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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-2014 WS MinutesMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: December 1, 2014 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM Location of Meeting: CONFERENCE ROOM 1 Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:54 PM Present: Mayor Peterson, Council Member Nawrocki, Council Member Schmitt, Council Member Diehm, Council Member Williams, City Manager Walt Fehst, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, Finance Director Joseph Kloiber, HR Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, Library Director Renee Dougherty, City Clerk/Council Secretary Katie Bruno 1. Library Site Selection Manager Fehst asked the council give direction on their preferred site for the library. Mayor Peterson reported that the majority of people he has talked to have favored the former Burger King site. Petersen noted that he has obtained permission to name the library the “Earl Bakken Public Library of Columbia Heights.” Because of the connection Bakken had with the Heights Theater; this seems to be a great connection. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he has also contacted Earl Bakken, and suggested waiting to see if we receive a response from him before deciding on the name of the library. Mayor Peterson stated that the motivation for the naming of the library is not monetary. Councilmember Diehm agreed that she would like to honor the work of Mr. Bakken, and his Columbia Heights origins. Director Hansen stated he will add the suggested location and the authorization to seek RFP for the project to the December 8th agenda. Hansen reported that the MWO is an eager partner in the library. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the criteria we will be looking for in the RFP. Director Hansen suggested bringing the Library Design Task Force to be involved in the selection process. Manager Fehst commented that the financial piece is self-imposed at $8,500,000. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would like to see task force members from the community, not necessarily just those that were part of the library task force. 2. Water Main Clean & Line – 5 yr Program Director Hansen reported this program has been done annually since 2005. For 2015, the program would be increased to 7,005 lineal feet to address continued water quality issues in our distribution system. This annual footage will push the extent of what Public Works can accomplish in-house without outside contracting for the program. City staff conducted a random survey following the completion of the projects with positive comments received from the residents. The newly lined pipe should provide another 40 or more years of service. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the proposed cost. Hansen stated the estimated cost is between $350,000 and $365,000 (paid through utility rates-not directly assessed.) 3. Splash Pad consultant Proposals Director Hansen reported that two proposals were received, and is recommending the council award the contract to Stantec. The estimated cost is $400,000; of which $350,000 is construction costs, and the remaining to be used for design costs. The splash pad would be installed at Huset Park, about 100 feet west of the existing wading pool. Councilmember Nawrocki asked about bringing the current wading pools into compliance. Hansen stated it would cost $75,000 to bring the pools to ADA compliance, not including additional required filtration repairs. Manager Fehst reported that residents would like to keep at least one wading pool, in the north end open as long as allowed. 4. Sanitary Sewer I/I: Service Line Televising Director Hansen reported that under the original I/I Program, the City focused reduction measures on the public system by lining the mains, replacing manholes and changing out castings. While we did see significant reductions in clear water flow, it did not achieve flow below our MCES established thresholds. This supports our belief that a significant contribution of I/I is coming from private sources, most likely foundation drains. There are two ways to investigate for foundation drains; by smoke testing and televising sewer services from inside the home to the main. Based on the flow testing report conducted in 2013 in Collection District 3, staff recommends televising the sanitary service lines in the two sub-districts which are serviced by the Chatham and Silver Lake Li ft Stations. Staff obtained two verbal quotes from plumbers who would conduct televising, and provide a DVD of each home. Those costs ranged from $200 to $250 per service line. Director Hansen reported this would be voluntary participation, with the cost being covered by the City’s Sanitary Sewer Fund. Finding will be reported to the Council to determine further action. 5. Infrastructure CIP Director Hansen distributed the Capital Improvement Plan Book, detailing the five year plan for the City’s infrastructure. It was noted that buildings and parks will be added at a later date. 6. Appointment of Bruce Evans to the Park & Recreation and Jennifer Tuder to the Public Arts Commission Mayor Peterson suggested that Charlie Oribamise be contacted to see if he would be interested in serving on the Library Design Task Force. The council suggested limiting the number of members appointed the task force to nine or ten. 7. 2015 Budget Discussion City Manager Fehst reported the City has recommended an overall increase of 2.25% increase in expenditures, in order to have as little dependence on LGA/Fiscal disparities as possible, we are asking the council to increase the levy by 3.25%. Manager Fehst reported that assessed market value is increasing an average of 29-30% for single family homes; noting this is a rapid jump to compensate for a few years of lower values. This could cause substantial increase in property taxes, noting this is not related to the City’s 3.25% levy. Manager Fehst looked into the suggestion of adding the $113,000 received from closing of the Sheffield TIF district back into the budget. Finance Director Kloiber reported that using one-time funds for an on-going need is not advisable. If this was done, taxpayers would see an estimated $13 annual decrease in the first year, noting that would have to be recovered in following years. Manager Fehst explained that a five year budget alleviates dramatic changes. Councilmember Williams asked how much the City expects to receive from the sale of Parkview Villa. It was reported that the estimated amount is $800,000, and is required to be used towards housing. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned whether the two school district levies were included in the Property Tax Statements. Director Kloiber reported that he will confirm if both of the levies were certified. Councilmember Nawrocki expressed concern that social security has had limited increases, likely making in difficult for those residents to pay the increased property taxes. Nawrocki suggested putting the $113,000 for the Sheffield TIF district back into the budget. Fehst reminded the council that would affect the City’s fiscal disparities. Director Kloiber distributed a chart detailing different tax classes in the community. Kloiber explained the various changes in market value, noting single family homes saw increases, while commercial and multi-family units saw a significant decrease in taxes. Meeting adjourned at 9:18 PM. Respectively Submitted, _________________________ Katie Bruno, City Clerk