Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-1997 CMW COUNCIL/MANAGER WORKSHOP CITY OF iVIAPLEWOOD 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 6, 1997 Maplewood Room, City Hall MINUTES A. Call to Order Mayor Bastian called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. B. Roll Call - Mayor Gary Bastian Present Councilmember Sherry Allenspach Present Councilmember Dale Carlson. Present Councilmember George Rossbach Present Councilmember Marvin Koppen Absent Others Present. City Manager Michael McGuire Police Chief Mike Ryan Assistant to the Manager Tim Busse Community Oriented Services Coordinator Colleen Dirkswager Don Wickland, Minnesota Department of Transportation Sam Gargaro, Minnesota Department of Transportation C. Approval of Agenda Councilmember Rossbach requested the addition of MNDOT, Edgerton Parking and NAPA to the agenda. Mayor Bastian requested the addition of a Mayor's update. Mr. McGuire requested the addition of October 27 meeting, and liquor license fees. Mavor Bastian moved approval of the agenda as amended Councilmember Carlson seconded the motion. Ayes: All Present Council/Manager Workshop October 6, 1997 page 2 D. 800 Mhz Analog and Digital Communication Mr. Gargaro and Mr. Wickland gave the Council an overview of the State of Minnesota's efforts to build an 800 Mhz communications backbone within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Mr. Gargaro explained that most government agencies currently use conventional VHF or iJHF radio systems. The lack of spectrum combined with the 92 different jurisdictions using the system in the metro area has caused the current radio channels to become very congested. In addition to the congestion, the current system does not allow agencies to talk to one another, a drawback which has had tragic consequences in the past. A region-wide system would allow inter-operability between individual agencies which would clearly be useful in emergency or disaster situations. Mr. Wickland pointed out the quality benefits of moving from analog to digital modulation. The benefits include greater channel and spectrum efficiency, a reduction in static, noise and interference, and enhanced privacy and security. Mr. Gargaro reported that the state plan envisions a regional backbone and county subsystems built on each county's own timeline. Councilmember Rossbach questioned whether a new system would mean more tower placements within cities. Mr. Wickland explained that fewer towers are needed for 800 Mhz technology than are needed for cellular phone service. He also pointed out that a number of towers are already in place. While participation would not be mandatory, Councilmember Rossbach commented that if not every community participated, the overall system would be weakened. Mr. Gargaro stated that the cost to build that regional backbone is estimated at $28.5 million. Councilmember Rossbach speculated that the total cost for conversion to 800 Mhz technology could go as high as $1 billion. E. Stormwater Management Plan Mr. McGuire presented a memorandum from Public Works Director Ken Haider explaining the staff recommendation to not complete a formal storm water management plan. In his memo, Mr. Haider explained that the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District recently completed a good watershed management plan that includes sufficient detail to guide the city in planning level decisions. When the city becomes involved in more specific projects, an analysis is done that is efficient and that provides more public input than could be provided by a consultant at a comprehensive planning level. With that in mind, Mr. McGuire reported that city staff will work with the Metropolitan Council and the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District to prepare the minimum documentation required to comply with the law. CounciUManager Workshop October 6, 1997 page 3 F. Recap of September 22 Council Meeting Mr. Busse presented a review of the September 22 Council Meeting at Carver Community Gym. Mayor Bastian suggested using available funds to purchase lavaliere microphones and other equipment necessary to improve technical capabilities and make future meetings better. Mr. Busse suggested that a Council meeting "program" be developed to provide information on the specific meeting and to provide general information regarding city government. Mayor Bastian suggested creating a cable program explaining Council meetings, and Councihnember Allenspach suggested moving public hearings to the start of meetings when meeting outside of the Council Chambers. G. Community Oriented Services Update Ms. Dirkswager provided an update on recent community oriented service activities. She reported that the goals and projects assigned to the COS-have been re-evaluated to help provide new direction and emphasis. Ms. Dirkswager presented the Council with the results of an informal survey conducted during the Mid Sumner Night events of 143 residents regarding their attitude toward city services. She has contacted the 22 people who responded a willingness to be a neighborhood block captain or city volunteer. Mr. McGuire also reported that Maplewood's National Night Out Celebration received a national award for Night Out activities. A. Other Business 1. MNDOT Councilmember Rossbach said he has been contacted by residents concerned about the use of the MNDOT facility. Ms. Dirkswager distributed a copy of the proposed agenda for an upcoming neighborhood meeting and stressed that the placement of a cellular tower was not on the agenda. Discussion ensued about who would be attending the neighborhood meeting. 2. Edgerton Parking Councihnember Rossbach brought up the subject of parking at apartments at Edgerton Street and Bradley Street. The lack of parking has created public safety problems, and has resulted in a number of parking tickets to residents. Mr. McGuire said that CounciUManager Workshop October 6, 1997 page 4 Community Development Director Melinda Coleman would look into possible zoning remedies and City Attorney Patrick Kelly would look into possible legal solutions. 3. NAPA Councihnember Rossbach questioned whether the Design and Review Board approved painting the new NAPA Auto Parts Store on White Bear Avenue completely blue. Mr. McGuire said that staff would look into the issue and report back to the Council. 4. Mayor's Update Mayor Bastian asked if any Council members were planning to attend the event for seniors and persons with disabilities group on October 16. The Mayor also announced a teleconference sponsored by the University of Vermont on management and strategic planning. Mayor Bastian reported thaf the Fire Department Relief Association met and approved new by-laws. Of approximately 140 members, 26 attended the meeting and approved the by-law changes which will update the by-laws and allow members to collect from both Maplewood and Oakdale. The Mayor also reported on a variety of other items including a new deer repellant named Tree Guard that is now available; the restoration of a wetland near Lake Phalen; and a newspaper article on a St. Paul pawn shop going out of business after 20 years. The shop owner was quoted as saying that a 285 percent increase pawn shop fees over the past few years caused him to go out of business. The Mayor pointed out that reasonable cost of _ living increases each year in fees helps to prevent increases of that size. Mayor Bastian also reported that he is a finalist for a Trial Court Judge position. The Mayor said he is running for Mayor and intends to be Mayor beginning in 1998 unless appointed. The timing of the fmal appointment and potential swearing-in are unknown, and the Mayor will keep the Council up to date on any developments. 5. October 27 Council Meeting Mr. McGuire informed the Council that the October 27 Council meeting is scheduled for Edgerton School. Formal approval of the move will be required at the October 13 Council meeting. CounciUManager Workshop October 6, 1997 page 5 6. Liquor License Referendum Wording Mr. McGuire told the Council that the wording for the liquor license referendum would be on the Consent Agenda at the October 13 meeting. He asked if the Council wanted to go on record in favor of holding the licenses for restaurant and hotel complexes. The Council directed staff to prepare the agenda item with language to that effect. L Adjournment Mayor Bastian moved to adjourn the meeting at 6.22 p.m. Councilmember Carlson seconded the motion. Ayes: All present.