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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 06-21-2004 ~ . ~HrLLS APPROVED:]uly 12, 2004 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2004, 4:45 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 4:55 p.m. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: David Grant, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem. Absent: Councilmember Brenda Holden Staff present: Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Operations & Maintenance Director, Thomas J. Moore; and Scott Clark, Community Development Director. Others present: Tim Boelke, Ralph Adair, Dan Reutimann, Tim Entner, Bob Musil, and Aaron Backman . 2.A. Lake Johanna Fire Department: Tim Boehlke and Ralph Adair provided an update from the Fire Department. Mr. Boehlke mentioned that over the past five years, the number of calls from the Arden Hills residents had steadily increased, while calls from the other contract cities were steady. He indicated that of all the calls they responded to in 2003, 37% came from Arden Hills. He also pointed out the total dollar loss in 2003 was higher than the other contract cities. The Mayor asked why the cost was so much higher than the other cities. Mr. Boehlke responded that this was primarily due to the big fire in the Townhouse Development. Mr. Boehlke emphasized there is nothing to be alarmed about this number. Mr. Boehlke mentioned that they have contracts with the U.S. Army for the TCAAP property and also with the National Guard for the land they have under National Guard control. He also mentioned that they have received a FEMA grant totaling $50,300 for the purchase of various items. Mr. Boehlke mentioned that all full-time employees are eligible for PERA Police and Fire fund or PERA coordinated plan. Mr. Boehlke mentioned that they have also started to respond to motor vehicle accidents with injuries calls. He anticipates about 150 calls. Mr. Boehlke also mentioned that they are looking at converting the half-time inspector position to full time in 2005. . Mr. Boehlke talked about the need for an additional rated engine at Station 1. He estimates the cost of a used engine to be between $125,000 and $200,000 and is expecting Arden Hills to pay \ \Earth \Admin \Council\Minutes\ W orksession \2004\06- 21-04.doc ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION June 21, 2004 2 . for it. He also talked about the re-construction of Station I, which was built in 1947. He expects the re-construction to be in the next 10 years at a cost of $1.5million to $1.8million. He said that he is seeking a commitment from Arden Hills in the next two years. Council member Gregg Larson noted that the Fire Departulent needs to look at how costs for capital purchases are allocated and should be resolved before any further investments are made. He emphasized that a complete ownership inventory bc conducted. 2.B. Ramsev Countv Sheriff - Diseussion and Expeetations The Sheriffs Department was asked to address a number of topics identified by staff and the Council. Deputy Dan Ruettimann provided an overview of the crime prevention program and provided statistics with regards to neighborhood and business watch. In addition, he addressed burglary follow-ups, theft, community policing, graffiti removals, issues at Arden Manor, etc. It was indicated that the crime prevention web site will be functional in about two weeks. Deputy Ruettimann indicated that National Night Out is on August 3 and that letters to watch captains were sent out. He mentioned that 25 additional on-shift deputies will participate with volunteers. With regards to Arden Manor, Deputy Ruettimann reported that there is a fear factor ofreporting and residents are afraid of retaliation. It was mentioned that they necd a strong management team to deal with specific residents. With regards to the Rice Street Corridor Deputy, a question was raised as to why the cities of . Gem Lake and North Oaks were not charged for their time. Response was that this issue should be discussed at the Contract City Managers' Meeting. Tim Etner from the Sheriffs Department talked about the speed complaints on Lake Johanna Boulevard. He said that their monitoring of the identified area did not reveal any major issues. He said that it's a perception issue. The "tube system" was used to detect speed. He distributed speed survey statistics. He mentioned that from Monday through Friday, 4,500 cars pass through this location and about 10 percent go ovcr 10 miles per hour. He said that north bound traffic speeds more. He said that they will place a temporary speed board in that area to slow down speeders. He also suggested that Arden Hills purchase a speed board which costs about $3,500. It was also indicated that as soon as monitoring stops, speeds pick up. 2.C. Convention and Tourism Bureau Bob Musil, Executive Director, and Aaron Backman, Board Chair, of Minneapolis Metro North Convention and Visitors Bureau made a presentation. They provided an overview of their program and talked about the benefits of participation. It was mentioned that currently ten cities are participating in this program. They mentioned that the Bureau is funded by a 3% lodging tax. State law requires that 95% of these funds be utilized by the Bureau for the purpose of marketing and promoting member cities.. The City retains 5% of revenues for administrative purposes. In addition to the 5%, the Bureau makes available $2,000 per year per member city for a local community festival. It was mentioned that this program could generate $5,000 to $8,000 . in revenue for Arden Hills. --- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION June 21, 2004 3 . It was mentioned that there are two hotels/motels within the City limits. The owner of Super 8 Motel is not in favor of this proposal. The owner feels that this would be an administrative burden on him. It was pointed out that it appeared that the owner was not very familiar with the program. A Councilmember stated that since 50% of the hotel/motel owners are not supportive of this program, it needs further review and discussion. 2.D. 2005 Bude:et Update and Deseription of Funds Murtuza Siddiqui, Finance Director, provided an overview of the City's financial system structure. After the presentation of the overview, Mr. Siddiqui asked the Council for guidance with regards to the 2005 Budget. He stated that the Legislature has eliminated the levy limits, at least for 2005, and asked for the Council's input regarding a percentage increase for next year. The Council had a discussion and felt comfortable with an increase in the range of3% to 4%. A final levy will be determined after the budget is reviewed. The next item that was discussed was COLA/step increases. For budget preparation purposes, the Council directed staff to include a 3% increase in the 2005 Budget. Mr. Siddiqui mentioned that health and dental premiums are expected to increase 18% to 20% next year, which would translate into approximately $142 per month. The question was how much of an increase should be assumed by the employee and how much by the City. The Council felt comfortable by splitting the cost; therefore, the monthly maximum contribution would increase from the current $462 to $533 per month. It was also mentioned that labor/union . negotiation will start soon. It was also mentioned that the Lake Johanna Fire Department is seeking to convert the half-time fire inspector position to a full-time position. As a result, the City may have difficulty recruiting for the part-time building inspector/code enforcement officer position, therefore the City may need to discuss a full-time inspector position. Mr. Siddiqui mentioned that the copier lease will expire next June and a decision would have to be made whether the City continue to lease or purchase. He recommended purchasing a copier instead ofleasing. The Council is in favor of not extending the current lease and would like staff to include the purchase in next year's proposed budget. Mr. Siddiqui mentioned that staff has adequate direction to move forward with the development of the "draft" 2005 Budget. 2.E. Disposition of Old Street Sie:ns Mr. Tom Moore, Dircctor of Operations and Maintenance mentioned that on April 26, 2004, the Council awarded the street sign replacement contract and was seeking direction from the Council with regards to the disposal of the old signs. Mr. Moore offered three options to the Council. The first option is to sell the signs for scrap metal for approximately $200. The second option is to sell the signs on a first come first serve basis. The third option is to hold an auction. The . Council suggested that the sale be announced in the City Newsletter and a $10 price per sign be ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION June 21, 2004 4 . set. Any unsold items to be sold as scrap metal. The sale period would be in September. If there are more requests than signs, drawings will be held. 3. Couneil Reports Couneilmember Larson - Mr. Larson wanted to have a discussion about the Regional Transportation Task Force and the possibility of eliminating the access to Highway 10 from Highway 96. He feels that local access is very important and would like to have Council reprcsentation on this task force - two from the Council and one staff person. It was discussed that Mr. Grant would be willing, but wanted to check with Councilmember Holden first. Couneilmember Rem - Ms. Rem reminded all about the Presbyterian Homes meeting on Tuesday. CouueiImember Grant - Mr. Grant requested that the Assessment Task Force mect in July to wrap-up the new Assessment Policy. Recommendation to come to the Council in August. Mayor Aplikowski - No conunent. The meeting adjourned at 10:02p.m. . Respectfully submitted, Murtuza Siddiqui - Finance Director - ,_, /,0" 1 C. /' "'-:Ai" ~_-t:._-t;.""-C.'U ?/ Ct..__/jL~./:~/%,,+,-;-:7. ~~'.t '\ ,I 1'.., \" "... BeverJY Aprikowski, MAYOR \, \ '. ~~J.J\x,J I: r " ' :J~ ( /t/~ J"--P Michelle Wolfe, ADMINISTRATOR i v .