02-07-1994 Study SessionCITY~OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 7, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl;
Russ Susag; and Don Priebe.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Rosenberg.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas
Ferber, City Clerk; Jack Erskine, Public
Safety Director; Donald Fondrick, Community
Services Director; Byron Wallace, Community
Development Director; and William Fillmore,
Liquor Operations Director.
OTHERS PRESENT: Phil Riveness, State Senator District 40;
Mark Mahon, State Representative District 40A;
Edwina Garcia, State Representative District
63B; Randy Johnson, Hennepin County
Commissioner District 5; Sondra Simonson,
Metropolitan Council Representative District
12; Katherine Scott, Representing Jane Ranum
State Senator District 63.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:04 p.m.
Item #I REVIEW OF RICHFIELD 1994 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE AND
POLYCIES PACKAGE. S.S. LETTER NO. 2
City Manager Prosser reviewed the City of Richfield 1994
Legislative Initiatives and Policies package. The mayor issues
discussed included the following:
• City-School Impact Aid
Discussion was conducted about reaching a consensus on the
House and Senate bills, funding issues, and seeking the support of
the Governor.
• Resources for Redevelopment
Sondra Simonson, Metropolitan Council Representative,
reviewed a draft Metropolitan Council housing legislative proposal
regarding Section 8 revisions, T.I.F. amendments, and bonding
authority.
Discussion followed regarding the status of Representative
Orfield's initiatives.
• "This Old House"-Rental Property
Community Development Director Wallace reviewed suggested
technical adjustments to the law.
Study Session Minutes -2- February 7, 1994
• Transportation
City Manager Prosser reviewed the local traffic implications
of not extending the interim third lane on I-35W north of I-494,
and the Crosstown 62 congestion.
Discussion followed regarding support for development and
funding of a comprehensive high speed bus transit plan alternative
as a solution for the I-35W corridor.
Randy Johnson, Hennepin County Commissioner, suggested a
presentation on the high speed bus concept be given to the County
Board.
State Representative Mahon discussed the status of funding
£or the targeting provisions of the Property Tax Refund Program.
Council Member Susag suggested that the City Council
consider passing a resolution in support of legislation for full
funding of this program.
Doris Rubenstein, Advisory Board of Health, asked if there
was any legislation related to the health of Richfield residents.
State Representative Edwina Garcia reviewed a bill she is
sponsoring regarding restrictions on smoking in certain buildings.
State Representative Mahon reviewed proposed legislation to
increase the tax on cigarettes to provide funding for preventive
health programs.
Commissioner Johnson discussed fiscal disparity issues.
City Manager Prosser discussed the local cost of prosecution
of D.W.Y. offenses.
Senator Riveness requested a detail of costs related to
D.W.I. prosecutions.
Mayor Kirsch announced that a Health Forum is scheduled for
7:00 p.m. on February 17, at Richfield City Hall.
Item #II DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 3
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 3
regarding the following airport issues:
• New Ford Town/Rich Acres Acquisition
W.D. Schock has released the Phase I timeline for
acquisition and relocation. Discussions are continuing with the
MAC about responsibilities for service expenses, rate of service
decommissioning, and which entities will be responsible for
different services.
Study Session Minutes -3- February 7, 1994
• Runway ~1-22 Extension
The mayor concern of Richfield is the displaced threshold
noise impact on the community and the operational use of the
runway.
City Manager Prosser summarized the analysis by consultant
Steve Pflaum of the legal issues and costs related to a litigation
strategy to challenge the Runway 4-22 E.I.S.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council
that City Manager Prosser determine the support and level of
funding available from other cities for a possible legal challenge
to the 4-22 E.I.S., prior to City Council decision on the issue.
• MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan
A public hearing on the Scoping E.A.W. and Draft Scoping
Decision/Document on the MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan is
scheduled for February 15, 7:00 p.m. at Washburn High School.
• Part 150 Sound Installation Project
The building code issues have been resolved.
Item #III DISCUSSION OF 1994 STRATEGIC GOALS. S.S LETTER NO. 4
City Manager reviewed Study Session Letter No. 4 regarding
the Following strategic goals for 1994:
1. Brainstorm development opportunities and implement the
best ideas in the marketplace.
Community Development Director Wallace reviewed the status
of development opportunities in the LHN, ILN, PASS, and CABA
areas.
2. To expand our remodeling efforts, transformation, and
New Ford Town relocation efforts to keep our community standard
high and attract residents.
City Manager Prosser summarized the HRA housing programs.
3. Obtain Federal/State approval for a high speed bus
initiative to reduce traffic on local streets and minimize the
loss of homes due to potential freeway expansion.
4. Develop and implement a communication strategy that
provides general information to the public with detailed back up
information for those that want or need it.
City Manager Prosser stated staff is preparing the new
format for a City newsletter.
Study Session Minutes -4- February 7, 1994
5. To provide resources to the City Commissions to improve
their effectiveness and build improved communication between the
Commissions/citizens and the Council.
It was the consensus of the Council that the meetings be
scheduled with City Commissions once a month at 6:30 p.m. prior to
a regular Council meeting.
6. Develop a contingency plan with alternatives in the
event of significant funding reduction from other jurisdictions.
City Manager Prosser stated staff would prepare budget
reduction alternatives which could be implemented in the event of
funding reductions.
Item HIV REVIEW OF SNOW EMERGENCY ORDINANCE. S.S. LETTER NO. 5
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No.5
regarding the City's snow emergency ordinance.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the history
of the snow emergency ordinance, the timing for declaration of a
snow emergency, communication efforts, and operational issues.
Public Safety Director Erskine reviewed the recent
cooperative efforts with apartment complexes to address parking
problems during snow emergencies and tag/towing issues.
It was the consensus of the City Council that the City's
snow emergency ordinance and policy remain the same.
Item ~V DISCUSSION OF FEES FOR THE 1994 SUMMER PLAYGROUND
PROGRAM. S.S. LETTER N0. 6
City Manger Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 6
regarding fees for the 1994 summer playground programs.
Discussion followed regarding the options for adding
summer programs to certain parks, including charging a fee with a
"scholarship" fee waiver system similar to that available for pool
passes, and asking for a voluntary fee submittals
It was the consensus of the Council that staff add summer
playground programs at two parks and that a voluntary fee be
requested with the understanding that the level of fees collected
may have some impact on the recreation budget. The council
indicated that an evaluation would then be made to determine if a
fee should be required next year.
Study Session Minutes -5- February 7, 1994
ITEM VI DISCUSSION OF UTILITY BILLS PENALTIES AND
CERTIFICATIONS. S.S. LETTER NO. 7
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed Study
Session Letter No. 7 regarding potential changes in utility
billing and certification fees.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council
that the staff prepare and present a proposal for Council
consideration consisting of the following:
• Increase the 5g penalty to 6.5$.
• Assess interest on the certified delinquent utility
assessment at the rate of 8~, the same as other City
assessments.
• Increase the certification fee from $20.00 to 525.00.
1
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:30 p.m.
Date Approved : 2/ 14/ 94
Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk