11-22-05 Regular
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
November 22, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:31 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; and
Bill Kilian.
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Brad
Sveum, Fire Services Director; Dan Scott, Public Safety Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
No one was registered to speak.
Mayor Kirsch led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Wroge requested the regular City Council meeting minutes of October 25,
2005 under Item #5 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE MODIFYING
GAS FRANCHISE FEE ON CENTERPOINT ENERGY FOR PROVIDING GAS SERVICE WITHIN
CITY OF RICHFIELD AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
ORDINANCE, eighth paragraph, first sentence be amended to include the word "not" and read as
follows: Council Member Wroge, speaking about the gas and electric franchise fees, stated he did
not support the proposed ordinances.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
M/Rosenberg, S/Kilian to approve the minutes of (1) Reaular City Council Meetina of
October 25. 2005 as amended: (2) Special City Council Meetina of November 2. 2005; (3) Special
City Council Worksession of November 7. 2005: and (4) Reaular City Council Meetina of
November 7.2005.
Motion carried 5-0.
Wal-Mart Corporation representative, Came hie Baron, presented a $1,000 grant as part of
the Safe Neighbor Hero Award to Public Safety Director Dan Scott for use by the Police Canine
Unit.
Item #1
Russ Susag, 7305 First Avenue, Chair of the Golf Practice Facility Task Force, presented
the task force recommendations and rationale regarding the City operating a driving range at
Veterans Park. The recommendation included that the City Council not proceed with a driving
range because it would require an operating subsidy, the City investigate the long-term plan for the
existing mini-golf facility and consider a practice putting facility as an alternative and the City
Council direct staff to pursue possible operation of the Ft. Snelling Golf Course.
Council Member Wroge stated it's not known if the Ft. Snelling course is available and it's
not in Richfield. Spending needs to be prioritized and this project has not yet been considered so it
needs to be added to the list of projects.
Council Member Wroge said he supports the Ice Arena and pool but has a problem
supporting the City operating in a deficit for a putting area. That should be more of a private sector
enterprise.
Council Member Sandahl thanked the task force for their recommendation to not operate a
driving range. She said Rich Acres Golf Course was very well received and Ft. Snelling is not that
far away. She added it could be a money-maker and she was open to pursuing working with
Hennepin County on the Ft. Snelling course.
Council Member Sandahl stated the east side of the mini-golf site was intended for
expansion.
Council Member Kilian expressed support for exploring the Ft. Snelling course. He asked if
the Ft. Snelling or Fred Richardson course was nearest to Richfield.
Mr. Susag said the courses are approximately equal in distance. He added the task force
believes their work is complete and that they are going outside their purview with the
recommendation to explore Ft. Snelling.
Council Member Kilian stated that sometimes it appears like it is a foregone conclusion on
projects and a task force is supposed to make it work. He said the task force recommendation of
being objective lends more credibility to task force efforts.
Mayor Kirsch expressed support to pursue the Ft. Snelling course.
City Manager Devich explained the history related to trying to attain the Ft. Snelling course
several years ago, but it was unsuccessful. He said Hennepin County is currently reviewing the
course but it's uncertain if they're amenable to letting it go.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer said Hennepin County received a grant and will be
studying uses and possibilities for the course during the next two years. Richfield has no financial
obligation but it is an opportunity to do fact finding.
Item #2
Council Member Sandahl reported on the recent Commuter Choice Awards. There were 11
awards and Richfield won two - Best Buy won the Outstanding Promotion Award for creative ways
for alternative transportation and Sally Carlson Bancroft at Best Buy won the Individual Achievement
Award.
Council Member Sandahl stated the City of Eden Prairie was recognized as a Friend of
Commuter Alternatives because they require every new development to post a Letter of Credit to do
a Travel Demand Management Plan. She said Richfield may want to consider this for future
development.
Council Member Sandahl discussed an e-mail the City Council received regarding placing a
heart defibrillator at the Ice Arena. The e-mail mentioned a death at the arena in September 2004
and an 8-12 minute response time by emergency personnel.
Fire Services Director Sveum explained the public access defibrillator is designed for public
use and costs approximately $2,000. Training is needed on how to use the device.
Council Member Wroge asked about seeking donations to offset the cost. He expressed
concern regarding the response time mentioned in the e-mail.
Fire Services Director Sveum said typical response time is 2-3 minutes and he would try to
locate the report.
Mayor Kirsch said a defibrillator should be at the Community Center also.
Council Member Wroge expressed support for the device at the arena, Community Center
and possible other sites.
Council Member Kilian reported on the recent Noise Oversight Committee and flight data
related to the opening of new Runway 17/35. He also discussed the number of complaints received
at MAC.
Council Member Rosenberg acknowledged the Richfield City employee team and Mayor
Kirsch related to the opening of the Loaves & Fishes program.
Item #3
M/Kilian, S/Sandahl to approve the aQenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
It m#4
Council Member Wroge questioned 4F asking if all employee groups were covered by this
resolution.
City Manager Devich explained the resolution applies to only General Services and
Management employee groups, not employees represented by collective bargaining units.
Richfield's history is to provide equal contribution rates to all employees so negotiations will occur
during the next several months.
A. Approved first reading of amendment to City Code Section 408, Subsection 408.1 regarding
approval of occupancy of dwelling prior to issuance of certificate of housing maintenance
compliance certificate and schedule second reading for December 13, 2005 S.R. No. 211
B. Approved rescinding Resolution No. 8862, authorizing resolution regarding flight travel during
nighttime hours, and authorizing elected official out-of-state travel policy S.R. No. 212
RESOLUTION NO. 9676
RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING RICHFIELD CITY EMPLOYEES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS
NOT TO FLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 P.M. AND 7 A.M.
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 8862
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9676 in Resolution Book No. 75.
C. Approved resolution authorizing acceptance of $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart Corporation for
Public Safety Police Division Canine Unit S.R. No. 213
RESOLUTION NO. 9677
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RICHFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE TO ACCEPT A GRANT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 FROM THE WAL-MART FOUNDATION TO BE APPLIED TO THE
POLICE CANINE UNIT
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9677 in Resolution Book No. 75.
D. Approved resolution authorizing renewal of contract with Minnesota State Fire Marshal's
office for hotel inspection services S.R. No. 214
RESOLUTION NO. 9678
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RICHFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RENEW A CONTRACT
WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE TO PROVIDE STATE REQUIRED HOTEL FIRE
INSPECTIONS.
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9678 in Resolution Book No. 75.
E. Approved resolution authorizing renewal of contract with Minnesota State Fire Marshal's
office for public school inspection services S.R. No. 215
RESOLUTION NO. 9679
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RICHFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RENEW A CONTRACT
WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE TO PROVIDE STATE REQUIRED SCHOOL
BUILDING FIRE INSPECTIONS.
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9679 in Resolution Book No. 75.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
F. Approved resolution designating City's 2006 contribution toward health, term life and dental
insurance premiums for General Services and Management employees S.R. No. 216
RESOLUTION NO. 9680
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY'S CONTRIBUTION
TOWARD HEALTH, TERM LIFE AND DENTAL INSURANCE
PREMIUM FOR MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9680 in Resolution Book No. 75.
G. Approved purchase of Records Management System from Crabtree Companies, Inc. in
amount of $49,236 S.R. No. 217
H. Approved request from State of Minnesota for renewal of currency exchange license for
Unbank Company, LLP, 6421 Penn Avenue S.R. No. 218
I. Approved request from State of Minnesota for renewal of currency exchange license for
Checks Cashed of America, LLC dba Money Xchange, 1508 East 66th Street S.R. No. 219
J. Approved request from State of Minnesota for renewal of currency exchange license for
Community Money Centers, Inc., dba Money Centers, 6525 Nicollet Avenue S.R. No. 220
M/Kilian, SlWroge to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #5
None.
Item #6
Council Member Sandahl presented Staff Report No. 221 regarding a disciplinary hearing
regarding a resolution imposing civil enforcement on an alcohol establishment in Richfield that
recently underwent alcohol compliance check conducted by Richfield Public Safety staff and failed
by selling alcohol to underage youth.
Khan's Mongolian Barbeque - 500 East 78th Street - no representative present.
Public Safety Director Scott explained the letter sent to the owner states that if no representative is
present, the City Council will proceed with action.
M/Kilian, S/Sandahl that the followina resolution be adopted. that it be spread in the
resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
RESOLUTION NO. 9681
RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSE
FOR KHAN'S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE, 500 EAST 78TH STREET AND IMPOSING A CIVIL
PENALTY FOR FIRST TIME ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE FAILURE
Council Member Wroge asked if the letter says to be present.
Public Safety Director Scott answered that it strongly encourages a representative to be
present.
Public Safety Director Scott explained two compliance checks have already been conducted
this year and if one establishment is checked, all 37 are done.
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 9681 in Resolution Book No.
75.
Public Safety Director Scott reported in response to previous discussions by the City Council
this evening, that Public Safety has two defibrillators used by two officers and they were purchased
with grants.
Item #7
Council Member Kilian presented Staff Report No. 222 regarding consideration of ordering a
Feasibility Study for proposed improvements at 66th Street and 17th Avenue.
M/Kilian, S/Rosenberg to direct City staff to prepare a Feasibilitv Report for proposed
improvements at 66th Street and 17th Avenue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #8
Council Member Rosenberg presented Staff Report No. 223 regarding consideration of a
Stipulation for Settlement, Settlement Agreement and Release for workers' compensation claim.
M/Rosenberg, S/Sandahl to approve the Stipulation for Settlement of UP to $42.611.71 and
Settlement AQreement and Release for workers' compensation claim.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Member Wroge asked about the recission period.
City Attorney Thomson answered that, depending upon when the claims are waived, the
period is 7 or 15 days.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
Item #9
Mayor Kirsch presented Staff Report No. 224 regarding consideration of canceling
December 27, 2005 Regular Council meeting.
M/Kirsch, S/Rosenberg to cancel the December 27.2005 Reoular City Council meetino.
Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Kirsch stated there could be a reason to have a brief Special City Council meeting
the week of December 26.
City Manager Devich explained that staff is currently preparing the pay equity compliance
report which is required every five years and if there are modifications from the previous report, the
City Council needs to approve it in 2005. He said he would know by the December 13 City Council
meeting if a special meeting would be necessary.
Council Member Kilian asked if City Council action would be required for the 66th Street!
17th Avenue development agreement.
City Attorney Thomson explained the HRA approved the agreement. The City is not a party
to the agreement; it is between the HRA and the developer. Any additional City actions related to
66th Street/17th Avenue would not occur in December.
City Manager Devich clarified that if a meeting were necessary to keep the project moving it
would be scheduled.
Council Member Sandahl requested that if a Special City Council meeting is necessary, that
it be on December 27 since that night is open.
Item #10
Fire Services Director Sveum reported on the previously discussed incident at the ice arena
on September 12, 2004. There was a response time of 1-2 minutes from a crew of five.
City Manager Devich discussed preparing for the January City Council/staff goalsetting
session and having Lynn & Associates as the facilitator. He suggested a session from approximately
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in January followed with a mid-year session of four hours.
Council Member Sandahl said the goalsetting session is helpful to focus on priorities. She
added the City Manager's performance evaluation is due.
Council Member Wroge requested the City Council meet as a group to discuss and prepare
the City Manager's evaluation.
Council Member Sandahl suggested the goalsetting and City Manager evaluation discussion
occur on the same day.
City Manager Devich stated Jim Prosser will be meeting with staff to discuss the key financial
strategic planning on November 30, 2005 and then there will be one more final meeting with the City
Council to prioritize projects and funding.
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Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
Council Member Kilian suggested the goalsetting occur after the final financial planning
session. He added proposals should be obtained for the goalsetting session to meet objectives.
Council Member Wroge suggested using Jim Prosser, Ehlers & Associates, for the goalsetting
facilitator since he has City Manager experience.
Council Member Kilian requested proposals be obtained from Lynn & Associates and Jim
Prosser, Ehlers & Associates, for facilitating the goalsetting session and then the City Council could
make the decision.
Item #11
M/Rosenberg, SlWroge that the followina claims and pavrolls be approved:
u. S. BANK
AlP Checks: 146154 - 146470
PAYROLL 25391 - 25726; 41022 - 41024
TOTAL
$ 1,423,319.67
$ 440,031.09
$ 1,863,350.76
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #12
Mayor Kirsch announced the City Council would be going into a Special City Council
Closed Executive Session in the Executive Conference Room to consider an offer to purchase real
estate.
City Attorney Thomson explained the meeting can be closed as authorized by State Statute
130.05 because it is related to an offer to purchase real estate. The property is identified as
having no street address but is located in the Longfellow loop, east of Cedar Avenue, west of
Longfellow Avenue, immediately south of 66th Street and is an oval shape, roughly the western
third of the loop.
Mayor Kirsch adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. to continue with the Closed Executive
Session in the Executive Conference Room. They Mayor noted that the Council would reconvene
in the Council Chambers after the Closed Executive Session concluded.
The City Council Closed Executive Session was called to order by Mayor Kirsch in the
Executive Conference Room at 7:44 p.m.
Members Present:
Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; and
Bill Kilian.
Council Meeting Minutes
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November 22, 2005
Staff Present:
Steve Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Cheryl
Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and Corrine Thomson, City Attorney.
City Attorney Thompson explained the Closed Executive Session is convened pursuant to
M. S. 13D.05 Subd. 3(c)(iii) and the purpose was to discuss the purchase of real estate. She
identified the property as having no street address but is located in the Longfellow loop, east of
Cedar Avenue, west of Longfellow Avenue, immediately south of 66th Street and is an oval shape,
roughly the western third of the loop.
The Closed Executive Session adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Mayor Kirsch reconvened the Regular City Council meeting in the City Hall Council
Chambers at 8:44 p.m.
Date Approved:
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:45 p.m.
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Marti ~. irs
May
December 13, 2005
a ~
Ch~mholz
Recording Secretary