11-04-20 City Council MinutesNovember 4,2020 –6:30pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
In light of the recently declared COVID-19 health pandemic, the Mayor of the City of Golden Valley
declared a local emergency under Minnesota Statute, section 12.37. In accordance with that declaration,
beginning on March 16, 2020, all meetings of the CityCouncil held during the emergency were conducted
by telephone or other electronic means.
The City used WebEx to conduct this meetingelectronically. Members of the public were able to monitor
the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16,by streaming it on CCXmedia.org, and by
dialing in to the public call-in line. The public was able to participate in this meeting during public
comment sections, including the public forum, by dialing in to the public call-in line.
1.Call to Order
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
1A. Pledge of Allegiance
1B. Roll Call
Present:Mayor Shep Harris, Council Members Larry Fonnest, Maurice Harris, Gillian Rosenquist
and Kimberly Sanberg
Staff present: City Manager Cruikshank, City Attorney Cisneros, Finance Director Sue Virnig, City
Engineer Jeff Oliver, City Assistant Engineer R.J. Kakach, Physical Development Director
Marc Nevinski.
City Clerk Schyma gave anupdate on the November 3, 2020 General Election. She stated that this
election was unprecedented due to the fact that the City of Golden Valleyonly had3,761 voterscoming
to the polls on Election Day and that is because approximately 12,000 voted early either by absentee
through the mail or absentee-in-person. She further added that approximately one half of the 12,000
absentee ballot voters came through City Hall. She stated the election judges did an incredible job and
staff received many compliments from voters due to the quick and easy process. Election Day was a
success and it appears that the final turnout numbers could reach 93 percent.
2.Additions and Corrections to Agenda
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council MemberRosenquistto approve the
agenda ofNovember 4, 2020, as submitted. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor of:
Kimberly Sanberg, Larry Fonnest, Gillian Rosenquist, Maurice Harris, and Shep Harris the following voted
against: none and the motion carried.
3. Approval of Consent Agenda
MOTION made by Council Member Sanberg, seconded by Council Member Harris to approve the
consent agenda of November 4, 2020, as revised: removal of 3C1 – Appointment of Police Commission
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Task Force Members.Upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor of: Shep Harris, Maurice
Harris, Gillian Rosenquist, Larry Fonnest, and Kimberly Sanberg, thefollowing voted against: none and
the motion carried.
3A. Approval of Minutes:
3A1. Council Manager Meting – October 13, 2020
3A2. City Council Meeting October 20, 2020
3B. Approve City Check Register and authorize the payments of the bills as submitted.
3C. Boards and Commissions:
3C1. Appointment of Police Commission Task Force Members
3D. Approval of Bids, Quotes and Contracts
3D1.Approve Fourth Amendment to Custodial Services Agreement for City Hall Campus with
Jani-King of Minnesota ad Second Amendment to Custodial Services Agreementfor Brookview
with Stratus Building Solutions.
3E. Grants andDonations
3E1. Approve theThree RiversHennepin County Park Program Funding Agreement andAccept
Donation ofupto $13,000
3E2. Approve Resolution #20-66Approving Coronavirus Aid, Relief, andEconomic Security (CARES)
AidFunding CARES from Hennepin County
3E3. Approve Accepting Donations andGrants-Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association
Resolution #20-67
3E4. Approve CARE AidFunding Resolution #20-68
3F. Authorize Limited UsePermit with theMinnesota Department ofTransportation forPermitting Land
Usage onTrunk Highway 55 forMaintaining andOperating aNon-Motorized Trail Resolution #20-65
3. Items Removed From the Consent Agenda:
3C1.Appointment of Police Commission Task Force Members
Council Member Rosenquistexpressed appreciation to the number of residents who volunteered for
the Task Force. The Councilwelcomed Randy Anderson, Nancy Azzam, Dipanjan Chatterjee, Daniel
Feldman, Trey Gladney, Chris Hartzler, Mark Hastie, Thomas Huling, Julie Jonas, Gloria Kumagai, Randy
Mahlen, James Rhodes, and Andrew Woldto the Police Commission Task Force.
MOTION made by Council MemberRosenquist, seconded by Council MemberFonnest to appoint the
members of the Police Commission Task Force. Upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor
of: Gillian Rosenquist, Larry Fonnest, Maurice Harris, Kimberly Sanberg, and Shep Harris,the following
voted against: none and the motion carried.
6.New Business
6A. First Consideration – Amendment to City Code Relating to the Crime Free and Disorderly
Conduct Of Chapter 16, Article III, Rental Housing Licensing.
Deputy Fire Chief Ted Massicotte presented the staff report stating at the October 13, 2020
Council/Manager meeting, staff presented Council with proposed amendments to Chapter 16, Article III
of the City Code to amend and remove sections relating to crime and disorderly conduct at rental
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properties. These types of ordinances are knownas crime free housing ordinances and they are
concerning to fair housing advocates as they unfairly target renters, discourage tenants from seeking
emergency assistance,and disproportionately impact people of color. There is also language that
clarifies landlord eligibility for discounted license fees through the STAR program.
MayorHarris questioned if this would apply to affordable housing put forth by other levels of
government. Deputy Fire Chief Massicotte, replied that staff is not aware of this type of situation;
however, it isfeasible.
Mayor Harris questioned staff regarding the landlord training. City Attorney Cisneros responded that
the HRA is considering employing aHousing Manager that would specialize in this area and the
suggested timeline is to have landlord training scheduled in the first quarter of 2021 so the new Housing
Manager can provide input.
Mayor Harris directed staff to open the Call Center for public input.
Ruth Paradise, 8515 Duluth Street. She stated that she is pleased the Council is discussing this item and
she believes in the importance of landlord training. She further added that she would like the
amendment to state that training is required.
Kathy Waldhauser, 3220 Orchard Avenue North. She stated that she welcomes the idea of improving
relations between landlords and tenants as well as protecting tenants. She agrees that training should
be required for landlords.
Mayor Harris directed staff to close the call center.
There was Council discussion regarding the proposed amendments to the crime free and disorderly
conduct sections of the City Code.
Council Member Sanberg questioned why the training requirement is being removed. Deputy Fire Chief
Massicotte responded that the training was listed as required; however, the STAR Program has always
been listed as optional. This was not intended to be listed as amandate butrather a voluntary
participation in the program.
Council Member Rosenquist stated that the Code reads as participation in the STAR program or an
equivalent. City Attorney Cisneros responded that the reason for the wording was to build in flexibility
for the programs.
MOTION made by Council Member Harris seconded by Council Member Rosenquist toadopt First
Consideration, Amendment to City Code Relating to the Crime Free and Disorderly Conduct Sections of
Chapter 16, Article III, Rental Housing Licensing or Ordinance No. 694. Upon a vote being taken, the
following voted in favor of: Maurice Harris, Gillian Rosenquist, Shep Harris, Larry Fonnest, and Kimberly
Sanberg. The following voted against: none and the motion carried.
6B. First Consideration of Ordinance No. 695 Amending City Code Section 18-2 Disorderly Conduct.
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Police Chief Sturgis stated the City Code contains some ambiguities and overlap with Minnesota State
Statute and staff are therefore recommending the languagebe updated.
Mayor Harris directed staff to open the Call Center for public input.
Staff indicated there were no callers at thistime.
Mayor Harris directed staff to close the call center.
MOTION made by Council Member Rosenquist seconded by Council Member Sanberg to adopt First
Consideration of Ordinance No. 695 Amending City Code Section 18-2 Disorderly Conduct. Upon a vote
being taken, the following voted in favor of: Gillian Rosenquist, Kimberly Sanberg, Larry Fonnest, Shep
Harris, and Maurice Harris. The following voted against: none and the motion carried.
6C. COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Administrative Actions.
CityAttorney Cisneros provided information on the three Emergency Actions on tonight’s agenda.
MOTION made by Council Member Rosenquist seconded by Council Member Harris to ratify
Emergency Administrative Actions 20-68, 20-69, and 20-70. Upon a vote beingtaken, the following
voted in favor of: Gillian Rosenquist, Maurice Harris, Shep Harris, Larry Fonnest, and Kimberly Sanberg.
The following voted against: none and the motion carried.
6C.Review of CouncilCalendar
Mayor Harris reviewed upcoming city meetings, events, and holiday closures.
6C.Mayor and Council Communication
Mayor Harris also reminded everyone that the City of Golden Valley will be featured on the MPRNews
Show on November 11, 2020.
7.Adjourn
MOTIONmade by Council MemberRosenquist,seconded by Council MemberSanbergto adjourn the
meeting at8:05pm.Upon a vote being taken, the following voted in favor of: Gillian Rosenquist,
Kimberly Sanberg, Larry Fonnest, Maurice Harris, Shep Harris, the following voted against: none and the
motion carried.
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sue Schwalbe, Deputy City Clerk