01-12-1991 CC MIN - SPECIAL-JOINT
.
JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
AND THE OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE OTSEGO CITY HALL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1991
1.
Call Meetin~ To Order
At 9:00 a.m., Otsego Mayor, Norm Freske, opened the joint meeting
between the Ci ty Counci I' s of Otsego and Elk River. Mayor Freske
welcomed everyone to the joint meeting and introductions were made.
The entire City Council from Otsego and Elk River plus some Consultants
from each City were in attendance.
2. Sanitary Sewer
The major discussion item for this joint meeting was the possibility of
the City of Otsego receiving sanitary sewer capacity from the City of
Elk River. Representatives of Otsego indicated their need to plan the
community and the affect of having sanitary sewer capacity available on
this planning process. The Otsego City Engineer reviewed components of
the Otsego Comprehensive Sewer Study.
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It was noted that Otsego is planning sewer capacity for new development
in the early phases of having sewer capacity available and that the
sewer would, over time, be placed into existing developments as
environmental concerns are evaluated. It was stated that Otsego had
not totally evaluated all financial ramifications of having sewer
installed/assessed to property owners and how the City could finance
the project. It was also indicated that it is possible that Otsego
would not request capacity, even if Elk River indicated its willingness
to share available capacity, for 7-8 years into the future. It was
additionally noted that sewer capacity from Elk River is not required
in order for a school to develop in Otsego.
The issue raised to the Elk River City Council was if Otsego needed
sewer capaci ty for its long range plans, can Otsego get such sewer
capacity from Elk River? It was stated that the Elk River study was
based on sharing available capaci ty for up to ten years and in about
2000 it is anticipated that the City of Elk River would need the
"excess capaci ty" that it would be sharing with Otsego. The concept
of a sewer district versus a sanitary sewer contract was discussed. It
~vas noted that a water system is an independent issue. It was also
stated that Elk River was expected to pay expenses related to the Elk
River Engineer and Attorney to evaluate the sanitary sewer issue.
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It was noted that sewer capacity currently exists which could be shared
wi th Otsego but that if a request for capacity did not take place for
8-10 years, then such capacity may not be available. This possibility
should be taken into consideration when Otsego' s long range land use
plans are developed. This relates to the future need of an Otsego
Sanitary Sewer Treatment Plant.
City Council Minutes
January 12, 1991
Page 2
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3. Recreation
The City of Elk River park and recreation planning efforts were briefly
discussed. It was indicated that recreation is more of a regional
system with each community providing various parks. The role of
Community Education in providing recreation programs was reviewed.
Discussion took place regarding a committee to review recreation needs
in individual communities and on an area wide basis.
4. Fire Contract
Otsego representatives indicated their satisfaction with the service
provided by the City of Elk River under the existing fire contract,
however, concern was raised regarding the billing method and amounts.
The staffs from Otsego and Elk River were directed to provide
addi tional information to the respective City Council members on this
issue.
5.
Poljee ~~l'vice
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A brief discussion took place regarding Otsego's contract with Wright
County for police services. It was noted that Elk River could provide
service on a contract basis if needed. The issue relating to the
jurisdiction in two different counties was discussed.
6.
Buildin~nspections
Otsego representatives indicated the need for building inspection
services. It is anticipated that 50 building permits per year will be
issued. Elk River representatives discussed a pending rental
inspection program and the staffing needs for this program. It was
noted that a shared employee would be a possibility. Otsego
representatives stated that they are currently advertising for a part
time building inspections position.
7. Qther Business
Mayor Tralle updated the group on the status of the Highway 101 project.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:00 noon.
Respectfully submitted,
7 j) K/~
Patrick Klaers
e City Administrator