City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting

January 4, 2010

1.         Roll Call

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

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

City Attorney Charles Bartholdi was also present.

2.         Approve Agenda

Councilmember Ihlan requested removal of Consent Item 7.a entitled, “Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items in Excess of $5,000.

By consensus, the agenda was approved as amended.

3.         Public Comment

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

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

Councilmember Roe reminded the public of the upcoming meeting of the Park Master Plan Citizen Advisory Team scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall lower level, and encouraged public participation.

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

6.         Approve Minutes

a.                 Approve Minutes of December 7, 2009 Executive Session

Roe moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the December 7, 2009 Executive Session as presented.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.                 Approve Minutes of December 21, Regular Meeting

Roe moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the December 21, 2009 Regular meeting as amended.

Corrections, in addition to those noted in the draft copy as presented:

o        Page 1, line 44, (Roe)

Correct reference to “Representative” rather than “Senator” McCollum

o        Page 6, Line 38 (Roe)

Correct reference to “Conditional Use”, rather than “CUP”

Roll Call

Ayes: Pust; Roe; Johnson; Ihlan; 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.

b.                 Approve Business Licenses

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

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

c.                  Adopt Resolution Designating Official Bank Depositories

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No.10777 entitled, “Resolution on Designation of Depositories;” designating U. S. Bank, Premier Bank, and M & I Bank as official designated depositories for the City of Roseville for 2010.

          Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

d.                 Adopt Resolution Designating Official Bank Signatories

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10778 entitled, “Resolution of Designation of Bank Signatories;” designating Mayor Craig D. Klausing, City Manager William J. Malinen, and Finance Director Christopher K. Miller as official signatories for the City of Roseville for 2010.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

e.                 Designate 2010 Legal Newspaper

Mayor Klausing suggested that, given the few bids received, staff raise this issue with the League of Minnesota Cities to explore other options if there were no interest expressed in future years, to allow the City to comply with this statutory requirement.

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the Roseville Review as the legal newspaper for the City of Roseville for 2010.

          Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

f.                   Approve Renewal of Electrical Inspection Service Contract with Tokle Inspections

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the 2010 Service Agreement between the City of Roseville and Tokle Inspections, Inc. (Attachment A to the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010); and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to executive the agreement, pending review of the City Attorney.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

g.                 Authorize Solicitation of Donations for Parks and Recreation, Fire Department and Police Special Events

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval for the City Manager or his designee to solicit donations for various City Functions and Events, as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

h.                 Designate 2010 Assistant Weed Inspector

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the appointment of the City of Roseville’s Community Development Department Codes Coordinator as the duly authorized and designated Assistant Weed Inspector for the calendar year 2010, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 18.80.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

i.                    Approve Not Waiving Statutory Liability Limit

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, to NOT waive the Statutory Liability Limits as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

j.                   Authorize 2010 City Sign Permits

          Pust moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the 2010 sign permits for City uses and promotions as listed in the 2010 Sign Summary dated January 4, 2010.

Roll Call

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

            Nays: None.

8. Consider Items Removed from Consent

a.                 Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding $5,000 (former Consent Item 7.a)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, City Manager Malinen reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010.

Councilmember Ihlan sought additional information on this unmarked vehicle: how many unmarked cars were in the current fleet; how many unmarked cars patrolled the City on a regular basis on an average day; and what other vehicle in the current fleet would serve as a back up for this vehicle.  Councilmember Ihlan noted the gas mileage of 16 miles per gallon (mpg) as addressed in a recent e-mail to the City Council and if there was a better vehicle or practices to achieve better gas mileage for unmarked cars.  Councilmember Ihlan opined that, for unmarked vehicles, this seemed like an opportunity to explore other vehicles with better gas mileage; and that it also may be time to rethink what the City was looking for, in addition to considering deferring replacement for another year, since the vehicle was only at 96,000 miles and could still be viable.

Acting Police Chief Rick Mathwig advised that this proposed purchase was the replacement for a current unmarked patrol unit (currently a 2005 Crown Victoria), with the vehicle used on average for a 10 hour day and dedicated to the City’s traffic officer, with use by a patrol unit officer if their vehicle is in for service, but not used for normal assignments.  Acting Police Chief Mathwig advised that the backup vehicle for this vehicle would be a black and white marked squad car.  Acting Police Chief Mathwig advised that the Dodge Charger has been used in the Police field since 2003 or 2005, and showed better mileage than the Crown Victoria (13-14 mpg).  Acting Police Chief Mathwig noted that these vehicles are built as a police package specifically for high risk runs. This emergency type driving makes it difficult to increase miles per gallon when it’s geared to high intensity use.  The police department does not compute its own miles per gallon estimates. He noted that the mileage rate referenced by Councilmember Ihlan was based on other industry standards. 

Mayor Klausing noted that this discussion on replacement cycles and/or deferrals was held during budget discussions.

Councilmember Ihlan advised that she may not support the motion, based on her preference to review the City’s entire fleet, and whether an unmarked vehicle could be used for a longer cycle than a marked squad.

Councilmember Pust asked Acting Chief Mathwig to explain the definition of a patrol vehicle and a traffic vehicle.

Acting Chief Mathwig advised that this traffic vehicle is essentially an unmarked patrol vehicle with no exterior light bars, and from a distance, appeared to be a plain vehicle, and that for the purposes of the Roseville Police Department, was considered synonymous with a patrol vehicle, but was used exclusively for traffic.

Councilmember Johnson noted that the City Council, during budget discussions, had talked about the Dallas, TX study and turnover goals for vehicles; however, he noted that at that time, it was noted that elements in MN weather and normal wear and tear due to that weather, may not be comparable to replacement of vehicles in TX.

Councilmember Roe noted that the vehicle proposed for replacement was a 2005 vehicle; and even if other jurisdictions replace their vehicles at 100,000 rather than 75,000 miles, it would make sense to replace this vehicle since it was at 96,000; and confirmed with Acting Chief Mathwig that other unmarked vehicles were used for non-patrol or investigative vehicles.

Acting Chief Mathwig noted that this vehicle was the highest mileage vehicle in the fleet, and the first to be rotated out; and that while a vehicle with such high mileage would be equipped with lights, by policy, it would not be used for aggressive or patrol situations, except in emergency situations.

Councilmember Roe noted that, in past discussions, staff had revised their policies in terms of idling and other cost-saving measures; however, he noted that in certain circumstances, a police vehicle had to be left to idle.

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

Councilmember Roe noted that the Crown Victoria model would not be offered in the future; and suggested that this was an opportunity to look at other vehicles, and suggested another one on the State Bid list was the Chevrolet Impala.

Acting Chief Mathwig advised that 2011 would be the last year that the Ford Motor Company would make available the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor; and that the Police Department Committee had looked at the Chevrolet Impala, but to-date, it has not shown as high of a reliability as the Dodge Charger, and therefore, was not considered at this time.

Roll Call

Ayes: Pust; Roe; Johnson; and Klausing.

            Nays: Ihlan.

            Motion carried.

9.                 General Ordinances for Adoption

10.             Presentations

11.             Public Hearings

12.             Business Items (Action Items)

a.                 Designate 2010 Acting Mayor

Mayor Klausing recommended designation of Councilmember Jeff Johnson as Acting Mayor for 2010.

Roe moved, Klausing seconded, designation of Councilmember Jeff Johnson as the 2010 Acting Mayor.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.                 Appoint Returning Commissioners and/or determine Commissioners to Interview

City Manager Malinen briefly reviewed the City Council’s past practice and policy for selection, appointment and subsequent reappointment of commissioners to its Citizen Advisory Commissions.  Mr. Malinen advised that, as per Attachment A to the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010, staff had solicited feedback from Commission Chairpersons, as well as the attendance records of incumbents; with the Chairpersons indicating support for those incumbents eligible for reappointment.  City Manager noted that some were not interested in reappointment and/or were ineligible for reappointment at this time.

Roe moved, Johnson seconded, reappointment of all eligible, reapplying commissioners to three year terms ending March 31, 2013, as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010 (Attachment A).

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Klausing noted that there were three vacancies remaining: two on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and one on the Police Civil Service Commission.

By consensus, staff was requested to follow the established policy to advertise for these vacancies with interviews of candidates following that period. 

Councilmember Roe encouraged citizens to apply.

Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Roe, noted that number of excellent applicants in the last few cycles, and encouraged those having previously applied, but not appointed, to reapply for a vacancy.

13.             Business Items – Presentations/Discussions

a.                 Discuss Council Rules of procedures

As a bench handout, City Manager Malinen distributed an e-mail from Mayor Klausing received earlier today related to this item and a proposed language rewrite for Rule #6.

Mayor Klausing noted that portions of his proposed language may be redundant with those proposed by City Manager Malinen and Councilmember Roe.

City Manager Malinen reviewed his proposed language rewrite for Rule #6 (Attachment B), based on its applications over the past year, and his work with City Attorney Scott Anderson to provide clearer language, with the Council able to extend the meeting to 11:00 p.m. to complete discussion of a specific item; then with a super-majority vote to extend past 11:00 p.m.

Councilmember Roe’s proposed change was entitled, “Roe alternate – 1/4/10” and included in the Request for Council Action.  Councilmember Roe advised that, based on his experience in the presiding chair as Acting Mayor in 2009, his attempt was to make the language even more clear by removing the first sentence of the current Rule #6, since the meeting dates were published annually, and deal specifically with curfew issues as detailed in his alternate language, with the ruling of the Mayor as a first step rather than stopping to take a vote and upsetting the flow of discussion.  

Mayor Klausing, based on his observations in administering the meetings, noted the need to do something to make the current Rule #6 more consistent; and concurred that the first sentence, as suggested by Councilmember Roe, should be stricken.  Mayor Klausing expressed his preference for language in paragraph two in Attachment B from City Manager Malinen.

Councilmember Ihlan expressed her preference for Mayor Klausing’s proposed language as the simplest and most direct.

Councilmember Johnson concurred with Mayor Klausing’s language as well.

By consensus, the first sentence was stricken.

Mayor Klausing read his proposed language for Rule #6, minus that first sentence.

          Klausing moved, Ihlan seconded, to amend Rule #6 of the Roseville City Council Rules of Procedure deleting the first sentence and deleting the second paragraph in the current version (dated April 21, 2008); hereafter to read as follows:

“The Council recognizes that meetings are for the benefit of the citizens of Roseville so Council meetings will end by 10:00 p.m.  Councilmember meetings may be extended upon the vote of the City Council, but at no time will a meeting run past 11:00 p.m.  If Council business remains on the agenda, the Council may continue the meeting to a future date or table such items until the next meeting, if needed.”

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the Council Rules of procedures as amended.

          Roe moved, Johnson seconded, as an amendment to the motion, adoption of “Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Simple Parliamentary Procedures for the 21^st Century” (Attachment C) to the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010. 

          Mayor Klausing offered his support for the motion, noting that nothing prevented action consistent with Roberts Rules of Order if an issue became more complicated than those Rules of Order in Rosenberg’s procedures.

          City Manager Malinen advised that, in proposing these more simple parliamentary procedures, based on their complexity, Roberts Rules were not intended for smaller bodies, but for parliament and legislative-sized bodies.  Mr. Malinen noted that Rosenberg served as a former County Supervisor and City Councilmember, and found the need for a simpler approach to make sure the public and the body understood those rules, while ensuring sufficient discussion and debate and minority vote, but allowing the business of the body to move along in a more succinct manner.

          Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of the amendment, as a condensed version and the ability to refer to Roberts Rules for anything not covered in Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.

          Councilmember Roe noted that, in terms of the rare occasions not covered by language of Rosenberg, the presiding officer would make the ruling, with a simple majority vote of the body to overrule the presiding officer’s ruling if so disputed.  Roe opined that if the presiding officer’s ruling was based on Roberts’ Rules, that might give it additional merit in considering an objection.

Roll Call (Amendment)

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

Nays: None.

Roll Call (Original Motion as Amended)

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

Nays: None.

          Mayor Klausing asked that City Manager attach a copy of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order to the City Council schedule and budget priorities.

          Councilmembers Roe and Johnson also requested that a copy be made available for the public in the Council Chambers, along with the City Council Rules of Procedure, and on the City’s website.

b.                 Discuss City Council Liaisons

City Manager Malinen summarized the background information as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated January 4, 2010 related to Council Liaisons. 

Discussion included the Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS) liaison position currently held by Councilmember Pust; differentiating between those formal and informal appointments by the City Council and those representations elected by various Boards and Committees.

Mayor Klausing expressed his preference for continuing the status quo on representations to various organizations and boards.

Councilmember Pust noted that she was elected as the President of the Roseville Community Foundation this year by that body, a non-profit board, and not as an appointee of the City Council.

Mayor Klausing noted other similar situations, such as the Armory Citizen’s Committee, and those other boards identifying individual City Councilmember participatory and leadership roles within the community.

Councilmember Roe suggested that, in the future, this listing provided by staff identify those differing designations, whether a City Council appointment or other.

Further discussion included elimination of the Nature Center Task Force and Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and including the Parks Master Plan Team on the revised list.

City Manager Malinen was tasked with clarifying with Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon whether a citizen advisory group and Councilmember liaison was to be appointed as part of the recodification of the City’s zoning code, or if this was just an internal process at this time.

No formal action was taken.  By consensus, all current Council liaisons continue in effect.

c.                  Discuss City Council Strategic Planning

City Manager Malinen noted that the City, as past practice, had scheduled an annual strategic planning session for the City’s management staff and Councilmembers to establish annual goals; recommended such a meeting in 2010; and sought City Council direction as to doing so in 2010.

Councilmembers concurred that this was a valuable process.

Councilmember Roe observed that the 2009 meeting was mostly spent on budget adjustments due to budget unallotments at the State level; and did not serve as a genuine strategic planning session.

Councilmember Johnson noted that this year’s meeting would allow initiation of the recently-adopted BFO process in the planning process.

Further discussion included timing of such a meeting, with preference expressed by City Manager Malinen for a Saturday morning to allow focused discussions away from normal business routines, and in a more informal session as last year’s meeting held in the Fireside Room at the Skating Center.

City Manager Malinen and administrative staff were charged with providing suggested dates to Councilmembers for a date and time that was workable.

14.             City Manager Future Agenda Review

City Attorney Charles Bartholdi introduced himself; and noted that effective February 1, 2010, their firm would reorganize as the firm of Erickson, Bell, Beckman, and Quinn; and were proud to be relocating their office from their 12 years in St. Paul back to Roseville; and were glad to be back in the community.

City Manager Malinen reviewed upcoming agenda items.

Councilmember Roe suggested review of the proposed Citizen Advisory Commission interviews scheduled for February 8, 2010, given the normal application period.

15.             Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

Councilmember Pust requested on the next available agenda (January 11 or January 18) a discussion and evaluation by the City Council on the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process.  Councilmember Pust expressed her preference that this discussion be held at a regular business session rather than at the annual goal-setting session to avoid having that goal-setting session with Department Heads be exclusive to money, instead of about substantive issues.

Councilmember Johnson expressed his interest in this evaluation process as well.

City Manager Malinen advised that he would consult and coordinate with Finance Director Chris Miller on scheduling this discussion at a future regular meeting.

Councilmember Johnson noted the pending discussion on alcohol violations being reviewed by Councilmembers Pust and Roe; and questioned when they would be prepared.

Councilmembers Pust and Roe suggested that they could be prepared for Council discussion at the February 8, 2010 regular meeting.

16.             Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:03 pm.