11-05-1987 CC MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 1987
Members Present:
Mayor Gunkel. Councilmembers Schuldt. Dobel. Tralle and
Holmgren
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Lori Johnson. Finance
Director; and Stephen Rohlf. Building and Zoning
Administrator
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Elk River
City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Consideration of Zone Change Request by Dirk Barrett/Public Hearing
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At a previous City Council meeting Mr. Barrett received Council approval
of an administrative subdivision. The newly created approximately 5.5
acre parcel of land was partly zoned industrial (I-1) and partly zoned
agricultural (A-1). Mr. Barrett was aware that it is against City Code
for a house to be located in an I-1 zone. He was under the impression
that the location of his house fell into the A-1 portion of the lot;
however. after close review of the site plan submitted for the building
permit. it was discovered that the house site fell within the I-1 portion
of this parcel. Therefore. Mr. Barrett is requesting a zone change from
I-1/light industrial to A-1/agricultural. The newly created agricultural
zoned parcel would be physically attached to other A-1 properties.
The Mayor opened the public hearing at this time. There being no one for
or against the item. Mayor Gunkel closed the public hearing.
The Elk River Planning Commission has reviewed the application and
unanimously recommended approval of the zone change.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 87-34 AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING THE ZONE CHANGE REQUEST BY MR. AND MRS. DIRK BARRETT FROM LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL TO AGRICULTURAL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
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Stephen Rohlf. Building and Zoning Administrator. stated that the
Planning Commission recommended to the City Council that the land use map
not be changed because of this zoning amendment. This recommendation
came from the Planning Commission to the City Council in spite of the
fact that the land use map shows this property as medium industrial. Mr.
Rohlf stated that the Planning Commission's recommendation was based on
the fact that 1) this property is attached to other agriculturally zoned
property which is also shown as medium industrial on the land use map; 2)
that to amend the land use map for Mr. Barrett's parcel of land would
create an isolated agricultural zone on the land use map; and 3) that the
land use map will be updated in the very near future per recommendation
from the Growth Management Plan Task Force.
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO NOT CHANGE THE LAND USE MAP TO REFLECT THE
RECENT ZONING AMENDMENT FOR MR. BARRETT BASED ON THE COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PLANNING COMMI SSION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
3. Consideration of Proposed 1988 City Budget
Mayor Gunkel stated that the staff has prepared a balanced budget for
1988. The Mayor further reviewed the three revenue options discussed by
the Council at its September 29. 1987. meeting and how these different
revenue options affected various expenditure proposals. The Finance
Director and City Administrator then briefly reviewed the changes from
the September 29. 1987. budget proposal discussion that allowed the staff
to present a balanced budget at this time. Total expenditures and
revenues are projected in the amount of $1.742.550. This reflects an
approximately 19% increase over the adopted 1987 City budget.
REVENUES...At the 9/29/87 City Council meeting. revenue option #2 was
portrayed as being the most realistic option for the Council to evaluate.
Changes from this $1.667.400 revenue projection included:
Adding $10.000 as a juvenile officer State grant;
adding $1.500 under administrative project fees;
adding $1.000 under plan check fees;
deleting $5.350 under the school liaison program;
adding $1.000 to fire calls and contracts;
adding $1.000 to interest;
adding $17.000 to contributions/Municipal Utilities;
adding $1.000 under refunds and reimbursements;
deleting $10.000 from liquor transfers;
adding $50.000 from liquor store reserves;
adding $1,000 from sewer transfer;
The increase from revenue option #2 was $75.150.
EXPENDITURES...From the 9/29/87 expenditure proposal. the City had to cut
$21.750. The main reason the amount of cuts was so low was because of
the decision to add $50.000 from the liquor store cash reserves to the
revenue section of the budget. It was noted by the Administrator that
the use of non-reoccurring revenues to balance the General Fund City
Budget is not a practice that should be continued in future years. It is
being proposed to be done in 1988 as revenues. and especially revenues
from the Municipal Utilities. are anticipated to increase in future
years. The reductions from the 9/29/87 expenditure proposal are as
follows:
$500 from the Mayor and Council;
$4.000 from economic development;
$1.000 from building and zoning;
$1.000 from data processing;
$1.000 from planning;
$1.000 from engineering;
$3.500 from government buildings;
$3.000 from police;
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
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$2.350 from streets;
$1.000 from equipment repair maintenance;
$400 from parks;
$500 from recreation;
$2.500 from contingency.
It was noted by the staff that the rest of the General Fund budget
catagories are proposed to remain the same as discussed at the 9/29/87
meeting. Additionally. no changes are proposed for the special revenue
budgets.
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1988 GENERAL FUND CITY BUDGET IN
THE AMOUNT OF $1,742.550. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1988 EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE
SPECIAL REVENUE BUDGET FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY ITEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$108,100. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
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COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1988 SPECIAL REVENUE BUDGETS
(WHICH INCLUDE THE LIBRARY. DUTCH ELM. INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT.
SANITARY LANDFILL. HRA. EDA. AND CITY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS) AS PRESENTED.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The City Administrator discussed with the Council action that was taken
at the 9/29/87 meeting regarding contributions to the Fire Department
Retirement Fund from the City's General Fund. At this 9/29/87 meeting. a
motion was approved by the Council to contribute 50% of the prior years'
State contribution to the Fire Department Retirement Fund. The
Administrator stated that this retirement fund and the amount that is
offered to fire fighters and new recruits to the Volunteer Fire
Department is a major incentive for obtaining and retaining quality
volunteer fire fighters. However. the Administrator was also concerned
that this contribution from the City's General Fund could get
unreasonably high if the State contribution continues to increase. The
Administrator stated that it would be appropriate for the Council to
qualify the motion made at the last meeting and either put a cap on the
amount of money to be contributed from the City's General Fund. and have
the contribution reevaluated once it approached that cap. or to
reevaluate this position annually. The Council indicated that since the
entire General Fund City Budget is approved by the entire City Council
annually. that they are. in affect. evaluating that contribution on an
annual basis.
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COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO CONTINUE THE CITY'S POLICY OF CONTRIBUTING
50% OF THE PRIOR YEARS STATE CONTRIBUTION TO THE VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT RETIREMENT FUND. BUT THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL EVALUATE THE
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION ANNUALLY. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
It was noted by the City Council that it is important to keep the
Volunteer Fire Department Retirement Fund fully funded. but also that the
retirement benefits being offered should be kept at a reasonable and
practical level. It was requested that the Fire Department provide data
on the funding of the Volunteer Fire Department Retirement Fund within
the background information for future City Budgets.
The City Administrator noted that the final components of the budget
document are the liquor store enterprise budget. sanitary sewer
enterprise budget. and the 1988 pay plan. The liquor store and sanitary
sewer budgets will be provided to the Council in the City Administrator's
informational memo. If needed. these budgets could be discussed by the
Council at any future Council meeting. Additionally. the 1988 City
employee pay plan is anticipated to be presented to the Council for its
consideration and approval in early December. 1987. Following approval
of the pay plan and review of the sewer and liquor store budgets. the
1988 budget document will be bound and distributed.
4.
Review of Community Development Coordinator Applicants
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The City Administrator indicated that this item was on the agenda as
interviews for the position were held with the two finalists on October
22. 1987. The other two of the four finalists withdrew their names from
consideration prior to interviews before the City Council. The
Administrator acknowledged that a consensus was reached at the October
26. 1987, meeting on this position but that he was not in attendance at
this meeting. and would like to hear Council discussion on this issue.
Mayor Gunkel stated that this position is vitally important to the City
of Elk River and also that it was important to have a qualified person
hired as soon as possible. Mayor Gunkel indicated that in spite of the
10/26/87 Council consensus to readvertise this position. she thought that
one of the two candidates interviewed was qualified in the areas of
education. experience and right approach to interface well with Council.
staff. committees and the public. Councilmember Tralle concurred with
the Mayor's point of view.
Citizen and Economic Development Commission member. Larry Toth. stated
that if the City readvertises for this position and does not hire until
March. 1988. that the City would fall another six months behind in the
City's proposed economic development program.
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Councilmember Holmgren stated that he has not changed his position which
agreed with the consensus reached at the 10/26/87 meeting, and that he
strongly believes the Council did not have a sufficient number of
qualified finalists to interview and select a candidate from. Mr.
Holmgren believed that for such a vital City position. the Council
deserved the opportunity to look at more than two qualified applicants.
Councilmember Holmgren went on to state that his number one criteria for
a staff person in this position was to have relevant municipal experience
so that the individual can take the lead in guiding the City in an
economic development plan rather than having to be trained in by other
staff members and the economic development consultant.
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
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Councilmember Dobel and Schuldt concurred with the statements of
Councilmember Holmgren.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT TO READVERTISE AND REINTERVIEW FOR A CITY
STAFF POSITION TITLED "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR. n COUNCILMEMBER
DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-2. MAYOR GUNKEL AND
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION.
The City Administrator indicated that this position would be readvertised
as an Economic Development Coordinator and that in an effort to attract
as many qualified individuals as possible. no salary range would be
listed. It would simply be stated in the advertisement that the salary
would be negotiable. depending upon qualifications. Additionally. the
Administrator indicated that in an effort to attract municipal employees
to apply for this position that a letter would be sent to approximately
20 metropolitan suburban communities which would request the posting of
this opening so that notice of the position opening in Elk River could
reach as many candidates as possible. The Economic Development
Consultant will provide the City with a revised job description for this
position.
5.
Richard Hinkle/Reappointment to the HRA
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The Administrator notified the Council that he has contacted HRA
Commissioner Richard Hinkle and informed him that his term on the HRA has
expired. Mr. Hinkle has expressed a desire to be reappointed to the HRA
and Mr. Hinkle understands that as the newly created Economic Development
Authority begins to get active in economic development. that the HRA may
be disbanded.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO REAPPOINT RICHARD HINKLE TO A FIVE YEAR
TERM ON THE HRA. EXPIRING 8/31/92. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. VFW Gambling License (pull tabs) for the Elk River Bowl
The City Council had no objection to this gambling license renewal by the
VFW to sell pull tabs at the Elk River Bowl. Accordingly. no action was
taken by the Council to deny or approve this request.
7.
Consideration on Filling Vacant Police Officer Positions
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Chief of Police. Tom Zerwas. was present to discuss with the City Council
the status of his police force. Mr. Zerwas indicated his concern over
losing his experienced officers to better paying positions in the
metropolitan area. This invariably leads to the hiring of "rookie"
officers and the overall age of the officers patrolling in Elk River is
getting younger all the time. Mr. Zerwas indicated that the Council has
previously authorized him to advertise for temporary part time help but
that with the changing of Officer Vita to the juvenile force. he would
like to hire one of these proposed temporary part time officers on a
permanent full time basis.
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
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COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO HIRE DAVE DUMMER AS A PERMANENT FULL TIME
POLICE OFFICER AT THE ENTRY PAY LEVEL AND THAT THE ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY
PERIOD WOULD BE IN AFFECT. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE HIRING. AS A TEMPORARY PART
TIME POLICE OFFICER, KIMBERLY HOLLAND AND THAT IF KIMBERLY REACHES THE
END OF THE 120 WORK DAY TEMPORARY STATUS THAT THE COUNCIL BE NOTIFIED
PRIOR TO HER EMPLOYMENT STATUS WITH THE CITY CONTINUING. COUNCILMEMBER
TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO HAVE THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ADVERTISE FOR TWO
PERMANENT FULL TIME POLICE OFFICERS AT THE FOURTH OR FIFTH PAY LEVEL.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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This last motion was made in an effort to attract experienced police
officers to equal out the average age of the Elk River Police Force and
to provide some guidance for the younger officers currently on board.
Discussion on attracting experienced officers related to the City five
year pay plan versus the three year pay plans that are common in
metropolitan suburban communities. It was noted that this pay plan issue
is an item that would most likely receive the attention of union
representatives during the contract negotiations in 1988.
The Chief of Police. Mr. Zerwas. indicated that the City is rece1v1ng
more General Fund revenues than estimated in 1987. and asked Council
permission to purchase two portable radios for the officers. He noted
that these items are not budgeted. but that since total General Fund
Revenues are projected to exceed total General Fund Expenditures in 1987.
that it would be more appropriate. in his judgement. to purchase these
radios now than to try and locate available funding in 1988. The Finance
Director. Lori Johnson. concurred with this recommendation.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO APPROVE THE POLICE PURCHASE OF TWO PORTABLE
RADIOS FOR THE POLICE FORCE. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
8. Posting of No Parking Signs
The Council reviewed a memo from Street/Park Superintendent. Phil Hals.
regarding the posting of no parking signs on Lowell Avenue. The Council
also discussed the parking situation on 5th Avenue between 169 and Twin
Lakes Road.
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COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO POST LOWELL AVENUE. SOUTH OF MAIN STREET. AS
NO PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD AND TO POST NO PARKING SIGNS ON 5TH
STREET ON THE SOUTH SIDE FROM BALDWIN AVENUE TO HIGHWAY 169 AND ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF 5TH STREET FROM TWIN LAKES ROAD (COUNTY ROAD 13) TO HIGHWAY
169. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-
O.
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City Council Minutes
November 5. 1987
9. Other Business
Finance Director. Lori Johnson. informed the Council that Milo Henneman.
President of Roma Tool and Plastics. Inc. has requested a one year
deferral for the pay back of his company's working capital loan which was
to begin in April. 1988. Mayor Gunkel indicated the importance of
keeping Roma Tool and Plastics. Inc. a healthy company in Elk River and
that some of the pay back funds were to be placed in a City revolving
loan fund program. However. Mayor Gunkel also stated that it is
important for the City to know that Roma Tool and Plastics. Inc. truly
needs a total deferral of this pay back. and accordingly. that the
financial books of this company should be reviewed. Discussion was held
on why the deferral was needed and also the need to examine the financial
condition of this company before granting the request of Mr. Henneman.
COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE MOVED TO DELAY ACTION ON THI S REQUEST FOR A ONE YEAR
DEFERRAL OF THE PAY BACK OF THE WORKING CAPITAL LOAN UNTIL THE FINANCIAL
ANALYSIS OF THE ROMA TOOL AND PLASTICS. INC. COULD BE MADE AND
VERIFICATION OBTAINED FOR THE NEED TO POSTPONE THE PAYBACK OF THIS LOAN.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The City Administrator briefly updated the Council on the upcoming City
of Elk River employee Christmas party and on the proposed Elk River
advertisement in the Sherburne County Plat book that is done every five
years.
Counci1member Holmgren stated his concern about the traffic pattern
around the Bullseye Arcade area along Railroad Drive. It was the general
consensus of the Council that this is a situation that should be
thoroughly evaluated in the future and that the Council would like to
discuss this traffic issue with the City Engineer.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER TRALLE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
7/7)r/!
,I y I)/cu~
Pat rick Klaers
City Administrator