City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting

April 20, 2009

1.         Call Roll

Mayor Klausing called to order the Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:00 pm and welcomed everyone.

(Voting and Seating Order for April: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson and Klausing)

City Attorney Scott Anderson was also present.

Closed Executive Session - Attorney-Client Privilege

City Attorney Anderson reviewed the purpose of the Closed Executive Session.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, recessed the meeting into Closed Executive Session, on a vote of 5/0, at 6:02 pm, in accordance with Minnesota Statute, Section 13D.01, for the City Council and staff, and legal counsel to discuss attorney/client privileged information and confidential appraisal information related to a discussion regarding Hagen Ventures, LLC; amended to include Minnesota Statute, Section 13D.05, subd. 3.c that closure also allowed to discuss real property that may be subject to an offer or counter-offer to purchase.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed concern in closing the meeting for this purpose; interpreting the purpose to be consideration of a potential counter-offer by the City for potential purchase of the Hagen Ventures, LLC property; and whether attorney/client privilege was required.

Mayor Klausing requested City Attorney Anderson to expand on rationale for the Closed Executive Session.

City Attorney Anderson clarified legal counsel's rationale and opined that this litigation issue did reference a previous discussion and potential acquisition by the City of a portion of the Hagen Ventures LLC property; however, City Attorney Anderson noted that a damage claim was now being proposed with a drop dead date for conditions to be met to avoid threatened litigation.

Councilmember Pust suggested that, providing for an abundance of caution, the meeting could be tape-recorded and later determination made as to whether that record be opened, or protected under Attorney/Client privilege.

City Attorney Anderson advised that this was an option.

Councilmember Ihlan advised that this would resolve her concerns in separating legal advice on litigation and counter-offers needing to be recorded; and that under those conditions; she would support a motion to go into Closed Executive Session.

City Attorney Anderson recommended that the motion be amended accordingly; with Councilmembers Roe and Pust, as the makers of the motion, amending their original motion.

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

Recess

Mayor Klausing recessed the meeting at approximately 6:02 pm and reconvened into Regular Session at approximately 6:45 pm.

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.  No one appeared.

4.         Council Communications, Reports, Announcements and Housing and Redevelopment Authority Report

Mayor Klausing noted the passing of Mr. Elwyn (Al) Sands and offered condolences to his family and friends.

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

6.         Approve Minutes

a.                 Approve Minutes of April 13, 2009 Regular Meeting

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the minutes of the April 13, 2009 Regular Meeting as presented.

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

7.                 Approve Consent Agenda

There were no additional changes to the Consent Agenda than those previously noted.  At the request of Mayor Klausing, City Manager Bill Malinen briefly reviewed those items being considered under the Consent Agenda.

a.                 Approve Payments

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of the following claims and payments as presented. 

                        Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

b.                 Approve Business License

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of business license applications for the period of one year, for the following applicants:

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

c.                  Approve General Purchases or Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding $5,000

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of general purchases and/or contracts as follows:

                        *Cost will be offset by a $5,000 donation from the Granite Foundation

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

d.                 Adopt a Resolution vacating a Storm Water Easement for Ehlers & Associates at 3060 Centre Pointe Drive (PF09-009)

Councilmember Ihlan questioned the process for the new application.

Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon advised that the new easement application would be processed administratively, and not require City Council approval. 

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10702 entitled, "A Resolution Vacating a Storm Water Easement at 3060 Centre Pointe Drive, Ehlers Associates (PF09-009)."

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; 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.                 Adopt a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing Date of June 15, 2009 regarding Aeon's Request for Tax Increment Financing for Har Mar Apartments

Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon introduced this item and representatives of Aeon; and clarified the intent of tonight's action in scheduling a public hearing date for June 15, 2009.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that there were several land use issues yet to be finalized; and that staff was continuing their analysis of this project.

Mr. Trudgeon noted that Mikaela Huot from Springsted was present to respond to any questions on behalf of the City of Roseville.

Gina Ciganak, Vice President of Housing Development with Aeon

Ms. Ciganak, a resident of Roseville, thanked Councilmembers and the City of Roseville for helping the Roseville Aeon project make a positive change in the community.  Ms. Ciganak presented information related to Aeon?s vision and mission; and specifics of the redevelopment of the Har Mar Apartments project itself.  Ms. Ciganak discussed resident screening; and changes to a high-quality management team for the facility.

Dan Walsh

Mr. Walsh provided a background and the preliminary overall redevelopment plan for Har Mar Apartments; project phases; new marketing and management improvements; status of many of the existing units; proposed upgrading and renovation; proposed final funding to be put in place; and an anticipated timeline for Phase II.

Mr. Walsh briefly reviewed the need for and financing uses for tax increment financing (TIF) for Phase II, and remaining financial gaps; current economic considerations and its impacts to grant funding for projects such as this one.

Gina Ciganak

Ms. Ciganak addressed potential concerns with existing renters with 50-60 existing residents anticipated to remain on site with no rent increases proposed, even though their current rents were well below market value of the new units but maintained in order to avoid straining their financial situations.  Ms. Ciganak reviewed the units previously converted from existing 1 bedroom to non-compliant 2 bedroom units; but the need to convert those units back to 1 bedroom units due to HVAC limitations.  Ms. Ciganak reviewed the permanent relocation requirements for several residents, utilizing a third party relocation specialist as per Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements; and the limited impact when reviewing the entire project.

Councilmember Ihlan questioned whether Aeon would be receptive to including documentation of any relocation and displacement details as addendums to and Development and/or other agreements, should tax increment financing (TIF) be considered as part of the funding package.

Ms. Ciganak expressed Aeon's willingness for as much transparency as possible; and advised that management had been meeting with residents for some time to keep them up-to-date on events, and to keep communication lines open.  MS. Ciganak offered to share information with the City  Council as requested.

Councilmember Pust requested an update on how many units would be staying affordable housing units; and how that determination was defined; and changes between original intent and current market realities.

Ms. Ciganak advised that in the evolution of the development process, things had changed, based on restrictions after discussions with Fire officials, accessibility issues, building sprinklers, and other variables.  Ms. Ciganak advised that, since Phase I was an older building, making changes for accessibility were not feasible; however, Phase II had been revised to make sure those units were available, and advised that Aeon anticipated 20-30 two bedroom units in Phase II.

Ms. Ciganak addressed affordability definitions, based on state and federal guidelines, and area median incomes based on family size; location; market rates and dictates; and restrictions of market rate versus affordable units; and reality of square footage per unit.  Ms. Ciganak advised that 20 market rate units in Phase I were anticipated, with the remainder remaining affordable to households at rents set at 50-60% of area median income; and further noted that some Section 8 units would also be available and should serve to accommodate some households that were cost-burdened and could qualify for metropolitan area HRA funds.

Further discussion included funding timelines based on federal criteria and funding for projects in process and their guidance to the State; impacts of changes to tax market credit funding; financing gaps and how to fill those gaps; keeping residents aware of the process; and interest of residents in the project moving forward.

Councilmember Johnson expressed his support of the project; however cautioned that residents be kept in the communication loop and allowed to provide their input.

Councilmember Pust encouraged Aeon representatives to go before the Housing Finance Agency with all their tools, including awareness that the Roseville HRA has only committed to keeping the funding in place for this project through this funding cycle, as there was pressure on the HRA to use this funding for other projects.  Councilmember Pust noted that the HRA wanted to keep the money in reserve for this project; however, advised that this was not realistic.

Ms. Ciganak thanked Councilmember Pust for providing this information and any additional leverage it may provide.

Mayor Klausing expressed his enthusiasm for the Roseville Aeon project; and noted the building designs of other Aeon projects in the metropolitan area.

Ms. Ciganak noted several upcoming open house and grand opening celebrations, and advised that she would provide additional information to staff to forward to Councilmembers if they were available to tour other facilities.

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10703 entitled, ?"esolution Calling Public Hearing on the Proposed Establishment of Tax Increment Financing (Housing) District No. 18 within Development District No. 1 and the Proposed Adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan Relating Thereto;" scheduled for June 15, 2009.

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

b.                 Approve Eagle Crest Senior Housing LLC PUD Amendment and T-Mobile Request to Allow Installation of Telecommunication Devices and Equipment Facility at 2925 Lincoln Drive (PF 09-005)

City Planner Thomas Paschke briefly reviewed the request of T-Mobile for a Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow installation of three telecommunication antennas and an equipment platform on the roof of the Eagle Crest building located at 2925 Lincoln Drive.

Applicant representative Paul A. Harrington of Carlson & Harrington, Inc., authorized representative of T-Mobile

Discussion included the height of elevated pieces of antenna from the rear of the building and their view from adjacent residences; equipment location behind a screen wall of matching color to the building; size of the antenna at 5 feet by 8 inches and 1 foot deep; equipment similar in height to existing building mechanicals; weight of equipment at approximately 4,000 pounds and requiring a secure platform structure tied into the building; noise levels comparable to that of a running refrigerator; and the notice area for the project at 500' from the site.

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10704 entitled, "A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Eagle Crest Planned Unit Development (PUD), 2925 Lincoln Drive (PF09-005); allowing the installation of three telecommunication antenna on the roof by T-Mobile."

                                         Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

Councilmember Pust noted the need for future revision of code inconsistencies for such use in residential areas; with City Planner Paschke advising that those inconsistencies, among others, were included in proposed and pending code rewrites.

c.                  Award Bid for 2009 Contract B

City Engineer Debra Bloom reviewed this request and advised that normally it would be considered as a Consent Agenda item.  Ms. Bloom noted that the Contract was for three  specific segments and reviewed each.

Ms. Bloom advised that, during the Public Hearing held for the Roselawn project, questions had been raised related to possibly expanding the City's deferral policy to consider financial hardship deferrals.  Ms. Bloom advised that, in reviewing Minnesota Statute  435.193-195 with the City Attorney, it was determined that expansion of the policy to include economic hardships was not permitted under statute.

Ms. Bloom further noted that the City had received eight competitive bids for the project; each 20-25% lower than the engineer's estimate.  However, Ms. Bloom advised that staff was requesting award to the third lowest responsible bidder, based on General Provision 249.0 for mobilization costs.  Ms. Bloom advised that the two lowest bidders did not comply with requirements of this provision; and staff was concerned that this had potential to increase total construction costs.  Ms. Bloom noted that the City could rebid the project, but that timing and construction season considerations made this option more risky for the City.  Ms. Bloom advised that staff had reviewed references of the proposed bidder and had received favorable responses from those communities having used this firm.  Ms. Bloom noted that, staff recommendations for using the third lowest bidder still provided a 20% decrease in assessments for the Roselawn portion of the project than the engineer's original estimate.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10705 entitled, "Resolution Awarding Bids for 2009 Contract B;" in the amount of $2,491,836.78 to Asphalt Surface Technology Corp. (a./k/a ASTECH Corp.) of St. Cloud, MN.

                                                Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

A brief discussion was held on prepaying assessments rather than them being applied to property taxes; and possible County programs available on the Ramsey County website that could provide more flexibility and remedy for residents having economic difficulties.

d.                 Authorize hiring additional IT Support Staff to Provide Services for Other Cities

Information Technology Director Terre Heiser outlined the request for creation of a new position within the IT Department, based on a needs assessment performed by the networking group in the recent past.  Mr. Heiser provided the City Council with an update on the growth of the IT network since 1995 and the 20 cities/agencies now supported through this IT network facilitated by the City of Roseville's IT staff.

Mr. Heiser advised that this new position would be responsible to design, administer and maintain the enterprise-wide Microsoft Exchange messaging system to include virus protection, spam filtering and security at an enterprise level.

Mayor Klausing commended and publicly acknowledged Mr. Heiser's history with and growth of the City's IT system and business model.

Councilmember Pust concurred, and sought clarification of the actual full-time employee numbers represented now and being requested.

Mr. Heiser advised that the department was in the midst of completing a staffing analysis; including staffing provided by other cities that were incorporated; and additional economies in scale that could be found.

Johnson moved, Pust seconded, authorizing staff to create a Network Server Specialist position within the Information Technology Division.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed concern in creating a permanent position before a funding system was finalized.  Councilmember Ihlan recognized the existing Joint Powers Agreements (JPA's); however, cautioned that the position should be hired on a temporary basis with a 1-2 year contract, rather than permanently in case member cities found it necessary to withdraw from their JPA's, requiring the City to lay off the position.

City Manager Malinen advised that another item on tonight's agenda was consideration of another partner (City of Vadnais Heights); and noted that, to his knowledge, no users have pulled out of their JPA over the 15 year history of the program; and didn't anticipate any doing so, given the stability of the program and its management.  City Manager Malinen offered his compliments to Mr. Heiser and staff in keeping this stability in place and his experience with his peers from other Cities in never having heard a negative word about their services.  City Manager Malinen advised that he anticipated the City of Roseville being approached in the future from even more cities looking for these cost-effective services in this economy.

Mr. Heiser noted that, in working through his staffing analysis, it would be provided when final to the City Council; and they would notice a gap in the number of Roseville staff compared to their peer group; and the need for additional discussion among user groups if staffing were reduced; noting that cost-sharing was currently done collaboratively with those costs having been phased in over a three year period, actually reducing Roseville financial responsibilities even further.

Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the motion; noting that the program was completely funded from other municipalities; and opined that the last place cities would cut would be in their IT services under current economic constraints.  Councilmember Pust further opined that, in a worst case scenario, if things changed dramatically, people would need to be laid off, but that didn't make this requested position high risk.

Councilmember Roe spoke in support of the motion, opining that making the position permanent made more sense.

Roll Call

Ayes: Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: Ihlan.

Motion carried.

e.                 Approve Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Vadnais Heights for IT Services         

Mr. Heiser briefly reviewed this request, noting that the JPA was consistent in structure and substance with previous JPA's, and maintained a joint exercise of powers common to each member city.

Roe moved, Johnson seconded, approving a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City of Roseville and the City of Vadnais Heights for the purposes of providing information technology support.

Roll Call

Ayes: Ihlan; Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

f.                   Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Grant Applications

City Manager Malinen summarized the Request for Council Action to seek grant funding from external sources, when sufficient time was not available for City Council approval.  City Manager Malinen advised that this request would be for only those grant applications not requiring matching funds, as staff is made aware of those opportunities and within the best interests of the City. HRC as example for grant funds.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed her preference, if the grant deadline was an issue, that the City Council be notified, even when not requiring a vote, to ensure that the City Council was aware of staff's contemplated actions. Councilmember Ihlan opined that the City Council have as much unity and community as possible with staff.

City Manager Malinen suggested that staff could provide regular reports to the City Council on applications submitted; and noted that if there was any financial obligation of the City, or before acceptance, the City Council would need to provide approval.

Councilmember Roe concurred with initial concerns of Councilmember Ihlan related to making sure a connection was in place between policy and budgetary guidance provided by the City Council to staff and any grant fund applications and awards.  Councilmember Roe opined that he had no problem with staff submitting an application if no match was required; however, wanted to ensure that those applications were within the policy parameters set by the City Council, and expressed preference that such language be provided in the draft resolution, limiting staff action.  Councilmember Roe clarified that he didn't want to indicate any distrust of staff, but wanted to ensure that City Council directive to staff and policy were not contradictory with grant applications, and that any third party review of grant applications would be aware of the City's approval process; and supported regular reporting by staff to the City Council of applications processed.

Mayor Klausing expressed concern that this did seem to send a message that the City  Council didn't trust staff; however, noted that he would be willing to consider revised resolution language and consideration of regular reporting by staff.

Councilmember Pust concurred with Councilmember Roe's observations and position in the context of budgetary restraints for specific projects and/or programs and ensuring that City Council priorities remained in place and were at the discretion of the City Council.  Councilmember Pust spoke in support of revised language in the resolution; providing for the full context for Council policy.

Councilmember Johnson suggested that all grant acceptances be included on the Consent Agenda to cover these concerns.

City Manager Malinen opined that he didn't see any issues; advising that staff was simply attempting to meet grant application deadlines and finding additional revenue sources for non-controversial and daily operational programs and/or services.

Discussion included explicit criteria for staff-initiated grant applications; reporting requirements; timing concerns; ensuring that staff does not have blanket authority to make application outside of established parameters; and maintaining the City's credibility with potential funders.

Mayor Klausing requested, and Councilmember Roe agreed, to draft revised language for future consideration.

13.             Business Items ? Presentations/Discussions

a.                 Discuss Request by Wellington Management for Collaboration in the Preliminary Design of a Proposed Office Property at 2167 Lexington (PF09-003)

Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon introduced representatives from Wellington Management, for presentation of their revised designs for redevelopment of the parcel at 2167 Lexington Avenue, addressing previous concerns expressed by the City Council and public.

Sonja Simonsen, Director of Finance for Wellington Management and Gonsalo Villares, Pope Architects

Ms. Simonsen reviewed changes made to the plan based on  previous comments and concerns, including creation of a curved wall on the southeast corner of the building addressing visibility triangle concerns and increasing the aesthetic value of the building; additional landscaping and green space opportunities created by that design; and relocating the building and parking lot seven feet to the north.  Ms. Simonsen advised that this allowed retention of the original parking lot landscaping, but placed it in the public right-of-way that Wellington intended to maintain and manage.  Ms. Simonsen reviewed the increased landscaping on the western edge of the property (additional trees and shrubs) providing additional privacy to the adjoining residential property on the west; relocation of proposed snow storage to allow that additional landscaping; and increased setbacks on County Road B for tree and shrub plantings.  Ms. Simonsen advised that Wellington had attempted to incorporate as much feedback from previous comments and concerns as was feasible; and advised that she and Mr. Villares were open to further questions and comments related to those revisions.

Councilmember Pust thanked Wellington representatives for their responsiveness; and expressed appreciation for the new design, rounded building, landscaping, and increased visibility.

Discussion among Councilmembers and Wellington representatives included type of shrub proposed to ensure visibility; location of and number of bicycle parking provided (five spaces located on the northwest side of the building further away from the curb cut for safety considerations); whether any reduction in the parking lot was possible to reduce impervious surfaces further based on zoning requirements and proposed uses of the building and avoiding any on-street parking on Sandhurst to address neighborhood concerns; and landscape screening of the parking lot.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed appreciation for this much-improved design.  She expressed concern that the City's standards for parking seemed to negatively influence the environmental and aesthetics of today's realities.

Councilmember Johnson echoed favorable comments of Councilmembers Pust and Ihlan related to aesthetic and setback improvements; however, questioned the location of the curb cut and sight lines on the north side of the building onto Lexington.  Councilmember Johnson noted that this was a prime location for pedestrian and bicycle traffic given its proximity to schools; and expressed concerns with the visibility for cars exiting the parking lot and encroaching onto the sidewalk in anticipation of their left or right turns.

Ms. Simonsen noted that currently there were 740 vehicles daily encroaching on the same pedestrian/bicycle transit route, and that the new use would reduce that to approximately 340 vehicles per day, and hopefully improve traffic impacts with the proposed development.  Ms. Simonsen advised that the developer was attempting to make the best use of the exiting curb cut and reduce traffic counts.

Further discussion included whether the building could be reduced further near the curb cut even though some square footage would be lost.

City Planner Thomas Paschke clarified that a visibility triangle was not part of that curb cut; and noted that the access functions now and that cars would be encroaching on the sidewalk even with the current use with no building, and would do so no matter the use for the proposed building.

Councilmember Roe, while recognizing the concerns for vehicles encroaching on to the sidewalk, opined that in his experience, traffic seldom stopped before the sidewalk; and expressed concern that such a condition may create an unnecessary hardship for the applicant to address a problem without obvious resolution.  Councilmember Roe sought additional information from the applicant related to existing and proposed storm water management on the site.

Ms. Simonsen and Mr. Paschke responded that initial feedback from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) and the City was that their storm water management plan met current requirements, pretreatment and rate control practices.  Ms. Simonsen advised that they had bid out pavers seeking to provide additional pervious surface for the parking lot; however, she anticipated that the cost would be economically prohibitive.

Additional discussion included proposed use and size of the west side service door as a fire exit; the applications exploration of adding additional doors anticipating future uses and the larger window installations for easier change-out to doors if future uses should warrant that; marketability of the building based on the office building having a common entrance through a main door rather than a retail bay; fire rating and construction material considerations and requirements; and potential creation of additional islands to increase water drainage of the parking lot, since there were an additional five parking spaces above City Code requirements; and exterior materials proposed.

Mayor Klausing and Councilmembers thanked Wellington for their responsiveness to previously-expressed concerns and comments.

b.                 Discuss Park Master Plan

Parks and Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke provided a brief update to the City Council on the status of this priority item for the City Council, Parks and Recreation Department and the community.

Mr. Brokke noted that nine proposals had been received; and that the process anticipated was a four-part process:

1)     Define/redefine the vision;

2)     Analyze and assess current system;

3)     Identify key issues and opportunities; and

4)     Create a path to implementation

Mr. Brokke reviewed the anticipated timeline between now and July of 2009 for finalizing the process outline; selecting a professional to help; and identification of a Master Plan Update Team.  Between July 2009 and July 2010, Mr. Brokke anticipated beginning the nearly year-long dialogue with the community and development of an implementation plan throughout the entire process; and between July 2010 and November 2010, to communicate a final plan to the community in preparation for implementing a funding request, via referendum, in November of 2010.

Mr. Brokke assured Councilmembers and the public that while the department had many priorities and this was a critical and challenging time of year for the department, this remained a vital and high priority item as well. 

c.                  Twin Lakes Budget Appropriation

Public Works Director Duane Schwartz provided an update to the City Council of funding opportunities related to the redevelopment of the Twin Lakes area; with staff continuing to seek out other funding opportunities for federal earmarks.  Mr. Schwartz advised that Congresswoman McCollum's staff was scheduled to hold a meeting on April 27, 2009 at the Fairview Community Center to allow applicants for federal appropriations to pitch their projects; and further advised that staff was seeking City Council support to continue pursuing those funding opportunities for the Twin Lakes area.  Mr. Schwartz advised that staff would continue to keep the City Council  appraised throughout the process.

Discussion included types of funding available through grant and loan programs; short deadlines for some applications for funding requests for 2010 federal earmarked monies; criteria for specific projects; and brief timelines for meeting notice and funding availability.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed her concern in focusing on the Twin Lakes area and funding for that area, when other areas of the City needing bicycle and/or pedestrian friendly transit improvements remained in need and didn?t fit the City's goals.  Councilmember Ihlan opined that the City should take the opportunity with economic stimulus packages to seek funding for those other more vital and desperately-needed projects, rather than focusing in infrastructure for car-oriented uses, specifically for Twin Lakes Parkway, and in an area yet to be redeveloped.  Councilmember Ihlan further opined that further City Council discussion and public comment was required before it was determined if this was the best application for this type of funds.

Mr. Schwartz noted that proposed infrastructure funding included the entire Twin Lakes project area, not just Twin Lakes Parkway, and also included potential funding for right-of-way acquisition.

Mayor Klausing noted, as a point of information that the requested action was to pursue federal and other funding opportunities that could include pedestrian and bicycle pathways; and was simply to seek authorization and allow staff some flexibility.

Councilmember Roe observed that costs identified by staff included other than environmental costs for the Twin Lakes area, such as pathways and intersection improvements along Fairview Avenue, sanitary sewer, water lines, storm sewer treatment, and other infrastructure needs; and that those were not specifically and only related to economic stimulus funds and their particular foci. Councilmember Roe opined that there had been to-date no hesitancy on the part of the City Council to consider the entire project and any pedestrian amenities along the entire length of the project area.

Klausing moved, Roe seconded, authorizing staff to continue to pursue Federal Appropriations and other funding opportunities to facilitate the redevelopment of the Twin Lakes area.

Councilmember Ihlan, based on Attachment A of the staff report and specific descriptions and numbers provided; opined that there had been no public discussion or City Council input for justifying connections to Fairview Avenue; and further opined that there were many other infrastructure needs that would be more pedestrian friendly; and spoke against the motion as it currently stood.

Roll Call

Ayes: Roe; Pust; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: Ihlan.

Motion carried.

14.             City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Malinen provided a projected agenda items for future meeting.

Mayor Klausing reminded City Manager Malinen and fellow Councilmembers that he would be unavailable for the June 8, 2009 meeting.

15.             Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

Councilmember Ihlan requested a future agenda item for further follow-up on previously discussed decrepit properties in the Twin Lakes area and outlined options.

Mayor Klausing noted previous joint discussions between the City Council and Roseville Area School Board related to a facilities inventory, and asked if that information was available.  City Manager Malinen advised that the information was available and that staff would provide it for further discussion and follow-up.

Councilmember Johnson requested an update on the Professional Services Policy.  City Manager Malinen advised that it was on staff's "to do" list, upon receipt of and incorporating suggested language from Councilmembers.  Mayor Klausing and Councilmember Pust requested a reminder from staff on their expectations of Councilmembers related to this issue.

Councilmember Roe requested an update on the 2008 City Manager Review.  City Manager Malinen advised that he was currently wrapping up his part of the review process.

16.      Adjourn

          The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:05 pm.