09-05-1991 CC MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD ON AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Tralle (7:25 p.m.), Councilmembers Schuldt,
Holmgren, Dietz and Kropuenske (7:15 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Patrick Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson,
Finance Director; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; and Tom
Zerwas, Police Chief
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of Elk River City
Council was called to order by Vice Mayor Schuldt at 7:05 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL CLOSED MEETING TO DISCUSS
POSSIBLE LITIGATION REGARDING ASSESSED VALUATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY IN
ELK RIVER AND TO RECESS THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:10 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER
SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4It The Council recessed and met in Executive session.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO RECONVENE THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 8 :00 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
2. Discussion on Plans for New City Hall/Law Enforcement Facility
Zack Johnson and Kevin Conley from EOS Architecture were present. Zack
Johnson posted the City Hall and Police Station plans for Council
review. He indicated that the plans have been reviewed by City staff
and the design committee. Zack Johnson informed the Council that the
purpose of the meeting is to discuss space relationships. Kevin Conley
discussed the proposed layout of the administration offices, police
off ices, and remaining space in the proposed City building. After
review of these plans by the Council, discussion was held regarding the
proposed layout.
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Discussion was held regarding open space for future expansion. It was
indicated that there is a possibility of the City acquiring motor
vehicle registration, of the Utilities joining the City, and of a Park
and Recreation Department being added to the City staff. Pat Klaers
explained that the possibility that Utilities would locate in the City
Office before 2003 was very remote. Lori Johnson indicated that it
may not be possible for the City to acquire the motor vehicle
City Council Minutes
September 5, 1991
Page 2
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registration function. Pat Klaers indicated that staff will be
proposing more changes to the proposed plan of the administration
offices so that more space would be available to meet all of the
administration space needs up to 2003.
Councilmember Holmgren indicated his concern about the relationship of
certain employees to the public and the fact that some of these
employees are stationed quite a distance from the reception area. He
indicated that certain employees such as the Building and Zoning
Administrator and the City Clerk should be closer to the reception
area. Councilmember Holmgren also had a concern regarding the use of
the space on the south side of the hall that is currently be proposed
as future expansion space, custodial space, and mechanical room space.
He indicated that he would like to see Building and Zoning separated
from City staff on that side of the hallway.
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Councilmember Holmgren indicated that he would like to see the lobby
more centralized and would the Council to consider shifting the council
chambers to overlook Lake Orono. Kevin Conley responded with reasons
for not locating the council chambers near the Lake. He stated that
the issues of concern were cost, the limited use of the Lake if the
chambers were located in that area, traffic pattern being insufficient
for the public, and also the fact that the council chambers do not
require windows because of audio visual concerns.
Zack Johnson indicated that the council chambers is currently set at a
capacity of 100 persons. He requested the Council to consider whether
that capacity is necessary. After discussion by the Council, it was
the consensus to cut down the size of the council chambers from a
capacity of 100 to 75 and to utilize the space in other areas.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO TRANSFER THE PROPERTY THE CITY HALL WILL
BE LOCATED ON TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. COUNCILMEMBER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO RECESS THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AND TO CALL A SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS
POLICE NEGOTIATION STATUS. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The regular City Council meeting recessed at 9:42 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO RECONVENE THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AT 11:08 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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Police Chief, Tom Zerwas, indicated that a police squad car had been in
an accident and was totaled out. He indicated that he is proposing to
use an investigator car as a patrol car to replace the totaled out
vehicle and to purchase a vehicle to be used as the investigator car.
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City Council Minutes
September 5, 1991
Page 3
COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE POLICE CHIEF TO
PURCHASE AND INVESTIGATOR CAR FOR ABOUT $12,000. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL.
COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respeptfully submitted,
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Sandra Thackeray /
City Clerk