03-10-09 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
March 10, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott; Fred Wroge; Tom Fitzhenry; and Sue
Sandahl.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Kristin
Asher, City Engineer; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Chris
Regis, Finance Manager; Brandon Klement, Facilities Manager; Frank White,
Recreation Programs/Athletics Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
Item # I DISCUSSION REGARDING UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING ALONG 76TH STREET;
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL SEWER PROJECT (COUNCIL MEMO NO. 33)
City Manager Devich suggested that due to the length of the worksession agenda, discussion
may not be completed at 7 p.m. so the City Council may wish to continue the worksession to follow
the Regular City Council Meeting.
City Engineer Asher presented a PowerPoint presentation (City Clerk File No. C-447)
regarding the Metro Sewer project along 76th Street to Lyndale Avenue. The location of and space
needed for the utility boxes are the issues and staff is seeking direction on how to proceed. The
location is in the City’s right-of-way.
City Engineer Asher discussed the financial aspects related to the Metropolitan Council,
Three Rivers Park District, and the City.
The City Council consensus was to have staff contact the residents in the impacted areas to
get their feedback on the location of the utility boxes and continue negotiations regarding financial
options and provide a report to the City Council.
Item # 2 DISCUSSION REGARDING RICHFIELD ICE ARENA COMPREHENSIVE
TECHNICAL STUDY (COUNCIL MEMO NO. 31)
Facilities Manager Klement provided the background related to the technical study. Staff is
seeking direction on how to proceed regarding the Harris Companies’ letter of intent.
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Facilities Manager Klement discussed the potential savings from energy costs and probable
severe cost impacts if there is no updating of the aging ice arena.
Harris Companies representatives provided an overview on the proposed study, including
arena issues and options, the process, and financial obligations.
City Manager Devich and Finance Manager Regis discussed the City’s financing options for
the upgrades.
The City Council consensus was to move forward with the letter of intent with Harris
Companies.
Item # 3 DISCUSSION REGARDING FOURTH OF JULY CARNIVAL CONTRACT (COUNCIL
MEMO NO. 34)
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer discussed the financial implications of discontinuing
the carnival contract and that the contract is with the Fourth of July Committee, not the City. An
alternative form of revenue of $10,000 would need to be found for the committee since that is their
profit from the carnival. The contract term is through 2010 and the City Council may wish to have
the committee put the carnival on notice that the contract could be discontinued after that date.
Council Member Fitzhenry discussed his concerns that “undesirable” people may be attracted
by the carnival. He questioned the cost effectiveness of the revenue from the carnival versus the
cost of extra police. He said he believes the July 4 activities have become regional and too big to
handle. He suggested scaling back events.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer replied that last year the Metro Gang Strike Force
services were at no charge and there were also officers from Hennepin County.
Council Member Wroge discussed his concerns regarding staff voicing safety issues to him.
He agreed the event had become out of hand with a different group of people attending. He said
with the Metro Gang Strike Force, extra lighting, and staffing; the event looks like an armed camp.
Council Member Wroge stated he would consider supporting the City providing $10,000 from
the General Fund again if the only reason the carnival is held is to pay for the event.
Recreation Programs/Athletics Manager White stated eliminating the carnival could reduce
some problems but not all of them.
City Attorney Heine explained the City did not make the contract but rather it is with the
Fourth of July Committee. The City could make it impossible for the carnival to perform on City
property and possibly put the committee at risk and liable if the contract is terminated before 2010.
Council Member Elliott stated that the current contract should not be broken. There should be
discussion of having no carnival in 2011 and having other events that are more resident-oriented.
The City Council consensus was to terminate the carnival contract after 2010 and discuss
raising revenue to cover the Fourth of July revenue lost.
Recreation Programs/Athletics Manager White stated the biggest impact of the July 4
activities is the fireworks.
Mayor Goettel stated the worksession will be recessed and resume following the Regular City
Council Meeting.
The meeting was recessed by unanimous consent at 6:57 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:12 p.m.
Special Worksession Minutes -3- March 10, 2009
Item #4 DISCUSSION REGARDING 20-DAY DISEASED TREE REMOVAL ORDINANCE
(COUNCIL MEMO NO. 32)
Public Works Director Eastling discussed diseased tree removal options.
Mayor Goettel expressed support for removing the 20-day time limit from the ordinance for
boulevard and private trees because it is a short time frame with a huge cost.
Council Member Wroge questioned why the 20-day limit was in the ordinance.
Public Works Director Eastling replied it was to retard the spread of tree disease.
Council Member Wroge said he would not support removing the 20-day limit even though it is
not expected but it gives a target removal date. As fewer trees remain, removal will be less of an
issue.
Council Member Wroge questioned staffing levels and tree removal/trimming services.
Public Works Director Eastling discussed the impacts of the reduced Public Works staffing and
the inability to keep up with tree trimming.
Council Member Sandahl expressed support for revising the ordinance because it shifts the
tree cutting to a time of year that reduces costs and allows more trimming.
Public Works Director Eastling discussed the potential threat of disease for ash trees.
Council Member Elliott stated the 20-day limit needs to be enforced or the ordinance changed.
Council Member Fitzhenry suggested removing the 20-day limit because it is not enforced.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:38 p.m.
Date Approved: Ma,-~a, ~4, ~~ng
Recording Secretary