02-08-11 CM Minutes Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2011
Present: Mayor Loomis and Council Members Freiberg, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer, City
Manager Tom Burt, Police Chief Stacy Altonen, Finance Director Sue Virnig, City Planner
Joe Hogeboom, Planning Intern Carrie Noble, Planning Intern Michael Simmons and
Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
The meeting began at 6:33 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Dog License Survey Results
Stacy Altonen reviewed the dog license fees and requirements from several communities
as directed by the Council at their last Council meeting. She explained that most dog parks
require proof of rabies vaccination but they do not necessarily require proof of a license in
order to use their parks. She stated that staff is still recommending eliminating the dog
license requirement because of the lack of compliance and because micro-chipping is
more effective.
The Council discussed rabies vaccination requirements and the procedures, expense and
amount of staff time involved in picking up stray dogs.
Council Member Shaffer expressed concern about eliminating dog licenses because it
takes away a certain sense of security. The Council came to the consensus that they
would like to keep licensing dogs. However, they would like to have a license be valid for
three years and change the fees to $15 per year (spayed/neutered) and $30 per year
(unaltered). Staff will recommend how to approach the recommended fee changes and the
ordinance previously under discussion.
Livable Communities Act— Housing Action Plan
Joe Hogeboom explained that as part of continued participation in the Livable
Communities Act Local Housing Incentives Account Program the Metropolitan Council has
asked the City to create a Housing Action Plan. He referred to the draft Housing Action
Plan which is based on the language in the Housing chapter of the City's Comprehensive
Plan.
The Council reviewed the draft Housing Action Plan. Council Member Pentel suggested
adding the Livable Communities Principles at the beginning of the plan. The Council
discussed the City's current affordable housing supply and questioned if this proposed
plan is contrary to what the City has already done or intends to do in regard to affordability,
housing quality, variety and sustainability. Tom Burt explained that this proposed plan will
address the broad philosophical goals of the Metropolitan Council and that the City's
Comprehensive Plan would prevail. Hogeboom added that having this plan in place could
help the City obtain grants in the future. Mayor Loomis suggested that the plan be made
clearer that it is dealing with larger sized multiple dwelling developments.
Tom Burt said staff will review the issues discussed and that this item will come back to a
future Council/Manager meeting for further discussion.
Fence Regulations
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2011 — Page 2
Joe Hogeboom reminded the Council that at their December 14 Council/Manager meeting,
there was discussion regarding establishing a permit process and fee for installing fences.
He explained that since that time staff from various departments met and identified several
issues regarding fences that would not be addressed in a potential fence permit process.
Some of the issues include the cost burden to residents for permits and surveys, the
difficulties of enforcement and inspections and the issues surrounding right-of-way and
identification of easements. He stated that staff is now recommending that in lieu of
establishing a permitting process, the City create a communication and education plan
regarding proper fence installation.
The Council discussed what other cities require for the installation of fences and
complications there could be with right-of-way permits and inspections before and after a
fence is installed. After discussion, the Council agreed that they would rather have staff
create a communications plan than establish a fence permit process.
Innovation and Redesign Guide
Sue Virnig stated that in 2010, a Council on Local Results and Innovations was created by
the Minnesota Legislature to establish performance outcome measures for Minnesota
cities and counties as a way to quantify service levels. She noted that cities or counties
submitting performance measure results could receive up to $25,000 from the State.
However, according to the state statute she distributed the eligible reimbursement would
be closer to $2,600.
After discussing the various ways to obtain resident feedback and the expense and staff
time involved, the Council consensus was to wait for the final report from the State
Legislature and review it again later this year.
Mayor Loomis distributed a letter from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding an
application process to identify host cities for community conversations defining the
services residents expect and how those services can be delivered. She stated that she
will be filling out an application to be submitted later this month.
Metropolitan Council Direction
Mayor Loomis referred to a letter she received from the City of Minneapolis regarding a
resolution they adopted supporting a strong, effective Metropolitan Council and suggesting
that Golden Valley have a similar resolution of support. No one on the Council expressed
an interest in pursuing support of this type of resolution.
The meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm.
Lisa Wittman
Administrative Assistant