HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989/01/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
January 9, 1989
1 . Call to order
Mayor Lyle Hanks called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Roll call
The following members were present at roll call : Bruce Battaglia, Tom Duffy,
Allen Friedman, Larry Mitchell and Lyle Hanks.
Also present were the City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager, Administrative
Analyst and Director of Public Works.
3. Cable TV franchise renewal
The City Manager provided background stating that the public hearing on
this matter was continued from December 19, 1988 to January 17, 1989. He
stated that based on direction from the City Council , staff has addressed
IIIseven issues which were outlined in the staff memorandum. He also stated
that the six-month extension expires February 19, 1989.
Councilmember Friedman asked what the standards are that are tied to performance.
The City Manager responded that the burden is on the City to identify
deficiencies in performance.
Councilmember Battaglia added that the standards are very specifically described
in the ordinance.
Councilmember Friedman asked what the I Network is. The Administrative Analyst
responded that it provides an innerconnection cable link between 17 city
and school buildings.
Councilmember Friedman asked why there is a need for a separate committee.
The Administrative Analyst responded that the purpose of the committee is
to plan what is to take place.
Mayor Hanks asked by what amount the company could increase the charge to
customers. The City Manager responded that in accordance with FCC regulations
a maximum of 5% a year for basic channels is permitted. He added that specially
designated channels have no restrictions.
Councilmember Mitchell asked whether the number of channels to be provided
is somehow tied into state of the art technology. The City Manager responded
that that issue is addressed in another area, the Most Favored Nations section.
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City Council study session minutes
January 9, 1989 `'\ 2.
Councilmember Mitchell asked what local origination is. The Assistant to
the City Manager described the types of programming that are offered through
local origination and services offered. She added that this function is
being provided by employees of Nortel Cable.
The City Council directed staff to provide information relative to the
following four areas:
1 . How were 77 channels derived and does this, in any way, conflict with
the Most Favored Nations clause?
2. The availability and cost of access equipment and how it compares with
Fridley.
3. Information relative to what is available through the community and
government access programs and a description of who is responsible for
fulfilling those roles.
4. Would a cable ready tv work after the proposed cable rebuild without
need of a converter?
The City Council also authorized the City Manager to utilize the services
of the Robbins, Kaplan law firm on an as-needed basis.
4. Well No. 4
It was the consensus of the City Council to explore treatment of the water
to be pumped from Well No. 4 and directed the City Manager to seek the
support from the state and other appropriate governmental agencies for
support in securing financial assistance.
5. TwinWest property tax position statement
Councilmember Friedman stated that it would not be proper for the City
to endorse the proposed property tax position statement of any special
interest group. -
It was the consensus of the City Council not to support, a policy by any
public interest group and directed the City Manager to contact Dave Olson,
president of the TwinWest Chamber, and inform him of the City' s position.
6. Appointments to boards and commissions
Councilmember Friedman raised a procedural concern regarding the reappointment
of members and the number of years that a member is able to serve.
Councilmember Battaglia stated that the City Council needs to deal with
all aspects of boards and commissions.
Mayor Hanks stated that in 1987 significant work in the area of boards and
commissions was done and a matrix was developed.
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Council study session
January 9, 1989
3.
It was the consensus of Council to place the subject of boards and commissions
on its January 23 long-range planning session to be held following the 6:30
meeting with the School Board.
The meeting adjourned at
avime.../4,4tt,
Carmen J. Kaplan
Recording Secretary