Rochester City Council Meeting - July 23, 2018

The Rochester City Council’s July 23, 2018 regular meeting approved a consent agenda that included the purchase of 25 Tasers for the Police Department; the transcript provides no vendor or purchase amount. Council also unanimously approved site-plan and special-project approval for Swamy Real Estate Group’s 72-unit Overlook condominium development on Letica Drive. The project includes road and utility work, preservation of about 60% of the site as natural area, and 30 trees. The applicant committed $80,000 for public-benefit improvements associated with the Clinton River Trail; the city will steward the funds, and the specific use is subject to further city review. Approval also addressed review of the project’s master deed and bylaws by city staff and consultants.

Council discussed proposed updates to the clerk, planning, and building fee schedule but asked staff to return with analysis of administrative-fee revenue, permit volumes and staff time, and options for resident fees; no fee changes were finalized. Members also debated changes to downtown parking-in-lieu charges and possible creation of a fund for future parking-system replacements, directing staff to develop options without taking a final action. For a proposed fire-service arrangement, council requested cost and staffing information, including comparisons of city employees and contract employees; members raised, but did not decide, whether the matter should go to voters or be funded through a public-safety millage.