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2015-02-19 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2015 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota held a special meeting workshop on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers of the Centennial Building. Council Members present: Mayor Mark Wegscheid; Council Members Heidi Gesch, Kelli Gillispie, Jennifer Peterson and Ray Salazar. Council Members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Kandis Hanson, Finance Director/Clerk/Treasurer Catherine Pausche 1. Open meeting Mayor Wegscheid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Response plan for the Centennial Building when under threat by sun/bomb Hanson reviewed the memo from Chief Farniok. Discussion ensued and it was requested that a simulation be developed by the Orono Police Department in order to train the Council on what to do when under threat by gun or bomb. 3. Response plan for tornado and fire Hanson emphasized the rally point for the Centennial Building in the event of a fire is at the lower parking lot by the Skate Park/Wolner Field in order to facilitate a head count. Hanson said in the event of a tornado, people either have to go to the basement or leave. Hanson said the doors will remain unlocked so that people can take refuge. 4. Chart of accounts Pausche discussed the information included in the packet and encouraged the Council to ask questions on claims in advance of the meetings, when possible, to allow time for research. 5. Redevelopment Peterson stated that a meeting was held the previous night to discuss www.hoodstarter.com which may be a tool to help market vacant properties. Wegscheid said he would like to see Westonka Community and Commerce run it. Gesch said she definitely feels it should be citizen driven. Hanson asked about the impact of zoning on properties and Peterson said she believes it could be included in the property information. Hanson passed out a chronology of community development projects since 1998. Hanson - stated the parking ramp was a "build it and they will come" philosophy and that it is part of the infrastructure that is necessary to attract developers, even though people often question its purpose. Mound City Council Minutes—February 19, 2015 Hanson said she feels the vacant buildings are an opportunity since it is cheaper to rehab than build from scratch. Hanson stated she is pleased with the residential minor subdivisions that have taken place even though Mound is considered fully built. Gillispie asked for a development timeline and photos to be added to the website so that people can be referred to it. Hanson said Jameson Smieja said the majority of people he talked to during the campaign were not aware of what has been accomplished. Peterson said she feels it is more important to focus on what is next. Salazar spoke about the Williams store owner and the fact that he is trying to pair him up with an interested party. Gillispie said people need to understand that the City is not involved in private sector business. Hanson said the City cannot do anything about unsightly buildings if they are not breaking any of the code/laws. 6. 'Biking City' designation Peterson said that there is an organization that helps cities become a designated "Bicycle Friendly Community." Gillispie asked what is the goal. Peterson said Rochester and Minneapolis received the designation and it helps to create an awareness/positive image of the city. Salazar asked about the cost. Wegscheid questioned what would be mandated and/or required to be designated, but thought it would be a healthy exercise to explore it. Hanson said this would require county participation since they control the main roads and noted that the collector and non -arterial streets are 30 MPH per state statute. Peterson said she hopes it would focus more on the benefits of the regional trail and that she will look more into it and report back. 7. Keeping City Council Members updated A. When content is not confidential B. When content is confidential C. Workshops Wegscheid said he wanted to discuss the work on committees and the issue that arises when something has been under discussion but not all members are informed. Gillispie noted examples including the Minnetrista water treatment and Public Works storage discussions. Gillispie noted that residents often approach council members on topics and it does not seem acceptable to be in the dark. Wegscheid suggested the council be informed when a committee is created to explore a topic so that members can respond to inquiries and refer residents to the appropriate source. Hanson said reports by committee members could be made as part of the regular council meetings. Hanson said she has learned to ask for requests in writing so the official record is made and the Council can be fully aware of the City's response/position. Gesch said she would like a basic understanding of the issue, without being too detailed, and the name of whom she should refer the public to in the event she is questioned on the topic. Mound City Council Minutes — February 19, 2015 Hanson said in the past the Mayor and Planning Commission Council Liaison were selected to attend preliminary meetings with developers. Discussion ensued and Gillispie expressed an interest in participating unless one of the other council members helped recruit the developer and wanted to participate instead. Everyone was in agreement with that approach. Wegscheid said he asked to discuss the willingness of members to participate in workshops because he feels it facilitates more interaction compared to the formal meeting. Gillispie agreed. Salazar said he wants to remain as transparent as possible and that any special meeting should be called for at the regular Council meeting and the purpose stated. Wegscheid would like to find a way that is acceptable to participate in community events without considering it an official meeting. Discussion ensued and it was agreed that if the event was hosted by another organization, it is just important that city business is not discussed and that the potential for a quorum be noticed 3+ days in advance. Salazar requested better notice than the minimum requirement. Hanson mentioned cities often hold off-site retreats with a professional facilitator. Hanson said the special meeting agendas don't have to be voted upon but that they must be specific and no other topics discussed. 8. City Code updates A. Public Gathering Permits and Fee Schedule B. General update of certain other sections Gillispie said she has previously shared Delano's fee structure for public gathering permits and it was agreed that she will work with Staff to bring a proposal forward to the full council. 9. Meeting conduct/protocols Hanson said she included excerpts of the Minnesota Mayor's Handbook on meeting protocols so that everyone can be on the same page and help facilitate the meeting. Hanson cautioned members to be aware of their body language, including lounging in their seat or rolling eyes. Hanson said a past facilitator encouraged the council members to use "when you do this ... it make me feel this way..." Gesch asked that council members wait for the Mayor to comment on an issue and then for him to ask each member if they would like to contribute. Gesch said she thought everyone should wait their turn and try not to repeat what has already been said. Hanson asked if members want to adopt a more formal approach in meetings, like using titles instead of first names. Wegscheid said it was suggested to him to encourage the use of his title as Mayor to maintain respect for the office. 10. Other Gillispie requested something in the Code with regard to rentals that spells out the responsibilities of the owners. Gillispie said the Building Inspector told her that of the cities with rental licensing language, no two are alike. Wegscheid said he thinks it will be a valuable exercise but cautions about overreaching. It was decided that Hanson, Community Development Director Sarah Smith and Gillispie will review past work on the subject and draft something to be considered by the full council. Mound City Council Minutes— February 19, 2015 Gillispie asked about the use of Facebook and that she did not see many cities using it. Gillispie cautioned about taking it on and thought a more formal website was a better use of resources. Peterson asked about use of blogging or at least keeping the content of the website more fresh. Hanson said Staff is currently working with a consultant to improve the website and marketing materials for prospective developers and community outreach overall. 3. Adiourn MOTION by Gillispie, seconded by Gesch to adjourn at 9:11 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Mark Wegscheid Attest: Catherine Pausche, Clerk