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03-28-1994 CC MIN e REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1994 Members Present: Mayor Duitsman, Council members Dietz, Farber, and Holmgren Members Absent: Council member Scheel Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandy Thackeray, City Clerk; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Tom Zerwas, Police Chief; Bradley Rolfe, Sergeant; Tom Tyler, Investigator; Russ Anderson, Fire Chief; Steve Dittbenner, Ambulance Coordinator 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 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman e 2. Consider 3-28-94 Ag-enda The Mayor indicated that the City Council would be having the School Street neighborhood meeting before the Police Department annual report, and also prior to this neighborhood meeting, there would be some D.A.R.E. award presentations made. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE 3-28-94 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 2.5 D.A.R.E. Award Presentation Mayor Duitsman offered his congratulations to the participants in the D.A.R.E. project, and stated how this project has reflected positively on the community of Elk River. -- Chief of Police, Tom Zerwas, stated that the secondary D.A.R.E. officer has already started work in the schools, and that this is the officer that is being financed by the D.A.R.E. proceeds. It is anticipated that through this project funds will be available to fund this position for three years. City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 2 e At this time the Chief of Police distributed photos of the D .A.R.E. house and plaques to the following: Rick Olson, Don Heinzman, Dan Rochel, Jackie Schuele in, Bryan Vita, Linda Frederickson, Charlie Houle, George Zabee, Cedric Olson, and Hank Duitsman. Not in attendance to receive their plaque and photo were: Clint Corrow, Cory Thompson, and Lisa Hanenburg. MAYOR DUITSMAN RECESSED THE CITY COUNCIL AT 6:06 PM. MAYOR DUITSMAN RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL AT 6:07 PM IN THE TRAINING ROOM. 5. Discussion With The Abutting Residents On Options For 1994 Improvements To School Street e Terry Maurer, City Engineer, explained that the City of Elk River has completed a comprehensive transportation study which identified School Street as an area needing upgrading to continue to provide adequate service to the motoring public. He further stated that in the past several years, the traffic volumes on School Street have grown at an annual rate of 7 percent, which is far above the average growth rate for a typical city street of 2-3 percent. Terry Maurer indicated that approximately a year ago, the City Council authorized plans to upgrade, widen, and signalize the Jackson Avenue and School Street intersection. Terry Maurer stated that there are two decisions that need to be made at this time regarding the proposed 1994 improvements to School Street between Jackson Avenue and Freeport Avenue. They are as follows: 1. Whether School Street should be striped as a 4 lane or a 3 lane road. 2. Whether or not to include a sidewalk on the south side of School Street. Terry Maurer reviewed a handout showing the layout of a 4 lanes vs. 3 lanes. Terry Maurer indicated that the City Council has gone on record stating that it is in favor of a 4 lane configuration, while the School District has gone on record indicating its peripheral of a 3 lane design. e Terry Maurer indicated that the City would be working with all abutting property owners during the project. He indicated that he City Council Minutes March 28,1994 Page 3 e would be requesting the City Council to include money in the bid for concrete block retaining walls, grading, tree replacement, etc. of abutting properties. Mayor Duitsman requested input from the public at this time. He stated that the Council is interested in receiving comments regarding this project. Paul Walter. 507 School Street, questioned the amount of right-of- way the City would need. Dan Heaslev. 838 Irvin!! Avenue, indicated that the widening of School Street would have a great effect on his property. He questioned whether the City could consider taking the additional five feet off of the north side of School Street as opposed to the south side. Terry Maurer indicated that this would not be feasible due to the amount of property the City would have to acquire. e Sarah Mae Moos. 836 Jackson Avenue, indicated her concern about the large pines on her property. Terry Maurer, the City Engineer stated that if the sidewalk is installed on the south side of School Street, her trees will have to be removed. Sarah Mae Moos also questioned what type of assessments the property owners would have to bear. The City Engineer indicated that the City is not proposing to assess any part of this improvement to the property owners. He indicated that a majority of the cost would be covered through State funding. Val Schmit. 549 8th Street, questioned whether the School would be considering bussing children due to the increase in traffic. Terry Maurer indicated that he did not know what the school plans were, however, he stated that the School Board believes a sidewalk on the south side of School Street would definitely make it safer for the walkers. Tv Bischoff. school board member. distributed a letter addressed to the City Council regarding the School Street improvements. Ty Bischoff indicated the schools concern with the traffic on School Street. He further indicated his concern regarding the overhead power lines along School Street. He suggested that the City Council and the School Board request the Utilities to bury the overhead lines. e City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 4 e Shirlev Walter. 507 School Street, indicated her concern regarding traffic and the effect it would have on her exiting her driveway. Dan Heislev. 838 Irvine, indicated his support of the sidewalk on the south side of School Street. Sarah Mae Moos. 836 Jackson, indicated her support in favor of the sidewalk on School Street. Mayor Duitsman requested a show of hands of those in favor of the sidewalk on the south side of School Street. A majority of those present were in favor of a sidewalk on the south side of School Street. Paul Walter. 507 School Street. indicated that he was not in favor of the sidewalk on the south side as it would make it more difficult to exit his driveway. e Council member Holmgren, suggested the possibility of eliminating the sidewalk between Holt and Gates, on the south side of School Street. Council member Holmgren requested a show of hands of those who were in favor of burying the overhead powerlines. The majority of those present indicated they were in favor of burying the power lines. THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 7:07 P.M. AND RECONVENED AT 7:15 P.M. IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM. 4. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 3. Police Department Annual Report e Chief Zerwas presented the 1993 Police Department Annual Report. Sergeant Tyler and Sergeant Rolfe were present to answer any questions. Discussion was held regarding the neighborhood crime watch program in Elk River. The Mayor requested that information be published in the City's Newsletter regarding this program. Discussion was held regarding the increase in burglaries and juvenile crimes. The Council discussed the present security at the Elk River Mall and the possible effects the new Elk Park Center will have on the Police Department. City Council Minutes March 28,1994 Page 5 -------------------------------- e The Police Chief discussed the need for more clerical help, which is necessary due to the increase in the number of officers. He further indicated that the Brady Bill has added an increased workload to the secretarial staff as background checks are required on all gun purchases. Discussion was held regarding the number of calls the Police Department responds to at the schools. It was noted by Sergeants Tyler and Rolfe that this is increasing and will continue to increase. Discussion was held regarding whether or not Elk River could use a juvenile detention center. Chief Zerwas indicated that there is a great need for a juvenile detention center in the City of Elk River. Reports were given by Sergeant Rolfe regarding the patrol operations and ERU and by Sergeant Tyler regarding the investigation division. The Council thanked the Police Department for its service during 1993. e 6.1 Health Care Commission 6.2 Ambulance Service Steve Dittbenner introduced Mark Studelberg and Mary Jo Swanson, members of the Health Care Commission Steve Dittbenner reviewed the ambulance annual report. He gave a summary of the number of ambulance responses made in 1993 versus 1992. Steve Dittbenner also reviewed the response time. He indicated that the response time has improved from 12 minutes and 40 seconds in 1992, to 11 minutes and 20 seconds in 1993. Discussion was held regardingothe bylaws in regard to ambulance employees not being able to serve unless they are a member of the Fire Department. Steve Dittbenner indicated that the time has come where the ambulance service is considering a change in the bylaws that will allow a person to serve on the ambulance without being a member of the Fire Department. He indicated that the ambulance staff would be meeting to vote on this issue within a week, and the Fire Department would in turn vote on the ambulance staff decision. e Steve Dittbenner spoke about the Elk River Ambulance breaking away from Healthspan in regard to collection of bills. In doing this, the Elk City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 6 e River Ambulance Service will be realizing its own debt. He stated that, in the past, Mercy Hospital handled the billing for Elk River Ambulance. Steve Dittbenner discussed the possibility ofEMT-I Service through the Elk River Ambulance. Mary Jo Swanson stated that the Health Care Commission is planning a retreat on May 5th at Mercy Hospital from 6:00 to 8:30 to discuss some strategic planning for the Elk River Ambulance. She stated that one of the issues to be discussed will be EMT-I Service. She explained that a person who is licensed as an EMT-I, has the authority to insert an IV, but does not have the authority to issue any medication into the IV. She stated that the Commission must decide whether or not this is an important issue for the Elk River Ambulance. Mary Jo Swanson also stated that the issue the Health Care Commission is dealing with now is, "what exactly does the Elk River Community want and need from the ambulance service and what type of service can be provided." Mary Jo Swanson invited the Council to attend the retreat. e 6.3. Fire Department Annual Report Russ Anderson, Fire Chief, reviewed the 1993 Fire Department Annual Report. Russ Anderson reviewed the number of fIre calls made in 1993 versus 1992. Mayor Duitsman suggested input from the Fire Department regarding the re-structuring of the organization due to the Fire Chiefs retirement. Russ Anderson indicated that this issue would be discussed by the Fire Department. The Mayor suggested that following the Fire Departments discussion, a work session be held with the City Council and the Fire Department to review the issue. Mayor Duitsman discussed the. situation between Elk River and Otsego. He stated that as the City of Elk River grows, a decision should be made to either consolidate the Fire Department with Otsego and Elk River so as to receive assistance in payment of capital equipment for the Fire Department, or for Elk River to cover only its own city. e Discussion was held regarding funding of the 1971 pumper. It was noted that a new pumper will be needed within the next three to fIve years. City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 7 e The City Council thanked the Fire Department, the Ambulance Service, and the Health Care Commission, for the annual report presentations. 7.1 Accept Fire Chiefs Letter of Retirement COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO RELUCTANTLY ACCEPT THE FIRE CHIEF'S LETTER OF RESIGNATION. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO RESEND THE MOTION REGARDING THE APRIL 1ST DATE FOR THE IMPLEl\1:ENTATION OF A FIRE INSPECTION PROGRAM. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7.2 Adoption of Resolutions e The City Council indicated its support of the ISTEA Grant relating to trail systems in Elk River. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE ISTEA GRANT: RESOLUTION 94-26 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO BE THE SPONSORING AGENT FOR THE GRANT PROPOSAL THROUGH THE 1991 ISTEA GRANT RELATING TO TRAIL SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER RESOLUTION 94-27 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ANY TRAIL SYSTEM CONSTRUCTED IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER UNDER THE ISTEA ACT RESOLUTION 94-28 AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS IN RELATION TO THE ISTEA GRANT. e COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 8 -------------------------------- e 7.3 Country Ridge Preliminary Plat Update The City Administrator indicated that a special meeting has been planned with the Park and Recreation Commission on April 6, and the Planning Commission on April 14, regarding Country Ridge preliminary plat. He indicated that the preliminary plat request will then come back to the City Council on April 21. 7.4 AllPoint City Council Representative to Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO NOMINATE MAYOR DUITSMAN AS THE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. e COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO NOMINATE COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ AS THE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7.5 Discuss City Council Citizen Appointments to Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee It was the consensus of the Council that each Council person make their own nominations for the steering commission and that the appointments be made by the City Council as a whole. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPOINT MARY EBERLEY AS WARD 4 REPRESENTATIVE, AND MARLY GLINES AS WARD 3 REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7.6 Consider Establishing Planning Intern Position e Discussion was held regarding the need for a Planning Intern, in order to assist the City Planner in day-to-day planning operations and in collecting data and information for the comprehensive plan update. City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 Page 9 -------------------------------- e COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE PLANNING INTERN, ALONG WITH AN HOURLY PAY RANGE, AND BEGIN MAKING CONTACT WITH VARIOUS SCHOOLS FOR POSSIBLE CANDIDATES. COUNCIL MEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 8. Other Business Mayor Duitsman updated the Council on a meeting that he attended at the State Capital regarding the Highway 101 improvement. He indicated that it appears that the improvement may take place in 1996. 9. Staff Updates e The City Administrator indicated that staff is preparing a City tour and luncheon with MnDOT representatives from their Brainerd office. It was suggested by the Council that dates for the luncheon be any where between May 24th to June 8th. The City Administrator questioned whether the City Council would be in favor of meeting jointly with the Elk River Utilities on April 11, prior to the EDA Meeting. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 11, AT 6:00 P.M., TO MEET JOINTLY WITH ELK RIVER UTILITIES. COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 10. Adiournment THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, COUNCIL MEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCIL MEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION, MOTION. CARRIED 4-0. e City Council Minutes March 28, 1994 -------------------------------- e The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra A. Thackeray City Clerk e e Page 10