HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-29-03 Special MeetingSpecial City Council Meeting Minutes
Hastings, Minnesota
September 29, 2003
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a special meeting on
Monday, September 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Volunteer Room, 101 4th Street East,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Councilmembers Hazlet, Hicks, Moratzka, Riveness, and Yandrasits
Mayor Werner
Members Absent: Councilmember Schultz
Staff Members Present:
David Osberg, City Administrator;
Shawn Moynihan, City Attorney;
Melanie Mesko Lee, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk;
Tom Montgomery, Public Works Director;
Lori Webster, Finance Director;
John Hinzman, Planning Director;
Marty McNamara, Parks & Recreation Director;
Joe Kegley, Police Lieutenant
Bill Mesaros, Building Official
Weed and Grass Length
City Administrator Osberg stated that staff would like some direction on Council's desire
to amend the length limits for weeds and grass. Current ordinance states a violation if
weeds and/or grass exceed 12" in length. The Council discussed possible changes in
the process the city uses to enforce the ordinance. The following suggestions were
recommended for further consideration:
· Provide property owners with 72 hours to come into compliance with length
requirements for grass and weeds. Failure to achieve compliance within
72 hours would result in the City hiring a contractor to cut the property with
the property owner being charged.
· Second and subsequent violations to the same property will be issued a
citation in addition to the City hiring a contractor to cut the grass/weeds.
· Consideration of increased fee structure for repeat violators.
· Consideration of establishing a standard height limit, regardless of weed or
grass.
Future Public Improvements
Public Works Director Montgomery requested Council direction on 2004 reconstruction
projects. The Council indicated support for reconstruction of Westwood neighborhood.
The Council also discussed the City's role in providing financing tools for private
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 29, 2003 Page 2 of 2
developers installing infrastructure. They expressed a concern with an overall city
cost/benefit analysis to justify these projects. Staff was directed to develop a policy to
address this issue.
Budget Reduction Concepts/Personnel Policy Considerations
City Administrator Osberg stated that many of these concepts were originally explored in
late 2002/early 2003 in response to budgetary issues and the desire to avoid staff
layoffs. The preliminary 2004 budget as adopted by the Council does not result in any
staff layoffs, and Osberg requested clarification on what issues the Council would like
staff to focus on with regards to this issue. Council discussed both the financial impacts
that may occur in the coming years as well as the opportunity to review the city's
organizational structure to increase efficiency and flexibility. This item was referred to
the Administrative Committee of the Council for further discussion.
Parking Regulations
Osberg discussed staff's review of this issue to date.
further discussion included:
Some ideas suggested by staff for
Limit of time and/or day when on street parking can occur;
Limit the months of year when on street parking can occur;
Consider implementing a city permit process for parking of certain vehicles
(trailers, oversized vehicles, etc.)
VVhether to regulate commercial vehicles parked in residential areas;
Trailers on rights-of-way--safety issues
Restrictions on weight/size/length of vehicles
Following discussion, staff was directed to draft a policy that would limit to no more than
two oversized and/or commercial vehicles parked outside a residential property
combined with recreational vehicles and equipment (not on-street); prohibit on-street
parking of oversized and commercial vehicles; review current ordinance regarding used
car sales along commercial property and increase regulatory oversight.
Adjournment
Moved by CouncJlmember
adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
6 Ayes; Nays, None.
Hicks, seconded
by Councilmember Moratzka to
Mayor City Clerk