04-14-20 CM Minutes
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
The meeting began at 6:30 pm.
Present: Mayor Harris and Council Members; Rosenquist, Fonnest, Sanberg and Harris.
Staff present: City Manager Cruikshank, City Attorney Cisneros, City Engineer Oliver, Finance
Director Virnig, Physical Development Director Nevinski, Parks and Recreation
Director Birno, Assistant City Engineer Kakach.
1. Discussion with Representative Omar
Representative Ilhan Omar introduced her staff and thanked the City for hosting her. Omar
discussed her office’s work in the district, including constituent’s assistance in Golden Valley. Omar
also discussed the CARES Act and a breakdown of the allocation of funds– in particular at a state
and local level.
The Council and Representative Omar discussed funding on the Blue Line Light Rail and its
implementation including work and coordination with the Minnesota Delegation and governor
Walz. The Council also discussed infrastructure funds, workers compensation for first responders
and Affordable Housing relief efforts in relation with the current economic crisis, among various
other items.
The Council thanked representative Omar and her staff for their time and efforts.
2. Boards/Commissions 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
a. Open Space and Recreation Commission
Bob Mattison, Chair of the Open Space and Recreation Commission presented the 2019 annual
Commission report. Mattison provided an overview of the Commissions workplan and the issues
that have been discussed throughout the year. Mattison summarized the main focuses of the
Commission: Brookview, and Golf Course Capital Improvement Plan, Luce Line Regional Trail and
community member engagement.
Mattison presented the 2020 Proposed Workplan, exploring ideas for future parkland use, like a
sand volleyball court and updating park amenities and facilities. Mattison also explained the OSRC
will take on the role of the Bike and Pedestrian Task Force focusing on enhancing rider’s experience
throughout Golden Valley Trails.
The Council discussed Brookview Programming and the 2020 Workplan. The Council inquired about
the addition of “Cooking in the Valley” Series. Birno explained that the addition of a new
commercial grade kitchen allows for great flexibility in the program and that there is potential to
April 14, 2020 – 6:30 pm
Virtual Webex Meeting
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City of Golden Valley City Council/Manager Regular Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2020 – 6:30 pm
hire independent contractors to support the program. It would include, baking classes, healthy
cooking options, among other things. Birno also acknowledged the Coronavirus Pandemic has
become a burden in the implementation of the program.
The Council thanked the Commission for their work and support throughout the year.
3. 2020 Bike Lane Project
City Engineer Oliver presented the staff report. As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, staff
prepared plans and specifications for on-street bike lanes included in the plan. Staff is now
presenting a proposal of new designs and segments to add to the 2019 approved bike lanes.
The Council discussed the plans and specific comments and concerns by community members,
including proposed no parking and vehicle accessibility and how it impacts adjacent local
businesses. Staff and the Council also addressed traffic patterns and feedback from businesses as
well as roadway needs (striping and signing).
The Council debated postponing certain projects due to financial and budgetary constraints,
especially with the COVID-19 Pandemic outbreak and how it has impacted City business.
4. 2020 Budget Update and 2019 Unassigned Fund Balance
Finance Director Virnig presented her report. Vining provided a breakdown of certain City revenues
and expenditures. The COVID-19 Pandemic has had economic impact in the form of additional
expenditures i.e. COVID-19 related supplies, cleaning supplies, computer/IT needs, etc. Staff
explained the City should consider budget implications of facility closures, program cancellations
and delays, penalty write-offs, and other financial impacts of state and federal emergency orders as
well as the Executive Administrative Actions adopted by the City Council moving forward.
The Council discussed the fund balance and how to continue to provide critical government
services. This Council discussed debt reduction and the unassigned fund balance.
5. Discussion Regarding City Fees
Finance Director Virnig presented a list of fees for the Council to consider in light of the Coronavirus
pandemic and the current economic environment. This includes Rental License annual renewal
fees, Parks & Rec program fees, special assessments, license fees, City SAC and WAC charges,
inflow and infiltration and utility billing fees.
The Council discussed the implications of delaying and pro-rating certain fees. The Council also
debated the effect of not collecting certain funds and deferring them for a year, in terms of City
budget and City operations (since without income received certain rates would go up). The Council
discussed specific items to be brought up at the next Council meeting with potential to waive
certain fees and charges.
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City of Golden Valley City Council/Manager Regular Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2020 – 6:30 pm
6. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas: Housing and Redevelopment Authority April 21, City
Council April 21, City Council May 5, and Council/Manager May 12, 2020.
No changes were submitted for future draft agendas.
The meeting adjourned at 9:56 pm.
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Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Tomas Romano, Assistant to the City Manager’s Office
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