11-10-09 WorksessionJ
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
November 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; and Tom Fitzhenry
Members Absent: Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Robert Hintgen, Utilities
Superintendent; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Item # I DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKS ORDINANCE REVISIONS (COUNCIL MEMO
NO. 183)
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer discussed three proposed revisions to the City's
parks ordinance:
Use of Tobacco in Parks
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer stated there is currently a park rule, not ordinance, in
place.
Council Member Elliott asked about enforcing compliance.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained the intent is self or passive enforcement
through signage.
Council Member Wroge expressed concern regarding selective enforcement.
Council Member Fitzhenry suggested administrative fines instead of petty crimes. He also
questioned permitting smoking in cars and the overall impact on shelter rentals and park events, i:e.
July 4.
City Manager Devich cautioned the reality of relying on police enforcement.
Council Member Wroge stated there should be a consequence if continual, intentional
violations occur.
Council Member Fitzhenry suggested a trespass option from the park as an immediate
consequence.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- ~ November 10, 2009
The City Council consensus was support for an ordinance prohibiting tobacco use in City
parks and review enforcement options, including administrative fines.
Feeding of Wild Animals or Birds in Public Parks
The City Council consensus was to proceed with a form of restriction, including educating the
public.
Selling Food Products or Services in Public Places
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained the requirement of a peddler's license.
The City Council consensus was to proceed with restrictions, including locations.
Item #2 DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED 2010 WASTEWATER RATE (COUNCIL
MEMO NO. 184)
Public Works Director Eastling discussed the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
2010 wastewater increase for Richfield, resulting in staff recommending a greater increase to the City
rate than originally proposed in the 2010 budget. The new rate would be part of the budget to be
approved by the City Council in December.
Utilities Superintendent Hintgen stated the rate increase depends upon how aggressive a City
wishes to be in recouping costs.
City Manager Devich added that if there is no increase, the City could spend-down the fund
balance.
The City Council consensus was to proceed with the proposed new rate increase.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:50 p.m.
Date Approved:
November 10, 2009
Cheryl K umho z v
Recording Secretary