Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/24/2014

Home

Police Chief Way acknowledged that retaliation calls do occur but the majority of complaint calls are made by nearby neighbors or people who drive by a property, such as the trailer park, and complain because they do not want that condition in Ramsey. With regard to the 14 -day deadline, he explained that staff does negotiate the number of days for compliance and he has even brought in people to help residents gain compliance, if needed. He described the City's high costs for a complaint hearing, noting it exceeds the $250 fee, and staff works out terms for residents to pay off the fines over time, if needed. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he was gong to ask about accommodations made for those in need or handicapped and he appreciates that explanation. Mayor Strommen stated this report has been helpful and she hopes it will be ongoing so trends, if any, can be identified. The consensus of the Council was to make no changes to the current Code Enforcement process. 2.03: Parking Ramp Garage Police Chief Way reviewed the staff report, noting that at the February 25, 2014, Work Session, staff and the Council discussed the possibility of creating a garage area inside the existing parking ramp structure for City property. At that meeting, Phase 1 was authorized for LSA to draft plans to create a garage area and provide a cost estimate. Review of the current lighting system was delayed pending Council's direction. Police Chief Way noted the report includes a list of vehicles and equipment that would be kept in the garage area within the parking ramp and the meeting packet contained LSA estimates and worksheets. Building Maintenance Supervisor Bray described the benefit of parking vehicles and equipment indoors, existing difficulty in accessing snow removal equipment, and problem with equipment not working when stored outdoors during cold weather months. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the engineering trucks need to be parked indoors or all of the electronic equipment needs to be removed and brought indoors. He reviewed the equipment and vehicles parked at Public Works, which has created a shortage of space for Public Works vehicles and greatly decreased efficiencies. With regard to parking in the Water Tower, Police Chief Way explained it is too damp and results in rusting. He presented estimated costs (not bid documents) and additional work by LSA should the Council support moving forward. Finance Director Lund stated, if approved, staff recommends the project be funded from the Public Facilities Construction Fund. This Fund has an estimated ending 2014 balance of $435,093. The majority of the Fund balance is attributed to the transfer from the 2013 General Fund per the Excess Revenue Fund Policy in the amount of $286,600. Acting City Administrator Brama provided an overview of the three -step process for determining the final costs: creation of preliminary design and estimated costs; final design and City Council Work Session / June 24, 2014 Page 6 of 8