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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/09/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session (2) MIN III UTES STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 8, 1987 1 . Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present: Ron Backes, Tom Duffy, Keith Meland, David Strand, Larry Mitchell and Mayor Hanks. The following staff members were also present: City Manager, Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director, Administrative Assistant and Administrative Intern. 3. 1987 revised budget/1988 proposed budget The Council decided to proceed through the budget review process on a page-by-page basis. The consensus of the Council was to keep the mill levy approximately the same in 1988 as in 1987. Councilmember Strand asked if it were legally permissible to transfer revenue sharing to the Municipal Building Fund. The City Manager responded it was legal but stated it would be a question of policy. 4111 Mayor Hanks asked what the total sewer replacement fund is. The City Manager stated it was a $245,000 and the water replacement fund is at $400,000. The City Manager said he recommends capping the water replacement fund at $400,000 and budgeting $50,000 for the sewer replacement fund in 1988. The City Manager presented the Community Relations budget. Mayor Hanks asked what the chances were for getting someone with good writing skills and video skills when the positions are part-time. The City Manager responded that chances were very good as that is what the market dictates. Councilmember Strand asked what these positions would accomplish vs. the current position. The City Manager responded that the position would coordinate all publications. Councilmember Strand recommended paying them a higher salary in order to ensure quality. He added that he didn't want to see the position funded unless the person serves as the media contact. He stated it is important to develop . a relationship with the media and make Council and staff available as needed. • Mayor Hanks asked whether the person would speak to groups and promote the City. The City Manager stated that he wouldn't expect that of the position, but if the individual was a good speaker it could be utilized. Councilmember Strand asked how much cable tv is watched and whether it is 41/1 performing the service. The Assistant City Manager stated that the City has never had a strong access channel and would consider combining the public access channel and the government access channel . 2. Councilmember Strand recommended reducing the Park Cable Works budget by $10,000. The City Manager stated he would reevaluate the Community Relations budget given Council 's comments. impact Mayor Hanks inquired as to what/ the new voting equipment would have on the num judges. The City Manager stated that the number of judges would remain the same but the hours would be reduced. Councilmember Strand asked whether the civil attorney has asked for an increase in fees. The City Manager stated that he was meeting with the City Attorney the following Monday and this would be discussed. Councilmember Strand recommended that the City Prosecutor be apprised of the budget process. Councilmember Meland recommended an increase , for the prosecuting attorney to $55/hr. He also asked the significance of special prosecutorial cases that Katz is finishing up. The Finance Director stated that it is minor, in the hundreds of dollars. Councilmember Strand asked about the paper shredder for the Police Department. The City Manager stated that it was a replacement of equipment. Councilmember Strand asked about the money for mediation. The City Manager stated that the allocation goes to West Hennepin Mediation Services and that they have used it. Councilmember Strand said he'd like to discuss this matter on a future agenda. Councilmember Meland asked whether there was a correlation between inspection complaints and the day on which the inspection took place. The City Manager stated that a study of that nature has not been done. Mayor Hanks asked what purpose the live traps would serve. The City Manager said it would be for racoons. Mayor Hanks asked what the public liability insurance is. The City Manager stated that it was $600,000 for the City Council . Councilmember Meland asked what account is paying for the overlay of Texas Ave. The City Manager said it was in the street department budget. Councilmember Strand asked whether a traffic signal would be needed at Beltline Blvd./W. 36th St. The City Manager responded that in time a traffic signal would be necessary. Mayor Hanks asked who would replace the carbon filter for the GAC plant. The City Manager responded that Reilly Tar and Chemical would be responsible. Mayor Hanks asked about the status of adding two additional columns to the GAC plant. The City Manager stated that that was still being discussed. Councilmember Strand asked about the increases over the past five years for the water rates. The City Manager stated that without the Remedial Action Plan there would probably have been no increases. The garbage rates have remained stable as have sewer rates. Mayor Hanks asked what the average water bill was. The Asst. Finance Director stated that it was approximately $15/quarter and a 4% increase represents $.60. City Council meeting minutes September 8, 1987 Illllh. Louisiana/27th St. light Bid tabulation By consent, Ridgedale Electric was designated as the lowest responsible bidder and staff was authorized to execute a contract in the amount of $52,700. lli . Tree planting stock Bid tabulation By consent, the following firms were designated successful bidders to supply the City with 1987-88 tree planting stock: Branch Landscaping, Fair' s Garden Center, Hartman Tree Farm, Midland Nursery, Midwest Landscaping, MN Valley Wholesale, Noble Nursery, Waconia Tree Farm and Wilson Nursery. MISCELLANEOUS 12a. Claims Scholberg vs. City George LaMere By consent, the claims were referred to the City Clerk and City Attorney. 12b. Communications from Mayor Mayor Hanks referred to appointments to several light rail transit committees. The following individuals were appointed: Mayor Hanks to the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee; Jim Grube and Bill Thibault ill to the Technical Advisory Committee; James Brimeyer, Allen Friedman and Andy Selden to the Corridor Advisory Committee. The appointment was moved by Councilmember Meland, seconded by Councilmember Strand, with the motion passing 7-0. A study session on Sept. 14 was set for 7:00 p.m. Mayor Hanks directed that those interested in the Fire Civil Service Commission be scheduled for interviews on Sept. 14. 12c. Communications from City Manager None. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS, CONTRACT PAYMENTS 13a. Verified claims By consent, the list of verified claims prepared by the Director of Finance, dated September 8, 1987 in the amount of $939,605.66 for vendor claims and $30,357.04 for payroll claims Was approved and the City Manager and City Treasurer authorized to issue checks in the appropriate amounts. III 13b. Contract payments 1 . Final payment: F.F. Jedlicki , watermain replacement: Amount: $1 ,991 .01 2. Final payment: Lane-Western, well reconditioning. Amount: $6,411 .50 By consent, reading of Resolution 87-127 (Jedlicki ) and 87-128 (Lane-Western) was waived approving those two projects respectively. -185- City Council meeting minutes September 8, 1987 3. Partial payment: Hardrives, street paving, storm sewer. Amount: $91 ,023.66 4. Partial payment: Alber Construction, street paving, curb and gutter. Amount: $52,376.48 , 5. Partial payment: Phillips Klein, MSC addition. Amount: $41 ,087.50 By consent, the three partial payments were approved and payment authorized. 14. Adjournment The Council adjourned to an executive session. Upon its return to chambers, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 114 yor IR c) .ii ii or ing -cr-tary 111 111 -186-