02-06-1989 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 6, 1989
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steven Quam, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Ivan
Ludeman (arrived at 5:55 p.m.) and Martin
Kirsch (arrived at 5:57 P.M.).
MEMBERS ABSENT: Edwina Garcia
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas P.
Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick,
Community Services Director; Byron Wallace,
Community Development Director; John Erskine,
Public Safety Director; Pat Coughlin, Fire
Chief; and Melanie Ault, Administrative Aide.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Quam at 5:.40 p.m.
Item I. REVIEW OF 1989 TAX CAPACITIES AND NET TAXES PAYABLE FOR
RICHFIELD RESIDENTS.
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed Study
Session Letter No. 3 and Council Memorandum No. 4 summarizing the
impact of recent tax law changes on Richfield property owners,
tax capacity rates, and estimated real estate taxes for 1989.
Item II. CONSIDERATION OF STRATEGIES REGARDING MINNEAPOLIS/
ST. PAUL AIRPORT.
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 1
regarding the recommendation of the Richfield Strategy Airport
Group that the City Council refine their policy regarding the_
airport to include the following basic elements: -
1. Support keeping the airport where it is.
2. Improve as necessary - but do not construct a
north/south runway.
3. Minimize environmental impact.
He then reviewed eight specific recommended strategies to
implement these policies.
M. J. Pearle, Minda Associates, reviewed the copy and format
of a proposed public information brochure to be mailed to
Richfield residents regarding airport issues.
Council Member Sandahl suggested that legislators and city
council members be listed in the brochure as elected officials
who can be contacted. He stated that the idea that building a
new airport and maintaining the existing one is not mutually
exclusive. He expressed concern about the wording of the last
paragraph on page 5 of the proposed brochure as it related to a
Study Session Meeting Minutes -2- February 6, 1989
_____ Council Member Sandahl suggested that legislators and city
` council members be listed in the brochure as elected officials
who can be contacted. He stated that the idea that building a
new airport and maintaining the existing one is not mutually
exclusive. He expressed concern about the wording of the last
paragraph on page 5 of the proposed brochure as it related to a
new airport. He also suggested that the brochure clarify the
identity and role of the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan
Airports Commission, and Richfield City Council.
Council Member Ludeman suggested that the brochure's type
size be large enough for easy reading. He asked if clarifying
data would be provided to residents to support the policies.
City Manager Prosser stated that follow up information would
be provided in-Your City/Your Schools.
Discussion followed regarding the recommended strategies and
the point Bloomington/Richfield study to clarify and gather
additional information.
Item III. REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATION TO IMPROVE FIRE DIVISION
FIRE RESPONSE CAPABILITY.
Fire Chief Coughlin reviewed Study Session Letter No. 2
regarding four options considered to improve Fire Division fire
response capability:
1. Changing the trend in the firefighter living pattern by
requiring, through negotiation, that new firefighters
live in or near the City.
2. Recruiting paid-on-call firefighters to respond in
place of the off-duty career firefighters.
3. Recruiting college students from the ranks of volunteer
firefighters, providing them with college expenses and
living quarters for their work as firefighters when not
in school.
4. Hiring more career firefighters.
He stated that the options had been evaluated using the
factors of response reliability, response effectiveness, initial
training requirements, continuing training requirements
effectiveness time lag, and operating costs. He stated that from
the analysis that the positive features of the college
student/firefighter option made it the superior choice for
improving the fire division capability.
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Study Session Meeting Minutes -3- February 6, 1989
Council discussion followed regarding the feasibility of the
options, costs, inspections program, and negotiation of response
area.
Marv Iverson, Fire Division, spoke in opposition to the
college student firefighter proposal.
Dave Buzicky, Fire Division, President of the International
Association of Firefighters Local, stated that the union and
firefighters have not had enough time to review the proposal to
take a formal position.
Tim Bednar, Fire Division, asked that firefighters be
allowed time to review and have input about the proposal.
Wayne Kusmich, Fire Division, expressed support for
reinstating the residency requirements and concern about the
adaptability of the college person and adequate training time.
Jim Weydt, Fire Division, expressed support for Richfield
resident recruitment.
Discussion followed regarding insurance ratings and fire
staffing.
Mayor Quam stated that the council needs the input of staff
and the firefighters, to balance the concerns, and to provide the
required service to the community. He stated it may be necessary
to review these issues in a community forum.
Council Member Sandahl stated that additional time is needed
for review of the issues.
Council Member Ludeman suggested that the firefighters
review the proposal and meet with staff to discuss it is brought
back to the council.
Mayor Quam stated the need to address this issue soon and
asked Mr. Buzicky to get input from the firefighters and to seek
positive solutions.
City Manager Prosser suggested 30 days as a time frame for
discussion.
Item iV. DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS FOR 1989.
The Council discussed 1989 council liason appointments for
various commissions and agencies.
Study Session Meeting Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p
Date Approved:
2/27/89
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Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
-4- February 6, 1989
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James D. Prosser
ty Manager