Loading...
11-02-1981 CC MIN REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2, 1981 Members Present: Mayor Hinkle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Engstrom and Toth Memb~rs Absent: Councilman Duitsman i 1. ~e meeting was called to order at 7: 30 p.m. by Mayor Hinkle. I I 2 . 4.genda I I item 3~ - the minutes of the special City Council meeting, held October 26, i981, and Item lOb - the sewer interceptor, were added to the November 2, 1981 City Council Agenda. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 2, 1981 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMAN TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 3. Minutes COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 19, 1981 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE.MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 3~. COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 26, 1981 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMAN. ENGSTROM. SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 4. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 5. Request to Name City Street Chester Goenner Memorial Drive Mayor Hinkle indicated that a request to re-name the city street currently called Courthouse Drive, adjacent to the Sherburne County Courthouse, to Chester Goenner Memorial Drive has been received by the City. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the re- naming of the street Chester Goenner Memeorial Drive would not cause an adverse problem with the City's street naming plan; however, in the event that the road is extended to connect Highway #10 and Mississippi Street, the need for signing and other means of identification of the streets would be necessary. Mr. John Norgren, representative of the Chester Goenner Memorial committee, was present to discuss the request of re-naming Courthouse Drive to Chester Goenner Memorial Drive with the City Council. Mr. Norgren indicated that Chet Goenner was instrumental in the development of the Courthouse facility, and that the committee is planning a plaque and a memorial in Chet Goenner's memory. Councilml:in Schuldt expressed his concern of the street remaining just a short street and not continuing through as the name Chester Goenner Memorial Drive would indicated. Mr. Norgren indicated that the County Commissioners supported the re-naming of the street to Chester Goenner Memorial Drive, and further in- dicated that it was the desire of the committee to re-name the street at this time and as development progressed, the street would be extended to Mississippi Street. November 2, 1981 Page Two Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt that a resolution or ordinance should be adopted to express the Council's intent that the street be re- named Chester Goenner Memorial Drive as the area develops in the future. Mr. Norgren indicated that the committee wanted the street to be re-named and the changes to be completed by the time of the dedication of the plaque and memorial scheduled for the summer of 1982. Councilman Toth indicated that he felt the street could be re-named at this time and that an ordinance re.....naming the street be a part. of the City code to be adopted in 1981. The City Administrator indicated that an ordinance would be drafted to re-name Courthouse Drive to Chester Goenner Memorial Drive and presented to the Council for adoption at the time of the adoption of the City code. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT OF THE RE-NAMING OF COURTHOUSE DRIVE TO CHESTER GOENNER MEMORIAL. DRIVE.. AND AUTHORIZE THE DRAFTING OF AN ORD- INANCE STATING THERE~NAMINGOFTHESTREETTOBEINCLUDED IN THE CITY CODE. .COUNCILMAN TOTH.SECONDED.THE.MOTION. . THE MOTION. PASSED 3-0. 6. Sale of City Property on Highway #169 Mayor Hinkle requested that the Councilmembers express their ideas regarding the sale of the property on Highway #169. The City Administrator indicated that Councilman Duitsman had indicated that he did not have a problem selling the five acres on Highway #169 if the City had other property to build a main- tenance garage, and further indicated that this could be made poss.ible either through a trade of land or purchase. Councilman Toth indicated that he did not object to the type of arrangements for the sale of the property, but felt that the City should have other prop~ erty. available for a maintenance garage before selling the five acres on High- way #169. Councilman Toth further indicated that the City should not consider the sale of the property on Highway #169 until consideration is given to the purchase price of other property available and desireable for a maintenance garage. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the City did not need prime highway land for a maintenance garage and further indicated that he felt the City could con- sider other locations as possibilities for a garage site. Mayor Hinkle indi- cated that the Associated Investors could possible provide property for a maintenance garage in the Industrial Park, and further indicated that the lo- cation in the Industrial Park would be more centrally located with regard to population. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that he felt the City should be assured of property elsewhere in the City prior to selling the five acres on Highway #169. Councilman Engstrom indicated that he felt the City does not need prime highway property for its use. Councilman Engstrom questioned the possibility of selling the five acres on Highway #169 to the Assembly of God Church, or the necessity of putting the property out for bids, with the stip- ulation that there not be a zone change. Councilman Engstrom also suggested that the City obtain an appraisal of the property. Councilman Schuldt indicated that if arrangements for the purchase of other property in the City for a main- tenance garage was available, he would then be in favor of the consideration of selling the Highway #169 property. November 2, 1981 Page Three Councilman Toth asked the City Council to consider the possibility of the rezoning of the property to a commercial zone. Mr. Dexter Mapson, of the Assembly of God Church, was present to ask the City Council to consider a trade of 16 acres just east of the Industrial Park for the five acres on Highway #169. Mr. Dexter Mapson indicated that should the Assembly of God Church purchase the five acres of land on Highway #169, they would propose to build a church with classroom facilities. General discussion was carried on between the City Council regarding the possibility of::the rezoning of the area from residential to commercial. The City Administrator indicated that he felt the City should obtain an ap- praisal of the property and to also consider the value of the sixteen acres east of the Industrial Park asa possible trade. It was the general consensus of the City Council that the trade proposed by Mr. Dexter Mapson of the sixteen acres east of the Industrial Park and the five acres owned by the City on Highway #169 would be considered. It was also the consensus of the City Council to direct the City Administrator to determine whether or not the sale of the property must be done through a bidding process and to obtain an appraisal of the property located on Highway #169. 7. 1980 Audit Fees The City Administrator indicated that the 1980 bid for audit fees received from the City's auditing firm was $6,900, but that the actual costs for the 1980 audit were $9,500. The City Administrator indicated that the auditing firm has request $8,500 for the 1980 audit fees and further indicated that the request was not unreasonable as the auditing firm has absorbed a loss for the last two years. The City Administrator recommended that the City Council authorize payment for the 1980 audit fees in the amount of $8,500. Councilman Engstrom indicated his concern that increasing the audit fees could set a precedence. The City Administrator indicated that the auditing for the City was an ongoing situation and it was difficult to estimate an exact fee in advance because of the unforeseen amount of work that could be required. General discussion was carried on regarding the fee letter as a contract, and the fees for 1980 and 1981. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt if a contract was in existence, it should remain as the contract stated. Councilman Toth indicated that the auditing firm has provided the City with a good audit, and as it involved more work than was anticipated or bid, the auditing firm should be compensated for their work. Councilman Toth also in__ dicated that he felt it was a legitimate request by the auditing firm, but further indicated that he felt future adjustments in future years should not be considered. COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF $8,500 FOR THE 1980 AUDIT FEES TO THE CITY'S AUDITING FIRM. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MO- TION PASSED 3-1. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT OPPOSED. . 1 November 2, 1981 Page Four 8. All Tool Nanufacturing Request for Industrial Revenue Bonds The City Administrator indicated that All Tool, Inc., located in rental property on Cleveland Street, is proposing to build a new facility in.th: Ar-Mon Industrial Park on the north side of Highway #10, and further 1nd1- cated that a representative of All Tool, Inc. was present to review the plans for the proposed facility and to discuss the concept of Industrial Revenue Bonds for the proJect. Mr. Brian Moran, representative of All Tool, Inc. was present to answer any questions the City Counci1.may have regarding the -proposed new facility and the need for industrial revenue bonds. Mr. Moran indicated that All Tool, Inc. has nine acres in the Ar-Mon Industrial Park and is proposing to build a 23,100 square foot building for their manufacturing operation. Mr. Moran further indicated that their proposal would require approximately $500,000 in indus- trial revenue bonds. Mr. Moran indicated that All Tool Manufacturing is a metal stamping business, employing approximately 42 employees with a total payroll of approximately $14,000 a week, and further indicated that the proposed new facil- ity is designed to allow for expansion and could employ up to 100 people. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE' CONCEPT OF ALL TOOL MANUFACTURING, INC. PROPOSAL FOR I~IDUSTRIALREVENUE BONDFINANCING~COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASS 3~0. 9. Ordinance Regarding False A~arms Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City's police department has requested the City Council to ~dopt an ordinance, establishing a fee to be charged for a certain specific number of false alarms within one calendar ye8L Mayor Hinkle indicated that the ordinance proposed for the City of Elk River allows for four false alarms within one (1) calendar year with a fee of $50 to be charged for the fifth and subsequent calls. Councilman Schuldt questioned the time required by the police department to check out a false alarm. Chief Zerwas indicated that the time spent depends upon the size of the building, but that generally it requires two officers an average of approximately 15 minutes for each false alarm call for businesses other than banks. General discussion was carreid on between the City Council and Chief Zerwas re- garding the number of false alarms in the City, the number of alarm systems hooked up to the Sheriff's Department or Metro Alarm System, and the amount of time and risk involved in responding to each false alarm. COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 81-5, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FEE FOR FALSE' ALARM RESPONSES. MAD! 'BY THE. POLICE' DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMAN ENG-' STROM SECONDED THE MOTION." "THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. November 2, 1981 Page Five 10. Administrator's Update A. Construction; of Pole Buildings in Residential Areas The City Administrator indicated that the City has received a petition re- garding the construction of a pole building in the Ridgewood East Addition, requesting that the Mayor and City Council stop the construction of the pole building on the property described as Block 9, Ridgewood 3rd Addition, owned by Rolf E. Anderson. The City Administrator indicated that the City's zoning ordinance as it currently stands, places no restrictions on the type of buildings that may be constructed in any particular zone or the size of any particular accessory building in any given zone. . The City Administrator further indicated that Mr. Rolf Anderson has applied for a building permit and is in compliance with the City's zoning ordinance as it currently stands. Councilman Toth questioned the City's regulations regarding accessory build- ings in residential areas on separate lots. The City Administrator in- dicated that the City's zoning ordinance does not address the number of accessory buildings allowable on a lot and further indicated that accessory buildings are allowable on separate residential lots. Mr. Harold Gramstad, owner of the lot just south of the proposed pole build- ing, indicated that the purpose of the petition is to request the City Coun- cil to give consideration to the types of buildings allowed in residential areas. Mr. John Severson, owner of the property next to the proposed Ander- son building, expressed his concern of the decrease in value of his property with the pole building adjacent to it. Councilman Engstrom questioned the use of the proposed pole building. Mr. Rolf Anderson indicated that he was building the building for storage and had selected the specific site for the building with regard to the level of the land and removal of the least amount of trees. Mr. Anderson further in- dicated that it was his intent to plant trees and let the brush grow, allow- ing the land go back to nature to conceal the building as much as possible. Mayor Hinkle indicated that Mr. Anderson was in compliance with the zoning ordinance, and therefore, the City Council could not do anything to prohibit the building of the pole building as proposed, but further indicated that the City Council should address the issue of the construction of pole build- ings in the City's zoning ordinance. Mayor Hinkle suggested that the City Council pass a moratorium on the construction of pole buildings until the City Council could review the City's zoning ordinance. Councilman Schuldt suggested that the Planning Commission review the zoning ordinance in relation to the restrictions on the types of buildings that may be constructed in residential zones. The City Admimistrator recommended that the City Council request the Plan- ning Commission to review the City's zoning ordinance with regard to the November 2, 1981 Page Six number of accessory buildings allowable on residential lots, the set- backs of accessory buildings, and the size and type of construction of accessory buildings. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE A MORATORIUM TO PROHIBIT THE CON- STRUCTIONOFFREE-STANDING METAL-SKINNED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS IN RESI- DENTIAL ZONES. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM . SECONDED . THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. It was the general concensus of the City Council to request the Planning Commission to review the City's zoning ordinance regarding accessory buildings. B. Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Mr. Chuck Wilson of McCombs-Knutson was present to discuss the progress of the sanitary sewer interceptor project with the City Council. Mr. Wilson indicated that the contractors were placing Class 5 on the streets in the School view Addition, and it was proposed that blacktoppiQg would be done on November 4th and 5th, and further indicated that the cleanup process had begun. Mayor Hinkle indicated his concern of the de-watering problem and further indicated that he felt the contractors should not be allowed to run water on private property. Mayor Hinkle suggested that the contractor in the /de-watering process, run the water through to the Industrial Park, place in the holding pond, and then pumped over the hill to the creek. Mr. Chuck Wilson indicated his appreciation of the Council's concern of the de- watering problem and the running of water on private property, and further indicated that he has requested the contractor to find other alternatives to the de-watering process. COUNCILMAN TOTR MOVED TO INSTRUCT THE CONTRACTOR NOT TO DE-WATER OR ALLOW THE FLOW OF WATER ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED TRE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 11. Check Register COUNCILMAN TOTR MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 2, 1981 CHECK REGISTER. COUNCIL- MAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 12. Tentative Agenda The liquor store inventory and the sale of the property on Highway #169 are items tentatively scheduled for the November 16, 1981 City Council meeting. There being no further business, COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED COUNCILMAN SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. Respectfully submitted, - /1'. './ Phyllis Boedigheimer Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer PB:dkk