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01-30-1995 CC MIN - SPECIAL e SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1995 Members Present: Mayor Duitsman, Council Members: Dietz, Scheel, Farber Members Absent: Council Member Holmgren Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Phil Hals, Street Superintendent; Lori Johnson, Finance Director 1. Call Meetina To Orc'er Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman. 2. Consider. Council Agenda 6.2A Assistant Finance Director was added to the agenda. e COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 30, 1995, CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Consent Aaenda COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE C0NSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS; 4.1 JANUARY 16, 1995, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED. 6.8 REQUEST FOR CITY PLANNER TO ATTEND THE 1995 NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE APPROVED. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5. Ooen Mike No one appeared for this item. 6.1 Reauest From Chamber Of Commerce Reaarding State Of City Address Executive Director Jackie Schuelein addressed the City Council regarding the Chamber of Commerce State of the City Address. She indicated that the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a State of the City meeting on March 21. She felt it may be appropriate to celebrate Elk River's 10th Anniversary as a Minnesota Star City and recent designation as an All-Star City. - Elk River City Council Meeting January 30, 1995 Page 2 ...-.-............. _..................... ................... e Jackie Schuelein suggested that possible topics to be discussed during the State of the City Address could include the following: · Updates on residential, industrial and commercial development · The new Business Pork on West Highway 10 · McChesney Industrial Pork · Central Business District plans · Highway 169 and Main Street projects · 193rd Avenue projects · Elk Hills Drive project · Elk Pork Value Center · EDA Projects · HRA Projects · Future Plans and Projects · Low Enforcement Issues related to growth Jackie Schuelein indicated that the Chamber would be willing to work with the City stoff to coordinate the program. 6.2 Discussion Recording Use of Lions Pork Facilitv e Harold Gramstad, Chairman of the Lions Pork Committee, briefly updated the Council on the history of the Lions Pork. He stated that it was the intent of the Lions to develop the park as a family pork. He indicated that recently the resources for improving the pork have been limited. He further stated that pull tab funds are now available to be used for improvements to the pork, and the Lions ore prepared to dedicate a certain amount of money for park improvements. He indicated that the Lions wish to continue their relationship with the City to develop the park to its fullest capacity. He stated he is aware that the park is not being fully utilized at the present time and would like to make ~:1e pork more user-friendly. Mr. Gramstad submitted a petition to the Mayor with approximately 150 signatures indicating opposition to having the Lions Park turned into a complex for organized soccer or any other organized sport. The petition further indicates the intent of the signers to have the pork remain as a family pork available to all families and people of Elk River. Dave Anderson, Park and Recreation Commissioner indicated that it is the intention of the Park and Recreation Commission to continue to improve Lions Park so that it can be used by more people. He stated that it is the City's proposal to build three soccer fields in the park. He further indicated that building the soccer fields would stabilize a portion of the pork. The soccer fields would be used four nights per week, with the soccer season running eleven weeks. He further indicated that the construction of the soccer fields would be a considerable investment to the City. Dave Anderson further stated that it is anticipated that the soccer fields would be a temporary use in the Lions Pork. Dave Anderson indicated that he did not feel the project could proceed without the support of the Lions. - Phil Hals, Street Superintendent, indicated that the proposal is to construct three junior size soccer fields for use by young children up to fourth grade. Phil Hals reviewed the construction method that would be used to create the fields. Elk River City Council Meeting January 30, 1995 Page 3 e Mayor Duitsman questioned whether consideration could be given to using land along Highway 10 North by Waco Street for soccer fields. Wally Fox indicated that the lions have spent approximately $100,000 on the park. He stated that the park was tumed over to the City with the condition that no organized sports be allowed. He further stated that other youth organizations have been denied the use of the park and indicated that if the City opens the park up to one youth organization, there is a potential to opening it up to many other organizations. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the City has a need for more fields for organized sports at this time. Council Member Dietz indicated that soccer is one of the least intensive sports. He further indicated that allowing junior soccer in the park may result in mQre use of the park by family members. Jim Mulroy indicated that it is the intent that the lions Park be a family park. He indicated that a City the size of Elk River should have one family park. Council Member Scheel stated she feels that the City needs a park that does not have organized sports. She indicated she is in favor of leaving the park as a family park. e Council Member Farber indicated that the City of Elk River is growing and that there is a great need to get children involved in sports. He indicated that the proposal of soccer fields in the park would be a temporary solution. He further indicated that soccer is not an intensive sport and it may bring more people to the park. Mayor Duitsman indicated that he was in support of Council Member Farber's position of the issue. He further requested that the Lions and the Park and Recreation Commission meet to resolve the issue. He indicated that the City needs an area for non-organized sports, as well as organized sports. He further requested the Park and Recreation Commission and the Lions to discuss the possibility of using the land, which the City will be purchasing, on Waco and Highway 10. Council Member Dietz stated that he would request that restrictions be placed on the use of the soccer fields in Lions Park that they be available for young children only. Les Anderson indicated that it has always been his understanding that the Lions Park would be used as a family pork. He questioned how the City would stop other groups from requesting use of the park for organized sports if soccer were allowed. He indicated that he is in favor of developing other property in the City for organized sports. Dave Anderson indicated that he would arrange a meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission and the lions to further discuss the issue. - Elk River City Council Meeting January 30, 1995 Page 4 e 6.2A Assistant Finance Director Lori Johnson, Finance Director, informed the Council that after further consideration Jean Nikols has decided not to accept the position as Assistant Finance Director for the City of Elk River. Lori Johnson indicated that the interview committee has since re-interviewed two applicants for the position of Assistant Finance Director. She recommended that the Council interview the top candidate, Lori Ziemer. The City Council interviewed Lori Ziemer for the position of Assistant Finance Director for the City of Elk River. 6.3 Review City's AODointment Policy For Boards and Commissions City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the City Attorney has been requested to review the City's Board and Commission Appointment Policy because of an issue raised regarding the appointment of a member to the HRA. Mayor Duitsman indicated that HRA and EDA appointments are different than normal Board and Commission appointments because they are mayoral appointments. He further indicated that according to the City Attorney, the City was acting in good faith in its appointment to the HRA. Mayor Duitsman further indicated that he sees no reason to change his appointment of Larry Farber to the HRA. Gene Schuldt. Chairman of the HRA, indicated that he disagreed with the Mayor's decision regarding this appointment. e 6.4 Consider Ordinance Amendment to City's Landscaoina Ordinance COUNCIL MEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO CONTINUE THIS ISSUE TO THE FEBRUARY 27th CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4.0. 6.5 Consideration of Clerical Staff Pay Adiustment In Lieu of Uniform Allowance City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that this issue has previously been discussed by the City Council. He indicated that the Clerical staff is requesting a $.17 per hour increase in their base wages due to the deletion of the Uniform Allowance from the 1995 budget. Mayor Duitsman indicated that he felt this issue should be tied to comparable worth. Council Member Farber indicated he did not have a problem with the Uniform Allowance and further stated that he would rather see the Uniform Allowance remain as it was in the past rather than adding $.17 per hour to the clerical wages. Council Member Dietz indicated that he is having a hard time relating to a Uniform Allowance for clothing that can be worn at times other than at work. e Elk River City Council Meeting January 30, 1995 Page 5 e Council Member Scheel indicated that she did not feel the term Uniform Allowance was appropriate as the clothing purchased was not that of a uniform nature. She indicated that she would rather see a $.17 per hour wage increase rather than a Uniform Allowance. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED THAT THE UNIFORM ALLOWANCE REMAIN AS IT WAS IN 1994 FOR THE CLERICAL STAFF AND THAT THIS ISSUE BE REVIEWED IN ONE YEAR. MAYOR DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-1. COUNCIL MEMBER SCHEEL OPPOSED. 6.2A Assistant Finance Director ,Cont.) COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO NEGOTIATE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH LORI ZIEMER FOR THE ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. CCUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6.6 Update on School District 728 Public Works Building Proposal - City Administrator Pat Klaers reviewed the School District's proposal for the construction of the School District Public Works Building. This building and location was part of the original concept for Oak Knoll fields. The Council discussed the School District's proposal for the location of the facility. Discussion was held regarding the issue of the School District maintenance building being on property that is very close to current soccer and baseball fields. It was suggested that the School District consider constructing its building on other property such as the vacant industrial lot by Tescom Corporation. It was the consensus of the Council to authorize staff to visit with the School District regarding the issue of the School District exploring other alternative building sites, such as the site in the Industrial Park. 6.7 Review Council Meetina Schedule The City Council reviewed its meeting schedule for February - May 1 st. The following meetings were scheduled. March 6th - Joint City Council/School District Meeting April 3rd . Joint Planning Commission/City Council Meeting April 24th - Joint County Commissioners/City Council Meeting 7. Other Business There was no other business. 8. Updates e The City Administrator informed the Council that the Board of Review has been tentatively scheduled for May 10, 1995, at 6:00 p.m. Discussion was held by the Council as to the reason why Council Member Holmgren could not attend the Board of Review Meeting. It was the consensus of the Council that it could meet on May 10th for the Board of Review. Elk River City Council Meeting January 30, 1995 Page 6 e 9. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADJOURN. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 9: 1 0 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~ Sandra Thackeray City Clerk .) e - s:\minutes\ccl-30