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07-27-1987 CC MIN e e - MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY. JULY 27. 1987. 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Mayor Gunkel. Councilmembers Schuldt and Holmgren Members Absent: Councilmembers Tralle and Dobel Staff Present: Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Terry Maurer. City Engineer; and Greg Korstad. City Attorney 1. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order by Mayor Gunkel at 7:00 p.m. 2. Consideration of 7/27/87 City Council Agenda Item 12.2. Mayor Gunkel and 11.11 and 11.12. City Administrator was added to the Council Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 7/27/87 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 3. Consideration of 7/20/87 City Council Minutes The words "7 Lot" was added to the motion on item /15.15. COUNCILMEMBER AS AMENDED. CARRIED 3-0. HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 7/20/87 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION 4. Economic Development Consultant B.D. S.. Inc. Presentation by Mike Mulrooney of The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Mike Mulrooney would not be present at the City Council meeting as planned. The Council discussed the memorandum submitted to the Council from Mike Mulrooney of B.D.S. regarding the hiring of a staff person for economic development. The position of Community Development Coordinator was discussed. Much of the discussion by the Council pertained to the responsibilities of the "Community Development Coordinator." Mayor Gunkel indicated she would like to see activities pertaining to parks and recreation added to the performance responsibilities. Other items the Council suggested adding to the performance responsibilities included: the Planning of Parks. LAWCON Grants. community activities. and direct marketing skills. Discussion was held regarding the fact that the City's dependence on the Planning Consultant will be less with the hiring of a Community Development Staff person. The Council discussed the quality and amount of expertise that should be expected in the person being hired. It was the consensus that the Council should be seeking someone with qualifications on the high end of the list and also be prepared to offer a salary high enough to attract such a person. Page 2 City Council Minutes July 27. 1987 e It was the consensus that discussion at the next Council meeting will pertain to: salary ranges. qualifications. when to advertise and the hiring process. 9. Deerfield 3rd Addition Change Order Terry Maurer. City Engineer. explained that he is requesting approval of Change Order /12 for the Deerfield 3rd Addition. He indicated that the completion date for the roads has been extended to September 1. 1987. in order to avoid some of the house construction traffic on the new roads. He also indicated that the change order adds seeding of some of the areas disturbed by construction. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR DEERFIELD 3RD ADDITION WHICH INCLUDES THE EXTENTION OF THE COMPLETION DATE TO SEPTEMBER 1. 1987. AND ALSO TO REQUIRE THE SEEDING OF CERTAIN AREAS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 8. Discussion on Jackson Avenue (201) Improvement Project e Terry Maurer. City Engineer. explained that he has prepared an addendum to the Jackson Avenue feasibility study. He stated the addendum explains the expansion of the proposed sanitary sewer and watermain improvements. Mr. Maurer discussed with the Council the proposed watermain and sanitary sewer improvement included in the addendum. The City Administrator questioned the funding of the project. Mr. Maurer stated that the State will fund 1/2 of the approximately one million dollar project. He stated that the other half will have to come from assessments or Utility contributions. Mr. Maurer stated that the project will come very close to one million dollars. Discussion was held regarding the benefit to the landowners. Mr. Maurer stated that there would be direct benefit for sanitary sewer. but questioned the benefit for water. He indicated that the street assessment would be treated on a per foot basis on the south side of School Street and as a per unit on the north side of School Street. Councilmember Holmgren questioned the number of people in the area using a private well and stated he felt it should be mandatory for these people to hook up to city water for health purposes. Discussion took place regarding underground electrical wiring. e COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED THAT BASED ON THE COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL AND ELK RIVER UTILITIES. THE WATER IMPROVEMENT FOR THE JACKSON AVENUE PROJECT IS NEEDED BUT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY INDICATES THAT THE BENEFIT FOR TOTAL ASSESSMENT DOES NOT EXIST AND FURTHER THAT THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENT. PER UNIT IS APPROXIMATELY 25% AND THAT THE REMAINING 75% SHOULD BE PAID BY THE UTILTIIES. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Page 3 City Council Minutes July 27. 1987 e 6. Consideration of Landfill Tipping Fee Surcharge Increase Mr. Greg Korstad. City Attorney. stated that the proposed ordinance before the Council is to increase the local surcharge from the Elk River Landfill fees from $.15 to $.25 per yard. Mr. Korstad stated that if this ordinance amendment is adopted. it shall become effective October 1. 1987. Mr. Kris Kreger. owner of the Elk River Landfill. stated he has noticed a rise in problems with illegal dumping because of the already high prices. He indicated that with this increase prices may have to go even higher. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 87-26. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. SECTION 604.08(3) TO INCREASE THE CITY LANDFILL FEE. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 5. Consideration of City assessment Manual Terry Maurer. City Engineer. stated that he is requesting that the City Council consider the adoption of a resolution establishing that the sewer availability charge be $1.000 in all instances. e cOUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 87-40. A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE TO BE $1.000. COUNCI LMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Discussion was held regarding the proposed assessment manual (Draft H2). Several corrections and additions were made to the manual by the City Council. of which Mr. Maurer stated would be incorporated into the manual. It was the cosensus of the Council to have a resolution prepared and presented to the City Council at its 8/3/87 meeting calling for the adopting of the City Assessment Manual. 7. Compliance to the State Open Meeting Law City Attorney Greg open meeting law. River Utilities was Korstad stated that the Korstad discussed State requirements regarding the Discussion pursued regarding whether or not the Elk subject to the State Open Meeting Law. Counsel law does apply to the Elk River Utilities. COUNCILMEMBER ADOPTING A MEETING LAW. CARRIED 3-0. SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 87-41. A RESOLUTION POLICY FOR CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINNESOTA OPEN COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION 10. Main Street Business Committee e Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Main Street Business Committee was present to discuss items that could possibly be added to the Main Street Project to improve the aesthetics of the downtown area. e e e Page 4 City Council Minutes July 27. 1987 Mr. Cliff Lundberg stated the committee felt the Main Street should have a parkway atmosphere. Mr. Lundberg offered Committee ideas on how to accomplish this goal. Ideas included light posts along the boulevard with music piped into them. flowering trees along the boulevard. plus cobblestone or brick sidewalks. Other ideas mentioned by Mr. Lundberg included creating a base for the flagpole. increasing parking and also enlarging. or better utilizing the park area on Jackson Avenue. He indicated the issue of total number of parking spots is not as great as the number of parking spots people can get into quickly. He mentioned the possibility of limiting the parking time allowed on Main Street. and also the possibility of some type of ramp on Jackson Avenue for parking. Mr. Lundberg indicated that the downtown committee also discussed putting in a bicycle path and the installation of heating calbes in the sidewalks and underground electrical wiring. Terry Maurer stated that most of the items mentioned could be included in the feasibility study. Mayor Gunkel indicated she would like to see something done about the safety factor at the corner of Main Street and the Otsego bridge added to the feasibility study. Mr. Jim Mulroy of Snyder Knocking." He indicated opportunity to improve the businesses to the City. Drug stated that what he hears is "Opportunity the Council should take advantage of this downtown area in order to draw more people and Councilmember Holmgren stated he agreed with Mr. Mulroy and stated he is in support of the concept of redoing Main Street. Discussion was then held regarding the possibility of having an architect or planner involved in order to help plan the design of the downtown area. 11. City Administrator's Report 11.1. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION RELATING TO PART TIME POLICE cOUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. O. RESOLUTION 87-42. A OFFICERS AND FERA. THE MOTION CARRIED 3- 11.2. Lion's Club Statement of Purpose and Goals - tabled until August 3. 1987. City Council meeting. 11.3. Community Ed Request for partial financing of roller blades - tabled until Community Ed Director. Charlie Blessner can attend a City Council meeting. Page 5 City Council Minutes July 27. 1987 e 11.4. Discussion on City Hall Smoke Alarm - COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO PURCHASE A SMOKE ALARM FOR $250 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ALARM SYSTEM. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 11.5. Discussion on City Council Minutes - Some discussion was held on the length and content of City Council minutes. and whether or not the meetings should be taped. The City Administrator indicated that this item would be discussed in more detail at a future Council meeting. 11.6. Update on City Compliant to Comparable Worth Law - This will be discussed at a future City Council meeting. 11. 7. Urban/Rural Counc il to 1988. Taxing delay Districts - It was the consensus of the City further action on urban/rural districts until e 11.8. Ridgewood East Outlot A and B tax forfeited land - The City Administrator explained that there are two very small parcels of tax forfeited property that will be for sale in Ridgewood East. He stated that the County is charging $2.500 in back taxes for the property. It was the consensus of the City Council to no longer pursue the purchase of Outlots A and B due to the amount of back taxes being charged. 11.9. Discussion regarding 18 inch detached garage variance from City setback requirement The City Administrator distributed a memo from the Building and Zoning Administrator which called for an interpretation by Council regarding the need for a variance for a garage for Mr. Jim Thomas. The memo indicated that Mr. Thomas is constructing a garage. which is required by City Code. but does need a 1 1/2 foot variance in order to do so. It was the consensus of the City Council to allow Mr. Thomas to construct the garage 3 1/2 feet from his existing house. therefore. allowing a 1 1/2 foot encroachment. 11.10. The City Administrator informed the Council that there is planned to be a neighborhood meeting at the August 17. 1987. City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. regarding the requested improvement of 218th Avenue. 11.11. The City Administrator informed the Council that a petition for the extension of municipal sewer and water service to the Sherburne County Courthouse property has been received along with $1.500. This will be on th 8/3/87 agenda for Council action. e 11.12. The City Administrator informed the Council that Katie Kohl and Stephanie Hals will be working approximat1y 10 to 15 hours per week answering the phone to fill in for Brenda Ebner who is on maternity leave. Page 6 City Council Minutes July 27. 1987 e 11.13. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO HIRE ARNOLD WOLF AS A TEMPORARY FULL TIME BUILDING INSPECTOR FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JULY 27. 1987 WITH HIS LAST DAY OF EMPLOYMENT BEING SEPTEMBER 30, 1987. AND WITH A SALARY NOT TO EXCEED $3.900. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 11.14. The City Administrator informed the Council that $30.000 from the Infrastructure Replacement fund will be used for street improvements to Baldwin Avenue from Sth Street to Ron's Foods. for Lion's Park area. Orono Park area. Maintenance Garage and 173rd. The City Administrator indicated that because of the nature of these streets and the type of work being proposed. that the project can be funded from the Infrastructure fund. Mayor Gunkel expressed her concern regarding the Baldwin Avenue overlay not being assessed to residential property owners and stated this was being inconsistent with the way other residential street overlays were handled. The Administrator responded that this Avenue is more commercial in nature than residential. e 12.1. Councilmember Holmgren stated that he would like to see the City Administrator draw up a contract for himself spelling out terms and conditions of employment. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO DIRECT THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO DRAW UP A LEGAL CONTRACT TO BE REVIEWED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 12.1. Mayor Gunkel questioned the status of the Wilderness Park and the Railroad Trail. The City Administrator indicated that the Wilderness Park transaction is being handled by the City Attorney and the material has been given to Mr. & Mrs. Lamm. He further stated that Mr. Hals has tried to contact Burlington Northern regarding the Railroad Trail but has been unsucessful. It was the consensus that if phone contact could not be made. a letter would be sent to Burlington Northern. There being no further business. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 11:0S p.m. .c,L/~ Sandy Thackeray Recording Secretary