03-15-2004 CC MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL LITTLE THEATER
MONDAY, MARCH IS, 1004
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
b[avor I'-71inzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Lfodn, and Tveite
None
Citv Administrator Pat Kd~ers, Finance Director Lori Johnson, DLrector of
Planning b[ichele McPherson, Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, Planner
Chris Leeseberg, Building and Environmental Administrator Steve Rohlf,
City, Attorney Peter Beck, and Recording Secreta~ Tiaa Allard
Planning Commissioner Ho~vard Ropp
Parks and Recreation Commissioners Duane Peterson and Da~vn Polston-
Hork
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meedng of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:35 p.m. by blayor KJinzing.
Consider 3/15/2004 Agenda
Councilmember Kuester added a caucus discussion item to Other Business. City
Adrmnistzator Pat Kdaers requested to move Item 6.5. before Item 6.1.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
Councilmember Kuester removed Item 3.8 from Consent. It was placed before Item 6.5. on
the Planning secdon of the agenda.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILEMBER TVEITE TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA:
3.1. MARCH 8, 2004 COUNCIL MINUTES
3.2. GENERAL PLANNING PERMIT FOR PLANT PLACE TO ALLOW A
TEMPORARY GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER IN THE
COBORN'S PARKING LOT WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO ELECTRICAL SERVICES SHALL BE ACROSS ANY DRIVE OR
WALKING SURFACE.
City Council Minutes
March 15, 2004
2.
o
Page 2
IF TRAFFIC BECOMES A PROBLEM AROUND THE TEMPORARY
SITE, THE SALES AREA SHALL BE DELINEATED WITH A
BARRIER TO RESTRICT TRAFFIC.
THE GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER BE MAINTAINED
FREE OF DEBRIS AND KEPT IN AN ORDERLY CONDITION.
THE LOCATION OF THE GREENHOUSE IS CONSISTENT WITH
THE SUBMITTED SITE PLAN.
THE GREENHOUSE AND DISPLAY AREA BE REMOVED
WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE END OF THE SALES PERIOD AND
THE SITE BE RETURNED TO ITS PREVIOUS CONDITION.
3.3.
GENERAL PLANNING PERMIT FOR WAL-MART TO ALLOW A
TEMPORARY GARDEN CENTER IN THEIR PARKING LOT WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO ELECTRICAL SERVICES SHALL BE ACROSS ANY DRIVE OR
WALKING SURFACE.
2. IF TRAFFIC BECOMES A PROBLEM AROUND THE TEMPORARY
SITE, THE SALES AREA SHALL BE DELINEATED WITH A
BARRIER TO RESTRICT TRAFFIC.
3. THE GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER BE MAINTAINED
FREE OF DEBRIS AND KEPT IN AN ORDERLY CONDITION.
4. THE LOCATION OF THE GREENHOUSE IS CONSISTENT WITH
THE SUBMITTED SITE PLAN.
5. THE GREENHOUSE AND DISPLAY AREA BE REMOVED
WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE END OF THE SALES PERIOD AND
THE SITE BE RETURNED TO ITS PREVIOUS CONDITION.
3.4.
GENERAL PLANNING PERMIT FOR LINDER'S TO ALLOW A
TEMPORARY GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER IN THE ELK
RIVER PLAZA PARKING LOT AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO ELECTRICAL SERVICES SHALL BE ACROSS ANY DRIVE OR
WALKING SURFACE.
2. IF TRAFFIC BECOMES A PROBLEM AROUND THE TEMPORARY
SITE, THE SALES AREA SHALL BE DELINEATED WITH A
BARRIER TO RESTRICT TRAFFIC.
3. THE GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER BE MAINTAINED
FREE OF DEBRIS AND KEPT IN AN ORDERLY CONDITION.
4. THE LOCATION OF THE GREENHOUSE IS CONSISTENT WITH
THE SUBMITTED SITE PLAN.
5. THE GREENHOUSE AND DISPLAY AREA BE REMOVED
WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE END OF THE SALES PERIOD AND
THE SITE BE RETURNED TO ITS PREVIOUS CONDITION.
3.5.
REQUEST BY S & A INVESTMENT, LLP FOR A REZONING FROM
R1C (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO PUD (PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT), PUBLIC HEARING-CASE NO. ZC 04-01-
WITHDRAWN
City, Council blmutes Page 3
March 15, 2004
3.6. REQUEST BY S & A INVESTMENT, LLP FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR WOODLAND HILLS PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC HEARING-CASE NO. CU 04-03,
WITHDRAWN
3.7,
REQUEST BY S & A INVESTMENTS, LLP FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT
APPROVAL OF WOODLAND HILLS, PUBLIC HEARING-CASE
NO. P 04-02, POSTPONED TO 4/19/04
3o9,
EXTENSION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR STERLING
BANK
3.10.
TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE GRANTED TO CURTIS KING
TO SELL PLANTS AND TREES FROM THE EXXON PARKING LOT.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4.1.
Proclamation of Congratulations to the Elk River Girls Hockey Team
Councilmembcr Dietz provided a history, of the start of high school girl's hockey. He
congratulated the team on how well they worked together and how well the players
represented the community;. Fie congratulated the team on their win of the State I~Ligh
School Hockey Tournament.
Councihnember Tveite stated that he was a member of the Ice Arena Commission and he
informed the ream that the cid~ provides support to high school hockey through its
ownership of the Elk River Ice Arena. He stated that he was proud of the team and thanked
them for their efforts.
Councilmember Kuester stated that the team isn't just learning in the classroom but also
through sports. She congratulated the team and told them to enjoy their moment.
Mayor Kdinzing proclaimed the week of March 16 through March 22, 2004 as a ~veek of
congratulations to the Elk Privet Girls Hockey team. She read and then presented the
proclamation to the girl's hockey team. The Mayor received a thank you card from the team.
4.2.
Utihfies Update
Councilmember John Dietz provided an update of the Util/des Commission meedng that
was held on March 9, 2004.
4.3.
Y2v[CA Update
Nh:. Klaers provided an update of the Northstar Y2v[CA Board meeting held on March 11,
2004. Mayor Iadinzing stated that since the YMCA reorganized they have been stronger and
more committed to developing programs for Elk River.
4.4. Parks & Recreation Update
Director of Planning bhchele McPherson provided an update of the Parks and Recreation
Commission's meedng held on March 10, 2004.
Ci~ Council i~.fh~utes
March 15, 2004
Page 4
Aw2rd Skate Park Equipment Bids
Ms. McPherson stated that this item is postponed until the March 22, 2004 City
Council meeting.
Approve Parks and Recreation Director Position Description and Authorize
Advertising
Ms. McPherson reviewed the ne~vlv created parks and recreation director position
description.
Councilmember Tveite indicated that he would like to see more references in the
position description for the Ice Arena. He would also like grant wridng experience
to be more of a priori~' as a job responsibili~.
Councilmember Kuester stated that she would like the director position to have
more responsibiliu' in assisting ~vith Libra~ programming and building
maintenance.
Mayor I<2inzing stated concerns about ho~v the salarv and the authority, of the Ice
Arena Manager, the Senior Coordinator, and Recreation Manager are going to be
affected bv the hiring of a director.
Mr. I~aers stated that initially there would not be many changes but in the furore if
there were significant changes in responsibilities, then the pay and comparable
worth rankings would need to be reviewed.
Mayor Klinzing questioned if the job should be more or less administrative or more
or less hands-on. She felt that recreation programming is an important part of the
director's job responsibilities and that hiring a director is too big of a step for the
ci~ to take at this time. She stated that she doesn't see a need for both a director
posidon and a recreation manager position as they seem to have many of the same
job responsibilities.
Councilmember Kuester stated that there should be coordination between the
parks, recreation, ice, and senior departments all under one director and that the
Parks and Recreation Department needs to be coordinated with all the other
departments.
Ms. McPherson stated that there should be one person that oversees all the parks
and recreational services so that there is one clear policy and voice that ~vould
represent the Parks and Recreation Department.
Councilmember Tveite stated that it will be valuable to the cits- to add the director
position. He sees enough work for the director with many of the projects that are
coming forward such as the Greenway project.
Mayor I~dinzing stated that she would Like the current parks and recreation
department heads to know that when a new director is hired that things may
change.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE PARKS AND
Ci~' Council NLinutes
March 15, 2004
RECREATION DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION WITH
CHANGES AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT FOR HIRING.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Page 5
Councihnembers Dietz and Tveite volunteered to be on the selection committee.
Approve Expenditures Relating to Lions Park Center Remodding
Ms. McPherson discussed the proposed changes that need to be made to Lions
Park Center in order to house the new parks and recreation director and some of
the park maintenance staff in one location.
Mayor I~dinzing stated that the director should be housed at City, Hall. She stated
that there would be better communication with the adrninistradve staff and the
posidon should remain more independent and separated. Councilmember Motin
concurred.
Mr. IHaers stated that he believed the director, and other park/recreation staff,
should be at Lions Park Center in order to better learn about the ci~' park and
recreation operations, to supervise employees, and to be available to the public. He
stated that the director should be near his/her staff and could coordinate activities
with the administrative staff at Ci~' Hall.
Councihnember Tveite stated that the ciw should hire a director and then let that
person determine ~vhere they would like to be housed. He is concerned about
spending funds for the remodel project only to not have it xvork out or have to have
it redone at a later date.
Councilmember Modn stated that the director posidon should be housed at Citv
Hall and not at Lions Park Center. He stated that he would like the posidon to
maintain more of a separation from the recreation department.
Mayor I<linzing stated that funding should not come from the park dedication
budget.
Duane Peterson, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission-Stated that the
Commission at fLrst was in some disagreement as to where the director should be
housed. In the end, the Commission unanimously voted to house the director at
LPC and to pay for the building improvements with park dedication funds. He
stated that most communities have the director housed with staff.
No action was taken on this item.
Ms. McPherson stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission selected Dawn Polston-
Hork to serve on the Ice Arena Commission as a representative for the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO APPOINT DAWN POLSTON-HORK TO
THE ICE ARENA COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 28,
2006. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Ci~ Council Minutes
March 15, 2004
4.5. Consider Personnel Committee Recommendations
Page 6
Finance Director Lori Johnson submitted the staff report. Ms. Johnson reviewed the
following four positions and discussed recommendations for point value and pay grade
classifications as made by the Personnel Committee:
· Parks and Recreation Director
· Building Maintenance Assistant
· Building Maintenance Supervisor
· City Prosecutor
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO ACCEPT THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Mr. I<aaers stated that a wage adjustment for Garv Lore would be appropriate as he is
currently classified as a Maintenance I employee for the Street Department but has been
per,brining the dudes of Building Maintenance Supervisor since 2003.
The Council directed staff to come back with a wage adjustment recommendation for Garv
Lore.
5. Open Mike
6.5.
No one appeared for Open NEike.
Consider Resolution Authorizing Ad for Bids for the Digester Cover Replacement at the
City Engineer Terry, Maurer submitted the staff report and Finance Director Lori Johnson
presented. Ms. Johnson stated that the plans and specifications for the replacement of the
~,Vk¥~l'P prima~ digester cover are complete and that the Citv Council is requested to
approve them and authorize the advertisement for bids.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTION AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 04-17 APPROVING
THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING THE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS IN THE MATTER OF THE W~(/TP PRIMARY
DIGESTER COVER REPLACEMENT IMPROVEMENT OF 2004. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Ms. Johnson stated that the funding source xvould be from either issued bonds or with
internal reserves.
Request Design Standards-Mississippi Ridge Plat
Councilmember Kuester questioned if the Planning Commission reviewed the design
standard for the Mississippi Ridge plat.
Ms. McPherson stated that this plat is sindlar to the Wal-Mart design standards and that
Council had requested to review the standards for bLississippi 1kidge ~vhen completed.
Ciw Council Minutes Page 7
*[arch 15, 2004
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO APPROVE THE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR
MISSISSIPPI RIDGE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
6.1. Consider Hillside l0th Revised Final Plat
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker submitted the staff report. Mr. Harlicker stated that the
Council approved the final plat for Hillside Estates 10th Addition on the condition that Lot 7
and Lot 8 be combined in order to meet the requizements ora rrUnimum lot depth of 130
feet. He stated that the applicant has revised the plat so that Lot 7 and Lot 8 comply with
the lot depth requirement.
There was discussion regarding lot ~vidth requirements and at what point they were
measured.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE AMENDED FINAL PLAT
FOR HILLSIDE ESTATES l0TM ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.2. Request bv Elk River Landfill for Renewal of Conditional Use Permit and Solid Waste
6.3.
Faciliw License, Public Hearing-Case No. CU 04-01
Building and Environmental Adn'finistrator Steve Rohlf submitted the staff report, bix.
Rohlf reviewed the Solid Waste Facilit3' License and the Conditional Use Permit for the Elk
River Landt:-~.
Mayor I(3inzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I~dinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Kuester questioned what can be done to deal with the methane odor at the
landfffll.
Elise Stagart, engineer for the landfill-Stated that in 2003 addifionai tvekls were installed to
capture more of the methane. She stated that the landfill has an odor hodine that citizens
can utilize to register complaints.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF ELK RIVER
LANDFILL'S SOLID WASTE FACILITY LICENSE AND AMENDMENTS TO
THEIR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF
REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Request for Easement Vacation bv Meyers & Johnson, Public Hearing-Case No. EV 04-01
Planner Chris Leeseberg submitted the staff report. NEt. Leeseberg stated that the applicant
is requesting an easement vacation for Lots 1 and 2, Block 2 of Woods at Hsllside 2~a
Addition. He stated that the applicant is requesting a properU' line adjustment and once the
line is adjusted, nexv drainage and utiliw easements will be created.
City Council Minutes Page 8
March 15, 2004
Mayor I4,Sinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
K~inzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 04-18 FOR
VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, CASE NO. EV 04-01.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4.
Request by Dancin on Broadway, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit for Dance Studio in Elk
River Plaza 4th Add/don Public Hearing-Case No. CU 40-02
Planner Chris Leeseberg submJ, tted the staff report, blt. Leeseberg stated that the applicant
is requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a dance studio and retail space for
dance equipment. He discussed zoning, CUP standards, and Planning Commission acdon.
Mayor IGmzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I4Ztinzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER TO APPROVE A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO DANCIN ON BROADWAY WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITION:
IF THE BUSINESS IS TO EXPAND BEYOND 5,091 SQUARE FEET,
THE APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.6. Discuss Sherburne CounU, Jail Expansion Project
Nh:. Klaers stated that the Mayor, Councilmember Kuester, and he met with coun~
representatives in order to reach an agreement on the Sherburne County Jail expansion
project. Mr. Kiaers stated that both sides xvould be willing to compromise by holding a
pubhc informational meeting on Monday, April 5, 2004, at 6:30 p.m., at the High School
Little Theatre. He stated that notices could be sent to properV owners ~vithin 350 feet and
notices could be published for t~vo weeks in the octar~¥ews prior to the meeting.
Councilmember biotin stated that he was frustrated with the county. He stated that the
county could have brought their project forward to the city in September after they had
received notice of the city's decision. He stated that the city would be g~Ving the county a
concession on this project. He stated that the coun~ expects the city to push their projects
through but they don't believe in reciprociV.
Councilmember Tveite stated that he is in favor of the compromise. He stated
disappointment in the count' for delaying their project and not working with the city in
trTing to help inform the public of the project.
Mayor ICdnzing stated that with a project of this size the city, needs to take the tune to
review it, which the countx, needs to understand. She stated that the Sheriff indicated that he
talked with residents near the jail and thev all had no problems with the project. Mavor
City, Council Minutes Page 9
March ~5, 2004
?,2inzing stated that the cit7 needs to make the best of the situation in order to avoid a
lengthy and maybe expensive legal situat/on and to keep a good relationship xvith the counw.
Councilmember Dietz stated that the neighborhood is not sadsfied with the project but that
they are just resigned to the project happening and feel there is nothing they can do about it.
He felt that the public review is not really a compromise between the city and the county, but
just the city, giving in to the counD"s demands.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY MAYOR
KLINZING TO RESCIND THE MOTION MADE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2003
DETERMINING THAT PER SECTION 30-01 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES THE COUNTY IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR EXPANSION OF THE JAIL; AND DIRECTED STAFF TO
PUBLISH ORDINANCE 03-17 CLARIFYING THE DEFINITIONS OF
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES AND GOVERNMENT
OFFICES; AND FURTHER THAT THE AGENDA FOR THE 6:30 P.M.
SPECIAL MEETING AT THE THEATER ON APRIL 5, 2004 BE CHANGED TO
ADD THE JAIL SITE PLAN REVIEW AND DELETE THE DISCUSSION ON
THE CITY ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7. Other Business
Councilmember Kuester stated that she attended an election caucus and met a young person
who was interested in having Elk River become a sister city, with a city in Africa. She
questioned what the Council's interests were in pursuing this. Mr. I~daers stated that at one
time Elk River participated in a Rotary sister ciD' program in Guatemala.
Mayor I-Uinzing suggested that this person do some research on ~vhat other cides are doing
and present suggestions to the Council
8. Staff Updates
The Mayor mentioned that the State of the City address will be held in the EOC at 12:00
p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2004.
Nix. Iadaers stated that he would have the Brimeyer proposal ready for the City Council on
Monday, March 22, 2004.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tina Allard
Joan $chmidt
Ciw Clerk