COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS THE CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON

Transcription

1 February 9, 2016 Page 1 of 5 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS THE CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON Pursuant to notice thereof, a regular meeting of the New Brighton City Council was held Tuesday February 9, 2016 at 6:30 pm in the New Brighton Council Chambers. Present: Absent: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Bauman, Burg, Jacobsen and Strub Also Present: Dean Lotter-City Manager, Bob Jacobson-Director of Public Safety, Brenda Davitt- Finance Director, Craig Schlichting-Community Assets & Development Director Call to Order Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Johnson led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Forum Mayor Johnson opened the Public Forum for comments from the public. Approval of Agenda Approval of the February 9, 2016 Council Agenda. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to approve the agenda as submitted. Call to order Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment Forum Approval of Agenda Approval of the February 9, 2016 Agenda. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried Council Minutes Approval of the Council Worksession minutes from January 26, Approval of the Council minutes from January 26, Council Minutes Approval of Council Minutes Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve the worksession minutes from the January 26, 2016 meeting. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2016 meeting. Commission Minutes Mayor Johnson received the following minutes on behalf of the City: Public Safety Commission minutes from December 7, Commission Minutes

2 Special Order of Business None. EDC Minutes from December 12, Consent Agenda 1. Consideration to Approve Payments: a. Vouchers # to for a total of $135, b. January 2016 Purchasing Card Statement for a total of $94, Authorize Purchase of a 2016 Toro Reelmaster 3100-D. 3. Authorize Purchase of a 2016 John Deere 1600 Turbo Series II Mower. February 9, 2016 Page 2 of 5 Special Order of Business Consent Agenda 1. Payments: a. Vouchers # to b. Jan 2016 Pur. Cd. Stmt 2. Purchase 2016 Toro Reelmaster 3100-D. 3. Purchase 2016 John Deere 1600 Turbo Series II Mower. 4. Resolution accepting a $50,000 Water Efficiency Grant from the Metropolitan Council and authorization for the Mayor to execute the Clean Water Fund Grant Agreement SG Authorization to accept a proposal by Barr Engineering to conduct additional tasks surrounding soil gas issues produced by Old Miller Dump on both the east and west sides of Old Highway 8 NW within New Brighton Exchange. 6. Consider Authorization to Purchase 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility. 7. Consider Authorization to Purchase 2016 Ford Edge. 8. Consider Authorization to Purchase 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. 9. Authorize Staff to Issue a 3.2 off-sale liquor license and a tobacco license for Ey-Die Petroleum and Car Service Co dba WinnerGas Pump and Munch for 500 Old Highway 8 NW (Currently Herman s Highway Service). Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 4. Purchase 2016 John Deere 1600 Turbo Series II Mower. 5. Authorize Barr Eng additional tasks / soil gas issues Old Miller Dump on within NBE. 6. Purchase of 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility. 7. Purchase 2016 Ford Edge. 8. Purchase 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. 9. Issue a 3.2 off-sale liquor license & tobacco license Ey-Die Petroleum & Car Service Co dba WinnerGas Pump & Munch Councilmember Jacobsen commented on the $50,000 water efficiency grant that the City received from the Met Council. Public Hearing None. Council Business 1. Resolution to Participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Motion by Councilmember Strub, seconded by Councilmember Burg to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City of New Brighton to participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Public Hearing Council Business 1. Resolution to Participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program.

3 February 9, 2016 Page 3 of 5 City Manager Lotter indicated Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting would be presenting this item to the Council. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting reported at the request of City Manager Lotter, the City Wide Action Team (CAT) was asked to review the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program municipalities can utilize to provide them with information and a framework to engage in sustainable behaviors. Being a GreenStep City provides direct access to free technical assistance or advisors that can help guide New Brighton to achieve sustainability through the implementation of best practices, which focus on cost savings, energy use reduction and innovation. These practices can be actions that have already been completed or implemented by the City. Staff reviewed the best practices in detail with the Council and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution authorizing participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. If the City Council approves this Resolution, the CAT will review and document best practices that have been completed to date to determine if we have met the requirements for Step Two or Three. He then introduced Diana McKeown to the City Council. Diana McKeown, Minnesota GreenStep Cities, thanked the Council for their time and provided a presentation on Taking Action with Proven Best Practices. She reported this was an action-oriented voluntary program offering cities a cost-effective, step-wise path to implement sustainable development best practices. It was noted GreenStep Cities began in The history and growth of the initiative was reviewed with the Council. Ms. McKeown discussed the partners working with GreenStep, the benefits of the program to municipalities and indicated 91 cities have chosen to participate in this program. The program requirements were then defined. Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the steps within the program. Ms. McKeown described the various actions the City would have to take to achieve the defined steps within the program. Mayor Johnson questioned the benefits of New Brighton becoming a GreenStep City. Ms. McKeown believed the program was a transparent way for the City to share its sustainable practices with the community. In addition, the City would be recognized among other cities for its sustainability measures. City Manager Lotter added that the program would offer the City a broader perspective on sustainable options available to the City, while also providing staff with more resources. Councilmember Strub supported the opportunity and believed it would offer the community pride in the sustainability efforts that were already taking place. In addition, the program may also encourage residents and business owners to pursue green energy solutions. He looked forward to discussing this initiative with the City s various Commissions and Committees. Councilmember Bauman believed the GreenStep program was far overreaching and thought the City was already doing enough. She did not support the City becoming a GreenStep City given the fact the program was not streamlined. She was of the opinion that the City did not need a partnership to define its sustainability practices. Councilmember Burg appreciated Councilmember Bauman s opinion. However, she wanted to see the City recognized for its green initiatives. She provided comment on the HVAC units that would be replaced at the Community Center and wanted to see this work done in a green-friendly manner. She wanted the City to take the lead when it came to sustainability practices. Councilmember Jacobsen stated he was torn on this issue and the benefit that the program would bring to the City. He did see the benefits of receiving acknowledgement for the efforts the City was already making when it came to sustainability. His only concern was if this program was the best fit for the City of New Brighton. Mayor Johnson asked if staff supported the program. City Manager Lotter responded the CAT team has reviewed the program believed it would be beneficial for the City of New Brighton to participate in GreenStep Cities. He explained the program offered an organized effort and would acknowledge the City s efforts. He did find the program to be onerous and discussed how GreenStep would open the door to more resources than have been tapped into by staff in the past. He strongly recommended the Council support the Resolution. Councilmember Strub recognized Mounds View City Councilmember Gary Meehlhause s son was on a slide in the presentation and was a part of the GreenStep Cities program in the City of Bemidji.

4 February 9, 2016 Page 4 of 5 Mayor Johnson discussed the 29 best practices and 175 criteria within the program. She liked that the criteria would provide the City with options and ideas. Ms. McKeown explained the program was designed to give cities a menu of options. Mayor Johnson believed the City needed to take the lead and show its citizens sustainable ideas. Ms. McKeown discussed the benefit of cities taking the lead and the positive ripple effects that this has on the entire community. Councilmember Bauman did not see the benefit of the City joining this program and believed the City was taking enough steps to be sustainable and green without having to receive stars from a program. Mayor Johnson questioned how residents would be made aware that the City was a GreenStep City. City Manager Lotter stated the City would have several opportunities to advertise and promote this program. He indicated the City could chart its progress on the website and on social media pages. In addition, the City could provide an update on the program at the Open House meeting. 4 Ayes, 1 Nay (Bauman opposed)-motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Dean Lotter City Manager Lotter reported improvements continue in the lower level of City Hall. He anticipated the new lessee s would be in this space by June 1 st. He indicated the DX Response Team would be meeting on February 16 th. In addition, staff would be reviewing the water treatment improvement timeline. Staff s goal was to have a water treatment solution in place the summer or fall of He commented there would be a Groundwater Technical Advisory Committee meeting on February 18 th. He explained the Metro Area Water Supply Council would be forming a technical advisory committee to review how water supplies were being impacted metro-wide. Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Gina Bauman Councilmember Bauman reported the EDC met on Wednesday, February 3 rd. The group discussed BR&E and received a recap on the Council team building retreat. She indicated the group received an update regarding the emissions near CSI. She provided an update from the Cable Commission regarding the Comcast franchise. It was noted Comcast had lost all four of its charges against NWSCC. This led Comcast to inform the local law judge that it would be filing a suit in Federal Court. She was happy to report that CenturyLink was moving into the area and was offering their PRISM services to the nine member cities. Mary Burg Councilmember Burg thanked City Manager Lotter for his thorough report this evening. She noted PREC did not meet in February. PREC would meet again on Wednesday, March 2 nd. She indicated the Eagles Nest booked 130 birthday parties in January, which showed what an important venue this was to the community. She discussed the impressive number of volunteers and volunteer hours the Park and Recreation Department had each year. She thanked these volunteers for giving back to the community. She provided comment on the recent discussion the City Council had regarding the replacement of the Eagles Nest play equipment. She discussed the proposed timeline for the equipment replacement and encouraged the public to get involved in this process by providing feedback. It was noted the equipment would be replaced in September of She explained the City would be replacing the HVAC units at the Community Center this year as well. Brian Strub Councilmember Strub reported the Public Safety Commission would be meeting on Monday, February 29 th at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Center. A presentation from the 911 dispatch

5 February 9, 2016 Page 5 of 5 center would be made at this meeting. He noted Officer Tom Griffin would be receiving an award from Northeast Youth and Family Services for his Outstanding Service to Youth. Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Jacobsen reported the Planning Commission would meet next on Tuesday, February 16 th. He noted the Shoreland Ordinance would not be addressed at this meeting. He indicated the CPY Spring Luncheon would be held on Tuesday, March 8 th at the Community Center. He thanked the viewing audience for participating in tonight s meeting. Mayor Johnson Mayor Johnson thanked staff for the thorough water update. She discussed why StreamWorks had elected to move into the City of Blaine, instead of New Brighton. She addressed the emissions coming from the ground next to CSI and reported the City Council voted to have this fixed on the Consent Agenda. She explained three of the City s ambassadors would be representing the City at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to adjourn the meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried, Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Valerie Johnson, Mayor ATTEST: Terri Haarstad, City Clerk