12-14-10 CM MinutesCouncil/Manager Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2010
Present: Mayor Loomis and Council Members Freiberg, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer, City
Manager Tom Burt, Assistant City Manager Chantell Knauss, Communications
Coordinator Cheryl Weiler, City Planner Joe Hogeboom, and Administrative Assistant Lisa
Wittman.
The meeting began at 6:30 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Presentation of City Logo Refresh
Cheryl Weiler explained that as a result of the recent changes to the City's web address
and email address, staff is in the process of updating business cards and stationery. At the
same time, staff has been considering the pros and cons of updating the City logo. She
showed the Council a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the issues with the current
City logo versus the proposed new logo and discussed how designing the new logo in-
house would be in line with current budget constraints.
The Council discussed the various places the logo is used including vehicles, clothing, and
on the back wall of the Council Chambers. They also discussed the look of the proposed
new logo and suggested some possible changes such as using the same color or style of
font for all of the words.
Tom Burt said he would have staff make some of the suggested changes and would then
forward it on to the City Council.
Proposed 2011 Legislative Priorities
The Council reviewed its 2011 Legislative Policies which include Inflow and Infiltration (I/I)
and Fiscal Disparities. Tom Burt noted that staff is going to suggest to the Legislature that
they continue funding for the I/I grant program but streamline the process so it is less
costly and onerous for local governments. Council directed staff to continue the legislative
priority for fiscal disparities as it related to a rebate of fiscal disparities on properties that
receive a property value reduction.
Proposed Ordinance Amendment -Rainwater Collection Devices
Joe Hogeboom stated that the Environmental Commission and the Planning Commission
have informally reviewed the proposed regulations for rainwater collection devices. Staff is
now looking for direction from the Council on whether or not to move forward with this
ordinance.
After discussing the issues regarding rainwater collection devices such as aesthetics, how
many would be allowed per down spout and what other cities have done, the Council
decided not to go forward with this proposed ordinance at this time.
Residential Fence Permit Fee
Joe Hogeboom reminded the Council that they have discussed this item at previous
Council/Manager meetings. Since the last meeting he has reviewed the Association of
Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) data regarding fence permit costs and found that out of
60 cities reporting, 33 require a fence permit and the average cost for a fence permit is
$30.58. He stated that historically, fences constructed in an incorrect location have been
treated as a private property matter between homeowners. Tom Burt added that if a permit
is required before fence construction there will be an inspection process and the City will
be involved fence issues.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2010 -Page 2
The Council discussed whether the City should become more involved in fence issues and
if a property survey should be required when installing a fence or if finding the property
stakes or if using a site plan would suffice. They also discussed grandfathering of existing
fences and the costs to homeowners wishing to install a fence.
After their discussion, the Council decided to have an article regarding fences in a future
CityNews issue and to bring an ordinance regarding residential fence permit fees to a
future City Council meeting.
Cable Commission Franchise
Council Member Shaffer discussed his participation in the joint powers operation of the
Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission and Northwest Community
Television and stated that his term ends this year. He asked if other Council Members
might be interested in being on the Commission.
The Council discussed the future of cable TV and cable TV franchise fees and Council
Member Freiberg said that he would be interested in learning more about the Commission
and possibly serving on the Commission when Council Member Shaffer's term ends.
Paperless Council Agendas
Tom Burt stated that staff has determined the cost of printing Council agenda packets to
be $2,880 per year. He noted that the cost for netbooks for the Council would be $1,450
and the cost for laptops would be $2,425.
The Council discussed the differences between the netbooks, laptops and I-Pads. They
also discussed the format of documents used to produce the agenda. After discussion, the
Council determined that they would like to use laptops and they would also like to have a
technology policy in place regarding the use of the laptops.
Wirth Park
Mayor Loomis asked that this item be added to the agenda. She referred to a document
submitted to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board by the City of Lakes Nordic Ski
Foundation regarding opening up Wirth Park ski loop to more users. She added that the
document is in keeping with the philosophy the Council has discussed in the past.
Go Red Campaign
Mayor Loomis asked that this item be added to the agenda. She distributed a letter from
Kim Rottman explaining the City of Brooklyn Center's centennial celebration and their
support of the Go Red Campaign for Women's Heart Health on February 4, 2011.
Ms. Rottman is asking Golden Valley to join Brooklyn Center in supporting this campaign
by issuing a proclamation. The Council agreed to consider a proclamation at their January
18, 2011 Council meeting and to pass the information along to Golden Valley's 125tH
Anniversary Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 8 pm.
Lisa Wittman
Administrative Assistant