Loading...
09-08-2003 CC MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT LIONS PARK CENTER MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, and Morin, Members Absent: Councilmember Tveite Staff Present: City Administrator Pat Klaers; Finance Director Lori Johnson; City Engineer Terry Maurer, City Attorney Peter Beck, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 1. Call Meetinr To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6:55 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing. 2. Consider 9/08/2003 Al?enda COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED: The following items were added: . Consider Personnel Committee Recommendation . Discuss Holt and Jackson Parking Issues . Consider Joint City Council/County Board Meeting COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Consent A~enda COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED: Item 3.5 was removed from the consent agenda and added under Other Business. 3.1. 8/25/03 COUNCIL MINUTES 3.2. CHECK REGISTER 3.3. REQUEST FOR A MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE BY LORIE ANDERSON 3.4. REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY ON SALE LICENSE BY ELK RIVER LIONS 3.6. HIRE TEMPORARY BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN WHILE JENNIFER HARMER IS ON MATERNITY LEAVE 3.7. HIRE BRYNELL BLAUERT AS A POLICE OFFICER AT THE STARTING PAY STEP PER THE PATROL UNION CONTRACT 3.8. BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR STREET CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 3.9. AWARD CABINET QUOTE FOR THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER TO O'KEEFE CABINETS AT A COST OF $43,058.00. City Council1,linutes September 8, 2003 Page 2 ----------~------------------ COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4. Open Mike Noone appeared for Open Mike. 5,1. Consider Quotes for Police Impound Lot Fence City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that Tushie-Montgomery Architects requested quotes for the impound lot fence. The architects are recommending approval of the low quote received from Century Fence in the amount of $39,487.00. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE QUOTE FROM CENTURY FENCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,487.00 FOR THE POLICE IMPOUND LOT FENCE. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5.2. Public Safe1;y Open House Update Police Chief Jeff Beahen stated that the public safety open house is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2003 from 1-4:30 p.m. at the public safety facility. Chief Beahen invited the Mayor and Council to attend the public safety ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Chief Beahen distributed a public safety open house flyer to the Council that was printed by Tushie-Montgomery. Chief Beahen stated that Tushie would like the Council to review the flyer and'see that it is acceptable prior to printing quantities for the open house. The only change requested by the Council is that the open house hours be added to the front of the brochure. Fire Chief Bruce West stated that in addition to the open house at the public safety facility, there will also be activities taking place at fire station one from 1-4:30 and that the annual dance will be at station one from 7:30-11 p.m. that evening. Councilmember Dietz questioned if each firefighter has been assigned to a specific station. Chief West stated that a certain number of firefighters have been assigoed to each station but that spare gear will be available at both stations. City Administrator Pat Klaers noted that Chief Beahen is the featured speaker at the September 23 Chamber luncheon that is being held in the EOC. 5.3. 2003 Pavement Rehabilitation Proiect (413 Ouinn Avenue) Public Hearing! Assessment Hearin~ City Engineer Terry Maurer stated the supplemental public hearing/assessment hearing is being held for the property at 413 Quinn Avenue. Mr. Maurer stated that he met with the property owners, Cory and Tracey Stoeckel, numerous times and provided them with a waiver relinquishing their rights to the public hearing/ assessment hearing but they were not comfortable with signing it. Mr. Maurer indicated that the Stoeckel's have been provided \Vith all of the improvement project and assessment information. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. City Council Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 3 -~-~~---------------------~-- Cory Stoeckel, 413 Quinn Avenue, questioned if the assessment is to the property or if it stays with the property owners. J:v1r. Maurer stated that the assessment is against the property and that the city does not require that the assessment be paid off prior to the sale of the property. Mr. Maurer noted that a mortgage company may require the assessment be paid prior to sale. I\1r. Stoeckel questioned when the project would be completed. Mr. Maurer stated that the first lift of blacktop will be laid and the boulevard completed in the next 30-45 days but that the fmallift of blacktop will not be laid until next year. 1\..1r. Stoeckel also questioned how the assessment is collected. 1\..1r. Maurer stated that Sherburne County will collect the city assessments payable with taxes beginning in 2004. Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-50 ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENT OF 2003. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4~0. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-51 ADOPTING THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT OF 2003. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5.4. Consider Petition for Public Improvements in Cascade Industrial Park City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that staff met with the developers of Cascade Industrial Park regarding potential public improvements to construct streets and the storm drainage system. J:v1r. 1\..1aurer presented the Council with a valid petition and stated that staff is in support of the developer's request to have the public improvements completed. lv1r. Maurer indicated that in the petition, the developer asked that the costs be assessed on a per acreage basis payable as each parcel sells. Mr. Maurer stated that this is not possible and that the costs will be assessed on a per acreage basis but will be due annually whether the property sells or not. Mayor Klinzing questioned if the developer has been made aware that the assessments must be paid annually whether the property sells or not. Mr. Maurer stated that he spoke to Jim Brown at the developer's office and informed him of this requiIement. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-52 DECLARING THE ADEQUACY OF THE PETITION FOR IMPROVEMENT AND ORDERING THE PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY REPORT IN THE MATTER OF THE CASCADE INDUSTRIAL PARK IMPROVEMENT OF 2003. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION, THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-53 ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE CASCADE INDUSTRIAL PARK IMPROVEMENT OF 2003. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0, L- City Council Minutes September 8, 2003 Page 4 ----------------------------- 5.5. Discuss 2004 Budg;et and Tax Levy Resolutions City Administrator Pat I<laers reviewed the key points from the August 25 meeting which included: consensus to move fo!\Vard with the ice arena barn floor replacement project; consensus to move forward with the flre truck purchase and to look at doing this purchase over a two-year period; to include four additional positions in the 2004 budget; to provide for "typical" wage adjustments; to have staff evaluate the city pay plan both internally and in relationship to similar communities; to include in the tax levy 60% of the LGA cuts; and to include as a special tax levy (outside of the levy limits) partial payment for the city pavement rehabilitation program. It was noted that the budget gap is $145,500. Mr. Klaers distributed information received from the County Auditor that estimates the city's net tax capacity growth at 120/0. Mr. Klaers stated that if this estimate remains the same and the City Council levies the amount as proposed, then the city's tax rate will go down. Councihnember Dietz stated that he is in favor of using a portion of the host fees to balance the budget and to look at possibly hiring a Park and Recreation Director sometime in 2004. He noted that he is also in favor of trying to hire an IT/Cable TV job share employee. Councihnember Motio stated that he in not in favor of using the host fees to balance the budget or for new programs or positions. He stated that if it is necessary to use the host fees, he would like to see them used for reserves or for capital improvements. Mayor Klinzing stated that if the host fee money is going to be used, she would like to see it go into special projects such as the Th1CA, arena improvements, or street projects. Councihnember Kuester stated that she would like to see the host fee money used for special projects but that it may be necessary to use it for such things as building improvements or additional personnel positions. She stated that a Park and Recreation Director would be an investment to the community and now may be the time to look at hiring for that position. Mr. I(laers stated that he hopes to balance the budget without having to use reserves or liquor store funds. However, if it is necessary to use these sources to balance the budget, it should be taken into account that these monies be treated as one-time transfers and they should be planned to be replaced with tax revenue next year. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-54 AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR COLLECTION IN 2004. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-55 APPROVING THE 2004 TAX LEVY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES FOR THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 03-56 APPROVING THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2004 TAX LEVY. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. I L~ City Council Tvfinutes September 8, 2003 Page 5 ---~~------------------------ COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO HOLD ITS TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING ON THE TAX LEVY AND BUDGET AT 6:30 P.M. ON DECEMBER 8, 2003 WITH A CONTNUATION DATE OF DECEMBER 15, 2003 AT 6:30 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. City Administrator Pat Klaers noted that department heads deserve credit for submitting reasonable budgets and Steve Rohlf deserves recognition for working with Peter Beck and the Landfill to put together the host fees. Mr. Klaers also thanked the finance department for putting together the budget information into an understandable format. Personnel Committee Recommendation Finance Director Lori Johnson stated that the Personnel Committee has reviewed the position of Economic Development Assistant Heidi Hall. Ms. Johnson stated that the Ms. Hall did not receive the pay increase which was scheduled for July 1 because the position had not been reviewed yet by the Personnel Committee. Ms. Johnson stated that the position has been reviewed and the Personnel Committee is recommending that the position be assigned a point value of 70. Ms. Johnson explained that the current exempt pay plan does not go down to 70, therefore the Personnel Committee is recommending a 10% pay increase be given to Ms. Hall retroactive to July 1, 2003 until the entire pay plan is reviewed at which time this position will be fit into the pay plan. Ms. Johnson noted that staff will be reviewing the entire city pay plan within the next six months as directed by the Council. Councihnember Kuester questioned what Ms. Hall's point ranking was prior to the review. Ms. Johnson stated that the position did not have an assigned point value because the position was changed when Ms. Hall was hired. Ms. Johnson also indicated that Ms. Hall is requesting that her title be changed to better reflect her job duties. Ms. Johnson stated that the Personnel Committee had a few suggestions. It was discussed and the Council concurred that the position title be changed to the previous title of Assistant Director of Economic Development to better fit with Cathy Mehelich's title of Director of Economic Development. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE A 10% PAY INCREASE RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1, 2003, A POINT RANKING OF 70 POINTS EXEMPT, AND A TITLE CHANGE FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR HEIDI HALL. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6. Other Business Mr. I<'laers stated that the hiring of a Recreation Assistant is being postponed until the September 15 meeting. ---------- Heritag;e Preservation Commission (item 3.5.) The Council accepted Jim Nord's resignation from the Heritage Preservation Commission. Council discussion took place regarding the appointment of Lance Lindberg to the Heritage Preservation Commission. It was noted that Mr. Lindberg was the only applicant but that City Council :t\.1inutes September 8, 2003 Page 6 ----------------------------~ the position was not advertised. The Council concurred that the vacancy should be advertised in the Star News like other vacancies and applicants will be considered after that tlme. The Council also discussed providing direction to the Heritage Preservation Commission. Mayor Klinzing suggested holding a joint meeting of the HPC and the City Council. Mr. Klaers stated that staff will arrange a joint meeting. ---------- Pat Summerall Productions City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that he was contacted by Jean Lewis from Pat SU!IU11erall Productions inquiring if the city would be interesting in being considered for a city management award. If selected for this award, the city would be responsible for paying $24,000, which is '/, of the production expenses. Mr. Klaers stated that the opportunity did not sound bad at first but after a follow up conversation with Ms. Lewis, it sounds as though it may not be a good option for the city. The Mayor reviewed her conversation with Ms. Lewis. Council discussion took place and it was the consensus of the Council to reject Pat Summerall Production's offer to be considered for the management award. ---------- Holt and Tackson Parking Issues Councilmember Motin stated that he has received calls complainiog about people parking along Holt Avenue behind the mall with Simonsons and Quiznos so that people have to cross the center line to drive along Holt. Councilmember Dietz stated that he has received the same complaints and believes that it is employees parking on the street. He stated that he would like to find out for sure who is utilizing the street for parking. City Englleer Terry Maurer stated that staff will investigate and report back to the Council. ---------- Joint Meeting of City Council and County Board of Commissioners Mayor Klinzing stated that she would like to see the City Council hold a joint meeting with the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners. She stated that she would specifically like to discuss the Board's long-term plans for the county facility and the county property. Mayor Klinziog stated that she would like to invite residents living near the county facility to the meeting to gather public input and to make them aware of future plans for the property. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that the County Board is usually available to meet on Monday evenings. The Council concurred that either the fifth Monday in September or the first Monday in October would work. Staff will try to schedule a joint meeting. Councilmember Motin stated that he believes a joint meeting should be held but is not sure about having the public speak on the issue. City Attorney Peter Beck iodicated that the city may have the option to make any additions to the county facility or jail a conditional use which would require the county to have a public heariog prior to any expansions. City Council I'vlinutes September 8, 2003 Page 7 -----------~-~--------------- ----------- Councilmember Kuester acknowledged that Building and Environmental Administrator Steven Rohlf, has been nominated as President of Friends of the Kelley Farm. 7. Staff Updates There were no Staff Updates. 8. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor I<J.inzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at 8:40 p.m. ~1Jlvu Jessica iv:1iller Recording Secretary