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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978/09/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularMINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 13, 1978 ,1 ��ecial meeting of the City Council �.�t �; 15 p, m, The f ollowing Councilme Ronald Backes Keith M�eland Irving Stern was called to order by Mayor Stern n were present at roll call: Jerrold Martin John Ralles Councilme� Elstrom and Hank.s arrived at 5:30 p.m. A1so present were the City Manager, Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director. Councilman Meland explained proj ect in the vicinity of in the past with regard to He suggested that the water freezing. the problem that has occurred in the water looping 32nd Street and Quebec; one resident has had problems freezing up of the water line during the winter. main be lowered to prevent future water line It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to authorize the lowering of the water main at this location. The City Manager explained that it would cost approximately $18-25,000 to complete this type of work and that there are other water mains in the co�nunity that are shallower than this particular main. He continued that the City has had no knowledge of this line freezing during the last year, although the fire hydran t did f ree ze . He continued tha t in order to lower the water main at this lo�a�ion 600 feet of water main would have to be relaid Hc stated that . . . becau�e there are a number of other problem areas in the City with regards to freezing �,rater lines, such action could establish a precedent for relaying other water lines within the City. The City Manager sugg�s ted that much of this problem could be alleviated by insulating the sewer line. Councilman Meland amended freezing problem by using dis cre t ion . �e motion passed 7-0. his motion to allow staff the ins ulat ion me thod or to solve the water line other methods at its S ecial C1rY �ouncil Meeting minutes; P Sep tember 1979 PROPOSED BUDGET 13, 1978; Page 2 De endenc Coordinator - Mayor Ste rn s tate d Chemical ' f avor of providing a full time qualif ied chemica in for a period of 1-2 years on regular City staf . that he is s trongly dependency coordinator ro ram appears to be wor thwhi le , however, Councilman Ralles stated that the p$ ' oncerned with school district participation and cooperation of the he is c . s ch ool counselors. He questioned why the school was not iunding such a position. Several members of the Chemical Dependency Task Force were pr�sent f oordinator• Keith Dawson s tated that the school counselors would work with the c however, chemical dependency is also a family and community problem as well as a s choo 1 prob lem. Gale Held exPlained that the Task Force has appeared Uefore the Schooltmentd and the Board is in favor of s uch a pos it ion although no f und ing commY. has been made. He continuecl that students are r_i�izens of St. Louis Park and there should be municipal responsibility to funding such a chemical depe�dency program; success is dependent upon a wide-spread approach. Councilman Meland stated that under the present administrative structure of the City, the Chemical Dependency Coordinator position would be a miscellaneous staff person and from the standpoint of accountability, the position would be difficult to administer. He suggested that the school district or commur�ity education may have a better staff structure to supervise such a person. Gale Held s tated that the supervisor of this person. Task Force felt that the City Mana�er should be the Councilman Meland explained that Conuaunity Education� has been established by a joint powers agreement between the school district a.nd the City and if such a position were incorporated into this structure, the person would be directed by the Community Education Director. He explained that the City's health department has traditionally been involved in environmental health only and all personnel health care has been provided by contract through a vendor. He continued that City services normally deal with property services and Community Education has provided human service type functions. Councilman Backes agreed that this type of service is a new area to m�nicipal functions and that much of the attention of the program is directed to students therefore, Community Education may be a better organization f or tlie position to function in. He stated that in terms of budget considerations, the responsibility should be shared between the school d is trict and tlle City • Mayor Stern stated that it seemed to be a concensus of the Council that a joint meeting be called with the School Board to dis this issue • cuss �`e�i�jl �I�y Co�ncil I►leeting minutes; September 13, 1978; Page 3 . , �,,uncilman I��a.rtln state tiat he recogni2ed a need for chemica] dependency � • . coordinatlon in the community, hawever, St. Louis Park is not unique in t��IS �Spect as all cities have a similar problem. He wondered if this S�,n,�Ce should be provided by the County or if the County is currently Providing a s lmilar service, perhaps the Wes t Hennepin Human Services Planning Board would have some insight into this issue. I� was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Elstrom to schedule a meeting with the School Board to discuss this issue. Ttle motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes to appropriate $17,000 in th�e unallocated general expense to provide for half the cos t' of a chemical dependency coordinator program. The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmen Hanks and Elstrom opposed) . Legislative -'I'he Council discussed further modifications in the salaries for the Mayor and Council and suggested further increases in the Mayor's salary to reflect the same percent increase as c�as received by the four ward and at large councilmen. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to increase the salaries of the four ward and at large Councilmen from $2,400 to $3,6�0 per year and to increase the Mayor t s salary from $3,600 per year to $5,400 per year . The motion failed 3-4 (Councilmen Meland, Martin and Mayor Stern in favor). It was moved by Councilma.n Meland, seconded by Councilman Martin to increase the Four Ward and At Large Councilmen's salary from $2,400 to $3,600 per year and the Mayor's salary from $3,600 to $5,400 per year. The motion assed 5-2 (Councilmen Hanks and Elstrom opposed) . P � ro rams have been Planning - The �ity Manager explained that the ns�innghe past;however, the . adminis tered through CETA and temporary positio ad '' • ro rams is becoming much more complicated and permanent minis tration of these p g He continued personnel is necessary for proper implementation of the programs • f or these housing that the funds received from HUD wi11 reimburse th� �heyPlanning Department positions . He also explained the reorganization o with personnel to be assigned to functional areas. Councilman Martin to approve It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded bY resented. � the planning budget and departmental reorgani�zation as p The motion passed 7-0. Special City Council Mee ting minutes ; Polic� - Th� Council discussed the and fire employees on PERA rather Sept�mber 13, 1978� �age 4 possibiliGy of placing al.l new pol�ce than the exis ting pens ion programs . Councilman Hanks , seconded by Councilma� Els trom to put all I t was move d by P�� �� ion sy s tem . The mo t ion was w ithdr awn . new police employees on the . P Tt�e Cit rianager explained that such action would Ylane y e in state legis1at a Charter amendment or a chang to take place through The May or s tated that he has b een having mee tings with tl�e i ire and pol ice m lo ees relative Co this issue and that new state legislation h�o beenlaced e p y p introduced which would require all new police and f ire e�np oyees on PERA. Councilman Martin stated of the police budget. that he would abstain from voting on the approval Mayor Stern stated that the Council must choose between providing the existing qualiry police protection to the conununity or look at cutbacks in this budge t. In response to a question from Councilman Hanks, the City Manager st�ted that it is proposed that seven vehicles be purchased in 1979 and �he Hennepin County bid will be used to determine the types of vehicles to be purchased. Mayor Stern stated that he would like to consider �diesel cars It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded by Councilman Backes police budget as proposed. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilman Martin abstained) . in the future. to approve the Councilman Martin stated that in the interest of promoting efficiency in municipal buildings , he would sugges t certain s truc tural modif ications be examined in the police department facilities. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to constxuct a wall on the first floor to provide a continuous corridor from the police roll call room to the boiler room and to do the construction in conjunction with the completion of the City Hall Garage. Lyle Hanks stated that he would prefer to have the City Manager examine this proposal and report as to its feasibility. The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmen Hanks and Elstrom o osed) . PP �peci�,�� �ity Council Meeting minutes ; September 13, 197$; Page 5 � ��e City Manager explained that fire personnel is currently Fixe " . �t �' nimal staffing levels, however, the Fire Reserve program is being i�,plemented in order to provide assis tance to the regular fire f ighters . �tayor S tern sugges ted ;, � poss ib le to pr ovide stations. that with the extension of Louisiana Avenue, it may a single e�anded f ire s tation ins tead of two separate �,e City Manager indicated that there are established guidelines for distance and response time and �ill address these isswes at the time of review. Councilman Martin stated that he felt it unfair that the St. Louis Park fire insurance rating is the sam�e as communities that only employ part time fire departments; by virtue of the fact that the City has a full time department, a better fire insurance rating should be obtained. The City Manager explained that he recognized the necessity for establishing a reserve fund for purchase of large, expensive equipment such as fire trucks and he addressed this in budget preparation, however, the City would need � to� levy for $500,000 to $700,000 to establish adequate reserves for this fund, therefore, it was not recommended for 1979. . Councilman Hanks stated that the City Council must be willing to determine that the City of St. I�ouis Park cannot afford to hire additional fire f.ighters but will provide adequate support to the full time personnel with a trained fire ` reserve f or�e . Ins ectional Services - It was moved by Councilman Hanks, seconded e�.Councilman P Elstrom to delete one inspec�or from the Inspectional Services bu g The City Manager explained the division of on the Inspectional Services staff. The motion was withdrawn. f unc t ions among the variou5 inspe ctors It was moved b Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Backes y sin le f ' u lex hous ing insp ect ion f ee f rom $10 to 15 g amily and d p to increase the in 19 79 . _ The motion was withdrawn. re are a s tudy to indicate Councilman Hanks stated that he would like staff t0 Pi�pection program function what increases will be necessary � to raake the housing °n a user�ay basis. . 1915 i"�aYor Stern reques ted agenda and that s ta f f department during the that this study be availabe f or th� October 4, � er sources of revenue for this s hould be examining o th next year. Special City Council MeeCing minutes; 5eptemb�er 13, 1978; Page.6 Councilman MarCin, seconded by Councilma�n Hanks to adop� the It was moved by resented. Inspectional Services budget as p The motion passed�7-0. En ineerin - In response to a question �rom Councilman Nanks, the City Manager explained that the Administrative Aide/Analyst position had been approved by the Council in May and will be a substitution for an engineering technician position. • Mayor Stern requested that staff complete the study of the Municipal Service Center to include the building rate, number of inechanics and ratio of supervisors to mechanics. He requesCed thaC this study be presented to the Council at the first meeting in February, 1979. It was moved by Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Meland to adopt the Engineering budget as proposed. The motion passed 7-0. Lighting and Traffic Control - Councilman Meland stated that the traffic signal at the intersection of West 36th Street and Texas Avenue primarily provides access to the Knollwood Center, therefore the signal controller should be assessed to the shopping center. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded by Councilman Backes to remove the traffic controller, wire crimper and wire locator from the lighting and traffic control budget and assess this expense to Knollwood Shopping Center. The motion passed 7-0. Councilman Hanks inquired as to why the School District is not funding the cost of the school crossing guards. The Finance Director stated that the crossing guards were established approximatel� 14 years ago to replace police officers who were providing the crossing assistance for children. At this time, it was considered a cost—saving measure. Mayor Stern stated that this item should be placed on the next joint meeting of the School Board and the City Council for discussion. Maintenance Services - Councilman Hanks stated that the City should consider eliminating the leaf pickup program during the f all. Councilman Martin agreed that people should be able to bag �heir own leaves for regular garbage pickup. The City Manager explained that elimination of the leaf pickup program would n°� have an actual budget reduction aff ect in that the personnel and equiPmen� are available and would be used for other work assignments should leaf pickUp be eliminated. He stated that additional information would be compiled for Che Council for its aex� budget session . ��,�cial City Council Meeting minutes; September 13, 1978• Pa e 7 � g In response to a question f rom Councilman.Meland, the City Manager explained L��aG the large expend itures for supplies is for the seal coating program; tr� schedule currently calls for seal coating of approximatel 2p of the streets in the City each year, however, staff is currently lookingtat r�,l.;��ng rhis pr�gram to �rovide for a reduction in the amount of streets t�, !�e seal coated each year. SnoW and Ice Removal - No Change . Tree Maintenance - Councilman Martirt stated that he would advocate granting a subsidy to residentia� property owners only in the amount that the state allocates to the City. � Councilman Meland stated t�at the City must look at what residents in previous years and try to equalize the subsidies over the long � have received run. Councilman Hanks requested additional information on the Dutch Elm disease residential subsidy program for the next budget meeting. Elections - The Council discussed the fact that some television reporters did enter the City's Counting Center during the primary election and�this action is illegal by State Election Law. It was moved by Councilman Meland, seconded � City Clerk notify the County Attorney of a occurring on September 12, 1978. The motion passed 7-0. by Councilman Elstrom to have the probable election law violation The Director of Finance indicated to the Council that the State Law Secretary of State regulations provide for an extremely complicated especially with the computerized election system. P4ayor Stern suggested encountered during the what problems the City tions. that staff prepare a election process to is experiencing and Charter Commission - No change. Ci�_Service Commissions - No change. and procedure, resolution outlining all problems inform the Secretary of State of to protest the appropri'ate regula- �_� Ha11�Operation and Maintenance - No change. �i�l Control - In res onse to a question from Councilman Martin, the �ity I''��ger indicated that the corresponding revenues for animal licensing and re 1 d$7 500 for court fines. 8u ation are $9,500 for permite an � were explained anima.l con�rimalClicenses are among the Ci�y's an " The fines, fees t0 the Coun�il the highest in arid boarding coats and it wae indicated the area. o� the that Spr.cinl C..L�.y Cot.�nc.il. Me�C�tng m�nuCes; 5eptember 13, 1978; Page 8 riayor Ster.�� viol.zt iotls. r�ques�ed that the City sCart fining dog owners for park Unallocated Generll Ex ense - Mayor Stern explained that the League of Mf.tlnesot�� MunLc�I.palities, Hennepin County and the City r17e ��ossibility of self-insurance and would hope that tl�e C�Cy would provide subs�antial cost savings. are currently studyins this method of iasuring Councilman Martin stated that the City must address the frequency of accidents and problems wtiich cause insurance increases. In response to a question from that it is necessary to secure Garage in addition to the bond Counc iJ.man a loan for sale which Ralles, the City Manager indicated the consCruction of the City Hall has already occurred. Recreation - Councilman Hanks requested that some additional information be made available to the Council at the next budget meeting for review of the Recreation budget. Such information should address: why are non-residents allowed to play in the adult softball leagues; jusCif ication tor the recreation coordinator position; methods of reducing the number of playground employees; 'when authorization was given by the Council for the fal,l so�tball league; specific costs for the outdoor: rinks; and why there is a significant increase in volleyball expenditures. Mayor Stern added that he would ask staff to address why re�reation programs are expanding when the Council should be addressing the elimination of certain programs. The meeting was adjourned until September 25, 1978 at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Attest: Wendy Bor� Recording Secretary