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11-14-11 CC Reg Mtg MinCITY OF SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2011 MINUTES 1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Mayor Lizee called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. A. Roll Call 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. Present. Mayor Lizee; Councilmembers Hotvet, Siakel, Woodruff and Zerby; Attorney Keane; City Administrator Heck; Finance Director DeJong; Planning Director Nielsen; Director of Public Works Brown; and Engineer Landini Absent: None. B. Review Agenda Councilmember Woodruff asked that Item 10.1) Metro Cities Update be added to the agenda. Zerby moved, Woodruff seconded, approving the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5/0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Executive Session Minutes, October 24, 2011 Woodruff moved, Siakel seconded, Approving the City Council Executive Session Minutes of October 24, 2011, as presented. Motion passed 5/0. B. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, October 24, 2011 Zerby moved, Woodruff seconded, Approving the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2011, as presented. Motion passed 510. 3. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Lizee reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda. Zerby requested removal of Item 3C — New tobacco License for discussion. Zerby moved, Hotvet seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent Agenda. A. Approval of the Verified Claims List B. Extension of Deadline to File Plat — Bill Erickson Motion passed 5/0. 4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Mayor Lizee noted that Scouts from Troup 424 were present this evening. They are working on a Citizenship in the Community merit badge. She stated Troop 424 is one of the premier troops in the State of Minnesota. This Troop has a lot of Scouts of various ages. The Scouts have a lot of civic pride. She CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 2 of 10 explained she works with members of Troop 424 Scouts at Art on the Lake. She also works with them at the Friends of the Excelsior Library book sales. Scout Brady Bunkelman stated the Scouts are present to listen to Council discuss issues and to comment on whether or not they agree with Council's perspective. 5. PUBLIC HEARING None. 6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS None. PARKS No report was given because there had not been a Park Commission meeting since the last Council meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2011. 8. PLANNING Commissioner Artist reported on matters considered and actions taken at the November 1, 2011, Planning Commission meeting (as detailed in the minutes of that meeting). A. Draft Variance Amendment Director Nielsen explained that during its September 20, 2011, and October 4, 2011, meetings the Planning Commission held public hearings to consider revisions to the Shorewood Zoning Code regarding granting of variances in order to make the Code consistent with changes in State Statutes. The meeting packet contains a copy of the text amendment. The amendment moves away from the "test of hardship" to the standard of "practical difficulty." The Commission recommends approving the Ordinance. The change gives the City a little more flexibility in granting variances. Mayor Lizde stated the words "or previous property owner" were added to the ordinance language and asked Director Nielsen to explain why that was added. Nielsen explained that in the past the City has had to explain to the current property owner that something done to the property by a previous property owner prohibits the current property from getting a variance. Rather than having to explain that each time the City considers a variance, it was clarified in the Code. He cited a couple of examples of when a previous owner did something that prohibited the current property from getting a variance. Councilmember Zerby stated lie assumes other cities have had similar issues. He asked Director Nielsen if he researched if other cities' ordinances contain the language "or previous property owner." Nielsen responded he had not. Woodruff moved, Siakel seconded, Approving ORDINANCE NO. 485 "An Ordinance Amending the Shorewood Zoning Code as it Pertains to the Granting of Variances." Motion passed 510. 9. ENGINEERING /PUBLIC WORKS None. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 3 of 10 10. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS A. Certification of Delinquent Utility Bills Director DeJong explained it is standard practice for the City to certify unpaid, delinquent utility bills to Hennepin County to be levied against the respective properties for collection the next year. Delinquent accounts and property owners have been notified by mail of the amount due and the fact that the delinquency will be certified if not paid. He noted that "payable in 2011" needs to be changed to "payable in 2012" in the resolution. Councilmember Woodruff stated the interest charged on the delinquent accounts is 8 percent per annum. He asked how that rate was determined, noting the City doesn't earn anywhere close to that amount on its investments. Director DeJong explained that rate is the maximum allowable in statute and that is what the City uses as a standard rate. Woodruff commented that the City may not get reimbursed from the County through the property tax process until June or December of 2012. Therefore, the average the rate would be 6 percent or less. Councilmember Zerby stated he is comfortable with the 8 percent interest rate. Zerby moved, Siakel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO 11 -063 "A Resolution Directing Delinquent Sewer Charges, Storm Water Utility Charges, Water Charges, Recycling Charges, and Dry Hydrant Charges, be Placed on the 2012 Property Tax Rolls" subject to changing "payable in 2011" to "payable in 2012 ". Motion passed 510. B. Discussion to Consider Conducting Town Hall Meetings Administrator Heck stated Councilmember Hotvet asked him if the City has ever held town hall type meetings and if he thought they would be a good idea. Hotvet also asked to put this item on the agenda for Council to discuss. Councilmember Hotvet explained she was more curious about whether or not the City had held town hall meetings and if so how they were received. She stated that type of meeting would provide a good platform for discussing the results of the resident survey. She commented the atmosphere of that type of meeting is more casual than a regular Council meeting. Mayor Liz6e expressed her support for creating more informal paths for residents to communicate with Council. She then stated the response to the survey has been great and there will be a presentation from the company that conducted the survey early in 2012 and stated that after the presentation and discussion a session can be scheduled to present the findings to the residents if that is what Council wants. Councilmember Zerby stated it is important for Council to discuss the format and objectives for that meeting. Councilmember Siakel stated she supports having a town hall type meeting if there is something specific to discuss. They shouldn't automatically be scheduled. Administrator Heck explained that after the consultant makes the presentation to Council, they are willing to come back and facilitate a focus group type meeting on specific issues. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 4 of 10 C. Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Board Representative Appointment Mayor Lizee explained the City is one of 14 cities in the Lake Minnetonka area with a representative on the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) Board. In January, the Council decided it wanted a citizen representative for this Board. Earlier in the evening Council held a special meeting to interview two candidates. The applicants were Mark Sylvester and David Cross. Councilmember Siakel stated she was impressed with both applicants. Councilmember Zerby noted Councilmember Siakel did a wonderful job of representing the City and its residents on an interim basis this year. The City had been seeking residents to apply for the position all year. He stated he was also impressed with the two applicants. Siakel moved, Zerby seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 11 -064 "A Resolution Making the Appointment of Mark Sylvester to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Effective January 1, 2012, through January 31, 2014." Motion passed 5/0. Mayor Lizke thanked Mr. Sylvester, who was in the audience, for offering his time and energy to the City and the LMCD Board. Councilmember Siakel noted she just recently received noticed that a work session is scheduled for November 16, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at Tonka Bay City Hall to discuss the future of aquatic invasive species management for Lake Minnetonka. D. Metro Cities Update Councilmember Woodruff explained Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities will hold their regional meeting on November 17, 2011. Metro Cities has a short business meeting to vote on the legislative policies for 2012. He, Administrator Heck, Director DeJong, Director Brown, and Director Nielsen, served on various committees. Ile stated he is attending the meeting. He asked for Council's direction regarding voting for or against the policies. His intention is to vote for the policies unless someone objects. Mayor Lizde asked Councilmember Woodruff to give Council a brief overview. Woodruff stated he is on the Municipal Revenue and Taxation Committee. Property tax and local government aid are two significant issues. The Committee is recommending the State spend time discussing how the property tax is calculated and the fairness of it. Councilmember Zerby explained he reviewed information about the policies and he thought the policies are fine. He stated he supports Councilmember Woodruff voting in favor of the policies for the City. Administrator Heck highlighted some issues that will be coming up, including public pension reform, property tax and local government aid, and the structure of the Metropolitan Council. E. New Tobacco License Request Applicant: Shorewood Cigars and Tobacco Location: 23710 Highway 7, Shorewood Village Shopping Center Councilmember Zerby requested removal of this item from the consent agenda. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 5 of 10 Councilmember Zerby stated he has two concerns with this license request. He noted that he recently graduated from the very first South Lake Minnetonka Police Department (SLMPD) Citizens Police Academy. He explained during one session the attendees reviewed of the robbery of the Lakeshore Market located in the City of Greenwood. During this session, Greenwood Councilmember Fletcher stated the store carries a large amount of tobacco paraphernalia some of which has some questionable uses. There was question about how that should be addressed. He suggested Council review the City's tobacco ordinance and decide if it should, or can, be modified to address the sale of paraphernalia in the City. He noted the City requires a background check on applicants requesting a tobacco license. He explained he did a Google search on the applicant and he found a couple of things that concern him but he is not sure they are accurate. He stated he would like to hear about the background information offline. Zerby moved, Hotvet seconded, continuing the Shorewood Cigars and Tobacco, Inc., request for a tobacco license for the sate of tobacco products to the November 28, 2011, Council meeting. Motion passed 5/0. 11. OLD BUSINESS A. Domestic Partnership Registry Ordinance Mayor Liz& explained that during its October 10, 2011, and October 24, 2011, meeting Council discussed domestic partnership registry. During the October 24` meeting Council discussed a draft Domestic Partnership Registry Ordinance. Council made some changes to the draft Ordinance. A copy of the revised draft Ordinance is included in the meeting packet along with some sample documents. She asked Council if it had any questions. Councilmember Woodruff commented the revised Ordinance includes the changes Council recommended. He stated he is comfortable that the Ordinance will do what Council thinks it wants to do. He commented that he was pleased to see sample forms. Woodruff moved, Siakel seconded, Approving Ordinance No. 486 "An Ordinance Amending Title 100 of the Shorewood City Code Concerning Domestic Partners." Councilmember Zerby expressed his discomfort with the City taking this role on. He stated he can support this because the State has not taken this on. He asked Council to adopt a resolution urging the State of Minnesota to adopt a domestic partnership registry process. This Ordinance can be retired after the State adopts such a process. Without objection from the maker or seconder, the motion was amended to include directing Staff to prepare a resolution urging the State of Minnesota, the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities to adopt a domestic partnership registry policy for Council to adopt. Motion passed 5/0. Alison Hawkinson 20815 Idlewild Path stated she obtained information from OutFront Minnesota about domestic partnership registry noting it is the one organizing it. She then stated she wanted people to be honest about the purpose of the Ordinance. If it is to help people to visit their partner in the hospital or being eligible for benefits she did not think it would fulfill that purpose. She then stated there hasn't been anything about this published in the Shorewood newsletter to date. She explained she brought this topic up to her neighbor and that individual had no idea what domestic partnership registry is. She asked what the hurry was in adopting this Ordinance. Ms. Hawkinson then stated during the October 24"' Council meeting a representative from OutFront Minnesota had said this ordinance would send the message that the City was a welcoming community. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 6 of 10 She cited an example of when she and her husband were very welcoming to people that moved into the neighborhood, and that her home was a safe home. She stated she doesn't need Council to say she is friendly. Councilmember Woodruff stated he appreciated hearing Ms. Hawkinson's input. He reiterated a comment made by Mayor Lizde during Council's October 10` and October 24` meetings that this topic came up more than a year ago during the candidates forum. A participant asked the candidates what they knew about domestic partner registry. He noted that he did not understand it very well at that time. He noted all Councilmembers with the exception of Councilmember Zerby were present at the forum. He explained the question was submitted from a resident in the audience during the 'forum; OutFront Minnesota had nothing to do with getting the question asked. He noted he is aware of who asked the question. He stated that since the forum OutFront has become aware of cities considering this Ordinance and submitted information in support of these Ordinances. He clarified the Ordinance does whatever someone can make out of it. The City doesn't do anything as a result of approving the Ordinance except to provide a certificate stating the partners have registered and provide information that the partners have registered, and if the partners elect to terminate their relationship there is a termination process to 'follow. The City is not doing or advocating anything. The partnership can be between couples of the opposite sex, same sex or something else. Mayor Liz €e thanked Councilmember Woodruff for his comments and noted they were well said B. Review Draft Dog License Ordinance Amendment Administrator Heck explained the Planning Commission has had the opportunity to provide input about amending the City Code regarding the licensing of dogs, particularly as it relates to the number of dogs allowed per home and the license fee. He clarified Staff is not asking Council to adopt a draft ordinance this evening. He noted that he has spoken with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department ( SLMPD) Community Service Supervisor (CSS) Hohertz about this and Hohertz likes what Staff and the Planning Commission have prepared. Hohertz suggested including an appeal process to the ordinance for when a dog has been designated as potentially dangerous. Hohertz informed him that there is one dog in the City designated as dangerous and a couple of others designated as potentially dangerous. He stated communications between the SLMPD and the City has to be worked out. Heck highlighted the amendment. Provisions have been added for dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs. Additional information has been added about the care of dogs. A provision has been added regarding denying a license to someone who violates certain conditions of the State law. A provision was added to address confinement in a motor vehicle giving an Animal Enforcement Officer the right to enter a vehicle if necessary to remove an animal. Heck explained the Planning Commission recommends that obtaining a license should be easy and low cost or even 'free, and that the license potentially be in effect as long as the dog's rabies vaccination is active which can be up to three years. The Commission also recommends the City impose a hefty 'fine for those residents who do not obtain a license as an incentive to get their dogs licensed. Staff recommends a $65 fine for a dog being at- large, impounded, and unlicensed. Director Nielsen stated the Planning Commission also recommended doing away with the kennel license and limiting the number of dogs in a home to four. Councilmember Woodruff stated he doesn't recollect the Planning Commission reviewing the entire ordinance. It did discuss some pieces of it. He then stated he agrees with a $10 license fee for a one year CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 7 of 10 license and $20 for a two year license, and with the fine being $65. He suggested the tern of the license be a 12 -month or 24 -month period from the date it is issued. Woodruff highlighted a number of other comments he had about the language in the draft ordinance. They are as 'follows. ➢ Section 701.02 Provocation — It doesn't address retractable leashes if another person is in the vicinity of the dog and he thought that should be considered. ➢ Section 701.04 Subd. 6 Denial of license — It should explain that the items referenced are State Statutes. He suggested making it more general because State Statutes change. ➢ Section 701.04 Subd. 8 Dog Ownership Review — It refers to the animal control authority. A definition needs to be added for that authority. And, if it is tire SLMPD then the three words should be capitalized throughout the Ordinance. ➢ Section 701.10 Subd. 4 Redemption by Owner— It refers to Animal Control Agency. If that is the same as the animal control authority it should say that. He noted he brings this up because in the past few years the City has been binned by not including words. ➢ Section 701.11 Subd. 2(a) and 2(b)(1) Rabies in City — It refers to the Health Officer. He asked who that is. ➢ Section 701.11 Subd. 2(b)(2) Rabies in City — It refers to the Administrator. He asked if that should be the City Clerk. Councilmember Zerby asked if Councilmember Woodruff had any other policy comments. Councilmember Hotvet requested the Section 701.11 Destruction of Certain Dogs be clarified A Scout stated he thought he heard someone say that having your dog in a car is illegal and that animal control can break a window to get the dog out. He asked how a person would get their dog from one place to another. Attorney Keane explained that provision is qualified where there is excessive heat and the vehicle is not properly ventilated. Keane stated for example if the windows were closed and it was a hot day and the animal was in threat of danger to its health or life. Those are additional conditions. A second Scout asked if the $65 fine will apply to stray dogs. Administrator Heck explained if the City doesn't know who owns the dog and no one comes to retrieve it from the impound area then the ordinance addresses what to do with the dog. The Scout asked if the dog world have to be licensed before it was taken away. Heck stated the owner would have to do that. Attorney Keane read Section 701.13 Subd. 3(1) Confinement in Motor Vehicle which states "A person must not cause or allow an animal to be placed or confined in a motor vehicle without adequate ventilation when the atmospheric temperature, humidity, and suit rays can be reasonably expected to cause suffering, disability or death. Evidence that the animal is suffering from Beat stress is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section." Councilmember Zerby explained there are quite a few cities nearby (Plymouth, Minnetonka, Brooklyn Center, New Brighton, Falcon Heights and Northfield) that no longer charge a license fee. He stated there is an encumbrance to the City to prepare and issue the licenses. He questioned what value a license adds. He explained the cities noted do require animals to have proper identification so they can be reunited with their owner should they get lost. He clarified he is not suggesting dropping impound fees. They are appropriate because there are costs associated with impounding an animal. The impound fees should be in line with what it costs the SLMPD and the City. He stated he is not sure what percent of dog owners in the City license their dogs regularly. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 8 of 10 Councilmember Woodruff stated it's his recollection that earlier this year Council discussed dog licensing and concluded that the City should continue to license dogs with a primary reason being to ensure residents had their dogs vaccinated for rabies. As part of the license application, the dog owner has to provide proof that their dog has been vaccinated. He asked why there is any discussion about wanting to license dogs. Mayor Lizee noted the SLMPD provides animal control services to the City and the other three member cities in the SLMPD joint powers organization. She commented that animal licensing will most likely come up annually. Administrator Heck explained the cities Councilmember Zerby mentioned don't charge a license fee because they eliminated their dog license provision in their ordinances. He noted the City of Golden Valley considered eliminating its provision but chose not to because a dog has to be licensed to be in a particular dog park located in the City of Minneapolis. He explained the City's cost associated with licensing of dogs is to prepare the paper work and purchase license tags. He noted that the dog tag the City has now has an expiration date stamped on it. A decision could be made to have a tag that doesn't have the date on it. He stated the $20 fee may be more than the City needs to recover for issuing a license. If the City were to raise the fee, it could potentially discourage even more residents from licensing their dog. He noted that it isn't any more work for Staff to issue a two -year license than it does a one -year license. He stated Staff will come back with a revised document and a recommendation on what the license fee should be. Councilmember Zerby stated the City of Minnetrista's Ordinance states dogs have to be properly licensed but it does not say a dog has to have a City issued license tag. He apologized to Councilmember Woodruff for bringing up the topic of licensing again. He explained he continually tries to find ways to get government out of people's hair. If Council can eliminate one less burden on residents without affecting the City then he wants to do that. He stated he is fine with leaving this alone. Councilmember Woodruff stated there is inexpensive equipment the City could purchase to stamp the expiration date on the license tag. Councilmember Zerby stated they could be color coded by month similar to license tabs. Administrator Heck stated this will be placed on Council's December 12, 2011, meeting agenda for consideration. A third Scout asked what branch of government is in charge of dog rules for example. Administrator Heck explained cities and counties can license animals such as dogs. For things such as pet stores and kennels the State licenses them. Attorney Keane explained there is a set of State regulations for dangerous animals that require registration. If any animal has caused great bodily harm to a human being then under State law that animal may be designated as dangerous and that carries a great deal of additional responsibility for its owner. A fourth Scout how much it costs to have a RFID chip implanted. Mayor Lizee stated that is done by a veterinarian and the chip is inserted under the animal's skin. Attorney Keane stated he recently had that done for one of his animals and it cost $34 plus registration. Councilmember Woodruff commented the chip stays with the animal and it can be read by animal control authorities, noting there is no legal requirement for an owner to have a chip implanted in their animal. Heck clarified a dangerous dog must have a chip. A fifth Scout asked what branch of local government would hold a town hall meeting. Mayor Lizee responded City Council would discuss the reason for having a meeting and then select a date for holding CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 9 of 10 it. She explained Council meetings are video recorded for future viewing on television or the internet, and minutes of the meeting are written and they can be found on the City's website. If Council wants to hold a town hall meeting it would be published in the City's newsletter, it would be noticed on the City's website, it would be talked about during Council meetings, and paper notices would be put up at City Hall. Councilmember Woodruff explained the City doesn't have branches of government like the state and federal governments do. The City has a Council and a staff. He reviewed the organization structure of the City. That information can be found on the City's website. He explained the City contracts for public safety services. He stated the City Administrator actually calls the meeting. Mayor Liz6e stated people can come to City Hall and ask to get in touch with Councilmembers or that can be done through the City's website. 12. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS A. Administrator and Staff Administrator Heck explained the Excelsior Fire Department (ETD) is going to conduct a live -burn training exercise at the City -owned property located at 24620 Smithtown Road on November 26 The Chanhassen and Eden Prairie Fire Departments will also participate in that training exercise. The Departments are very grateful to the Council for having the opportunity to conduct such valuable training. Councilmember Zerby noted he spoke with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department (SLMPD) Chief Litsey about this house and Litsey indicated that the SLMPD could also potentially do some training there before the live -burn event. Heck then explained the City has received over 500 survey responses back from the residents and that amounts to an approximate 45 percent response rate. The cutoff date for returning surveys is November 18 "'. He attended the first CityCampMN unconference session on November 12' Some of the breakout sessions he attended were not that valuable. One session he attended was excellent. As a result of that session, he is going to meet with representatives from StepFirm which is based out of the United Kingdom. The meeting is scheduled for November 15 "'. That company has been working with local governments in the UK for the last 10 — 15 years on web based applications. He noted he will be attending an ETD Board meeting on November 16'", the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities Annual Meeting scheduled for November 17 "', and that lie and Mayor Liz6e will be meeting with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District on November 16 th . Heck noted he received an email from a City resident complaining that the new City identification signs are too large. He explained there are requirements for the size of lettering. The size of the lettering on the new signs is significantly larger than what is required. The required size is 6 inches for capital letters; the capital letters on the new signs are 11 inches. The required size for lower case letters is at least 4.5 inches. There is also more spacing between the phrases than there needs to be. The size of the new sign is 4 feet by 6 feet. The size of the existing signs along Highway 7 is 2 feet by 6.5 feet. He also noted the State of Minnesota considers the words "A South Lake Community" on the signs advertising. Therefore, it is not allowed on signs along Highway 7. The only thing allowed on those signs is the name of the city and the population. He stated the City could make an appeal to the Department of Transportation for having the tag line on the signs. Staff is going to design a sign that fits on a 3 -foot tall frame. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 14, 2011 Page 10 of 10 Fleck explained the eight new signs cost approximately $1,800. He related that Director Brown told him that the Public Works Department has a large amount of scrap metal that it will recycle and get paid for. The amount it will receive should pay for the cost of new signs. He stated that for the next Council meeting Staff will have life size mockups for Council to look at. IIe then stated he, Director Brown, Director Nielsen and Engineer Landini met earlier in the day to discuss the various options. Director Nielsen stated this past weekend was the third weekend of the 2011 deer harvesting effort. The bow hunters took eight more deer bringing the year -to -date harvested total to 27. That is more than in past years. He noted there is at least one more weekend this year. Director Brown explained during a previous Council meeting there was discussion about the intersection at the Yellowstone Trail and Glencoe Road. Staff has received a draft report but it does not address the driveway sight distance issue. It did address the intersection and traffic calming aspects. The report has been sent back to WSB & Associates with comments. That should be available for the November 28` Council meeting. Mayor Liz& thanked Brown for doing that. B. Mayor and City Council Councilmember Hotvet stated Wal -Mart proposed to build a Super Wal -Mart in Chanhassen at the corner of Highway 5 and Powers Boulevard. As of today, 1094 residents expressed their opposition to this project. The Chanhassen City Council will vote on this during its November 28` meeting. Councilmember Zerby expressed his pleasure with how the sign size issue will be resolved. The new sign was much larger than he expected. He thanked Staff for finding a solution, noting things like this happen. He stated he attended an Excelsior Fire District Board work session on November 2 °a . The purpose of that work session was to discuss the Excelsior Firefighters Relief Association (EFRA) pension program funding. He explained one of the issues discussed was how to minimize the funding impact of mandatory contributions to the EFRA fund for pensions. He noted when the second station was built; the fund had to absorb the increased firefighters without a contribution from the EFD member cities. Prior to the severe downturn in the financial markets, the EFRA was able to sustain the liability through its investments. He stated he attended the CityCampMN unconference seminar on November 12` Mayor Liz6e stated the Mimtehaha Creek Watershed District annual heroes' banquet will be held on November 17` She then stated she will be attending an amoral luncheon for Senior Community Services on November 18`'. She noted the South Shore Senior Partners put on a wonderful Veterans Day program and luncheon on November I I t ". 13. ADJOURN Zerby moved, Woodruff seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of November 14, 2011, at 8:37 P.M. Motion passed P.M. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Christine Freeman, Recorder El Christine Lizee, Mayor Administrator /Clerk