08-19-03 WSAugust 19, 2003
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 19, 2003
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 10:00 pm at the conclusion of the regular City
Council meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members
Brausen, Johnson and Rowan. Council member Jensen was absent. City personnel present were City
Manager Steve Mielke; Human Resource Director, Jim Genellie; Police Chief, Craig Reid; Public
Works Director, Steve Stadle; and Arts Center Coordinator, Susan Hanna-Bibus.
Arts Center Kiosk
The first item of discussion was the kiosk proposed for the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Susan
Hanna-Bibus provided a drawing of a proposal for the kiosk, which was based upon an example found
at the Minnesota History Center.
She explained that a donation had been obtained to purchase and construct the kiosk.
Discussion centered on operational issues as well as maintaining the kiosk. Hanna-Bibus indicated that
the kiosk would be attended to daily, under the jurisdiction of the Center staff.
Compensation for Employees oa Military Leave
Craig Reid and Jim Genellie provided the Council with information regarding compensation for
employees called up for active duty in the Guard or Reserves. Staff asked for direction relative to this
issue, since there is currently an employee being called up and that the City has no standing policy on
the provision of compensation for this situation.
The Council discussed the merits of providing compensation, with several members indicating a
desire to provide some level of compensation although issues remained as to how to handle employees
banked vacation. Staff was instructed to develop language and bring it back for further discussion.
Yard Waste
Steve Stadler presented a letter proposed to be sent to those residents who live in areas of the
City who receive street/yard waste service each fall. The Council has discussed and is considering
changing to a subscription form of service for the entire community. Stadler wished to have direction
from the Council on their desire to move forward with the proposal. After discussion, it was determined
that the letter should not be sent and instead, discussion of this issue should be part of the budget
process this year. At the conclusion of the budget process further direction will be given.
Work Session Minutes of August 12
Council member Brausen indicated that the work session minutes of August 12 contained some
typos and that he also wanted to clarify, on the record, his position relative to cuts to the budget. He
indicated that he felt it was the City's obligation to consider cuts that are greater than the State Aid
Reductions because of our commitment to the facilities project.
August 19, 2003
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Web Site
Council member Johnson indicated that the minutes on the Web site were currently not up-to-
date.
Council member Brausen stated that the directions to City Hall on the Web site were incorrect.
Radar Trailer
Council member Brausen asked that the radar trailer be placed on Fifth as soon as Fifth is done,
and to try and park the squads on Fifth for traffic enforcement as soon as possible. Mielke indicated
that he would speak with the Police Chief about this issue.
Tobacco and Gifts Ad
Council member Tohnson informed the Council that she had provided staff with an ad from
Tobacco and Gifts indicating that Tobacco and Gifts is not the current license name, and asked staff to
investigate whether or not this ad is problematic legally.
Public Works Retirements
Council member Johnson raised the issue of retirements for the public works employees, and all
Council members indicated that they had not received any flyers for the retirement.
There being no further business, Council member Brausen moved to adjourn, seconded by
Council member Johnson. Motion passed unanimously; the meeting was adjourned at 11:47 pm.
Steve Mielke, Secretary
ATTEST:
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Eugene J. axwell, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL
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