12-10-01 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
December 10, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John
Enger; and Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager;Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Dan Scott, Public
Safety Director; Bill Fillmore, Municipal Liquor Operations Director;
Chris Regis, Finance Manager; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Kirsch announced that anyone in the audience registered to speak on taxes
would need to wait until the public hearing regarding the budget, which is on tonight’s
agenda. He said the Open Forum is an opportunity to speak about items not on the
printed agenda.
The Recording Secretary announced Robert Hall had registered to speak.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, asked if anyone had requested auxiliary aids as
stated on the legal notice and the cost for the aid related to the Special City Council
meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. He said placing the cancellation of the December 26 City
Council meeting on the calendar instead of after the public hearing on the budget gave
citizens the idea that their budget comments were not important and no further discussion
would be necessary. He requested the meeting cancellation item be removed from the
Council Meeting Minutes-2-December 10, 2001
consent calendar. He said the budget public hearing should have been in November to
allow time for citizens to speak on the matter.
City Manager Orduno said the budget needs to be certified to Hennepin County by
the end of December. She said the City Council could schedule a special meeting to
continue the budget discussion.
Mayor Kirsch adjourned the Open Forum portion of the meeting by unanimous
consent at 7:05 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Gertrude Ulrich; John
Enger; and Sue Sandahl.
Staff Present:Samantha Orduno, City Manager;Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce
Palmborg, Community Development Director; Dan Scott, Public
Safety Director; Bill Fillmore, Municipal Liquor Operations Director;
Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Chris Regis, Finance
Manager; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and Corrine
Thomson, City Attorney.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council Member Sandahl asked that the Special City Council meeting minutes of
November 15, 2001 be amended to indicate she was present.
Council Meeting Minutes-3-December 10, 2001
Council Member Ulrich said there had been 11 City Council meetings in less than
one month. She said the City Council puts in many hours; more than the public realizes.
Council Member Enger requested further discussion on the Crosstown Commons
design. He said the ramp west to I-35W north had the corner sharpened and he wanted to
review the maps more closely. He wanted to discuss the Portland Avenue/Crosstown
entrance and possibly an amendment to the City’s policy position regarding the Crosstown
design.
Council Member Sandahl said the next Crosstown Committee meeting is January 9,
2002.
The City Council consensus was to schedule discussion of the Crosstown design at
the January 8 City Council Worksession.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to approve the minutes of the (1) Special City Council
Worksession of November 13, 2001; (2) Regular City Council Meeting of November 13,
2001; (3) Special City Council Closed Executive Session of November 13, 2001; (4)
Special City Council Meeting of November 15, 2001 (as amended); (5) Special Concurrent
City Council and HRA Closed Executive Session of November 19, 2001; (6) Special City
Council Meeting of November 24, 2001; (7) Special City Council Worksession of
November 26, 2001; (8) Regular City Council Meeting of November 26, 2001; (9) Special
City Council Closed Executive Session of November 26, 2001; (10) Special City Council
Meeting of November 29, 2001; and (11) Special City Council Meeting of December 4,
2001.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1PRESENTATION BY AMY KLOBUCHAR, HENNEPIN COUNTY ATTORNEY
Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, summarized accomplishments of the past
year and highlighted key initiatives related to the County Attorney’s office.
The City Council thanked Ms. Klobuchar for her efforts, especially the emphasis on
property crimes.
Item #2SWEAR-IN RICHFIELD POLICE OFFICERS, JEFF COOK AND JOHN
CARNES
Public Safety Director Scott administered the swearing-in of Richfield Police Officers
Jeff Cook and John Carnes.
Council Meeting Minutes-4-December 10, 2001
Item #3RICHFIELD FOUNDATION AWARDING OF 2002 GRANTS
Lynn Schoonmaker, Co-Chair of the Richfield Foundation, provided background
information related to the distribution of $11,800 in grants to nine organizations whose
proposals were deemed to provide the best match to grant criteria and current community
needs. She said this year was a record for the number of recipients and the amount of
grants.
Jon Schoonmaker, Co-Chair of the Richfield Foundation, and Joan Helmberger,
Treasurer, presented the grants to representatives of the following organizations:
x
Bridging, Inc. ($1,000)
x
Church of the Assumption ($2,500)
x
Cornerstone ($1,000)
x
Family and Children’s Service ($800)
x
Fraser Community Services ($1,000)
x
Support and Housing Assistance for Families Enduring Hardships (S.A.F.E.)
($1,000)
x
South Hennepin Immigrant Services Group (SHISG) Community of Nations Project
($2,000)
x
Storefront Group ($1,000)
x
Refugee ESL Tutoring Project ($1,500)
The City Council thanked the Richfield Foundation for their efforts.
Item #4PRESENTATION OF RICHFIELD 2020 PROJECT REPORT
John Bjostad, Chair of the Richfield 2020 Steering Committee, recapped the process
started 15 months ago that resulted in the Richfield 2020 Focus on the Future Report.
Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to the City Manager, distributed the report to the City
Council.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to accept the Richfield 2020 Focus on the Future Report
and to use the report as a guide for planning next year and years to come.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-5-December 10, 2001
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Sandahl provided a brief report on the National League of Cities
(NLC) Congressional Cities Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, held last week. She reviewed
and distributed to Department Directors, information on a variety of topics and activities from
other cities.
Council Member Ulrich commented on the NLC workshops on seniors and how
communities work to have seniors remain in their homes.
Council Member Rosenberg commented on NLC health and human services issues
and resources from other cities. She said having all five City Council Members attend the
conference provided valuable bonding as a Council.
Council Member Enger thanked the City for providing the opportunity to attend the
conference and said it was a worthwhile experience. He said he met other newly elected
officials and learned of new ways to communicate with residents.
Mayor Kirsch commented on the NLC affordable housing issues and initiatives from
other cities.
Council Member Enger reported on the N.O.I.S.E. session during the NLC
Conference.
Council Member Enger said in today’s issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Senator
Terwilliger from Edina suggested establishing a toll on Crosstown as a way to generate
money to pay for the additional costs for keeping Crosstown open during construction. He
said creating a toll road in the Crosstown Commons area would have dramatic negative
impacts to the City of Richfield and our neighborhoods, as those wishing to bypass the toll
would use our City streets. The increased traffic would pose a safety hazard to pedestrians
and further burden our residential and arterial streets with increased traffic.It is not clear to
what extent Senator Terwilliger’s suggestion will take hold at the Legislature; however, he
believes it is critical for the City of Richfield to send a strong and clear message to the
Senator and key legislative leaders that the concept of a toll for the Crosstown Commons is
not a practical idea and one that has serious ramifications for those cities abutting the
Crosstown.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg that the City Manager draft a letter immediately, to be signed
by the Mayor and Council, stating our concerns with the toll proposal and send this letter to
Senator Terwilliger and any other appropriate legislator.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-6-December 10, 2001
Item #5COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Member Enger asked to remove Items 5A, 5E and 5H and place them on
the regular agenda.
Mayor Kirsch removed Consent Calendar Item 5A, 5E and 5H, and placed them on
the regular agenda as Items 13A, 13B and 13C.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item 13A.
B.Approved first reading of ordinance amending Chapter 13 of Richfield City Charter by
adding new section authorizing administrative fines and penalties and scheduling
public hearing and second reading for January 8, 2002 S.R. No. 296
C.Approved first reading of ordinance amending Section 7.13 of Richfield City Charter
to establish June 30 deadline for submission of annual financial report and
scheduling public hearing and second reading for January 8, 2002 S.R. No. 297
D.Approved canceling December 26, 2001 City Council meeting S.R. No. 298
E.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item 13B.
F.Approved first reading of ordinance amendment to City Code Section 405 regarding
City’s housing maintenance code and adding components related to provisional
licenses and conduct issues on licensed premises and scheduling public hearing and
second reading for January 8, 2002 S.R. No. 300
G.Approved resolution approving settlement of claim of Donald Morrow and Patrick
Morrow for loss of going concern damages for Morrow Towing, 6429-6445 Cedar
Avenue; 66th Street/Trunk Highway 77 Interchange Project S.R. No. 301
RESOLUTION NO. 9117
RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT OF CLAIM
OF DONALD MORROW AND PATRICK MORROW
FOR LOSS OF GOING CONCERN DAMAGES
Council Meeting Minutes-7-December 10, 2001
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9117 in Resolution Book No. 73.
H.Removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda for
consideration as Item 13C.
I.Approved resolution authorizing execution of stipulation of final settlement for 6333
Cedar Avenue, Parcel 5; 66th Street/Trunk Highway 77 Interchange Project S.R. No.
303
RESOLUTION NO. 9118
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A
STIPULATION OF FINAL SETTLEMENT FOR 6333 CEDAR AVENUE (PARCEL 5)
(66TH STREET/TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT)
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9118 in Resolution Book No. 73.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #7PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF ISSUANCE OF NEW ON-
SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE
FRENCHMAN’S, 1400 EAST 66TH STREET S.R. NO. 304
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 304 regarding consideration of the
issuance of new on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses for The Frenchman’s at
1400 East 66th Street.
Council Member Sandahl asked if the Frenchman’s was upgrading to a full liquor
license.
Public Safety Director Scott said yes.
M/Rosenberg, S/Ulrich to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg to approve the issuance of new on-sale intoxicating and
Sunday liquor licenses for The Frenchman’s, 1400 East 66th Street.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes-8-December 10, 2001
Item #8PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING 2002 LIQUOR
LICENSE RENEWALS:
A.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR CHI-CHI’S,
INC., DBA CHI-CHI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANTE, 7717 NICOLLET
AVENUE S.R. NO. 305
B.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR, INCLUDING
OUTSIDE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL, FOR WILTSHIRE
RESTAURANTS, LLC, DBA HOULIHAN’S RESTAURANT & BAR,
6601 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO. 306
C.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR DON
PABLO’S OPERATING CORP., DBA DON PABLO’S, 980 WEST
78TH STREET S.R. NO. 307
D.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR CHAMPPS
OPERATING CORP., DBA CHAMPPS RESTAURANT, 790 WEST
66TH STREET S.R NO. 308
E.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR PAISAN INC.,
DBA KHAN’S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE, 500 EAST 78TH STREET
S.R. NO. 309
F.ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR THE
GROUND ROUND, INC., DBA THE GROUND ROUND, 1500 EAST
78TH STREET S.R. NO. 310
G.CLUB ON-SALE AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR FRED BABCOCK
V.F.W. POST NO. 5555, DBA FOUR NICKELS FOOD & DRINK; 6715
LAKE SHORE DRIVE S.R. NO. 311
H.CLUB ON-SALE AND SUNDAY LIQUOR FOR MINNEAPOLIS-
RICHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST 435, 6501 PORTLAND
AVENUE S.R. NO. 312
I.ON-SALE WINE AND 3.2 PERCENT MALT LIQUOR FOR
THOMPSON’S FIRESIDE PIZZA, INC., DBA FIRESIDE PIZZA, 6736
PENN AVENUE S.R. NO. 313
J.ON-SALE WINE AND 3.2 PERCENT MALT LIQUOR FOR KIANG’S
RED PEPPER, INC., DBA RED PEPPER CHINESE RESTAURANT,
2902 WEST 66TH STREET S.R. NO. 314
K.ON-SALE WINE AND 3.2 PERCENT MALT LIQUOR FOR SUBECK,
INC., DBA KETSANA’S THAI RESTAURANT, 7545 LYNDALE
AVENUE S.R. NO. 315
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No.’s 305 through 315 regarding
consideration of 2002 liquor license renewals.
Mayor Kirsch asked if all the liquor license renewals could be considered as one
public hearing.
City Attorney Thomson said yes, a single motion could be taken. She said any City
Council Member could request a separate public hearing on any license. She said if
someone speaks on a license, clear designation of which establishment is being discussed
must be made.
Council Meeting Minutes-9-December 10, 2001
Council Member Sandahl said the percentage of food versus beverage for
Houlihan’s was not stated in the Staff Report.
Public Safety Director Scott said Houlihan’s had not been serving a full year yet, but
it met the required criteria.
Council Member Enger asked why there was a discrepancy between
establishments in the miscellaneous non-criminal (inspections/licensing) contacts.
Public Safety Director Scott said it depended upon the monitoring of previous calls
to ensure the establishment is in compliance.
Council Member Sandahl stressed to the establishments that the City Council
continues their concern about underage drinking.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the following renewals: on-sale intoxicating
and Sunday liquor licenses for Chi-Chi’s , Inc., d/b/a Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurante, 7717
Nicollet Avenue; on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses, including the outside
service of alcohol, for Wiltshire Restaurants, LLC, d/b/a Houlihan’s Restaurant & Bar, 6601
Lyndale Avenue; on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses for Don Pablo’s
Operating Corp., d/b/a Don Pablos, 980 West 78th Street; on-sale intoxicating and Sunday
liquor licenses for Champps Operating Corp., d/b/a Champps Restaurant, 790 West 66th
Street; on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses for Paisan Inc., d/b/a Khan’s
Mongolian Barbeque, 500 East 78th Street; on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor
licenses for The Ground Round, Inc., d/b/a The Ground Round, 1500 East 78th Street;
club on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses for Fred Babcock V.F.W. Post No. 5555, d/b/a
Four Nickels Food & Drink, 6715 Lake Shore Drive; club on-sale and Sunday liquor
licenses for Minneapolis-Richfield American Legion Post 435, 6501 Portland Avenue; on-
sale wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses for Thompson’s Fireside Pizza, Inc., d/b/a
Fireside Pizza, 6736 Penn Avenue; on-sale wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses for
Kiang’s Red Pepper, Inc., d/b/a Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant, 2902 West 66th Street;
and on-sale wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses for Subeck, Inc., d/b/a Ketsana’s
Thai Restaurant, 7545 Lyndale Avenue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #9PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING 2002
PAWNBROKER AND SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER LICENSE
RENEWALS:
A.METRO PAWN & GUN, INC., 7529 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO.
316
B.CAPITAL CASH LLC, DBA HY’S PAWN, 6414 NICOLLET
AVENUE S.R. NO. 317
Council Meeting Minutes-10-December 10, 2001
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No.’s 316 and 317 regarding
consideration of 2002 pawnbroker and secondhand goods dealer license renewals.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0. (Enger absent.)
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg to approve the renewal of pawnbroker and secondhand
goods dealer license for Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc., 7529 Lyndale Avenue; and approve the
renewal of pawnbroker and secondhand goods dealer license for Capital Cash LLC, d/b/a
Hy’s Pawn, 6414 Nicollet Avenue.
Motion carried 4-0. (Enger absent.)
Item #10CONTINUE TO JANUARY 8, 2002, PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND
READING OF TRANSITORY ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE
CONVEYANCE OF REMNANT PARCEL TO CENTURY COURT
APARTMENTSS.R. NO. 318
City Manager Orduno stated the public hearing and second reading of a transitory
ordinance to authorize conveyance of remnant parcel to Century Court Apartments needs
to be continued to January 8, 2002 to allow more time for resolution of the public right of
way issue.
M/Ulrich, S/Rosenberg to continue until the Council meeting on January 8, 2002
the public hearing and second reading of the transitory ordinance to authorize the
conveyance of a remnant parcel to Century Court Apartments.
Motion carried 4-0. (Enger absent.)
Item #11PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF 2001 REVISED/2002
PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS
S.R. NO. 319
City Manager Orduno stated the 2001 and 2002 budget was prepared in response
to the City Council’s directive in September that the City maintain current level of services
to the taxpayers, that no new spending programs will be funded and reductions were to be
made to reduce the levy. She reviewed legislative actions and who benefited from the
Governor’s reduction in property taxes. She discussed the continued level of City
services. She said the future City services delivery in Richfield may be in jeopardy if the
State continues to reduce revenues to cities and taxpayers continue to want the same
services, but want to pay less. She reviewed data on the County’s tax impact on several
cities with moderately priced homes.
Council Meeting Minutes-11-December 10, 2001
Administrative Services Director Devich reviewed the impacts of the proposed
budget including:
x
Gross Tax Levy History
x
Homestead and Agricultural Aid Comparison (HACA)
x
Local Government Aid Comparison (LGA)
x
2001 Budget General Fund Revenue
x
2002 Proposed Budget General Fund Revenues
x
2001 Tax Capacity Rate
x
2002 Tax Capacity Rate
x
2002 Proposed Budget
x
Equipment Certificates Rationale
x
Issuance of Equipment Certificates
x
2002 Equipment Certificates ($643,350)
x
2002 Annual Costs for Services
x
2002 Proposed Levy Estimated Impact
x
CPI-U vs. Gross Levy Increase
Council Member Enger asked if most cities receive HACA.
Administrative Services Director Devich said a large number of cities do receive
HACA with weaker tax base cities receiving larger shares. He said Richfield has been a
recipient of a large amount of HACA.
Council Member Enger asked about the basis for receiving LGA.
Administrative Services Director Devich said LGA is the sales tax revenue used to
buy down property taxes.
City Manager Orduno said some cities that do not get LGA seek a local sales tax
option. She said this starts the disparities in cities.
Administrative Services Director Devich said $2.5 million in aids has been lost and
the City needs to fund the equipment needing replacement.
Mayor Kirsch said the tax compression rates are set by the Legislature and cannot
be changed.
Council Member Enger asked about the City’s influence on Legislators during
negotiations to arrive at the current tax figures.
City Manager Orduno said cities are typically represented by their Mayors, Councils
and citizens. She said this past session was late in discussing tax reductions, so cities
had to hurry to have representatives. She said many of the current Legislators have not
served in local government so they don’t understand how cities operate. She said
Richfield’s Legislators fight for the City. She said cities are not paid by the State until July,
so operations are on revenues the first months of the year and revenues affect the bond
rating.
Council Meeting Minutes-12-December 10, 2001
Council Member Ulrich said the Legislators mandate expenses and it is always a
catch-up game. She said cities have never received the full amount to cover mandates.
She said the prosperous south and west cities receive the breaks because that’s where
there is power.
City Manager Orduno explained there are federal mandates for police and fire
equipment resulting from the September 11, 2001 attacks that are not funded. She said
grant programs have also been slashed.
Council Member Enger said the federal government should provide funding for
mandates.
Council Member Rosenberg stated that during the public hearing she expected
respect and decorum from the audience, a time limit for each speaker and staying on the
topic.
Ruth Jensen, 2011 West 67th Street, asked for a close review of the budget by the
City Council and requested action be tabled to provide time for review.
Council Member Sandahl asked Ms. Jensen about the municipal portion of her
property tax and her overall tax.
Ms. Jensen said the municipal portion of her property tax increased, her overall tax
was reduced.
Mayor Kirsch requested residents contact their Legislators if they’re not satisfied
with the current taxing system.
Council Member Ulrich said it was very important to contact the Legislators.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, said the significant increase in
municipal tax was due to equipment certificates and said the need for certificates did not
exist. He said the elimination of equipment certificate would go far to reduce the City’s
excessive increases. He requested the 2002 Proposed Budget be reduced to maintain the
City’s history of under 3% gross tax levies. He said the municipal portion of his property
tax increased, overall tax decreased. He said he took offense at City staff, coming through
the City Council, believing it an entitlement of the City to the school reduction.
Council Member Rosenberg said she took offense at Mr. Wozniczka’s comment
regarding an entitlement. She said LGA was reduced.
Larry Wozniczka said he accepted the fact of the LGA reduction.
City Manager Orduno said the tax statements mailed to residents have been
reduced. She said $237,000 has been reduced since the approval of the City’s preliminary
levy in September.
Mayor Kirsch said the preliminary levy can be reduced, but not increased.
Council Meeting Minutes-13-December 10, 2001
Council Member Enger asked what percent increase a homeowner would expect
with that reduction.
City Manager Orduno said it would not be a huge decrease and depended on the
value of the home.
Woody Duvlea, 7345 Lyndale Avenue, commented on the 8.5% market value
increase which wouldn’t be realized until the property is sold. He said the tax increase
burdens older residents. He said the short fall could be taken care of with a 11 – 12%
property tax increase. He said the municipal portion of his property taxes increased, his
overall tax increased.
Vicki Forslund, 6624 Morgan Avenue, said the increased tax was extreme and
unjust. She said the lost aid is a legitimate increase. She said the City Council should
consider a maximum levy of 10 – 11% and return to the historic 2 – 3% increase. She said
residents should be asked where services could be cut and the school reduction should
not be considered in the final numbers. She said some cuts could be not to distribute
grants like the ones presented tonight, not replace police cars as soon, and eliminate the
municipal liquor stores because they are a thing of the past and not profitable. She said
her municipal tax increased, her overall tax decreased.
Mayor Kirsch said the grants distributed tonight were by the Richfield Foundation
which is a separate organization and has nothing to do with the City. He said the City’s
liquor stores sales are number one in the State and provide funding for park
improvements.
George Holter, 6424 Emerson Avenue, said he was appreciative of anything that
can be done for the City related to the budget. He said it was good the City reduced the
budget since approving the preliminary levy in September.
Don Priebe, 7225 Bloomington Avenue, read a statement on behalf of Gordon
Anderson, 7501 Elliot Avenue, who was unable to attend (Clerk’s File No. C-382.) Mr.
Priebe said the municipal portion of his property tax increased as well as his overall tax.
Council Member Rosenberg said Mr. Anderson’s statement was related to the HRA
budget, not the City budget.
Mr. Priebe said the HRA is appointed by the City Council and the City Council
should exercise their influence.
Robert Hall, 7309 Oliver Avenue, asked what efforts the City Council took to reduce
the budget. He gave several examples of line items that could be revised or reduced. He
asked that unfunded mandates be specifically identified. He asked how local Legislators
voted on the State’s tax plan. He said the municipal portion of his property tax increased,
his overall tax decreased.
Council Member Sandahl asked Mr. Hall to provide his questions to the City
Manager so a response can be prepared.
Council Member Enger asked how the Legislators voted.
Council Meeting Minutes-14-December 10, 2001
City Manager Orduno said she wasn’t sure and suggested residents call the
Legislators.
Eric Fox, 6927 Wentworth Avenue, said the City Council needs to realize this is a
bad situation and solutions need to be worked out. He asked if corporate taxes are
increasing. He said not to use equipment certificates. He said the municipal portion of his
property taxes increased as well as his overall tax.
Clayton Bosquez, 7112 Oakland Avenue, said that if the total budget increase is 5%
the City could gain more public goodwill by not forcing issues and by cutting down the City
tax.
M/Rosenberg, S/Ulrich to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Member Enger said the municipal portion of his property tax increased as
well as his overall tax. He said he cannot deal with the City’s tax increase when, at the
first possible chance, the school district will return with a special election and referendum.
He said, as he stated before, he could live with fully covering all the state aid funds taken
away and a 3% increase above that or now a 5% increase. He said the City does need to
make up the difference for lost HACA and LGA. He said next year when the situation
could be worse, he does not want to consider personnel cutbacks. He suggested
management staff take a pay cut. He said the City cannot continue spending at the
current level. He said he was displeased with the State tax refunds and said if that had not
been done, Richfield would be all right. He said he can’t fathom raising City taxes 50+%,
but raise it just enough to cover HACA and LGA losses and a 4.92% increase. He said
anything is better than 21% and would like to see cutbacks from the proposed 2002
budget. He said he would like to see the increase drop to 3%.
Council Member Sandahl asked Council Member Enger about his suggested
specific cuts.
Council Member Enger said determining cuts was the responsibility of the City
Manager and Department Directors. He said the City Council should not get that deeply
involved in this determination.
Council Member Ulrich said it was the City Council’s responsibility to set priorities.
M/Engerto eliminate equipment certificates from the budget and direct the City
Manager and Department Directors to reconfigure the budget so there is a reduction.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg that the following resolutions be adopted, that they be
spread in the resolution book and that they be made part of these minutes:
Council Meeting Minutes-15-December 10, 2001
RESOLUTION NO. 9119
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2002 LICENSE, PERMIT
AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
APPENDIX D OF THE ORDINANCE CODE
OF THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
RESOLUTION NO. 9120
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO CITY’S MILEAGE
REIMBURSEMENT RATE TO CONFORM TO INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
STATUTORY MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
RESOLUTION NO. 9121
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND FEES FOR
THE ASSESSING DIVISION
RESOLUTION NO. 9122
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2003-2007 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. 9123
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2002 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
RESOLUTION NO. 9124
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2002 SPECIALIZED PAY PLAN
RESOLUTION NO. 9125
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2002 MANAGEMENT
SALARY COMPENSATION PLAN
RESOLUTION NO. 9126
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2002 GENERAL SERVICES
SALARY COMPENSATION PLAN
RESOLUTION NO. 9127
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES AND CHARGES,
WATER RATES AND CHARGES, SPECIAL WATER SERVICE CHARGES, STORM
SEWER RATES AND CHARGES, AND 6.5% PENALTY ON PAST DUE ACCOUNTS
RESOLUTION NO. 9128
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2001 BUDGET OF VARIOUS
DEPARTMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 9129
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET REVISIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 9130
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY
FOR THE YEAR 2002
Council Meeting Minutes-16-December 10, 2001
RESOLUTION NO. 9131
RESOLUTION RELATING TO PURCHASING PRACTICES IN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 8298
Council Member Sandahl said the budget appeared to be integrated and it was
disturbing to hear City Manager Orduno state that the situation is bad now and is going to
get worse. She said there is little control of the Legislature. She said Richfield pays the
price for not having a high tax base. She said commercial business taxes were reduced
and an increased residential tax burden came from caucuses of businesses. She said the
City Council is doing what’s best for the entire City. She said she is confident staff will be
looking at ways to keep costs down. She said prior City Councils kept City taxes down
and didn’t escrow for equipment replacement costs, so now the current City Council needs
to use the certificates to catch up. She supported going forward with the proposed budget
and appreciated the reduction since September. She said the budget will need to be
diligently worked on next year.
Council Member Rosenberg said her property taxes increased. She said the largest
portion of the budget was for police, fire and public works services and the largest number
of constituent calls are about these services. She said asking staff to reduce the budget at
this late date is not reasonable. She said she didn’t understand the complaints about
increased house values because everyone should want this increase. She supports the
proposed budget and agrees that next year needs to be very closely reviewed.
Council Member Ulrich said she did not believe it fair that higher valued homes pay
a reduced tax and she will work to have lower value homes pay less, too. She said the
City needs to look as though cared for, otherwise things will go down hill.
Council Member Enger said the budget should have been before the City Council
for review in November. He said the house value increases have not been debated, just
the increased taxes. He asked if 2002 pay plans were an increase or static.
City Manager Orduno said the increase for 2002 is 3.5%.
Council Member Enger asked if this included union groups.
City Manager Orduno said the union pay is negotiated 3 – 3.5%.
Council Member Enger said he could live with the increases related to the cost of
doing business and labor, but objects if the 2002 pay plans increase it more. He said he
can’t sell the City tax increase to constituents and doesn’t know how other City Council
Members can either. He said it forces senior citizens to move from Richfield.
Council Member Rosenberg asked Council Member Enger why he did not discuss
budget reductions before tonight, not even during the NLC conference this past weekend.
Council Member Enger said he had made budget reduction statements before.
Council Member Ulrich called for the vote.
Council Meeting Minutes-17-December 10, 2001
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, approached the City Council calling a
point of order, stating the open meeting law had been violated.
Motion carried 4-1. (Enger opposed.) These resolutions appear as Resolution
No.’s 9119 through 9131 in Resolution Book No. 73.
Council Member Sandahl clarified that no open meeting law violation had occurred.
Item #12CONSIDERATION OF SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT TO CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER III,
SUBSECTION 310.37 DESCRIBING PERSONAL LEAVE S.R. NO. 320
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 320 regarding an ordinance
amendment to the City Administrative Code Chapter III, Subsection 310.37 describing
personal leave.
M/Sandahl, S/Rosenberg that this constitutes the Second Reading of Bill No. 2001-
19 to amend the City Administrative Code Chapter III, Subsection 310.37 describing
personal leave, that it be published in the official newspaper and that it be made part of
these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #13CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF THREE
PARCELS OF LAND FROM BEST BUY COMPANY FOR FUTURE
WIDENING OF I-494 S.R. NO. 321
City Manager Orduno reviewed Staff Report No. 321 regarding an agreement for
purchasing of three parcels of land from Best Buy Company for future widening of I-494.
Enger said he was concerned about the entire width of I-494 in Richfield. He
requested a map displaying what the widening would do to Richfield and the proposed
property takings. He said he is concerned about the freeway’s close proximity to
Candlewood. He requested additional discussion on this matter at a future City Council
Worksession.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the agreement for the purchase of three
parcels of land from the Best Buy Company for the future widening of I-494.
Motion carried 4-1. (Enger opposed.)
Council Meeting Minutes-18-December 10, 2001
Item #13ACONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
REVISED COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE AND DECORUM FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS S.R. NO. 295
Council Member Enger requested additional changes to Section 5; Subd. 9 Public
Participation, (b) Open Forum of the Rules of Procedure and Decorum.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg that Section 5, Agenda; Subd. 9 Public Participation, (b)
Open Forum (paragraphs 2 & 3) of the City Council Rules of Procedure and Decorum be
amended to read as follows:
All persons wishing to speak during the Open Forum may register either
with the City Manager’s office no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the
regularly scheduled Council meeting or by completing an Open Forum
registration card and returning it to a staff member.
Registration shall include their name, address and the topic on which
they wish to speak. Staff will provide a list of the Open Forum speakers
to the presiding officer at the start of each Open Forum. Those who
registered with the City Manager’s office will be allowed to speak first,
followed by those completing the registration card, and then by
members of the audience wishing to speak.
That the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in the resolution book and
that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 9115
RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE AND DECORUM FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9115 in Resolution
Book No. 73.
Item #13BCONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION DESIGNATING
INCREASE IN CITY’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARD HEALTH INSURANCE
PREMIUMS FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS
LOCAL 1215 S.R. NO. 299
Council Member Enger clarified the increase is requested so that the Firefighters
are offered the same insurance contribution levels already given to all union and non-union
employees.
Council Meeting Minutes-19-December 10, 2001
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in
the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 9116
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY'S CONTRIBUTION
TOWARD HEALTH INSURANCE
PREMIUMS FOR EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 1215
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9116 in Resolution
Book No. 73.
Item #13CCONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONDEMNATION
COMMISSIONERS AWARD FOR 6511 CEDAR AVENUE IN AMOUNT OF
$405,000; 66TH STREET/TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE
PROJECT S.R. NO. 302
Council Member Enger asked who owned the remnant parcels after the ramp and
bridge are complete.
City Manager Orduno said they belong to Richfield and this is addressed in the
Memorandum of Understanding. She said the MAC is prohibited to own property west of
Trunk Highway 77.
M/Enger, S/Rosenberg that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in
the resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 9118
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A
STIPULATION OF FINAL SETTLEMENT FOR 6333 CEDAR AVENUE (PARCEL 5)
(66TH STREET/TRUNK HIGHWAY 77 INTERCHANGE PROJECT)
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9118 in Resolution
Book No. 73.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Orduno reported that the 60 – 64 DNL noise contour within the Part
150 residential sound insulation program was recently amended. She said this results in
Richfield losing insulation for 470 homes due to funding limitations and the revised
mitigative contours.
Council Meeting Minutes-20-December 10, 2001
Item #14CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
RICHFIELD BANK & TRUST CO.
INT Checks:110525 - 110546$175,260.60
H/C112182 - 112487$727,534.30
PAYROLL26781 – 26797; 27982 - 28132$496,719.90
TOTAL$1,399,514.80
Motion carried 5-0.
OPEN FORUM
No one addressed the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 11:03 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Cheryl KrumholzSamantha Orduno
Recording SecretaryCity Manager