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08-25-1997 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1997 Members Present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, Farber, and Holmgren Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Bryan Adams, Utilities General Manager; Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Lori Johnson, Assistant City Administrator; Tom Zerwas, Police Chief; Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent Also Present: Pat Dwyer, EDA; Tom Mesich, Planning Commission; Judy Thompson, Planning Commission; Louise Kuester, Planning Commission; Dick Hinkle, HRA~ Gene Schuldt, HRA; Stewart Wilson, HRA 1. Call Meetin.q To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman. 2. Consider Aqenda Item 7.1. was postponed until 9/8/97 at the request of the applicant. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/25/97 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Consent Aqenda COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1a. 3.1b. 3.2. 3,3. 3.4. 8/4/97 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED 8/18/97 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM LAWFUL GAMBLING FOR CHURCH OF ST. ANDREWS - APPROVED PROCLAMATION FOR AUGUST 26, 1997, AS JACKIE SCHUELEIN DAY - APPROVED REQUEST FOR ROOFTOP RENTAL SPACE FOR MPCA AIR SAMPLING EQUIPMENT ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE CITY HALL ROOF - APPROVED COUNClLMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Elk River City Council Meeting August 25, 1997 Page 2 4. Ener,qy City Update Members of the City Council, HRA, EDA, Planning Commission, and Utilities Commission were present for an Energy City presentation on the various activities that have been undertaken through this program over the past six months. Members of the Action Committee for Energy (ACE) were introduced to the various members of the City Council, boards, and commissions. Background was given on the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) which is a program to encourage a partnership between all parties with common environmental interests. Sarah Coppick indicated that Energy City is a collaborative program of Energy Alley. She further stated that the program would serve the City of Elk River and the Economic Development Authority and that a goal of MEI is to educate Minnesota citizens about Energy City. Short presentations were given regarding current projects and various activities that have taken place through the Energy City program. 5.1, Consider Resolution Awardinq Bids for Hi.qhway 169 Fence and Liqhtin.q Improvements COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-82, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT IN THE MATI'ER OF THE T.H. 169 FENCING AND LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT OF 1997. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.2. Consider Resolution Enterinq into a Cooperative Aqreement with MnDOT for the T.H. 169 Fence and Liqhtin,q Improvements Consider Resolution Enterinq into a Cooperative Aqreement with MnDOT for the T.H. 10 and Simonet Drive Improvements City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the city has received the Cooperative Construction Agreements for both the Simonet Drive left turn lane and T.H. 169 fencing and lighting projects from MnDOT. He indicated that the documents have been reviewed and recommended that the Council adopt the resolution authorizing execution of the agreements. Councilmember Holmgren stated that Sheriff Anderson has indicated that there may be a possibility of maintaining the clean-up of the fence line through community service workers. Councilmember Holmgren requested city staff to contact the Sheriff regarding this issue. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-83 ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH MNDOT FOR THE T.H. 169 FENCE AND LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-84 ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH MNDOT FOR THE T.H. 10 AND SIMONET DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Elk River City Council Meeting August 25, 1997 Page 3 5.4. 5,5. 7.1, Consider Contribution to Chamber Leadership Proqram COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CITY SPONSORSHIP OF $1,000 FOR THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1997-98 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Northbound Quotes to Relocate Conveyor, Bottle Return Chute, and Baler, and Other Related Work COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE QUOTE OF $2,775 SUBMITTED BY BLATZHEIM INDUSTRIES, INC. TO RELOCATE THE CONVEYOR, BOTTLE RETURN CHUTE, AND BALER FROM THE OLD NORTHBOUND LIQUOR STORE TO THE NEW NORTHBOUND LIQUOR STORE AND OTHER RELATED WORK. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Open Mike Mike Twaddle thanked the Council for their action taken on Items 5.1. and 5.2. Request by Phoenix Enterprises for Final Plat Approval fHillside Crossinq Two), Case No. P 97-7 This item was postponed to the September 8, 1997, special City Council meeting. 1998 Budqet Worksession The City Council reviewed the proposed 1998 budget as presented by the City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator. Assistant City Administrator Loft Johnson presented an overview regarding new laws that have been passed and how they affect the levy limitations for the City of Elk River. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of the School District cutting the D.A.R.E. program and the affect this would have on the city's budget. The Council discussed its concern regarding the School District's decision to cut the D.A.R.E. program without reviewing the situation with the city prior to making the decision. The Council also indicated its concern over the loss of interaction between police officers and juveniles if the city does not administer the D.A.R.E. program to elementary age students. The City Council was in favor of continuing the D.A.R.E. program. Police Chief Tom Zerwas stated that there are certain aspects of the D.A.R.E. program that will not be provided through the County's program. He stated that the City should make the School District aware of these issues. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO SET UP A JOINT MEETING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO DISCUSS THE CITY'S D.A.R.E. PROGRAM AND HOW A CHANGE WILL AFFECT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ELK RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Council discussed possible ways to close the budget gap of ,$25,650. Discussion was held regarding the Council contributing to the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund (CMIF) and the Historical Society and the possibility of using the Council Contingency to close the gap. It was the consensus of the Council to Elk River City Council Meeting Page 4 August 25, 1997 have the City Administrator gather more information on the request for funds from the Historical Society and CMIF. Council Contin.qency - The City Administrator reviewed some 1997 City Council Contingency expenditures which included the following: 1 ) park and recreation referendum expenses; 2) personal computer for the Planning Department; 3) American with Disabilities Act Update; and 4) City Council minutes being put into permanently bound documents. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE 1997 CITY COUNCIL CONTINGENCY EXPENDITURES REVIEWED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE A PERSONAL COMPUTER. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Phil Hals reviewed his request for the purchase of two snowplows and three snow truck boxes at an estimated cost of $27,100. He indicated that new funds for these purchases have been made available from the state and federal emergency snow removal reimbursement program. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO SNOWPLOWS AND THREE TRUCK BOXES FOR APPROXIMATELY $27,100. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF UPDATED AIR PHOTOS FOR THE URBAN SERVICE AREA. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The Nord House - The City Administrator informed the Council that staff is proposing improvements to the Nord house which is located directly north of the golf course and in the southwest corner of the Woodland Trails park. He stated that the city has received a quote in the amount of $7,530 to install vinyl siding, gutters, and storm windows. Following Council discussion it was the consensus that because it is the city's intention to maintain the house for at least another five years, the proposed improvements to the house are warranted. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY $7,530 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NORD HOUSE. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Library - The City Administrator discussed the need for additional parking at the Elk River Library. He indicated that the Library is currently landlocked and the only viable option for expanding the parking is to purchase property around the Library. He stated that there is presently a home for sale abutting the Library property directly north on Proctor Avenue. Discussion was held regarding the city's need to purchase this property and other property around the Library should it become available for future expansion. The Assistant City Administrator indicated that the money to purchase the land and expand the parking lot would come from the Library fund balance. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO HIRE AN APPRAISER TO APPRAISE THE PROPERTY AND TO PURSUE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Elk River City Council Meeting August 25, 1997 Page 5 The City Administrator reviewed the proposed revenues for the 1998 budget. Discussion was held regarding the COPS FAST grant money and special levy. The City Administrator reviewed the proposed expenditures for the 1998 budget. Discussion was held regarding the request for the planning intern to be established as a permanent planning position. The City Council indicated its concern regarding whether or not this position is necessary at this time. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss this at a later date. The City Administrator stated that the police department is asking for the creation of a captain position. It was the consensus of the Council to make no decision on this request until the Council has met with the police department and offered them the opportunity to review the present organizational structure of the department. The City Administrator indicated that the administration department is requesting to hire a part time employee to handle the cable TV duties. He indicated that net increase to the city to be under $5,000. It was the consensus of the City Council to pursue the hiring of a Cable TV employee. The City Administrator indicated that the street/park department is requesting to elevate a current employee to park foreman position. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO SUPPORT MOVING FORWARD WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARK FOREMAN POSITION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-85 APPROVING THE 1998 TAX LEVY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES FOR THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-86 APPROVING THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1998 TAX LEVY. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Assistant City Administrator Lori Johnson reviewed the debt service levy adjustments payable for 1998. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE ADJUSTMENT OF THE 1998 DEBT LEVIES PER RECOMMENDATION OF ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR LORI JOHNSON. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-87 AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM TAX LEVY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1998. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO CALL FOR THE CITY TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TAX LEVY AND BUDGET FOR DECEMBER 1, 1997, WITH A CONTINUATION DATE OF DECEMBER 8, 1997, AT 6 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. Other Business Elk River City Council Meeting August 25, 1997 Page 6 There was no other business. 10. Staff Updates There were no staff updates. 11. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNClLMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNClLMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Reslz~ectfully submitted, / Sandra Thackeray City Clerk