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01-03-1983 CC MIN --, REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY JANUARY 3. 1983 Members Present: Mayor Hinkle. Councilmembers Schuldt. Engstrom. Duitsman.andGui1kel Members Absent: None 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Hinkle. 2. Administration of Official Oath to Councilmember Gunkel The City Administrator administered the official oath of office to newly-elected Councilmember Estelle Gunkel. 3. Agenda Item 11a - Snowplowing operations. was moved to Item 5~. Item 8~ - the Adam's Furniture Parking Lot. Item lId. - License Application for Danceland. and Item lIe. - the Dam Problem. Were added to the January 3. 1983 City Council Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 3. 1983 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER.DUITSMAN.SECONDEDTHE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 4. Minutes COUNCILMEMBERDUITSMANMOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 20. 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 5. Open Mike Mr. Tony Jarmolul< appeared before the Council questioning the City's ordinance re- garding the removal of snow on sidewalks. Mr. Jarmoluk indicated that if the City did not have an ordinance addressing snow removal on the sidewalks. the downtown people are requesting that the City Council adopt such an ordinance. Councilmember Duitsman suggested the City Council refer the removal of snow on the sidewalks to the Planning Commissi~n. The City Administrator indicated that an or- dinance addressing the clearing of snow on the sidewalks is not the jurisdiction of the Planning Commission. Mayor Hinkle suggested that the City staff research the possibility of an ordinance and also research what other commurlities have done and then bring a recommendation back to the City Council. It was the general consensus of the City Council that the City Staff research the possibility of an ordinance addressing snow removal on the sidewalks in the City of Elk River. Mr. Erwin Specht appeared before the City Council to request that the City Council authorize repair work to be done on Jarvis Street. Mr. Specht indicated that the street is almost impassable and that if a bus got stuck out on that street it would be impossible to get it out. General discussion was carried on regarding the condition of Jarvis Street and the townships and counties that are responsible for Jarvis Street. Further discussion City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Two -, was carried on regarding repair or improvement of the street. Mr. Phil Hals, City Street Superintendent, indicated that the City could grade the street and knock off the high spots but that it would be difficult to im- prove it for a long. term, as the ice and moisture keep coming up. Mr. Specht in- dicated that if the road would get any worse, he will not send the buses in. Mr. Specht further requested the City to improve the turn-around at Schroeders, a cul'-de-sac off Highway 1110. Mr. Ernie Koehler, representative of Burns Township, indicated that Jarvis Street needs to be rebuilt and that Burns Township would help pay for the im- provement. Mayor Hinkle suggested that the road be improved with all townships and counties affected involved in the cost of the improvement. Councilmember Engstrom indicated that the improvement of the township roads is one of the priorities that the City Council has set for 1983. It was the general consensus of the City Council to authorize City staff to notify the other town- ships and the counties involved and coordinate an agreement to get Jarvis Street improved by spring. 5~. Snowplowing Operations Mayor Hinkl e introduced Mr . Phil Hals, the City's new Street Superintendent. The City Administrator indicated that with the size of the storm that hit the City of Elk River on December 28th and the City Street Department staff, down by one full-time person and a superintendent, it was his feeling that the De- partment did an exceptional job, 'With the equipment and personnel available, to get the streets opened and proceed to get the snow removed. The City Administra- tor indicated that all but one of the snowplows were out. The City Administrator further indicated that with the City's capabilities, a typical eight inch snowfall could be easily taken care of, but with sixteen inches of snow, it obviously takes much longer to get the snow removed and streets opened. The City Administrator indicated that everyone cannot be first and that it is inevitable in a storm such as the City had, that some streets would be missed. Mr. Darrell Mack, acting Street Superintendent, indicated that the crew started at five a.m. on Tu~sday ,December 28th. Mr. Mack indicated that the first thing the department had to do was get the emergency vehicles going, specifically, the police department and the County Sheriff's department. Mr. Mack indicated that it took approximately three hours to get the plows out and moving, as the V- plows were needed and they had not been used since 1975. Mr. Mack indicated that from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, until 12:00 Tuesday night, five plows were plowing snow. Mr. Mack indicated that he came in at 5:00 a.m. Wednesda.Ymorning and the rest of the crew came in at 9:30 p.m.Wednesday and worked until 5:30 p.m. We<inesdaynight and then came back to work at 11: 00 p.m. to begin removing snow. Mr. Mack indicated that with the crew he had and the hours the men worked, it was the very best he could do. City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Three 1 The City Administrator indicated that it was the policy to get the streets opened with at least one pass, and that the Street Department would then come back at a later time and widen and remove snow. The City Administrator further indicated that generally, the next day is scheduled for removing snow out of the downtown area. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City was caught with two people short and that with the 16 inch snow storm, it was very difficult to get everything done as it should be scheduled. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the first thing that should be done would be the hiring of a part-time person to be available to come in and help, should such an emergency arise. Mayor Hinkle suggested that City staff look into the possibility of contracting with other townships or an independent contractor for the plowing of the far outlying short streets within the City of Elk River, as it takes a long time for the City's Street Department to get to those streets. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City should have been better prepared with staff and further indicated that in view of the situation and the storm, he is very proud of the way the department got the work done. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City has other problems that need to be addressed, specifically, slippery streets. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that School Street spould be a high priority and should be sanded as much as neces- sary to keep the street a safe route. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City should look at this problem and do more sanding as necessary. The City Administrator indicated that it is the City's policy to hit the high priority areas as much as possible with sanding operations. General discussion was carried on regarding specific intersections requiring sanding and the means of getting that sanding work accomplished. Mr. Lloyd Barthel suggested to the City Council that the City Council consider contracting with an independent contractor for snowrernoval during extreme emer- gencies like the City has just experienced. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he supported the idea of contracting. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the City could not afford to have equipment and personnel on a permanent basis but that he felt the work could be contracted out on an emergency basis. The City Administrator indicated that he did not feel contracting was the answer. Mr. Don Schumacher indicated that he felt the City should hire part-time people and keep the equipment going even through the week end in order to get the snow out of the downtown area. The City Administrator indicated that .it was the de- cision to stop the snow rernoval operation over the holiday weekend and start again on Monday night. Mr. Schumacher indicated that he did not agree with that decision. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City has 69 miles of streets and therefore, it is impossible to get them all plowed immediately. Larry Toth indicated that he felt the plowing of the street for the fire de- partment should be a priority of the City. Discussion was carried on regarding the area of the downtown that the Street Department removes the snow from, that is, how far west on Main Street is the snow removed and how far north of the railroad tracks. City Council Minutes January 3. 1983 Page Four Councilmember Gunkel indicated that if plowing the fire department building is a priority. what arrangements Were made to get the fire department personnel out of their homes to the fire trucks. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that a system of snow removal priorities should be defined in order to let people know what to expect. Mr. Darrell Mack indicated that the nursing home. Main Street. the clinics, and the Fire Department are the Number One priorities for snow plowing. The City Administrator indicated that there is a wide range of personnel in the emergency category. Mayor Hinkle suggested that the City have a civil defense organization for emergencies. Mr. Bill Dollansky questioned who marks fire hydrants. as he knocked Dne down with a plow. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the fire hydrants was the responsibility of the Elk River Utilities. Councilmember Engstrom indicated that the marking of the fire hydrants would be a good volunteer program for Boy Scouts or 4-H'ers. Discussion was carried on regarding the removal of the snow on the Old Highway 11101 Bridge. Councilmember Duitsman asked that the Street Department remove the snow from the sidewalk on the north. side of Main Street. Mr. Darrell Mack indicated that the Standard Station and the Conoco Station pushed the snow from. their parking lot onto the sidewalk. The City Administrator indicated that the City then hauls the snow away and bills the stations for snow removal. Further discussion was carried on regarding the issuing of parking tickets in the downtown area. The City Administrator indicated that parking tickets were not issued for parking in the downtown area other than for snow birds. 6. First Council Meeting Annual Business Mayor Hinkle indicated that in designating the Vice-Mayor. the City Council should consider the fact that the Vice-Mayor is often called upon to sign applications. checks and other related documents and therefore. it would be helpful that the Vice-Mayor be readily accessible during the City's business day. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he would be interested in the Vice-Mayor position but would not be readily accessible for signatures and therefore, would not be able to volunteer for that position. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he is availa- ble to the City staff during the City's business day and therefore. would be willing to serve as Vice-Mayor. Councilmember Gunkel nominated Councilmember Schuldt as Vice-Mayor. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO ELECT COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT AS VICE-MAYOR FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1983. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City Council must designate the City's official newspaper for calendar year 1983. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO DESIGNATE THE ELK RIVER STAR NEWS AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Five Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City Council must also designate the City's official depositories and further indicated that it is suggested that the City Council approve the depositories as listed in the memo from the City Administrator to the Mayor and City Council dated December 30, 1982. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS AS THE CITY'S OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES: A. BANK OF ELK RIVER B. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ELK RIVER C. SECURITY FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN D. F & M SAVINGS AND LOAN E. TWIN CITY FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN F. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ST. PAUL G. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MINNEAPOLIS H. NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL BANK COUNCILMEMBER E~GSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. The City Administrator indicated that the City Council could make committee appointments if they saw fit. Councilmember Engstrom indicated that due to the four meetings a month, he felt the City Council did not have the need for specific committees. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the specific committees were not neeessary as the Council does meet four times a month. 7. Planning Commission Appointments Mayor Hinkle indicated that he has contacted two different people that have indi- cated that they .would serve on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that Mr. Harry Kreuser informed him of his resignation to the Planning Commission and further indicated that Mr. Tom Hartman would be willing to serve on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that Mr. Bob Oster informed him that he would be willing to serve on the Planning Commission. Mayor Hinkle indicated that there would still be one vacancy on the Planning Commission and further indicated that information regarding the Planning Commission job description has been sent to Mr. Stewart Wilson and Mr. Tom McNair. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that Mr. Darrell Ward, an employee of United Power Association, is interested in serving on the Planning Commis.sion. Councilmember Gunkel further indicated that Mr. Ward has also worked in the building profession. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt a person experienced in the building field would be an asset to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he knew Mr. Tom Hartman throughout the process of the rehabilitation of the dam and the Homeowner's Association. Councilmember Gunkel asked if Mr. Hartman had other commitments and if he would have the time to serve on the Planning Commission. The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Hartman has a good sense of the time involved in serving on the Planning Commission and has expressed an interest infue appointment. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPOINT MR. DARRELL WARD, MR. TOM HARTMAN, AND MR. BOB OSTER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. COUNCILMEMBERDUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Six 8. Public Hearing Date for MSA Road Improvement Project The City Administrator indicated that the earliest date a hearing could be scheduled for the proposed Gates Avenue MSA road improvement project would be February 7, 1983. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 83-0 ACCEPTING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.FOR THE GATES AVENUE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AND ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FEBRUARY 7, 1983, AT 8:00 P.M. AT THE ELK RIVER LIBRARY. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4~0. 8\. The Adam's Furniture Parking Lot Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she has been approached by business people regarding the three hour parking limit in the parking lot north of the railroad tracks. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that the business people would like the parking tome limit to be a four hour time limit and they then could coordinate it with their lunch break. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he was in favor of a four~hour limit for the parking lot north of the railroad tracks and further indicated that the retailers wanted a three hour time limit. It was the consensus of the City Council to authorize City Staff to contract the Retailer's Association for a recommendation for the time limit parking in the parking lot on the north side of the railroad tracks. 9. Administrative Subdivision for Barthel Homes, Inc. -Public Hearing Mayor Hinkle indicated that Barthel Homes, Inc. has requested an administrative subdivision for a double bungalow at 11922 192nd Avenue N.W. and further indicated that the request is to create two distinct lots, such that each half of the double bungalow will have its own separate lot. Mayor Hinkle opened the public hearing. Mr. Ken Barthel indicated that he was under the impression that the lot division had been accomplished. GOUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE BARTHEL HOMES,. INC. REQUEST FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION AT 11922 192ND AVENUE N.W. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED. THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 10. Robert Thompson Administrative Subdivision - Public Hearing Mayor Hinkle indicated that Mr. Robert Thompson of 13296 192nd Avenue N.W. has requested an administrative subdivision for the property on County Road #35 and 192nd Avenue N.W. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the request is to split a parcel of approximately four acres with 208 feet of frontage on 192nd Avenue N.W. from a parcel of approximately fourteen acres. Mr. Thompson indicated that he has had another neighbor indicate an interest in buying another parcel of the fourteen acres. City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Seven , General discussion was carried on regarding the need for advertising of the second administrative subdivision and the continuation of the public hearing. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City Council should consider the administrative subdivision as presented and should Mr. Thompson need another administrative subdivision, he can reapply to the City Council for approval. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION REQUEST BY MR. ROBERT THOMPSON FOR THE PROPERTY AT 13296 192NDAVENUE NW. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. Councilmember Schuldt asked why the City was plowing the streets in the Brent- wood Subdivision as they were not City streets. The City Administrator indicated that the City had plowed the streets the year before because it was assumed that the subdivision would dedicate the streets to the City during the summer of 1982. The City Administrator further indicated that the streets were not given to the City and therefore should not be plowed. Councilmember Duitsman questioned why the Snake Trail was not plowed until Wednesday night. The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Darrell Mack indicated that the street was plowed Wednesday morning and further indicated that there is a certain portion off from Snake Trail that was a township road and had been vacated by the township and is now a private road. It was the consensus of the City Council that City staff should notify Mr. Anderson, developer of the Brentwood Addition, that the City would not be plowing the streets in the Brentwood Addition as they are still privately owned streets. 11. Administrator's Update A. Star Cities Program The City Administrator indicated that he has received three additional names of volunteers to serve on the Economic Development Committee and will present all names submitted to the City Council at the next scheduled City Council meeting. B. Handicapped Parking Signs at Ron's Country Foods Market The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Rick Breezee, Building and Zoning Administrator, had contacted Ron Dargis of Ron's Star Market regarding the handicapped signs in the parking lot. Mr. Breezee indicated that Mr. Dargis indicated that he would get upright handicapped signs placed in the parking lot. C. Local 49'er Negotiation Process The City Administrator indicated that he has a negotiation meeting with the Local 49'ers set for Tuesday morning and wanted some direction from the City Council. General discussion was carried on regarding the negotiations of the Police contract and the negotiations of the 49'ers contract. The percentage of wage increase was also discussed as well as the two percent additional re- City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Eight quirement of PER4. It was the consensus of the City Council that the City Administrator should present to the Local 49'ers the same increase and in- surance package as has been presented to the Police Department union contract. C. Danceland The City Administrator indicated that James and Shirley Palmer of Coon Rapids are in the process of negotiating the purchase of Danceland. The City Admin- istrator further indicated that the Police Department has already done a check on the Palmers and finds that there are no problems regarding the issu- ance of a liquor license. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he would like to have the Palmers in attendance at the City Council meeting when consider~ ation of their request for a liquor license is held. General discussion was carried on regarding the rescheduling of the regularly Monday meeting. It was the consensus of the City Council to meet on Tuesday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m. The City Administrator indicated that a representative from Springsted would be available to discuss the financial projection submitted by the Barthel de- velopers on the Planned Unit Development. D. Dam Problem The City Administrator indicated that there were two motors inoperable on the dam gates. The City Administrator further indicated that one motor was sent back to be fixed and that Acton or Armco would be responsible for the repairs and further indicated that the second motor was covered under warranty. The City Administrator indicated that the gates do freeze shut and that there will always be a problem freeing them up to release water. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that the Elk River Utilities Commission has signed an eight-year contract with United Power Association and are in the process of building a substation; sO therefore, will be closing the plant. Councilmember Duitsman further indicated that one person will be a maintenance person for the plant and could also do the maintenance on the dam. 12. Check Register COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 3, 1983 CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBERSCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 13. Tentative Agenda for January 11,1983 City Council Meeting The Barthel Planned Unit Development Financial Picture, the City Budget, 1983 Salaries, the Star Cities Economic Development Committee, and the Danceland Liquor License are all items tentatively scheduled for the January 11,1983 City Council meeting. There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. c?1;1l:U~:~) ".}~<<AJ Phylli~ BOedigheim:r-v--;r---- Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer PB:dkk