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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-16-WS ,It �-AI EN HILLS Approved: May 31, 2016 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 18,2016 5:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session at 5:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes (arrived at 5:07), Dave McClung and Jonathan Wicklund Also present: Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Acting Public Works Director John Anderson; Sara Grant, Parks and Recreation Coordinator; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson 1. AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Grant requested that Comments about Council Comments be added to the agenda as item I.L. A. Red Fox Road/Lexington Avenue Intersection Acting Public Works Director Anderson referenced the April 11, 2016, memorandum from Joe Lux of Ramsey County which states the County is willing to install a no right turn on red for westbound traffic on Red Fox Road while eastbound traffic has a green left turn arrow. This traffic control change will occur once the current, temporary traffic control that is in place due to construction is removed. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification as to the memorandum's reference to the "principals"regarding the addition of a traffic signal at the south Target access. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated that Ramsey County conducted a meeting regarding the addition of a traffic signal at the south Target entrance that included City of Arden Hills staff, City of Shoreview staff, a representative from Roberts Development and a representative from Target. He stated Roberts Development has agreed to pay Arden Hills' portion of the improvements, but that the City of Shoreview is not interested in paying for these ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 2 improvements and are reluctant to assess Target most likely because they assessed Target last year for the improvements on Red Fox Road. Acting Public Works Director Anderson pointed out that individuals have the option of making a left turn onto Lexington Avenue from Grey Fox Road instead of from Red Fox Road. Councilmember Holmes asked about monitoring by the Ramsey County Sheriff's office and suggested inviting the Sheriff to a City Council meeting. Acting Public Works Director Anderson agreed with Councilmember Holmes. Mayor Grant stated he believes the solution is to install a traffic signal at Target's south access. Councilmember Wicklund asked what the process and timeline were for Ramsey County to propose an application for federal funding and whether or not the City had any influence. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that if the City provides a resolution of support showing it is a willing partner in the project, the County would receive points which betters its chance for funding. He said that the City of Arden Hills can make the County aware of our support and inquire as to when a resolution is needed. Mayor Grant asked Acting Public Works Director Anderson to inform the County that the Council considers this to be a temporary solution,not a final solution. Councilmember Holden asked how the addition of a traffic signal at Grey Fox Road would help people exit off of Red Fox Road. Acting Public Works Director Anderson explained that when a series of traffic signals are timed together, groups of cars are better directed through the corridor. Councilmember Holden stated that even if Ramsey County receives funding for the project, there remains the issue of the cost to the City of Shoreview. Acting Public Works Director Anderson agreed. He said the green space at Target's south access is not Target's property but actually the City of Shoreview's right-of-way. He stated that the current congestion in that area may force Shoreview residents to encourage their City Council to move forward with a solution. Councilmember Holden asked when the temporary traffic signs would be removed. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated temporary traffic control will be in place until the right hand turn lane onto I-694 is complete, so more than likely October. He also said that creating no turn on red signage does not solve the problem as it must then be continually monitored and enforced. If there is non-compliance and no enforcement, the no right turn on red signage is ineffective. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 3 Councilmember Wicklund stated he thinks people will feel frustration because of the construction and the situation will get better. Mayor Grant reiterated the importance of pursuing funding for the traffic signal improvements at the south Target entrance. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to revisit the status of the traffic congestion in that area in approximately one month. Mayor Grant requested that Acting Public Works Director Anderson advise MnDOT that this is not a final solution. He also asked if a request has been submitted for funding for the Snelling Avenue bridge. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated the legislature is currently working on the bonding issue and that the Snelling Bridge is submitted for funding. B. GreenStep City Recreation Coordinator Grant stated the GreenStep City program is a free and voluntary program that provides a pathway to help cities achieve their sustainability goals as defined by their best practices. Acting Public Works Director Anderson said this is a somewhat broad program that encompasses many areas, including stormwater and energy. Recreation Coordinator Grant provided a brief overview of best practices and indicated the installation of a push light at Perry Park is a step the City of Arden Hills has already achieved. Mayor Grant asked if the City receives points for items already accomplished and wanted to know what the City receives for those points. Recreation Coordinator Grant stated the first step would be to pass a resolution. She said she met with the resource team and that based on best practices the City of Arden Hills has already achieved, it qualifies to be a Step 2 city. She also stated that Vadnais Heights, Little Canada and Arden Hills are the only cities in Ramsey County that do not currently participate in this program. She said that becoming a GreenStep City can help Arden Hills receive funding for various projects. Mayor Grant asked how much staff time this program would involve. Councilmember Holden stated and Councilmember McClung agreed that basically there will be staff time necessary to fill out the necessary forms. Councilmember Wicklund asked what type of funding the City can receive from being a GreenStep City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 4 Recreation Coordinator Grant stated that two examples that funding could be obtained to help pay for are lighting and garden maintenance. Councilmember McClung asked what agencies support and provide funding for the program. Councilmember Wicklund stated the MPCA and League of Minnesota Cities as well as other entities are partners that help fund GreenStep cities. Councilmembers Wicklund and McClung said they agree with pursuing this program as long as little staff time is necessary. Mayor Grant asked that this item be placed on the consent agenda for the next meeting C. State Fair Parking(Temporary Parking Regulations) Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated staff updated the City's ordinance to allow for a 30-day, temporary posting of no parking signs at the direction of the City Administrator. He said that last year, no parking signs were posted at the intersections of Harriet Avenue and Benton Way as well as on the north side of Beckman Avenue from Lake Johanna Boulevard to New Brighton Road; the locations where Jerrold, Edgewater and Glen Paul Avenues intersect with Prior Avenue; the east end of Jerrold, Edgewater and Glen Paul Avenues where they intersect with New Brighton Road; the north side of Edgewater Avenue from New Brighton Road to the west end; and the south side of Jerrold Avenue from New Brighton Road to Prior Avenue. Councilmember Holden stated that last year there were issues with mail delivery due to cars blocking mailboxes. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated no parking signs were posted on the mailbox side of the street. He also said temporary signs made of laminated paper that were mounted on a lath were used. He added there were times the signs had been removed and also some people had created their own no parking signs. Mayor Grant stated a concern last year was that the signs mounted on a lath did not look very professional and were too was easily removed. He asked for options for a sign that is more professional looking and stable. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that a metal sign mounted on a steel post is an option, but staff has not used this method as it requires coordination with Gopher One. He said that if a more substantial post is used, staff must contact Gopher One to mark the area, which requires 3 days' notice. This style of sign would not offer as much flexibility should the need to expand no parking signage occurs. Councilmember McClung asked about creating a more substantial sign now and the ability to contact Gopher One later, while also using the laminated, lath style if the signage needs to expand to another area. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 5 Mayor Grant asked about options for the enforcement of the no parking signs, such as fines or towing a vehicle. Councilmember Holden stated that typically the Sheriff's office issues tickets. She stated that when parking on residential streets, individuals should not be parking within 10 feet of a driveway. Mayor Grant suggested adding language to the sign to the effect of "Subject to a ticket" (or towing, whichever it is). Councilmember Holmes referred to the current City ordinance and stated the ordinance says "punished by fine or imprisonment". Mayor Grant stated he definitely wanted to add language to the sign, but noted that there needs to be follow through as far as consequences. He reiterated that there needs to be a more secure sign and asked for the cost for using Gopher One. A short discussion ensued about the ramifications that could occur as the result of illegal parking. Acting Public Works Director Anderson confirmed that new signs will be made. Councilmember Holmes asked if the signs can be affixed to poles with a wire so that they are harder to remove. Acting Public Works Director Anderson reiterated the direction provided by the Council which was to use a rigid sign, a rigid post, and to change the language to include subject to a fine. Mayor Grant stated that communication with the affected neighborhoods must improve and that residents had requested they be made aware of the City's plan in advance. Councilmember Holmes asked if a mailing could be generated. Community Development Director Hutmacher suggested an article be placed in the City's newsletter so that all residents know what is expected. Councilmember Holden stated that she would be glad to deliver the information to the affected properties and Mayor Grant stated he would be happy to help. Mayor Grant said that once initial feedback is obtained, a final plan can be formulated and communicated via mail to everyone. D. Interstate 694 Non-Motorized Crossing Study Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that at the work session in March, the Council asked "Do the study results answer the question asked initially regarding municipal consent?" He referred to the May 5, 2011 letter from the City to MnDOT which specifically referenced a ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 6 compromise that included two components: widening of the Lexington Avenue bridge in order to construct a bike/pedestrian crossing, and the formation of a regional task force by MnDOT to identify the need for bike/pedestrian crossings at I-694 between I-35E and I-35W. The study was to be completed within 18 months. Acting Public Works Director Anderson also referenced a May 5, 2011 letter from MnDOT in which they agreed to form a study group to look at the existing non-motorized pedestrian crossings as well as other opportunities along 1-694 from I-35W to I-35E. He asked the Council for direction. Councilmember Holden stated it appears the study is complete and that MnDOT did what it said it would do. Councilmember McClung pointed out that one issue is the City's letter referenced the study's expected completion date as being within 18 months and that did not happen. He stated that in the future, there should be a firm timeline in writing provided before the City provides municipal consent. E. Engineering Contracts Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that years ago and with the assistance of the City of Roseville's engineering staff, Arden Hills had developed an engineering consultant pool. Over time, this pool was not utilized. He asked for direction from the City Council as to how it would like to select consultants in the future. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that once former Public Works Director Terry Maurer began working for the City of Arden Hills, he did not necessarily use the engineering pool but instead recommended the City utilize consultants that he had worked with in the past that he knew would provide a quality product at a reasonable price. Mayor Grant talked briefly about information from the annual audit this year that references the top five firms the City paid over the course of the year, noting Elfering and Associates, an engineering consultant firm, was number four on the list. He stated he would like to see the City pursue competitive bids again using a pool of consultants, especially on larger City projects. A discussion ensued about the engineering consultant pool concept and how in the past, bids were received from firms in the pool as they had been pre-selected and pre-qualified. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated the City is not required to bid for engineering services. He noted that when competitively bidding for engineering services, the lowest price can at times equate to the lowest quality. He also stated that much of the costs incurred are related to the consultant's staff time and that these hours are not included in the bid. Councilmember Wicklund stated that if the City receives two or three competitive bids that are a range of prices, a decision can be made based on reputation and not necessarily the cheapest bid. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 7 Councilmember Holden asked Acting Public Works Director Anderson if he had a vision to establish a consultant pool. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that staff would perform a process similar to the process the City of Roseville followed and that the categories used in the past may be revised. He also noted that with the TCAAP redevelopment coming up, it will be very important to contract with a firm that can provide outstanding service regarding inspections as well as handle themselves with the contractors. The Council agreed that a process and preferred consultant list should be created. F. Toro Workman Purchase Mayor Grant stated that while the cost for a new Toro Workman is not an issue, storage space going forward is an issue and one that has been discussed at prior meetings. He asked if there is an "all-in-one", multi-use type machine that could perform painting, ballfield maintenance, and garden maintenance, or if an existing machine could be retrofitted to combine these functions. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that quite often all three machines are in use at the same time. He noted that all ballfields are dragged daily and painting occurs frequently. He also said that the more that is added to a machine, the less maneuverable and useful the machine becomes. Mayor Grant noted there are two Toolcats and three Workmen while there are eight employees. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that the full time employees generally do not use these machines but rather the seasonals, so potentially there are 16 employees that could utilize the equipment. Councilmember Holden asked if parts from old Toros are interchangeable with the new equipment. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated the drag is interchangeable but the old one is scheduled to be sold along with the old Workman. He noted that Workmans are lightweight, two- wheel drive machines intended to go across turf and are for summer use while Toolcats are heavier, four-wheel drive, all-season machines that are not intended to go across turf. Mayor Grant asked if there is a unit that performs painting and dragging both, such as just a ballfield unit, so that the City only has two pieces of equipment to maintain versus three. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that a machine can be outfitted to include a paint tank, boom and drag. He said the question is not if one piece of equipment can perform all three functions but rather can the City get by with having one less unit and still accomplish the work that needs to be done. He noted Public Works Superintendent Joe Mooney has indicated all three units are out at the same time very frequently during the summer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 8 Councilmember Holmes stated that more equipment and additional storage space are needed. She said that having less equipment did not make sense for the future considering the upcoming TCAAP reconstruction project. Mayor Grant said he wants to ensure equipment is being utilized effectively from a purchase prospective. Councilmember Wicklund stated that space needs should be determined for the future, and he suggested an analysis be performed. He said while it is wise to try to condense equipment, the specialization of equipment does not allow enough staff to be out in the field performing certain tasks since this equipment is basically designed to do one thing. Mayor Grant stated that he too was going to suggest a space study be performed. Councilmember Holden asked what the study would be based on. Councilmember Holmes stated projected needs can be based on the work that is performed now. Councilmember McClung stated that since a new portion of city will be constructed, the Council must invest in resources to be prepared and should discuss a planning process for additional Public Works storage. He said all City departments should be creating a list of future needs so the Council can begin planning for the growth. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated a space study is one of his department's goals that will be discussed at the upcoming workshop. A discussion ensued about how to retrofit an existing Workman and the Council agreed to move forward with purchasing a new Toro Workman. This item will be placed on the consent agenda for the next meeting. G. Play Structure Discussion Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that the CIP details a number of playground structures that are scheduled to be replaced between 2016 and 2022. He said that before bids are pursued, he wanted to be sure the Council supports the 20-year replacement plan and asked what quality of playground equipment is desired. He noted it can take approximately 6 months for replacement parts to arrive from Miracle Recreation, the current vendor. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated that the wooden border surrounding the play area, particularly at Perry Park, is not in the best shape. He said that the wooden border at Valentine Park was replaced in 2013 with low maintenance concrete curb which, from a grading and drainage standpoint, should last more than 20 years. He also said that much of the equipment does not look outdated but suggested removing all sand play areas for health reasons as cats are using them for litterboxes. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 9 Councilmember Wicklund stated he is in favor of fixing up all of the playgrounds as they are a reflection of who we are as a city. Councilmember Holden stated she has received complaints about the type of equipment at the parks as kids get bored. She would like to leave the equipment but replace the wooden borders. Mayor Grant agreed, stating that the wood dates the area. He also said he would not want to go past 20 years for replacement as that could be asking for trouble. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated there could be a timing issue as well because once the TCAAP parks are created, too many parks could end up on the same replacement cycle. Councilmember McClung said that play structures are generally geared toward certain age ranges and wanted to know if they make play structures that target certain age groups. Councilmember Wicklund suggested that the Council consider creating a park in the TCAAP area that gives people something to talk about. He referenced his childhood and that everyone wanted to go to Central Park. He said it may be interesting to develop a park that is bigger than the others. Councilmember McClung suggested developing a plan that offers basic play structures for traditional ages at each park and then determining which parks could offer additional amenities. Mayor Grant said he would like more information pertaining to concrete versus wood and their associated costs and life expectancy. Acting Public Works Director Anderson pointed out that if the wood is replaced with concrete at a park that is later scheduled for playground structure replacement and the layout is somewhat different, the concrete may need to be removed again, which would not be cost effective. Councilmember Holden asked what happens to the used playground equipment. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that used equipment can be resold through auction or donated. He noted that the used playground equipment from Valentine Park was donated to a church. Mayor Grant concurred, stating that the used play structure was donated to a church in Pelican Rapids and installed near an apartment complex in a populated area of town. Councilmember Holmes questioned whether or not the City should continue to use Miracle Recreation as their vendor. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that it appears the Council would like to move forward with replacement of the Perry Park play structure and that he should consider different vendors in the future. He said he will bring this information back to the Council at a future work session. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 10 H. Start by Believing Initiative Details and Dates 1:38:30 Mayor Grant stated that this is an initiative by Ramsey County and they have asked that cities pass a resolution. He said that common practice for Arden Hills has been to not act on many resolutions that are requested as by approving some and not others, it could be construed that the City Council is passing judgement. He indicated that typically the Council has supported additional resolutions that support its employees (such as Public Works Week, for example). Councilmember Holmes challenged the Council's stance on the position that the Council does not pass resolutions. She said she does not personally agree with that position and that she supports this particular resolution. Councilmember McClung stated he is not a huge proponent of resolutions in general. Councilmember Holden stated the Council can receive many requests for resolutions each month but that the Council does not necessarily see them as City staff does not bring them forward because they know the Council does not pass many resolutions as a general rule. Councilmember Holmes said she would rather the Council have a discussion about all suggested resolutions before making a determination, otherwise it is a preconceived notion if resolutions are not even placed on the agenda. Councilmember McClung said that broad discussions have taken place in the past when former City Administrators raised these questions. He said it was decided that the Council did not want resolutions being presented constantly. He also said people tend to know that Arden Hills does not pass resolutions and therefore have stopped forwarding them to the Council. He agreed that City staff generally would not bring forward a resolution as they know the Council's position regarding the matter. Councilmember Holmes said she would like to know how many resolution requests have been received. Mayor Grant stated again that the Council would then be put in the position where it must pass judgement. Councilmember Holmes stated she sees a difference in the types of resolutions requests that are received. Councilmember McClung agreed with Councilmember Holmes that the two resolutions on the current agenda are different than other resolutions received as they are from the County and Met Council. He said he has no problem with the content but that he just does not like resolutions in general. He said that Arden Hills has chosen to pass resolutions that directly impact the City. Mayor Grant pointed out that City staff will be in communication with the League of Minnesota Cities many times regarding resolutions. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 11 Councilmember Wicklund said he supports the initiatives outlined in the resolutions but does not feel the urgency for the City to provide the resolution as it is not a City initiative. He said it is worth it to discuss proposed resolutions but not necessary to provide a formal resolution. Councilmember Holmes said that if the County asks Cities to support an initiative by providing a resolution, then it is important. The County would like to be able to say that "x" number of cities support their initiative. Councilmember Wicklund stated there are other ways the City could show their support. Mayor Grant said the Council could provide a letter even though it was not passing a resolution acknowledging the County's effort. Councilmember Holden stated that each individual Councilmember could pursue that as well. Mayor Grant stated he wanted to be clear in terms of not providing a resolution in that the Council does agree with and support the initiative itself. I. Metropolitan Council Reform Principles The Council agreed that they would not provide a resolution considering their stance that they do not provide resolutions in general. J. Summer Hours Mayor Grant stated that in the past, City staff has worked summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day (City Hall - Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am and Public Works- Monday through Thursday 6:30 am to 4:00 pm and Friday 6:30 am to 10:30 am). He said that the majority of staff appreciates summer hours and the ability to start the weekend earlier. He said some comments have been made about not having office hours on Friday afternoons but pointed out that Arden Hills has followed this schedule for many years. Councilmember Holden stated that Interim City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson contacted each department head and the consensus was that staff was in favor of summer hours. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that Public Works unanimously supported summer hours and that it was almost unanimously supported by Planning/Community Development. He stated that the most resistance was from Administration as they have the biggest variation in the level of support. Mayor Grant said a formal vote could be taken but while a few may prefer not to participate in summer hours,the vast majority are in favor. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 12 Councilmember Holden said she is in favor of summer hours. Councilmember Holmes stated that everyone on staff was hired with the knowledge that there are summer hours. The Council was in agreement to continue summer hours and this item will be placed on the consent agenda for the next meeting. K. Personnel Committee Update Mayor Grant stated that all Councilmembers and City staff must complete a DiSC profile and that all staff has yet to complete this profile. He said that Acting Public Works Director Anderson is an applicant for the Public Works Director but noted that the promotion of City staff is discussed by the Personnel Committee which then would make a recommendation to the City Council. Councilmember Holden concurred, stating the Personnel Committee decided that upon completion of the DiSC profile, the matter will be brought forward for further discussion by the City Council. Councilmember Holmes thanked Acting Public Works Director Anderson for his continued patience throughout the process. Mayor Grant provided an update regarding the City Administrator hiring process. He stated that Harry Brull of Korn Ferry, the consultant firm hired by the City to oversee the process, is no longer working for Korn Ferry. He said that City staff has not been able to contact Mr. Brull, who has been paid for one-half of his contracted amount. He also said that it will need to be determined if Korn Ferry will complete their agreement with the City or if another firm will be hired for this process. Councilmember Holden stated the Personnel Committee is working through the process and may be pursuing other options but is committed to moving forward in June with the City Administrator recruitment process. Councilmember McClung stated the expectation would be that the entire City Council would receive notification regarding a new representative. On another note, Mayor Grant stated that the Personnel Policy had been updated and provided to staff. Councilmember Holden said she requested an organizational chart for goal setting purposes from all departments—Finance, Public Works, Administration and Community Development. L. Comments about Council Comments ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 13 Mayor Grant stated the City of Victoria was recently sued pertaining to the Open Meeting Law. He said the Plaintiff prevailed in that lawsuit and the City's Councilmembers were fined. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the Open Meeting Law. A discussion ensued regarding Open Meeting Law. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Mayor Grant requested that if a Councilmember would like to propose an item for the agenda, they forward their request directly to him instead of making their request during Council Comments. He also indicated that if City staff wants to propose an item for the agenda, they should present it directly to the City Administrator. Councilmember Holmes asked how Mayor Grant would prefer to receive notification of agenda item requests. Mayor Grant stated he would prefer to receive the requests via email. Councilmember Wicklund asked for clarification as to whether this would apply to both work session and regular City Council meetings. Mayor Grant stated this would apply to any meeting. Acting Public Works Director Anderson said that during Council comments, if a Councilmember talks about a problem or solution and a discussion ensues between the Councilmembers, it can be difficult for staff to determine if any follow-up or action is required by staff. Councilmember Holden stated she does not think staff should be receiving direction as a result of Council comments. Mayor Grant gave an example about a recent meeting in which rental licensing was discussed (versus rental registration) and staff questioned whether they should be pursuing rental licensing. He then said that instead of having a discussion about rental licensing, the item should have been placed on a work session agenda for formal discussion. He noted that at times, comments have become more than just straightforward comments. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated that at the staff meeting that occurs on Tuesdays following Council meetings, time is generally spent trying to discern which Council comment requires an action and how staff should respond. The Council agreed to "self-police" and be more clear and concise with their comments. Councilmember Holmes stated that she would like to see staff use out of office replies for emails and also change their phone messages when they are out of the office for whatever reason. She asked if this was a policy. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 14 Mayor Grant stated that this is a good business practice but not a current policy. Councilmember Holmes stated she would email a request to Mayor Grant that the Personnel Committee address this issue. Councilmember Holmes complimented Acting Public Works Director Anderson and Public Works staff regarding the Safe Routes to School Trail. Councilmember Holden reminded everyone about the special Joint Development Authority meeting on Tuesday, April 19 at 5:00 pm. She also commented on the fact that there is no Arden Hills population sign on 1-35W yet there is a sign for Shoreview, Mounds View and New Brighton. A short discussion ensued regarding signage on I-35W. This item will be placed on a future work session agenda. Councilmember Wicklund said he would be gone Monday and Tuesday, May 16 and 17, so would not be in attendance at the May 16 work session. He said if anyone would like an article in the Ramsey Council Local League of Government's newsletter, suggestions were due by May 15 and to let him know. Councilmember McClung stated the fire chief provided an email indicating a state helicopter crashed on TCAAP property and that the pilot received a back injury. Mayor Grant had no comments. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification regarding the Ramsey County Local League of Government's newsletter as she would like updated TCAAP information included. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 7:51 p.m. elie son DavidGrant lerk Mayor