4.1. DRAFT MINUTES (1 SET) 10-02-2017
Meeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, September 18, 2017
Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Olsen, Ovall, Westgaard, and Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Finance Director Lori Ziemer,
Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg,
Planner BrieAnna Simon, German Intern Jonas Scholz,
Environmental Coordinator Amanda Bednar, Economic
Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development
Specialist Colleen Eddy, City Attorney Peter Beck, and Executive
Secretary/Deputy City Clerk Jessica Miller
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 09/18/2017 Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Ovall to
approve the September 18, 2017, agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Ovall
to approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 September 5, 2017, minutes.
4.2 Check register, check numbers 9910-9911 and 103105-103272 as outlined
in the staff report.
4.3 Pay estimates as outlined in the staff report.
4.4 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the American Legion on
October 7, 2017, with condition alcohol must be confined to an area
enclosed by a fence with secured, controlled access and wrist band
control.
4.5 One-year extension for Solid Rock Addition plat to August 17, 2018.
City Council Minutes Page 2
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
4.6 Under/Over-billed Utility Account Billing Policy as outlined in the
staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6.1 Volunteer of the Month – Mayor Dietz
Mayor Dietz introduced and presented a plaque to Tricia Downey as Volunteer of
the Month for September. He noted the following volunteer accomplishments:
Chair of the Elk River Rotary’s Taste of Elk River 2017-2018, assistant chair
2016
Dictionary project co-chair (Rotary distributed over 500 dictionaries to 3rd
graders in the Elk River school system.)
Treasurer and board member of the Friends of the Kelly Farm
Past coordinator of the Guinness World Record event at Twin Lakes
Elementary
Past co-chair Twin Lakes Elementary PTO
Past member of ECFE Parent Advisory Committee
Active volunteer in Elk River High School volleyball, track, and theater
6.2 Presentation by Jonas Scholz, Intern
Mr. Scholz presented a PowerPoint outlining projects he’s completed during his time
in Elk River and things he’s experienced while in Minnesota.
6.3 Proclamation: October 1 – 7, 2017, as Minnesota Manufacturer’s
Week
Mayor Dietz read the proclamation.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to proclaim October 1 - 7, 2017, as Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.1 Preliminary Plat and Final Plat: DHJ Addition, Douglas Warneke
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak, Mayor
Dietz closed the public hearing.
City Council Minutes Page 3
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to approve the Preliminary Plat of the DHJ Addition.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to adopt resolution 17-50 approving the Final Plat for DHJ
Addition, with the following conditions:
1. Surface Water Management Fee be paid for one lot at the rate
applicable at the time of Final Plat approval (currently $233).
2. All appropriate grading permits must be obtained prior to
commencing work on the site.
3. Grading and Erosion Control Plan be submitted and approved by the
city engineer prior to the issuance of building permits.
4. Water Availability Charge be paid prior to releasing the plat for
recording (currently $345).
5. Park Dedication shall be provided in the form of cash for one lot at the
rate applicable at the time of Final Plat approval (currently $1,425.93).
6. Any item or condition found that indicates the site is likely to yield
information important to pre-history or history shall be reported to the
city immediately. Further, the city reserves the right to stop work
authorized in its approval until the site is appropriately investigated
and work is authorized.
7. Service Connection Plan approved by the city engineer.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Preliminary Plat: Hillside Estates Eleventh Addition, CM Points
Holding, Outlot A, Hillside Estates Tenth Addition
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Ovall to
approve the Preliminary Plat for Hillside Estates Eleventh Addition with the
following conditions:
1. Staff approval of all updated plans in accordance with the staff
comment letter dated August 25, 2017.
2. Staff approval of a tree preservation plan showing the extent of the
grading and impacts to existing trees.
3. Staff approval of a landscaping plan demonstrating consistency with
city ordinances.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Council Minutes Page 4
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
7.3 Conditional Use Permit and Easement Vacation: Gas Station Canopy
Expansion, Swan Companies (Coborn’s)
Ms. Simon presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Marianne Benson, 19383 Dodge Street NW - expressed concern about two gas
stations being located close to each other.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public
hearing.
Councilmember Westgaard explained it may not be ideal to have gas stations close
together but he believes it is more of a business decision whether or not to locate
next to a competitor.
Mr. Beck stated there is a Supreme Court case directly addressing this issue and the
court ruled marketplace factors are not admissible in these types of decisions.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to approve the Conditional Use Permit request for Swan Companies
(Coborn’s) for a gas station canopy expansion with the following conditions:
1. The authorized CUP shall be recorded.
2. If the proposed work described in the application and CUP has not
been substantially completed within two years after the CUP’s date of
issuance, the permit shall expire and become void.
3. If the authorized use ceases for more than six months, the CUP shall
expire.
4. The applicant must apply for and receive approval for all required
permits before any construction may begin.
5. All comments provided in the August 8, 2017, comment letter shall be
addressed.
6. All design standards of the Hillside Crossing Planned Unit
Development shall be met and approved by city staff.
7. A circulation plan detailing the new parking configuration, landscaped
medians and traffic circulation shall be approved by city staff.
8. All sign permits must be obtained.
9. All necessary documentation and approvals be obtained for the new
storm water pipe prior to issuance of a building permit.
10. An easement vacation shall be approved by the city and a new 20-foot
easement shall be established over the new storm water pipe.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to adopt resolution 17-51 vacating a drainage and utility easement
City Council Minutes Page 5
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
under the condition a new 20-foot easement is recorded and a replacement
pipe is constructed prior to vacating the existing easement and removing the
existing pipe.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.4 Conditional Use Permit: Gas Station/Convenience Store, Casey’s
Retail Company (Casey’s General Store)
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Ed Retel, 17171 Yale Street – President of the Mississippi Ridge Townhome
Association stated the traffic and noise from the Casey’s station will affect the
enjoyment of the property for the neighboring residents.
Tom Lucas, 17115 Yale Street – stated drivers do not obey the stop sign at Yale
Street and expressed concern with enforcement. He also expressed concern with
safety because of the increased traffic Casey’s will bring and headlights shining in his
house at night.
Peter Coyle, Larkin Hoffman representing Casey’s - strongly encouraged the
Council to support the pending application. He explained the city is entitled to
establish reasonable standards for a Conditional Use Permit but the use is permitted
as long as the conditions imposed are satisfied. He stated the residents are entitled to
their opinions but opinions are not proper evidence for consideration of a
Conditional Use Permit. He noted the city must find a justifiable reason, with
supporting evidence, if they wish to deny a Conditional Use Permit.
Marilyn VanPatten, 10451 175th Avenue – stated she is a real estate agent and was
under the impression there were covenants prohibiting a gas station at this location.
Bob Rudy, 17187 Yale Street – stated he doesn’t believe the Casey’s meets the
character of the neighborhood and noted concern with the close proximity of the
station to the townhomes.
Brent Richter, 17107 Yale Street NW – believes the use should fall under the
restaurant parking requirements since they sell and potentially deliver pizza. He
stated the neighborhood is already inundated with morning and afternoon traffic. He
added it appears Yale has become a through street and the compliance with the stop
sign isn’t good.
Jill Larson-Vito, Planning Commissioner – explained the Planning Commission did
not take issue with the close proximity of the proposed station to the existing
townhomes; however, denial was based on the detrimental effects on the
neighboring properties, specifically headlights.
City Council Minutes Page 6
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public
hearing.
Councilmember Westgaard requested clarification on the Planning Commission’s
recommendation for denial noting the application is for a permitted use and meets
the zoning requirements for the vision in the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Wagner explained the Planning Commission was concerned about
the effect on the neighbors’ enjoyment of living, specifically from the headlights
shining in to their houses at night. She stated the Planning Commission also
expressed concerns about inadequate parking but noted Casey’s came back with an
amended plan since the Planning Commission. Mr. Carlton noted the request
currently meets the parking requirements for a convenience store/gas station.
Mayor Dietz questioned if anything could be done to help mitigate the shining of
lights in to the townhomes.
Mr. Carlton stated additional landscaping in the median may help. He noted he
believes the median is half public right-of-way with the other half owned by the
Mississippi Ridge Homeowner’s Association.
Mr. Beck explained the Council can impose reasonable conditions on a Conditional
Use Permit noting it would be unreasonable for the Council to require the applicant
to screen the median if the median property owners are not willing to work with the
applicant.
Councilmember Wagner asked if the applicant would be willing to work with the city
and the homeowner’s association to screen the median.
Discussion took place on possible relocation of the Stop Sign on Yale Street to
address some of the resident’s concerns with their private road access. Staff will look
in to this issue.
Mr. Carlton indicated due to the safety and traffic concerns, the first entrance to the
private road could be closed off and chained for emergency vehicles only.
Councilmember Wagner questioned where deliveries will be made. Mr. Carlton
indicated deliveries will take place on the side of the building and headlights should
not impact the neighboring properties.
Mayor Dietz questioned what options the Council has for approving or denying. Mr.
Beck disclosed he used to work with Mr. Coyle at Larkin Hoffman. He explained
under Minnesota law, Conditional Use Permits are permitted uses subject to
reasonable conditions. He noted the land use decision has been made and in this case
a Planned Unit Development Agreement exists which acts as an agreement between
the city and the developer listing permitted uses. He stated the convenience store is a
permitted use and the gas station is a conditional use. He explained the city is not
City Council Minutes Page 7
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
aware of covenants for the development limiting gas stations and enforcement would
be a private matter between the residents and the developer. He added if the Council
denies the application they must present findings of fact based on evidence. He
noted staff has not identified any factual reasons for denial.
Councilmember Olsen indicated the PUD agreement identified permitted and
conditional uses but does not state gas stations or convenience stores are prohibited.
He believes if the intent of the developer would have been to prohibit gas stations
that would have been done in the agreement. Councilmember Wagner asked Mr.
Carlton to put the PUD Agreement on the screen for residents to see.
Councilmember Westgaard offered the following comments:
Nothing has changed since original development. This area was always
intended to have commercial across from townhomes.
Other stations in the city in same situation across from residences
(Beaudry on Proctor Avenue and the BP station on 197th Avenue)
MnDOT restricts access to Highway 10 and forces traffic to other
streets, including Yale.
Possibly talk to the Police Department and city engineer about traffic
concerns. If the residents desire a pedestrian connection staff will
research but he doesn’t feel it is the applicant’s responsibility.
Difficult time finding facts to deny as property is properly zoned and
meets intent of the area.
Would like to see Casey’s partner with the residents but cannot force
them.
Mayor Dietz offered the following comments:
The city cannot prohibit the public from using a public street.
If Casey’s is denied another user will come in.
Corner of major highway, location meant to take in a lot of traffic.
Seems like natural fit for area
Hope Casey’s will work to minimize headlight issues.
Traffic situation isn’t ideal but wouldn’t move the stop sign unless the
homeowner’s association is in favor.
Councilmember Ovall commended the residents, staff, and counsel for their well-
articulated comments. He stated he would have liked to see the city engineer here
this evening to address resident concerns about traffic. He concurred with previous
comments made by other councilmembers.
Mayor Dietz suggested adding a condition requesting the applicant work with the
city and the homeowner’s association to develop a landscape plan for the median to
help mitigate the headlight issue. He asked if the applicant is agreeable. Mr. Coyle
nodded yes on behalf of Casey’s.
City Council Minutes Page 8
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to approve the Conditional Use Permit request for Casey’s Retail
Company for a gas station/convenience store, with the following conditions:
1. The authorized Conditional Use Permit (CUP) shall be recorded.
2. If the proposed work described in the application and CUP has not
been substantially completed within two years after the CUP’s date of
issuance, the permit shall expire and become void.
3. If the authorized use ceases for more than six months, the CUP shall
expire.
4. The applicant must apply for and receive approval for all required
permits before any construction may begin.
5. All comments provided in the August 15, 2017, comment letter shall be
addressed.
6. All design standards of the Mississippi Ridge Planned Unit
Development shall be met and approved by city staff.
7. All design standards of the Wild and Scenic River District shall be met
and approved by the Environmental Coordinator.
8. Convenience store hours of operation will be limited to 5:00 a.m. –
12:00 a.m.
9. The access on 171st Avenue shall be shifted west and approved by the
city engineer.
10. The dumpster enclosure shall be constructed with the same material
as the principal building.
11. The maximum height for a monument sign shall be 10 feet and the
maximum sign area shall be 100 square feet. The monument sign shall
be constructed of brick or face brick the proposed sign meets this
standard.
12. The convenient store and canopy are allowed two wall signs not to
exceed seven percent (7%) of the building wall.
13. All site lighting shall be designed with a cut off classification.
14. A letter of credit in the amount of 100% of the cost of the landscaping
shall be submitted at the time of building permit issuance.
15. Awning and canopy signs shall not be illuminated.
16. Applicant shall make reasonable accommodations to work with the
city and the Mississippi Ridge Homeowner’s Association to design
and install vegetated screening within the boulevard across Yale Street
from the entrance drive. The plan must be approved by the city staff.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.5 Satellite Shelters – Outlot D, Cascade Industrial Park
1. Ordinance amendment: outdoor storage as principal use in I-3
General Industrial Zoning District
2. Conditional Use Permit: outdoor storage of office trailers
Mr. Carlton indicated the applicant withdrew the application for this item.
City Council Minutes Page 9
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
7.6 Preliminary and Final Plat: Trace Heights Second Addition
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Kyle, 11122 205th Avenue - questioned setbacks on a neighboring parcel. Mr.
Leeseberg indicated the parcel in question is not included as part of the plat.
Wes Hunt, 11149 205th Avenue – stated he lives next to the substation. He
questioned what the two shaded areas shown on the plat. He also requested buyers
be notified of the high pressure gas line that runs through the property. Mr.
Leeseberg indicated the shaded areas show the primary and secondary septic. He
added he will ask the developer to notify potential buyers of the gas line.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public
hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Olsen
to approve the Preliminary Plat of Trace Heights Second Addition.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to adopt resolution 17-52 approving the Final Plat of Trace Heights
Second Addition, with the following conditions:
1. A Development Agreement must be signed by the city and developer
prior to releasing the final plat for recording.
2. A Letter of Credit shall be provided to the city in the amount of 100%
of the costs of the public improvements.
3. Upon completion of all improvements and acceptance by the city, a
security or warranty in a form acceptable to the city engineer must be
secured.
4. Development Plan shall be approved by the city engineer prior to
issuance of building permits.
5. All appropriate grading permits must be obtained prior to
commencing work on the site.
6. Grading and Erosion Control Plan be submitted and approved by the
city engineer prior to the issuance of building permits.
7. Surface Water Management Fee be paid for 18 lots at the rate
applicable at the time of Final Plat approval (currently $233).
8. Park Dedication shall be provided in the form of cash for 18 lots at the
rate applicable at the time of Final Plat approval (currently $1,425.93).
9. A 10’ wide bituminous trail, centered in a 20’ trial easement, shall be
installed in a location approved by city staff.
10. Any item or condition found that indicates the site is likely to yield
information important to pre-history or history shall be reported to the
City Council Minutes Page 10
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
city immediately. Further, the city reserves the right to stop work
authorized in its approval until the site is appropriately investigated
and work is authorized.
11. Street names shall be correct on the Final Plat.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.7 Simple Plat: Dancing Crane Acres
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Mayor Dietz questioned the Park and Recreation Commission’s recommendation for
a 15-foot trail easement on the east side of Meadowvale Road the entire length of the
plat.
Mr. Leeseberg indicated staff is not recommending the trail easement because the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan shows the trail on the west side of the road.
Mayor Dietz stated he doesn’t believe the plan dictates what side of the road the trail
is proposed.
Mr. Leeseberg indicated staff was told by the City Council, during the Whiteoak Plat,
the trail plans are side specific.
Councilmember Wagner asked how the applicant feels about the trail easement.
Bob Gretton, applicant, 14160 227th Avenue – explained he isn’t sure the property is
conducive for a trail because of the ditch and the close proximity to buildings already
located on the property along Meadowvale.
Councilmember Westgaard requested staff review and see how close the trail would
be to the existing buildings.
Mayor Dietz indicated he would like to continue this item until a representative from
the Parks and Recreation Commission is in attendance and can explain their request
for the trail easement.
Councilmember Westgaard asked the applicant if delaying this item poses issues for
him. Mr. Gretton indicated he is agreeable to continuing this item to October 2.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to continue the Simple Plat for Dancing Crane Acres to October 2, 2017.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Council Minutes Page 11
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
7.8 Ordinance Amendment: Relating to Fence Heights, City of Elk River
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to adopt ordinance 17-16 amending section 30-796, Fences.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.9 Stars Hollow Company/Quintus 3D
1. Land Use Amendment: Change Land Use from Open Space to
Residential
2. Zone Change: Rezone from General Industrial (I-3) to Agricultural
Conservation (A-1)
3. Conditional Use Permit: Office Space as it Relates to Indoor
Farming operation
Mr. Leeseberg indicated the applicant has withdrawn their application and no further
action is required.
7.10 Easement Vacation and Final Plat Tall Pines Planned Unit
Development
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Tom Christian, 10989 181st Avenue – stated his property is adjacent to this plat.
He questioned if the storm water pond nearby will remain intact. Mr. Carlton stated
the pond will remain as is.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public
hearing.
Councilmember Wagner expressed an interest in having the plat connect to Twin
Lakes Road. Mr. Carlton indicated the connection isn’t supported at this time but
can be explored when the properties to the south develop.
Mayor Dietz indicated he received an email from John Jordan, resident of the West
Oaks Development. Mr. Jordan is requesting the Council delay a decision on this
based on concerns with this developer regarding the West Oaks development. Mayor
Dietz asked Mr. Beck the Council’s options.
City Council Minutes Page 12
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Mr. Beck explained the Final Plat is entitled to approval as long as it is consistent
with the Preliminary Plat already approved by the Council. He noted the request
cannot be denied for something that does not specifically relate to the property.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to adopt resolution 17-53 vacating drainage and utility easements
with the condition the Final Plat of Tall Pines PUD must be recorded at the
same time the easement vacation resolution is recorded.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Ovall
to adopt resolution 17-54 granting Final Plat approval of Tall Pines PUD with
the following conditions:
1. All conditions of approval for the Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
establishing the PUD for this development shall be satisfied. (Case
No. CU 17-17)
2. All conditions of approval for the Preliminary Plat of The Pines at
Elk River PUD shall be satisfied. (Case No. P 17-09)
3. A utility easement over all of Outlots B and C must be added to
account for access to small utilities (gas, electric, telephone).
4. Surface Water Management Impact Fee be satisfied in the amount
required by the city when the Final Plat is released for recording
(currently $233/lot).
5. Water Availability Charge shall be satisfied in the amount required
by the city when the Final Plat is released for recording (currently
$345/ plumbing unit).
6. Development Plan shall be approved by the city engineer prior to
issuance of building permits.
7. All necessary permits shall be secured from the city and Elk River
Municipal Utilities prior to commencing construction.
8. Any item or condition found that indicates the site is likely to yield
information important to pre-history or history shall be reported to
the city immediately. Further, the city reserves the right to stop work
authorized in its approval until the site is appropriately investigated
and work is authorized.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.11 Ordinance Amendment: Solid Waste Exemptions from Organized
Collection
Ms. Bednar presented her staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
City Council Minutes Page 13
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Olsen
to adopt ordinance 17-17 amending Section 58-36, Proper Storage and
Disposal.
Motion carried 5-0.
The Council recessed the meeting at 8:37 p.m. for a short break. The meeting reconvened at
8:42 p.m.
8.1 Additional Library Hours
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz questioned if the agreement caps the amount the Great River Regional
Library can increase the fees each year. Mr. Portner indicated the agreement has not
been written yet.
Moved by Councilmember Olsen and seconded by Councilmember Ovall to
enter into a five-year agreement with Great River Regional Library to increase
open service hours.
Motion carried 5-0.
8.2 University of St. Thomas Branding Study on Energy City
Ms. Bednar presented the staff report.
8.3 Information Security Committee
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to appoint Councilmember Olsen to the Information Security
Committee.
Motion carried 5-0.
8.4 Economic Development Authority and Housing Redevelopment
Authority Tax Levies
Ms. Ziemer presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Olsen to adopt resolution 17-55 authorizing the preliminary Economic
Development Authority 2018 tax levy.
City Council Minutes Page 14
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Ovall to
adopt resolution 17-56 authorizing the preliminary Housing and
Redevelopment Authority 2018 tax levy.
Motion carried 5-0.
8.5 Set Budget Meeting Date and Adopt 2018 Tax Levy
Ms. Ziemer presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz questioned the average tax increase for residential properties. Ms.
Ziemer explained the increase varies.
Mayor Dietz indicated he would like to see the Truth in Taxation notices mailed out
with an increase less than the proposed 6%.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated he would like to see the final tax levy reduced
and believes this can be achieved by reviewing the requested positions.
Mayor Dietz stated he has reservations about the fire captain position and will not
support the position for 2018. He indicated he would like to see a breakdown of
duties for the current fire marshal and fire prevention specialist positions. He
explained he would like to see the maximum levy under a 6% increase and
eliminating the fire captain position achieves this. He noted he would be willing to
revisit this position next year.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated he is also struggling with support for the fire
captain position and would support removal of the position. He was under the
impression the position was going to be left in for further discussion but he is
comfortable with removing it at this time if the rest of the Council feels the same
way.
Councilmember Wagner concurred she is not 100% on board with the fire captain
position and will also agree to remove it now if the Council agrees.
Councilmember Olsen questioned if the Police Department could get by with one
officer position rather than the two requested.
Mayor Dietz stated he will support hiring two officers as he feels the Police
Department has done a good job in providing evidence supporting their request.
Council consensus was to remove the fire captain position from the 2018 budget.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to set the budget meeting for December 4, 2017, at 6:30 p.m.
City Council Minutes Page 15
September 18, 2017
-----------------------------
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to adopt resolution 17-57 authorizing the proposed property tax levy
for collection in 2018 with removal of the fire captain position.
Motion carried 5-0.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 9:11 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
___________________
John J. Dietz, Mayor
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk