3.1. DRAFT MINUTES 02-22-2011
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 201 I
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Zerwas, Westgaard, Gumphrey, and
Motin
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Chief of Police Brad Rolfe, Assistant
Street Superintendent Mark Thompson, Human Resources Representative
Lauren Wipper, Finance Director Tim Simon, Parks Supervisor Rodney
Schreifels, 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 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Consider 02/07/2011 Agenda
Councilmember Moon requested that discussion on staffs ability to talk with the Council be
added as item 8.2.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS 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. COUNCIL MINUTES
• JANUARY 18 REGULAR
^ JANUARY 18 CLOSED
3.2. CHECK REGISTER AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT
3.3. SOLICITOR LICENSE TO IREEN MORALES, EDWARD JONES
INVESTMENTS VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2011.
3.4. SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS:
A. BROADWAY BAR AND PIZZA FOR A CAR SHOW ON MAY 22,
2011 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ON-STREET PARKING TO BE USED FOR CUSTOMERS
ONLY. ALL DISPLAY VEHICLES MUST BE CONFINED
TO BROADWAY BAR AND PIZZA PROPERTY.
2. 167TH AVENUE TO REMAIN OPEN TOTWO-WAY
TRAFFIC.
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2011
Page 2
3. LIQUOR IS ONLY PERMITTED INSIDE THE
BUILDING AND ON PATIO, AND IS TO BE STRICTLY
ENFORCED BY BAR STAFF.
4. EXTERIOR SOUND SYSTEMS/MUSIC MUST COMPLY
WITH CITY NOISE ORDINANCE.
5. APPLICANT MUST NOTIFY AREA RESIDENTS OF
EVENT AND ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN STREET
PARKING.
6. PRIOR TO DISPLAY, ALL TEMPORARY SIGNAGE
SHALL RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE PERMIT.
7. APPLICANT MUST CONTACT FIRE MARSHAL CLIFF
ANDERSON AT 763.635.1110 DURING EVENT SET UP
FOR AWALK-THRU INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTY
TO INSURE PROPER ACCESSIBILITY TO THE
BUILDINGS AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES IS
MAINTAINED DURING THE EVENT.
8. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE PORTABLE TOILET
FACILITIES AS OUTLINED IN APPLICATION.
9. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF
AT LEAST $1,000,000 NAMING THE CITY, ITS
OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AS ADDITIONAL
INSURED MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO EVENT.
B. ZYLSTRA HARLEY DAVIDSON FOR VARIOUS EVENTS IN
2011 AS OUTLINED IN EXHBIT A WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. INSPECTION OF THE OUTSIDE AREA WILL TAKE
PLACE PRIOR TO EACH OUTSIDE EVENT WHEN
THERE IS A TENT. APPLICANT MUST CONTACT FIRE
MARSHAL CLIFF ANDERSON AT 763.635.1110 FOR AN
INSPECTION AFTER THE TENT HAS BEEN SET UP.
2. EVENT PARLKING MAY NOT OBSTRUCT PUBLIC
ROADWAYS OR RENDER THEM UNSAFE FOR
VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.
3. IF TRAFFIC BECOMES A PROBLEM AROUND THE
TEMPORARY SITE, THE SALES AREA SHALL BE
DELINEATED WITH A BARRIER TO RESTRICT
TRAFFIC.
4. NO ELECTRICAL SERVICES SHALL BE ACROSS ANY
DRIVE OR WALKING SURFACE.
5. THE TENT SHALL BE REMOVED WITHIN ONE DAY
OF THE EVENT AND THE SITE BE RETURNED TO
ITS PREVIOUS CONDITION.
6. ALL TEMPORARY SIGNS SHALL RECEIVE A PERMIT
PRIOR TO DISPLAY.
3.5. CALL SPECIAL MEETING FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011, AT
5:30 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2011
5.1. City Prosecutor/County Attorney Update
Page 3
County Attorney Kathleen Heaney and City Prosecutor Scott Baumgartner were present to
review Elk River statistics as presented in the staff report.
5.2. Proclamation: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
Mayor Dietz read the proclamation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO PROCLAIM FEBRUARY 7 -14, 2011 AS
CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS AWARENESS WEEK IN ELK RIVER.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.3. 2011 Park Fleet Replacements
Mr. Simon presented the staff report.
It was noted that since the purchase amount exceeds the budgeted amount, the difference
will be made up on the remaining 2011 park equipment purchases.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED MY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT OF A 2006
TORO 580 GROUNDSMASTER AND A 2001 JACOBSEN 5111 MOWER WITH A
2011 TORO 4010 AND 2011 TORO 580 AT A COST OF $140,542.73 NET OF
TRADE INS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.4. Lead Street Maintenance Assignment
Mr. Thompson presented the staff report. He noted that all street maintenance I employees
will be given the opportunity to serve as lead.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF A LEAD STREET MAINTENANCE ASSIGNMENT TO BE PAID AN
ADDITIONAL $1.00 PER HOUR WHILE ASSIGNED THE LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The City Council adjourned to Upper Town Conference Room at 6:53 p.m. for a worksession. The
meeting reconvened at 6:58 p.m.
6.1. Board and Commission Interviews
The City Council interviewed board and commission applicants in attendance. The Council
completed all of the interviews prior to making appointments.
Energy City Commission
The Council interviewed new Energy City Commission applicant Ryan Setterhohn.
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2011
Page 4
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING
APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS TOTHE ENERGY CITY
COMMISSION FOR THREE-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014:
ohn Setala Ener -related business re resentative
R an Setterholm Ener -related business re resentative
Ron Touchette EDA re resentative
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Heritage Preservation Commission
The Council interviewed Heritage Preservation Commission applicants R. Michael Brubaker,
Lance Lindberg, and Debra Mortensen.
It was noted that there are attendance issues with a couple of the current HPC members.
The Council discussed their desire to have members on the commissions who are active and
are able to regularly attend the meetings. The Council directed Ms. Haug to contact the
members with attendance issues and see if they wish to remain on the commission. They
also asked staff to research and bring back ideas on how to more formally track attendance.
The Council discussed increasing the size of the commission but it was noted that the
commission was recently decreased from seven to five members because of the difficulty in
maintaining a quorum and in getting applicants to fill vacant positions.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO REAPPOINT LANCE LINDBERG AND
DEBRA MORTENSEN TO THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
FOR THREE-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
The Council expressed an interest in having Mr. Brubaker continue to attend the HPC
meetings and asked staff to convey that in the letter to Mr. Brubaker.
Parks and Recreation Commission
There were no applicants for the Parks and Recreation Commission in attendance.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO REAPPOINT MICHAEL NIZIOLEK
AND JAMES NYSTROM TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THREE-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Ice Arena Commission
The Council interviewed Ice Arena Commission applicant Dale Martin.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCIMEMBER MOTIN TO REAPPOINT DAVE FOSS (ELK RIVER
YOUTH HOCKEY REPRESENTATIVE), DALE MARTIN (AT-LARGE
REPRESENTATIVE), AND MICHAEL NIZIOLEK (PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE) TO THE ICE ARENA
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2011
Page 5
COMMISSION FOR THREE-YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Planning Commission
The Council interviewed Planning Commission applicants Dana Anderson and Chad
Westberg.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO REAPPOINT DANA ANDERSON AND
CHAD WESTBERG TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THREE-YEAR
TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Utilities Commission
It was noted that Kathrynn Renner withdrew her application for Utilities Commission.
The Council interviewed Utilities Commission applicants Allan Nadeau and James Tralle.
Discussion took place on the importance of having a Utilities Commissioner that is on city
water and sewer. Councilmember Motin indicated Mr. Tralle is very knowledgeable about
the commission and he would hate to give that up.
MOVED BY MAYOR DIETZ AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WESTGAARD TO APPOINT ALLAN NADEAU TO THE UTILITIES
COMMISSION FOR ATHREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilmember Motin opposed.
Librar~Board
The Council interviewed Library Board applicants Mary Eberley, Willie Jackson, and Nicole
Novotny.
The Council discussed having three very good candidates for the position. Discussion took
place on a member that is not in regular attendance at the meetings. Discussion also took
place on possibly increasing the Board. Councilmember Zerwas noted that he would like to
work with the existing board member to see if he is still interested in serving on the Board
first.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPOINT WILLIE JACKSON TO THE
LIBRARY BOARD TO FULFILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF JOHN DIETZ
UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2012. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.5. Discuss Council Worksession Agendas
Ms. Johnson reviewed her staff report. The Council asked that time limits be set on the
items for February 14.
Mayor Dietz asked that an item regarding employees' right to political endorsements be
added to the March worksession.
Councilmember Gumphrey noted he will be gone March 7.
City Council Minutes Page 6
February 7, 2011
6.2. Consider Changing Non-Mayor Appointment Term Expirations
Mayor Dietz questioned if the Council is interested in changing the non-Mayoral
appointment term expirations from the last day of February to the last day of December.
Council consensus was to leave the term expirations as is.
6.3. Review Sidewalk Snowplowing Ordinance
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Discussion took place regarding the current policy on sidewalk plowing. Mr. Barnhart stated
that it would be challenging to change the sidewalk snowplowing ordinance at this point in
the year and is not recommended.
Larry Farber, 19404 Norfolk Street NW -stated that he lives in the Highland
neighborhood. He explained that the sidewalks in his neighborhood have never been plowed
and expressed concern over receiving a certified letter so far into the snow season. He stated
that a plowed walking trail exists on the other side of the road and one cleared side should
be sufficient. He also asked that the city address lots with no area for snow storage between
the sidewalk and the road.
Council consensus was to discuss amending the sidewalk snowplowing polity in May.
Suggested changes include the schedule on which letters are sent out. It was suggested that
staff send the first letter regular mail with a seven day deadline and if no compliance, send
the next letter via certified mail with an additional seven days to comply. Another suggestion
was to discuss a better way to notify residents of the sidewalk snowplowing requirements
(newsletter, postcard, etc.)
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO GIVE PROPERTY OWNER'S ON
HIGHLAND ROAD, AND IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS WHERE ONE SIDE OF
THE ROAD IS PLOWED, 45 DAYS TO REMOVE SNOW FROM SIDEWALKS
AND TO REVIEW THE SNOW REMOVAL POLICY IN MAY. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
7. Other Business
Mayor Dietz explained that the city recently passed an ordinance that prohibits commercial
buildings from putting in private wells. He stated that the well drillers have approached the
Legislature asking them to overturn similar city ordinances. Council consensus was to
approve Mayor Dietz's request to lobby at the Legislative level on behalf of the city.
8. Council Updates
8.1. Employee Meetings Update -Mayor Dietz
Mayor Dietz indicated he has met with several city employees and department heads over
the past few weeks. He reviewed some of the items that were discussed including employee
promotions, pay, compensatory time, and furloughs. The Council asked that compensatory
time, in particular as it relates to the street department, be discussed at a future meeting.
Mayor Dietz provided an update on his monthly meeting at the American Legion.
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2011
8.2. Staff Interaction with Council
Page 7
Councilmember Motin mentioned communication between the City Council and staff and
asked that this item be reviewed for inclusion in polity.
9. Staff Updates
There was no other business.
Mayor Dietz announced that the City Council will be holding a closed meeting per MN Statute 13D.05 to
discuss the city's possible purchase of parcels 75-404-0160, 75-405-0540, 75-405-0545, and 75-405-0550.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
John J. Dietz, Mayor
CLOSED SESSION OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 201 1
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Zerwas, Gumphrey, Westgaard and
Moon
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the closed meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 9:25 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Closed Session - Possible Purchase Parcels: 75-404-0160 75-405-0540 75-405-0545 and
75-405-0550
The purpose of the closed meeting was to discuss the possible purchase of parcels 75-404-
0160, 75-405-0540, 75-405-0545, and 75-405-0550 pursuant to MN Statute 13D.05, subd.
3(c).
3. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the closed meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:40 p.m.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
John J. Dietz, Mayor