HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-04 WS•
In attendance: Mayor Robert Johnson and Council Members Laurie Rieb, Mark Bellows,
David Luick, and Wendy Wulff.
Also in attendance: City Administrator Robert Erickson, Assistant to City Administrator
Brian Anderson, Police Chief Steve Strachan, City Engineer Keith Nelson, Operations and
Maintenance Director Don Volk, Finance Director Dennis Feller, Parks and Rec. Director
Steve Michaud, Human Resource Manager Ginny Zarras, Liesch & Associates
Representative Jim DeLambert, SEH Representatives Jim Norton & Doug Klamerus, Kodet
Representatives Ed Kodet & Ken Stone.
Item #1
Discussion -Taser Program
Chief Strachan informed the Council that Tasers have become an increasingly popular
enforcement tool among police departments because they act as an enormous risk
management tool for Cities. Tasers are widely used to prevent physical confrontation, which
• often results in personal injuries, time off, lawsuits, and incidental shootings from suspects
who are belligerent, intoxicated, or narcotic users.
Chief Strachan showed Council video clips on his laptop of the effects the Taser has on
individuals who get shocked from it. Tasers are completely harmless to people and there
have been no reported injuries from the use of the Taser. Chief Strachan then guided the
Council through the draft policy changes allowing for the use of the Taser. Council Member
Bellows inquired if there have been any reported incidences when a police officer may have
relied on the Taser instead of their firearm. Chief Strachan stated that he has not heard of
any such incidences and all officers will get the proper training, including which situations to
use or not use the Taser. It was then stated that Burnsville, Eagan, and Apple Valley all
have adopted a Taser program with great success.
The Council expressed support for the Taser Program, which is currently in the Amended
2004 Capital Outlay Budget that gets approved at the June 7th Council Meeting. The
purchase order for the Taser's can be written and ordered thereafter. Chief Strachan will
also be giving a Taser demonstration at an upcoming Council Meeting.
Item #2
Discussion -Military Leave of Absence/PERA Buyback
Ms. Zarras stated that under current City policy and MN Statue the City is responsible for
paying the employers portion of the buy-back if the employee chooses to buy back his/her
portion. For the two employees currently in this situation the estimated cost of the
employer's portion is $2,372.00. If council were to implement this proposal the total
• estimated cost of the employee, employer and tax gross-up would be $5,523.49. Mayor
Johnson inquired if other neighboring Cities have similar policies. Ms. Zarras stated that she
would have to research other cities. The Council requested that staff research additional
information regarding neighboring community policies and private sector policies.
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Item #3
• Discussion -Donation of Fighter Jet from Studer Family
Mr. Michaud briefly introduced the Studer proposal of donating a fighter jet to the City so that
it could be used to establish. a veteran's memorial. Mr. Michaud talked about the few City
parks that could be used for such a memorial. Council talked about other cities that have
similar memorials and felt the issue was worth looking into. The Council directed Mr.
Michaud to form an ad-hoc Veteran Memorial Committee to start preliminary discussion
regarding a possible memorial.
Item #4
Update -Comprehensive Well Siting
Jim DeLambert of Liesch & Associates presented the Well Siting Study to the Council and
explained it will assist with the placement of future wells to facilitate an orderly build-out of
the water supply system. He then explained the research Liesch Companies had conducted
for each of the following four scenarios:
a. Fairfield satellite water treatment plant and new well field
b. Expanded Dakota Heights well field
c. Dakota Heights well field with FIG wells
c-1 Dakota Heights with FIG wells and without existing wells 3 & 7
In conclusion, Mr. DeLambert stated that the preferred well development scenario c-1 would
be to expand the Dakota Heights well field. This will minimize drawdown at existing wells,
aquifer dewatering, and domestic well interference. In addition, drawdown can be further
reduced by substituting FIG wells for Prairie du Chein-Jordan wells. Drawdown in the
southwestern portion of the City can be further reduced by discontinuing the use of wells 3 &
7 during periods of increased water use. Council Members Wulff and Luick both mentioned
that wells 3 & 7 would make good negotiating tools with the DNR in the future and that an
alternative use for those wells should be looked at in the future. The Council directed staff to
place the Well Siting Study on the June 7th Council Meeting for approval.
Item #5
Update -Irrigation Well Study
Mr. Klamerus of SEH presented the irrigation well study slides to the Council. At the end of
the brief presentation Mr. Norton concluded by stating that the concept of associations and
certain industries in the City owning their own irrigation well was a valid idea. However, the
information received from the studies showed that it was not feasible. Mr. Erickson stated
that he agreed, however, the City should still consider alternative institutional uses of
irrigation sources for sites such as schools and other large users. The Mayor and Council
Members agreed with his statement and directed SEH to write an executive summary and
place it on a future .Council Meeting for consideration.
Item #6
Update -DNR Permit/Jacquard Avenue
Mr. Nelson informed the Council that issues had risen during the permit process for the
construction of Jacquard Avenue. Mr. Nelson stated that he will have to take a creative
approach to resolving these issues, but felt that he could apply for a Conditional Letter of
Map Revision (CLOMR) from FEMA. This would allow the City to add an additional culvert
under Jacquard, lower the road, and build a berm west of Jacquard next year. He mentioned
. that he will work with DNR Regional Hydrologist Pat Lynch to finalize the solution so the
construction can be completed this year. The Council directed staff to apply for a CLOMR
from FEMA and proceed with the solution as mentioned.
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Item #7
• Update -Central Maintenance Facility
Ed Kodet and Ken Stone of Kodet Architectural Group Inc. presented to the Council the site
plan, building plan, and elevation plan for the new Central Maintenance Facility. Mr. Kodet
informed the Council that the Central Maintenance Facility will have the same windows,
exterior rock, and natural light characteristics as other City owned buildings. The facility has
been designed to accommodate the Street and Parks Department until the year 2015, at
which time the building could undergo an expansion. Mr. Erickson informed the Council that
the cost estimate for the project is within budget thanks in part to the detailed information the
staff project team has provided Kodet. The Mayor inquired about material and use of the
cover over the fuel pumps. Mr. Erickson stated that it would be a hard, flat, lit cover over the
fuel pumps, similar to those at commercial gas stations. Its main purpose is to provide safety
and security during all weather conditions. The Council directed staff to bring forward the
preliminary design plan for approval at a future Council Meeting and continue with design
work.
Item #8
Review -Capital Outlay 2005-06
Mr. Feller informed the Council that the Equipment Fund 2004 and 2005 budget was initially
financed with Certificates of Indebtedness issued in March 2003 with the Equipment Fund 2004
budget being approved by Resolution in December 2003. The following items were originally
budgeted in 2005 but are recommended to be purchased in 2004 due to pending price increase
or changes in departmental needs:
• Police Department investigative van replacement,
• • Street Department sidewalk maintainer,
• Street department dump truck and snowplow
• Park Department Utility Tractor
The most significant adjustments for items not .previously budgeted are as follows:
Police Department: acquisition of Tazers ($15,006)
Fire Department:
o MSA RIT air system ($7,200)
o Firefighting foam nozzles ($5,065)
o Portacount respirator fit tester ($8,520)
o Holmatro hydraulic spreaders ($40,885)
o Laptop computers - 5 administrative vehicles ($ 26,382)
2004 2004
ADOPTED AMENDED
BUDGET ADJUST BUDGET
Expenditures
Police 299,661 62,080 361,741
Fire 436,783 97,945 534,728
Streets 54,728 173,423 228,151
Parks 89,296 29,540 118,836
Bond issuance costs 28,263 - 28,263
Total Expenditures 908,731 362,988 1,271,719
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Mr. Feller then stated that the 2005 equipment fund was financed with the 2003 Certificates of
. Indebtedness. The 2006 equipment fund is proposed to be financed with Certificates of
Indebtedness ($1,760,000) issued in 2006. The following is a summary of the proposed 2005
and 2006 Equipment Fund Budget:
2005 2006
Police $ 406,045 $ 341,622
Fire 131,262 881,931
Streets 327,273 340,625
Parks 132,326 148,156
Issuance Costs - 44,000
Total Expenditures $ 996,907 $ 1,756,334
The majority of the 2006 capital outlay items are replacements of existing vehicles and
equipment. The largest expenditure ($775,000) is for the purchase of an aerial fire truck. The
largest expenditure ($91,612) is provided in the General Fund City Clerk budget for acquisition of
16 tabulators with ballot box and modem in order to comply with the Federal voting
requirements. The new regulations, referred to as Help America Vote Act, require one handicap
accessible unit in each precinct. Dakota County historically pays 75% of voting equipment costs.
As such the estimated cost might be reduced by $68,709. There is also the possibility of Federal
grants for this project.
The Council directed staff to bring forward the following at the June 7'" Council Meeting for
• approval:
• Resolution Amending the 2004 Equipment Fund Budget
• Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2005-2006 Equipment Fund Budget
• Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2005-2006 Capital Outlay Budgets for
Various City Funds and the Technology Evaluation & Needs Analysis.
Item #9
Review -TENA 2005-06
Mr. Feller presented to the Council the Technology Evaluation and Needs Analysis (TENA)
report which includes information and schedules related to LOGIS system upgrades, hardware
replacements, software upgrades, software maintenance agreements, and special project such
as the Fire department mobile data computers and the Dakota County GIS system (pictometry)
enhancement. The largest expenditure within TENA ($255,000) is replacement of the existing
Centrex phone system with a Voice over IP system.
The Council directed staff to bring forward the following at the June 7t" Council Meeting for
approval:
• Resolution Amending the 2004 Equipment Fund Budget
• Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2005-2006 Equipment Fund Budget
• Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2005-2006 Capital Outlay Budgets for
Various City Funds and the Technology Evaluation & Needs Analysis.
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,.
~_,~kevi~le Council Work. Session .dune 2"`~, 2Q04
Item #10
Update -Speed Hump Policy
Mr. Volk informed the Council that he, along with Police Chief Strachan and Fire Chief
Nelson, held a neighborhood meeting for the residents of Vermillion Springs, of which two
residents showed. Despite both chief's addressing their concerns for the installation of
speed humps, the two residents were adamant that speed humps were the solution to a
vehicular speeding and volume problem, that studies proved don't .exist in their
neighborhood. Mayor Johnson inquired about the City's liability regarding those who get
injured as a result of the installation of the speed hump. Mr. Volk stated that he would talk to
the City attorney and report back to the Council with a legal opinion. The Council directed
staff to receive a legal opinion from the City Attorney regarding liability factors.
Other Business
A tentative date has been set for a Work Session on Thursday, June 10th to review the
Ground Lease and Development Agreement for the proposed King's Park Athletic Club.
A tentative date has been set for Wednesday, June 23`d to tour of the Brandtjen Farm site.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
r
Brian J. Anderson
Assistant to City Administrator
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