City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2010

Advisory Commission Interviews

The City Council met at approximately 4:30 pm for the purpose of interviewing candidates for two vacancies on the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission and one vacancy on the City’s Police Civil Service Commission.  Interviews were held at approximate ten minute intervals with the following candidates: Don Drackert, Debra Gogins, and Zoe Jenkins for the Police Civil Service Commission; and Erin Azer, Bryan Donaldson, Randall Doneen, Mark Kamrath, Michele Lind, Kevin Ronneberg, Eli Sagor, Duane Stolpe, and Sheri Yaritz for the Parks and Recreation Commission.  Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bob Willmus was also present.

Recess

Mayor Klausing recessed the meeting at approximately 6:25 pm and reconvened in regular session at approximately 6:55 pm.

1.         Roll Call

Mayor Klausing called to order the Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:55 p.m. and welcomed everyone.  Mayor Klausing apologized for the delay in tonight’s meeting due to interviews with Advisory Commission applicants.  Mayor Klausing announced that City Manager Malinen was ill and Acting City Manager Chris Miller would be filling in for him.

(Voting and Seating Order for March: Roe; Pust; Ihlan; Johnson; and Klausing).  City Attorney Charles Bartholdi was also present.

2.         Approve Agenda

Councilmember Roe requested removal of Consent Item 7.d for discussion, entitled, “Adopt a Resolution Supporting a Fiber Infrastructure Grant.”

Councilmember Ihlan requested removal of Consent Items 7. c, e, i and j for discussion, respectively entitled, “Authorize the Purchase of a Software Upgrade for the City’s Financial Software;” “Approve 2010 Employee Conference Attendance;” “Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Contract to Accept ERF Grant Funds from Ramsey County for Twin Lakes;” and “Adopt Resolution in Support of Noise Wall along Highway 36.”

Acting City Manager Miller requested removal of Business Action Item 12.c entitled, “Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2931 Fairview;” at staff’s request.

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. 

a.         Ray McDonald, 2241 Marion Street N, Rice Street/Highway 36 Sound Wall

Mr. McDonald provided a bench handout and verbally thanked Mayor Klausing and the City Council, Public Works Director Duane Schwartz and Ramsey County Public Works Director Jim Tolaas for their attention to the project and ultimate resolution.

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

Mayor Klausing noted the display of quilts from the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters Association currently on display at City Hall.

Councilmember Roe, as a City representative on the North Suburban Cable Commission, announced annual scholarships to students pursuing higher education in the communication field, and encouraged students in the community to consider application before the April 9, 2010 application deadline, with additional information available via a link on the CTV15.org website.

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

6.         Approve Minutes

a.            Approve Minutes of February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting

Johnson moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the February 22, 2010 Regular meeting as presented.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.            Approve Minutes of March 1, 2010 Special Meeting

Johnson moved, Pust seconded, approval of the minutes of the March 1, 2010 Special meeting as presented.

Roll Call

Ayes: Roe; Pust; 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, Acting City Manager Chris Miller 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: Roe; Pust; Ihlan; Johnson; and Klausing.

Nays: None.

b.            Approve General Purchases and Sale of Surplus Items Exceeding $5,000

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

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

f.             Approve Contracts for Printing Services

Acting City Manager Miller noted that, during the City Attorney’s review of the contracts following agenda distribution and before tonight’s meeting, several minor changes had been made, with those changes provided to the City Council earlier today, and available in the back of the room for public information.

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of a contract between the City of Roseville and Greenhaven Printing for the Printing and Mailing of the Roseville City News; and a contract between the City of Roseville and Impressive Print, for printing forms and envelopes.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

g.         Award 2010 Street Maintenance Materials and Contractual Concrete

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of award to the low bidder of all categories as detailed in the RCA dated March 8, 2010 for maintenance materials and contractual concrete work.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

h.            Approve a Joint Powers Agreement with Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for Access to Criminal Justice Data Communications Network

Johnson moved, Roe seconded, approval of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City of Roseville and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.201, allowing the Roseville Police Department access to state and nationwide criminal justice data; and authorizing the City Manager and Mayor to execute the document.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

8.            Consider Items Removed from Consent

a.         Authorize the Purchase of a Software Upgrade for the City’s Financial Software (Former Consent Item 7.c)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting City Manager Chris Miller briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010.

Councilmember Ihlan questioned whether this upgrade was anticipated as part of the 2010 budget; and expressed her surprise that the costs are paid from the Equipment Replacement Fund, and asked if this was standard procedure, particularly since the costs were for data transfer and training, not specifically for equipment.  Councilmember Ihlan suggested that, in future budget cycles, such items be clearly defined and stipulated in order to provide greater transparency.

At the request of Councilmember Roe, Mr. Miller confirmed that this expenditure had been included as a normal equipment expenditure within the 2010 budget.

At the request of Councilmember Johnson, Mr. Miller confirmed that it was past practice and typical in the industry to include the training within equipment purchase funding.

Mr. Miller clarified, and Councilmember Johnson confirmed similarities based on his career field of expertise, that this was standard industry practice, to include training, with some individualized and some group training included in this instance.

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, approval of the purchase of the Springbrook Financial Software upgrade at an estimated cost of $35,000.00 for data migration and training costs, to be paid from the City’s Equipment Replacement Fund.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

      b.         Adopt a Resolution Supporting a Fiber Infrastructure Grant (Former Consent Item 7.d)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting City Manager Chris Miller briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010.  Mr. Miller advised that this was the second round of funding through the Economic Stimulus Fund (ESF) for this partnership opportunity; noting that the grant application process was very competitive.  However, Mr. Miller noted the financial advantages for installation and deployment of the network system in connecting to various facilities and institutions in the metropolitan area, with no local dollars involved if the grant application was successful.  Mr. Miller advised that, if successful, the City would bring forward a separate agreement for City Council approval for a 30 year agreement securing six strands of fiber, with a nominal maintenance fee for the City, far lower than the costs for maintaining the existing city-owned fiber.

Discussion included the other entities involved in applying and partnering as a consortium with this specific agency, consisting of 18 different boards and/or city councils; separate application of Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul, partnering with another firm; future agreements in place to ensure that the City’s cost would be based on a set fee per fiber mile for the portions used, and not based on the number of participating partners to pick up their shares; and whether there were other places in the marketplace that could provide more economic benefit to the City in the long-run; and complementary rather than competitive applications for the entire metropolitan area.

Councilmember Roe, as the City’s NSCC representative, spoke in support of a 30 year agreement, and also in support of making it extendable or renewable; allowing the City to tie into this commercial project for the benefit of the City, allowing a proactive alternative to the current I-Net availability and franchise agreement with Comcast, up for renewal in 2013.

Roe moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10793 entitled, “Resolution Supporting Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BROP) Grant Applications for the Development of a Comprehensive Community Network to Benefit Public Institutions in the Northeast Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.”

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

      c.         Approve 2010 Employee Conference Attendance (Former Consent Item 7.e)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting City Manager Chris Miller briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010.

While not interested in micromanaging the City Manager’s management of employees, Councilmember Pust expressed concern in approving the blanket list of conferences without having him present to identify whether he’d already screened this list, and to provide more specific information.

Councilmember Ihlan requested additional information on how this list matched up with the amounts approved in the 2010 budget, which she had been unable to reconcile.  Councilmember Ihlan also suggested, based on the original intent, that a policy or resolution be in place providing specific restrictions by the City Council.  Councilmember Ihlan expressed her interest, early in the 2011 budget process, that information be made available as to which conferences relate to specific departments and how their training monies are allocated, per department and overall.

This item was continued to the next meeting.

d.         Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Contract to Accept ERF Grant Funds for Ramsey County for Twin Lakes (Former Consent Item 7.i)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting City Manager Chris Miller briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010.

Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon, at the request of Councilmember Ihlan, confirmed that there were no required city-matching financial obligations for these funds.

Councilmember Ihlan asked if there was any strategy in place to work with the County Attorney to get financial reimbursement from the responsible polluting parties; and suggested that the City’s goal should be to seek such reimbursement where and when possible.  City Attorney Bartholdi advised that there had been no discussions held to-date.

Klausing moved, Roe seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10794 entitled, “Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Grant Agreements and Other Required Documentation to Accept Grant Awards from Ramsey County’s Environmental Response Fund for the Phase I and Phase II Infrastructure Projects within the Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area;” referencing and approving the Agreement between Ramsey County HRA and City of Roseville for Environmental Response Funds identified as “Attachment B.”

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

i.             Adopt Resolution in Support of Noise Wall along Highway 36 (Consent Item 7.j)

At the request of Mayor Klausing, Acting City Manager Chris Miller briefly reviewed this item as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010.

Discussion included clarification of the height of the wall at twelve feet (12’) as confirmed by Public Works Director Duane Schwartz, and agreement of Calibre Ridge and affected residents for that height; and staff’s actions to alert petitioners and the neighborhood of this proposed action, with majority satisfaction with this resolution.

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10795 entitled, “Resolution in Support of a Noise Wall to be Constructed on the North Side of Highway 36;”

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

Councilmember Roe thanked the neighbors for bringing this issue back to the City Council’s attention for reconsideration, and thanked them for their participation in the process.

9.            General Ordinances for adoption

10.         Presentations

a.            Insurance Services Office (ISO) Presentation and Request by Fire Department for Evaluation

Acting Fire Chief Tim O’Neill was present; along with Fire Marshal John Loftus and  Shift Commander David Brosnahan, both of whom had served as ISO Project Managers over the last six months.  A slide presentation was provided by Acting Chief O’Neill and assistants, providing projected impacts for residential properties (minimal), with more substantial impacts for commercial, retail and industrial insurance rate reductions by considering this pro-active rather than reactive request for evaluation.

Discussion included the difficulty in achieving Class 2 ratings, while major cities are automatically given Class 1 ratings; past rankings of the City of Roseville, with percentage points based on staffing, training and dispatch availability, as well as ratings of the water supply system (i.e., regular checks and maintenance of fire hydrants); and minimal costs for the evaluation that are included as a part of the normal operations budget.

Pust moved, Johnson seconded, authorizing the City’s Fire Department to request the Insurance Service Office (ISO) evaluation for 2010; and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute the document.

At the request of Mayor Klausing and based on previous discussion in the benefit of pursuing this improved rating with costs deemed too great versus the marginal return, Acting Chief O’Neill advised that recent operational improvements (i.e., staffing, auto-aid agreement, dispatching through Ramsey County) had made great strides in making the rating improvements more beneficial to the City.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

11.         Public Hearings

12.         Business Items (Action Items)

a.            Consider Presumptive Penalty Approval for Don Pablo’s Alcohol Compliance Failure

Acting Police Chief Rick Mathwig briefly summarized the RCA, noting that the license holder did not participate in server training; and advised that this item had been delayed from a previous Council meeting when a 33% change of ownership had been indicated, and resulting paperwork trail confirmations.  Mr. Mathwig advised that, at this time, staff was recommending a $500 fine and one day suspension, based on a first-time violation.

Discussion included the change of ownership and recommendations of the City Attorney; whether the change of ownership was related to this violation or based on standard business practice; documentation for training and notices provided to management; previous awareness of ownership based on 2007 ordinance revisions and advised from the license holder’s legal counsel; and defining statutory obligations of the City in providing notice to license holders.

Daniel Tijerina, Managing Partner/License Holder

Mr. Tijerina provided a history of when the current management had taken over the restaurant in September of 2008, and changes in top level management at that time nationally throughout their establishments.  Mr. Tijerina advised that the failure was not due to a lack of knowledge, but simply due to paperwork not being adequately handled.  Mr. Tijerina advised that it was standard practice to provide servers with training during their orientation, in addition to bar classes to alert servers to alcohol-related issues.  Mr. Tijerina assured Councilmembers that, in the future, all employees would be certified for annual server compliance training.  Mr. Tijerina advised that employees were automatically dismissed from their jobs if found to sell alcohol to minors.  Mr. Tijerina noted that past management had bad practices, and that bankruptcy papers had already been filed in 2007, at which time the change of ownership was in process, thus creating the paperwork issues and lack of due diligence on their part.

Mr. Tijerina accepted full responsibility for this compliance failure; and sought no reduction in the proposed fine and/or suspension time.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, authorizing the Roseville Police Department to issue an administrative presumptive penalty of $500 and suspension for one day, as set forth in Roseville City Code, Section 302.15, with that said suspension to be at the discretion of Acting Police Chief Rick Mathwig.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

b.            Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2903 Fairview

Mr. Munson noted that all four of the abatement requests were a direct result of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP); and also advised that staff was requesting time for the property owners in each of the four cases, to be allowed until July 15, 2010 before City abatement, in consideration of the wet fall in 2009 delaying resolution by property owners in some instances.

Permit Coordinator Munson reviewed the request for abatement as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010; providing a visual update on the property as of today of this single-family, detached home.  Mr. Munson advised that the current owners are James and Jean Brisbois who live at the property.  Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement, consisting of purchasing and installing siding materials to various sections of the home at an estimated cost of $3,000.00.

Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations at 2903 Fairview Avenue.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violation at 2903 Fairview Avenue by hiring general contractors to install siding materials, as detailed in Request for Council Action dated March 8, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $3,000.00, unless substantially completed by the property owner by July 15, 2010; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if those charges remain unpaid, staff is to recover costs as specified in Minnesota Statute, Section 407.07B; with costs to be reported to the City Council following the abatement.

Property Owner, Jim Brisbois, 2903 Fairview Avenue

Mr. Brisbois reviewed problems he’d experienced with his contractor refusing to install siding until exposed wiring issues had been resolved on one side of the garage; and his frustration in getting the necessary assistance with Xcel Energy over the last two years in trimming branches to avoid fires in adjacent trees.  Mr. Brisbois advised that he and Xcel had determined to underground the lines on the property to eliminate that problem, but that he was still waiting for Xcel to cover the exposed wires on the garage so siding could be installed; and requested that tonight’s action state that he had 45 days from the work being completed by Xcel rather than a date specific to July 15, 2010.

Discussion included whether Mr. Brisbois could complete one side of the garage, since the electrical issue is only on one end of the garage; determining whether Mr. Brisbois had a financial hardship in attempting to complete this work and whether he had pursued financial assistance with City staff for completion of the work; City electrical inspections and their involvement in prompting Xcel to complete the work; availability of “socks” for the power lines enabling the contractor to complete the work; and willingness of staff to provide the property owner additional time if indicated, once they had seen an indication that the property owner was actively attempting to resolve the violations.

Mayor Klausing noted that the City could advocate for a resident, but needed to treat all citizens fairly, and hold each responsible for maintenance of their property and structures.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

c.            Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2931 Fairview

As previously noted, this item was removed at the request of staff.

d.            Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2985 Fairview

Permit Coordinator Munson reviewed the request for abatement as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010; providing a visual update on the property as of today of this single-family, detached home.  Mr. Munson advised that the current owner is Harold Freeberg who lives at the property.  Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement, consisting of repainting sections of the home where existing paint is failing and peeling, at an estimated cost of $3,500.00.  Mr. Munson advised that staff was seeking to assist this elderly homeowner by enlisting volunteers through the Housing Resource Center (HRC) and/or Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS), as well as other options.

Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations at 2985 Fairview Avenue.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violation at 2985 Fairview Avenue by hiring general contractors to repaint sections of the home where existing paint is failing, as detailed in Request for Council Action dated March 8, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $3,500.00; unless substantially completed by the property owner by July 15, 2010; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if those charges remain unpaid, staff is to recover costs as specified in Minnesota Statute, Section 407.07B; with costs to be reported to the City Council following the abatement.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

e.            Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 2904 Pascal Street N

Permit Coordinator Munson reviewed the request for abatement as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010; providing a visual update on the property as of today of this single-family, detached home.  Mr. Munson advised that the current owner is James Larson who lives at the property.  Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement, consisting of repairing and painting siding, trim, soffit, and fascia on sections of the home, at an estimated cost of $5,000.00.  Mr. Munson advised that this was another case where staff was seeking to assist this disabled homeowner by enlisting volunteers through the Housing Resource Center (HRC) and/or Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS), as well as other options such as Paint-a-thon.

Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations at 2904 Pascal Street N.

Discussion included installation of maintenance free materials being cost-prohibitive; and the need for eligible applicants to take advantage of financial assistance through HRC programs.

Roe moved, Pust seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violation at 2904 Pascal Street N by hiring general contractors to repair and paint siding, trim, soffit and fascia on sections of the home, as detailed in Request for Council Action dated March 8, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $5,000.00; unless substantially completed by the property owner by July 15, 2010; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if those charges remain unpaid, staff is to recover costs as specified in Minnesota Statute, Section 407.07B; with costs to be reported to the City Council following the abatement.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

f.             Approve Request for City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 1890 Huron Avenue

Permit Coordinator Munson reviewed the request for abatement as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated March 8, 2010; providing a visual update on the property as of today of this single-family, detached home.  Mr. Munson advised that the current owner is Linda Bangert who lives at the property.

Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement, consisting of repair and repainting of garage door, window and fence, at an estimated cost of $2,500.00.

Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations at 1890 Huron Avenue.

Roe moved, Klausing seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violation at 1890 Huron Avenue by hiring general contractors to repair and repaint the garage door, window and fence, as detailed in Request for Council Action dated March 8, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $2,500.00; unless substantially completed by the property owner by July 15, 2010; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if those charges remain unpaid, staff is to recover costs as specified in Minnesota Statute, Section 407.07B; with costs to be reported to the City Council following the abatement.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

13.         Business Items – Presentations/Discussions

a.            Community Development Presentation on Imagine Roseville 2025 Topics

Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon briefly reviewed the information included in tonight’s agenda packet and highlighted several items.

Mr. Trudgeon advised that the Community Development Department, in the Capital Investment Program (CIP) typically cycled their inspection vehicles only every four years if indicated; however, that was based on their actual maintenance and usefulness, and was usually delayed since the vehicles were driven shorter distances and with less miles that a typical police vehicle.

Mr. Trudgeon reviewed the Imagine Roseville 2025 goals and strategies and how they had been comprehensively incorporated into the department’s internal review and focus and day-to-day operations, while tailoring them to fit available resources.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that a number of the department’s overall work items, and more specifically code enforcement, were very relevant to those goals and strategies.

Councilmember Roe noted, in Strategy C (Housing), Section 6.C.1, that the report indicated hiring a consultant to evaluate policies and practices for code enforcement had been done; and questioned who that consultant had been.

Mr. Trudgeon advised that this had been accomplished in-house by staff, along with support from the City Council in enforcing abatement of violations.

Councilmember Roe sought additional information for Strategy B (Community) under Section 2.B.2 for participation in regional and intergovernmental collaborations for planning development.

Mr. Trudgeon reviewed several areas where this collaboration is occurring, including the NE Corridor, the Housing Corridor Initiative (formerly the I-35W Corridor Coalition), and other planning along major corridors within and surrounding the community.

Councilmember Johnson noted the mandates of the Metropolitan Council in developing higher-density community, and asked for comments and a vision to accomplish that in Roseville.  Councilmember Johnson expressed concern in turnover of Roseville’s housing stock in the next 10-15 years.

Mr. Trudgeon noted that Roseville’s housing density is quite high at this point, and noted that while this mantra is provided by the Metropolitan Council to all metropolitan communities, it was more applicable to 2^nd and 3^rd ring suburbs.  Mr. Trudgeon advised that his perception that the City of Roseville should promote higher density where it made sense in the community, or where it served a specific niche, as indicated by the recently-completed Multi-family Housing Study where gaps were evidenced, rather than an overall goal.  Mr. Trudgeon noted the need to provide seniors with options for maintenance-free housing to free up single-family homes for first-time homebuyers.

Mayor Klausing opined that it was his understanding that projected trends in the greater metropolitan area indicated that the needs exceeded existing housing stock; and that the Metropolitan Council was concerned with meeting that need, rather than advocating for density; and noted that the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) sought to take advantage of existing infrastructure versus (such as infill density housing) rather than extending further from the inner cities.

Mr. Trudgeon concurred with the observations of Mayor Klausing, noting that the Metropolitan Council is not focusing specifically on Roseville for increased density in housing, but noted that one way to accomplish increased density was in turning a one-person household where an older adult lived into a new household for a family of 3-4, rather than another high density development, with that strategy providing for well-maintained and revitalized neighborhoods.

Councilmember Roe noted that increasing density did have a tie-in with Imagine Roseville 2025, noting that strategies discuss it in terms of looking at affordability and less cost per unit if higher density buildings were involved.

Mr. Trudgeon provided, as a bench handout,  staff and several Planning Commissioners’ rankings of “not yet” action steps based on the department’s and Commission’s priorities.  Mr. Trudgeon clarified that this was meant in the spirit of feedback and only as an informational item.

Mr. Trudgeon reviewed staff’s perspective on priorities to address Brownfield cleanup, encourage transit and walkability alternatives in redevelopment, and en courage redevelopment and renovation; and some of the Commissioners’ perspectives in eliminating visible pollution by undergrounding utilities, meet broader housing goals, and reducing redevelopment fees (i.e., waiving park dedication, WAC or SAC fees), and encourage renovation and redevelopment to increase the City’s tax base.

Further discussion included incentives (i.e., bonding bill) for a remodeling program to bring neighborhoods into conformity or to revitalize them; marketing campaign pending as approved in the 2010 budget to expound on the amenities of Roseville and it’s location to both the Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns, with staff at the beginning stages of drafting a Request for Proposals (RFP) via traditional and/or social media; and the 2009 Realtor’s Day held in Roseville to educate realtors why Roseville is a good choice, with 40 realtors in attendance expressing positive comments, and some unaware of the many amenities.

Councilmember Roe requested additional discussion for possible tax funding of code enforcement.

Mr. Trudgeon noted the overall need to fund department operations, to-date provided by user and/or permit fees, with no funding by General Fund tax dollars, but no longer sustainable in the future, as the department had been utilizing surplus funds over several years, and seeing those funds quickly evaporate.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that one of the costs contributing to that challenge and a solution to diminishing revenues and reserves was code enforcement.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that it was a non-revenue generating activity, even though the City had seen major accomplishments over the last 10 years with a full-time position at a cost of approximately $100,000 annually.  Mr. Trudgeon further addressed the City’s pioneering of GIS capabilities and partnering with other communities (i.e., No. St. Paul), but also finding declining revenues.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that if current trends continue, choices were necessary to cut back on services.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that one thought was to fund code enforcement differently, through the General Fund; however, he noted that the reality of that happening with other draws was not probable. 

Mr. Trudgeon advised that the department was a “people” department, rather than equipment or supply driven, and had cut costs as much as possible without finding other revenue sources or reducing staffing.  Mr. Trudgeon noted that this was a much more serious and broad issue, and needed serious discussion in the future.

Additional discussion included other revenue sources for potential exploration, such as an increased HRA levy, establishment of an Economic Development Authority (EDA); promoting and connecting with community businesses; possible creation of a Chamber of Commerce; additional loan programs through an EDA; various models for an EDA and bonding ability; potential tapping of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts for administrative costs, from a narrow and limited perspective, with minimal revenue; and potential tapping of former sewer access charges (SAC) from the Metropolitan Council on a one-time basis due to a change in their credit collections.

Mayor Klausing requested additional information from Mr. Trudgeon on SAC.

Further discussion included inclusion of the Community Development Department in the 2011 budget process, even though it is not a tax revenue-supported department; prioritization of the department’s activities similar to other tax revenue-supported departments.

b.            Finance Department Presentation on Imagine Roseville 2025 Topics

Councilmember Johnson requested delay in discussing this item until a future meeting to allow more time for discussion.

Mr. Miller advised that the Finance Department presentation could be included on the March 29, 2010 meeting.

By consensus, Councilmembers concurred.

14.         City Manager Future Agenda Review

Acting City Manager Miller briefly reviewed upcoming agenda items for the March 22, 2010 meeting.

15.         Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

At the request of Councilmember Pust, Mr. Miller confirmed that the proposed liquor ordinance was scheduled to come before the City Council yet this month.

16.           Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:14 pm.