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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/04/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OF ji ST.CITY LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION April 9, 2001 The meeting convened at 8:00 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Ron Latz, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, and Mayor Jacobs. Staff present. Deputy City Manager(Mr. Pires), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Ortner), Community Outreach Coordinator(Ms. McDonell), Director of Community Development (Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator(Mr. Kleve), and Administration Secretary (Ms. Olson). 1. Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Applications Sharon Abelson, Brian Fiderlein, and Bill Gleason from the Neighborhood Grant Review Committee were present. Mayor Jacobs welcomed the members of the committee. Mr. Fiderlein explained the three criteria used when reviewing the neighborhood grants, which were• funding should not exceed category limits, pnonty should be given to funding neighborhood activities, and new neighborhoods should receive pnonty for capital improvement funds Councilmember Bnmeyer indicated that he would not favor an increase in the total funds available for next year and did not think the committee should consider changing the guidelines to award grants based on neighborhood size. He felt that the neighborhoods should not be using their awarded grant money to fund capital projects (such as parks) because that should fall under the City's responsibility Councilmember Bnmeyer also felt inclined to fully fund activity based projects in an effort to bnng the neighborhoods together. He was concerned with the end objectives of some projects and definition of others, such as the Birchwood Sense of Place outreach program Councilmember Sanger and Councilmember Bnmeyer thanked staff and the review committee for the hard work and a fob well done Councilmember Sanger was inclined to increase the total amount of funds available for next year and thought that perhaps the city should match funds for capital projects Councilmember Latz indicated that he would consider increasing funds, though he had concerns regarding the budget. He was also concerned with equity between the neighborhoods in relation to available funds. Councilmember Latz asked about funds unexpended from previous years and wondered if the committee had considered setting aside any funds for mid-year projects, perhaps for new neighborhoods. Ms. McDonell explained that she has monitored the funds awarded in previous years. The review committee made sure the leftover funds were applied to each grant request this year Ms McDonell informed the Council that there is $2,000 remaining in the 2001 budget that could be used to fund mid-year projects. Study Session Minutes -2- April 9,2001 Mayor Jacobs stated that he was not in favor of adjusting funding based on neighborhood size as some neighborhoods are more organized and may plan more activities. Councilmember Santa felt that capital projects are activities that can bnng neighborhoods together. She is also open to increasing funds for the next year. Councilmember Sanger reported that, upon prior communication, Councilmembers Nelson and Young had positive comments although Councilmember Nelson felt that grant funds should not be used for postage. Mr Gleason did agree and said the committee had discussed that issue. Councilmember Santa felt that it was too much to ask a neighborhood resident to deliver the newsletter in foul weather. Mr. Pires did state that he has received positive input from disabled members of various neighborhoods that see postage support as an opportunity for them to more fully participate and aid in neighborhood activities. Further discussion took place regarding apartment storage and bulk mail. Mr Dennis Ormseth was present at the meeting as the Birchwood spokesperson. He explained what their neighborhood group would like to accomplish with their outreach program, such as new recruitment for the group and designing neighborhood outcomes, and why they needed funding for it. Mr. Gleason stated that perhaps all neighborhoods should be included in the program. Councilmember Bnmeyer felt that an idea such as this should be tested in a small group onginally. Councilmember Sanger agreed and suggested the review committee take another look at this issue. Mr. Fiderlein was in favor of an idea such as this on a city wide level. Councilmembers Bnmeyer and Sanger felt that one neighborhood model should be done onginally Councilmember Santa suggested that Ms. McDonell research some other options similar to that suggested by the Birchwood neighborhood. Ms. McDonell reminded Council of the timeline in which other grants needed to be processed. Council agreed that staff should move forward with the other grants, as well as Birchwood's other requests except for the outreach program, which needs further discussion and research. Ms. McDonell indicated that she would conduct some research, meet with Mr. Ormseth, and return to Council with a proposal that takes into account Council input from tonight's meeting. 2. Park Nicollet Contract Amendment Mr. Kleve explained the Hazardous Substance Tax Increment (HSTI) subdistrict that had been created within the Excelsior Blvd TIF distnct in the early 1990's. He showed a diagram on the above and below line tax increment in the Excelsior Blvd. TIF district. Due to special legislation, the City can collect the above the line tax increment to commit to the Park Commons East project Staff would like to amend the contract with Park Nicollet so Park Nicollet can receive the below line increment and the City can utilize the above the line increment until 2009. Park Nicollet is willing to amend the contract and would like to revise,its construction schedule. Councilmember Latz inquired on the environmental clean up costs already incurred by Park Nicollet. Mr. Kleve clarified the amount and explained how the City will pay back the money. Study Session Minutes -3- April 9,2001 Councilmember Sanger was also concerned about the impact on the larger TIF district. Mr. Kleve replied that it would not impact the current bonds. Councilmember Sanger was very concerned about the proposed delay in the construction schedule and inquired how the change in the construction schedule relates to the contract amendment. Mr. Kleve explained that the revision of the construction schedule is part of the compromise to ensure that the overall project is not affected. Mr. Bubul indicated that an immediate impact would be evident if this amendment does not occur Councilmember Latz explained the effect the removal of funds would have on all TIF district projects. Mr. Kleve stated that by not allowing the change in the construction schedule, it would put the City in a negative situation. Mr. Bubul indicated that due to soil problems, Park Nicollet staff cannot meet the construction deadlines. However, they are rethinking the options and are still committed to the project. Mayor Jacobs wanted to ensure appropriate funding for Park Commons and supports the construction schedule revision. Councilmember Latz indicated that he did not see a negative side to this amendment. Councilmember Sanger inquired about other alternatives. Based on staff input on timing needs regarding a decision, Council agreed not to rush the issue, instructing staff not to place the item on the agenda for the next meeting. Staff will provide Council with information on other alternatives on a basis that is timely for the needs of all parties. 3. -Citizen Input Mechanism on Police Policy and Staffing Matters Dorothea Moga and Brian Fiderlein, members of the Charter Commission, were present at the meeting Mr. Pires informed Council that staff was hoping to get feedback on an alternative (now that the Police Civil Service Commission has been abolished) for citizens to provide input on a variety of policy and staffing matters in the Police Department. He hoped Council discussion will help set the parameters for the committee's activities Mr. Luse stated that the Police Department already has measures in place and currently works with the neighborhoods and the community. He would like to see a diverse committee chosen among the residents, and would like to see those chosen to include geographical representation of the community. He did not see the need to meet on a regular basis, but to meet as needed. Councilmember Latz was inclined to have quarterly meetings. He felt it was important to have a balance of police department staff and committee members, and thought it will provide a good way to find issues of concern. Councilmember Sanger agreed Councilmember Santa inquired how members would be chosen. She felt that each neighborhood has its own issues, even those in the same ward and, therefore, did not support having representatives specifically from each ward. Mayor Jacobs felt the committee should be an extension of the community oriented policing goal. Councilmember Brimeyer did not want to move too quickly; and wanted to ensure the committee is designed with the right principles in mind. He felt they need to focus on the end result and how to incorporate the community. Study Session Minutes -4- April 9, 2001 Lieutenant Ortner would like to see the committee have a greater role of vision for the department and community and felt that role needs to be defined. Councilmember Bnmeyer felt that Council should not be the ones to decide that role. Councilmember Latz agreed they need input from other sources before Council establishes any committee. Councilmember Santa pointed out that some citizens do not know how to access the Police Department or are afraid to do so and she felt this should be taken into consideration. Councilmember Bnmeyer stated that they will set a new paradigm. He did not want the committee to focus on the hiring process, and to do something different and more meaningful than in other communities. Mr. Pires felt that the Charter Commission testimony should be considered, which would indicate that the focus be on broad policy, community oriented policing, and neighborhood- police relationships. The Council agreed. Mayor Jacobs stated that emphasis should be placed on community outreach and building trust. Councilmember Sanger inquired about the Fire Civil Service Commission bill at the legislature. Mr. Pires stated that the bill is currently not progressing, and probably will not receive the support in the Senate that it has received in the House. Thus, passage of any legislation is highly doubtful this session. The question was raised as to whether any advisory committee should consider having a citizen committee address both police and fire issues. Mayor Jacobs sees the two departments as two distinct departments Ms. Moga suggested that staff may be able to help address and gather input from the community and citizen groups. Councilmember Bnmeyer felt the committee should initially begin with a small number of members. Council thanked the commission members and staff. Mr. Pires indicated that he would summarize Council direction and provide that information to all interested parties invited to this meeting. 4. Park Master Plan Councilmember Sanger expressed several concerns regarding the Park Master Plan. She felt that input for the plan was needed from other groups, as the focus thus far seemed to involve the organized athletic associations Mayor Jacobs agreed and would like to discuss it at another meeting in the future. Other issues of concern were the storm water projects and notification of work/meetings, and the length of time to complete the Master Plan. Mr. Pires explained that there were two phases to the process, and that staff would return to Council with additional information on plan phases regarding equipment and general master planning, timing, and input from other groups. Study Session Minutes -5- April 9, 2001 5. Communications , , Councilmember Sanger inquired about the PG &E investments and filing of Chapter 11. Specific concern was raised over the ability of PG &E to recall investment funds recently returned to City. Mr. Pires replied that City staff would conduct follow-up research and update Council. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m. ( -- ty Clerk May. /