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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-17-R lt �-ARZEN HILLS Approved: December 11, 2017 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13,2017 7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Dave McClung and Steve Scott Absent: Councilmember Fran Holmes (Excused) Also present: City Administrator Bill Joynes; Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka; Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Dave Perrault; Senior Planner Matthew Bachler; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant requested the date on Item 6C read March 7. Councilmember Holden requested Item 9A be moved to the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Dave Cmeil, 1861 West Highway 96, explained he sent an email to each of the City Councilmembers. He expressed concern with the area along County Road 96/Highway 10. He requested the Council review this information and give it consideration prior to offering municipal consent to the Trunk Highway 10 project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 2 Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported MnDOT had monitors out last week and completed a new noise analysis. She explained she would have the results of this study later this week. 3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Ramsey County Sheriff Update Ramsey County Sheriff Serier thanked the Council for their time. He provided the Council with an update from the County noting 2017 has been an historic year for retirements and new hires. He discussed how he was working to improve diversity within each hiring class. He explained the County's new records management system was working well and stated a new jail management system would be brought online in 2018. He reported the County would begin providing Falcon Heights with contract law enforcement services as of January 1, 2018. He commented on the community engagement efforts the County has pursued and indicated the Hot Dog with a Deputy event has been extremely successful. He thanked everyone in the community for supporting the Fright Farm. Mayor Grant requested an update on Gem Lake. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier reported Gem Lake would become a contract city for the White Bear Lake Police Department. Mayor Grant asked what percentage of the Sheriff Department's employees would be replaced in 2017-2018. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier stated close to 25% or 120 new employees would be hired. He explained he was happy to have new faces joining the department. Councilmember Holden questioned what the average age was of a Sheriff's Deputy. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier commented this was a great question and he would have to investigate this further. Councilmember Holden recommended the Hot Dog with a Deputy event in Arden Hills be held at a local park and not a County park. She then asked if the County has completed any mental health training. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier explained the entire department recently attended a full day of mental health training at North Heights Church. He reported he would continue to send his staff members to local and regional mental health training. Councilmember Scott questioned how many deputies would be work in Falcon Heights. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier stated 24-hour coverage would be provided in Falcon Heights with one officer there during the day and overlapping officers during peak and evening hours. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 3 Councilmember McClung commended Sheriff Serier for the high level of professionalism in his department. He understood that Arden Hills was a safe community and thanked Ramsey County for always addressing the City's concerns. Mayor Grant asked what assistance the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department could provide to local churches, given the recent event that occurred in Texas. Ramsey County Sheriff Serier stated he would be open to speaking with local churches and other faith communities regarding active shooter response training. Mayor Grant encouraged the City Councilmembers to go on a ride-along with a Ramsey County Deputy. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) and Joint Development Authority (JDA) Update City Administrator Joynes provided an update on TCAAP stating the City was waiting for the optimization study to be finalized. He explained the anticipated arrival date was early first quarter of 2018. He stated the JDA meeting for November 22 would be canceled. B. Richard Wenzel Complaint Update City Administrator Joynes stated Richard Wenzel attended the last Council meeting where he addressed complaints in his neighborhood. He explained he and Dave Scherbel, the City's Building Official, visited with Mr. Wenzel a week and a half ago where a list of citations issued to his neighbors from Ramsey County were reviewed. In addition, a list of actions taken by the City were also discussed. He reported Mr. Wenzel thanked the City for taking the time to meet with him. Councilmember Holden asked if the City could accelerate the abatement process for the property in question. Senior Planner Bachler indicated the code violations on the property were not under City provisions that would allow for an accelerated abatement process. C. County Road I/Old Highway 8 Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported wear course would be placed on the roundabout at the end of this week and the roundabout should be open by next Wednesday. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 16, 2017, City Council Work Session B. October 23, 2017, Regular City Council ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 4 Councilmember Holden stated she had three changes to the October 16 work session minutes and these changes were provided to staff. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve the October 16, 2017, City Council Work Session meeting minutes; and October 23, 2017, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Adopt Ordinance 2018-008 — Approving a Franchise Agreement with Comcast and Authorizing Publication of a Summary Ordinance C. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Catholic United Financial for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Drawing being March 7, 2018, with no waiting period D. Motion to Approve Resolution 2017-043 — 2018 Curbside and Non-Curbside Recycling Fees E. Motion to Approve Final Payment to Allied Blacktop Co.—2017 Seal Coat Project F. Motion to Approve Planning Case 17-026 —Boston Scientific—PUD Agreement— 4100 Hamline Avenue North MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Development Discussion Opportunity for Residents Mayor Grant stated under the Public Hearing section, citizens would have an opportunity to discuss ideas regarding the TCAAP development. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 17-026 — Boston Scientific — PUD Agreement — 4100 Hamline Avenue North ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 5 This item was moved to the Consent Calendar. B. Health Insurance Benefits Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated the City was notified that the insurance rates were set to increase by approximately 50% in 2018 with the current carrier. He indicated the benefits broker went out with an RFP to see if a cost savings could be achieved. At the same time, City staff did an internal comparison with surrounding cities to see whether or not the City was competitive with their benefit package. The comparison illustrates two fictional salaries ($50,000 and $100,000), and the current benefits provided by the City and how it compares to other cities. The comparison found Arden Hills is at the low-end when comparing what it contributes to other cities. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault reported City staff has discussed the different plans and benefit levels, and have come to a recommended benefit level and plan. This plan is most similar to the current plan, while still achieving a cost savings. Also, attached are the Public Employees Insurance Plan (PEIP) option and the, existing renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The staff recommendation was presented to the Personnel Committee, who generally was supportive of the plan, but still needed further discussion with the full City Council. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault explained City staff has compiled a benefit recommendation for the City Council to consider and the potential impacts. The recommendation would provide the City cover 100% of the single medical and dental premiums (with no change to other provided benefits, such as, short-term and long-term disability) and 85% of the family medical premium. The City would also contribute $2,000 towards an applicable Health Savings Account for both single and family plans. The employee would then be responsible for any other costs related to their medical or dental plans. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault indicated this recommendation would also allow for employees to waive coverages and receive a taxable $300.00 in lieu of the premium benefit, which would lead to a cost savings in the cost of the premium for the City. Please note, the City is recommending using a percent of premium computation when deciding contribution levels. This is because the recommended plan is utilizing age-banded rates and the premium cost varies with the number of dependents, therefore premiums will vary depending on age and family sizes. Another solution is to have a set dollar amount that employees with family coverage would pay, and the City would pay for the rest of the premium, regardless of the dollar amount (for example, an employee with family insurance would always pay $325.00 per month, and the City would pay for the rest of the premium). Due to the timing of the renewals, City Staff respectfully request the City Council determine a benefit contribution level and associated insurance carrier at this meeting. Mayor Grant requested further information on the various plans. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault reviewed the health insurance plan options in further detail with the Council. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 6 Councilmember Holden asked if a family size increased the amount paid for health insurance. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault indicated this was the case, noting a family of five would pay more than a family of four. He stated there was a cap at a family of five. Mayor Grant questioned if the $300 being saved was for the City or the employee. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault reported $300 a month would be paid to the employee that opted to waive, which was half of the contribution amount that could be paid for a premium. Mayor Grant requested further information on the individuals that would be able to waive from the plan. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated there would only be a small number of individuals that could waive. He reported the City would still have to have majority of employees opt in order for the City to retain the insurance plan. Further discussion ensued regarding the expense of health insurance for the City. Councilmember Holden stated she could not support the $2,000 as this would have the City covering too much of the out-of-pocket costs. She explained she could support Plan B. She believed the City should increase the family share. Mayor Grant commented if the family share was increased, the City may become the better option for its employees. Councilmember Holden understood this to be the case, but noted children were less expensive to insure than adults. She questioned what direction staff was seeking from the Council. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated staff was seeking guidance on the contribution levels and direction on an associated plan. He provided further comment on the deadlines for the health insurance decisions. Mayor Grant indicated he supported the HealthPartners health insurance option. He recommended the Council proceed with this item by choosing a plan and then determine the benefit level within the plan. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to recommend the City proceed with the HealthPartners (Exhibit B) health care coverage for 2018. The motion carried (4-0). Councilmember Holden asked how much the City would be paying for a family of four if the City was at 85%and 75%. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 7 Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated the City's portion would be $1,206. At 75%, this would amount to $1,080. Councilmember Holden proposed the City pay 100% for singles and pay 75% for families. She suggested $500 be paid to the HSA for employees hired after June 2015 and $1,650 for the ones hired prior to that time. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated families would be asked to pay $8,000 out of pocket per year if they exhausted their health insurance plan if this were to move forward. Councilmember Holden asked how out of pocket was defined. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault stated this was strictly comprehensive and would include medications. Mayor Grant supported the City being more competitive on family coverage. He explained Councilmember Holden's proposal would increase benefits to families by $300 per month. Councilmember Holden commented on the State's medical plan. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault commented the State's health insurance plan was not an HSA plan. Councilmember Holden supported the Council reviewing this information at a future worksession prior to making a decision for 2018. Councilmember McClung explained his availability this week was very limited. He indicated he could meet Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. He stated he was not uncomfortable with staff s recommendation. The Council agreed to recess and continue the regular meeting on Thursday,November 16 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the health insurance benefits in further detail. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS None. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to recess the Council meeting to Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2017 8 Mayor Grant recessed the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:14 p.m. (�Jlml J 1 e Hanson David Grant Clerk Mayor