City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting

July 27, 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 July: Pust; Roe; Ihlan; Johnson; and Klausing)

City Attorney Scott Anderson was also present.

2.         Approve Agenda

By consensus, the agenda was approved as presented.

3.         Public Comment

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

            a.         Tom and Janine Hadlich, 2782 Dale Street N

Ms. Hadlich advised Councilmembers that they were following up on a petition presented last summer for construction of a portion of sidewalk in their neighborhood between County Road C and South Owasso Boulevard, completing the section on the east side.  Ms. Hadlich advised that Public Works Director Duane Schwartz had provided a rough estimate for the section of sidewalk, but didn’t anticipate any work being done until road work was scheduled, possibly in the year 2016, but with no specific or definite plans to do so at this time. 

Ms. Hadlich advised that they were seeking completion of this work, along with approximately 80% of their neighbors on Dale Street, in the more immediate future, and sought information as to what process they needed to follow to get the project initiated.  Ms. Hadlich noted that they had been advised that the City didn’t assess for sidewalks; however, noted that the majority of their neighbors were open to being assessed for the sidewalk if it assured completion sooner.

Mayor Klausing thanked the Hadlichs for bringing this request back before the City Council, and noted that it represented a unique situation.  Mayor Klausing suggested that the request be placed on a future agenda for discussion, allowing additional study by staff in providing more detailed information to the City Council, as well as allowing for sufficient notice of affected property owners.

Mayor Klausing asked that, prior to that meeting, staff provide a report on how the City Council could deviate from its Assessment Policy; circumstances needing consideration for sidewalk construction in this area; review by the City’s Pathway Committee to see how this fits in with the overall city pathway scheme; and notice to potentially affected neighbors of that meeting.

Councilmember Ihlan offered her support to the neighborhood in accomplishing this request; and opined that, as long as the City was looking at policy issues, they consider other potential neighborhoods with similar situations, and use this neighborhood as a model for those residents who are interested in sidewalks at this time.

City Manager Malinen briefly reviewed Minnesota Statute, Chapter 429, related to the process to create improvements and assess a portion of the costs; requiring a certain threshold of petitions, as well as an appeal process for those not in agreement.  City Manager Malinen advised that staff would prepare a report, including those provisions, for the City Council’s review and discussion; and noted that staff’s initial estimates were of a preliminary nature, and that should assessments be considered, more technical information would be required in accordance with State Statute.

City Attorney Anderson concurred with City Manager Malinen’s comments; noting that the petition percentage threshold varied depending on the specific public improvement being considered and the particular improvement under which they were addressed.  City Attorney Anderson advised that, property owners were able to petition their government for a project, with property owners assessed; however, he noted that then all property owners benefiting from the improvement would be assessed equally within the provisions of the City’s Assessment Policy, whether they supported the project or not, thus the appeal process and ability to challenge as to whether the project should move forward or not.

Mayor Klausing asked that the Hadlichs follow up with City Manager Malinen for additional information.

Councilmember Roe noted a similar situation occurred in the recent past related to decorative street lighting in a specific neighborhood.

Ms. Hadlich provided the City Manager with information on their request to-date.

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

Councilmember Pust noted that the HRA had met earlier that evening, and would be providing their update at tonight’s joint meeting with the City Council.

Mayor Klausing reminded citizens of the remaining series of community meetings as part of the continuation of Imagine Roseville 2025, to discuss various city issues and as a part of the process in developing future budgets and prioritizing City programs and services.

          Councilmember Roe noted the upcoming Family Night Out on Monday, August 3; and National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

          Mayor Klausing announced the upcoming Green Community Campaigns in the Cities of Roseville and Shoreview, with tours on August 1 and August 2, 2009; recognizing residents providing innovative stormwater management techniques.

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

            a.         Proclaim September 25, 2009 Golden K Kiwanis Peanut Day in Roseville

Members of the North Suburban Golden K Kiwanis were present to kick off their peanut drive.  Three members: Steve Forshay; Ron Ness; Art Hedstrom, were present to review their various fundraising efforts for children’s programs, at which they volunteer their time and donations for area service programs, primarily children’s programs through their annual peanut sales.  Promotional materials were provided for Councilmembers and interested parties for their participation.

Representatives noted that all proceeds went to programming in the northern suburbs, with no administrative or overhead costs deducted; and they reviewed several of the ongoing programs in which they participated, specifically highlighting a tutoring program at which over 20 of their members assisted students with reading.  It was noted that the Kiwanis Club also helped sell Rosefest buttons this year.

Representatives thanked the City of Roseville for allowing them to hold their weekly Tuesday afternoon meetings at the OVAL without charge, meaning more money for the children. Representatives noted that there were 116 members in this specific club, all over 55 years of age.  Representatives advised that September 25, 2009 was their official nationwide Peanut Day with over 600 clubs participating; and the local group being at four area businesses. 

Mayor Klausing read the proclamation.

Klausing moved, Pust seconded, proclamation of September 25, 2009 as Roseville Golden K Kiwanis Peanut Day.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Klausing recognized former member John Goedeke and his past work with the City, schools and group.

6.         Approve Minutes

a.                 Approve Minutes of July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting

Roe moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting as amended.

Corrections (July 13, 2009):

§         Page 9, Lines 31-33 (Ihlan)

§         Page 22, entire section (Ihlan)

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.                 Approve Minutes of July 20, 2009 Regular Meeting

Roe moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the July 20, 2009 Regular Meeting as amended.

Corrections (July 20, 2009):

§         Page 2, Line 13 (Roe)

§         Page 8, Line 1 (Roe)

§         Page 15, Line 37 (Roe)

Roll Call

Ayes: Pust; Roe; Ihlan; 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, Pust seconded, approval of the following claims and payments as presented.

Roll Call

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

                        Nays: None.

b.                 Appoint Youth Commissioner to Parks and Recreation Commission

Johnson moved, Pust seconded, appointment of Julia Jacobson, a Junior at Roseville Area High School, to serve as a non-voting Youth Representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission until July 31, 2010, for a term of one (1) year, expiring July 31, 2009.

                  Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

8.         Consider Items Removed from Consent

9.                 General Ordinances for Adoption

10.             Presentations

a.                 Joint Meeting with the Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Authority

HRA Chair Dean Maschka, and HRA Commission Members William Masche, Susan Elkins, Michael Tracy, Bill Majerus, and Josh Fuhrman were present; along with Executive Director Pat Trudgeon and Housing Coordinator Jeanne Kelsey.

A Bench Handout was provided entitled, “Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Agency – 2009 Work Plan;” outlining those items in-process, those ongoing, and those completed to-date.  Chair Maschka reviewed the work plan, and advised that the HRA had recently held a workshop to further review the 2008 – 2012 Work Plan, incorporating the City’s updated Comprehensive Plan.

Chair Maschka noted highlights of the work plan to-date, including re-engineering of the annual Home and Garden Fair – Living Smarter incorporating green living ideas; a quarterly “Living Smarter” City newsletter insert; continued work on the multi-family housing revolving loan program (Har Mar Apartments); more fiscal responsibility with quarterly financial updates; commissioned a multi-family housing study; new brochures for new residents of the City; and the very successful hosting of an educational workshop for realtors about Roseville’s amenities.

Chair Maschka briefly reviewed the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan, including recent incorporation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, specifically as it related to housing issues; ongoing development of policies to recommend to the City Council for using tools related to housing (i.e., HIA, Conduit Financing); focus on all types of housing, including market-rate intergenerational housing; promotion of neighborhoods and neighborhood groups; continued focus on code enforcement; continued exploration and recommendations to the City Council the use of rental licensing; expansion of the HRA’s efforts to promote the use of “green” solutions as part of maintaining and expanding housing stock.  Chair Maschka noted that the HRA continued to review other potential financial tools for the HRA and/or City to make significant impacts on problem properties in the community.

Discussion included multi-family housing realities that were dictating the need for a rental licensing inspection program, similar to many other suburban communities, while recognizing the numerous issues related to implementation and enforcement of such a program; and providing demonstrable energy efficiencies for homeowners to realize economic paybacks in pursuing green initiatives.

Chair Maschka noted the upcoming groundbreaking at the Har Mar Apartment Complex setting the stage for a model for public/private partnership.  Chair Maschka noted that the HRA, as originally charged by the City Council, continued to seek the most cost-effective and productive methods to address the community’s ever-changing housing needs and issues.

Further discussion included deterioration of multi-family housing and the need for a community-wide solution, with the HRA and City Council finding consensus; and potential funding resources to address issues before they became more problematic.

Chair Maschka noted a recent meeting he’d hosted with interested parties, including representatives of the School District, City’s Police Department, Northwest Youth & Family Services (NYFS), Councilmember Pust and others to discuss a specific multi-family property on Rice Street and potential remedies; anticipation of upcoming results of the multi-family housing study to provide a sense of the condition of multi-family units in the community.  Chair Maschka opined that there was no question that there was deterioration of several large, multi-family units in the community; and that a solution would need to be implemented, since failure to do so would only create more problems aesthetically as well as in safety and crime-related areas.

Additional discussion included the complexities in, and approaches used by other communities (i.e., City of New Brighton) in dealing with issues at multi-family complexes, some successful and some failures; financing options similar to that used by the City of St. Louis Park in additional revenues realized through a minute fee placed on requests for conduit financing and providing an annual revenue stream to address housing issues.

Councilmember Roe opined that there seemed to be a need to first identify the problems and then determine the resources that will work with those particular issues and circumstances, as well as in line with community standards for financing.

Councilmember Johnson thanked the HRA for their time and efforts, and expressed appreciation for the job they performed.  Councilmember Roe addressed his observations from attending the second portion of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and related to redevelopment of housing stock sold by senior citizens within the next 10-15 years.  Councilmember Johnson asked HRA members if they had addressed how to market this housing stock and efficiently turn it over, given the major senior populace in Roseville.

Chair Maschka noted the updated HRA strategic plan included ongoing marketing of the City of Roseville, with great strides made to-date by staff in making realtors aware of the City’s housing stock and tax base; and emphasizing reduced carbon footprint in living closer to where you work, such as an inner suburb such as Roseville.

Mayor Klausing observed that some housing experts, in determining housing costs, didn’t factor in transportation costs, and encouraged staff to emphasize that to area realtors.

Housing Coordinator Jeanne Kelsey noted a recent Brookings Institute study in the metropolitan area that provided that information, and advised that staff would continue to educate realtors on that information, as well as opportunities to bring it to the public’s attention.

Chair Maschka noted the economic advantages of the City’s diverse tax base, allowing for reduced taxes in Roseville when compared to that of outer ring suburbs.

Councilmember Roe suggested that the HRA market to those interested homeowners as well as realtors.

HRA Member William Masche advised that this was his third year serving on the HRA after appointment by the City Council; and recognized the tremendous leadership of the group by former Chair Bill Majerus and now Chair Dean Maschka, in addition to the tremendous staff support received by the HRA.  Member Masche noted the many innovative solutions for problems as they arise; and respectfully requested that the City Council seriously and with an open mind consider those innovative ideas brought before them by the HRA.  Member Masche noted that the City Council had provided a clear charge to the HRA, and that the HRA was attempting to implement that charge, possibly requiring their careful consideration.

Mayor Klausing concurred that the City Council had given the HRA a charge; and that they were running with it.  Mayor Klausing recognized the success of the City’s Public Works, Environment and Transportation (PWET) Commission, and the HRA as two citizen groups that had hit their stride and were accomplishing great work for the community and providing great assistance to the City Council.

Further discussion included the status of the multiple-family housing study by Maxfield Research nearing completion; advantages realized by the City during the recent housing crisis with the many homes paid for with empty nesters remaining in their homes and benefiting the community during that crisis; diversity of the community’s housing stock and various demographics in types of homeowners in the City; and anticipated single-family housing study budgeted for 2010.

Additional discussion included results of the multi-family housing study to-date in finding a need for good intergenerational rather than senior high rise apartments in Roseville; and investing in the future of Roseville’s diverse housing stock.

Mayor Klausing thanked members for their attendance and discussion; and HRA members thanked the City Council for the opportunity for tonight’s discussion.

11.             Public Hearings

a.                 Conduct a Public Hearing for the EVADO, Inc., d/b/a ZPizza application for an On-Sale 3.2% Liquor and an On-Sale Wine License at 1607 County Road C West

Finance Director Chris Miller briefly summarized the written Request for Council Action dated July 27, 2009; with staff recommending approval.

Vince Manning, CEO of EVADO, Inc.

Mr. Manning noted that this was the one year anniversary for ZPizza at the Roseville location; and that the license request was based on public request; while not anticipating a high volume of sales.

Councilmember Roe addressed the availability of city-approved training programs to facilitate compliance checks to avoid sales to minors, and the City’s penalty structure based on those participating and those not participating in that training.  Councilmember Roe sought information from the applicant as to their knowledge of that training and their participation intent.

Mr. Manning advised that they were in the process of working through that training with all servers.

Mayor Klausing opened and closed the Public Hearing at 6:47 p.m. to receive public comment on the application of EVADO, Inc., d/b/a ZPizza for an On-Sale 3.2% Liquor and an On-Sale Wine License at 1607 County Road C West; with no one appearing to speak for or against.

12.             Business Items (Action Items)

a.                 Approve the EVADO, Inc., d/b/a ZPizza application for an On-Sale 3.2% Liquor and an On-Sale Wine License at 1607 County Road C West

Johnson moved, Ihlan seconded, approval of the application of EVADO, Inc., d/b/a ZPizza, located at 1607 County Road C West, for an On-Sale 3.2% Liquor and an On-Sale Wine License.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.                 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Submission of a DEED Redevelopment Grant for the Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area

Economic Development Associate Jamie Radel provided a summary of the written Request for Council Action dated July 27, 2009; seeking authorization to solicit a redevelopment grant in the amount of $1 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  Ms. Radel noted that the grant required a dollar for dollar match from the City, and intent was for Phase II of the construction of Twin Lakes Parkway from Mount Ridge Road to Prior Avenue, with some funds already expended and grant-eligible for this phase of redevelopment.  Ms. Radel noted that in September of 2008, the City had been awarded $528,000 for Phase I of the project, consisting of construction of a portion of Twin Lakes Parkway, Mount Ridge Road and associated infrastructure.

Discussion included staff’s estimate of approximately $850,000 expended to-date on this phase; ability of the City to decline grant funds if they were unable to meet the match requirements; additional revenues sources (i.e., Tax Increment Financing and grant funds from other agencies) that may be available; and charges to future developing properties in accordance with the cost-allocation study previously provided. 

Roe moved, Pust seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10739 entitled, “Resolution of Applicant for the Twin Lakes Project;” authorizing staff to submit a grant application on behalf of the City of Roseville to DEED’s Redevelopment Grant Program for the acquisition of right-of-way, construction of a segment of Twin Lakes Parkway, Prior Avenue, and associated pedestrian facilities, lighting and utilities.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

c.                  Authorize Application to the Department of Energy for a Grant to extend the existing Skating Center Geothermal Energy System

Public Works Director Duane Schwartz briefly summarized the written Request for Council Action dated July 27, 2009; seeking authorization for staff to pursue federal stimulus recovery act funds for expanding the City’s current geothermal system to the maintenance building and City Hall.  Mr. Schwartz referenced previous studies by KFI calculating potential construction costs, as well as a projected energy savings with such an installation.

Discussion included estimated payback through using grant monies (i.e., 30 years versus 12-14 years); consideration of existing equipment depreciation; funding for the City’s local match from use of reserves, offset by operational savings, or through sale of equipment bonds; phasing of construction of the project over 2-3 years, with grant funds being capped at four years; lack of money budgeted for capital replacement of the existing HVAC system at this time; and other potential private sources for funding such a project.

Further discussion included whether the City could make application for and use as their part of the match grant funds from other agencies; with staff unable to respond to that question.

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, approval to authorize staff to make application to the Department of Energy for a grant to extend the existing Skating Center geothermal energy system; for a 50% matching grant through the Federal Stimulus Recovery Act/Geothermal Technical Program for extension of the existing geothermal system to the maintenance building and City Hall.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

13.             Business Items – Presentations/Discussions

14.             City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Manager Malinen provided projected agenda items for future meetings.

City Manager Malinen requested that Councilmembers set aside August 25 and August 26, 2009 as possible meeting dates specifically for budget discussions; with those meetings to be held in work session format in the City Hall Council Chambers and televised for the public.

Discussion included whether public comment would be heard at those meetings; with consensus being that those meetings would be specifically for City Council and senior staff discussion based on the budgeting for outcomes process, and prioritization of services and community needs.

Mayor Klausing asked that staff set aside specific time to invite public comment following those meetings after the City Council worked through that initial process.

Councilmember Pust noted the brief agenda for tonight’s meeting, and suggested that staff consider reviewing upcoming regular meeting agendas for budget discussions, rather than planning additional meetings.

City Manager Malinen recognized that possibility; however, noted that the initial meeting agendas were still very preliminary and that the proposed additional meetings dates were requested to allow sufficient time to concentrate on the budget process itself.

Councilmember Roe noted that the September 14, 2009 meeting agenda needed to include adoption of the Preliminary Budget and Levy.

15.             Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

16.      Adjourn

          The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:08 pm.