01-07-1991 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
January 7, 1991
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Ivan Ludeman; Kristal
Stokes.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Sandahl
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; Jack Erskine,
Public Safety Director; and Karen Batchelder,
Administrative Aide
Community Services
Commission: Sue Sandahl, John Hamilton, Bob Lindgren,
Liz Swanson, Emily Day, Greg Allers, and
Jim Clinite.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
Item #I REVIEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET. STUDY SESSION
LETTER N0. 2.
City Manager Prosser reviewed the proposed Capital
Improvement Budget (C.I.B.).
Sue Sandahl, Chair of the Community Services Commission,
reviewed the recommendations of the Commission which included a
water slide at the municipal pool, a multipurpose shelter at
Veterans Memorial Park with bathrooms and concessions, various
tennis court improvements, Taft Park play feature, and carpeting
at Woodlake Nature Center. She stated the Commission tried to
look at entrepreneurial innovative ideas such as the water slide
and multi-purpose shelter to possibly augment revenues. However,
she stated the council could still consider a referendum for
neighborhood park improvements.
John Hamilton, Community Services Commission Member, stated
that the commission has chosen these improvements to support and
recommended that the City Council approve the proposed C.I.B.
Emily Day, Community Services Commission Member, spoke in
support of the proposed C.I.B., especially tennis court
improvements.
Sue Sandahl and John Hamilton reviewed the issue of safety
at the water slide.
Council Member Stokes asked about liability related to the
water slide.
Study Session Minutes -2- January 7, 1991
Community Services Director Fondrick stated that the
manufacturer provided product liability and the city's insurance
would cover liability as with other park features.
Bob Lindgren, Community Services Commission Member, stated
that it would be very important to educate the public regarding
the financing off the water slide through a loan from the
sewer/water fund and it's operation as an~enterprise fund.
Greg Allers, Community Services Commission Member, stated he
had initial concerns about the economics of the water slide, but
that the attendance at other cities convinced him it will work.
Discussion followed regarding the philosophy of a family
activity focus of a mayor park such as Veterans Memorial Park and
neighborhood park uses.
Bob Lindgren, Community Services Commission Member, asked if
the new liquor tax would impact liquor store revenues for park
improvements.
City Manager Prosser indicated special revenues from the
liquor store are expected to remain at approximately 5300,000.
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked that the
City Council conduct a public hearing on the C.I.B. He stated
that maybe small play features could be put in each neighborhood
park instead of totally improving one neighborhood park at a
time. He stated there was a need for safe pedestrian and bicycle
passage over or under 135W.
Community Services Director Fondrick indicated that MnDot is
aware of these needs for inclusion in the expansion of 135W.
Mayor Kirsch asked for a consensus from the City Council on
C.I.B. items to be put on the next City Council-agenda for
consideration by the council. The consensus of the council was
to consider the following C.I.B. items at the next City Council
meeting:
* Water Plant Air Filter Wash
* Water Slide
Council Member Ludeman asked for further financial
information to be provided.
* Woodlake Nature Center Carpeting
* Tennis Courts
* Taft Park Playfeatures
Council Member Ludeman stated he may suggest Jefferson
Park instead.
* Veterans Memorial Park Multipurpose Shelter
Council Member Stokes asked that further information be
provided regarding the shelter.
Council Member Ludeman stated it was ok to put the
Multipurpose Shelter on the agenda for discussion but that the
citizens had indicated they prefer neighborhood park improvements
rather than more at Legion Lake.
Study Session Minutes -3- January 7, 1991
Jim Clinite, Community Services Commission Member, stated
that it is time to recognize the change in park usage and
philosophy that people will go to the mayor features. He said
it is no longer economically feasible to provide everything at
every neighborhood park.
Community Services Director Fondrick indicated the
multipurpose building at Veterans Memorial Park would provide the
code required bathrooms and could serve as a warming house, and
concession area.
Council Member Ludeman indicated that the playfeature and
parking lots at Veterans Memorial Park shouldn't be on the agenda
and that he intended to add Jefferson Park improvements.
Item #2 AIRPORT ACTIVITY DISCUSSION. STUDY SESSION LETTER N0.1
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 1
regarding a recommendation from the Richfield Airport Strategy
Group that the City should develop a proposal that would be
submitted to the MAC outlining an agreement plan to-buy out New
Ford Town and Rich Acres. The buy out would not be contingent to
airport development options at MSP, but rather to the negative
environmental impacts on the two neighborhoods. The City would
ask the MAC to fund the property acquisition. The City needs to
ensure, through this agreement, that it will not suffer any
unreasonable adverse financial burden.
A comprehensive financial plan would be included in the
proposal to the MAC. The city would hire a public financial
expert to develop this plan.
The estimated cost to develop a comprehensive proposal would
be $10,000 - $15,000. This would include the cost of a financial
consultant and airport planning consultant.
The group also suggested consideration of a proposed
modification of the City's position on the extension of runway 4-
22.
It was the consensus of the City Council to consider these
issues on the agenda of a regular council meeting.
Study Session Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
-4-
January 7, 1991
Mayor Kirsch requested that consideration of a resolution
declaring a vacancy in the Ward 1 Council seat be put on the
council agenda of January 14, 1991. He also asked that the
agenda also include setting the dates of Special City Council
Meetings for:
1. Wednesday, January 23, 1991, 6:00 p.m. for the interview
of individuals interested in appointment to the vacancy
for Ward 1 Council Member.
2. Thursday, January 24, 1991, for council. consideration of
selection of an individual for appointment as Ward 1
Council Member.
Mayor Kirsch also indicated City Council interviews of
candidates for City Commissions would be held February 5, 6, 7 at
6:00 p.m.
Mayor Kirsch stated the City Council would schedule a
Special City Council Meeting for Monday, January 14, 1991 at 6:45
p.m. to discuss the City. Commission appointment process.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:25 p.m.
Date Approved : 1 / 14/ 91 ~'~'~'h ?
Martin J. irsch Mayor
Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
am s D. Prosser
i Manager
1