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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-28-1988 <- . . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 28, 1988, 7:30 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmember Nancy Sather. Absent: Councilmember Jeanne Winiecki. Also Buckley, Public Worke Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Administrator Patricia Morrison and Deputy Clerk Hansen, Gary Peck and Thomas present: Parks Director John Treasurer Frank Green, Clerk Catherine Iago. APPROVE MINUTES Mayor Woodburn recommended the following amendments to the Council minutes of March 14, 1988: Page 5, second paragraph under LJVFD CONTRACT UPDATE, should read as follows: "After discussion, Council concurred that the LJVFD should utilize some of their capital reserves for purchase of capital equipment before the City would begin to purchase the equipment through their normal budgetary process." Page 6, last paragraph under TEMP. SOCCER/FOOTBALL FIELD; CITY PROPERTY, last sentence, delete the word "permanent"; the sentence should read as follows: "...a field, in conjunction with the long range plan." Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the minutes of the March 14, 1988, Regular Council meeting, as amended. Motion carried, unanimously. (4-0) BUSINESS FROM FLOOR None. REPORT OF PARKS DIRECTOR AWARD BID; TENNIS CT., NORTH SNELLING PARK Council was referred to the Parks Director's memorandum of 3-24-88, regarding the bids received for construction of the tennis court at the park. Buckley advised that four contractors submitted bids for construction of the single tennis court and attached 40' x 60' basketball court at North Snelling Park. He reported that Finley Brothers Enterprises submitted the low base bid of $19,640.00. Buckley stated he had contacted some parks directors who used this company and they were very eatisfied with the products and workmanship; he recommended Council award the bid to Finley'Brothere. Council questioned if the construction would include all items included in the bid specifications. Buckley stated the only exclusion would be the 4-foot fence surrounding the basketball court. Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council award the bid for construction of a single tennis court and attached basketball court at North Snelling Park to Finley Brothers Enterprises, in the amount of $19,640.00. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) AWARD BID; DISEASED TREE REMOVAL CONTR. Council was referred to Buckley's memorandum of 3-24-88, regarding quotations received for the 1988 diseased tree removal program. The Parks Director reported the advertisement for bids was published in the New Brighton Bulletin on March 9 and 16, and specifications were mailed to ten area contractors. He explained the bids were tabulated by applying each bid quotation to the diseased trees removed in 1987 and Gorecki and Company was the low bidder. Buckley advised Gorecki was also the low bidder in 1987 and it appears the tree removal costs will be increased by 22%. Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council award the bid for the 1988 Diseased Tree Removal contract to Gorecki and Company, in the amount of $16,366.00. Motion carried unanimously. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, March 28, 1988 Page 2 USE OF BALL FIELDS; LITTLE LKS. LEAGUE Parks Director Buckley advised Council the request from Little Lakes Little League, for permission to utilize baseball fields in Arden Hills was discussed Committee Meeting of 3-22-88. at the Parks & Recreation Buckley reported that he would be scheduling the fields for the use of the League as much as possible and would be adding use of the North Snelling Park field when completed. - PLANNING COMM. APPTMTS. Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator, 3-25-88, regarding appointments to fill the vacancies on the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals. Morrison reported that Councilmember Winiecki had requested the recommendations and information in the memorandum be forwarded to Council for review. Mayor Woodburn nominated Barbara Piotrowski and Dave Carlson for appointment to the Planning Commission and Vince Linders for appointment to the Board of Appeals. He stated that Barbara Piotrowski would remain as Chair of the Board of Appeals (as per her request). Council questioned if it would be a conflict of interest for an appointee to serve and vote on items at both Planning and Board meetings, and asked if that member would be required to abstain from voting at one of the meetings. Mayor Woodburn adVised there had been previous appointees serving on both . committees and had voted at both meetings. He noted there had not been a problem in the past. Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council ratify the appointments of Barbara Piotrowski and Dave Carlson to serve on the Planning Commission and Vince Linders to serve on the Board of Appeals. Motion carried unanimoualy. (4-0) STAFFING; CITY HALL Councilmember Hansen reported on the Council work session meeting held 3-18-88, at 6:30 a.m., at City Hall. She stated that Councilmembers Winiecki, Peck and Hansen were present to discuss the replacement for the Senior Steno position, redistribution of duties among current staff members and the hiring of a part-time receptionist. Hansen advised that the part-time position duties and hours should be prepared by the Clerk Administrator and the position would be to cover receptionist duties and peak work load hours at the City Hall. Hansen also discussed funding for the position with two members of the Finance Committee; she reported that approximately $9,000.00 could be used from the Bonds and Inaurance fund. and spproximately $1.000.00 could be used from Travel. Conference and Schools. Hansen noted there would be some coet savings from hiring . a person for the Senior Steno position at a lower hourly rate than presently being paid to Mrs. Marshall. The Councilmembers discussed the costs for a new typewriter and for transferring computer equipment after hiring the new person. Councilmember Peck questioned the number of hours the Clerk Administrator would suggest as necessary to Cover peak work load time. The Clerk Administrator submitted to Council two options for the part-time position, and costs for 20 hours versus 25 hours, which included PERA and FICA costs (not insurance benefits), assuming the position of Senior Steno would be offered at an approximate starting salary of $8.00 per hour. Morrison reported the current salary for the Senior Steno position is $9.24 per hour. Councilmember Sather questioned if the proposed Finance Officer position was discussed. Councilmembers Peck and Hansen advised that a Finance Officer had been discussed. Hansen suggested a part-time or, shared time individual to be hired in conjunction with another neighboring community. Peck suggested holding further discussion of the Finance Officer until such time as a long-range plan for the City Hall complex was presented. Mayor Woodburn stated Mr. Green was appointed the Chief Finaneial Officer and the Clerk Administrator has traditionally performed the . duties of the position, as outlined in the League Manual. It was his opinion the duties should remain with the Clerk Administrator. . . . . Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, March 28, 1988 Page J STAFFING (Cont'd) Clerk Administrator Morrison reported that she had reviewed nine applications for the position of the position was re-advertised, with a closing date of Senior Steno. She advised April 1, 1988. Morrison stated that Mrs. Marshall had indicated she would be available to train the person hired and requested Council authorize funding for Mrs. Marshall to be utilized for 40 hours of training the individual hired. Council requested the Clerk Administrator prepare a brief job description for the part-time Receptionist position and an estimate of hours per week. Hansen noted that the City Hall would be understaffed for a period of time and suggested Council authorize Morrison to hire temporary help in the interim. Morrison advised that Mrs. Zehm had offered to provide clerical services on a temporary basis. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize the Clerk Administrator to acquire secretarial help for the City offices on a temporary haeis. either Mrs. Zehm or Mrs. Marshsll, st the current Senior Steno salary rate of $9.24 per hour. Sather moved to amend the motion to read, seconded by Hansen, to offer the additional flexibility for the Clerk Administrator to hire temporary help as deemed neeessary, not limited to the above named individua~s. Amendment to motion carried unanimously. (4-0) In discussion, Treasurer Green questioned if Council had set a time limit for the temporary person hired. Council concurred that it was the intent of the motion, by use of the word "temporary" that the person hired for temporary work load relief would cease on the starting date of the person hired for the position of permanent Senior Steno. Council concurred that the training period for the new employee would be discussed at a separate issue. Original motion as amended carried unanimously. (4-0) Council instructed the Clerk Administrator to report at the next Regular Council meeting of 4/11/88 on the job duties and hours proposed for the part-time Receptionist position and requested the job description include the possibility of the position be responsible for some evening committee meetings. REPORT OF TREASURER INVESTMENTS Treasurer Green reported on the following investments: 3/15/88 - $300,000 invested at Midwest Federal, at 6.55%, to mature on 4/15/88. 3/15/88 - $300,000 inveated at Midwest Federal, at 6.55%, to mature on 5/15/88. 3/15/88 - $334,200 invested at First Minnesota, at 7.2%, to mature on 3/15/89. Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council ratify the Treasurer's report. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Treasurer Green reported the Finance Committee had been working on a system to improve information to Council for budget monitoring purposes. He noted he would be reporting back to Council at a later date. OTHER BUSINESS FIRE CONTRACT UPDATE Mayor Woodburn advised Council the contract negotiations had reached an impasse due to: ownership of vehicles, capital expenditures, and LJVFD reserve fund balance. He noted the LJVFD has been hesitant to spend their reserve funds on the debt incurred for renovation of Station 01. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting. March 28. 1988 Page 4 FIRE CONTRACT (Cont'd) Mayor Woodburn reported the vehicle ownership issue had been fairly well resolved. if Arden Hills pays for the major equipment. Arden Hills will be the owner. The Mayor referred Council to the newly proposed budget. submitted by Fire Chief ~ Winkel. He noted the major reductions were under preparation of reports and reductions in furnishings for Fire Station #1. The Clerk Administrator reported she had spoken with Fire Chief Winkel regarding the budget and he indicated the budget figure had been reduced from $190,000 to $175.000 since the last meeting with Council representatives. Councilmember Sather questioned why the LJVFD was hesitant to use funds apportioned to depreciation on their own improvement. Mayor Woodburn and Councilmember Hansen advised they had discussed that issue in detail with the LJVFD representatives; Hansen strongly suggested the fire department use a portion of their reserve fund. this year. for the expansion of Station #1. She also stated it was her opinion that all furnishings for Station #1 be purchased by LJVFD from their reserve fund. There was discussion regarding further extension of the LJVFD contact and procedures to pursue mediation should contract negotiations reach an impasse on the issue of payment for renovation of Station #1. It was suggested that the State Board of Mediation Services be contacted. to determine procedures for contract settlement by a mediator, and the Cities of Roseville snd New Brighton ... be contacted. to determine if they could provide interim fire protection for Arden Hills. Councilmember Hansen referred Council to the proposed LJVFD contract. page 6, deleted item D; it was her opinion that the item deleted, pertaining to ownership of equipment. should be reinserted. There was diseussion regarding possible inereased liability for the City with ownership of equipment. Mayor Woodburn advised the next negotiation meeting would be held on 3-29-88; it was the consensus of the Councilmembers to review the newly revised LJVFD budget and contract. and hold further discussion of this matter until the next Regular Council meeting held April 11. 1988. UTILITY RATES; STANDBY CHARGES Councilmember Hansen referred to Finance Committee Minutes. 3-24-88; regarding legislation which would prohibit standby charges on owners of structures system. containing a fire protection Clerk Administrator Morrison explained Arden Hills current charges for standby are based on the size of the pipe into a structure, and that it would be difficult to place a separate meter on the sprinkling system and determine "gallon usage". Morrison stated the Representative Haukoss. author of the bill. advised there will be hearings regarding this matter and Council could forward a letter to him or visit his office, ... Councilmember Hansen stated it appears we are penalizing persons for installing a sprinkling system at their businesses; Morrison noted Arden Hills charges the standby fee to all commercial/industrial facilities. whether they have the sprinkling system or not. and. therefore. because it is not done arbitrarly effects of the Bill on Arden Hills was questionable. No action was taken on this matter. CONTROL OF GEESE Councilmember Hansen reported on the geese problem at Presbyterian Homes and Arden Manor; she advised she would contact the DNR to determine the number of geese necessary to receive a permit for removal and would also check the cost estimates for removal. Hansen advised she would report back to Council. FINANCE REPORT Couneilmember Hansen commended Charlotte McNiesh for her preparation of the Village Aecounting System report. . - . . . Minutes, of the Regular Council Meeting, March 28, 1988 hp~ OTHER BUSINESS (Cont'd) WATER TOWER Couneilmember Hansen stated the Public Safety/Works Committee had discussed, at length, the water tower. Hansen advised the PS/W Committee had recommended that the City should take action with SEH and require feasibility studies be prepared for placement of the valve at the Roseville Water Tower and expanaion of the watermain on Hamline Avenue, for Council review, at no cost to the City. The Committee recommended the studiea be done at this time, in order to rectify the water level problem at our tower. ~ After diSCUSSion, Council concurred to hold further discussion of this matter until SEH representatives submit a report to Council. It was the opinion of Councilmember Sather that SEH has done nothing to guarantee their position as consultants in the future. CABLE MEETING Councilmember Sather attend the April 7th she would attend. reported he would be unable to Cable meeting; Hansen stated HUMAN RIGHTS COMM. Mayor Woodburn referred Council to the minutes of the Human Rights Committee, regarding a film shown Mayor commented that the City has tried to keep government it was his opinion the film could be misconstrued. at the meeting. The out of partiasnship; CONTRIBUTION; NSYSB Mayor Woodburn suggested the Charitable Gambling Organizations could be contacted to determine if in supporting the North Suburban Youth Services Bureau the NSYSB performs for Arden Hills, in the name of Arden they would be interested or some of the functions Hills. Councilmember Sather commented the normal procedure has been to direct the organization to contact either Mr. Jim Adams or the charities and request a contribution. He noted the contributions from the charities currently are used for lawful purpose and are directed towards the Arden Hills Park Fund; it was his opinion it may not be appropriate for the City to request a contribution for the organization. Mayor Woodburn suggested it should be done in the name of the City and in lieu of Arden Hills contribution, and that the contributions would'be in addition to the funds contributed to Arden Hills Park Fund. Councilmember Hansen suggested that Councilmember Winiecki, who serves as liaison to NSYSB, could suggest tbey contact the Charitable Gambling organizations for contributions. REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR TCAAP MEETING Council was advised by Morrison that Ted Schulte had offered to meet with the Arden Hills Councilmembers, if they so desire, prior to a multi-city meeting and tour in Kay.. She requested Councilmembera concur on a date and time and she would discuss it with Schulte. After discussion, Council determined it would not be necessary to meet with TCAAP prior to May and concurred to direct the Clerk Administrator to schedule a tour on Kay 9, 1988, at 4:00 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled Council meeting. SPECIAL EVENT SIGN; DAYBRIDGE CENTER Council was referred to an application for a Special Event Sign Permit, for Daybridge Daycare Center, to advertise their grand opening. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the application for a Special Event Sign for Daybridge Daycare Center, for a period not to exceed ten days. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Minutes of the Regular Council Meeti.ng, March 28, 1988 Page 6 CLAIMS & PAYROLL Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve claims and payroll as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) ADJOURNMENT Hansen moved. seconded by Peck, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) , ;f~~ Robert L. Woodburn Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, April 11, 1988. at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall. . - . . .