09-11-12 CM Minutes Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2012
Present: Mayor Harris and Council Members, Clausen, Freiberg, Pentel and Scanlon, City
Manager Tom Burt, Finance Director Sue Virnig, Director of Public Works Jeannine
Clancy, City Engineer Jeff Oliver, Public Works Maintenance Manager Bert Tracy, Director
of Planning and Development Mark Grimes, Commander Mike Meehan. Also present,
SEH Traffic Consultant Mike Kotila, Breck Business Manager Wendy Engelman, Breck
Communications Jill Field and Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
The meeting began at 7:01 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Breck School Traffic Study
Mayor Harris recused himself from the discussion.
Jeannine Clancy stated that part of Breck School's recently approved PUD amendment
included Breck working with the Neighborhood Traffic Committee to improve traffic flow
and safety. She explained that City staff and the City's traffic Consultant Mike Kotila have
completed the traffic study. She introduced Mr. Kotila to give the Council an update on the
study results.
Kotila showed the Council a PowerPoint presentation which was also presented at a
Breck Neighborhood meeting on August 9. Kotila discussed the traffic study area, the
purpose of the study, the study approach, the study findings, including traffic volumes and
traffic speeds and his short- and long-term recommendations. Some of the neighbors in
attendance expressed concern about where the speed tubes were placed and stated that
the study was not a good representation of traffic speed and volume in the area.
Wendy Engelman and Jill Field discussed some of the things Breck School is doing to
educate and inform their faculty, students and families. Kotila added that the conditions
should continue to be monitored and when appropriate, there should be additional
enforcement and the speed trailer should be deployed.
After discussion, Burt stated that the City will do additional traffic volume and speed
counts in different locations and increase the enforcement activity.
Infrastructure Improvements:
a. 2013-2014 Other Funds Proposed Budget and 2013-2017 Capital Improvement
Program (CIP)
The Council reviewed the proposed budgets for Water and Sewer Utility Fund,
Conservation/Recycling Fund, Storm Utility Fund and Vehicle Maintenance Fund. They
also reviewed the following sections of the 2013-2017 CIP: Vehicles and Equipment,
Building Improvements, Parks, Storm Sewer, Water and Sewer, Streets and Douglas Drive
Corridor. Staff addressed Council questions. Burt added that due to the financial climate
staff would like help from the Council prioritizing the items in the budget. After discussion,
the Council consensus was to bring any new budget ideas to the next Council/Manager
meeting for discussion.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2012 — Page 2
b. CenterPoint Energy Franchise Fee
Tom Burt stated that over the past several years, projects have been delayed because
adequate funding sources are not available to properly fund the City's infrastructure
needs. He asked that the Council consider a franchise agreement with CenterPoint
Energy similar to the fee collected by Xcel Energy used to fund the Douglas Drive project.
The Council discussed having a sunset date for the potential franchise fee, and using a
percentage versus a flat fee. After discussion the Council consensus was to review, at
their October Council/Manager meeting, a draft agreement that would sunset the same as
the Xcel Energy franchise fee along with models showing percentages versus flat fees.
2013 Legislative Policies
Tom Burt noted that for a number of the years the City has adopted Legislative Policies.
He stated that some of the priorities for Council discussion this year include Douglas Drive
funding, Highway 169 improvements, passport sales in the Motor Vehicle Department and
an amphitheater in conjunction with Perpich Center for Arts Education. Council Member
Scanlon stated that the Women's Club has some funds set aside for the amphitheater and
suggested the Council speak to them. After discussion, the Council consensus was to
bring this item back, along with any additional legislative policy ideas, to the November
Council/Manager meeting for further discussion.
Council Goal Check-Up
Council Member Scanlon stated that she wanted to discuss the progress of the Council
goals that were discussed earlier in the year. The Council discussed some of the goals
that have been addressed and some they would still like to address. After discussian Burt
said he would like to have Jeanne Andre attend a future Council/Manager meeting to help
the Council come to a more focused consensus of the Council's goais.
Animal Licenses
Council Member Scanlon stated that she has received questions about types of animals
that are not mentioned in the City Code such as snakes and rabbits, and would like to
know how the Council feels about reviewing the section of City Code (Section 10.32) that
deals with animals and fowl-keeping, transporting, treatment and housing. The Council
consensus was to review this section of City Code. Burt agreed that the section of City
Code regarding animals should be reviewed and said he would have staff work on revising
it and bring it to a future Council/Manager meeting for Council review.
Mayor/Council Communications Policy
Council Member Pentel stated that she would like the City Council to consider a policy
regarding communications that are sent by Council Members. The Council discussed what
types of communications they would like to review before being sent. The Council
consensus was to have the entire Gouncil review communications that are on letterhead
and taking a position on behalf of the City.
Mayoral Communications
Council Member Scanlon asked that this item be removed from the agenda.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2012 — Page 3
The meeting adjourned at 10:47 pm.
Lisa Wittman
Administrative Assistant