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6.a.
ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Rosemount City Council was held on
th
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 beginning at 6:31 p.m. in the Conference Room at City Hall, 2875 145
Street West, Rosemount.
Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members DeBettignies, Shoe-Corrigan,
Weisensel and Demuth and Council member-elect Nelson attending. Staff present included City
Administrator Johnson, City Clerk Hadler, Community Development Director Lindquist, City
Planner Lindahl, Parks and Recreation Director Schultz, Public Works Director Brotzler, Fire Chief
Schroeder and Finance Director May. Guests included Emily Zimmer of the Town Pages.
City Administrator Johnson stated there were some changes to the agenda, as the Resilient
Communities Communications students could not attend.
DISCUSSION
2.A. Replacement of 1991 Ford Grass Rig
Fire Chief Schroeder stated the Grass Rig is aging and needs to be replaced. The truck is 23 years
old and has numerous items that are breaking on it. Chief Schroeder has obtained two bids for new
trucks through state contracts. Council members inquired about length of time before delivery,
whether this type of truck was absolutely necessary. Chief Schroeder stated that this complete Grass
Rig is necessary, as they are useful for immediately accessing grass fires. Chair Weisensel inquired
whether we look at other purchasing consortium other than the Minnesota one. Johnson responded
we did with another fire truck, but there are reasons for using the state one for smaller purchases
such as this. Staff was directed to place this on the consent agenda on the 16th.
2.B. Cable Commission Issues – Bob Vose
Bob Vose, attorney for the Cable Commission, was in attendance to discuss some Charter related
items. Charter has not responded to franchise negotiations, but has asked for an extension of the
existing franchise agreement. The Cable Commission is recommending that the City grant that
extension for one year.
Another issue is that Comcast and Time-Warner are in the process of merging. Charter will have a
management relationship with Greatland, which is a future spin-off of Comcast-Time-Warner.
Charter is also investing in obtaining additional customers. The City will need to approve this
restructuring.
A third issue is that there have been a number of violations of their current franchises, including
attempting to charge the City for the cable boxes needed to receive the cable signal.
2.C. Regional Indicators Initiative
City Planner Jason Lindahl introduced Becky Alexander of LHB, Inc., who presented the Regional
Indicators Initiative data. Ms. Alexander gave a background and an overview on the Regional
Indicators program. Data was presented on each Regional Indicators topic; water, energy, waste,
and travel. Ms. Alexander outlined some next steps utilizing the Regional Indicators data in
planning activities.
ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
Students with the Resilient Communities program were in attendance and discussed the project they
are working on that relates to the Regional Indicators report. They will be presenting a report that
outlines best practices that are being used by other cities.
Mayor Droste inquired about public engagement processes. City Planner Lindahl stated staff is
discussing with the Resilient Communities program director about a spring class focusing on public
engagement. Lindahl stated that staff will continue to work with LHB and the students about best
practices, as well as a climate adaptation plan.
2.D. Fee schedule for 2015
City Administrator Johnson introduced the Fee Schedule and stated there were few changes, but
invited council members to ask about changes. Council member Weisensel asked about the
percentage of increases in utility charges. City Administrator Johnson replied they are approximately
5% for water and 2% for sewer.
Parks and Recreation Director Schultz explained some of the increases to the Recreation facility
fees. Mr. Schultz stated there may be future increases in ice arena fees after discussions with the
hockey association and other users. Council members discussed the amount of the ice arena budget
that is subsidized and compared facilities to neighboring communities. Council member Weisensel
inquired about future revenue ideas to fund parks. Schultz explained some of the current and future
opportunities.
Council members discussed some water issues around future development.
2.E. Inter-City passenger rail study
City Administrator Johnson explained the potential for inter-city passenger rail in the area. There
are a couple of different route options. The group leading the effort is looking for input as to
whether MnDOT should be initiating feasibility studies. Johnson asked whether the community
should support the rail. Council member elect Nelson compared it to the Northstar Rail and had
concerns. After further discussion Council members in general agreed to support an initial study.
2.F. Council meeting schedule for 2015
The Council discussed the council meeting schedule for 2015. City Administrator Johnson inquired
whether it would be possible to have Monday night Work Sessions, as this was preferable for
Council member – elect Nelson. Council was in agreement this would work.
UPDATES
City Administrator Johnson inquired whether Mayor Droste and Council member Weisensel should
attend the NLC conference in March. Council was in agreement and no one else planned on
attending. Mr. Johnson stated this item would be on the next consent agenda.
Director of Public Works Brotzler updated Council on a groundwater study that was presented at
the working group.
ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
Council member Weisensel discussed ideas from the November National League of Cities
conference he attended; including Open Data, ECM, and performance management. Council
discussed potential task force to work with communications, engagement, metrics and data.
Mayor Droste stated he was frustrated about recently finding out that McNamara is moving to
Empire Township from Apple Valley, and their facility will be too close to residential areas in
Rosemount.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Droste,
second by DeBettignies, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:19 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Clarissa Hadler, City Clerk