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MINUTES OF HIGHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING

 

July 13, 2006

Members of the Highland District Council Board met at Graham Place, 1745 Graham, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2006.  Council members present were:  Al Abrahamson, Peter Armstrong, Shawn Bartsh, Scott Bunin, Ryan Carlson, Layne Carver, Ted Davis Claudia Dieter, Bill Driver, John Goering, Bill Klein, Angie Kline, Bill Mahaffey, Mike Wilson, and Jenny Winkelman.  Conrad Soderholm was represented by his appointed alternate, Gary Marx.  Absent and excused was Dave Pinto.  Also absent was Kelly Pierce.

 

1.         Election of Grid 11 Representative

 

            A sufficient number of Grid 11 residents were present to elect a Grid Representative.  The residents elected Ana Maes to fill the vacancy in this position.  Ana was immediately seated.

 

2.         Approval of Minutes

 

            The minutes of the June 1, 2006, meeting were considered.  Minor corrections were requested, and it was agreed that revised minutes would be submitted by e-mail for approval. 

 

3.         Community Organizer’s Report

 

            Community Organizer Gayle Summers indicated that things were relatively calm in the District.  She indicated that the Council still needed volunteers for Highland Fest.  

 

            Gayle also reported on the recent Safety Fair.  Attendance was acceptable and the event.  The costs were covered by a $750 donation from TCF and a $300 donation from an anonymous donor.

 

            Gayle also reported on the recent area wide meeting with police representatives.

 

4.         Community Forum

 

            Pat McCallig reported that the College of St. Catherine will be breaking ground soon on a new residence hall, as contemplated in the College’s 20-year plan, which was discussed at a prior meeting.

 

5.         Community Development 

 

            Committee Chair Angie Kline reported that the Committee, by electronic voter, had agreed to lend its support to Talmud Torah’s Star Grant request for assistance with respect to changes in its driveway turnaround.  Angie recused herself from this vote.  Claudia Dieter raised concerns regarding the process and procedures that apply to requests such as Talmud Torah’s.  The Council discussed its concerns regarding receiveing sufficient notice to give these requests proper consideration.

 

            The Committee decided not to take a position regarding proposed zoning changes for the Mississippi River Critical Area proposed by the City-appointed Mississippi River Critical Area Task Force.  The decision was based on a number of factors, including a belief that the current proposal had no chance of being approved by the City Council and that providing input at this point would be premature.  As the proposal was likely to change considerably, the Committee preferred to wait

 

6.         Transportation Committee

 

            John Goering indicated that the Transportation Committee was waiting for answeres from the City Public Works Department regarding an number of open issues.  The Council discussed a number of transportation-related issues, including speeding on Mississippi River Boulevard, the prospect of turn arrows on the intersection of West 7th Street, Montreal, and Lexington, revisions to the intersection of Cleveland and St. Paul Avenue, and traffic volume at the intersection of Davern and West 7th Street.

 

7.         Community Services

 

            Committee Chair Jenny Winkelman reported the Committee did meet and sicussed several aspects of the Mississippi River Critical Area Task Force recommendations, focusing on priorities rather than specifics.

 

            The Committee planned to meet on July 17 to discuss renovations to the Highland swimming pool that have been proposed by the City Parks Department.

 

8.         Highland Business Association

 

            Highland Fest is scheduled for July 21 through 23.  In addition to the change in dates from prior years, there will be a new rides vendor.

 

9.         Treasurer’s Report

 

            John Goering presented the financial report through June, which showed little activity to date.  He indicated that about 80% of the annual budget represents fixed costs, mostly personnel costs.  Expenses for website matters had slightly exceeded the annual budget.  Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Council approved the Treasurer’s report.

 

10.       President’s Report

 

            President Peter Armstrong discussed future meetings.  Possible topics might include the Capital Improvements Budget, representatives of City Departments under the new administration.  Guests may include the new headmaster of St. Paul Academy, who has asked to meet with the Council, and Blake Montpetit, current head of the HBA.

            Peter also discussed the request for possible volunteers for various committees involved in a review of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  Unfortunately, other than an estimate of one to two meetings a month for several months, very little information was provided regarding the commitment involved in serving on one of these committees.

 

11.       Councilmember Harris.

            Councilmember Pat Harris was in attendance at the meeting, and was asked to comment on matters relevant to the District.  Councilmember Harris discussed issues related to the Ford Plant, and expressed some concern regarding the lack of visible attention provided by the City administration. 

           

 

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                    William D. Klein

                                                                                    Secretary