1997-01-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 14, 1997 Page 5 Council Business. continued Assistant to the City Manager Barbara Jeanetta presented the revised Affirmative Action Plan. In 1987, the City adopted its first Affirmative Action Plan which the State of Minnesota then required, however, in 1990, the State halted that requirement. It is now only required by organizations which provide more than a threshold level of goods and services to the Federal Government. New Brighton meet<; those threshold levels with COP Grants and the Army's funding of the water treatment plants. This plan set<; targets for hiring of various job categories and is based on available female and minority candidates in the metropolitan area. It is a recruitment plan which sets non- discriminary hiring target<; and is not a quota plan or obligation for hiring of females or minorities. It sets goals so that the City's requirement is thorough and the hiring selection is performed in a fair manner. The Public Safety Commission reviewed the plan and referred it to the Human Rights Subcommittee who then recommended approval. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Larson, to APPROVE THE REVISED CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN DATED AUGUST 1996. 3 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Council thanked Jeanetta for her work on the plan. Gunderman noted concern of the frequency and excessive length of trains which use the 10th St. NW railroad crossing. He believes the City should address this issue through legal, legislative, or negotiation processes. There is much concern that a train could cause delays for emergency vehicles. Fulton said a consultant has been hired to develop a plan to provide an eastbound turning radius, however, this requires property acquisition. Currently, railroad cars are pushed north through the downtown area and block the lOth St. intersection. After the engines are relocated, the train changes directions and comes back south. A solution would be to provide a turning radius, but this option would require the purchase of certain property. The railroad has a 20-year contract to deliver coal to power plants in Wisconsin, and their preferred route is through New Brighton. Whenever the railroad violates State law pertaining to blocking public roads, the railroad is cited. Fulton believes the railroad is trying to comply, and if property was available for the turning radius, the railroad would construct the track turning radius. Gunderman feels the turning radius solution appears time consuming and does not believe it will become a reality. Fulton said it will require as semblance of property, and there is question of who will acquire the property. Fulton senses the action should be reflected in the H wy 8 visioning process. Gunderman noted concern for the safety and welfare of the community. Larson agrees with Gunderman. Williams said the train not only delays traffic at 10th St., but also at Co. Rd. D. He supports the development of a short term solution given the fact that the processes for land acquisition can be time consuming. The Economic Development Commission has discussed this issue on many occasions, and questioned whether it should be brought to our local legislative representatives. Fulton will provide an update to Council on January 28. Gunderman feels the Hwy 8 visioning provides opportunity to address the railroad's elimination. Fulton believes removal of the tracks will be difficult, and short term solutions may alleviate the problem and provide a long term approach. Gunderman feels future planning should consider the tracks not a preferred component in the City's future vision. Council Business Aftlrmative Action Plan Report 97-009 10th St. Railroad Crossing