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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120717 CCM SWS ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS JULY 17, 2012 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special work session of the Rosemount City Council was th held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at City Hall, 2875 145 Street West, Rosemount. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members Shoe-Corrigan, Kearney, Weisensel and DeBettignies attending. Staff present included City Administrator Johnson, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Parks and Recreation Schultz, Community Development Director Lindquist, Finance Director May and Assistant City Administrator Foster. DISCUSSION 2.A. Senior Housing Developer Discussion Community Development Director Lindquist provided a summary of the staff report which updated the Council on a new proposal by Doran Development and also raised process issues. She also provided an update on the status of the school demolition. Director of Parks and Recreation Schultz provided an update on the status of upgrades being made at the Steeple Center. It was anticipated that the site would be cleared by early September. Jim Trucker thanked the City Council for the opportunity to introduce his new team with Doran Companies. Bill Stoddard with Doran Companies stated he was happy to get involved in the project and shared draft concept plans. He also provided a rough timeline for the project, proposed amenities, and options moving forward. Mr. Trucker stated he met with Mike Ryan regarding the proposed plan and received support from him. Discussion was held regarding the proposed senior center. Mr. Trucker suggested making it a two story building. Council Member Kearney questioned the funding. Mr. Stoddard provided information on the proposed funding. Commissioner Weisensel questioned the project management. He stated the same presentation was heard from Mr. Trucker last October. He wanted more information on the project management going forward. Mr. Stoddard stated the last few years have been tough for all developers regarding financing. He stated that the communication has to be with the staff, council and community level. He added that because Doran does its own construction they have completed their projects on time. Council Member Shoe-Corrigan felt as though the council was back at the drawing board. She suggested receiving presentations from all three developers. Mayor Droste was concerned about holding up the project for another month. Wally Johnson of Stonebridge Companies provided a presentation on a proposed project. He provided information on his current senior housing projects. He stressed the importance of having a good operator for the project. He stated Stonebridge has done three projects since applying for the Rosemount project. He also talked about his relationships with Ebenezer and Southview Senior. Mr. Johnson stated he also has a good relationship with Rosemount and wants to be in Rosemount. Council Member DeBettignies asked at what capacity Mr. Trucker would remain. Mr. Trucker stated he would be an assistant to Mr. Stoddard, and advisor, but not involved in the day to day management. Council Member DeBettignies asked for more in-depth information on how this ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS JULY 17, 2012 project relates Mr. Stoddard’s past experience on past senior projects. Mr. Stoddard provided his experience on senior housing. He planned to stay active in the development and the day to day running of the project. Council Member Kearney stated he was comfortable moving forward with Doran Companies based upon their track record, quality products and being known as a top notch developer. He added that he was also familiar with the work Stonebridge has done. Council Member Shoe-Corrigan stated that both teams were top notch. Council Member Weisensel stated that Mr. Trucker exceeded his expectations. He stated he was familiar with the Doran project manager noting they are an experienced team. He expressed frustration that the project hasn’t already taken off after hearing Stonebridge has stayed busy doing three other projects since the Rosemount RFQ. Council Member DeBettignies concurred. The City Council chose to move forward with Doran Companies. The next step in the process was to work out the draft developer’s agreement. 2.B. Service Agreement – Rosemount Area Arts Council (RAAC) Jim Kotz, John Loch and Jeanne Schwartz were present on behalf of RAAC. Director of Parks and Recreation Schultz provided information on the proposed service agreement with RAAC. The service agreement would create a partnership and common interest with events happening within the community. Council Member DeBettignies questioned the in-kind rental. Mr. Schultz explained that it was approximately $1,300. Council Member Kearney expressed concerns about RAAC using the space for fundraisers. Discussion was held about fundraisers. Mr. Loch stated the primary goal of the RAAC was to serve as an information center to benefit the City and to bring arts to the community. Mr. Schultz planned to bring the final agreement back to the City Council for consideration on August 6. 2.C. Utility Billing Software Purchase Finance Director May provided a summary of the information provided in the staff report. Discussion was held regarding payments made by credit card and making the option known to residents. Mr. May explained the new feature will be marketed by use of the website and flyers in utility bills. The City Council supported the purchase of new software. Mr. May planned to bring the contract to the City Council for consideration on August 6. UPDATES 3.A. Update on front desk reception/phone tree City Administrator Johnson provided an update on the use of the phone tree at City Hall. Council Member Kearney questioned who would take on the additional administrative duties. The walk in customers will be helped by the Building Department. The Finance Department will be handling the phone callers who require assistance and some of the administrative functions will be absorbed as best as possible by the Administration department. Assistant City Administrator Foster explained ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS JULY 17, 2012 that the department is made up of four employees – the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, City Clerk and Communications Coordinator. The receptionist did not just handle phone calls, the position also provided clerical and project support to all of the City departments. Assistant City Administrator Foster and City Clerk Domeier both provided instances where a part- time person could assist the Assistant City Administrator, City Clerk, and other departments in daily, routine and special projects. Mayor Droste stated that staff should hire necessary people to cover the front counter during the peak times of the Election season or special circumstances. Funds for a part-time person will remain in the budget. Staff will continue to monitor the duties that are being taken on by other staff members. 3.B. Police Chief Selection Process Update The City Council decided to hold an open house for the public on Wednesday, August 1 from 4:00- 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Interviews for the candidates will be conducted on Monday, August 6 at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. The City Council supported using an outside firm conducting the assessments on the top candidates. 3.C. Updates from City Council/Staff City Clerk Domeier requested that the City Council decide on a date to canvass the August 14 election results. The City Council decided to canvass the election results will be held at 7:30 a.m. on August 16. Director of Parks and Recreation provided an update on the UMore ball fields. Assistant City Administrator Foster provided an update on the hiring of various positions. City Administrator Johnson provided an update on the SKB stock sale. Mayor Droste stated the ribbon cutting for McDonalds will be held on July 30. Mayor Droste also provided an update on an email received about the railroad crossing by City Hall. Further discussion was held about the railroad crossing and pedestrian improvement upgrade costs. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Droste, second by Kearney, the meeting was adjourned at 11:19 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Domeier, City Clerk