City Council

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes City Council Public comment options prior to the meeting must be received by noon on Monday June 15. Email comments to: PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or phone 763-717-2782. Zoom is for members of the public who want to comment during the meeting on an agenda item. Join Zoom Webinar at https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/93136264336 Ways to watch if not commenting on an agenda item: BlaineMN.gov/Video or North Metro TV on Comcast, Apple TV, or Roku Questions? Email - Communications@BlaineMN.gov Monday, May 4, 2020 7:30 PM Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city meetings will now be held as virtual meetings until further notice. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Ryan followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; City Planner Lori Johnson; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Public Services Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Attorney Patrick Sweeney; City Engineer Dan Schluender; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Communications Coordinator Ben Hayle; Recreation Manager Jerome Krieger; Recreation Manager Nate Monahan; City Attorney Chris Nelson; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECENTLY HELD MEETINGS City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Attachments: 04-06-20 Workshop Minutes 04-06-20 Council Minutes 04-06-20 Closed Workshop Public Works IUOE Local 49 Union Negotiations 04-13-20 Workshop Minutes Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, that the Minutes of Workshop Meeting of April 6, 2020, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 6, 2020, the Minutes of Closed Workshop Public Works IUOE Local 49 Union Negotiations Meeting of April 6, 2020, and the Minutes of Workshop Meeting of April 13, 2020, be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 5. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 5.-1 ACCEPT DONATION TO THE BLAINE PUBLIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Podany stated the police department has recently received a donation by a staff member who wished to remain anonymous. This donation is for the Blaine Public Safety Association in the memory of resident Gail Marinac in the amount of $100.00. Mayor Ryan stated Gail Marinac was a very special person to the City of Blaine and would be dearly missed. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution 20-64, “Accept Donation to the Blaine Public Safety Association,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 6. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Ryan thanked staff for all of their hard work on behalf of the community. Mayor Ryan stated there would be a meeting with the Anoka County Highway Department regarding intersection cost share planning next week. He noted this would be an in person meeting and social distancing requirements would be followed. Councilmember Robertson reported Councilmember Garvais and herself had also City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 been invited to the meeting with Anoka County. 7. OPEN FORUM Mayor Ryan opened the Open Forum at 7:42 p.m. Jim Bebeau, 4800 125th Avenue NE, thanked the Council for sharing information with the public regarding how the City was responding to the COVID-19 crisis. He expressed concerns about the City’s budget including assessments and encouraged the City to consider providing possible relief for residents. There being no input, Mayor Ryan closed the Open Forum at 7:45 p.m. 8. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted as presented. 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Hovland requested the removal of agenda item 9.2. Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that the following be approved: A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 9.-1 SCHEDULE OF BILLS PAID City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Attachments: 04/17/20 Bills Paid 04/24/20 Bills Paid 04/24/20 Subset of Payments Approved 9.-3 APPROVE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASE SEWER JETTER BODY IN THE AMOUNT OF $162,499.00 Attachments: Flexible Pipe New Sewer Jetter #4506 Approved 9.-2 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FOR COLD STORAGE SHELTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,375 FROM GREYSTONE CONSTRUCTION Attachments: Greystone Bid Proposal Councilmember Hovland stated it was his understanding the EPA was requiring the City to install this cold storage shelter. Public Works Director Haukaas discussed the rules through the MPCA regarding the storage of street sweeping materials. He commented if the City had a place to store and screen these pieces of equipment, the City would not have to go directly to the landfill. He stated the City previously purchased a screening machine which meant the City can now separate the material and only have to haul a small portion to the landfill. He reported this screening process would save the City money in the long run. Councilmember Hovland questioned if this cold storage shelter was something the City had to do at this time given the cost and if funds could be used for other items such as fireworks. Mr. Haukaas reported the expense was being covered by the Stormwater Fund and had limitations on how the fund could be used. He explained the City had delayed the purchase one year already and staff was recommending the purchase move forward. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Swanson, that Motion 20-59, “Accepting the Proposal for Cold Storage Shelter in the Amount of $51,375, from Greystone Construction,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 10. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS PUBLISHED FOR A CERTAIN TIME City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 10.-1 ADOPTING ASSESSMENT FOR LEVER STREET NE FROM 125TH AVENUE NE TO THE 132ND AVENUE NE ALIGNMENT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-07 Attachments: 17-07 Final Assessment Roll 17-07 Assessment Map Objection Irene A. Tamblyn Objection Ronald G. Tamblyn City Engineer Schluender discussed the timeline for the Lever Street project and all of the actions that have taken place. He provided the Council with a summary of the assessments for the six non-petitioning parcels. It was noted the utility portion of the assessments for sanitary sewer and water main are all deferred until the individual parcels develop. The street portion of the assessments have all been reduced by 50% based on the Council action authorizing the use of $282,161 from the Unrestricted General Fund Reserves. The benefit analysis recommended that two of these parcels be further reduced. Staff is recommending that the street assessment be reduced further for these two parcels. The reduction creates a $9,000 gap in funding. Staff is recommending that PMP funds be used to cover this gap. Mr. Schluender reported several of the petitioning parcels have since developed and have subdivided into multiple lots. The original National Land Investor property subdivided into 56 lots of the Woodridge 1st and 2nd addition and developed by Lennar. The assessment for this parcel is the full assessment for the street and utilities and was split and placed on the 56 lots. The original Cox and Birney properties, developed by the Excelsior Group, into the Mill Ponds plat. This plat has 36 lots and 2 outlots that are now shown on the assessment roll. The assessment for these two original parcels is the full assessment for the street and utilities and was split and placed on the 36 lots and 2 outlot. The two original Herbst properties were developed by the Excelsior Group into the Oakwood Ponds 1st and 2nd addition plats. These plats have 18 and 10 lots respectively and are now shown on the assessment roll. The assessment for these two original parcels is the full assessment of the street and utilities and was split and placed on the 28 lots. The three remaining parcels from the original petition ISD #11, Almberg, and Bruggeman parcels are on the assessment roll with the full assessment for street and utilities. Mr. Schluender explained Project No. 17-07 included installing trunk sanitary sewer, trunk water main, sanitary sewer lift station, storm drainage improvements, storm water quality management, class 5 aggregate base, concrete curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, bituminous trail, asphalt pavement, signage, striping, and related appurtenant construction for Lever Street NE starting from 125th Avenue NE City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 extending to the 132nd Avenue NE Alignment. The total cost for the project was $3,540,640.86. The Assessment Roll has been prepared consistent with the Feasibility Report. Of the total cost, the amount to be assessed is $1,703,409.93. The Public Utility Fund will contribute $1,220,610.69. Differed assessments for sanitary sewer and water main to be collected as future connection charges is $328,808.22. The remainder of the total project costs will be paid as street assessment assistance from the unrestricted general fund reserve and Pavement Management Program (PMP) Funds, in the amount of $287,932.66. Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Mr. Schluender reported written objections had been received from Gerald Clarey at 12901 Lever Street, Ron Tamblyn at 4601 125th Avenue and Irene Tamblyn at 12730 Lever Street. Gerald Clarey, 12901 Lever Street, expressed concerns with the project finishing including how his landscaping hedge and trees had been impacted. He stated he had replanted lilacs in order to fill in his hedge. He noted a gate was broken on the north end of his property and the City had not replaced the post. He discussed the mature scotch pines that were suffering because of the silt fences located on his property. In addition, the contractor removed trees from his property. He recommended the City use a portion of the North Suburban Hospital District funding be used to offset a portion of the assessments given the tough times that were occurring. Mayor Ryan asked if staff was aware of the problems on Mr. Clarey’s property. Mr. Schluender stated the items on the north border were a result of the developer and had nothing to do with the Lever Street project. He noted he met with Mr. Clarey in the late winter and walked the property line. He indicated the developer has been made aware of the issues he would have to address. Councilmember Hovland asked if Mr. Clarey had been made aware of the senior deferral program. Mr. Schluender reported this information was included in the letter sent to the residents regarding the assessment. Ron Tamblyn, 4601 125th Avenue, indicated he had submitted a written objection to his assessment. Irene Tamblyn, 12730 Lever Street, stated she had provided the City with her written objection to her proposed assessment. Michael and Molly Klass, 12551 Lever Street, thanked the Council for hearing the public concerns and for adjusting the assessments to a more reasonable amount. City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Mr. Klass indicated the grass seed on Lever Street was not taking well. He encouraged the City to look into this further stating he believed the soil was not conducive to growing soil. Dan Fish, 12860 Lever Street, expressed concern with the project finishing and stated he objected to the proposed interest fees the City would be charging if the assessment was not paid in full. Councilmember Garvais commented on the history of this project and discussed the reductions the City Council had already approved. He noted the Council had worked to lower the assessments for the residents living along Lever Street. Mayor Ryan stated this was the first time he recalled the City working to reduce assessments in the past 34 years. Councilmember Jeppson asked if the City would be able to support Mr. Clarey in the items he fixed that the developer was supposed to replace. Mr. Schluender explained the items that were not fixed along the north property line were being addressed with the developer. He noted the items that were replaced were on the Lever Street project. Councilmember Hovland questioned if a bond was posted on this project. Mr. Schluender stated a financial security was in place for the development and a portion could be held to ensure Mr. Clarey’s property was corrected. Councilmember Swanson inquired if the dirt used along Lever Street met State requirements. Mr. Schluender reported the dirt used was satisfactory to the City’s specifications but after a year of plowing and sand the area has been covered with other material. There being no additional public input, Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Councilmember Paul supported the City going 50/50 on this project while also ensuring the resident’s issues were being addressed. Councilmember Hovland stated there wasn’t anything the City could do about the interest rate. He explained this was part of the City’s assessment policy and has been charged to every other resident within a street project in the past. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Resolution 20-65, “Adopting Assessment for Lever Street NE from 125th Avenue NE to the 132nd Avenue NE Alignment,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 10.-2 VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS ON OUTLOT E AND OUTLOT G, GLENN MEADOWS, VACATION NO. V20-02 Attachments: Petition Location Map Mr. Schluender stated a petition received, dated March 13, 2020, was submitted to the City by Todd Kaufman of North Meadows LLC, requesting vacation of the drainage and utility easements on Outlot E and Outlot G, Glenn Meadows. The vacation is necessary as the property is being re-platted as North Meadows and the easements are no longer needed. The Engineering Department has reviewed this request and concurs with the vacation. Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. There being no additional public input, Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution 20-66, “Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements on Outlot E and Outlot G, Glenn Meadows,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 11. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS None. 12. ADMINISTRATION 12.-1 APPROVAL OF SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE (SAC) LOAN AGREEMENT FOR FRESH PICKED PIZZA Attachments: Attachments Community Development Director Thorvig stated in July 2019, Fresh Picked Pizza received approvals for construction of a new restaurant at 8683 Central Avenue NE. The owner of the restaurant is proposing to construct a new 5,000 square foot restaurant with take-out, dine-in and patio seating. The property currently has a dilapidated former nursery building which will be removed for the new restaurant. City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Many other significant aesthetic improvements will occur on the site. The property is part of a larger redevelopment area identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Thorvig reported since last July, the restaurant owner has been determining project costs and attempting to secure financing. One of the challenges that the restaurant owner has expressed is the ability to make a project financially feasible. The Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) is a fee by the Metropolitan Council to maintain wastewater infrastructure. SAC fees vary based on the type of use and the amount of discharge they produce into the wastewater system. Based on information provided by the Metropolitan Council, the SAC fee for the restaurant will be $27,765. The City has an account with approximately $125,000 that was collected from SAC credits available to the City from building demolitions. Typically, the City acts as a pass-through to the Met Council for SAC payments. The money available was collected by the City however did not have to be distributed to the Metropolitan Council because credits were available. Staff commented further on the proposed SAC loan agreement and recommended approval. Councilmember Hovland asked if the property owner were to default within the next five years if interest would be charged. Mr. Thorvig stated at this time the loan was designed with 0% interest. He reported the Council could elect to charge interest if the loan were deferred. Councilmember Jeppson supported the loan having a 3.5% interest rate which was the same rate charged to residents for assessments. Mayor Ryan stated he supported the SAC loan as proposed. He indicated he could support an interest rate being added to the loan. Councilmember Garvais indicated he had some reservations with assisting a business at this level given the situation the City is in trying to save money. He explained he could get behind the EDA action, but commented he was having a hard time with the City loan program. He anticipated this would be a good business for the community but he did not believe it warranted multiple assistance items from the City. Councilmember Hovland disagreed with this statement. He indicated this development was important to the surrounding neighborhood. He was of the opinion this development would spur future redevelopment along this vital corridor. He explained this neighborhood has expressed a desire to have this business in place. He stated he could support the interest rate on the loan. Mayor Ryan explained he understood the need for the City to remain consistent City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 and asked if the City charged interest to Blaine Lock and Key. Mr. Thorvig reported interest was charged to this business. Councilmember Robertson indicated the interest would only be charged if the business were to not stay in Blaine for the next five years. She stated the owner was very confident about the viability of this business. She explained she could support the 3.5% interest rate if the owner were to default and believed this was more than fair. Councilmember Paul commented he appreciated the assistance the City was proposing for this business. He stated this business would benefit Blaine residents and hoped it would move forward. Mayor Ryan indicated if the Council wanted to move forward with an amendment to the interest rate a motion could be made. Councilmember Garvais summarized the requests of the developer and noted one loan would be forgivable and the other loan would not. Mr. Thorvig reported this was the case. Councilmember Garvais stated he could support this item given the fact an interest rate had been added and because the EDA was not approving a grant. He understood this area of the City needed to be redeveloped, but he feared a dangerous precedent could be set. Substitute motion by Councilmember Swanson, seconded by Mayor Ryan, to include a 3.5% interest rate on the SAC Loan Agreement for Fresh Picked Pizza. A roll call vote was taken. Substitute motion adopted unanimously. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Mayor Ryan, that Resolution 20-67, “Approval of Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) Loan Agreement for Fresh Picked Pizza,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 12.-2 ACCEPT BID FROM TRAFFIC MARKING SERVICE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,780.21 FOR THE 2020 PAVEMENT MARKINGS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-03 Attachments: 2020 HANDWORK 2020 LINEWORK City of Blaine Page 10 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Mr. Schluender stated bids were received for Project No. 20-03. A total of 2 bids were received ranging from $63,780.21 to $66,495.54. The Engineer's estimate was $77,673.64. Bids have been checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that Traffic Marking Service, Inc. of Maple Lake, Minnesota is the lowest bidder. The Engineering Department has worked with Traffic Marking Service, Inc. on previous contracts and recommends that the low bid be accepted and a contract entered into with Traffic Marking Service, Inc. City Council is also asked to approve a 5% contingency to bring the total project budget to $66,969.22. The funding source for this project is the General Fund and there are sufficient funds to cover these costs. Councilmember Paul requested further information on what would be covered in this project. Mr. Schluender reported this contract would cover markings on all streets throughout the City of Blaine. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution 20-68, “Accept Bid from Traffic Marking Service, Inc. in the Amount of $63,780.21 for the 2020 Pavement Markings,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 12.-3 APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDER ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR 2019 STREET RECONSTRUCTIONS, PHASE 2, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 19-07 Attachments: Location Map.pdf Mr. Schluender stated the Public Hearing for the proposed improvement project was held on February 21, 2019, and the City Council ordered the preparation of plans and specifications. The 2019 Street Reconstructions Project, which reconstructs various city streets, is to be constructed over two years (2019 and 2020). Staff reviewed the streets that would be reconstructed. The proposed improvements to include repair and replacement of damaged concrete curb and gutter and sidewalk, pedestrian ramp improvements, and sidewalk, storm sewer and structure improvements, full depth reclamation, new sanitary castings and rings, and appurtenant construction. Plans and specifications have been prepared as directed and are available for Council review in the Engineering Department. Councilmember Hovland questioned why this project had been split over two years. Mr. Schluender discussed the reasons behind this project being split between two years and stated moving forward it was staff’s hope that projects would be completed in one calendar year. City of Blaine Page 11 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Mayor Ryan, that Resolution 20-69, “Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids for 2019 Street Reconstructions, Phase 2,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 12.-4 AMENDING THE JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE NORTH METRO TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Attachments: Redlined JPA JPA - Final Copy City Manager Wolfe stated the North Metro Telecommunications Commission approved recommended updates to the organization's Joint Powers Agreement at their April 15, 2020 meeting. The recommended changes were reviewed with the Council in detail. These changes would give the commission and cities more control over who could join the commission, and over how franchise and PEG fees are spent. Any changes to the Joint Powers Agreement will require approval of the member city councils. Councilmember Swanson reported this has been approved already by Lino Lakes, Spring Lake Park and Centerville. Moved by Councilmember Swanson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Resolution 20-70, “Amending the Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the North Metro Telecommunications Commission,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 12.-5 EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF A MAYOR-DECLARED LOCAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Attachments: Declaration of Local Emergency - COVID-19 Ms. Wolfe stated staff is requesting the extension of the declaration of a state of local emergency declared by the Council on March 16, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting peacetime state of emergency declared by Governor Walz. Per Sec. 30-36 - Emergency regulations declarations expire at the end of 30 days after its effective date. The declaration was extended April 6 and is being brought forward for review and consideration prior to its expiration on May City of Blaine Page 12 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 6. Councilmember Robertson stated she was struggling with approving the extension. She understood this was an emergent time, but it was hard for her to rationalize the process the City was following for this emergency. She believed that some items should be going through the City Council given the angst and emotions that were involved. Mayor Ryan reported this was only the second time the City has declared a local emergency in the past 34 years. He explained during emergencies staff had to take charge and indicated the City Charter was being followed. He stated all decisions made by staff could always be discussed by the City Council. He believed that City Manager Wolfe was doing a good job making decisions and delegating responsibilities during the crisis. Ms. Wolfe discussed how the emergency declaration assisted staff with making purchasing decisions in an emergency situation and reported decision making authority rests in City Charter, City Code and the City Manager form of government. Councilmember Garvais asked how far the declaration would be extended. Ms. Wolfe stated the motion would extend the emergency to June 6. Councilmember Garvais indicated he saw the need for an emergency declaration for purchasing purposes. However, the City was reaching the two month mark on this emergency and things were starting to normalize for basic operations. He stated he would like to see a plan for how the City will manage this situation moving forward. He explained he supported the City Manager purchasing PPE without coming to the City Council then commented he would like to better understand the structure the City would operate in with respect to COVID-19. He recommended statutory powers be further addressed at an upcoming workshop meeting. He said the City Manager was doing a wonderful job on behalf of the City, along with all other staff members but indicated he wanted to see a plan drafted for the new normal. Mayor Ryan agreed this would be valuable for the City to have a plan in place. Councilmember Hovland stated a lot of the City’s actions were being driven by the State along with the structure of the City’s government. He requested further comment from the City Attorney regarding the form and function of the City’s government. City Attorney Sweeney reported the City was governed by the charter and staff was allowed to make decisions that become important in a timely manner. Mayor Ryan commented he would like the City Council to continue to work City of Blaine Page 13 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 together with the City Manager no matter how many months it took to work through COVID-19. Councilmember Paul supported the emergency declaration being extended. Councilmember Swanson stated he would like the City Attorney to give the Council a brief summary on the differences between a City Manager and the City Administrator type of government. He explained it was his understanding a City Manager had a lot more operational authority and requested an outline on this topic. City Attorney Sweeney reported he would provide the City Council with this information. Councilmember Jeppson indicated she would support the extension of the emergency declaration for one more month. However, she feared this would be an easy habit for the City Council to get into and she wanted to see more documentation and policies put in place. Councilmember Garvais requested the Council discuss the City Manager/City Administrator information from the City Attorney at the May 11 workshop meeting. Moved by Councilmember Jeppson, seconded by Councilmember Swanson, that Resolution 20-71, “Extending the Period of a Mayor-Declared Local Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted 6-1 (Councilmember Robertson opposed). Aye: 6 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais and Councilmember Paul Nay: 1 - Councilmember Robertson 13. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Ryan provided the Council with an update on former Councilmember Kathy Kolb. City Attorney Sweeney requested the Council pass a motion announcing a Closed Session meeting on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Schluender discussed the upcoming intersection participation joint meeting that would be held with Anoka County. He noted the City Council would have to confirm with staff who would be attending this meeting. He reported four people from the City could attend. Councilmember Robertson stated she would like to attend. City of Blaine Page 14 City Council Minutes May 4, 2020 Councilmember Garvais indicated he would like to attend but he had a work conflict. He recommended his point of view be conveyed to the County that 50% was the most fair cost sharing option. Ms. Wolfe reported Mr. Schluender would be attending along with the Mayor. She commented one other staff member could attend. Public Works Director Haukaas recommended staff speak with Anoka County to see how many people they would have in attendance and that staff work to match this number. City Clerk Sorensen reported she checked the City Hall lobby and confirmed no any additional written objections to Item 10.1 for the Lever Street assessments had been received. Moved by Councilmember Swanson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, to hold a Closed Session meeting on Monday, May 11th at 6:00 p.m. pursuant to 13D.05 Subd. 3(d) in order to discuss emergency response procedures and recommendations regarding public services. A roll call vote was taken. Motion carried unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 14. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Mayor Ryan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul City of Blaine Page 15