HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.02.09 Council Minutes
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COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
March 2, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Larson at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Larson led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Audience:
Larson, Donnelly, Fogarty, May, Wilson
None
Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator;
Robin Roland, Finance Director; Brian Lindquist, Police Chief;
Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Kevin Schorzman,
City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director;
Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director; Cynthia Muller,
Executive Assistant
Beve Preece, Tim Thompson, Nick Cochrane, Matt Granos, Don
Hayes, Craig Davis
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Mayor Larson added item 9a) Award Contract 195th Street Lighting Project,
Councilmember May pulled item 7h) Bills for questions, Councilmember Fogarty pulled
item 7a) Council Minutes to abstain, Councilmember Wilson pulled item 7g) Joint
Powers Agreement Farmington Area Transportation Study for discussion, City
Administrator Herlofsky tabled items Sa) and 5b) Introducing New Employees for the
March 16 meeting.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mr. Tim Thompson, 816 7th Street, challenged the Council and City by stepping up and
helping the residents save a few dollars rather then spend a few dollars. The pass through
tax they want to offer is another increase citizens do not need. They want to challenge us
with the tax on the lighting and gas which leaves both of those entities to make a profit
and add additional charges onto the residents. We do not need any more additional taxes,
fees, or charges in the City. It is getting out of hand. Councilmember May stated before
she was elected, we need to step up as a Council and show the people we are going to try
to save some money, No one has done that. He challenged the Council to show that they
are going to save the citizens some money and figure out a different way to straighten out
the budget, rather than taking it from our pockets, Maybe a service or a fee that is needed
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 2
somewhere else. It continues to roll off the Council's pen into residents' pocketbook. He
challenged the Council to look for a different way to come up with the money rather than
taking it from the people.
Ms. Beve Preece, 300 Spruce Street, representing DV AC, reminded everyone they can
see the art work from talented residents at the art shows in June and December. Artwork
is also displayed in the Depot Way Arts Park. There is some amazing talent in
Farmington. Each spring when the school district has their art show, the DV AC selects a
few pieces of the student artwork and replaces them in the Depot Way Arts Park. In the
2008 art show, DV AC and CEEF sponsored a button contest for Rambling River Days.
This year there will also be a contest. Last year four designs were selected to be used this
year. The residents will be selecting the button design winner. At the 2007 Rambling
River Days art show, she started to paint an abstract painting. As she was painting,
residents gave suggestions as to what should be included in the painting. She felt this
was a community sponsored painting and wanted to donate it to the City to place in a
conference room at City Hall. It is called "Farmington, The Future and The Past." It
shows the cityscape with skyscrapers in the background which is the future and in the
foreground is the past businesses. The citizens who helped plan the painting should also
have a chance to enjoy it. She asked the Council to accept the painting for City Hall.
Mayor Larson thanked her for the painting.
Ms. Michelle Leonard, 727 Tamarack Trail, a member of the Warrior to Citizen
Committee, and also the Farmington American Legion Auxiliary. This weekend the
Warrior to Citizen group will hold a spaghetti dinner for a fund raiser at the American
Legion. Cub Foods and the Sons of the American Legion are donating the food. This is
to fund future Warrior to Citizen events. She encouraged residents to attend.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Wilson, second by Fogarty to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
b) Adopted RESOLUTION RIO-09 Approving Gambling Event Permit-
Administration
c) Approved Sale of VHF Radios - Fire Department
d) Approved School and Conference - Fire Department
e) Approved School and Conference - Parks and Recreation
f) Received Information January 2009 Financial Report - Finance
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
a) Approve Council Minutes (2/17/09 Regular)
MOTION by Wilson, second by May to approve Council Minutes (2/17/09
Regular). Voting for: Larson, Donnelly, May, Wilson. Abstain: Fogarty.
MOTION CARRIED.
g) Joint Powers Agreement Farmington Area Transportation Study -
Engineering
Councilmember Wilson noted the City, County, and School District have been
working together regarding transportation. He asked staff to give the highlights
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 3
of the study. City Engineer Schorzman stated the group has meet seven times and
included representatives from the School District, Dakota County, and the City.
The two main focuses are to look at what needs to be done prior to the new high
school opening to improve traffic flow and handle the new traffic on Flagstaff
Avenue and to develop a longer term vision for the Pilot Knob corridor. There
will be an open house in March and a joint meeting will follow. MOTION by
Wilson, second by Donnelly to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota
County for the Farmington Area Transportation Study. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
h) Approve Bills
Councilmember May asked questions on various bills. Staff provided responses.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the bills. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) NPDES Phase II Annual Report - Natural Resources
Farmington is required to follow NPDES Phase II requirements because our
population is over 10,000. Operators of small municipal separate storm sewer
systems need to obtain authorization to discharge storm water to surface water.
Phase II requires operators to develop a storm water pollution prevention
program. There are six minimum control measures which are comprised of best
management practices. In 2006 non-degradation rules came into play which
evaluate changes in runoff quality and quantity from 1988 to the present, and the
projected changes from the present to 2020. Staff has completed the
requirements, submitted the new permit and completed the non-degradation.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to close the public hearing. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
9. AWARD OF CONTRACT
a) Award Contract 195th Street Lighting Project - Engineering
When the bids were originally received for the 195th Street lighting portion they
were substantially over the estimated amount. Staff has re-bid the lighting
project. The low bid for the lighting was $115,225.80 from Quality Underground
Services. The estimate was $198,200. Council noticed there is a big difference in
the bid amounts. Staff explained the difference is in the maintenance portion.
Quality Underground already has work to do in town and that made the
maintenance portion lower. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Donnelly to adopt
RESOLUTION R11-09 accepting the bid of quality Underground Services, Inc.
in the amount of$115,225.80 and awarding the project. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 4
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Approve Old City Hall Improvement Project - Parks and Recreation
Staff has provided Council with many documents regarding converting the old
City Hall into a Senior Center. Funding sources include a lease agreement for a
cell tower in a park for $75,000 over 5 years, fund raising of $85,000, and
$105,000 from a tax levy. At the February 17,2009, Council meeting, Council
requested staff obtain an estimate for removing some mold and have a structural
engineer look at the building structure. The cost for the mold remediation is
$861.68. The proposal from Bonestroo Engineering to review the structural
integrity is $4800.
Councilmember Wilson asked about operating expenses in the current senior
center vs the new senior center. Parks and Recreation Director Distad stated the
operating expense would increase by $41,852. City Administrator Herlofsky
stated according to the construction schedule, improvements would not be
completed until late fall, so there would be very little additional cost in 2009.
Staff noted they would also be looking at increasing membership fees.
Councilmember Wilson asked if it was unique to dedicate revenue from a cell
tower to this project. Finance Director Roland noted it is not unique as the cell
tower is located in a park. Revenue from antennas on water towers is given to the
water fund.
Councilmember May asked if Council was being requested to approve
improvements to City Hall and an operating levy. Staff clarified they were asking
Council to approve the construction project under the funding scenarios provided
to pay for the construction costs. Finance Director Roland explained they were
showing the capital impact on the budget as well as the long-term operating
impact. The capital cost to the City will be a $20,000/year levy to pay back the
internal borrowing, plus the money from the cell tower. This is funding the actual
construction. Once it is built, there are operating costs. Staff was showing what
the capital costs would be to an average home and what the operating costs would
be. The capital cost was $5 for a $200,000 levy for a $200,000 home. Ifthe
operating costs were increased, which means you would increase the levy for that
$40,000 difference, this would be an additional $5. Staff will be meeting with the
Rambling River Center Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation
Commission to discuss the operating costs.
Councilmember Wilson stated they cannot look at just this project without
looking at the broader picture. The City is losing $350,000 in state aid. There is
$105,000 in capital improvements with this project and $40,000 in new operating
expenses. We are close to $500,000 in new expenses. Currently we subsidize the
senior center by $125,000. He was concerned with the taxpayers and could not
pass on charges to the residents for a project with so many unknowns.
Councilmember Fogarty noted the structural estimate was high and asked if there
was possibly a retired person that could do this. Staff noted it has to be a licensed
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 5
engineer and they are waiting for another estimate. She felt staff has done a
wonderful job keeping the cost down and with new programming and new
membership the costs would be covered.
Mayor Larson asked if it was the City's responsibility to hire a structural engineer
or if it should be done by whoever buys the building. City Attorney Jamnik stated
the City could sell the building as is. The information on the building is public
data. A purchaser may request the improvements or it may affect the marketing
price. Mayor Larson would rather not spend the money on the structural
engmeer.
Councilmember May suggested putting a for sale sign on the building and selling
it as is. That is part of the reason for her concern, is what to do with the existing
building. We should move things along and have someone else renovate. She
asked if the cell tower funds would be ongoing or just dedicated to the senior
center. Staff stated they were looking for the first five years of revenue to go
towards this project. It is a 30-year agreement. The remaining 25 years could go
for another park project or be put towards the operating budget. Councilmember
May was willing to move forward with the understanding to the entire staff there
will have to be cuts somewhere soon in other areas. This will make a negative
number even larger. However, it is a great opportunity for the seniors.
Councilmember Donnelly stated the $100,000 Councilmember Wilson referred to
as being added to this year's deficit is already being taken care of by the tax levy.
He considers that as a separate matter from the budget problem. Councilmember
Donnelly felt bound by the decision made by the previous Council when they
agreed to move the senior center to the old City Hall. He had a hard time in this
beautiful building where it costs more than $15 tonight to keep the lights on and
an average homeowner will have to pay $15 over the next five years to move the
seniors to the old City Hall. The new City Hall costs $80/year for the next 20
years on a $100,000 house. We are talking $2.50 for five years. We owe it to the
seniors and he was ready to move ahead with the project.
Mayor Larson asked about the number of members. In 2008 there were 543
members. Right now they pay $10 for individuals and $15 for a couple per year.
Mayor Larson suggested covering the operating costs by raising the fees to
$50/year, or even $100/year is not unheard of for the services they receive. He
would like to see the senior center self-sufficient. He did not see the need for a
structural engineer and would like to put a for sale sign on the building and sell it
as is. He felt the fees need to be more realistic including township fees.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Donnelly to approve the Old City Hall
Improvement Project. Voting for: Fogarty, Donnelly, May. Voting against:
Larson, Wilson. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 6
b) Approve Submittal of Final Application to Dakota County's Farmland and
Natural Areas Program - Parks and Recreation
Staff requested approval to submit an application for funding to purchase two
parcels from Marigold-Kemps. These two parcels abut the Vermillion River and
Kuchera's Entrance. This would be a 50% matching grant. The asking price for
the two parcels is $58,500. Dakota County would fund half the cost of$29,250.
The funds in the Farmland and Natural Areas Program come from referendum tax
dollars that were approved in 2002. Farmington has not received any of these
funds in the past. To reduce the cost to the City, staff has requested the
Vermillion River Watershed fund 25% of the City's 50% share. So the City
would pay $14,625. If the application were approved, the grant approval would
come back to the City Council. There are some issues with the two parcels.
There is an old building site underground. The current property owner would be
responsible for cleaning up the site before selling it to the City or the price would
be reduced to cover the cost. Marigold-Kemps would like to receive a credit on
their sewer bill on a quarterly basis so the money from the purchase does not go to
the corporate office. The park development fund would cover the City's cost.
Councilmember May asked about the plans for the parcels. Parks and Recreation
Director Distad stated because ofthe Farmland and Natural Areas Program, the
property would need to remain in its natural state. The County would allow a
trail. These parcels will also provide a buffer for the river. She asked why the
City would want the property and asked if it was a buildable lot. Staff replied one
parcel is zoned commercial and the other one is in the floodplain. The county is
interested in developing a green way corridor along the river. Mayor Larson felt
the money should not be spent if no one can build on it. Staff explained
Marigold-Kemps approached the City first. If the City does not want to purchase
it, they will find someone else.
Councilmember Fogarty asked why these funds have not been utilized before.
Staff explained the City owns a lot of the land along the river on the north and
west sides. On the south and east sides the City does not have much property.
Mayor Larson asked about the minimum lot size for commercial. He would like
staff to see how much of the land is in the flood plain and if it is a buildable lot.
Councilmember Fogarty also asked staffto find out when the land was last
appraised. Councilmember Wilson felt we would be better served to apply the
money to an immediate need. MOTION by Wilson, second by May to deny
submitting an application to Dakota County's Farmland and Natural Areas.
Voting for; Larson, Donnelly, May, Wilson. Voting against: Fogarty.
MOTION CARRIED.
c) 2009 Budget Update -Administration/Finance
At the last meeting, staff discussed potential revenue generation to help offset
market value homestead credit losses. Council suggested not only looking at
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 7
revenue generation, but also expenditure cuts. Staff presented a six point plan
which includes:
1. Creation of a streetlight utility
2. Franchise fees on electric and gas companies
3. Elimination of ALF contribution
4. Salary reductions due to reduced summer hours
5. Reallocation of the fire levy
6. Reduction of seasonal staff
A streetlight utility would be similar to other utilities such as water, sewer, storm
water, and garbage. Currently there are 22 cities with streetlight utilities. Staffis
proposing $2.50/month per utility account for residential and
commercial/industrial. This would begin on July 1,2009, and generate $75,000
for 2009.
Franchise fees are imposed on gas and electric suppliers for use ofthe City's
right-of-way. In the past a gas franchise agreement was negotiated with the gas
company, Minnesota Energy. At that time Council did not want to impose a fee,
but did put a clause in the agreement to allow for a franchise fee. Staff is in the
process ofre-negotiating the agreements. Staff would like to begin the franchise
fee yet this year. This would generate $60,000 between gas and electric. A
franchise fee would need to be imposed on both services to be equitable. The
City does have a cable franchise fee which is 5% of gross revenues from the cable
company. It is paid to the City on a quarterly basis and funds communication
projects in the City.
Regarding expense reductions, one reduction is the elimination of the ALF
contribution. As ALF is now run by Allina, there is no need for the contribution
amount of$12,400. Another reduction is having a 36-hour work week in the
summer. This means every employee would not be paid for four hours every
week. Non-exempt would be paid for 36 hours and it would not affect benefits, or
accumulation of vacation or sick leave. For exempt staff, there would be a 2.5%
reduction in salary which is vaguely equivalent to four hours/week. This would
be for 12 weeks, from Memorial Day - Labor Day. This would save the City
$100,000 in salaries and benefits. Exemptions from this would be police patrol
and investigations and the liquor store personnel. Hours will be Monday -
Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00. Staffwill
not be able to reduce the budget without a reduction in services. There will also
be a reallocation of the fire levy in the amount of $70,200. This is contributed to
the Fire Relief Association to help support their pension. Over the last 12 years
the City has contributed $710,200 to the Farmington Fire Relief Association; we
have been required to contribute $199,297. Staff is proposing the levy originally
intended for the Fire Relief Association of $70,200 be retained in the general fund
and not paid this year to help offset the deficit. The last item is a reduction in
seasonal staff for parks and street maintenance. The street department has a
budgeted amount of $15,000, park maintenance has $44,000 and the recreation
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 8
area has $40,000 for seasonal staff. Staff is proposing that the park and street
maintenance seasonal staff which totals $58,500, be reduced by $30,000. This is
not reducing recreational seasonal staff. It would give park maintenance half of
what they have budgeted. Over the summer, this may reduce services.
For 2009 staff is proposing:
Revenue Streetlight Utility
Franchise Fees
$ 75,000
$ 62,400
Total Additional Revenue
$137,400
Reductions
$212,600
Total
$350,000 budget correction
In 2010 the streetlight utility and franchise fees would be in place for the entire
year generating the additional $350,000.
Councilmember Wilson asked about the overtime hours for police. Staff noted it
amounts to $75,000/year. Councilmember Fogarty was impressed with the cuts
proposed. She was not happy with franchise fees or streetlight utilities. She is
not in favor of raising taxes, but cannot see another way out. The State has taken
away $350,000 and wanted to take away 5%, but there was not 5% to take from
Farmington. She suggested placing this on the workshop agenda for Monday
night in place of the scheduled items. Finance Director Roland stated ifthe 36-
hour work week will be approved, employees need time to prepare for it. The
sooner employees are informed the sooner they can budget for it. Staff would
also like to know about seasonal staff as the hiring process normally starts in
March. Councilmember Fogarty asked if the proposal can be split. City
Administrator Herlofsky explained they have met with employees today. If
Council agrees with the reductions, then planning could begin. Councilmember
Donnelly agreed with approving the reductions portion.
Councilmember Wilson agreed with discussing this at the workshop, but also
wanted the other items to remain on the agenda. He sees everyone is having to
cut back and did not feel government should fortify itself to make sure we have
everything we need. There are reductions, but the franchise fees are of great
concern. This is taxing the customer class we are trying to attract. As our
neighboring cities are charging these fees, we have a competitive advantage over
them. We should capitalize on that while the market is down. If there is a large
commercial/industrial operation and they are charged $218/month, they are
looking at a new expense of$2,600/year. He encouraged staff to come to the
workshop with what a 100% cut scenario looks like. If that involves two or three
staff members being cut, we will have to weigh the merits if that is a worthwhile
decision.
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 9
Councilmember May confirmed it was separate for gas and electric and that it
would be an increase of $90 for a resident. Finance Director Roland stated these
are examples and they have to negotiate the final amount. Councilmember May
stated it looks like the annual fee would be $30 for each of the franchise
proposals. Staff explained these are examples and needed approval to negotiate
with the suppliers. Council could specify it should be no more than a certain
amount. City Administrator Herlofsky noted the franchise fee amounts to
$150,000 for $30/resident. There are 6,000 residences plus commercial and
industrial. Combined electric and gas would be $200,000. Councilmember May
thanked staff for the time they put into this. She is looking at this as a loss of
potentially jobs on City staff or a loss of families in the community. She was
struggling with increasing the fees. Previously she had brought up different ways
to cut costs such as privatizing solid waste, sell some buildings or equipment. We
are at a competitive disadvantage. We already have high taxes. She commended
staff for presenting a reduction in hours, but did not feel it was a good idea to cut
service. At a recent workshop Council discussed economic development being
our number one priority. We need to be on our toes 100% to make sure that
happens. We have to make sure that service doesn't suffer. She realized cutting
positions can do that. She struggled with even cutting back the hours this new
building would be open to serve the residents. She would not approve a franchise
fee.
Mayor Larson stated this is option A. He asked staff to provide options B and C
for the workshop. City Administrator Herlofsky stated this is not just a 2009
issue. The cuts made in the budget with Fire Relief, adjusting seasonal staff, ALF
contribution, these are one time events we will not be able to do in 2010. Staff
listened to Council at the last meeting when we suggested these items. One
concern was how we pay for utilities. This was based on other cities as well as
concerns with non-profits. That is why there is a fixed fee based on meter rather
than the size of the property. The reductions in budget are one time events so we
need to enhance the revenue. In the future, if funding from the state does come
back, it will be put in a capital fund. We have cut three positions in the 2008
budget. We are down to limited staff. There are different areas where Council
does not feel certain departments need to be cut. The cuts in personnel will not be
one year items. It will be for two or three years. Staff will come back with
options Band C without specific direction from Council. Councilmember Wilson
pointed out one option could be $350,000 of total reductions. He noticed at City
Hall the expense trend has been outpacing the revenue trend. Until the housing
permits start driving the economy, things are going to be difficult. We cannot go
to the residents and tax the people we are trying to attract to come here. As
difficult as it is to look at staff cuts and reductions in programming, it is harder to
tax a business or resident when we want to keep them here. Mayor Larson asked
about starting April 1 and cutting one hour a week through the end of the year.
Finance Director Roland stated if we went to 32-hour weeks in the summer for 12
weeks, that would cut $288,000. Human Resources Director Wendlandt stated
the four hours at 13 weeks equals 52 hours. We would need one hour per week
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 10
for 52 weeks. Councilmember Donnelly stated $100,000 is 2.5% of annual salary
base. Staff confirmed that is for 2009.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Donnelly to approve the four reductions
including the ALF contribution, reduced summer hours, the fire levy and the
reduced seasonal staff for 2009 and revisit the rest at the workshop on Monday.
Voting for: Larson, Donnelly, Fogarty, Wilson. Voting against: May.
MOTION CARRIED.
12. NEW BUSINESS
a) Vehicle Weight Limit Permit - Engineering
In 2008 Police Chief Lindquist suggested the City take a more active role in
commercial vehicle enforcement; primarily weights. This is for public safety, but
the state had lessened their enforcement in the commercial vehicle area.
Overweight vehicles provide degradation to the road surfaces. In 2008 Council
approved the purchase of a scale and special vehicle and training. There are road
restrictions in the spring. The inspector has to determine whether we think it is
appropriate for certain transports to operate on the roads. There are some
businesses that send or receive products and their weight may exceed the legal
limits. By statute, the City is allowed to issue permits so they may continue to
operate on the roads. The Police Department would like to contact companies
that operate within the City and may operate on roads that have a reduced weight
limit for a period oftime, and let them do so without falling under penalty oflaw.
The permit would be issued to the business and they would be responsible for
making sure the carrier has the permit with them. All City streets are 5 ton roads
unless posted otherwise. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the
Annual Overweight Permit form and authorize the City Engineer to issue the
permit upon application by applicable Farmington businesses. Voting for:
Larson, Fogarty, Wilson. Voting against: Donnelly, May. MOTION
CARRIED.
b) Approve HiPP Memorandum of Understanding and Appoint
Councilmember - Administration
This is an update of the HiPP process. This is for cities to get together to discuss
issues and what other cities are doing. MOTION by Wilson, second by Fogarty
to appoint Mayor Larson to the High Performance Partnership Group. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
a) Appoint Councilmember to CEEF -Administration
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to appoint Mayor Larson as the City's
representative to CEEF. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Larson noted there will be a Charity Mayoral Ball on April 25, at the
Grand Ballroom on 3rd Street. Proceeds will go to CEEF.
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page II
b) ADAAA and FMLA Training - Human Resources
Human Resources Wendlandt will have a trainer come in to discuss the
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act and the new changes to the
Family Medical Leave Act. This will be held in early April and encouraged all of
Council to attend. This will be for managers and supervisors. There will be
extensive changes and she felt it was very important everyone has this training.
More information will be coming with specific dates and times.
c) Training Update - City Attorney
City Attorney Jamnik has done an orientation and background session on
municipal laws for Council. The schedule this year is making that very difficult.
He is proposing to send Council a series of short updates on municipal law topics
such as open meeting law, data practices, conflict of interest, etc. If Council has
other items they want information on, they should let him know.
Councilmember Fogarty: Stated Council had decided they did not want to do pre-
meetings. Her concern is they are consistently pulling a number of items off the Consent
Agenda and bringing them to the table for discussion. Quite often, they are simple
questions and that is what we used to do in the pre-meeting session to eliminate a lot of
the table discussion as it tends to get long and drawn out once the cameras are on. She
either wants Council to take it upon themselves to ask these questions ahead oftime so
every meeting does not go until 10:00 p.m., or re-institute the pre-meetings.
Councilmember Wilson: Thanked Beverly Preece for her talent, donating the
artwork to the City and for the many things she does to make Farmington a better place.
He recalled there were to be discussions between the Art Council and the City about
displaying artwork at City Hall on a rotating basis. City Administrator Herlofsky stated
we have updated the historic photos and hung them, so we will be moving forward.
The Warrior to Citizen campaign is doing some great things and he encouraged everyone
to come to the American Legion for the fund raiser.
Mayor Larson: If anyone in the community as knowledge of construction,
he asked them to contact Don Hayes at City Hall to volunteer their time for the new
senior center. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanked residents for attending the wine tasting.
He had the privilege to speak to some military families at the Warrior to Citizen Oral
History Exhibit. It was incredible and really hit home.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to adjourn at 9:59 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Council Minutes (Regular)
March 2, 2009
Page 12
Respectfully submitted,
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Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant