Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting was duly held at the Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, on the 9th day of July, 2008.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Paul Rebholz called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Audience, staff, and Council pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call the following were present: Council Members: Mary Stephens, Paul Rebholz, Julie Ohs, and Amy Scoggins. Mayor Hargis had informed the Council that he would be late. Others Present: Kimberlee Blaeser, City Clerk; Nick Vivian, City Attorney; Public Safety Director Lee Vague, Dwight Picha, Community Development Director; and David Jessup, Engineering and Public Works Director.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz welcomed those watching at home to join the Council meetings and call City Hall if they need information. He also referred to the manila brochures located on the chairs entitled "Welcome to the Woodbury City Council Meeting" and noted there are Public Input Sign-Up Sheets, and invited audience members to sign them and give them to a staff member if they wished to comment during the meeting. He also noted that the times listed on the Agenda are only estimates and that items may be addressed by the Council earlier or later than those times listed.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None at this time
OPEN FORUM
Cathy Lohmer, 8199 Hill Trail North, Lake Elmo, MN, introduced herself as the endorsed Republican candidate running for the House of Representatives in District 56A, which includes part of Woodbury north of Valley Creek Road.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz explained that Consent Agenda items are considered routine and are adopted by one motion in an affirmative vote of the Members. He said there is no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or citizen so requests, in which event the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered during the Discussion portion of the agenda.
Moved by Member Rebholz, seconded by Member Scoggins, to approve the Consent Agenda, Items 6A through 6E.
Item A Approval of Council Minutes – June 25, 2008.
Item B To adopt the following resolution: RESOL. NO. 08-134
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WOODBURY, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FOR POWERFUL AGING – STAYING IN BALANCE, FROM THE MINNESOTA FALLS PREVENTION INITIATIVE (MNFP) THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN AREA AGENCY ON AGING (MAAA) AND TO THE CITY OF WOODBURY.
Item C To adopt the following resolution: RESOL. NO. 08-135
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WOODBURY, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF THE PRELIMINARY REPORT FOR THE KINGSFIELD ADDITION 2008 FINAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
Item D To adopt the following resolution: RESOL. NO. 08-136
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WOODBURY, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE TRAFFIC CALMING FEATURES FOR THE 2008 ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT – STEEPLEVIEW ROAD AND PINEHURST ROAD.
Item E To approve the Abstract of Bills for June 27, 2008 in the amount of $713,839.24 and the Abstract of Bills for July 3, 2008 in the amount of $965,025.44. Any purchase contracts requiring the signature of the Mayor and City Administrator are hereby approved.
Voting via voice:
Mary Stephens – aye
Julie Ohs – aye Paul Rebholz - aye
Amy Scoggins – absent William Hargis - absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None scheduled.
DISCUSSION
A. October 2005 Storm Event Mitigation Projects, Adoption of Flood Relief Grant Program, Designation of Wilmes Lake as a Flood Susceptible Area
Engineering and Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer Klayton Eckles said there has been a lot of analysis of the October 2005 storm where there was about 6 inches of rain fall in about 6 hours. This was a very extreme storm event which resulted in significant local flooding in various parts of the city. Numerous studies and improvement projects have been done in the last three years, with more improvement projects yet to come. One of the issues that was found is that there is a number of areas around town where public improvements do not reduce the flood risk. Mr. Eckles said instead of an improvement process, staff has been studying a new approach that would be a grant program to provide money to residents who choose to make improvements in their homes or businesses to make them less susceptible to flooding. Mr. Eckles reviewed this voluntary grant program.
It was found there are certain properties that are vulnerable to a 100-year flood event and therefore the City wants to provide opportunities to improve protection from a 100-year flood event. These susceptible properties have less protection than other properties in the city. One of the key criteria is having the lowest opening of the home be at least three feet above the 100 flood elevation. That 100 year elevation is defined as being 6.3 inches of rain during a 24 hours period.
The Flood Relief Grant Program serves to reduce the risk of flood susceptible homes. There is always the chance that in a very large, extreme event, any one property is susceptible to flooding. The city does not provide insurance against all future flooding, but it gives people that are susceptible an opportunity to make improvements.
This Flood Relief Grant Program is being implemented in conjunction with the South Washington Watershed District. The District has agreed to participate in the cost of the program. The City and district would reimburse residents up to 75% of their construction costs with a $50,000 maximum per property. Eligible costs are based on what residents will pay their contractors, with the approval of the city.
Mr. Eckles said the Woodbury program is complicated because the City is trying to provide flood reduction assistance to properties that may not meet the standard threshold of a 100 year storm event. Typically, other communities that have had a flood protection grant programs have addressed properties that are below the 100 year flood elevation. The Woodbury program goes farther to provide varying levels of assistance based on the risk level of a home.
Mr. Eckles said the program will pay for things like filling the yard, regrading the yard, using retaining walls, adding/modifying/removing windows, elevating structures and waterproofing of structure walls. As an addition was made, (a result of collaboration with residents), to include the cost of engineering and landscaping improvements as eligible costs. Mr. Eckles said other eligible expenses would be engineering and architectural fees associated with the project with a maximum of $5,000. Mr. Eckles said there are some homeowners who are willing to do the work themselves and their personal costs would be considered as well.
Mr. Eckles reviewed the eligibility requirements chart. Category A is the highest, with a home that is below the 100 year flood elevation and eligible for 75% funding. Category E is the lowest, with a slight risk and no cost share. Each resident is reviewed individually based on their mitigating factors and cost effectiveness of the project. The city pays for the first $5,000 on Categories A, B, and C. Contributing factors are based on whether the home was previously damaged or had to take emergency measures to prevent flooding.
If homes are changed to better deter flooding, such as egress windows being removed, consideration will be made for aesthetics, allowing for up to 25% additional assistance. The actual percent will be determined by the Flood Relief Grant Committee.
Residents on record as having flooding issues during the October 2005 rainfall event will be notified by mail of this program. Any resident can make inquiries to the city to make application to the grant program. The city will also retain an outside consultant that is an expert in flood programs such as this to help residents start the process and evaluate what type of flood mitigation might be appropriate for their property. After the application is submitted for review, the committee will send their findings to the who will then provide a detailed plan with the help of an engineer and/or architect. The city will then send a commitment letter to the resident to allow the resident get bids from contractors. The residents will also have to submit an indemnity form to release all liability for the city. After the project is complete, the committee will inspect the improvements and release the grant money.
The impact on the city budget is hard to determine as it depends on how many residents participate in the flood proofing program. In October 2005, there were 63 homes impacted, with 48 at risk homes that would potentially qualify for the grant program. If all these people participated in the maximum, there would be a $2 million liability to the city. This is not anticipated to happen. If owners participating at the various levels, the cost is estimated at $735,000. Currently the budget is $449,000 for dealing with the 2005 October flooding event issues using this program.
Residents can contact the city’s engineering division with any questions they may have. It is anticipated some that people will be starting the flood proofing process this year.
Mr. Eckles said Council will also be asked to designate the Wilmes Lake area as a flood susceptible area as it has very large contributing drainage area that can cause significant changes in water levels. These residents will be listed in Category C.
Mr. Eckles said Council should also consider appointing a Councilmember as a committee representative.
Among other activities currently underway, staff is working with the DNR to change the operational plan for Wilmes Lake outlet and new ponding and design criteria for storm water systems in new developments.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz opened the public hearing.
Mr. John Martin, 1392 Schooner Way, stated a lot of work has been done since the flooding in 2005, and this program has been revised many times. Mr. Martin referred to Exhibit F that talks about indemnity part of this program. Mr. Eckles said it was at the recommendation of the legal counsel. Mr. Martin said when he took this to his legal counsel, he was told this was way too open ended. He felt only someone who is very foolish or ignorant would sign away their rights to open ended action or lack of action by the city for future flood damages.
It was noted that Mayor Hargis arrived at 7:52 p.m.
Mayor Hargis said this is not magic language. The first part is pretty typical and believes it means that should a resident go into a flood relief program and accepts money from the city, there is no guarantee that there will be no flooding in the future.
Member Stephens said Exhibit F relates to the storm damage from October 2005. She has had discussions with Mr. Martin on the second part of that clause which provides the city cannot be at fault for future flooding.
Mr. Martin said he is not holding the city responsible for acts of God but because the city is not providing proper drainage of the lake, the resident is asked to waive all claims against the city.
Mayor Hargis said it comes to a point where people want to be a part of the program or preserve their rights, and suggested Mr. Martin’s lawyer talk to the city attorney to come to an agreement of specific language. Mayor Hargis said it is his experience that this is the like the battle of the forms. If one is the plaintiff’s lawyer, there would be one form for your indemnity and release and if one is the defense lawyer, there is another form. Mayor Hargis said the principle is that if a resident is going to be part of this program, everyone will move forward in good faith. The city is not asking residents to waive any future city negligence, as it is a matter of law that the city cannot do that.
Mr. Vivian said the program is voluntary, and the city has been very generous in putting the program together. If the residents are going to get something, they should be giving something back in the form of the indemnification agreement for anything that has happened in the past. This program is designed to help residents move forward. Mr. Vivian said this program does not completely eliminate the risk of the homeowners and there could be a future storm event that the cause some water damage. The city cannot protect against any future storm damage, and guarantee that future storm damage will not take place. Mr. Vivian said there are also questions relating to damages from acts of God on a subsequent home owner even though the current homeowner is making improvements under the program.
Mayor Hargis asked if it was true that the city cannot by law require residents to waive their rights for future issues.
Mr. Eckles said the concern is that a homeowner makes some improvements, and the city approves the project. The city does not design the project nor do work on private property. If something is constructed and fails in the future, the city does not want to have any liability for the improvements just because somebody participated in the program.
Mr. Martin said he would like to see the indemnity related to what is done under the grant program not ending the liability for all actions the city may take in the future. If it relates only to the 2005 storm event, it’s very reasonable. If it is open ended for the future, that is not reasonable.
Member Stephens said she believes Mr. Martin was interpreting the language incorrectly, as this does not apply to all future actions the City may or may not take.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said it is important to get to one document and stick to one program. It is also important to recognize that there are still some storm water management issues to deal with.
Member Stephens proposed an addition to the document (Exhibit F) to say that the improvements are made under the grant program and to ensure that the document only pertains to the damage that was done on homes during the October 2005 storm. Also, that the committee will approve or disapprove all work that contractors will be performing, and that the city is not responsible for any liability.
Mayor Hargis said the reason is that the homeowner gets to pick his own contractor. Member Stephens said the city then does not have any control over the method of construction, and how these improvements are made.
Member Scoggins asked for clarification that this program is open to the whole city. The proposal is to call the Wilmes Lake area a flood susceptible area. Mr. Eckles said yes and that the proposal is to offer it and invite people that are on the list of impacted properties from October, 2005. This includes properties in 10 different regions. It is the primary objective of the city to get those issues dealt with, and there are probably others in the city that have problems that the city is not aware of that may want to participate. After the committee reviews some of these applications related to the October 2005 storm event, they may find they wish to come back to the city later to open this up to other properties in the city. Member Scoggins asked if the $449,000 is the total or the estimated cost. Mr. Eckles said that is the total estimated cost, assuming all the improvements took place in the South Washington County Watershed District, and the District is willing to contribute half of those costs for this year and next year for sure.
Member Scoggins asked if there should be a cap on the total amount of money the city is willing to contribute and is there a deadline for people to apply. Mr. Eckles said the thought on staff’s part is that staff would periodically bring this back to Council for discussion and review. It was discussed that after three years, it may be appropriate to close the program. It is very difficult to know how much participation there will be.
Member Scoggins said she has a problem with contributing 100% of the first $5,000 of construction cost. However, she feels the city should do something extra to help the higher risk people (Category A). Funding the first $5,000 in all categories is above and beyond what the city needs to do and should do.
Mayor Hargis said he came up with the idea of funding the first $5,000 construction cost. He gleaned it from the traffic mitigation policy, where if there is a request for traffic mitigation in a particular neighborhood, the city would give the first $10,000 and anything above that, there would be a cost sharing or an assessment. Mayor Hargis said that is where those figures came from. Member Scoggins said she feels there needs to be a minimum level of participation by the residents.
Member Ohs asked if the money can be spent in increments, or does it have to come be spent at in one lump sum. Mr. Eckles said this process has not been analyzed yet and the intent is to have the committee deal with those kinds of issues as they arise. He hopes the program has some flexibility because every project will be different. The key is to make sure there is a plan that brings the property to a certain level of protection. Member Ohs said she is concerned because of the economy being the way it is today and people just don’t have money for this. Mr. Eckles said this would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis by the committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said it’s the case by case by the committee thing that still give him lots of cause for pause. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he is certainly supportive of doing a program but he is abundantly clear and aware how difficult it is to run a program like this having been involved in many programs similar to what the City is proposing. Mayor Pro Tem said it all looks great, but it gets incredibly complicated when it is executed. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said it begins to become the case where residents are complaining about who got what and if the $450,000 is the right budget number for the whole program over three years,. He does not think it’s worth spending all the time and agony to go through all the iterations that could be gotten through. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said there are some ways to get around that and agrees that the committee can figure this stuff out. It needs to be consistent and needs to be abundantly clear because people will be pursuing the city because they feel they were not treated the same.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he believes the Council needs to sunset this program, and re-evaluated it in three years. He suspects those who want to make the improvements will make those improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz apologized to a resident who said she did not get any notices and said the city is trying to do the best job possible to make sure everyone knows about these programs and sometimes that is still not enough. He feels an annual budget needs to be made and then grants would be approved on a first come first serve basis, with a deadline in the spring and deadline in the fall. This is how all foundation grants are run. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said this will allow the city to see what the budget impacts are. Member Ohs said that makes sense to her.
Mr. Gridley said if the Council wants to sunset this, they should do this as part of the proposed resolution. Mr. Gridley said this makes sense and asked to have a sunset date established. If in the future the Council feels this should be extended, they can re-authorize the program.
Mayor Pro-Tem Rebholz said in addition to the indemnity, there needs to be some sort of a deed restriction that goes to the land on this. It is his concern that if the city is going to invest as much as $50,000 on individual properties, the signed indemnity will not be transferred to the new homeowner. All the HRA loan programs that have been set up are very similar and are recorded as part of property records.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz referred to self contracting and do it yourselfers. He is not sure that if the city is going to provide up to $50,000 in a grant program, in some cases, the resident may not have any money of their own invested. Allowing property owners to do it themselves may not be very equitable. These repairs should be made by licensed contractors and should be part of the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he is concerned about the concept of designating Wilmes Lake as flood susceptible. Although he understands what the purpose of this is, he asked how future property owners will know this is a susceptible area. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said it would be his opinion the Council should approve the flood relief grant program with some of these comments from Council to be further defined because some of how well the program works is going to depend on what the applications looks like when they come in as well.
Member Stephens said the committee will handle the mechanics of the program. She thinks the Council should consider establishing sun setting provisions, and doing the work yourself.
Mayor Hargis said he supports setting a sunset date and supports the committee setting up the application process with definitive timelines when applications are due.
Dave Winter, 1897 Queens Drive, said he was one of the properties that was flooded out. He redid the basement himself. Mr. Winter said eliminating do it yourselfers such as him is not fair. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said it is different when it is related to a grant program to fund in kind work. This was a policy question he has raised to the Council for a grant relief program. Mr. Winter said he can keep his costs down by doing it himself. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he totally understands, as he does a lot of his own remodeling work. This is a policy decision for the Council to make. Mr. Winter said he has already dished out $7,000 to $10,000 to re-do his basement, and how much more does he need to pay out.
Mayor Hargis said if people do it themselves, they need to show that have the skill and experience on a professional level.
Member Scoggins said she thinks there has been some discussion as to whether or not this was a 100 year event. The Council has heard that it was more than a 100 year event. If the city is going to be helping people, not only be up to the level of the 100 year storm event, but in some cases above and beyond. She asked if that is what the City is responsible for providing. Member Scoggins said she feels this proposal is more generous than what most other communities have done.
Mr. Daniel Belka, 1556 Clippership Drive, said there is a fairly wide disagreement on what the experts say the 100 year high water level is. That is why the city should consider part of the program being fully funded. There have been estimates around Wilmes ranging anywhere from 911 feet by Bonostroo in 1997 to 908 feet. Two other studies came in between those two elevations. Mr. Belka said he does not know if the elevation is that precisely known. The Council may consider that there might be an additional role for the city because of the uncertainly of a lot of these calculations.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he shares some of the concerns of Member Scoggins. He said he feels it is important that there is a cost share associated with this program. Mayor Pro Tem told Mr. Winter, who has made some improvements, that the Council may be able to substantiate some of those improvements that have been made. Mayor Pro Tem said it would not be appropriate with the grant program to only do a part of the work and not completed. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said Mr. Belka’s comments were well said as time and conditions change when people buy property. What the City has historically planned for was done with the best intentions and standards of the time. Properties were never allowed to be built if it was felt they would be in harm’s way.
Mayor Hargis introduced the following
Resolution and moved its adoption with the
addition of three amendments: RESOL. NO. 08-137
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WOODBURY, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, ENACTING THE CITY OF WOODBURY FLOOD RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN THE WILMES LAKE BASIN AS FLOOD SUSCEPTIBLE
Amendments to the resolution are as follows:
1. That the program will sunset on December 31, 2001
2. That the City Council empowers the committee to create grant timelines to designate the submittal date of applications as well as a response period
3. That the City Council empower the legal counsel to refine Exhibit F.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Ohs.
Member Scoggins asked if the committee will come up with some of the language to define the issues of do it yourselfers. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said Mayor Hargis had a good point and have the city’s chief building inspector to decide whether or not a particular homeowner has the knowledge and skills to qualify.
Mr. Gridley said there can be a sense of the Council expressed to the committee to have the committee be very careful to be sure that anything is approved in that regard the individual has clearly demonstrated the capability or has special expertise in that area. Mayor Hargis stated the expertise clause should be added as another amendment to the resolution.
Member Stephens asked if the resolution covers the level of participation or is there a comfort level on how it’s written. Mayor Hargis said that is not in his motion to adopt the resolution. Member Scoggins asked if she believes that it should be a part of the resolution, then she should vote against it. Mayor Hargis said Member Scoggins should then move to amend the resolution to add that there be a specific minimum level of participation whatever she feels that is, and then if there is a second to that, there will be discussion, and approve or disapprove the amendment to the motion.
Member Scoggins moved to amend the resolution to include some minimum level of participation, but she does not have a set amount in mind or a set way of doing it.
Mr. Eckles said this is moving into areas where staff does not have the ultimate decision on how to weigh value to the individual versus value to the overall city and how to weigh those dollars. Member Scoggins asked if she were being nitpicky. Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz said he does not believe this is being nitpicky. On a philosophical policy level, he would agree and this issue may have to be set up by category. He does not want to get program too complicated.
Member Scoggins moved to rescind her amendment and stated she does not think there will be too many scenarios.
Mayor Hargis said there is public
money spent for private improvements, and that money is required to be reported
on their income tax. Member Scoggins said she is comfortable with this.
Upon roll call being taken thereon, the following voted via voice to adopt the resolution with the following amendments:
1. That the Woodbury Flood Relief Program sunset on December 31, 2011
2. That the Woodbury City Council empower the Woodbury Flood Relief Committee to create
grant timelines to designate the submittal date of applications as well as a response period.
3. That the Woodbury City Council empower the City’s legal counsel to refine Exhibit F.
4. Utilizing the City’s Chief Building Inspector, the Flood Relief Committee may determine if a
flood relief applicant(s) has the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify non-contractual
remodeling project expenses.
Vote on motion:
Paul Rebholz - aye
Julie Ohs - aye Mary Stephens - aye
Amy Scoggins - aye William Hargis –aye
Mayor Pro Tem Rebholz handed back the gavel to Mayor Hargis.
Mayor Hargis called a recess at 8:40 p.m.
Mayor Hargis reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
8A. Continued: October 2005 Storm Event Mitigation Projects, Adoption of Flood Relief Grant Program,
Designation of Wilmes Lake as a Flood Susceptible Area
Mayor Hargis stated that in order for the City to proceed with the Flood Relief Grant Program, a Flood Relief Grant Committee will need to be established comprised of a City Council Member, staff member and an South Washington Watershed District manager and staff member.
Mayor Hargis asked for a motion to elect a Council member to serve on the Flood Relief Grant Committee.
Mayor Hargis nominated Member Stephens.
Moved by Mayor Hargis, seconded by Member Rebholz, to appoint Council Member Stephens to serve on the Flood Relief Grant Committee.
Voting in Favor: Stephens, Rebholz, Ohs, Scoggins, Hargis
Voting Against: None
Absent: None
B. Republican National Convention Joint Powers Agreement
Public Safety Director Lee Vague said the convention will be held at the Excel Energy Center over Labor Day weekend. St. Paul Police Department is the lead agency working with the U. S. Secret Service and need additional support from neighboring agencies. There is a primary core group of agencies made up of St. Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Mr. Vague said these groups will handle the bulk of law enforcement and security, but need the help of neighboring communities to act in a support role. The city is prepared to send 15 officers to play a support role, the primary role being security at the Excel Energy Center and security along the routes to the convention. Five bike patrol officers will also be used to provide security outside the convention center.
The Republican National Convention is providing a cap of $10 million of insurance coverage for the entire event, and should any city’s claims go beyond the $10 million, the city has its own policies to cover. Staff is asking for the City Council to sign the letter of agreement. Officers will be paid time and a half plus benefits.
The Joint Powers Agreement also allows the city to use their resources in the event there are problems during the convention.
Moved by Member Scoggins, seconded by Member Ohs, to approve the City’s participation in the Republican National Convention through the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the City of St. Paul.
Voting in Favor: Stephens, Rebholz, Ohs, Scoggins, Hargis
Voting Against: None
Absent: None
Member Rebholz said the paper had an announcement that Officer Fran Schmitz won and asked that the Council extends its congratulations. Mr. Vague said it was one of the many recognitions he has received and will let him know.
C. Applications for Grant Evaluation and Ranking System (GEARS) Committee
Mr. Gridley said in March of this year, the County
Transit Improvement Board (C-TIB) was established to handle the estimated $100
million that the quarter cent sales tax is collecting. That collection started
July 1st and the county will be receiving the first revenues in
September. Washington County is part of that. To help C-TIB make decisions
regarding use of those funds they have established the Grant Evaluation and
Ranking
System Committee (GEARS). In that committee, there is representation of the
five counties that are participating (Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington). What there are soliciting through metro cities group is a GEARS
candidate to sit on that board and to advice C-TIB on grant submittals.
The Council has an opportunity to nominate a Council member to be this years candidate to go to election on July 21st with the metro cities and to designate a voter for the city who would be voting on the candidates as well as if any Council members wish to contribute to the elections process, understanding that they are not running for the GEARS committee and not voting, there is an opportunity to participate in that process.
Moved by Member Rebholz, seconded by Member Scoggins, to nominate Mayor Hargis to serve as the city’s GEARS candidate, and to serve as the designated voter in the GEARS Committee election.
Voting in Favor: Stephens, Rebholz, Ohs, Scoggins, Hargis
Voting Against: None
Absent: None
D. Scheduling of a Close Special City Council Meeting on July 16, 2008.
Mayor Hargis stated that pursuant to the
provisions of Minnesota Statute Section 13
D.05 – Subdivisions, and based upon the advice of the city attorney, Mayor
Hargis recommends the City Council conduct a closed special City Council
meeting on July 16, 2008, at the conclusion of the City Council workshop
meeting, for the purpose of conducting a scheduled performance review of the
City
Administrator. The records will reflect that the City Administrator has consented to the closed meeting as required by statute. At the regular City Council meeting on July 23, 2008, for the benefit of the public, the City Council will summarize the discussions and conclusions of the Council, and interactions that took place at the closed session.
Moved by Member Ohs, seconded by Member Rebholz, to hold a special City Council meeting for the purpose of conducting a closed special City Council meeting on July 16, 2008 at the conclusion of the City Council Workshop meeting for the purpose of conducting a scheduled performance review of the City Administrator. This session will be a closed session.
Voting in Favor: Stephens, Rebholz, Ohs, Scoggins, Hargis
Voting Against: None
Absent: None
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Clint Gridley, City Administrator, said the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will hold a public meeting regarding the Woodbury Landfill, on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodbury City Hall. A formal presentation to review the cleanup plan will be presented at 7:00 p.m. These presentations will be available on the MPCA website at the end of the month. Residents can check out the website (www.PCA.state.mn.us) or call 6541-296-6300.
Mr. Gridley reviewed the upcoming meetings.
Neighborhood/Public Meetings:
Preliminary Items for the Planning Commission Meeting for July 14, 2008:
Preliminary Items Scheduled for July 16, 2008 City Council Workshop Meeting:
Public Hearings Scheduled for July 23, 2008 City Council Meeting:
Public Works Director David Jessup said there will be a major change in traffic flow that will be occurring on Radio Drive south of Bailey Road. This construction is part of the East Ridge High School construction and expansion of the Bielenberg Sports Complex. As part of that work, it will be necessary to extend water and sewer services from the east side of Radio Drive to the west side, and that will require the closing of Radio Drive starting July 15th for approximately two weeks. Residents can contact the Public Works Department for more information at 651-714-3593.
Member Rebholz introduced City Attorney Nick Vivian, and thanked him for attending in the absence of Mr. Vierling.
Mayor Hargis thanked Member Rebholz for chairing the first part of the meeting. Mayor Hargis said he is scheduled for surgery on August 7th and miss most of August. Mayor Hargis thanked residents for their expressions of concerns and prayers.
Mayor Hargis adjourned the meeting at 9:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________________
Clinton P. Gridley, City Administrator