Approved Minutes 3-6-1996 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, March 6, 1996 - 3:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m. by Council President Thune.
Present - 7 - Councilmembers Blakey, Bostrom, Guerin, Harris, Megard, Rettman, Thune
Absent - 0
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Megard requested Items #13, 14, and 15 be removed for discussion.
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the consent agenda as amended.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
MISCELLANEOUS
44. Presentation to the Minnesota State High School League commemorating 50 years of
partnership with the City of Saint Paul and the Civic Center.
In celebration of 50 years of partnership between the Minnesota High School League, the
City and the Civic Center, plaques were presented by Mayor Coleman to Dean Soutor and
Connie Sugden of the Minnesota State High School League, by David Stead of the
Minnesota State High School League to Mayor Coleman and Council President Thune, and
by Council President Thune to Joe O'Neill, Chair of the Civic Center Authority. These
individuals expressed their appreciation for the success of this partnership.
Councilmember Blakey moved to reconsider Item #20. Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
FOR ACTION
1. Approval of minutes of October 25, 1995, February 14, 1996, (Laid over February 28)
February 21, 1996, and February 28, 1996, Closed Door Session.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
2. Claims of Allstate Insurance Company, Robert Baumer, Adam Groshong, Roland
LeClaire, Jr., Jesse Metzdorf and Cindy Smythe, Abdul Mohammad, John and Dawn
Mustard, Irene O'Grady, and Joyce Thielen.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
3. Notice of Motion and Motion, Temporary Injunction, Temporary Restraining Order,
Notice of Motion and Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Affidavit of Christopher
Risher, and Affidavit of Glenn P. Bruder in the matter of Christopher Risher vs. the City
of Saint Paul.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
4. Summons and Complaint in the matter of Kristine Madson Nelson vs. the City of Saint
Paul, et al.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
5. Letter from the Real Estate Division announcing date of public hearing on April 3, 1996,
to consider the vacation of the alley at West 7th Street and Douglas Street to provide room
for expansion of the Salvation Army facility.
6. Letters from the Division of Public Health declaring 1554 Almond Avenue and 87 King
Street East as "nuisance properties". (For notification purposes only; public hearings will
be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)
7. Communication from Saint Paul Animal Control dated February 26, 1996, announcing a
request from the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats.
8. Administrative Orders:
D00848 Authorizing payment of $9,922 to the Midway Family YMCA for the
installation of children's play equipment as part of the 1994 Child Care
Partnership Program.
D00849 Amending the 1995 budget in the Division of Public Health by transferring
spending authority between various health general fund activities.
D00850 Amending the 1995 budget in the Department of Public Works for year-end
spending adjustments.
D00851 Authorizing payment, not to exceed $7,000, to the Saint Paul Hotel for
expenses from the Mayor's annual Winter Carnival reception.
D00852 Amending the 1995 budget in the Department of Library Services to cover
negative balances in several major object codes and activities.
D00853 Amending the 1995 budget in the Office of Human Resources by transferring
dollars in appropriate expenditure codes.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
9. Resolution - 96-183 - Approving the appointments of Nicole Otto, Kenneth Lawrence and
Steven Sarrazin, by Mayor Coleman, to the Advisory Committee on Aging. (Laid over
from February 28 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
10. Resolution - 96-184 - Approving the reappointment of Karen Muller, by Mayor Coleman,
to the Family Housing Fund of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. (Laid over from February 28
for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
11. Resolution - 96-185 - Approving the appointments of Theron Barnes and Richard
Schoenthaler, by Mayor Coleman, to the Workforce Development Council as Private
Sector Representatives. (Laid over from February 28 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
12. Resolution - 96-186 - Approving the 1995 Agreement between the Independent School
District No. 625 and the School Service Employees Local Union No. 284 S.E.I.U., AFL-
CIO representing Cook Managers. (Laid over from February 28 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
13. (Discussed later in the meeting)
14. (Discussed later in the meeting)
15. (Discussed later in the meeting)
16. Resolution - 96-219 - Approving the appointment, by Mayor Coleman, of Liz (Mary E.)
Anderson to the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission. (To be laid over one week
for adoption)
Laid over to March 13 for adoption
17. Resolution - 96-220 - Suspending the licenses held by Marjorie Anne Navarro and/or
MAN Inc., dba the Bourbon Bar, 64f 691 North Dale Street, for delinquent taxes owed to
the State of Minnesota.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
18. Resolution - 96-221 - Requesting a presentation from the Administration and the Police
Department on March 13, 1996, on the success of the ordinance on Excessive
Consumption of Police Services.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
19. Resolution - 96-222 - Authorizing the proper City officials to execute an agreement with
Ramsey County to finance traffic control signal revisions on University Avenue at the
intersections of Pascal Street, Albert Street, and Hamline Avenue.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
20. (Discussed later in the meeting)
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
21. Resolution - 96-224 - Approving the 1996 contract with the City and Convention and
Visitors Bureau to spend Hotel/Motel tax receipts.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
22. Resolution - 96-225 - Canceling Registered Bill No. R-27792 issued December 3, 1994, to
Northern States Power Company for the cost of repairing a main break at 1916 Nortonia.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
23. Resolution - 96-226 - Authorizing execution of a lease agreement extending the term for an
additional five years of the lease of 9,790 square feet of vacant land to the Humane Society
of Ramsey County to be used as a parking lot.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
24. Resolution Approving Assessment - 96-227 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on
the north side of West Nebraska Avenue from North Grotto Street to North Avon Street,
and setting date of public hearing for May 1, 1996. (File #S9377)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
25. Resolution Approving Assessment - 96-228 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on
both sides of Schletti Street from West Arlington Avenue to West Nebraska Avenue, and
setting date of public hearing for May 1, 1996. (File #S9380)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
(Rettman left the meeting)
20. Resolution - 96-223 - Requesting the City Council sponsor a request to the United States
Congress and the President to appropriate funding for the Summer Youth Employment
Program.
Jacqui Shoholm appeared before the Council and stated that funding for the Summer Youth
Employment Program through Congress this year is dependent on its attachment to the
continuing resolution that is a part of the whole budget. The continuing resolution expires
on March 15, 1996. If the City of Saint Paul is not added to the resolution by that time,
no funding will be received by the City from the federal government for summer jobs in
1996. It would mean a loss of approximately $413,000 and jobs for about 350 youth.
Councilmember Blakey moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Rettman not present for vote)
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
FOR DISCUSSION
(Rettman returned)
26. Final Order - 96-141 - In the matter of improving and widening Dale Street North,
University to Minnehaha and St. Anthony to Central. (Laid over from February 28)
Paul St. Martin, Department of Public Works, said the neighborhood has expressed a
desire for twin lantern style lighting. This lighting will cost $39,000 more than bent straw
lighting. Public Works staff has met with neighborhood groups and NSP. NSP has agreed
to contribute $13,500 toward the lighting. Mr. St. Martin distributed handouts outlining in
detail two possible options for financing the lighting system. He reviewed both options
and said Public Works was recommending Option B which included NSP funding of
$13,500, TIF funding of $14,097, and assessing residential properties a one time rate of
$4.08/ft. and commercial properties $7.76/ft.
Councilmember Rettman requested that verification be obtained from NSP on the dollars
they have offered to contribute.
Councilmember Blakey moved to amend the Final Order to incorporate "Option B.
Amended and laid over to March 27 Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
27. Administrative Order:
D00842 Amending the 1995 budget in the Division of Public Health to reflect proper
spending authority. (Laid over from February 28)
Councilmember Rettman said she previously had concerns about electricity bills but they
have been corrected.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
28. Resolution - 96-187 - Approving the 1995 and 1996 wages and benefits for the City's non-
represented administrative and legislative employees. (Laid over from February 28 for
adoption)
Councilmember Guerin offered a friendly amendment changing the effective date of the
wage and benefit increase from October, 1996 to July, 1996.
In response to a question raised by Councilmember Megard, Ron Guilfoile, Risk
Management Division, stated the cost for the additional three month period will be
approximately $39,000. It will still keep the total cost of the three-year package (1994-
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
1996) at the lowest cost of all bargaining unit agreements that have been settled for this
same period of time. The total cost will be $285,200 with the amendment.
Councilmember Megard questioned if both amounts were allocated in the approved 1996
budget.
Mr. Guilfoile responded that allocations for salary increases are by department and are in
the '96 budget. The allocation for benefit costs are in the general government accounts
budget and that amount was not budgeted for 1996. This is a large budget, Guilfoile said,
and it is not known at this time if the budget would be short at year-end. He further
clarified that the costs for all benefits have been allocated to the departments; however, the
budget responsibility for paying them and making the determination what those costs
should be lies with the Risk Management Division.
Council President Thune stated he feels there should be a cap on cost-of-living increases,
possibly by picking a median income. He said it should be addressed at some time before
going into negotiations. It's both a fairness issue and a cost issue, he said.
In 1995 deferred comp was removed from this group by the Council, Megard stated. She
acknowledged she voted to take it away because that package was not available to any
other bargaining unit in the City. There are 54 employees in this group and only 12 of
them are in classified positions. The remaining are supervisory at high levels and in many
cases are political appointments. This group includes a combination of classes that are
now being treated the same but in her view are not the same, Megard said. She expressed
concern about the elimination of retiree health benefits for one classified individual who
has been employed since 1990 when every other person in the class of 12 has the benefit.
She said she feels the package is fair and brings this group to the same level as the
Professional Employees Association and the Supervisors Association. She is also satisfied
that this group is not receiving a benefit package that is excessive. The policy is consistent
with other settlements that have reached the conclusion that the benefit part of it should be
taken off the check. She said the City should either provide or not provide full coverage
for employees at a single level and a certain percentage for family coverage, but a cash
settlement should not be given which is not available to other units. She said she also
supports putting future raises on a formula basis tied to settlements of other unions.
(Harris and Guerin left and returned during the following discussion)
Jerry Serfling, AFSCME Business Representative, said it was time to consider the
perspective of the employees who "provide the services in the City and what these kinds of
decisions do to City employees. Mr. Serfling talked extensively about the morale of
employees and how these types of decisions affect them. He said the employees have
become targets rather than partners. He cited large salary increases some people in this
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
group have received in past years and said if the administration is not going to rectify the
situation, the policy makers should step in.
Luann Koskinan, Representing AFSCME Local 2508, concurred with Mr. Serfling's
statement and added there is a lot of talk among employees regarding the lack of respect
and a feeling of no trust. For the City to continue to treat employees in this manner is a
disservice to the employees and to the citizens of St. Paul, she said.
Councilmember Guerin moved to introduce a substitute resolution which was technical.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris requested clarification of the termination program. Ron Guilfoile
responded that it is similar to what exists in all bargaining unit agreements except it is
called a severance program. Upon termination of employment, an individual receives a
lump sum of money from $6,000 to $30,000 based on years of service. There is a cap of
12 weeks for un-represented employees; two weeks of pay for each year of service to a
maximum of 12 weeks of pay.
Councilmember Megard asked for clarification of the 100% health benefit coverage. Mr.
Guilfoile responded that in this proposal the City would pay 100% of the premium for
single employees and $378.53 for family coverage. AFSCME members receive 100%
single coverage and $336.41 for family. Police and Fire receive $300 for single coverage.
Single health care coverage is $180.91 and $1.40 per month is added for the cost of life
insurance. They receive the balance of those unused benefit dollars at the end of the year.
The City pays $350 for family coverage for Police and Fire. Mr. Guilfoile said he used an
average of all these figures to come up with what is reflected for the group of employees
being discussed.
Councilmember Rettman spoke in support of the resolution saying she felt it was a fairness
issue.
Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Substitute Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
29. Resolution - 96-229 - Accepting a grant in the amount of$2,975,000 from the Minnesota
State Transportation Fund for construction of the Wabasha Street Bridge.
Councilmember Bostrom moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
30. Resolution - 96-230 - Providing tentative approval of a financing plan for the Wabasha
Street Bridge project and amending the 1996 Capital Improvement Budget to facilitate
award of the contract.
Councilmember Harris moved to introduce an amendment indicating interest earnings
would be removed from the CIB funding that has been set aside for the bridge and replaced
with undesignated funds from the parking and transit fund. He noted that at some point
contingency dollars may have to be identified for the bridge and CIB dollars would maybe
be used, but he wanted to see it as an affirmative vote of the Council that it's a direction in
which they want to move. Also, it is a policy decision to look at the types of capital
improvement projects the community has forwarded to the Council and determine what is
important to the community. Harris presented a project list of where the CIB dollars could
be used
Joe Reid, Budget Director, distributed information on the current status of the parking and
transit fund which showed the use of an anticipated $1.1 million for the bridge, leaving a
fund balance of$1 million designated for repair and replacement of city operated parking
ramps and an undesignated balance of$2.6 million for an ending fund balance of$3.6
million. Because of the use of money for the Wabasha Street Bridge in '96, there was a
negative excess of revenue leaving a fund balance of$3,150,000. Councilmember Harris'
resolution would draw this amount down to $2,100,000. The effect would be that $1
million would have to be set aside again for repair and replacement. One million dollars
would be available for projects the Council may want to develop in the near future, or
money that would have to be used if there was a major problem with one of the existing
ramps, or if revenue estimates on the use of the ramps were not accurate.
Pam Wheelock, Mayor's Office, reported the recommendation of the Mayor's Office at
this time is to not support the proposed amendment. PED staff are currently conducting an
analysis of the priorities for increased parking capacity in downtown and uses of this fund.
It was felt it would be a more prudent decision to wait until the report is received. She
said it is unlikely that the CIB dollars alluded to could fund any of the projects that were
discussed. The budget could be amended in the future when better information is available
and the Council knows what the impact might be of using increased funds from parking
and transit.
Councilmember Rettman noted the resolution does not allow for using any of the dollars,
but sends a guarantee to the State so papers can be signed indicating the money is
allocated. The budget can then be amended, she said.
Ms. Wheelock said money must be transferred to the State Department of Transportation
the week of March 18, 1996; cash must be on hand and Public Works has been working
with the Finance Department as to where cash balances are available to transfer funds.
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 9
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the amendment.
Yeas - 4 Nays - 3 (Megard, Rettman, Thune)
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the resolution as amended.
Adopted as Amended Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Public hearings begin at 5:00 p.m.)
36. Third Reading - 96-168 - Finalizing City Council action taken January 24, 1996, approving
a petition of Multi-Clean Inc., (Pet Food Warehouse) to rezone property from P-1 and I-1
to B-2 at 2277 Ford Parkway.
No one appeared in opposition; Laid over to March 13 for final adoption
(Thune left and Rettman assumed the chair)
37. Resolution - 96-232 - Approving application for an On Sale Malt (Strong Beer), Wine On
Sale, Grocery-C, and Restaurant-B License by Mozz, Inc., dba Lastrada Trattoria, 175 5th
Street East. (ID #40299)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
38. Resolution - 96-233 - Approving application for a Parking Lot/Ramp License by
Grandpark LLC, 860 Grand Avenue. (ID #10175)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
39. Resolution - 96-234 - Approving application for a Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicle
License by Insurance Auto Auctions, dba Twin Cities Salvage Pool, 1280 Jackson Street.
(ID #11717)
Councilmember Rettman noted that District 6 reviewed this application and recommended
approval.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 10
40. Resolution - 96-235 - Approving application for a New Motor Vehicle Dealer License by
Twin Cities Wrecker Sales, Inc., dba Twin Cities Salvage Pool, 1280 Jackson Street. (ID
#50543)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
(Bostrom left the meeting)
41. Resolution - 96-236 - Concerning adverse action against licenses held by Joseph L. Brost,
dba Grand Wheeler Sinclair II, 1345 Grand Avenue. (Uncontested)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0 (Bostrom and Thune not present for vote)
42. Resolution - 96-237 - Concerning adverse action against licenses held by Bradley Brooks,
dba Front Avenue Superette, 859 Front Avenue. (Uncontested)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0 (Bostrom and Thune not present for vote)
43. Resolution - 96-238 - Authorizing the vacation and waiver of easements on that portion of
Adrian Street abutting Blocks 42 and 43, West End Addition and Block 1, Park Addition
for development of Crosby Lake Business Park.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0 (Bostrom and Thune not present for vote)
Suspension Item
Councilmember Guerin moved for suspension of the rules to introduce the following
resolution: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
Resolution - 96-239 - Endorsing the establishment of the Firefighter Assisting Children and
Teens On Route (FACTOR) program.
Councilmember Guerin explained the FACTOR program will put firefighters on the street
in St. Paul School areas between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. each school day
due to recent incidents of attempted abductions and gun shorts near schools. Time
adjustments will be made for schools that are dismissed earlier.
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 11
Public testimony was received from Patsy Mitzdorf, 1841 Goodrich Avenue, Cricket
James, 1280 Kennard Avenue, and Terry McLaughlin, 1821 Goodrich Avenue. They all
extended their thanks and appreciation to Dino Guerin, Fire Chief Tim Fuller, and the City
for their part in this worthwhile endeavor.
(Thune returned)
Chief Fuller appeared and expressed his gratitude for the implementation of this program
and said the firefighters are proud to be a part of it. He noted there will be no change in
response time by the firefighters to emergency calls.
Councilmember Megard commended all parties involved in this program. If this project is
successful, she suggested the City may want to look at it as a way to also expand coverage
to City parks during the summer months where there is also a safety concern of parents
and the community.
Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
(Guerin left the meeting)
31. Report on the Safe City/Crime Prevention Plan.
Lt. Gardell, Saint Paul Police Department, addressed the Safe City/Crime Prevention Plan.
He said this program will involve primary prevention programs which will be implemented
at the neighborhood levels. One of the first tasks needed to be done to create the spending
plan was to meld two different strengths that St. Paul has: the Council's leadership and
concern that city-wide goals be provided; and it be looked at as a city-wide coordinated
effort along with the fact that St. Paul is made up of many diverse neighborhoods with
strong crime prevention organizations and there may be different priorities in the
neighborhoods. The group tried to blend the two; a city-wide coordinated effort with some
flexibility to give the neighborhoods an opportunity to do the things that are priorities in
their neighborhood but will add to the city-wide efforts.
Lt. Gardell said representatives of the Police Department and Administration met with
representatives from all the district councils and all other organizations that are currently
receiving crime prevention money. Unanimous staff support was received from all
organizations involved in the spending plan, and it was felt unanimous board support
would also be received from all organizations.
Six goals were worked out with the organizations. Wilder Foundation was approached for
help in providing an evaluation of the process. Based on the goals, Wilder
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 12
believes some good intermediate achievements can be attained. Feedback will be provided
to the City Council as to how the program is working.
A concern was coordination of the program. It has been determined that, through the
spending plan, coordination will be provided by using existing staff in the Police
Department's FORCE unit. Overtime expenses have been provided for this.
Flexibility for neighborhoods has been divided into four groups: working with block clubs,
activities for youth which neighborhoods will be working on, building community
cohesion, and reducing the fear of crime by accentuating the positives in St. Paul.
Lt. Gardell reviewed the proposal for spending the $150,000 that was transferred to the
FORCE budget.
Councilmember Harris expressed his appreciation for this plan and said he has received
positive feedback from neighborhood people.
Councilmember Rettman extended her compliments to all those who worked on this plan.
She stated a budget amendment will be required as the dollars are still in contingency.
Councilmember Megard also applauded the efforts of those involved. She questioned how
this will be evaluated. She noted this is on-going money and all neighborhoods and district
councils are now covered that did not have crime prevention money previously.
Lt. Gardell responded that the spending plan allows for dollars to be used to perform an
evaluation in coordination with Wilder Foundation. Also, there is a tentative commitment
from the various groups to include a review of the community crime prevention programs.
Wilder feels they can develop intermediate goals and design an evaluation system which
will collect the data needed in order to provide good feedback to the Council as to what's
working and what's not working in the City in terms of crime prevention.
If the spending plan is approved at this time, Gardell said there will be a commitment for
them to continue their work with Wilder, provide a good evaluation design, and provide
positive feedback.
Megard requested that Lt. Gardell work with President Thune to provide the Council with
an opportunity to hear what the plan is, time lines, etc.
(Guerin returned)
Councilmember Rettman moved that a budget resolution be prepared which would also set
a time line and evaluation components. Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 13
32. Resolution - 96-231 - Amending the Civic Center construction budget to reflect interest
earnings and proceeds from release of the debt service reserve.
(Blakey left and returned during the discussion)
Joe O'Neill, Chair of the Saint Paul Civic Center Authority, appeared before the Council.
He stated CCA members were at this Council meeting to present a unanimous
recommendation from the Civic Center Expansion Committee, composed of two volunteer
members of the Civic Center Authority, Dick Zehring and Joe O'Neill, and two City
staff, Jim O'Leary, PED, and Joe Reid, Budget Office. Since July 1, 1993, they have met
every other week together with Chris Hansen, Civic Center Director, and with advisors.
They also worked with a 24-member task force of the Civic Center representing diverse
elements in the community.
Based on a decision of the City Council, funding for the Civic Center was refinanced
which allowed $4.5 million in a bond reserve in the original financing to be used for the
project. Whatever funds are available from the bond proceeds must be used for the
project. In 1995 the Council passed a resolution indicating that with the refinancing and
with the $4.5 million, there were different areas the Civic Center should look at for
providing what was necessary for a quality, first rate convention center. Saint Paul is the
last of six cities in Minnesota to move to the Legislature to provide financing for a new
convention center.
Mr. O'Neill said the group took the resolution and has worked hard to come forward with
their recommendations. He acknowledged there are important decisions to be made by the
Council and noted that they want to work with the Council on this "important, large
publicly funded project.
Dick Zehring, Chair of the Civic Center Expansion Task Force, referred to the
memorandum outlining the specific items the Task Force is recommending be funded.
They are advocating certain expenditures which arise from a great interest and
understanding for this project. It is a project on which that they have worked long and
hard over the past three years. It is an integration of convention business, visitors
business, and represents a major step forward for the City of St. Paul. It's an economic
development engine and it needs to operate properly and provide the kind of service the
City will need over many years. He said they were finding functional obsolescence in the
building because it no longer serves the market place. All the processes the Expansion
Coordinating Committee and the Civic Center Commissioners have gone through have
been directed towards creating a project that is complete and one that is within budget.
Mr. Zehring said the committee was very conscious of budget issues; they want to spend
the money wisely and they want to do no more than suggest how they feel those wise
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 14
expenditures lay out. Having cut the project back at one point, several thousand square
feet of usable space was eliminated in order to stay within budget. They have been moving
funds around and have gone through a bid process twice. He urged the Council to approve
the expenditures.
Councilmember Rettman distributed a revised resolution and explained in detail the
changes made to the proposal. She said the pedestrian connection is critical to whether or
not this venture is successful and $2.5 million must be there for it. She noted the $4.5
million would not be available if the Council had not deliberated long and hard on whether
or not the project should be done.
Mr. Zehring said none of the items lined out on the proposed resolution are critical in the
bid process but they would like the opportunity to examine it thoroughly and have a
process to enter into a dialogue with the Council. He felt it may be appropriate to have a
special meeting for discussion purposes and opportunities to meet with Council members
when they have a better understanding of the impact.
Councilmember Harris noted there was discussion on some of the issues at the last Civic
Center Authority meeting including the $4.5 million refinancing and what some of the uses
of the dollars would be. He agreed a discussion is necessary because of the significant
amount of investment. The parking ramp is on top of$65 million so there has been a lot
of public investment at the Civic Center. They have been very clear that there needs to be
a connection with the skyway.
Mr. Zehring said they have a schedule and a process by which they are attempting to
complete the Civic Center and make it work. If they are to be in a position of responding
in a meaningful way to this issue, it needs to be determined what the nature of the
pedestrian connection is and how much it will cost. If the Civic Center was opened with
insufficient furniture or equipment, and it turned out to be a $8, 12 or 14 million effort, it
would be a totally different magnitude.
Council President Thune noted that Ms. Wheelock will be prepared to present possible
skyway options at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Bostrom said he feels the City has a responsibility to build a pedestrian
concourse when such a large amount of money is being put into the Civic Center, with the
coming of the new Science Museum and to help downtown businesses.
Councilmember Rettman said she has always expected the $4.5 million to be for the
pedestrian concourse. It was in consultation with various people that they got to the $2.5
million. That amount may not pay for everything but it will have to be there for any
modest type of connection, she said.
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 15
Councilmember Blakey moved for a one week layover.
Laid over to March 13 Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
(Thune left and Rettman assumed the Chair)
ORDINANCES
33. Final Adoption - 95-1338 - An ordinance to repeal Chapter 326 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code relating to licensing building contractors effective March 31, 1996.
(Substitute introduced February 14) (Laid over from February 28)
Councilmember Rettman requested that Bob Kessler, Director of LIEP, provide an update
to the Council in six months on this program.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 1 (Rettman) (Thune not present for vote)
(Items #34, 14, 35, 13 and 15 were all discussed together)
34. Final Adoption - 96-151 - Establishing the position entitled Administrative Assistant as
specified by Chapter 12 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, Section 12.03.2(H)
thereof.
(Discussed with Item #14)
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 2 (Blakey, Megard)
14. Resolution - 96-189 - Establishing the rate of pay for the unclassified Administrative
Assistant position located in the Office of Public Health in Grade 16 of the Non-
Represented City Managers Salary Schedule. (Laid over from February 28 for adoption)
Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 2 (Blakey, Megard)
35. Final Adoption - 96-152 - Establishing the position entitled Special Events Coordinator as
specified by Chapter 12 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, Section 12.03.2(H)
thereof.
(Discussed with Item #13)
Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 2 (Blakey, Megard)
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 16
13. Resolution - 96-188 - Establishing the rate of pay for the unclassified Special Events
Coordinator position located in the Office of Parks and Recreation in Grade 12 of the Non-
Represented City Managers Salary Schedule. (Laid over from February 28 for adoption)
Councilmember Guerin moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 5 Nays -2 (Blakey, Megard)
15. Resolution - 96-190 - Establishing the rate of pay for the new class entitled Police
Research and Grants Manager in Grade 26 of the Saint Paul Supervisors Organization and
approving minimum qualifications for the new class as required by Civil Service Rule 32.
(Laid over from February 28 for adoption)
Councilmember Guerin moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 2 (Blakey, Megard)
(Thune returned and Bostrom left)
Councilmember Megard noted the Special Events Coordinator is a new, unclassified
position for an appointment in the Parks Department. It is an advance person for the
Mayor which has been placed in an unclassified position. She expressed concern that new
positions are being created. If the Mayor's Office feels this position is needed, it should
be appointed by the Mayor, be in the Mayor's Office and in the Mayor's budget, Megard
said. She noted that a number of assistants have been appointed by the Mayor and are
being put in other departments' budgets which makes it unclear how many people the
Mayor has appointed. She said she has counted 26 provisional appointments by the Mayor
which does not include the Riverfront Commission. If the Mayor wants to put more
individuals on his staff, he has the right to do it within his budget. However, she
questioned whether new positions should be created in other departments in order to
augment the Mayor's own staff.
As City employees are cut from the budget, Megard continued, she questioned if new
positions should be created at a range of $36,000 to $48,000. She said she could not
support the Special Events Coordinator position as a permanent, unclassified position but
could support it as an Mayoral appointment.
(Bostrom returned and Harris left)
Councilmember Blakey concurred with Megard that if the Mayor feels he needs these
positions he would support them in the Mayor's budget, but he does not support putting
them in other departments.
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 17
John Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, said he could not address the issue of
placing these positions in the Mayor's 1996 budget but he did not think there would be a
concern with placing them in the Mayor's 1997 budget.
Councilmember Guerin said he was advised the Mayor's Office would not be willing to put
the positions in the 1996 Mayor's budget.
Councilmember Blakey questioned if there was anything preventing the transfer of money
in 1996.
John McCormick, Assistant City Attorney, explained that to transfer dollars from
departments in the 1996 budget it must be initiated by the Administration and the Budget
Office. He pointed out the budget issue was not before the Council at this time.
(Harris returned)
Jerry Serfling, AFSCME Business Representative, pointed out there is a Civil Service job
description for a Grants Manager as an existing civil service title and a lower paying
Grants Specialist title. He said when AFSCME members seek a new title or a job
upgrade, they are told the City's position is that new classifications can not be created
under the tight budget. AFSCME members have fewer and fewer opportunities for
promotions, Serfling said.
The current salary for Environmental Health Inspectors, who work with the incumbent in
the Administrative Assistant position, is $41,000 at the 15-year level, Serfling noted. The
incumbent in the Administrative Assistant position is earning $45,000. This would be a
promotional opportunity for AFSCME members in Public Health. It's a related job at a
higher rate of pay. If it's a necessary job, it should stay in Public Health and be a job that
AFSCME members can compete for.
Mr. Serfling pointed out that an explanation given for why Human Resources staff changed
their minds on the Public Health position is that it was discovered this position reports to
the City Council and not to the department. He noted the job profile filled out by the
incumbent where he identified his supervisor as the Housing Code Program Supervisor and
not the City Council. This is the same supervisor AFSCME members report to.
Mr. Serfling requested this position be kept in Civil Service and AFSCME members be
allowed to compete and be promoted.
In terms of the Special Events Coordinator, there are AFSCME members who have been
laid off in Parks and Recreation, Serfling said. A meeting was held with Parks Director
Bob Piram when a large number of layoffs were contemplated. It was suggested to Mr.
Piram at that time that AFSCME members be allowed to compete for the Events
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 18
Coordinator position in order to protect some layoffs. AFSCME felt it should be a civil
service job and a permanent job that works for the City to make events work for the
benefit of the citizens of the City.
(Rettman returned)
With regard to the Public Health position, Councilmember Megard noted the
recommendation is for a position to be appointed by the City Council. The City Council
did not add to its staff during budget deliberations last year as indicated. This is an
additional non-classified position. The job description was written with the claim that the
position was created by the Council which is not the case. The Council does not need this
position, she said. A pay schedule of$40,000-53,000 is recommended. The position was
studied twice and as a result of the second study, the salary was increased by $10,000.
Councilmember Megard continued noting that a new manager's position is being created in
the Police Department after a deputy chief has been cut as well as six deputy chiefs in the
Fire Department. A part-time librarian was also eliminated in the Police Department. She
questioned the need for this position noting there is existing staff in the Police Department
who are capable of doing crime statistics. The position is a liaison to the community and
a grants writer. There are already individuals in the Police Department who are
community liaisons and who write grants.
Councilmember Guerin pointed out that two years ago the City Council was in the process
of taking over the Information and Complaint Office. At the time, there was a position for
an ombudsperson. The new mayor wished to keep the office under his administration and
the Council requested there be a liaison for them to work with. The position was created
by the Council, he said.
Councilmember Blakey said either the positions should be appointed and placed in the
Mayor's budget or opened up for civil service testing.
Councilmember Bostrom suggested amending Items #13, 14, and 15 to express the intent
of the City Council to transfer the amount of funds presently in the Parks Department used
to fund this position, to the Mayor's Office in the 1997 budget.
John McCormick said the amendment would be an expression of intent only; putting
everyone on notice that funds will be shifted in 1997. Even if the specific amount of salary
were taken that was used in 1996 for one of these positions and deleted from their budget,
it does not mean that position would go away. The manager of the department could
decided to eliminate another position. It does not accomplish the transfer of a position
from one budget to another.
March 6, 1996, City Council Summary Minutes Page 19
Councilmember Guerin did not accept Bostrom's suggested amendment as friendly and
Bostrom withdrew it.
Councilmember Rettman said this is not unique to this administration. In the previous
administration there were also people in these positions. The positions can be discussed in
the 1997 budget discussions but she did not want to predetermine at this if they would
continue or not continue.
Councilmember Megard moved to adjourn the meeting.
:00 P.M.
David Th e, Council President
ATTEST:
Minutes approved by Council
Nancy nderso \(:\q (�
Assistant Council ecretary
mce
g 1
m
: -, ,-, ,,,,,
q N.,,I*4
'8, 4 i , --C-7 '\ )il
0 k c-b ,00
A~ v� U
tV
v 1 g \vi
o a
1
M CA
M g �`
c.).• ci
)
cil
w ,- ,---) 4
F7 ---,i , ' 1
„i
-+-
a ti � ��