Loading...
09-23-1991 CC MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1991 Members Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Dietz, Kropuenske, Schuldt and Holmgren Members Absent: None Staff Present: Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance Director; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk 1. Call Meetin~ 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 9/23/91 City Council A~enda Items 5.3. - Joint Meeting with County Board, and 5.4. - Deerfield 4th were added to the agenda. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 9/23/91 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.1 Consider 9/16/91 Minutes of the Rellular City Council Meetin~ Councilmember Schuldt indicated he would like the minutes to reflect that he abstained' from the vote for Item 6.1 because he is an officer of the American Legion. Councilmember Schuldt further stated that he would like the minutes to reflect that he voted against the Check Register. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 9/16/91 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.2 Consider 9/16/91 Minutes of the Closed Citv Council Meeting COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 9/16/91 MINUTES OF THE CLOSED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Open Mike Deric Glowacki, 19255 Lander Street, indicated that he has a complaint regarding a barbed wire fence erected by his next door neighbor. Mr. Glowacki indicated that the barbed wire fence is dangerous and that it should not be allowed in a residential area. He further indicated that the fence is placed 3 to 3.5 feet from the curb line causing obstructed visibi li ty and that it is unsightly as the poles are spaced unevenly. City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 2 It Mr. Glowacki also indicated he had four children and was concerned for their safety and also stated that he is speaking for the other children in the neighborhood. He stated the fence is dangerous and that the City should have a more strict ordinance regarding fencing. Angela Patenaude indicated she was Mr. Glowacki's next door neighbor and stated that the reason the fence was constructed was because they have not been able to get along with their neighbors. She stated that she has planted lilac bushes between the neighbor and themselves and the neighbor has broken the bushes. She stated that they had a different type of fencing with posts also and the neighbor kept running into the fence posts and breaking the fence. She further indicated that the neighbors had a dog that came into her yard frequently. She stated that after the Ci ty had spoken to her regarding the danger of the barbed wire fence, her husband removed the barbs and she indicated that the fence will be moved further away from the curb. e Steve Rohlf indicated that Janelle Szklarski had ordered the fence removed because it was unsafe. He stated that the Patenaude's responded by removing the barbs. Janelle Szklarski reinspected the fence after the barbs were removed. Steve Rohlf indicated he had also inspected the fence and it was felt by staff that the safety concerns were taken care of. Steve Rohlf indicated that the City has no ordinance regarding fences and, therefore, this matter is being treated under the nuisance ordinance. He stated that a fencing ordinance will be considered this winter. Mayor Tralle indicated that he agreed with staff that the fence is not dangerous because the barbs have been removed. He indicated that he felt the problem between the neighbors did not revolve around the fence but went deeper. He suggested that he arrange for a mediator to help the neighbors resolve their differences. The Council agreed that the fence could remain. 5.1. Zone Change ReQuest R-2b to C-3/John Weicht Mayor Tralle indicated that this item was tabled from the 9/16/91 City Council meeting so that the petitioner could contact all property owners to determine whether the request could be changed to zone change the property to PUD rather than C-3. John Weicht indicated he had written requests from 5 of the 6 property owners to change the zone change request to a PUD and that he has received a verbal consent from the other property owner. Steve Rohlf indicated he wouJd suggest that a feasibility study be done for the entire area. e COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 91-2'0 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO ZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM R-2b/TOWNHOUSE AND MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO PUD/PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 3 e COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED ORDER A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PUD AND SURROUNDING AREA. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED AMEND THE LAND USE MAP TO REFLECT HIGHWAY BUSINESS. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.2. Revised Ash Loadout Building for United Power Association Steve Rohlf indicated that liPA is proposing a new ash load out building. He indicated that he had contacted the City Attorney regarding the interpretation of UPA' s conditional use permit. He further stated that staff feels that the new proposed ash loadout building will not require an amendment to the conditional use permit and further felt that the building may be an improvement over the present building. Steve "Rohlf distributed a letter from John Lichter, the City's Environmental Consultant, regarding this issue. He indicated that John Lichter's recommendation. is to accept the changes and monitor the affecti veness of the system and work with UPA staff on any problems that may develop. e Steve Shurts, from UPA, was present to address the matter. It was the consensus of the City Council to allow the new ash loadout building to be constructed without an amendment to the conditional use permit. 5.3. Joint Meetin~ with the County Board Mayor Tralle indicated that the County has requested a joint meeting with the City Council and County Board to discuss Ditch #28. Mayor Tralle indicated that he would like to meet with the County regarding this item. However, he asked for a delay in the meeting as he feels the Ci ty should become more informed about State Statutes in relation to ditches prior to meeting with the general public. Mayor Tralle also indicated that he would prefer that the City Engineer and City Attorney be present at the meeting. He further indicated he felt it would be appropriate for the City Council and the County Board to hold a joint workshop meeting so that the City can become familiar with the problems. He suggested following that meeting with a public hearing. It was the consensus of the City Council to set a tentative date of October 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Education Building to hold a joint City Council/County Board meeting. 5.4. Deerfield 4th Addition e COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 15, AT 6: 00 P. M. TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL PRIOR TO THE 7: 00 JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 4 e MATTERS IN THE DEERFIELD 4TH ADDITION. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. General Liability Insurance Update Lori Johnson, Finance Director, indicated that all of the general liability and property insurance quotes had not yet been received for the October 1 renewal. She further indicated the Minnesota League of Cities is the only company that will insure the dam and beach. Council consensus was to continue coverage with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. She further stated that Dan Greene will be present on October 7 or 21 to discuss the details with the Council. The Council recessed at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m. 7. En~ineerin~ Update from City En~ineer Terry Maurer updated the Council on several current engineering issues. Proctor Avenue Construction Update Terry Maurer updated the Council on the Proctor Avenue construction project. He indicated that the blacktopping of the driveways will begin tomorrow and the second layer of blacktop will be laid soon. e John Dietz discussed the flooding at TLC Daycare. Terry Maurer indicated that the flooding occurred mainly because the contractor had not completed moving the dirt on the property. The Council discussed some of the problems that were experienced during the Proctor Avenue project. The City Engineer indicated that most of the problems had occurred because of a subcontractor and further indicated that the general contractor is aware of the situation. Fillmore Street Construction Update Terry updated the Council on the condemnation process for acquIrIng the right-of-way. He indicated that he feels most of the property owners will negotiate the right-of-way out of Court. Naples/186th Update Terry Maurer updated the Council on the Naples Avenue Street project. He stated the City has still not received acknowledgements for easements from all but three of the property owners. He indicated that he would submi t a memo to the Ci ty Council and staff regarding the current status ~f this project. Trunk Hi~hway 169/Main Street Intersection e Terry Maurer indicated that he has received verbal information from MnDOT stating that this project will be funded. The formal notice of funding should be coming soon. He indicated that he would like to have the hid opening in January to get the project moving. City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 5 e Elementarv School Improvement Status Terry Maurer indicated that bids are scheduled to be opened for the new Elementary School on October 1. He expressed concern that the School District was proceeding with their project prior to the bids being opened. Westwood Area Improvements/Informational Meeting Terry Maurer informed the Council that a special meeting has been set for September 30 to present the feasibility study to the residents in the Westwood area. Mayor Tralle indicated that he would like the staff and Council to consider the possibility of eliminating the SAC and WAC charges from the project in order to make the cost more feasible to the home owners. Discussion was held regarding the fact that this could set a precedent for other sewer and water projects. Main Street Brid~e Update e Terry Maurer updated the Council on the Main Street Bridge project. He indicated that the preliminary plans are being reviewed by MnDOT. Terry further indicated final plans would be submitted when review comments are received and that it is anticipated that the project will begin in 1992. He stated that a feasibility study has been ordered to bring sewer and water across the dam to the fairgrounds. Waco Alignment Bridge Update Terry Maurer informed the Council that he is working together with the DNR and the Corp of Army Engineers regarding the best alignment for the bridge. When a proposed alignment is determined it will be presented back to the City Council for approval. Fencing of Downtown Hole Terry Maurer indicated that he has been working with Phil Hals regarding the specifications for the fence. He stated he is using MnDOT's specifications for a cyclone fence and felt this would limit liability to the City. A quote of approximately $1050 was received by Phil to fence 140 linear feet which is equal to what is currently fenced. Assessment Manual Revisions Terry Maurer stated that there are several reVISIons that will be made to the City's assessment manual. This work will be accomplished during the winter months. e Barrington Hills Addition Status City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 6 e Terry Maurer stated that he has recei vedno Santwire as to when the project will continue. it is getting too late for road construction. information from Gary He stated that he felt Orono Heights Addition Status Terry Maurer indicated that a preliminary plat proposal for Orono Heights Addition will soon be before the City Council. He stated that this addition is in the sewer and water district and that the staff will be recommending that the plat hookup to sewer and water. He stated that sewer is available at the present time; however, water will not be made available until next year as it is being coordinated with the City Hall utility improvement project. Mayor Tralle indicated to the Building and Zoning Administrator that the developers should be informed that they will be required to hookup to sewer and water. Terry Maurer stated that charges for trunk sewer and water should be collected by the developers. Trunk Highway 169/Jackson Avenue Signal Resolution e Terry Maurer updated the Council on the progress of the Highway 1n9/Jackson Avenue signal. He indicated that if the City feels this project should move forward, then plans and specifications should be ordered. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 91-54, A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INITIATE A SIGNAL INSTALLATION PROJECT AT THE INTERSECTION OF TRUNK HIGHWAY 169 AND 193RD AVENUE. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Tennis Courts Terry Maurer updated the Council on the progress of the tennis courts for the School District. He indicated that they would be completed soon. DeMars Drainage Terry Maurer indicated that Phi 1 Hals has received approval from the owner to install drainage pipe south of Industrial Hardfacing under County Road 13. Quotes are currently being solicited. It is anticipated funding will be a combination of City and County. 225th East of Highway 169 e Terry Maurer indicated that this street is very high and has bad sight distance. He indicated that Phil has received verbal approval for slope easements. Phil is working with Krueger's to accomplish regarding of the street to improve the vertical alignment. e e e City Council Minutes September 23, 1991 Page 7 8. Other Business Sandy Thackeray, City Clerk, questioned whether any of the Councilmembers would be attending the annual Chamber dinner. Sandy Thackeray, Ci ty Clerk, questioned whether any of the Council members would be interested in riding in the Homecoming Parade. It was the consensus of the Council that all would participate in the Parade, except for the Mayor as he had previous commitment. 9. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ii '" 'Y/;~^h~~ Sandra Thackeray / City Clerk