[00:00] **Unidentified Speaker:** Do you have a pen? I didn't check. No, I'm giving that to Ellen. No, what am I supposed to do with these flowers up there? [00:05] **Unidentified Speaker:** Oh, that's super nice behind you. I know. [00:08] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Okay, after the approval of gender, then I'll just invite you up. This is gonna—we'll get it all figured out here. [00:15] **Unidentified Speaker:** All the cops are here. Well wishes, that's nice. The chief is here. Why don’t I—I think there's more stuff going on. I better get my glasses out again. That was left on that—everyone has one of the deals out where it... yeah, but I gotta come back in January. You're stuck with one more full-time. One more full-time. [00:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Ten to ten minutes max. You know that would be easy-peasy. Would you like to have the drink for you wherever you want to go after that? Well, Mr. Bean will be going with me, so you know we will wave at you as we go out the door in January. Wow, this is—we have no problems. Okay, well all right. Got everybody here? All right, I'm going to call... are we ready? Are they for me? They weren't for me. Good grief! [Laughter] He knows us too well. With that, I will call the meeting to order. The clerk will take roll. All will be noted. Would you stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? [01:10] **Group:** 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. [01:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Next is approval of the minutes of the November 23rd meeting. Council Member Edberg, you had corrections? [01:35] **Council Member Edberg:** Yes, Madame Mayor, thank you. I just had the clerk distribute at the dais some suggested changes all on pages two and three. And there's one tiny one on page five, looking under 9a paragraph 2, where it says "but never a vote on whether the city wants the project." I suggest "wants" is the wrong verb; I would suggest "supports" or "approves of" or something else, but my suggestion is "supports." Moving down two paragraphs, next to the last line: "these numbers will help determine whether or not to award 500 million." I'd like to make it clear that it's not the City of White Bear Lake, so to insert either "Met Council" or the "Department of Transportation," whichever you would—whatever folks would. On the next page, paragraph five, it's simply to remove "its council member Walsh believes municipal consent vote to be within limits," take out "shared." And in the next paragraph, the vote was on the amendment, not on the amended resolution. [02:35] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Okay. So with those corrections, are there any others? If not, I would entertain a motion to approve the minutes. [02:40] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [02:41] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [02:42] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [02:43] **Council:** Aye. [02:44] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Opposed? Motion—oh, thank you, that's right, you were absent, as was I. Next is the approval of the agenda. Miss Hiniker, I believe you had something you wanted to move? [02:50] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Yes, Mayor, members of the Council. If we could, under Public Hearings, you'll note item B is a resolution approving the position and classification plan. That was an oversight, so if it needs to instead be moved under New Business, so that would be 9c. So we'll just put that in a different section of the agenda. [03:10] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Okay, so noted. With that, do I have a motion to approve the agenda? [03:15] **Council Member Bean:** So moved. [03:16] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. [03:17] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. [03:18] **Council:** Aye. [03:19] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Opposed? Motion carries. Moving on to visitors and presentations. I keep looking at you... yeah. [03:25] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Well, I guess I'll maybe introduce them because they're really here on behalf of you, Mayor Emerson. We have both Representatives Wazlawik and Fischer here, and they have a proclamation from the Minnesota House of Representatives here in honor of your tenure and your service to the community. So I'm going to read this House resolution. This is a House resolution congratulating Mayor Jo Emerson of White Bear Lake on her retirement. Whereas, Jo Emerson has been the Mayor of White Bear Lake for 12 years, serving three terms as Mayor; and whereas, Jo was born in Saint Paul into an army family who moved all over the country during Jo's childhood, in 1988 she finally settled in White Bear Lake with her husband Sam; and whereas, Jo had dreamed of putting down roots in a city with a strong sense of community and White Bear Lake was the perfect place. Jo quickly became involved with local organizations, joining the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Board, the City Environmental Advisory Board, and the City Variance Board before moving on to the Planning Commission; and whereas, Jo ran for and won the Mayor's seat in 2009 at the urging of family and friends who saw her love for White Bear Lake; and whereas, Jo was a very involved and hands-on Mayor, going above and beyond her official duties to participate in the Citizens Police Academy, ride along with the city street sweepers, take part in Fire Department training exercises, visit senior centers and attend numerous events at the local schools, all to better understand and connect with the people who work and live in the community; and whereas, during her tenure as Mayor, Jo also served as the President of the Minnesota Mayors Association and as President of the League of Minnesota Cities; and whereas, as Mayor, Jo prioritized preserving the city's history, supporting education and housing initiatives, improving the city's finances and infrastructure, making the city a more welcoming inclusive place, as well as championing many municipal environmental initiatives focused on water conservation, reducing the city's environmental footprint, and participating in the Climate Smart Municipalities initiative which paired White Bear Lake and Lüdenscheid, Germany to exchange ideas and environmental innovations; and whereas, some of Jo's favorite memories as Mayor include riding in the LaFrance fire truck at the annual 4th of July parade, laying the ceremonial wreath at the annual Veterans Day event, and helping the city break the Guinness World Record for the largest ice cream sundae; and whereas, Jo's tireless work as Mayor demonstrates her love for White Bear Lake and her dedication to making the city a welcoming and great place to live. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the Minnesota House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that it commends Mayor Jo Emerson on her outstanding service to the city and extends its best wishes to her in her retirement. [06:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Thank you. That's lovely. [06:35] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** And we have a few other folks who would like to make some comments as well. They're going to come up next. [06:40] **Mayor Carol Mueller:** Hi, I'm Carol Mueller. I'm the Mayor of Mounds View, Minnesota, and I'm here to speak on behalf of a couple of different organizations. I'm actually going to change things up a little bit and I'm going to focus on Doug—Doug Bean first. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher was not able to come this evening, he had—who knows what came up, lots going on in the city—but he wanted me to speak to both Jo and Doug. And Doug, I'm going to start with you. You have dedicated over 25 years of your life to law enforcement in your desire to serve. You've also served this community and served it very well. I had the pleasure of getting to know you through involvement in Ramsey County League of Local Government, of which you were the president for several terms. And on behalf of that organization and also the Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee that will be losing a vital member, we want to say God bless you and thank you for your service and remember to keep in touch. You're free as a bird! Thank you. Congratulations. [07:45] **Mayor Carol Mueller:** A side note on that: the Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee was so excited when White Bear Lake joined the dispatch center—the 9-1-1 emergency communications center. Through working with Doug and Jo, we had an advocate to help us initiate a pilot program where Ramsey County could speak with Anoka County and Washington County to make sure that they're on the same frequency and have the same opportunity to hear the calls going on. Doug was instrumental in explaining how vital that program was. And personally, I want to thank you, Doug, for that, because you put yourself out there not knowing what kind of support there would be, and I think you found the support to be unanimous. So thank you for that. And Jo, you also advocated for the city of White Bear Lake to join the emergency communications center in Ramsey County. God bless you for that. [08:45] **Mayor Carol Mueller:** Just a few things I wanted to say. I had the pleasure of meeting Jo at a League of Minnesota training conference, then again at a Ramsey County League event, then at a League of Minnesota Cities conference. Every time I saw her, she had red on. So I said to her the fourth time, "Wow, that must be your favorite color." She said, "No, well, it's my favorite color." And I wear red in honor of you tonight, Jo. Congratulations to you. I appreciate so much the wisdom and guidance, mentorship, and support that you have not only bestowed upon me but so many other women elected and appointed in city government. So thank you for that. I will vacate the podium now and I'm inviting Lisa Iverson, the Mayor of Wyoming, forward. [09:40] **Mayor Lisa Iverson:** Good evening Mayor Emerson and City Council. My name is Lisa Iverson, I'm the Mayor of the City of Wyoming. I'm also the President of the Minnesota Mayors Association for this year. I would like to say just congratulations on what a great job you have done for this city. I have followed you for the last five years. You are actually the reason why I ran for the Minnesota Mayors Association. I've enjoyed seeing you at all of the League of Minnesota events and always would listen to what you had to say because your leadership and mentorship has been felt around so many different mayors and actually city council members. So with that, I would like to say congratulations. I'll be watching on how this transition happens because someday I'm going to be right there with you. So I wish you the best. Thank you. [Applause] [10:30] **Desiree Crane:** Hi and good evening Madame Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Desiree Crane, I'm the Secretary of Minnesota Women in City Government, and I wanted to reach out and say thank you, Jo, for all your years of service with Minnesota Women in City Government. I want to run because you're right in the seat, so I'm hoping to run sometime next year for the city of St. Paul—we'll see if that happens, that's kind of tough—but I just wanted to say thank you on behalf and also I want to say thank you for being a mentor as well. Thank you so much. [11:10] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** How am I supposed to get through this meeting? [Laughter] [11:15] **Council Member Doug Bean:** There might be a few more people. If I could, Council, bear with me. So Madame Mayor, you most importantly been my friend over the 12 years. You've showed my daughters how to lead, not just in a city. You've showed everybody that's touched you that glass ceilings don't exist before that was the trendy thing to say. You are a very, very special person and it has been my honor and privilege to learn and also be mentored—"mentored" is a very good word. You are direct but not blunt, you are sweet but not sugary. Well, he knows me! I'm very much so appreciative and say thank you from not only myself but the city. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Dan. [12:15] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Meeting to run... this is not going well! I can't thank you all enough. Luckily, I still get to stay with Women in Government and I can come to the Mayor's things too. I won't lose touch with my friends, which I'm very grateful for. I will miss my friends in the legislature, but I thank them for all the good work they've done and continue to do. I will see you around town. Thank you all so much. Now I'd like to switch the tone. Ms. Hiniker, would you join me down front? I think there are tears... we still are very strong. Well, we have a tradition in the city and here is "The Bear," and it's going to be my privilege to give it to my friend and City Manager, Ellen Hiniker. It's been a privilege when we—the Council—when we selected you, we knew you would do great things and you did. And now we look forward to the next chapter in your life and all the excitement it brings. I believe your son and your husband are here; they'd like to come up while I present the bear to you. We could do that. Step up here a little bit so that everybody's got it. So yeah, but with that, my friend, thank you. [Applause] [14:00] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Also have a tradition when one of our special clients decides to move away, and we do some pretty decent sleuthing sometimes to try and figure out how long you've been employed at a city. Well, it seems like you came and went and came and went and came and went and you finally came home in 2006, and you've stayed home in White Bear Lake since then. This time of year you think about all the blessings that you have, and I count you as a blessing to have been able to work with you, especially in the last five years as you've worked as a City Manager. I so appreciate your professionalism and your compassion, especially through this last 20 months in the pandemic. It's apparent that you love the city and you love the citizens and I'm going to miss you so much. Look at that! We have—we have Ehlers—back in the olden days before data went up literally into the cloud, when bonds were issued they were paper bonds and they had the little coupons on the end and you had to go turn them in to get your money from your interest. So this is a facsimile of those old-fashioned bonds. When our special folks move on, we give them this little commemorative bond and it is an unlimited amount of interest and it's to its unlimited distinguished characteristics of quality. The registered owner is Ellen the City Manager, and we hereby certify that we are indebted to the registered owner... or if you want to transfer to someone else, you're welcome to! [Laughter] Says right here she can. In recognition of your 15-plus years of service, most recently as a City Manager at the City of White Bear Lake, and your dedication to public service. Ellen has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism, integrity, creativity, humor, and sound judgment. She has served as a role model to countless fellow employees, council members, and other professionals and citizens. We are very happy that she's kept coming home to White Bear Lake and stayed. She truly will be missed. In witness thereof, this departing bond is executed with the signatures of Ehlers and I've signed it and Stacy signed it... and at the bottom is my favorite part where it says "Bond Voyages!" [Laughter] [16:45] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** I'm not going to say very much because we have a really long meeting ahead of us, but I just a couple of quick things. Wow, thank you. That's amazing. So that made me cry before the meeting started. Tremendous staff—so you have a great organization. This is why I'm not doing any parties because it gets too emotional. To my family, they bear witness to our work, right? There were times where they had to bear witness to some tough days. I appreciate all that you've done to support me through the years. And to Council, I'm not going to say very much; you know in my heart where I'm at with all of you. Really happy for my next adventure, but I will really miss working with all of you. What an amazing Council—your professionalism among your differences that arise naturally—and thank goodness, because who wants a Council that all thinks the same? That is just something that I talk about with all the other managers I'm connected with. I've been so proud to work with you. So thank you. But we have a meeting to do right now! So thank you. [Applause] [18:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Well, I guess we can move on to—well, this is something very near and dear to my heart. There's a great group up there. [18:35] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Yes, I will introduce them. Thank you all for being here tonight, all our officers in the back, it's wonderful to see you. We are very fortunate to have the best police department in the state along with the best fire department. Thank you all, appreciate it so much, and please stay safe out there. So Mayor and members of the Council, you can see on your screen here we have some members of the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Task Force. Welcome, everyone. The Mayor appointed this 18-member task force back in February of 2021 to develop a narrative around what it means to be a welcoming and inclusive community. The task force has done a lot of work through conversations with community members, a survey, and conversations on race. They will be reporting in February, on February 8th. Tonight is just in honor of and to thank Mayor Jo Emerson for setting up this task force. We have three of our task force members who are online; they're going to share some thoughts. I think we're starting with Steve, and then we're going to Ellen and Samantha. [20:30] **Steve Kelly (Task Force):** Good evening Madame Mayor, Council members, and neighbors. My name is Stephen Kelly. I moved to White Bear Lake in 2014. It's been my pleasure to be a part of this task force. I believe this task force continues to be timely as our community is undergoing a tremendous amount of change. I see myself as reflective of that change. New neighbors bring new ways of thinking and doing, and that diversity is a good thing. The task force works to cultivate authentic channels of communication to connect friends and neighbors. This intentional work will ultimately prove beneficial to our city. I want to pass the mic over to my fellow task force member Ellen Guerilla. [21:40] **Ellen Guerilla (Task Force):** Hi everyone, my name is Ellen Guerilla. I live by Birch Lake. There's a tremendous opportunity to strengthen connections with the youth of our community through the schools. They have great energy and fresh ideas. In fostering these connections, we're teaching them how the city works and introducing them to new channels for positive change. I'm going to pass it over to Samantha. [22:15] **Samantha Gunderson (Task Force):** Good evening everyone, my name is Samantha Gunderson. I was born and raised and currently reside in White Bear Lake. It's been an absolute honor to serve on this task force. Our work has really focused on engaging the community as our partners. We've gained valuable insight which will be represented in our report in February. There's not really a one-stop answer, but rather a continuum to strive to be the best we can be. We look forward to sharing this work in February. [23:10] **Barbara (Facilitator):** I've been serving as a facilitator for this process and it has been an honor to see the level of commitment. Mayor, thank you for your vision in talking with and listening to the people of White Bear Lake. I think you'll find that the work of this group will leave you with fantastic ideas. [23:40] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Thank you all so much. [Applause] I'll look forward to hearing it even though I won't be up here. All right, next on our agenda is the Wellhead Protection Plan. Mr. Copy, it's all yours. [23:55] **Paul Copy (Public Works Director):** Thank you Madame Mayor, members of the Council. This Wellhead Protection Plan update is required through Minnesota rules. Part one is a vulnerability assessment, basically doing a model. We hired a consultant, WSP, to do the modeling. It then goes into a second phase where we assess the vulnerability and management. Before you here is John Oswald, he's with the Minnesota Department of Health, who will go through a brief presentation. [24:30] **John Oswald (MN Dept. of Health):** So I was actually with WSP when this project started. Wellhead protection is to prevent contaminants from entering public water supply. The requirement is that a science-based approach be used to protect drinking water sources. This is an amendment required every 10 years. In this area, we know groundwater flow is generally from the northeast to the southwest. There are extensive areas of clay and shale over those aquifers that provide a good amount of protection. Once we have the wellhead protection area delineated, we run a line around it called the DWISMA (Drinking Water Supply Management Area). The geology is studied to identify vulnerability. This data is then used for Part 2 to look at contaminants and activities at the surface. That's all I have. [27:40] **Council Member Edberg:** Thank you Madame Mayor. Mr. Oswald, in the report four out of our five wells were identified as being vulnerable. What does our active part of protection look like? [28:00] **John Oswald (MN Dept. of Health):** It pretty much looks like keeping track of what's going on in the ground. They're listed as vulnerable primarily because there was tritium in the water, which is an indicator that water is slightly younger—from the atomic age—but it still could be 50 years before that gets to your wells. It's not saying they're actually vulnerable to anything in the immediate future. We also make sure well casings are tight. [28:50] **Council Member Edberg:** Is there any new information regarding the volume of water or rate at which it moves northeast to southwest? [29:05] **John Oswald (MN Dept. of Health):** No, the high capacity wells were included in the model and their pumping rates were updated, but anything else is beyond the scope of this. [29:20] **Council Member Walsh:** Thank you Madame Mayor. For Mr. Copy—remind us, we have five wells. How many are we using and do we test the ones we aren't using? [29:35] **Paul Copy (Public Works Director):** We're currently pumping with four wells. One is mothballed. The four primary wells are routinely run and tested. [29:50] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Well, thank you very much. All right, moving on to item number five, which is the Truth and Taxation hearing. [30:00] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Thank you Mayor, members of the Council. I have a presentation. Back in September, the Council adopted a preliminary tax levy of $8,080,000. Our budgeting process begins in January. In March, we review the Capital Improvement Plan and 10-year financial plan. In May and June, departments work on operational budgets. Tonight is the Truth and Taxation public hearing. The city has many funds, but tonight we're talking primarily about the General Fund, which provides funding for police, fire, planning, and general government. It takes up about 24% of our entire city budget, which is proposed at $52.9 million. Property taxes support about 55% of the General Fund. Police is the most significant portion of expenditures. For 2021 revised budget, we have about $358,000 more in revenues than budgeted, primarily due to rental inspections and franchise fees. Expenditures were reduced by $217,000 due to staffing turnover and vacancies. For 2022, we are looking at an $8,080,000 tax levy. This includes an increase to support debt service and fire department staffing—we're adding two additional staff members to the fire department. [38:15] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Regarding property tax impact: your taxes are dependent on your property value and the city’s tax rate. For 2022, a median-valued home ($260,300) would see a city property tax bill of $547. Market values in White Bear increased by 2.4% for residential properties. We broke down the costs per month for the median homeowner: $3.65 for snow removal, $18.25 for police, $4.11 for fire, and $2.74 for parks. Regarding the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), we cannot use it to supplant the tax levy, but we have allocated it toward revenue replacement and equipment. With that, I'll open it up to the public hearing. [45:10] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** I would open up the Truth and Taxation hearing. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak? Seeing no one, I will close the public hearing. Bring it back to the Council. [45:30] **Council Member Walsh:** Madame Mayor, we've spent a lot of time on this budget. I thought the presentation was really good. [45:45] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Why don’t I start with the first resolution: adopting the revised 2021 budget and proposed 2022 budget. [45:55] **Council Member Bean:** So moved. [45:56] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. [45:58] **Council Member Bean:** I just want to thank staff for all the work. They make it very easy for us to read and understand. I believe our city has done a fantastic job of getting things done without wasting money. [46:30] **Council Member Edberg:** I want to put a marker down that we made a decision to start correcting the way we finance the engineering department. We made a $200,000 decision but there is more work to be done. We ended up with a net gain of $600,000 in the revised budget, so we should continue plugging away at that engineering issue next year. [47:10] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [47:11] **Council:** Aye. [47:12] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Opposed? Motion carries. Resolution adopting the 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022? [47:20] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [47:21] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [47:22] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [47:23] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Resolution committing fund balances for specific purposes? [47:30] **Council Member Edberg:** So moved. [47:31] **Council Member Bean:** Second. [47:32] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [47:33] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Resolution authorizing city contributions towards employee and volunteer recognition? [47:40] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [47:41] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [47:42] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [47:43] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Finally, resolution authorizing city involvement in promoting business and cultural activities? [47:50] **Council Member Bean:** So moved. [47:51] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. [47:52] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [47:53] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Staff and department heads, thank you for this long process. Moving on to General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds. [48:15] **Kerri Kinswater (Finance Director):** Good evening Madame Mayor, members of the Council. The city plans to issue bonds to finance the public safety facility renovation project. Tonight the City Council is hosting a public hearing. Once approved, this creates a 30-day period for a reverse referendum. The resolution sets the maximum amount of bonds at $14,315,000. This is preliminary approval; Council will formalize the action once project bids are opened in 2022. [49:50] **Council Member Edberg:** Ms. Kinswater, there is an additional contingency in the recommendation. Is that required or are we just being prudent because we can't increase the value later? [50:15] **Kerri Kinswater (Finance Director):** It's a contingency we've added knowing where the market has been, to be conservative. I'll look to Shelly from Ehlers for current bond information. [50:35] **Shelly Eldridge (Ehlers):** Madame Mayor, Council Member Edberg. We are not seeing a lot of movement in the bond market. We have a 50 basis point cushion. Not knowing what the Fed is going to do, that was our best estimate. [51:15] **Council Member Edberg:** What interest rate have we been projecting? [51:25] **Kerri Kinswater (Finance Director):** I believe we were looking at about 2.5% for 25 years. [51:35] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Any other questions? If not, I will open this to the public. Seeing none, I will close the public hearing. Do I have a motion? [51:50] **Council Member Walsh:** Move to approve. [51:51] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [51:52] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [51:53] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Moving on to Unfinished Business: resolution reaffirming denial of the 5th Avenue vacation. [52:15] **Troy Gilchrist (City Attorney):** Thank you Madame Mayor and Council. This concerns a right-of-way dedicated in 1883. In 1977, the City Council intended to vacate a northern portion but not the southern portion. They recorded the wrong resolution at the county recorder’s office. They accidentally recorded the resolution for the southern portion. The City Attorney at the time typed an affidavit indicating the error. I have concluded that the southern portion of 5th Avenue remains a public right-of-way. The proposed vacation before you is for all but the "street end" portions to allow access to properties to the west. [54:30] **Council Member Walsh:** I don't agree with the resolution strategy. I believe everything in the resolution is true, but I don't think it's necessary to "reaffirm" something that didn't happen in the 70s. I think your memo is sound. We should just send the memo to the Planning Commission and Ramsey County to fix their records. I'm worried passing a resolution is "protesting too much." [56:15] **Council Member Edberg:** I think there is value in giving guidance to the Planning Commission. But the issue of what development is happening to the west is not ripe for our discussion tonight. I also haven't seen the case made for why we should or should not vacate these specific street ends. I'm not ready to act tonight. [58:00] **Council Member Walsh:** We don't need a resolution to communicate with our own Planning Commission. And we don't typically vacate the ends of streets. [59:00] **Troy Gilchrist (City Attorney):** To be clear, the Council affirmatively acted not to vacate in 1977. Vacating requires a 4/5ths vote. Clarifying the stance now in a resolution may have come through a recommendation from the County to clean up the problem. [1:00:15] **Council Member Jones:** I will concur with both Walsh and Edberg. I don't want to take action because the memo makes it very clear that the land was not vacated. [1:01:00] **Council Member Edberg:** I move to table this resolution. [1:01:10] **Council Member Walsh:** Second. [1:01:15] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [1:01:16] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Moving on to 7a: Second reading of an ordinance to allow billboards. [1:01:30] **Anne Kane (Planning Director):** This request is from Division 25 LLC, the developer of the Pillars. It would allow billboards, including dynamic billboards, in commercial, industrial, and public zoning districts. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended this. We've clarified that visible supporting poles must be encased in architectural treatment. [1:03:00] **Council Member Walsh:** What is the vision? Would they contract with Clear Channel? [1:03:15] **Anne Kane (Planning Director):** Yes, they will probably speak with a variety of outdoor display companies. [1:03:30] **Council Member Walsh:** Regarding the architectural treatment—are we restrictive on that? [1:03:45] **Anne Kane (Planning Director):** We could tell them if we want it to be fancy, but we've got the most beautiful water tower in the state right next to it. [1:04:30] **Council Member Edberg:** I move approval of the ordinance. [1:04:35] **Council Member Bean:** Second. [1:04:40] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [1:04:41] **Council:** Aye. Motion carries. Summary resolution? [1:04:50] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [1:04:51] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [1:04:52] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [1:04:53] **Council:** Aye. Moving on to 7b: Second reading of an ordinance setting the 2022 fee schedule. [1:05:10] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** We are establishing fees for 2022, making some adjustments upward and some downward. I'll open it to the public hearing. [1:05:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Seeing no one, I will close the public hearing. Motion to approve? [1:05:40] **Council Member Bean:** Move to approve. [1:05:41] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. [1:05:42] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All those in favor say aye. [1:05:43] **Council:** Aye. Summary resolution? [1:05:50] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [1:05:51] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [1:05:52] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. Land use consent agenda? [1:06:00] **Council Member Bean:** Move approval. [1:06:01] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. [1:06:02] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. New business 9a: Contract with Northeast Youth and Family Services. [1:06:15] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** This is for our 2022 funding allocation at $52,443 and for a shared mental health caseworker. [1:06:40] **Council Member Walsh:** I'll move approval. Second? [1:06:45] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [1:06:47] **Council Member Walsh:** I think the discussion of mental health and policing is the future and we were ahead of it. [1:07:05] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. 9b: Contract with Central Square Technologies for records management. [1:07:20] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** We're changing vendors for our records management system within the police department. Upfront costs are higher, but ongoing costs are less. [1:07:45] **Council Member Edberg:** Move to approve. [1:07:46] **Council Member Bean:** Second. [1:07:47] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. 9c: 2022 Position Classification and Compensation Plan. [1:08:00] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** Recommending salary table adjustment of 3% in January and 1% in July. We are also undergoing a new salary study starting tomorrow. [1:08:25] **Council Member Walsh:** Move to approve. [1:08:26] **Council Member Jones:** Second. [1:08:27] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. At 9:02 I will recess the meeting for the purpose of the HRA. [1:09:02] **HRA Chair (Bill Paxton):** I will call the HRA into session at 9:02. The clerk will note roll. First item is approval of January 12, 2021 minutes. [1:09:15] **HRA Member:** Move approval. [1:09:16] **HRA Member:** Second. All in favor say aye. [1:09:20] **HRA Chair (Bill Paxton):** Resolution not waiving monetary limits on municipal tort liability? [1:09:30] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** If we waive the limits, it opens up the HRA to higher claims. I recommend staying with the statutory limit. [1:09:50] **HRA Member:** Move to approve. [1:09:51] **HRA Member:** Second. All in favor say aye. [1:10:00] **Council Member Edberg:** Mr. Chair, I want to congratulate you on a full year of meritorious service. Your compensation is zero, but we should give you a thousand percent raise! Thank you for your service. [1:10:20] **HRA Chair (Bill Paxton):** Motion to adjourn. Second. We are adjourned at 9:05. [1:10:30] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** All right, we're back in session. Consent agenda? [1:10:35] **Council Member Bean:** Move to approve. [1:10:36] **Council Member Edberg:** Second. All favor say aye. [1:10:45] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Communications from the City Manager? [1:10:50] **Ellen Hiniker (City Manager):** We all seem tired and it’s only 9:05. Please come 15 minutes early in January for the group photo. It’s been my absolute pleasure to serve you all. [1:11:15] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** It’s been our pleasure to have you. I always felt protected between the attorney and the manager. We've had our differences, but nobody ever stomped out mad. I wish you all good things, Ellen. Staff, you rock. Motion to adjourn? [1:11:45] **Council Member Walsh:** So moved. [1:11:46] **Council Member Bean:** Second. [1:11:47] **Mayor Jo Emerson:** Favor say aye. Motion carries. Mr. Bean and I will be back in January for 10 minutes. Haven’t got rid of us yet!