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08-24-1987 CC MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL AUGUST 24. 1987 Members Present: Mayor Gunkel. Councilmembers Schuldt. Holmgren Tralle and Dobel Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Stephen Rohlf. B & Z Administrator; and Mike Mulrooney. Economic Development Consultant. 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 8/24/87 City Council Agenda Councilmember Tralle was added to the agenda as 7.2 to discuss the Economic Development Commission vacancy. Mayor Gunkel indicated that the Building and Zoning Administrator would present a number of updates under Item 5.4; that the City Administrator would update the Council on a number of items under 6.6; and that she would be added to the agenda as 7.3 for an update on general city activities. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/24/87 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.1 Consideration of 8/10/87 City Council Minutes Mayor Gunkel noted that the 8/10/87 minutes was a continued City Council Meeting and not a special City Council Meeting as indicated at the top of the minutes. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/10/87 CITY COUNCIL MINTUES AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3.2 Consideration of 8/17/87 City Council Minutes Councilmember Tralle noted that the motion for Item 6.2 on page 4 did not have a second and Councilmember Holmgren stated that he seconded this motion. Mr. Tralle also indicated that under Item 6.12 and 6.13 on page 8. that the variance was for a front footage variance and not a setback variance. This phrase was in the last paragraph on page 8. and that Roger Holmgren seconding the motion should be changed to Councilmember Holmgren. Mayor Gunkel indicated that Item 3 on page 1 was consideration of the 8/3/87 minutes and not agenda and that the correction to these 8/3/87 minutes should read as follows: The method of financing will be determined. Mayor Gunkel also noted that on page 3 of the minutes. that the motion for Items 6.1 should include the statement that the signs attached to the building should not be above the parapet of the roof. Page 2 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 e COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/17/87 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Presentation by Economic Development Consultant. Mike Mulrooney Mr. Mulrooney met with the City Council following a meeting with the Economic Development Commission Planning and Research Subcommittee. Mr. Mulrooney indicated that most of the discussion with the Subcommittee. centered around the one year work plan and duties; the Economic Development budget for 1988; the relationship between the Economic Development Commission and the City Council;and the establishment of an Economic Development Authority. Mr. Mulrooney's next presentation before the City Council is scheduled on 9/28/87 and he will be meeting with this Planning and Research Subcommittee prior to the City Council meeting. e Mr. Mulrooney discussed the need for volunteer organizations within any community and the fact that a great deal of coordination is required between the volunteer commissions and the City Council. Most of this coordination can be accomplished by the assistance of the City staff. Such a staff member would have a possitive affect in the communication between the Council and various volunteer organizations. Mr. Mulrooney further indicated that a survey assessing the community needs would be a valuable tool in developing a marketing program and that such a survey can be accommplished through the efforts of a staff person and a volunteer organization. Mr. Mulrooney reviewed his comments from his presentation before the City Council on 8/3/87 regarding the possible creation of an Economic Development Authority within the City of Elk River. Mr. Mulrooney briefly reviewed the benefits of such an organization in Elk River. These benefits included creating one single focal point for Economic Development and the fact that such an authority could special levy three-fourths of a mill to assist in the financing of a City Economic Development program. Mr. Mulrooney also stated that an overall organizational plan needs to be developed in Elk River to help determine the future roll of the EDA. City House Redevelpment Authority. and Economic Development Commission. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE STAFF AND CONSULTANTS TO BEGIN WORK ON A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ORDINANCE AND THAT AS PRACTICAL SUCH AN ORDINANCE SHOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL AT ITS 9/28/87 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND THAT THE COUNCIL DESIRES TO HAVE ITSELF APPOINTED AS THE FIVE MEMBER ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. Councilmember Holmgren seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Councilmember Tralle further indicated and the Council concurred that it would be extremely beneficial to the economic development program within Elk River to have the EDA. once it is established. adopt a resolution e e e e Page 3 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 calling for a special levy of three-quarters of a mill to help finance the city's economic development program. The Council instructed the staff to prepare such a resolution and to plan for the EDA to hold its first meeting before 10/9/87. Mr. Mulrooney continued his discussion with the City Council on the issue of a community needs survey and the survey requirements of the Star City program. It was noted that such surveys tend to drain the volunteer effort within a community and that such surveys should be given to staff members if time allows. Mr. Mulrooney again stressed the communication issue between the City Council and the soon to be created Economic Development Authority. with the various volunteer organizations within the community. The City Council discussed with Mr. Mulrooney some possible hiring time frames and the hiring process for a City Community Development Coordinator. The discussion centered around staff review of the applications with all applications being open for Council review and that the staff would present to the Council either a two or three step interview process depending upon the number of qualified applicants. This hiring process for a Community Development Coordinator will receive additional discussion on 8/31/87 as the application filing date closing is 5:00 p.m. on 8/31/87. 5.1 Parade of Home Signs Mr. Ted Knoke. Chairman of the Elk River Builders Association. was present to discuss with the City Council an Elk River Parade of Homes program. Mr. Knoke indicated that approximately 25 model homes are planned to be on display for an Elk River Parade of Homes program. This program in Elk River will be very similiar to the Minneapolis Parade. Mr. Knoke requested Council approval to install temporary signs throughout the City of Elk River from 8/27/87 t09/27/87. so that these signs could direct customers to model homes that would be on display. The actual parade is planned to be held from 9/10/87 to 9/20/87. These direction signs would be in the ground and not placed on the existing poles. The signs would be approximately 10" x 12" in size and there would be anywhere from 3 to 10 signs needed per house. depending on the location of the house from a major intersection. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF THE ELK RIVER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY DIRECTION SIGNS OF APPROXIMATELY 10" X 12" IN SIZE FROM 8/27/87 TO 9/27/87 WITH THE HEIGHTS OF SIGNS AND LOCATION OF SIGNS BEING SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. Mr. Knoke also discussed with the City Council the placing of a large balloon on top of the mall to indicate the parade program that is taking place in Elk River. Consensus of the City Council was that such a balloon on top of the mall to promote this program was acceptable. Page 4 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 tit 5.2 E & 0 Tool Request for Ordinance Interpretation The Building & Zoning Administrator provided the Council with the background on the request for E & 0 Tool. This firm is requesting to construct a cold storage addition to their existing facility along Highway 10 near Orono Park. This company is currently operating under a conditional use permit. and the question before the City Council was whether such a cold storage addition constituted an amendment to their conditional use permit. The consensus of the City Council was that no action by the Council was needed and that this request did not require an amendment to the conditional use permit. Enclosed storage is a permitted use in the zone where E & 0 Tool is located and the addition would not affect their parking. drives. loading area, or landscaping. 5.3 Ordinance Vacating Streets Mayor Council format. Gunkel indicated that the proposed ordinance simply takes previous action and puts the action of vacating streets into the proper COUNCILMEMGBER TRALLE MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 87-27 WHICH IS AN ORDINANCE VACATING DESIGNATED FUTURE STREET CORRIDORS AND REPEALING THE ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 2. 1974. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. e 5.4 Other A. Main Street Condo Proposal The Building and Zoning Administrator presented a request from Mr. Dan Anderson to have a temporary structure located on West Main Street in an effort to help promote the construction of a condominium building and the selling of individual condominium homes. The Council discussed the liability of such a structure. the visibility of this structure since it is located on Main Street. and its impression upon the citizens. The Council concurred that if such a structure is allowed. that a sign be placed on the site indicating that the structure has a three week temporary permit. e COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST OF MR. DAN ANDERSON TO ALLOW A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE TO BE LOCATED ALONG MAIN STREET TO ASSIST IN THE SELLING OF CONDOMI~IUM HOUSING UNITS SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE. CITY ZONING CODE AND REVIEW BY THE BUILDING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE CONDITION THAT A SIGN BE REQUIRED TO BE LOCATED ON THE SITE (NO MORE THAN 32 SQUARE FEET) AND THAT THE BUILDING AND ZONING ADMINISTATOR CLARIFY THE CITY LIABILITY SITUATION FOR ALLOWING SUCH A STRUCTURE WITH THE CITY INSURANCE AGENT. AND. THAT THIS STRUCTURE BE REMOVED THREE WEEKS FROM THE DATE OF A PERMIT BEING ISSUED. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. Page 5 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 e Councilmember Holmgren indicated that he was opposed to such a structure based on the citizens of Elk River being allowed to go into an unfinished struct~re. the fact that teenagers may find this an attractive area at night and cause the structure to become a public nuisance. plus his concerns for insurance related issues over such a structure. THE MOTION PASSED 3-2. COUNCILMEMBERS HOLMGREN AND DOBEL OPl'OSJm. B. Agricultural Building Variance from Setback Requirement The Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that Mr. Dean Bartlow is constructing an agricultural building 250 feet from a neighboring residence. ~re~eF~' line. The City code requires a 300 foot setback and the obtaining of a permit for the construction of such a building. The location of this site is in the NE part of Elk River. The City Council consensus was that Mr. Bartlow could appear before the City Council on 9/28/87 following Planning Commission review of his setback variance on 9/22/87. C. Landfill Tours e The Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that the landfill operator. Chris Kreger. is extending a invitation to all Councilmembers to visit the landfill site and to discuss its operations. 6.1 Safety Concerns on Highway 10 at Simonet Drive Mayor Gunkel reviewed with the Council the history of the traffic concerns around Simonet intersection on Highway 10. The main concern is for west bound traffic turning off of Highway 10 onto Simonet Drive without a left turn lane. The Council reviewed a letter from Mr. Tom Eckdahl. who lives in this area. to MNDOT; the response from MNDOT to Mr. Eckdahl; and a memo from the City Engineer to the City il on this issue. (~ The Council consensus was for the staff to present a resolution to the City Council for its consideration at the 8/31/87 meeting. This resolution would request MNDOT to: install street lighting on Highway 10; place appropriate signs indicating the intersection along Highway 10; and to install reflectors at this left turn area or on the signs. 6.2 Resolutions Closing Funds and Transfering Funds e Mayor Gunkel reviewed with the Council the defeasing of two City bonds. Discussion took place on the placing of these excess funds into appropriate reserve accounts. e e e Page 7 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 6.6. Other A. Elk Hills Signal Project Mayor Gunkel reviewed with the Council a memo from Street Supertendent. Phil Hals. on the the construction time table and activities relating to signals being installed at Highway 169 and Elk Hills Drive. The project calls for the closing of the Elk Hills Drive at Highway 169 Intersection approximately three to four weeks. beginning August 31. 1987. The discussion centered on the detour routes and the placing of detour signs to inform the public of this road closing. Information showing the location of detour signs and the detour route will be presented to the City Council at its 8/31/87 meeting. B. The Tax Increment Financing District at the Refuse Derived Fuel Site The Mayor and City Administrator discussed with the City Council the concept of creating a Tax Increment Financing District around the Refuse Derived Fuel site. The revenues generated by such a district would assist in the sewer. water. water well and water storage facility construction in the western side of the community. Without such financial assistance the improvements for sewer and water in the western part of the City is not financially feasable or assessable to benefit property owners in its entirety. The City Council concurred that creating a TIF district around the RDF site and using funds created by the district to finance sewer and water improvements in the western part of Elk River was appropriate and instructed the staff to begin work on creating this TIF district. C. Police Office No. 11 The Administrator reveiwed with the City Council the proposal from the Police Chief to hire full time licensed police officers as temporary part-time City police officers. The approach the Police Chief would like to take in hiring such officers is to advertise on the POST HOTLINE. The City is previously recruited through the skills course process and through advertising for an officer with experience in order to fill the officer No. 11 position. The Council concurred that using the POST HOTLINE was an appropriate method in trying to attract qualified officers. e e e Page 6 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 87-45. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING AND TRANSFERING OF FUNDS FROM THE 1977 G.O. MFUNDING AND IMPROVEMENT BOND FUND TO THE EQUIPMENT RESERVE FUND. cOUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 87-46 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING AND TRANSFERING OF FUNDS FROM THE 1982 G.O. IMPROVEMENT BOND FUND TO THE SELF INSURANCE FUND. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. 6.3 West Main Street Bridge Replacement Resolution Mayor Gunkel Engineer and Street Bridge reviewed with the City Council the memo from the City resolution relating to the replacement of the West Main and also discussed the Draft Project Development Report. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 87-47 _ A RESOLUTION APPROVING REPLACEMENT OF THE WEST MAIN STREET BRIDGE WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. 6.4 Ordinance Amending Cable TV Franchise Mayor Gunkel reviewed with the Council the proposed ordinance and the fact that the cable TV franchise has changed from Rite Cable to Jones Intercable. The Mayor indicated that this ordinance is somewhat a formality as Jones has already assumed ownership and operation of the Cable TV Franchise. The proposed ordinance reflects agreement between the Cable Commission Attorney and the Jones Intercable Attorneys. cOt1NCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 87-28. AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CABLE TV FRANCHISE ORDINANCE. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.5 Consideration of Gravel Improvements on 218th Avenue Mayor Gunkel reviewed with the Council the results of a neighborhood meeting held with residents along 218th Avenue on Monday 8/17/87. The Mayor indicated past Council action on improving this gravel road in 1984. This Council action was not followed up by the City staff and this road has remained unimproved but maintained by the City. New petitions have been received from assessable property owners along 218th. This resolution requested the City to follow up on previous 1984 Council action and improve the gravel road and have the City assume ownership and maintenance responsibility for this road. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 87-48, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE GRAVEL IMPROVEMENT OF 218TH AVENUE AND CALLING lOR Tml CITY TO ASSUME OWNERSHIP AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY OF 218TH AVENUE. AND FURTHER THAT THE COST WOULD NOT EXCEED $700 PER OWNER. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. e 7.1 e 7.2 e Page 8 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE POLICE CHIEF TO ADVERTISE ON THE POST HOTLINE FOR TWO FULL TIME LICENSED POLICE OFFICERS TO WORK FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER IN A TEMPORARY PART TIME CAPACITY AS POLICE OFFICERS WITH THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS PER OFFICER TO NOT EXCEED 30 HOURS PER WEEK. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. D. Jarvis Street and Ramsey Northfork Development The City Administator reviewed with the Council the possibility of designating a short stretch of Jarvis Street from Highway 10 in Elk River as a MSA Route in order to facilitate the City of Ramsey Street System for the Northfork Development. It was the consensus of the City Council that the City is open to discussion on this issue but that the City Council is very concerned about future expenditures on this stretch of road relating to improvements and the need for a signalized. with arm. railroad crossing. The Council was also concerned about the number of miles available to be designated as MSA route within the City of Elk River. Councilmember Tralle - Utility Commission Update Councilmember Tralle reviewed with the City Council action taken by the Utility Commission at its last meeting held on 8/20/87. Mr. Tralle indicated that the Commission approved the water project improvements for the Industrial Park. Jackson Avenue and Main Street. Mr. Tralle further discussed with the Council the Utility Commission work on complying to the safe drinking water act. Most of the work within the City relates to a chlorination program. Mr. Tralle further indicated the Commission's concurrence to assist the Main Street business committee in the financing of street lights when this project takes place in 1988. Councilmember Tralle - Economic Development Commission Vacancy Councilmember Tralle discussed with the Council action that was taken when appointments were made to the EDC this past year. Minutes from the 2/2/87 City Council Meeting indicated a concensus of the Council to offer the next vacancy on the EDC to John Kuester. who interviewed for the Commission. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO HAVE THE ADMINISTRATOR REQUEST JOHN KUESTER TO ACCEPT A POSITION ON THE EDC WHICH WAS CREATED WITH THE RESIGNATION OF GREG HOHLEN. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. It was noted that Greg Hohlen's resignation took place six months after his appointment to the EDC and that Greg's term runs through 12/31/89. e e e Page 9 City Council Meeting August 24. 1987 7.3 Mayor Gunkel - Miscellaneous Items Mayor Gunkel stressed the need for a full Council to attend the 8/31/87 City Council meeting as a number of issues before the Council will require a four-fifth vote for approval. Mayor Gunkel further updated the Council on the City levy limit appeal. Mayor Gunkel also presented the Council with a letter she sent to the Mayors of Cities within Sherburne County discussing the FHA loan limits for new construction. 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 10:45 p.m. Patrick D. Klaers Recording Secretary