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City
Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
January 5, 2009
Public Reception
A public reception for incoming Councilmember Jeff
Johnson, and re-elected Councilmember Tammy Pust was held in the City Hall
lobby commencing at approximately 5:15 pm, immediately prior to the regular
business meeting.
At approximately 6:00 pm, Mayor Klausing welcomed citizens
and provided brief opening remarks prior to the swearing-in ceremony of
Councilmembers Pust and Johnson respectively; and introduced the Minnesota
Boys Choir who opened with the National Anthem.
City Council Oaths of Office
Councilmembers Tammy Pust and Jeff Johnson were sworn-in
and both provided brief remarks, recognition of family and friends, and
appreciation for those involved in their respective campaigns.
1. Call Roll
Mayor Klausing called to order
the Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:30 p.m. and
welcomed everyone. City Attorney Scott Anderson was also present.
(Voting and Seating Order for
January: Roe; Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing)
Mayor Klausing recognized and
congratulated Councilmember Tammy Pust on her re-election; and Councilmember Jeff Johnson on his election to the Roseville City Council and expressed his anticipation of
working with both of them.
2. Approve Agenda
The agenda was approved by
consensus as presented.
3.
Public Comment
Mayor Klausing called for public
comment by members of the audience on any non-agenda items.
a.
Carol Stellwagen, 3096 Ridgewood Road
Ms. Stellwagen referenced an article
in the January/February 2009 Roseville City News regarding a new water
conservation-based rate structure for the City’s water rates. Ms. Stellwagen
sought clarification on the new rate structure versus previous rates and the
apparent penalty being applied for those with low usage.
At the request of Mayor
Klausing, Finance Director Chris Miller responded to Ms. Stellwagen’s
concerns and briefly outlined the intent of the conservation-based rate
structure to meet a new requirement under State Law to encourage conservation
year round, which also required changes to the City’s decades-old base
service fee and rate subsidization. Mr. Miller noted that the fee change
incorporated and ensured that fixed costs for the City’s water system were
being recovered and that the new usage fee was corrected accordingly. Mr.
Miller advised that this correction created a sizable increase in the base
fee, while for a typical household, it reduced their usage fee. Mr. Miller
further advised that those low-volume residential users (5-10,000 gallons/quarter)
would experience an increase as their rates were no longer being subsidized.
Mayor Klausing noted that the
City Council had authorized staff to take this action last fall; and opined
that he was supportive of the action in an effort to reward water
conservation.
Councilmember Ihlan requested
that staff provide calculations on how bills will be structured now compared
to past billing, not just for average users, but for high and low volume
users. Councilmember Ihlan opined that she was concerned that those with
higher usage may be paying less under the new structure, and sought
clarification from staff; as well as further calculations for commercial
users. Councilmember Ihlan advised that her intent with the requested
information was to determine if the new rate structure was accomplishing the
intent of the City Council.
Mayor Klausing concurred with
Councilmember Ihlan’s request for information, clarifying the need for
calculations from staff as to specific volume users, as well as further
analysis later in the year after data from the new rate structure had been in
place to determine measurable impacts and if the City Council’s objectives
were being achieved.
Councilmember Pust noted that
the article in the newsletter was not as clear as it should be for residents
to understand the new rate structure, and asked that staff follow-up with an
article providing additional clarity in the Roseville Review, as well as on
the City’s website, including the City Council’s rationale and new State law
requirements to achieve water conservation efforts.
Councilmember Roe noted that he
had previously e-mailed staff requesting their analysis based on a year-long
use history to provide an overall annual impact and perspective from which
the City Council could respond to concerned residents. Councilmember Roe
also noted indications that high volume users (over 30,000 gallons/quarter in
the summer months) appeared to be paying less than under the previous rate
structure, and asked that staff provide an analysis over a one-year period at
minimum to provide that comparison data as well.
Mr. Miller clarified that, when
staff sought City Council approval of the new rate structure, they had
indicated that it would take a year to analyze whether the intent was being
realized. Mr. Miller advised that staff would prepare preliminary data and
comparisons of overall annual costs based on several scenarios and use
volumes.
Councilmember Ihlan opined that
it was important, in the short-term, for the City Council to get a handle on
the new rate structure to determine if the correct rate structure was in
place; while also providing for an analysis after a year to determine if the
new structure was having its desired effect.
4. Council
Communications, Reports, Announcements and Housing and Redevelopment
Authority Report
5. Recognitions, Donations, Communications
6. Approve Minutes
a. Approve Minutes of
12/15/08 Regular Meeting
Pust moved, Roe seconded,
approval of the minutes of the December 15, 2008 Regular Meeting as amended
in accordance with Councilmember Roe’s e-mail dated December 17, 2008.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe:
Pust; Ihlan; Klausing.
Nays: None.
Abstentions:
Johnson.
7.
Approve Consent Agenda
There were no changes to the
Consent Agenda. At the request of Mayor Klausing, City Manager Bill Malinen
briefly reviewed those items being considered under the Consent Agenda.
a.
Resolution Designating Official Bank Depositories
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10678 entitled, “Resolution on Designation of
Depositories.”
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
b.
Resolution Designating Official Bank Signatories
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10679 entitled, “Resolution on Designation of Bank
Signatories.”
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
c.
Designate 2009 Legal Newspaper
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
approval of the lowest bidder, the Roseville Review, as the legal newspaper
for the City of Roseville for 2009.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
d.
Renewal of Electrical Inspections Service Contract
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
approval of a 2009 Service Agreement between the City of Roseville and Tokle
Inspections, Inc., for Electrical Consultant Services, including the 2009
Electrical Permit Fee Schedule, and stipulating annual review of the
agreement.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
e.
Designate 2009 Assistant Weed Inspector
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
approval of appointment of the City of Roseville Community Development
Department Codes Coordinator as the duly-authorized and designated
Assistant Weed inspector for Calendar year 2009, pursuant to Minnesota
Statute 18.80.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
f.
Approve City Sign Permits for 2009
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
approval of the 2009 sign permit for City uses and promotions as listed in the
2009 Sign Summary, dated January 5, 2009.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
g.
Authorize Solicitation of Donations for 2009 Parks &
Recreation Special Events
Pust moved, Ihlan seconded,
authorizing the City Manager or his designee to send letters requesting
support for donations for various special events as detailed in the Request
for City Council Action dated January 5, 2009.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
8.
Consider Items Removed from Consent
9.
General Ordinances for Adoption
10.
Presentations
11.
Public Hearings
12.
Business Items (Action Items)
a.
Designate 2009 Acting Mayor
Mayor Klausing briefly reviewed
past practice in designating Acting Mayors based on seniority; noting that
Councilmember Roe would be next in line for that designation.
Klausing moved, Pust seconded,
designation of Councilmember Dan Roe as the 2009 Acting Mayor for the City of
Roseville, MN.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
b.
Confirm Appointment to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Board
Mayor Klausing apologized for
the delay in this action, noting that it should have been taken under
consideration last fall. Mayor Klausing advised that his intent, with the
concurrence of the City Council, would be to reappoint Councilmember Pust to
the position. Mayor Klausing noted the revised language drafted by
Councilmember Roe, and provided as a bench handout providing a more
definitive appointment process as followed by the City Council and in
accordance with State Statute.
Mayor Klausing thanked
Councilmember Roe for his diligence in this matter, and for drafting
revisions to the original ordinance.
Roe moved, Klausing seconded,
adoption of Resolution No. 10680, as amended and entitled, “Resolution
Approving Mayor’s Appointment of Council Member Tammy L. Pust to the Housing
and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Roseville to Fill a
Vacancy;” with a term expiring at the end of Councilmember Pust’s current
term as Councilmember, that is the first Council meeting of 2013, following
the 2012 General Election.
Roll
Call
Ayes: Roe;
Johnson; Pust; Ihlan; and Klausing.
Nays: None.
13.
Business Items – Presentations/Discussions
a.
Discuss City Council Rules of Procedures
Mayor Klausing sought any
amendments to the City Council Rules and Procedures, and solicited any
comments from Councilmembers.
Councilmember Roe noted that
under “Rule 3 Agenda,” and the order of business, there had been recent
meetings when General Ordinances were considered under the Public Hearing
section of the agenda rather than under their designated section.
Councilmember Roe further noted that, recently Public Hearings had been
listed consecutively on the agenda, followed separately under Business Action
for those items, and questioned rationale for that order and whether it may
appear to be disjointed, rather than simply holding a Public Hearing for a
specific item and then taking action immediately following that specific
Public Hearing.
City Manager Malinen provided
his rationale for separating Public Hearings from City Council actions based
on his past experience, and in experimenting with differentiating the Public
Hearing and public comment from the City Council’s action on a specific item,
should further deliberation be desired by the City Council.
Mayor Klausing opined that
separating the Public Hearing from the action may create more confusion for
the public who may be awaiting Council action, and expressed his preference
for action, as indicated, immediately following that specific Public Hearing.
City Manager Malinen suggested that there may be some items that would indicate
further opportunity for the City Council to deliberate immediately following
public comment, but prior to taking action.
Mayor Klausing agreed with the
concept and recognized that such deliberation may be indicated, such as with
the annual Truth In Taxation Hearing; however, opined that it seemed to make
more sense in the majority of situations to take action immediately following
a Public Hearing unless otherwise indicated.
Councilmember Pust opined that
the most recent separation of Public Hearings and Actions seemed clumsy, and
noted that the City Council had actually amended the agenda to take action
immediately following the Public Hearing.
It was City Council consensus
that the order of business in the current Rules of Procedure remains in
place, while recognizing that flexibility could be provided if so indicated
by a specific item.
Councilmember Roe noted that
staff need not duplicate background information in both the Public Hearing
and Action reports, in an effort to save paper and as part of the City’s
green initiative.
City Manager Malinen noted that
some ordinances were being considered under the Consent Agenda; however, the
General Ordinance section had been created to provide for public comment on
those items.
Mayor Klausing noted
Councilmember Ihlan’s previous concerns that ordinances creating laws for the
City should not be included under the Consent Agenda; and further noted that
a formal Public Hearing was not required when enacting an ordinance.
Councilmember Ihlan reiterated
her previous request on page two, first paragraph, of the Rules of Procedure,
that the second and last sentences of that paragraph be removed, opining that
they were cumbersome and served no purpose. Councilmember Ihlan further
opined that there was no good policy reason to make it harder for
Councilmembers to bring items forward to be included on an agenda.
Mayor Klausing clarified the
language and intent of that paragraph, as well as the one immediately
following, that allowed for a mechanism to address items coming up after
preparation of the agenda, but of a time-sensitive nature; and allowances for
a simple majority vote of the City Council to include such items. Mayor
Klausing briefly noted that this item had been reviewed several times in past
discussions; and reviewed his original concerns and intent in proposing the
language as currently written. Mayor Klausing noted that, in the past,
individual Councilmembers frequently added agenda items immediately before an
agenda came out, allowing no opportunity for other Councilmembers, or staff,
to consider necessary background information and informed decision-making by
the City Council as a whole. Mayor Klausing noted that from those past
discussions, and at the recommendation of Councilmember Roe, each agenda now
included a section for “Councilmember Initiated Future Agenda Items,” that appeared
to work exceedingly well. Mayor Klausing opined that he was not inclined to
further revise that language.
Councilmember Roe questioned
what advantage would be found in revising the language from that written,
when a simple majority vote can determine whether an item be added or
removed.
Councilmember Ihlan opined that
the presumption was whether the Council wanted to make it harder for
individual Councilmembers to raise issues by putting a procedural impediment
in place requiring that additional hoops be jumped.
Mayor Klausing polled individual
Councilmembers as to their interest in revising the language as proposed by
Councilmember Ihlan; with no interest indicated.
Councilmember Johnson opined
that the last paragraph of Rule 3 appeared to provide sufficient mechanisms
for any further changes.
Councilmember
Roe noted that no formal action was necessary; that the Rules of Procedure
would stay in effect as written until changed.
b.
Discuss City Council Liaisons
City Manager Malinen noted that
this item was being brought forward for discussion purposes with the new City Council now in place.
Discussion included past
discussions with no indication for additional and/or more formalized
liaisons; lack of general consensus for designated liaisons for advisory
commissions to the City Council; perceptions of whether Council liaisons were
voting members or their influence on discussions at commission levels; and
how the City Council related as a body to other government groups and agencies
(i.e., School Board).
Further discussion included past
history and criticisms from City Council liaisons to the Planning Commission;
education of the public and outside agencies of specific and appropriate
contacts within City government for their particular concerns and/or
questions, and whether a specific contact person was indicated.
Mayor Klausing opined that he
preferred advisory commissions to provide him with their honest and
independent opinions and recommendations.
Councilmember Roe opined that if
the City Council is paying attention to advisory meetings through their
personal attendance at meetings or review of those meetings via tape-delay,
they were aware of their discussions regarding specific topics.
Councilmember Roe noted that it may make sense to have a designated point of
contact for those advisory commissions to help facilitate communication
between the City Council and advisory group; however, clarified that he was
not advocating for such a contact person.
Councilmember Pust opined that
Councilmembers should not be on advisory commissions; and offered that she
was willing to discuss the City Council liaison role on the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA) as well if the City Council so desired.
Councilmember Pust further opined that the City’s advisory commissions were
doing great work; however, the City Council was not always aware of their
discussions outside their annual report to the City Council, and questioned
whether there was a role for a communication link between the City Council and
commissions.
Councilmember Johnson opined
that perhaps the Chairs of each commission should serve as liaisons to the
City Council to make the City Council more accessible to their specific
commission.
Mayor Klausing expressed
interest in Councilmember Johnson’s concept, and sought additional detail and
how that liaison position would best function.
Councilmember Johnson advised
that commissions had great access to in-house assistance through staff
providing good communication flow; and noted that commission Chairs could
serve as conduits between their respective groups and the City Council,
similar to ambassadors.
Mayor Klausing reiterated his
preference that the liaison roles for the City Council would be informal,
allowing for continued independent advice from advisory commissions.
Councilmember Roe noted the
original intent in having a City Council liaison to the HRA was to ensure a
good connection between the two bodies.
Councilmembers concurred that
additional thought needed to be given; and requested that staff provide an
updated list of assignments and involvement in various groups by current
Councilmembers. Mayor Klausing asked that individual Councilmembers provide
feedback to staff on their specific interests to include with the updated list
for Councilmembers to facilitate further discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Johnson sought
clarification on the original point of reference for liaison assignments,
whether at the request of or from frustrations expressed by commissions, or in
the City Council’s efforts to be more communicative with their advisory
commissions.
Councilmember Roe advised that
it was initiated from his review of other cities and their interactions with
their advisory commissions and other government agencies. Councilmember Roe
specifically noted that roles of the City Council liaisons in the Ramsey
County League of Local Governments (RCLLG) and the Cable Commission, and
potential need for designated alternates for those groups.
Mayor Klausing noted his ongoing
interest in serving as an alternate to the Communication Commission.
Councilmember Pust noted that
part of the discussion should be whether Councilmembers wished to continue
serving in their current liaison roles, or whether they were interested in
expanding or refreshing their interests.
Mayor Klausing concurred, noting
that there was value in continuity, but also value in educating
Councilmembers in other areas of interest to aid their decision-making.
Councilmember Ihlan noted that a
designee to the Cable Commission could be a member of the public, as well as
a Councilmember.
c.
Discuss City Council Strategic Planning
City Manager Malinen sought
discussion from the City Council as to their interest in scheduling a special
strategic planning session to map out the best way to conduct City business
in the upcoming year, recognizing the challenges before the City Council.
City Manager Malinen advocated for such an informal meeting as a valuable
exercise between Councilmembers and staff in establishing and updating annual
priorities, allowing for a four to eight hour session specifically designated
for such discussion.
Mayor Klausing opined that it
would be an excellent idea; however, questioned the availability of
Councilmembers for a full eight hour session. Mayor Klausing, while
expressing his support of a strategic planning meeting, noted the difficulties
in the logistics, structure, facilitation, and organization of such a meeting.
Mayor Klausing opined that, from his experience, a Saturday morning worked
well and provided a more informal setting. Mayor Klausing noted that the
Council, at a minimum as identified in his discussions with Councilmember
Roe, needed to discuss the timing and process for the Comprehensive Plan and
incorporating required zoning and land use changes, as well as determining
which Master Plans should be included.
Councilmember Roe opined that
there was definite value in such a planning session; and further opined that
the discussion needed to start on the City Council level before staff became
involved, to establish the City Council’s priorities and then determine how
to fit staff and their time allocations into those priorities. Councilmember
Roe noted past discussion establishing Roseville priorities as a base line,
and what had been done and what remained to be accomplished.
Councilmember Pust spoke in
support of such a planning session, noting that a starting point for
discussions would be a list of priorities established last year.
Councilmember Pust noted that, as part of that process, the City Council told
the community that they would return on an annual basis, and suggested
staying accountable to that framework.
Mayor Klausing opined that he
would like to have staff involved from the inception in City Council
discussions to provide their perspectives and priorities based on overall
city-wide operations.
Councilmember Roe reiterated his
preference for the City Council to meet separately, then with staff for both
points of view and to provide a thorough, deep discussion on the City Council
level to allow their focus to remain.
Discussion included budgetary
constraints with potential loss of state funds in 2008 and 2009.
Mayor Klausing suggested to City
Manager Malinen that he return with a memorandum detailing more specifics,
and providing several options and their specific proposed structures,
locations, logistics and other items for City Council consideration and
comment.
Councilmember Pust requested
that a date be determined as soon as possible, particularly if a Saturday
morning was proposed, given the limited choices available with other
individual Councilmember responsibilities and commitments.
Mayor Klausing concurred, and
asked staff to consult with individual Councilmembers on their calendars and
availability, while at the same time preparing a list of options for such a
strategic planning session.
14.
City Manager Future Agenda Review
City Manager Malinen briefly
reviewed bench handouts of draft agendas for the upcoming January 12 and
January 26, 2009 City Council meetings; as well as Advisory Commission data
showing those commissioners whose terms expired, eligibility for reappointment,
and their attendance records.
15.
Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings
a.
Councilmember Roe requested an agenda item at the next meeting for Council
consideration of those advisory commissioners eligible for reappointment, or
those preferred for interview at the request of two (2) or more Councilmembers,
as per current policy.
Councilmember
Pust requested that staff make the public aware of available slots at their
earliest opportunity to provide sufficient time for garnering interest and
the application process.
b. Councilmember
Johnson requested an item on the next agenda to discuss the current policy
for appointment of the City Attorney and other subcontractors, during current
economic constraints, and whether the current policy and terms for agreements
at three or six years was appropriate, or whether consideration be given to a
one year term to ensure that the best interest of the City was being met.
13. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 pm.
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