11-09-10 CM MinutesCouncil/Manager Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2010
Present: Mayor Loomis and Council Members Freiberg, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer, City
Manager Tom Burt, Assistant City Manager Chantell Knauss, Assistant HRA Director
Jeanne Andre, Finance Director Sue Virnig, Public Works Director Jeannine Clancy, City
Planner Joe Hogeboom, and Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
The meeting began at 6:30 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Olson Elementary School -Possible Magnet School
District 281 School Board Members Helen Bassett and Patsy Green were in attendance to
inform the Council that the District is considering using Olson Elementary School as a
magnet school. They distributed a map showing resident students attending schools
outside the district and discussed the work their enrollment committee has been doing to
increase enrollment and attract families back to their district. They discussed some of the
program options the District is considering such as having another Spanish immersion
school or offering a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program or a
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program. They stated that no
decisions regarding Olson School have been made yet, and at this point the School District
is only looking into the feasibility of using Olson school and opportunities for joint
programming with the City if it is reopened.
The Council discussed the possibility of drafting a proclamation or resolution supporting
the District in their use of Olson School. Tom Burt said he would talk to Superintendent
Sicoli regarding their timeline and he would then have staff draft a resolution or
proclamation for the Council to review.
Bassett Creek Regional Trail Study
Joe Hogeboom introduced Annie Rexine and Don DeVeau from the Three Rivers Park
District who were in attendance to discuss potential route alignments for the proposed
Bassett Creek Regional Trail that will connect Theodore Wirth Regional Park with French
Regional Park.
Annie Rexine gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the status of the regional trail
system. She referred to a map of a typical trail section and discussed visitation estimates,
various activities, the service area, and seasonal use. She discussed the First Tier Trails,
Greenways and Parks Master Plan and referred to maps that showed various trail
segments and alignments. She stated that the goal is to connect fully developed suburbs
with regional recreation resources. She explained that one of the next steps in the process
is to hold a public open house. It is anticipated to occur in the second or third quarter of
2011 and be held at Crystal City Hall.
The Council discussed various segments of trails and sidewalks that have already been
completed and the possibility of alternative alignments near Regent Avenue.
Establishing City Hall Facility Use Policy
Tom Burt explained that this policy is being proposed because of the recent investment in
new equipment in the Council Chambers. He added that it will also provide clarification
regarding who can use the facilities, when facilities can be used and if staff needs to be
present.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2010 -Page 2
The Council discussed the proposed policy and concurred that the language in item
number seven regarding the use by any political organization is overly broad. They also
agreed that the word "classes" in item number five should be changed to the word "uses."
They directed staff to bring the proposed new policy, with the suggested revisions, to a
future City Council meeting.
2011 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy
Tom Burt noted that this is the last meeting discussing the 2011-2012 General Fund
Budget, 2011-2012 Other Fund Budgets and the 2011 Tax Levy before the City Council
meeting in December. Sue Virnig handed out some charts from Hennepin County
Assessing that included information regarding Residential and Commercial/Industrial tax
bills and a sample TNT statement.
Burt noted that in 2010 the Valley Square tax increment finance district was closed. As a
result approximately $160,000 of district revenue has been turned back to the City. He is
recommending these funds be used to write down the 2011 debt levy, which would
decrease taxes approximately $12 for the average household.
The Council discussed union negotiations and the proposed 1.5% salary increase for staff.
They expressed concern about increasing salaries and discussed what other cities are
proposing. After discussion, the Council directed staff to put the $160,000 toward the debt
levy and to go forward with the 1.5% salary increase for staff.
2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program
Tom Burt stated that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has gone to the Planning
Commission for review. He reminded the Council that items such as vehicles and
equipment shown in the CIP will be brought forward to the Council for approval before
purchases are made. The CIP will be presented at the December 7 City Council meeting.
2011 Master Fee Schedule
Staff presented the draft master fee schedule for Council review prior to considering it at a
Council Meeting.
The Council discussed the possibility of increasing the fee for peddler/solicitor licenses and
asked for clarification on the fee for re-inspections. They also discussed the number of
licensed garbage haulers in the City and the increase in the amount charged for street
assessments and interest rates. Sue Virnig stated that the street assessment amount and
interest rate will be discussed again before the bonds are marketed.
The Council discussed the difference in what residents versus non-residents pay for park
shelter rentals. Tom Burt said he would bring further information back to the Council
regarding who is renting the shelters and if greater fee differentiation is possible.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Lisa Wittman
Administrative Assistant