07-07-2014 CCM City of
El'*k --.-- Meeting of the Elk River City Council
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Paveora"*-- Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 7, 2014
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilinernbers Wilson, Burandt,Westgaard, and
Morin
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Community Operations and
Development Deputy Director Jeremy Barnhart, Fit-iance Director
Tim Simon, Fire Chief John Cunningham, Director of Economic
De-,Telopi,nent Brian Beeman, City Attorney Peter Beck, City
Engineer.Justin Femrite, Parks and Recreation Director Michael
Hecker, and City Clerk 'Tina Allard
I 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. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 0710 /2014 Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Motin and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to approve the July 7, 2014, agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Mayor Dietz stated there was good attendance for the Independence Day fireworks,
He further thanked Mike Matter, Harley Davidson, who recruited youth group
volunteers and then paid them $500 for taking care of clean up after the event.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wilson to approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 June 16, 2014, Regular Council Minutes.
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Resolution 14-32 Acknowledging Contributions for Independence Day
Fireworks.
4.4 Promote Mark Thompson to Street Superintendent effective July 17,
2014.
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4.5 Tobacco license to Omar Abuisnainch for Elk River Smokes 4 Less,
Inc. valid until December 31, 2014, with the condition that no smoking
shall be allowed in the tobacco products shop.
4.6 Special event permit to Sherburne County Agricultural Society for the
Sherburne County fair and parade valid July 17-20, 2014, subject to the
following conditions:
1. Applicant shall provide garbage cleanup immediately following the
parade.
2. Signs shall be installed at the following locations no later than July
12, 2014:
a. Main Street and Morton Avenue (alerting westbound traffic)
b. West of Orono Road at Main Street and Joplin Street
(alerting eastbound traffic)
c. On Joplin Street at Orono Parkway (alerting southbound
traffic)
d. Proctor Avenue and Main Street (alerting southbound
traffic)
The signs shall state:
Main Street Closed
July 19
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Parade
3. Applicant shall provide portable toilets and inform all parade staff
of the location for the toilets during parade staging.
4. Applicant shall ensure that all applicable fire codes have been met
and all tents must be inspected by the fire marshal prior to
opening. Applicant is responsible for contacting the fire marshal at
763.635.1110 to arrange for an inspection.
5. Applicant shall provide the Elk River Fire Department, Division of
Emergency Management,with a copy of the Emergency
Operations Plan to include, but not limited to, appropriate annexes
for severe weather.
6. Access to the public safety facility, including the rear entrance area,
shall not be obstructed.
7. Candy may be handed out at the parade but is not permitted to be
thrown from moving objects.
4.7 Revised Fats, Oils, and Grease Enforcement Response Plan as
outlined in the staff report.
4.8 Revised agreement with Tri-CAP for transit vehicle storage and
maintenance as outlined in the staff report.
4.9 Development Agreement for Prestigious Woodland Hills Second
Addition as outlined in the staff report.
4.10 Purchase desiccant dehumidifier for the Elk River Arena and
accepting the quotes outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
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-5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. Presentations, Awards, and Recognition
here were none at this meeting.
7.1 Redevelopment Plan for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Loan Program
Mr. Beeman presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Motin to
adopt Resolution 14-33 Approving a Redevelopment Plan for an Owner-
Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Motion carried 5-0.
8.1 Comprehensive Plan Identified Amendments
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Councilmember Morin raised questions about the definition of a mother-in-law
apartment.
Mr. Barnhart explained current ordinance and noted staff would be reviewing the
definition in more detail before they recommend an), amendments to Council.
Councilmember. Westgaard requested the Parks and Recreation Master Plan be
consulted,when finalized prior to amendments being completed.
8.2 Gravel Mining Study
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Counciltnember Morin questioned if staff met with other similar communities who
have gone through this development process. He questioned if the city should be
discussing what types of uses will be installed before putting in the infrastructure
versus the other way around.
Mr. Barnhart stated the challenge for Elk River is development won't be expected
for at least 10 years and there will be expected changes to come during that
timefrarne. He stated the current study wouldn't have a lot of detail but staff needs
some information on items such as where roads will go so the city can obtain right: of
way in the right location. He noted staff met with planners for Maple Grove and
Pa' W I R I I BT
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Carver and further discussed their planning processes. He noted the city would be
looking at land use first,which will generate the infrastructure need.
Moved by Councihnembct Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Burandt to hire WSB and Associates to complete the 2014 Gravel Mining
Study at a price not to exceed $43,300. Motion carried 5-0.
8.3 Quiet Zone Options
Mr. Fernlite presented the staff report and a PowerPoint.
Mayor Dietz expressed frustration with the cost increasing over$850,000 due to a
person who purposely broke the law by going around the railroad arms.
The Council concurred.
The Council felt the project must continue based on public input and would like
staff to evaluate financing options at the expense of other items being cut or
postponed from the budget. Staff was also directed to look into whether the high
rating will decline over the next few years.
8.4 Renaming of Lions Park
Mr. Hecker presented the staff report.
Councilmember Motin stated he is not a fan of naming city parks for local people
and felt the naming of a park should be based on regional factors. He further noted
Lions Park is different and with the Lions Club stepping forward and supporting the
name change he will support the proposal. He stated there is no doubt John Weicht
deserves the recognition.
Moved by Councilmember Motin and seconded by Councilmember Wilson to
rename Lions Park to Lion John Weicht Park. Motion carried 5-0.
8.5 2015 Benefit Level for Fire Relief Association
Mr. Simon presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz stated the Fire Relief Board are a conservative group and do an
outstanding job managing their defined benefit plan. He stated he prefers to see
steady growth rather than large gains and losses. He stated the plan in good shape
and doing very well.
Former Board Member Bob Pearson thanked the Council for. their support and
further thanked the Mayor and Finance Director who serve and are active and
engaged board members.
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Councili-nembet Wilson questioned if investments are in funds or single held equities
and if they are not is there a guiding principle the Relief Association follows,
Brian McKnight, Part McKnight Wealth Management Group, stated investments are
held in a combination of funds with 60% in equities and 40% in fixed income. He
noted state law limits outlines some requirements for investments.
Mr. Simon explained the Association's Investment Policy.
Moved by Council ember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to increase the Elk River Fire Relief Association benefit level to
$5,360 per year of service effective January 1, 2015. Motion carried 5-0.
8.6 Discuss Worksession Agendas
Mr. Portner presented the staff report. He further added there would be a quiet zone
follow-up and discussion on storm water fees.
Mayor Dietz requested a discussion on ditches before the end of September. He
suggested inviting county staff to participate. He noted Commissioner Anderson
mentioned that the county would be doing somed-drig for cities for water issues.
9. Council Liaison Updates
'ne Council provided updates of the work of the various boards/commissions.
Mayor Dietz noted there is avacancy on the Great River Regional Library Board and
to let him know of anyone who would be interested in serving on this board.
Councilmember Motin stated the Region 7W board would be allowing the
appointment of alternate members in the case of a serving member not being able to
make it a meeting.
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Council recessed at 7:24 p.m. in order to go into worksession.
Council reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
10.1 Development Fee Comparison
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. He stated a challenge with a fee comparison,
is not all fees translate directly. He stated cities call fees by different names and there
are varying factors attached to fees such as Met Council, taxing separately for some
services, cities providing different service levels for the fees, etc. He stated fees are
based on needs and in line with the services being offered by each city.
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Mayor Dietz stated it was interesting that Monticello doesn't charge park dedication
fees for commercial properties. He stated some cities put more priority towards their
parks and he wouldn't want to eliminate the fee for commercial or industrial
development.
Mr. Barnhart stated the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be reviewing options
for calculating park dedication fees. He stated charging the fee to commercial and
industrial developers is valid because they will utilize city amenities and market them
to attract new employees.
Mayor Dietz questioned if the issue for the developer was because of the cost of the
road.
Mr. Barnhart stated he understood the developer had issues with the development
fees ($79,365.11) and the cost of the road and the land underneath (because he had
to dedicate right of way and build the road). Mr. Barnhart stated this developer was
not treated any differently than any other developer and he was charged consistently
with how other developers would be charged. He stated developers help fund what
they trigger.
Councilmember Wilson stated the developer who requested the fee comparison
wanted the city to review its fees to see if competitive with other cities. He said he
wanted the opportunity to discuss the fees to make sure the city is competitive. He
stated he would hate to see the city lose a deal due to park dedication fees and would
like to take additional time to look at the issue more closely.
Mr. Barnhart stated it is appropriate to review the park dedication fee and it will be
considered in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process.
It was noted that one of the fees didn't add up correctly in the staff report so staff
was directed to send updated spreadsheet.
10.2 Focus Area Study Implementation — Yale Court
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Yale Coui-1
Council noted this parcel or a portion of it is important as a connection piece for a
frontage road to local businesses.
Mr. Barnhart stated the city would need to take the whole parcel because the portion
needed is the prime developable part of the land.
Councilmember Motin suggested negotiating with the developer and noted at worst
case, he would be willing to consider eminent domain due to the important need for
this connection.
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Councilmember Westgaard concurred and felt this lot is critical for the overall plan.
He stated Option I or 2 are the most viable route at this time.
Councilmember Morin stated he is not interested in Option 3.
Councilmember Burandt concurred.
Council directed staff to continue to work with the potential developer, and to also
consider negotiating the price of the parcel with the current property owner.
Easl Side
Mr. Barnhart stated staff would like to approach property owner Moyer to discuss
combining parcels of land that would benefit the city and the property owner.
Council directed staff to approach the property owner to gauge his interest in
combining parcels,
10.3 2015 Street Improvement Project
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
163'p',,Ireiiue &Jarvis Street
Mr. Femr1te stated Jarvis Street is shared by the cities of Elk River and Ramsey.
It was noted there seems to be no joint Powers Agreement for the responsibilities of
maint-ainitiL, this roadway. Staff stated Elk River has maintained the road In the past.
Mr. Fenin'te stated Ramsey city staff has indicated they have no funding available for
this project.
Mayor Dietz questioned how Jarvis Street could be improved because it wouldn't be
fair to Elk River taxpayers if Ramsey doesn't pay their portion for repairing the road.
Mr. F'emrite questioned if the Council would like a sidewalk or trail on this
improvement route. He discussed the trail connections could lead to the Youth
Athletic Complex and the future Mississippi River trail system. He stated funding for
these trails could come. from Municipal State Aid.
Councilmember Burandt stated it is important to have safe trail routes along
roadways. She stated Elk River doesn't have the bike trail system that is as mice as the
City of Ramsey. She stated she knows of people who bike along the railroad line and
the city needs a way to move trail users along main corridor routes.
Council directed staff to include an option for trails so they could review the cost.
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Councilmember Wilson stated he would be more comfortable seeing an overall trail
plan.
My.. Fenuite explained further where the future trail connections would be from the
-vest side of 165" Avenue through Cargill land and to the Natures Edge Business
Park. He stated Ramsey has been moving forward on their trail connections for their
Mississippi River trail system.
Mr. Fernrite outlined city policy requiring all the city roads be built to urban
standards. He questioned Council if they would be 'interested 'in changing the policy
to allow for some rural standard roads to be built in certain locations. He stated this
area is rural in nature and requiring it to go urban will require additional storm water
planning requirements be met.
Councilmernber Burandt stated it is worth a review.
Mayor Dietz questioned if the city would be going against its own standards to save
itself some money.
Councib.nember Motin expressed concerns with making this change because the city
has requited people to live by the urban standards for many years. He is concerned
about changing the policy for the city's own benefit. He further questioned if the
substructure of rural roads can be built to handle future urban road design without
ripping Lip the road.
Mr. Femtite stated if the substructure were built to urban standards, then the urban
road should be installed and there would be a challenge with retrofitting a rural road
to urban.
Mr. Fen-irite noted he hasn't gotten feedback from the City of Ramsey regarding
financial contribution for a quiet zone as discussed at a previous joint meeting.
Coi.inig Crossin
,g 2nd Addition
Mr. Femrite recommended removing this development from improvement as it is in
good condition.
Council concurred.
Elk Hills Dive
Mr. Fernrite stated he would like to approach the residents and gauge their interest in
the extension of city sewer and water. He noted there would be an assessment cost
to the property owners.
Mayor Dietz questioned if the city can give property owners funding over a long-
term.
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Council consensus was to ask the property owners if they are interested in city sewer
and water.
Mr. Portner noted if the owner's say no, they should know that it will be years before
they are allowed an opportunity to hook up again.
Attorney Beck stated this project may fit into current city policy but the city should
look at the lot sizes and consider forcing the hookup because there are older septic
systems on these parcels and most likely not an alternative for a second septic system
location as is required by state law.
Oak. ill Knollmvod
Mr. Feinrite stated he would like to add the extension at 197"' and 197'h Avenues as a
mill and overlay project.
Council consensus is to add this road extension.
10.4 2015 Budget Discussion
Mr. Simon presented the staff report and a PowerPoint.
Council noted they would like to see the two year budget numbers put together by
staff.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk
liver City Council at 9:04 p.n-i.
C6'1 6etz, .Jayor
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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