City Council

City Council Meeting Minutes

April 26, 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 April: Ihlan; Johnson; Roe; Pust; and Klausing).  City Attorney Mark Gaughan was also present.  City Finance Director Chris Miller served as Acting City Manager in the absence of City Manager Bill Malinen.

 

2.         Approve Agenda

At the request of Mr. Miller, the agenda was amended to include an additional item under the Consent Agenda, Item 7.f entitled, “Cellars Wines & Spirits Off-Sale Liquor License at 2701 Lincoln Drive;” scheduling a public hearing on May 10, 2010 for the relocation of an Off-Sale Liquor License for Cellars Wines & Spirits for potential relocation of their current retail store at 1649 County Road C West, approximately 500 feet north of the current location.

 

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 spoke.

 

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

Councilmember Roe reminded the public of a recent ordinance addressing stormwater runoff and illicit discharge to the City’s stormwater system, asking that residents remove grass clippings from the street or away from gutters to prevent them entering the system.

 

Mayor Klausing announced the upcoming community meeting on May 3, 2010 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Roseville Skating Center to receive additional information, offer public comment, and be part of the decision-making for the 2011 budget process, as one of the goals of the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning process.

 

Mayor Klausing announced upcoming Compost Classes beginning May 11, 2010; and the truckload sale of rain barrels/compost bins beginning May 1, 2010. 

 

Additional information on these items is available by contacting City Hall or via the City’s website.

 

5.         Recognitions, Donations, Communications

 

a.            Proclaim May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Mayor Klausing read a proclamation recognizing May 2010 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 

Roe moved, Ihlan seconded, proclaiming May 2010 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

            Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

6.         Approve Minutes

 

a.            Approve Minutes of April 12, 2010 Regular Meeting

Johnson moved, Klausing seconded, approval of the minutes of the April 12, 2010 Regular meeting as presented.

 

Roll Call

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

ACH Payments	$2,596,930.89
58212-58340	356,360.35
Total	$2,953,291.24

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

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

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

Department	Vendor	Item/Description	Amount
Recreation	TruGreen	Fertilizer/weed control in parks	$5,456.10
Recreation	Biolawn	Fertilizer/weed control in parks	5,525.03

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

c.            Accept First Quarter Financial Report

 

d.            Approve Part-time Firefighter Associate Job Description

Johnson moved, Klausing seconded, authorizing the Fire Department to establish a new “Associate Firefighter” position within the Fire Department with corresponding rate of pay.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

e.            Adopt Resolution Authorizing a DEED Contamination Investigation Grant Application for the PIK Parcel

At the request of Councilmember Ihlan, Acting City Manager Miller confirmed that any matching funds would be the responsibility of the property owner, not the City.

 

Johnson moved, Klausing seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10803 entitled, “City Approving the Application, Committing Local Match, and Authorizing Contract Signature for a DEED Contamination Investigation and RAP Development Grant for the PIK Site.”

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

                   Addition to Consent Agenda

f.         Cellars Wines & Spirits Off-Sale Liquor License at 2701 Lincoln Drive 

Johnson moved, Klausing seconded, scheduling a public hearing on May 10, 2010 for the relocation of an Off-Sale Liquor License for Cellars Wines & Spirits for potential relocation of their current retail store at 1649 County Road C West to approximately 500’ move to the north; in accordance with the Request for Council Action dated April 26, 2010; and presented as a bench handout.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

8.         Consider Items Removed from Consent

 

9.            General Ordinances for adoption

 

10.         Presentations

 

a.            Presentation of Progress and Proposals regarding the Zoning Regulations Update

City Planner Thomas Paschke summarized the zoning ordinance rewrite process, since the previous report on February 11, 2010; as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated April 26, 2010, and related to the residential and commercial/mixed use district drafts of the zoning code rewrite.  Mr. Paschke noted that Sections 3.2 and 4.2 of the RCA highlighted those areas where more predominant changes to code were proposed.  Mr. Paschke then reviewed the next steps in the rewrite process.

 

Discussion included anticipated amount of public comment related to the changes and whether more than one public hearing would need to be scheduled, with the schedule allowing for delay if necessary; additional educational materials for the public as part of the process for long-term land use throughout the community; background information and ongoing reiterations of proposed ordinance changes available on the City’s website and through staff contact during the process for public review and comment, in addition to public comment opportunities at the Planning Commission level; with opportunity for comment until final adoption of the Ordinance by the City Council.

 

Further discussion included inclusion of the recent application for a regional church use as Institutional land use districts are considered, and as an outcome of the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Amendment; as well as putting performance measures in place in Industrial land use districts to ensure clear definition of applicable uses for those more intense business impacts (i.e., asphalt plants), given the public interest and concern expressed in recent application for such a facility.

 

Additional discussion included minimum lot sizes to achieve 93% compliance versus current compliance of approximately 52% of single-family lots not in conformance and requiring variances, with the proposed 9,500 square foot minimum lot size and 75’ width.  

 

Councilmember Ihlan expressed policy concerns to a draft provision in imposing lesser minimum lot sizes city-wide, referencing the previous study by a citizen advisory panel several years ago that looked at lot sizes with the intent to preserve neighborhoods where lot sizes are larger; and expressed the need for additional public input before such a change was implemented.

 

Councilmember Pust expressed the need to review that study again as part of the rezoning rewrite process, as her recollection of their recommendations differed from that of Councilmember Ihlan.

 

Further discussion included the creation of an overlay district for smaller lot size allowing for reduced setbacks; and past controversy on several subdivisions and preference that they conform to the surrounding neighborhood; and staff’s estimate that approximately 70 new lots would be created with such a code revision for reduced lot sizes at 9,500 square feet.

 

Councilmember Johnson thanked staff for their ongoing work on this rewrite.

 

11.         Public Hearings

 

a.            Public Hearing regarding Twin Lakes Infrastructure Study Amendment

City Engineer Debra Bloom summarized the Twin Lakes Infrastructure Study first adopted in February 25, 2008; updated December 15, 2008; and annually reviewed and updated as conditions change; all detailed in the RCA dated April 26, 2010.

 

Ms. Bloom reviewed the purpose and background of the Infrastructure Study and provided an update on roadway costs since that previous review, including environmental clean-up, building demolition, actual right-of-way costs, actual construction and engineering costs, and adjustment for construction events.

 

Ms. Bloom referenced Attachments C and D included in the packet, with Attachment D recently updated and highlighting fixed cost agreements.  Ms. Bloom reviewed calculations for network trips (sum of development vehicular trips that pass through intersections/segments requiring improvements); and total cost allocation (this developments total cost proportion based on its network impacts). 

 

Ms. Bloom further reviewed costs for public utilities, noting that there were no proposed changes at this time, as those calculations were based on parcel acreage.

 

Discussion included attendance at the most recent meeting for property owners, with staff advising that approximately 25 attended that meeting, in addition to other opportunities to meet with staff one-on-one.

 

Mayor Klausing opened the Public Hearing at approximately 6:42 p.m.

 

Public Comment

     Reed Aaron, RV resident (with solar group)

Mr. Aaron sought information on the process for soil contamination studies and analysis, as well as resolution of that contamination.

 

Ms. Bloom advised that all phases of infrastructure improvements for the redevelopment were under review by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) through Response Action Plans (RAP’s) filed with the MPCA for all areas disturbed on the City rights-of-way, with private property owners responsible for any contamination on their private property.

 

Mayor Klausing closed the Public Hearing at 6:44 p.m.

 

12. Business Items (Action Items)

 

a.            Approve Twin Lakes Infrastructure Study Amendment

Johnson moved, Pust seconded, amendments to the Infrastructure Improvements for the Twin Lakes AUAR Area-Final Report, as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated April 26, 2010.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

b.            Adopt Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for Twin Lakes Infrastructure Improvements – Phase II

City Engineer Bloom summarized the proposed road and utility infrastructure construction components of Phase II of the Twin Lakes Infrastructure Improvements, consisting of construction of Twin Lakes Parkway from Cleveland Avenue to Mount Ridge Road; the construction of Mount Ridge Road from Twin Lakes Parkway to County Road C-2; and the installation of the storm water management system, streetlights and a portion of the landscaping.

 

Discussion included signal locate at County Road C in conjunction with Ramsey County as part of the previous project; traffic routing to and from the Metropolitan Council’s park and ride facility; and plans for the construction to be operational by the end of 2010, as per requirements of the DEED grant.

 

Roe moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10804 entitled, “Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for Twin Lakes Infrastructure Improvement – Phase II.”

 

Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of this action to accommodate a self-contained loop through the redevelopment area and to take advantage of funding opportunities.  However, Councilmember Ihlan spoke in opposition to any further phasing in the area until development warranted it, specifically that the connection to Fairview Avenue (Phase III) not be completed due to cost and avoiding creation of a cut-through for traffic from I-35W to Fairview Avenue toward Snelling Avenue through residential neighborhoods.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

c.            Amend Contract for Design Services for Twin Lakes Infrastructure Improvements

Two bench handouts were distributed related to this item:  an amended draft resolution entitled, “Resolution Approving Agreement Amendment for the Design of Twin Lakes AUAR Subarea 1 Infrastructure Improvements;” and Consultant Services Agreement Amendment between the City of Roseville and Consultant WSB and Associates, at the recommendation of the City Attorney in consultation with staff.

 

Ms. Bloom briefly summarized the original scope of the contract for work performed by WSB and Associates; changes to the plan with break-out of separate phases and bidding packages; alternate bid items; and federal funding requiring additional cost for redesign of portions of the project.  Ms. Bloom noted the additional work of the consultant included schedule changes; budget tracking/invoicing; additional design review meetings; design of biofiltration beds and lift station for Phase III; miscellaneous plan sheets; and a second set of contract documents prepared.  Ms. Bloom advised that the deliverables would include final plans for Phases 1 and II and preliminary plans for Phase III.

 

Discussion included comparisons of the action proposed in the RCA and those bench handouts, with staff advising that the action remained the same but was only presented in more formal documentation, with Attachment A still detailing the original scope of services; clarification of cost allocations for those additional costs and paid back to the City through the AUAR; use of and reimbursement of tax increment financing (TIF) funds; and distribution of any excess TIF funds to taxing jurisdictions when the district is closed out in 25 years, and originally established in 2006.

 

City Attorney Mark Gaughan clarified that, sine the original agreement was approved by resolution, it would be appropriate for this significant amendment to be approved in similar fashion.

 

Councilmember Ihlan sought clarification as to how much of the $143,131 was attributable to Phase III yet to be authorized.

Ms. Bloom advised that there would be approximately $20,000 of the total amount attributable to Phase III, specifically for the lift station and plan sheets.

 

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10805 entitled, “Resolution Approving Agreement Amendment for the Design of Twin Lakes AUAR Subarea 1 Infrastructure Improvements;” and Consultant Services Agreement Amendment between the City of Roseville and Consultant WSB and Associates in an amount not to exceed $143,131.

 

Councilmember Ihlan reiterated her support of Phases I and II for future reimbursement by developers; however, she spoke in opposition to including any authorization for expenses for Phase III at this time.

 

Mayor Klausing noted that the City Council had, by previous action, approved draft feasibility studies and plans for Phases I – III.

 

Councilmember Roe noted that AUAR traffic studies indicate that not very far in to redevelopment, Phase III would need to be implemented, and opined that it was appropriate to complete the design work now for Phase III, while not yet approving the phase itself.

 

Councilmember Ihlan disagreed with Mayor Klausing and Councilmember Roe, opining that there were serious considerations needed related to environmental and quality of life impacts with Phase III, in addition to costs, and accordingly spoke in opposition to the motion.

 

Roll Call

Ayes: Johnson; Roe; Pust; and Klausing.

Nays: Ihlan.

Motion carried.

 

d.            Adopt Resolution directing Xcel Energy to Underground Overhead Electric Lines along Rice Street

A bench handout, consisting of an e-mail from Roger Hess Jr, 1914 Wagener Place, to staff and staff’s response was distributed.

 

Public Works Director Duane Schwartz summarized the project’s total history; preliminary cost estimate in January of 2010 of $574,300 and subsequent City Council support of the Cities of Roseville and Little Canada respectively; and revised and reduced total cost estimates refined at $551,259, with $275,629.50 net cost estimated for the City of Roseville’s share, and will include burying of east/west overhead lines at the County Road B-2 intersection.  Mr. Schwartz noted that there may be some additional costs for Roseville for necessary easements for ground-mounted transfer switches and other equipment estimated at approximately $10,000.  Mr. Schwartz noted that the City of Little Canada was proposing to cost-share this project and participate in buying down the City of Roseville’s portion to achieve the net cost to Roseville, proposed for collection through Xcel Energy surcharge option, Community Requested Facility Surcharge (CRFS), as authorized by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

 

Mr. Schwartz advised that the surcharge cost over a three year (36 month) period for Roseville’s Xcel electric residential customers would be $0.44/month over that period, with the largest commercial customer estimated at $1.76/month for that same period.  Mr. Schwartz noted that an agreement was being negotiated between the Cities of Roseville and Little Canada regarding this transaction, and would come before the City Council in May for their approval. Mr. Schwartz anticipated construction to begin in June of 2010, with overhead lines removed by the fall of 2010, at which time the City would be notified by Xcel of CRFS implementation and the surcharge implemented 60-90 days after construction was completed and based on actual construction costs.

 

Collette Jurek, Xcel Energy Manager – Community & Local Government Relations, SE Metro Area – Newport Service Center

Ms. Jurek was present and assisted in presenting more detailed information from the perspective of Xcel Energy for this type of request.

 

Councilmember Ihlan sought any other source of financing for this project, expressed concern with requiring residential property owners to be surcharged across the entire City for this $15 – 16 total over the next three years, questioning if the entire city benefited from the undergrounding of lines in a specific area of the City.  Councilmember Ihlan suggested it may be more appropriate to use reserves, or other options, prior to considering a city-wide surcharge without the public being fully aware of it until applied to their utility bill.

 

Finance Director Miller advised that there was nothing in place at this time for something of this magnitude; noting that many cities have used such a surcharge, equating the improvement to a service enhancement benefitting the entire community; and recommended this financing as the easiest and best way to accomplish the undergrounding and aesthetic improvement to the community and the Rice Street corridor at this time.

 

Councilmember Roe noted that the City currently spreads a significant portion of its street projects through the City - 75%, establishing a precedent in spreading the benefit of  such an overall community improvements throughout the City, similar to undergrounding of electric lines.  Councilmember Roe noted that, if the City of Roseville had a franchise fee similar to that of Little Canada, the costs would be passed on by Xcel to rate payers for such an improvement and all residents would be paying for the improvement through that method.

 

Discussion included approval of such a surcharge by the PUC and not requiring a public hearing for this type of action, based on recent case law (City of Oakdale v. Xcel Energy) and Xcel Energy’s right to recover incremental costs for improvements; and the inclusion of installation of empty conduit for additional street lighting and fiber by both cities during this undergrounding of electric lines.

 

Mayor Klausing recognized the additional cost being imposed on property owners, in addition to him and individual Councilmembers; however, he spoke in support of the minimal cost of $15 – 16 over a three year period to make such an aesthetic improvement to one of the main thoroughfares into through the community, and opined that the benefit far outweighed the cost, and would open up other beautification and environmental options.  Mayor Klausing expressed his lack of support for the current “tree trimming” performed by Xcel Energy for overhead lines.

 

Further discussion included options for customers to challenge the surcharge and how the surcharge was allocated among customers, addressed as a nine-step process by Ms. Jurek in accordance with standard PUC requirements; and the opportunity for the City Council to have one final review once the project was completed and final construction costs were available, which could actually serve to reduce the estimated cost.

 

Klausing moved, Roe seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10806 entitled, “Resolution Directing Xcel Energy to Underground Overhead Utilities on Rice Street between County Road B and County Road B-2;” utilizing the Community Requested Facility Surcharge (CRFS) financing option.

 

Councilmember Roe noted that this proposed undergrounding of utility lines had been included in discussions during the Comprehensive Plan update; and noted that, while this project was along the Rice Street corridor, there would be future projects in the community and opportunities for undergrounding that would serve those other areas as well, and that over time the burdens would be shared more equitably than this first project indicated.

 

Councilmember Ihlan expressed concern with not having public input from residents and business owners regarding this city-wide surcharge; and with there support, noted that she could then support the project.  However, without that information and their support, Councilmember Ihlan advised that she would be unable to support the motion when the only way for residents to challenge the surcharge would be through the PUC.

 

Roll Call

Ayes: Johnson; Roe; Pust; and Klausing.

Nays: Ihlan.

Motion carried.

 

By consensus, Mayor Klausing amended the agenda to address Items 12.f and 12.g at this time.

 

f.         Authorize City Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 1748 Galtier Street

Permit Coordinator Munson reviewed the request for abatement as detailed in the RCA dated April 26, 2010; providing a visual update on this single-family, detached home at 1748 Galtier Street, where regular collection occurs weekly on Thursdays. 

 

Mr. Munson summarized the proposed abatement and estimated costs, consisting of removal of garbage stored in bags in the yard or on the driveway at an approximately one-time total cost of $250.00; previous City Council directive; and staff’s attempts to resolve the situation in accordance with their directive.

 

Mr. Munson noted that staff could not locate and/or contact the property owner, Carol Armstrong, even after repeated efforts, and advised that one of the adjacent neighbors, in attendance tonight, indicated that the property was a rental and not owner-occupied since approximately 2006.

 

Staff recommended that the Community Development Department be authorized to abate the unresolved City Code violations as detailed as a one-time action, and if not resolving the situation, returning to the City Council with further recommendation.

 

Discussion included the process staff would follow in attempting to resolve this recurring situation for the long-term; the concerns in lack of resolution of this issue and apparent lack of interest of the property owner in its resolution; directing staff to send notices to the property owner as well as “occupant;” how to resolve the issue permanently, not just on a one-time basis; incentives for compliance by the occupant and/or property owner; further attempts to research the current address of the property owner; and the process in issuing a Ramsey Court citation with City Attorney Gaughan outlining such a criminal citation.

 

Mayor Klausing noted that the property owner and/or occupant was currently in violation of City ordinance and needed to show their willingness to cooperate to avoid further recourse, and admonished that this situation was not acceptable.

 

Neighbor, Laura Florhaug, 1740 Galtier Street

Ms. Florhaug confirmed that Ms. Armstrong no longer lived in the home, which was currently occupied by Ms. Joy Hayden and her two daughters; and expressed concern that Ms. Armstrong was not receiving the notices and opined that she would be responsive if she had received them.

 

Ms. Florhaug expressed concern with how incentives could be provided to resolve the situation; further expressing her frustration in this ongoing problem, and their personal expense in installing blinds and a fence to alleviate the eyesore from their property’s view.

 

Discussion included unpaid property taxes and forfeiture; how to enforce compliance; difficulty in communication with the current occupants; other nuisance issues for this occupant including lack of maintenance (snow shoveling) and dogs running wild and defecating in other yards; and lack of refuse service at this address.

 

Councilmember Roe noted that tonight’s discussion had enlightened his understanding of this specific property and other issues at the property, including animal control, unpaid utility bills, no rental registration of the property, and no snow shoveling during the winter; opining that the garbage issue appeared to be a symptom of a larger issue, and in order to consider all segments of the larger issue, it was key to track down the property owner.

 

Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, directing staff to abate the above-referenced public nuisance violations of City Code at 1748 Galtier Street by hiring general contractors to remove garbage stored in bags but not in a trash receptacle; as detailed in the RCA dated April 26, 2010, at an estimated cost of approximately $250.00; 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.

 

Staff was further directed to further research the current address of the property owner, and to return to the City Council for authorization of further action if needed.

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

e.            Adopt a Resolution Approving a Policy for Reviewing and Approving Solar Energy Systems in Roseville

Two bench handouts were distributed related to this item, consisting of an e-mail from Susan Weum and staff response to that e-mail; and revised draft resolution  entitled, “A Resolution Establishing a Policy for Review and Approval of Residential Solar Energy Systems;” resulting from comments with that property owner.

 

City Planner Thomas Paschke summarized the RCA dated April 26, 2010 and the model ordinance drafted from a MPCA template as a starting point for the City in reviewing these requests. 

 

Discussion included aesthetic versus technical structural analysis or industry standards for clearances; general Council support of use of solar energy, while recognizing and anticipating any unintended consequences; existing solar units installed to-date through permit or without permit and how they comply with this proposed policy; implications for the City’s zoning ordinance rewrite; considerations for such requests from a Building Permit and/or land use reference; and this policy serving as an interim solution.

Public Comment

Susan Weum, 1176 Skillman Avenue W

Ms. Weum thanked the City Council for their consideration of this request; and expressed pride in the City’s other environmental and energy sustainable projects and solutions.

 

Mr. Aaron(previous speaker)

Mr. Aaron noted that this was a critical issue, and also thanked Mayor Klausing and the City Council for their support of the Mayor’s Climate resolution and encouraged that Roseville continues to be a leader and part of the solution.

 

Mayor Klausing recognized staff’s research and recommendation for such initiates; and noted the other sustainable initiatives such as the storm water management at the Twin Lakes redevelopment, as well as geothermal system at the OVAL, and staff’s initiation and recommendation of those projects.

 

 

Page 13, line 15:  I suggest removing the reference to "(undocumented solar house)" as being unnecessary.  Is it really undocumented, which has a very negative and illicit connotation, or just approved administratively when built?

 

Dale Howe, 919 Parker

Mr. Howe advised that his existing solar system had been installed in 2005 on the home constructed in 2000, looking to maximize the efficiency of the system and addressing the aesthetics of the home; submission of engineering documents to staff, as well as pulling plumbing and electrical permits.  Mr. Howe recognized development of a new process; and the proposed angles above the roofline.  Mr. Howe cautioned that aesthetics were not the driving force for such installation, but how to achieve maximum effectiveness and functionality, in addition to addressing wind shear via engineering expertise; and expressed his willingness for review of his existing system.

 

Mayor Klausing noted that residents had pulled permits, and that it was a gap in the City’s system that a solar policy was not in place as part of the review process until now.

 

Cynthia White,  Churchill Street

Ms. White addressed the improved technologies for use of solar power since she first built a passive solar room onto her home in 1980, and the increased learning available since that time.

 

Rebecca Lundberg, solar installer who submitted permit

Ms. Lundberg provided educational information related to this issue to achieve optimal performance and/or to meet minimum allowances for financial rebate from the State of MN, based on engineering and structural engineering rather than industry standards.  At the request of Councilmember Ihlan, Ms. Lundberg outlined some rebate programs available to residents through various agencies and potential tax credits.

 

Councilmembers strongly encouraged applicable exhibits at the 2011 Roseville Living Smarter Home and Garden Fair.

 

Councilmember Roe suggested further clarification of the proposed language on page 4 of the draft resolution, beginning at line 114, related to specific restrictions for mounting related to roof pitch.

 

Mayor Klausing expressed his concern with revising the proposed language.

 

Mr. Paschke advised that staff was amenable to the proposed language revisions; and Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon concurred that the proposed language revisions was appropriate.

 

Councilmember Ihlan expressed preference for language remaining as drafted.

 

Councilmember Johnson expressed no preference for review language in either draft.

 

Roe Amendment, starting at Line 114, page 4

Roe moved, Pust seconded, amendment as follows:

“… Roof-mounted systems that are visible from the nearest edge of the street frontage right-of-way shall be reviewed and approved by Community Development staff to ensure the system meets the wind load standards for the roof and there are not major aesthetic impacts with the system to the surrounding properties.”

Roll Call

Ayes: Johnson; Roe; and Pust.

Nays: Ihlan and Klausing.

Motion carried.

 

Pust moved, Roe seconded,, adoption of Resolution No. 10807 entitled, “A Resolution Establishing a Policy for Review and Approval of Residential Solar Energy Systems;” with a revised resolution presented as a bench handout, and further amended as noted in the previous motion.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

f.             Authorize Automated Meter Reading Implementation Plan

Public Works Director Duane Schwartz highlighted the RCA dated April 26, 2010, detailing the challenges of maintaining and managing an efficient water system; staff’s review of comprehensive technology solutions and product capabilities, including promoting efficiency and conservation; more pro-active response to leaks and water usage; retrofit capabilities; decreased reading and billing time; reliability; staff resource management; and uses of more-detailed programmable and adaptable data.

 

Mr. Schwartz reviewed the two phases for the proposed seven year implementation plan:

Phase I – 2010 – 2012

Start-up; all commercial; 650 new meters + radios; 350 retrofits with ADE head and radio; approximately 900 residential new meter + radios

 

Phase II – 2013 – 2016

Residential focus; finish remaining 8,400 residential meters; new meter + radios on aging meters; retrofitting newer meters

 

Mr. Schwartz reviewed impacts to water customers, with incremental rate increases anticipated within three years, but not implemented immediately during initial installation; and worst-case scenarios for residential customers at an estimated 1.5 – 2.5% rate increase, or $3.52 increase annually on a residential base fee.  Mr. Schwartz reviewed the benefits to residents of leak detection and dollar savings for the resident and City through that early detection; and detailed water usage provided for customers allowing for more efficient budgeting and accuracy of the meters.

 

Mr. Schwartz provided specific examples of early leak detection as customer benefits for residents and/or commercial users based on actual experiences over the last year.  Mr. Schwartz reviewed the average customer service requests fielded by staff per month.

 

Mr. Schwartz addressed proposed project funding and system cost comparisons, as detailed in the RCA; and staff recommendation for the Neptune fixed-base AMR system that will work with the City’s current inventory of meters; as well as start-up costs and net comparisons for the phases of the installation.

 

Discussion included application for a licensed radio frequency band by the City through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and upon receipt to return to the City Council with a purchase order request to begin purchase of the various components to facilitate a pro-active meter replacement process; educational steps to alert the public; recovery of annual operating costs through utility rates, as with other capital investment plan (CIP) purchases; and longer life of meters due to the higher quality of water in Roseville than in some other distribution systems using well water with more mineral components.

 

Further discussion included the frequency and type of data available for residents and the City in managing the water system; rationale for meter replacement scheduling;  incremental funding for the project; and normal replacement cycle of meters throughout the City.

 

Johnson moved, Klausing seconded, authorization of the implementation plan for a Neptune fixed-base, two-way Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system.

 

Roll Call

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

Nays: None.

 

h.            Approve Extension for St. Paul Water Services Approval of Concrete Recycling as an Interim Use at the Dale Street Reservoir

Mayor Klausing referenced an e-mail received earlier today from Judith and David Thoreson, 1870 Alta Vista Drive, related to this item and distributed as a bench handout.

 

City Planner Thomas Paschke reviewed the RCA dated April 26, 2010 requesting an extension of the Interim Use for concrete recycling at this site due to contract delays during the contract award process.  Mr. Paschke advised that staff had provided notice of the requested extension and tonight’s discussion to those property owners first receiving notice of the original request for the Planning Commission public hearing as well as City Council consideration.  Mr. Paschke advised that staff supported and recommended the extension; however, noted that staff had received a number of e-mail comments related to operation of the concrete recycling process.

 

Mr. Paschke advised that, to his knowledge, there was not a representative present from Saint Paul Regional Water Services.

 

Discussion included options available and implications of those other options (i.e., hauling concrete off-site versus on-site recycling); mitigation options for the crushing operation itself; and impacts if the extension is not approved.

 

Further discussion included why the operation was delayed and why the process was taking longer than anticipated; the requested extension of four weeks; status of the park trail and access, in addition to signage by the applicant; detriment of additional truck traffic, dust and noise by off-site resolution; and conditions of the original Interim Use.

 

Mayor Klausing, while not happy about the extension, questioned whether denying it served the interests of the residents any better.

 

Councilmember Roe spoke in support of extending the on-site crushing process; but encouraged the applicant to get the demolition over with as soon as possible, even with the extension.

 

Councilmember Ihlan noted her inability to attend the meeting when the original Interim Use was requested, further noting that she would have opposed the request, given the proximity to the residential neighborhood and park, an documented impacts to health and quality of life from the dust; and would have supported recycling off-site.  Therefore, Councilmember Ihlan advised that she could not support the requested extension based on those concerns.

 

Councilmember Johnson opined that trucking off-site would be much more disruptive than extending on-site recycling for another month.

 

Discussion included anticipated truck loads of materials (600-900 truck loads for transport off-site); mitigation steps available for the applicant on-site during the crushing process.

 

Councilmember Pust noted references on Attachment E to the RCA coordination by the applicant with the City’s Park and Recreation Department of an implementation plan to restrict access to the project area and to keep the public informed on use of the park trails.

 

Public Works Director Schwartz advised that City Engineer Bloom and Parks and Recreation Director Brokke had both attended the preconstruction conference held with the contractor during which time the schedule had been discussed; and that the contractor made a commitment to keep trails open most of the time and to sign them as applicable.

 

Roe moved, Johnson seconded, extension of the dates of operation of the approved INTERIM USE, as detailed in Condition “H” of Resolution No. 10787 adopted February 22, 2010; and as detailed in the RCA dated April 26, 2010; allowing the temporary recycling of concrete at the Dale Street Reservoir, 1901 Vista Drive to continue until June 12, 2010; based on the comments and findings of Sections 4-5; and subject to the condition that the applicant send a letter to the owners of property within 500 feet of the reservoir site to inform them of the project status and to instruct the property owners to call Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) staff with questions and concerns.

 

Roll Call

Ayes: Johnson; Roe; Pust; and Klausing.

Nays: Ihlan.

Motion carried.

Recess

Mayor Klausing recessed the meeting at approximately 9:14 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 9:19 p.m.

 

13. Business Items – Presentations/Discussions

 

a.            Finance Department Presentation regarding Imagine Roseville 2025 Topics

Imagine Roseville 2025 Comments

Finance Director Chris Miller highlighted the limited number of action steps identified as part of the process related to Finance and/or Information Technology functions of the City, and those items systematically addressed and responded to by staff.  Mr. Miller noted the pro-active steps taken over the last decade in leveraging partnership opportunities with other jurisdictions (i.e., library system, school districts) and other communities in the area; leveraging local and non-local dollars (i.e., grants); and further evolution and expansion of those partnerships in the future.  Mr. Miller applauded the willingness of those other jurisdictions for their willingness to discuss and consider such partnership, especially in areas sharing common constituents to achieve economies of scale, and keep tax rates down.

 

Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Comments

While not anticipating significant changes, Mr. Miller noted that staff was in the process of revising and updating this document, hopefully for presentation to the City Council at their meeting on May 17, 2010.  Based on assumptions and projections, Mr. Miller emphasized to Councilmembers the significant needs coming up over the next decade and funding gaps in replacing assets at the end of their useful life, while recognizing improving technologies for cost-effective or efficient replacement, elimination or shared services where possible.  Mr. Miller noted the significant portion of the City’s Park Improvement Plan (PIP) substantially unfunded with existing funding sources and current revenue streams, with the Master Planning process providing a great template for future park decision-making.

 

Mr. Miller also addressed vehicle replacement, now at approximately one-half of the optimum sustainable amount needed; and future need to rethink the number and type of vehicles in the fleet.

 

Discussion included future realistic decisions for potential joint or shared facilities (i.e., Fire Stations); potential sharing of street/park maintenance vehicles, plowing equipment, and patrol cars; estimated $18 million of the total $40 million shortfall represented in park system assets; original park facility construction and amenities built with money no longer available; continued deterioration of water and sewer system components originally built in the 1960’s; need to capitalize on new technologies; and planning for replacement of general City-owned facilities.

 

Further discussion included financing options for major capital improvements, such as bond financing and the commitment for paying off those bonds; availability of a more aggressive payment system and refunding than that obligated for the bond terms; and reality of CIP funding gaps.

 

Additional discussion included retirement in 2011 of the $490,000 internal loan from the City’s PMP to take advantage of interest savings in paying off a bond issue early; realistic goals for an annual allotment for rolling stock replacement while recognizing previous deferrals for those replacements, with Mr. Miller targeting between $400 – 900,000 as a specific priority for 2011.

 

Mr. Miller suggested a strong vehicle replacement program before adding to the existing fleet; in addition to funding replacement of existing facilities prior to building any new facilities; and to base those decisions on the City Council’s and community’s priorities and preferred service levels to systematically drive CIP needs and meet those service level goals.

 

Mayor Klausing noted the disconnect between expectations for a high level of service versus the pain of increased property taxes, particularly during an economic downturn.

 

b.            Budgeting and Alternative Revenues and Preliminary Levy

Finance Director Miller provided a brief look at non-property tax revenues anticipated in 2011, similar to 2010, for tax supported services (i.e., General and Parks & Recreation Funds) for preliminary discussion points on tax levy target levels. Mr. Miller noted the one glaring exception to that forecast was in interest rates, having become stagnant over the last few years, and not anticipated to improve.  Mr. Miller noted that challenges will continue during the 2011 budgeting and prioritization process for the City’s core functions.

 

Councilmember Roe requested that staff keep the City Council aware of the projected residential property valuation from the Ramsey County Assessor’s Office when it becomes available, with preliminary residential values estimated to be reduced by approximately 4.5%.

 

Mr. Miller noted that the City would be decertifying Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 1 in 2011, which had a sizable balance, and which would provide some relief to taxing jurisdictions; however, he anticipated a slight reduction in the City’s overall tax base, with limited redevelopment coming on line in 2011, and would require a determination from the City Council on how to appropriate that one-time, approximate $1.25 million.

 

Discussion included actuarial analyses for a new funding base for the Fire Relief Association, with the City Council requesting that staff provide that updated information at their earliest convenience.

 

Further discussion included implicit price deflators; and personnel costs representing the largest expense for the City, and implications of previous frozen wages for non-union staff and whether that remained sustainable, suggesting further dialogue for 2011.

 

Additional discussion included whether the Council was interested in staff providing additional options for alternative revenue sources; with the consensus being that the City Council was interested in further discussion (i.e., franchise fees), including any restrictions on use of those funds.

 

c.            Discussion regarding the Size of the Parks and Recreation Commission

Mayor Klausing opined that the primary motivation for the proposal to increase the membership of the Parks and Recreation Commission seemed a solution disproportionate to the need, and questioned whether a larger commission would be as effective.

 

Councilmember Ihlan noted that, when she first came on board the City Council, several commissions had a range of members with options for filling the complete contingent; and advised that her intent was not to arbitrarily increase the number serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission, but to facilitate those interested and qualified to serve, suggesting that the membership be increased from 10 to 12 members to retain manageability.

 

Councilmember Pust opined that it would make it difficult to relay to potential candidates when vacancies were to occur, unless there was provision for standing applications; and questioned how to determine if and when openings existed.

 

Councilmember Ihlan referenced previous difficulties in filling vacancies on the Human Rights Commission due to a sustained lack of interest in the commission at that time; and suggested that consideration of the number to serve could be determined annually and based on the size of the applicant pool.

 

Councilmember Pust suggested that the City Council defer to the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and their comments provided in the agenda packet, not recommending a larger group.

 

Councilmember Johnson, as a previous member on the Parks and Recreation Commission, spoke in support of maintaining the current membership level at 10 rather than increasing it, in order to maintain the integrity of the commission and sustain the group.

 

Councilmember Roe concurred with Councilmembers Johnson and Pust.

 

14.         City Manager Future Agenda Review

Acting City Manager Miller distributed upcoming agenda items.

         

Mayor Klausing requested a review of the current 15’ setback from curbs for political signs on rights-of-way, as part of the political sign ordinance discussion.

 

15.         Councilmember-Initiated Items for Future Meetings

Councilmember Johnson advised that the data was compiled and ready for review for the annual review of City Manager Malinen; and that Mr. Malinen had requested the review on May 10, 2010 in Executive Session; and advised that he would contact Human Resources Director Eldona Bacon to provide applicable information to individual Councilmembers for their review and discussion.

 

16.         Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:02 pm.