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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041700 RegularREGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 17, 2000 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCF: Mayor Mader called the meeting to order. Present were Mayor Mader, Councilmembers Gundiach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, City Manager Boyles, City Attorney Pace, Finance Director Teschner, Planning Director Rye, City Engineer Osmundson, Park & Recreation Director Hokeness, Park Maintenance Supervisor Friedges, Public Works Supervisor Hartman, Assistant City Manager Walsh, and Recording Secretary Meyer. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION BY SCHENCK, SECOND BY PETERSEN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 3, 2000 REGULAR MEETING MADER: Advised that on the last page it should be noted that Councilmember Schenck left the meeting ill and was unable to participate in the Executive Session. MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY GUNDLACH TO APPROVE APRIL 3, 2000 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Consider Approval of Invoices to be Paid. (B) Consider Approval of Treasurer's Report. (C) Consider Approval of Building Permit Report. (D) Consider Approval of Animal Warden Monthly Report. (E) Consider Approval of Monthly and Quarterly Fire Call Reports. (F) Consider Approval of Recycling Grant Agreement with Scott County & Schedule 2000 City Clean-Up Day (Resolution 00-24). (G) Consider Approval of 2000 1st Quarter Investment Report. (H) Consider Approval of 2000 1st Quarter Budget Report. (I) Consider Approval of Resolution 00-25 Denying the Vacation of the Right-of-Way for Kneafsey's Street adjacent to Lots 5 and 6, Kneafsey's Cove, and Resolution 00-26 Approving the Vacation of the Dedicated Waterfront Adjacent to Lots 4 Through 15, Kneafsey's Cove. (J) Consider Approval of a Temporary 3. 2 Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor License for Prior Lake Jays /Mudcats Baseball Season. (K) Consider Approval of City Council Bylaws. (L) Consider Approval of Resolution 00-27 Approving the Southwest / West Central Joint Powers Agreement fro Group Employee Benefits and Other Financial and Risk Management Services. (M) Consider Approval of Lease Agreement between the City of Prior Lake and Dwane and Merlin Arndt for the Rental of a Municipal Parking Lot. 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 4,47-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 ERICSON: Requested that Item (K) ( Consider Approval of City Council Bylaws) be removed. MOTION BY ERICSON, SECOND BY GUNDLACH TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (A) THROUGH (J) AND ITEMS (L) AND (M) AS SUBMITTED. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: Consider Approval of City Council Bylaws ERICSON: Briefly discussed whether the bylaws needed to address the term for the official bank, as well as the revised censure provision. The Council reached a consensus that the censure language was appropriate and allowed for both commendation or reprimand, and that the appointment of the official bank was not restricted to an annual term. MOTION BY GUNDLACH, SECOND BY ERICSON TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL BYLAWS AS SUBMITTED. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. PRESENTATIONS: Legislative Update - Representative Mark Buesgens BUESGENS: Discussed the transit issue before the legislature and his support of mass transit within the metro area. However, advised that his position is as a strong opponent for the current mass transit plan particularly as it affects his district and outstate Minnesota. Believes the proposed transit plan is merely an economic development tool and is very much fiscally irresponsible. Frustrated with the lack of vision the bill has for developing suburbs, particularly in Scott County. SCHENCK: Noted that it is clear that Scott County is not being served by mass transportation. Asked where Scott County citizens should be directing their concerns for transit issues and light rail. BUESGENS: Answered that there are a number of alternatives including keeping the pressure on at the state level through correspondence and your elected officials. MADER: Briefly described the City's few benefits in relation to its fiscal responsibility for participating in the Transit Taxing District, and asked if the City can be removed from that district and whether its relationship with the Metropolitan Council will be in jeopardy. BUESGEN$: Noted that there is legislative precedent for withdrawing from the MVTA taxing district. Believes legislation will be considered in the next legislative session and so this is the best opportunity for the City to explore and develop its direction. The issue of the City's relationship with the Metropolitan Council is very much a judgment call for the Council to determine, but there is a concern that the relationship that has evolved over time between local units of government, who have a duty to there constituents, will conflict with the Metropolitan Council who has assumed some level of regulatory authority even though the individual members do not stand for election nor do they have to respond to constituents. Hoped that the Metropolitan Council would respect the autonomy of local government and not be out to punish. 2 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. OLD BUSINESS Consider Approval of Resolution 00-28 Appointing the Official City Bank. BOYLES: Briefly reviewed the history of the agenda item and noted a percentage number for Prior Lake State Bank that was reported in error, and advised that the number does not affect the calculations. MOTION BY SCHENCK, SECOND BY TO APPROVE RESOLUTION O0-XX APPOINTING PRIOR LAKE STATE BANK AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL BANK FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS. THE MOTION FAILED DUE TO THE LACK OF A SECOND. MADER: Discussed the interest earned and fees paid for the general fund account in 1999 and how those interest fees and expenses relate to the present proposal from Prior Lake State Bank. Noted that the difference is approximately $22,000. Asked if the initial letter from Marquette Bank proposed a significantly higher interest rate. ~: Clarified that initially the proposal from Prior Lake State Bank was to remain unchanged from what the City had experienced in the past. Following, a letter from Marquette Bank was received requesting to be considered for appointment as the City's official bank. It was at that point the staff recommended that the appointment be opened up to solicitation. The letter received from Marquette was not a specific proposal, but rather a generic comparison of what could be available. MADER: Commented that the three proposals offer both tangible comparisons, as well as subjective comparisons based upon, for example, the number of wire transfers, stop check payments, etc. so it would be difficult to make a direct comparison. TESCHNER: Advised that a direct comparison can be made because the official solicitation of services provided a volume in terms of how many accounts payable check, how many payroll checks, how many deposits, how many wires, etc. so each bank could work from the same daily transactions to come up with the fees that will be charged. MADER: Added that if the charges are different, then the assumption itself finally determines what we are assuming in terms of a cost saving. TESCHNER: Explained that he does know the number of transactions are valid based on a historical basis. In terms of the automatic payroll deposits, staff knows exactly how many individuals are currently signed up and can use that volume. It's the same with accounts payable checks. I used all that information in the bank solicitation so they would each use the same volume and when they generated their fees, we would have a basis for comparison in terms of true cost. MADER: Summarized that in reviewing the spreadsheets in terms of interest rate, the number of checks processed and the number of deposits made, it appears that the Marquette Bank is preferable. There is also some inconsistency in comparing between, for example, the costs of wire transfer fees in the two reports being different, while the final total remains the same. The point being it becomes nebulous as to how to come to a firm number. 3 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 TESCHNER: Advised that each of the numbers can be explained. The difference is that when Marquette prepared the spreadsheet, they used a different number because I advised them that most of the wire transfers would be domestic, rather than national, so they were able to reduce the fee. The final number of $457 was based on the $10 per wire charge throughout. The fees are based on the spreadsheet not the solicitation form. Initially, I had the same problem with the numbers and the volume, which is why I then asked each of the banks for a supportive spreadsheet based on the service fees applied, so I could come to a bottom line cost for both service fees and interest earnings. The agenda report, in terms of final cost to the City is 100% based on the spreadsheets. MADER: Summarized that if the City looked at interest rate alone, Marquette Bank is best. Prior Lake State Bank is best on the costs of processing checks and deposits. The difference is the incidental charges and is then more favorable to Prior Lake State Bank. ERICSON: Asked for a clarification on the investment wire charges and how the comparison relates between Prior Lake State Bank and Marquette Bank. Commented that the difference between the Marquette and Prior Lake State Bank proposals seems to be primarily that charge. Also asked in terms of the interest the City would be getting, if it was still true that the longer the term, the higher the rate. TE$CHNER: Explained that because Marquette Bank does charge an investment transaction fee and Prior Lake State Bank proposed to waive the fee, together with the waiver of the safety deposit fee, is the difference between the proposals. Also explained that the shorter term of commercial paper has almost doubled the number of investment transactions, so the fee becomes important. Until interest rates stabilize, the short term rates will be to the City's advantage. Further explained that it used to be true that the longer the term, the higher the rate. Now, there is an inverted yield curve happening. The Prior Lake State Bank is based on 30-day, while Marquette is based on 90-day. (~UNDLACH: Asked how it was that the proposals between the two banks came in so close on a competition bid. TESCHNER: Explained that this was a request for proposals and not a competitive bid, which is different than sealed bids or quotes. Further advised that the General Fund checking account is at Prior Lake State Bank, while the EDA checking account is at Marquette Bank. Both banks presently are giving 1.2% and .70% respectively, which are their standard corporate rates. There are three factors in considering public funds - safety, liquidity, and yield. (~UNDLACH: Asked if it is safe to assume that Prior Lake State Bank came up with their proposal because they knew of the proposal from Marquette Bank. ~: Both US Bank and Prior Lake State Bank knew of each proposal because they were interested in terms of how they competed with each other. US Bank was faxed the spreadsheets of the others after the RFP proposals were received. MOTION BY SCHENCK, SECOND BY ERICSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-XX APPOINTING PRIOR LAKE STATE BANK AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL BANK MADER: Did not support the motion given that the interest rate is most favorable on the Marquette Bank proposal, and it seems to be a matter of interpretation and is difficult to track the miscellaneous factors. Believes that Marquette Bank deserves the opportunity to be the official bank given that they initiated the action through a competitive environment, and if asked they would probably be willing to waived some of the wire transfer and/or miscellaneous fees. 4 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 TESCHNER: Clarified that that even if the wire fee were factored out, the Marquette Bank rate is higher. GUNDLACH: Agreed with the Mayor's assessment, and noted that if Marquette Bank hadn't initiated its request, the City would be back at the Prior Lake State Bank rate of last year. Believes that some of the fees had been negotiated with Prior Lake State Bank. TE$CHNER: Advised that all three institutions have been involved in City banking. There was never any official proposal at the beginning of the year. Prior Lake State Bank had the general checking, Marquette Bank the EDA checking, and investments were done through US Bank. ERICSON: Asked for clarification as to what terms were discussed with each bank when the proposals were reviewed. TESCHNER: Explained that he had discussed the interest rates and volumes with Marquette, Prior Lake State and US Bank. US Bank then asked to see how their final proposal compared to the others, and were then faxed the spreadsheets. The original rates were explained to each because they were too Iow. Each bank came back after that. The fee charges were never discussed with the exception of US Bank on the safety deposit box because theirs was Downtown. ERICSON: Based upon that clarification, withdrew his second, because he misunderstood the process. Believes it is quite convenient that Prior Lake State Bank has come in ahead, and wanted to promote a competitive environment. TESCHNER: Explained that Marquette Bank had less room to negotiate service fees. The best way they could compete was the interest rate, which were negotiated through the whole process. None of the banks changed their initial proposals for fees with the exception of the domestic wire transfer fees, because those fees are inherent in their banking structures. Because the second was withdrawn, the motion on the floor failed due to lack of a second. MOTION BY GUNDLACH, SECOND BY PETERSEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-28 APPOINTING MARQUETTE BANK AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL BANK FOR A THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2003. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen and Ericson, Nay by Schenck, the motion carried. Consider Approval of Report Regarding Park and Library Referendum Finances and Improvement Projects. BOYLES: Discussed the status of the Park and Library Referendum projects, including (1) additional funds needed, (2) what funding is available, and (3) remaining obligations for completing the Referendum projects. Also discussed the variables, the options available and the staff recommendation. ERICSON: Asked what the $450,000 estimate for completing Busse park is for. ~: Explained that the money would be used for construction of the restroom/concession building, field lights and playground equipment. 5 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 BOYLES: Clarified that the recommendation is to complete the restroom/concession building, and not the lights and playground equipment at this time. MADER: Asked if the $1.88 million for Busse Park includes irrigation. HOKENESS: Advised that the irrigation is included in the current contract, and that the cost for lights would be $115,000 per field and the play equipment was approximately $30,000. PETERSEN: Asked if there was an agreement with the neighbors that lights would not be included right away. Suggested completing the restroom facility only at this time. HOKENESS: Confirmed that the neighbors have been advised that field lights may not be needed for a youth athletic complex. (~UNDLACH: Asked how the City makes interest money on obligation bonds that we are paying interest on. TE$¢HNER: Explained that when the City sells the bonds, the City gets proceeds which are required by statute to go into a construction fund, and the interest earnings on those construction dollars are typically utilized for all construction activities, rather than bond redemption. The sole source for paying off the principal and interest on the bonds comes from the tax levy approved by the Council in December each year. No interest income is transferred to the debt account. It has to stay in the capital project fund. MADER: Commented that the initial price tag was $7.8 million dollars, and the final cost at this point is approximately $10.823 million dollars, or a 55% overrun on the parks portion of the Referendum projects. The staff's recommendation to buy property and not pursue completing the project would mean the City would have spent the $7.8 million dollars from the bond, plus an additional $1.053 million in estimated interest earned, $219,000 from other funds, $50,000 in grant money from the state, and would still need $1.7 million more. Does not support buying additional property. Discussed the increases in the Park and Recreation budget and the additional financial impact for other projects needed by the City, including the ring road and the redevelopment of Priordale Mall. Does not support going ahead with any additional park land acquisitions at this time, and believes that priority should be given to the things the City needs rather than want it wants. ERI(;;$ON: Concurs with the Mayor's assessment. Concerned about the costs and suggested completing the projects started. BOYLES: Noted that a specific dollar amount was not set aside for the restroom/concession facility, but the staff was directed to pursue the costs for completing the building. SCHENCK: Asked if the remaining Referendum funds can then be directed to other projects. PACE~: Advised that Referendum funds can be redirected as long as the projects are park related. GUNDLACH: Noted his concurrence with the opinions expressed by Mayor Mader and Councilmember Ericson. Also concerned with the escalating Parks budget necessary for caring for additional parks. 6 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 BO'Ct. ES: Clarified that the Council consensus is to direct staff to come back with a final proposal for the restroom/concession facility and playground equipment. Consider Approval of Resolution O0-2g Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Trails and Playground Equipment as Identified in the f999 and 2000 Capital Improvement Program. BOYLES: Reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report. MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY ERICSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-29 AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR TRAILS AND PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AS IDENTIFIED IN THE 1999 AND 2000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. MADER: Asked if the Resolution binds the City to funding the projects from the park capital fund, rather than the Referendum funds. BOYLES: Confirmed that based upon the remaining Referendum balances, the funding could also come from the Referendum funds. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck, and Ericson, the motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution 00-30 Authorizing Expenditures for Miscellaneous Park Capital improvement Projects and Park Capital Equipment as Identified in the 1999 and 2000 Capital Improvement Program. BOYLES: Discussed the expenditures and improvements planned, and the request of staff. Clarified that a funding source is not identified and may come from the park capital fund, or the Referendum money. MADE[R: Suggested that staff make the decision as to whether funding comes from the Capital Park Fund, or the Referendum Fund. MOTION BY MADER, SECOND BY PETERSEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-30 AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE FOR MISCELLANEOUS PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PARK CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AS IDENTIFIED IN THE 1999 AND 2000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM NOT TO EXCEED $75,000. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck, and Ericson, the motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Consider Approval of Resolution 00-31 Approving the Preliminary Plat for Carlson's First Addition. BOYLES: Briefly reviewed the agenda item in connection with the staff report. MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY GUNDLACH TO APPROVE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR CARLSON'S FIRST ADDITION. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. 00-31 7 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 Consider Approval of Resolution O0-XX Approving the Conditional Use Permit for a Multi-Family Dwelling for Affordable Housing Solutions, Inc. on Property Located in the Southeast Intersection of Tower Street and Toronto Avenue. See Verbatim Transcript attached as Exhibit A. The Council took a brief recess. Consider Approval of Initiation of the Vacation of Right-of-Way at Timothy / Commerce Avenue Intersection. BOYLE$: Briefly reviewed the history of the vacation request and the issues for the Council to consider, including title issues, sewer and water easements for City sewer and water, impacts of potential development. PETERSEN: Asked if the area has curb and gutter, and what the intended use for the area would be. MAOER: Noted that it is not appropriate at this time to take public comment prior to the public hearing. Noted that the choices for the Council are to determine if the road has any public interest or if it should initiate a vacation process. Believed that it would be difficult to determine that no public interest existed or may exist in the future. ERICSON: Noted that the previous Council determined that to close the right-of-way was reasonable, and believed that it would be appropriate to initiate the process. In the larger scope of extending that roadway, 87 feet is a very small portion for the City to re-acquire if a future development is proposed. MADER; Noted his history with the Timothy Avenue neighborhood, and did not recall any implication that the City was going to vacate that property. Also noted that acquiring private property in a condemnation action is not friendly way to do business and can be very expensive. Agreed that the City should maintain the property if it retains ownership. MOTION BY ERICSON, SECOND BY GUNDLACH TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-XX TO CALL A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER VACATION OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN NATALIE AVENUE AND COMMERCE AVENUE INTERSECTION. GUNDLACH: Has some concern that the neighborhood is under the impression that the area was to be vacated, and to resolved the issue, suggested going on with the public hearing process. SCHENCK: Agreed with the Mayor and noted that the Council's decision to close the roadway was unanimous. Noted that the City has done everything the property owners have asked to manage traffic through the neighborhood. Agreed that the City should retain and maintain the property. VOTE: Ayes by Gundlach and Ericson, Nay by Mader, Petersen and Schenck, the motion failed. City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 MOTION BY ERICSON, SECOND BY MADER DIRECTING STAFF TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND RE-DESIGN OF THE PORTION OF ROADWAY TO LOOK MORE APPEALING FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution 00-32 Authorizing Purchase of One (1) 22-foot (10,000 GVI/V) Trailer. BOYLE$: Explained how the next two agenda items came to the Council for consideration. Briefly explained the use of the vehicles and the quotes received including trade-in if any, and the rationale for purchasing the equipment. MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY GUNDLACH TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-32 AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 22-FOOT (10,000 GVW) TRAILER. MADER: Asked if the reference to structural integrity implies that it will no longer carry the weight. FRIEDGES: Advised that the trailer is homemade and does not comply with strap down regulations. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution 00-33 Authorizing Purchase of One (1) Turf Seeder. BOYLES: Briefly reviewed the current condition of the equipment, the staff's rationale for recommending its replacement, and the quotes received. MOTION BY GUNDLACH, SECOND BY PETERSEN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ONE (1) TURF SEEDER. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. 00-33 Consider Approval of Resolution 00-34 Authorizing the Purchase of Two (2) Five-Ton Single- Axle Cab and Chassis for Public Works Maintenance Through the State Cooperative Purchasing Program. OSMUNDSON: Advised the Council of the City's current fleet, together with the number of plow routes, and how the vehicles are used. The two 1988 vehicles are the vehicles scheduled for replacement in 1999 and 2000, remaining is a similar 1984 truck currently assigned to the parks maintenance department. Also noted that the current vehicles need extensive repairs as noted in the staff report. Reviewed the City's purchasing criteria and the cost benefit analysis for replacing the trucks through the State Cooperative Purchasing Plan. Advised that if only dump trucks were needed, the City could lease them. It is not the same in this case because having snow plow equipment is the concern. Noted how carefully the staff considers the replacement of its equipment. MOTION BY PETERSEN, SECOND BY SCHENCK TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 00-34 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) FIVE-TON SINGLE-AXLE CAB AND CHASSIS FOR PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE THROUGH THE STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 9 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 ~: Asked if the vehicles have summer time uses and if the parks department and public works department can both utilize the equipment. ~: Advised that the trucks are also used to haul soils during watermain breaks, as well as hauling bituminous material, gravel, and materials from spring street sweeping. All of the equipment is shared between the parks and public works maintenance departments when appropriate. ERICSON: Asked about the equipment packages to be added. OSMUNDSON: Staff will be coming back to the Council to equip the trucks with snow plow equipment, including the box, hydraulics, plow and wings. The approximate cost for the equipment for one fully equipped truck is approximately $95,000. BOYLES: Clarified that staff has found in the past that adding wings to the truck reduces the number of passes needed to be made when plowing, and thus minimizes the number of routes. MADER: Noted his appreciation of the staff's consideration for moving things back in the equipment replacement matrix. Asked about the mileage on the vehicles and if there are ways to address the fact that the engines are outlasting the equipment on the vehicles. Also suggested staff also look at other ways to utilize and extend the life of the equipment, as well as operator costs factors. OSMUNDSON: Advised that the 1984 vehicle has about 58,000 miles, while the 1988 has about 72,000 miles. Also noted that the new equipment should last longer now that a mechanic is on staff. ~: Noted that the staff has hoped to address some of the issues with respect to extending the life of equipment by improving our maintenance programs. In the past, much of the equipment sat outside and was not washed as frequently. VOTE: Ayes by Mader, Gundlach, Petersen, Schenck and Ericson, the motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS / COUNClLMEMBER REPr~RTS: GUNDLACH: Asked for clarification of an April 12th memo Don Rye addressed to the City Manager, which was in turn forwarded to Councilmembers for comment. RYE: Advised that his perception was that there are some issues revolving around Iow-to-medium and high-density residential density within the Comprehensive Plan, and that there was also some concern from the Council with where the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance stood today. The memo was intended to advise the Council on how those issues could be addressed, and Councilmembers could be more informed early on in the process. One of those suggestions would be to distribute to Councilmembers applications materials when they are received. Another option is that Council could take over the responsibilities of the Planning Commission, or the Council could only take on responsibility of presiding over the public hearing. Another option would be to send Councilmembers could be sent draft staff reports at the time they go to the Planning Commission. The second issue would be to revisit the level of comfort the Council has with the Comprehensive Plan through a series of workshops. The Council could also impose a full or partial moratorium on Iow-to-medium and/or high density residential development. 10 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2000 ~: One of his concerns was that the staff reports provide a greater flexibility of options, rather than just a staff recommendation or to deny it. RYE: In many cases, staff has tried to lay out all of the options before the Council. Often times the staff has a difficult time in anticipating what the hot button might be. MADER.: Asked staff to look at the Zoning Ordinance with respect to the density allowed in a PUD versus the density allowed in an R-4 zoning area. The idea that a PUD allows a higher density does not seem consistent with protecting the natural amenities to the property. Also discussed the NSP franchise presentation and whether it is sensible and beneficial to the consumer. Suggested staff look at the issue of benefit and come back with a recommendation on whether a public hearing should be initiated. TESCHNER: Briefly advised that three quotes were obtain for disposal of the obsolete computer equipment. The interesting point is that at least half of the vendors advised that most computer is obsolete after 18 months. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting adjourned at Frank Boyles, City Manager Kelly Meyer, Recorc~¢ng ~ / 11