06-30-1997 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 1997
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor Duitsman; Councilmembers Dietz, Holmgren and Farber
Councilmember Thompson
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Assistant City
Administrator: Terry Maurer, City Engineer: Tom Zerwas, Police
Chief~ Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development;
Steve Ach, City Planner; Debbie Kleckner, Recording Secretary
Call Meetin,q To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the EII~ River City Council
was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman.
2. Consider A.qenda
o
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 30, 1997, CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT:
- ITEM 4.2. - WITHDRAWN
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Consent Aqenda
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3,6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
3.10.
3.11.
3.12.
CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED
6/16/97 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED
EXEMPTION FROM LAWFUL GAMBLING LICENSE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT -
APPROVED
RESOLCUTION APPOINTING RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY - APPROVED
ADOPTION OF CITY OF ELK RIVER GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE
DATA PRACTICES ACT - APPROVED
RESOLUTION REQUESTING SPEED ZONE STUDY FOR COUNTY ROAD 30 -
APPROVED {RESOLUTION NO. 97-53}
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR FULL TIME WWTS OPERATOR - APPROVED
APPLICATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE - APPROVED
REQUEST FOR TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE - APPROVED
NO PARKING ON HOLT AVENUE BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TM STREETS - APPROVED
AUTHORIZATION FOR FIRE CHIEF BRUCE WEST TO Al'rEND NATIONAL
CONFERENCE - APPROVED
REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY 3.2 BEER LICENSE FOR SHERBURNE COUNTY LIONS
- SHERBURNE COUNTY FAIR - APPROVED
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 2
4.1.
4.3.
4,4.
4.5.
4.6.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider EDA Request for Council Continqency Funds for Economic Development
Activity
Paul Steinman presented a request by the EDA for financing of Dave Sellergren's
assistance in negotiating and drafting agreements for development of the west
Business Park.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED APPROVAL OF $3,780 FROM THE COUNCIL
CONTINGENCY FUND TO BE USED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE WEST BUSINESS PARK. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Resolution Determininq Amount of Assessment in the Matter of the
Macon Street/Riverview Drive Improvement Project
Terry Maurer indicated the Iow bid of $280,000.00 submitted by C.W. House, Inc., is
approximately 27% below the estimated construction cost of $383,000. Terry felt
the lower bids were due to the unusually large number of bidders, and noted that
most of the cost savings was due to a substantial raise in the estimated depth of
the sanitary sewer.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 97-54, A RESOLUTION
DETERMINING ASSESSED COST OF IMPROVEMENT & ORDERING PREPARATION OF
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL IN THE MA'ri'ER OF MACON STREET AND RIVERVIEW
DRIVE IMPROVEMENT OF 1997. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING ON
AUGUST 4, 1997, AT 6:00 P.M. FOR THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS IN THE MA'ri'ER OF
THE MACON STREET AND RIVERVIEW DRIVE IMPROVEMENT OF 1997.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider TH 169 Speed Limits
Terry Maurer indicated Mn/DOT has recommended the 45 mph zone which ends
lust north of School Street remain intact; from School Street to 197th Avenue will be
55 mph; and north of 197th raised to 65 mph. Terry noted the Council may wish to
discuss this issue further when they meet with Mn/DOT on July 2nd.
Update on ISTEA Projects
Terry Maurer provided the Council an update on the State Transportation
Improvement Program projects scheduled for the July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998
fiscal year.
Consider Resolution Approving Joint Powers Aqreements for Simonet Drive and
Upland Projects
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 3
4.7.
4.8.
a. Simonet Drive
COUNClMLEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 97-55, A RESOLUTION
TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT NO. 76115 WITH MN/DOT FOR HIGHWAY 10 AND
SIMONET DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
b. Upland Avenue
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 97-56 A RESOLUTION
TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT NO. 76114 WITH MN/DOT FOR HIGHWAY 10 AND
UPLAND IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMMEBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Sale of City Property to Morrell Transfer
Steve Ach discussed options for the sale of city-owned property along 171,t
Avenue adjacent to property owned by Larry Morrell. Mayor Duitsman noted Mr.
Morrell plans to retain the mini storage facility at Jackson and School Street and
sell the remainder of the property.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO NEGOTIATE THE SALE OF
6,000 SQUARE FEET OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ALONG 171sT AVENUE WITH MR.
LARRY MORRELL, AND REQUESTED A RESOLUTION BE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL
SUPPORTING THE FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Location for Alternative Learninq Center
Dr. David Flannery, District #728 Superintendent, and Jeff Gongoll, School Board
Chair, were present to discuss two options for location of a new ALC building on
Oak Knoll property currently owned by the School District. Under the first option,
the city would purchase approximately 4.2 acres (current location of soccer field
2 and part of soccer field 3) and the ALC would be constructed on the current
soccer field I site. Under the second option, the City would purchase the same
area, but the ALC would be constructed west of the Community Education
building and soccer field 1 would be converted into a parking lot. The Council
discussed locating additional soccer fields on Meadowvale School property and
the cost to provide irrigation for a single field. Councilmember Dietz stated Phil
Hals, Street/Park Superintendent, has estimated a city investment of $11,600 to
fully develop soccer field # 1. Dr. Flannery felt the School Board would be willing
to provide the land for two soccer fields at Meadowvale and reimburse the city
for their investment in soccer field # 1 which would be lost, but would expect the
soccer association's financial participation in providing the necessary
improvements for the new fields. Mr. Gongoll and Dr. Flannery also discussed with
the Council the possibility of the city and school district entering into a long term
joint powers use/maintenance agreement for the varsity baseball field. The
Council expressed their support for the second option as their number one choice
which includes the development of two soccer fields at Meadowvale School, the
city purchase of approximately 4.2 acres, and an agreement on the varsity field.
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 4
Mayor Duitsman requested the School District's participation in making students
aware of Energy City projects. Dr. Flannery indicated he will meet with Paul
Steinman to discuss a plan.
Councilmember Holmgren left the meeting at this time.
4.9. Update on Park and Recreation Bond Referendum
Pat Klaers stated the results of the Decision Resources survey indicate residents
would be willing to support a tax increase for park and recreational
improvements. A $22-$23 increase in taxes per year would support a bond issue
of $2.0 - $2.1 million but would not include a swimming pool. Pat indicated staff
feels a separate questions should be posed on the referendum for a swimming
pool since the cost of a quality pool could add another $1.3 million to the bond
referendum and would put the total tax increase over $30 per year. Pat
indicated the Park k& Recreation Commission will meet on July 9th to discuss the
issue further.
4.10. Update on Street/Park Equipment Sales
It was the consensus of the Council to direct the Street/Park Superintendent to
proceed with advertisement to receive sealed bids for the excess equipment
listed in the memo to the City Council dated June 26, 1997. Items not receiving a
bid or that receives a bid judged to be below value will be retained by the Street
Department.
4.11. Comparable Worth Committee Recommendations
Lori Johnson stated most of the performance evaluations have been completed
and the process was well received by both employees and supervisors.
Lori explained the Comparable Worth Committee has reviewed the following
employee positions and recommends pay adjustments as listed in the staff report
to the City Council.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE CHANGES IN THE LIQUOR CLERK II
POSITION AS FOLLOW: POINT RANKING - 56, PAY GRADE 6 WITH A SALARY RANGE
OF $8.71 TO $14.19/HR., WITH A STEP INCREASE TO STEP K ($13.58) ON JULY 1, 1997.
MAYOR DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHANGES IN THE ASSISTANT
LIQUOR STORE MANAGER POSITION AS FOLLOWS: POINT RANKING - 68, PAY
GRADE 10 WITH A SALARY RANGE OF $10.69 TO $17.42, WITH A STEP INCREASE TO
STEP 1($15.29) ON JULY 1, 1997. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
Councilmember Holmgren returned to the meeting at this time (7:35 p.m.)
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE
NEW PARK LABORER POSITION AS FOLLOWS: POINT RANKING - 44, PAY GRADE 2
WITH A SALARY RANGE OF $7.09/HR. TO $11.56/HR., MAIN JOB FUNCTIONS - MOW
GRASS AT PARKS, PICK UP LI1TER ON PARK GROUNDS AND SHELTERS, ROUTINE
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 5
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AT PARKS. COUNClLMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHANGES IN THE ICE ARENA
MANAGER POSITION AS FOLLOWS: POINT RANKING - 80, PAY GRADE 1E WITH A
SALARY RANGE OF $34,204.17/YR. TO ,~:~48,683.19/YR., WITH AN INCREASE TO
$34,204 RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 1, 1997, AND AN INCREASE TO $36,750 ON JULY
1, 1997, AND, AN INCREASE TO $38,000 JANUARY 1, 1998 PLUS COST OF LIVING
INCREASE. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
4.12. Consider Resolution Approvin,q Liquor Revenue Bonds
COUNCILMMEBER FARBER MOVED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-57, A
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE CITY'S $1,245,000
LIQUOR STORE REVENUE BONDS OF 1997. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4.13. Consider Resolution Approvin,q 1997 General Obliqation Improvements
C:OUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED APPROVAL OF NO. 97-58, A RESOLUTION
PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE CITY'S $1,165,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION
IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1997A. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4.14. Consider Resolution Approvinq 1997 Water Revenue Bonds
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-59, A
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE CITY'S $335,000 GENERAL
OBLIGATION WATER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1997B. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4.15. Consider Hirinq of Two COPS FAST Officers
Police Chief Tom Zerwas presented a request to proceed with psychological and
medical evaluations for two of the five candidates for the COPS FAST officers'
positions. Tom explained the city currently has 4 officers hired through the COPS
FAST grant program which will eventually become 100 percent the city's
responsibility; one in 1998 and 3 in 1999. The COPS FAST grant pays 75% of the
wages the 1st year, 50% the 2nd year, and 25% the third year. Pat Klaers noted the
matching expense by the city for these two new officers is outside the levy limit.
COUNC:ILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE HIRING OF TWO "COPS FAST"
POLICE OFFICERS, CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
PHYSCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL EVALUATIONS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
SEC:ONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4.16. Si.qn Quotes for Liquor Store Project
Pat Klaers requested the Council postpone awarding the quote for the reader
board until staff has an opportunity to inspect the new design and size.
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 6
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO AWARD THE BUILDING AND PYLON SIGN
QUOTE TO SIGN SOLUTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,901. COUNCILMEMBER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5. Open Mike
Macon Street/Riverview Drive Residents
Tom Graber, 13548 Riverview Drive, expressed his objection to the proposed
project and his concern that residents of Macon and Riverview Drive were not
notified an amendment was made in the 1996 overlay resolution to include their
properties in this 1997 sanitary sewer and water improvement project. Mr. Graber
estimated the total of cost for hooking up to city sewer and water at $19,395,
which includes assessment costs, SAC and WAC charges, and contractor charges
to fill in the existing septic system, tearing up the basement, adding a lift station
and completing the actual hook up to his home. He indicated the city has the
responsibility to prove the value of his home will be increased by the cost of the
improvements. Mr. Graber felt the developer of Country Crossing 3rd should be
responsible for more than 50 percent of the assessments, since he has requested
the improvements. Mr. Graber presented a petition from residents on Macon
Street and Riverview Drive expressing their opposition to the proposed project.
Terry Maurer indicated Mr. Emmerich, developer of the Country Crossing
development, will be paying for more than 50% of the assessed costs for the
project.
Councilmember Dietz noted that only the street and storm sewer costs will be
assessed out at this time and that this cost is estimated to be $5,400.
Discussion followed regarding pending assessments and the impact on potential
property sales.
Trudy Hill, 18086 Macon Street, questioned the time limit to hook up.
Councilmember Dietz stated the residents will have 4 years from the time the
entire area is hooked up to city water and sewer.
Gall Johnson, 18024 Macon Street, expressed her objection to the proposed
project and felt the value of her home would not be increased by the amount of
the assessments.
Mike Heinecke, 18038 Macon Street, stated the petition represents the opposition
of 100 percent of the affected residents and felt the project only benefits the
developer of the Country Crossing 3rd project.
6. Other Business
Mayor Duitsman indicated Mr. Denny Chuba has met with a developer regarding
the King and Main Street site. The developer suggested the possibility of a multi-
story condominium structure, with commercial/office uses on the first level.
City Council Minutes
June 30, 1997
Page 7
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, COUNClLMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary