06-01-1987 CC MIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MONDAY. JUNE 1. 1987
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Gunkel. Councilmembers Dobel. Schuldt. Holmgren. and
Tralle
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT:
Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Stephen Rohlf. Building and
Zoning Administrator (7:30); Terry Maurer. City Engineer
1.
The
p.m.
meeting of the
by Mayor Gunkel.
Elk River City Council was called to order at 7:03
2. Consideration of 6/1/87 City Council Agenda
Councilmember Tralle asked to discuss Car Lots following Item #10.1:
Utility Commission Update.
Pat Klaers. City Administrator. asked to be added to the agenda as Item
#10.3: Water Tower Partial Payment #8 and 10.4: Announcements.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 6/1/87 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-
O.
3.1
Consideration of 5/18/87 City Council Minutes
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The following corrections were noted:
Page 2 - Item 5.2 - 900 square feet should read "800" square feet.
Page 6 - Item 5.12 - Indicate that the variance was for the atrium.
Page 6 - Item 5.13 - Include the location of the property.
Page 10 Item 5.22 - Note that Gary Santwire was present to represent
the owner.
Page 12 - Item 6.7 - 1984 should read "1987."
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 5/18/87 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS
AMENEDED. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
3.2 Consideration of 5/21/87 Board of Review Minutes
It was noted that on Page 4. Item #9. the minutes should state "there is
a hole dug on the property located behind his property."
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 5/21/87 BOARD OF REVIEW MINUTES
AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4.
Open Mike
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Charles Christian of Century 21-Christian was present to discuss the
Model Home sign in the Deerfield 3rd Addition. The main concern with
this sign was the height and lighting at night.
Councilmember Tralle
conformity. Various
discussed.
referred to the
signs representing
pun Agreement
Model Homes
and the idea of
in the area were
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
Arlon Fuchs. a Planning Commission Member. was present and stated that he
is opposed to lighted signage in residential areas. He also stated that
Century 21-Christian has not yet come before the Planning Commission to
obtain a Conditional Use Permit for a temporary real estate office in
this model.
Pat Klaers will be discussing the matter with Steve Rohlf. Building and
Zoning Administrator. to get regulations on sign height and also in
regards to the required Conditional Use Permit.
5. Economic Development Discussion Regarding Consulting and City Staffing
Needs
Mayor Gunkel noted that she felt the position of economic development
coordinator should not be an entry level position nor should it be a
shared position with the Chamber. She indicated that the City could
create a position requiring some education and experience in areas of
economic development and that this person could do many of the tasks
being done by a consultant or by the Chamber which would make the
position more centralized. Mayor Gunkel also shared a list of tasks and
duties which could be done by an economic development coordinator.
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Pat Klaers began the discussion on an Economic Development Consultant and
City Staff needs. He stated that there has been unanimous staff
agreement on the need for an Economic Development staff position and that
this Coordinator should not be an entry level type position. Staff is
looking at possibly turning the position into a department head level
position in the future. Financially. a staff person is not budgeted for
1987 but this should not be a determining factor.
Mike Mulrooney of B.D.S. has been
Development Consultant. Mulrooney
description for a Coordinator.
chosen to act
could assist in
as an Economic
writting a job
Klaers stated
the Chamber of
handled at a
financially.
that the City does not feel a joint clerical position with
Commerce is needed. He stated that the City duties can be
staff level but the City may be willing to help out
Cliff Lundberg. Dick Gongoll and Jeff Gongoll were present to represent
the Economic Development Commission.
Cliff Lundberg stated that the Economic Development Commission is
recommending the City to enter into an agreement with a Consultant as
soon as possible. He shared the concern that direction is needed now.
Lundberg stated that a lot of information has been collected and the
Economic Development Commission. along with the Chamber of Commerce, is
hopeful that a Consultant can assist in organizing this information.
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Dick Gongoll stated volunteers are running out of time. He continued by
saying that Elk River needs to attract firms and in order to do so, help
is needed in putting together a good sales package.
Councilmember Tralle suggested hiring a professional now and not hiring a
clerical person. He stated that, after looking at the clerical duties
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
proposed by the
technical. He is
of July.
E.D.C.. he feels the duties of the clercial person are
hopeful that a staff person could be hired by the end
Mayor Gunkel gave a list of items she felt a Consultant could work on
when not working on Economic Development issues. One of the items she
mentioned included grant applications for various parks.
Gunkel concurred to contact Mike Mulrooney. She suggested inviting
Mulrooney in to have him give a presentation on what he can do for our
Community and what his charges are for services.
Dick Gongoll presented an example of a project Mr. Mulrooney will be
doing for Elk River Associated Investors as well as the rates charged and
the duties performed.
Klaers stated that he would like to see Mulrooney help in assessing the
need for a staff person.
Various duties of Mulrooney were clarified by the Council and Staff.
These duties included:
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1. Job description for staff person.
2. How Coordinator and Consultant would work together.
3. Determine how soon a staff person is needed.
4. Look at cost to develop marketing proposal.
5. Work on different presentations.
COUNCILMEMBER
SERVICES WITH
PRESENTATION
COUNCILMEMBER
TRALLE MOVED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING
B.D.S. AS THE CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT WITH A
TO BE GIVEN TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY THE END OF JUNE. 1987.
SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO OBTAIN
QUOTES FOR SERVICES FORM B.D. S. THE SERVICES WOULD INCLUDE:
MARKETING PLAN
STAFFING NEED DETERMINATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
AS NEEDED BASIS FOR PRESENTATIONS AND PROPOSALS
SUGGEST MINIMUM MONTHLY RETAINER
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.1 Consideration of Conditional Use Permit for Barrington Place PUD by
M & S Development/Public Hearing
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M & S Development placed a request for a conditional use permit to amend
the PUD Agreement for Barrington PLace PUD to increase the density of
Block 2. The density has been approved for 30 units. and M & S
Development is now requesting this to be increased by two units for a
total of 32 units. This request has been reviewed by the Planning
Commission who is recommending approval by the City Council to grant the
conditional use permit to amend the PUD Agreement to increase the density
to 32 units.
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
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Arlon Fuchs was present to represent the Elk River Planning Commission.
Steve Rohlf explained that there has been some difficulties with property
and recommended that this request be tabled until the Developer and/or
the First National Bank is represented who now has an involvement in the
property.
Ken Norquist.
property and
Associations
regards to
unsitely.
Assistant Building Official. has been involved in the
explained the complaints he has had from the Townhouse
and concerned citizens. The main concerns have been in
garbage. loitering. danger factors and that it is very
Ken Norquist stated that if no construction takes place within 180 days.
the building permit is then void.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing.
Richard Gongoll was then present to represent First National Bank. He
gave a brief background of the project and stated that a lot of the
problems had to do with assessments. Gongoll stated that there appears
to be possibly another group coming in to finish the project.
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safety purposes and the legal factors involved in doing so.
Mayor Gunkel closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUEST BY M & S DEVELOPMENT FOR
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BARRINGTON PLACE PUD UNTIL JULY 6. 1987.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
6.2 Consideration of Preliminary and Final Plat Review of Replat #6.
Barrington Place PUD by M & S Development/Public Hearing
M & S Development. of P.O. Box 986. Anoka. is requesting preliminary and
final plat review of a replat of Block 2 of Barrington Place PUD to
accommodate 8 four-plex townhouses on 33 lots. The approval of such a
request is contingent upon the approval of the conditional use permit to
amend the PUD Agreement to allow 32 units on Block 2.
Since this property is the same that was discussed in Item #6.1. it was
the consensus of the Council to act on it in the same way.
Mayor Gunkel opened the public hearing.
There being no further comments regarding Replat #6. Barrington Place
e PUD. Mayor Gunkel closed the public hearing.
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
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COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY AND FINAL
PLAT REVIEW OF REPLAT 16. BARRINGTON PLACE PUD BY M & S DEVELOPMENT.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.1 Royal Oaks Ridge: Resolution Requesting Feasibility Study
Gerald Smith. Developer of Royal Oaks Ridge. was present to discuss the
proposed resolution as well as the problems with assessments with the
City Council. Developing an escrow account was also discussed.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 87-25 AUTHORIZING THI
CITY ENGINEER AS THE ENGINEER FOR THIS PROJECT AND REQUESTING A
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL TAKE PLACE WITH ROYAL
OAKS RIDGE CONTINGENT UPON SIGNATURES OF THE PETITION. COUNCILMDmlllR
DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.2
Assessment Manual
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Pat Klaers gave a brief introduction of the Assessment Manual to the City
Council. He explained that some of the reasons for forming this manual
are to answer questions regarding corner lots. large projects and
equivalent lot units. K1aers stated that the Assessment Manual is
intended to make the assessment process easier and assessments more
consistent.
Mayor Gunkel expressed her observations and reactions to the Assessment
Manual. Gunkel went through the Manual pointing out a number of areas
which she felt were too vague or needed to be reworded. She also listed
some items she felt should be included which appeared to be overlooked.
Terry Maurer responded to the questions and gave reasonings for the way
the Manual is compiled in its existing manner.
In conclusion of the discussion on the Assessment Manual. the Council
expressed that they want something legally defendable and a guideline to
follow when determining assessments.
7.3 Engineering Updates
A. Liquor Store Traffic Pattern
Terry Maurer met with the Owner of Ron's Country Foods. the apartment
building Managers and the Liquor Store Manager. Durin~ the meeting.
a number of options were discussed. One of these options was to
close off the entrance into the parking lot from Baldwin Avenue.
Maurer explained that this option received very little support.
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The City Council gave their suggestions which included speed bumps.
and narrowing the entrance off Main Street. The consensus of the
Council was to install speed bumps in various locations on the lot.
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
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Klaers stated that a count had been done on the number of cars
passing through the lot without stopping at either business. These
numbers ranged anywhere from 26-60 vehicles during various 1/2 hour
periods of time on any given day. Klaers suggested collecting more
data and figuring ratios of shoppers to non-shoppers. In the
meantime he suggested construction of the speed bumps as well as
striping.
B. Deerfield 3rd Northern Access
Terry Maurer explained that all the information has been collected
and turned into the State so that proof of release of the Cherrier
property can be concluded.
C. 1988 Highway 201 Project
Maurer explained that MnDOT has agreed to do the #201 project. The
hold up has been with the paperwork. A feasibility study has been
done on the project.
D.
1987 Elk Hills Signal Project
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Maurer stated that the proposed easements have been drawn up and will
be turned into MnDOT by Thursday. June 4. 1987. He stated that the
project has been pushed back one month but will be completed this
year.
E.
Industrial Park Improvement Project. Phase 2
Maurer stated that the bids for the project are good for another 30
days. Elk River is waiting for an indication from an interested
industry looking at locating in the Industrial Park. The current
plans would not allow the industry to locate in the park because of
street alignments. The plans for the Industrial Park Improvement
Project. Phase 2 depend on whether or not Elk River is chosen as a
location site by this industry. This item will. again. be on the
June 22. 1987. City Council agenda.
F. 1988 Main Street Improvement Project
Maurer briefly discussed the Main Street meeting held before the City
Council meeting. He stated that the three main concerns of downtown
business owners are:
1. Parking
2. Construction t1m1ng
3. Asthetics (theme)
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Additional meetings will be held with property owners prior to staff
requesting the Council to order a feasibility study.
Page 7
City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
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Terry Maurer also discussed installing concrete curbs and gutters in
the Deerfield 3rd Addition. He suggested holding off on paving until
a decision is reached on this topic. A compensation/remobilization
payment may have to be paid to the contractor if they are asked to
wait until later in the summer to do the project. Maurer will pursue
this idea and discuss it with Phil Hals. Street Superintendent.
Pat Klaers questioned the possibility of receiving approval from City
Council to use $10.000 for an overlay on Main Street until the
reconstruction of the road can be done (1988).
Councilmember Schuldt stated he would rather see an overlay done on
Main Street. west of the dam. and continuing down Orono Road.
Councilmember Tralle stated he felt the overlay idea on Main Street
(downtown) would be a waste of money for only one year. He feels
that Elk River residents would be satisfied with an overlay and the
main project would be turned down.
Mayor Gunkel shared her agreement with Tralle and suggested a patch
job.
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Councilmember Dobel suggested having Maurer and Hals check on figures
for a 24 foot overlay and come back to Council with dollar amounts.
8.1. Roma Tool Resolution
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 87-26 A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AUTHORIZING SUBSTITUTION OF LENDER FOR ROMA TOOL
GRAN'!' . COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
8.2. Landfill Agreement
Pat Klaers stated that the City no longer sees a need to be part of the
Landfill Agreement. However. if the Landfill wants to talk about the
Solid Waste Ordinance and meet the terms of the Agreement. the City is
agreeable to help pay for the liner. The City Council concurred with the
recommendations of Attorney Peter Beck in this decision.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED THAT THE CITY DOES NOT SIGN THE LANDfILL
AGREEMENT. BUT IF THE LANDFILL IS WILLING TO MEET TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT
AND COMPLY WITH THE CITY SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE. THE CITY WILL ASSIST IN
PAYING FOR THE LINER. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. 'l'HI
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
cOUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE STAFF TO TAKE ACTION TO SEEK
LANDFILL COMPLIANCE TO THE CITY SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE. COUNCILMEMBER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
8.3 Industrial Park TIF. Phase 1
Pat Klaers discussed two companies looking at Elk River as a plant
location site.
1. Data Card
2. Atlas Incinerators
He briefly explained what each company produces and stated that they are
looking for specific proposals including what Elk River can do for them
and what we have to offer.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE PROCEEDING WITH TAX INCREMENT
FUNDING TO COMPLETE IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE PROPOSALS TO BE
SUBMITTED. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
8.4 Update on General City Administration Items
Councilmember Tralle questioned any findings on the monies missing from
the Liquor Store. Klaers said he did not expect the City to find
anything on the missing funds.
Councilmember
Morrell lot.
Schuldt questioned results
Klaers is checking into it.
of
the
oil
testing on the
Councilmember Holmgren complimented the City on the boat launch at Orono
Park.
Pat Klaers stated that he will be attending a comparable worth meeting
and briefly discussed the results of the City study.
At the June 22. 1987. City Council meeting. Chief of Police. Tom Zerwas.
will be present to request approval to hire a full-time Officer.
9. Check Register
cOUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGI STER. COUNCILMEMBER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
10.1 Jim Tralle. Utility Commission Update
Jim Tralle gave a brief update on the happenings of the Utilities
Commission. He stated that. through labor negotiations. a 5% raise was
given to employees.
Breakdown: 2% - pay increase
2% - dental coverage increase
1% - long term disability
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City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
10.1.5 Used Car Lots
Councilmember Tralle questioned the enforcement of Used Car lots in the
City. The three main concerns were:
- The lot across the highway from Orono
- Chip Martin. Martin's Plaza
- The City property on Highway 10.
Klaers stated that this problem will be directed to Steve Rohlf. Building
and Zoning Administrator.
10.2 Mayor Gunkel. HUD Loan Limits
Mayor Gunkel stated that she met with Jerry Sikorski and stated that Elk
River needs to find out the pros and cons of getting the classification
of Sherburne County changed. After contacting cities and townships. the
City will be approaching the County Board.
10.3 Water Tower Partial Payment #8
€l()YN{;"lILMWGIilR 'i'MLtE MOWD TO APPROVE THE WATER TOWER PARTIAL PAYMENT #8.
OOUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Councilmember Tralle questioned lighting on the water tower.
10.4 Announcements - Pat Klaers
The proposal for the Wilderness Park was rejected.
Proposing joint City Council and Utilities Commission meeting on June 29.
1987.
Uses of City Hall
Klaers has been rece~v~ng many calls from a gentleman wanting to
rent the lower unused portion of Old City Hall to be used as a
bicycle shop. The consensus of the City Council is that they do not
want to be landlords.
The Orono Park improvements were discussed. which include bituminous
roads. concrete curbs. shelters. restrooms. play equipment. basketball.
and volleyball areas.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE TRANFERRING $50.000 FROM THE
CAPITAL PROJECT FUND TO THE PARK DEDICATION FUND TO BE USED FOR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS AT ORONO PARK. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
City Council Minutes
June 1. 1987
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11. Adj ournment
Page 10
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 11.35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
fJ~~
Danille Mathison ~
Recording Secretary
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MAIN STREET MEETING
HELD AT ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
JUNE 1. 1987
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Present: Downtown Main Stree~ Committee Members: Chairperson Cliff Lundberg.
Arden Krinke. Dr. Jarmoluk. Rob VanValkenburg. Bud Houlton and Betty
Kolar
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Gunkel. Gene Schuldt.
Staff Present: Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Terry Maurer. City Engineer;
Phil Hals. Street Superintendent
Mayor Gunkel called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pat Klaers. City Administrator. briefly discussed the background of the Main
Street project and the reasons for the delay in this project. He stated that
the main reason for calling this meeting was to hear the concerns of the
business people regarding the Main Street construction.
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Bud Houlton was present as a representative of the downtown businesses and a
member of the Downtown Main Street Committee. and stated that his main concern
is in regards to the funding of the project. Pat Klaers stated that in order
for the project to be funded by Minnesota State Aid (MSA) funds. the street(s)
must be built to MSA Standards and this would mean losing diaganol parking.
(Diagonal parking on both sides of the street cannot be approved due to the
width of the streets). Terry Maurer. City Engineer, explained past City
policy on the use of MSA funds to reduce street assessments to benefited
property owners. MSA could also participate as much as 100% financially for
the storm sewer. but there is no MSA funding for the sewer and water line
replacement. MSA funds can only be used on MSA designated streets which in
this project includes Main Street. Jackson Avenue and Proctor Avenue.
The Committee shared their concerns of replacing and relocating the sewer
line. Depending on what size line is decided to be put in and how far the
line will run will determine how many people will be assessed for the project.
Bud Houlton shared a real concern of losing the diagonal parking in downtown
Elk River. He also questioned the time frame of the project and how the
businesses are to deal with the inconvenience during the construction phase.
Maurer stated that Staff is looking for input from the affected businesses so
that they may be accommodated as much as possible. He suggested weekly
meetings to p~ovide continual updates so that any unnecessary problems may be
prevented.
A suggestion by the committee was to try to get diagonal parking approved for
the south side of Main Street with the other side being parallel. Main Street
currently is very close in width to meeting this MSA spacing requirements.
Dr. Jarmoluk suggested giving up three feet of sidewalk space in order to
widen streets and possibly keep some diagonal parking.
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Pat Klaers discussed the City parking lot across Highway 10 and the old Depot
site. both which could possibly be used as additional parking for employees
and employers of downtown businesses.
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Main Street Meeting Minutes
June 1. 1987
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Cliff Lundberg spoke briefly on Jackson Park and if it can be used efficiently
for parking as well as still retaining some green space.
Dr. Jarmoluk questioned the vacating of King Avenue. Lundberg suggested that
if and when Municipal Utilities moves. the building could be removed and a
deck for parking could be constructed in its place. Lundberg went on to say
that he has heard a great deal of concern with the asthetics of the downtown
area. He suggested that the street lights be lowered to give off more light
and to possibly construct a "theme" such as cobblestone or riverside. The
development of a downtown "theme" will be discussed in detail by the committee
and property owners.
The bidding for
hopefully work
spring of 1988.
the Main Street project is to take place in Fall 1987 so that
can be started before the weight restrictions go on in the
Terry Maurer questioned whether or not the committee felt that downtown
businesses would be willing to grant additional right-of-way so that the
street could be widened in order to retain diagonal parking on the south side
of Main Street.
Cliff Lundberg also stated that a concern of business owners is to have all
electrical wiring placed underground. Dr. Jarmoluk questioned the possibility
of having heated cables placed in the sidewalks to keep sidewalks clear in
winter months.
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It was stated that the project is anticipated to be completed during the 1988
construction period. The committee questioned what type of restrictions and
regulations will be placed on the contractor to guarantee completion.
Terry Maurer explained the he will talk with Dave Reed at the State. to get a
feeling for the combination of diagonal and parallel parking. He also stated
that the underground wiring will have to be coordinated through
utilities.
Potential assessment methods and ranges were discussed in further detail
between staff and the committee.
The upcoming meetings regarding the Main Street Project include:
- Meeting with residents
Business Committee Meeting during preparation of feasibility study.
Continual sessions with resident committee and business committee.
Cliff Lundberg questioned the
Council should be ordering the
approximately one month to get the
time table of the feasibility study. The
study in late June/early July and it takes
results.
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The meeting concluded at 6:45 p.m.
~~ec~fUllY sub~ted. ~
/v~m~
U
Danille Mathison
Recording Secretary