02-03-04 WSFebruary 3, 2004
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 3,2004
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 9:45 pm at the conclusion of the regular City Council
meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Johnson,
Thompson, and Brausen. Absent was Council member Rowan. City personnel present were City Manager
Steve Mielke.
Unlicensed Vehicles
Council member Thompson asked for a status report on the vehicles he had reported as unlicensed at
Transportation Electronics. Mielke indicated that he would ask the staff for a status report and provide that
to the City Council.
City Squad Cars
Council member Thompson asked for a background on the number of squads the city has, and the
usage of those vehicles. Mielke indicated that previous reports had been done on this topic and that he
would provide that information to the Council in an update.
Snow Emergency
Council member Johnson asked about the snow event of January 29 and specifically why a snow
emergency had not been called for that evening. Mielke stated that while he was not on the job during that
period, it was his understanding that the snow event did not work well with our snow emergency policy,
and that oftentimes the timing of the end of the snow is not conducive to calling a snow emergency. He
further stated that the snow emergency policy could be confusing if it is necessary to do plowing during the
day in order to remove the snow. In the judgment of the Public Works Department, they will determine
whether or not a snow emergency is justified not only on the amount of snow, but on the conditions of the
street at the time that it is necessary to call the emergency. If the snow is such that they need to plow
before 2-5 in the morning, they will oftentimes skip the emergency and simply plow. Other times the snow
emergency is not called because the snow does not stop coming down until it is too late to call the
emergency. He said that even though there may have been two inches of snow, the policy states that the
snow emergency ~ be called, rather than will be called. Johnson stated that can be very confusing for
the public, when we sometimes tow and sometimes don't. Mielke acknowledged that in fact, that can be
confusing and it is a concern. There is no perfect system for the snow removal process.
Plowing in the East End Neighborhood
Council member Thompson asked about the snow plowing activities in the new alleys in the
Presidential or east end neighborhood. Mielke indicated he would request information from public works
and send out an update.
State of the City
Mayor Maxwell discussed the State of the City and requested that invitations be sent out for this
event, which is to be held at the Hopkins Pavilion. He further requested an update from the City Manager
on the items that each Council member will discuss.
Nine Mile Cove/Taurus Development
City Manager Mielke provided an update to the City Council on the Nine Mile Cove/Taurus
February 3, 2004
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development lawsuit, indicating that mediation was to be held on Friday, February 6. Mielke stated that the
City Attorney's office anticipated a settlement was likely in the amount that had been recommended at a
Council briefing held prior to the instigation of the lawsuit.
Local Government Aid
City Manager Mielke indicated that he had put on the Council table an update and background
information on the local government aid program as requested by Council member Thompson.
Proposed Bus Terminal
City Manager Mielke informed the Council that District 270 was preparing a proposal to place a bus
terminal on the Eisenhower Community Center property. He said the staff has not yet seen the proposal but
when it is received he will send out an update to the Council.
Goals Session
City Manager Mielke indicated that he would be sending information to the Council asking for
feedback on the agenda for the goals session with the department heads, to be held on January 21.
SuperValu North Annex
City Manager Mielke indicated that discussions with SuperValu were continuing for the North
Annex property, and that a meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday, February 4 to discuss the status of
the property, development process, and to determine the next steps in the process.
There being no further items, a motion was made by Council member Brausen, seconded by Council
member Thompson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 10:25 pm.
Steve Mielke, Secretary
ATTEST:
Eugene J. axwell, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL