Loading...
2011-01-13 City Council minutes-Special MtgJanuary 13, 2011 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Special Meeting Held Thursday, January 13, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Duggan, Petschel, and Vitelli. AGENDA ADOPTION Cotmeilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda as presented. Ayes: 4 Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: 0 PRE- INTERVIEW AND In preparation for the interviews of eight applicants for the ORGANIZATIONAL PHASE vacant city council seat filling the remainder of the newly CITY COUNCIL elected mayor's term Mayor Krebsbach explained the SEAT CANDIDATES questions proposed and agreed upon by council. The questions consisted of the following: 1) Please tell us about yourself. 2) What skills do you bring that will fit the needs of the City Council in the next two years? 3) Please tell us one strength and weakness of the City of Mendota Heights. 4) Please share any closing comments you would like us to consider in our decision making process. Mayor Kxebsbach reviewed the process and stressed the importance of keeping the interviews to the allotted 15- minute time frames which City Administrator McKnight would monitor. Mayor Krebsbach added that council would have time after all of the interviews were concluded to discuss the interviews and the applicants but the actual nominations and voting would occur at the Tuesday, January 18, 2011 regular city cow -icil meeting. Council discussed the interviews and raised questions on the fairness of the process if other applicants were allowed to attend candidate interviews. Council discussed the open January 13, 2011 Page 2 meeting law and its application in this matter. Councilmember Duggan moved to have only the interviewee in during the interview and not allow other candidates to observe. Ayes: Duggan, Petschel Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: Vitelli, Krebsbach Motion denied.. Council discussed the content of the questions and offered additional questions which were agreed could be utilized time permitting. Council agreed upon a rotation system in the asking of applicant questions. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 5:13 p.m. TERRY SCHWARTZ Terry Schwartz was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Schwartz stated he has lived in Mendota Heights for one year and finds similarities to his hometown of Sandstone, Minnesota where he was raised on a farm. He is currently employed as a corporate manager at Bailey's Nursery, where he has worked for over 38 years and ciu•rently has 30 people reporting to him. Mr. Schwartz explained his lalowledge includes water rights, statutes, ground water, soil, fertilization and environmental issues. Mr. Schwartz expounded his expertise in plants, his experience in development of a major watershed and understanding of complicated residential laws would fit the needs of the council well. Mr. Schwartz began that sometimes your strength can also be your weakness as he sees the small size of the city as one of its strengths in that the size gives council and staff a greater ability to oversee and regulate the workings of the city which in his opinion has been very successful. In contrast, Mr. Schwartz explained that he could also see the smaller size of the city as a wealaiess and working against us in the way of having to balance the budget in the current economy with possible reductions and cuts. In closing, Mr. Schwartz shared he would like council to consider in their decision making process his business experience which includes professional writings, knowledge of regulations and nationwide lecturing experience. In response to council inquiry, Mr. Schwartz continued if he was appointed and looking back he would January 13, 2011 Page 3 be most proud of helping council in the decision making process based on his knowledge and experience. In answer to additional council inquiry, Mr. Schwartz explained that in dealing with Emerald Ash Borer his solution would be preemptive cutting because in his view you can fight it and fight it but you will not save the trees. The council thanked Mr. Terry Schwartz for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 5:22 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 5:25 p.m. ANSIS VIKSNINS Ansis Viksnins was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Viksnins stated he is 47 years old and has lived in Mendota Heights for 16 years, the age of his oldest daughter. He continued they moved to the city from Minneapolis because it was more conducive to raising a family. Mr. Viksnins, the son of Latvian immigrants, grew up in Chicago, attended St. Olaf College and Cornell Law School and has been practicing law for 22 years. Mr. Viksnins explained his legal training and experience in addition to his analytical skills would benefit and fit the needs of the council well. He continued his expertise would prove helpfiil in proposing new ordinances that require legal analysis and his fair, open minded and deliberate decision making style would compliment working together as a group. Mr. Viksnins identified one of the strengths of Mendota Heights as the city government being very efficient, cost effective and well run. He continued it provides the best level of service for the least amount of money and rtuzs on a no frills budget. Mr. Viksnins explained the lack of amenities in the city such as groceries may be considered a weakness but it may be weighed out by the close proximity of amenities in the area surrounding the city providing for a comfortable and safe place to live. In closing, Mr. Viksnins shared he would like council to consider in their decision making process the active leadership role he would play and his past and continued January 13, 2011 Page 4 service and care for his community. He continued he has been a deacon at his church for six years, is active in school parent groups, is active in communities at work, and has served many years on the planning commission. Mr. Viksnins wish is to give back to his community. After inquiry from the council on how Mr. Viksnins, if appointed, would help achieve harmony in the neighborhoods with respect to the plaza project, he responded understanding the builder's idea of not creating another Village Mr. Viksnins proposed finding harmony and continuity meeting in the middle of the Village and Strip Mall concepts. The council thanked Mr. Ansis Viksnins for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 5:34 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 5:37 p.m. JILL SMITH Jill Smith was introduced to council and staff. Ms. Smith stated she has been a resident of Mendota Heights for 22 years and worked in corporate real estate with 3M for 19 years responsible for most of the Twin Cities sites. Ms. Smith continued she has extensive experience with Met Council, CSP and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. She further stated she has a master's degree in corporate real estate and an undergraduate degree in education and eight years of experience on the city council. Ms. Smith explained she has two grown sons and is now retired therefore has both the time and the energy to continue her service. Ms. Smith explained her business background has included dealing with issues in difficult economic times and her real estate experience and strong technical background coupled her understanding of funding would fit well with the council's needs. She expounded on her work in advising the Transportation Advisory Board and her work, on the Parks and Recreation Commission. In addition, Ms. Smith stated she would be of value in real estate improvements, fmding opportunities and partnering in achieving goals. Ms. Smith concluded the question with the comments we live in a unique city, she loves living here and would like to January 13, 2011 Page 5 bring her love of the city forward and share in a common vision in which we each bring something strong and unique to. Ms. Smith explained the city of Mendota Heights appeal was its vitality and its attractiveness to the residents. She continued the city has much to offer in excellent basic city services, beautiful parks, lovely developments and a range of products available throughout the city. Ms. Smith offered the city does not have many weaknesses but that it must guard against potential weaknesses, seen possibly as outside forces in transportation issues, the Delaware issue and stated we must continue to be vigilant about airport noise and be advocates for our citizens. In closing, Ms. Smith shared she would like council to consider in their decision making process her commitment, her knowledge and her finger on the pulse of how people want the city to be. She continued with regard to restaurants and groceries, the city can have some influence and she maintains a good understanding of the needs and wants of the citizens. After inquiry from council, Ms. Smith stated her term on the Transportation Advisory Board expired on December 31, 2010 but she has indicated an interest in continuing service. In response to council inquiry, Ms. Smith stated that if appointed and looking back in the fixture she would be most proud of helping to establish a safe crossing at Highway 110 and Dodd Road, maintaining the budget and managing the city within its means, maintaining excellent basic services, developing shopping centers and maintaining public safety. The council thanked Ms. Jill Smith for her time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 5:46 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 5:52 p.m. MIKE POVOLNY Mike Povolny was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Povolny explained most know him through his experience on the Airport Relations Commission, Traffic Safety and the Plamling Commission which he currently chairs and expounded on his genuine like and care for the January 13, 2011 Page 6 city. Mr. Povolny added he grew up in St. Paul, attended Cretin High School and St. Paul Technical College for welding. He stated he began an x -ray and ultrasonic business in his father's garage with $150.00 and now has twenty employees in a successfid business including such well known clients as Minneapolis light rail, Hastings Bridge, several St. Paul stadiums and Arizona stadiums among others. Mr. Povolny outlined his broad mechanical background including engineering, designing, overseeing financials and advised he was a car guy and liked to build hot rods. Mr. Povolny has been married for 27 years and has two children, 26 and 13 years of age. Mr. Povolny explained his mechanical background with regard to civil projects and purchasing would serve the needs of the council well. In addition he continued his plarming, traffic and airport relations experience and his entrepreneurial spirit were of significant value. Mr. Povolny maintained his broad knowledge of the city and his need to be involved as key. Mr. Povolny stated he started with nothing 35 years ago and now believes he has done most of the things that people who have gone to college have and is proud of his accomplishments. Mr. Povolny explained the major strength of the city is that it consists of a lot of good people doing a good job including a great council and he expounded on the importance of the controlled tax base. Mr. Povolny added he is honored to be a part of it and welcomes this new opportunity. Mr. Povolny was taxed to think of a wealasess of the city and stated he could not think of any but would say the airport noise continues to require management. In closing, Mr. Povolny shared he would like council to consider in their decision making process his abilities and knowledge in helping and advising on city projects. He continued that he applied for Airport Relations Commission and got it, applied for Planning Commission and got it and now he is applying for city council and we shall see, but he explained he has done a good job in his service and felt he would be an asset to the city council. Mr. Povolny added it is hard to win here, people run hard, work hard and all the campaigns are positive. January 13, 2011 Page 7 The council thanked Mr. Mike Povolny for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 6:01 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 6:04 p.m. SALLY LORBERBAUM Sally Lorberbaum was introduced to council and staff. Ms. Lorberbaum explained her business skills and finance expertise fit the needs of the council well. In addition, she stated her strategic thir-icing and her ability to take the abstract to concrete was key. Ms. Lorberbaum continued people often tell her they feel heard in their dealings with her. Ms. Lorberbaum shared a story from her planning commission experience when she turned down a request not once, but twice only for the requester to continue to support her. When Ms. Lorberbauun inquired as to why she continued to have their support, they stated she was fair, followed the process and they felt considered and heard. She added her ability to hear the community is of value to the council. Ms. Lorberbaum explained the strength of the city was in its unique personality and graciousness. She added that what works everywhere else is not for us, we are not everywhere else, we are unique and we need to maintain our history and continuity because she sees it as a huge strength. Ms. Lorberbaum continued although having people here a long time can be a strength it can also be perceived as a weakness and it is important to attract new blood and new voices which can be a great asset In closing, Ms. Lorberbaum shared she would like council to consider in their decision making process why she feels she is the best candidate for the council seat. Ms. Lorberbaum continued she is the total package and stated her experience, support from constituents and tight connection with the community would be helpful and aid in all she has to contribute. In response to council inquiry regarding how she would help encourage business growth, Ms. Lorberbaum stated some businesses say that we are not business friendly in our city and she would work to create a liaison, an involvement with the community and January 13, 2011 Page 8 businesses, encouraging participation, partnerships and sponsorship. The council thanked Ms. Lorberbaum for her time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 6:16 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 6:17 p.m. MATT SCHAEFER Matt Schaefer was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Schaefer explained he has been a resident of Mendota Heights for the past seven years and currently works for CHS, Incorporated as a financial accountant. He added he moved to the city from West St. Paul but was raised in St Peter, Mimzesota and is married with two children, ages 16 and four. Mr. Schaefer continued he has always felt a sense of civic duty and when this opportunity arose he wanted to offer his help to the city. Mr. Schaefer stated his ability in running numbers and his skills in writing would fit the needs of the council well. Mr. Schaefer added his expertise in breaking down issues and proposals from a financial and analytical perspective would be key. Mr. Schaefer explained a strength of the city as the pride shown in many ways, as the website states, close to big city with a small town feel. He expounded that this sense of pride brings people here and keeps them here and brings businesses here and keeps them here and people take pride in their community. Mr. Schaefer continued in contrast, recognizing that although we desire to keep the small town feel, we do need to grow and expand the city's service offerings. In closing, Mr. Schaefer shared he would like council to consider in their decision malting process his younger than average age versus current and past council members as a benefit. He continued many young people are moving into the city and having a young person on the council would encourage others. In addition, Mr. Schaefer recognized the many well qualified candidates and reiterated his willingness to help and contribute. In response to council January 13, 2011 Page 9 inquiry about his preparation for the interview, Mr. Schaefer explained he drew from past interview experiences in addition to researching the city council and past meeting minutes. The council thanked Mr. Matt Schaefer for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 6:27 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 6:38 p.m. JOHN COLEMAN John Coleman was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Coleman stated he has lived in Mendota Heights for the past two months with his wife and grew up in St. Anthony Village. He continued he attended the University of St. Thomas where he received a BA in Accounting. Mr. Coleman added he is currently employed as a senior accountant with United Healthcare. Mr. Coleman expounded he loves the area, the neighbors and no traffic issues. Mr. Coleman explained his leadership skills and ability to bring people together would fit the needs of the council well. He added his expertise in finding solutions to problems coupled with his background in finance would be an additional asset in city budget work and all financial matters. Mr. Coleman believed one of the city's strengths to be the genuine and warm welcome they received as new residents to the community. He explained it was the type of tight knit place where you could borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor and in fact his neighbor had already asked him for help with the snow in his driveway. Mr. Coleman stated in his short time here he had yet to observe a weakness in the city. In closing, Mr. Coleman shared he would like council to consider in their decision making process his background in finance and his eagerness to work with the budget. He continued he would be an asset in answering questions with regard to purchasing and expenditures in addition to offering leadership, bringing together and finding solutions January 13, 2011 Page 10 that will benefit everyone. Mr. Coleman stated it is one of his goals to become more involved in community and he would give his full attention to the council. In response to council inquiry of what he would do with a $600,000 revenue shortfall, Mr. Coleman explained he would review the complete history and determine the root cause of the problem and would make cuts and lower funding accordingly without hurting public service and the last thing he would consider would be a raise or levy in taxes. The council thanked Mr. John Coleman for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 6:48 p.m. INTERVIEW: Interview began at 6:56 p.m. JAMEEL QIBLAWI Jameel Qiblawi was introduced to council and staff. Mr. Qiblawi graduated from University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering and is currently employed by 3M as a project engineer /manager. Mr. Qiblawi continued that in his search for the right place to live in the region, he considered factors such as opportunities for employment and a warm and welcoming environment and chose Mendota Heights. He added he has always had an interest in civic duty and after a conversation with Coiincilmember Duggan at his door while canvassing last fall, Mr. Qiblawi decided to take this opportunity to join in public service and help Mendota Heights to grow. Mr. Qiblawi is married, has a young daughter and has lived in Mendota Heights for the past two years. Mr. Qiblawi explained his experience as a project engineer and in project management and his analytical skills would fit the needs of the council well. He expounded his ability to see the finer details and also the 10,000 foot view along with his corporate experience would translate well and be a compliment to the rest of the group. In addition in his researching the council biographies he felt his technology experience may bring a fresh perspective to the council. Mr. Qiblawi saw strength in Mendota Height's schools, parks and roadways in addition to the many community January 13, 2011 Page 11 activities and the thought and processes that go into creating a great community like this. He further stated weaknesses could be framed as opportunities and there is opportunity in bringing a more progressive stance with regard to wireless possibilities in the schools and attracting business to fill vacancies at the Village. In closing, Mr. Qiblawi shared he would like council to consider in their decision making process his unique background and his ability to provide a fresh and new perspective to the council with his technical and family business background which he felt was in contrast to the legal and government experience of others. He continued he chose, set roots, invested and would like to see this community thrive. Mr. Qiblawi expounded with do right for yourself and do right for others. In response to council inquiry with regard to patents, Mr. Qiblawi explained he did have some patents pending but his main interest was in sales. The council thanked Mr. Jameel Qiblawi for his time and interest in serving the city in the capacity of city council and explained the decision would be made at the January 18, 2011 regular city council meeting next week. Interview concluded at 7:12 p.m. DISCUSSION Discussion began at 7:12 p.m. Council began the discussion in agreement they were very pleased with the quality of the applicants and that all of the eight candidates would do a good job. Council was impressed and proud of the very talented pool of applicants and made note to put applicants not already involved in a follow up file for future commissions and other opportunities. Council discussed the process and agreed to make the final nomination at the regular city council meeting held on January 18, 2011. Council made the decision to narrow down the eight candidates at tonight's meeting. After council discussion of the candidates, deliberation and consensus, Councilmember Duggan moved to place the four candidates not previously involved in city government in a future pool. January 13, 2011 Page 12 Ayes: 4 Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: 0 Council determined the four remaining candidates to be considered for the vacant city council seat as Sally Lorberbaum, Jill Smith, Mike Povolny and Ansis Viksnins. Councilmember Vitelli stated it was difficult to determine which path to take in considering the four applicants as the two candidates, Smith and Lorberbaum, whom both ran for office were both well qualified and offered much in the way of experience and the two candidates serving on the commissions were both very talented, Viksnins, highly educated with a legal background and Povolny with great enthusiasm and superior intelligence. Councilmember Petschel stated she felt we should let the residents make this choice and was leaning towards and felt the two who ran for office should be considered as their experience and confidence would be beneficial. Councilmember Petschel stated she remained open to the other candidates as well. Mayor Krebsbach stated it was important to look at who would best be able to contribute and to look for an expertise not already on the council such as finance or law. Councilmember Duggan explained we have done fine the past eight years with staff counsel on legal matters and felt the needs of the council would better be served in the way of expertise in Public Works projects especially those involving large purchasing decisions. Councilmember Duggan stated his two top choices for the vacant city council seat were Mike Povolny and Jill Smith. Councilmember Petshel stated her two top choices for the vacant city col -mcil seat were Jill Smith and Mike Povolny. Mayor K.rebsbach stated her two top choices for the vacant city council seat were Ansis Viksnins and Mike Povolny. Councilmember Vitelli moved to narrow the candidates to three from four as follows, Jill Smith, Mike Povolny and Ansis Viksnins. Ayes: 4 Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach formally acknowledged the numerous contributions made by Sally Lorberbaum and touted her many strengths, talents and service to the city. Members of January 13, 2011 Page 13 the Council reiterated the sentiment each stating they looked forward to her continued service to the city. Council reviewed the process for the regular city council meeting held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 as a motion would be made beginning with the mayor and continuing on a seniority basis, if a 3 -1 vote is not achieved after motion made, move on to next councilmember's motion, in the event of a tie vote the mayor will make the appointment. Council reviewed the open meeting law and consensus was made no consultation between tonight's meeting and Tuesday's meeting would be made with regard to the candidates, the interviews or support thereof. Councilmember Duggan inquired as to when the three finalists would be made public. City Administrator McKnight inquired to editor, Danielle Cabot, of Patch.com, who was in attendance at the public meeting, if in fact it already may be public information. Ms. Cabot responded that it would be made public as early as 5:00 a.m. the following morning. City Administrator McKnight stated he would call all applicants and inform them of the final three candidates to advance directly following the conclusion of the tonight's meeting. ADJOURN There being no further business to conduct, Councilmember Vitelli moved to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: 4 Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: 0 Tii Of Adjourmnent 8:00 p.m. fan a Krebsbach Mayor ATTEST: I 1 Sandie Thone City Clerk