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02-06-1984 CC MIN REGULAR WEEKLY MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY FEBRUARY 6, 1984 Members Present: Mayor Hinkle, Councilmembers Engstrom, Duitsman, Schuldt and Gunkel Members Absent: None 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Hinkle. 2. Agenda Item 5 - Consider TNT Lounge Liquor License was changed to - Clem Darkenwald/ Larry Morrell Proposal, Item 9~ - League of Cities Regional Meeting, was added to the February 6, 1984 City Council Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 1984 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 3. Minutes COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANURAY 16, 1984 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER.ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 23,. 1984 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 4. Open Mike Mr. Jeff Roos of Consulting Engineers Diversified introduced Mr. John Gilbertson, the new engineer assigned by CED to the City of Elk River. General information about the City of Elk River was discussed with Mr. Gilbertson, Mr. Roos and the City Council. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he would not be present at the February 21st City Council meeting, and therefore indicated that he wanted to express his feelings regarding Dave Dahlberg's suspension to the City Council. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that Mr. Dahlberg was hired for two reasons: 1) to earn a profit for the City of Elk River and 2) to lower costs of liquor in the City of Elk River. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that Mr. Dave Dahlberg has done both. Council- member Duitsman indicated that he did have a problem with Mr. Dahlberg accepting the stock from the Coca Cola Company, but based on phone calls from residents in the community, he would vote against the termination of Mr. Dahlberg's employment. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he feels Mr. Dave Dahlberg has done a good job for the City of Elk River. Mr. Glen Williams of Boyer Ford appeared before the City Council to express his regret for the delay in the delivery of the truck for the Street Department, and further indicated that even though it was late, the truck would do the job for the City of Elk River. City Council Minutes February 6, 1984 Page Two 5. Mr. Clem Darkenwalk and Mr. Larry Morrell Proposal Mr. Clem Darkenwald indicated that Mr. Larry Morrell of Morrell Transfer has pur- chased another business and therefore, needs room to expand his business at his lo- cation on Jackson and School Street. Mr. Darkenwald indicated that Mr. Morrell has contacted the City's Building and Zoning Administrator, requesting information regarding expansion possibilities at his location. Mr. Darkenwald further in- dicated that Mr. Morrell has a concrete pad at his building and would like to put a roof over the concrete pad to allow for a loading dock. Mr. Darkenwald further dis- cussed the possibility of Mr. Larry Morrell using the Dietz building located next to the Cloverleaf Milk building. Mr. Clem Darkenwald indicated that Mr. Morrell is considering moving his operation out of the City in the future, and has expressed a desire to purchase the five acres of property owned by the City on Highway #169. The City Administrator indicated that in his discussions with the Building and Zoning Administrator, it is apparent that Mr. Morrell could put a roof over the concrete pad, but the use of the Dietz building would have to be further investi- gated in the City Code. Further discussion was carried on between Mr. Clem Darkenwald, Mr. Larry Morrell, the City Council and the City Administrator regarding possibilities of the use of the Dietz building, the zoning of the Morrell property, traffic problems and Mr. Morrell's plans for the future of his business. Mr. Clem Darkenwald asked if the City was open to selling the five-acre parcel of land on Highway #169. The City Administrator indicated that the City has been approached in the past regarding sale of the property and further indicated that the City Council had not considered selling the property, due to the consideration of the possibility of locating a street garage or perhaps a city hall on the five- acre parcel. Further discussion was carried on regarding the possibility of the sale of the five- acre parcel. The City Administrator indicated that the City may want to advertise the sale of the property, should the Council decide to sell. Mr. Larry Morrell indicated that he would like to have some idea as to what the City Council would consider, as he is also considering the construction of another mini-storage building. Mr. Morrell indicated that he would like the highway lo- cation on Highway #169, as it would be beneficial to his business. Mr. Morrell further indicated that the use of the Dietz building would be a temporary solution to his expansion problem. It was the consensus of the City Council to discuss the issue of the sale of the City's five-acre parcel on Highway #169 in a committee meeting. 6. Fire Department Mutual Aid Agreement The City Administrator indicated that the Mutual Aid Agreement is a renewal of an existing agreement between Monticello and Elk River, in a slightly different format City Council Minutes February 6, 1984 Page Three which is better for both the cities. The City Administrator indicated that the dif- ference is the naming of each individual city in each agreement, rather than all cities lumped together in a mutual aid agreement. The City Administrator indicated that the City of Elk River would also sign mutual aid agreements with the individual cities of Becker, Big Lake and Zimmerman. The City Administrator indicated that it was recommended that the City Council approve the mutual aid agreement between the City of Elk River and the City of Monticello and to authorize the City to enter into mutual aid agreements with the cities of Becker, Big Lake and Zimmerman. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AND THE CITY OF MONTICELLO AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITIES OF BECKER, BIG LAKE AND ZIMMERMAN. COUNCIL- MEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION;. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 7. Youth Basketball Gambling Raffle License The City Administrator indicated that the Girl's Youth Basketball Group has requested a gambling license for a raffle to be held by the g:roup either March 7th or March 14th. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE GAMBLING LICENSE FOR A RAFFLE BY THE GIRL'S YOUTH BASKETBALL GROUP. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 8. Attendance at Annual Liquor Store Association Conference The City Administrator indicated that the Acting Manager and Acting Assistant Manager have requested Council approval to attend the Annual Liquor Store Convention February 12th, 13th and 14th. The City Administrator indicated that the conference begins on Sunday, runs all day Monday, and from 8:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. on Tuesd~y:. The City Administrator indicated that the Acting Manager feels that the existing personnel can handle the store duties for Monday and half of Tuesday with- out any adverse impact on the liquor store or its operations. Councilmember Schuldt expressed his concern of the type of convention scheduled and the fact that only three hours of training were scheduled during the conference. The City Administrator indicated that that type of conference allows for much social time, the tasting of various new products, and the general discussion of the trade. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she felt one person attending would be suffi- cient for the City of Elk River. The City Administrator indicated that he felt because of the new duties perf~rmed by the Acting Manager and Acting Assistant Manager, the conference would be beneficial to both. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTENDANCE OF ONE PERSON AT THE MUNICIPAL LIQUOR STORE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 9. Liquor Store Salaries for 1984 The City Administrator indicated that the adjustments have not been made to the liquor store salaries because of the confusion surrounding the Dave Dahlberg situation and therefore, it is recommended that the City Council take action City Council Minutes February 6, 1984 Page Four 1 on the liquor store salaries. The City Administrator indicated that it is proposed rather than raise all of the wages for the liquor store part-time sales clerks' salaries, an additional step for service after 18 months at $4.80 per hour be implemented. The City Administrator indicated that at the present time, the starting salary for part-time clerks is $3.90 per hour, after 3 months $4.20 per hour, and after 9 months $4.50 per hour. The City Administrator indicated that the additional step would serve to reward those employees that have been at the store for longer periods of time and that the steps would enable the employees for the shorter time to still get annual increases. The City Administrator indicated that the current salaries are in line with what is being paid for part-time clerks in the City of Elk River and that the additional step would address the issue of longevity. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she felt the proposal would provide the in- centive to stay. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADDITIONAL STEP FOR SERVICE AFTER 18 MONTHS AT $4.80 PER HOUR FOR THE PART-TIME LIQUOR STORE CLERKS' SALARIES. COUNCIL- MEMBER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-1. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT OPPOSED. The City Administrator indicated that in the initial salary discussions regarding all City employees, it was proposed that the Assistant Manager's salary be $20,400 and the Full-time Liquor Clerk's salary be $16,000. The City Admin- istrator further indicated that it is proposed that both individuals have their salaries adjusted as indicated, plus $1,000 for the acting Assistant Manager and $1,600 for the Acting Manager's position. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he felt the adjustments for the Acting Assistant Manager and Acting Manager position should not be implemented until something is determined regarding those positions, as was done in the Street Department before the Street Superintendent was replaced. The City Administrator indicated that the liquor store situation was a different situation, as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor filling the position of Street Superintendent was already a department head. Councilmember Engstrom indicated that he also felt the City should wait to see what happens before adjustments are made for the Acting Assistant Manager and Acting Manager positions. Discussion was carried on regarding the replacement of the liquor store manager, should the City Council decide to terminate Mr. Dave Dahlberg's employment. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City should interview for the position. The City Administrator indicated that the City has adopted a policy in their City Code that would allow for promoting from within. It was the consensus of the City Council to wait with additional salary adjust- ments until it was determined what would happen with the City liquor store manager position and the assistant manager position. City Council Minutes Februa:r;y 6, 1984 Page Fiye Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt a seven percent increase was appropriate for the Assistant Manager's salary and the Full-time Liquor Store Clerk's salary and therefore, suggested $15,500 for the Full-time Clerk's salary and $20,000 for the Assistant Manager's salary. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that he felt the proposed increase was too high. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SALARY FOR THE ASSISTANT MANAGER AT $20,400 AND FOR THE FULL-TIME LIQUOR STORE CLERK AT $16,000. MAYOR HINKLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-2. COUNCILMEMBER DUITSMAN AND COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT OPPOSED. 9~. The League of Cities Regional Meeting The City Administrator indicated that the City of Elk River has been asked to host a League of Cities Regional Meeting in September. The City Administrator further indicated that the Regional Meeting is a grassroots policy-making meeting for the League of Cities. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that she felt it was an honor to the City of Elk River to host the regional meeting. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO HOST A LEAGUE OF CITIES REGIONAL MEETING IN SEPTEMBER. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 10. Administrator's Update A. Library Board Ordinance The City Administrator indicated that it is recommended that the City Council review the proposed Library Board Ordinance before giving it to the Library Board for their consideration. The City Administrator indicated that the Ordinance creates some broad powers of authority for the Library Board which the City Council may not be completely comfortable with and therefore, it would be appropriate to make the changes before sending it to the Library Board. General discussion was carried on regarding the proposed Library Board Ordin- ance. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that Items 2, 5, 6, and 7 in the Library Board Ordinance were under the jurisdiction of the R~glonal Head- quarters. It was the consensus of the City Council to authorize the City Administrator to make changes in the proposed ordinance to reflect more closely the relationship between the City Council, the Library Board and the Great River Regional Headquarters. B. Cable Television The City Administrator indicated that the Cable Commission has extended the bid deadline to February 27, 1984, as requested by a potential bidder. The City Administrator indicated that the fees required to extend the bid deadline will be picked up by the potential bidder that requested the ex- tension. The City Administrator further indicated that the Cable Commission ~ City Council Minutes February 6, 1984 Page Six authorized his attendance at the Conference of the Associated Minnesota Cable Commission and further indicated that he was elected to the first board of directors of the Minnesota Cable Commission. C. Utilities Relocation Costs The City Administrator indicated that the cost of relocating the electrical lines for the bridge replacement are not eligible for state or federal funding. The City Administrator further indicated that Wright County's position has been that it is a cost to the Utility Company, as their lines are in the City's right-of-way. The City Administrator further indicated that there was a court decision handed down regarding the Utility's responsibility for relocation of lines. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he would take this information back to the Utilities Commission for their consideration. D. CH2M Hill Settlement The City Administrator indicated that CHZM Hill accepted the settlement of fifty percent of the engineering bill sent to the City of Elk River. E. Gates Avenue Improvement Project/Lion's Park The City Administrator indicated that the pond has been dug and is full of water and that the contractors are now complete until the peat bog does some drying out to allow for some shaping of the berms. The City Admin- istrator indicated that the City's Street Superintendent has been talking with various turf and sod people regarding the type of grass that should be planted in the park. F. Gospodor Fields The City Administrator indicated that originally it was thought that the Softball Association would do the sodding of the fields in the spring. The City Administrator indicated that in further discussion of the fields, a local turf and sod professional has indicated that the fields should be seeded for a more permanent turf and further expressed the need of a sprinkler system. The City Administrator indicated that if seeding were to be done, the fields should have a playable turf by sometime in July. The City Administrator further indicated that the Softball Association's contribution could be used for a sprinkler system. G. CIP Meeting The City Administrator indicated that the CIP Meeting is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8th at the Elk River Public Library. The City Administrator further indicated that this scheduled meeting would provide the committee with general finance information of the City of Elk River. City Council Minutes February 6, 1984 Page Seven H. City Council Seating Arrangements Councilmember Gunkel suggested the City Council consider a change in the seating arrangement to provide for a U-shaped arrangement for discussion of City Council issues. 11. Check Register COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 1984 CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. 12. Tentative Agenda The Dave Dahlberg appeal, the rezoning of Highway #10 commercial, a home occupation conditional use and a variance request by the Masonic Lodge .are items tentatively scheduled for the February 21, 1984 City Council meeting. There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL MOVED THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. BJJLsu~tted' ,~ Phyllis Boedigheime~ City Clerk/Treasurer PB:dk