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01-24-06 Worksession CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Special Worksession January 24, 2006 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 5:40 p.m. Members Present: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Bill Kilian; Fred Wroge; Susan Rosenberg; and Sue Sandahl. Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary. Item#1 Tom Rublein, Celebrations Commission Chair, said the Commission needs direction on how the City Council wants the Celebration done and what is important to them. Mr. Rublein said the first thing that would need to be dealt with would be the allocation of funds. One stipulation was that some funds be used in a joint effort with the Historical Society for a book on the history of Richfield. Mr. Rublein invited Lisa Plank, Richfield Historical Society, to discuss the plans for a possible book on Richfield's 100-year history and the funding required. Ms. Plank stated the cost of the book would range from $30,000 - $50,000 (1/3 writing, 1/3 layout/design, 1/3 printing.) If the Commission (City) wants to do the book, the Historical Society could conduct fundraising and retain the book proceeds for operating costs. Or the Commission (City) could do the book themselves with assistance from the Historical Society. She said the process would take a minimum of one year. Council Member Kilian suggested the City front the funds and the Historical Society could retain the money over the seed money from the City. Mr. Rublein said that if the City does the book, the City will have input. Council Member Wroge stated that Steve Lindgren, Richfield Chamber of Commerce, told him the business community would support the book. He expressed concern that if the City did the book, some recognition may be taken away from the Historical Society. Ruth Ann Clay, Celebrations Commission Member, said if the Historical Society raises funds, it takes time away from doing the book. Special Worksession Minutes -2- January 24, 2006 Ms. Plank explained the book is planned to be on the market for the December 2007 holiday season. John Bjostad, Celebrations Commission Member, said a better option would be the City fronting the money. Council Member Kilian said fundraising is easier as the event gets closer so it's better to front the money now - it's an interest free investment. The City Council consensus was to provide $20,000 as seed money to the Richfield Historical Society to begin the history book with a review of the process as it proceeds. The City Council consensus was to schedule a Special City Council meeting in the near future to continue the discussion with the Celebrations Commission on the planning for the 2008 Centennial events. Mr. Rublein reviewed ideas and suggestions for the Centennial events. A new City logo was considered by the Commission. The City Council consensus was that the current City logo is acceptable, but the Commission should consider a logo specific to the Centennial event. Mr. Rublein added that the ideas are impacted by funding and the people to assist with carrying out the duties. Item #21 David Gepner, representing the "Two Wheels To Town" (TWTT), the Southwest Metro Bicycle Connection, reviewed the initiatives and challenges on bicycle commuter options. This is an effort encouraged by the cities of Richfield, Edina, Minneapolis and Bloomington and meetings have been held with all the Mayors. Jim Sorenson, TWTT representative, stated they are seeking City Council support for this effort. He added minimal City staff support is also requested. Council Member Wroge expressed concern that the vast majority of people are not bicycle commuters and are going to live with their cars and buses as transportation whether advocacy groups like it or not. He questioned the group's mission objectives. Mr. Sorenson said this initiative helps create a diverse transportation system. As a city changes, infrastructure opportunities may be available. This is a missionary effort and will take time. Council Member Kilian stated that unless the effort starts, a change will never happen. He questioned this being a year round effort. Mr. Sorenson explained they are not promoting year round bicycle riding. Council Member Wroge stated he did not have a problem with bike riding anywhere. Mr. Sorenson explained there are Share-the-Road rules. Mr. Gepner stated the TWTT effort may be viable because it is citizen driven, not staff, but the hope is that the City Council will direct staff to participate. Funding for non-motorized transport is more likely to be available if the City provides support to this effort. Mayor Kirsch said Richfield has taken the lead, with the three other cities joining. Council Member Rosenberg stated if the leaders don't take hold of this effort, change will not happen. Special Worksession Minutes -3- January 24, 2006 The City Council consensus was to provide support to TWTT through formal action at the next Regular City Council meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:27 p.m. , f '/ b ~~ c(d(K;tmhol e(- Recording Secretary ~ Date Approved: February 14. 2006