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INFORMATION #1 04-10-2000iNFORMATiON SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1999 Council Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, and Motin Members Absent: Councilmember Farber City Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandra Peine, City Clerk; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Tom Zerwas, Police Chief; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator County Board Present: Chair Mike Johnson; Commissioners Terry Nagrorski, Arne Engstrom, and Betsy Wergin County Board Absent: Commissioner Ray Freidl County Staff Present: Administrator Dave Loch; Sheriff Bruce Anderson Call Meetin,q To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing. 2. Introductions 4.1. Introductions of those present were made. Consider A.qenda The agenda was accepted as presented. Northstar Corridor Project The City's major concern regarding this issue relates to the siting of a depot location, understanding the parking needs and the impact this would have on the downtown area. Commissioner Wergin indicated that Phase II of this project has just begun. She also noted that it is too early in the study to know where stations will be located. Commissioner Wergin indicated that Phase II will include BRW (the planning consultants) contacting cities to begin discussions about the specifics of train stations. City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the city has a concern with the timing of choosing a site. He noted that the downtown area is in the process of a major study and would like to include the train station as part of the study. Administrator Loch indicated that he would contact BRW and inquire if it would be possible for them to talk to city staff at an early stage so as to at least give the city preliminary information. General discussion was held regarding what a train station could encompass such as the types of businesses needed in the area, parking, etc. It was noted that up to 3 acres could be necessary for parking. Commissioner Wergin noted that it is not too soon for the City of Elk River to begin identifying sites for the train station. City Council Minutes Joint Council/County Meeting February 23, 1999 Page 2 4.2. Enerav City 4.3. 4,4, Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf gave an update on Energy City. He noted that top national awards have been received for Energy House I and the Elk River Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Project. Steve stated that the Energy City designation in the City of Elk River has the potential to benefit the city and county economically. He stated that it is anticipated that this designation will attract start-up energy companies. He noted that Energy City will be working with the Historical Society on energy related displays for the Heritage Center. Government Center and Jail Construction Project County Sheriff Bruce Anderson provided an update on the progress of the jail expansion construction project. He noted that the project is going well. The jail will increase to a 178 bed capacity facility when complete. He explained that the federal portion of the project will start in the Spring and when that is completed in 12-14 months, the jail will be a 358 bed facility. Mayor Klinzing indicated her concern regarding the adjacent residents. She noted they have concerns regarding a buffer plan. Bruce Anderson indicated that the city has approved a landscape buffer plan. He also noted that fencing will not be necessary as the facility will be secure. County Roads County Roads 12/13 It was expected that the County Engineer, Dave Schwarting, would lead the discussion on this issue, however, he was unable to attend the meeting. Dave Loch noted that the plans have been submitted to MnDOT and that right-of-way issues are still pending. Discussion was held regarding a funding agreement between the County and City for this project. Both staffs were requested to finalize a proposal to be considered by the Board and Council. Mayor Klinzing questioned which agency affected residents would contact with issues relating to the road reconstruction. Terry Maurer indicated that they could contact him at City Hall. County Roads 33 and 77 Steve Rohlf gave an update on the timetable of lowering and realigning of County Roads #33 and #77. He noted that this project is tied in with the gravel mining that is taking place in the area. He stated that complete reclamation of gravel mines in the area cannot be accomplished without this road work. Steve stated that it is anticipated that the road work will be accomplished in about two years. Councilmember Dietz indicated his concern with the current condition of County Road 33. He noted that some type of improvement should be considered if the road is not going to be realigned for another two years. Chief Zerwas suggested realigning County Road 33 east of 169 due to the dangerous "S" curve. City Council Minutes Joint Council/County Meeting February 23, 1999 Page 3 4.5. Councilmember Thompson indicated that the intersection of 77 and 33 is dangerous. He suggested removing the east/west stop sign as the people are not stopping. Discussion pursued regarding the possibility of a four-way stop. It was noted that the County Administrator would talk to the County Engineer about conducting a traffic study to determine what is necessary in the way of stop signs. County Roads I and 77 Intersection City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that residential development continues to increase at the area of County Road 77 and Proctor Avenue. He stated that It is likely that a signal is warranted. He questioned the County's plans for signalization of this intersection. The County Administrator indicated that the County Engineer would review traffic counts in this area to determine if the timing is right for a signalized intersection. School Liaison Pro,qram Police Chief Tom Zerwas updated the group on the school liaison program currently being provided by the City of Elk River Police Department to the School District. He noted the program has been in existence since 1974. Chief Zerwas stated that Police Department does not want to lose the program. Sheriff Anderson indicated that it is unfortunate that the County is being placed in the middle of this issue. He further stated that if the County is requested to provide these services to the School District, that the answer would be a County Board decision. He noted that these services are currently being provided to other communities by the County free of charge. Commissioner Engstrom indicated that if requested, he would be in favor of providing these services for his constituents in his district. Discussion was held regarding the differences in the County providing these services in Elk River versus a smaller city or township. The differences noted are as follows: · Elk River currently has a Police Department which provides the juvenile liaison program. · The Elk River Police Department currently have special arrangements with the School regarding the program including officers attending off-hour events which entails overtime. · Elk River requires 3 officers compared to 1 for other cities and townships. · The cost to the County to provide this service to Elk River would be far greater than what is being paid to provide these services to other cities and townships. Councilmember Motin indicated that he is on a committee that is in the process of trying to find a solution to this issue. He questioned whether the County would be willing to pay some of the money that the school district is now responsible for paying to have the City continue this service. 'Commissioner Wergin did not feel this was a viable solution due to equity concerns. Councilmember Thompson requested the County Board to have an open mind regarding all options when the committee submits its proposal. City Council Minutes Joint Council/County Meeting February 23, 1999 Page 4 4.6. County Ditches and City Surface Water Mana.qement JSWM) Steve Rohlf updated the County on the portion of County Ditch # 10 that will be taken over by the City of Elk River in 1999. 4.7. Solid Waste Issues 4.7b. Elk River Landfill Steve Rohlf updated the County on the continued process to regulate the landfill. He noted that staff has coordinated the County, City and MPCA permitting process which eliminates conflicting requirements of the landfill owners. The owners of the landfill were present. 4.7a. SCORE Proiect/Funds Steve Rohlf thanked the County Board for the grant that was received allowing the purchase of a wood chipper between the cities of Big Lake, Becker, Zimmerman and Elk River. 4.7c. RDF Tippinq Fee and City/County Contract Steve Rohlf indicated that the current tipping the city pays is proposed to increase to .$51.00/ton in 2000 and $56/ton in 2001. He indicated his concern that Elk River residents will have higher garbage bills than their non-Elk River neighbors due to the cost of tipping fees charged by the RDF Plant. He suggested that an option would be to let the hauler's dispose of the city's waste wherever they can find the most cost effecti~'e deal. Mayor Klinzing indicated that this issue would be discussed in greater detail by the City Council at a later date. 4.8. 1999 Leqislative Session The issue of deregulation of power plants and the elimination of the personal property tax was discussed by the group. Commissioner Wergin indicated that she predicts that this will take place at some time in the future and noted it is something the county must anticipate. 5. Other Business There was no other business 6. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m. City Clerk