06-06-1988 - CC MIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MONDAY. JUNE 6. 1988
~ MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Gunkel. Counci1members Dobe1, Tra11e, Schuldt
Councilmember Holmgren arrived at 8:37 p.m.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Terry Maurer, City
Engineer, Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning
Administrator; and Phil Hals, Street Superintendent
The City Council toured the United Power Association plant at 6:00.
The City Council met as the Board of Revew for a continued meeting at 7:07
p.m.
1. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River
City Council was called to order at 7:13 p.m.
2. Consideration of 6/6/88 City Council Agenda
Item 6.3 Jackson Avenue; 8.3 - Mayor Gunkel. and 8.4 - Councilmember
Tra11e were added to the agenda.
~
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 6/6/88 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-
O.
3.
Consideration of 5/23/88 City Council Minutes
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 5/23/88 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES.
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared before the Council for this item.
6.1. Jackson Avenue Improvements/Public Hearing
Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Council is holding a supplemental public
hearing for the Jackson Avenue improvement project. She noted the reason
for the public hearing was that there were a few properties that did not
receive notice of the first public hearing.
Terry Maurer, City Engineer, reviewed a July 17, 1988, Jackson Avenue
handout which was distributed to all persons in attendance. The handout
explained the specific elements of the public improvement and also the
project costs and proposed assessments.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing.
~
Cliff Lundberg questioned what assessments he would receive for his
building located on 4th Street and Jackson Avenue. The City Engineer
explained that he would receive assessments for street, sanitary sewer,
and water.
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City Council Minutes
June 6, 1988
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Clyde Ostrander
were included in
improvement were
questioned whether
the original project.
part of the original
the improvements discussed tonight
The City Engineer indicated these
project.
There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Gunkel closed the
public hearing.
Mayor Gunkel noted that no action was necessary by the Council as the
necessary action was taken at the original public hearing held by the
City Council on August 17, 1987.
6.2. Jackson Avenue Sidewalk Improvement/Public Hearing
Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Council is holding a public hearing for
an improvement consisting of sidewalk, concrete curb and gutter, and a
new street surface being expanded to 40 feet wide. The properties
affected are located on 4th Street between Jackson and Irving Avenues and
on Irving Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets. She indicated that this
would be a proposed change order to the Jackson Avenue improvement
project.
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Terry Maurer, City Engineer, indicated that this change order was
initiated by City staff. He stated that the streets in this area would
be disrupted due to the Jackson Avenue improvement project and if the
change order does not take place, the City will replace the disrupted
street and match it into the existing deteriorating curb, gutter, and
sidewalk. Mr. Maurer explained that the City could pay for a majority
of the project with Municipal State Aid Turnback funds. The property
owners would be assessed $13.00 per foot for the new street, sidewalk,
and curb and gutter.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing.
Mr. Ken Pipenhagen stated he was opposed to the project if it meant the
trees would have to be removed due to the widening of the street.
Clyde Ostrander indicated he is opposed to widening the street to 40 feet
as it will encourage speeding and and further that he would not want his
present sidewalk, which is still in good shape, replace.
Russ Bradway - 612 4th Street - Questioned whether the $13 per foot would
be over and above the assessments charged for the Jackson Avenue
Improvement project. It was indicated that this cost would be an added
cost.
Mr. Ken
already
faster.
Pipenhagen indicated that the speed people drive on the road is
too fast and a 40 foot road would only encourage people to drive
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There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Gunkel closed the
public hearing.
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June 6, 1988
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Mayor Gunkel indicated she would like to try to save the mature trees but
would also like to see the deteriorating curb and gutter and sidewalk
replaced. She indicated she would prefer to see the street stay the same
width.
The City Engineer indicated that the 40 foot street width is being
proposed to accommodate parking.
Councilmember Schuldt indicated that the east side of Irving is zoned
commercial and the entire area would more than likely become commercial
sometime in the future. He questioned at what point in time the 32 foot
street would need to be replaced with a 40 foot street to accommodate the
commercial uses.
Councilmember Dobel indicated he would prefer to leave the street as it
is in order to preserve the mature trees.
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Pat Klaers, City Administrator, indicated that to replace the street at
its existing width of 32 feet is not commercial in nature. He indicated
there are existing commercial businesses in the area already and existing
sites or homes which could be purchased for commercial use and therefore,
the demand for parking will increase. He stated that the City would be
prepared to plant more trees if it was necessary to destroy existing
trees.
After much further discussion by the Council, it was the consensus that
the Council preferred to see the sidewalks repaired and replaced and curb
and gutter on both sides of the road. It was also the consensus that
they would like to see the road widened, but at a compromised width in
order to save existing mature trees.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO CONTINUE THIS PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL THE JUNE
20, 1988, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT WHICH TIME THE CITY ENGINEER CAN REPORT
ON HOW FAR THE STREETS CAN BE WIDENED AND STILL SAVE THE MATURE TREES.
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6.3. Jackson Avenue/Mayor Gunkel
Mayor Gunkel indicated that Doug Johnson is one of the top candidates to
possibly receive a national award. She indicated that if he receives the
award, his office will be photographed and nationally published. She
questioned if there was a possibility to have Jackson Avenue paved in
front of his office within a two week period. Terry Maurer, City
Engineer, indicated he would see if it were possible and report back to
the Council.
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The Council discussed the striping of Main Street and Jackson Avenue and
the fact that the stripe was over so far to the right side of the road
that it was confusing people. The City Engineer indicated that it was
striped according to State regulations. He indicated that he would see
if it would be possible to move the stripe over a foot or two.
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June 6. 1988
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7.1. Determination of Use/Roger Leech
Mayor Gunkel indicated that Roger Leech is requesting to operate an auto
detailing business in the McChesney Industrial Park. She indicated the
business would consist of cleaning cars for dealers prior to the sale of
the cars.
Duane Kropuenske. Planning Commission Representative. indicated that the
Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended approval to the
City Council. He indicated the Planning Commission felt the use was
compatible in the I-I zone (product processing). Also the proposed use
was not a public car wash.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ALLOW THE USE OF AUTO DETAILING (CAR
CLEANUP) IN AN 1-1. ZONE. .AS IT IS. COMPATIBLE WITH THAT ZONE.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
7.2. Determination of Use/Wally Houle
e
Mayor Gunkel indicated that Wally Houle is requesting to have an enclosed
area for safe storage of vehicles as an accessory to his auto repair
business. She indicated that Mr. Houle is requesting a determination of
use as outside storage is not allowed in a C-3 zone and impound lots are
not specifically referenced in the City Ordinance.
Duane Kropuenske. Planning Commission Representative. indicated that the
Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. He indicated they
did not feel this would be distractive. as it would be behind the
building and would not be visible from Highway 10.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ALLOW AN IMPOUND LOT AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO
AUTO REPAIR FOR MR. WALLY HOULE. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
7.3. Administrative Subdivision Request by the Elk River Associated
Investors/Public Hearing
Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Elk River Associated Investors are
requesting an administrative subdivision to combine Lots 1.2. and 3.
Block 1 of the Elk River Industrial Park 2nd Addition into one lot.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing.
Darwin Schuur questioned the purpose of combining the lots.
Mr. Dick Gongoll indicated that the purpose was to create one large lot
to accommodate a large building.
e
There being no further comments from the public. Mayor Gunkel closed the
public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER
COMBINE LOTS
ADDITION INTO
MOTION CARRIED
SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION TO
1.2. AND 3. BLOCK 1 OF THE ELK RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK 2ND
ONE LOT. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
4-0.
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June 6. 1988
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7.4. Variance Request/Leanne Prehatney/Public Hearing
Mayor Gunkel indicated that Leanne Prehatney is requesting a 15 foot
encroachment on the 50 foot front yard setback to accommodate a
residential dwelling. She indicated that the house could possibly be
built on the parcel without a variance. however. there would be no back
yard as the house would be built on a cliff.
Planning Commission Representative Kropuenske indicated that the Planning
Commission recommended approval.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing. There being no one for or
against the matter, Mayor Gunkel closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 15 FOOT FRONT YARD VARIANCE
REQUEST BY LEANNE PREHATNEY BECAUSE OF THE LAY OF THE LAND .
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
8.1. Street Department Update
Purchase of Used Truck
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COUNCILMlMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A 1978
INTERNATIONAL SINGLE AXL!DUMP TRUCK FOR $8,000, WITH' THE MONEY TO COME
FROM 1988' EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE, FUND.' COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0;,
Phil Hals. Street Superintendent. indicated the truck has been budgeted
for in the 1988 Budget.
Purchase of Fork Attachment for the IT-28 Loader
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO PURCHASE A FORK ATTACHMENT FOR THE FRONT END
LOADER AT A PRICE OF $1.650 AND THAT IT BE PAID FOR THROUGH GENERAL FUND
STREET CAPITAL OUTLAY MONIES. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Phil Hals, Street Superintendent. indicated that this item was budgeted
for in the 1988 Capital Outlay Street Budget.
Councilmember Holmgren arrived at this time.
Shelter at Softball Complex
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SHELTER AT THE
SOFTBALL COMPLEX AND THAT THE CITY CONTRIBUTE $1,300 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE
OF MATERIALS. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
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Hiring an Additional Street/Park Worker
Phil Hals, Street Superintendent, indicated he was requesting an
additional full time employee for the Street Department. He also
requested that he be allowed to use the applications from the last hiring
which are approximately six months old.
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COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A FULL TIME STREET
DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
8.2. Administrator's Update
The City Administrator indicated that he had drafted resolutions of
appreciation for the following people:
Keith Holme - Economic Development Commission - Resolution 88-36
Frank Madsen - Economic Development Commission - Resolution 88-37
John Plaisted - Economic Development Commission - Resolution 88-38
Darrell Mack - Recreation Board - Resolution 88-39
Joan Geroy - Recreation Board - Resolution 88-40
Ellie Kretsch - Library Board - Resolution 88-41
Marcia Webb - Library Board - Resolution 88-42
Stewart Wilson - Planning Commission - Resolution 88-43
Mary Temple - Planning Commission - Resolution 88-44
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 88-36 THROUGH 88-44.
RESOLUTIONS RECOGNIZING SERVICE TO THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION. RECREATION BOARD. LIBRARY BOARD. AND PLANNING COMMISSION.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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The City Administrator informed the Council that Sherburne
holding a public hearing on the RDF operation which he
attending. He indicated he is interested in the tipping fee
$60 per ton and how this would affect the refuse collection
residential homeowners.
County is
plans on
of $50 to
rates for
Counci1member Tra1le stated he would like to find out if the City can
collect a tipping fee from the RDF plant to be used for recycling.
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The City
requested
table.
Administrator indicated that the Planning Commission has
the Council to purchase chairs for the Library for the Council
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO LOOK INTO THE PURCHASE OF CHAIRS FOR THE
LIBRARY AS PART OF THE 1989 BUDGET PROCESS. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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The City Administrator informed the Council that
intends to hire Bill Lewis as Bike Safety patrol.
Council that the Liquor Store will be hiring
employees to replace employees that have resigned.
the Police Department
He also informed the
additional part time
The City Administrator informed the Council that the City has advertised
for a Zoning Assistant and have received 60 applications.
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City Council Minutes
June 6. 1988
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The City Administrator informed the Council that Staff is moving forward.
but that it will be time consuming. in acquiring the necessary legal and
technical (survey. abstract. title opinion. etc.) information in order to
sell the old City Hall site.
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The
their
City
Fund
Fund.
City Administrator indicated that State law allows cities to appeal
levy limits if they use reserves in 1988. He indicated that the
of Elk River will appeal on the basis that $150.000 from the Liquor
and $72.000 from Utilities have been added to the City's General
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The Ci ty
regarding
competing
and these
Legion is
Administrator indicated that he has received complaints
the Legion operating as a Club. He indicated the Legion is
against other liquor establishments in the City of Elk River
establishments must pay the $4.000 liquor license fee while the
paying a fee of $300 for a club license.
e
It was the consensus of the Council. after much discussion. to inform the
Legion of the rules for operating as a club and as a regular liquor
establishment. It was the consensus of the Council to approach the
Eagles Club regarding this same matter.
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8.3. Mayor Gunkel
Mayor Gunkel informed the Council that the City of Elk River has no need
to worry about a water ban at this time.
8.4. Councilmember Tralle
Councilmember Tra1le updated the Council on the progress of Highway 101.
He informed them that more petitions are needed.
9. Check Register
COUNCILM&MB!R TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5..:..0~
There being no further business. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY. COUNCIL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The Meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
· d::!1h
Deputy City Clerk