07-18-2011 CCMMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JULY 18, 201 1
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Zerwas, Motin, Westgaard, and Gumphrey
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Interim City Administrator Bob Thistle, Finance Director Tim Simon,
Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart, Planner Chris Leeseberg, City
Attorney Peter Beck, Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug,
Recreation Manager Steve Benoit, Engineer Justin Femrite, Director of
Operations Troy Adams, Chief of Police Brad Rolfe, Captain Bob Kluntz,
Captain Ron Nierenhausen, and Senior Administrative Assistant Jennifer
Johnson
Also Present: Planning Commissioner Dana Anderson
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 Mayor Dietz.
• 2. Consider 07/18/2011 Agenda
Councilmember Westgaard wished to add an item to Other Business.
Councilxnember Motin requested that item 7.2. be moved and renumbered to 6.8.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH THE
ADDITIONAL CHANGES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent A eg nda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING
CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 COUNCIL MINUTES
• JUNE 20 REGULAR
• JUNE 27 CLOSED #1
• JUNE 27 CLOSED #2
• JULY 5 REGULAR
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT AMENDMENT -BROADWAY BAR AND
PIZZA
• 3.4. ADOPT RESOLUTION 11-39 ACKNOWLEDGING CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE CITY OF ELK RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
City Council Minutes
July 18, 2011
Page 2
3.5. ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY -
BID PACKAGE 1
3.6. AUTHORIZATION TO BEGIN HIRING PROCESS FOR STREET
DIVISION LABORER
3.7. ADOPT RESOLUTION 11-40 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN
AMENDMENT FOR TAX ABATEMENT AND BUSINESS SUBSIDY
AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AND
JACOBS (QUALITY LABEL)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
5.1. 2011 Street Improvement Project
• Assessment -Public Hearing
• Resolution Adopting Final Assessment Roll
Resolution Awarding the Bid and Authorizing Execution of the Contract
Councilmember Moon recused himself from this item, noting that he owned two properties
in the proposed project area, although Mr. Beck commented that state law didn't require him
from doing so.
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. •
Dennis Meemken, representing Dynetic Systems at 19128 Industrial Blvd., presented a
written objection which was passed out to the council before the meeting started. He
objected to the formula used for calculating the amount of assessment to each business in
the Industrial Park, stating it was unbalanced and not fair.
Catheryn Bloom, 408 2nd Street NW, objected to the proposed improvements on 2nd Street
from Railroad Drive to the cul-de-sac east of Evans Avenue. She stated her concerns with
city vehicles using this road. She presented a written objection to the recording secretary.
John Lenz, 12655 Industrial Blvd., representing J&J Machine, didn't feel the formula used
for calculating the amount of assessment to the businesses in the Industrial Park was fair.
There being no one else to speak, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Mr. Femrite explained the process for configuring the assessment amounts on properties in
the Industrial Park, noting the many variables involved. He stated the costs of doing this
project are lower than the amount they received in 2010 due to the contribution of State
funding, funding which wasn't available in 2010.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 11-41 ADOPTING
THE ASSESSMENT ROLL IN THE MATTER OF THE 2011 STREET •
City Council Minutes Page 3
Duty 1 s, 201 i
-----------------------------
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
• MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 11-42
ACCEPTING BID AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT BY
AWARDING THE 2011 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO REDSTONE
CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,431,095.72.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN RECUSED HIMSELF.
5.2. Request by Vanman Companies on behalf of The Crossing Church for a Building-
Expansion. 829 School Street Case No Cu 11-06 -Public Hearing
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak, he closed the public
hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY VANMAN
COMPANIES ON BEHALF OF THE CROSSING CHURCH FOR A BUILDING
EXPANSION AT 829 SCHOOL STREET WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY PLANNER LETTER DATED JUNE 28, 2011
SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. AS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED PERMITS, INCLUDING
APPROVALS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF, CITY ENGINEER, AND BUILDING
OFFICIAL.
3. THE DEVELOPMENT SHALL MEET ALL APPLICABLE FIRE CODES.
THE FIRE CHIEF SHALL VERIFY THE LOCATION OF ALL FIRE
HYDRANTS, AND MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL HYDRANTS NECESSARY
TO PRESERVE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS.
4. THE STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
SHALL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED.
5. LINE OF SITE DRAWINGS SHALL BE PREPARED TO ILLUSTRATE THE
ROOF TOP UNITS WILL BE SCREENED FROM ADJACENT PUBLIC AREAS,
INCLUDING LIONS PARK, AND SCHOOL STREET, AND JACKSON
AVENUE.
6. A LETTER OF CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 SHALL BE
PROVIDED TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH GRADING, EROSION
CONTROL, DRAINAGE, UTILITY, HARD SURFACE, AND LANDSCAPING
REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO THE RELEASING OF THE BUILDING
PERMIT.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.3. Request by Guardian Angels for a Conditional Use Permit to Amend the Planned Unit
• Development Agreement for Guardian Angels West 13439 - 185 Ave NW Case No Cu
11-09 -Public Hearin
City Council Minutes
July ls, aoll
Page 4
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. •
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak, he closed the public
hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY GUARDIAN
ANGELS WEST, 13439 -185TH AVE. NW WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. AS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED PERMITS, INCLUDING
APPROVALS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF, CITY ENGINEER, AND BUILDING
OFFICIAL.
2. THE STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
SHALL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED.
3. THE 1998 LANDSCAPING PLAN MUST BE VERIFIED AND PLANTINGS
REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.4. Request by Spectrum High School for an Interim Use Permit to Extend Their Existing IUP
for aWrestling/Fitness Facility at 17834 Industrial Circle Case No CU 11-10 -Public
Hearir~~
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak, he closed the public
hearing.
Councilmember Westgaard requested clarification of the hours of use, noting the narrative
provided by Rick Peterson of Spectrum High School stated he would like students to be
available to use the space from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Peterson stated the room contained fitness equipment and requested the ability for the
physical education teacher to sporadically teach students to use the strength equipment
during the normal school hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Leeseberg stated it could be added as a condition.
Councilmember Westgaard stated concerns with transferring students between buildings in
an industrial park.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the buildings were adjacent and there was a sidewalk the students could
use.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY SPECTRUM
HIGH SCHOOL FOR AN INTERIM USE PERMIT TO EXTEND THEIR
EXISTING IUP FOR AWRESTLING/FITNESS FACILITY AT 17834 •
City Council Minutes
July 18, 2011
Page 5
INDUSTRIAL CIRCLE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. INTERIM USE PERMIT SHALL EXPIRE AUGUST 15 2012.
2. AS AN INTERIM USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED PERMITS, INCLUDING
APPROVALS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF, CITY ENGINEER, AND BUILDING
OFFICIAL.
3. THE STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
SHALL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED.
4. DUE TO THE INDUSTRIAL NATURE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE
SCHOOL RECOGNIZES THAT NOISE, ODORS, TRUCK TRAFFIC, AND
OTHER UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS MAY BE PRESENT.
5. HOURS OF OPERATION WOULD BE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:30
A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.5. Request by Devin Peterson (Peterson Construction) on Behalf of Thai Buddhist Center of
Minnesota for a Conditional Use Permit for Institutional Use in Rla Zonin District 10863
- 208 Avenue, Case No. Cu 11-08 -Public Hearin
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
• Chris Friedman, 6630 Mohawk Drive, Chanhassen, stated his wife is a Thai Buddhist and
attends events at the Thai Buddhist Center, and he has also attended some events. He
disputed the e-mail from Joseph and Christine Thorndal, stating there were no gongs and
there weren't 100's of cars present during events. He stated they hold quiet, peaceful
gatherings and major events usually draw no more than 60-80 people. On a day-to day basis,
there are usually around 5 people who visit the center to feed the monks.
There being no one else to speak, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Gumphrey requested that a drainage and grading plan be added as a
condition.
Councilmember Dietz had visited the property earlier that day and noted the area is heavily
wooded.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY DEVIN
PETERSON (PETERSON CONSTRUCTION) ON BEHALF OF THAI
BUDDHIST CENTER OF MINNESOTA FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR INSTITUTIONAL USE IN R1A ZONING DISTRICT, 10863 - 208Tx
AVENUE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. AS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN ALL REQUIRED PERMITS.
2. THE STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
• SHALL BE SATISFIED IN PERPETUITY.
3. THE DEVELOPMENT SHALL MEET ALL APPLICABLE FIRE CODES.
Ciry Council Minutes
July is, 2011
Page 6
4. PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS SHALL PROVIDE FOR ADA
COMPLIANCE PARKING SPACES, A 24-FOOT WIDE DRIVE AISLE, AND i
CONCRETE CURBING AND SHALL BE APPROVED BY STAFF PRIOR TO
ANY CONSTRUCTION.
5. AN ADDRESS NUMBER MUST BE DISPLAYED AT THE ENTRANCE TO
THE PROPERTY.
6. NO MORE THAN THREE FREESTANDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
MAYBE PROVIDED (E.G. SHED, GAZEBO, AND INSTITUTIONAL SPACE).
7. GRADING AND DRAINAGE PLAN TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY
ENGINEER.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.6. Reduest by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 30 -Land
Development Regulations, Article VI -Zoning Division 2 Administration and
Enforcement. Subdivision II -Appeals and Variances, Case No V 11-02 -Public Heati~
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing and continued it to August 15, 2011.
6.1. Resolution Regarding the Conditional Use Permit for Wapiti Park Campground continued
rom une 27
Counselor Beck presented the staff report. He noted if the council approved the resolution
to revoke the conditional Use Permit for Wapiti Park Campground, that the Campground •
would have under December 31, 2011 to come into compliance as outlined in the resolution
and if they complied with the conditions outlined in the resolution, the CUP would be
reissued.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO REVOKE THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR WAPITI PARK CAMPGROUND. REVOCATION WOULD NOT
TAKE PLACE IF THE CAMPGROUND COMES INTO COMPLIANCE WITH
THE CONDITIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE RESOLUTION BY DECEMBER
31, 2011.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.2. Landfill Ouarterlv Update -Verbal Update
No one from the Elk River Landfill was at the meeting to make a statement. Therefore, the
item was tabled.
6.3. GreenStep Cities Recognition Award
Ms. Haug presented the staff report and the GreenStep Cities Recogntion Award to the
mayor and council. She stated it will be displayed in the display case at City Hall.
6.4. Aonrove Trunk Utility Funding of Elk River Municipal Utilities' Well 9 Raw Water
Improvements •
City Council Minutes
July Za, aoil
Page 7
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
• MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE TRUNK UTILITY
FUNDING OF ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES' WELL 9 RAW WATER
IMPROVEMENTS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.5. Award of Bid for Great Northern Trail Solar Lighting Project
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO ACCEPT THE BID AND AWARD THE
CONTRACT FOR THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL SOLAR LIGHTING
PROJECT TO CHOICE ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,505.00 TO
COMPLETE THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL SOLAR LIGHTING PROJECT
AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.6. Consider Use ofRight-of--Way by Ken Beaudry
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. Mr. Beaudry was present to answer any questions.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the council to have Counselor Beck draft a license
agreement to allow continued use of the right-of--way for consideration at a future council
meeting.
6.7. Ordinance Amendment Regarding Disturbance of Natural Resources and Wildlife in Parks
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Council had concerns with enforcement of such an ordinance and felt it was too broad.
They requested staff work with the city attorney to reword the ordinance
6.8. Recreation Facility Usage
Mr. Benoit presented the staff report. He explained the issue of priority for recreation facility
use. The issue pertains to which groups should have first priority for recreational facility use
between Parks and Recreation sponsored programs, and youth athletic association activities.
He outlined financial and programming statistics from the staff report.
Councilmember Motin felt that there shouldn't be a priority given to youth athletic
association activities over City operated programs. He felt the City should control its own
property and destiny. He agreed that the associations provide an important component of
recreation activities
Mayor Dietz discussed the importance of maximizing the city's profit on the use of fields
• and providing a balance of offering field use to youth athletic association activities as well as
continuing to offer new programming opportunities.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 2011
Page 8
After some discussion, Mr. Thistle requested information from the council on how the
recreation facility use policy should be worded. Items discussed were that the polity should
serve the needs of the residents first, blend association and recreational needs, protect the
needs of both organizations, and develop a process for allocating field use that is
transparent.
Council agreed to have staff work with the council to draft a polity and return at a future
meeting that address the criteria discussed.
The Council recessed into the Upper Town Conference Room at 9:00 p.m. for budget
discussion.
The meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
7.1. Discussion on Spectrum School Dome
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. Rick Peterson, representing Spectrum High School,
was present to answer questions. Two additional site plans of the location were handed out
for discussion.
Councilmember Gumphrey asked how much time the city would be allowed to use the
dome. Mr. Peterson stated the city could use the facility after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all
weekend.
Councilmember Motin felt the partnership between Spectrum and the City was a good idea, .
but had concerns with the location of the proposed dome being on one of the last industrial
lots with city sewer and water. He also had concerns with the future of the dome and who
would be responsible for upkeep and repair.
Councilmember Zerwas agreed with Councilmember Motin's concerns.
Mayor Dietz also agreed with those concerns, and asked if there were another location in the
city where this dome could be placed. He suggested the Youth Athletic Complex as a
possible location.
Mr. Peterson stated he would prefer to have the dome located next to or near the school so
the students would have easy access to it.
Council directed staff to work with Spectrum High School to determine another location for
the dome.
7.3. 2012 Budget Discussion
• Community Development
• Police Administration
Mr. Simon presented the staff report. Staff discussed their request budget and goals.
7.4. Discussion of Parks and Recreation Director Position
Mayor Dietz presented the staff report. •
City Council Minutes
July 1 s, 2011
Page 9
It was the consensus of the council to have Mr. Thistle whittle the candidates down to 15-20
• and give them to the interview committee to review and rate, and then interview the top 5,
bringing the top 2 to the council. The interview committee would be the same group of
individuals that were on the committee the last time.
8. Other Business
Councilmember Gumphrey asked councilmembers if they should use the prevailing wage
option when bidding out the public works facility project.
It was the consensus of the council to use the prevailing wage option for the bidding of the
public works facility.
9. Council Updates
Mayor Dietz discussed the idea of relocating the employees that work at Lions Park Center
to City Hall.
Councilmembers agreed to explore relocating employees at Lions Park Center.
10. Staff Updates
There were no Staff Updates.
11. Adjournment
• There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City
Council at 10:24 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Johnson.
Tina Allard, City Cler
J n J. ietz, r
•