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09-11-1989 CC MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1989 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Holmgren, Dobel, and Kropuenske MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance Director; Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; and David Sellergren, City Attorney 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order by Mayor Tralle at 6:15 p.m. 2. Consider 9/11/89 City Council Agenda COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 11, 1989, CITY COUNCIL MINM.. COUNCILMlMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider 8/28/89 City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. o. 8/28/89 CITY COUNCIL THE MOTION CARRIED 5- 4. Consider Planning Commission Interviews The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Planning Commission; Al Nadeau, Jacki Hines and Brenda Johnson. After the interviews were held, the City Council discussed the applicants. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that he felt there was a lack of someone in the business community representing the Planning Commission and that he was looking for this type of person. He indicated that he would vote for Alan Nadeau because he could represent the business community in Elk River. Councilmember Schuldt stated that he was looking for representatives from either Ward 2 or Ward 4. He further stated that in his view, government representatives who are from financial institutions would have a difficult time serving on commissions or committees because they could be confronting a conflict of interest during many situations. He further stated that Mr. Nadeau had the most number of years as a resident in the City of Elk River and that he was from Ward 4 and therefore, he would vote for Al Nadeau. Page 2 tit City Council Minutes September 11. 1989 Councilmember Kropuenske stated that he felt that Jacki Hines would be his choice if she had been a resident longer and if she had lived in either Ward 2 or Ward 4. He indicated that because A1 Nadeau did live in Ward 4 and has been a resident of the City of Elk River for many years. he would cast his vote with him. Councilmember Dobel indicated that he concurred with Councilmember Kropuenske in that Jacki Hines would be an excellent candidate for the position however. she has only lived in Elk River for a short period of time and. therefore. he would vote for Al Nadeau. Mayor Tralle indicated that he disagreed with the Council in that he did not feel Al Nadeau showed very much enthusiasm during his interview. He indicated that out of the three. his vote would go with Brenda Johnson. However. to make a unanimous decision. if the majority of the Council voted for Al Nadeau. he would also cast his vote along with the Council. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPOINT AL NADEAU AS A MEMBER OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION WITH HIS TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31. 1989. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Council adjourned for a five minute recess and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. e 5. Open Mike Family members to present to petition was installed at Avenue. of LaDawn Wallskog and residents of the area were present the City Council a petition bearing 3.435 names. The a request to the City to have lights and safety arms the railroad crossing on Jarvis Street NW and 165th Mr. Adrien Anderson, who presented the petition to the Council. stated that he and the concerned citizens did not feel that a stop sign would be a safe enough measure to protect the people that use the crossing. He indicated that just recently his 24 year old daughter had been hit by a train and was killed at that crossing. He indicated that there have been other deaths at that area and that there is a blind spot which makes it very difficult to see the trains. Mayor Tralle indicated that the Council and City are very sorry to hear about the death of LaD awn Wallskog and that they are also concerned. He indicated that the City has already started proceedings with the State as the issue of putting semaphores on the railroad tracks does take State approval. He stated that a letter has been sent to the State requesting semaphores and that they are waiting response from the State at this time. He indicated that as a temporary means stop signs will be put up on 165th Avenue and Jarvis Street in both directions at both crossings. e A member of the audience indicated that there was a hill on the southeast corner which should be removed because it blocks the vision and there is also a semi-trailer that should be removed. Page 3 City Council Minutes September 11. 1989 e Mayor Tralle stated that the City will follow up on these concerns and with the State to expedite the process. 6. Urban/Rural Taxing District/P.H. Mayor Tralle stated that City should include the Urban Service Tax District. in order for the City to follow the law. the commercial and industrial properties into the Attorney. Dave Sellergren. stated that during the time the City was consolidated. all the properties which were to be included in the Urban Taxing District were never put there by the Council. He indicated that now. at this time. it is his opinion that the City has no choice in the matter as the State law requires that any land which is developed for commercial or industrial purposes shall be included in the Urban Service Tax District. Mayor Tralle opened the public hearing. e Ken Warneke. Chairman of Industrial Hardfacing. stated that he felt they were never included in the Urban District at the time of consolidation because of the different types of services received in the Urban and Rural Taxing District. He stated that the Rural Districts definately receive fewer services from the City than the Urban Districts. such as. City street lighting and sweeping. plowing. municipal parking lots. fire response. etc. Mr. Paul Bell. owner of Sneaky Pete's Restaurant. stated that he does not feel they should be taxed at an urban rate because they are out of the old core City limits and do not receive equal City services to that of residents living in the urban areas of the City. Steve Langer. of AME Ready Mix. questioned whether there would be some way to compensate some of the businesses that are out of the Urban District which would not put a burden on other businesses or members of the community. City Attorney. Dave Sellergren. stated that the Council has one area of judgement in which to determine whether or not the parcel belongs in the Urban District and that is to decide whether or not the parcel is undeveloped. He stated if the parcel is considered to be undeveloped. it may be excluded from the Urban District. Mr. Warneke suggested that the increase be phased in. Mayor Tralle questioned what difference it would make to have the Urban and Rural Taxing Districts taxed at the same ratio. He stated that this may be a compromise and be more fair to Elk River citizens. e Councilmember Holmgren stated that services have been increased and better City services have been provided. He stated that the City is concerned with the businesses in the eastern area of Highway 10 and that Page 4 City Council Minutes September 11, 1989 e they are looking he is aware of businesses pay, requirements. for ways in which to help them. He further stated that the high tax rate which the commercial and industrial however, this is caused mainly by the State government Mayor Tralle closed the public hearing at this time. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 89-16. AN ORDINANCE AMlNDlNG THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER SECTION 1406. TO RESTATE THE BENEFIT RATIO AND TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LANDS FROM THE THE RURAL SERVICE DISTRICT AND INCLUDE SUCH LANDS IN THE URBAN SERVICE DISTRICT. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. It was the consensus of the Council to direct the Finance Director to do some calculations regarding the affect one tax ratio would have on the City. 7. Consider Aerial Photo Proposals e Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, indicated that in connection with the hiring of a Planning Consultant and a Park Planning Consultant, there will be a need for aerial photography so that contour maps of the areas to be studied by both Consultants can be developed. He indicated that he has researched companies that do this type of work and is ready to make a recommendation to the City Council. He indicated that the two companies which he researched, which are capable of handling the type of work he is requesting are Horizon's and Mark Hurd's. He indicated that he would like to recommend Horizon's as they came in at a lower bid and had the most recent photos. COUNCILMlMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO HAVE THE ADMINISTRATOR NEGOTIATE WITH HORIZON'S TO DO SELECTED AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BUILDING AND ZONING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL 8. Recycling Task Force Proposal Mayor Tralle review their Counc il . indicated Recycling that Task the Recycling Task Force was present to Force report and recommendations with the e Mr. Sandusky stated that the Task Force has put together a very basic report and recommendations regarding recycling and would like the Council to ask any questions or comment regarding this study. Mr. Sandusky reviewed the study with the Council. He indicated that it was their opinion that the success of the recycling program depended on the curbside recycling portion of the program and he indicated that another important factor in the success would be mandatory recycling. He indicated that an active role by the City would have to be taken, especially financially, in order for the program to be a success. Mr. Page 5 e City Council Minutes September 11. 1989 Sandusky stated that some time and stated public relations and regarding recycling. the Task Force would be an ongoing Task Force for that they could be responsible for such things as education of the public schools and community Mayor Tralle indicated Task Force recommends important. He stated would be very difficult that he felt f/9 of the report which states "the that a Recycling Coordinator is hired" is very that without a responsible person for this. it to get the program off to a start. The City Administrator indicated that he also felt this was important and he stated that the City could use funds from the landfill tax to support such a position. After further discussion regarding the position of an Environmentalist for the City of Elk River. it was the consensus of the Council that a position is needed in order to implement this program. and further to have the City staff research other cities regarding job descriptions for such a position. salaries for such a position. and also to research cities regarding an Environmental Commission as to whether or not Commission's are part of their system and to what capacity the Commission's operate. e OOUNCILMlMBER HOLMGREN MOVED AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. TO ACCEPT THE RECYCLING TASK FORCE REPORT RECYCLING TASK FORCE. COUNCILMEMBER THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 10. Stop Sign Request/Police Chief Mayor Tralle indicated that the Council had received a memo from the Police Chief. Tom Zerwas. regarding the increasing amount of traffic on 165th Avenue and Jarvis Street because of the housing development in Ramsey. He indicated that the Chief was requesting the placement of stop signs at the Burlington Northern crossings at 165th Avenue and Jarvis. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PLACEMENT OF STOP SIGNS ON BOTH 165TH AVENUE AND JARVIS STREET AT THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD CROSSING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 11. Check Register COUNCILMlMBER HOLMGREN COUNCILMlMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED SECONDED TO APPROVE THE MOTION. THE CHECK REGI STER. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 12. City Administrator Update A. The City Administrator updated the Council on the oak wilt problem in the City. e B. The City Administrator indicated that he has distributed a sample citizens survey to the Park and Recreation Commission. Planning Commission. City Council. and Department Heads and was requesting input regarding this survey. e e e Page 6 City Council Minutes September 11. 1989 C. The City Administrator distributed a resolution from the Park and Recreation Commission which states their negative views regarding ash disposal into the Elk River Landfill. He indicated that the Commission has requested that the Council adopt a resolution similar to the one that they adopted stating their opposition to the depositing of ash within the City of Elk River. It was the consensus of the Council that there was no need to adopt a resolution. as this was already acted on previously by the Council. D. The City Administrator indicated that the Street Superintendent had received three electrical quotes for the city garage addition and was requesting that the low quote from Martin Electric of $11.900 be accepted. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE LOW QUOTE OF $11.900 FROM MARTIN ELECTRIC FOR ELECTRICAL WORK ON THE ADDITION TO THE CITY GARAGE. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. E. The City Administrator indicated that the Elk River area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting will be held on September 19. 1989. and that anybody interested should contact Sandy Thackeray. F. The City Administrator indicated to the Council that the Cable T.V. Commission is talking about getting a loan as they have a cash flow shortage until the increased franchise fees take effect. He indicated that there could be a possibility of having the City loan the money to the Cable T.V. and stated if this were so. he would present this request to the Council at some other Council meet ing . G. The City Administrator updated the Council regarding the sign program. He stated that the City is working in conjunction with the County and that the money is coming from the Federal government for the placement of signs within the City of Elk River. He indicated that the City has received numerous complaints regarding the placement of these signs and that the City Street Superintendent is working with the County and futher that there has been some signs placed within the City which should not be there. He indicated that the staff will be making a presentation to the Council regarding this soon. H. The City Administrator indicated that the City Engineer will be present at the next City Council meeting to update the Council on the Otsego sewer study. I. The City Administrator indicated that a Committee will get together to review the PUD studies at the end of this week. J. The City Administrator indicated to the Council that they will be receiving a letter from John Kuester on behalf of the 2001 Committee regarding a community center. Page 7 City Council Minutes September 11. 1989 e K. The City Administrator informed the Council that the Business Expo would be coming soon and if they were considering a booth. they should contact the Chamber. L. The City Administrator informed the Council that there will be joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting on October 30. 1989. It was the consensus of the Council to change the October 30 date to Monday. October 23. 1989. M. The City Administrator gave a verbal update to the Council regarding the budget. He indicated that he is hoping to present to the Council a balanced or nearly balanced budget by October 9. 1989. N. The City Administrator indicated that he has been in contact with the School District and Community Education regarding the tennis courts at the schools. He indicated that the community has been using the tennis courts all summer and that it has been recommended by the School District that the school repair and maintain the courts and that the City work with Utilities to fix the lights at the courts. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO THE REFER THE MATTER OF UTILITIES AT THE TENNIS COURTS TO THE ELK RIVER UTILITY COMMISSION. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. e Mayor Tra11e indicated that leadership for State and local one day seminar and would like seminar. he has received a handout regarding the elected officials. He stated that this is to see the Planning Commission attend this 14. 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 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted. ~ Sandra Thackeray City Clerk e