04-09-2012 CCM• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE CITY OF ELK RIVER (UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM)
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Gumphrej=, Motin, tti'estgaard, and
Zerwas
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, Police Chief Bradley Rolfe, Fire Chief T.
John Cunningham, Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug, City
Engineer Justin Femrite, Finance Director Tim Simon, Parks and
Recreation Director IVlichael Hecker, ERML? Director of Operations Troy
Adams, Street Superintendent Mark Thompson, Street Projects Specialist
Phil Hals, and Executive Secretary/Deputy City Clerk Jessica Miller
County Board Present: Commissioners Farber, Leonard, Schmiesing, Petersen, and Riebel
County Staff Present: County Administrator Brian Bensen, Deputy County Administrator Luci
Botzek, Public Works Director John Menter, Zoning Administrator Nancy
Riddle, and Solid Waste Administrator Dave Lucas
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 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Council Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING
CONSENT AGENDA:
4.1. APRIL 2, 2012, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
4.2. ANNUAL RENEWAL OF SALES/STORAGE OF RETAIL FIREWORKS
LICENSE FOR CUB FOODS WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. TWO (2) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS MUST BE PLACED NEAR
THE AREA OF THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY. ONE (1) MUST BE
• A WATER-BASED PRESSURIZED EXTINGUISHER.
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Apri19, 2012
Page 2
2. APPLICANT MUST CONTACT THE FIRE MARSHAL AT •
763.635.1110 AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS SET UP FOR
AN INSPECTION.
4.3. APPROVE LOW QUOTE SUBMITTED BY OLS RESTORATION, INC.
IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,100 TO COMPLETE THE PAINTING OF
SEVEN SELECTED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS IN ELK RIVER.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
~. Open Forum
No one appeared for open forum.
6. ~X~ork Session
6.1. Toint Meeting with Sherburne Count<~ Board of Commissioners
The meeting of the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners was called to order at 6:36
p.m. by Chair Farber.
EBMU Check Presentation forLandfill-to-Gas Project
Mr. Adams presented a check to Mr. Lucas for the landfill-to-gas project. Mr. Adams
thanked the county for their support.
Discussion was held on a possible expansion of the project.
Data Center Progress •
Mr. Bensen reviewed the proposed layout for a possible data center addition near the
government center.
Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if a new substation would be required for the data
center. Mr. Adams explained that the current system could support the data center that has
expressed interest in the property. Mr. Adams noted that an additional transformer will be
necessary in the future and outlined a couple of options.
Government Center Site Uj~date
Mr. Bensen reviewed the Government Center expansion plans as outlined in the county's
master plan.
Koad Projects
Mr. Femrite reviewed current city/county public works collaboration projects as outlined in
his staff report.
GKE Location for Household Hazardous lY/aste
Ms. Haug stated that this item is not ready to be discussed at this time.
Means to Increase Fuel to GBE Plant
Ms. Haug reviewed her staff report.
Commissioner Schmiesing indicated that law requiring metropolitan waste haulers to bring
mixed municipal solid waste to a resource recovery facility before sending to a landfill was
passed years ago but has never been enforced. •
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.~pri19, 2012
Page 3
• Tim Steinbeck, Great River Energy -stated that the resource recovers facility is slowly
recovering waste but is still below their goal.
Commissioner Petersen questioned if the city- and township clean-up events can be required
to haul to the recovery facility. Ms. Haug stated that the city is hosting its clean-up event at
the resource recovers- facility this 3-ear but that agreements were in place for previous clean-
up events that required the haulers to bring the waste to the recovery facility. Mr. Lucas
indicated that information was sent to area townships and cities outlining the opportunity to
bring waste to the recovery facility rather than the landfill.
Potential City/County Collaboration Oppo~2unitier
Mayor Dietz questioned if there are additional opportunities for the Police and Sheriff
Departments to share resources. Chief Rolfe explained that the two departments are already
sharing many resources and have a great working relationship.
Mayor Dietz questioned if the county audits the gravel tax. Mr. Bensen explained that the
auditor requires the gravel haulers to submit statements and that staff is able to review aerial
photographs using the GIS system which can indicate how much gravel has been removed.
Mayor Dietz stated that the city has used the county's assessing services for many 5-ears and
he believes the arrangement is working out great.
Mayor Dietz questioned the status of the County Fair. Chair Farber explained that there
hasn't been any additional discussion on moving the fair. Commissioner Schmiesing
• indicated that the fair is struggling and it would be helpful for people from Elk River to get
involved on the fair board. Commissioner Riebel stated that Mr. Hals has done a
tremendous job of assisting with fair preparation. He indicated it may be helpful to get the
Chamber of Commerce or local businesses involved as well.
Other Items of Mutual Interest
Ms. Riddle provided an update on the extension of the Great Northern Trail to Princeton.
Councilmember Zerwas questioned the status of the employee clinic. Mr. Bensen stated that
the county decided against putting in a pharmacy due to the complexity of the process. He
added that the county offers many health and wellness activities for their employees and
have realized premium savings for the last three years because of these programs. Mayor
Dietz explained that when the Council met jointly with the school district, they discussed
exploring an employee clinic and they would be willing to partner with the county and the
city on the project.
Mayor Dietz indicated that the possibility of a centralized print shop was also discussed
when the city and school board met jointly.
Commissioner Petersen explained that Sherburne County is involved with the Greater MSP
group supporting economic development. He stated that the city may be receiving a
questionnaire from them and encouraged staff xo respond appropriately.
Mayor Dietz asked for an update on the Great River Regional Library Board. Ms. Leonard,
the county representative on the Board, provided an update.
• The Council thanked the County Board for taking the time to come and meet jointly.
City Council Minutes
April 9, 2012
Page 4
The meeting of the Sherburne County Board of Couuiussioners was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. The •
Council took a five minute recess at that time.
6?. Storm Water Fee Update/Discussion
Ms. Haug presented her staff report.
Stan Hanson, Stantec - reviewed a PowerPoint outlining possible storm water utility- fee
structures and information.
Councilmember Zerwas questioned why the funding is needed to be in compliance when
staff indicated the city has been in compliance since 2003. Ms. Haug explained that the city
has been in compliance at the bare minimum level and that new, costly requirements will be
mandated with dze city's new permit. She outlined some of the new requirements.
Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if homeowners will receive reductions in their storm
water fees if they install items such as a rain garden. Ms. Haug stated that other communities
have indicated it is difficult to provide rebates as the program is beginning. She stated that it
may be easier to begin offering rebates once the program is up and running.
Councilmember Motin questioned if the structure presented is the fairest way and how the
fees will be assessed. h1r. Hanson indicated that this structure is what other communities
have found to be the fairest. Ms. Haug explained that the fee will appear on the utility bills
similar to how garbage is billed.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated he would like to see a finalized storm water utility •
budget and for staff to work with local businesses and residents on how fees can be reduced.
Council consensus was to complete the storm water feasibility study and for staff to come
back with a finalized storm water utility budget.
6.3. Council Open Forum
Councilmember Gumphrey requested an update from Mr. Femrite on the Ridges of Rice
Lake Homeowner's Association. Mr. Femrite indicated he met with the association regarding
concerns they have regarding the association's sewer system and questions on whether or
not they have options other than owning and operating their own system. He stated that the
association hired an engineer and the information will be provided to him for review once it
is complete.
Announcements
There were no announcements.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City
Council at 8:42 p.m.
Vfinutes pre ared by Jessica Miller.
„ ~ ~ ~. •
Tina Allard, City Clerk