06-10-03 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
June 10, 2003
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John Enger; and
Sue Sandahl.
Samantha Orduno, City Manager; Steve Devich, Administrative Services
Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce Palmborg,
Community Development Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Chris
Regis, Finance Manager; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and
Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
M/Sandahl, S/Enger to determine the absence of Council Member Rosenberq from the
June 10 Worksession as an excused absence.
Staff Present:
Motion carried 5-0.
No one was registered to speak.
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the minutes of (1) Special City Council Worksession of
May 27.2003: (2) Reaular City Council Meetina of May 27.2003: and (3) Special City Council
Meetinq of June 4. 2003.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
Item #1
Tashika Sykes, Human Rights Commission Chair, presented the 30th Annual Gene and Mary
Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen Award to Russ Susag.
Item #2
Tashika Sykes, Human Rights Commission Chair, reviewed the commission's 2003 annual
report including goals and accomplishments.
John Evenstad, Human Rights Commission Member, provided an update regarding Richfest
2004.
Susan Rosenberg, City Council Liaison to the commission, stated this group takes human
rights seriously.
The City Council thanked the commission for their efforts.
Item #3
Jennifer Swenson, Miss Richfield Ambassador Scholarship Chair, introduced the current
Ambassadors and this year's candidates.
Item #4
Marv Bjugan, Chamber of Commerce Chair, presented the Richfield Chamber of Commerce
2003 Small Business Hall of Fame Award to Richfield Municipal Liquor Stores. Liquor Operations
Director, Bill Fillmore, accepted the award.
Mr. Fillmore thanked the liquor operations staff for their efforts.
Council Member Sandahl commented on a recent Star Tribune article, "Minnesota Cities Profit
Less From Liquor Stores" that stated Richfield posted the State's highest municipal liquor store sales.
The City Council thanked the Liquor Operations Director and staff for their outstanding efforts
in not only sales, but in responsible selling.
Council Member Ulrich stated disagreement with the Star Tribune article statement regarding
the reason for a municipality to have a liquor store. She said the City has control over the municipal
liquor stores and establishing high standards is just as important as the profits to pay for recreation
improvements.
Item #5
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Council Meeting Minutes
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June 1 0, 2003
Tom Hodnefield, Principal at HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd., presented an overview of the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) which was previously reviewed by City
management staff. He described the tbreeaudit reports, summary of the audit findings and the state
of the City's financial status.
City Manager Orduno asked Mr. Hodnefield about the unfunded mandates for accounting
standards.
Mr. Hodnefield explained the GASB 34 new accounting standards and the new auditing
standards related to fraud. He said these unfunded mandates will result in increased costs for the
City.
Council Member Ulrich asked about the rationale for this accounting change.
Mr. Hodnefield explained there were several aspects of rationale, but it was his determination
the change was driven by the SEC to establish more consistent, easier to understand accounting
standards between public and private sectors. He added these changes should result in a better
quality audit.
The City Council thanked Steve Devich, Administrative Services Director, and Chris Regis,
Finance Manager, for their efforts in preparing and monitoring the City's financial reports.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the City for
the year ended December 31, 2002.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6
Council Member Sandahl invited Kristin Abel, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor, to present
information on the City's summer program.
Ms. Abel announced Rockfest 2003; Teen Nite at the Pool; and The Spot, summer teen drop-
in program at Donaldson and Washington Parks.
City Manager Orduno stated that implementation of teen recreation programs was directed by
the City Council at the January goal setting session.
Council Member Ulrich reported on the partnership between the City, Richfield School District
and the Richfield Historical Society to establish a Richfield History Center at the Bartholomew House.
Council Member Ulrich acknowledged a thank you from the Richfield Historical Society for the
City tree crews' excellent work related to the removal of a very large tree near the Bartholomew
House.
Council Member Rosenberg reported she will be speaking at a League of Minnesota Cities
Conference workshop in July regarding MIRA, the Latino Community Resource Center, and diversity
in communities.
Council Member Rosenberg addressed a concern from a resident that the Humboldt/Girard
Avenues neighborhood did not have representation on the newly formed Transportation Committee.
She confirmed that there is representation of this neighborhood as well as all of Richfield on the
committee. She added the City Council was very conscious of the appointments to the committee.
Council Member Sandahl stated there was a unanimous Council vote on the appointments.
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
Council Member Rosenberg announced the June 21 Richfield Beautiful Home and Garden
tour.
Mayor Kirsch reported on the June 10 Richfield Safety Day for children at the Elliot
Community Education Center.
Item #7
City Manager Orduno announced that she was notified today by the League of Minnesota
Cities (LMC) that the City will receive a 2003 City Achievement Award in the category of Housing and
Economic Development and Community Spaces for the Best Buy Project and an honorable mention
in the category of communications for the "Out and About" cable television program. The awards will
be presented at the LMC Conference in St. Cloud on June 20.
City Manager Orduno explained two new administrative personnel policies recently
implemented: Special Leave Without Pay and Prohibiting Firearms At Work.
City Manager Orduno reported on the impacts of Local Government Aid and Market Value
Homestead Credit permanent cuts on Richfield and surrounding communities.
Council Member Ulrich requested the City Manager respond on the City Council's behalf to
the letter from Greystone regarding the bidding on the contract for remodeling the Community Center.
Item #8
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the aqenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9
A. Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for consideration as
Item 10.
B. Approved resolution declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of assessment
roll for 2002 removal of diseased trees from private property and setting public hearing for
July 22,2003 S.R. No. 127
RESOLUTION NO. 9342
RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND
ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR
REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31,2002
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9342 in Resolution Book No. 74.
C. Approved resolutions declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of
assessment roll for 2002 Lyndale/HUB/Nicollet maintenance, proposing similar assessment
process for 2004 and setting public hearing for July 22,2003 S.R. No. 128
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
RESOLUTION NO. 9343
RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTTOBEAsSESSEDAND ORDERING PREPARATION OF
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR
L YNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET (LHN) MAINTENANCE FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2002
RESOLUTION NO. 9344
RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO SPECIALLY ASSESS FOR THE COSTS
OF CURRENT SERVICES PROVIDED WITHIN THE
L YNDALE/HUB/NICOLLET (LHN) PROJECT AREA FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004.
These resolutions appear as Resolution No.'s 9343 and 9344 in Resolution Book No. 74.
D. Approved resolutions declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of
assessment roll for 2002 77th Street maintenance, proposing similar assessment process for
2004 and setting public hearing for July 22,2003 S.R. No. 129
RESOLUTION NO. 9345
RESOLUTION DECLARING COST TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR 77TH STREET MAINTENANCE FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2002
RESOLUTION NO. 9346
RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO SPECIALLY ASSESS FOR THE COSTS OF CURRENT
SERVICES PROVIDED WITHIN THE 77TH STREET PROJECT AREA FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
These resolutions appear as Resolution No.'s 9345 and 9346 in Resolution Book No. 74.
E. Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for consideration as
Item 10.
F. Approved resolution granting off-street parking permit at 220-224 East 78th Street (7745
Second Avenue) S.R. No. 131
RESOLUTION NO. 9347
RESOLUTION GRANTING AN OFF STREET PARKING PERMIT
AT 220-224 EAST 78TH STREET (7745 2ND AVENUE)
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9347 in Resolution Book No. 74.
G. Approved Stipulation of Final Settlement and payment of business relocation claim to Inside
Innovative Sports for expenses associated with vacating racquet club building owned by
Century Court Apartments as part of Penn Avenue Bridge Project S.R. No. 132
H. Approved specifications and authorization to advertise for bids to move houses in 6600 and
6700 blocks of 18th Avenue; Airport Noise Acquisition Program S.R. No. 133
Council Member Ulrich asked to remove Items 9A and 9E from the Consent Calendar and
place them on the regular agenda as Item 10.
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
Council Member Enger requested that in light of Greystone's concerns regarding the
Community Center remodeling contract, the timeframe to submit questions on this project be
changed from "no later than" 10:30 a.m. to "before" 10:30 a.m. (Item 9H)
City Attorney Thomson stated the City Council could direct staff on how to implement the
acceptance of bids. She explained the bid process and timeframes related to the Community Center
contract.
M/Rosenberg, StSandahl to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
Motion carried 5-0
Item #10
9A. Consideration of approval of first reading of amendment to Chapter VIII of
Richfield City Code for new right-of;.way ordinance and setting public hearing and second
reading for July 8,2003 S.R. No. 126
Council Member Ulrich stated she had concerns about enforcing maintenance of the right-
of-way and how problems are reported.
City Manager Orduno said residents and businesses are allowed to beautify the right-of-
way. She added that maintenance problems are brought to staffs' attention by complaints.
Council Member Ulrich asked who restores the right-of-way when it is not maintained.
City Attorney Thomson explained the nuisance abatement requirements.
Council Member Ulrich encouraged stricter maintenance enforcement.
M/Sandahl, StRosenberg to approve the first readino of the attached Rioht-Of-Wav
Ordinance and schedule a public hearino and second readino on Julv 8. 2003.
Motion carried 5-0.
9E. Consideration of approval of resolution authorizing agreement between
Hennepin County and City of Richfield providing $6,000 in County participation in grinding
street surface and striping of bike trails on 76th Street between Lyndale and Emerson
Avenues S.R. No. 130
Council Members Ulrich and Sandahl asked for clarification regarding a conflict of interest
for them since they live on 76th Street.
City Attorney Thomson stated the Council Members have no financial interest in this matter
so no conflict of interest exists.
M/Rosenberg, StEnger that the followino resolution be adopted. that it be spread in the
resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 9341
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT
PW 20-19-03 BETWEEN HENNEPIN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9341 in Resolution Book No.
74.
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
Item #11
Mayor Kirsch presented Staff Report No. 134 regarding a resolution authorizing MnDOT
Agency Agreement No. 83108, Amendment NO.1 to reimburse the City of Richfield for relocating
gas main using federal funds in connection with the Penn Avenue Bridge over 1-494 Project.
M/Kirsch, S/Sandahl that the followino resolution be adopted. that it be spread in the
resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 9348
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MnDOT)
AGENCY AGREEMENT NO. 83108 AMENDMENT NO.1
FOR FEDERAL PARTICIPATION IN FORCE ACCOUNT WORK
FOR THE PENN AVENUE BRIDGE PROJECT
CITY PROJECT NO. 401-30-521;
S.P. 157-020-20 AND 157-020-22;
M.P. HPPMN 10(102)
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9348 in Resolution Book No.
74.
Item #12
Mayor Kirsch presented Staff Report No. 135 regarding continuation to July 8, 2003, for a
public hearing and second reading of a transitory ordinance authorizing the sale of parcels at 7645
Aldrich Avenue and 7646 Lyndale Avenue to The Cornerstone Group.
Council Member Ulrich asked if this matter was a conflict of interest for her since she lives
in the project area.
City Attorney Thomson said no.
M/Kirsch, S/Rosenberg to continue the public hearino and second readino authorizino the
sale of parcels located at 7645 Aldrich Avenue and 7646 Lvndale Avenue to The Cornerstone
Group to Julv 8. 2003.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
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June 10, 2003
Item #13
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the followinQ claims and pavrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
AlP Checks: 124522 - 124792
PAYROLL 35388 - 35495
TOTAL
Motion carried 5-0.
$ 666,174.89
$ 428,717.03
$ 1,094,891.92
Item #14
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:04 p.m.
C~h~
Recording Secretary
Date Approved: June 24. 2003