City of Robbinsdale
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 6, 2010
Meeting No. 7

CALL TO ORDER
1. Mayor Holtz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
2. Present: Selman, Mathias, Blonigan, Rogan, Mayor Holtz
Staff: Marcia Glick, City Manager; Rick Pearson, City Planner

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC
3. Mayor Holtz opened the floor to anyone wishing to speak on any items not on the agenda, and hearing none he closed the floor.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. Member Rogan MOVED, seconded by Member Mathias to approve the agenda.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA
5. Member Mathias removed Item H, Member Selman removed Items G and I, and Member Blonigan removed Item J.

CONSENT AGENDA—Item F: Arbor Day Proclamation
6. Member Selman said he wanted everyone to know that Saturday, May 1 is Arbor Day and that there will be a tree planting at Lee Park as well as the annual park cleanup.

7. Member Selman MOVED, seconded by Member Rogan to ratify proclamation proclaiming Saturday, May 1, 2010, as Arbor Day in the City of Robbinsdale. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA—Item G: Council Salary Review Committee Recommendation
8. Member Selman noted that the Committee had reviewed Council salaries and recommend they remain the same.  He thanked the Committee for their work.  Member Rogan pointed out that Council’s salaries have not been adjusted since 2006.

9. Member Selman MOVED, seconded by Member Blonigan to accept the recommendation from the Council Salary Review Committee.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA—Item H: Second Reading of Ordinance Requiring Licenses for Newspaper Racks
10. Member Mathias indicated that after thinking it over, he is not comfortable with requiring licensing for newspaper racks.

11. Discussion:   Concern that fees would drive out desired newspaper boxes. Lowering fees or waiving the fee related to annual registration if documents turned in by a certain date were discussed.  Fees would be addressed as a future Council item provided that the ordinance takes effect.

12. Member Selman MOVED, seconded by Member Rogan to hold the second reading of Ordinance No. 10-02:  “AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING LICENSES FOR NEWSPAPER RACKS.”

13. Member Rogan suggested that the initial fee does not need to be that high and can always be increased later, if needed.

14. ROLL CALL:  Ayes:  Selman, Blonigan, Rogan, Mayor Holtz.  Nays:  Mathias.  The motion carried 4-1.

CONSENT AGENDA—Item J: League of Minnesota Cities Trust Fund Worker’s Compensation
15. Member Blonigan noted that the City uses the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.

16. Bill Husbands, the City’s independent risk consultant, said the League has done an outstanding job of providing insurance for municipalities.  He pointed out that cities’ costs have been a hit or miss in past years.  Husbands stated that Robbinsdale had one bad year in 2006-07 related to one injury.  He said the City can select the fixed cost or a plan which adjusts based on claims; although the City has done well, statistically it is recommended to stay with the fixed cost.

17. Member Blonigan MOVED, seconded by Member Rogan to direct the City Manager to contract with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Fund for the workers’ compensation at a fixed cost standard rate of $140,773 and to contract for the Volunteer Accident and Medical coverage at a cost of $1,740.

18. Member Blonigan commented on the benefit of the City’s volunteers and the low price to insure them.

19. Upon a vote being taken, the vote passed unanimously.

20. Member Selman MOVED, seconded by Member Mathias to approve the balance of the Consent Agenda.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. Items approved are as follows:

A. Motion to approve and order placed on file minutes of the regular City Council Meeting of 3/16/10
B. Motion to acknowledge receipt and placing on file minutes of the following Commissions and Boards:
-Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission of 3/23/10
-Senior Commission of 3/8/10.
C. Motion to approve issuance of licenses from list dated 4/6/10.
D. Motion to direct the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents waiving the monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statutes 466.04 for the City of Robbinsdale and the Five City Transportation Program relating to the 2010-2011 insurance renewal.
E. Motion to ratify proclamation proclaiming April 17-24, 2010, to be the Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup Week.
F. Item pulled.
G. Item pulled.
H. Item pulled.
I. Motion to hold the second reading of Ordinance No. 10-03:  “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 2021.03 PERTAINING TO SECURING VACANT PROPERTY.”
J. Item pulled.
K. Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a 3 year agreement with North Suburban Towing cover May 1, 2010, to April 30, 2013.

PUBLIC HEARING: Liquor License for La Cucina di Nonna Rosa’s Ristorante
21. Glick reviewed the staff report and noted that the applicant has a signed lease for the former Thistle’s restaurant building. 

22. Mayor Holtz opened the public hearing.

23. Caterina and Franseco Suglia said they are exploring the possibility of opening their own restaurant, and first looked in Robbinsdale in January.  They noted that the community of Robbinsdale has been supportive and they are excited to bring their dream here.

24. Hearing no others wishing to speak, Mayor Holtz closed the public hearing.

25. Ms. Suglia reported that they just took occupancy of the building today.  She said the space is perfect for their concept, and there will be some décor changes.  Ms. Suglia said the hope is for a soft opening of the restaurant before Mothers Day.

26. Glick reported that the owner, Celeste Shaw, was unable to attend this meeting but sent an email indicating full support for the liquor license application. 

27. Member Blonigan stated that he has never seen such a complete application.  Mayor Holtz said he liked how the Suglias did their homework noting that he has had the pleasure of dining at their father’s restaurant.

28. Member Rogan MOVED, seconded by Member Selman to approve the issuance of the liquor license to Casa Suglia Inc, dba La Cucina di Nona Rosa's Ristorante provided that the City Clerk receive and approve the certificate of insurance, bond, and County approval of the restaurant license.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.



PRESENTATION: District 5 Congressman Keith Ellison
29. Congressman Keith Ellison noted that health care just passed with over 200 amendments.  He reviewed some of the details of the bill.  Congressman Ellison also reviewed the proposal for a Local Jobs for America Act and stated his hope is for financial services reform.  Congressman Ellison thanked City Council for the service they provide to the citizens.

30. Member Rogan thanked Congressman Ellison for his effort to change federal funding requirements for LRT.  He pointed out that Robbinsdale’s largest employer is North Memorial and hopefully more of its patrons will have insurance coverage.  Member Rogan commented on the national issue of the housing market and foreclosures.  He said although Robbinsdale numbers were not as high as some, there is still a concern and need for programs to assist homeowners.

31. Member Mathias commented on health care.  He said historically, the more the federal government gets involved, the greater the prices rise.  Member Mathias also stated that the more insurance has to cover, the more the cost will grow.  He indicated that the subsidy for those who can’t afford health care would be paid by taxpayers.  In regard to the Local Jobs Bill, Member Mathias said he is not sure how the cost of jobs would be recouped unless there is a 100% tax.  He said he is opposed to LRT because he has to drive for his job and LRT messes up traffic on Hiawatha, and one proposed route through Robbinsdale would cut off his neighborhood.

32. Congress Ellison responded that health care prices would go down because of access to treatment early and indicated that taxpayers are already paying for the uninsured.  He said a bigger pool equals lower risk.  Congressman Ellison also stated that he does not agree that government is not effective citing examples of Tri Care, VA, and Medicare.  He said he is counting on local officials to point out issues with routing for LRT.

OLD BUSINESS: Second Reading of Ordinance related to Zoning Text Amendment to Create a DD-2 downtown transition and transit zoning district and rezone 5 properties to DD-2
33. Pearson reviewed the staff report noting expanded text of DD-2 by inserting the DD-1 verbiage rather than just making cross references.  In addition, allowances for sidewalk sandwich boards were made.  If approved by Council, parallel changes to sign regulations in DD-1 would be made.

34. Council discussed whether there should be definitions of sandwich board signs.  It was agreed that could be tied into the DD-1 updates.

35. Member Blonigan MOVED, seconded by Member Rogan to hold the second reading of Ordinance No. 10-04:  “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 521 OF THE ROBBINSDALE CITY CODE BY ADDING A NEW DOWNTOWN TRANSITION AND TRANSIT DISTRICT” with the following changes: Make service plural in Subd 2(b); make agency plural in Subd 2(f); Add “…in the DD-2 District” to the first sentence in Subd 4 after “conditional use permit;” correct quotation position of “business district” in first sentence of Subd 9; remove (1) in Subd 9(a) and re-number.  ROLL CALL:  Ayes:  Selman, Blonigan, Rogan, Mayor Holtz.  Nays:  Mathias.  The motion carried 4-1.

36. Member Rogan MOVED, seconded by Member Blonigan to hold the second reading of Ordinance No. 10-05:  “AN ORDINANCE REZONING 4719 42ND AVE N FROM B-4 COMMUNITY BUSINESS TO DD-2 DOWNTOWN TRANSITIONA ND TRANSIT AND 4165, 4161, 4145 HUBBARD AVE N AND 4125 RAILROAD AVE N FROM DD-1 DOWNTOWN TO DD-2 DOWNTOWN TRANISTION AND TRANSIT.” ROLL CALL:  Ayes:  Selman, Blonigan, Rogan, Mayor Holtz.  Nays:  Mathias.  The motion carried 4-1.

OTHER BUSINESS:  Disbursement Requests for period ending 3/02/10
37. Member Rogan MOVED, seconded by Member Selman to approve disbursement requests for period ending April 6, 2010.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

OTHER BUSINESS:  Set Work Session Related to 2010 Budget Adjustment Options
38. Glick reviewed the staff report with the recommendation to set a Work Session after the REDA meeting next Tuesday.  She noted that the REDA meeting should be 1 hour or less.  The REDA agenda for next week includes public hearing on homes, request related to homes on Regent, and a request to release an option.

39. Member Rogan MOVED, seconded by Member Selman to schedule a 2010 budget work session on April 13, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. or at the conclusion of the REDA meeting.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

OTHER BUSINESS:  Wine Service at Robbin Gallery Openings
40. Glick reviewed the staff report noting continued inquiries regarding wine service at gallery openings, which is a semi-common practice at other galleries.  Staff has reviewed the licensing options with those who inquired  In addition, because the Robbin Gallery is a City-owned Building, the City needs to indicate if it would allow this.

41. Selman noted concern that site parking is already not adequate and wine service might add to the draw.  There was some discussion of the limited space and that if the gallery opening were paired with a wine-tasting fund raiser it might tax its capacity.

42. Council consensus was that limited wine service at the Robbin Gallery Openings would be okay with proper licensing and that staff should advise the Gallery of the requirements, including which actions would result in withdrawal of any future approval.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
43. Glick reported on the 2010 Census and the countdown for mailing in census forms.  She noted as of April 5th, Robbinsdale has 70% of its forms sent in. The City’s website has a census tracker showing the percentage of completed forms from Robbinsdale.

44. Glick reported on the new state law that now requires all bagged yard waste to be placed in compostable bags.

45. Glick noted the Park Cleanup/Arbor Day event takes place on Saturday, May 1 at Lee Park located on 39th and Lee Ave N.

46. Glick reminded Council of the Senior Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m.

47. Member Mathias reported he has had lots of questions about what’s happening with the Walgreens construction. Glick noted that there is information on the City website and that she would be doing a cable interview in the morning.

48. Member Selman said the Spring Egg Hunt held on March 27 was a tremendous event.  He thanked the Chamber of Commerce and Shirley Kramer for their efforts.  Member Selman said none of the participants of the event went away empty-handed.
 
49. Member Selman reported that Chester Bird from the Golden Valley American Legion is organizing a Memorial Day parade to honor vets.  For more information go to www.chesterbird.com.

50. Member Blonigan noted there is also a Memorial Day event at Victory Memorial Drive and that both events should be publicized by the City.

51. Member Blonigan said he thinks the 4-way stop at West Broadway is working well; however, there has been concern reported from people at Broadway Court. Member Blonigan asked staff to investigate the cost to install a crosswalk sign and a breakdown on fixture cost versus total installation.

52. Member Blonigan said Minneapolis was recently recognized as one of the most bike-able cities. He is interested in exploring what Minneapolis is doing to promote biking and suggested that staff investigate tagging on to some of their ideas.

53. Mayor Holtz noted the Robbinsdale Lions is having a French Toast Breakfast at Broadway Pizza this Sunday, April 11 at 8:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT
54. Member Selman MOVED, seconded by Member Rogan to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.





______________________________ _____________________________
Millie Marsh, Recorder Tom Mathias, Mayor Pro Tem

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