HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.02.23 Work Session Minutes City of Farmington
City Council Work Session Minutes
Monday, October 2, 2023
The City Council met in a Work Session on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Farmington City
Hall, 430 3rd Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hoyt called the Work Session to order at 5 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Joshua Hoyt
Councilmembers Holly Bernatz, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: Councilmember Porter (excused absence)
Staff Present: Julie Flaten, Asst City Administrator/HR Director
Leah Koch, City Attorney
Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Chris Regis, Finance Director
Justin Elvestad, Fire Chief
Jeff Allbee, Fire Relief President
Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Gary Rutherford, Police Chief
John Powell, Public Works Director
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
2. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember
Bernatz to approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
3.1 Fire Relief Pension and Vesting Request
Fire Relief Benefit Level Adjustment
President Allbee stated that the Fire Relief benefit level currently stands at
$8,500 per year of service after reaching full vesting. The Fire Relief Board is
proposing an increase to $9,500 per year for fully vested members. This
adjustment has been carefully considered by the board, taking into account
various factors, including the maximum allowable benefit level and fiscal
projections.
The rationale behind this adjustment is to ensure that the dedicated Firefighters
are provided with a fair and competitive pension amount that reflects the
challenges and demands of their profession. The proposed increase will not only
Work Session Minutes of October 2.2023 Page 1 of 4
enhance the financial security of our Firefighters but also make Farmington a
more attractive place for Firefighters to serve and build their careers.
Full Vesting Requirement Change:
In addition to the benefit level adjustment, President Allbee said the Fire Relief
Board is requesting a change in the full vesting requirement from 20 years to 15.
This change aligns with evolving industry standards and recognizes the
contribution of our Firefighters who may choose to retire after 15 years of
dedicated service.
Council discussed, asked questions, and received answers. President Allbee will
set up another meeting with the Fire Relief Board for November to consider
amending the bylaws, which will need to be approved by both the Fire Relief
Board and City Council.
3.2 Review of Minnesota Statues, Chapter 429, as a Tool to Finance Fire
Suppression Systems
Director Kuennen presented. Life and safety of existing buildings, and the
occupants within those buildings, is important to the City. As buildings change
use and occupancy, there often is a code requirement to upgrade or install a fire
suppression system, which can be costly. State Statutes, Chapter 429, allows
the City Council to special assess the costs of fire protection systems upon
petition. To date, this use of Chapter 429 has not been used for this specific
allowable purpose. Recently a property owner has inquired about utilizing this
tool.
Council discussed; Attorney Koch will research this further.
3.3 Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Trails Update
Director Omlid stated that the bituminous pavement conditions for trails are rated
the same as roadways and presented on the map included in the Council's
packet (see Figure 1). Each segment of trail is assigned a numerical value
from 0 to 100, with 0 pavement being in extremely poor condition, and 100
representing new trail. The map identifies the trails in the worst condition in red,
orange, and light pink, and trails in the best condition and/or new trails in dark
green. The Feature Counts is the number of trail segments that fall in that rating
group. To maintain current and relevant data, the trail pavement conditions will
be rerated every two years. New trail segments will be added to the data and
map during the rerating process.
Work Session Minutes of October 2.2023 Page 2 of 4
Figure 1
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s Farmington Trails
'— Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Map - • ••
FARMINGTON ' 1.' 0W yes,
Work Session Minutes of October 2.2023 Page 3 of 4
Mayor Hoyt recessed the Work Session until after the Regular Council Meeting.
The Work Session reconvened at 7:28 p.m.
3.3 Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Trails Update (continued)
As of today, Director Omlid said the average of all trails is 67. Most of the lower
ratings were through Rambling River Park.
Staff priorities are Rambling River Park for 2024, which may provide funding
opportunities with Dakota County; preventive maintenance of trails; adding new
trails with new developments; and incorporating trail projects into long-term
financial funding.
Discussion included map ratings, trail conditions found in the field, root barrier
not installed correctly in Mystic Meadows Park, trail maintenance, suggestion to
changing some trails to natural trails, financing for trail maintenance and
improvements, and connecting to county trails.
Director Omlid will find out when this topic will be on the County's agenda, and a
representative from Council may attend. The map and comments from tonight's
discussion will be brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Director
Omlid will discuss with the County about taking over some of our trails and going
further north.
3.4 Cannabis Update
Due to lack of time, this item will be moved to a future meeting.
4. COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATE
Councilmember Lien: Dakota 911 Board of Directors met on September 28th to discuss
funds submitted by cities and counties. Funds submitted do not count towards the
City's dues.
Mayor Hoyt: The Dakota Broadband Board met. There has been no clear fund balance,
so 12 months of statements have been requested. This was to be completed by
October 1; Mayor Hoyt will follow up with Attorney Koch next week.
5. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
No update
6. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Councilmember Lien and seconded by Councilmember Bernatz
to adjourn the meeting at 8.17 p.m.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays.
RS tfullysbmitted,
ryR e City Clerk
Work Session Minutes of October 2,2023 Page 4 ol'4