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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE CITY OF ELK RIVER (UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010
Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Gumphrey, Motin, Westgaard, and
Zerwas
Also Present: Economic Development Authority Members: President Touchette and
Commissioner Dwyer
Members Absent: EDA Commissioner Tveite
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart,
Engineer Justin Femrite, Human Resources Representative Lauren Wipper,
Finance Director Tim Simon, Street Superintendent Phil Hals, Assistant
Street Superintendent Mark Thompson, Economic Development Assistant
Annie Deckert, Recreation Manager Steve Benoit, Environmental
Administrator Rebecca Haug, Director of Economic Development
Catherine Mehelich, City Attorney Peter Beck, Parks Supervisor Rodney
Schreifels, Building Official Bob Ruprecht, and Executive
Secretary/Deputy City Clerk Jessica Miller
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:34 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
2. Consider Council Agenda
Authorize advertisement of part-time City Hall secretary receptionist was added as item 5.7.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA:
3.1. DECEMBER 6, 2010 MINUTES
3.2. RESOLUTION 10-64 ADOPTING 2011 COMPENSATION PLAN AND
TITLE CHANGE OF THE TEMPORARY CABLECASTER TO PART-
TIME CABLECASTER.
3.3. RESOLUTIONS LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR WATER
AVAILABILITY CHARGE AND SEWER ACCESS CHARGE
^ RESOLUTION 10-65 -18252 CONCORD STREET NW
^ RESOLUTION 10-66 -13548 RIVERVIEW DR NW
3.4. RESOLUTION 10-67 AUTHORIZING PERA PHASED RETIREMENT
OPTION
City Council Minutes Page 2
December 13, 2010
3.5. ACCEPTANCE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for open mike.
5.1. Toint Meeting_with the Economic Development Authority to Discuss Focused Area Study
Implementation
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development
Authority was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by President Touchette.
Mr. Barnhart presented his staff report. He reviewed the proposed construction phases.
Discussion took place on what type of environmental assessment to complete; an AUAR or
an EAW. The boundary. of the environmental assessment was also discussed.
Discussion also took place on whether the City Council or the EDA would be in charge of
the improvement project. It was discussed that the Council typically handles infrastructure
improvements and is the only entity authorized to assess for the improvements.
Consensus of the City Council was as follows:
^ Approval of the phasing plan as presented.
^ Perform an AUAR environmental assessment for the entire project.
^ Begin preliminary engineering work for phase 1 as identified in the staff report. Mr.
Femrite indicated he will prepare a RFP and bring back for Council approval.
There being no further business, President Touchette adjourned the meeting of the Economic
Development Authority at 6:55 p.m.
5.2. Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Section 30-1385 and Chapter 42.
Article II of the Elk River City Code of Ordinance Relating to the Mineral Excavation
Overlay Zoning District and the Regulation of the Mineral Excavation Activities. Case No.
OA 10-12 -Public Hearing
Ms. Haug presented her staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Concerns were raised with the ordinance being amended while Tiller's application is
pending. Mr. Beck stated that this ordinance amendment does address the Tiller issues the
Planning Commission will be considering at their meeting tomorrow night, but the concerns
would still exist under current ordinance. He noted that the Planning Commission has no
option but to act on Tiller's request tomorrow evening because of the 120 day rule. He
stated that the item can only be extended at the written request of the applicant, Tiller. He
noted that this ordinance amendment terminates the moratorium currently in place.
Ciry Council Minutes
December 13, 2010
Page 3
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 10-23 AMENDING
SECTION 30-1385 AND CHAPTER 42, ARTICLE II OF THE ELK RIVER CITY
CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE MINERAL EXCAVATION
OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT AND THE REGULATION OF MINERAL
EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.3. Public Works Master Plan Update
SEH representatives presented a PowerPoint.
Discussion took place on the costs associated with relocating the ball field versus lighting a
current field complex. It was noted that lighting an existing field is a better net value than
relocating a field.
Council consensus was to move forward with scheme A.3.
Councilmember Westgaard questioned the next steps. Ms. Johnson indicated that the
Council can decide the pace at which this project moves forward. She recommended the
Council select an architect -either SEH or through an RFP process to begin the design
phase.
Councilmember Westgaard questioned if the Council wants to move forward with SEH
construction documents. Councilmember Zerwas stated he believes this project needs to be
a priority. She indicated that this item will come back on December 20 for discussion on
how to proceed with architectural services.
Ms. Johnson stated that liquor operation funds may be used as a funding source for some of
the preliminary Master Plan work such as relocating the fuel islands, architectural services,
etc. if the Council desires. Councilmember Gumphrey stated that staff should discuss
moving the fuel islands with ERMU and they should help fund this since they also use them.
5.4. Building Safety Division Update
Mr. Ruprecht reviewed his staff report.
Discussion took place on zoned single family dwellings that have been converted into
multiple family dwellings. Safety and zoning issues were raised with non-owner occupied
single family dwellings that are being rented to multiple families. The Council directed staff
to begin addressing violations to this ordinance as they become evident and to not issue
rental licenses for multi-family buildings in R1 zones.
Consensus of the Council was to begin charging a rental inspection application fee of $45
per addressed building and $15 per dwelling unit consistent with the current fire department
inspection fees for larger units.
5.5. Review Position Classifications
5.5.A. Lead Park Maintenance Worker
Ms. Johnson presented the staff report.
City Council Minutes
December 13, 2010
Page 4
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE LEAD PARK
MAINTENANCE WORKER POSITION DESCRIPTION AND PAY GRADE AS
PRESENTED AND TO PROMOTE STEVE STOFFERS TO LEAD PARK
MAINTENANCE WORKER EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011, AT PAY GRADE 7,
STEP D, WITH ELIGIBLITY FOR A STEP INCREASE JULY 1, 2012 BASED ON
SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
(See amendment to this motion below under item 5.5.b.)
5.5.B. Economic Development Assistant
Ms. Johnson presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE POSITION DESCRIPTION
AND PAY GRADE FOR THE MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATOR AS OUTLINED AND TO PROMOTE ANNIE DECKERT
TO THIS POSITION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011 AT PAY GRADE 8, STEP B,
WITH ELIGIBLITY FOR A STEP INCREASE JULY 1, 2011 BASED ON
SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO AMEND THE MOTION FROM ITEM
5.5.B. ABOVE FOR MR. STOFFERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A STEP INCREASE
JULY 1, 2011. The maker and seconder of the motion were agreeable to the
amendment. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.6. Council Open Forum
Councilmember Motin provided a Northstar Corridor Development Authority update.
5.7. Authorize for Advertisement of Part-time Secretary/Receptionist at City Hall
Ms. Johnson presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE
FOR APART-TIME CITY HALL SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
Council Updates
There were no Council updates.
8. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
City Council Minutes Page 5
December 13, 2010
-----------------------------
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:12 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
John Dietz, Mayor
DRAFT
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010
Members Present: Councilmembers Zerwas, Motin, Westgaard, and Gumphrey
Members Absent: Mayor Klinzing
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart,
Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug, Finance Director Tim Simon,
Recreation Manager Steve Benoit, Street Superintendent Phil Hals, Police
Chief Brad Rolfe, Police Captain Bob Kluntz, Fire Chief John Cunningham,
and City Clerk Tina Allard
Also Present: Planning Commissioner Lemke
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 6:30 p.m. by Acting Mayor Westgaard.
2. Consider 12/20/2010 Agenda
Councilmember Gumphrey requested to add two items as Item 6.9.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA:
3.1 CHECK REGISTER AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.2. PAY ESTIMATES AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.3. RESOLUTION 10-68 AGREEMENT WITH WRIGHT COUNTY FOR
PARRISH AVENUE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE FOR 2011.
3.4. 2011 CONTRACT FOR FIREFIGHTING SERVICES WITH CITY OF
OTSEGO.
3.5. LICENSE RENEWALS VALID JANUARY 1, 2011 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2011 AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.6. SNOW ABATEMENT CONTRACT WITH GREENSCAPE, INC. FOR
2010-2011 SEASON.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2010
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
Page 2
5.1. Request for Conditional Use Permit and License for Elk River Investments. LLC/Tiller
Corp. for Mineral Excavation, Case No. CU 10-21-Public Heating
Ms. Haug presented the staff report.
Acting Mayor Westgaard opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this
issue, Acting Mayor Westgaard continued the public hearing to February 22, 2011.
Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with the two month wait to hear this item due to
the 60 Day Rule.
Ms. Haug noted that The Technical Evaluation Panel review was the reason the item would
be in January and further stated that Council should notify staff of any concerns prior to the
meeting.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING
TO FEBRUARY 22, 2011. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.2. Wapiti Park Campground Update
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. He discussed the conditions that have not been met
by Wapiti as outlined in his staff report. He further reviewed two additional handouts that
were received today from the Wapiti attorney and the city attorney. Mr. Barnhart suggested
the following two options on how the Council could proceed:
1. Move to grant a ten year interim use permit subject only to the conditions agreed to
by Wapiti Park; or
2. Direct staff to prepare a proposed resolution with findings of fact for denial of the
interim use permit to be considered at the January 18, 2011 meeting if Wapiti Park
doesn't meet the conditions approved by Council on August 2, 2010.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A
RESOLUTION OF DENIAL WITH FINDINGS OF FACT TO BE
CONSIDERED AT THE JANUARY 18, 2011 COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
6.1. Elk River Chamber of Commerce Shiver Elk River-Verbal Update
Chamber President Debbi Rydberg provided an update regarding a new winter community
event that they hope will continue for many years to come.
The Council noted they were looking forward to the event.
City Council Minutes Page 3
December 20, 2010
6.2. Proposed Fee Schedule for 2011, Public Hearing
^ Ordinance Amendment Adopting 2011 Fee Schedule
^ Resolution for Summary Publication of the Ordinance
Ms. Allard presented the staff report.
Acting Mayor Westgaard opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this
issue, Acting Mayor Westgaard closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 10-24 ADOPTING
THE 2011 MASTER FEE SCHEDULE. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 10-69 FOR
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 10-24 AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE 2011 MASTER FEE SCHEDULE. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6.3. Bailey Point Park Purchase
Ms. Johnson presented the staff report.
Sarah Strommen, Associate Director of the MN Land Trust -Stated the Land Trust is very
interested in preserving the subject property. She informed the Council of the role of the
Land Trust and what is involved with conservations easements and fee titles.
Council questioned the role of the Land Trust after the property purchase has been
completed.
Ms. Johnson stated the Land Trust's interest would be limited to the restrictions outlined in
the conservation easement. She stated it is typical for the Trust to meet with the owner and
complete an annual inspection.
Council questioned if they would be tied to a commitment if direction were provided tonight
to move forward with exploring the option available through the Land Trust.
Ms. Johnson noted there would be no commitment at this point and all three parties would
have the option to back out at any time until the closing.
Council consensus was to continue to work with the Land Trust and Mr. Babcock to acquire
this property. Council noted they were interested in acquiring the land but it would be
dependent upon the costs to the city.
Neil Anderson, 27 Morton Avenue -Asked that neighboring property owners be
considered through this process.
6.4. Consider Architectural Services for Public Works Facility
Mr. Hals presented the staff report.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2010
Page 4
Acting Mayor Westgaard stated SEH was very good to work with and he would have no
issues with having them do a request for proposal but that if the cost seemed high, then the
city should solicit other proposals.
There was discussion on fees and it was noted they could be around $500,000 for an $8-10
million project. Council felt requests for proposals should be obtained from a few firms due
to these fees.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO OBTAIN REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC
WORKS FACILITY. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6.5. Authorize Filling Current and Anticipated Future Vacancies in the Police Detiartment
Chief Rolfe reviewed his staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED TO
FILL THE PATROL CAPTAIN, PATROL SERGEANT, AND PATROL
OFFICER POSITION AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
6.6. Budget Amendments
Mr. Simon reviewed his staff report.
Councilmember Motin had concerns that the future budget in 2012 might be higher by what
the city is saving by doing the project a little earlier.
Mr. Simon indicated that the city would not see a capital outlay request in 2012 to finish the
cameras as this will be completed from the IT budget in 2010 and 2011.
Councilmember Motin stated he didn't want to get in a habit of using funds saved on one
project for other projects. He stated these type of items should be budgeted for by staff in
the normal budgeting process.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE 2010 BUDGET
AMENDMENTS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION CARRIED
4-0.
6.7. 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Plan
Mr. Simon presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE 2011-2015 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
City Council Minutes Page 5
December 20, 2010
6.8. HRA and LibraryBoard Appointments
Ms. Allard presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPOINT STEWART WILSON TO THE
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WITH A TERM
EXPIRATION OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND TO APPOINT JAYNE DIETZ TO
THE LIBRARY BOARD TO A TERM OF DECEMBER 31, 2013. MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPOINT KATHLEEN TRACY TO
THE LIBRARY BOARD WITH A TERM EXPIRATION OF DECEMBER 31,
2013. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Other Business
There was no other business.
8. Council Updates
There were no council updates.
9. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
Acting Mayor Westgaard noted the Council would be holding two closed sessions: for
attorney client privilege and union negotiations per the state law outlined in the agenda.
There being no further business, Acting Mayor Westgaard adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Ciry Council at 7:30 p.m.
10. Closed Meeting-Orono Conference Room
Members Present: Acting Mayor Westgaard and Councilxnembers Motin, Gumphrey, and
Zerwas.
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Environmental Administrator Rebecca
Haug, Ciry Clerk Tina Allard, and via conference call, City Attorney Peter Beck and League
of Minnesota Cities Attorney John Baker.
Acting Mayor Westgaard convened the closed session at 7:38 p.m.
The purpose of the closed meeting is to discuss the current litigation involving the Elk River
Landfill. This meeting is closed per MN State Statute Section 13D.05, Sub. 3(b) Attorney
Client Privilege.
Acting Mayor Westgaard closed this session at 8:04 p.m.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2010
11. Closed Session-Orono Conference Room
Page 6
Members Present: Acting Mayor Westgaard and Councilmembers Motin, Gumphrey, and
Zerwas.
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson and City Clerk Tina Allard
Acting Mayor Westgaard convened the closed session at 8:05 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider strategies for union negotiations for Patrol Union,
LELS 231. This meeting is closed per MN State Statute Section 13D.03, Sub. 1(b) Union
Negotiations.
Acting Mayor Westgaard closed this session at 8:30 p.m.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
John Dietz, Mayor