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10-08-2001 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2001 Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Mayor Kdinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motto, and Tveite None City Administrator Pat Kdaers, City Engineer Terry Maurer, Police Chief Tom Zerwas, Assistant Police Chief Jeff Beahen, City Clerk Sandy Peine,. and Fire Chief Bruce West 6.1. Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by Mayor I~nzing. Consider 10/08/2001 Agenda The agenda was amended as follows: Moved - Items 6.1 and 6.2 "Trott Brook Farms 7th and 8m Additions Final Plats" to precede Admimstrafion items. Deleted - Item 4.1. "Land of Lakes Choirboys Land Request." Added - Item 7.1 - "Theater meeting." COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Consent Agenda COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. 9/24/01 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -APPROVED 3.2. CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED 3.3. REQUEST TO HIRE JENNIFER HARMER FOR THE POSITION OF BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN EFFECTIVE 10/15/01 AT PAY GRADE 7, STEP A ($11.82/HR.) -- APPROVED COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Request by D.R. Horton for Final Plat - Trott Brook Farms 7th Addition - Case No. P 01- 6.2. 16 Request by D.R. Horton for Final Plat Approval - Trott Brook Farms 8~h Addition - Case No. P01o19 City Council Minutes October 8, 2001 Page 2 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. City Engineer Terry Maurer reviexved the staff reports. He stated that Trott Brook Farms 7th Addition includes 36 single-family and the 8th Addition includes 55 single-family lots. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-68 RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR TROTT BROOK FARMS 7TM ADDITION CASE NO. P 01-16. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-69 GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR TROTT BROOK FARMS 8TM ADDITION CASE NO. P 01-19. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Update on Boys and Girls Club Shed Mayor Iadinzing indicated that John Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club is requesting permission to build a 10' X 12' storage shed on Lion's Park property. She stated that the shed would be built through a joint program with the Alternative Learning Center and would be used to store program equipment for the Boys and Girls Club. The shed would be in a corner of the par'king lot. It was the consensus of the council to allow this shed to be constructed. Update on Redevelopment Concept at Highway 169 and Main Street Pat Iadaers gave an update on the redevelopment proposal for the northeast corner of Highway 169 and M,'dn Street. He stated that the Economic Development Authority reviewed the issue and recommended that the city encourage a larger project to include the single family residential property. The City Council concurred with the recommendation of the EDA. FEMA Grant Update Fire Chef Bruce West informed the Council that the City has received a grant from FEMA in the amount of $90,000. He stated that a stipulation of the grant requires the city to pay an additional $10,000. He explained that the primary focus of the grant is educational with plans for a safe escape house and a tow vehicle to bring the prevention program to schools, daycares, and area learning centers. The Chief stated that the second phase of the prevention program is designed to implement a smoke detector giveaway program. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO DESIGNATE $10,000 FROM THE 2001 CONTINGENCY BUDGET FOR THE CITY'S PORTION OF THE FEMA GRANT. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Authorization to Purchase 2002 Squad Cars Chief of Police Tom Zerwas requested authorization to purchase two 2002 squad cars. He recommended that the council accept the quote from Elk River Ford, which was $142.00 more per vehicle than the State contract price. Chef Zerwas stated that he would prefer to purchase the vehicles locally. City Council 2vfinutes October 8, 2001 Page 3 4.6. 4.7. 4.8. Councilmember Dietz questioned whether the city could take advantage of the 0% interest from Elk River Ford instead of using equipment certificates. The Police Chief indicated that he would inquire whether the 0% interest is available to the City. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO PURCHASE TWO 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIAS AT ELK RIVER FORD FOR $21,659 EACH. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Parking Restrictions in Lions Park Chief Zerwas updated the Council on parking regulations in Lions Park parking lots. He recommended restricting parking in the lots for park users, City Recreation users, and Boy's and Girl's Club occupants only by using signage that states the purpose. He indicated that the signs would also indicate that violators will be ticketed. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE SIGNS TO BE INSTALLED REGULATING THE TWO LIONS PARK PARKING LOTS. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Police Personnel Update Chief Zerwas requested Council authorization to begin the hiring process for the purpose of hiring an officer to deal with drug enforcement issues. This additional employee is in the proposed 2002 budget. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE CHIEF ZERWAS TO BEGIN THE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS TO HIRE AN OFFICER FOR DRUG ENFORCEMENT. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Chief Zer~vas indicated that an existing officer is on notice that he will be called up for active duty by the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He indicated that the duty would be for at least one year. Chief Zerwas requested authorization to hire another officer to fill his place. The Chief noted that when the officer returns from active duty, that the City is required to give him the same job he had when he left for duty. Councilmember Dietz indicated that if a new officer is hired, then it should be made clear that the position might not be permanent if the reservist officer returns. Chief Zerwas indicated that this would be made clear at the dme of hire. It was the consensus of the Council that the selection process also includes an officer for replacement of the police officer who is being called to active duty. Discuss Traffic Control Signals at Jackson Avenue and School Street City Engineer Terry Maurer updated the Council on the signal modifications proposed for the School Street/Jackson Avenue signal. Terry Maurer recommended that the modifications include left turn phasing arrows for northbound traffic on Jackson Avenue in City Council Minutes October 8, 2001 Page 4 the a.m. and for eastbound traffic on School Street in the p.m. during the school year. He indicated that the estimated construction cost for the improvements would be under $10,000. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MODIFICATIONS AND THE EXPENDITURE OF $10,000 FROM CAPITAL PROJECTS RESERVE TO COVER THE MODIFICATIONS. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4.9. Consider MnDOT Highway 10 ,(East.) Frontage Road Proposal City Engineer Terry Maurer discussed options for the continuation of the East Highway 10 frontage road north of the Scott Powell development. Terry explained that he has submitted a cooperative grant application to MnDOT to extend the road north out of Mississippi Ridge into the area of Saxon Motors. He stated that the application requests MnDOT's participation in the road construction. Terry explained that in order for MnDOT to participate, they are requiring the City to close the e,,dsting access and crossing at Option A (Zane and Highway 10). The City Engineer distributed a drawing sho~ving two street alignment options. He indicated that MnDOT would participate in Street Alignment (Option B) shown in the handout if the City only closes the median and not the access. Terry indicated that the landowners had suggested restricting the access temporarily and possibly closing it later. The Council consented to have the City Engineer continue negotiations with the landowners for street/utility right-of-way and to pursue Option A. 4.10. NCDA Update Mayor ICiinzing updated the Council on a recent NCDA meeting she and the City Administrator attended. She indicated MnDOT had submitted a grant application to the Federal Transit Authority, which terminated the line at Big Lake. Mayor IG_inzing stated that the Commissioner of Transportation explained that the request to terminate the line at Big Lake was for monetary reasons only, necessary for the grant, and in no way means that the line will be terminated at Big Lake. It was the consensus of the Council to authorize the City Administrator to draft a letter to MnDOT showing the City's support of having the line continue as proposed and not to stop at Big Lake. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for Open Mike. 4.11. Consider Bailey Purchase Agreement The City Administrator explained that the City is proposing to purchase the Bailey property for the furore expansion of the Library or Library parking lot. He indicated that the Planning Commission has reviewed the request and has determined that the acquisition is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The City Administrator stated that the proposal is for a life estate arrangement and the City is paying the appraised price of $144,000 at closing. City Council Minutes October 8, 2001 Page 5 4.12. 4.13. Councilmember Dietz noted that because M_rs. Bailey is his mother-m-law he will be abstaining on the issue. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE BAILEY PROPERTY. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ ABSTAINED. Update on GIS Proposal The City Administrator updated the Council on the proposal to complete the City's base map. He indicated that he and the Mayor attended a County Board meeting to discuss this issue. The City Administrator indicated that the County Board voted to offer the City $16,625 in 2002 for the completion of the City's GIS map. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE COUNTY BOARD'S OFFER OF $16,625 FOR COMPLETION OF THE GIS MAP AND TO AUTHORIZE HR GREEN TO COMPLETE THE BASE MAP FOR THE GIS SYSTEM WITH FUNDING TO COME FROM 2001 GROWTH RELATED REVENUES THAT EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. City Engineer Report on Status of Public Improvement Projects · TH 10 Corridor Study · TH 169/Th 101 Corridor Study The City Engineer updated the Council on preliminary regional corridor studies that are being done for the TH 10 Corridor and the TH 169/TH 101 Corridor. He noted that the study recommends a freeway standard design from 1-35W to TH 169 and an expressway from TH 169 to the west. He further noted that it is also recommended to have TH 169/TH 101 be a freeway design standard from the City of Rogers at 1-94 through the City of Elk River. Terry Maurer indicated that MnDOT is requesting feedback from the Council on these preLiminary recommendations. The Council indicated that there was a concern with the speed of traffic through Elk River and with the impact that a six-lane highway going through the City would have on the downtown area. Mayor Iadinzing indicated that she did not feel the city can accommodate this type of traffic volume and suggested that MnDOT look for other corridor options. It was the consensus of the Council to contact Mr. Maurer with concerns regarding these issues so that he can relay them to MnDOT. · TH 169 Advance Warning Flashers Terry Maurer informed the Council that MnDOT will be installing advance warning flashers for the intersections of Main Street, School Street, Jackson Avenue, and 197th Avenue on TH 169. City Council Minutes October 8, 2001 Page 6 · Waco Street/TH 10 Signal Justification Report Terry Maurer informed the Council that MnDOT has approved the City's Signal Justification Report for construction of a signal system at Waco Street and Highway 10. He requested Council discussion regarding the possibility of assessing abutting property owners and when he should proceed with plans and specifications. Councilmember Dietz suggested that the Council wait until 2002 to proceed as this would give the Council time to discuss funding options for the signal. The Council concurred with Councilmember Dietz. 7. Other Business 7.1. Theater Discussion Councilmembers Kuester and Motin indicated that they attended a meeting with community and school representatives to discuss the issues that the city will need to deal ~vith regarding scheduling and use of the theater. Councilmember Kuester indicated that the Council should discuss the following issues: Ao charge. C. Who the City contact person will be for scheduling questions. Priority of usage and determination of what groups can use the facility free of Application Process. Councilmember Kuester suggested putting together a criteria list as a list of individual organizations would likely be incomplete and it would be quickly outdated. The council concurred that this item would be added to the October 15 Council agenda. 8. S taft Updates There were no staff updates. 9. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Iadinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at I0:10 p.m. Sandra Peine o,.~ / t City Clerk