City Council Worksession

Watertown City Council Work Session Mayor Michael Walters Kay Thul Adam Pawelk Fred McGuire Dan Schuette 2/14/2023 - Minutes 1. Call To Order And Roll Call Mayor Walters called the Watertown City Council work session to order at 5:30 p.m. on February 14, 2023, in the council chambers of City Hall. Council Members Present: Michael Walters, Adam Pawelk, Kay Thul and Fred McGuire. Council Members Absent: Dan Schuette. EDA Members Present: Roxanne Wilmes. Planning Commissioners Present: Jim Kasheimer, Jennifer O’Connell, Jim Sandquist and Don Hendricks. Park Commissioners Present: Terry Gallagher (also COA) and Jack Lynch. Commission on Aging Members Present: Chris Boerner. Staff Present: City Administrator Jake Foster, and Administrative Services Director Maggie Reisdorf. Others Present: None. 2. New Business 2.I. City Council/Commission Member Meet-And-Greet Mayor Walters kicked off the Meet-and-Greet work session between the City Council, City Commissions and present staff. Walters provided a review of how integral it is that the City Council, Commissions and staff provide support and guidance to each other. He reviewed projects that have taken place over the past few years that have been important to the quality of life and vitality of the city. He included examples of park projects, development, and infrastructure improvements. Walters reviewed financial grants and project funding sources that have allowed the city to do significant projects in a fiscally responsible manner with lesser burden to the residents. Walters invited everyone to go around and do introductions. Walters asked everyone if they had any questions for the group to discuss.  reviewed financial grants and project funding sources that have allowed the city to do significant projects in a fiscally responsible manner with lesser burden to the residents. Walters invited everyone to go around and do introductions. Walters asked everyone if they had any questions for the group to discuss. Gallagher asked the City Council and group about desired goals of the Commission on Aging. He explained that an identified need in the community is senior housing options and other services. He mentioned that the Commission on Aging is seeking to better understand the current needs of seniors and provide support and resources where it can. He stated that the other goal of the Commission is to provide and support senior events. He referenced the December 2022 Senior dinner. Walters said that the City Council has been made aware of the need for senior housing options and that the City Council is in the process of considering doing a housing study that would help guide and support developers as it relates to housing development. He also mentioned some potential projects related to senior housing with the Carver County CDA. Wilkes mentioned that the EDA has been discussing senior housing as well. She stated that there is a desire to locate more senior housing near the downtown areas so that there is better accessibility to stores, etc. Walters stressed the importance of walkability and connectively throughout the city. He said that safe routes specifically are important. There was discussion on the Highland Park Project improvements schedule. Foster explained that staff is still obtaining some pricing for some of the 2023 capital project items, but that the hope was to get the entire plan to the City Council for review in the near future. He said that the 2023 project items would go to the Council for approval in the spring. Walters provided an in-depth review of the current Wastewater Treatment Plant Project and the upcoming water tower project. He highlighted the hiring of a lobbyist firm to represent that city at the state capitol as a way to request project funding support for these projects. He explained that the city received grant funds for the wastewater treatment project and will be asking for grants for the water tower project as well. Walters stated that he appreciated everyone’s hard work and dedication to the city. He explained that the collaboration and efforts by all are integral to the success of the process. Foster also thanked everyone for their dedication. There was discussion on increased graffiti and other concerning activity within the city’s parks and public parking lots. Pawelk stated that the City Council is frustrated with this activity as well and that the City Council has worked with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office to have the deputy attend the second City Council meeting of every month to provide updates and answer questions. Walters added that it is another avenue for the Sheriff’s Office to connect with residents and provide accountability. Pawelk stressed that the City Council supports the Sheriff’s Office, but that there is a need for more accountability and increased communication. Wilkes asked about the ice rinks not being available over the winter season. Walters explained that with severe weather events this season and additional poor weather conditions, the city’s public works department wasn’t able to get the ice rink up and operational. He said that there have been meetings that have been proactive in planning for upcoming seasons to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. 3. Adjournment  Walters explained that with severe weather events this season and additional poor weather conditions, the city’s public works department wasn’t able to get the ice rink up and operational. He said that there have been meetings that have been proactive in planning for upcoming seasons to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. 3. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 pm. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388 __________________________________________________________ Mike Walters, Mayor ATTEST:__________________________________________ Margaret Reisdorf, Admin. Services Director