Nowthen City Council meeting, February 14, 2017

What was on the agenda

18 items as recorded in the minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

1. 1Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance

   The regular City Council meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

   Opening item; no council action other than proceeding with the meeting.

   Discussion only
   Docso this is the uh regular city council meeting city of now then Tuesday February 14th 2017DocPledge of [Music] Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

2. 2Approve or amend meeting agenda

   The council approved the meeting agenda after moving consent agenda item 1.4 to Council Item K.

   Approved by voice vote after amendment.

   • agenda

   Approved
   DocI'll accept a motion to approve and or amend the meeting agenda for tonightDocwe have an amendment moving item 1.4 on consent agenda to item KDocall those in favor of the motion I I opposed motion carries

3. 3Sheriff's Office report

   Lieutenant Heath gave the Anoka County Sheriff's Office report for January 2017, including 95 calls for service in Nowthen, five calls to Bar None, a Twin Lakes Park drug arrest, a phone-app texting warning, tax-season scam warnings, and a community outreach program called “socializing with the sheriff.”

   Report only; no vote taken.

   • sheriff report

   Discussion only
   Docthe the Sheriff's Office report for the city of noan for January of 2017 in January of 2017 sheriff's deputies responded to 95 calls for service in the city five of those were to Bar NoneDocgoing through Twin Lakes Park when he observed a vehicle uh leaving the park that he knew the driver didn't have a valid license he stopped the vehicle and ultimately during the traffic stop discovered that the driver was in possession of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernaliaDocone last thing that I wanted to bring up uh the sheriff's office has started a program um tentatively dubbed socializing with the sheriff

4. 4Floor items

   Resident Dan Williams spoke from the floor about the city clerk's title, the location and public notice of strategy meetings, staff workload and workplace respect, and broadband communication.

   Public comment only; no vote taken during this item.

   • public comment
   • staff workload
   • broadband

   Discussion only
   Docmove on to floor items we have one Mr Dan WilliamsDocnumber one is um a title change for our uh city clerk I think after 15 years clerk is not um a proper entitlement for the job she does for the cityDocthis strategy meeting I keep hearing throwing around that's going to happen I hope it happens at 7:00 um when and there's public notice out for all the citizens to be hereDocI think there's a lot of Staff bashing going onDocI keep hearing about the Broadband is coming in the city is that a council thing that they're pushing

5. 5Consent agenda

   The council approved the consent agenda after item 1.4 had been moved to Council Item K.

   Approved by voice vote; individual consent items were not identified in the transcript except item 1.4, which was removed to Council Item K.

   • consent agenda

   Approved
   Docmove on to the uh consent agenda Mr mayor council mayor veter I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda secondDocall those in favor I I opposed motion carries

6. 6ACity Hall HVAC system

   The council discussed the City Hall HVAC system, chimney/flue concerns, possible carbon monoxide testing, whether to replace one or two furnaces, and whether a single zoned system could serve the whole building. The council approved limited research and a recommendation, not to exceed $200.

   The council reviewed the condition of the City Hall heating system, including old furnaces, possible chimney or flue concerns, carbon monoxide testing, and whether to replace equipment in kind or explore a single zoned system through the bearing wall. Rather than authorize a replacement, the council approved hiring Mr. Sher to do limited research and provide a recommendation, capped at $200.

   Approved limited research and recommendation by voice vote.

   • City Hall HVAC
   • City Hall maintenance

   Approved
   DocCouncil items City Hall HVAC systemDocfirst of all we need to see what it you know what the engineering requirements uh or restrictions would be on penetrating the bearing wallDocI'll make a motion that that we engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200Docall those in favor of the motion I I opposed motion carries

7. 6BBuilding official resignation and inspection services

   The council discussed the building official resignation, St. Francis's expected 60-day contract cancellation notice, possible interim service, Metro West, and other options. The council tabled the item and separately directed staff to gather more information.

   After learning that St. Francis planned to send a 60-day cancellation notice for the building official contract, the council discussed interim service, Metro West, Mr. Sher's proposal, and whether other neighboring cities might be options. The council tabled the main discussion to the next workshop and directed staff to gather the current St. Francis agreement, a Metro West quote, and information on other inspection-service options.

   Discussion was tabled to the next workshop, with staff directed to gather additional information.

   • building official
   • inspection services

   Tabled
   Docwe have a uh resignation of the building officialDocthe plan is that St Francis is is going to submit um a 60-day notice to cancel the contract with the city of ndenDocmotion to table discussion to next next Workshop meetingDocmotion carries all right so now you got your second motionDocmotion to to find out more information about um building inspectors and getting copies of the Consulting agreement from St Francis uh getting a quote from Metro West and researching what other area cities might do

8. 6CAudio and video recording of meetings for YouTube

   The council approved a motion directing staff to report back with how all City Council, commission, and committee meetings would be audio/video recorded for YouTube.

   The council continued a broader discussion about making meetings easier for residents and council members to follow. It approved having staff report back on how to audio/video record all council, commission, and committee meetings for YouTube, tabled the question of publishing minutes or summary minutes for workshops and budget meetings, and gave informal direction to try getting agenda materials submitted by Thursday end of business before workshops while staff tracks exceptions.

   Approved by voice vote.

   • meeting recordings
   • YouTube

   Approved
   Docall city council commission and committee meeting meetings be audio and videotape for placement on YouTubeDocCouncil wishes that all city council commission and committee meetings be audio and video taped for placement on YouTube the council direct staff to report backDocall those in favor of the motion I I osed motion carries

9. 6DMinutes for Thursday council meetings, workshops, and budget planning meetings

   The council debated whether minutes or summary minutes should be published for Thursday workshops and budget planning meetings. The original motion was withdrawn, and the council voted to table the issue to gather additional information.

   The council continued a broader discussion about making meetings easier for residents and council members to follow. It approved having staff report back on how to audio/video record all council, commission, and committee meetings for YouTube, tabled the question of publishing minutes or summary minutes for workshops and budget meetings, and gave informal direction to try getting agenda materials submitted by Thursday end of business before workshops while staff tracks exceptions.

   Original motion was withdrawn; issue tabled by voice vote.

   • meeting minutes
   • workshops
   • open government

   Tabled
   DocI make a motion that all City Council meetings in including the Thursday Council meetings workshops and budget planning planning meetings to be taken and published in the same mannerDocI can withdraw withdraw the motion Mike I would request that we we can table itDocmotion to table a second right all those in favor I I opposed motion carries

10. 6EUpdate city codes and policies

    The council approved training staff to update city codes and policies, authorized software not to exceed $450, and authorized city planner time not to exceed six hours.

    The council discussed that the city's codes and policies had not been fully updated for several years and whether staff, the planner, or an outside service should do the work. The council approved training staff to perform the update process, authorized software not to exceed $450, and allowed up to six hours of city planner time for training and review.

    Approved by voice vote; transcript indicates at least one opposed voice but does not identify the voter.

    • city code
    • policies
    • software

    Approved
    DocI want to make a motion for the city train city planner to train Lord in the process to update the city all city codes and policies with the most recent updatesDocI request authorization to purchase Adobe Acrobat not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget and for the city planner's time not to exceed 6 hoursDocall those in favor of the motion i i i opposed I motion carries

11. 6FCity Hall repairs and quotes

    The council considered City Hall wall, trim, and window-area repairs and amended the motion so the immediate action was to obtain quotes for the repair work.

    The council considered repairs and improvements to the City Hall meeting room after floor work, including wall repairs under windows, painting, trim, curtains, chairs, tables, and what furniture should return. The final action was to get quotes for the repair work, while members also discussed making the kitchen usable for the next day's senior dinner and avoiding damage to the newly refinished floor.

    Approved getting quotes for City Hall repair work by voice vote.

    • City Hall repairs
    • City Hall maintenance

    Approved
    Docmake a motion to proceed with the repairs to City Hall and to to get quotes to as referenced in the uh request for Council action not to exceed $5,000Docso make a motion to to get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCADocall those in favor of the motion I all right opposed motion carries

12. 6GCity Council Policy 1-1-11 and agenda-packet deadline

    The council discussed packet-deadline language in City Council Policy 1-1-11. The proposed change was withdrawn, and the council gave direction to try a Thursday end-of-business deadline before workshops and track exceptions.

    The council continued a broader discussion about making meetings easier for residents and council members to follow. It approved having staff report back on how to audio/video record all council, commission, and committee meetings for YouTube, tabled the question of publishing minutes or summary minutes for workshops and budget meetings, and gave informal direction to try getting agenda materials submitted by Thursday end of business before workshops while staff tracks exceptions.

    No formal motion carried; council direction was given for a trial approach.

    • agenda packets
    • council policy
    • staff workload

    No action
    Docthe issue here was amending the n city council policy 1-111 as far as when adding the D back and having the questions about when to get the materialsDocI'm totally okay with drawing it and if we can we can see where things goDoclet's go with Thursday end of business and and Corey then if you can just track the exceptions to thatDocthe Council Direction at this point is to uh and before we work on that give us feedback and right now for people that want to get things in on the agenda Thursday end of business before the workshop

13. 6HItem H

    Council Member Brian withdrew this item, saying more wording work was needed.

    Withdrawn; the transcript does not identify the subject beyond item H.

    Withdrawn
    Docitem H um there's no I move there's no this can be um withdrawn there's no there's still stuff that needs to thinking more about it there's some wording that I need to work throughDocright this time there's no action

14. 6IHeritage Fest support

    The council approved waiving facility fees for Heritage Fest, documenting repairs and staff/volunteer hours, requesting the 2016 tax return when complete, donating $2,500, and asking Heritage Fest to work with fire and sheriff representatives about possible volunteer hours.

    The council approved support for Heritage Fest, including waiving facility fees, donating $2,500, having the committee coordinate documented repairs and volunteer hours, making the 2016 tax return available to the city when complete, and looking into whether fire or sheriff participation could be treated as volunteer or documented support.

    Approved by voice vote.

    • Heritage Fest
    • donation
    • facility fees

    Approved
    DocI would like to make a motion to um have the Heritage Fest to to wave to wave the facility feesDochave the city donate 20 $2,500 for towards a Heritage FestDocall those in favor I I opposed motion carries

15. 6JCity update for chamber newsletter

    The council approved having Council Member Brian develop information for the city update in the chamber newsletter.

    The council assigned Council Member Brian to prepare information for the city update in the chamber newsletter.

    Approved by voice vote.

    • communications
    • chamber newsletter

    Approved
    DocI move that council member Brian develop the um information for the city update for the chamber newsletterDocall those in favor I I opposed motion carried

16. 6KDonation of warming shelter / Resolution 17-06

    The council considered the donated warming shelter that had been moved from the consent agenda. After process concerns were discussed, the council approved Resolution 17-06 accepting the donation.

    The council debated the process used for accepting and placing a donated warming shelter from A&B Welding, with some members emphasizing the generosity and others objecting that the council had not discussed placement, costs, staffing, or use before the shelter appeared on city property. The council ultimately approved Resolution 17-06 accepting the donation, while noting that future large gifts should be brought to the council in a more organized way.

    Approved Resolution 17-06 by voice vote; transcript indicates one opposed voice but does not identify the voter.

    • warming shelter
    • donation
    • park facilities

    Approved
    DocI um ask that uh the donation for the um shelter be removed from the consent agendaDocI'll make a motion to pass resolution 1706Docall those in favor I I opposed n motion carries

17. 7Senior dinner kitchen setup and floor-curing concerns

    The council discussed clearing the kitchen and setting up the hall for the senior dinner after refinishing the floor. No formal vote was taken on this housekeeping discussion.

    The council considered repairs and improvements to the City Hall meeting room after floor work, including wall repairs under windows, painting, trim, curtains, chairs, tables, and what furniture should return. The final action was to get quotes for the repair work, while members also discussed making the kitchen usable for the next day's senior dinner and avoiding damage to the newly refinished floor.

    Housekeeping discussion after Council Item K; no formal action recorded.

    • senior dinner
    • City Hall use

    Discussion only
    Docwe have senior meting dinner tomorrow and we'd like to use the kitchenDocso anybody who's willing to help free up the kitchen for the seniors and and set up tables we appreciate

18. 8Adjournment

    The council adjourned the meeting.

    Adjournment approved by voice vote.

    Approved
    Docmotion to attourney right second motion second we are [Applause] adjourned

Motions and votes

13 motions on the record.

• M001Approve the meeting agenda as presented.

  Exact transcript text

  approve approve the meeting agenda as presented

  moved by Binger, seconded by Breyen

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried after amendment moving consent agenda item 1.4 to Council Item K.

  DocI'll make a motion to approve approve the meeting agenda as presentedDocwe have an amendment moving item 1.4 on consent agenda to item KDocall those in favor of the motion I I opposed motion carries

• M002Approve the consent agenda.

  Exact transcript text

  approve the consent agenda

  moved by veter

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  DocI'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda secondDocall those in favor I I opposed motion carries

• M003Engage Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation at a cost not to exceed $200 at his early as convenience.

  Exact transcript text

  engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200 at his early as convenience

  moved by mayor

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  DocI'll make a motion that that we engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200 at his early as convenienceDocall those in favor of the motion I I opposed motion carries

• M004Table discussion to next Workshop meeting.

  Exact transcript text

  table discussion to next next Workshop meeting

  Tabled

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  Docmotion to table discussion to next next Workshop meeting i' second thatDocall those in favor I opposed motion carries

• M005Find out more information about building inspectors and getting copies of the Consulting agreement from St Francis getting a quote from Metro West and researching what other area cities might do to for that to see if there's other options that we're not aware of at this time.

  Exact transcript text

  find out more information about um building inspectors and getting copies of the Consulting agreement from St Francis uh getting a quote from Metro West and researching what other area cities might do to for that to see if there's other options that we're not aware of at this time

  moved by Breyen

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  Docmotion to to find out more information about um building inspectors and getting copies of the Consulting agreement from St Francis uh getting a quote from Metro West and researching what other area cities might do to for that to see if there's other options that we're not aware of at this timeDocall those in favor I I oppos motion carries

• M006Council wishes that all city council commission and committee meetings be audio and video taped for placement on YouTube the council direct staff to report back at the March 9th and 14th city council meet Workshop meeting with a procedure as to how are all meetings will be taped for placement on YouTube.

  Exact transcript text

  Council wishes that all city council commission and committee meetings be audio and video taped for placement on YouTube the council direct staff to report back at the March 9th and 14th city council meet Workshop meeting uh with a procedure as to how are all meetings will be taped for placement on YouTube

  moved by Rainville

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  DocCouncil wishes that all city council commission and committee meetings be audio and video taped for placement on YouTube the council direct staff to report back at the March 9th and 14th city council meet Workshop meeting uh with a procedure as to how are all meetings will be taped for placement on YouTubeDocall those in favor of the motion I I osed motion carries

• M007Table.

  Exact transcript text

  table

  moved by Breyen

  Tabled

  Original motion was withdrawn; voice vote carried the motion to table.

  Docmotion to table a second right all those in favor I I opposed motion carries

• M008For the city train city planner to train Lord in the process to update the city all city codes and policies with the most recent updates the updated document shall be published accordingly to keep all official copies current the website should also be updated as the code is changed when possible I would suggest replacing paper copies with electronic copies for ease of replacement I request authorization to purchase Adobe Acrobat not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget and for the city planner's time not to exceed 6 hours.

  Exact transcript text

  for the city train city planner to train Lord in the process to update the city all city codes and policies with the most recent updates the updated document shall be published accordingly to keep all official copies current the website should also be updated as the code is changed when possible I would suggest replacing paper copies with electronic copies for ease of replacement I request authorization to purchase Adobe Acrobat not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget and for the city planner's time not to exceed 6 hours

  moved by Breyen

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried; transcript indicates at least one opposed voice but does not identify the voter.

  DocI want to make a motion for the city train city planner to train Lord in the process to update the city all city codes and policies with the most recent updates the updated document shall be published accordingly to keep all official copies current the website should also be updated as the code is changed when possible…Docall those in favor of the motion i i i opposed I motion carries

• M009To get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCA.

  Exact transcript text

  to get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCA

  moved by Breyen

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  Docso make a motion to to get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCADocall those in favor of the motion I all right opposed motion carries

• M010Have the Heritage Fest to wave to wave the facility fees for Heritage Fest and have the Heritage Fest committee work with the maintenance staff to complete the repairs that were documented last fall have City staff to document staff hour staff hours that are were for the Heritage Fest that the 2016 tax return be available when they're when it be available to the city when it's when it when it is completed have the Heritage Fest document their volunteer hours in total have the city donate 20 $2,500 for towards a Heritage Fest and request that the heritage staff to work with the fire department Andor the sheriff for possible volunteer hours for the involvement with the sheriff and Fire Department in Heritage Fest.

  Exact transcript text

  have the Heritage Fest to to wave to wave the facility fees um for Heritage Fest uh and have the Heritage Fest committee work with the maintenance staff to complete the repairs that were documented last fall have City staff to document staff hour staff staff hours that are were for the Heritage Fest that the um 2016 tax return be available when they're when it be available to the city when it's when it when it is completed have the um Heritage Fest document their volunteer hours in total um have the city donate 20 $2,500 for towards a Heritage Fest and request that the heritage staff to work with the fire department Andor the sheriff for possible volunteer hours for the involvement with the sheriff and Fire Department in Heritage Fest

  moved by Breyen

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  DocI I would like to make a motion to um have the Heritage Fest to to wave to wave the facility fees um for Heritage Fest uh and have the Heritage Fest committee work with the maintenance staff to complete the repairs that were documented last fall have City staff to document staff hour staff staff hours that are were for…Docall those in favor I I opposed motion carries

• M011That council member Brian develop the information for the city update for the chamber newsletter.

  Exact transcript text

  that council member Brian develop the um information for the city update for the chamber newsletter

  moved by Rainville

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried.

  DocI move that council member Brian develop the um information for the city update for the chamber newsletterDocall those in favor I I opposed motion carried

• M012Pass resolution 1706.

  Exact transcript text

  pass resolution 1706

  moved by Binger

  Passed

  Voice vote; motion carried; transcript indicates one opposed voice but does not identify the voter.

  DocI'll make a motion to pass resolution 1706Docall those in favor I I opposed n motion carries

• M013Attourney.

  Exact transcript text

  attourney

  moved by veter

  Passed

  Voice vote; meeting adjourned.

  Docmotion to attourney right second motion second we are [Applause] adjourned

Dollar amounts in motions

Amounts named in or tied to a motion that passed, each shown with the motion. A motion can approve an amount, cap it, or remove it from a list, so read the motion text. These links are AI-extracted, and the minutes control.

• Motion capped Mr. Sher's research and recommendation on the City Hall HVAC/chimney/bearing-wall options at not more than $200.

  $200

  Motion engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200 at his early as convenience Passed(Voice vote; motion carried.)
  DocI'll make a motion that that we engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200

• During the HVAC research discussion, the hourly rate for Mr. Sher's time was discussed as $65 per hour.

  $65

  Motion engage uh Mr Sher to put together the research and recommendation um at a cost not to exceed $200 at his early as convenience Passed(Voice vote; motion carried.)
  Docworst case you're saying three hours correct and 65 an hour

• The council authorized purchase of Adobe Acrobat or appropriate software not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget a…

  $450

  Motion for the city train city planner to train Lord in the process to update the city all city codes and policies with the most recent updates the updated document shall be published accordingly to keep all official copies current the website should also be updated as the code is changed when possible I would suggest replacing paper copies with electronic copies for ease of replacement I request authorization to purchase Adobe Acrobat not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget and for the city planner's time not to exceed 6 hours Passed(Voice vote; motion carried; transcript indicates at least one opposed voice but does not identify the voter.)
  DocI request authorization to purchase Adobe Acrobat not to exceed $450 from the general government software budget and for the city planner's time not to exceed 6 hours

• The repair discussion began with a not-to-exceed $5,000 concept, but the final amended action was to get quotes rather than proceed with …

  $5,000

  Motion to get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCA Passed(Voice vote; motion carried.)
  Docmake a motion to proceed with the repairs to City Hall and to to get quotes to as referenced in the uh request for Council action not to exceed $5,000Docso make a motion to to get quotes for the work to for the repairs to City Hall as referenced in the RCA

• The council approved donating $2,500 toward Heritage Fest.

  $2,500

  Motion have the Heritage Fest to to wave to wave the facility fees um for Heritage Fest uh and have the Heritage Fest committee work with the maintenance staff to complete the repairs that were documented last fall have City staff to document staff hour staff staff hours that are were for the Heritage Fest that the um 2016 tax return be available when they're when it be available to the city when it's when it when it is completed have the um Heritage Fest document their volunteer hours in total um have the city donate 20 $2,500 for towards a Heritage Fest and request that the heritage staff to work with the fire department Andor the sheriff for possible volunteer hours for the involvement with the sheriff and Fire Department in Heritage Fest Passed(Voice vote; motion carried.)
  Dochave the city donate 20 $2,500 for towards a Heritage Fest

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

• Document

  City Council Meeting — 2017-02-14 CC Minutes (2017-02-14)

  Minutes · Tuesday, February 14, 2017

  17 pages

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• Video

  Meeting recording

  YouTube

  Transcript · 663 segments · 1:41:40

  ↗