HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2008Q
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MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
6:30 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2008
Council Chambers, City Hall
Meeting No. 34-08
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
Acting City Manager, Public Works Director Chuck Ahl requested the addition of two items to the
agenda. Under G1. Administration Presentations. add G1. Increased Membership at the MCC
(report by City Clerk, Director Citizen Services, Karen Guilfoile) and G2. Police Report (report by
Police Chief, Dave Thomalla).
Mayor Longrie moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ayes — All
Mayor Longrie had the following changes to the November 24, 2008, city council meeting
minutes: page 6 of Packet Page Number 209, Item K1. in the motion replace the word staff with
Chief Thomalla.
On page 8 of Packet Page Number 209, the order that Planning Commissioner, Tushar Desai
spoke should come after Commissioner Hjelle withdrew his motion.
On page 7 of Packet Page Number 209, in the top paragraph, the words revocation of the license
should be changed to a license rather than the license.
On page 13 of Packet Page Number 209 Mayor Longrie requested that the wording be clarified
and the paragraph should now read: Mayor Longrie said she voted nay because she understands
why the extra infiltration at the mall is needed it still concerns her that this feasibility study is
setting a foundation for a policy for a new fee or assessment for all commercial properties
throughout Maplewood. Without having a full discussion regarding that Mayor Longrie said she
didn't feel comfortable in supporting this policy.
On page 14 of Packet Page Number 209, for the Business Registration Fee of $40, remove the
dash between 2008-2009 and change it to 2008 and 2009.
December 8, 2008
City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the November 24, 2008, City Council Meeting
Minutes as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
F. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS — PART I
Anthony Dierich, 2624 Promontory Place, Maplewood, addressed the council. He was present
at the October 3, 2008, city council meeting as the President of New Century development. He
had asked the council for guidance regarding the plat map for the area and was told it would be
4 to 6 weeks for the information. It has been 2 months now and he wondered when he would
hear back from the city. (Mr. Ahl asked Mr. Dierich to contact him directly and Mr. Ahl will
handle the matter.)
2. Dave Schilling, 1955 Greenbrier Street, Maplewood, addressed the council regarding the 2009
budget.
G. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS
1. Increased Membership at MCC — City Clerk, Director Citizen Services, Karen Guilfoile
gave the report regarding the increased number of memberships at the Maplewood
Community Center.
2. Police Report on TH 36 — Police Chief, Dave Thomalla gave the report regarding the
Maplewood Police report on violations on Highway 36 and the Ramsey County Traffic
Initiative and stated that every officer is required to wear a high visibility traffic vest
throughout their shift which represents this initiative program.
H. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
None.
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
None.
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7:00 p.m. Truth in Taxation Hearing on 2009 Budget
a. Resolution Certifying Taxes Payable in 2009
b. Resolution Adopting 2009 Budget
i. Acting City Manager, Public Works Director, Chuck Ahl addressed and answered
questions of the council and gave the presentation.
ii. Finance Director, Bob Mittet addressed and answered questions of the council.
Mayor Longrie opened the public hearing.
1. Roger Logan, 2514 Adele Street, Maplewood.
2. Luis Baracai, 2839 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood.
3. Ken Smart, 940 Bartelmy Lane, Maplewood.
4. Rita Andreoli, 1776 Maryknoll Avenue North, Maplewood
5. Dave Schilling, 1955 Greenbrier Street, Maplewood.
6. Del Ray Rokke, 454 O'Day Street South, Maplewood.
7. John Gore, 2870 Arcade Street, Maplewood.
December 8, 2008 2
City Council Meeting Minutes
8. Ms. Michael Bailey, 1650 Sterling Street South, Maplewood.
Mayor Longrie closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to approve the 3.0% Levy Increase and further consider cuts of
$5,000 in IT Department, $18,000 in the Public Works Department, $9,500 in Citizen
Services/Deputy Registrar Department, $7,400 in the Fire Department, $43,000 in the Police
Department, and $50,000 in fuel savings.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann.
Mayor Longrie recommended a friendly amendment to cut the % time person from the IT
Department.
Councilmember Rossbach did not accept the friendly amendment.
Councilmember Nephew recommended a friendly amendment reducing $2,500 from the
legislative budget and $2,500 from the city manager training budget.
Councilmember Rossbach agreed to the friendly amendment.
Councilmember Rossbach moved to approve the 3.0% Levy Increase and further consider cuts of
$5,000 in IT Department, $18,000 in the Public Works Department, $9,500 in Citizen
Services/Deputy Registrar Department, $7,400 in the Fire Department, $43,000 in the Police
Department, and $50,000 in fuel savings. Furthermore reducing $2,500 from the legislative
budget and $2,500 from the city manager training budget. For a total reduction of $137,900 from
option number 3. Furthermore the Resolution Certifying Taxes Payable in 2009.
RESOLUTION 08-12-181
CERTIFYING TAXES PAYABLE IN 2009
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD,
MINNESOTA that,
The following amounts of taxes will be levied for 2008, payable in 2009, upon the
net tax capacity in said City of Maplewood, for the following purposes;
Operations $12,152,480
Community Center 300,000
Debt Services 2,908,155
TOTAL LEVY $15,610,635
2. In addition, there is a $403,500 market value based referendum levy for 2008
payable in 2009 to finance the debt service on the 2002 Open Space
Refunding Bonds.
3. The next tax capacity based levy of $2,908,155 for Debt Service and the market
value based referendum levy of $403,500 total $3,311,655. This results in a total
certified levy of $16,014,135. The breakdown by Debt Service Fund follows as
Exhibit A:
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — Councilmember Juenemann,
Nephew & Rossbach
December 8, 2008 3
City Council Meeting Minutes
Nays — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmember Hjelle
The motion passed.
Mayor Longrie asked that her comments for the 2009 Budget be included for the record.
Mayor Longrie said given the economic times a salary cap isn't unrealistic. Mayor Longrie said
she is a small business owner in Maplewood. She said her landlord has commercial property and
she pays rent there. When the landlord gets his increased property taxes her rental agreement
says that he will be passing the increase onto the renters. She said 50% of her clients are on
payment plans and the payments are coming in slower every month. Her clients are concerned
because they lost their job and can't pay their child support, they're behind on their rent or
mortgage. She sees what's going on in the economy. She has been talking to the council for
months regarding what is going on with the economy. Last year the council froze the property tax
levy and included in that motion to be able to retain every single employee that the city had at that
time. To freeze the property tax levy and keep the city employees. That was the promise last
year. Mayor Longrie said she would be willing to bet the council could make that same promise
today if the council wanted to do that. But in order to do that from the proposed budget that says
3% increase in property tax levy, the council would have to cut somewhere around $468,000 from
this budget, not $65,000. Mayor Longrie said she looks at what the council has discussed over
the past council meetings. Mayor Longrie discussed the Environmental Tax Fund (ETF). She said
the city has been bonding against the ETF, money that the city hasn't even collected yet.
Everyone accepts and knows that. If the council decides to raise the money and increase it by the
7% proposed are you going to use that to supplement some of the road projects or can we decide
to put off more of those projects and put that money towards the staff at the Nature Center,
towards education of our citizens and providing them services. That's the mission of the Nature
Center. Rather than cutting back on $17,000 for the few part time employees that are there. She
said it reminds her of the time in 2004 or 2005 the council at that time said the hours at the MCC
needed to be cut back and because the lifeguards have to be on duty they should cut back on the
amount of time the pool is open at the end of the night. Lifeguards were making about $8 an hour,
but at the same time the city was paying the tuition of the City Manager which was $7,000 and if
you divide the number of lifeguard hours into that amount of money for the tuition you have about
937 lifeguard hours that we could have provided services to the people that have memberships at
the MCC. Mayor Longrie said people still ask her if the city is going to extend the hours of the
pool and the hot tub since they pay for a membership and want the hours extended again.
Mayor Longrie said it's a question of priorities. $5,000 was added to the budget for City Manager
travel and training and she thinks that expense should be cut because that was in addition to the
salary increase the council decided to propose for the new City Manager coming in. The
Maplewood Mall consists of a lot of small business owners and not only are their commercial
property taxes going up but with the reconstruction of White Bear Avenue their assessments are
going to increase and all of this will impact their business. In addition to less business for the mall
because of the economy and she thinks the council needs to take that into consideration. This
evening was the first time she has heard about the impact on rental properties. Rental properties
can be the only affordable housing people can afford. The property owners are going to pass the
additional expenses onto the renters and rent will go up when their lease has that option which
will affect people who can't afford that increase. The council has agreed to invest in so many
technology innovations. With the extra loop to connect the buildings, being told this will make for
better and more efficient communications, and it will take less time to communicate. The council
heard about the increased number of help tickets for IT but many times the help tickets are
related to simple things. She said the IT department should have a class so people can learn how
to do certain things on their own. In addition, maybe the city can get by with older computers and
fewer computers could be replaced or the replacements could be delayed.
December 8, 2008 4
City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Longrie said the council needs to delay the purchase of the police vehicle. Also, delaying
the request to paint the walls at the MCC. Looking at the Planning Department, one of the
planners left the city for another job and we replaced that person. We had a planner who has
been at the city for some time now who moved into the role as an Environmental Planner, now
that person is also writing grants. We've heard how the numbers have gone down regarding
developments, permits etc. and this affects workload for employees. Regarding the Police
Department, the Administrative Sergeant the city has is doing a good job and she hasn't seen any
justification why we need to change the Administrative Sergeant position to Deputy Police Chief
and add $25,000 on top of that. The city no longer has a dispatch center to supervise in
Maplewood because that has been moved to Ramsey County. Regarding marketing and the city
newsletter, while she appreciates doing a lot of marketing, last year it was her understanding that
the city had a contract person doing the city newsletter for about $15,000 annually. While that
person didn't do marketing or sell any ads, the salary was only $15,000. She said she looked at
the claims registrar for the marketing person because it was decided to break the contract with
the person who was doing the newsletter and hire a permanent employee to do marketing and
the newsletter. If you look at the claims registrar and calculate it out it's about $60,000 net, not
including the benefits. Mayor Longrie said what if we would have had the newsletter person stay
and hire somebody on commission to do the marketing, that's an innovative way of looking at
things. There are many other things she said she would like to propose. The folks on fixed
incomes who have commercial properties where the property values have gone up or the small
business owners, senior citizens who are not sure where the extra money is going to come from,
she said she understands where people are coming from. If the proposed property tax levy is
anything higher than it was 2008 she will not support it because she thinks that the council has to
have a reality check and tighten the belt. We as a council have a duty to serve.
Mayor Longrie said emails received were handed to Acting City Manager, Chuck AN for the
record.
Mayor Longrie closed the hearing.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the Resolution Adopting the 2009 Budget with the
changes approved by the council.
RESOLUTION 08-12-182
ADOPTION OF THE 2009 BUDGET
WHERAS, the City of Maplewood is required to prepare an annual budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD,
M I N N ESOTA, that:
The 2009 Proposed Budget shall become effective beginning January 1, 2009.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes — Councilmember Juenemann,
Nephew & Rossbach
Nays — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmember Hjelle
The motion passed.
Mayor Longrie moved to recommend hearing agenda items in the following order. The remainder
of the agenda items will be heard on December 15, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. Agenda item M1, L4, K2,
K1, and L5.
Seconded by Councilmember Hjelle. Ayes — All
December 8, 2008 5
City Council Meeting Minutes
The motion passed.
The Council took a 15 -minute break.
The Council reconvened.
K. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Search Process for City Manager
a. Consider Calling Special Meeting for December 15, 2008, for the Purpose of
Selecting Final Candidates.
b. Consider Resolution Calling for Closure of Advisory Panel Meetings
i. Acting City Manager, Public Works Director, Chuck AN addressed the
council and gave a brief report.
Councilmember Nephew moved to adopt a motion calling for a Special Meeting for December 15,
2008, at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of selecting final candidates for the position of City Manager.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
The motion passed.
Ayes — All
Mayor Longrie wanted the following comments included for the record:
Mayor Longrie said in addressing this issue we must remember that because of the open meeting
law it was enacted for the public benefit and that it is to be construed in favor of public access.
The case having to do with officials in Hibbing says: The open meeting law mandates meetings of
public bodies be open to the public. City Attorney, Mr. Kantrud said that the advisory body was
indeed to be construed as a public body because Mr. Kantrud gave the statute for that at the
workshop but that meetings may be closed to consider strategy for labor negotiations and to
discuss matters within the attorney/client privilege. When you take a look at the statues with
regard to closed meetings for labor negotiations, it specifically says that discussion or review of
labor negotiation proposals conducted pursuant to sections to 179A.01 to 179A.25. That
discusses negotiation procedures. They are not negotiating anything they are developing
questions to ask the candidates. The initiation of negotiation under 179A.14, under subsection 1,
that first agreement, when an exclusive representative desires to meet and negotiate an initial
agreement establishing terms and conditions of employment. The public policy of this particular
statute of 179A.01 is to govern the relationships between public, public employees and employer,
governing bodies for the need for cooperation and employment protection. These questions that
the panels are developing has nothing to do with employment protection. Under 13D.05 it talks
about meeting data classified as not public when a meeting must be closed, data that would
identify alleged victims, active investigative data, educational data, health data, and individuals
medical records, a public body shall close one or more of the meetings for consideration of
allegations or charges against an individual. It also talks about meetings that may be closed to
determine the asking price for real or personal property, to review confidential or non public
appraisal data, to develop or consider offers or counter offers for the purchase or sale of real
property or personal property. When you go to the definitions under Chapter 13 of general non
public data, under labor relations, the definition means management positions on economic or
non -economic items that have not been presented during the collective bargaining process or
interest arbitration. While this council wants to say that these meetings can be closed, the
advisory bodies are putting together their questions on what they will ask the potential
candidates, these questions are based upon the recruitment profile which is not a secret to
anybody because that is why people have submitted their resumes. Mayor Longrie said she does
not believe the city has any legal authority to close these meetings and not have them be subject
to the open meeting law and where this statute is to be construed to public access and few
December 8, 2008 6
City Council Meeting Minutes
exceptions that exist are to be carefully restrained to avoid abuse. Mayor Longrie said that is a
quote from a Minnesota Supreme Court Case.
City Attorney, Alan Kantrud addressed and answered questions of the council.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — Councilmember Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew
& Rossbach.
Nay — Mayor Longrie
Councilmember Rossbach moved to approve the Resolution directing that the panel meeting held
for the purpose of developing questions for the purpose of interviewing candidates for City
Manager be closed.
RESOLUTION 08-12-183
AUTHORIZING CLOSURE OF MEETING FOR LABOR
NEGOTIATION PURPOSES PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. § 13D.03
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council acknowledges that the City of Maplewood
operates pursuant to the State's grant of authority as a, "Plan B," form of government and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council, pursuant to it's authority as a Plan B City,
acknowledges that it has only one, "employee," in the person of the City Manager and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has been without a full-time City Manager
since approximately January 14, 2008 and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has undertaken a, "search process," to
identify and hire a new City Manager and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has constituted several, `advisory panels,'
made-up of citizens and City employees to assist in the selection process and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has directed staff to operate and organize all
meetings of the aforementioned panels pursuant to and compliant with Minnesota Statute § 13D
et seq., the Minnesota Open meeting Law and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has authorized the aforementioned panels to
engage in substantive discussions regarding the qualifications desired of a City Manager and to
communicate those to the Council, and:
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has also authorized the aforementioned
panels to develop questions that they would like to have asked of the potential City Manager
candidates during the vetting/interview process and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council would like to ensure that the discussion and
development of the questions is done in a frank and open manner and that the resultant
questions be kept confidential as they represent a strategic piece of the Council's vetting and
hiring process of its only employee and;
WHEREAS, The Maplewood City Council has been advised that the aforementioned
panels may discuss the aforementioned strategies and questions in a closed meeting pursuant to
the Minnesota Open Meeting Law under § 13D.03.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood
December 8, 2008 7
City Council Meeting Minutes
Does then hereby call for the meetings of the Employee Advisory Panel and the Citizen Advisory
Panel to be held on the 12th and 17th of December, 2008, respectively, to be CLOSED at such
time as the Chair(s) of the Panel(s) determine that the discussions will include strategy and
development of questions for the City Council's search process.
The Maplewood City Council passed this resolution on December 8, 2008
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann. Ayes — Councilmember Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew
& Rossbach.
Nay — Mayor Longrie
The motion passed.
2. 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update. Action Requested.
a. Approval of Direction of the "Stop Gap" Ordinance as Summarized by Staff.
b. Establish Density Ranged for Residential Land Use Categories.
c. Approval to Distribute Draft Comprehensive Plan to Adjacent and Affected
Jurisdictions.
i. Parks and Community Development Director, DuWayne Konewko
addressed and answered questions of the council as well as gave the
report.
ii. Jennifer Haskamp, Consultant with Pulse Land Group, addressed and
answered questions of the council.
iii. Planner, Michael Martin addressed and answered questions of the council.
iv. Planning Commissioner, Jeremy Yarwood addressed the council and gave
the planning commission report.
Councilmember Nephew moved to direct staff to work on the "Stop Gap" Ordinance to create and
meet the requirements of the current comprehensive plan as suggested by staff to allow for
conservation planning in a way that hypothetically make it possible to reach 4.3 net units per acre
but with a great many restrictions.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
Planning Commissioner Yarwood addressed the council.
Councilmember Nephew moved to direct staff to use a density range of 0.5 to 1.5 units per net
acre for rural low density residential land use in the future land use map for the comprehensive
plan for 2030.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
Mayor Longrie recognized a resident who wanted to come forward and speak and invited her to
address the council even though the motion had already been made and seconded.
Ms. Michael Bailey, 1615 Sterling Avenue South, Maplewood addressed the council.
After Ms. Bailey spoke Councilmember Nephew stated he wanted to include something additional
in his motion and made the following friendly amendment.
Councilmember Neahew offered a friendly amendment that the rural low densitv desianation
should apply to Hallers Woods as well as the current R -1(R) designation.
December 8, 2008 8
City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Longrie accepted the friendly amendment.
Councilmember Nephew moved to direct staff to use a density range of 0.5 to 1.5 units per net
acre for rural low density residential land use in the future land use map for the comprehensive
plan for 2030. The rural low density designation should apply to Hallers Woods as well as
the current R -1(R).
Seconded by Mayor Longrie. Ayes - All
The motion passed.
Planning Commissioner Yarwood addressed the council.
Councilmember Nephew moved to approve the staff recommendation for low density residential
of 2.6 to 6 units ger net acre as is currentiv reflected in the draft comprehensive plan.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach
The motion passed.
Ayes — Councilmember Juenemann,
Nephew and Rossbach
Nays — Mayor Longrie,
Councilmember Hjelle
Councilmember Nephew moved to distribute the comprehensive plan and begin the adjacent and
affected jurisdictional review period.
Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach.
The motion passed.
L. NEW BUSINESS
Ayes — Councilmember Hjelle,
Juenemann, Nephew
& Rossbach
Nay — Mayor Longrie
1. Review and Consider Approval for Extension of City Attorney Contracts
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
2. Consider Canceling Regular Meeting Scheduled for December 22, 2008.
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
3. Consider Adoption of the 2009 Building Inspections and Community Development
Fee Schedules. (To be continued December 15, 2008)
4. Richie Place Subdivision Proposal on Labore Road. Action Requested:
a. Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment to Change from OS (Open Space) to
R1 (Single Family Residential) — Four Fifths Vote Required
b. Approval of a Lot Division — Simple Majority Vote Required
i. Planner, Michael Martin addressed and answered questions of the council
as well as gave the report.
December 8, 2008 9
City Council Meeting Minutes
ii. City Attorney, Alan Kantrud addressed and answered questions of the
council.
iii. Jeremy Yarwood, Planning Commission member addressed the council
and gave the planning commission report.
iv. Phil Soby, Lauren and Company Development, P.O. Box 187, Stillwater,
addressed and answered questions of the council.
V. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall addressed and answered questions
of the council.
Mayor Longrie asked if anyone wanted to speak regarding this agenda item.
1. David Himmelbach, 2970 Labore Road, Little Canada, addressed the council.
2. Bill Schorn, 2940 Labore Road, Little Canada, addressed the council.
3. John Gohrs, 2870 Arcade Street, Maplewood, addressed the council.
4. Joleen Gohrs, 2870 Arcade Street, Maplewood, addressed the council.
5. Bill Hansen, 2836 Keller Parkway, Maplewood, addressed the council.
The council asked the applicant, Phil Soby if he would be agreeable to a time extension for this
project until January 26, 2009.
Mr. Soby agreed to a time extension until January 26, 2009, at the latest.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to table this proposal so City Attorney Kantrud can further
clarify questions raised at the city council meeting until the January 26, 2009, city council meeting
at the latest.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
The motion to table passed.
Ayes — All
Councilmember Hjelle moved to extend the council meeting past the curfew in order to complete
agenda items K2, K1, and L5.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
The motion passed.
Ayes — Mayor Longrie
Councilmember Hjelle,
Nephew and Rossbach
Nay — Councilmember Juenemann
Councilmember Nephew moved to call for a special meeting on December 15, 2008, in order to
complete the remainder of the city council agenda items.
Seconded by Mayor Longrie.
The motion passed.
Ayes — Al I
5. Consider Approval of MCC Catering Contracts
a. City Clerk, Director Citizen Services, Karen Guilfoile gave the report.
Councilmember Nephew moved to recommend approval for Classic Catering, Kane's Catering
Services, and Soup Du Joor as Maplewood Community Center caterers effective January 1,
2009, for a three-year period.
December 8, 2008 10
City Council Meeting Minutes
Seconded by Councilmember Hjelle. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
6. Consider Establishing Citizen's Task Force in 2009 for Budget and Tax Levy Input
(Councilmember Hjelle) (To be continued December 15, 2008)
7. Approval of Claims (To be continued December 15, 2008)
M. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Hjelle moved to approve consent agenda item 1.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
Consideration of an Intoxicating Liquor License — Melony Morris, Change in Manager for
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar — 3085 White Bear Avenue.
a. City Clerk, Director Citizen Services, Karen Guilfoile gave the report.
b. Melony Morris, Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, 3085 White Bear Avenue,
Maplewood, addressed and answered questions of the council.
Councilmember Hjelle moved to approve the Intoxicating Liquor License for Buffalo Wild Wings
Grill & Bar at 3085 White Bear Avenue.
Seconded by Councilmember Nephew. Ayes — All
The motion passed.
2. Consideration of Currency Exchange License Renewal — Cashway Checking — 2025 White
Bear Avenue. (To be continued December 15, 2008)
3. Results from the Fall Clean Up — (No Council Action Required).
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
4. CarMax/Mogren Addition Improvements, City Project 06-17, Consider Approval of
Resolution Reducing Retainage on Existing Construction Contract and Adjusting the
Budget to Reflect Maplewood Toyota Contribution. (To be continued December 15, 2008)
5. Hazelwood Street Improvements, City Project 07-25, Consider Approval of Resolution
Reducing Retainage on Existing Construction Contract.
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
6. Consider Approval of Purchase of Single Axle Plow Truck.
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
7. Maplewood Community Center Improvements
a. Consider Contract for Painting of Conference Rooms and Hall
b. Consider Contract for Replacing Exterior Door
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
December 8, 2008 11
City Council Meeting Minutes
8. Consider Approval of Retirement Health Savings Plan for Non -Union Employees
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
N. AWARD OF BIDS
1. Award of Bid for Rubbish Hauling Contract for City Facilities.
(To be continued December 15, 2008)
O. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS — PART II
None.
P. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Longrie adjourned the meeting at 1:35 a.m.
December 8, 2008 12
City Council Meeting Minutes
From: nmeisner@juno.com [mai Ito:nmeisner@juno.com]
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 10:47 AM
To: Chuck AN
Subject: Dec 8 Truth in Taxation Hearing
Hello Chuck,
I am writing in hopes that you will be attending the December 8 council meeting. I am a
Maplewood homeowner and work in the evening so am unable to attend. I hope that you
will bring residents comments to the meeting for review. I have reviewed the
Maplewood Monthly and support your suggestion of option #3 for a 3% tax increase. I
would like to see Maplewood keep as many staff persons and programs as possible
during this difficult economic time. Hopefully the decline in fuel prices will remain and
help the cities expenses. I would encourage the council members not elect option #1, tax
increase of 6%. Many of us are on the verge of layoffs and are experiencing financial
difficulties. We all want our city to be safe and prosporous, but do not want people
losing their homes in the interim.
Thank you and all the council members for your diligent efforts to keep Maplewood a
thriving community.
Nicki and Doug Fischer
Maplewood Residents
From: Patrick & Debra McKliget [mailto:pmmckliget@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 6:28 AM
To: Chuck Ahl
Subject: Budget recommendations
Good morning, as a 20 resident of Maplewood and a retiree I do appreciate the
clarity you provided in reviewing each of the budget recommendations. While it
would be great to have a 0% Levy Increase given these trying economic times, I do
realize there needs to be a practical side. For what its worth, I support your
recommendation for a 3% increase. It would seem the best compromise for the
city. Having said that it must be understood that the uncertainty for the average
citizen is tremendous. Speaking as a retiree, I am seeing my Health Care becoming
much more expensive while my monthly income is frozen. Anything that can be
done to ease the overall pain is always appreciated.
Sincerely,
Patrick McKliget
pmmckliget@hotmail.com
From: Jon Belisle [mailto:belisle@usinternet.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 10:45 AM
To: Chuck Ahl
Cc: Erik Hjelle; Kathleen Juenemann; Diana Longrie; John Nephew;
will iam.rossbach@ci. maplewood.mn.us
Subject: Comments on 2009 Budget
Regarding the options for the 2009 budget, as presented in the current December
newsletter, I don't see how you have any other choice than #5, namely 0% levy
increase.
With the current economy, loss of jobs, no salary increases (see 3M's position) you
cannot simply expect to have more money. Yes, you have the power to increase real
estate taxes but it would be an unwise choice at this time.
Jon Belisle
2594 Brookview Drive
Maplewood, MN 55119
Received 12-04-08: Voice Message:
Tim Haskel
431 Lark Ave
Summary of Points in message:
• Appreciated article in City News and option to comment.
• These are difficult economic times that require tough decisions.
• Option #4 should be considered.
• Maybe even consider Option #5 or a combination of Option #4 and Option #5 to get to
1% increase.
• Cuts and reductions are always tough. May consider savings on fuel now that prices are
down.
Page 1 of 2
Chuck Ahl
From: Amy Kline [amykline007@yahoo.comj
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 4:03 PM
To: Chuck Ahl
Cc: Diana Longrie; Kathleen Juenemann; Will Rossbach; Erik Hjelle; John Nephew
Subject: Truth in Taxation Hearing 12/8 RE: Levy Reduction for 2009 Budget
Dear Mr. Ahl,
My husband Dan and I are writing you and Diana Longrie regarding the proposed options under
consideration for the Levy Reduction Hearing tonight for the 2009 Maplewood budget. Since we are
unable to make tonight's hearing, we are sending our concerns via email as citizens of Maplewood.
While no Levy increase would be appreciated, we understand that the City of Maplewood has to service
its debt, which we would be in favor of reducing or paying off a certain percentage this year. Given
paying off the debt, Options #3 (3% Levy increase) or Option #4 (2.0 % increase) would make good
sense. The City will need to make difficult decisions to reduce the budget for 2009. Yes, this will
mean making tough choices.
Below are some points or suggestions to ponder for the City and its operation.
1) City Fuel/Utilities:
If city fuel and utilities are up nearly $175,000 from 2008, is the city making every reasonable effort
to conserve energy? Households and businesses are required to live within a fixed budget, even when
costs rise.
2) Hiring of City Employees:
While many citizens and families live on fixed incomes, may see no salary raises this year, may even
see salary decreases, or perhaps potential job layoffs, families locally are evaluating their budgets and
spending habits with today's economy and the City of Maplewood needs to do the same. Again tough
choices to make to reduce tax increases.
Some suggestions would be a hiring freeze on all City jobs for 2009 to weather out the current economic
times. Does the city really need a 3/4 time IT tech and does it need to re-create the position of Deputy
Police Chief? It is our understanding that the Deputy Police Chief position was cut in the 2007/2008
Budget to help better balance the City Budget. If anything, it has come to our attention via the
"Citizen's Reporter" that the Management of the Maplewood Police Department are among the highest
paid in the state. We say enough .... make wages for city managers and employees comparable to the
averages for cities of comparative size in the state. The new City Manager salary should also be
within an average range. Our current City Manager makes well over $130,000/year compared to the
previous City Manager one year ago of $75,000 to 85,000/year (stats from the Citizen's Reporter
Nov/Dec. 2008 issue and the web site provided in that issue.)
Defined benefit plans MUST be converted to defined contribution plans! Government positions are the
only remaining jobs that offer pensions. This is not in line with the average private sector worker!
3) Employee Health Care Costs:
While health care costs are increasing at ever alarming rates for all citizens, is it the responsibility
of Maplewood citizens to subsidize the health care costs of city employees? City employees must bear
the rising costs of healthcare just as private citizens do.
12/8/2008
Page 2 of 2
4) Maplewood Community Center:
It is also our belief that the Maplewood Community Center should be able to operate as a stand alone
entity, funding its operation on its own. While it is a nice amenity for the city, it certainly does not
provide any essential services that other private businesses aren't providing. The community center
should be able to produce adequate revenue to cover ALL of its expenses. Yes, this may mean
increasing dues and service fees for programs, and finding creative solutions to remain profitable as a
local community center.
Thank you for your time and attention to the above matter.
Sincerely,
Amy and Dan Kline
651-578-0230
12/8/2008