02-13-06 Worksession
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minn sota
Special Worksession
February 13, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:04 p.m.
Staff Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Bill Kilian; Susan Rosenberg; Sue Sandahl; and Fred
Wroge.
Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation
Services Director; Brad Sveum, Fire Services Director; Bill Fillmore, Liquor
Operations Director; Bruce Nordquist, Community Development Manager;
Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to City Manager; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary .
Members Present:
Item #1
Tom Rublein, Celebrations Commission Chair, stated the commission is interested in the City
Council's ideas and vision of the Centennial Celebration. The commission will act primarily as a
catalyst and bridge builder to other groups and organizations that would be putting on an event. The
past would be incorporated in events with attention called to the present and future. The most
identifying event would be tied to the July 4 activities.
Mr. Rublein requested the commission membership be kept at a reasonably small size for
ease in conceptualizing the event.
Council Member Rosenberg said she liked the idea of "farm to future".
Council Member Sandahl said she like the history book being prepared by the Historical
Society, renaming 77th Street as part of the celebration and the Veterans Memorial planned at the
park. The City logo should not be re-invented but rather develop a logo specific to the Centennial
Celebration. She suggested the various groups in the community be invited to tell the Commission
what they envision for the celebration.
Mr. Rublein said the businesses will be contacted to get ideas.
Council Member Sandahl suggested a Christmas home tour be considered.
Ruthann Clay, Celebrations Commission Member, asked if the City Council envisions a year-
long celebration.
The City Council said yes.
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Council Member Wroge suggested the event should be promoted on the City's website and
invite input from the public using an e-mail link. He expressed concern that the commission should
be kept small because that could keep the scope small. As much input as possible should be
obtained. Volunteers will be needed.
Council Member Wroge said he believes the celebration is about the past 100 years, with
concentration on the past and now, not so much on the future.
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer explained the commission's strategy is to have other
groups and businesses take ownership of their own events.
Mr. Rublein said another idea is to have a marching band musical piece be written regarding
Richfield's centennial and have the Richfield High School band play it during the marching season.
Mr. Rublein said the commission is mindful of the budget for the centennial and will seek
contributions from the community.
Council Member Kilian agree that a commission with a large number of members may be
unwieldy. There are already events, such as the Remodeling Fair, that could wrap around the
centennial. He requested the Richfield public and private schools be involved.
Council Member Kilian suggest a centennial event occur every other month during 2008. The
religious and business communities should be involved. He agreed with renaming 77th Street.
Council Member Kilian suggested a more permanent type of commemorative memorial to 100
years be considered, such as a bell tower adjacent to the new City Hall.
Ms. Clay asked about a contest to rename 77th Street.
Mr. Rublein suggested the Transportation Commission coordinate the renaming.
Ms. Clay suggested the Richfield Beautiful Home & Garden Tour include the centennial
recognition.
Mr. Rublein suggested trees could be planted and a plaque be given acknowledging it was
planted in 2008.
Leslie Boie, Celebrations Commission Member, suggested some of the Augsburg Park Library
space could have a centennial garden.
Council Member Sandahl suggested a fundraiser of memorial bricks incorporated into a
walkway.
Mr. Rublein stated the Community Services Commission could work with parks events, and
the Transportation Commission could work with transportation events, while the Celebration
Commission could catalog and organize events.
Council Member Wroge suggested the public submit names for 77th Street and the
Transportation Commission could narrow the choices to three. Then every resident should have an
opportunity to vote on a name and it could be announced on July 4.
Council Member Sandahl said she did not think the Transportation Commission was the group
to be involved.
Council Member Wroge said some group needs to narrow the list.
Council Member Kilian said maybe the Community Services Commission.
Bob Shotwell, Celebrations Commission Member, suggested contributing members of
Richfield should be honored, for example Olympic athletes, politicians, professionals, etc.
Council Member Sandahl said the Historical Society could help with deciding how to honor
community members.
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February 13, 2006
Mayor Kirsch suggested a trolley car could tour the community on a weekend.
Council Member Wroge suggested the schools could coordinate sports events during the
2007 -2008 season to acknowledge the 100 years.
Ms. Clay said school reunions are being planned.
Mayor Kirsch suggested a Day at the Fair, community birthday party, honoring babies born in
Richfield in 2008, and ceremonies in the two cemeteries with people in period clothing. He also
suggested banners on street poles and contacting the Minnesota Valley School of Music regarding
the previously mentioned musical piece.
Mr. Shotwell suggested contacting churches that started in Richfield but have since moved out
of the community.
Council Member Sandahl suggested early businesses and institutions display their past and
present pictures.
Mr. Rublein said the current roster is adequate membership.
Council Member Kilian suggested a school board liaison be a commission member.
Item #21
City Manager Devich stated the recent Worksession with the School Board regarding
partnering together on a school/community center facility has potential implications on a new City
Hall. In addition, the City Hall Task Force is seeking direction on their next steps on a new City Hall.
Mayor Kirsch suggested that, in light of the school partnering, the City Council might want to
step back on considering a new City Hall site.
Council Member Wroge said the site of the new City Hall is not affected if the new
school/community center facility is built on school property.
Mayor Kirsch said the buildings could all be on one site, possibly Augsburg Park.
Council Member Wroge stated he believes he was chastised by the City Council because he
voted in support of the roundabout at 66th Street and 17th Avenue but did not support the roundabout
at 66th Street and Portland Avenue. If the City Council doesn't like the City Hall site recommended
by the task force, vote no; don't wait until the City Council gets their way with a unanimous vote for
this location. The Community Center project is looking for a debate and has nothing to do with the
City Hall site. It appears the City Council is not happy with the task force's result.
Council Member Kilian stated his review of the criteria used to determine a City Hall site does
not make him able to buy-into the current site as recommended by the task force. Only two sites -
the current garage site and current City Hall site - met the criteria. The other sites were not
considered because they were either parkland, residential or commercial. Too much of a box was
painted which eliminated other potential sites.
Council Member Kilian said he did not expect the site selection process to end up with one
recommendation from the task force but rather have the task force return to the City Council with
options that need to be reviewed. He has questions regarding some sites that have pretty good
potential. If the City Council wants to say that parkland, residential and commercial properties are off
the table, then the current site is the one. If there were constraints on this site, would City Hall be
here and would there be better alternatives.
Council Member Kilian said he was not discounting the work of the task force. The future
needs to be considered with maybe a shared site with the Community Center, in which case the
current site is too small.
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Council Member Kilian continued the current site is the cheapest, easiest, least upsetting to
people and the most non-controversial but it doesn't fit his vision. If an office building is all that's
being considered, it does not meet his vision for spending lots of money because the City could do
better.
Council Member Kilian said he did not want the process to start over but rather review and
consider a couple other potential sites - the current City Hall site, Augsburg Park adjacent to the
school and Veterans Park along Portland Avenue, including the American Legion site.
Rick Jabs, City Hall Task Force II Chair, said he respected Council Member Kilian's thoughts
but he was one person bringing new ideas for consideration. Not one question raised by Council
Member Kilian was not considered by the task force. The City Council gave the task force an open
book and all 16 sites were considered. To come back in the end to say cheap does not reflect the
public open house comments. The taxpayers are comfortable with the money being spent for the
current site. Richfield's hometown feel may be good for staying at the current site. The rule of the
task force was to work in consensus. There is no problem with looking at different perspectives or if
the City Council decided to split the Police and Fire operations.
Council Member Wroge said one of the criteria was to not use a site with a potential to
maximize a development site. He added his second choice was the Augsburg Park site but it would
create a firestorm in the community if parkland were taken.
Mr. Jabs stated the task force's second choice was the current maintenance facility site.
There are ways to use space but it may not be the most glamorous.
Council Member Kilian said that at the public open house he was told the current site was
selected. Strong people wanted this site. If the City Council voted now, he would not support the
current site for a new City Hall until there was the review of another alternative and no other choice
could be made. He suggested a couple conceptual sketches of other sites be done for review.
Mr. Jabs requested that future task forces be given parameters of ideas.
Council Member Kilian said he repects the commissions and groups and all that they do. He
is not saying this current site is not the best place, he's just not saying that yet. This is a learning
experience for him and he should have raised questions sooner since this is an extraordinary project.
Council Member Wroge said it appears the task force made a mistake and was given too
much authority. Richfield is trying to be kept affordable. He said he believes if Richfield tries to
duplicate a Taj Mahal, he would not support it. The question is what's most important - the brick and
mortar (outside) or the working environment for staff (inside).
Council Member Sandahl said it is important for the City Council to go forward with a unified
vision, which is the only way to get community support. It was the City Council's fault to not give
better direction and is not a criticism of the task force. She expressed interest in the thought process
for the Augsburg Park and Veterans Park sites. From her perspective, the current City Hall site is not
her favorite but it is the least expensive and most comfortable, least resistant.
Council Member Sandahl suggested more time to spend on site review so all the City Council
as some point can be unanimous on a decision.
Tom Rublein, CHAT II Member, requested the City Council provide four parameters not
considered by the task force if the current site is not acceptable.
Council Member Kilian said it's difficult to say but he'll know it when he sees it. The urban
hometown concept to him is a City Hall being part of a business, commercial, downtown area or in a
park setting. Events are around town halls and open spaces. He is not saying expensive or a Taj
Mahal. His vision is not a City Hall around a pocket park when there are two beautiful areas in
Richfield that do fit his vision. He is willing to pay a little more to get better. He requested a Richfield
scale City Hall that he can visualize.
Mr. Jabs stated he could visualize City Hall at the current site because it's environmentally
friendly and in the center of Richfield.
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Mr. Rublein asked what it was about the current site that did not fit the urban home town feel.
Council Member Kilian said it is too residential.
Mr. Rublein said it is no more residential than Augsburg Park.
Council Member Kilian stated that Police and Fire could be with City Hall if the site is at
Veterans Park. He would not consider one site without conceptual plans on three sites.
Mr. Rublein said it would be less costly to have a site selected before any architectural plans
are made so the plans are not made to fit a certain site.
Council Member Wroge stated he is happy with the task force outcome. He doesn't want a
controversial site or take more residential or commercial land. Parkland should be avoided.
Council Member Sandahl asked if Fire could be at Veterans Park or at the current site.
Augsburg Park appears to be the most central location for response times.
Council Member Wroge stated that residents are used to the sirens at the current location.
Fire Services Director Sveum explained the Augsburg Park site would balance the Fire
response to the southwest area of Richfield. The Veterans Park site would lengthen the response
time somewhat. From an operational standpoint, it is not crucial for Fire to be with the City Hall site.
Council Member Rosenberg expressed support for the task force recommendation of the
current site for a new City Hall. A school/Community Center should not be considered together with a
City Hall. The City Hall should not be on school property. She agreed in theory to work with the
school on a joint facility but not jeopardizing a new City Hall.
Mayor Kirsch stated the task force did a good job and did what was asked of them. He
suggested waiting on making a site selection.
Council Member Sandahl said she is interested in further review of the Augsburg Park and
Veterans Park sites.
Mr. Jabs agreed City Council consensus is important.
City Manager Devich clarified that the joint school/Community Center connection to a new City
Hall is related to potential banquet facilities at a City Hall since no liquor can be on school property.
Council Member Sandahl said that if City Hall was not currently on this site, she probably
would not put a new one here. However, since it is here, it is more acceptable and least resistant to
community acceptance.
Council Member Wroge said that if the City Council ramrods the City Hall selection to another
site, there are two City Council Members against it. If the American Legion fails and/or the Nilsen
Mortuary moves, there becomes more land available for Veterans Memorial Park.
Council Member Sandahl stated that with the swimming pool and ice arena at Veterans Park,
it makes sense to put a new Community Center there than a new City Hall.
Council Member Kilian suggested a high level concept for three sites - Augsburg Park,
Veterans Memorial Park at the American Legion site along Portland Avenue and the current City Hall
- be prepared for City Council discussion. He said that the highest citizen input at an open house on
the redevelopment of the 66th Street and Portland Avenue intersection was to put City Hall on the
corner adjacent to the park.
Council Member Wroge questioned the accuracy of that statement at the open house.
Public Works Director Eastling stated there was interest in a community use in the northeast
quadrant of that intersection.
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February 13,2006
site.
City Manager Devich asked for clarification on the location for a City Hall at the Augsburg Park
Council Member Kilian said someone could pick the spot.
Council Member Sandahl said it could be the space between the current Community Center
and Library.
Council Member Wroge asked about the cost of the conceptual plans for three sites.
Community Development Director Palmborg answered the cost could be about $1000-1500
for all three plans.
Council Member Kilian said this would not be throwaway information.
City Manager Devich asked about the size of the building footprint.
Community Development Director Palmborg added that the size needs to be communicated to
the designer.
Council Member Wroge stated it appeared that something was being put together to not work
or work on the current site.
Mr. Jabs suggested the conceptual plan be designed for the current site and then decide if it's
acceptable.
Council Member Kilian expressed concern of going down a path far enough so that it's difficult
to turn back. He said he would absolutely turn back if he was not satisfied.
City Manager Devich suggested that staff have a designer submit a cost proposal for a
conceptual schematic site plan and at the February 28, 2006 City Council meeting to decide on how
many sites should be considered.
Council Member Wroge stated Council Member Rosenberg and he will be unavailable on
February 28.
Mayor Kirsch stated he is at the NLC'Conference in Washington DC and will miss the March
14 City Council meeting.
Council Member Wroge requested the decision on the new City Hall site be made at a regular
City Council meeting. The task force is losing momentum.
Council Member Kilian said discussions tell the community that the City Council is not
marching in a locked step and things are challenged.
The City Council consensus was to discuss the preparation of schematic plans for a new City
Hall at the March 28 Regular City Council meeting.
Item #3
City Manager Devich explained the City Council needs to prioritize the City's key financial
strategies projects so formal action can be taken at a regular City Council meeting.
Public Works Director Eastling reviewed staff's view of the upcoming capital improvements
and funding options based upon City Council discussions.
City Manager Devich said a possible special assessment bond would be 20% paid by the
developer and 80% ad valorem.
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Community Development Manager Nordquist explained a developer, Jan Susee, has
expressed interest in a low-scale residential housing development along Portland Avenue in the
southeast quadrant. Discussions are very preliminary. TNT Automotive is also exploring options of
staying.
Public Works Director Eastling added that the BP Station is exploring options for staying in
Richfield, possibly in the southeast quadrant of 17th Avenue and 66th Street. As projects develop,
opportunities are considered.
Council Member Wroge asked why Ryan Corporation would have control of the southeast
corner of 17th Avenue and Portland Avenue.
Public Works Director Eastling explained Ryan Corporation has right of first refusal.
City Manager Devich stated a threshold meeting with the owner of Lyndale Garden Center is
scheduled to discuss the Lyndale Avenue/Richfield Lake upgrade.
Public Works Director Eastling explained the Pavement Management program.
City Manager Devich stated the recently discussed possible joint school/Community Center
facility needs to be considered if the City Council desires. This would be another long-term funding
commitment of a major capital improvement.
Council Member Wroge asked about the cost to the City when the school district did not
support the Cedar Corridor tax abatement.
Community Development Director Palmborg explained the dollar amount did not change but
the $2 million would have accumulated faster.
Council Member Rosenberg stated the school board did not support the tax increment
financing legislation for Cedar Corridor.
City Manager Devich explained Hennepin County did not take part in the abatement but gave
$2 million instead. The tax increment financing legislation was done without the school district
support. The school district still gets funding but the City pays more with the tax abatement. It should
be a two-way street to partnering.
Council Member Wroge added there should be considerable discussion on the potential
school/Community Center facility.
Community Development Director Palmborg said another key financial strategy relates to
housing because that element is suffering from lack of revenue but the demand is high.
Community Development Manager Nordquist explained it is critically important how funding
amounts impact leverage to other funding of projects.
City Manager Devich said staff can identify potential sources of revenue and the City Council
can take formal action at a Regular City Council meeting. He suggested the key financial priorities be
reviewed by the City Council at a mid-year point to re-affirm the direction being taken on priorities and
funding.
Item # 4
City Manager Devich requested a policy be established regarding how to respond to
anonymous e-mails, including the amount of staff time.
Council Member Wroge said some people are reluctant to come forward so, to him, it was
more important to respond to the issue rather than who sent it.
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February 13, 2006
The City Council consensus was to have staff prepare a policy regarding responding to
anonymous e-mail.
(!J'<;J/ ~
Cheryl Kr holz
Recording Secretary
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:49 p.m.
Date Approved: March 14. 2006