2017.06.13 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Jacobsen asked if the siren by Applewood Point was necessary given the fact Mounds View had a siren in the same general area. Hamdorf reviewed the location of the Mounds View's sirens. Councilmember Jacobsen stated he supported the upgrades as presented by staff. Councilmember Strub thanked Deputy Director Hamdorf for his presentation discussed the southeast area of the City. He wanted to see this neighborhood's current equipment replaced with new updated technology. He stated he would rather have extra sirens than too few in New Brighton. Mayor Johnson questioned the cost to upgrade the system. Hamdorf estimated the project would cost $120,000 plus the cost of moving the sirens. Councilmember Bauman stated she was in the opposite corner. She did not believe a siren should stay in place if it was not currently effective. Councilmember Burg was supportive of the City having as broad system with as much sound as possible in order to protect the City and its residents. Councilmember Bauman recommended a siren be located in Vermont Park. The Council directed staff to confirm the coverage area for the City's sirens and adjacent City's sirens and report back to the City Council. Food Shell' Agreement Lotter stated the City's license bureau was becoming increasingly more busy. He stated this was impacting individuals that were trying to simply reach the counter to speak with City staff. He reported the City received State approval for the expansion of the license bureau which would have impacts on City Hall. For this reason, staff suggested the license bureau be moved to the Community Center. He discussed several staffing and office changes that should be considered for the Community Center. He explained the expenses could be funded internally. Schlichting explained the City was approached earlier this year regarding the relocation of the food shelf. He stated 568 households were helped each month from the Rice Lake Elementary School. A change in location was needed in order to allow the school to expand. He indicated staff considered relocating the food shelf into the Community Center, noting City Hall did not have any additional space. He described some possible options for repurposing the Community Center in order to create a space for the food shelf. He reported the birthday space rooms would be displaced along with several staff offices. The furniture expense for the proposed changes was reviewed with the Council. He commented on the City's next steps if the Council were to offer their support of the project. Councilmember Jacobsen discussed how the proposed changes would intensity the traffic at the Community Center. Councilmember Bauman encouraged staff to work through a strong lease with the food shelf to ensure the City does not get burned. The City Council directed staff to further investigate the expense of the project and report back to the Council at a future meeting.