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10-06-1997 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1997 Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, Farber, and Holmgren None Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Steve Ach, City Planner; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Dave Sellergren, City Attorney; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant; and Bruce West, Fire Chief 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 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman. 2. Consider A.qenda The following items were changed on the agenda: 8.1 -- Update on the Trott Brook Residential Development Proposal on the Waddy Schulze Property -- deleted. 9.1. Councilmember Farber -- discussion of traffic issues on Highland Road - moved to 8.1. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 6, 1997, CITY COUNCIL AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0 Consider Consent A.qenda COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED 9/29/97 COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR HIGHWAY 10/SIMONET DRIVE LEFT TURN LANE PROJECT - APPROVED City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 2 4.1, 4.2. 4.3. 3.4. 3.5. RESOLUTION 97-103 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION AND PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON FOR COMMUNITY ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM -- APPROVED PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 11 AS VFW AUXILIARY DAY - ADOPTED COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Micro-turbine Project -- Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant and UPA Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, introduced Steve Shurts of United Power Association. Steve Shuds explained that United Power Association has requested permission to install a micro-turbine on the digester at the Elk River Waste Water Treatment Plant. This micro-turbine will generate electricity from excess methane gas. During the testing phase of approximately six months, UPA will give the electricity to the City to help run the treatment plant. Following the test period, the city may purchase the electricity at a very Iow cost. It is proposed to install the micro-turbine in the spring or summer of 1998. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ACCEPT THE UPA PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A MICRO-TURBINE ON THE DIGESTER AT THE ELK RIVER WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Public Hearing for the Western Area Phase Ill Project (Ga,qne and Sherburne County Government Center) City Engineer Terry Maurer explained that the County has petitioned for improvements along west TH 10. He explained that the project consists of street and utility improvements. Terry Maurer reviewed the feasibility study for the project and noted that he has had meetings on this project with the two affected property owners. Mayor Duitsman opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the matter, Mayor Duitsman closed the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-104 ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT OF 1997 TO SERVE THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Adoption of the Official Map for Streets in Eastern Elk River -- Public Hearinq City Engineer Terry Maurer explained that a public hearing for the official map on the eastern area major transportation corridor has been scheduled for this evening. Terry Maurer presented the official map corridor and explained the process the city will follow. He indicated that this process allows the city the opportunity to reject building permits in order to preserve the transportation City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 3 4,4, corridor. He explained that the city will officially map and record some of the street so that property owners and developers are put on notice. Mayor Duitsman opened the public hearing. George Deschenes, 18513 Twin Lakes Road questioned the necessity of the existing survey stakes. He also questioned the timing of the project. Ruth Brown, 10815 175th Ave. NW. stated that she and her spouse are happy where they live and do not want to see the road go through their property. She indicated that they are retired and want to be able to plan their retirement years. If the road does go through, they need to know the timeline. She stated she is still unclear as to how the rezoning and utilities will effect them. Bob Galitz 183rd Court stated he is in favor of the proposal. Joe Kirkeide questioned the timeline of the project. Thomas Christian 10989 181st Ave. Questioned how the intersection of 181st and County Road 12 will be controlled. Terry Maurer indicated that a signal will be necessary in the future. There being no further comments, Mayor Duitsman closed the public headng. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-105 DIRECTING STAFF TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE EASTERN AREA MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR OFFICIAL MAP. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Evergreen Land Sewices Proposal City Administrator Pat Klaers reviewed a proposal for land acquisition services from Evergreen Land Services Company. It was noted that additional work will be necessary before Evergreen can complete their acquisition work. Pat Klaers recommended that the council consider hiring this firm to provide services for the acquisition of right-of-way along the Tyler Street alignment between 171st Avenue and 175th Avenue. Chris Ostman questioned why the city is purchasing all of the property for a traffic signal on 171st. Mayor Duitsman indicated it will also be a major corridor in the future. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO HIRE EVERGREEN LAND SERVICES COMPANY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG THE TYLER STREET ALIGNMENT BETWEEN 171sT AND 175TM AVENUES. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Dirk Barrett -- 10768 173rd Avenue questioned if there will be an assessment for the road construction and for the sewer and water utilities. City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 4 4.5. 4,6, Consider Resolution Orderinq Preliminary Feasibility Report in the Matter of the Railroad Drive Project City Engineer Terry Maurer explained that the owner of Marty's Feed Store and the owner of the paint store are interested in having sanitary sewer and water available at their site. Terry Maurer indicated that city staff member Phil Hals is interested in a solution to the water ponding in Railroad Drive and Bryan Adams in interested in looping the watermain to improve the quality of service. The City Engineer requested the City Council to consider initiating a feasibility study to quantify all of the interests and improvements necessary and to deal with the funding sources from assessments to maintenance dollars. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 97-106 ORDERING THE PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY REPORT IN THE MAI'rER OF THE RAILROAD DRIVE UTILITY AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT OF 1997. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Morrell Transfer Site Plan Modifications Planning Assistant Scott Harlicker indicated that Morrell Transfer has requested modifications to their June 16, 1997, approved site plan for the transfer facility. Scott Harlicker explained that the Council reviewed the proposed changes requested by Terry Morrell during the 9/22/97 Council meeting. At that meeting Council directed staff to meet with the Morrells to discuss the proposed changes. Scott Harlicker indicated that staff has met with Morrells and reviewed the proposed changes as outlined in his October 6 memo with the Council. Mayor Duitsman indicated that he felt the three major issues that should be discussed include~ 1) entrance width and turning radius 2) water drainage 3) surface material. Terry Maurer addressed these three issues indicating city staff's concerns with each issue. He stated that the driveway should be as narrow as possible but still allow for turning movements of trucks. If the driveway is 50 feet, it must contain striping for turning. He indicated that staff is recommending to pave the areas where there is significant traffic and turning movement. Terry Maurer expressed his concern with the .6 percent drainage slope. He indicated he felt there should be a minimum of 1% slope. Terry Morrell indicated that their goal is to design a parking area so that traffic does not meet as it is entering and exiting. He indicated that in order to do this a 60 foot wide access would be safest. He felt a narrow access would jeopardize safety of the incoming and exiting traffic. Much discussion took place regarding the width of the entrance/exit and the parking lot design near this entrance and exit. Councilmembers Holmgren and Farber felt the wider entrance would work out best. City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 5 4.7. 4.8. 4.9. The Council and Morrelts discussed the other issues of concern relating to the project. Mayor Duitsman indicated he will vote on this issue tonight without considering Tax Increment Financing. If TIF is requested and received, he may change his mind on certain issues. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE CONDITIONS AS STATED IN THE MEMO, HOWEVER IF 50 FEET FOR THE ACCESS DRIVE DOES NOT WORK THEN THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WILL COME BACK TO THE COUNCIL FOR REVIEW. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ ABSTAINED. Councilmember Diefz indicated he does not feel comfortable amending city standards. Consider Becomin.q Employer of Certain Community Recreation Employees Pat Klaers explained that staff has received a request from the Community Recreation Board asking that the city consider serving as employer for two of its three employees. The two employees are the Secretary and Recreation Program Supervisor. Both positions are currently paid by the City of Otsego. The City Administrator explained that the City of Otsego has voted to drop out of the Community Recreation Joint Powers Program. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY RECREATION SECRETARY AND PROGRAM SUPERVISOR TO BECOME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 1997. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Consider Hearinq for Closure of Sunshine Depot The City Clerk indicated that the Council scheduled a public hearing to review the liquor license for John Purmort at the Sunshine Depot. She indicated that since this meeting has been scheduled, the liquor license has been transferred to Rob VanValkenburg. The City Clerk explained that the purpose of the hearing is to allow Mr. Purmort the option to discuss the situation regarding the liquor license suspension. If Mr. Purmort is not present, no action is required by the City Council. Mr. Purmort has been notified of this meeting. The Council took no action on this issue as Mr. Purmort did not contact the City or attend this meeting. Amendment to Chapter IV of the City Code Relatinq to False Alarms The City Clerk informed the Council that the Fire Chief has requested an amendment to the City Code relating to false fire alarms. The proposed ordinance provides for penalties for false fire alarms in the following manner: $150 for the fourth false fire alarm in a calendar year $50 for each successive false fire alarm in addition to four in a calendar year City Council Minutes October 6, 19c)7 Page 6 8.2. Councilmember Farber indicated his concern about weather related alarms. Fire Chief Bruce West indicated that the city would not charge for these types of incidents. COUNClLMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 97-17 AMENDING CHAPTER IV OF THE CITY CODE "PENAL REGULATIONS" BY REPEALING SECTION 402.04 "FALSE ALARMS" AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 402.04 IN LIEU THEREOF RELATING TO THE SAME SUBJECT ENTITLED "FALSE ALARMS." COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Open Mike No one appeared for this issue. Staff Updates There were no staff updates. Council Worksession Councilmember Dietz left the meeting at this time due to illness. Worksession Items Update on the Trott Brook Residential Development Proposal on the Waddy Schulze Property- Postponed {Old Item #9.1.) Councilmember Farber Discussion on Traffic Issues on Hiqhland Road Councilmember Farber expressed concerns from his neighborhood regarding traffic issues which include the high rate of speed of the vehicles, the increased volume of vehicles on Highland Road, the possible need for stop signs or speed bumps (or dips), the need for sidewalks for children walking to School along with crosswalks and signage. The City Council concurred that this area has additional traffic and that the volume will increase in the future. The Council requested the Police Department to give this area some special attention for traffic enforcement. The City Council requested the City Engineer to do traffic counts on Auburn Street at 193rd and 197th Avenues and on Dodge Street at 193,d and Elk Hills Drive. Discussion with Police Department Reqardin.q Or.qanizat ona Structure in the Department Chief Zerwas indicated that earlier in the year the city received approval for the addition of two more COPS FAST officers. The city is currently in the process of testing new applicants for these positions. It is the hope of the department that these two positions can be filled this calendar year. City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 7 10. Sergeant Rolfe reviewed the current status of officers and the organizational structure of the department. It was noted that including the Chief, there are 21 licensed officers and one vacant position at this time. There are three patrol divisions within the department with five officers in each patrol division and one investigation division which includes five officers. Sergeant Rolfe reviewed the monthly schedule of the fifteen patrol officers. The department operates on a six/three schedule which includes eight and one-half hour days. Under ideal conditions, with no exceptions for vacation time, sick time, conferences or schools, etc., each of the three schedules in patrol would have nine shifts (or days) with four officers on and 22 shifts (or days) with three officers on. If two additional COPS FAST officers were added and there were 17 officers on patrol, the department would suggest that the B schedule, from approximately 3- 11 p.m., would have seven officers while the other two shifts remain at five. If this took place on the B schedule, there would be zero shifts (or days) with three officers on, ten shifts (or days) with four officers on, and 21 shifts (or days) with five officers on. This change would provide a significant increase in manpower during the heavy or peak period of calls for service. Discussion took place regarding other needs within the department including additional investigation help, a captain position, clerical support, and additional CSO officers. It was noted that additional requests for manpower will not end in the foreseeable future as the population increases, businesses increases, and the demand for services increases. The City Council will consistently have to evaluate the needs of the police department and balance these needs against the rest of the city departments while taking into consideration the tax levy and appropriate tax increases to provide manpower for services. Chief Zerwas reviewed the need for a captain position within the organizational structure of the department. Comparable cities were noted and the organization of those communities were reviewed. A captain position would allow the sergeants to spend more time on the streets and in a true supervisory role with less time being devoted toward administrative duties. A job description for the captain position was included in the Council packet. The captain position would work the A schedule (or day shift) and would be almost exclusively an administrative position. The Council decided to discuss this captain position and other department issues at the October 27, 1997, budget worksession. Other Business There was no other business. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE COUNCIL MEETING. COUNClLMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. City Council Minutes October 6, 1997 Page 8 The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at approximately 10:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, $ y City Clerk City Administrator