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071006 CC Reg Min CITY OF SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JULY 10,2006 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. A. Roll Call Present. Mayor Love; Councilmembers Callies, Lizee, Turgeon, and Wellens; Administrator Dawson; Attorney Keane; Finance Director Burton; Planning Director Nielsen; and Director of Public Works Brown Absent: None B. Review Agenda Lizee moved, Callies seconded, Approving the Agenda as presented. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council and Park Commission Joint Meeting, June 26, 2006 Wellens moved, Turgeon seconded, Approving the City Council and Park Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2006, as presented. Motion passed 4/0/1 with Lizee abstaining due to her absence at the meeting. B. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, June 26, 2006 Turgeon moved, Callies seconded, Approving the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2006, as presented. Motion passed 4/0/1 with Lizee abstaining due to her absence at the meeting. C. City Council Work Session Minutes, June 26, 2006 Turgeon moved, Wellens seconded, Approving the City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2006, as presented. Motion passed 4/0/1 with Lizee abstaining due to her absence at the meeting. 3. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Love reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda. Lizee moved, Wellens seconded, Approving the Motions contained on Consent Agenda & Adopting the Resolutions Therein. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10, 2006 Page 2 of 13 A. Approval of the Verified Claims List B. Staffing - Liquor Store Staffing C. Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 06-044, "A Resolution Accepting the Shady Island Lift Station No. 18 and the Birch Bluff Road Lift Station No. 8 Improvement Project and Authorizing Final Payment, City Project 04-03." D. Authorize Expenditure of Funds for Tennis Court Rehabilitation Project E. Authorize Expenditure of Funds for Public Works Generator F. Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 06-045, "A Resolution Approving a Subdivision and Combination of Real Property for Anne and Jack Carter, 5705 / 5725 Smithtown Way." G. Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 06-046, "A Resolution Approving a Minor Subdivision of Real Property for Andrew and Dorothy Meldahl, 6180 Cathcart Drive." Motion passed 5/0. 4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Ed Hasek, 24315 Yellowstone Trail, expressed concern about the amount of traffic on Yellowstone Trail. He stated at the time of the CUB Foods development project, he had met with the developer and City Staff with regard to the probable increase in traffic on Yellowstone Trail and the possibility of removing the road from the Municipal State Aid system. At that time there was also discussion of the stoplight at the intersection of County Road 19 and Smithtown Road. He stated traffic had doubled, if not tripled, on Yellowstone Trail since that time; and the speed of the traffic had continued to increase. Mr. Hasek also stated he had contacted Director Brown about one month ago with regard to a no-turn-on-red sign at the stoplight was supposed to have been installed. He stated he wanted the traffic reduced to local traffic only; the traffic speed reduced to a maximum of 25 miles-per-hour (the same as the posted speed on Old Market Road, which was also a Municipal State Aid road); more stop signs installed; and enforcement of stopping for the stop signs. Margaret Henke, 24335 Yellowstone Trail, stated it was dangerous to live on Yellowstone Trail because of the increase in traffic volume and traffic speed. She explained she was almost hit by a vehicle traveling on Country Club Road while she was trimming her grass; and it was too dangerous to walk her grandson to the park. She stated it was difficult to pick up her mail from her mailbox on the other side of the road. She went on to state the traffic speed frequently exceeds the 30 miles-per-hour posted speed limit. Ms. Henke then stated rubbish had been dropped off on her property numerous times. She also stated she did not keep her windows open because of the traffic noise. She stated the neighborhood residents were assured the traffic on Country Club Road and Yellowstone Trail would be reduced as a result of the County Road 19 project, but it had actually tripled; and the problem would only get worse if additional businesses were to open on Lake Linden Drive or in the Shorewood Village Shopping Center. She commented residents located at the intersection of Yellowstone Trail and Lake Linden Drive were CITY OF SHORE WOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 3 of 13 relocating because of the increased traffic volume and speed. She stated she did not think a no-turn-on- red sign on County Road 19 would reduce the problem; and she suggested access to Lake Linden Drive on Country Club Road be restricted to local traffic to reduce the volume of traffic. She noted the heaviest traffic occurred between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. Rebecca Stratman, 24275 Yellowstone Trail, stated it was at times difficult for her to pull into her driveway; and her automobile had been rear ended while doing so. She then stated if the traffic laws (e.g. no through traffic, the no-turn-on-red sign out of the CUB Foods parking lot, and the 30 miles-per- hour speed limit) were enforced, some of the traffic-related problems would be reduced. She went on to state her daughter had written a letter to the City regarding the traffic problem, and her daughter had not heard back from the City for a number of months. Victoria Blaylock-Schmitt, 24295 Yellowstone Trail, stated she also had concerns about the traffic situation. She stated a sidewalk would be of little value if people continued to drive over the residents' lawns. She explained there had been an incident where her husband was slowly following her son's friend home (the boy was on his bike and it was dark), when another motorist became upset because of the slow speed and started to pass her husband and almost hit the boy as he was starting to cross the road to go to his home. She also stated she frequently experienced motorists attempting to go around her while she was waiting to make a left-hand turn on to her driveway. She commented during a power outage in the summer of 2005, a motorist hit a cable box attempting to navigate around a barricade. She then stated the problematic traffic was not caused by the local residents. Bill Schmitt, 24295 Yellowstone Trail, asked that something be done to improve the dangerous traffic situation. He was not sure what the solution should be, but something needed to change. Mayor Love explained the planning for the County Road 19 intersection project was in a progress before there was any awareness that CUB Foods would apply for a building permit. He stated the existing Council, as well as previous Councils, had concern with the volume of cut-thru traffic; and they hoped the situation would improve as a result of the project. He then explained Council would not take action on this item at the meeting. He asked Staff if there were any recent traffic counts available or studies regarding traffic patterns available. Director Brown stated there were Municipal State Aid statistics available, and he would provide that information to Council prior to its next regular meeting. Mayor Love then stated this item would be placed on the agenda for a Council meeting on July 24, 2006; and Staff would attempt to provide those residents present with the traffic information prior to that meeting. He thanked the residents for their comments. He commented that issues such as the one discussed often do not have quick and easy solutions. In response to a comment from Councilmember Turgeon regarding a planned no-turn-on-red sign for the County Road 19 intersection, Director Brown explained the delay in having the sign installed was a result of staff changes at Hennepin County. He stated the Operations Staff at Hennepin County had resisted installing the sign; and the city Staff had been rigorously pursuing the installation of the sign. In response to a question from Councilmember Wellens, Mayor Love stated Council could request additional traffic monitoring of the area. He noted that would be a short-tem partial solution to the traffic CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10, 2006 Page 4 of 13 problem, and it should be considered as part of a larger effort. He also noted traffic problems were the most frequent concern residents had. Administrator Dawson explained there were two options available when requesting additional SLMPD monitoring of the area: I) request more attention by the SLMPD for a shorter period of time; and 2) request guaranteed directed control by the SLMPD which would result in overtime expenses the City would have to fund. There was Council consensus to start with option 1. Mr. Hasek questioned if the traffic could be monitored in such a way that it would be possible to determine what portion of the traffic in that area was "destination" traffic, and what portion was cut-thru traffic. 5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Three Rivers Park District presentation on Trail Signage Administrator Dawson stated per the request of Council, Jonathan Vlaming, the Planning Manager for the Three Rivers Park District, would review the Park District's proposed Regional Trails Signage Program. Mr. Vlaming stated one of his areas of responsibilities was to coordinate the Park District's regional trails. He stated the Signage Program was a district-wide initiative for all the Park District's regional trails. The first trail complex to be addressed was the LRT trail complex. He explained the Park District had agreed to rename the regional trails based on a body of water the trail was located near. The regional trail that goes through Shorewood had been renamed to The Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. Mr. Vlaming stated the goal of the Signage Program was to provide trail users with information such as the location of the trails, the location of a particular site on a trail, specific information about a trail, trail use rules, directions to other sites on the trails, and the location of various services on the trails. Mr. Vlaming explained there were three components to the Signage Program: 1) system kiosks; 2) trail kiosks; and 3) directional signs. He noted the side-panels of the kiosks were designed in such a manner that they could easily be replaced as the information needs to be changed. He then reviewed each of the components in more detail. The system kiosks were typically located at trail heads (Le. the beginning and end of most regional trails), and they provided overview information about the entire regional trail system. No system kiosks were planned for installation in Shorewood. The trail kiosks would be located approximately every two miles along a trail. Trail specific information and an aerial photo were displayed on the kiosk's side-panels. The directional signs were located approximately every mile, and most frequently near a street intersection or major trail intersection. The signs pointed to major destinations and distance to the destination. Mr. Vlaming explained the trail kiosk and a directional sign would be located approximately 90 feet south of the intersection of Smithtown Road and Eureka Road. He commented he did not believe there would be any impact on existing houses. Mayor Love stated the reason Council had requested Mr. Vlaming to review the signage program was because of concern about the amount of signage. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 5 of 13 Mr. Vlaming stated there would be one trail kiosk in the City, and directional signs would be located approximately every mile. Stop signs must be located at every significant road intersection; and the name of the road being crossed was normally found beneath the stop sign. He explained once the trail rules were listed on the trail kiosks, the existing signs displaying the trail rules signs could be removed. In response to a question from Councilmember Lizee, Mr. Vlaming explained the trail kiosk's concrete pad would begin at the edge of the trail's compact crushed limestone, and it would go back approximately eight feet back from the trail's edge. Councilmember Wellens commented he would look at a trail map prior to embarking on the trail; therefore, he did not understand the need for a map on the trail. He suggested it may be more beneficial to mail residents a map of the trails every five years. Councilmember Turgeon commented on the different types and number of signs the City installed. In response to a question from Mayor Love, Mr. Vlaming stated the Park District could coordinate the placement of animal waste dispensers near the trail kiosk with the City to reduce the visual impact. Director Brown agreed that effort could be coordinated. 6. PUBLIC HEARING Administrator Dawson stated the two public hearings scheduled for the evening were related to items that had been considered under the consent agenda. A. Easement Vacation Applicant: Location: Anne and Jack Carter 5705/5725 Smithtown Way Director Nielsen stated Council had approved a resolution for a subdivision and combination of real property for Anne and Jack Carter, 5705 / 5725 Smithtown Way, as part of the consent agenda. The properties had existing drainage and utility easements from previous subdivisions. The rearrangement of the lot lines required new drainage and utility easements to be issued. He explained the simplest way to accomplish the task was to vacate the existing easements and then issue the new easements. He then reviewed a map displaying the existing easements and the proposed easements. He noted the easements would be ten feet around the entire lot line. Nielsen stated Staff recommended vacating the easements with the stipulation the applicant apply for easements for the new subdivision. Seeing no one present wishing to comment on this case, Mayor Love closed the Public Testimony portion of the Public Hearing at 7:43 P.M. Callies moved, Turgeon seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 06-047, "A Resolution Vacating Certain Drainage and Utility Easements for Anne and Jack Carter, 5705 / 5725 Smithtown Way." Motion passed 5/0. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 6 of 13 B. Easement Vacation Applicant: Location: Andrew and Dorothy Meldahl 6180 Cathcart Drive Director Nielsen stated Council had approved a resolution for a minor subdivision for Andrew and Dorothy Meldahl, 6180 Cathcart Drive, as part of the consent agenda. The situation with regard to vacating and issuing easements was similar to that of the Carters. Nielsen stated Staff recommended vacating the easements with the stipulation the applicant apply for easements for the new subdivision. Seeing no one present wishing to comment on this case, Mayor Love closed the Public Testimony portion of the Public Hearing at 7:44 P.M. Wellens moved, Turgeon seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 06-048, "A Resolution Vacating Certain Drainage and Utility Easements for Andrew and Dorothy Meldahl, 6180 Cathcart Drive." Motion passed 5/0. 7. PARKS No report, as the Park Commission will be meeting on July 11,2006. 8. PLANNING No report, as the Planning Commission had not met since the last City Council Meeting. A. Progress Report on Smoke Issue at 24800 Smithtown Road Administrator Dawson stated at the June 26, 2006, Council meeting several residents expressed their concerns about smoke from an outdoor wood furnace boiler used at 24800 Smithtown Road. He noted Council requested follow-up of the residents concerns at this meeting. Dawson eXplained testing of emissions was the responsibility of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Neither the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Health nor the Minnesota Department of Health had jurisdiction over the matter. The State of Minnesota did not have laws preventing the use of that type of wood burner. There was no national system of uniform testing and emissions standards that had been enacted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Dawson stated there had been additional reports of smoke in the air over the last two-week period, and the SLMPD had responded to the complaints. The SLMPD did not find any violation of the City's code with regard to public nuisance. Director Nielsen stated Administrator Dawson and he had met with Mr. Quast, 24800 Smithtown Road, to discuss the situation. Mr. Quast expressed regret that his wood-burning furnace had caused discomfort to his neighbors. Mr. Quast had given considerable thought with regard to how he could make improvements to try and mitigate his neighbors' concerns. Mr. Quast had been in contact with the manufacturer of the wood-burning stove. Mr. Quast intended to: 1) heighten the existing chimney by two or three sections (each section 4 - 5 feet in length) in order to get the smoke further into the air where CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 7 of 13 prevailing winds could better disperse of it; 2) trim tree branches above the stove that may serve as a canopy, trapping smoke and preventing it from moving vertically; and 3) burn wood that was more seasoned (drier) than that which was recommended by the manufacturer, hopefully resulting in less smoke. Nielsen noted greener wood would burn slower than drier wood, but it would also emit more smoke. Nielsen stated Administrator Dawson and he thought Mr. Quast intended to make a good-faith effort to try and resolve the problem. They had advised Mr. Quast that Staff would continue to monitor the situation. The City had sent Mr. Quast one letter telling him of the problem, and another letter which was a follow-up to the meeting with Mr. Quast. Staff informed Mr. Quast it was not qualified to determine whether or not his proposed changes would have a positive impact on the problem. In response to a question from Councilmember Turgeon, Director Nielsen stated greener wood could possibly have a more pungent smell than drier wood, but he was not sure of that. Councilmember Callies questioned if the Planning Commission should review the issue of emissions from wood-burning stoves on a broader scale. Steven Pahl, 24860 Smithtown Road, stated he had researched the type of wood-burning furnace Mr. Quast was using. The information he found was backed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Washington, and the State of Wisconsin. The furnace was UL-approved, and its emissions were registered. He stated manufacturers of similar types of furnaces recommended the furnace be located a distance of 300 - 500 feet from any resident. He explained the information he gathered stated even though the smoke was not seen or smelled, the gases still penetrated into structures. He provided Staff with a copy of the information he had accumulated. Nathan Pahl, 24860 Smithtown Road, stated the smoke made him very sick, and he had missed approximately 50 days of school due to illness caused by breathing the smoke. He then stated certain types of smoke can be poisonous, and it can turn a "good lung to a bad lung". Mayor Love, on behalf of Council, asked the Planning Commission to research current regulations regarding outdoor wood-burners, which should include auxiliary type furnaces similar to the one being discussed. Once that information had been reviewed by Council, it could determine if a study was needed. Council member Callies stated a one-time burn situation should be considered differently than a frequent burn situation. Councilmember Turgeon stated there were strict regulations for recreational fire permits. Mayor Love clarified the follow-up to this problem would be reports of future complaints. Steven Pahl requested Council place a temporary restriction on Mr. Quast's use of the furnace until the all the research about the furnace had been completed. Mayor Love stated Staff had contacted the owner of the stove, and the owner was willing to make changes to try and mitigate the concerns. He also stated residents were encouraged to call in complaints CITY OF SHORE WOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10, 2006 Page 8 of 13 if smoke became an issue. He then stated he would not be in favor of issuing a temporary restriction on the use of the furnace. Councilmember Wellens suggested Staff encourage Mr. Quast to extend his chimney as-soon-as-possible. Administrator Dawson stated Staff advised Mr. Quast to contact the manufacturer regarding the possible extension. Director Nielsen stated Staff would contact Mr. Quast and ask him to make his recommended changes as-soon-as-possible. Nathan Pahl stated he appreciated having the ability to breathe more easily since Mr. Quast had stopped using his furnace. Steven Pahl stated Nathan had not had to use his nebulizer after Mr. Quast quit using his furnace. Prior to that Nathan was using the nebulizer with a great deal of regularity. Mayor Love stated Council and Staff had been researching what rights the City had with regard to this matter over the last month. Staff had also contacted the owner of the furnace regarding the residents concerns. Council had decided not to place a moratorium on the use of the furnace, unless future problems with the use of the furnace could be verified. Shirley Bergslien, 24785 Smithtown Road, stated one evening last week she had to close the doors and windows on her house because of the intensity of the smoke. She waited until the next morning to contact the SLMPD because she did not want to burden them the evening it happened. The SLMPD respondent encouraged her to call 911 the next time smoke became an issue for her. She stated she was pleased to hear Mr. Quast was willing to try and mitigate her concerns. She also appreciated Council's willingness to listen to the residents' concerns. Mayor Love stated Council's and Staff's understanding was Mr. Quast had not used his furnace for the last few weeks. He stated calling 911 was the best way to get an SLMPD officer dispatched to one's home. David Cooley, 24725 Smithtown Road, stated on the evening July 5, 2006, he had to close the windows on his house because of the intense smell of smoke. A few evenings later he again smelled smoke, and he realized the smoke smell was a result of smoke damage from July 5. He called City Hall the following day with regard to the matter. He stated he had not been aware of the situation regarding Mr. Quast's furnace until Steven Pahl had informed him. He then stated his house was located lower than other neighborhood houses, and he was concerned the smoke flowed to the lowest ground level. He would appreciate it if the problem were resolved. He viewed the issue of the smoke disturbance being similar to one of disturbing the peace. He was concerned Mr. Quast's efforts would not have any impact. Mayor Love stated a value to calling the SLMPD was there, and there would also be a record of the complaint. A July 3, 2006, complaint about smoke was traced to a recreational fire on a property on the 25700 block of Smithtown Road. Deborah Pahl, 24860 Smithtown Road, stated her son Nathan was negatively affected by the smoke emissions. His muscular dystrophy was impacted by the smoke. CITY OF SHORE WOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 9 of 13 9. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS A. Review of Preliminary 2007 Budget for Excelsior Fire District Administrator Dawson stated the process for reviewing the Excelsior Fire District draft operating budget for the upcoming year was in its second year of use. The EFD Governing Board had endorsed and forwarded the 2007 draft budget to the member cities' councils for review and comment. The EFD Board would consider the comments at its July 26, 2006, meeting before forwarding the 2007 proposed budget to the city councils for formal action. The city councils would need to act on the proposed budget by September 1,2006. He noted if a simple majority of the councils approved the budget the budget would be put in effect. Dawson explained the budget reflected an 8.59% increase in overall expenses, which included a 15.88% increase in operational expenses. If the 2007 draft budget were compared to the 2006 projected expenses, the 2007 draft budget reflected a 5.74% increase in overall expenses and a 9.39% increase in operational expenses. The EFD Board believed the budget figures more realistically represented what it would take to operate the EFD. He then explained the areas of the majority of the proposed increases. Mayor Love stated the EFD Board 2007 draft budget was more realistic. The Board's review did not find areas that would be appropriate to reduce. Councilmember Turgeon expressed her compliments to Interim Chief George for preparing a more realistic budget. Councilmember Wellens noted that the EFD had existed for five years; and given the significant budgeting errors and variances, he questioned if there were systemic problems in governance that needed to be addressed. Administrator Dawson stated many of the changes are related to the two new buildings, and there was only two years' worth of experience of being fully operational with the buildings. A number of the changes were more recent than five years. Mayor Love stated in the past there had been some micro-management of the budgets by different EFD Boardmembers. The previous fire chief had incurred unrealistic budget pressures. There had been unrealistic amortization of the equipment, which had since been corrected. He then stated the draft budget would support holding the fire chief accountable to managing to the budget. He also stated some of the increase in planned expenditures was a result of more proper coding of the expenditures. In response to a question from Councilmember Callies, Administrator Dawson explained there had been significantly more repairs needed to the boiler system than had been budgeted. Councilmember Turgeon noted a hose dryer had not been installed properly, which resulted in an unbudgeted expense. In response to a question from Councilmember Wellens, Administrator Dawson stated the increase in firefighters' salaries was due to an anticipated increase in the number of firefighters. Mayor Love stated although the draft budget did not reflect it, there had been discussions about ensuring the Relief Association was adequately funded to support the addition of firefighters, and about ensuring adequate funds were available for turnout gear. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10, 2006 Page 10 of 13 It was noted there were approximately 28 firefighters five years ago, and there was a projected number of close to 50 firefighters by 2006 year-end. B. Approval of Compensation Plan Administrator Dawson stated Staff had distributed to Council the average actual salaries of the market positions the City's staff positions were being compared to, per Council's request at its last meeting. He stated at that meeting there had been discussion as to whether the average maximum market wage or the average actual market wage be used for comparison purposes. He then stated it was important to consider internal pay equity amongst the positions to ensure compliance with the Pay Equity Act. He also stated at that meeting Council had agreed to have the wage adjustments begin on July 1, 2006, and for positions requiring significant adjustments the second adjustment would be done effective January 1, 2007. He suggested if Council took action on the compensation plan at the meeting, it would be more appropriate to make the first wage adjustments effective July 10, 2006, which was the start of a pay period. In response to a question from Councilmember Wellens, Administrator Dawson explained the 2005 actual wages were adjusted upward by 3% because the benefits consultant had done so for the market ranges. Councilmember Wellens expressed concern with receiving the requested input at the meeting. He would have preferred to have had time review the information. Councilmember Turgeon stated she did not believe some of the cities the benefits consultant used for the market comparison were similar to Shorewood. She also stated, from her perspective, when determining an average the high-end and low-end numbers were not considered. She then stated a change to the compensation system was to be considered as part of a larger effort, which included a performance evaluation process being fully implemented. She did not support implementing the proposed wage adjustments until the entire effort had been completed. Councilmember Callies stated she had no reason to question the results of benefits consultant's compensation study. She then stated Council had asked for clarification of the study on a number of occasions. She commented the maximum average wage was more of a constant than the actual average wage because it was not possible to factor in tenure into the actual average figures. Councilmember Turgeon stated there were always different variables that make it difficult to do an apples-to-apples comparison. She clarified she was not disputing the Staff's performance. Her issue was the revision to the entire performance evaluation through compensation system process that had been under study for the last five years was not fully completed. The performance evaluation process should be the driver of wage increases. Councilmember Lizee stated the Staff's performance was the impetus for the wage adjustments and new compensation plan. She said Council had asked Staff to prepare a recommendation (which it did), and it had hired a benefits consultant to conduct a study (which it did); therefore, it was appropriate for Council to take action on this matter at the meeting. She stated the Staff exceeded expectations in performance of their job responsibilities and they deserved to be fairly compensated. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10, 2006 Page 11 of 13 Lizee moved, Callies seconded, Approving the Classification and Compensation Plan dated May 31, 2006, as Presented, with the First Wage Adjustment Effective July 10, 2006, and the Second Wage Adjustment Effective January 1, 2007. Motion passed 3/2 with Turgeon and Wellens dissenting. C. Recruitment Services for City Engineer Administrator Dawson stated earlier in 2006 Council had agreed to move forward with a search for an in- house city engineer. The City had an arrangement with WSB & Associates to have one of its engineers work at City Hall on a four-days-a-week schedule, while the City pursued the hiring of a city engineer. The labor market for city engineers remained extremely tight. Staff had twice conducted the conventional recruitment process, to which a limited number of qualified applicants responded. Each time a job offer was extended to an applicant, and each time that applicant withdrew their acceptance of the offer. Dawson stated Staff had requested proposals from two local professional search firms to assist with the effort. Springsted, Inc., had submitted a proposal that offered a variety of service levels that appeared to be very responsive to the City's needs, and its bid was significantly less. He stated Staff recommended Council authorize the services of Springsted, Inc. In response to a question from Councilmember Turgeon, Administrator Dawson stated WSB had agreed to assist the City while it pursued the hiring of a city engineer. He stated WSB had a small staff in the area that Mr. Gurney worked in, and it would prefer longer-term to have its engineer available to work on other projects. Councilmember Lizee stated the City was paying WSB for the cost of a full-time city engineer for working four days a week. She commented on the exceptional job Acting City Engineer Gurney had been doing. She also commented Gurney worked for WSB, not for the City. She stated it was timely to hire a professional search firm to assist in the search for a city engineer. Councilmember Turgeon stated she had not been convinced having an in-house city engineer would be more beneficial than contracting out for those services. She then stated the City residents and Council appreciated working with Acting City Engineer Gurney. She recommended retaining Mr. Gurney's services for as long as the City could. Director Brown stated WSB would continue to provide the City's engineering services as long as it was required, and as long as the WSB partners agreed to do so. But, Staff was concerned about receiving the best value for the dollar for city engineering services. He then stated to find the best available candidate for the position required the focus and connections of a search firm. In response to a question from Councilmember Turgeon, Director Brown explained the City had used every method available to try and attract qualified candidates. Discussion ensued with regard to the benefits of contracting with a search firm. Mayor Love complimented the job Mr. Gurney had been performing for the City. He then stated that WSB was in the business of making money, and there was a significant mark-up for retaining Mr. Gurney's services. He stated it was prudent to bring the services of a city engineer in-house. He noted the department heads consistently exceeded a forty-hour work week. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 12 of 13 Councilmember Wellens stated Council had committed to increasing the Staff's salaries, approving an increase in funding for the EFD and the SLMPD, and there were drainage issues that needed to be resolved. He had concerns with how to fund the increases. Director Burton stated the goal was to manage the 2007 budget to a single-digit increase. Mayor Love stated in the long run there would be a cost savings to bringing the city engineering services in-house. Councilmember Turgeon stated there were costs other than salary and benefits that must be considered. Mr. Gurney had access to other resources in his firm at no cost. Councilmember Callies stated she supported the search for an in-house city engineer that utilized the services of Springsted, Inc. She then stated the City did not own Mr. Gurney's time. She also stated the City did not have to hire any applicant; this was the recruitment phase of the process. Callies moved, Lizee seconded, Authorizing the Services of Springsted, Inc., for the Recruitment of Applicants for the City Engineer position, per Its Proposal of May 25, 2006. Motion passed 3/2 with Turgeon and Wellens dissenting. 10. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS None. 11. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS A. Administrator & Staff Administrator Dawson stated the interview process for the fire chief would occur on July 13th and July 14th. He clarified there would not be a social gathering for council members to meet the candidates as had been originally planned. He stated the interviews with the EFD Board must be public, and the interviews would be conducted starting 5:00 P.M. on July 14th. He stated there were three candidates. Dawson then stated the SLMPD Coordinating Committee was scheduled to meet at 11 :00 A.M. on July 25, 2006, to review the 2007 proposed budget that would be forwarded to the city councils for review and approval. Dawson went on to state there would be a Council work session at 6:00 P.M. on July 24, 2006, to discuss senior services funding for the Southshore Center. B. Mayor & City Council Mayor Love stated the next EFD Board regular meeting was scheduled for July 26, 2006, at the West Side Station. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 10,2006 Page 13 of 13 Discussion ensued with regard to the need to handle the planning and coordination of road closures and rerouting of traffic during an emergency. The discussion came about because of a downed power line forcing traffic to be rerouted from Highway 7 down Radisson Road (a narrow residential street). Mayor Love questioned what the impact was of the increased water demands during the very dry spell. Director Brown stated the City's water system was keeping up with the demand. He also stated the Department of Natural Resources had become more anxious about the City implementing an odd- day/even-day water restriction. 12. ADJOURN Turgeon moved, Callies seconded, Adjourning the Regular City Council Meeting of July 10,2006, at 8:55 P.M. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Christine Freeman, Recorder Woody Love, Mayor