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03-02-1992 CC MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Dietz, Holmgren, Schuldt, and Kropuenske MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator; Philip Hals, Street/Park Superintendent; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Darrell Mack, Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent; and Fritz Dolejs, Northbound Liquor Store Manager 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 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tralle. 2. Consider 3/2/92 City Council Agenda Item 9.2, Councilmember Schuldt Update, was added to the agenda. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVED THE 3/2/92 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECdNDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider 2/17/92 City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER CARRIED 5-0. 2/17/92 MOTION. COUNCIL MOTION APPROVE SECONDED MOVED TO HOLMGREN THE THE CITY THE 4. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 5.1. Girl Scout Proclamation Mayor Tralle read a Girl Scout through March 18 as Girl Scout proclamation to the Girl Scouts. proclamation week. He proclaiming March 14 then presented the 5.2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Proclamation Mayor Tralle read a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proclaimed March of 1992 as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cheryl Foss was present to accept the proclamation. Proclamation and Awareness Month. 5.3. Transient Merchant License Robert Madland/Public Hearing Mayor Tralle stated that Robert Madland has made application for a transient merchant license to sell flowers in the City of Elk River. City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 2 . Mayor Tralle opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the matter, Mayor Tralle closed the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE A TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE FOR ROBERT MADLAND TO SELL FLOWERS WITHIN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.4. Redistricting Mayor Tralle stated that a public hearing has been scheduled for this evening for the City Council to consider the redistricting plans of the City of Elk River. He stated that since the public hearing was scheduled, the Federal Court has submitted a new redistricting plan to the Supreme Court which affects the City of Elk River by splitting the City into two congressional districts. Mayor Tralle indicated that he would continue the public hearing until March 23. He further stated that a decision cannot be made on the City's redistricting plan until a decision is made by the Supreme Court on either the State or Federal plan. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO CONTINUE THE REDISTRICTING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER'~ WARD LINES TO BE HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL AT 7:00 HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTfoN CARRIED PUBLIC HEARING FOR UNTIL MARCH 23, 1992, P.M. COUNCILMEMBER 5-0. . 5.5. Appoint Election Judges for Presidential Primary Mayor Tralle indicated that Primary election on April 7 and, appointed for the election. Minnesota will be holding a Presidential therdfore, election judges must be COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-10, A RESOLUTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TO BE HELD ON APRIL 7, 1992. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. Councilmember Schuldt abstained as his wife was included in the list of primary election judges. 5.6. Resolution Designating Representative to Declare Official Intent to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Debt Proceeds The City Administrator indicated that because of IRS regulations regarding reimbursement bonds, the City Council must adopt a resolution authorizing either the City Administrator or the City Council to declare the official intent of the City to reimburse certain types of prebonded expenditures made by the city. After discussion regarding this item, it was the consensus of the Council that this responsibility be given to the City Administrator as it was more an administrative issue. . COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-11, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR AS A PERSON AUTHORIZED TO DECLARE FROM TIME TO TIME THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN TYPES OF EXPENDITURES MADE BY THE CITY WITH THE PROCEEDS OF DEBT TO BE . . . city Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 3 INCURRED BY THE CITY. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. THE 5.7. Road Restrictions Phil Hals introduced the City's new policy for road restrictions. He stated that the City's policy will continue to follow Sherburne County for road posting dates. He stated that large signs at all entrance roads to the City will be posted indicating that City streets are five ton per axle. Phil Hals noted that certain streets would be posted at nine ton per axle or legal weight limit. He reviewed these streets with the City Council. He further explained that the policy allows single trip permits for unforeseen or emergency situations authorized by the Street Department. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT THE WEIGHT RESTRICTION POLICY WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS: 1. FOLLOW SHERBURNE COUNTY FOR ROAD POSTING DATES. 2. POST LARGE SIGNS AT ALL ENTRANCE ROADS TO THE CITY STATING THAT ALL CITY STREETS ARE POSTED 5 TON PER AXLE WEIGHT. 3. PUBLISH A LEGAL NOTICE IN THE STAR NEWS STATING THE ROAD POSTING POLICY (SEE ATTACHMENT). 4. POST CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL STREETS AT 9 TON PER AXLE OR LEGAL WEIGHT LIMIT. THESE ROUTES WOULD BE MAIN STREET FROM COUNTY ROAD 13 TO PROCTOR AVENUE; PROCTOR AVENUE FROM MAIN STREET TO HIGHWAY 10; JACKSON AVENUE FROM MAIN STREET TO HIGHWAY 169; SCHOOL STREET FROM PROCTOR AVENUE TO HIGHWAY 169; FREEPORT/GATES AVENUE FROM MAIN STREET TO SCHOOL STREET; INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD FROM COUNTY ROAD #1 TO COUNTY ROAD #1; DODGE AVENUE INCLUDING 5TH STREET AND ELK HILLS DRIVE FROM HIGHWAY 169 TO 190TH AVENUE AND TRIANGLE ROAD IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK. 5. ALLOW SINGLE TRIP PERMITS FOR UNFORESEEN OR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AUTHORIZED BY THE STREET DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.8. Remodeling Permit Fees Steve Rohlf indicated that the Council requested staff to research the possibility of reducing or eliminating building permit remodeling fees. Steve Rohlf stated that after researching this issue, the results showed that out of a total valuation of about $763,000 for remodeling and small additions such as decks, fireplaces and three-season porches, the total licensing fees amounted to $10,668. The average fee was $79. Steve Rohlf stated that he did not feel this was excessive. After Council discussion regarding this matter, it was the consensus of the Council to have the remodeling fees remain as they are. City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 4 . 5.9. Planning Commission Update by Al Nadeau, Planning Commission Chairman Al Nadeau reviewed the draft planning Commission role and procedures as prepared by Rita Johnson, Planning Commission member. The Council reviewed the work planning portion of the draft role and procedures. Councilmember Schuldt questioned whether the Planning Commission should be deciding what new ordinances are needed in the City or which ordinances need amendments. Al Nadeau, Planning Commission Chairman, responded by saying that the Planning Commission is aware that all ordinance amendments would come from the City Council and not be originated from the Planning Commission. Mayor Tralle stated he would like to see more planning done on the Planning Commission level in regard to items such as infrastructure and transportation. The City Council discussed training and educational seminars. It was the consensus of the Council that staff should be thoroughly reviewing all registrations prior to registrations being made for training and education seminars to assure that funds are available. . Al Nadaeu then reviewed with the City Council the Elk River Planning Commission rules and procedures. Discussion was held regarding Article #3, term limits. Councilmember Kropuenske indicated he felt the people should be given at least two full terms on the Commission. The Council concurred with Councilmember Kropuenske. Discussion was held regarding Item 5.4., additional agenda items, and the fact that additions can only be made one week prior to the regular monthly meeting. Councilmember Kropuenske felt this was inappropriate as there are times when items need to be brought up at the meeting or prior to the one week time limit. Steve Rohlf indicated that the intent of this section was not for additional agenda items, but for regular agenda items that would run their course through the City office prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember Kropuenske expressed concern over Item 9.1, regarding Planning Commission members being prohibited from lobbying a specific case or agenda item with either staff, the applicant, or another Commission member. It was the consensus of the Council that the Planning Commission should follow the open meeting law and suggested that staff look at redrafting Section 9 to correspond with the open meeting law. Al Nadeau questioned whether a representative from the Planning Commission could attend the annual American Planning Association out-of-State conference. It was the consensus of the Council that one Planning Commission member be allowed to attend the national conference in 1992. . Discussion was Council agenda would be working held regarding publishing Planning Commission and items in the paper. Mayor Tralle indicated that staff with the Elk River Star News in an effort to publish . . . City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 5 agendas for the first and third Mondays of the month. The Council agreed that the Planning Commission agenda should also be published. Planning Commission Chair, Al Nadeau, indicated that the City's ordinance specifies that it is the Planning Commission's responsibility to review the comprehensive plan and Capital Improvement Program. The City Administrator indicated that at this time, the City does not have a formal capital Improvement Program (CIP) and that the Planning Commission would not have to review this until such time the City moves forward to formally adopt a CIP. Al Nadeau indicated that the Planning Commission would joint meeting with the City Council some time this consensus of the Council to try to set up a meeting with the Planning Commission. like to set up a year. It was the sometime in May 5.10. Call City Council Meeting for 3/30/92 COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO CALL A MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL ON MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1992, TO BE HELD AT THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING AT 7:00 P.M. FOR THE MAIN PURPOSE OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR PHASE I OF THE WESTERN AREA IMPROVEMENTS. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.11. Call City Council Meeting for 3/9/92 COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO CALL A SPEC lAD MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 9, 1992, AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 P.M. FOLLOWING THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE JACKSON AVENUE/HIGHWAY 169 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.12. Joint Park and Recreation Commission/City Council Meeting for 4/1/92 Councilmember Kropuenske indicated he objected to meeting on 4/1/92 as many people attend Church services during the Lent season. He further stated he not only objects to meeting on Wednesdays during Lent, but would like to see the Commission consider not holding any public meetings during any Wednesdays during the year. He indicated that Wednesdays are normally reserved for church type meetings. The City Administrator indicated that he would check with the Park and Recreation Commission to see whether they can meet on either the fourth Monday in April or the first Monday in May with the City Council for a joint meeting. 6.1. Phase I Western Area Improvement Project Terry Maurer, City Engineer, reviewed the western area street utility improvement project tentative schedule with the Council. indicated that a public hearing will be held on March 30. and He . . . City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 6 Councilmember Dietz questioned when the City would thoroughly review the feasibility study. Terry Maurer explained that it is hard to make certain decisions regarding the project until the Council has a chance to receive public input. He stated that the public hearing will be held on March 30 and at this time, the City Council will receive information from the property owners. Adjustments to the proposed project can be made at that meeting or at a later meeting. Terry Maurer stated that the western area feasibility study for Phase I improvements was prepared late last year, but never was formally adopted. He indicated that because of the public hearings that the City has held regarding the City Hall site, amendments by the Council have been made to the feasibility study. He further indicated that rather than redrafting the feasibility study, he has prepared an addendum to be attached to the study for Council consideration. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-12, A RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT AND ORDERING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER OF THE PHASE I WESTERN AREA IMPROVEMENTS OF 1992 AND FURTHER THAT ADDENDUM 11 BE INCLUDED IN THE FEASIBILITY REPORT. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION THE CARRIED 5-0. Terry Maurer indicated that State Aid requires that parking be banned on the parkway portion of the realigned Orono Road. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-13, A RESOLUTION RELATING TO PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON S.A.P. 204-113-06 FROM 1,550 FEET NORTH OF COUNTY ROAD 30 TO 2,620 FEET NORTH OF COUNTY ROAD 30 IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-14, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS IN THE MATTER OF THE PHASE I WESTERN AREA IMPROVEMENT OF 1992. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Terry Maurer stated that he solicited quotes from drilling contractors to do test wells for the location. He stated that the lowest quote came in Sons at $4,140 and is recommending the Council accepting this quote. three different well proposed well site from E.H. Renner and adopt a resolution COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-15, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT IN THE MATTER OF THE PHASE I WESTERN AREA OBSERVATION WELL IMPROVEMENT OF 1992. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.2. Trunk Highway 169/Main Street Improvements Terry Maurer informed the Council that MnDOT office has informed the City of Elk River that the proposed improvements on Main Street at Highway 169 requires a no parking resolution. . . . City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 7 COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-16, A RESOLUTION RELATING TO PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON S.A.P. 204-113-05 FROM 475 WEST OF TH 169 TO 850 FEET EAST OF TH 169 IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.3. Other Pat Klaers, City Administrator, informed the requesting Council to stop in to visit with staff of City issues. The Council proceeded to set up would stop in and discuss City issues with staff. Council that he is regarding a variety time periods when they The Council recessed at 8:50 and reconvened at 9:00 p.m. 7.3. Northbound Liquor 1991 Annual Report/Fritz Dolejs Liquor Store Manager, Fritz Dolejs, presented the City Council with his 1991 annual report of activity at the Northbound Liquor Store. Total sales and profit figuren were discussed. It was noted that sales reached an all time high in excess of $2 million and that profits also reached an all time high of approximately $261,000, excluding interest income. The net profit percentage of 12.12 was also an all time high and was somewhat unusual due to price increases within the industry. The Liquor Store has had a net profit in the 10% range for the last few years. 1991 major expenditures included the baling machine for recycling cardboard boxes and installing the outdoor lighting system. 1992 possible expenditures include new carpeting, a new cooler, sealcoating the parking lot, and landscaping outside around the new light fixtures. When the City employee salary resolution was approved for wages in 1992, the Liquor Store employees were deleted from the pay plan. At this time, adjustments in the part time wages for the Liquor Store employees were discussed. Fritz recommended a starting wage of $5.00 per hour; an increase to $5.50 per hour after 500 hours of work; an increase to $6.00 per hour after another 500 hours of work; an increase to $6.75 per hour after an additional 1000 hours of work; and an increase to $7.25 per hour after an additional 1000 hours of work. COUNCILMEMBER EMPLOYEE PAY COUNCI LMEMBER Councilmember HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PART TIME LIQUOR STORE PLAN AS PRESENTED FOR 1992 WAGES RETROACTIVE TO 1/1/92. KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Schuldt was opposed. It was the consensus of the City Council that the Liquor Store would discontinue the practice of paying premium pay for hours worked on or before a holiday. 7.2. Waste Water Treatment Plant 1991 Annual Report/Darrell Mack Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Superintendent, presented the City Council with his 1991 annual report. by complimenting his department personnel and indicated Darrell Mack, Darrell began that more State City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 8 . requirements are being placed upon the department in the laboratory testing area. These requirements have forced the department personnel to obtain additional schooling in order to qualify to complete the tests. Doing the tests in-house will save the City money in the long run. It was indicated that his personnel is adequate at this time, and no additions are anticipated in the foreseeable future. Darrell reviewed the averages for the treatment of suspended solids and the quality of the organic matter within the system. It was noted that the averages are up, but that the plant is still operating at approximately one half capacity. Additional economical steps can be taken in order to reduce these output quality averages. Darrell indicated that the plant is operating very smoothly and is meeting all State requirements. 1991 activities included replacing the digester mLxLng pump, replacing three RBC shaft bearings, replacing the volute on the grit pump, purchasing sludge land and installing monitoring wells at this location. 1992 projected expenditures include the replacement of the 1978 Dodge pickup, the purchase of a trailer-mounted vacuum machine, and completing the plans and specifications for the declorination requirement which necessitates an expansion of the lab. 7.1. Building and Zoning 1991 Annual Report/Stephen Rohlf . Since the evening was getting late, the City Council decided to discuss this annual report at a future meeting. Steve reviewed with the City Council the adult establishment and land uses ordinance that was presented at the 2/24/92 City Council meeting. It was noted that this ordinance was approved on a 3-2 vote in order to make a public statement regarding the Council's philosophy on this type of activity. Stephen noted that after consultation with the City Attorney and review of the City Code of ordinances, it was noted that this ordinance must be approved by a 4/5 vote. At the 2/24/92 meeting, Mayor Tralle and Vice Mayor Holmgren, by consensus of the Council, voted in opposition to this ordinance and should be the individuals requesting that this issue come back to the Council table in order for a new vote to be taken to adopt this ordinance. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED THAT ORDINANCE 92-4, AMENDING CHAPTER 9 AND CHAPTER 7 OF THE ELK RIVER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES DEFINING, RESTRICTING AND LICENSING ADULT AND SEXUALLY ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENTS AND LAND USES BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL TABLE FOR RECONSIDERATION. MAYOR TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE, IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INPUT RECEIVED AT THE 2/24/92 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, MOVED TO ADD THE PHRASE "(2) THE SALE, BARTER, RETAIL, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SEXUALLY DEVISES OR PARAPHERNALIA, OR" TO PAGE 4 AND 6 OF THE ORDINANCE AS IT RELATES TO DEFINITIONS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 9 . COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 92-4, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9 AND CHAPTER 7 OF THE ELK RIVER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCE; DEFINING, RESTRICTING, AND LICENSING ADULT AND SEXUALLY ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENTS AND LAND USES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Stephen Rohlf presented the Council with a summary of the ordinance to be used for publication in the local newspaper. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-17, A RESOLUTION APPROVING NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 92-4. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Stephen Rohlf reviewed with the City Council enforcement requirements of the new Wetlands Act that was approved by the State in 1991. The final rules are not anticipated until the summer of 1993 and until that time, either the City or the County must administer the rules in order to ensure the protection of the wetlands within the community. It was agreed by the City Council that the City, rather than the county should enforce these intern rules for the City of Elk River. . COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 92-18, A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENT TO BECOME THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE INTERN RULES OF THE WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT OF 1991. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Stephen indicated that one of the major areas of concern for his department in 1992, which is discussed in his annual report, is to work on the gravel operations within the community. It was noted that a significant part of the community from the northern boundary to the Ridgewood Subdivision, between Highway 169 and the City trail has significant gravel resources and is planned to be mined by major gravel operators. The goal of the City and of Stephen's department is to develop a long range reclamation plan to ensure that all the property is usable once gravel has been mined out of the area. The City Council indicated its strong support to increase the City's involvement in this area and to help ensure proper management of the future land use, once the gravel operations have ended. Some Councilmembers indicated further concern about gravel operations, south of County Road 33 in this vicinity. 8. Check Register COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.1. Regional Recreation Update . Councilmember Holmgren advised the City Council that the Regional Recreation Board had recommended to the School District Board the hiring of an individual from St. Charles to fulfill the responsibilities in the new program. The School Board accepted this recommendation and hired Jeff Asfahl as the new recreation employee to . . . City Council Minutes March 2, 1992 Page 10 work with all the communities within the School District. It was noted that the School Board is the fiscal agent for this position, but is not financially involved with financing this employee. 9.2. Guardian Angels and HUD Project Update Councilmember Schuldt informed the Council that he attended a Saturday morning town meeting at the Guardian Oaks facility in the Guardian Angels complex. At this meeting, Senator Durenberger announced the Guardian Angels Foundation had received a HUD grant for the construction of a 53 unit elderly complex. 10. City Administrator Update The City Administrator handed out a 1/31/92 letter from the Department of Transportation to the City Engineering firm regarding the Assembly of God Church sign along Highway 169 at 197th Street. The letter indicated that the Department would review the sign and, if it is not appropriate, would react accordingly. The City Administrator indicated that the City Council had previously approved pursuing the purchase of the land the City leases from the railroad for parking lots in the Central Business District. It was noted that the this purchase is unlikely to take place at this time due to environmental concerns at the sites and the fact that the City could not obtain the appropriate guarantees regarding these environmental concerns. This purchase may be pursued at a later date. The City Administrator updated the City Council on the status of discussions with the Nord family for the expansion of the Wilderness Trails Park. After discussion on a possible purchase price for this land, it was the consensus of the City Council to pursue a residential appraisal in order to help identify the most appropriate value for this property. Additionally, the City Council agreed that it would be appropriate to send a letter to the Elk River country Club requesting input from them as to their long range plans for development in this vicinity. 11. Adjournment There being no further business, ADJOURN THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING. THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER COUNCI LMEMBER HOLMGREN KROPUENSKE MOVED TO SECONDED The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at approximately 11:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, n ~~ Sandra Thackeray City Clerk