HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-13-2009El
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MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
6:30 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2009
Council Chambers, City Hall
Meeting No. 14-09
CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order
at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Longrie.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Diana Longrie, Mayor Present
Erik Hjelle, Councilmember Present
Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present
John Nephew, Councilmember Present
Will Rossbach, Councilmember Present
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The council requested the following items be added to the agenda:
Councilmember Juenemann H1. National Night Out Update
Mayor Longrie H2. Emerald Ash Borer.
Councilmember Nephew H3. Alarm Permits
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 22, 2009, Council Workshop Minute Approval
Councilmember Rossbach moved to approve the June 22, 2009, council workshop minutes as
submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
Approval of June 22, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2009
City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Nephew had corrections to the minutes on page 6 of 219, under approval of June
8, 2009 minutes, the Seconded by motion is missing Councilmember Juenemann's name.
On page 16 of 219, item M4., the Seconded by motion is shown twice and the duplicate motion
should be removed.
On page 23 or 219 item M6. Councilmember Rossbachs motion should say in 2010 rather than
4Pt+k2010.
On page 24 of 219 under city manager performance review, there was a discussion of a goals
workshop and the date of August 3, 2009, was agreed upon and that should be included in the
minutes for the record.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the June 22, 2009, council meeting minutes as
amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
F. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS — PART I
1. Jason Schuller, South Maplewood. Mr. Schuller discussed his opinion about the decision that
was made by Councilmember Rossbach and Juenemann regarding the Wood Task Force.
2. Bob Zick, 2515 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood. Mr. Zick had questions regarding how many
tickets are issued in the city for traffic violations such as parking over the white line. He was
also concerned about City Manager Antonen's residency in Minnesota and whether the
license plate on Mr. Antonen's vehicle was in violation since Mr. Antonen has lived in
Maplewood for four months.
G. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS
None.
H. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
1. National Night Out —Councilmember Juenemann said Tuesday, August 4, 2009 is National
Night Out and for more information residents can call the hotline number at 651-249-2077 or
go to the City of Maplewood website and sign up under the Police Department.
2. Emerald Ash Borer — Mayor Longrie found information at the Isanti County Courthouse
regarding information on the Emerald Ash Borer. For further information people can visit the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a copy of this information.
3. Alarm Permits — Councilmember Nephew said a Maplewood resident had contacted him
regarding an alarm permit fee the resident was unaware they had to pay after having a false
alarm. Councilmember Nephew said he would bring the topic up again at a council meeting.
Councilmember Nephew proposed the alarm permit fee allows for one free false alarm.
Councilmember Nephew asked for input from the council. Then stated maybe the council
could have a workshop regarding false alarms.
July 13, 2009 2
City Council Meeting Minutes
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Resolution Of Appreciation For Rita Andreoli — HRA
a. Planner, Michael Martin read the resolution aloud.
Mayor Longrie moved to approve the resolution of appreciation for Rita Andreoli.
RESOLUTION 09-07-214
OF APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, Rita Andreoli has been a member of the Maplewood Housing and
Redevelopment Authority for nearly two years, since her appointment to the HRA by the city
council on August 8, 2007, until May 18, 2009, and has served faithfully in that capacity; and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority has appreciated her
experience, insights and good judgment; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Andreoli has freely given of her time and energy, without
compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Andreoli has shown dedication to her duties and has consistently
contributed her leadership and effort for the benefit of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED for and on behalf of the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens that Rita Andreoli is hereby extended our gratitude
and appreciation for her dedicated service.
Passed by the Maplewood
City Council on July 13, 2009
Passed by the Maplewood
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
On June 10, 2009
Attest:
Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk
Diana Longrie, Mayor
Gary Pearson, Chairperson
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Holloway Avenue and Stanich Highlands Area Improvements, Project 09-13
a. Public Hearing 7:00 p.m.
b. Resolution Ordering Improvement After Public Hearing (4 Votes)
i. City Engineer, Deputy Public Works Director, Michael Thompson gave the report
and answered questions of the council.
July 13, 2009 3
City Council Meeting Minutes
ii. Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director, Chuck Ahl answered questions of
the council.
Mayor Longrie opened the public hearing.
1. James Leslie, 1721 Ruth Street, Maplewood. (spoke twice)
2. John Syring, 2226 Holloway Avenue, Maplewood.
3. Shelly Hoga, representing the apartment building at Holloway Avenue & North St. Paul Rd.
4. Gene Miller, 1956 Kingston Avenue, Maplewood.
5. Julie Beitler, 1915 Price Avenue, Maplewood.
6. Pete Frank, 1921 Price Avenue, Maplewood
7. Maria T., 1915 Price Avenue, Maplewood.
8. John Panian,1930 Ripley Avenue, Maplewood
9. Joan Miller, 1956 Kingston Avenue, Maplewood.
10. Roger Carle, 2060 Holloway Avenue, Maplewood.
Mayor Longrie closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the resolution ordering the Holloway Avenue and
Stanich Highlands Area Improvements, City Project 09-13. Modifying the amount in the
financing source from street assessments and shifting to GEO bonds to make up for the
difference in the Ripley Avenue Assessments for mill and overlay only. Including the two-
year assessment deferral.
RESOLUTION 09-07-215
ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AFTER PUBLIC HEARING
WHEREAS, a resolution of the city council adopted the 22nd day of June, 2009, fixed a date for a
council hearing on the proposed street and utility improvements for the Holloway Avenue and Stanich
Highlands Area Improvements, City Project 09-13,
AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and published notice of the hearing was given as
stipulated in state statute, and the hearing was duly held on July 13th, 2009, and the council has heard all
persons desiring to be heard on the matter and has fully considered the same;
AND WHEREAS, the city engineer or designated representative had been duly directed on June
22nd 2009 to prepare final plans and specifications for the making of said improvement;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD,
MINNESOTA, as follows:
1. The council will consider the improvement of such streets in accordance with the report
and the assessment of abutting property for all or a portion of the cost of the improvement pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 at an estimated total cost of the improvement of $3,870,000.
a. 2 year interest free deferral is granted to all parcels.
b. Ripley assessment shall be reduced to reflect mill/overlay rate.
c. Decreased assessment financing shall be offset by GO Improvement Bonds increase.
2. That it is necessary, cost-effective and feasible, as detailed in the feasibility report, that
the City of Maplewood make improvements to Holloway Avenue and Stanich Highlands Area, Project 09-
13.
3. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the council resolution adopted this
13th day of July 2009.
July 13, 2009 4
City Council Meeting Minutes
4. The finance director is hereby authorized to make the financial transfers necessary to
implement the financing plan for the project. A project budget of $3,870,000 shall be established as
previously approved on June 22nd, 2009. The proposed financing plan is as follows:
Financing Source
Amount
City of Maplewood — G.O. Improvement Fund
$ 1,203,737
City of Maplewood Street Assessments
$ 686,013
City of Maplewood Storm Assessments
$ 74,250
City of Maplewood Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund
$ 94,000
City of Maplewood M.S.A. — Bonds
$ 434,500
City of Maplewood WAC Funds for St. Paul
$ 45,300
City of Maplewood Environmental Utility Fund
$ 152,000
City of North St. Paul Street Assessments
$ 129,868
City of North St. Paul Funds
$ 342,632
SPRWS Funds
$ 621,700
Ramsey County Funds
$ 56,000
Maplewood Driveway Replacement Program
$ 30,000
Total
$ 3,870,000
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann.
Ayes — Councilmembers Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew
& Rossbach
Nay — Mayor Longrie
The motion passed
Councilmember Nephew made a friendly amendment modifying the amount in the financing
source from street assessments and shifting to GEO bonds to make up for the difference in the
Ripley Avenue Assessments for mill and overlay. Including the two-year assessment deferral.
The Council took a break at 8:20 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
2. Gladstone Phase I — City Project 04-21 — Consider Resolution Ordering
Improvement To Construction (4 Votes)
a. Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director, Chuck Ahl gave the report and
answered questions of the council.
Mayor Longrie opened the public hearing
1. Christopher Hemple, 1120 Garden Avenue, Maplewood.
2. Jon Horn, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., 2550 University Avenue, St. Paul addressed and
answered questions of the council.
3. Bob Erickson, Welch Companies, addressed and answered questions of the council.
4. Link Wilson from an architectural firm addressed and answered questions of the council.
Mayor Longrie closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Hjelle moved to approve the resolution ordering the improvement project (Option
#1) to construction.
RESOLUTION 09-07-216
ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AFTER PUBLIC HEARING
July 13, 2009 5
City Council Meeting Minutes
WHEREAS, a resolution of the city council adopted the 22nd day of June, 2009, fixed a
date for a council hearing on the proposed street and utility improvements for the Gladstone Area
Improvements – Phase I, City Project 04-21,
AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and published notice of the hearing was given as
stipulated in state statute, and the hearing was duly held on July 13th, 2009, and the council has
heard all persons desiring to be heard on the matter and has fully considered the same;
AND WHEREAS, the city engineer or designated representative had been duly directed
on June 22nd, 2009 to prepare final plans and specifications for the making of said improvement;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD,
MINNESOTA, as follows:
1. The council will consider the improvement of such streets, utilities and drainage
improvements in accordance with the report and the assessment of abutting property for all or a
portion of the cost of the improvement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 at an
estimated total cost of the improvement of $3,000,000.
2. That it is necessary, cost-effective and feasible, as detailed in the feasibility report,
that the City of Maplewood make improvements to Gladstone Area Improvements—Phase I,
Project 04-21.
3. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the council resolution
adopted this 13th day of July 2009.
4. The finance director is hereby authorized to make the financial transfers necessary to
implement the financing plan for the project. A project budget of $3,000,000 is approved as
detailed in the Feasibility Report.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes – All
The motion passed
3. Economic Development Authority
a. First Reading –Adopting An Ordinance Establishing The Maplewood Area
Development Authority
i. City Manager, James Antonen addressed the council regarding this item.
ii. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud gave specifics of the ordinance and answered
questions of the council.
Mayor Longrie opened the public hearing
Mark Jenkins, 830 New Century Boulevard, Maplewood, addressed the council.
Mayor Longrie closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the First Reading of the Ordinance forming the
Maplewood EDA and directing staff to bring the matter back for second reading at the next
meeting of council, The notice of the new entity shall be published as required and the EDA will
be active upon said publication.
Seconded by Councilmember Hjelle. Ayes – All
July 13, 2009 6
City Council Meeting Minutes
The motion passed.
b. Consider Resolution Establishing The Maplewood Business and Economic
Development Advisory commission (BEDC)
a. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud gave the report and answered questions of the council.
b. City Manager, James Antonen answered questions of the council.
Councilmember Nephew mentioned mistakes in the document.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance approving the
formation of a BEDC for the City of Maplewood. The draft ordinance should be brought back for
the second reading with the corrections mentioned and the following changes striking the line
about members shall be paid and stating that 3 members should be small business
owners.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
The motion passed.
Ayes — All
Councilmember Hjelle moved to hear the following items before completing the following items
L1, L2, L5, M1, M2, The changed agenda should be heard in the following order of M2, L1, L2,
N1, N2 and L5,
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The City Council took a short recess.
The City Council reconvened.
Mayor Longrie moved to move M2 to Unfinished Business after the recess because the applicant
would like to address the council.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
K. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
M2. Approval of Conditional Use Permit Review — Gethsemane Senior Housing, South
of 2410 Stillwater Road (HEARD OUT OF ORDER)
a. Acting City Manager, Public Works Director introduced specifics of the report.
i. Robert Van Slyke 2845 North Hamline Avenue, Roseville addressed and
answered questions of the council.
Councilmember Hjelle moved to approve the conditional use permit review for Gethsemane Senior
Housing, South of 2410 Stillwater Road and again in one year.
July 13, 2009 7
City Council Meeting Minutes
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
1. Consider Resolution Approving Extension To Open Space Purchase Option Within
Carver Crossing Development Contract (To Be Tabled to July 27, 2009)
a. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud reported.
2. Resolution To Revise the 2009 Budget (Tabled until July 20, 2009)
a. Reduce 2009 Revenue Estimates
b. Reduce 2009 Expenditure Summary
c. Revise 2009 Fund Transfers
L. NEW BUSINESS
Markham Pond Retaining Wall Improvement — City Project 05-18
a. Consider Resolution Receiving Property Owner Improvement Petition
b. Approving Improvement Agreement With Property Owner
c. Approving Plans And Specifications For Improvement And Authorizing Receipt Of Bids
i. Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director Chuck AN introduced specific of the
report.
ii. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud gave the report and answered questions of the council.
1. Emil Sturzenegger, 2455 Londin Lane, Maplewood.
2. Ralph Sletten, 2747 Clarence Street North, Maplewood.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the resolution receiving the project petition from
Azure Properties. Inc.. aoorovina the Improvement Aareement with Azure Properties. Inc.. which
authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement, approves the project plans
and specifications and authorizes the receipt on Auaust 5. 2009. for the Markham Pond Retainina
Wall, City Project 05-18
RESOLUTION 09-07-217
RECEIVING A PROJECT PETITION
APPROVING AND IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS
WHEREAS, pursuant to authorization of the council adopted June 13th, 2005, a report has been
prepared by SEH Engineers, Inc. with reference to the improvement of Markham Pond Retaining Wall,
City Project 05-18, and this report was received by the council on April 23, 2007 and said report provides
information regarding whether the proposed project is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible, and
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2008, the City Engineer was authorized to have made the
preparation of plans and specifications in preparation for a project, and
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2008, the City Attorney was directed to negotiate an improvement
agreement with Azure Properties, Inc. for the improvement project as detailed within the improvement
report, and
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has presented to the City Council final plans and specifications as
prepared by S.E.H. Engineers, and
July 13, 2009 8
City Council Meeting Minutes
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has presented a final version of an Improvement Agreement with
Azure Properties whereby Azure Properties hereby petitions for an improvement as detailed within the
improvement report and waives their right to hearing and assessment objection.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD,
MINNESOTA, THAT:
1. The petition as submitted by Azure Properties, Inc. for the improvement of the retaining wall in
accordance with Option 2A within the report for Markham Pond Improvements is hereby
received and acknowledged noting the waiver of a hearing requirement and assessment
objection.
2. The Improvement Agreement is hereby received and approved, establishing project
conditions and easements and the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and
directed to execute said agreement.
3. The project plans and specifications, as prepared by S.E.H. Engineers, a copy of which are
attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby approved and ordered placed on file in
the office of the city clerk.
4. The city clerk shall prepare and cause to be inserted in the official paper and in the
Construction Bulletin an advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under
such approved plans and specifications. The advertisement shall be published twice, at least
ten days before the date set for bid opening, shall specify the work to be done, shall state that
bids will be publicly opened and considered by the council at 10:00 a.m. on the 5th day of
August, 2009, at the city hall and that no bids shall be considered unless sealed and filed with
the clerk and accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, payable to the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota for five percent of the amount of such bid.
5. The city clerk and city engineer are hereby authorized and instructed to receive, open, and
read aloud bids received at the time and place herein noted, and to tabulate the bids
received. The council will consider the bids, and the award of a contract, at the regular city
council meeting of August 13th, 2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach.
The motion passed.
Further conversation continued among the council.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to call to question.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew.
The motion passed.
July 13, 2009
City Council Meeting Minutes
Ayes — Councilmembers Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew &
Rossbach
Nay — Mayor Longrie &
Councilmember Hjelle
Ayes — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmembers Juenemann,
Nephew & Rossbach
Nay — Councilmember Hjelle
e✓
2. Approval Of Agreement Between The City And The Minnesota Department Of Public
Safety Regarding Dishonored Check Procedures
a. City Clerk, Citizen Services Director, Karen Guilfoile reported.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the agreement between the City of Maplewood and
the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division for the
suspension of registration on vehicles whose owner's present a dishonored check made payable
to the City of Maplewood, Deputy Registrar.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
Councilmember Nephew moved to extend curfew and complete agenda items as discussed
earlier L5, N1, N2.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann.
The motion passed.
Ayes — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmember Juenemann,
Nephew and Rossbach
Nom— Councilmember Hjelle
Councilmember Nephew moved to complete the remainder of the agenda items until Monday,
July 20, 2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach.
The motion passed.
Ayes — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmember Nephew &
Rossbach
Nays — Councilmembers Hjelle &
Juenemann
3. Discussion On Administrative Citations — Councilmember Nephew (Tabled until July
20, 2009)
4. Acceptance Of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (Tabled until July 20, 2009)
5. Suspension Of The Maplewood Monthly Council Corner— Councilmember Nephew
a. Councilmember Nephew gave the report.
b. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud answered questions of the council.
i. Anne Fosburgh, 2516 Idaho Avenue East, Maplewood. (spoke twice) (Ms.
Fosburgh presented the city clerk with a petition)
ii. Veronica Sletten, 2747 Clarence Street North, Maplewood.
July 13, 2009 10
City Council Meeting Minutes
M.
iii. Robert Martin, 2329 Londin Lane, Maplewood.
iv. Joseph Waters, 2393 Hazelwood Street, Maplewood.
V. Mark Jenkins, 830 Century Boulevard, Maplewood.
Mayor Longrie read aloud a statement which was provided for the permanent record.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to approve the resolution suspending the city council column in
the August, September, October and November 2009 issues of Maplewood Monthly.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew.
The council did not come to a conclusion but instead made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to adjourn the meeting until July 20, 2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew.
The motion passed to adjourn.
Ayes — Councilmembers Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew
& Rossbach
Nay — Mayor Longrie
6. Approval To Pay For Agent Commission For Insurance Policies (Tabled until July 20,
2009)
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Hjelle moved to approve item 2.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
N. AWARD OF BIDS
1. Consider Approval Of Bids For Park Improvements For Goodrich And Vista Hills
a. Parks Manager, Doug Taubman gave the report and answered questions of the council.
b. Finance Director, Bob Mittet answered questions of the council.
i. Park & Recreation Commission Member, Peter Fischer 2443 Standridge Avenue,
Maplewood.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to enter into contact Keller Electric, Inc., for Goodrich Park
lights for $49,969.00 and Finley Bros. Inc. for $11,970.00 for the resurfacing of the tennis and
basketball courts at Vista Hills Park. Funds in the amount of $60,000 have been allocated in the
2009 CIP for park improvements — CIP Project Number PM08.040. identifies $25,000 in funds for
General Replacement of Park Equipment, Fences, Courts, etc. and CIP Project Number
PM07.010 identifies $35,000 in funds for Community Field upgrades. Further recommending
these CIP monies for the identified park improvement Droiects at Goodrich and at Vista Hills.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
July 13, 2009
City Council Meeting Minutes
11
2. Consider Approval Of Bid For Maplewood Nature Center Trail
a. Parks Manager, Doug Taubman gave the report and answered questions of the council.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the bid from Trail Source, LLC. for $16,825 for trail
renovation and maintenance at Maplewood Nature Center. Further recommending that 50% of
the project cost up to $12,245, be provided by the Federal Trail Grant and 50% of the project cost
up to $12,245 be funded from CIP #PM07.100.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
O. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS — PART II
None.
P. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Longrie adjourned the meeting at 1:46 a.m.
July 13, 2009 12
City Council Meeting Minutes
For The Permanent Renard JL/jam
Meeting Date:
Agenda Item#: �&l� -etL � dAt1-
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July 13, 2009
Paul Berglund
1929 Kingston Avenue
Maplewood, MN 55109-4701
Dear Mr. Thompson,
For The Permanent Record
Meeting Date:/j MQ4
Agenda Item#: 4
I am writing to object to the assessment on the basis that I do not believe that
the road project on my street, Kingston Avenue, will increase the value of
my property located at 1929 Kingston Avenue, Maplewood, MN. I have
lived here, at my house for approximately 49 years and the road as is gives
me adequate transportation access to my home as the road is intended.
I have no drainage issues or other problems which will be solved by this
road project.
Thank you.
Sincerely, p�
Paul Berglund
TO: City of Maplewood
FROM: Property Owner at 1766 Ruth Street
RE: Proposed City Project No. 09-13
For The Permanent Record
Meeting Date: 17,/.d/
Agenda Item#: J1- l�1I,C���LURO,}�
A
We are very opposed to the proposed project affecting our street.
Our family has lost the income of one provider and currently are in the need to
put our house for sale to make ends meet.
We have lived at this address for 23 years without curb/gutter, etc. Now at the time that we
need to sell our home for financial reasons, we are not in a position to be able to pay this
outrageous assessment fee of $7,000. We absolutely cannot afford to have a lien put against
our home at a critical time that we need to get as much from our home sale as possible.
With the economy as it is, it is not a good time to add this burden to families.
' � sem'. rl _ � �• ! _ 4r�
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Fr
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Dear Friends and Neighbors
Greetings!
As a child, summer was a favorite time of year for me. I could read novels to my heart's
content, do arts & crafts projects and float for hours in the vastness of Deer Lake, bobbing up
and down with each wave. However, by the time August rolled around, I was anxious for school
to start. I loved school! During junior and senior high school I worked in the school library
during study periods and got first pick of the new books. Wow! While most kids would not find
new books exciting, I did. A new school year meant new books, new classes, new clothes, new
school supplies. Sometimes I reflect back on those years and the values I learned. My mother
was a hard worker- and make a living to support her children by selling vacuum cleaners and Avon
cosmetics door to door. As you can well imagine, we didn't have much money when I was a
child. My mother worried over making the property tax payments and for many years could not
afford fire insurance on the home. Getting new school clothes was exciting but I knew they came
as a result of planning and sacrifice by my mother. Today, instead of planning for a new school
year, I find myself as an elected official, planning next year's city budget. Again, balancing needs
against wants.
CITY BUDGET PLANNING FOR 2010
Everyone at City Hall will need to be pari of the 2010 solution and make tough choices as
Maplewood tightens the budgetary belt a notch or two.
On June 22, 2009 the City Council took the lead by passing a motion to freeze the cost -
of -living increase scheduled for the 2010 council salaries by unanimous vote. The action item was
placed in the agenda by Council member Hjelle. The annual pay for the position of mayor is
approximately $12,300 while council members receive an annual salary of approximately $10,800.
In comparison, the City Manager earns $130,600 and the Assistant City Manager earns
$120,536. Also on the June 22 agenda was Council member- Hjelle's proposal that each council
member take a 50% pay cut. Although council members weren't on board with Council member
Hjelle's proposed 50% cut to their minimal salary, all indicated they are open to a pay cuts
paralleling what city employees may have to suffer- in contract negotiations this summer.
On July 6, 2009, a workshop was held where the City Council met with City Manager Jim
Antonen about possible adjustments to our 2009 city budget due to changes in current revenue,
financial forecasts for 2010 and a discussion of expenditure options for the 2010 city budget. We
For The Permanent Record
Meeting date: fl— 13-01—
Agenda
3'01 .Agenda Item#: L—i�—'
discussed six (6) different options to address the projected 2010 shortfall of approximately
$375,000. One option includes anew special tax levy to reclaim the homestead credit already
given to homeowners. Other options included reducing program expenditures; mandatory
employee furloughs; and deferring cost of living increases. Elected officials and top city
administrators, including both City Manager Antonen and Assistant City Manager Chuck Ahl,
must acknowledge the financial climate facing our nation, our state, our city, the businesses
struggling to stay afloat or the citizens agonizing to pay bills and feed families as the jobless rates
remain unforgiving.
MAPLEWOOD - PLAN B CITY
Some citizens may ask, "Why is there such a disparity in salaries between the council and
the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager"? Maplewood is one of approximately 13 cities
in the State of Minnesota that is organized under MILT Stat. § 412.611 Council -Manager Plan.
Under this plan, the council primarily determines ordinances, matters of policy and votes on the
City's spending and annual property tax levy. The City Council, including the mayor, of a plan B
city does NOT hire or fire the city staff because it is not permitted by Minnesota law. The only
employee the City Council evaluates and supervises is the City Manager.
MN Stat. § 412.611 clearly states "the city manager shall be the head of the administrative
branch of the government and shall be responsible to the council for the proper administration of
all affairs relating to the city." In Maplewood, the Assistant Manager, like the rest of the City
employees, is answerable to City Manager Antonen and not the council. Recently, I attended a
conference sponsored by the Minnesota Association of City Attorneys in cooperation with the
League of Minnesota Cities. At that conference, they provided information to attendees that it is
the City Manager's purview to assess a city's need for staffing, organizational structure and
contract negotiation.
Simply put, Maplewood's overall administration of day-to-day operations is based on a
`chain of command' model where the Maplewood city manager is in charge. The city manager, in
a plan B city such as Maplewood, makes decisions to hire, fire, grant promotions and administer
employee discipline on a daily basis without advice or input from the city council or mayor. It is
not uncommon for a city manager to consult the city attorney or consult with legal counsel from
the city's insurance company, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR MAPLEWOOD CITIZENS?
Occasionally, citizens look to the mayor or the council to address city employee matters.
Occasionally, citizens may hear individuals accuse certain council members or the mayor of
terminating past Maplewood city employees. However, more and more of our citizens are
coming to realize that as a result of Maplewood being a plan B city, organized under MN Stat.
§412.611, that all city staff employment questions they may have should be directed to the City
Manager — the person with the real authority to evaluate staff, terminate city workers or manage
the day-to-day affairs of the City.
PUTTING THE PUBLIC BACK INTO `PUBLIC' POLICY
As I understand it, Maplewood was originally organized using the city manager chain of
command model back in the late 50's to provide for the day to day management of the city by a
city manager similar to a CEO while the part time council met twice a month to ratify the
expenditures, address development matters, create public policy and approve an annual budget.
Today, however, Maplewood is much more than the home of family truck farms and a few
new subdivisions. The complexity of our community has become more diverse and multi -faceted.
More citizen and council involvement in setting the policy and direction of Maplewood's future is
called for. The struggle I see our City wrestling with is determining the degree to which citizens
can be, and should be, involved when the council creates public policy or determines City
spending. Personally, I find citizens an invaluable resource. Citizens want and deserve greater
access to much-needed information so they can make informed, balanced decisions; participate in
the community dialogue; and determine if their elected officials are making informed, balanced
decisions on behalf of our community. Public involvement in creating public policy is critical.
WETLAND ORDINANCE
One example where the citizens have stepped forward and said "We want a place at the
table", is the amending of Maplewood's wetland ordinance. Our Council over the past several
months have had numerous workshops and meetings to discuss proposed changes to the current
wetland ordinance that was originally adopted in 1996. Citizen involvement has been instrumental
in our understanding of the issues created by the proposed changes and the impact on property
owners.
Presently, if a property owner has a wetland on their property and they have questions
about what setback to comply with or what buffer width is required, they must turn to
Maplewood's current wetland ordinance as well as the regulations of the Ramsey -Washington
Metro Watershed District ("RWMWD"). An important component of wetland regulations is
setting the requirements for the width of vegetative buffers on the land surrounding wetlands and
streams. These buffers help wetlands maintain their health and ecological value or function.
On April 13, 2009 the first reading of the Amended Wetland Ordinance was passed by the
Council, ayes all, with direction to staff for selected modifications prior to the second reading of
the ordinance.
Then on June 1, 2009, the City Council held a workshop to discuss those specific
concerns voiced by citizens at the April 13, 2009 city council meeting.
AREAS OF CONCERN:
1. Review averaging of buffer requirements to determine if proposed buffers sizes are too
restrictive.
2. Better define best management practices in the ordinance.
3. Discuss the elimination of all 10 -foot building setback requirements from a buffer, except
for the setback to a utility class wetland.
4. Clarify which parts of the ordinance pertain to single-family homes and which parts pertain
to new development.
5. Clarify that single-family homeowners are able to do work on their own property without
the assistance of a contractor.
6. Consider a decrease in buffers as an incentive to the implementation of best management
practices on single-family lots.
7. Consider regulating wetlands around lakes differently than other wetlands.
8. Consider allowing pre-existing, nonconforming single-family homes to rebuild on the same
footprint.
Following is a table showing proposed buffer widths under the 2005 RWMWD regulations,
Maplewood's current buffer requirements and the proposed buffer widths under Maplewood's
proposed amended wetland ordinance:
New
Wetland
Class
Proposed Buffer Under
Maplewood Amended
Wetland Ordinance
2005 RWMWD
Buffer Requirements
Maplewood's Current
Existing Buffer Requirements
Class 1: 100' average, 100' min
Manage A
100' average, 75' min.
75' average, 37.5' min
Class 2: 100' average, 50' min
Manage B
75' average, 50' min.
50' average, 25' min
Class 3: 50' average, 25' min
Manage C
50'
25' average, 12.5' min
Class 4: 25' average, 20' min
Utility
10'
10'
Class 5: 0'
While there was extensive discussion by the City Council at the June I" workshop, no
consensus was reached on items 1, 6 and 7 listed above. For many homeowners affected by
ordinance changes, the council's decision to allow pre-existing, nonconforming single-family
homes to be rebuilt on the same footprint in the event of fire or natural calamity is a welcome
decision. The amended wetland ordinance will come before the council again in early fall as a first
reading. Stay informed. This ordinance change may particularly affect you if you live next to a
wetland or along the shore line of a lake or other water body. If you wish to watch the June 1,
2009 workshop, call City Hall at 651-249-2002 and order a copy of the DVD from Ms. Karen
Guilfoile.
INFORMAL CITIZEN SURVEY
To better understand the needs and direction desired by Maplewood citizens, taking time
to speak with them and ask them their opinions is essential! In addition to speaking with citizens
at the monthly Citizens' Forum, I have been presenting an informal survey to citizens
throughout Maplewood as part of a 2009 citizen outreach initiative. This initiative is to clarify
what Maplewood issues should be on the Council's priority "to-do" list. If I missed you and
you would like to participate, please clip out the following survey questions and return to me at
my office located at 1321 Frost Avenue E., Suite A, Maplewood, MN 55109
The questions are simple and straight to the point.
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - We should take steps today to permanently protect
our City's Neighborhood Preserves from future
commercial or residential development.
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - Code Enforcement should be a City priority.
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - I believe we should do more to encourage growth of
good -paving jobs and businesses in Maplewood.
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - Property taxes are a big issue for me. I wish the
Citv would:
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - I think the City should mandate one designated
residential trash collector
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - Working to increase metro bus service to Maplewood and
improving bus stops should be a City priority
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure - There is adequate police patrolling of our neighborhood
Need additional information or comments?
At the time this article was submitted, only a partial tally of the completed surveys was available.
However, with that said, the survey results as of July 1, 2009 are as follows:
Question
Total Responses
% Yes
%No
% Unsure
Protect Preserves
74
83
1.3
4
Code Enforcement
65
72.3
12.3
15.4
Jobs
74
81.9
6.9
11.2
Taxes
74
52.8
29.2
18
One Trash Collector
65
F(90 9-
61,1?1
120
Improve Bus Service
9
44.4
33.4
22.2
Adequate Police Coverage
9
78
1 11
11
Just as an FYI, the questions pertaining to improving bus service/stops and police patrolling
evolved later in the survey process as a result of verbal comments received from citizens which
appeared to be significant enough to garner seeking public comment.
I hope you have found this month's Council Corner informative. My next opportunity to
write in the Maplewood Monthly is the end of the year. This is pursuant to the directive of the
current council majority (including Council members Rossbach and Juenemann) to eliminate the
monthly Council Corner and limit the extent to which council members may write in our
Maplewood Monthly to communicate with all citizens of our community.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions on all matters. One and all are
invited to attend the monthly Citizen's Forum, hosted by myself, held the first Saturday at
Maplewood City Hall in the Maplewood Room from 10:00 a.m. to noon or call me at 651-214-
0859 or email to mayorlongrie@yahoo.com.
Best Regards,
Mayor- Diana Longrie
Permanent Record
I Date: /�
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AS A CITIZEN OF MAPLEWOOD WE OBJECT TO MR. NEPHEW'S RESOLUTION SUSPENDING
MAPLEWOOD MONTHLY COUNCIL COLUMNS FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 2009 OR AT ANY
OTHER TIME. (SEE ATTACHMENTS LABELED AGENDA ITEM LS "MEMORANDUM" AND
"Resolution Suspending Maplewood Monthly Council Columns During the 2009 Election Campaign Season')
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