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04-13-1993 CC MIN - SPECIAL . . . SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1993 Members present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Scheel, Holmgren, Dietz and Farber(8:00 p.m.) Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori JOhnson, Finance Director; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Tom Zerwas, Chief of Police Also Present: Linda Fredrickson and Rick Olson 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman. 2. Consider 4/13/93 City Council Agenda COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. 4-0. 4/13/93 CITY THE MOTION COUNCIL CARRIED 3.1. Consider 3/22/93 City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE 3/22/93 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3.2. Consider 3/22/93 Executive Session City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 3/22/93 EXECUTIVE SESSION CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3.3. Consider 3/30/93 Executive Session City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE 3/30/93 EXECUTIVE SESSION COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. CITY THE 3.4. Consider 3/30/93 City Council CIP Minutes Councilmember Scheel requested that a sentence be added to Item 5, Page 1, the end of the paragraph which indicates that the "City Council directed the City Engineer to review the drainage culvert under the railroad tracks." COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO MINUTES AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER MOTION CARRIED 4-0. APPROVE THE 3/30/93 CITY COUNCIL CIP DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE . . . City Council Minutes April 13, 1993 Page 2 4.1. D.A.R.E. Program Proposal Chief of Police, Tom Zerwas, introduced Linda Fredrickson and Rick Olson and provided some background information on the D.A.R.E. fundraising proposal. This proposal was outlined in the background material provided by the Chief of Police dated 4/8/93. Tom reviewed the need for a D.A.R.E. officer in the secondary school and the results of a high school survey conducted last year. The results of this survey helped demonstrate the need for a D.A.R.E. officer in the secondary school. Linda Fredrickson and Rick Olson outlined the fundraising proposal for financing this secondary school D.A.R.E. officer. The proposal is to construct a house in seven days and to make a profit for the D.A.R.E. program when the house is sold. The house would be constructed through a tremendous amount of donations and cooperation from local organizations, businesses, and citizens. Rick outlined a similar project which he spearheaded in California a few years ago. It was indicated that such a fundraising proposal would generate state and National publicity for the Elk River D.A.R.E. program and would be one of the first fundraising efforts of this type. It was stated that the site for this building would be in Hillside Estates along Highway 169 and it was anticipated that the house would sell somewhere in the $125,000 range. Mayor Duitsman questioned whether or not there would be any City responsibility or liability for this project. Linda and Rick both indicated that this would not be the case, however, the City would be requested to participate in terms of waiving any fees associated with the City for the construction of the house. Additionally, the City would have to have a residential building inspector on site a great deal during the week that the construction is taking place. Rick indicated that the local building association is cooperating this project and is committed to seeing the project through completion. The construction week is scheduled for August 16-24. with until Councilmember Dietz questioned the future financing of a new, additional D.A.R.E. officer and whether or not the school has committed to help finance this additional position. Rick and Linda indicated that they hoped to raise matching funds for this project and it is hoped that monies will be available to finance the first few years of the secondary D.A.R.E. officer without any finances being necessary from the City or the school. However, it was indicated that after finances run out from this fundraising effort, the City and School District would be expected to finance this position. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO PLEDGE THE CITY'S SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT AND THE CITY'S SUPPORT FOR A SECONDARY D.A.R.E. OFFICER FOR 1994 AND 1995 AND THAT THE CITY WOULD WAIVE AS MANY LOCAL FEES AS POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FUNDRAISING PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 5. Building and Zoning Annual Report . . . city Council Minutes April 13, 1993 Page 3 Building and Zoning Administrator, Stephen Rohlf, presented his Annual Report to the city Council. The first major discussion item related to apartment construction in 1992 and the overall percentage of apartments in Elk River as a percent of the total housing stock. A concern was expressed that this level should be under 20%. While the percent went down in 1992, there is still a concern that more single family homes are needed in Elk River and less apartments are needed in Elk River. The City Council requested information regarding senior apartments and asked that this information be broken down in future annual reports. Mayor Duitsman discussed the Elk River requirements for single family residential lot sizes. A handout was distributed from the City Engineer that provided some information on the minimum lot sizes for single family residential sewered lots in similar communities. This information demonstrated that the Elk River single family residential sewered lot sizes are within the norm as compared to neighboring communities. Discussion took place regarding the possible increase in the front footage requirement for lots, but no consensus of the Council was reached on this issue. Discussion continued between the Building and Zoning Administrator and the City Council on the need for more industrial/commercial construction which would be taxable to help decrease the local, county and school district tax burden. Another issue that generated a great deal of discussion was a future housing code for Elk River and an inspection program that would protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the Elk River citizens. The City Council indicated no desire to get involved with the cosmetic repairs of apartments. Other discussion topics included wetlands, dead-end road variances, PUD zoning ordinance. changes, and the large number of plats anticipated in 1993. Environmental discussion issues included the need for an oil drop off location and a composting program in Elk River. A special environmental project that will be worked on in 1993 is the gravel permitting and reclamation program. Councilmember Farber arrived at this time (8:00 p.m.) steve provided the City Council with an update on the shopping center proposal. The City Administrator distributed a 3/31/93 letter in support of the shopping center proposal. Steve indicated that a number of requirements must be met by the developer before a public hearing could be scheduled before the Planning Commission. It is anticipated that a public hearing on a proposal for the shopping center will be held before the Planning Commission in May of 1993. Steve indicated that the Environmental Impact statement comment period has ended and that some comments have been received which will require review by the City staff and possible adjustments in the proposal as submitted. Additionally, it was indicated that the Indirect Source Permit document . . . City Council Minutes April 13, 1993 Page 4 has been completed and that this review process at the State level is anticipated to begin shortly. 6. other Business/Staff Updates 1. The City Administrator indicated that the City Engineer has contacted the MnDOT office regarding any desire for purchasing the City property north of their facility located between Highway 169 and Dodge Avenue. The correspondence included in the City Council packet indicated that MnDOT has no interest in this property and that they had previously discussed this issue. Discussion took place regarding an appropriate price for this property and whether or not this property should be sold to Rick Foster as he is the property owner to the north. Selling the property to Mr. Foster would facilitate a plat in this area for single family residential homes. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO SELL TO MR. FOSTER THE CITY PROPERTY NORTH OF THE MNDOT FACILITY FOR $15,000. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-1-1. Councilmember Holmgren opposed based on his belief that the selling price was too low. Councilmember Scheel abstained due mainly to her concern over the gas line running through this property. 2. Utilities Commission Meeting Update - The council discussed the Utilities Commission recommendation for the City Council to approve a Water Impact Fee on future residential plats and how this impact fee, combined with an escalation in the water connection fee and a contribution from the annual water department operating profits, would finance the three most immediate water department needs. These three needs are the northeast tower and well and the west tower. The 4/6/93 Utilities Commission minutes and the analysis of the water costs were distributed. Discussion took place regarding a new residential single family developer requirement; the legalities of collecting this fee for apartment, commercial, and industrial development proposals; and with whether or not this additional revenue was required to finance the necessary improvements. Mayor Duitsman requested the Council to evaluate the City financial contribution for these improvements. In this regard, the City is verbally committed to contributing approximately $375-$400,000 for the west tower. Additionally, the Commission has asked the Council for a $120,000 contribution for the northeast tower. The Mayor indicated that this issue was reviewed in a preliminary fashion at the last joint City Council/Utilities Commission meeting and it is his position that the City should not be obligated to contribute to the northeast tower. The City Council requested 4/26/93 City Council meeting recommendation and that the opinion on the legalities of that the City Attorney attend the to further discuss the Utilities Attorney be prepared to provide some a Water Impact Fee. Discussion . . . City Council Minutes April 13, 1993 Page 5 continued regarding the preliminary plats that are scheduled to be reviewed by the City Council on 4/19/93 and whether the developers of these 300 plus single family home sites would be required to pay the requested $300 per lot WIF. It was the general agreement of the City Council that this issue must be presented for discussion at the 4/19 meeting so that the developers are put on notice that such a fee is very possible. The City Council requested that a joint meeting with the Utilities Commission be held on Monday, May 3, 1993, to further discuss the utilities Commission recommendation and the issues related to financing the municipal water system improvements. 3. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO HAVE THE 4/26/93 CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 6:00 P.M. IN ORDER TO HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM COUNTY ASSESSOR TY BISCHOFF ON THE 4/29/93 BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING AND TO HEAR THE SENIOR CITIZEN ANNUAL REPORT. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO HOLD A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON SATURDAY 4/24/93 AT 8:00 A.M. AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL TO DISCUSS FOUR ENGINEERING MATTERS: THE TRAFFIC STUDY, THE DRAINAGE STUDY, THE ASSESSMENT MANUAL, AND THE WWTS EXPANSION PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5. The City Administrator provided a brief update on the survey and material that was sent out to the Orono Lake 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Addition homeowners. This material was attached to the 4/9/93 memo to the Mayor and City Council. No survey responses have been received at this time, but some telephone calls have been received. 6. The City Administrator requested Council input on a City wellness room policy. The Council was encouraged to contact the Administrator if they have any issues that should be addressed in the wellness room policy. 7. The City Administrator provided an update on the number of City Planner applications that have been received. He indicated that the applications are private information until the candidates to be interviewed are selected. The applications will be available for review by the Council and an update on the applicants will be provided on 4/26/93. It is anticipated that the staff will try to select five to six applicants for interviews. 8. The City Administrator and City Engineer discussed the spring MnDOT tour. It was the general agreement of the City Council that such a tour is beneficial and should take place again in 1993. It is desirable that this tour be held after Main Street bridge is open. 9. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ATTEND THE 1993 ANNUAL ICMA CONFERENCE. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . . . City Council Minutes April 13, 1993 Page 6 10. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS POLICE UNION NEGOTIATIONS. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Duitsman recessed the special meeting of the City Council at 9:35 p.m. for the Executive Session. The City Council meeting reconvened at 9:50 p.m. 7. Capital Improvement Program Due to the lateness of the hour, limited discussion took place on the Capital Improvement Program. The City Administrator indicated that if possible, he would like to discuss capital improvements with the City Council at a future meeting when the agenda is light and allows for an hour to two hours discussion. A discussion for 1-2 hours should complete a review of the available CIP finances. Once this step is completed, it is anticipated that only one additional meeting will be required to finalize the Elk River CIP. Brief discussion took place regarding the extension of utilities to East Highway 10 and the trunk costs to the property owners for these extensions. It was hoped by the Council that these costs would be similar (in 1992 dollars) to the $3,800 per acre that was charged to Hillside Estates and in the western area of the City. Discussion continued regarding City assistance for some of the expenses for this East Highway 10 project and whether or not Liquor Store funds should be used to underwrite this project in order to help provide utilities beyond the Highway 101-169 intersection. Discussion took place regarding the School Street/Jackson Avenue intersection improvement project that was reviewed at the last CIP meeting. A handout from the City Engineer dated 4/8/93 was reviewed. It was the consensus of the City Council that the City Engineer should do preliminary work associated with this project in order to see if it is feasible for this project to move forward in 1993. It was the desire of the City Council to have an improvement project completed before school starts in the fall. Discussion took place regarding the financing of this project and it was indicated that the investigative work from the City Engineer on this issue will help the City Council decide the appropriate financing mechanism for this project. 8. Adjournment There being no further ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. TO THE The special meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, PO kf}a~ Patrick Klaers