Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210907 Work Session ProceedingsROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Rosemount City Council was held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 5:00 pm at Rosemount City Hall, Conference Room, 2875 145th Street West. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Councilmember Weisensel, Essler, Block and Freske. Staff present included City Administrator Martin, Community Development Director Kienberger, Finance Director Malecha, City Engineer Erickson, Chief of Police Dahlstrom, Director of Parks & Recreation Schultz, Assistant City Administrator Foster and Public Works Director Egger. Guest Present included Josh Schoaf. DISCUSSION 2.a. Consider Hope Fieldhouse Proposal City Administrator Martin discussed staff’s recent conversations with Hope Fieldhouse regarding a proposal for the city to further support the organization. Josh Schoaf, Executive Director of Hopefield House, was present to discuss the opportunity. The proposal requested the City assist with covering the initiation fee ($40 per membership) for the next one thousand new members. Mr. Schoaf noted, Hope Fieldhouse would be willing to waive membership fees for all Rosemount Police and Fire Department members. Hope Fieldhouse is flexible and willing to work with the City on a joint opportunity. A few ideas staff discussed were co- purchasing of equipment, additional marketing opportunities, and assistance with the creation of scholarship opportunities. Councilmembers questioned the impact this proposal would have with the private future recreation center partner, the concern that funds were already given for a marketing opportunity with Hope Fieldhouse and the City has not assisted other private fitness centers or non-profit organizations in the past. Overall, councilmembers agree that the city dollars need to be distributed on behalf of community members at large and this current proposal could set a challenging precedent. Staff will work with Mr. Schoaf on brainstorming other ways staff can assist with marketing Hope Fieldhouse, i.e. partnering with ISD 196 and after school programs. Staff will update council on the future discussions with Hope Fieldhouse at a future council work session. 2.b. Review Draft 2022 Budget City Administrator Martin recapped the recent budget discussions that have taken place over the past few council meetings where the bulk of the budget discussion took place. Councilmembers suggested staff create several talking points to relay to residents on the 2022 budget to illustrate how tax dollars are being spent and the impact of new housing growth on the tax impact. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 Councilmember Weisensel recommended that staff develop ways to show residents how the increased staff and technology efficiencies benefit to the budget. Councilmember Weisensel also questioned how staff will track the success of the new management analyst/deputy city clerk position as the position is newly created. Councilmember Freske stated the budget needs to show our increase in operating budget and show the budget number that tied to compensation. City Administrator Martin highlighted updates from the August work session; i.e. staff adjusted the revenue numbers to be more aggressive, anticipating good health insurance results, more aggressive on the housing development numbers and union negotiations start in October as most of the unions are waiting for the compensation study to be completed. 2.c. 2021-2022 Goals Update Due to timing, councilmembers agreed to move this item to 2.d. and 2.d. to 2.c. 2.d. Ash Tree Removal and Restoration Policy City Engineer Erickson discussed the draft a policy to ensure ash tree removal services are provided consistently and properly going forward. One reason behind the policy is that there are several Home Owner’s Associations maintained areas where City owned ash trees (i.e. within the right-of- way) are in poor health due to emerald ash borer infestation. Since these trees present a hazard to the public as they deteriorate, staff is recommending that they be removed by the City with no replacements. The policy is specifically for removing ash trees. Councilmembers questioned if the city attempts to stop the spread and what communication is given to the Home Owner’s Associations regarding the status of the infested trees. Staff will further research what Home Owner’s Associations have the ash tree issues and what agreements may be in place because if the City removes the trees; the associations currently are not billed for the removal. ADJOURNMENT TO REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Upon a motion by Droste, second by Weisensel the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:49 pm. to the regular council meeting in the Council Chambers. CALL BACK TO ORDER Mayor Droste called the meeting back to order at 8:28 p.m. in the conference rooms. 2.c. 2021-2022 Goals Update As noted above, this item was moved to 2.d. City Administrator Martin presented the quarterly check-in on progress made for the 2021 Goals. Items noted; implementation of the Technology Taskforce, Council engagement at community events, the implementation of the volunteer network coming forth, the future of the Public Works/Police Department building. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 Councilmembers suggested once the design phase of the building is complete to have a community meeting showcasing the plans. Councilmembers also requested staff continue working on a communication plan highlighting the transportation plan. The communication plan should be presented strategically and should emphasize the hometown feel of Rosemount. Staff will continue working on the 2021 goals and check in on the progress next quarter. UPDATES 3.a. Project Updates i. Community Development Inquiries Community Development Director Kienberger discussed recent inquiries received by Community Development staff and when to expect the items on a council agenda. 3.b. Staff Updates City Clerk Fasbender informed councilmembers of a proposed ordinance change to remove the provisions of the two categories of on-sale licenses, A & B. The proposed changed will be brought to council for action at a future council meeting. Finance Director Malecha informed council of a potential change in switching banks in order to add the opportunity for additional services for the City. Community Director Kienberger noted Economic Development Director Van Oss will discuss with Rosemount businesses the Minnesota Main Street COVID Relief Grant that is available on September 20, 2021. Councilmember Freske noted the Leprechaun Day committee is under new leadership. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Droste, second by Essler the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:26 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Erin Fasbender City Clerk