5.a)3) 02-08-2011 Work Session �o a-� 3J
February 8, 2011
A work session meeting of the City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson called
the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present: Council members Connie Amos,
Chris Ness, Jim Schneider, Sally Swanson and Mayor Randall Simonson. Staff present: City
Administrator Anne Hurlburt, City Attorney Dave Hebert and Building Official/Maintenance
Supervisor Steve Thorp.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ness, second by Swanson, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried
5-0.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS
The Council reviewed a list of suggested interview questions submitted by Mayor Simonson and
selected questions to be asked of applicants to the Capital Improvements Committee and
Planning Commission.
The Council interviewed Ned Froberg for the Capital Improvements Committee. As the other
applicants were not yet present, the order of business was altered to consider other agenda items
ahead of the remaining interviews.
SCANDIA ELEMENTARY PTO,APPLICATION FOR EXCLUDED RAFFLE PERMIT
Ness, second by Schneider, moved to approve the PTO's application for an excluded raftle
permit. The motion carried 5-0. Administrator Hurlburt explained that an exception had been
made for the Council to act on this item at a work session because the recent change in the
Council meeting schedule would cause a hardship for the PTO.
FOREST LAKE CABLE COMMISSION (FLCC)
Mayor Simonson and Administrator Hurlburt, Scandia's representatives to the FLCC board,
reported on recent issues with the FLCC. The consensus of the Council was to designate
Simonson, Hurlburt and Ness as a committee to meet with similar representatives from Forest
Lake and Columbus to discuss the future of the FLCC. Staff will make contact with the other
cities to arrange a meeting. Further research will be conducted on the requirements for recording
and streaming video of city meetings on the internet.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS, CONTINUED
The Council interviewed Susan Rodsjo and Jan Hogle for the Planning Commission. After
discussion on the merits of both candidates, the consensus of the Council was to place the
appointment on the agenda of the February 15 regular meeting for further discussion and a vote
on the appointment.
The Council directed staff to place the appointment of Ned Froberg to the Capital Improvement
Committee and the appointment of Dan Lee to the Park and Recreation committee on the consent
agenda for the February 15 regular meeting.
PART-TIME MAINTENANCE WORKER POSITION
The Council received a report from the Human Resources Committee on the position which is
included in the 2011 budget. The regular, year-round part-time position would replace seasonal
February 8,2011
Scandia City Council
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positions and some contractual services. Two Committee members (Schneider and Amos)
recommended not filling the position, with Administrator Hurlburt disagreeing.
After discussion, the Council consensus was to not fill the position and instead continue to use
seasonal workers as needed. Staff was directed to review the arrangements for contractual
services for maintenance of the Community Center to determine how those costs could be
reduced and tasks could be re-assigned to current full-time maintenance employees. Staff will
bring forward budget amendments to reflect these changes prior to hiring temporary grounds
maintenance help for the summer season.
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY AND PRACTICES
Administrator Hurlburt presented a redlined version of the Snow and Ice Control Policy showing
changes based on the Council's discussion at the January 11, 2011 meeting.
Mayor Simonson presented a request from the Fire Deparhnent that the City give priority to
streets on which firefighters reside in snow events over 4 inches. The consensus was that
plowing these streets first would not be consistent with the goal of having efficient snow plow
routes. In the case of emergencies,routes may be altered to provide access to the scene as
needed and main routes will receive priority.
Resident Cliff Guggisberg commented that he believes snow removal has improved and his
street is plowed wider than before. He is concerned that 181 S` and 182"d are plowed by Scandia
later than May Township plows the other roads providing access to his neighborhood. This issue
may be re-visited if there is an opportunity to work with May Township in the future.
The Council consensus was to place adoption of the revised policy on the consent agenda of the
February 15 meeting.
The Council discussed the proposed replacement of a plow truck that is in the 2011 budget. Staff
was directed to prepare information documenting the need to replace the truck and options for
replacements for review at the next work session.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE WORK SESSION(S)
Agenda items for the next(March 8, 2011) work session will include the plow truck
replacement, contractual maintenance services for the community center and an update on the
FLCC.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Hurlburt
Administrator/Clerk