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08-27-1990 CC MIN -- MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1990 Members Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Kropuenske, Holmgren, Schuldt and Dobel Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance Director; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Sandy 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. 2. Consider 8/27/90 City Council A~enda The following items were added to the Council agenda: 5.5 Series E Sign Update; 9.1 School Grant; 9.2 Council member Schuldt; 9.3 Joint City Council/Task Force Meeting. - COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/27/90 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.1 Copsider 8/16/90 City Council Minutes Mayor Tralle noted that the meeting day should be changed from "Monday" to "Thursday". The Ci ty Administrator noted that to the list of materials on the first page, "Memo from City Administrator" should be added. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/16/90 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0-2. Mayor Tralle and Councilmember Dobel abstained. 3.2 COP1?jJf.~r 8/20/90 CliLQounQ..il MtlB!.t.~~ COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/20/90 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. Mayor Tralle abstained. 4. QrLen Mik~ No one appeared for this item. ~ 7.2 Elk River Arts Council Bud~et ~eQuest Mayor Tralle noted that this item would be heard after Open Mike due to another time commitment to the Elk River Area Arts Council. Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 2 e Cliff Lundberg distributed to the Council a final report of the Elk River Area Arts Council. Marcy Babcock, Executive Director of the Arts Council, addressed the Council and stated that the Arts Council is a non-profit organization which has been existent since August, 1989. She stated that their purpose is to make art accessible to everyone in the community. She requested that the City Council consider their continued support to the organization. Janet Cleveland, of the Central Minnesota Arts Board, stated that the grant money is secured for the next three years as long as the City continues to contribute or match the grant. Dr. Flannery stated that he understood the difficulty together budget issues, however, he requested the Council their continued support to the Elk River Area Arts Council. George Raymond stated that Elk River has a large amount talent and requested the Council to continue its support Counc il. in putting to consider of artistic of the Arts Cliff Lundberg stated that the Arts Council is continuing to try to raise money locally and stated that they are still in need of continued financial support from the City for the three year grant program. e Mayor Tralle stated he believes the City Council will continue to support the program as they have already made a commitment to do so for three years. 5.1 Evans Avenue Assessment Hearin~/P.H. Terry Maurer, City Engineer, stated that the City Council is proposing to assess street construction, storm sewer and sidewalk costs for the Evans Avenue improvement. He stated that there has been a minor change since the feasibility report which would benefit the properties on the west side. He indicated that a piece of property which is 113 feet has been added to the assessment roll on the Guardian Angels property, therefore, this amount has been deducted from the property owners on the west side. Mr. Maurer indicated that the proposed amount to be assessed is $145,850.24. He further indicated that another change in the assessment since the feasibility report has been in regard to the 6 foot sidewalk. He indicated that the Guardian Angels Foundation will pay for the extra 1 foot of width on the sidewalk because of their request for an extra wide sidewalk for wheelchair accessibility. Mayor Tralle opened the public hearing. - Bud Houlton stated that he was a landowner along Evans and owned one of the townhouse units being assessed. Mr. Houlton stated his feeling regarding the inequi ty in the method of assessment. He stated that there are three townhouse buildings with four units in each building and that all the townhouses are similar in structure. He indicated that only two of the units are being assessed for the project. Mr. Houlton stated that he recently had a market valuation 011 his property and found that his property is comparable to the other townhomes in the Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 3 e project. He further stated that he was told by the appraiser that the market value would not increase by $4,000 after completion of the improvements. He stated that because of this, he was objecting to the assessment on his property. Mr. Houlton submitted a letter of objection stating his intent to appeal the assessment. Terry Maurer stated that the townhomes are platted as residential lots with no common space. He stated that normally a townhouse complex does not own its own land and that the land is known as common space between the townhouse owners. In that case, the assessment would be split between the townhouse owners; however, Mr. Maurer indicated that in Mr. Houl ton's case the townhomes have no common space and each town home individually owns the lot around the home. Therefore, they are being assessed according to the Assessment Manual. At this time the City Administrator reviewed the appeal process with the audience and the City Council. e Ron Hetrick stated that he also owned one of the townhomes that were being assessed for the Evans Avenue project. He indicated that he had a letter of objection and that he intended to appeal the assessment. Mr. Hetrick stated that the section of Evans Avenue from Main Street to Third Street in front of his home had been redone a few years ago and he did not feel the street needed to be redone at this time. Terry Maurer indicated that when this was done it was for the purpose of the restoration of a utility project. Mr. Hetrick stated that his property would not benefit from the project. Mr. Hetrick stated that he is at a disadvantage in selling his townhome because the value of his property would not increase to the amount being assessed against his property. Carol Mills of Guardian Angels stated that she feels the townhome owners will receive value from the assessment in the correcting of the drainage problem. Councilmember Kropuenske stated that he understood the frustration of the two townhome owners; however, he feels that the road, sidewalk and drainage will be an improvement to the entire area. Councilmember Holmgren stated that a vast amount of the traffic on Evans is created from the townhomes in the area and stated that the assessment does seem unfair on the surface; however, he stated that he is aware that they are following the City's Assessment Manual. Discussion was held regarding whether or not the townhomes could be assessed for the improvement. Administrator stated that restoration of Third Street the Capital Improvement Plan and if this is done, townhomes would be assessed for this project. remaining ten The Ci ty is included in the remaining e Councilmember Dobel stated that the project would be an improvement because of the water standing on the property. Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 4 e COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT ADOPTING THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED 4-1. Councilmember Holmgren opposed. RESOLUTION 90-35, A RESOLUTION FOR EVANS AVENUE IMPROVEMENT THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED The City Administrator stated that with the adoption of the assessment roll (Resolution 90-35) the 30 day appeal process begins. 5.2 Consider Acceptance of Low Bidder for Evans Avenue Improvement Project COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 90-36, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF BITUMINOUS CONSULTING AND CONTRACTING, INC. IN THE MATTER OF THE EVANS AVENUE IMPROVEMENT 1990. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.3 Consider Results on Testin~ for Draina~e on Line Avenue e Terry Maurer indicated that Mr. Pat DeMars has been present at the last few Council meetings to complain about a drainage problem he is experiencing on his property. He stated that his company has done a further analysis of the drainage in the vicinity of Line Avenue and Fifth Street. Mr. Maurer reviewed with the Council the findings of the analysis. Mr. Maurer indicated that part of the problem is due to a large culvert under County Road 13 being blocked. Mr. Maurer indicated that the long term solution to the drainage in the area is a pipe system in Fifth Street which collects the runoff and conveys it to the culvert under County Road 13. He stated that the short term solution would be the removal of the blockage of the cuI vert under County Road 13. Mr. Maurer also suggested that Mr. DeMars consider building a couple of steps out around the walk in basement and that he also consider a berm around his home as his back door is the lowest point in this area. The City Council instructed Terry Maurer to proceed and work with the County Engineer and to see if the blocked culvert can be opened. 5.4 Consider Final Pay Estimate for Tyler Street COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO BUFFALO BITUMINOUS FOR THE TYLER AND KNOLLWOOD IMPROVEMENTS AT A COST OF $117,819.35. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.5 Series E Si~n Terry Maurer, City Engineer, informed the Council that they will be following up the Series E sign request with a variance procedure. He stated that the variance will be heard by MnDOT this week. 6.1 Consider License Transfer for Players Club Billiards -- Mayor Tralle stated that Mrs. Allaire Wilson is in the process of purchasing the billiards center, located at 508 Freeport Avenue, from Russell Johnson. He indicated that the conditional use permit was Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 5 e approved for the site on December 18, 1989, with sixteen stipulations. He further stated that the stipulations have been made available to Ms. Wilson through the license application procedure. Councilmember Holmgren stated that he has noted an excessive amount of drinking taking place behind the building. He requested the applicant to place a light in the back of the building. Councilmember Kropuenske stated that he had voted against the conditional use permit in 1989 because he feels that the billiards hall is too close to the Guardian Angels. Carol Mills of Guardian Angels stated that the only problems they have been currently experiencing are litter and trucks driving over the easement. Doctor Johnson stated that the litter is not just from the Billiards Center but also from new development in his area like the Burger Time and SuperAmerica businesses. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF LICENSE FOR THE PLAYERS CLUB BILLIARD CENTER LOCATED AT 508 FREEPORT AVENUE FROM RUSSELL JOHNSON TO ALLAIRE WILSON. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilmember Kropuenske opposed. 4It The City Council recessed at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:40 p.m. 7.1 Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Bud~et Reauest Jackie Schuelein, Executive Vice President of the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter to the Council requesting funding from the City in the amount of $10,200. The Council accepted this letter and indicated the request will be considered during the budget process. 7.3 Discuss Economic Development Coordinator Position Mayor Tralle indicated that the City Council has had discussion on whether the Economic Development Coordinator position would be an appropriate place to save funds by utilizing the economic development consulting firm the City currently uses. He stated that since the Council has discussed this issue, he and the Council have received several letters and phone calls regarding concerns of local business owners. Jerry McChesney questioned the dollar amount difference in hiring a coordinator as compared to using the City's consultant. He stated he would be in favor of hiring an Economic Development Coordinator as it is important to have person on staff. e Estelle Gunkel stated that one goal of the Economic Development Coordinator position would be that it eventually become self supporting. She suggested a possibility of funding the position from Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 6 e the revolving loan fund and also using undesignated HRA funds. She encouraged the Council to retain the position. Mayor Tralle stated that he did not feel the revolving loan fund would be an option for funding the position. He did indicate that the City is investigating the possibility of funding the position through landfill funds. Jackie Schuelein stated that the burden of economic development fell on volunteers prior to Dick Fursman filling the position of Economic Development Coordinator. She stated that the Chamber does not have the staff or training to do economic development in the City and that she is in favor of the Council hiring an Economic Development Coordinator, to replace Dick Fursman. Art Hubnar, owner of Elk River Glass and Window, stated that he is in favor of the Economic Development Coordinator position. Carol Mills, Guardian Angels, stated that she has worked with Mike Mulrooney, the City's Economic Development Consultant, and feels that he is a very capable person. She also stated that there is a certain lack of control when using consultants and that she would be in favor of the City hiring an Economic Development Coordinator. e The City Administrator submitted letters from Dick Moore and Dick Gongoll indicating they were in favor of hiring an Economic Development Coordinator. Ron Black stated that he was also in favor of hiring an Economic Development Coordinator for the City as the City does need a contact person in house. Marcy VanValkenburg stated that the City's previous Economic Development Coordinator had helped her husband in the completion of the AmericInn and felt that it is very helpful to have a person on staff. Dr. Howard Johnson stated that he was in favor of hiring an Economic Development Coordinator and would rather see a person on staff as this would be more productive. Pat Klaers, City Administrator, stated that the proposal by the Economic Development Consultant was meant to assi,st the Council. He stated that the proposal was submitted with the best intentions and that Mr. Mulrooney is not trying to eliminate the position but was trying to offer the Council an alternative. e COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO FILL THE POSITION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR OR DEVEI,OPMF.NT COORDINATOR WITH A FULL TIME STAFF PERSON FOR THE 1990-91 YEAR AND THAT MICHAEL J. MULROONEY'S FIRM, ADVANCE RESOURCE FOR DEVELOPMENT INC., BE RETAINED AS THE CITY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT AND FURTHER THAT CITY COUNCIL, AT A WORKSHOP SESSION, REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR'S POSITION AND THE QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED IN THE NEW STAFF PERSON FILLING THAT POSITION. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 7 e Councilmember Schuldt indicated that the City has learned from Dick Fursman's tenure. He further indicated that the position will be reviewed and that whoever is selected will probably have some additional duties. 7.4 General Fund Bud~et Review The City Administrator stated that the revenues are $108,600 below requested expenditures. Discussion was held regarding possible ways to balance the budget. It was indicated that the Police Department is requesting two officers for 1991 and the Street Department is requesting a person for 1991. Discussion was held regarding the possibili ty of hiring the Street employee at mid year and possibly eliminating the second police officer which would save a total of $48,000. The City Administrator further indicated that after reviewing the prosecution services, about $13,000 could be cut from the budget. e Councilmember Holmgren suggested that the City hire the Street Department employee and one police officer with the intention of hiring a second officer at mid year. The City Administrator stated that this would increase the cost to the Police Department for the hiring procedures. It was also suggested that the Police Department could possibly hire one officer at the beginning of the year and another part time officer with the intention that the part time officer would eventually go full time. It was the consensus of the Council, after reviewing several options, to present a balanced budget through additional temporary reserves and that a budget workshop would be conducted some time in October to present other options to balance the budget. 7.6 1991 Proposed Maximum Levy COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 90-37, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRELIMINARY MAXIMUM TAX LEVY OF $2,068,852 FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR OF 1991. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.5 L~~l_prq~osed Maximum Bud~et COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 90-38, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM 1991 BUDGET. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.7 ~et Public Hearin~ Date for Bud~et Hearin~ COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO SET THE FOLLOWING DATES FOR THE BUDGET HEARING: DECEMBER 3, 1990 AND DECEMBER 17, 1990, IF THE FIRST MEETING NEEDS TO BE CONTINUED, TO BE HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AT 7:00 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. - Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 8 e The City Administrator requested permission from the Council for the Police Department to continue to proceed with the hiring process for at least one additional officer. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED WITH THE HIRING PROCESS. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Administrator indicated that staff has received 57 applications for the Economic Development Coordinator position and requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. It was the consensus of the Council to have staff provide approximately 10 applicantions for the Council to review and that these applications be submitted to the Council by Labor Day. Discussion was held by the Council regarding a worksession date for the City Council to meet regarding the budget. It was the consensus of the Council that because there are five Mondays in October, the meeting be held sometime in October. e The City Administrator stated that the City staff and some of the Councilmembers have interviewed three firms for City prosecution services. He stated that during the interviews it was indicated to the staff that $50,000 was more than what will be needed for the services. He indicated to the Council that the staff is willing to support a firm from the cost point of view and from the expertise point of view. Councilmember Holmgren stated that it was his preference to do nothing until after the election because any decision made by the Council at this time will be used politically by the candidates for County Attorney. It was the consensus of the Council to wait until after the election to consider the appointment of prosecution services for the City of Elk River. 8. Check Re~ister COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.1 Mayor Tralle Mayor Tralle stated that he had received a letter from Dr. Nick Olsen regarding a grant to help targeted children. Mayor Tralle indicated the Council's support to develop the planning process of this program. - 9.2 The Mayor stated that he had received a letter from Phil Martin of Uni ted Power Association stating that they are exploring various ways in which to help the City in its recycling efforts. He stated that UPA has offered a five year commitment to sponsor one half of cost of curbside recycling containers. It was the consensus of the Council to accept the recycling commitment from UPA and further that a logo or Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 9 e message be put on the recycling containers containing the City of Elk River's name and also United Power Association's name. 9.3 Councilmember Schuldt Councilmember Schuldt stated that he was under the impression that Railroad Drive and Third Street were a top priority project for 1991 during the capital improvement planning process. He stated that the draft Capital Improvement Plan has this area planned for reconstruction in 1992. The City Administrator stated that the final decision has yet to be made regarding the project timetables in the Capital Improvement Plan. He further indicated that the project does call for preliminary engineering work and neighborhood meetings to begin in 1991 for Railroad Drive and Third Street. 9.3 Joint Meetin~ Lori Johnson stated that the Community Center Task Force will meet on September 6, and may be ready to make a presentation to the Council some time in October and then to the public. She indicated that the Task Force would like the Council to keep some dates open in order to attend one of the Task Force meetings to discuss what is included in the Preliminary Design Proposal. e It was the consensus of the Council that they attend a Community Center Task Force meeting sometime in October. 10. Qity Administrator Update The City Administrator indicated that at the last City Council meeting a motion was made authorizing the City staff to look into the possibility of locating City Hall at the hole in the ground site on Main Street. He indicated that he needed additional direction from the Council on how to proceed. The City Administrator stated that he was under the impression that the City was not to look for a site for City Hall until they have received a recommendation from the Task Force on whether or not the City Hall and Community Center should be some type of a joint project. After discussion regarding the Jenne site for the City Hall location, it was the consensus of the Council to wait for a recommendation from the Community Center Task Force before further consideration of any sites for City Hall. The City Administrator distributed the post census number for the City of Elk River. He stated that the number came in at 11,129 which was a 64% increase for the City of Elk River. e The City Administrator informed the Council that the City had received a request for parking on Tyler Street. He stated that Tyler Street is a no parking area and that he had planned to have the person making the request present their position to the Council; however, the anniversary party which had been planned took place prior to a Council meeting. Lori Johnson, Finance Director, stated that the City did not give permission for parking to take place on Tyler Street. She stated that she advised the "applicant" that any parking that would take place on e e e Elk River City Council Minutes August 27, 1990 Page 10 Tyler Street would be at the risk of the property owner. It was the consensus of the City Council that they were opposed to any parking on Tyler Street due to the liability to the City and that any further requests should be considered by the Council. The City Administrator discussed a Tyler Street/guard rail issue at the John Curtis property with the City Council. 11. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 10:55 p.m. ~llY submitted, Sandy Tba~ City Clerk