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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2008Q B A Q E. 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