06/14/2011 - City Council Special
MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2011
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN ROOM – EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
City Council members present: Mayor Maguire, Councilmembers Bakken, Fields,
Hansen and Tilley.
City Staff present: City Administrator Hedges, Assistant to the City Administrator
Miller, Director of Administrative Services VanOverbeke, Communications Director Garrison,
Community Development Director Hohenstein, City Planner Ridley, and Parks and Recreation
Director Seydell Johnson.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Fields moved, Councilmember Hansen seconded a motion to approve
the agenda as presented. Aye: 4 Nay: 0 (Councilmember Bakken not yet present.)
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors to be heard.
III. CITY FIBER EXTENSION
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that on January 4, 2011 the Eagan
City Council accepted the 2010 report and recommendations of the City’s broadband consultant
which emphasized a twin strategy of seeking to attract a state-of-the-art colocation facility to
position Eagan as a telecommunications hub for multiple providers while at the same time
extending City fiber and duct to business locations in the City for open access use by any
provider offering telecommunications services to Eagan businesses.
Councilmember Bakken arrived at 5:35 p.m.
Communications Director Garrison further summarized the purpose of the fiber extension
recommendation of the Council’s Finance Committee. Garrison noted that the workshop tonight
is intended as an opportunity for discussion, with final consideration being scheduled for a future
City Council meeting. Director Garrison summarized the business market and build-out
assumptions and the financial summary for the proposed fiber extension. Director of
Administrative Services VanOverbeke provided additional information regarding the proposed
financial summary.
The Finance Committee, consisting of Mayor Maguire and Councilmember Bakken,
commented on the fiber proposal. The Committee members noted the approximate $2.1 million
startup investment that would be needed, but added that there would be no increased burden on
the taxpayer and an exit strategy has been developed if needed, which would be expected to
recoup the City’s investment.
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June 14, 2011
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The City Council discussed the fiber extension proposal. Director Garrison clarified that
the fiber extension project is not dependent on the proposed colocation facility.
There was City Council consensus to include an item on the June 21 City Council
Consent Agenda to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee with regard to the
allocation of funds needed for the first year of the project and to authorize the issuance of
necessary RFP’s. The City Council also voiced their consensus for the proposed 4-year funding
plan for the project.
IV. RENTAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item, noting that the topic of rental registration
was discussed with the City Council’s Public Works Committee in March of 2011. Hedges
added that the subcommittee determined there was value to public safety and zoning
enforcement to have such a registration program in place. Hedge clarified that the program
being proposed is simply a registration program rather than a licensing program.
Community Development Director Hohenstein provided additional information regarding
the proposed ordinance and noted the recommendation of the Opportunity City Program for the
City to pursue such a registration program. Director Hohenstein acknowledged Lisa Peilen of
Minnesota Multi Housing Association who was in the audience. City Planner Ridley expanded
on the purpose of the registration program, noting that the proposed registration program is not
meant to add additional layers of government and regulations; rather, the program is intended to
get appropriate information for the purposes of public safety, code enforcement, etc.
The City Council discussed the proposed program and it was noted that there is no fee
proposed at this time for participation in the program. Director Hohenstein noted that staff
would like the opportunity to learn how the program impacts the City and may consider
recommending a fee in the future if added costs are incurred.
The City Council and staff discussed the anticipated communication efforts planned as
part of the program.
Councilmember Hansen moved, Councilmember Fields seconded a motion to direct
preparation of the rental registration ordinance. Aye: 5 Nay: 0
V. CITY APPROACH TO SOCIAL MEDIA
City Administrator Hedges introduced the item noting that in response to the City
Council’s goals, a cross-departmental team has reviewed social media policies and approaches to
develop a social medial approach for the City of Eagan. Hedges added that it is the consensus of
the cross-departmental team to recommend that the City expand its social media presence by
creating one City Facebook page capable of supporting content from all City departments.
Hedges noted that such an approach could be evaluated after a three month trial period.
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June 14, 2011
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Communications Director Garrison further summarized the proposed approach to social
media, and also commented on the City’s launch of a recently redesigned website meant to
provide greater visual identity, support and flexibility for growing Eagan’s social media
presence. Parks and Recreation Director Seydell Johnson summarized the social media pilot
project that has occurred over the past year within Parks and Recreation.
The City Council discussed the proposed approach to the City’s social media efforts.
The Council provided direction to staff to proceed with the proposed approach to social
media and add a formal social media policy to the June 21, 2011 City Council Consent Agenda.
VI. 2012 GENERAL FUND BUDGET UPDATE
City Administrator Hedges provided an update on the 2012 General Fund Budget
preparations. Hedges noted that the City Administrator’s recommended budget is scheduled to
be presented to the City Council for formal and detailed review by the Council in August.
Hedges noted that Department Directors have been instructed to prepare status quo budgets with
increases only for inflation, excluding personnel adjustments.
There was City Council consensus to continue with the 2012 General Fund Budget
preparation as presented.
City Administrator Hedges noted to the City Council that the comprehensive annual
financial report, which includes budget trends, will be presented to the City Council at the June
21, 2011 City Council meeting.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no Other Business.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Fields moved; Councilmember Tilley seconded a motion to adjourn the
workshop at 6:40 p.m. Aye: 5 Nay: 0