HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005/08/22 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ' CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
ST. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
PARK August 22, 2005
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmembers present: John Basill, Jim Brimeyer, Phil Finkelstein, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa,
Paul Omodt, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Finance Director(Ms. McGann); Accountants (Mr.
Simon, Mr. Swanson); Housing Coordinator(Ms. Larsen) and Recording Secretary(Ms. Reichert).
1. 2006 Budget and 2006-2010 Capital Improvement Program
Ms. McGann introduced Mr. Simon and Mr. Swanson saying that they had significant
participation in putting together the CIP. She also informed the council that she intended this to
be a big picture perspective discussion and that more details will be provided to the council at a
later date.
Councilmember Finkelstein asked if there would be impacts to our water and sewer costs if
Novartis chose to leave the city. Ms. McGann responded that there would indeed be impacts.
Regardless of what Novartis plans to do in the future she was recommending a bond sale to fund
Future improvements to the system. The sewer system in particular was in need of funds to
replace and repair infrastructure.
Councilmember Sanger asked if we should have a structured program for maintenance and repair
of our utility systems like we do for pavement management. Ms. McGann responded that there
is already such a program in place.
Council also discussed how they might reduce the fund reserves in the solid waste program and
fund the stormwater utility.
2. Excess Land Findings
Staff presented the findings from the technical analysis of the excess land parcels as requested by
the Council in May. The report included findings and analysis of the geotechnical work, title
work, historical review for each parcel as well as input from neighborhood meetings and public
comments.
Ms. Larsen informed council that a public meeting would be held at the Recreation Center on
September 20th. Council would receive comments from the public at a public hearing to be held
on October 17th
Following the PowerPoint presentation a number of questions were raised by councilmembers.
Councilmember Finkelstein asked if a special use district could be created for the city's parking
lots similar to the special service districts located in the city. Mr. Locke responded that staff was
currently pursuing that option.
Councilmember Santa believed that if businesses were using city lots as part of their proof of
parking for zoning they should also be required to contribute to maintenance of those lots.
Study Session Minutes -2- August 22, 2005
Councilmember Sanger wanted councilmembers to consider neighborhood concerns for tree
retention and protection of deer habitat when they were considering sale of the excess land.
Councilmember Sanger wanted floodplain issues to be placed on the list of criteria for studying
the properties.
Mayor Jacobs believed that if lots were sold for housing, design criteria would be very
important.
Councilmember Sanger also wanted any lots developed as multifamily to adhere to design
standards set by the city.
Councilmember Finkelstein said that the original purpose of the study, as it came out of the
housing summit,was to find appropriate places for single family move up housing to be built in
the city. The highest use of the properties should be considered. He reminded everyone that the
entire city owned the lots—not just the adjacent residents. He urged the council to show courage
of conviction when considering the sale of the properties.
Councilmember Sanger asked to what extent is neighborhood opposition a reason to remove a
site from the list.
Mayor Jacobs believed that for most persons in the neighborhoods, the major concern is that
houses get built which fit the character of the neighborhoods. The idea here is to create move up
housing in the city. He believed that's what the majority of citizens in the city would support.
3. Wireless Study Update
Mr. Pires presented findings from the Wireless Study which had been recently conducted. Some
of the topics discussed were an appropriate business model under which to operate, cost,
competition, customer base, vendor selection, contract provisions for performance of vendor,
security of system(virus/firewalls), and bond market risk.
Councilmembers also discussed the benefit to community connections, the appropriate role of
government in providing wireless service.
Council will be asked to accept the report at a future meeting and will also be asked to provide
direction for next steps.
4. CM Evaluation
Council discussed the process used last year to evaluate the city manager's performance.
Councilmember Bnmeyer suggested they not use a city employee as mediator. It was agreed
that Councilmember Brimeyer and Mr. Harmening would move forward in choosing a consultant
to facilitate the process.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
City Clerk ayor