Loading...
4.0. SR 02-23-1999 rCI ~\) ( )j tfl< Item #4. MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator DATE: February 23, 1999 SUBJECT: Joint Meeting A joint meeting between the Sherburne County Board and the City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 1999, in the Elk River City Hall Training Room. As the city has two new elected officials, it is appropriate to begin the meeting with introductions. . Attached for your review and information is the minutes from the last joint meeting between the county and the city which was held on Monday, March 30, 1998. Some of the topics discussed at that joint meeting are again on this agenda. Some of the topics for the joint meeting are set up so that the county can take the lead in the discussion and, on the other hand, some of the topics are set up so that the city can take the lead in the discussion. In between are some items which I anticipate will receive almost equal participation by both city and county representatives. Following is a brief summary of some of the issues which will be discussed on Tuesday, February 23, 1999. 4.1. Northstar Corridor Project I anticipate that the county will take the lead in the discussion of this project. . The biggest issue for the city appears to be related to the siting of a depot location and obtaining an understanding of the parking needs associated with the Elk River depot. If a depot is to be in the downtown area, this will have a tremendous impact on business owners and on the future of the downtown. We cannot "wipe out" half the downtown to create the depot and parking lot. We may also need to look at a safer way to get pedestrian traffic across the tracks. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 . Fax: (612) 441-7425 . 4.2. Enerl!'V City The city will take the lead on this discussion item. Please see the attached material from B/Z Administrator Steve Rohlf. 4.3. Government Center and Jail Construction Project The county will take the lead in updating the city on the status of this construction project and some of the site improvements associated with the expansion. 4.4. County Roads in Elk River Please see the attached memo from B/Z Administrator Steve Rohlf on this topic. County Roads 12/13 . The city and county staffs have been working on the reconstruction of County Road 12 and the realignment of County Road 13 for the past year or so. These two county road projects are so interrelated, it is difficult to separate them out and call them separate projects. City staff is proposing some financial participation in these county road projects without acknowledging acceptance or agreement with the county cost participation policy. The city engineer was hired by the county to do some preliminary work on the County Road 12 reconstruction. The work from the city engineer has been completed and this project is now entirely in the county engineer's control. In this regard, it is likely that the county engineer will take the lead in the discussion of this item. County Roads 33/77 . The city and the county have jointly worked on the reconstruction of County Roads 33 and 77. This is directly related to the gravel mining in the area and the ultimate desire to lower these two roads (and to facilitate the gravel miners opportunity to remove the gravel which is underneath the county roads). If this cooperative working relationship does not work out, the county would end up with two roads which have virtual drop offs into gravel pits. I don't think that anyone views this as an appropriate situation from a safety point of view or from a future . land use point of view. Progress has been slow, but everyone seems to be cooperating to achieve the common goal of lowering the elevation of these county roads. County Road 1 & 77 Intersection Warrants for the County Road 1 & 77 signal were completed a number of years ago and the results of the study indicated that once residential development was nearly completed, the signal in this intersection would be necessary. It is appropriate for the county to take the lead in discussing this item and advise us as to their long range plans for a signal at this intersection. 4.5. School Liaison Prol!'ram City, county, and school representatives met to discuss the school liaison program on Tuesday, Februaryl6, 1999. A follow up meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, 1999. The county sheriff and Councilmembers Farber and Motin should be able to provide everyone with an update on the status of the discussions. It appears that a joint funding compromise may be able to be reached. . 4.6. County Ditches and City Surface Water Manal!'ement (SWM) Prol!'ram Attached is some information from B/Z Administrator Steve Rohlf regarding joint city/county work on Ditch 10. 4.7. Solid Waste Issues Please see the attached memo from B/Z Administrator Steve Rohlf regarding solid waste topics. An important issue facing the city and county in 1999 relates to the RDF tipping fee. The city has a contract with the county to dispose of its residential waste at the RDF plant for an established per ton amount. This established amount is $5/per ton more than last year and is scheduled to go up by $5 increments for the next few years. This ultimately would cause our city garbage rates to go up. However, this may not be necessary if the garbage haulers can dispose of their waste at the landfill for a lower fee. This will be discussed when the city renews its garbage hauler contracts in October. The city is seriously . . . . 4.8. concerned that our garbage rates will get to be substantially higher than garbage rates in neighboring townships. A couple of years ago the county added a $20 per household surcharge on the property tax bill for garbage disposal expenses. As a result of this tax levy the city reduced its garbage collection rates by $20/year to the Elk River households. This property tax expense was removed for 1999, however, the city did not have to increase its garbage rates by $20 per year as we have a small reserve in our garbage fund which we are spending down. City garbage rates, destination of Elk River garbage, and the city/county contract and tipping fee are all anticipated to be extensively discussed this summer as city garbage hauler contracts come up for renewal in October. 1999 Lel!'islative Session There are a number of issues being discussed at the legislature which impacts on both the city and county. The issues include the concern which developed last year regarding the personal property taxes associated with power plants. Both city and county staffs will update the board and council on issues of mutual concern. \ \elkriver\sys\shrdoc\council\jntmtgmm.doc '. . . . SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL AND THE SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER - COMMISSIONERS BOARD ROOM MONDAY, MARCH 30,1998 Council Present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz. Farber, Holmgren and Thompson Council Absent: None City Staff Present: Terry Maurer. City Engineer; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Pat Klaers, City Administrator Commissioners Present: Chair Nagorski, Commissioners Wergin, Engstrom, and Johnson Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Friedl County Staff Present: Dave Loch, County Administrator; Dave Schwarting, County Engineer Call Meetina to Order and Consider Aaenda Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the joint meeting of the Elk River City Council and the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Sherburne County Chair Nagorski. It was the consensus of the County Board and the City Council that the agenda was acceptable as distributed. 1.a. County State Aid Hiohwav # 12 The county has contracted with the city engineering firm. Howard R. Green Company to provide engineering services for this county road reconstruction project. City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed the project. Current plans call for the project to begin in 1998 and to be completed in 1999. One of the big issues with this project moving forward in 1998 is the obtaining of right-of-way from the abutting property owners. 2. County Cost Sharina Policv This new policy has a significant impact on the County Road 12 project. With previous county road projects. there was no cost sharing required. Under this new county policy the city is being requested to contribute approximately $325.000 into the project for the construction of the trail. median. and concrete curb and gutter. It was noted that the county policy is generally modeled after existing policies in counties which are mainly rural. In the city's analysis of cost sharing . . . Elk River City Council Minutes March 30. 1998 Page 2 policies from urban counties, it is estimated that the city's contribution for the trails. median, and curb and gutter would be significantly less and that the city would be obligated for approximately $110,000 of the improvements. Even this lower amount reflects a dramatic change from past practices in Sherburne County. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the City Council believes that the new county policy is unfair as it relates to county roads in urban areas and that it needs to be changed to address this situation. The Mayor further indicated that if there is not a change in the county's policy for cost sharing on County Road 12, then this project may have to be dropped. No decision on cost sharing for County Road 12 was reached and the county and city staffs were directed to work on an equable solution to this problem. 1.b. County State Aid Hiahwav # 1 County Engineer Dave Schwarting provided an update on the completion timetable for this project. Concerns were expressed regarding the County Road 1 and County Road 77 intersection. 1.c. Community Based Planning and County Transportation Plan Dave Schwarting provided an update on the adopted (March 10, 1998) County Transportation Plan. This plan includes a bridge crossing over the Elk River near the western boundary of the city and an east/west collector route from Highway 1 69 to County Road 1. Commissioner Wergin provided an update on the existing law and proposed legislation regarding community based planning. 1.d. County Roads 77 and 33 Realianment Dave Schwarting provided an update on the status of this project. It was noted that the realignment is included in the County Transportation Plan and that the gravel operators are hoping for construction activity in 1998 prior to their relocation in 1999 out of this area and into another gravel pit in Elk River. An important issue with this project is the relocation of NSP poles. A preliminary road alignment needs to be accomplished soon and the staffs are planning to meet in the next few weeks to work on this project. 1.e. Hiahwav 10 and Upland Avenue Intersection City Engineer Terry Maurer provided an update on this project which is scheduled to be completed in 1998. It was noted that the north leg of this project is a County Road and the south leg is a city street. Concern was expressed about increased traffic on County Road 44 and improvements that may be necessary to handle pedestrian traffic and a higher volume of vehicle traffic on this county road. . . . Elk River City Council Minutes March 30. 1998 Page 3 Lt. Other The city engineer updated the Board on the planned signal in 1999 for 171 sl Avenue and Highway 10. The city engineer noted that city and county staffs are working on the turnback of the north Highway 10 frontage road from the county to the city. 4. Business Center Drive Frontaae Road The city engineer noted that this project is moving forward for construction in 1998. The city is currently out for bids on this project and the assessment hearing will be scheduled in the near future. 3. Solid Waste Issues Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf provided an update on the landfill expansion plans and the city's concern over the county garbage ordinance. 5. Lake Orono Steve Rohlf provided an update on the plans for improvements to Lake Orono. It was noted that the lake will be drained for three months (August, September, and October) for this sedimentation removal project. The county financial participation in the project was requested by the Mayor. 6. Leaislation on Power Plants Commissioner Wergin provided an update on possible legislation which would affect the tax base in the county and city as it relates to power plants. Nothing is anticipated in 1998, but efforts will take place in 1999 to change the current system. 7. Government Center Construction Proiect County Administrator Dave Loch provided an update on this project which is currently 30-40% complete. The target date for completion is January 1999. The expansion of the jail is a recent change and is a $7 million expansion in addition to the original construction project of $9 million. It was noted that a city conditional use permit may be required for the expansion of the jail. 8. Other Issues Dave Loch provided an update on the County Park Plan and Commission. Steve Rohlf provided an update on the Energy City Program. Dave Loch provided an update on the Northstar Corridor Project. City Administrator Pat Klaers provided the City Council an update on the staff assistance being provided to the city of St. Peter as a result of the tornadoes. The . SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD/ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL 2/23/99 Stephen Rohlf Discussion Item #2 - Energy City The Energy City project is ajoint effort between Minnesota's energy industries, the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, and the City of Elk River. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate that wise energy decisions can make economic sense. The companies displaying energy efficient products and renewable energy technology in Energy City are not only trying to prove their environmental benefits, but also that they can be sustained in the marketplace. Energy City will be of great benefit to the economic development of Sherburne County and the City of Elk River. Energy City is building up momentum and getting national attention. Energy House I received the top award in the nation for cold climate energy efficiency from the National Association of Home Builder's Research Center. In addition, the Elk River Landfill Gas- to-Electricity Project was named the 1998 Project ofthe Year by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. . Energy House I is no longer available as a model, but Energy House II has already opened. Another major Energy City project in 1999 will be the construction of one of the world's largest wind generators. This single wind turbine will generate enough electricity for approximately 250 homes. It is a significant demonstration because Elk River is at the low end of the commercial wind resource. Recently, Energy City met with Kurt Kragness of the Sherburne County Historical Society. The proposed Heritage Center in Becker has potential to be an Energy City demonstration site for energy efficient construction, heating, cooling, and dehumidification. Also, Sherburne County's past and future is greatly entwined with energy related issues (e.g. the first rural nuclear power plant and the RDF facility). Hopefully, Energy City will be working with the Historical Society on energy related displays for the Heritage Center. . . . . SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD/ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL 2/23/99 Stephen Rohlf Discussion Item #4 - Streets (Co. Rd. #33 and Co. Rd. #77) The lowering and realigning of County Roads #33 and #77 is proposed in the transportation plans of both Sherburne County and the City of Elk River. The reclamation and redevelopment of gravel mines in the area can not be logically accomplished without this road work. The timing of when to accomplish this work has been of issue, not whether or not it should be done. Both the County Board and the City Council have agreed that it is logical that the work on these roads is done while Barton Sand & Gravel is still mining in the area and willing to participate in the construction. City Staff and Engineer, the County Engineer, Barton Sand & Gravel, and Shiely Co. have had several meetings on this issue. The last meeting was on August 4, 1998. At that meeting, Dave Schwarting presented his preliminary alignments for these roads. It was the consensus of the group that the final alignments of the roads be as close as practical to the NSP power line in the area to minimize the unusable land between the power line and roads. The next step in the process is for Tiller to provide Mr. Schwarting with the elevations in their pits so he can prepare his final road alignments. It was estimated that Tiller would need approximately six months to gather the information. The next meeting on this subject will likely take place soon. Attached is a summary ofthe Sherburne County 1998 gravel tax collected. The majority of the gravel tax collected in Sherburne comes from three companies: Barton Sand & Gravel, Shiely Co., and Plaisted Companies. All three of these companies need to use the roads in question to haul their product. Gravel tax is meant for the repair of roads damaged by the mining. It seems a logical source of revenue for the County and City to consider for a project involving County Roads #33 and #77. . . . SHERBURNE COUNTY 1998 GRAVEL TAX COLLECTIONS Bauerly Bros Shiely Co Granite City Barton Sand & Gravel Elwyn Manthei Plaisted Companies Midwest Asphalt Corp DISTRIBUTION County Road & Bridge Towns & Cities Big Lake Twp Haven Twp Livonia Twp Elk River City $0.00 $7,470.26 $319.56 $49,788.12 County Gravel Tax Reserve Fund Balance in County Gravel Tax Reserve Fund as of December 31,1998 ti~"'-"" $7,185.30 $62,329.36 $17,981.95 $70,603.28 $1,065.20 $19,543.96 $13,217.46 $191,926.51 $115,155.94 $57,577.94 $19,192.63 $202,402.16 71853Y 890419.44T 256885.00T 1008618.30T 15218.00T 279199.51T 188821.06T . SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARDIELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL 2/23/99 Stephen Rohlf Discussion Item #6 - Ditches The attached map shows a significant portion of County Ditch # 1 0 that will be taken over by the City of Elk River in 1999. Another portion of County Ditch #10 that started at Main Street west of US Trunk Highway 169 and connected to that portion of the ditch the city is currently taking over, was replaced by city storm sewer a couple of years ago. The special ditch legislation encouraged by Sherburne County and the City of Elk River made this transfer of authority possible. City staff foresees a continued orderly transition of authority from the county to the city as projects improve or modify the ditches. . . . . . Howard R. Green Company CONSULTING ENGINEERS February 4, 1999 File: 800110J-0064 Mr. Patrick Klaers City Administrator City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 RE: EAST ELK RIVER COUNTY DITCH 10 Dear Mr. Klaers: Steve Rohlf has been working with the County staff relative to County Ditch No. 10 within the area of the proposed East Elk River improvements. On Wednesday, February 3, 1999, the County Board had an item on their agenda to turn over a portion of County Ditch No. 10 to the City of Elk River in accordance with the special legislation that was passed in 1995. The County Board passed this item unanimously. The portion of the ditch that was turned over was from the Mississippi River up through the railroad tracks then north to County Road 12 and southeasterly to 175th Avenue. The attached map shows the area of the ditch that has been turned over to the City of Elk River. As you are aware, the City will be making improvements that will provide a storm sewer pipe system in this area to replace the County ditch. It was felt that this is the best approach to accomplishing the City's proposed storm sewer improvements while also deal with the proposed developments of Elk River Crossing and the Vandenberg Industrial site. I have also attached for your information a copy of the Sherburne County agenda item and background information regarding this issue. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact me. Sincerely, HOWARD R. GREEN COMPANY ~~. ~ T:'rry J. aurer, P.E. Attachments oJprojJ110-0204.feb 1326 Energy Park Drive. St. Paul, MN 55108 . 651/644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389 @ o g ~ ii:: .e, 1000 , ~01<1<t(,L ",,1<1<1' ~VVITION . SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARDIELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL 2/23/99 Stephen Rohlf Discussion Item #7 - Solid Waste Issues (Elk River Landfill) Sherburne County staff and City of Elk River staff continue to work jointly on regulating the landfill. The staffs have also taken great effort to coordinate the county's and city's permits with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) permit. This coordinated effort gives all three entities greater persuasive power with the landfill to accomplish what needs to be done environmentally and also eliminates conflicting requirements for the landfill's sake. The next major issue for the landfill that staffwill be considering is a revision to their Industrial Waste Management Plan. (SCORE) The City of Elk River is working with the Cities of Big Lake, Becker, and Zimmerman on an agreement to jointly own and use a large wood chipper. The large size of the chipper makes it more efficient for these cities, but also puts it out of a single cities price . range, were they to purchase it individually. Sherburne County has awarded $35,000 a year for the next four years to be put toward the purchase ofthis wood chipper. The City of Elk River wants to thank the Sherburne County Board for this grant and looks forward to working with the county on other landfill abatement projects in 1999. [Tipping Fee at the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Plant] The city's contract with the county to dispose of its waste at the RDF Plant expires on December 31, 1999. The current tipping fee of $46.00/ton that the city pays is proposed to be raise to $51.00/ton in 2000 and $56.00/ton in 2001. The city is concerned with the county meeting their tonnage quota at the RDF Plant, but with private haulers receiving a much better rate at the landfill the new tipping fee rate may be hard to economically justify to our residents. An option would be to let the haulers dispose of the city's waste wherever they can find the best deal as long as it is environmentally safe. The city's contract with the haulers is up for renewal in October. .