Loading...
10-04-1982 CC MIN REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY OCTOBER 4, 1982 / ;' Members Present: Mayor Hinkle, Coune~lanlbgJ7s Schuldt, Engstrom and Toth Members Absent: Councilmember Duitsman 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Hinkle. 2. Agenda Item l4d. - Police Chief Conference, l4e. - Parking problem on 19lst Street, Item l4f. - Ogden Road, were all items added to the October 4, 1982 City Council Agenda. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 4, 1982 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMAN TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 3. Minutes of Septemher.13, 1982 City Council Meeting COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 13, 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 4. Minutes of September 20, 1982 City Council Meeting COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20TH, 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. A. Open Mike Report The City Administrator indicated that the letter from Terry Maurer of Consulting Engineers Diversified, . regarding the watermain compaction on School Street was self-explanatory. It was the consensus of the City Council that the letter ex- plained the compaction problem on School Street. 6. 1983 Insurance Program The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Dan Greene was present to review the in- surance program with the City Council and answer any questions the Council may have regarding the City's 1983 insurance bid proposals. The City Administrator further indicated that Mr. Greene has done a very thorough and comprehensive job in selecting quotes and bids for the 1983 program. The City Administrator indicated that the Home Insurance Company bids were less than all of the other bidders and when the dividends paid on premiums paid is applied, their program is by far the most attrac- tive of all the insurance proposals received. City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Two Mayor Hinkle questioned the bonding of the treasurer for the City of Elk River and the coverage provided for the elected officials. Mr. Dan Greene indicated that it is required that the City Treasurer be bonded and that the elected officals are covered under the City's umbrella policy as well as the specific public officals policy. Councilman Toth questioned the coverage provided for the dam. Mr. Dan Greene indi- cated that the Home Insurance Company has provided full coverage and that the League of Municipalities Program excluded dam coverage and that Nordstrom Larpenteur re- quired a $250 deductible. Councilman Schuldt questioned the coverage for the part-time peace officers. Council man Schuldt asked if the rate was based on the full-time officers and part-time of- ficers regarding. insurance coverage. General discussion was carried on regarding the type of coverage and the rate for licensed officers versus non-licensed officers. Mr. Dan Greene indicated that there was no difference in cost for insurance coverage for peace time officers. Mr. Greene further indicated that the rate is based on full-time peace officers and a flat rate for part-time officers. Councilman Engstrom questioned the insurance provided for peace officers in relation to the Axelson dog lawsuit. Mr. Dan Greene explained that there was a debate over the coverage of insurance in that specific situation as it was an intentional act. Mr. Greene further indicated that coverages can be obtained for a specific incident like the Axelson case but that the additional coverage'..is very expensive. Mr. Greene in- dicated that the peace officers are covered under the professional liability. Mr. Greene further indicated that the next step his company will do is to provide an out- line of all coverages and recommendations for deductibles. Mr. Greene indicated that the insurance program as submitted in the memo is the result of the two lowest bids, but that many companies looked at specific areas of the insurance program and in some cases, up to nine different bids were received. Mr. Greene indicated that the bids were analyzed with regard to the City specifications and anything extra was bid as an alternate. Mr. Greene indicated that the Workman's Compensation figures were increased by approximately ten percent as well as building valuations, and that the'~ overall cost for the insurance program is approximately $3,000 less than last year. Mr. Greene indicated that all companies bid a net program and therefore, the dividend programs provided are very important in the consideration of the insurance bids. Mr. Greene indicated that the dividend program is based on volume and loss ratio. Mr. Greene further indicated that the City has been very good and has had a very minimal loss ratio. The City Administrator indicated that in consideration of all bids received and the dividend program it is recommended that the City Council award the 1983 insurance pro- gram to the Home Insurance Company. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM MOVED TO AWARD THE 1983 INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO THE HOME INSURANCE COMPANY. COUNCILMAN TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION, PASSED 3-0. City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Three 7. Gates Avenue Road Improvement Mayor Hinkle indicated that on Tuesday, September 28th, an informational meeting was held regarding Gates Avenue, and after the City Council received the resident's in- put, it was suggested that Gates Avenue be staked to indicate ,the approximate location of a thirty-six foot wide MSA road and a forty-six foot wide MSA road, and in addi- tion, the engineer was requested to prepare cost estimates for moving the MSA road project and sto~ sewer to Evans Avenue. Mr. Terry Maurer of Consulting Engineers Diversified indicated that he had looked at the street alignment for Evans Avenue and determined that there was not a big differ- ence between Evans Avenue or Gates Avenue in relation to the Planned Unit Development. Mr. Maurer further indicated that the storm sewer to be routed through Evans Avenue and then back down Main and then to the river would involve approximately 1,000 more feet feet of storm sewer at an approximate cost of $100,000. Mr. Maurer indicated that the MSA funds would not make a big difference in that addition~l $100,000 and that it would have to be assessed if the Evans Avenue route was chosen. General discussion was carried on regarding costs for lateral benefit on Gates Avenue between 5th and 3rd Street. Councilman Toth indicated that in his conversation with the residents along Gates Avenue, no one seemed to be upset with the proposed thirty-six foot street or the forty-six foot street. Councilman Toth further indicated that the residents along Gates Avenue would not be losing much property and that the curb and gutter would help the individual properties. The City Administrator indicated that Councilmember Schuldt had posed the question as to the possibility of constructing the turn lanes on Gates Avenue at a later date. Mr. Terry Maurer indicated that the width of the turn lanes could be done at the time of the Main Street improvement project. Mr. Maurer indicated that the design could be ddne for the turn lane and that they could be constructed at a later date. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt Gates Avenue would have to later as it borders on a commercial area, and that in consideration of the property owners along Gates Avenue, it was his suggestion that the turn lanes be constructed at a later date. The City Administrator indicated that the City's engineers are waiting regarding the development of the plans for the storm sewer project until theCity Council determines if Gates Avenue should be the MSA street to the Planned Unit Development or if the MSA street should be moved to Evans Avenue. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt Gates Avenue was the shortest distance and as long as it did not disrupt the residents along Gates Avenue, and that the cost for the storm sewer would be much greater should the route be changed to Evans Avenue, it was his feeling that Gates Avenue should remain the site for the MSA road. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt Gates Avenue would have to be upgraded at some time anyway, and further indicated that the cost to move the project to Evans City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Four Avenue was much greater, he therefore recommended that Gates Avenue remain the site for the MSA road project. Councilman Toth indicated that he felt people would still use Gates Avenue as an access to the Planned Unit Development and therefore, the MSA street should remain as Gates Avenue. Councilman Engstrom indicated that he also approved of Gates Avenue as the MSA street. Councilman Engstrom indicated that he recommended the engineers to proceed with the original plans and specifications for the storm sewer project. It was the general consensus of the City Council to recommend to the engineers to proceed with the plans and specifications for the storm sewer project with Gates Avenue as the site for the MSA street and storm sewer. General discussion was carried on regarding the proposed width of the Gates Avenue project and on which side the sidewalk would be built. Mr. Terry Maurer indicated that MSA funds could be used for the street project and that the sidewalk could be added at a later date, as commercial develops along Gates Avenue, with MSA funds to be used for the construction of the sidewalk when necessary. Mr. Maurer further in- dicated that as the plans are developed for the storm sewer, more information will be obtained to help in the decision-making process of deciding which side of the street the sidewalk should be placed. Councilman Toth asked approximately how long Main Street would be closed during the construction of the storm sewer. Mr. Terry Maurer indicated that he would estimate approximately two to three weeks but not in succession, as the jacking would be one phase and laying the pipe would be another; therefore, the street could be closed for a few days and then opened and then it may be closed again. 8. Beautification Committee Appointment Mayor Hinkle indicated that Mr. Jim Bredeck has volunteered to serve on the City's Beautification Committee. Mayor Hinkle recommended that the City Council appoint Mr. Bredeck to the Beautification Committee. Councilman Schuldt questioned the maximum number of members that could be appointed to the committee. The City Administrator indicated that if there was a problem with the maximum number of committee members to the City Beautification Committee, he would notify the City Council. COUNCILMAN ToTH MOVED TO APPOINT MR. JIM BREDECK TO THE CITY BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 9. HRA Appo.intment Mayor Hinkle indicated that Marty Tracy's appointment to the HRA has expired and that Mr. Tracy has indicated his willingness to continue serving on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Committee. Mayor Hinkle indicated that according to State City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Five Statutes, members are appointed to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a five-year period. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPOINT MARTY TRACY 1DTHE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR A FIVE+YEAR TERM. COUN~ILMAN SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 10. Fla~pole in Downtown Park Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City's Beautification Committee has indicated that a flagpole for the downtown park will be donated by the Cretex Company. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that the Cretex Company will provide a 100 foot concrete pole and also the installation of the pole in the downtown park. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the Elk River Utilities has indicated that they will provide the lighting or wiring for the pole and that the only cost to the City would be the actual lights. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that the American Legion will donate the first flag for the flagpole. General discussion was carried on regarding the size of the pole and the procedure for the installation of the flagpole. It was the general consensus of the City Council to give the City Beautification Committee permission to proceed with the installation of the flagpole in the downtown City park. 1. Cloverleaf Motors Access The City Administrator indicated that Mr. Robert Vint, owner of Cloverleaf Motors, Inc., has requested the City's assistance in obtaining a crossover on Highway #10 to allow traffic direct access to his business from both travel lanes of Highway #10. The City Administrator further indicated that in contacting the district engineer of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, he has been informed that if a letter from the City of Elk River is sent to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Department of Transportation will investigate the situation and provide some recom- mendation to the City. The City Administrator further indicated that the district traffic engineer also indicated that it would be very unlikely that the State of Min~ nesota would participate in any of the costs associated with the construction of a crossing and turn lane. The City Administrator indicated that it is recommended that the City Council authorize the s~nding of a letter to the Minnesota Department of Transportation requesting the Department to investigate the situation in front of Cloverleaf Motors, Inc. and to provide the City with a cost estimate on any construc- tion that may be recommended by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Councilman Toth asked if the State would allow the City to provide a crossing on Highway #10. The City Administrator indicated that this would be considered in the Minnesota Department of Transportation's review of the situation. It was the gen- eral consensus of the City Council that the City Administrator send a letter to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, requesting the Department to investigate the problem in front of Cloverleaf Motors and to send a recommendation to the City of Elk River. City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Six 12. Fence for Orono Dam The City Administrator indicated that Mayor Hinkle and Councilmember Schuldt have requested that the City Council give consideration to the installation of a section of chain link fence at Orono Dam. COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF A CHAIN LINK FENCE BETWEEN THE NORTHERN-MOST. BRIDGE ABUTMENT AND THE OLD POWERHOUSE SITE. COUNCILMAN SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 13. Greenhead Acres 3rd Addition Final Pay Estimate The City Administrator indicated that the Greenhead Acres 3rd Addition project has been inspected by the City's engineer and by the Street Superintendent, Mr. Ken Nelson, and has been found to be acceptable and therefore, it is recommended that the City Council approve the final pay estimate to Buffalo Bituminous in the amount of $25,776.22. COUNCILMAN TOTH MOVED TO APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE FOR GREENHEADACRES 3RD ADDITION TO BUFFALO BITUMINOUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,776.22. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. 14. Administrator's Update A. Administrator's Vacation The City Administrator indicated that he wanted to clarify an assumption that he had made regarding the terms and conditions of an employment agreement contract between the City Council and himself. The City Administrator further indicated that although the agreement was never formally ratified, he has assumed that his vacation accumulates at a rate of three weeks per year. Councilman Schuldt in- dicated that he did not recall the three week vacation rate in the agreement or that it was implied in the employment agreement. The City Administrator indi- cated that he felt it was justified due to the great number of night meetings in addition to the large number of hours devoted to the job above a forty-hour week. Councilman Toth indicated that he felt the time involved with the job of City Ad- ministrator comes with the territory. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt in all fairness to the City Administrator and the City Council, he would need time to consider the three-week provision in the employment agreement. The City Administrator indicated that in the personnel regulations of the City Code, it does provide for the cashing in of accumulated vacation time. The City Administrator further indicated that he has at the present time, accumulated three weeks of vacation and at this time, would like to cash in two weeks of that va- cation City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Seven Councilman Engstrom indicated that he felt vacation time is healthy and needed; and therefore, supports the idea that employees should take their vacation time. Further discussion was carried on regarding accumulated vacation time and the cashing in of some of that accumulated time. It was the general consensus of the City Council to allow the City Administrator to cashin two weeks of his vacation time. B. School Street Construction Mr. Terry Maurer of Consulting Engineers Diversified indicated that the curb and gutter should be finished along School Street by the end of the week and that the next process would be pouring of the driveways and the gutters across the intersections of Gates Avenue, Irving Avenue and Holt Avenue. Mr. Maurer indi- cated that the gutters could be poured half at a time and re-route traffic around the construction of each intersection or. fhe whole intersection could be done and traffic could be detoured for the day. It was the general consensus of the City Council to detour traffic and to do the whole intersection at one time. General discussion was carried on regarding the completion of the sidewalk along School Street to the administration building. Councilman Toth indicated that Mr. Brutlag of the School District #728 indicated that the completion of that sidewalk was proposed in their budget. General discussion was also carried on regarding the curb for the downtown parking lot. C. Main Street USA Program Councilman Schuldt indicated that he had attended the Main Street USA Program in St. Paul and further indicated that the program was designed akound generalities rather than specifics. Councilman Schuldt indicated that there were sessions on downtown development, old buildings, proper use of signs, Red,Wing and their downtown. Councilman Schuldt indicated that it was difficult to relate specifics to the City of Elk River. Councilman Schuldt further indicated that he had ob- tained many materials regarding the designation of historic buildings, tax incen- tives, and various other information that could be provided to the downtown de- velopment group. D. Police Chief Conference The City Administrator indicated that the Police Chief, Mr. Tom Zerwas, has re- quested permission to attend the International Police Chief's Conference in At- lanta. The City Administrator further indicated that the out of state conference has been budgeted in the 1982 budget. City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Eight COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE ATTENDANCE OF THE POLICE CHIEF AT THE IN- TERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA. COUNC- ILMAN TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0. E. Parking on 19lst Street East of the School Playground Councilman Toth indicated that there is no parking available close- to the fields on the School property. Therefore, people are parking on 19lst along the street in front of water hydrant~ mailboxes and driveways; and therefore, causing a great problem for the residents in the area. Councilman Toth further indicated that no parking signs would cause a greater problem and that the situation must be solved by providing parking. Mayor Hinkle indicated that residents in the area had requested him to review the parking situation on Saturday, October 2nd. Mayor Hinkle indicated that people were very hostile; cars were parked three deepl'in the cuI de ~c area of 19lst. The City Administrator indicated that there was an outlot between the Lion's prop~ erty and the School property that went tax forfeit and further indicated that per- haps the School could obtain that property for parking. Councilman Toth indicated that the functions happening on those School fields are not necessarily School functions. Councilman Schuldt indicated that there was ample parking near the School if people were willing to walk across the fields. General discussion was carried on regarding the opening in the gate to allow people to come from the north side to the fields. It was the general consensus of the City Council to ask the School to close that gate; therefore, forcing people to park in school parking lots and walking across to the fields. F. Ogden Road Councilman Engstrom indicated that some dirt had been brought in along the sides of Ogden Road but that he felt the project was not completed at this time. Coun- cilman Engstrom asked what the specifications called for regarding a shoulder along Ogden Road. The City Administrator indicated that he would check with H & S Asphalt to see if they were finished with the project. 15. Check Register COUNCILMAN SCHULDT MOVED' TO/,APPROVE<'1'HE .OCTOBER 4, 1982 CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMAN ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 3-0; City Council Minutes October 4, 1982 Page Nine Tentative Agenda A Bub1ic .Hearing for Area C of the Storm Sewer Project and the 1982 Budget are items scheduled for the October 12, 1982 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. Ql~ Yiitted'~ PhYllis BOedighei~ Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer PB:dk