10-25-1999 CC MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1999
Members Present:
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Farber, Thompson,
and Motin
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance
Director, Sandy Peine, City Clerk; Phil Hals, Street Park
Superintendent; Paul Steinman, Director of Economic
Development; and Peter Beck, City Attorney
1. Call Meetin~ To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special worksession of the Elk River
City Council was called to order by Mayor Klinzing at 5:00 p.m.
2.
Worksession/Discussion on Council Priorities
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Mayor Klinzing noted that the Council called this worksession to discuss topics of
concern and priority issues of the City Council. The following issues were
discussed:
Comorehensive Plan: Mayor Klinzing suggested that because the existing
comprehensive plan is approximately 5 years old and because of the fast growth
the city is experiencing, it might be appropriate to update the comprehensive
plan. It was the consensus of the city council to have the planning commission
(once it has seven members) review the comprehensive plan. It was also the
consensus of the council that the city council and planning commission meet
jointly, so that everyone can discuss issues regarding the comprehensive plan.
Transoortation Plan: Councilmember Motin noted the lack of specifics, such as
under or overpasses, in the City's existing transportation plan. Additionally, such
things as how to fund new streets and when new streets should be constructed
are not discussed in the plan. He stated that because of this the plan would be
difficult to implement.
Discussion was held regarding the number of signals along Highway 169 and the
impact the signals have on local drivers trying to get across Highway 169. It was
noted that MnDOT's long-term plan is to make Highways 10 and 169
thoroughfares in the Elk River.
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Discussion was held regarding the intersection of Main Street and Highway 10. In
regard to this issue, discussion was held regarding the Boelter's site, its land use at
this corner, its appearance, and the need for a free right turn onto Highway 10 at
this corner.
City Council Minutes
October 25, 1999
Page 2
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Discussion was held regarding the number of accidents that have taken place at
Jackson Avenue and School Street. Councilmember Thompson suggested
putting in a left turn arrow similar to the one at School and Freeport.
Mayor Klinzing asked about the level of contact with the city of Ramsey and
Anoka County, regarding Ramsey and Anoka County roads that lead into the city
of Elk River such as County Road 22.
School/City: Mayor Klinzing indicated her concern about the city putting forth
cooperative ventures in regard to building space in relation to the school district
a joint community center, arts facility, and ECFE.
Tree Preservation: Councilmember Motin indicated that he would be interested
in seeing some sample guidelines and ordinances regarding tree preseNation for
new plats. It was a consensus of the council to have Michele McPherson
research this issue, and to bring some sample ordinances from other cities
regarding tree preservation to the council for review.
Nuisances: Mayor Klinzing indicated that she would like to see the city be more
proactive in its nuisance ordinance relating to the number of cars on property
and recreational vehicles stored on residential property.
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Council Meetinas: Council member Farber suggested that Mayor Klinzing run the
council meetings in a more relaxed manner so as to allow the council to hold
conversations amongst each other. The rest of the council supported this
suggestion. It was acknowledged that the manner in which the mayor ran the
meetings was beneficial to the public as it allowed the public to better follow
and understand the issues. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she understood
Councilmember Farber's concern.
3.
Adiournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned this special worksession
of the Elk River City Council at 5:58 p.m.
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