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03-09-1992 CC MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1992 Members Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Dietz, Kropuenske, Schuldt and Holmgren Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandy Thackeray, Clerk; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Steve Building and Zoning Administrator City Rohlf, 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 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Tralle. 2. Discuss Jackson Avenue/Highway 169 Feasibility Study Terry Maurer, City Engineer, stated that he had been directed to complete a feasibility study for the Jackson Avenue/School Street/Highway 169 Project. He noted that the project consisted of providing utilities to the unplatted areas north of School Street and east of Jackson Avenue and areas adjacent to 193rd Avenue along the eastern side of the intersection at Highway 169. Terry Maurer noted that the estimated total project cost ranges from $1,913,600 to $3,089,900, depending on which water system improvement is chosen. He stated that the project is developer driven and is proposed to be funded with assessments to benefitted properties. Terry Maurer reviewed the study areas included in the project. He noted there were three areas being reviewed: Area 1 is located east of Highway 169 and north of Deerfield IV Addition and is zoned R-le; Area 2 is located south of Area 1, east of Highway 169 and west of Deerfield IV Addition and is zoned PUD, R-1c and R-2b, and; Area 3 is located west of Highway 169, has Jackson Avenue and school Street as the borders, and is zoned PUD, R-2b and C-3. Terry Maurer reviewed the different aspects of the proposed project. He reviewed the sanitary sewer improvements, water main improvements, street and storm sewer improvements. Terry Maurer indicated that according to the 1982 Comprehensive Water Plan, a large majority of the study area falls within the future high pressure water service area. Because of this, the existing one million gallon water tower cannot provide adequate pressure to serve the study area. Terry Maurer noted that there are several options which can be considered for providing water service to the study area. These . . . Elk River City Council Minutes March 9, 1992 page 2 options Maurer report range from short term solutions to long term reviewed the options which are explained in (dated February, 1992). solutions. Terry the feasibility Terry Maurer reviewed the proposed cost for the improvements. He noted that the estimated project cost for sanitary sewer, storm sewer and street construction is $1,029,100. Terry Maurer then reviewed the added cost for three water improvement options. He noted that the cost of the water improvements would vary from $884,500 to $1,532,200, depending upon the option chosen. Terry Maurer further noted that he is proposing that the Council deviate from the Assessment Manual and assess the street in Area 3 on a per acre basis. Mayor Tralle noted that although this is not a public hearing, many of the major property owners are in attendance and therefore he opened the meeting to the public. Lloyd Brutlag, School District 728, indicated that the School District has a concern regarding compensation for storm water drainage onto the School District property. David Flannery, School District 728, voiced his concern regarding the amount of assessable acreage in the School District for this project. Bill Cherrier indicated he had a number of concerns regarding easement agreements. He indicated that a majority of his property was considered wetland property and did not feel it would be assessable. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he had a major concern regarding traffic on Jackson Avenue and other streets such as School Street if development, as previously discussed with developers, takes place. Dick Enstad indicated he had a concern regarding the amount of the assessments and if the cost would exceed the benefit received. Councilmember Holmgren questioned when the feasibility was authorized. Terry Maurer stated that the feasibility was authorized by the City Council at the September 23, 1991 meeting. He stated that the feasibility was initiated by the City Council and as such would require some 4/5 majority votes by the Council. Councilmember Holmgren further noted that the School concerned about their assessments. He also stated very poor east/west transportation corridor and he the density of the area with commercial development District is very that the City has a is concerned about along Highway 169. John Weicht indicated that if there is a need for a property owner petition, he can submit one. This would then allow the project to move forward on a 3/5 Council vote. He further stated that if the area is going to develop, municipal improvements are necessary. He noted that the property owners who do not wish to see City services at the present time will eventually need these services in the future. Elk River City Council Minutes March 9, 1992 Page 3 . Bill and were Dickenson indicated that his business does not require City sewer water at the present time. He indicated that if these services brought to his property, it would make it too expensive to operate. Discussion was held by the Council as to where this project would go from this point. Terry Maurer reviewed the project schedule and noted that the schedule assumes that the Feasibility study would be adopted at this meeting. He noted that the schedule can change based on when the Feasibility Study is adopted. Terry Maurer further noted that the City should give consideration as to whether or not the potential assessment rates can be absorbed by benefitted properties. He noted that Green Acres is a major concern as there must be enough property out of Green Acres to carry the assessment project cost. Councilmember Kropuenske questioned whether the residential property in Area 1 could move ahead on its own without involving Areas 2 & 3 of the proposed project. Terry Maurer indicated that it would be possible for the residential property to be developed. He indicated that the services could run from Deerfield IV Addition on a temporary basis until the larger scale project reaches this area. Mayor Tralle stated he did not feel comfortable making a decision at this meeting regarding approving the Feasibility Study. He noted that the assessment costs per acre were high and requested staff to research financial assistance options for the construction of the water tower. . Jerry Hagen indicated developers and felt come to the City with that the proposed Feasibility .Study will assist that the next step would be for the developers to their plans. Pat Klaers indicated that the feasibility report would be a tool for the developers to study to see if their projects are cost effective. He further stated that the Council should continue evaluating this Feasibility Study as, even if it turns out to be a 1993 project, a great deal of work will need to be done in 1992. Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, informed the that he has a preliminary plat application for the area east of 169, which will be before the City Council in April, 1992, Concept Review for John Weicht's property (west of Highway 169) reviewed soon. Council Highway and a will be The City Council recessed at 9:45 and reconvened at 10:05 p.m. 3. Other Business staff Updates . City Facility Security System Consultant The City Administrator indicated that he has a proposal for professional consulting services to help the City in evaluating the City's needs and preparing specification and bids in selecting a telephone, computer cabling and security system. Pat Klaers indicated that he has received quotes from two consultants and is requesting . . . Elk River City Council Minutes March 9, 1992 Page 4 services from DCE, whose quote was the lowest, at a total of $15,800. Pat Klaers informed the Council that the City would only need the services of DCE for the security system and would not need services for the telephone and computer cabling. He indicated that with the deletion of those two items, the cost of the consultant would be reduced to a maximum of $7,550. After discussion regarding consensus of the Council handle the security system vendors. the need for a consultant, it was the not to hire a consultant and that the City on their own through the assistance of City Facility Project Manager Mayor Tralle indicated that he felt there was a need for a project manager for the City Hall/Police Station project. The Council discussed this issue and were in agreement of the need for a project manager. The City Administrator indicated that Zack Johnson, the City's Architect, will address this subject at the March 23 meeting. He further noted that if the Council is considering hiring a project manager, he would request them to consider hiring an experienced professional project manager who would be able to handle the problems that come up on the job. City Facility Design Committee Meeting The City Administrator indicated that staff has met with the Architect and reviewed the building interior materials and stated that he would like the Design Committee to meet with the Architect to review these materials. Design Committee members Schuldt and Kropuenske indicated that they could meet at 3:00 on March 18 at City Hall. Nord Property Purchase - Woodland Trails Park Pat Klaers informed the Council that he has been negotiating with the Nords for the purchase of their property at the entrance into Woodland Trails Park. He indicated that the Nords have accepted an agreeable price of $88,000 and therefore he has not hired an appraiser for the property. Pat Klaers indicated that he has sent a letter to the Elk River Country Club informing them of the City's intent to purchase the property and questioning whether the Country Club would be interested in purchasing part of the property at a future date. The City Administrator indicated that he would make it clear to the Country Club that if they were to purchase the property from the City, the land would be sold for the price that the City paid, plus interest. Councilmember Dietz stated that he is not in favor of the purchase as the City already has an access into Woodland Trails Park. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY FROM THE NORDS FOR $88,000. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. . . . Elk River City Council Minutes March 9, 1992 Page 5 Pat Klaers, property is Course and money would City Administrator, indicated that the purchase of this good for the long range plans of the City and the Golf further that there is a good possibility that some of the be recaptured. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilmember Dietz opposed. 4. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCI LMEMBER ADJOURN. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. 5-0. HOLMGREN MOVED TO THE MOTION CARRIED The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, .~ JnaduttL(f~ Sandra Thackeray City Clerk