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07/12/1999 - 00000600THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF JULY 12, 1999 The Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order by Mayor Jorgenson at 7:36 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Jorgenson led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jorgenson, Councilmember Barnette, Councilmember Billings, Councilmember Wolfe, and Councilmember Bolkcom MENIBERS ABSENT: None PROCLAMATION: Mayor 7orgenson proclaimed the 16t'` Annual National Night Out event as scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 1999. Mayor Jorgenson explained that National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for Fridley to join forces with thousands of other communities for a unique crime prevention night. Mayor Jorgenson stated that it was essential that all citizens of Fridley be aware of the importance of crime prevention programs and the impact of their participation to fight crimes, drugs and violence. Mayor Jorgenson called upon all citizens of Fridley to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3, 1999. Ms. Rosie Griep, Public Safety Projects Coordinator, spoke regarding National Night Out. She introduced three of the Advisory Board members: Marylou and Byron Johnson and Mel Bolin. Ms. Griep explained that they were present to accept the proclamation and also to encourage the citizens of Fridley to be sure to register their neighborhood block party with the Police Department. The deadline for registration is July 23, 1999. The registration forms can be received by calling (612) 572-3638 or stopping at the Police Department. This year's theme will be Lights On Mean Lights Out on crime. Citizens of Fridley are encouraged to leave their lights on all night, particularly the e�terior lights to light up the neighborhood to remove those dark spots that allow criminals the opportunity to commit crimes. Council was invited to join in by visiting the neighborhoods on National Night. Ms. Griep and the Advisory Board members presented the Mayor and Councilmembers with official National Night Out t-shirts. THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meetin� Minutes of June 14, 1999 Councilmember Bolkcom requssted that Item No. 19 be corrected to change the vote on the main motion. She stated that Councilmember Wolfe had voted no on this motion. MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of June 14, 1999 as corrected. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. City Council Meetin� Minutes of June 28, 1999 MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of June 28, 1999 as presented in writing. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA: NEW BUSINESS: 1. RESOLUTION NO. 47-1999 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE $200,000 SUBORDINATED SENIOR HOUSING REVENUE NOTE, SERIES 1999 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS RELATING THERETO BANFILL CROSSING HOMES PROJECT): Mr. Burns, City Manager, explained that this item was for financing of the project known as `Banfill Crossing Homes." The note would be issued to Senior Housing Construction, Inc., and would be payable solely from the projects net operating income. This note would only be paid after the payment of the debt service on the senior bonds. Staff recommended Council's approval. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 47-1999. 2. APPOINTMENTS: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended the appointment of the following individuals: Carolyn Dreyer, Eugene Abel, and Jane Oster as Head Liquor Store Clerks. APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF CAROLYN DREYER, EUGENE ABEL, AND JANE OSTER AS HEAD LIQUOR STORE CLERKS. THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 3. CLAIMS: PAGE 3 APPROVED PAYMENT OF CLAIM NUMBERS 87914 THROUGH 88185. 4. LICENSES: APPROVED LICENSES AS SUBMITTED._ 5. ESTIMATES: APPROVED ESTIMATES AS FOLLOWS: Frederic W. Knaak, Esq. Holstad and Knaak, P.L.C. 3535 Vadnais Center Drive St. Paul, MN 55110 Services Rendered as City Attorney For the Month of June, 1999 Ron Kassa Construction 6005 — 250t'` Street East Elko, MN 55020 $ 5,000.00 1999 Miscellaneous Concrete Curb and Gutter and Sidewalk Project No. 322 Estimate No. 4 Park Construction Co. 7900 Beech Street N.E. Fridley, MN 55432-1795 Riverview Heights Area Improvement Project No. ST. 1999 — 1 Estimate No. 3 $ 2,199.25 $ 311,158.63 Mayor Jorgenson asked if there were any questions from the public on any of the items. No persons in the audience spoke regarding the proposed consent agenda. MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 4 ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Councilmember Billings proposed to add an item to the agenda. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to post the vacancy on the Cable Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the adoption of the agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OPEN FORUM VISITORS: Mr. James Kimber, 221 Mercury Drive N.E., spoke regarding his concern on the proposed utility franchise fee. Mayor 7orgenson explained that his concern could be addressed during the public hearing that would be opening up in the ne�t few minutes. No other persons in the audience spoke during Open Forum. PUBLIC HEARING: 6. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA, AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO INCLUDE A NEW CHAPTER 409, ENTITLED "FRANCHISE FEE:" MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:47 P.M. Mr. Burns, City Manager, explained that the franchise fee was essentially a sales tax on utility bills. It was the City's proposal, not the utility companies proposal. The amount of the franchise fee averages up to $3.00 per month for the average residential utility customer. The industrial customer charge would be a flat fee based on an average bill in the various Northern States Power (NSP) and Minnegasco customer categories. The fees for particular categories are subject to THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 5 limits to ensure that the users in any category do not pay a disproportionately high fee. The THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 6 City was not interested in having a small user pay a disproportionate percentage of their bill to franchise fees. The franchise fees would generate an estimated $716,000 per year for the City. Mr. Burns explained that the City needed the franchise fee to balance the General Fund budget. Since 1994 the City has had a number of new programs due to changing conditions in the City. The franchise fee would help the City pay for two new police officers that were added in 1999. The franchise fee would enable the City to cover the cost of housing inspections, the Fridley Community Center, and the Hayes gymnasium among other expenses. The fee would also offset the impacts of class rate changes in local property taxes. During the past two years the tax capacity rate for all Fridley property has dropped by more than 12 percent. The City is facing a crunch because the City's costs have been going up, and there have only been two small increases in property taxes within the last ten years. The Medtronic project and other recent developments in Fridley have necessitated the additional purchase of firefighting equipment in the future. Councilmember Billings stated that in the proposed franchise legislation, there are unclear definitions for the classification of the housing units. He stated that there should be understandable definitions in the ordinance itself. Mr. Knaak, City Attorney, explained that the reference to the current enforceable agreement that was contained in the proposed ordinance with NSP and Minnegasco was sufficiently specific. Mr. Knaak stated that it was possible to modify the ordinance. As a general rule, it was probably a good idea to reference specifically the agreement but not necessarily to recite specific parts of it. Mr. John Thies, NSP Representative, spoke regarding the definitions. Councilmember Billings stated that he thought the category definitions could be defined more clearly and be more understandable. Mr. Al Swintek, Minnegasco, stated that single family duplexes and quad homes have individual meters. Larger apartment complexes are considered commercial categories. Mr. Swintek stated that the primary obligation of Minnegasco was to make sure that the customers understand where the fees are coming from and how they will impact them. Communication was important, and Mr. Swintek was very appreciative of the City's effort to be very informative with the newsletter. Mr. Burns asked if there would be any harm in attaching the definitions Council received and incorporating them into the ordinance. Mr. Knaak said there would be no harm in being more clear and that attachments to ordinances was a regular practice. Mr. Knaak said there is no harm in being more clear and that attachments to ordinances was a regular practice. THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 7 Mr. John Haluska, 5660 Arthur Street, spoke regarding his concerns about the franchise fee. Mr. Haluska stated that he contacted Mr. Burns, City Manager, on this issue a couple of weeks ago and was surprised on the comment from Mr. Swintek saying that he had worked with Mr. Burns for six months on this issue. Mr. Haluska stated that he asked Mr. Burns via voice mail for the meeting minutes relating to this particular issue. Mr. Haluska stated that Mr. Burns responded via voice mail that there were no meeting minutes because the franchise fee had been developed by City staff. Mr. Haluska stated that he felt there could have been some opportunity to give the public a little better warning during the six months the City had been working on it. Mr. Haluska stated that the franchise fee was a poor response to poor planning. He felt this was a poorly conceived revenue raising mechanism that has been executed poorly. The City was relying on the utility companies to define who was going to pay what and the definitions are unclear for residential or industrial. He stated that he did not like the fact that the City was transferring funds from one taxpayer to another. He indicated that with respect to the hardship rule, he was a great one for charity but he thought it should be up front and clear. He felt that one of the greatest mistakes they are making was using the poverty threshold. He believed that most of the poorer taxpayers in the City of Fridley were probably above that, but they are still struggling. Mr. Haluska indicated that he believed the City was taxing a category he felt was really a necessity and taxing the necessity for general revenue. Mr. Haluska was really surprised that because of the Medtronic development, the taxpayers of the City of Fridley could expect to pay more taxes. He felt that should be a revenue-generating deal, not one that costs the residents money. He said it was wonderful to have Medtronic in Fridley, and the City did a great job of putting that project together, but there should have been more foresight. He also felt that a lot of the different areas of activity the City Manager outlined for revenue are perks and unnecessary. Mr. Haluska stated that the City should stick to those categories of revenue raising where people clearly understand where the money is coming from and where it is going. He felt raising revenue by ta�ng a necessity like power and gas was a big mistake, and he was disappointed by the turnout tonight. He felt it was probably a done deal, and he was probably speaking to closed minds, but he appreciated having the opportunity to speak. He thanked Council. Mayor 7orgenson thanked Mr. Haluska for coming to the meeting. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Burns if there was a previous public hearing regarding the franchise agreement. Mr. Burns stated that the City left that open as a possibility. There was a public hearing and two readings of the franchise ordinance this spring. It was recognized at that time that the franchise fee could be done at a later point in time. The City newsletter also included notice of the franchise fee, and the public hearing scheduled for this evening. Mr. Haluska stated that he was Chairman of the Anoka County Library Board and he has dealt with revenue issues. He said he does not deny that the City was between a rock and a hard place, but this was the wrong response. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Haluska his opinion on how he felt the City should generate THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 8 revenue. Mr. Haluska stated he felt the City could generate revenue by raising property taxes and cutting the City's expenses. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if that does not hurt everyone that owns property. Mr. Haluska stated that it was transparent. People know where the money is coming from, and they know where it is going. The City was taking money from a particular use; electrical power and gas use, and throwing it into the general revenue for a whole lot of different things. It was not clear where it was going. He felt the City was opening the door on sales tax in the City of Fridley. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the City could only implement a sales tax if the State legislature allowed it to. Mr. Haluska stated that having opened the door, the City would put it everywhere they coulc find it. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the tax was ta�ng everyone in the City of Fridley not just those who are paying property taxes. Mr. Haluska stated that he was not interested in ta�ng the school district because he would be ta�ng himself. He was not interested in ta�ng the churches, because that too would be a double tax. Mr. 7ames Kimber, at 221 Mercury Drive, spoke regarding his issues with the franchise fee. He was concerned that it appeared that every time they have an opportunity to see taxes go down, someone finds an opportunity to raise taxes elsewhere. The State legislature was trying to hold down property taxes but at the same time was finding other ways to tax people anyway. He questioned if this was a long-term solution to diversify the tax base. He felt it would be another fi�ture in the taxes, and people will eventually forget about it. He stated that he was unaware the crime rate in the City was increasing, and there was additional need for police officers. He thought the Medtronic project and the further development at 53rd and University Avenues would be additional revenue for the City. He said he was also concerned about the fact that the City was currently spending more than what it was actually taking in. He believed that the City needed to look at where the money was being spent and differentiate between need versus other benefits to Fridley residents. He mentioned that there was recently a bond referendum for education and that this was another thing residents would be paying for. Mr. Kimber thanked Council for their time. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the new developments, including Medtronic, Home Depot and other areas of improvements are within tax increment financing districts. The taxes that the City of Fridley was bringing in from those particular properties are the taxes that were paid pre- development before these changes were made. The new taxes that are being brought in from that development are going to the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority and can actually help to pay off some of the bond issues associated with those projects. She indicated that the City of THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 9 Fridley does not see any increase in those taxing areas until the expiration of the tax increment financing district. She stated that a portion of Medtronic will come off in 2012 and the balance of it in 2025, so it will be a long time off before the City Council would see any generated increases in taxes. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the City's expenses are not remaining static. They continue to go up with the cost of employees and insurance benefits. She stated that the revenues arriving from the State of Minnesota are not going up. She stated that she felt the City needed to stabilize the tax base. She stated that there was not a lot of new development areas where there would be additional moneys coming in. She indicated that Fridley was an older community and was starting to decline. There have been some decreases in different types of crime in the City, as youth have become involved in more programs at the community center and other areas as well. Mr. Kimber asked if the City knew how much the services were being used. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that for example, there are monthly and weekly reports for the drop-off center where the police officers drop off youth picked up for curfew violations. There are kids with problems with social issues, smoking, drinking, kids with nobody at home to take care of them, and kids who are runaways. She said the Police Department spends a lot of time dealing with these problems. Mr. Kimber stated that there was a bigger picture beyond that which he has an issue with. The reason why there is nobody home to supervise these kids is that everybody is always working to try to pay taxes. He also stated that he would like somebody to address the long-term plan for the franchise fee. Mr. Burns stated that in order to approve the franchise fee ordinance, there must be a four-fifths vote of Council. There are limits on the percentage that the City can charge, and they are included in the franchise agreement. Mr. Burns stated that the combination of flat fees and residential percentages may not be any greater than four percent of Fridley revenues. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that there would have to be another public hearing to raise the percentages. Mr. Burns stated that Council was very reluctant to raise revenues of any kind. They have had one property tax increase in the last eight years. Recently, they returned part of the recycling fee because they cut out the redemption center. Mr. Burns stated that he felt Council was looking after the public's interest. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that Council was looking at whether they could decrease the sewer rates also. Mr. Kimber stated that he was not sure if it was the best approach to diversify in this manner. As a resident, he would like to see the property tax go up. THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 10 Mayor Jorgenson stated that the problem with that was if you own a piece of property that was not income driven. The City continually hears from residents who are saying they are retired and on disability income, and do not have the ability to pay additional fees. They request that their property taxes not be raised. The franchise fees are based on needs. If you are a low end user of utility fees, you would pay less. The people who use more would pay more. Mr. Burns stated that the crime rates fluctuate quite a bit. He stated that one of the new police officers was in the middle schools, and one planned to be hired ne�t year would be in the high school. One was also part of an area-wide drug task force. One was working with apartment people in Fridley. Police officers are typically assigned to problem areas the City sees as having particular needs. Mr. Kimbers thanked Council for the clarification. Mayor 7orgenson explained that police officers rotate over two shifts and work a twelve-hour shift per day. They have specific neighborhoods they work in to help resolve issues. Mr. Kimber asked what the long-term plan for the franchise fee was. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the long-term plan for the franchise fee was that it would probably stay there unless they entered into a new franchise agreement with the utility companies. Mr. Burns stated he thought the City would be examining the franchise fees every year while preparing the budget. He said the fee would be evaluated as the expenditures are looked at and a determination made as to whether it was still needed. Mayor Jorgenson asked if the sales tax paid on the cable bill or utility bills or telephone bills that goes to the State of Minnesota goes back to the General Fund. Mr. Knaak stated that the State taxes do go into the General Fund. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she envisioned that what the City would do was to redistribute revenues if they are over and above what the City needs and not just stick it into their pockets and walk away. Mr. Knaak stated that, technically speaking; the franchise fee was not a sales tax. Mr. Tom Determan, Determan Brownie Inc., stated that his 190 employees bring a lot of revenue into the City. He asked if the true value of a property was not taxed until well after the improvements were made. Mayor Jorgenson responded that the true value of the property was not returned by the City. It remains in the Housing and Redevelopment Authority's Tax Increment District. Mr. Determan asked what rate Medtronic would pay if they took two years to build a$100 THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 11 million facility. He asked if they would be taxed right away or after the two years when the building is completed. Mayor Jorgenson stated that Medtronic would be taxed at that rate and the money would go back into the HRA. Mr. Burns stated that some of that money is distributed back into the development for eligible costs associated with that development. Fridley's incentive to have Medtronic build in Fridley was to help them pay for their parking ramp so they would stay in the City. Councilmember Billings stated that the HRA assumed certain costs to make the land costs of that site competitive with the land costs of other cities to encourage growth in Fridley. Mr. Determan stated that the rest of the businesses have to make up the difference. Councilmember Billings stated that essentially the City was not making up the difference. The taxes that the City receives are the same taxes that would be there if the project had not gone in until such time as the HRA would be able to recapture their expenses. After they have done so in the year 2025 there would be (in 1999 dollars sense) about $6 million of taxes per year to be divided between the school district, the county, and the City. In the very short term, until 2025 the City would only see something like $100,000 of that when the property goes back on the tax rolls and then only see $150,000 to $175,000 per year until 2025. One of the expenses was to add another firefighter, not just for Medtronic but for all of the other development that is going on. Mr. Determan stated that the citizens of Fridley would see a lot of the expenses well before 2025. Councilmember Billings stated that there was no guarantee that there are going to be additional expenses that are related directly to City services to Medtronic. Mr. Determan stated that he thought the tax increment financing sounded like a discount to a large corporation to come to Fridley to develop so that in future years Fridley can generate more tax revenue. He stated that there are wide-open opportunities to increase the franchise fee calling it franchise fee fle�bility. Mr. Burns explained that was not what was meant by the term fle�bility. Fle�bility meant if needs are on the horizon the City coulc address the top priorities year to year basis. It does not mean the fee will be raised. Councilmember Bolkcom commented that commercial property keeps all residential property taxes down. Mayor 7orgenson stated that the amount of revenue generated from single family homes in Fridley back to the City would probably be less than what they pay for garbage service. The City has a particularly difficult time trying to obtain the different types of services with all of the costs THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 12 escalating as well. Mr. Determan stated that his company was a welding company that uses a lot of electricity. He did not know what his company was classified as or what his rate would be. Mr. Burns stated that he did not have information on how many kilowatts Mr. Determan's company uses. Mr. Determan stated that he did not have that information with him either, and there was a serious lack of information regarding classifications. Mr. Determan asked why the recycling center was closed. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the recycling center was closed because there were very few people using it, and it was not profitable. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that needed improvements to the recycling center would have cost around $50,000. The building was also deteriorating. Ms. Jan Hammerstrom, 6931 East River Road, stated her concerns were similar to Mr. Determan's. She asked if the percentage fee would go up if the franchise fee was renegotiated. Mayor Jorgenson stated that there was a potential that it could go up, but at the time the franchise fee would be renegotiated, there would have to be a public hearing. Mr. Burns stated that the franchise fee was a twenty-year agreement. Ms. Hammerstrom stated that she understood the City was proposing the franchise fee because they were unable to raise taxes. She asked if the franchise fee would be eliminated after the City is allowed to raise property taxes. Councilmember Billings stated that it was not that the City was unable to raise property taxes. In twelve years property taxes have been raised only twice. The City has been trying to control the budget, and a number of things were eliminated in the last five years. The legislature keeps tinkering with real estate values. Currently, the City has si�ty percent of the value in single family residential homes. Thirty percent is in commercial and industrial. Right now, however, thirty percent of the actual tax collected is single family homes, and si�ty percent is coming from commercial and industrial. The legislature is currently bringing down the rates that commercial and industrial pay and bringing up residential rates. The City was looking at trying to diversify our businesses. The franchise fee was not intended to be an additional tax or a replacement of anything. Ms. Hammerstrom asked if the franchise fee would be reduced or eliminated if property taxes did go up? Councilmember Billings explained that with the use of the franchise fee, the City could better THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 13 control real estate taxes so they would not have to go up by an amount equal to what was being collected on the franchise fee. Councilmember Barnette explained that there was not a sunset clause for the franchise fee. Ms. Hammerstrom asked if the franchise fee money would be going into the general fund. She also asked where the money would come from to pay for burying all of the telephone cables if that would come to pass in the future. Councilmember Barnette stated that he assumed if that happened, the utility company itself would have to bear that cost and do it by raising the telephone rates. That would not affect us. Ms. Hammerstrom thanked Council. Mayor Jorgenson asked if any other members in the audience had any questions. No other members spoke. MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 9:03 P.M. Councilmember Bolkcom asked what would what happen ne�t with the process of the franchise fee. Mr. Burns stated that the franchise fee could be in effect by the middle of October or the November billing. 6A. APPOINTMENT TO THE FRIDLEY CABLE TELEVISION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION: Mayor Jorgenson stated that there were two applications to fill the Cable Television and Telecommunications Advisory Commission vacancy. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to appoint Dianne McKusick to the Cable Television and Telecommunications Advisory Commission. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS: THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 1999 PAGE 14 Councilmember Bolkcom stated with respect to the Craig Way Estates signs issue, the City was still waiting for a response from Mike Daly from Anoka County. Hopefully, before the end of the week, homeowners in the area will receive an information letter regarding the signs. Councilmember Barnette commented that on September 18 there would be a birthday celebration for the City of Fridley at the Fridley Community Center. Ms. Lillian Meyer, League of Women Voters, spoke regarding the SOt'` Anniversary time capsule. Ms. Meyer commented that if anyone wanted to bring anything for the time capsule they could bring it to the Municipal Center or call her at (612) 571-5328. The safe will be sealed for 25 years. The time capsule needs a variety of business cards. Sealed in the safe will also be Fridley telephone books and newspapers, beanie babies, a cellular telephone, and a laptop computer. All of these items will be spread out near the time capsule in September. Ms. Meyer also stated that the Fridley Historical Society Museum Open House will be on Saturday, August 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Included will be the tornado exhibit. Councilmember Wolfe stated that he, his sister, and other family members appreciate all the support they received from Mr. Burns, City staff and members of the Council during the recent illness and death of his father. ADJOURN: MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAJOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE JULY 12, 1999 MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:17 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Signe L. Johnson Nancy J. Jorgenson Recording Secretary Mayor