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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 01/19/2008 - Special APPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION SATURDAY,JANUARY 19, 2008 OLYMPIC HILLS GOLF CLUB 8:30 A.M. —2:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Jon Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Parks & Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, and Recorder Lorene McWaters I. REVIEW OF VISION, MISSION, KEY OBJECTIVES AND CORE VALUES Facilitator Richard Fursman led the group through a review of the vision, mission, objectives and core beliefs the City Council developed as part of their strategic planning in 2003 (see below). The Council agreed on retaining the existing statements, and adding two items to the list of core beliefs. (Council and staff comments appear in italics.) Vision Eden Prairie is a vibrant city characterized by the thoughtful integration of natural beauty and physical development that creates a highly desirable place for its residents and businesses. Mission Eden Prairie's city government will foster respect for the past,plan for the future, and deliver high quality public services that contribute to a strong sense of community Key Objectives 1. The City will preserve and enhance Eden Prairie's high quality of life. 2. The City will deliver high quality public services effectively and efficiently. 3. The City will create and promote a positive community identity. 4. The City will manage its resources responsibly. Core Beliefs We believe in . . . • the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Minnesota • the Codes and Ordinances of the City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota • representative and participatory local government • the value of public service,both paid and voluntary • adherence to high ethical standards of behavior civility and mutual respect • the value of diversity in all aspects of our organization This statement embodies the belief that the City has room for all kinds of people, including all ages and ethnicities. • anticipating the needs of our citizens and planning to meet those needs • careful evaluation of the fiscal implication of our public policy decisions Council Members made a number of comments on the meaning of this statement, including: • Policies put in place by the Council have fiscal consequences • Council decisions affect standards of development • The word "evaluation" encompasses everything from holding workshops and meeting discussions to soliciting resident input—but not micromanaging • Weighing needs versus wants • the responsibility of government to inform citizens of its actions • innovation in government with a preference for incrementalism over quantum change Dietz said the term "incremental innovation" was gleaned from a survey of residents a number of years ago and incorporated into the Council's list of core beliefs. Council comments on this statement included: • Planning for things that may not require immediate implementation • the principle of sustainability when making public policy decisions • The ability to pay for new things over time • strategic partnerships with other public or private organizations that will enable the City to accomplish its mission • recognizing the distinct roles that different levels of government occupy, and respecting their unique ability to provide the services they are empowered to deliver The suggested additions to Core Beliefs are: • Honor and respect for our natural and cultural history. • The value of volunteerism through non-government organizations that contribute to the community's quality of life. II. BUDGET ADVISORY COMMISSION'S ROLE AND FUTURE Facilitator Richard Fursman used a discussion technique called appreciative inquiry to begin the discussion of the Budget Advisory Commission's role and future. Fursman asked the Council Members to make two lists related to the Budget Advisory Commission—what worked and what is the ideal. What Worked • The BAC members evaluated the budget within the context of their areas of expertise • Different experiences and backgrounds allowed commissioners to look at the budget from different perspectives • BAC members made good recommendations within their areas of expertise • The BAC had fresh and thought-provoking ideas • The BAC provided seven extra sets of eyes to review the budget • Made the budget process more transparent • Enhanced the process by raising issues for dialog The Ideal • Perform long-range research on specific budget issues and what has or hasn't worked for other cities • Provide CIP budget analysis There was discussion about the BAC's role this year, since this is an "off'year in the two-year budget cycle. The BAC's role,relative to other commissions, was discussed. There was general agreement that all commissions are advisory and recommendations of each commission are made directly to the City Council. III. FUTURE DIRECTION The group reviewed the status of key issues identified during the Spring 2007 Council Planning Session. Service Levels Implementation of the new sidewalk snow removal ordinance will be reviewed at the end of this winter. Transportation The need to address connectivity and congestion were added to this category. Jeremiah said a bus circulator operates during the week, but a greater area of coverage and weekend coverage are needed. Transition The group discussed how revenue streams will change as the City's demographics change. The City expects to see income from permitting fees increase with construction of multi-family dwellings; however, there will be fewer new park improvement funds as properties are redeveloped. The City is asking developers of high density areas to provide on-site amenities, especially where the City will be unable to collect park dedication fees. Changing graphics The City has met goals set by the Met Council for rental housing but not for ownership housing. Chief Esbensen asked if it is possible to set up a program for volunteer firefighters to receive consideration of their service when applying for affordable housing. Staff will look into this matter. Community Environment/Town Center/Streetscapes The possibility of reviewing exterior design guidelines for commercial buildings was raised. There is also interest in encouraging construction of"green" or LEED-certified buildings. A streetscape stakeholder meeting is scheduled for January 31. So far, staff has heard several different messages regarding how much the City may be willing to contribute to the project. The Budget Advisory Commission has suggested that the City contribute no more than $400,000 per project. Currently, $500,000 per year is set aside in the CIP budget for the work. The Council has also discussed a 20-25% City participation level.