HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/10/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
T. LOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
PARK October 9, 2006
The meeting convened at 6.30 p m
Councilmembers present. John Basill, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki, Susan Sanger, and Mayor
Jeff Jacobs
Councilmember Finkelstein amved at 7.12.
Coucilmember absent: C. Paul Carver
Staff present City Manager (Mr. Harmemng), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke);
Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Ms McMonigal); Assistant Planner (Mr Fulton); Finance
Director (Mr DeJong), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms Gothberg), Director of
Technology & Support Services (Mr Pires), City Attorney (Mr Jammk), and Recording
Secretary (Ms Samson)
Guests: Jean Momson, President of Momson & Associates; Tom Asp, Columbia
Telecommunications Corporation
1. Overview of Upcoming Organizational Development Session
City Manager Tom Harmening introduced Jean Momson Ms. Morrison is the facilitator for the
Organization Development (OD) session, which is scheduled for October 23rd at City Hall.
2. Overview of Upcoming Joint Meeting of City Council/School Board
Mr. Harmening discussed the upcoming joint meeting of the City Council and school board. A
draft agenda was given to Councilmembers.
Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Omodt would like to discuss the closing of the school on a
false pretense.
Councilmember Sanger requested data for the dialogue regarding data/demographics (see #3 on
the agenda) She would like to know about the impacts of housing programs on the type of
student populations To item #4 on the agenda, dialogue on external communication,
Councilmember Sanger would like to emphasize and discuss two-way communication, not just
external communication Mayor Jacobs agrees.
Councilmember Paprocki would like to hear from the school board what the city could do to help
the school board Mayor Jacobs commented that transience is a big problem Councilmember
Basill inquired about busing programs.
3. 2007 Budget Discussion
Director of Finance Bruce Deiong said since staff last met with the Council it has achieved a
5 2% tax levy increase
Study Session Minutes -2- October 9, 2006
Councilmember Finkelstein arrived at 7.12 p.m.
Councilmember Sanger asked when updated CIP information will be available. Mr. DeJong said
Council will have updated CIP information next month
Mayor Jacobs would like to know about future TIFs coming up and their tax capacities.
Mr Harmening said staff has met the 5 2% tax levy target Staff and Council will return to the
2007 budget in December during the truth in taxation heanng. Mr Hanmemng said there will be
no cuts in service
Councilmember Finkelstein asked what effect would re-instituting levy limits have in terms of
planning. Mr. DeJong said it would be very difficult to say. Councilmember Finkelstein would
like to begin budget discussions earlier in the year.
4. R-1 Zoning District Study
Councilmember Sanger remarked that there is a timing problem, i.e., the R-1 zoning distnct
study lacked public education and participation Councilmember Sanger requested deferment
until the Lake Forest neighborhood association has its annual meeting on October 26`11. She said
there is a great deal of support for making some changes, some of which have not been addressed
to date Councilmember Sanger said side yard setbacks should be looked at.
Councilmember Omodt doesn't want to get into neighborhood spot zoning. Councilmember
Finkelstein asked how to handle splits and environmental issues
Zoning and Planning Supervisor Meg McMomgal said the environment/neighborhood portion of
the study is underway and has not been completed. Staff is currently compiling and reviewing
environmental/land use regulations It is expected that further information and recommendations
will come forward to the Council in January or February
Councilmember Paprocki said very few properties are affected. When staff returns in January or
February, Councilmember Finkelstein would like more discussion regarding splitting of lots.
Councilmember Omodt thinks the Planning Commission had it nght, i.e., look at environmental
and neighborhood issues such as slope and drainage
Mr Harmemng will put this item on a formal Council agenda only if asked to do so.
5. WiFi Update
Director of Technology and Support Services Clint Pires presented the most recent information
on WiFi. Five vendors responded to the request for bids for the possible citywide wireless
project Staff is currently in the process of bid reviews and follow-up with the apparent lowest
responsible bidder in a manner consistent with consultations with the city attorney. A wntten
report is not available at this time. Mr Pires distnbuted the bid results.
Study Session Minutes -3- October 9, 2006
Councilmember Sanger asked about back-up power and Mr. Pires responded that there is a five
day battery back up Mayor Jacobs asked if there could be a wind powered back-up generator
and Mr. Pires said any city-owned asset could be used to mount equipment.
Mr Pires discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the citywide wireless project, revenues,
financials, and exit strategy
Tom Asp, Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, discussed US Internet. Mr. Pires said
more information is to come Background information on the bidders will be provided to the
Council.
Councilmember Sanger said customer service must be top-notch.
Mr Asp discussed embedded technology.
Councilmember Paprocki, Councilmember Finkelstein and Councilmember Basill would like
more time and a wntten report. Councilmember Sanger would like to delay the WiFi vote until
November
6. Council Policy Item—Group Homes
Councilmember Sanger asked for the Council's support in regard to dispersing group homes and
fewer geographically concentrated referrals. Group homes are licensed by the State and she
suggested the Council offer a resolution
Councilmember Omodt would like to offer tools Councilmember Basill would like to enlist the
help of legislators The Council needs more time to consider.
The meeting ended at 10.08 p m
C/
ey
City Clerk Mayor