06-25-1992 - JOINT
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JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
AND SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HELD AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ATRIUM CONFERENCE ROOMS
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
City Councilmembers Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Holmgren, Dietz,
Schuldt and Kropuenske
Sherburne County Commissioners Present: Chairperson Klinzing,
Commissioners Smith, Johnson, Ayers and Schumacher
County Staff Present:
David Loch, County Coordinator; Kathy Heaney,
Assistant County Attorney
City Staff Present: Peter Beck, City Attorney; Terry Maurer, City Engineer;
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Pat
Klaers, City Administrator
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the joint meeting of the Elk River
City Council and Sherburne County Board of Commissioners was called to order
by Chairperson Klinzing.
DISCUSSION ON FAIRGROUND ASSESSMENTS
Chairperson Klinzing requested that the City present an overview of the
sewer and water project that is under construction and how the assessments
for these public improvements would affect the County Fairground property.
Pat Klaers, City Administrator, reviewed the information that was presented
at the City Council public improvement public hearing and the information
that was presented to the Sherburne County Board by the City Engineer and
the City Administrator a few months ago. The project calls for the
extension of the trunk sanitary sewer and trunk water lines out to the
eastern edge of the Sherburne county Fairgrounds. At this time, it is
estimated that the assessments for these public improvements to the
benefitted properties will be approximately $3,800 per acre ($1,800 per acre
for sanitary sewer and $2,000 per acre for water). Additionally, the City
Administrator indicated that lateral sewer and water lines are running from
this trunk system to the north to Highway 10. These lines would abut the
southeastern corner of the Fairground properties and consequently some
assessments for lateral benefit may also be placed upon the Fairground
property. The amount of the lateral assessments are estimated to be $22.30
per front foot for lateral sanitary sewer and $17.75 per front foot for
lateral water.
The City Administrator indicated that there are no known deferment options
for the County. The interest rate for the assessments is proposed to be
7.5%. It was indicated that the assessments can be structured for either a
10, 15 or 20 year time payment frame.
Discussion took place regarding the need for the City to obtain property in
the southeast corner of the Fairgrounds in order to extend the Parkway road
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~ity Council/Sherburne County Board Minutes
June 25, 1992
Page 2
system. The City indicated that it would be willing to pay fair market
value for this land (about 2 acres at a minimum).
Commissioners questioned whether or not the zoning of the property for the
Fairgrounds affects the assessment amounts. The City Engineer indicated
that zoning is not relevant to the trunk or lateral assessments for sanitary
sewer and water.
Commissioners questioned whether or not the assessments amounts exceed the
benefit to the property. It was noted that it may be in the County's best
interest to obtain appraisal for the Fairgrounds in order to determine
whether or not the assessments exceed the benefit and in order to determine
the fair value of the land that the City needs for the Parkway. A City
appraisal from 1989 indicates that the assessment amounts do not exceed the
benefit.
A general discussion took place regarding the County Fair and options that
the County has for the Fair in future years. Discussion included the
possibility of moving the Fairground and also allowing the Fairgrounds to be
used for other activities throughout the calendar year on a rental basis in
order to generate additional revenues.
County Commissioners indicated their strong desire to have the assessments
to the Fairground reduced.
Councilmember Holmgren presented the concept of the City purchasing all or
part of the Fairground property in order to ensure that the Fair remains in
Elk River and in order to obtain control over the parking area adjacent to
the softball complex.
County staff and City staff were directed to further discuss options for the
County as it relates to the proposed assessments to the Fairgrounds and the
need for the City to obtain property from the County for extension of the
Parkway.
DISCUSSION ON DITCH 28
County Coordinator, David Loch, indicated that Ditch 28 is 13.15 miles in
length and has three different "legs" which flow into the Elk River. The
areas of concern are some tiles in Elk River that are crushed or blocked in
various locations which stops the flow of water and causes water to back up
onto residential property. It was indicated that the ditch was installed in
1922 and that the county has responsibility for maintenance of the ditches.
Discussion took place regarding the assessments for ditch work and it was
noted that ~he costs are passed on to the benefitted property owners which
includes the City and County for the streets. A Determination of Benefit
was discussed and it was noted that this process is very costly and also
assessed to the benefitted property owners in the district. It was noted
that it would cost about $30,000 to do a Determination of Benefit and up to
1.5 million dollars to upgrade the ditch system.
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City Council/Sherburne County Board Minutes
June 25, 1992
Page 3
The County indicated that it would take no action to upgrade or repair Ditch
28 unless future problems developed.
City Officials indicated that it is the intention of the City to complete a
storm sewer master plan and that such a plan may incorporate use of the
County ditch system.
A brief discussion on the creation of duck ponds on property took place.
This issue relates to the impoundment of ditch waters.
It was stated that the City platting process requires that no additional
surface water be allowed to leave the plat above and beyond which took place
before the development in the plat.
OTHER BUSINESS
A brief discussion took place regarding the status of gravel pits and the
payment of gravel tax to the County.
A brief discussion took place regarding County Road '33 as it approaches
Highway 169 and concern was expressed regarding the overall condition of
this road.
There being no further business, the joint meeting of the
Council and Sherburne County Board of Commissioners
consensus.
Elk River City
was adjourned by
Respectfully submitted,
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Patrick D. Klaers
City Administrator