08-10-2015 CCM SPECIALSpecial Meeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, August 10, 20I5
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councitmembers Olsen, Burandt, Westgaard, and
Wagner
Members .Absent: None
Staff Present: Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen, Administrative Captain Bob KJuntz,
Patrol Captain Darren McKernan, Finance Director Tim Simon, Fire
Chief T. John Cunningham, Deputy Chief Aaron Surratt, Parks and
Recreation Director Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager Steve
Benoit, Interim Lead Park Maintenance Worker josh Baas, Street
Superintendent Mark Thompson, Community Operations and
Development Director Suzanne Fischer, Arena Manager Rich Czech,
and Executive Secretary /Deputy City Clerk Jessica Miller
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor- Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. 2016 Budget
Various staff reviewed their budgets and goals as outlined in the staff report.
.Police
Mayor Dietz questioned the increase for telephones. Chief Nierenhausenindicated
the 'increase is due to the purchase of additional smartphones for staff. He noted
email and internet access has been an asset for employees.
The uniform allowance increase was discussed. Chief Nierenhausen stated the
increase is due to the purchase of additional soft body armor vests. He explained
purchases are timed with the expiration dates of current vests and potential grant
funding.
Eire
Chief Cunningham indicated the Fite Academy's second year has been successful but
staff would like to evaluate the program before continuing with the program. He
explained the department would like to create a business model and market the
program to other communities.
City Council Minutes
August 10, 2015
Page 2
Mayor Dietz stated when the Council approved the fire administrative assistant to
full-time making up the difference mi pay with other budget cuts was discussed. He
commented it doesn't appear that has happened. Chief Cunningham indicated the
Council can make whatever cuts they feel are appropriate.
Chief Cunningham indicated there is $40,000 requested in the 2016 Capital Outlay
summary sheet to purchase additional self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
He explained it was brought to his attention during a recent meeting that the
Northeast Sherburne Fire -Rescue Department is switching SCBA models and has
eight Scott NxG7 air packs and 16 bottles available in great condition. He stated this
is the same model the Elk River Fire Department uses and purchasing the equipment
would result in a savings of approximately $22,400.
Council consensus was for the Fire Department to purchase the used air packs from
the Northeast Sherburne Fire -Rescue Department this year for $17,600 with funding
from the Capital Outlay Reserve Fund.
Code Enforcement
Chief Cunningham stated goals have not been set for this division because the goals
are Council generated.
Mayor Dietz questioned the status of sign enforcement. Chief Cunningham stated he
believes compliance has improved. He added most people seem to be aware of the
rules whether or not they decide to adhere to them.
Larne r
,Zena Management
Councilmember Olsen 'indicated he received a call from a citizen concerned about
the propane tanks stored near the railroad tracks on Proctor Avenue. Chief
Cunningham explained public safety officials are concerned as well but the business
is grandfathered in for the storage of tanks in that location. Cl -.Lief Cunningham
added the Fire Department trains for various types of incidents 'including this
scenario.
Parks and Recreation
Councilmember Westgaard questioned the status of the facilities study. Mr. Hecker
indicated the city administrator is in communication with the school district
regarding a possible school referendum addressing facility improvements. He added
the school expects to make a decision on whether or not they will move forward
with the referendum by the end of the year.
Collaboration with the City of Otsego was discussed. Mt. Benoit explained it appears
Otsego may be interested in collaborating on some programs with us.
jcdL& Center
Councilmember Olsen indicated he received an inquiry if alternative transportation
options to events have been explored for smaller group outings. He outlined an
Cin, Council Nfillutes Page 3
August 10, 2015
example of a van taking six to eight seniors to a show downtown or something
similar. Mr. Hecker stated he will look into it and report back.
Mr. Benoit explained membership at the activity center has increased but is not
mandatory at this time. Councilmember Olsen indicated he would be in favor of
making membership mandatory for a nominal fee. Mayor Dietz disagreed explaining
the activity center budget doesn't warrant mandatory membership.
Park Mainlename
Councilmember Westgaard indicated it would be helpful for parks maintenance to
review what is required to maintain park property up to a certain standard including
mulch, trees, watering boulevards, mowing, etc. and to figure out what isn't getting
done that needs to.
Eauzpy
Lgnl Rolacev7enl .Fund
Councili-nernber Westgaard indicated he would like the mechanic rating sheets
included with Fleet Committee information in the Council packets. Ms. Fischer
stated she would include the sheets.
Mayor Dietz questioned the low mileage on some of the patrol vehicles being
transferred out. Captain McKernan and Ms. Fischer explained the lower mileage
vehicles are being transferred to different departments for pool vehicles. Captain
McKernan added the other vehicles will be higher mileage by the time they are
transferred or sold next year.
The Council recessed at 8:20 pm. The Council reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
General Eund Uclale
Mr. Simon presented an update on the General Fund and the adjustments as
presented will be made.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 8:36 pm.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
/ol
7
J01 -101J. Dietz, Mayor
Tina Allard, City Clerk
p 0 W I R t I I I
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