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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-1996 CMW COUNCIL/MANAGER WORKSHOP OF THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 1996 Maplewood Room, City Hall MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bastian at 5:02 p.m. B. ROLL CALL Mayor Gary Bastian Present Councilmember Sherry Allenspach Present Councilmember Dale Carlson Present Councilmember Marvin Koppen Present Councilmember George Rossbach Present Others Present (during some or all of the meeting): City Manger Michael McGuire Assistant City Manager Craig Dawson Finance Director Dan Faust Fire Chief Joel Hewitt Public Safety Director Ken Collins Park and Recreation Director Bruce Anderson Public Works Director Ken Haider Community Development Director Melinda Coleman Human Resource Director Sherrie Le C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Bastian requested that the following item be added: (J3) Mayor's Update. Mayor Bastian moved approval of the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carlson and approved. Ayes: All May 6, 1996 Council/Manager Workshop Page Two D. OPEN SPACE 1. Regnier/GJR Development Property (east of Arcade St., north of Keller Pkwy.): City Manager McGuire introduced the item and Assistant City Manager Dawson briefed _ the Council about the latest price proposed by the Regniers. Council expressed concerns _ about the status of the driveway easement, the developability of the property north of this easement, possible obligations to the landlocked parcel east of this property, and whether Ramsey County would allow access to its open space adjacent to the Regnier property. Council directed staff to pursue the potential purchase of this property, with further direction following Council discussion of the information on these questions at the May 20 Council meeting. 2. Other: Council received a memorandum on the azbitrage status of the open space bonds. The City has met the requirement that 85 percent of net bond proceeds be spent within three years of issuance. E. EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION & AWARD PROGRAM City Manager McGuire introduced the topic and Community Development Director Coleman and Human Resource Director Le discussed its specifics. Council was supportive of the program as proposed. Initial funding could come from the charitable gambling tax fund rather than the general fund. The program and funding were to be placed on the agenda of a future City Council meeting. F. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW City Manager McGuire noted that the proposed 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) would result in additional tax levies of $370,000 to $430,000 during these five years. In 1997, CIP expenditures would increase the City's portion of the property tax four percent. Most of the increase is in fire service needs. Two referenda were shown: $1.3 million for fire service improvements in 1497, and $3.0 million for park improvements in 1999. Al] of the new debt due to the proposed CIP would be within Moody's median debt ratios. Council discussed parks, sealcoating and road rehabilitation, large trucks, fire equipment, and ambulances. Fire Chief Hewitt provided an update on alternatives for an existing 80-foot ladder truck. Councilmember Rossbach noted the DNR may be willing to fund and erect informational/historical kiosks along the Gateway and Munger trails. May 6, 1996 Council/Manager Workshop Page Three G. FIRE DEPARTMENT - City Manager McGuire updated the Council on discussions at the May 1 meeting of the Fire Committee. The firefighters had two requests: (1) joint meeting with all or some of the City Council to resolve eleven issues and whatever others that maybe identified; and (2) increases in the City's contribution to the Maplewood Fire Relief Association. Council discussion at the Workshop focused on the pension improvements. The City had proposed a contribution of $1,900 per firefighter per year. The firefighters had a requested a City contribution of $2,460 per firefighter per year to either a defined benefit or a defined contribution plan. There was confusion about what contributions would yield different benefit amounts. Council then discussed a timeline needed for a smooth transition to a Maplewood Fire Department, and - timelines for what may be necessary should the City and the three fire companies not come to an agreement on consolidation. Mayor Bastian moved that a special meeting be set for 6:00 p.m. Monday. May 13, in Conference Room A The meeting would be closed as the Council would discuss contract negotiations for fire services. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carlson and approved. Ayes: All H. MAPLEWOOD'S 40th ANNIVERSARY PLANNING City Manager McGuire introduced the topic and Assistant City Manager Dawson highlighted the alternatives presented in the staff memorandum. Council consensus was to have 40th anniversary activities tied in with traditional community events and celebrations. Staff should coordinate a loose committee of community organizations and City commissions. Council directed staff to prepaze a budget and a more refined concept plan for consideration at an upcoming Council meeting. I. UPDATE ON REORGANIZATION City Manager McGuire reviewed the revised job description for the City Clerk and discussed his plans to reorganize responsibilities by shifting several functions out of the City Clerk's Office. He stated that he was planning on posting and advertising for the position next week and inquired if there were any additional comments from councilmembers. May 6, 1996 Council/Manager Workshop Page Four J. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Ramsey County Fair: City Manager McGuire noted the Fair was making a booth available for use by the City during the 40 hours the Fair is open July 17-21. Councilmembers wished to have a booth, and volunteered to staff it for a shift apiece (Mayor Bastian noted he will be out of town). 2. Employee Picnic: City Manager McGuire related the Employee Picnic will be held on Wednesday, August 21. Councilmembers volunteered to cook the meats to be served. The City will host Maplewood's Night Out on Tuesday, August 6. It will combine National Night Out Against Crime, aCity/Community Center open house, and a Taste of Maplewood featuring food booths of local restaurants along the trail between City Hall and the Community Center. Council indicated it would waive fees for temporary food licenses for this event. A contingency plan will be developed for the Taste of Maplewood if the restaurants are not interested in hosting booths. 3. Mayor's Update: Mayor Bastian shared letters with the Council regarding: ISD 622 acknowledging the City's request to form a committee to name the school replacing North High School; weekend tee times reserved for "club" members at the public Keller Golf Course; and LMC Bulletin announcement of acommunity-oriented policing seminar; and the AMM annual meeting on May 23. Mayor Bastian also noted that interviews were scheduled with two candidates to be selected for one seat on the Park and Recreation Commission. They will be held at 5:00 - and 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. K. FUTURE TOPICS The list of future topics was noted. L. ADJOURNMENT At 7:10 p.m., Mayor Bastian moved that the Workshop be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Carlson and approved. Ayes: All -