Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-1997 CMW COUNCIL/MANAGER WORKSHOP CITY OF MAPLEWOOD 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 1997 Maplewood Room, City Hall MINUTES. A. Call to Order Mayor Bastian called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. B. Roll Call _ Mayor Gary Bastian Present Councilmember Sherry Allenspach Present Councihnember Dale Carlson Present Councilmember Marvin Koppen Present Councilmember George Rossbach Present Others Present City Manager Michael McGuire Finance Director Dan Faust City Clerk Karen Guilfoile Community Services Coordinator Colleen Dirkswager Assistant to the Manager Tim Busse Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Anderson Fire Chief Joe] Hewitt C. Apuroval of Agenda City Manager McGuire requested to include items relating to business cards/letterhead, and scheduling a special meeting with Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt regarding the proposed Ramsey County Pool. Bastian moved to amend the agenda to add item Ml, business cards/letterhead and M2, special meeting. Bastian moved approval of the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carlson. Ayes: All August 4, 1997 CounciUManager Workshop page 2 D. Community Center Operations Fund Finance Director Faust summarized the financial report on the Community Center Operations Fund for the fast six months of 1997. Faust reported that the Year to Date Net Operating Loss was $55,273. The Council has budgeted an Annual Net Operating Loss of $120,000. In comparing the Net Operating Loss of 1996 to 1997, Faust reported an improvement. Faust also reported the Operating Loss specifically for the month of June to be $2,257, compared to $21,696 in June 1996. Councilmember Koppen inquired whether the improvements came about due to increased revenues or decreased expenses. Faust reported that while revenues are down slightly from 1996, net operating expenses are $93,861 less than in the first half of 1996. Parks and Recreation Director Anderson credited staffing reduction, fewer operating hours and improved efficiency in utilities as the main reasons operating expenses are down. Anderson also distributed the daily sales report for July which show an increase of $30,000 over last year. Anderson credited increased memberships for the increase. Anderson also reported on the effectiveness of Community Service staff and procedures dealing with a lockerbreak-in. E. Jov Park City Manager Mike McGuire reported that the City of North Saint Paul has expressed informal interest in taking over Joy Park. The Council discussed possible development of the park and the possibilities of a long term lease or exchange with North Saint Paul. The Council instructed McGuire to not pursue the proposal. F. Ouen Space Update and Plans McGuire informed the Council that approximately $650,000 remains in the Open Space Fund. McGuire reported that an appraisal has been ordered on the Bradley Oaks parcel. Discussion ensued on a variety of other possible parcels. G. Deer Populations In response to residents requests for a deer management program, Assistant to the Manager Tim Busse reported that the Department of Natural Resources requires a formal deer count as the first step in a deer management program. Anecdotal evidence of the number of deer indicates the problem may not be excessive. In comparison to other cities with deer control programs in effect, the number of car/deer collisions in Maplewood is relatively low. The Council decided to schedule a public forum on deer populations at their August 11 meeting. August 4, 1997 CounciVManager Workshop page 3 H. On-Sale/Off-Sale Liquor Fees City Clerk Karen Guilfoile provided an informational analysis of liquor license fees and permits charged by the city. Finance Duector Faust reported that the 1998 budget anticipated a three percent increase. The Council discussed the information with no action required. I. Update on Compost Pit City Manager McGuire reported that the Maplewood Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the compost pit on August 18. Mayor Bastian asked when it was expected to be in front of the City Council. McGuire estimated it would be scheduled by the end of September. It was decided the Council will schedule a special meeting on the Compost Pit at their August 11 meeting. The Council also discussed holding regularly scheduled Council meetings are a variety of sites throughout the city. J. Update on Community Pool Councihnember Allenspach reported on a meeting with residents on the proposed community pool. Allenspach said that residents appear to understand that the initial decisions on the pool will come at the county level. She echoed their primary argument that the 1981 needs assessment that said a pool is needed in the area is not relevant in 1997. Councilmember Rossbach noted that the County communication with the City Council has not been effective. K. Fire Department Update Fire Chief Joel Hewitt reported on recent Fire Department activities and the status of merger activities. Hewitt told the Council that the first half of the year has been dedicated to streamlining the administrative functions of the department and the second half will concentrate more on the operational aspects of the department. Hewitt summarized the 11 Committees formed within the Department and the activities each is undertaking. With 60 percent of calls coming between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m, Monday through Friday, Hewitt cited daytime response as the biggest challenge facing the department. Another . sizable challenge will be replacing the firefighters who are moving to the Oakdale department. Hewitt said the average response time is 7.5 minutes, and 74 percent of business is EMS. Discussion ensued on response times, issues with the fire relief association and service time required before firefighters become vested. August 4, 1997 Council/Manager Workshop page 4 L. Community Oriented Services Uadate ' Community Oriented Services Coordinator Colleen Dirkswager highlighted the National Night Out activities and encouraged council and staff participation. M. Other Business 1. Business Cards/Letterhead City Manager McGuire reported on possible changes in the city logo on business cards and letterhead. The Council shared their opinions on possible designs, and instructed McGuire to finalize a decision. Councilmember Rossbach suggested waiting until questions surrounding a possible change in area code is resolved before moving too far ahead with new letterhead and business cards. 2. Meeting with Victoria Reinhardt Mayor Bastian moved the change the start time of the August 11 Council meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in order to discuss the proposed Ramsey County Pool with Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt. Councilmember Allenspach seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Ayes: All N. Future Topics 1. Scheduling of budget meeting O. Adjournment Mayor Bastian moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Councihnember Carlson seconded and the motion was approved. Ayes: All