03-30-1998 CC MIN SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
CITY COUNCIL AND THE SHERBURNE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HELD AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CENTER - COMMISSIONERS BOARD ROOM
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1998
Council Present:
Council Absent:
City Staff Present:
Commissioners Present:
Commissioners Absent:
County Staff Present:
Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Farber, Holmgren
and Thompson
None
Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning
Administrator; Pat Klaers, City Administrator
Chair Nagorski, Commissioners Wergin, Engstrom, and
Johnson
Commissioner Friedl
Dave Loch, County Administrator; Dave Schwarting,
County Engineer
Call Meetin.q to Order and Consider A.qenda
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the joint meeting of the Elk River City
Council and the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners was called to order at
6:00 p.m. by Sherburne County Chair Nagorski.
It was the consensus of the County Board and the City Council that the agenda
was acceptable as distributed.
1 .a. County State Aid Hi,qhway # 12
The county has contracted with the city engineering firm, Howard R. Green
Company to provide engineering services for this county road reconstruction
project. City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed the project. Current plans call for
the project to begin in 1998 and to be completed in 1999. One of the big issues
with this project moving forward in 1998 is the obtaining of right-of-way from the
abutting property owners.
2. County Cost Sharin,q Policy
This new policy has a significant impact on the County Road 12 project. With
previous county road projects, there was no cost sharing required. Under this new
county policy the city is being requested to contribute approximately $325,000
into the project for the construction of the trail, median, and concrete curb and
gutter. It was noted that the county policy is generally modeled after existing
policies in counties which are mainly rural. In the city's analysis of cost sharing
Elk River City Council Minutes Page 2
March 30, 1998
policies from urban counties, it is estimated that the city's contribution for the
trails, median, and curb and gutter would be significantly less and that the city
would be obligated for approximately $110,000 of the improvements. Even this
lower amount reflects a dramatic change from past practices in Sherburne
County.
Mayor Duitsman indicated that the City Council believes that the new county
policy is unfair as it relates to county roads in urban areas and that it needs to be
changed to address this situation. The Mayor further indicated that if there is not
a change in the county's policy for cost sharing on County Road 12, then this
project may have to be dropped.
No decision on cost sharing for County Road 12 was reached and the county
and city staffs were directed to work on an equable solution to this problem.
1 .b. County State Aid Hi,qhway # 1
County Engineer Dave Schwarting provided an update on the completion
timetable for this project. Concerns were expressed regarding the County Road
I and County Road 77 intersection.
1.c. Community Based Planninq and County Transportation Plan
Dave Schwading provided an update on the adopted (March 10, 1998) County
Transportation Plan. This plan includes a bridge crossing over the Elk River near
the western boundary of the city and an east/west collector route from Highway
169 to County Road 1.
Commissioner Wergin provided an update on the existing law and proposed
legislation regarding community based planning.
1.d. County Roads 77 and 33 Reali,qnment
Dave Schwarting provided an update on the status of this project. It was noted
that the realignment is included in the County Transportation Plan and that the
gravel operators are hoping for construction activity in 1998 prior to their
relocation in 1999 out of this area and into another gravel pit in Elk River. An
important issue with this project is the relocation of NSP poles. A preliminary road
alignment needs to be accomplished soon and the staffs are planning to meet in
the next few weeks to work on this project.
1.e. Hi.qhway 10 and Upland Avenue Intersection
City Engineer Terry Maurer provided an update on this project which is scheduled
to be completed in 1998. It was noted that the north leg of this project is a
County Road and the south leg is a city street. Concern was expressed about
increased traffic on County Road 44 and improvements that may be necessary
to handle pedestrian traffic and a higher volume of vehicle traffic on this county
road.
Elk River City Council Minutes
March 30, 1998
Page 3
1 .f. Other
The city engineer updated the Board on the planned signal in 1999 for 171st
Avenue and Highway 10.
The city engineer noted that city and county staffs are working on the turnback
of the north Highway 10 frontage road from the county to the city.
Business Center Drive Fronta,qe Road
The city engineer noted that this project is moving forward for construction in
1998. The city is currently out for bids on this project and the assessment hearing
will be scheduled in the near future.
Solid Waste Issues
Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf provided an update on the landfill
expansion plans and the city's concern over the county garbage ordinance.
Lake Orono
Steve Rohlf provided an update on the plans for improvements to Lake Orono. It
was noted that the lake will be drained for three months (August, September, and
October) for this sedimentation removal project. The county financial
participation in the project was requested by the Mayor.
Le.qislation on Power Plants
Commissioner Wergin provided an update on possible legislation which would
affect the tax base in the county and city as it relates to power plants. Nothing is
anticipated in 1998, but efforts will take place in 1999 to change the current
system.
Government Center Construction Project
County Administrator Dave Loch provided an update on this project which is
currently 30-40% complete. The target date for completion is January 1999. The
expansion of the jail is a recent change and is a $7 million expansion in addition
to the original construction project of $9 million. It was noted that a city
conditional use permit may be required for the expansion of the jail.
Other Issues
Dave Loch provided an update on the County Park Plan and Commission.
Steve Rohlf provided an update on the Energy City Program.
Dave Loch provided an update on the Northstar Corridor Project.
City Administrator Pat Klaers provided the City Council an update on the staff
assistance being provided to the city of St. Peter as a result of the tornadoes. The
Elk River City Council Minutes
March 30, 1998
Page 4
Council authorized appropriate manpower and equipment to be provided as
determined by the city administrator for this emergency clean up work.
Adiournment
There being no further business, the joint meeting of the Elk River City Council and
the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick Klaers ~
City Administrator