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07-01-1985 CC MIN . 1 REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY MONDAY. JULY 1. 1985 Members Present: Mayor Hinkle. Councilmembers Schuldt, Engstrom, Williams and Gunkel. Members Absent: None 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Hinkle. 2 . Agenda Items 9~ - Sidewalk, HC - Sof tball Field Name, HB - Flag, HE - Star City Program. and llF - Report on Industrial Park were added to the agenda. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 1.1985 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA~AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 3. Consider Minutes of the June 17, 1985 City Council Meeting Councilmember Gunkel indicated that the motion referring to the Elk River Plaza Multi-Family housing site plan review should state "that the Elk River Plaza Multi-Family housing site plan be referred back to the Planning Commission as a public hearing for their review of the changes sited." COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 17. 1985 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 4. Open Mike, No one appeared for this item. 5A. Administrative Subdivision request by Mr. Art Peterson The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Peterson is requesting an administrative subdivision to split off a 10.89 acre parcel from the present 29.83 acre parcel. The City Administrator further indicated that both parcels abut a public road. The City Administrator further indicated that a new legal description should be provided because the existing legal description includes the easement, and further stated that the easement should not be included ina legal description for a parcel of property. Mayor Hinkle opened the public hearing. No one appeared for or in opposition of this item. Mayor Hinkle closed the public hearing. Mr. Mark Weber, a neighboring resident of the property in question, was present and inquired about procedures for administrative subdivisions. COUNCILMEMBERENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION REQUESTED BY MR. ART PETERSON OF 19993 l82ND AVE. IN BIG LAKE, MINNESOTA FOR LAND HE OWNS ON COUNTY ROAD 32 LOCATED NORTH AND WEST OF THE HOBBIT HILLS SUBDIVISION. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4"'-0. ., City Council Minutes July 1. 1985 Page Two 5B. Request for Administrative Subdivision by John Plaisted Mr. Plaisted indicated that he was requesting an administrative subdivision to split approximately twenty two acres into three separate parcels consisting of one parcel of approximately one acre in size, one parcel approximately four acres in size and the remaining acres consisting of approximately seventeen acres in size. Mr. Plaisted further indicated that the proposed property abuts Highway #10 and is zoned as C-3A/Highway Commercial. The City Administrator indicated that there was a proposed road easement con- necting each of the three parcels and further stated that a private road agree- ment would have to be entered into with the City of Elk River. Further discussion was carried on regarding the moratorium on private roads. It was determined that the moratorium set for private roads was for roads connecting to a gravel road, and it was further indicated that the road in Plaisted's subdivision was an asphalt road. It was further indicated that this moratorium on private roads would not affect Plaisted's subdivision. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she was under the impression that the objective for the private road moratorium was to control growth and development of the subdivision. Mayor Hinkle opened the public hearing. No one appeared for or in opposition of the item. Mayor Hinkle closed the public hearing. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he felt he would vote in favor of the sub- division as long as there could be access to tract A. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION REQUESTED BY JOHN PLAISTED FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG HIGHWAY 10 WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE PROPOSED EASEMENT ON THE PROPERTY BE PROPERLY CONNECTED AND THAT A PRIVATE ROAD AGREEMENT BE ENTERED INTO WITH THE CITY-OF ELK RIVER. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 6. Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Construction of Water Tower Some members of the Utilities Col111ll1ilssion were present. Terry Maurer. the City's Consulting Engineer was present and indicated that the water construction bids were on two different sizes and two different styles of water towers. Mr. Terry Maurer further indicated that there were two bidders and further stated that the City ended up with one bid for each alternate. Terry Maurer indicated that the bids were as follows: Hydrostorage Inc. . 750.000 gallon hydropillar - $453.340 1,000.000 gallon hydropillar - $537.245 NaCon Services, Inc.750,000 gallon pedestal - $445.100 1.000,000 gallon pedestal - $566.400 ~ City Council Minutes July 1, 1985 Page Three Terry Maurer indicated that the Utilities Commission had decided to recommend the one million gallon hydropillar tank for $537,245 to the City Council. Mr. Maurer further indicated that the feasibility report for the one million gallon hydropillar tank was estimated at 1.1 million dollars for the project cost. Mr. Maurer indicated that a twenty four inch water main extension still has to be made up to the site which will be an approximate $120,000 improvement. Mr. Maurer further indicated that land costs and legal costs will also have to be included in the total costs. Mr. Maurer stated that the water tower itself is only one part of the project but further indicated that it is a major portion of it. Mr. Maurer indicated that the feasibility study for 1.1 million dollars is more than likely an over estimate. Terry Maurer further indicated that the Utilities Commission and the Engineering firm for the City of Elk River felt there was a need for a one million gallon tank and requested that the City Council award the bid for the one million gallon hydropillar tank by Hydrostorage, Inc. Members of the Utilities Commission indicated that the one million gallon hydvopillar tank was $250,000 lower than the estimate for that' size tank. It was further indicated that the Utilities Commission felt the hydropillar would be better than the pedestal because there would be more storage in the base of the hydropillar model. It was indicated that the hydropillar could house 2,100 square feet in the base which would be needed in the future for a water treatment facility. The Utilities further indicated that the disadvantage of the hydropillar tank to the pedestal tank would be future maintenance costs in the painting of the tank. Mr. Rupp of NaCon Services was present and presented the Council with a pedestal style water tower for their examination. Mr. Rupp also had pictures of the pedestal style water tower for the Council's examination. The Council questioned what the difference in the diameter of the bases of the water tower would be. Mr. Rupp indicated that there would be twenty eight feet in diameter of the bottom of the pedestal as to compared to fifty-two feet in the hydropillar tower. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM HYDROSTORAGE, INC. FOR THE ONE MILLION GALLON HYDROPILLAR TANK FOR $537,245. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. Councilmernber Schuldt indicated he felt there was an extra advantage with the storage space in the hydropillar style and also that it was less expensive than the pedestal style. Councilmernber Schuldt stated that he liked the appearance of the hydropillar better than the pedestal style. Councilmernber Engstrom indicated he felt the pedestal style was more attractive but further indicated he would have to go along with the Utilities Commission recommendation with the hydropillar style. Councilmernber Gunkel brought up the question regarding the storage in the bottom of the tank and who would be able to use that storage. She questioned whether it would be the City's or the Utility's to use. Members from the Utilities Commission indicated that in the long term the water department would have use for it to house a water treatment facility, but further indicated that in the near future there would be no use for it, and they could see no reason why the City could City Council Minutes July 1, 1985 Page Four 1 not use the space for storage. Councilmember Gunkel further questioned whether the Utilities would: be respon$ib1:e for future maintenance of the tank. It was indicated that the Utilities would be responsible. Discussion was held regarding the color of thewa ter tower. Councilmember Gunkel felt a light beige with the darker brown lettering and the Elk would be attractive. Councilmember Williams stated he agreed with Councilmember Gunkel. Terry Maurer indicated he could send a request for the paint chips with the contract documents. It was the consensus of the City Council to go with Terry Maurer's recommendation to send for the paint chips and as soon as they are received to decide on the color of the water tower. 7. Proposed Sign for Elk River Plaza The City Administrator indicated !that the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed sign for the Elk River Plaza at their June 25, 1985 Planning Commission Meeting. The City Administrator further indicated that the Planning Commission generally agreed that the sign was well designed but that the scale may not be appropriate and may have a detrimental affect on the surrounding properties. Mr. Del Blocher, president of Blocher Outdoor Advertising, Inc., was present and he informed the City Council that the height of the sign was forty six to forty eight feet overall and further indicated that the height was determined by the size of the letter stating Elk River Mall and the position of the sign in contrast to Highway 169. Mr. Blocher further indicated that the sign would be thirty feet away from the building and stated that the sign was going next to the sidewalk area. Mr. Blocher further indicated that the sign was approximately 450 feet from Highway 169. Mr. Blocher stated that the lettering on the sign would be three feet,nine inches in size. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that on the site plan she had noted there were three locations shown for signage and was questioning whether there would be two other signs going in after this sign was approved. Mr. Blocher stated that this sign would be the only sign if it were approved by the City Council. Mr. Blocher further stated that because of the size of this sign, it would be taking the place of the other two proposed signs. ~ ~v . ~ COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSEDLSIGN FOR THE ELK RIVER/BY BLOCHER OUTDOOR ADVERTISING INC. WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THIS BE THE ONLY SIGN IN THE ELK RIVER MALL AND FURTHER THAT THE SIGN BE SIXTEEN FEET BY FORTY-TWO FEET IN SIZE. COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS SECONDED THE MOTION. Councilmember Schuldt questioned whether the Planning Commission was aware of the loca tion where the proposed sign was to be placed. The City Adminis trator indicated that he felt the Planning Commission was not aware of the exact location where the sign was to be placed. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Discussion was carried on regarding the signage to be placed on the outside of the mall for each individual retailer. Mr. Blocherdndicated that the letters will all be of the same color scheme and that the residents will have a choice of three different tlypes of lettering to choose from. ---, City Council Minutes July 1, 1985 Page Five Councilmember Schuldt stated he would like to make another motion regarding the water tower to adopt the Resolution. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 85-23, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACT FOR WATER TOWER TO HYDROSTORAGE, INC. FOR A ONE MILLION GALLON HYDROPILLAR WATER TOWER AT $537,245. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0. 8. Interim Wage Rates for Office Staff The City Administrator indicated that the City Council at their April 8, 1985, meeting approved the salary of Joan Geroy for a temporary increase to $7.00 per hour. The City Administrator further indicated that Ms. Geroy's salary was to cease when the new City Administrator began work. The City Administrator in- dicated that since Joan Geroy is performing the same duties now as she was per- forming when the City Administrator started work, he would recommend the contin- uationof her salary at $7.00 per hour until a permanent wage rate has been established for the position. The City Administrator further indicated that Sharon Maue had agreed to replace Sandy Thackeray's position as part time Building and Zoning Secretary a.t a rate of $6.35 per hour for five hours per day. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO CONTINUE JOAN GEROY'S SALARY AT $7.00 PER HOUR UNTIL A PERMANENT WAGE RATE IS ESTABLISHED FOR THE POSITION. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 9. Consideration of Letter of Appreciation to Chamber of Commerce COMMISSIONER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE CITY FACILITIES REFERENDUM. COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 9B. Sidewalk The City Administrator indicated that the Street Superintendent, Phil Ha1s, had requested that the Council consider replacing the sidewalk that runs parallel-tg, and on the south side of, Highway 1110 by the municipal parking lot. The City Administrator further indicated that Phil Ha1s was requesting the removal of the hand rail and the installation of a bituminous curb paral.1eling the sidewalk at the edge of the parking lot. The City Administrator further indicated that the cost involved would be $66.57 for sidewalk removal, $2,160 for sidewalk replacement and $300 for material and rentals for the Street Department to install an asphalt curbing along the parking lot. The City Administrator further indicated that the funds could be drawn from the MSA discretionary fund. Discussion was held re- garding the sidewalk. Discussion was further held regarding the hand rail and who would be liable if someone should get hurt because of there being no hand rail. COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 10A.Tax Increment Financing Plan for Guardian Angels The City Administrator indicated that the Guardian Angels Foundation had requested an extension of Third Street to be part of the tax increment finance district, and recently have abandoned their request. The City Administrator indicated that --.-, City Council Minutes July 1, 1985 Page Six he had forwarded this request to the School Board so as to get comments back from them by Wednesday. The City Administrator further stated that if the School Board and the County Board get back to the City in time, the. City could continue with the public hearing as scheduled. The City Administrator also indicated that the legal description will be changed for the tax increment district to relocate the parking lot. 10B.Bridge Dedication It was indicated that the bridge dedication was moved to July 24th because of problems with the railing. It was indicated that the railing was damaged and must be sent back to the manufacturer. 11A.Report on League of Minnesota Cities 1985 Conference Counci1member Gunkel stated she had attended the conference and gave reports on some of the workshops she had attended. Counci1member Gunkel reported on the following workshops: Different Personality Types, Information Systems, Economic Development, Emergency Management and Hazardous Waste and Emergency Planning. Counci1membea:- Gunkel indicated she felt the emergency management workshop was one of the best sessions she had attended. She further indicated she would like to see some type of plan implemented in the City of Elk River. Discussion was held regarding emergency situations and what type of action could possibly be taken if an emergency should ever occur in the City of Elk River. 11B. Review of City Facilities Referendum It was the consensus of the City Council to hold a special committee meeting with department heads regarding the City facilities referendum. The meeting will be held Monday, July 8, 1985 at the Elk River Public Library. 11C. Softball Field Mayor Hinkle indicated that the softball field complex was finished and that the ribbon-breaking ceremony would be held Tuesday nigh t. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that he felt the softball field should be named. Discussion was held regarding the naming of the softball field. Nothing was determined at that time. UD. Flag Mayor Hinkle indicated that he had received complaints on the flag in the City and questioned whether a new flag would be put up by the 4th of July. The City Administrator indicated that Phil Ha1s had contacted UpA and they were going to get a new flag up before the fourth of July. Discussion was held regarding the flag and the cos t to replace the flag and to raise and lower it. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City is intending to put up an apparatus so that the City can raise and lower their own flag and not have to pay UPA to do it. 11E. Star Cities The City Administrator indicated that the Star Cities Committee has a meeting coming up on July 17. The City Administrator further indicated that the Star Cities had requested the City Administrator to seek direction from the Council City Council Minutes July I, 1985 Page Seven as to what type of assistance the City can provide to the Star Cities Connnittee. The Star Cities Committee had indicated that they were in need of secretarial help such as typing and stuffing of envelopes and also a secretary to take minutes of the meetings. The City Administrator indicated that he had a meeting with Dick Gongoll and Mayor Hinkle and discussed the Star Cities budget for 1986, the possibility of simplifying the City Ordinance and making bylaws. The City Administrator further indicated that mainly the Star Cities was concerned with what type of involvement the City would like to have with this group. The City Administrator further indicated that replacing of committee members who have moved out of town was also discussed. Mayor Hinkle stated he felt a simple ordinance and a fifteen member committee is what the Star Cities should strive for. Councilmember Gunkel stated that the Star Cities should be able to use the City's computer to store any information. Discussion was held regarding the City providing someone to do the minutes and to help with the secretarial services involved. Discussion was held regarding the position of financial advisor being directly involved with the Economic Development Commission. llF. Industrial Park The City Administrator indicated that an extension of street on Industrial Boulevard had been proposed and that a preliminary study had been done by CED in January of 1985. The City Administrator further indicated that costs for road construction, curb and gutter etc. had to be determined. The City Administrator further indicated that Terry Maurer of Maier Stewart and Assoc., had offered to finfsh the feasibility study and address the financing for cornr pletion of the Industrial Park. It was the consensus of the City Council that Terry Maurer of Maier Stewart continue and finish with the feasibility study for the extension of the street on Industrial Boulevard. Mayor Hinkle addressed the City Administrator and stated that he has been pleased with the job he had done so far, and further indicated he had appreciated the extra effort the City Administrator has put in on the job. 12. Liquor Licenses The City Administrator indicated there were a number of liquor licenses to be approved. The Administrator further indicated that all were renewals except for Dino's Pizza which was a new license taken over by a new owner. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF THE LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION CONDITIONAL UPON THEM PAYING THE LIQUOR FEES BY AUGUST 1ST. Councilmember Gunkel withdrew her motion. City Council Minutes July I, 1985 Page Eigh t ----, Discussion was held regarding the fact that liquor establishments continue to operate even though they have not paid their license fees which are due by July 1st. It was the consensus of the City Council that if the license fee were not paid, the liquor operation would be suspended. It was further felt that each liquor establishment should be notified that they must pay for their license before they will be granted a license renewal. It was further stated that the liquor establishments should be given one week after the date of notification to pay the license fee at which time the liquor license would be suspended if not paid. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF. THE LIQUOR LICENSE ABPLICATIONS WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE LICENSE FEE BE PAID, OR THE LICENSE BE SUSPENDED. COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 13. Check Register Councilmember Schuldt questioned Jim LaDuke's check for a badge, the $240 phone bill for the Police Department and the John Oliver Site Plan for the Star Cities. J~m LaDuke's check was held out for the badge until further information could be provided. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CHECK FOR JIM LADUKE'S BADGE. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. Phil Hals arrived at 10:10 p.m. Discussion was brought back regarding the side- walk on Highway 1110 by the City's municipal parking lot. Phil Hals, the City's Street Superintendent cleared up all questions the Councilmembers had regarding the sidewalk. COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS MOVED TO APPROVE THE PLANS SUBMITTED BY PHIL HALS, THE CITY'S STREET SUPERINTENDENT, FOR THE SIDEWALK THAT RUNS PARALLEL TO, AND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF, HIGHWAY 10 BY THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4~0. The Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~ Sandra Thackeray Administrative Secretary