet still you're your ethics questioned if someone found fault with your business.  Ms. Rojas suggested everyone work together - the USDA and pet store owners - to update the current Animal Welfare Act.

 

Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas addressed additional comments related to other cities having initially passed an ordinance similar to the model provided, and subsequently rejecting them (e.g. Phoenix, AZ); USDA inspections related to "puppy mills;" unlicensed or unregulated breeders as an alternative to USDA self-reporting; and relations of pet store owners and level of trust with their pet breeders.

 

Mayor Roe thanked Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas for the considerable information they provided.

 

Councilmember McGehee asked additional questions related to breeding requirements for pet store facilities and their licensing; with Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas clarifying it was more important to consider animal care based on the number of available staff versus the number of breeding pets.

 

Ms. Smith provided several handouts for future reference.

 

Gary Papineau, Owner of Har Mar Pet Shop

Mr. Papineau stated his pride in Har Mar Pet Shop, having worked there starting at age 19, and owned the facility for twenty-seven years.  Ms. Papineau advised that he had carried a USDA license for approximately 12 - 15 years; and reviewed past violations that he considered insignificant (e.g. expired medications missed). 

 

Mr. Papineau reviewed the news article and violations cited in the article by this new USDA inspector, not only new to the job but also not a veterinarian.  Ms. Papineau suggested if this inspector had used common sense, the majority of the violations would not have occurred.  Mr. Papineau noted that, when pets arrive on site, it was often a "wait and see" situation to observe the pets and their health situations as to what if any treatment was required.

 

Mr. Papineau noted the English bulldog with cherry eye was his personal pet that he used for breeding, and advised this was a recurring health issue, but was certainly not contagious and frequently happened when a pet was neutered or spayed.  Immediately after the inspection, Mr. Papineau advised he had taken his pet to the veterinarian, as he had done in the past for this condition, with the veterinarian advising that the situation could be taken care of now or delayed until the other eye was addressed. 

 

Specific to rodents cited as having eye problems, Mr.  Papineau advised that the particular hamster was blind, but still active, and such animals were often of interest to children seeking such a pet, and noted he frequently "gifted" such pets to those children.  Mr. Papineau stated this pet wasn't in need of medical assistance that would be evident with a loss of hair, losing weight or other medical concerns, and therefore not in distress. 

 

Mr. Papineau advised that, if a dog has a "kennel cough," which was a highly contagious issue, the animal would be isolated until it burned itself out, similar to a cold.

 

Specific to the deceased baby hedgehog, having died two weeks prior that was still inside with an adult hedgehog, Mr. Papineau advised that the mother had abandoned her litter causing their demise, and while he had cleaned out the kennels, this baby hedgehog, about the size of a nickel, had been unfortunately missed by him.

 

Mr. Papineau stated that he inspected all kennels from whom he purchased, and had found no health concerns to-date.  Mr. Papineau noted it was not unusual for him to take animals from his store to the veterinarian 4-5 times per day; and noted that his store was staffed by 3 full-time and 7 part-time employees.  Mr. Papineau opined that as a taxpayer of various taxing agencies, his business also provided a benefit to the city, as well as bringing customers from around the metropolitan area, not just Roseville.

 

While the other three stores mentioned performed pet rescues, Mr. Papineau opined everyone should choose their option, further opining that the industry market would weed out those pet stores not performing well.  Mr. Papineau stated he loved the animals at his store, and asked that the City Council not single out a pet shop, but adopt any legislation or ordinance equally, and also address rescue pets as well.  Mr. Papineau stated he was not opposed to inspection of his business, but asked that he not be required to change his business model.

 

Council Positions / Direction to Staff

Councilmember Willmus stated he remained interested in looking at some controls and noted the interesting perspective provided by Owen Bachhuber.  While needing to look at this situation more closely, Councilmember Willmus expressed interest in continuing the conversation; stating his personal preference to move away from the sale of kittens and puppies in pet shops and consider a nationwide model for pet adoption.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted the considerable amount of information provided tonight that will helpful going forward in assessing the issue.  Councilmember Laliberte stated she was also looking at more controls, from various perspectives, including whether the city considered the USDA criteria was adequate or met objectives, or if state regulations were sufficient.  Councilmember Laliberte noted the city was not set up to provide pet store inspections, causing her to struggle going down that road.  Councilmember Laliberte spoke in support of the adoption model at this point.

 

Councilmember McGehee stated she came in to tonight's meeting strongly leaning in the direction of the adoption model, but noted the education she'd received about USDA rules and pet housing environments.  Councilmember McGehee stated she understood being a breeder of exotic animals was an improvement over purchasing pets on the Internet or having them poached and brought in illegally, but agreed it was a complicated decision.  Having heard Mr. Papineau's testimony on some of the perceived violations, Councilmember McGehee stated she'd like more time to consider this issue.  Councilmember McGehee agreed with her colleagues that the city didn't have the expertise to become pet store inspectors, and stated she wasn't interested in going that route.  However, Councilmember McGehee stated she was unsure how to proceed at this point and based on the information just provided.

 

Mayor Roe noted Councilmember Etten may wish to weigh in on this issue at future discussions as well.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Smith, Ms. Rojas, and Mr. Papineau responded to the procedure for animals at stores 24/7 and their care overnight; with mall security monitoring the pets overnight and alerting pet store owners of any observed issues and that pet then typically taken home with the store owner for closer observation overnight.

 

From his layperson background research, Mayor Roe reviewed his interpretation of the USDA review of breeders with three or more female dogs and licensing for stores selling certain exotic species and regulation of sales not person to person or pet store transactions, or on the Internet. 

 

Ms. Rojas advised that her store was inspected by St. Paul Animal Control and American Kennel Club (AKC) to retain her certification with them.  Ms. Rojas stated her store was an open book, and reiterated her invitation for Councilmembers to personally tour her facility.

 

At the request of Mayor Roe, Ms. Rojas provided a review of the AKC Certification inspection process.

 

Ms. Smith noted unofficial "inspections" were also continual in her case by consumers, mall staff, and others observing her operation and facility.

 

While recognizing the passion for their work of Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas and her respect for the pride they had for their small businesses, Councilmember Laliberte opined that the city couldn't fully consider how their action may impact another city.  Specifically, with the referenced inspection at Har Mar Pet Store and resulting community rage, as well as someone frequenting Har Mar Mall observing the facility and as a resident in that vicinity, Councilmember Laliberte advised that she had heard concerns for many years about that operation.  Councilmember Laliberte stated her concern was what the City of Roseville expected from its businesses and the animals within the city.

 

As direction to staff, and without objection, Mayor Roe noted council members wanted to give more thought to the information received to-date, seek additional research; and suggested staff may consider this as a topic for public comment on Speak Up! Roseville, as well as other communication sources with the goal of receiving feedback.

 

c.            Speak Up! Roseville Check-In and Discussion

As detailed in the RCA of today's date, Communications Manager Garry Bowman reviewed a history of this new communication tool and usage today, and referenced the two-year Granicus contract approved in March of 2015, expiring in March of 2017.  Mr. Bowman sought direction from the City Council as to the future of this tool.

Council Positions / Direction to Staff

Mayor Roe stated that his observations to-date were that there seemed to be a disconnect between the site and decision-making by the city; and sought ideas to improve that connection for public feedback informing city advisory commissions and the City Council prior to decision-making.  Mayor Roe stated while realizing agenda topics were not always available months in advance, he preferred a better way to get those topics at the forefront and receive public feedback in a more timely fashion from the public (e.g. stormwater issues).

 

Mr. Bowman agreed this was challenging from when an item was scheduled on a future agenda and time available to garner community feedback, noting that a longer period was often required.  For those topics not immediate, Mr. Bowman advised feedback was possible; however, it was more challenging without that prior knowledge of a particular topic.  Mr. Bowman offered to continue working on that challenge.

 

Councilmember Willmus stated he'd been skeptical of this model from the beginning, but was willing to see how it played out.  Councilmember Willmus opined this tool was trying to reinvent the wheel, when other proven-effective social media options were available (e.g. Twitter and Facebook) with other communities working well with those models.  Councilmember Willmus further opined he didn't like the compartmentalization of the NextDoor.com website as it wasn't community-wide.  Councilmember Willmus stated the Speak Up! Roseville tool may be cumbersome for users if not familiar with social media, requiring more manipulation from discussion topics to viewer responses, and retaining those responses.

 

Mayor Roe agreed the process could be "clunky."

 

On the fiscal side, Councilmember Willmus questioned how long the tool should be sustained versus having the same or similar results from other social media options.  Councilmember Willmus questioned the familiarity or awareness in the community of the Speak Up! Roseville tool, and suggested usage would increase if the public was actually more aware of it, and if not scared away by how "clunky" it was.

 

Working in the communications field, Councilmember Laliberte stated she had lots of thoughts, and agreed with Mayor Roe that it would be nice if the site was more connected with public input and decision-making topics by the City Council.  While recognizing there were timing constraints, Councilmember Laliberte opined she was aware of fits and starts with the tool.  Even while more recent topics had been posted, Councilmember Laliberte noted there had been a gap in some instances over a period of time. 

 

Councilmember Laliberte stated she was looking for expertise from Mr. Bowman to provide an analysis of the tool related to whether there was a regular day or time for posting, and what topics received the most action on a particular day or time or day, as well as improving and analyzing the frequency of topics posted.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that the more data that could be gathered to determine if and how the site is working, the better.  Councilmember Laliberte also requested information on the level of interest in the type of question (e.g. open-ended or yes/no) and when the most input was received.  If it was decided to continue with this tool, Councilmember Laliberte stated she wanted to learn from the format used.  However, as noted by Councilmember Willmus, similar to any civic engagement tool, Councilmember Laliberte agreed it was difficult to get people to participate if they didn't know about the site or if it was hard to use.  Councilmember Laliberte asked that staff assess the most productive tools for public input: going to the public in their natural spaces, using Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor.com, or other options.  While staff provided a copy of the agreement and the adopted policy/procedure document in tonight's meeting packet, Councilmember Laliberte stated it would have been helpful for the City Council and the public to have a recap by question or topic to-date and their response activity on a quarterly basis at the minimum. 

 

Mr. Bowman reviewed the process for each new discussion on the site, with the same information going to other social media tools as well, and linking people to those tools and encouraging those signed up to make use of the Speak Up! Roseville tool.  Mr. Bowman questioned if there was a reluctance by the public to sign up for another social media tool, or what the rationale was, or if it was a need for more promotion or announcements by the city.  Mr. Bowman assured the City Council that staff continued to bolster Speak Up! Roseville on other social media tools, but agreed further consideration may be needed to develop more consistency in posting topics.  As the contract moved closer to expiration, Mr. Bowman noted a more comprehensive report could be provided with the information requested by Councilmember Laliberte.

 

Councilmember Laliberte noted previous discussion had also been held about the response tie and an assessment of how city staff was responding to questions, with each Department Heard responsible for specific responses to relevant topics.  Whether or not it was a valid statement, Councilmember Laliberte noted she had heard anecdotally that those responses were not consistent even thought that had been the expectation of the City Council. 

 

City Manager Trudgeon duly noted these information requests.

 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Mr. Bowman clarified that the Granicus module protocol didn't allow for manipulation of the site to ask people how they found the site when logging into the profile.  Councilmember Laliberte opined that would be nice to know, while recognizing the limitations of this site.

 

Councilmember Willmus observed it was interesting to find out that the city was using Facebook and Twitter to alert people to the Speak Up! Roseville tool.

 

Councilmember McGehee noted she had gone along with this tool with the same reservations expressed by Councilmember Willmus, thinking it was worth a try.  However, with the length of time the site had been available, and only resulting in 126 members and 210 comments to-date, with a monthly cost of $400 excluding staff time, Councilmember McGehee opined this was a very expensive experiment, and found nothing that would warrant putting any more time or effort into it.  As acknowledged by Councilmember Laliberte, Councilmember McGehee staff had done everything reasonable expected of them, and based on the community surveys from 2014 and 2016, she noted this type of Internet interaction was not very much a part of the community. 

 

While some residents may look to Twitter or Facebook from time to time, Councilmember McGehee opined that if the city was going to spend $400 per month based on available community survey responses, it would be money better spent to add an additional page to the City News quarterly newsletter or provide a separate portion or separate one-page mailing that brought out relevant topics seeking public input before decision-making was done, by whatever tool was preferred by the public.  However, Councilmember McGehee stated she didn't find this tool impressive from her perspective.

 

Councilmember Willmus stated he was in complete agreement, and as far as he was concerned, the plug on Speak Up! Roseville could be pulled today.

 

Mayor Roe noted the city was committed to the term of the contract through the end of March 2017.  As an alternative, Mayor Roe suggested receiving a measurement from staff to analyze information requested by Councilmember Laliberte, including staff time, and then be prepared to make an informed decision at the end of the current contract term. 

Public Comment

Cynthia White, Roseville Resident

Ms. White opined this tool is a black hole; with the public unable to determine you whether or not their input has been read by staff or if any city decisions had been privy to that input.  With only 126 users to-date over the last 18 months, as a taxpayer, Ms. White questioned why the site would be continued, opining it was a waste of money.

 

Mayor Roe suggested staff provide a report sooner than February of 2017 on topic generation.

 

Discussion ensued regarding how to get relevant information to and from residents in a timelier manner; how responses were fielded by staff and those lacking a response if staff was not in a position to respond; and how the public was notified of other responses.

 

d.            City Newsletter Discussion

As detailed in the RCA of today's date, Communications Manager Bowman sought feedback from the City Council on the frequency and format of the current City News newsletter.

 

Discussion included lead time for newsletter processing and relevant topics before City Council decision-making; potential interest in outside advertising - with parameters - if the newsletter were monthly versus the current frequency, or in a different format (e.g. magazine format); and staffing or outside staffing to sell ads.

 

Councilmember Etten arrived at this time, approximately 7:49 pm.

 

Councilmember Laliberte stated she found the current frequency for the newsletter sufficient, and well done; and based on her experience with newsletter processing and publication, stated she was very aware of the major task in moving to a monthly edition.  If the newsletter was published more frequently, Councilmember Laliberte opined its content may become frivolous and not paid the attention it currently received from the public.  If the majority decided on a slicker, more magazine-like publication, Councilmember Laliberte noted there were third party groups that performed those services, and if that was the conclusion, suggested a Request for Proposals (RFP) be undertaking to solicit ideas from custom published in the immediate area that could perform that task and sell ads.  However, Councilmember Laliberte reiterated her support for the current publication schedule, opining she was hesitant to go monthly without more forethought and cost considerations.

 

Councilmember McGehee agreed with Councilmember Laliberte that the current publication schedule was done well and well-received by the community.  However, Councilmember McGehee noted her preference for an additional mechanism to get quicker responses to the City Council from the public on timely issues coming before them, whether a one-sheet bi-fold on those pertinent topics considered during the month.  If the desire was to received more citizen input, Councilmember McGehee opined that the city needed to give them more notice; and opined there was evidence supporting a piece of paper received in a mailbox was what the public responded to best.  Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of an experiment with a one-page notice to residents to gain that public feedback.

 

Mr. Bowman noted there were 14,000 residential and 3,000 business mailings involved, and related production and mailing costs.

 

City Manager Trudgeon advised he was hearing a desire to notify citizens of future topics without specificity as to a date for decision-making for future agenda items over the next few months or quarter.  Mr. Trudgeon noted this could simply alert the public, and provide a contact number at City Hall for questions, additional information, or to provide that input.  Mr. Trudgeon suggested staff could look at some of those upcoming topics and attempt to do a better job of alerting the public of them.

 

Mayor Roe suggested using list serves or other options such as when people sign up for land use alerts may be one way to achieve that goal.

 

Public Comment (7:54 pm)

Cynthia White, Roseville Resident

If the City Council was aware of 3-4 topics a month ahead, Ms. White noted several mechanisms it had available to alert the public to them (e.g. municipal channel on cable television, Twitter, Facebook, City Council agenda formats, NextDoor.com, etc.).  If the city valiantly tried to get a cogent list ahead of time, Ms. White opined that those mechanisms could certainly serve the purpose without another avenue being sought or another monthly mailing and related costs.

 

Councilmember Etten noted upcoming agendas were usually reviewed at the end of each City Council meeting.

 

With evidence that the newsletter is well received and widely read by the public, Councilmember McGehee suggested a box in the newsletter of upcoming topics, with a contact number provided for the public to get additional information.

 

Mr. Bowman noted the success of the budget meeting highlights in the newsletter, and suggested building on that idea.

 

Without objection, Mayor Roe directed staff to continue the bi-monthly newsletter and work on those other options as discussed tonight.

 

e.            Adopt an Interim Ordinance Prohibiting Requests for Residential Minor Subdivisions

Interim Community Development Director Kari Collins reviewed the background of this issue as prompted by a request for a Minor Subdivision at 1926 Gluek Lane on September 12, 2016, and as detailed in the RCA of today's date.

 

Ms. Collins noted staff's recommendation for a consultant for the Minor Subdivision issue, with a subsequent review of the entire subdivision code, already in preliminary process in-house by staff.

 

City Attorney Gaughan referenced lines 44 - 46 of the draft ordinance (Attachment A), and suggested replacement language specific to applications received prior to enactment of the ordinance and subject to state law prohibition in delaying those if preliminarily approved before then.  Since there had been no applications preliminary approved, Mr. Gaughan suggested that language be revised accordingly, with the City Council staying the process for any pending applications accordingly.  From his perspective, Mr. Gaughan recommended that revised language accordingly, in conjunction with the purpose behind this moratorium.

 

Mayor Roe offered an opportunity for public comment at this time, with no one appearing to speak.

 

At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Ms. Collins advised that based on other proposals to-date from outside consultants, staff estimated a range of $7,000 to $10,000 for review of the entire subdivision code, already anticipated and budgeted for in the Community Development Department budget.

 

McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, enactment of Interim Ordinance No. 1509 (Attachment A as amended) entitled, "An Interim Ordinance temporarily Prohibiting Minor Subdivisions of Residential Property in the City of Roseville;" for a period of up to 180 days for the purpose of studying current Subdivision/Minor Subdivision language in Roseville City Code; with page 2, lines 44 - 46 amended as follows: "The processing of all requests for Minor Subdivision applications received prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be stayed until the lapse of this ordinance."

 

Given the number of Minor Subdivision requests coming forward recently, Councilmember Willmus expressed concern with the lack of clarity in current code, and asked that information be reviewed related to land survey, tree preservation and stormwater mitigation efforts as part of this Minor Subdivision and broader Subdivision Ordinance review.

 

                   Roll Call

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

Nays: None.                                               

 

McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, enactment of Ordinance Summary No. 1509 (Attachment A) entitled, "An Interim Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Minor Subdivisions of Residential Property in the City of Roseville."

 

Roll Call (Super Majority)

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

Nays: None. 

 

16.                        City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Trudgeon provided a preview of upcoming agenda items.

 

City Manager Trudgeon noted he would not be available for the September 26, 2016 City Council meeting as he would be attending the International City Manager's Association annual meeting.  Mr. Trudgeon noted Finance Director Miller would be serving in his place during his absence.

 

17.        Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

 

18.        Adjourn

Laliberte moved, Etten seconded, adjournment of the meeting at approximately 8:09 p.m.

 

                                    Roll Call

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

Nays: None.