Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Special Assessment Hearing Tomorrow Evening
What a Mess
Last October, the patrol and sergeants’ unions gave Police Chief Bob Makela a unanimous vote of “no confidence” on his “ability to lead the department.” In a letter sent to then-Joint Governing Board Chair Dave Kelso last December, two members of the police force listed several complaints against their boss, and demanded action from the board. Another letter was sent to the board in October, but the union members have not requested that Makela be removed as police chief.
A unanimous vote of “no confidence” and a list of complaints isn’t enough for the board to take dramatic action to address the complaints, according to newly appointed board chair Mary Capra, who is the mayor of Centerville. She says the complaints the board received are too “generalized.”
“We received a written statement Oct. 17 and it didn’t relate to a specific instance or instances, charge, accusation, or complaint against the chief,” Capra said. “Even the one received Dec. 29, that statement from the union stewards, there is no specific accusation.”
Some of the complaints in the Dec. 29 letter were as follows:
• “Is unwilling to make important decisions within his authority.”
• “Does not listen.”
• “Takes matters personally and retaliates.”
• “Degrades employees by screaming at them and has created a hostile work environment.”
In response to the vote and letters to the board, Makela wrote in a prepared statement that some officers are resistant to new changes to the police department that he has been tasked with enforcing by the Joint Governing Board.
“During our recent implementation to problem-oriented policing (POP) there has been resistance by some employees to embrace this change,” he wrote. “Efforts to change for the betterment of the community are difficult when employees perceive that some of their duties and responsibilities will increase or change due to our changing community needs.”
Capra also said police officers wanting the board to take action have bypassed the Labor Management Committee and haven’t submitted a grievance to their unions.
The union stewards wrote in their Dec. 29 letter that the board has refused requested meetings and completely disregarded their vote of “no confidence.”
“We are surprised that the unanimous level of dissatisfaction of your workforce resulting in the vote of no confidence appears to be of so little importance to you,” the letter said.
Quad Press 1/20/2009
Link Here
Friday, January 16, 2009
2009 Street Special Assessment Hearing Scheduled for 1/21/2009
Please move this to the top of the blog - our next meeting is next week.
I'm concerned that the city is going to be faced with budget cuts, but just to shove this down the residents throat, they will go ahead, despite the economy and pending city cuts!
Well, if they do go through with this, which is the MOST IDIOTIC THING this city could do, they will just have to cut the City Administrator's, City Attorney and City Clerk's salary to make up for revenue loss!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bonestroo $35,000 Request Shaved to $16,632
New Council member Ben Fehrenbacher crunched the numbers and suggested a dollar amount between 0-$16,000. After discussion, it was determined to pay out $16,632 for the additional 189 hours submitted. Significantly less than the original request.
Great job Ben!
Ben Fehrenbacher and Jeff Paar voted against.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Police Chief Gets a No Confidence Vote
Centennial Lakes police rank-and-file are going public with gripes about their boss.
The patrol and sergeants unions are demanding action from community leaders after earlier passing a unanimous vote of no confidence in Chief Bob Makela, calling him a poor leader since he took the job three years ago. The department serves Centerville, Circle Pines and Lexington.
"The commission makes directives, and the chief follows those directives. Some ... might not be well-received," Capra said. "Change is hard."
Officers said problem-oriented policing was not a factor in their no-confidence vote.
They spelled out concerns about Makela in a letter to the police board two weeks ago:
He is indecisive.
He does a bad job of communicating.
He delegates his work.
He doesn't instill confidence in others, and union members avoid interacting with himm.
He has created a hostile work environment.
The letter asks the board to address the problems but does not seek the chief's ouster or suggest solutions.
Several members of the department have grown so frustrated that they have begun to look for other jobs. The unions warned the governing board — which includes the mayor and a city council member from each city the department serves — last month it could lose its trained officers.
The governing board shouldn't dismiss the no-confidence vote, suggested Dennis Flaherty, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.
"I think it signals in a very loud way to the city's policymakers or elected officials and the community at large that there are problems in the Police Department that bear very close attention," Flaherty said.
The unions notified the board of their no-confidence vote in October and requested a meeting. But the board responded a month later with a closed meeting. The unions were not invited.
Pioneer Press
1/10/2009
Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board
Friday, January 9, 2009
One Resident Reacts to Recent Council Actions
Second, the other ordinance that they approved is that they can shut down your private well if there is a natural disaster. They claim they want to do this is so our wells don't contaminate their city well. What is their definition of a natural disaster? Is this a way to pressure people into thinking that their well could be shut down and that they would not have water at a time of a natural disaster and might go ahead now and agree to be hooked up to city water? Is this a scare tactic to get us to accept city water when our wells are fine? What if the city well is contaminated during a natural disaster and not the private wells. How can they claim that we could have contaminated their well. Do they test our water or just shut us down? This is unbelievable.
These two ordinances were passed at the same time. Do they go together? In other words, if they force their way into your home claiming they need to shut down your well because of a natural disaster and you disagree, then you cannot protect your home from this. Would they even test your well or just say we don't have time or even if it is not contaminated now, it could become contaminated, and, therefore, contaminate the city water? They would not consider this self-defense.
As far as we are concerned this is way out of line. We do not need these ordinances. First of all it is none of their business to tell us what to do in our own house when it comes to the second amendment and second they do not need to have an ordinance on the books ready to go regarding shutting down our wells at their whim and their definition of natural disaster.
Do the Centerville residents group still meet? This needs to be addressed immediately and try and overturn these ordinances. I think we could be looking at a real problem in the future if we do not hold their feet to fire on this.
In other Council action...
Amended Chapter 50 of the city Code to require connection to public water and sewer systems if private systems “fall into disrepair,” defined as when the cost of repair exceeds $500.
The Citizen
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Who Has the Best Interest of Centerville at Heart?
Louise Edwards The Citizen
At the last Centerville City Council meeting of the year, council members spent considerable time in discussion over a request for $35,000 in additional compensation for construction observation services performed this summer by the city’s consulting engineers, Bonestroo, on Anoka County’s Main Street reconstruction project. Council held a similar discussion at its Sept. 24 meeting and tabled the matter.
City Engineer Mark Statz stated in a letter dated Sept. 16, 2008 that although the total budget for inspection services agreed upon at the beginning of the CSAH 14 project was $55,428, he said that the company provided additional services throughout the summer after city inspectors, who had planned to supplement Bonestroo’s efforts, were unable to assist because of higher-than-expected construction activity related to the hailstorm of May 25. “Our proposal was clear in saying that it was based on a [specific] number of hours per week,” said Statz. “Since our proposal was based on our expectation, and since we were directed to be out there more, I think [our request is] in line.”
“We would have expected them to step up and pick up any slack … because we wouldn’t have wanted the project to go on unsupervised,” agreed Council Member Linda Broussard Vickers. “We overestimated what our staff could do.” “Well, I’m concerned about the communication,” said Council Member Jeff Paar, referring to the delay before council was officially presented with the request in September. A motion to compensate Bonestroo for $21,000—the extra work for this past summer—of the $35,000 requested failed, 3-2. Mayor Capra and Council Member Broussard Vickers both supported the motion.
In reviewing the Council meeting, it is clear that Mr. Statz (City Engineer) working with Bonestroo was requesting additional payment of 12 oversight hours per week times 20 weeks. It was determined by the City that is was necessary to oversee the County on the CSAH 14 project. B-Vickers got out the calculator and determined that 12 hours per week at 20 weeks came to the grand total of $21,600 and not the $35,000 requested. Mr. Statz stated that he would have to look back at the records to see if Bonestroo had worked more than 20 weeks. Mr. Statz was afforded the opportunity to bring in documentation to back the additional work hours, which he declined, stating he wanted to resolve the issue that evening. This motion was not approved and scheduled to be discussed during the 1-7-09 work session which is not taped. For further information, please feel free to contact your City officials.
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009 Street Improvement/Special Assessment Hearing Postponed Again.
Per Teresa Bender, the special assessment meeting has been rescheduled to January 21st.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy New Year! We're Back!!!!
Fee Schedule Changes to Affect Residents
The council also adopted Ordinance No. 22, the city’s 2009 Fee Schedule.
Changes include a 5% increase in water and sewer rates and storm water drainage fees as well as changes to the way drainage fees are calculated for commercial and industrial property.
Taxpayers will also notice the addition of a $21 quarterly water base charge which represents the benefit of accessibility to hydrants for all city residents and business owners whether they have municipal water service or not.
Centerville has been upgraded to a Fire Class 5, effectively lowering fire insurance rates because of hydrant availability, Administrator Larson said.
This charge will appear on municipal April 1 quarterly drainage and/or sewer & water statements.
It's not a tax increase, it's a new water charge... Something we look forward to this New Year!
The Citizen 12/24/2008
Update From City Administrator in Response to a Copy and Paste of The Citizen News Article Linked Above
Dallas Larson, Administrator
City of Centerville
651-429-3232
UPDATE
The ISO Fire Protection Rating System
The link above will open a PDF file created by the Minnesota League of Cities.
There appears to be no difference in estimated premiums ranked classifications four through seven, based on a $150,000 residential property. (page 3 of 4)
Class 1-3 average annual premium $653
Class 4-7 average annual premium $662
Class 8-9 average annual premium $667
Class 10 average annual premium $670
Estimated premiums based on insurance companies which recognize the ISO protection rating.
Check you individual policy for any reduction the new lower class five rating may have on your premium.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Centerville Adopt a Family
Thank you to all those in our community that have supported this effort! Especially the local area businesses! We realize how difficult this economy has been for many of you, coupled with the high tax ranking, we appreciate each and every single donation.
Centerville Ranks 14th Highest in City Tax Rate...
Centerville's rank of 14th-highest in city tax rates was good news: The city has been the highest-taxed city in the past. "It's a huge improvement for us," Mayor Mary Capra said. She said the average property owner has seen an increase in city taxes of only $63 in the past seven years. The city is getting creative. Today, the city is sponsoring what Capra calls "our own little economic stimulus package." The event, called Dash for Cash, includes a drawing for $500 in "Cougar Cash" that can be spent only in Centerville businesses. The idea is to promote city businesses and the city overall. "We have a bare-bones staff," Capra said. "This city council is conservative."
HIGHEST OVERALL TAX RATES
1. Carver
2. Victoria
3. Centerville
4. Savage
5. Circle Pines
6. Lexington
9. Dayton
7. Golden Valley
8. Farmington
10. Minneapolis
Pioneer Press-12/9/2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Downtown Lighting Ceremony Update
At the Nov. 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Mary Capra announced that the dedication would take place at 6 p.m. and include a ribbon cutting ceremony. County representatives and other dignitaries will be invited to participate.
According to Capra, Main Street will close briefly while the ceremonial ribbon is strung across and cut. For the first time in months, streetlights will brighten the south side of Main Street. After the ceremony, people will be invited to shop Main Street from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and enjoy promotional give-aways. “A lot of the businesses will stay open; it's a very exciting time for the community,” Capra said.
Before the event, the city plans to distribute informational fliers advertising drawings, rules and promotions to win $400 in “Cougar Cash” and other prizes.
The lighting ceremony celebrates an end to months of darkness and road obstruction in the downtown area.
“We've been patiently waiting for the lights,” Capra said.
Contractors have been busy trying to finish work on at least one side of the ongoing CSAH 14 project before the ground freezes. Work on the north side of Main Street will continue when the ground thaws in the spring, probably around the middle of May, according to consulting city engineer Mark Statz. (Bonestroo, not Centerville employee)
Main Street will continue to look as it does now throughout the winter, Statz said. Therefore, if businesses or citizens have problems with the road or their driveways, now is the time to contact the city, as it would be difficult to make adjustments during the winter. “It looks pretty buttoned up out there; hopefully everything is OK,” he said.
Councilmen Jeff Paar and Tom Lee hinted that more local promotions could be in store for Centerville as local businesses recover from the disruption caused by CSAH 14 road construction.
“We should look at this for 2009 as well,” Paar said. “There's no better way to promote businesses in Centerville than giving the public something they can use in Centerville.”
What?!
Link Here
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
While Centerville Is Celebrating Numerous New Lights With a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony...
If you want to see the Minnesota Capitol lit up at night, go there before 11 p.m. That's when they turn off the lights.
State officials used to illuminate Minnesota's most famous building all night. Commissioner of Administration Dana Badgerow said Monday her department recently reduced the hours of lighting as part of an effort to cut energy consumption in the Capitol complex by 10 percent.
"The TV crews can still do their shots for the 10 o'clock news," Badgerow said.
From July through October — the first four months of the program ordered by Gov. Tim Pawlenty — energy use at "Capitol campus" buildings has decreased by 3.5 percent, said David Fielding, plant management director for the Department of Administration.
The state spent $9.3 million to heat, light and power the 4.7 million square feet of space in those 16 buildings last year. If administration officials meet their conservation goal, they'll save taxpayers nearly $1 million this year.
Asked if they'll reach that goal, Fielding replied, "It won't be for lack of trying. I think we've got a very good chance."
The program started with the simple step of asking state employees to get rid of their space heaters, fans, microwave ovens and other personal appliances. "We deprived them of a few conveniences — maybe," Badgerow said.
In Other News
Spending cuts must start this month, he says.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday that Minnesota's budget will start hemorrhaging red ink in the next seven months — much sooner than he and other state officials had anticipated — and he's ready to start cutting spending this month to stop the bleeding.
Link Here
Minnesota's Cities Eye Big Cuts for '09
A city-by-city look...
Communities across Minnesota are being forced to cut back and lay off staff as they prepare for the new year.
The League of Minnesota Cities warned Tuesday that many cities are scrambling to cope with the slumping economy, declining revenue and rising costs.
In addition, the state could experience one of its biggest deficits, and that "could really wreak havoc on city budgets for 2009 and beyond," said Gary Carlson, the League's director of intergovernmental affairs.
The state economic forecast is due out Thursday.
"I think cities are a little bit on edge," Carlson said.
City leaders fear the Legislature may reduce state contributions to local governments to meet its own budget. Many communities rely on Local Government Aid to finance basic services. And cutting state Market Value Homestead Credit reimbursements, which make up for homestead tax breaks, can leave a hole in city coffers.
Lino Lakes faces making midyear budget cuts if it loses its reimbursement, which adds up to about $240,000, said city administrator Gordon Heitke. The Legislature has made such cuts in the past.
"Our greatest concern for 2009 is whether the Legislature will take some action to adversely affect our budget as they deal with their fiscal challenges," he said.
Cities across the east metro are looking for ways to make the painful cuts:
Pioneer Press
By Brady Gervais and Mary Divine
Centerville did not make the list...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I’m Just Baffled at How This Stuff Works
"I am the best candidate with the most experience and have proven I can handle difficult issues and make tough decisions. I make all of my decisions based on all of the residents of the city, not just one special interest group. I have been elected twice because I keep my promises, I am honest, and the residents trust me. "In other action, the council:
Agreed to submit a grant application through the Safe Routes to Schools program in the hope that the old adage, “Third time’s a charm” will be true for this particular project. The application for funds to construct a tunnel crossing under CSAH 14 near Centerville Elementary School has been rejected twice previously, but city engineer Mark Statz said the city had been given a “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” from MnDOT that the application would likely succeed this time around. Council members expressed concern that if successful, the project would require the digging-up of a section of the newly relaid Main Street, but agreed that they would make a decision on whether to proceed if the funds were allocated to Centerville. “I’m just baffled at how this stuff works,” said Council Member Jeff Paar, commenting on the news that the application might be successful after the reconstruction of CSAH 14 had occurred.
The Citizen
New Fee Structure Examined For Street Project
Water Portion Of Project May Not Be Charged To Homeowners
CENTERVILLE - City officials have announced they are examining a proposal to drop special assessments on the water portion of the 2009 street improvement project.
Instead, a connection fee would be charged to all homeowners as and when they choose to hook up to the municipal water.
In the meantime, the immediate cost of the improvements would be paid for out of the utilities enterprise fund, according to minutes of a Nov. 5 special session.
The possibility was discussed at the Nov. 12 city council meeting. “We had looked at the potential of pulling out of special assessments for the water part of the project,” explained Mayor Mary Capra. “One of the largest assessments in this project is the improvement of the city water.”
It was also announced that the Dec. 1 public hearing on the special assessments to homeowners affected by the project had been postponed to allow city council members more time to investigate options.
The special assessment hearing, at which homeowners will be permitted to challenge the exact amount of their assessments under the project if they wish, is now likely to be scheduled for the first week in January.
Discussion at the special council session convened on Nov. 5 had raised several issues, including the possibility of the connection charge rather than assessment on the water part of the project.
Other areas to be investigated include asking the Rice Creek Watershed District to relax its requirements on rain gardens (accounting for about $250,000 of the project cost), and extending the drop-dead date for water hook-up in the city.
Figures presented at the Nov. 12 meeting indicated that the cost of the city portion of the 2009 street improvement project was $2.8 million, which is an impact to all property owners across the city, amounting to approximately $152 for a home valued at $250,000 or $259 for a commercial property at the same rate.
Louise Edwards
The Citizen 11/26/2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Downtown Lighting/Business Promotion
Newspaper ads have been placed in several newspapers and invitations are scheduled to go out by Wednesday (tomorrow) of this week.
The City has updated ALL the council meeting minutes (as of 11/24) but the City still continues to refer to Statz as the "City Engineer" and even lists him as a staff member.
Link Here
Transcribed by Mary Capra, Centerville Mayor...