Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-24-2003 . . . ~ ~~HILLS MEETING MINUTES APPROVED CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 2003, 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Beverly Aplikowski called to order the Regular City Council meeting at 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Council members David Grant, Brenda Holden, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem. Absent: None. Also present were Interim City Administrator/Director of Community Services, Aaron Parrish; City Attorney, Jerry Filla; Deputy ClerkJHuman Resources Director, Cynthia Young; Recreation Program Supervisor, Michelle Olson; City Planner, Peter Hellegers; City Engineer, Greg Brown; and Recording Secretary, Kathleen Altman. 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested the removal of Item 3.B from the Consent Agenda and be added as Item S.C under Administration, and move Item S.C to Item S.D. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the February 24, 2003, Regular City Council meeting as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2003 2 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 10,2003, Council Meeting Councilmember Larson requested the following changes: None. Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: Page 3, under the first motion, remove the words, as amended, and add the word, 1Q., between the words, and authorize. Councilmember Rem requested the following changes: Page 1, change Allegience to Allegiance. Page 3, under Public Inquiries, in Doug Hartford's comments, in the last sentence, remove the word, objecting. Page 3, in Linda Swanson's comments, remove the word, appeals, from the first sentence. Page 9, under Council member Rem's comments, first sentence, remove team and add to youth. Councilmember Holden requested the following changes: Page 7, first sentence change Mr. Moore to Mr. Brown. Page 9, in the last paragraph, in the last sentence before the adjournment, add the words: position description. Mayor Aplikowski requested the following changes: None. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the February 10, 2003, City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). SPECIAL REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY - Personnel Actions City Attorney, Jerry Filla, stated there were two actions that were taken by the City Council at the Closed Executive Session meetings in February, 2003 which needed to become part of the public record. He noted the record needed to indicate: A. A closed meeting was held on February 6,2003, pursuant to M.S. 13.0.05 Subd. 3, and pursuant to the City's Personnel Policy to consider an appeal . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 3 by Mr. Terry Post to the City Administrator's recommendation that his employment be terminated due to unsatisfactory performance. The parties present at this meeting were: City Administrator Joe Lynch, City Accountant/Treasurer Post, Mayor and City Council, City Attorney Filla, and Recording Secretary Altman. The City Administrator's recommendation was reviewed by the City Council and the following action was taken: MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to accept the City Administrator's recommendation, and to direct that Mr. Post be considered as an employee of the City leaving in good standing; therefore he is entitled to the benefits as found in the Personnel Policy. Motion Passed (3-1-1) (Opposed; Mayor Aplikowski, Abstained; Councilmember Holden). B. A closed meeting was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2003, to consider a performance evaluation of City Administrator Lynch. The parties present at the meeting were the Mayor and City Council and Administrator Lynch. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded to request the resignation of the City Administrator. Motion Passed (3-1-1) (Opposed; Councilmember Larson, Abstained; Councilmember Holden). Subsequent to this meeting, the City Administrator met with the City Attorney to review the City Administrator's contract and the provisions of a proposed termination agreement. A draft of the termination agreement was accepted by the City Administrator and needs to be ratified by the Mayor and City Council. Mayor Aplikowski stated if Mr. Lynch needed a letter of recommendation, the City would provide such a letter. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to direct the Recording Secretary to include . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 4 paragraphs A and B of the City Attorney's February 24,2003, Memorandum to the Mayor and City Council. The motion carried unanimously (4-0-1) (Councilmember Holden abstained). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to ratify the termination agreement signed by the City Administrator and the Mayor on February 21, 2003. Councilmember Larson stated he was going to vote against the termination agreement because he was not in agreement with the action the Council took at the February 18, 2003, meeting. Therefore, he could not, in good faith, ratify a termination agreement that would cost the City approximately $43,000. However, he did believe Mr. Lynch was entitled to the money. Councilmember Holden indicated if she were voting, she would be in favor of this because these were the terms of the contract agreed to when Mr. Lynch was initially employed by the City. The motion carried (3-1-1) (Councilmember Holden abstained. Council member Larson opposed.) Council member Holden stated as a newly elected official, she had abstained from both votes. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Claims and Payroll b. Resolution No. 03 25: ,A.ppointing an Interim Administrator/Clerk MOTION: Council member Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended, and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 5 . 4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL . Robert Woodburn, 1220 Inl!:erson Court, stated he was here basically to introduce the subject of the Ingerson Court cul-de-sac; to ask if there were any questions; and to see if the Council wanted to take any action. He stated historically there was some pertinence that this was the fifth time this area had been looked at. He stated they were now faced with a situation that was no better than 45 years ago. He indicated 45 years ago, it was decided not to put in a cul- de-sac on Ingerson Court. He noted the cul-de-sac was a moving target and he did not know where they were now. He stated he was surprised this was being brought up again. As far as a necessity for a cul-de-sac, he noted there were minor reasons for having one there, including fire department access. However, he stated he had contacted the fire department and they did not require a cul-de-sac. He stated the road had worked for over 40 years. He acknowledged the road, as it was, might be a little difficult for snow plowing since the turnaround was too small for major equipment. He indicated the cul-de-sac would impact his property and his neighbor's in that it would be very close to his property line and would take a considerable amount of grass from his neighbor's property. He stated he had planted many trees along Ingerson Court and was concerned about the loss of the trees if the cul-de-sac was put in. He stated there were problems with sloping in his driveway, as well as elevation issues. He indicated the drainage issue had been looked at many times by the City Engineer. Mayor ApIikowski responded Mr. Moore was out ill today, but the Council would bring this up with him upon his return. Council member Grant asked if Mr. Woodburn favored a hammerhead design. Mr. Woodburn replied the road worked as it was. CounciImember Rem stated the Council had also heard comments from the neighborhood about the design of the cul-de-sac. She stated she believed most people would like to leave things as they were. . Mayor ApIikowski stated she had discussed this with Mr. Moore, and she believed if it was not broken, not to fix it, but she noted they were still in negotiations. Mr. Parrish stated he would pass these comments on to Mr. Moore and Mr. Brown for their review and consideration. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2003 6 Mr. Woodburn requested his name be added to any mailing list and/or notification list the City had regarding Ingerson Court. Mali Lanl!lie, 1653 Glenview Court, stated she was in sixth grade and had been nominated to represent her school and community at the Junior National Leader's Conference in Washington, DC. She noted this was a non-profit, educational organization that brought middle school students from all over the country for a six (6) day leadership conference. She noted they would be working on leadership skills at that conference. She summarized for the Council the cost of her participation in this conference. Through her parents, school, savings, and other businesses, she had raised $500. She stated she hoped that Arden Hills City Council would assist her with some of the cost of the conference. She noted this conference would be good for her education and improve her leadership skills. She stated she would appreciate support for her sponsorship request. She noted the conference was March 8th through March 13th. Councilmember Rem stated Miss Langlie was going through this presentation at her suggestion. She noted she had pledged a portion of her Council stipend for this conference. Mayor Aplikowski commended Miss Langlie for her actions and congratulated her on her nomination. She stated the Council would see if they could come up with a contribution for her. Mr. Parrish noted staff would provide contact information for charitable gambling organizations. An unidentified resident stated he was here because his Boy Scout Merit Badge required him to attend a City Council meeting and make a presentation at a Boy Scout meeting. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 6. COMMUNITY SERVICES A. PLANNING . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2003 7 1. Guidant: Final AUAR Mr. Parrish stated at the January 27, 2003, Council meeting, the Council authorized distribution of the final Guidant Alternative Urban Areawide Review and Mitigation Plan for comment and objections. The objection period ended February 11, 2003. To date, the City had received no objections from any of the agencies that submitted comments. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 03-26: Approving the Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 7. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE A. Operations and Maintenance None. B. Recreation A. 2003 Track Program Ms. Olson stated at the Council's December 2, 2002, meeting, the Council approved a reduction in funding for the Track Program based upon the philosophical differences in who should sponsor this program. She noted the Track Program was completely funded through participant registrations. Therefore, should the City reinstate the program, there would be no net change to the operating recreation budget. She recommended the Council reinstate funding for the 2003 Track Program. Mr. Otto stated he had taught at Snail Lake Elementary School for 32 years and the school had coordinated the elementary track program for 35 years. He noted in the early 1980's, the school had dropped funding for this program. He stated for the past 20 years, they had worked with various communities to coordinate the track program. He summarized the track program and the number of students who participated in it. He noted the program did not run in the red, therefore, he could ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2003 8 . not understand why the program was dropped when they were not losing money. He noted other City Park and Recreation Departments were in favor of this program. He indicated they took a great deal of pride in this program and they all worked hard for the children. He asked the Council to reconsider. Councilmember Larson noted it was hard to pick and chose what programs the City should get involved in. Mr. Otto asked what the objection was since they were not losing money. Ms. Olson noted there would be no net change to the budget if the Council reinstated the Track Program. MOTION: Councilmember Rem moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to reconsider funding the 2003 Track Program. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . Councilmember Grant stated because it appeared that this program did not cost the City any money and supported the children in the community he would support reinstating this program. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve reinstating funding for the after school 2003 Track Program as presented to the Council. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 8. ADMINISTRATION A. Administrator Vacancy Mr. Parrish stated with the vacancy of the City Administrator position, the Council needed to think about how to fill the vacancy. He noted the Council could go through the standard hiring process or retain an executive search firm. He asked the Council which option they wanted to proceed with. Councilmember Grant and Council member Rem stated they would prefer . using an executive search firm. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2003 9 CounciImember Holden stated if the Council retained a search firm, she requests that the deadline for retaining a City Administrator be included as part of the proposal from the search firms. CounciImember Larson noted because of the cost, he would prefer advertising for this position. He stated while this would take more time on the Council and staffs part, it would be less expensive. He believed the outcome would be just as good. Mayor ApIikowski noted it would take more time on the Council's part, but she believed they would obtain a good result if they advertised for the position. Ms. Young stated she could see the City accelerating hiring the process. CounciImember Rem noted she wanted this done well. She indicated the City Administrator's position was a key position, and the Council had a number of other issues they would be working on in the near future. She questioned if the Council would have the time to spend on a thorough search and interview process for candidates. CounciImember Larson clarified it was the responsibility of the Council and not the staff to make the decision, so it would not take up more of staffs time and resources. He stated his main concern was the cost of an executive search firm and the time frame a search firm would need. Mayor Aplikowski requested staff compile a list of search firms for the next Council meeting on March 10, 2003. She indicated the Council would then review the search firms and at that time, make a decision whether or not to use a search firm. She requested they discuss the City Administrator's job description at the next work session. B. Interim City Accountant Services Mr. Parrish explained, with the City Administrator and City Accountant/Treasurer pOSitIOns currently vacant, staff was requesting authorization to pursue an agreement to retain temporary city accounting services and authorize additional compensation for the Finance and Human Resources Assistant. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 10 MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to authorize staff to pursue an agreement to retain temporary city accounting services and for information to be brought back at the March 10, 2003, Council Meeting; also, to authorize additional compensation for the Finance and Human Resources Assistant. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution No. 03-25: Appointing an Interim Administrator/Clerk Mr. Parrish stated with the City Administrator position vacant, it was necessary to appoint a staff member to serve in his capacity on an interim basis. He noted it was fairly common practice to provide additional compensation when additional duties were assumed. Based on the questionnaire sent to City Human Resource Directors, a fairly typical approach was to provide a 15% salary increase over the term of the appointment. He noted a car allowance was also provided for. Councilmember Holden requested an explanation for the car allowance. Mr. Parrish noted they had looked at what other cities did in this type of situation and also what the City had done in the past, with respect to salary and car allowance. After discussion, the Council decided to waive the car allowance and reimburse mileage under the current IRS guidelines. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 03-25: Appointing Aaron Parrish as the Interim Administrator/Clerk and approving a fifteen percent (15%) salary increase to the current step in the Pay Plan for Director of Community Services. Also, a car allowance was to be tied to actual mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Highway 96 Discussion . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 I I Mr. Parrish noted the Council needed to decide on the ground cover types and landscaping along with sidewalks and trails on the north and south side of Highway 96. The Council also needed to decide on irrigation, lighting, and whether a gateway sign should be placed at Lexington A venue. Councilmember Rem requested staff investigate the cost for the City to put in irrigation and lighting and to investigate the trail issues with the county. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Grant - stated there was an Open House for the Ramsey County Public Works Facility on Wednesday, February 25,2003, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. He noted a Maintenance Facilities Task Force meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. On March 8, 2003, the Ramsey County League of Local Governments was sponsoring a session on the budget crisis and requested the Councilmembers RSVP for that meeting if they were planning on attending. Councilmember Holden - requested the casino/gaming resolution be put on the next Council Meeting agenda. CounciImember Larson - noted the Lake Johanna Fire Department Board was meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at Station No.2 at 7:00 p.m. CounciImember Rem - asked if it was the Council's plan to have the TCAAP Restoration Advisory Board at the next work session on March 17, 2003, as originally planned. Mr. Parrish replied he believed they could be on the agenda for that work session. She noted the Pioneer Press had stated the Arden Hills Library was being proposed to be closed in January, 2004. She reminded the Council the School Board was having a community forum at 7:00 p.m. next Monday, March 3, 2003, at the Shoreview Community Center to discuss their funding issues. Mayor Aplikowski - stated the entrance sign by the Cleveland Bridge still had old population numbers on it, and requested staff follow up with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) on getting this changed. She noted they were looking to have to come up with a $50,000 difference due to the State budget cuts and Council needed to discuss this in the near future. She requested they . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2003 12 have a future discussion regarding the Sheriffs Department's proposal to move to the TCAAP property. Mr. Parrish - asked the Council's comfort level with proceeding to Stage 2 of the TCAAP planning. Councilmembers Larson and Grant indicated they felt comfortable proceeding to Stage 2 without the environmental study. Mayor Aplikowski stated she would like to see the environmental study prior to vIsIOnIng. City Attorney Filla noted the City was not responsible for the clean up and therefore, it would not hurt to do some visioning. Councilmember Rem requested the Advisory Panel be notified of the Council's decision. Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:30 p.m. '''\ //1,~ !>t&""r7 _ ___--, -k--z.,-,.,L 1 Aaron Parrish Interim City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, March 10,2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arden Hills Council Chambers.