08/25/2008 - 29257CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
AUGUST 25, 2008
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Lund
Councilmember-at-Large Barnette
Councilmember Saefke
Councilmember Varichak
Councilmember Bolkcom
OTHERS PRESENT: William Burns, City Manager
Richard Pribyl, Finance Director
James Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Fritz Knaak, City Attorney
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Don Abbott, Public Safety Director
Jeffrey Salzbrun, 321 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
PRESENTATIONS:
Systematic Code Enforcement and Housing Code Enforcement 2008 - Katie Meyer and
Kevin Knock, Summer Interns for Housing Maintenance Program.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of July 28, 2008 (Tabled from August 11, 2008).
APPROVED.
City Council Meeting of August 11, 2008.
APPROVED.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Receive Plans and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for the 85t'' Avenue Trail Project,
City of Fridley Project Number ST2008-03 (Tabled August 11, 2008).
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 2
William Burns, City Manager, said this item was tabled on August 11 to give Council a chance
to review plans and visit the project site. The City has been attempting to complete its portion of
the 85th Avenue bikeway since 2001. Upon completion of the Coon Rapids' portion of this
bikeway, residents will enjoy a bikeway link between the Mississippi River Regional Trail,
which extends along East River Road, and the Northtown transit hub. The project will extend
from the current terminus of the University Avenue bikeway to the west side of the BNSF tracks
along 85th Avenue. It has been designed so as not to interfere with future widening of g5tn
Avenue by Anoka County. This means that much of the project will be built through wetlands
on the north side of the SNC on pile-supported bridge sections.
Dr. Burns said bikeway amenities will include bicycle racks, rest areas and refuse containers.
The project has been delayed for various reasons including negotiations with both BNSF and
Anoka County. While we had hoped to construct it in 2007, the MSAS funding needed for the
20% match on the bikeway had to be used for the 2007 and 2008 street reconstruction projects.
Since we have been warned by MnDOT that we are in danger of losing our Federal
Transportation Enhancement Funding staff has determined to use better than expected 2008
funding together with 2009 MSAS funding to cover the $250,000 local match. We estimate that
the total project cost will be $1,150,000. The use of 2009 MSAS funds for the bikeway may
require that we consider reducing the scope of the 2009 mill and overlay project.
Dr. Burns said since we are in a use it or lose it situation with the Federal trail funding staff
recommends that Council authorize staff to seek bids. Staff expects that bids would be opened in
October and that work on the bike trail would begin in November and be completed in July of
2009. Since many of the difficult construction areas are in wetlands, winter construction will be
to our advantage. Staff's recommendation was reviewed and endorsed by the Fridley Parks and
Recreation Commission at their August meeting. Staff also recommends that Council move to
receive plans for the 85th Avenue bikeway project and authorize staff to start the bidding process.
RECEIVED PLANS AND AUTHORIZED ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE
85TH AVENUE TRAIL PROJECT, CITY OF FRIDLEY PROJECT NUMBER ST2008-03.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Resolution Certifying the Proposed Tax Levy Requirements for 2009 to the County of
Anoka.
William Burns, City Manager, said since we are required by the State to certify the proposed tax
levy to the County by September 15, we are seeking Council's approval of the proposed 2009 tax
levy tonight. The proposed levy is $9,472,787. The amount is $56,646, or .57% less than the
2008 levy. The reduction is attributable to an increase in LGA. Staff recommends Council's
approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008- 33.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 3
3. Resolution Adopting Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2009.
William Burns, City Manager, said we are also required by State law to submit the proposed
budget to the County Auditor prior to September 15. The proposed General Fund budget for
2009 is $14,952,920, or 4.1% more than the amount budgeted for 2008. The total budget for all
budgeted funds (excluding enterprise funds) is $17,653,074, or 8.0% less than the amount
budgeted for 2008. Staff recommends Council's approval. The public hearing for the 2009
budget and tax levy is scheduled for December 8, 2008. The continuation date is December 15.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008-34.
4. Resolution Authorizing changes in Appropriations for the 2008 Budget for January
through July 2008.
William Burns, City Manager, said there were $48,025 in expenditures attributable to the
Police, Fire and Recreation Departments between January and the end of July. These
expenditures are all offset by reimbursements and donations for various projects and programs.
Staff recommends Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008-35.
5. Approve City of Fridley Draft Wellhead Protection Plan.
William Burns, City Manager, said Part I of the Fridley Well Head Protection Plan was
completed in 2002. It delineated wellhead protection areas and drinking water source monitoring
areas. It also included a vulnerability assessment. Part II focuses on assessment of the quantities
and quality of water available to Fridley residents. Work has included conducting a contaminant
source inventory. It has also involved forecasting changes in water resources.
Dr. Burns said additionally, we have been developing lists of potential issues and opportunities
associated with the City's water supply. Part II also involves identifying strategies for future
evaluation of the effectiveness of our wellhead protection measures. The work for Part II was
completed by our former Public Works Director, Jon Haukaas, in consultation with Anoka
County Environmental Services and the Minnesota Department of Health. The Minnesota
Department of Public Health is completing a preliminary review of our Wellhead Protection Plan
at this time. Our next step is to distribute the plan to provide an opportunity for public and local
government comment. Staff recommends Council's authorization to distribute the plan.
APPROVED DRAFT WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN AND AUTHORIZED
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PLAN.
6. Resolution Determining that Certain Parcels are Occupied by Structurally
Substandard Buildings and are to be Included in a Tax Increment Financing District.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 4
William Burns, City Manager, said due to a variety of problems and costs associated with the
structures acquired for the Gateway Northeast project, the HRA is recommending that the
buildings be razed yet this fall. In order to raze them, however, the HRA and Council must first
declare that the buildings are substandard. This qualifies the area to be established as a Tax
Increment Financing District. The HRA has certified that the buildings are substandard. Staff is
recommending the Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008-36.
7. First Reading of an Ordinance Re-codifying the Fridley City Code by Amending
Appendix F to Provide for the Adjustment of Salaries for the Mayor and
Councilmembers in Accordance with Section 2.07 of the Charter of the City of Fridley.
William Burns, City Manager, said Council declined to raise their salaries in 2007 for 2008.
Based on our review of the salaries for mayors and councils in comparably sized cities, staff is
recommending a 3% salary adjustment. The new salaries would be:
Mayor $10, 53 0. 57
Councilmember at-Large $ 8,649.68
Ward Councilmember $ 7,647.15
WAIVED THE READING OF THE ORDINANCE AND ADOPTED THE ORDINANCE
ON FIRST READING.
8. Claims.
APPROVED.
9. Licenses.
APPROVED THE LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE.
Councilmember Barnette asked about the buildings that are going to be taken down. It seemed
in the past the buildings had to stay up to show blight. Is that correct?
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, said that the City has experienced a lot of
illegal dumping graffiti and trespassing in the past and with the interest in copper and equipment
theft plus the safety issue, it would be a good idea to take the buildings down. The City has
seven years to get the project in the ground from the time the properties are deemed blight. After
three years, the district is formed and then there is four years to get the project in the ground.
One of the reasons thee buildings were purchased was to help the Fridley's image, so the city
would like to take the buildings down.
Councilmember Bolkcom requested a copy of the draft Wellhead Protection Plan. She said
only one copy of the report was needed and Council could pass the report around.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 5
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to approve the Consent Agenda with as presented.
Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the Agenda as presented. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM (VISITORS):
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if Dr. Burns wanted to speak about the petition that was
received regarding the little league baseball games.
William Burns, City Manager, said that the City received a petition regarding the little league
baseball games about foul balls and on street parking. The biggest problem is with the high
school and non-high school games that are played on the high school fields. A 24' net was
installed earlier this year to help with the foul ball problem. Since the petition, the net will be
increased to 30' high. The other problem is parking and that may be an issue with the non high
school players. The City is working with the high school Athletic Director to try and resolve the
parking issue. When more information is received on this issue, a letter will be sent to the
petitioners.
Mayor Lund asked if there was something specific the petitioners wanted done.
Dr. Burns answered no.
Councilmember Bolkcom suggested putting up temporary signs saying no parking on the street
to encourage parking in the community parking lots.
NEW BUSINESS:
10. Variance Request, VAR #08-06, by John Allen and Jeff Salzbrun on behalf of Industrial
Equities, LLP, for Three Variances: To Allow a Second Free-Standing Monument Sign
instead of the Code Required Sign; to Allow the South Monument Sign to be Within 25
Feet of a Driveway and within the Vision Safety Zone; and to Reduce the North Sign
Setback from 10 Feet to 9.2 Feet from the Property Line, Generally Located at 5100-
5110 Main Street N.E. (Ward 3)
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 6
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, said that the petitioner is seeking three sign
variances in order to allow two free-standing monument signs to continue to exist on the
property located at 5100-5110 Main Street. The first variance is to allow a second free-standing
monument sign instead of the code required sign. The second variance is to allow the south
monument sign to be within twenty-five feet of a driveway and within the vision safety zone.
The third variance is to reduce the north sign setback from 10 feet to 9.2 feet from the property
line.
Mr. Hickok said that the petitioner's hardship statement states that "There is a need for two
monument signs on the property due to the unique North-South orientation for the buildings,
which is a response to the rail access on the Premises. These signs provide crucial information
for any safety response as the 5100 building is not clearly visible from the street."
Mr. Hickok said that the shape of the property had caused the owners to design two buildings
oriented north to south on the property, as a rail spur is located on the western side of the
property to allow Industrial Equities the greatest use of the shipping and receiving materials.
Since the buildings are situated for this purpose, it is only possible to view one of the buildings
from the street, which forms the basis of the variance requests.
Mr. Hickok said that City Code requires one free-standing sign per street frontage. The
petitioner is seeking a variance for a second free-standing sign. City Code requires a free-
standing sign to be a minimum height of 10 feet from the bottom of the sign to the finished
ground grade when within 25 feet of a driveway or a corner vision safety zone. The petitioner is
seeking a variance to locate the south sign 10 feet of the driveway and in the vision safety zone.
Mr. Hickok said that City Code requires that a free-standing sign be a minimum distance of 10
feet from any driveway. The petitioner is seeking a variance to reduce the north sign setback
from 10 feet to 9.2 feet from the property line.
Mr. Hickok said that before Council grants a variance, it is the responsibility of the applicant to
meet the four conditions required to be met in the City Sign Code. The Petitioner is failing to
meet those four conditions in relation to 2 of the sign variance requests. Therefore, by Code,
those sign variances should not be granted.
Mr. Hickok reviewed the four code conditions required for sign variance approval.
1. Exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applicable to the property or to the
intended use that do not apply generally to other properties in the same vicinity and
district. The circumstances surrounding the location of this property are neither
exceptional nor extraordinary to allow for a second sign in the vision safety zone.
The industrial property at 5730 Main Street has a similar building orientation, with
two large warehouse buildings that are facing north and south on the property, with
access to a rail spur. This property does not have a second free-standing sign.
Instead they have one monument sign that identifies all tenants within the buildings.
The petitioner's design decision to orient the buildings in a north/south manner was to
take full advantage of the rail spur, thus creating a self-imposed hardship.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 7
2. The variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property
right possessed by other properties in the same vicinity and district, but which is
denied the property in question. A second free-standing sign and a sign in the vision
safety zone are not property rights possessed by other properties within the same
vicinity and denial of these variances does not eliminate the potential for signage on
the property. Current code requirements allow the petitioner to have one free-
standing sign on the site to identify the tenants within the buildings. City Code also
allows for signage to be placed on the buildings. Placement of the southern sign will
always be an issue. There is no place to locate the sign within this area that will
comply with all setback and vision safety requirements due to the close proximity of
the driveway and the southern property line. It should also be noted that the south
sign is approximately 20 feet from the driveway to Murphy's Warehouse which is the
property south of the subject property.
3. The strict application would constitute an unnecessary hardship. City staff has not
been able to identify any hardship for the second free-standing sign request. Strict
application of the code would require removal of the second free-standing monument
sign, presently located in the vision safety zone. One 80 square foot sign is sufficient
to identify the location of the Industrial Equities buildings.
4. The granting of the variance would not be materially detrimental to the public health,
safety or general welfare or detrimental to the property in the vicinity or district in
which the property is located. The purpose of the sign code requirements is to identify
and allocate the size and amount of signage allowed on a property in order to reduce
the visual pollution and distractions for the motoring public. Allowing a free-
standing sign in the vision safety zone has the potential to negatively impact the
health, safety and public welfare of motorists on Main Street and act as a distraction.
The second free-standing sign would also dominate the landscape due to the sign's
location near the driveway and on Main Street.
Mr. Hickok said Planning staff contacted the Police and Fire Departments for their opinion on
the matter. The City's Fire code requires that address signs on each building be visible from the
roadway. John Berg Fire Chief, inspected the site and determined that each building has an
address on it that is visible from the public right-of-way; therefore, the Fire code requirements
are being met. Don Abbott, Public Safety Director, agrees with the Fire Chief, in that if the Fire
code requirements are being met, it satisfies any public safety concerns.
Mr. Hickok said the Appeals Commission recommended denial of Variance #1 (variance to
allow a second free-standing sign). The motion carried on a three to one vote. The Commission
recommended denial of Variance #2 (variance to allow the south monument sign to be within 25
feet of a driveway and within the vision safety zone). The motion carried unanimously. The
Commission recommended approval of Variance #3 to reduce the setback of the north sign from
10 feet to 9.2 feet from the property line. The motion carried unanimously. Staff recommends
concurrence with the Appeals Commission.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 8
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there were any other signs Mr. Hickok was aware of that
were in the vision safety zone. She asked if there was something in the building permit that
mentions anything about signs and asked when an application is prepared and approved if the
builder was told they would have to apply for a sign permit.
Mr. Hickok said that the code information is available to the builder. When the petitioner
submitted their site plan, there was indication on the plan of the two signs with detail. If the
draftsman had taken the time to go through the sign plan, they would have seen the signs were
not in compliance with code. Only one of the two signs was labeled and staff was in expectation
a permit was on the way. This builder has built in Fridley before so they should have known a
sign permit was necessary.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the same contractor built the sign and the building.
Mr. Hickok that is correct.
Mayor Lund said the Appeals Commission allowed a variance on the north monument. He
asked if it was in the vision safety zone.
Mr. Hickok said because the driveway was moved, it was not in the vision safety zone.
Councilmember Bolkcom said Mr. Allen is not new to building in Fridley. This is a beautiful
building, but she was concerned why a monument was put up without a sign permit. She asked
Mr. Hickok if it was typical for most communities to have a sign permit separate from the
building permit.
Mr. Hickok said that is correct.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the petitioner was familiar with the requirements and that a
sign permit was needed.
Jeff Salzbrun, representing Industrial Equities, said when the other property that was built, the
sign company took care of the sign permit. On this particular property, because the signs were
indicated on the construction plan, it was a simple mistake on both parties. When the letter was
received that a sign permit was needed, they immediately addressed the situation to see what
could be done. The strategy of this building structure was to hide the docks as much as possible
to make it look better. If it was known only one monument sign would be granted, the
monument would have been placed in the middle. One sign would work on the lot but it will
look odd with it not centered on the property. Recently the landscape plan was approved and
that is even further into the vision safety zone.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that when landscape designs are approved, it has nothing to do
with the signs.
Mr. Salzbrun said that within the signs there are 35 trees also in the vision safety zone. Not
applying for a sign permit was an oversight, not a mistake. A sign permit is in the City Code and
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 9
was something that was missed. A lot of money has been invested in the signs and the building
is beautiful. He asked how they could get beyond these challenges.
Councilmember Bolkcom said the City should not grant the variance just because it was an
oversight. She asked Mr. Knaak if someone put something up that was not according to city
code if it was a hardship.
Fritz Knaak, City Attorney, answered no.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that if other builders put things in by mistake which were
allowed to stay up without a permit, it would set precedence. The sign permit was never applied
for but it does not qualify as a hardship. The hardship is more in the money lost in the mistake.
Mr. Salzbrun said that he received a call from Pitney Bowes and just tonight there were three
couriers looking for their building and had a difficult time finding them.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked that it was Pitney Bowes responsibility to let their curriers
know where they are located. She suggested a sign with both tenants' names on it like the signs
on other buildings.
Mr. Salzbrun said that would be possible but both monuments would need to be taken down.
The vision safety zone seems to be one of the major problems. The current driveway width is 32
feet, which is the City maximum. If the curb line was moved north, that may help bring the
monument in compliance and out of the vision safety zone.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked what kind of precedence would be set if we allow this
company to have a second sign or even put up a sign and then come back to ask for a variance.
Mr. Knaak said precedence is not exactly how to describe it, but you are required to treat each
applicant equally. If you are going to grant a variance in this case, you have to be real clear on
how this situation is unique. The more unique the situation is, the harder it is to duplicate.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that this is not a unique project to allow us to let this go through.
Mr. Salzbrun asked about Parsons Electric that has two signs out in front of the building.
Mr. Hickok said they have two buildings on two different sites and are allowed one sign per
site.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that this property is also in a residential zone and there is
discussion about these signs creating visual pollution for the people who live across the street.
There have been other property owners who have requested larger signs or more signs. They
have had to go the sign permit process prior to installation. This situation should be no different.
Mayor Lund asked if both of the monument signs were the 80 foot allotments.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 10
Mr. Hickok said yes but the petitioner may be able to put 40 square feet around each sign.
Mayor Lund asked if they kept both signs, would the address as well as the tenants' names be
placed on the sign.
Mr. Salzbrun answered yes, but it would be mainly to direct people to the buildings in the back.
This building is not designed to be broken up into several tenants.
Mayor Lund said that if he were looking for a building he would rather have the signage on the
building.
Mr. Salzbrun said they would propose that the monument sign have the tenants in the back
building on the monument sign.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked if that information was put on the sign if it could be limited to
the 40 square feet.
Mayor Lund said that he is sensitive to the issue but they should have known a sign permit was
needed as this is not the first building they have built in Fridley. Staff is helpful in looking at the
site plan and maybe the signs were not labeled very well on the site plan. There is an expectation
of staff and if staff would have seen the signs indicated on the site plan, they would have said a
sign permit was needed. This is no different than any other community as they all require a sign
permit.
Mr. Salzbrun said in the set up plan there is a footnote on the site plan explaining the sign
details.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that even if there was explanation, the City still requires a sign
permit. A sign permit is needed no matter what is presented on the site plan.
Mr. Hickok said that there was detail on the sign in the report, but there was no indication on the
site plan where the sign was going to be placed. Staff had full expectation that they would come
forward with a sign permit.
Councilmember Bolkcom asked the petitioner to go back and see if all the information they
need on the sign can fit on 40 square feet and bring this back to the September 8 meeting.
Mayor Lund said that the amount of words and the number of tenants that will be on the sign
will need to be limited.
Councilmember Barnette said the next meeting is September 15.
Mayor Lund asked if we have ever allowed two free standing signs like this.
Mr. Hickok said yes we have had requests, but two 80' signs have not been permitted that he
can recall. PetSmart and Home Depot wanted their own signs but did reduce the size.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 11
LJltimately the City allowed an 80 square foot sign on the highway and PetSmart used the
allowed Home Depot freestanding 80 square foot sign. Sometimes we have allowed the signs
when the property owner would have been entitled to two 80 square foot signs, but the owner
goes with one 120 square foot sign. Not all situations are the same, and you need to look at
conditions and decide what makes sense.
Councilmember Bolkcom said at this time she does not see anything unique about this property.
She suggested bringing this back at the next meeting to give Council more time to look at this.
Mayor Lund said he was okay with waiting on this.
Councilmember Saefke said he did not see anything unique to the property but the major thing
is the cost to the owner. He is concerned if the signs will be lit and the impact it will have on the
neighbors across the street. The building is lovely but they didn't go through the right process.
Mr. Allen has built other buildings in town and should have been aware of the process.
Mr. Salzbrun said that with the lighting of the signs, the lighting would be directed to angle
towards the project and not the neighbors.
MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to table Variance Request, VAR #08-06, by John Allen
and Jeff Salzbrun on behalf of Industrial Equities, LLP, for three variances until the City Council
meeting on September 15, 2008. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette.
UPON VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Approve Drug Enforcement Administration State and Local Task Force Agreement
Don Abbott, Public Safety Director, said that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
operates several task forces in the metro area. Task forces are made up of eight DEA agents and
three local officers. The DEA Task Force works on significant drug cases. The DEA has asked
Fridley to contribute an officer beginning October 1, 2008. The Fridley officer would replace an
outgoing officer from another jurisdiction. Our officer would work drug cases throughout
Minnesota. Our officer would also serve as a liaison between the DEA and the Anoka Hennepin
Drug Task Force (DTF).
Mr. Abbott said that drug cases are increasing in Fridley. In 2004 there were 90, in 2005, 129;
in 2006, 108; in 2007, 94; and in 2008, there have been 87 year-to-date (at a rate to produce
133). Other crimes related to drugs include robberies, auto theft, burglary, etc. There is a
definite connection between drugs and gangs.
Mr. Abbott said that a new officer to replace a more experienced officer who is assigned to the
DEA Task Force is estimated to cost $71,400 per year. Forfeiture funds are required to be used
for law enforcement purposes. Staff recommends authorizing the City to sign the DEA
agreement to assign an officer to their task force. Staff further recommends the hiring of a new
police officer to replace the DEA Task Force Officer.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 12
Councilmember Barnette asked if the new officer would be terminated when the officer
assigned to the DEA returns to Fridley.
Mr. Abbott said that if we were to terminate our agreement with the DEA, it would be the
understanding that the officer position would fade away. The City does have one to three
positions open up every year, so it should not be a problem if the officer from the DEA task force
returns to Fridley.
William Burns, City Manager, mentioned that we have been waiting for the DEA to invite us to
participate in this effort.
Mr. Abbott said that the DEA talked to us a few years ago and this is the first opening that has
been available.
Councilman Varichak said that the more pro-active we are, the better it will be for our
community.
Councilmember Bolkcom said if this is approved, Council was not appointing a new officer.
Once this happens, there will be a separate appointment action.
Dr. Burns said that is correct.
MOTION by Councilmember Saefke to approve the Drug Enforcement Administration State
and Local Task Force Agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Informal Status Report
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, said that the next recycling event is Saturday,
October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Public Works Garage. For more information
please ca11763-572-3594. These recycling events really do help our code enforcement efforts.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that the last recycling event brought in 119 tires, 18 air
conditioners, 136 regular appliances, 189 fluorescent bulbs, 2 furnaces, 9 dishwashers and
14,620 pounds of electronics.
William Burns, City Manager, said that there is a Foreclosure Prevention Workshop on
September 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fridley Community Center. This is an open
house format and all are welcome. Call 763-783-3880 for questions. Subsequent meetings will
be established after this first meeting. A financial workshop will be held at the Fridley
Community Center as a follow up.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2008 PAGE 13
Councilmember Varichak said she was able to visit the water tower being worked on with Jim
Kosluchar. A lot of work is being done and progress is showing.
ADJOURN:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:24 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krista Monsrud Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor