11-25-1991 CC MIN
.
.
.
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
Members Present:
Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Holmgren, Dietz
and Kropuenske (8:50 p.m.)
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Tom Zerwas, Chief of Police; Pat Klaers, City
Administrator
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 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tralle.
2. Consider 11/25/91 City Council Agenda
Items 8.1, New City Hall Project, and 8.2, Westwood Improvement
Project, were added to the agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE 11/25/91 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
3.
Consider 11/18/91 City Council Minutes
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 11/18/91 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
The Council briefly discussed the status of Camp Confidence related to City
Council action regarding the pull tab contributions. Staff noted that
checks to non-profit organizations have been distributed in accordance with
City Council direction.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for this item.
5.1. Consider Tescom IRB ResolutioQ
The City Administrator advised the City Council that the anticipated
resolution from Tescom Corporation regarding the financing for the
Industrial Revenue Bonds has not been received. The City Council
agreed to postpone consideration of this resolution.
.
.
.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 1991
Page 2
5.2. Consider Industrial Park Purchase A~reement
The City Administrator indicated that the purchase agreement has been
drafted by the City Attorney and reviewed by staff.
The City Council discussed the Utilities contribution into the project
as decided at the 12/12/91 Utilities Commission meeting.
Councilmember Schuldt questioned the amount of taxes paid on the
industrial lots and stated his concern over the loss of those tax
dollars.
The City Council discussed future storm sewer assessments to properties
wi thin the Industrial Park and the City's future commitment as land
owners for these assessments. It was noted that if the City is part of
a storm sewer improvement project, then the assessments would be
financed through a City wide levy.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT,
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT AND THE
PAYMENT OF EARNEST MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-1. Councilmember Schuldt
was opposed.
5.3. Consider Police Department Fines
Tom Zerwas, Chief of Police, reviewed his 11/21/91 memo with the City
Council regarding an increase in the animal impound fees; the charge
for false burglar alarms for residential properties.; and the
consideration of a new fee related to lockouts (keys locked in cars).
Regarding an increase in the animal impound fees, it was suggested that
the City adopt a step fine system whereby annually, the first time
impound fee is $25.00, the second time impound fee is $50.00 and the
third time or more impound fee is $100.00. It was indicated that this
rate structure is similar to neighboring communities and that the City
has not been covering its expenses for animal control. The biggest
concern of the Police Department is repeat offenders.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE IMPOUND FEES AS RECOMMENDED
BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE AND AS OUTLINED IN HIS 11/21/91 MEMO.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
False burglary alarms in the business district and residential areas
were discussed. It was noted that the current ordinance allows for the
Ci ty to charge for false alarms in residential areas. It was the
consensus of the City Council to allow the Police Department to use
discretion in implementing this charge for service in residential areas.
The Chief of Police stated that their department has gotten very
posi ti ve feedback from citizens regarding services provided for car
lockouts. The Council strongly agreed with the Chief of Police that
this service should be provided free to citizens and is a valuable
.
.
.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 1991
Page 3
public relations service. It was the consensus of the City Council not
to change any current policies as they relate to car lockouts.
The City Council briefly discussed with the Chief of Police overweight
trucks in residential neighborhoods. The Chief indicated that the
Police Department can direct trucks to scales that are privately owned,
if an agreement can be made with the owner of the scales, or to the
scales along Highway 10 in Ramsey. The main time of concern for
overweight trucks is during the spring weight restrictions.
5.4. Review Arts Council Matchin~ Funds
The City Council reviewed a 11/14/91 letter from Arts Council
Coordinator, Marcella Babcock, and the attached financial summary. The
Council indicated that it was not their intent for the matching fund
requirement to allow ticket sales and rent income to be included. The
Ci ty Council agreed that memberships, fund raisers and donations were
appropriate acti vi ties for the matching funds requirement. The City
Council requested additional information from the Arts Council
regarding its matching funds requirement prior to the release of any
City monies.
5.5. Summary Resolution of Shoreland Ordinance
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 91-69, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A SUMMARY OF THE SHORELAND MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE #91-23 AND
AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMARY. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.6.
Summary Resolution of Ordinance Amendment Section 900.12
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 91-70, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A SUMMARY FOR ORDINANCE AMENDMENT SECTION 900.12 AND
AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMARY. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6. Canine Unit Demonstration
Canine Officer Ron Nierenhausen and his dog Baron were present to visit
with the City Council regarding the status of the canine unit. Baron
is a 3 year old German Shepherd that weighs approximately 80 pounds.
Baron has been certified in tracking, building searching and aggressive
work.
Ron indicated that the dog's training period is constant and that
training will never stop in order to keep the dog's skills at a sharp
level. It was indicated that Baron lives at home with Ron. Ron then
described some of the key benefits of having a canine unit. It was
further indicated that demonstrations at the schools are planned in the
near future.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 1991
Page 4
.
7. ICMA Video Tape
It was indicated that this 75 minute tape would be viewed by the City
Council following the adjournment of the meeting.
8.1. New City Hall Facility
Councilmember Dietz questioned when the City Council would be reviewing
the feasibility study for public improvements at the City Hall site.
The City Administrator noted that this item is on the 12/2/91 agenda
for discussion.
8.2. Westwood Improvement Project
Councilmember Dietz questioned whether or not it was possible for the
Ci ty to further reduce the proposed assessments for the improvement
project by helping to finance the storm sewer aspect of the project.
All Councilmembers indicated their concern over the cost of this
project and indicated that all possible methods of reducing the
assessments for the project should be evaluated and that this issue
will receive more discussion after the first of the year when plans and
specifications are considered by the Council.
. Councilmember Kropuenske arrived at this time.
The Council discussed the 11/26/91 informational meeting that will be
held with residents in the Westwood area. It was noted that this
meeting is an informational meeting and is intended to review the
material that was distributed at the 10/28/91 City Council meeting.
9. Citv Administrator Update
The City Administrator distributed the City Code to Councilmembers and
also the 1992 pocket calendar.
The City Administrator asked whether or not the City Council had any
desire to review the formal contract extension for the agreement at 720
Dodge Avenue - City Hall. It was noted that the terms wi thin the
contract extension were previously approved by the City Council in
July, 1991. It was the consenslls of the City COllnc.il that there was no
need to further review this contract extension and that the staff
should move forward with the execution of this agreement.
The City Council adjourned into an Executive Session to discuss the Police
Union Arbitration hearing scheduled for 12/19/91. The City Council began
its Executive Session at approximately 9:00 p.m. The City Council
reconvened at approximately 9:20 p.m.
.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE 11/25/91 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
.
.
.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 1991
Page 5
The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at approximately
9:20 p.m. with the intention that the 75 minute lCMA Video Tape would follow
the formal closing of this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
'~7J.V'~ ;;
P .Y ~ce~
~t~ick D. Klaers .
City Administrator