HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.B. Minutes of the April 12, 2006 City Council Work SessionB
ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APRIL 12, 2006
Pursuant to call and notice thereof, a City Council Special Work Session was held on
Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at 6:33 p m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2875 145`"
Street West
Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members Sterner, Baxter and
DeBettigmes attending. Council Member Shoe Corrigan was absent. Staff members present
were City Admuustrator Verbrugge, Assistant City Adnumstrator Weitzel, City Engineer
Brotzler, Police Chief Kalstabakken, Parks and Recreation Director Schultz, Pohce
Lieutenant Kuhns, Communications Coordinator Cox and Recording Secretary Domeier.
DISCUSSION
2.A. Emergency Options Plan Overview
Police Chief Kalscabakken summarized the staff report. Every municipality within
Minnesota is required to have an Emergency Operations Plan "EOP which is prepared
by the City's designated emergency manager. In Rosemount, the position of Chief of Police
has been designated through lob description /responsibilities as the City's emergency
manager. The City's plan has not been updated for 10 years. The plan is not incident
specific as not every condition can be factored m. A benefit of Rosemount is the number of
private businesses that have their own emergency plans and practice the plans.
Police Lieutenant Kuhns added the plan is a supplement to each department's standard
operating procedures. There was a great amount of participation on the rewrite of the EOP.
A map illustrating the 302 facilities and facilities at risk was shared with the Council
Members
Mayor Droste questioned the number of sewer lift stations located in Rosemount because
during the loss of power would there be alternate power available Mr Kuhns noted all lift
stations have backup generators. Mr. Kalstabakken added the use of generators is
something Public Works would take care of in a crisis situation
Mayor Droste questioned if the bird flu epidemic would happen and people had to stay
home to prevent spreading and how people would be notified. Mr. Kuhns noted the
notification plan is m the EOP, you could use the cable override, and the County also has a
plan to mstitute a plan for a pandemic flu. The County rehes on the City for the release of
information Public Health has put together a public network to get the information out to
mdividuals.
Council Member DeBettigmes questioned if notification can be given to residents via the
local telephone company through a recorded message or through the local cable company.
Lt. Kuhns noted there is a fax media hit. Mr KaLstabakken noted that Rosemount does not
have the reverse 911 capabilities. As part of the move to the joint dispatch system the
question has come up regarding having access to reverse 911 capabilities.
Mayor Droste questioned the use of sirens and if the City has looked into voice sirens. Mr.
Kuhns noted that the City can use the cable overnde or outdoor warnuig siren to alert
people to go inside and turn on their television
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City Administrator Verbrugge questioned how far beyond the circle does the sound activate
for the areas where a siren may not reach according to the map. Mr. Kuhns noted there may
have to be some movement m where the sirens are located. The map shows the minimum
coverage It is important to remind residents that it is an outdoor warning and you are not
expected to hear it in your house over the sound of televisions or air conditioners.
Council Member Baxter stated if nobody is designated to make the program more flexible
does it make it less functional; outside of the police department are the other departments
trained on their roles and if the rules are kept current. Department heads have had training
on the safety programs. The Parks and Recreation Department has had members participate
in county exercises for setting up a facility for a shelter in the event of an emergency The
Community Development Department could assist in locating vacant land Lt Kuhns added
that after a tornado the Community Development Department could figure out what type of
home or where a home was located this is destroyed. Public Works and building inspectors
are becoming more trained in these areas in the conferences they attend.
Mr Kalstabakken noted the Council can decide the pohcy on the removal of debris and
waste after a storm. Mr. Kalstabakken noted some City's do not charge building permit fees
for homes that have damage and require permits to be restored.
Mayor Droste noted the EOP is a wonderful document, DeBettigmes stated he appreciated
the document being in a place and questioned if companies are required to notify the City of
new hazardous matenals being used Mr Kuhns noted the State updates the City of
hazardous products being used on a property.
Council Member Baxter commented that hauling storm waste and debris it is a public safety
concern. He felt the pohcy should be in event of the storm the City should haul the waste
and debris away.
Mx. Kuhns noted that when there is a disaster in another City, someone from our City would
actually go there and assist to learn from the experience. Mr. Kalstabakken added that
elected officials should not get involved in the process. Staff will keep elected officials
apprised of a situation
Council Member Sterner questioned who the communications officer would be since it is
not listed in the plan. Mr Kuhns noted it would be based upon the situation. City
Admnnstrator Verbrugge noted that depending upon the level on the emergency it would
dictate what agency would be the communications coordinator.
Council Member Sterner also questioned how a siren would be located m a development.
Mr. Kalstabakken responded that the moving of a siren would take place when development
occurs.
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Mr. Kalstabakken concluded that the document will be cleaned up and brought back to the
Council for adoption in May or June and then will be passed on to the County for its
approval.
2.D. Consumption of Alcohol in City Parks
Parks and Recreation Director Schultz summarized the staff report. The Park Commission
felt alcohol restrictions were too tainted to people who wanted to use the parks. An issue
included that having alcohol at a park had to be at a park with a shelter. The Commission is
requesting that beer and wine be permitted m all parks unless there is more than a group of
30. If the group is larger than 30, there would have to be a permit from the Parks
Commission
Parks Commissioner Johnson noted that they did not want to have alcohol at youth
gatherings where alcohol would normally be permitted. That type of use would prohibit the
use if suggested by the Council
Mayor Droste noticed that Apple Valley and Lakeville allow only beer and questioned if the
risk with wine is because of the glass bottles. Mr. Schultz stated no glass is allowed in the
parks.
Council Member Baxter stated that by allowing alcohol to be consumed in the parks the
parks would become less faintly friendly. He did not agree with a general policy of allowing
beer in the parks but would be fine with a party obtaining a permit.
Mr. Verbrugge stated when people drink they tend to get louder and given the noise that will
occur, neighbors would probably be complaining more about the amount of alcohol in the
parks. Mayor Droste added that Erickson Park is more of an isolated park. In the
neighborhood parks the noise would be more noticeable
Mr. Verbrugge suggested a compromise of changing the B -2 language and taking the shelter
language out and allowing an event by use of a permit. Council Member DeBettigmes
believes by allowing permit only for large groups then you would have the tools to put an
event to a stop and still have control.
Council Member Sterner questioned the cost for a permit. Mr Schultz stated there would be
an admmistradve fee for the permit that would be included in the fee list
Mr. Verbrugge offered another suggestion taking the 3.21/4 language out of the ordinance.
Council Member Baxter had no problem with having strong beer in the parks.
Mayor Droste questioned how the City would relate the information to residents. Mr.
Verbrugge stated the information could go in a brochure stating the Parks Commission
would like to enhance the enjoyment of the parks for groups and families to have the chance
to enjoy alcohol in the parks but would like to retain the family values associated with our
City parks Mayor Droste requested that the language be modified shghdy and to come back
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next year before the summer bulletin goes out listing the rules and regulation of alcohol m
the parks
Council Member Sterner felt the need is urgent to change the ordinance. Council Member
DeBettignies stated to drop the 3.2 to use a permit only, keep the existing ordinance as
hsted but dropping the use of alcohol only being allowed at parks with shelters. He added
he would like to keep some enforcement regulations m place. Mr. Verbrugge stated by
removing the shelter requirement the City will need to look at the setback from single family
homes.
Council Member Baxter requested to see the permit form once it has been drafted.
2.B. Work Plan for Outdoor Recreation Complex
Parks and Recreation Director Schultz summanzed the staff report. During the recent City
Council goal setting meetings, the Council asked staff to develop a work plan for developing
an outdoor recreation complex Mr. Schultz updated the Council on the draft work plan
provided in the packet. A letter was distributed that the City wrote to Flint Hills Resources
to acquire property currently owned by Flint Hills Resources to construct an athletic
complex that would serve youth and adults. Mr. Verbrugge stated a complicated factor with
Flint Hills Resources is that the land desired is part of their buffer area Because it is a land
issue, the process will take longer to go through the appropriate channels at Flint Hills
Resources. Mr. Schultz outlined the eight steps in the work plan for the proposed complex.
City Administrator Verbrugge stated the timeline would be to have a site selected and willing
partner identified by the end of summer or early fall There will need to be aggressive
communication of the project and process before the survey would take place. The best
case scenario is looking for a referendum at the end of spring or beginning of summer next
year.
Council Member DeBettignies stated getting the public and organizations involved in the
process are key to making the project possible. Council Member Baxter added that sharing
the plans with the residents should happen long before Step 6. Mayor Droste noted RAAA
should be driving this project. The Council needs to engage with RAAA in Steps 1, 2 and 3.
Mr Schultz added that Steps 1 -4 would all happen at the same time. Mr. Schultz will
reorganize the work plan to bring the residents on board earlier.
Mayor Droste is concerned about having a single item issue. Mr Verbrugge stated they aie
looking at the CIP funds and tying all the items together
Council Member Sterner was concerned about the amount of public support that is
expected Mayor Droste noted there is no requirement to have an athletic complex. Mr.
Schultz added that while there are standards for requiring additional facilities we need to
have the support from the residents to put the project together. Mr. Verbrugge noted the
obligation on the City's part is to be creative m how the project is approached
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Mr. Schultz provided copies of and explained the different alternatives for the athletic
complex if the City would buy the Minnova parcel.
Mayor Droste suggested meeting with RAAA and the Parks Commission to go forward with
the project. Mr. Schultz stated he will set up a meeting with the groups.
Parks Commissioner Johnson added that the site selection is important m determining the
marketing and where to go with the project. He further added how important the need for
the complex is but if it is not an immediate goal they will build the current needs into the
existing parks.
Mayor Droste noted the project is important but added a few options are still out there and
available. Mayor Droste prefers to be strategic in moving forward with the project.
Council Member DeBettigmes is expressly impressed with the vision of the plan Two
major crossroads are located in the subject area and there would be excellent access to the
site. Our options should remain open due to not knowing the future of UMore Park.
Council Member Baxter stated an athletic complex does not hit his top five goals for the
City. The Council is faced with so many different things that the citizens of Rosemount
want to support. In his opinion, no one seems to be jumping up and saying this is a number
one priority in the City.
Council Member Sterner stated this project is his number one priority. He would prefer to
see the Council working harder on this issue. Mr. Sterner supports looking at the Minnova
parcel and the Flint Hills Resources properties.
2.C. Joint Power Agreements for City of Eagan for Sewer Service
City Engineer Brotzler summarized the staff report In July 2004, the Council adopted the
North Central Sanitary Sewer Study. Also m 2004, the Council adopted a resolution
requesting a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Eagan for the future extension of
sewer service from Eagan to this area of Rosemount.
The majority of the future extension of 120` Street to STH 3 hes in Rosemount and that
part of the City is zoned rural residential The Joint Powers Agreement would have a time
frame of extending 120` Street to Highway 3 within 10 years.
Council Member DeBettigmes questioned if the City is building and paying for that 1/2 mule
portion of 120` Street would the boundaries be assessed to the City. Mr Brotzler noted that
was another item brought to the City of Eagan's attention regarding the boundaries being
reahgned between Rosemount and Eagan. Council Member Baxter questioned the cost of
upgrading the half mile section of the road at the present tune. Mr. Brotzler said the cost
would be about a half million dollars.
Council Member Sterner asked Mr. Brotzler his opinion of which option to use for the 120
Street extension Mr. Brotzler noted that option 2 would be a plan MnDOT would favor
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due to how the road's would align at STH 3. Although, option 2 creates other issues
including the upgrades to Highway 3 and the access to current properties on the west side of
STH 3.
Mr. Brotzler noted that moving forward with the road the City could identify an area for
urban development Council Member DeBettigmes stated if the cost of the road falls on
Rosemount why pursue the road until development would be occurring Mr. Brotzler noted
that an option to the City of Eagan's requested time period of 10 years would be a
commitment to construct the extension of 120` Street to STH 3 when urban development
along Bacardi Avenue gets to a certain point.
Mr Brotzler added that different developers have shown interest in developing this area.
Staff has used the Council's standpoint to retain the rural residential character. Mr. Baxter
stated if the time is tied into the developable land sunset date he is fine with that but he
prefers not to be tied into a specific date.
Mayor Droste asked Mr. Brotzler to bring the item back next month showing different
options for capacity for the Bester parcel m relation to impacting the surrounding parcels.
Mr. Brotzler noted it was suggested that both Councils meet regarding the 120` Street and
Highway 3 issues.
2.E. Policy Review
Assistant City Administrator Weitzel summarized the staff report The Council was being
asked to consider the Travel and Conference Reimbursement and City Credit Card pohcies.
Ms. Weitzel first outlined the City Credit Card Pohcy and the procedures followed when
using a City credit card.
Council Member Sterner questioned who the majority of the credit card users would be at
City Hall Mr. Verbrugge noted the majority of the users would be the department heads.
Ms. Weitzel outlined the Travel and Conference Reimbursement Policy. It mcludes a six-ter
per diem rate system estabhshed by the General Services Administration and guidance
regarding lodging and travel procedures.
Council Member DeBettigmes questioned how the pier diem allowance will be policed m
regards to attendance at a conference Mr Verbrugge noted that if a lunch is provided the
attendee is expected to eat the lunch and it will be subtracted for the pier diem. Ms. Weitzel
noted that any questions or interpretation of this pohcy would be determined by the City
Administrator Ms. Weitzel added the lodging will be at a single rate. If a spouse is lodging
as well, that expense will be paid for by the spouse and not the City If receipts could not be
obtained, reimbursement of expenses would be at the City Administrator's discretion
Mr. Verbrugge noted the policies will be on the April 18, 2006 agenda for approval.
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2.F. Council Compensation
City Adnnnistrator Verbrugge summarized the staff report and distributed a handout
depicting the setting of the Mayor and Council's salaries. Mr. Verbrugge explained the data
distributed to the Council. The suggested compensation levels appear to be fair based on
similar metro -area commutates and neighboring cities. The new compensation would take
place on January 1, 2007.
Council Member Sterner stated he felt the $6,000 is a reasonable increase. He suggested
moving the mayoral salary to approximately $8,000. However, Council Member Sterner is
not opposed to the mayoral rate of $8,400.
Council Member Baxter agreed that $6,000 is fair compensation for the council members
and the mayor's job requires more time and commitment and should be at $9,000. Mr.
Baxter would like people to be aware that the mayor's job requires an enormous amount of
time and effort. Mr. Verbrugge added the salary is also based upon the expectation of
duties.
Council Member DeBettignies questioned the special meeting pay and if other cities are
receiving a stipend for attending special meetings. Mr Verbrugge confirmed he was correct
and added it's the same stipend as with the Port Authonty. Council Member DeBettignies
suggest a salary of $7,500- $8,000 for the mayor.
Mr. Verbrugge noted the item will be before the Council again next month.
UPDATES
3.A. Health Management Program Update
Ms. Weitzel summarized the staff report. To perpetuate a shift towards a more conscious
health care consumer, the Insurance and Benefits Committee members have proposed a
weight -loss competition open to all employees as part of the City of Rosemount's Wellness
Program. This contest would encourage employees to lose weight, become more physically
fit, and become mote educated about issues affecting then own well being. The contest
incentives will include small fitness- related items, with a grand pnze of one additional
vacation day for each member of the winning team.
The Council Members were on board with the plan and thought it was a great idea
3.B. GIS Tech Position
Mr Verbrugge distributed an email regarding the new GIS Tech position. Community
Development Director Lindquist requested retaining Shuang Ao as an employee during the
transition of the hiring of the GIS Tech and the implementation of the new cartegraph
system in the Public Works department.
The Council Members were in support with the request.
Mayor Droste adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m.
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Mr. Verbrugge received a call from a concerned resident regarding the Empire Outfall
project. Mr. Verbrugge provided the Council with a quick overview of the project should a
resident inquire.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, Recording Secretary