HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-30 CC - ApprovedCITY OF CENTERVILLE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 30, 2008
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held its regularly scheduled meeting
on December 30, 2008, at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Mary Capra
Council Member Linda Broussard-Vickers ~~ ~
Council Member Michelle Lakso ~~
Council Member Tom Lee ~ ~ 0
Council Member Jeff Paar
STAFF: City Administrator Dallas Larson
City Attorney Kurt Glaser
City Engineer Mark Statz
L CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Capra called the December 30, 2008, City Council Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
IL PUBLIC HEARING
None
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Capra made the following additions to the Agenda:
Under Consent Agenda, Item 1, added Page 12a.
Under Consent Agenda, Item 6, changed "Grade 4, Step 7, to Grade 4, Step 8" to "Grade 4,
Step 6, to Grade 4, Step 7."
Under Consent Agenda, added Item 8, Res. #08-0XX -Sponsorship of Community
Development Block Grant Application.
Under Old Business, Item 1, added a., Res. #08-0XX - 2009 Street Improvement Project -
Reschedule Public Hearing (Page 20a-20c).
Under Old Business, added Item 6, Bonestroo Request for Additional $35,000 for CSAH
14 Reconstruction Project.
Under Announcements/LJpdates, Item 2, added a., Res. #08-037 -Recognition of Council
Member Michelle Lakso (Page 60).
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Broussard-Vickers,
to approve the December 30, 2008, Agenda as amended. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 10, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Capra made the following change to the Minutes:
Change all references to "Councilmember Lee" to "Acting Mayor Lee" from Page 1
through Item 5 on Page 6.
Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve the
December 10, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. All in favor. Motion
carried unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. City of Centerville December 11, 2008, through December 30, 2008 Claims
2. Centennial Fire District Claims through December 12, 2008
3. Centennial Police Department Claims through December 11, 2008
4. Permanent Easement Agreement - Mr. Brent Meyer, 6717 Centerville Road
(Future Entrance Sign) -Subject to Mort a~~ee Approvals
5. Massage Therapist Certificate/License for 2009, Ms. JoAnn Swedock - Serenity
Now Healing
6. Successful Performance Review - Ms. Kim Stephan, Reception/Secretary (Grade
4, Step 6, to Grade 4, Step 7)
7. Successful Performance Review - Ms. Teresa Bender, City Clerk (Grade 8, Step 8,
to Grade 8, Step 9)
8. Res. #08-038 -Sponsorship of Community Development Block Grant Application
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member Paar,
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
VL AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/APPEARANCES
Senator Rav Vandeveer -Session Outlook
Senator Vandeveer stated that he was present to discuss the State's situation, get feedback
from the Council, and to hear the Council's suggestions. Some of the items Senator
Vandeveer discussed included:
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
- Last year, the reserve funds got very low (a projected $400 million short for the
biennium ending June 2008). As a result, the government had to reduce Local Aids
and Credits, and Centerville took a hit on the Homestead Credit. A total of
approximately $271 million was cut from the budget, including the $110 million
for Local Aids and Credits, as well as many cuts in various other areas.
- There is a ban on in-state and out-of--state travel for the Senate, which will save $1
million.
- A $4-5 billion deficit has been projected. This may be the first biennium in 30
years that the State will spend less in the upcoming 2 years than in the previous 2
years. To avoid raising taxes by $1,200 per person, the Governor suggested an
option to restructure, consider selling some State assets, or consider leasing part of
them out to a private company (possibly St. PauUMinneapolis International
Airport). Another option used by some other States, but not suggested by the
Governor, would be turning 35W over to a private company to operate and let them
take tolls from it.
Mayor Capra stated that there would be a $43,000 impact on Centerville's total budget of
$2 million, which would have to be made up in some fashion. She added that with fuel
costs down, it may soften the City's budget.
Councilmember Lee stated that Centerville did not get much Local Government Aid as
comparable cities and suggested that the Legislature look at this. This year Centerville
only received $22,000, and next year they will receive $0.
City Administrator Larson stated that Local Government Aid is given to the City and the
homestead credit is given to homeowner. He pointed out that these are distinctly different,
and they should be categorized differently.
Mayor Capra inquired whether there was any discussion about loosening some of the
mandates.
Senator Vandeveer stated that a lot of property tax is masked and used by the State to
accomplish other things. He stated that property tax is a more glaring issue with the
homeowners because it has risen more than the rate of inflation. Watershed Districts are
not State-wide and its members are appointed by counties, so they have very little
oversight. Once Watershed members are selected (but not elected), they can raise property
taxes, pretty much without limit. He suggested that Watershed budgets should be
approved by the counties in which they are located, and advised that he has submitted a
proposal regarding this issue. Senator Vandeveer commented that the State hides a lot of
programs behind property taxes and more transparency is needed to fix this.
Councilmember Paar inquired whether there was any possibly of basing property taxes on
income rather than property value.
Senator Vandeveer replied the assumption is that the higher the home value, the more
income the owner has, which is not necessarily true. The Senate has looked at some ability
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
to pay as part of the property tax and an amendment was introduced to talk about this in
the Senate but there is a real problem with people being taxed out of their homes. This is
one of the reasons for the Watershed proposal.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers inquired whether anyone is working on the Green Acre
changes.
Senator Vandeveer replied that he is supporting a repeal of the changes that were made
because there were some problems with what they had done. He requested that changes be
allowed within a 2-year period. He stated, however, that repeal is not likely.
Mayor Capra inquired whether a number of bills they wanted to watch could be placed on
the Internet.
Senator Vandeveer stated that it is very easy for citizens to follow the Legislature's actions
on: www.le~.mn. He added that they are discussing another Minnesota miracle. The
purpose of this was originally to buy down the property taxes, and they are attempting to
locate more money to buy down property taxes.
Councilmember Paar inquired whether half of the budget goes to education.
Senator Vandeveer replied that about 40% of the budget goes to education.
Councilmember Paar asked why cities have to levy households for additional funds.
Senator Vandeveer replied the levies were taken off the property tax in 2001, which
reduced the taxes about 35%. In 3 years, that reduction was gone because voters approved
more levies. Senator Vandeveer stated he understands that, regarding tax, you should be
able to see it, know what you are paying for, and it should be "real."
Mayor Capra thanked Senator Vandeveer for his time.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
T.A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. - 2009 Street Improvement Project Award Extension
City Engineer Statz stated that the City has asked the low bidder to offer an extension. The
current deadline is January 27, 2009, and they would like this extended to February 11,
2009, to allow enough time to have a Public Hearing and make a decision.
City Attorney Glaser stated that the wording needs to be fixed so there is not a guarantee
that the low bidder will be selected.
a. Res. #08-039 - 2009 Street Improvement Project -Reschedule Public
Hearin
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City Administrator Larson stated that the City Council needs to approve the
resolution. He stated that they had an exhibit with all the street names at the
hearing; however, this exhibit did not get sent with the Legal Notice to the citizens.
Mayor Capra suggested that they schedule a Public Hearing on January 21, 2009.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers proposed that they schedule a Work Session on
January 7, 2009.
Mayor Capra suggested that they consider a 5-Year Plan at the Work Session. She
stated that they have new concerns about the economy and could also welcome the
new Councilmember.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers suggested that the swearing in of the new
Councilmember be done on January 2.
Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to
Approve Res. #08-039, 2009 Street Improvement Proiect, to reschedule the
Public Hearing to January 21, 2009, at 6:30 p.m., after citizens have received
new notices of the change. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
2. City Code Amendments (Tabled from Previous Meeting
a. Ord. #26, Chapter 50
City Attorney Glaser reviewed the proposed changes with the City Council.
Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Paar, to
approve Ordinance #26, Second Series, amending Chapter 50. All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
b. Ord. #27, Chapter 110
City Attorney Glaser reviewed the proposed changes with the City Council.
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Broussard-
Vickers, to approve Ordinance #27, Second Series, amending Chapter 110. All
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Ord. #28, Chapter 130
City Attorney Glaser reviewed the proposed changes with the City Council.
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to
approve Ordinance #28, Second Series, amending Chapter 130. All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Glaser stated that the Council needs to approve the summary ordinance
amendments for publication that were passed during the City Council's last meeting and
during this meeting.
Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve the
Summary of Ordinance Amendments for publication, that were passed by Ordinance
for the City of Centerville during the City Council's December 10, 2008, Meeting and
December 30, 2008 Meeting, as presented in the City Council's packet on Pages 48
through 53, with the exclusion of the Ordinances in the Chapter 150 series. All in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Crystal Military Museum Request to Utilize 7087 - 20th Avenue to Restore 1950
Studebaker Fire En'.
Councilmember Lee stated that he did not think it was in the City's budget to buy parts for
an old fire engine.
Mayor Capra replied that she believes this would be limited to only smaller items.
City Administrator Larson stated that the City will need to set up an agreement with the
Crystal Military Museum regarding the details.
City Attorney Glaser stated that they do not want to pay taxes if the City rents this out for
money. He added that the Crystal Military Museum will need to have insurance and a
good contract. There should also be rules on what they will do to the fire engine, and what
the City will get in return.
Mayor Capra stated that the Museum would like along-term relationship, but she told
them that for now the City is just looking at a temporary arrangement.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers recommended that the Museum be asked to get a
SO1C3 before the City works with them.
City Attorney Larson advised that getting a SO1C3 will take some time to accomplish.
It was discussed that City Attorney Glaser and City Administrator Larson would come
back to the City Council at a later date with a progress report.
4. Goal-Setting Work Session Scheduling
As discussed in Item la above, this Work Session will be scheduled on January 7, 2009, at
6:30 p.m.
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
Abdo, Eick & Meyers Audit Proposal - 2009
City Administrator Larson stated that Abdo, Eick & Meyers have agreed to a 5% reduction
in fee, in exchange for another 2-year Agreement.
Councilmember Lee stated that the contractor's proposal seems reasonable.
Motion by Council Member Lee, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve
another 2-year Audit Agreement covering 2009 & 2009 audits, with Abdo, Eick &
Meyers, in exchange fora 5% reduction in the fee. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
6. Bonestroo Request for an Additional $35,000 for the CSAH 14 Reconstruction
Pro, ect
Councilmember Lee stated that the lower amount was in the budget and inquired whether
the project could be continued without the increase. He added that, in private industry, this
increase would not be accepted.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers stated that the City expected Bonestroo to pick up the
slack on what the City's staff could not do. The City would not have wanted the project to
go unsupervised. She stated that, although it is a substantial dollar amount, staff costs that
otherwised would have been expended on the project, would be covered by permit fees.
She added that request for an increase should have come before the Council a lot sooner.
However, the bottom line is that the City's interest was protected, and Bonestroo picked up
on what the City Staff could not do.
Mayor Capra agreed that Bonestroo spent a lot of additional time on the project.
City Attorney Glaser stated that the original proposal was based on City staff being there.
Since circumstances prevented this from occurring, the request for additional fees is in
line.
Discussion ensued.
City Administrator Larson stated that City staff could not be on the project because there
was a vacancy in the building inspector position, which it elected not to fill, and the City
had only one person to cover inspections of the storm damage repairs. At the same time, it
became clear the City could not rely solely on the County. He added that it is unfortunate
it got to the level it did but, if this request had come before the City earlier, it would likely
have been approved.
City Administrator Larson also stated that, when Public Works Director Paul Palzer shifted
over to building inspection, the revenue for building inspection increased, so the City has
benefited financially from him being there, rather than working on the project.
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City of Centerville
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Councilmember Paar stated that he understands this could not be helped, but there should
have been better communication from Bonestroo regarding the situation. He added that, if
this would have been requested in June, he would have approved it.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers suggested that the contractor be paid for only the
number of additional hours they worked in 2008. This calculation would show an
additional 12 hours per week for 20 weeks, which would equal an additional amount of
$21,600 for 2008. She stated that any overage in hours for 2009 could be claimed later in
2009.
City Attorney Glaser stated that this figure is an average only. He added that Bonestroo
would be cautioned to refigure ahead of time for 2009.
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Mayor Capra, to
approve paving Bonestroo $21,600 for the increased hours worked in 2008 on the
CSAH 14 Reconstruction Proiect. Motion failed (3/2). Council Members Lee, Lakso
and Paar opposed.
Councilmember Lee stated that he would like this to be discussed further at the January 7,
2009, Work Session.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Ord. #XX, Chapter 150
This was tabled to the next City Council Meeting.
2. Res. #08-040 - Providin f.~ or Adjustment to the Pay Schedule for Non-Bar a.~ fining
T Tnit Ctaff
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers stated that her recommendation would be to have no
pay increase for the Union or staff for the next cycle. She stated that the increases were
necessary before because of the Union requirement. However, from this point on, they
could have zero percent to make up for the past years when there should not have been as
much of an increase.
Mayor Capra stated that she would like to have a Work Session regarding how pay equity
is affected.
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member Lee, to
Approve Res. #08-040 -Providing Adiustment to the Pay Schedule for Non-
Bargaining Unit Staff. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Res. #08-041 -Self Administrate an Employee Benefits Plan w/Assistance From
AFT A('
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
City Administrator Larson stated that this is a housekeeping action for a compensation
adjustment, which establishes the City's share for health benefits up $25 from the prior
year. This is good for the employer, because some employers pay 100% of healthcare.
This establishes a fixed dollar amount, and the employee will pay the balance. The
average raise in premium rates has been 12-20%. He added that this is only $25 per month
for each of 9 employees, which totals $225.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers inquired whether there were a significant number of
employees who participate in flexible spending.
City Administrator Larson replied that there is not a large amount of participation. He
stated, again, that this is a housekeeping action that the City has to provide to AFLAC.
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member Lakso,
to Approve Res. #08-041 -Self Administrate an Employee Benefits Plan w/Assistance
From AFLAC. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Anoka County Parks -Proposed Visitor Center -Determine Availability of
Watermain or Sanitary Sewer
City Administrator Larson showed the Council a map of where the proposed Visitor Center
would be located. He stated that Anoka County Parks will be applying for a building
permit this year.
City Administrator Larson inquired whether they will be provided with municipal services.
He stated that the City Council needs to decide what should be done and what Anoka
County Parks' portion of the cost would be.
Councilmember Lee stated that this would depend on the cost.
City Administrator Larson stated that if the building will be in Centerville, Centerville will
have a say in it.
Mayor Capra stated that the City would not want to spend money, other than staff time.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Capra stated that this will be brought back before the City Council after they get
more information on the usage and the cost.
5. Mediation Services Request for Contribution for 2009 - $420
City Administrator Larson stated that the City has budgeted for this, but had to make
adjustments.
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member Paar,
to approve the Mediation Services Request for Contribution for 2009 of $420, subiect
to receiving the required feedback on the services they will provide. All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. Summary of Ordinances #23-28, Second Series
This item was acted on during Old Business, Item 2.
7. Anoka County Agreement for Residential Recyclin'~ Program 2009
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member Paar,
to approve the Anoka County Agreement for Residential Recycling Program 2009.
All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES
City Administrator, Dallas Larson
None
2. Mayor Mary Capra -Recovery Funds for Hugo
Mayor Capra reported that during the 35E Coalition Meeting, there was a discussion
regarding the tornado that affected Hugo. She stated that Hugo had $500,000 in monies to
spend for recovery. Governor Pawlenty stated that Hugo could request a special session,
but he hoped Hugo would wait for the 2009 Session. Now Hugo is concerned, because of
the cuts, that they may not get the recovery monies.
Mayor, Mayor Capra -Council Member Lakso Farewell
Mayor Capra stated that, as a fellow woman in government, Council Member Lakso made
her proud. She stated that there are not a lot of women who serve in government, but
Council Member Lakso stepped up to the challenge.
a. Res. #08-037 - Recognition of Council Member Michelle Lakso
Mayor Capra read Resolution #08-037 -Recognition of Council Member Michelle
Lakso.
Motion by Council Member Broussard-Vickers, seconded by Council Member
Paar, to Approve Res. #08-037 -Recognition of Council Member Michelle
Lakso. All in favor. Motion carried (4/0/1) Council Member Lakso abstained
from the vote.
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City of Centerville
City Council Meeting
December 30, 2008
Mayor Capra presented Councilmember Lakso with a small windchime and a copy of the
Noise Ordinance. She stated that a pencil pad with a clock was also ordered, but currently
on backorder.
Councilmember Lakso addressed the City Council and stated that she had learned a lot and
had loved every minute of serving on the City Council. She stated that she is planning to
do something similar, and work for the community, for the rest of her life. She stated that
she will continue working with CERT, whose mission is to keep everyone safe in good
times and bad. Councilmember Lakso thanked the City Council for the opportunity to
serve with them and stated again that it was a great experience.
Councilmember Paar stated that Councilmember Lakso is extremely professional. He
noted that although Councilmember Lakso had another newborn, she still dove into various
tasks in an unbelievable way and should be commended. Councilmember Parr stated that
Councilmember Lakso did not just say what everyone wanted to hear and it has been great
serving with her.
Councilmember Lee stated that he has heard a lot of people say how busy they are and
suggested they should come to Councilmember Lakso when they think they have no time.
He added that Councilmember Lakso is not just a great role model for women, but for
everyone.
Mayor Capra added that even with all Councilmember Lakso had going on, she was still
able to get her Masters Degree.
Councilmember Broussard-Vickers stated she finds it amazing that this length of time has
gone by already. She stated that Councilmember Lakso has come a long way with self-
confidence, and it has been a wonderful transition.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to adiourn
the December 30, 2008, City Council Meeting. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mayor Capra adjourned the December 30, 2008, City Council Meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Bonita Kaska, Recording Secretary
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc
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