This transcript has been formatted with speaker identifications based on the context of the White Bear Lake City Council meeting. Please note that timestamps are estimated based on the progression of the dialogue. **[00:00:00] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Thank you. We're going to call the meeting to order. The clerk will please call the roll. All will be noted, thank you. Will you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? (All: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.) **[00:00:30] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Right, Item 2: Approval of the minutes. I trust everyone's had a chance to look at the minutes. Let's look at Item A: Minutes of the regular City Council meeting from August 23rd. I'd entertain a motion to approve those minutes. **[00:00:45] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** Move to approve. **[00:00:46] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Second. **[00:00:47] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Motion carries, minutes are approved. Item 2B—minutes—abstain? Thank you, one abstention. Item 2B: Minutes of the City Council work session on August 23rd. Are there any corrections to those minutes? Seeing none, I'd entertain a motion to approve. **[00:01:10] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Move to approve. **[00:01:11] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** Second. **[00:01:12] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Any opposed? Any abstentions? (Councilmember: Abstain.) Motion carries, the minutes are approved. I'll just talk quieter so we don't get the feedback. Item 3: Adoption of the agenda. Are there any corrections to the agenda? Seeing none, I'd entertain a motion to adopt the agenda. **[00:01:35] Councilmember Steven Jones:** So moved. **[00:01:36] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Second. **[00:01:37] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I have a motion and a second. All those in favor of approving the agenda say aye. (Council: Aye.) Any opposed? We have an agenda. Item 4: Consent agenda. I'd entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. **[00:01:50] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** So moved. **[00:01:51] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** Second. **[00:01:52] Mayor Dan Lewis:** The motion and the second. All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Any opposed? The consent agenda is adopted. Moving on to Item 5: Visitors and presentations. Tonight we have a proclamation, and this comes by request of the Daughters of the American Revolution. We got a letter from them and I think historically we've done that. So tonight I'm going to read this Proclamation: **[00:02:15] Mayor Dan Lewis:** "Whereas September 17, 2022, marks the 235th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention... now therefore be it resolved, I, Dan Lewis, Mayor of the city of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, do hereby honor this week September 17-23, 2022, as Constitution Week." **[00:02:50] Mayor Dan Lewis:** And with that, we'll move on to Item 5B: Our bi-annual Fire Department report. I understand the Chief has a report for us. Come on up. **[00:03:00] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** Thank you, Mayor, members of Council. I'm looking at Kelly—sorry. All right, so I'm going to give a very brief update. I was here in February, so I'm going to go over this slide basically for the general public just as a reminder of what we do as a fire department. We cover the cities of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Dellwood, Birchwood, and Gem Lake. It’s about 35 square miles and just over 40,000 people. (Chief Peterson continues the report covering call volumes, the 8% increase in service calls, and mutual aid imbalances). **[00:08:15] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Thank you, Chief. Council, any questions for the Chief? Councilmember Walsh. **[00:08:20] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor. On the EMS Mutual Aid slide where you said you're going to curtail and cut back—just the bean counter in me is asking: there's revenue in that, isn't there? I mean, if we run up to Hugo on a mutual aid call, we're going to get the revenue for that predominantly, right? **[00:08:35] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** Potentially. So it depends upon the payer mix and the level of call... we've all come to the conclusion that it's really not mutual aid anymore; it's that we’re part of your service, and yet we’re not getting—like you said—it needs to be reciprocal. Right now, it’s not balanced. **[00:09:10] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Just one more note on that point, sorry Mr. Mayor. It's just a good opportunity to point out for people in the audience and people watching at home... not too many years ago, that slide was inverted and we were the beneficiary of many help calls. The department has turned around quite a bit. Thank you to you and your team. **[00:09:30] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Councilmember Edberg. **[00:09:32] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Chief, so we’ve got a couple of things. This isn't completely an economics issue; there's a human toll that’s taken by our staffing process on our employees. You mentioned some of that—would you care to elaborate? **[00:09:45] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** You are correct. It is very taxing physically and mentally on them... it is not uncommon to ask any of them, and they can tell you exactly the calls they can't forget. (Chief Peterson discusses the mental health impacts and the high divorce rate in the service). **[00:10:45] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** The purpose for asking the question is to look at our staffing process and our staffing numbers. This process isn't going to get cheaper. My question is whether or not it's getting big enough fast enough... to hire properly trained, properly equipped, and pay a new EMS, what are we looking at? What’s a ballpark number per person? **[00:11:15] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** For a full-time person, it’s just over a hundred thousand dollars—benefits, everything. **[00:11:22] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Anyone else on the council? Councilmember Hughes. **[00:11:25] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** Yeah, thanks. You said you were just starting the process of leaving the crew here and not sending them out every time. Have you seen any effect from that? **[00:11:35] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** We have. I've seen an effect. Our neighbors to the south, Maplewood—now they're going where we used to go. It has made a difference already. **[00:12:00] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Anyone else on the Council? Chief, thank you very much. Appreciate it. Keep up the good work. **[00:12:05] Fire Chief Greg Peterson:** Thank you. **[00:12:07] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All right, moving on to Item 6: Public hearings. We have nothing scheduled. Item 7: Unfinished business, nothing scheduled. Which brings us to Item 8A: First reading of an ordinance rezoning the property located at 2228 4th Street. Mr. Lindahl. **[00:12:20] Jason Lindahl (Community Development Director):** Thank you, Mayor, members of the Council. This is the designation review for the property located at 2228 4th Street. (Mr. Lindahl explains the rezoning from Public to a private designation due to a potential property transfer). Both the Planning Commission and staff are recommending that the Council conduct the first reading tonight. **[00:13:30] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Noting this is only the first reading, does Council have any questions, or would we rather reserve it for the second reading? **[00:13:40] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** A clarification—can you go back to the picture with the green? There's a number on there, 4739. Is that the parking? **[00:13:50] Jason Lindahl:** Mayor, members of the Council, those are address numbers generated from the GIS system. Somewhere in the system, it assigns an address of 4739 to that particular property. **[00:14:10] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I'll note for those in the audience taking interest in this, this is only a first reading... we'll move on. Moving on to Item 8B: Sale of the Armory building. Miss Crawford. **[00:14:20] Lindy Crawford (City Manager):** Thank you, Mayor, members of the Council. The City Council will consider entering into a purchase agreement selling the Armory building to the White Bear Lake Historical Society. (Miss Crawford explains the history of the building, the 1996 purchase for $1.00, and the current recommendation to sell it for $1.00 to the Historical Society to maintain it as a History Center). Present tonight is Sarah Hansen, Executive Director of the Historical Society. **[00:17:30] Sarah Hansen (Historical Society Executive Director):** Wonderful. As Ms. Crawford said, I’m Sarah Hansen. I think I know most of you, but it’s a pleasure to be here tonight. (Ms. Hansen gives a presentation on the Historical Society’s growth, strategic planning, and goals for the Armory building, including $500,000 in immediate required investments). **[00:23:45] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Thank you. Council, any questions for Ms. Hansen at this time? **[00:23:50] Councilmember Steven Jones:** Before we get started, just to let the Council, staff, and public know: I am recusing myself from the discussion. I have done this since the beginning... because I am a paid contractor of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. **[00:24:10] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Thank you. Council, any questions for Ms. Hansen? (No response). So, here’s how this is going to go. We do not have a public hearing scheduled for this. Having said that, I know there are those in the audience that have a particular interest... I will hear comment, limited to two minutes. **[00:25:30] Terry Kellerman (Public Speaker):** Hi, I’m Terry Kellerman. My address is 2222 4th Street, basically next door to the Armory. (Mr. Kellerman expresses concerns about parking, a separate house purchase, and a perceived lack of transparency from city staff). **[00:27:10] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I apologize, Mr. Kellerman, I let you go over your time there. We do have the letter from your counsel and I personally read it word for word. Is there anyone else who would like to speak to this issue? (No response). I'm going to bring it back here to the Council for deliberation. **[00:27:35] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to talk a little bit about the price... I just want to go through the logic of the one-dollar exchange. **[00:28:45] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** On the liability side, I don’t know if Ms. Hansen’s numbers are exactly right, but a half-million dollars of improvements... It doesn't seem crazy. I'm going to suggest that building is underwater. From a purely financial analysis, a symbolic one dollar makes sense to me. **[00:32:00] Mayor Dan Lewis:** My stipulation on my support is it's a right of first refusal on the same terms as we sold it to them for, which means if the Historical Society doesn't want it, we have a right to purchase it back for a dollar. **[00:33:15] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** I would move to approve the resolution as amended. **[00:33:30] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** Second. **[00:34:00] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Any opposed? (Councilmember Jones: Abstain.) Motion carries, the resolution passes. **[00:35:00] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Item 8C: Final stage Planned Unit Development, 3636 Hoffman Road. Mr. Lindahl. **[00:35:10] Jason Lindahl:** Thank you, Mayor. The applicant is SRD 2.0 LLC, affiliated with Schaefer Richardson. This is for a 244-unit apartment complex. (Mr. Lindahl details changes since the concept plan, including building height reduction and architectural enhancements). **[00:38:20] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I understand the applicants are here. **[00:38:25] Peter Orth (Applicant, Schaefer Richardson):** My name is Peter Orth, 900 North 3rd Street, Minneapolis. (Mr. Orth discusses the project's design refinement and market demand for housing in White Bear Lake). **[00:40:45] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I would entertain a motion to approve. **[00:40:50] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** So moved. **[00:40:51] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Second. **[00:40:55] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Clerk, please call the roll. **Clerk:** Councilmember Hughes? **Hughes:** Aye. **Clerk:** Councilmember Jones? **Jones:** Aye. **Clerk:** Councilmember Strand? **Strand:** Nay. **Clerk:** Councilmember Walsh? **Walsh:** Aye. **Clerk:** Councilmember Edberg? **Edberg:** Aye. **[00:41:20] Mayor Dan Lewis:** Motion carries. Item 8D: Resolution authorizing solicitation of bids for the Public Safety Facility project. Mr. Kauppi. **[00:41:30] Paul Kauppi (Public Works Director):** Thank you, Mayor. (Mr. Kauppi presents the scope of the project, including fire apparatus bays, squad garages, and the timeline for bidding and construction). Staff's recommendation is to approve final plans and authorize the solicitation of bids. **[00:46:15] Councilmember Steven Jones:** So moved. **[00:46:16] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** Second. **[00:46:20] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Motion passes. Item 8E: Classification and Compensation Study. Mr. Juba, we have Victoria McGrath on Zoom. **[00:46:40] Rick Juba (Assistant City Manager):** Thank you, Mayor. We are joined by Victoria McGrath from McGrath Consulting to go through their findings. **[00:47:00] Dr. Victoria McGrath:** I appreciate the opportunity. (Dr. McGrath presents the results of the compensation study, noting that 46% of benchmark positions are currently out of market and recommending a new 16-step salary schedule). **[00:58:15] Councilmember Dan Edberg:** I have a question regarding the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and what data indicators we are using. **[01:03:00] Councilmember Steven Jones:** I move to approve the study and implementation. **[01:03:05] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** Second. **[01:03:10] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Motion carries. Item 8F: 2023 Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy. Miss Crawford. **[01:03:25] Lindy Crawford:** (Miss Crawford presents the 2023 preliminary budget, highlighting a 23.21% total tax levy increase, driven by the Public Safety Facility debt, the pay plan adjustments, and the loss of Local Government Aid). **[01:10:45] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I'll offer a few thoughts. This increase is shocking, but it’s driven by Public Safety and compensating our employees. There’s not a lot of fat in this budget. **[01:15:20] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** I'll be supporting it. **[01:15:30] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I would entertain a motion to approve the preliminary budget and tax levy. **[01:15:35] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** So moved. **[01:15:36] Councilmember Steven Jones:** Second. **[01:15:40] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) Resolution has passed. Item 9: Discussion—nothing scheduled. Item 10: Communications from the City Manager. **[01:15:55] Lindy Crawford:** Just a few upcoming events... coronation will be downtown, and the final layer of pavement for the street project will be laid this week. That's all I have. **[01:16:30] Mayor Dan Lewis:** I would entertain a motion to adjourn. **[01:16:35] Councilmember Bill Walsh:** So moved. **[01:16:36] Councilmember Kevin Hughes:** Second. **[01:16:40] Mayor Dan Lewis:** All those in favor say aye. (Council: Aye.) We’re adjourned.