05-06-2019 CCMMembers Present:
Members Absent:
Meeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, May 6, 2019
Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Garrett Christianson, Nate
Ovall, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner
None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Park Maintenance Supervisor Tim
Sevcik, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Justin Femrite,
Stormwater Coordinator Brandon Wisner, Environmental
Coordinator Amanda Bednar, Economic Development Director
Amanda Othoudt, Great River Regional Library (GRRL) Branch
Manager Robbie Schacke, Engineering Technician II Ryan
Sandhoefner, Finance Director Lori Ziemer, Parks and Recreation
Director Michael Hecker, Arena Manager Rich Czech, Street
Maintenance Operator II/Mechanic Terry Mack, and Records
Specialist Katie Porath
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider May 6, 2019, Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Ovall and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to
approve the May 6, 2019, agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Ovall and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard
to approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 April 15, 2019, Regular Minutes
4.2 Check register, check numbers 9978-9980 and 110226-110406 as
outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Temporary On -Sale Liquor License to the Davis Darrow Meyer
American Legion Post 112 for July 18-21, 2019, with the following
conditions:
1. Alcohol must be confined to an area enclosed by a fence with
secured, controlled access and limited to the beer garden and
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May 6, 2019
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grandstand. Wrist band control is required for patrons 21 and
over.
2. Applicant must contact the Sherburne County Sheriffs Office to
arrange for security needs.
4.4 Hire Street Maintenance Operator II.
Motion carried 5-0.
S. Open Forum
Adam Benson, 11440193d Ave NW, asked the council to consider adding a
fourway stop sign at the intersection of 1934 Ave NW and Dodge St NW.
6.1 Introduction of New Employee Jenna Fabish
Mr. Femrite introduced Assistant City Engineer Jenna Fabish.
Council welcomed Jenna to the city.
6.3 Library Annual Report
Ms. Schacke presented the Library Annual Report.
Mayor Dietz asked where they were finding funding for increased programming.
Ms. Schacke responded they were using some legacy funds as well as donations for
supplies and staff led programs to save money.
Mayor Dietz asked if they were hiring outside story time resources.
Ms. Schacke said some of the story times were led by outside resources and one was
led by her.
Mayor Dietz asked if other branches in the Great River Regional Library system had
purchased extra hours.
Ms. Schacke said some other branches had added hours.
Mayor Dietz asked if the circulation qualified us to add extra hours. He wanted to
make sure if we qualify for hours we are not being penalized.
Ms. Schacke said she would have to check on the answer.
Mayor Dietz asked for clarification on the heat map numbers.
Ms. Schacke clarified the heat map indicated the number of items checked out during
that hour. Green means high and dark orange means low.
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Mayor Dietz asked if Elk River continued to be the second largest library behind the
St. Cloud location.
Ms. Schacke responded it was the second largest.
Councilmember Wagner commented she was impressed by the quantity of library
users.
6.2 Proclaim May 7, 2019, as Terry Mack Day
Mr. Sevcik outlined the career of Street Maintenance Operator II/Mechanic Terry
Mack with the city.
Mayor Dietz read the proclamation.
Moved by Councilmernber Westgaard and seconded by Councihnember
Christianson to declare May 7, 2019, as Terry Mack Day in Elk River. Motion
carried 5-0.
7.1 2018 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) System
Annual Report
Mr. Wisner presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
8.1 Active Elk River: Multipurpose Facility Design, Review, and
Authorization to Advertise for Bids
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
Tom Betty reviewed updated conceptual designs for Lion John Weicht Park and the
multipurpose facilities as part of the Active Elk River project.
Mr. Betty presented a list of alternate items to potentially add to the bids. One of the
questions Mr. Betty would like clarification on is whether the council wants to add a
refrigeration component for $505,657 which would allow for easier expansion of a
third sheet of ice.
Mayor Dietz was in favor of including the list of alternate items in the bidding and
see what comes back.
Mr. Betty responded the refrigeration component option could not be added to the
bidding, it would require engineering to make it work and he would like council
direction at the meeting.
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Councilmember Westgaard clarified they were looking for authorization to advertise
for bid. It would be nice to include the alternate items if the bidding was favorable
and the council can pick and choose options down the road. One of the alternate
items, the leased space, should only move forward with a commitment. A couple
private companies have approached the city with long-term lease options. The
commissioning component has been done on some projects and not on others but
he feels when commissioning is done, they end up with a much better -end product.
The information presented does not represent a final commitment. The refrigeration
system is the only thing that must be decided on tonight. Although it would prepare
for any future needs of adding a sheet of ice, it is an investment in the future with no
guarantee.
Councilmember Christianson reminded the council that $27.5 million has been
earmarked for this project. He felt the council has an obligation to meet that. If bids
come in favorably and below $27.5 million do we need to spend up to that amount?
He feels the city should make a decision on the 3=d sheet of ice in the future if the
issue comes up.
Councilmember Ovall was surprised the council was being asked to make a half
million dollar decision based on the provided packet materials.
Councilmember Wagner added the numbers presented today reflect lots of work on
narrowing down the focus and eliminating items that had previously been discussed.
She further stated that the team was working all weekend on reducing components
and cost in preparation for the meeting so information could not be included in the
packet. The Facility Design Committee had differing views on which items should be
included on the list of alternate selections.
Counciltnember Westgaard stated he would be remiss to not consider the future and
whether the refrigeration unit should be included in the project cost. It is a big
number in terms of the overall cost of the project.
Councilmember Ovall stated he felt caught off guard that the Lion John Weicht park
scenario was changed. He wondered if the proposed 3rd sheet of ice, resulting from
the refrigeration unit upgrade, would be put in the turf field area.
Mr. Betty responded the turf field was a potential location for a 3 sheet. The main
question was whether to upgrade the refrigeration unit by making it bigger to handle
a third sheet. It may save a couple hundred thousand dollars in more equipment in
the future.
Councilmember Ovall asked about the proposal to switch the locations of the
softball fields at Lion John Weicht Park to face a different direction. He also
questioned the location of the parking lot due to poor soil conditions. The softball
fields are now facing toward the apartments which might cause noise complaints.
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{ Mr. Betty explained the soil boring reports were considered as well as the natural
slope to get the ball fields to drain while paying attention to stormwater. He stated
the proposal to demolish and rebuild was based on avoiding putting money into a
building which was having water issues.
Mr. Femrite added it would be a savings to take down the entire building rather than
renovate it.
Councilmember Ovall likes the new concept of parking and appreciates the time of
the committee.
Mr. Betty stated the previous plan for Lion John Weicht Park included a large
amount of retaining walls and those costs would be better spent elsewhere.
Councilmember Wagner added that the new location of the pavilion would enhance
the community asset and make the location about more than the softball fields. As
proposed, people can come off the parking lot directly into the pavilion which is also
closer to the play area.
Mayor Dietz stated he didn't have a problem adding the alternate list to the bid. He
was not in favor of lighting the second softball field. Although some people feel the
City needs a third rink now, he would not like to see the turf field sacrificed once
people begin using it for lacrosse or soccer. The only people to benefit from a third
sheet of ice would be youth hockey. If youth hockey wants to put $500,000 toward
the project them maybe they would consider upgrading the refrigeration unit.
Improving the ice arenas to make them both year round facilities is already an
upgrade.
Mr. Betty stated removing the refrigeration unit option does not keep them from
adding it in the future, it just may cost more.
The Council was in favor of going out to bid with the list of alternates but not
including the refrigeration unit option.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to approve final plans and advertisement to solicit bids for the
Multi -Purpose Facility. Motion carried 5-0.
8.2 Energy Incentive Program
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz asked whether businesses would be locked into the rate they applied
for. He asked if this program was for existing businesses or new businesses.
Ms. Othoudt explained it was for new or expanding businesses.
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Mayor Dietz asked if it was just for the expanded portion of the business or for the
entire energy bill. He stated he often gets asked for a break in an electric bill but the
City needs to try and be fair to everyone.
Ms. Othoudt clarified it was for the entire energy bill.
Councilmember Westgaard added this may incentivize large manufacturing,
commercial, and industrial growth. He felt it was a unique idea on utilizing an electric
rebate.
Mayor Dietz clarified the city attorney had seen and approved the plan.
Moved by Councilmember Christianson and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to approve the Energy Incentive Program and Policy. Motion
carried 5-0.
8.3 Discuss Work Session Items
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
Councilmember Westgaard requested a joint meeting with the Utilities Commission
be added in the fixture to discuss governance policy.
9. Council Liaison Updates
Heritage Preservation
■ Water tower grant in progress with project work hopefully starting in spring
of 2020.
■ Discussion on ghost walking tours through the cemeteries of Elk River.
Planning
• Plat request for Jorgenson Homes.
■ Amendment to Home Occupations Ordinance.
• Work Session on defining Institutional Uses.
Parks and Recreation
• Discussion on a flagpole at Rivers Edge Park.
• Rivers Edge Park Rental Policy.
■ Field Use Allocation Policies and Procedures on how fields and facilities are
being used and rented out.
■ Resident complaints about deer eating out of yards. Perhaps it is time to do a
count in the community of the deer population.
• Work Session on Athletic Field Fees.
Utilities
• Awards and Recognitions including a Certificate of Excellence in Reliability
and a Safety Award of Excellence from American Public Power.
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( Recognition of the Tom Bovitz Memorial Scholarship Award winner.
■ Financial Audit Reports.
■ Performance Compensation Incentive.
Library
■ Circulation is up.
■ The change in hours was discussed.
■ Discussed the marketing aspects of getting programs out.
■ There is an influx of younger families.
Arena
■ Updates from RJM Construction and 292 Design Group.
■ Year-end financials for the arena.
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Council recessed at 8:07 p.m. in order to go into work session. Council reconvened
at 8:14 p.m.
10.1 Energy City Commission Interviews
Council interviewed applicants for the Energy City Commission.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to appoint Amy Lord to the Energy City Commission with a
term expiration of February 28, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to appoint Alec Plaisted to the Energy City Commission with a
term expiration of February 28, 2022. Motion carried 5-0.
10.2 Concept Review: Hilltop Woods Estate Second Addition
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Linda Schultz, owner of the property at 20655 Victoria Drive, was present. She
outlined the dilemma of dividing the right side of the property into four lots since
the acreage would be slightly less than the allowable amount if a portion of the
property was given for a right-of-way.
Mr. Carlton stated a variance could be done to allow the lots that are less than the
required acres. Or, the property could be subdivided into three lots instead of four.
Mayor Dietz asked if something could be put into the documents to allow the four
lots in the fixture when it is developed. The applicant should not be penalized for
giving land up for the right-of-way.
Mr. Schultz explained the property would be worth more with four lots instead of
three.
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Councilmember Westgaard asked if it could be put in the public record that the
council would be okay with granting four lots minimum. In the long term it is good
to look at having aright -of -way.
Mr. Carlton stated language could be added to a resolution.
10.3 Outdoor Ice Rink at Spectrum High School
Mr. Hecker presented the staff report.
Rick Peterson, Athletic Director/Facilities and Dan DeBruyn, Executive Director of
Spectrum High School were present.
The proposal would eliminate the ice rink at Kliever Lake Fields Park and add an ice
rink to the Spectrum High School property. One of the price considerations is
locating dasher boards for constructing the rink.
Mayor Dietz asked what would happen to the dasher boards at the Barn ice rink
once it was demolished.
Councilmember Westgaard stated often contractors get whatever they can salvage
for resale in trade for their demolition bid.
Mr. Czech agreed whoever was awarded the bid to demolish the building would take
the existing boards and they could not be repurposed for this proposed rink.
Councilmember Westgaard asked if Kliever Lake Fields Park or Lion John Weicht
Park rinks have dasher boards.
Mr. Hecker responded that Lion John Weicht Park has end boards and lights.
Mayor Dietz clarified the proposal was that the city would provide the money for the
boards. Spectrum High School would provide the lights and access to their warming
house. With an approximate 60-70 days of the year the rink may be used, the city
would not get a lot of benefit out of spending $50-60,000.
Mayor Dietz was in favor of sending the proposal back to the Parks and Recreation
Commission. Since there are limited Park Dedication funds, the commission could
decide if this is where they would like to spend their funding.
Councilmember Wagner asked how many people per week use the Kliever Lake
Fields Park.
Mr. Hecker stated it was difficult to know resident usage but staff hours were about
180 hours for the season.
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f Councilmember Wagner was concerned about asking the neighborhood to give up
using their local rink to cross a potentially dangerous road in order to use the new
rink. She asked what was being used for dasher boards at the current rink.
Mr. Hecker responded the rink was just flooded. There were boards on the ends.
There is a full rink at Handke Stadium.
Councilmember Wagner was surprised at the cost of $90-95,000 for refurbished
board versus new boards.
Mr. Czech stated the cost included taking them down and putting them back up at a
new site. Caution would have to be taken to not break them and the coating might
have to be stripped and redone to withstand outside elements.
Councilmember Wagner asked if the rink would be dedicated to Spectrum use only
during certain time periods.
Mr. Peterson responded Spectrum would likely use the rink right after school. The
school would be providing the money to relocate the parking lot and provide lights.
Mr. DeBruyn stated two sections of the proposed rink boards could be removed and
the area used for additional parking but that more, permanent, parking would need
to be created on site. The cost to the school would be about $250,000.
Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Czech if the boards from the Barn ice rink were a viable
option. Mr. Czech estimated the cost would be relatively similar to a new set of
boards since the Barn's boards are meant for indoors and the poly would have to be
replaced. It may last for 2-3 years but would have a shortened lifespan outdoors.
Councilmember Wagner confirmed the cost of operating the proposed rink would
be net zero. Is this a priority for the Park Dedication funds?
Mr. Hecker confirmed the Park Dedication funds are limited. Currently, a priority of
the Parks and Recreation Commission is to fund items identified in the Active Elk
River referendum that the referendum cannot fully fund. The commission must also
think ahead to the addition of a new park at Miske Meadows in the future.
Councilmember Westgaard agreed the list of items for the Park Dedication funds
was quite extensive and the council respects the recommendations of the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
Mr. Hecker offered another option to have staff make dasher boards but the cost
would be around $15,000 in staff time and materials.
Councilmember Westgaard stated the Multipurpose facility had been discussed
earlier that evening. If Spectrum was exploring having a hockey team couldn't they
rent ice from the new facility?
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Mr. DeBruyn stated it was not about Spectrum High School. They currently have the
property available. He feels it's an unmet need to have a lighted, boarded rink on the
east side of Highway 169. He wishes to utilize the space for the community by
providing the lighting and warming house, space that is there but not used in the
winter.
Councilmember Westgaard said it was a gracious offer by Spectrum but he wonders
if there is a community outcry for a lighted, boarded ice rink east of Highway 169. It
is not near any neighborhoods and not easy for children to walk to. The Parks and
Recreation Commission has had budget constraints since 2008 and he is surprised to
hear this is a priority of the commission.
Mayor Dietz asked that the item return to the Parks and Recreation Commission so
they could review the numbers. If the Commission decides it is a priority, the council
can revisit it.
Mr. DeBruyn stated the desire of Spectrum was to work with the community
whether now or in the future. They are looking for ways to partner with the city.
Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Hecker if the item could be added to the Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for May 8, 2019.
10.4 Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Mr. Hecker presented the staff report.
Shannon Tatro, resident, was in attendance.
Mayor Deitz asked if the docks would be taken out in the winter.
Mr. Tatro said the docks should be taken out in the winter, however, his dock, which
is also the EZ Dock system, has weathered an ice dam when left in over the winter
with little damage.
Mayor Dietz asked about storage of the dock during the winter.
Mr. Femrite responded that maintenance will visit Anoka to watch how they install
their dock. An option could be to float the dock pieces to Babcock Memorial Park
and haul on a trailer. The pieces are plastic and therefore are easier to move.
Mr. Femrite stated the reason he was bringing the item to the council was to show
the additional work staff has been doing with the help of residents Shannon Tatro
and Randy Tesdahl. Once the total cost is determined they can begin seeking grant
opportunities for the ADA portion.
Mayor Dietz asked how much the ADA portion of the dock plan would cost.
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Mr. Femrite clarified the cost presented did not include the cost of construction or
design.
Mayor Dietz liked the sound of the EZ Dock better than the last proposal and felt it
seemed more feasible.
Mr. Tatro stated they would start searching for grant options to cover the ADA
portion but that, because of timelines, it would not be installed this year.
Mayor Dietz clarified with Mr. Fern -rite that the city's main expense would be putting
in and taking out the dock for winter storage.
Councilmember Wagner asked if the DNR had any issues with cutting down the
trees in the area. She didn't see any issue with the plan.
Mr. Hecker stated they should not be removing any large trees.
Councilmember Westgaard said they have discussed the concept of a dock for a few
years. It would really add to the community and this seemed like the right system at
the right location. He felt good on the total cost if funds could be raised.
Mayor Dietz asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission should look over the
proposal to see if they feel it's a good idea
Councilmember Westgaard agreed the Parks and Recreation Commission may not
want to change one of their Signature Park Master Plans.
10.5 Lake Orono Restoration and Enhancement (LORE) Update
Ms. Bednar and Mr. Wisner presented the staff report. They explained the timeline
of submitting the required materials. Mr. Wisner explained if the timeline stays on
track, the lake could start to be dredged in September of 2020.
10.6 Creation of a Lake Orono Lake Improvement District (OLID)
Ms. Bednar and Mr. Wisner presented the staff report.
The application has been received and staff is verifying signatures. The process
allows for residents to address specific concerns regarding the lake. A Lake
Improvement District (LID) application is often submitted to a county but, because
Lake Orono is entirely within the borders of Elk River, the city is the local governing
unit. The OLID will help address concerns of invasive species and water quality but
will not have taxing authority. The council will provide guidance to the group.
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Ms. Bednar explained the timeline of submitting the application. The OLID is
required to have an annual meeting July or August with July 17 being the earliest
possible date the process could be completed.
Mayor Dietz asked about the appointment of leadership. Patrick Plant, Chair of the
Lake Orono Water Quality Committee, stated besides the LORE project, the OLID
would assist with keeping the lake healthy. It is similar to a Home Owners
Association (HOA) and the OLID will continue to function after the LORE project
is completed.
Mayor Dietz asked who determines how much gets taxed per property. Mr. Wisner
explained the calculations used were per unit. The $750,000 cost would be divided
among the property owners over a 5 -year time frame. Mr. Plant pointed the council
to a sample budget in the packet. The target is $100-200 per household. The OLID
will design the budget but present it to the council to approve.
Mayor Dietz asked about the $100,000 the city would need to pay for city -owned
property. Mr. Wisner responded he would need to check if some money may be
available through stormwater fees.
Mayor Dietz clarified they would need to budget $20,000 per year for 5 years.
Ms. Bednar clarified the DNR and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency were
petitioned at the same time.
Mr. Plant stated the DNR would provide any concerns prior to the public hearing.
Councilmember Wagner clarified the LID, similar to local government, has
management over the lake. How does that change the governing of the council?
Mr. Wisner stated enforcement would remain the same since it is public water. The
plan is to work collaboratively in partnership with the city to reach goals for the lake.
Councilmember Wagner found there are only approximately 50 LIDs in the state. If
this is such a good concept why aren't there more?
Ms. Bednar stated it requires an active lake association to form a LID. The Lake
Orono association approached the city to form the LID. Most lakes are recreational
for summer cabins.
Councilmember Wagner mentioned some people are upset about being forced into a
LID. What should the council say to neighbors that don't want to be part of it?
Mr. Plant stated a LID was the most equitable way for citizens to enjoy the lake now
and in the future. The LID is a tool to fill in gaps in funding and create a formalized
group. Some people want to take advantage of benefits to the lake but don't want to
pay for them. With the proposed structure each property owner is paying a small
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amount toward projects instead of paying for large projects that only affect their
property.
The plan is for the LID to go to a public hearing on June 3, 2019.
Mayor Dietz asked if everyone on the lake would get a formal notice.
Ms. Bednar confirmed they would receive a letter in the mail.
Councilmember Wagner asked if the lake owners may be upset that things are
moving so quickly.
Councilmember Westgaard stated this project was something that had been
discussed for a long time.
Mr. Plant stated their group had held four open public hearings as learning sessions
and paid for direct mailings to all affected. The neighbors have been invited to
participate in the discussion and should be aware of the process.
The council directed staff to move ahead with the application process.
10.7 2020 Budget Discussion
Ms. Ziemer presented the staff report. She outlined possible dates for budget work
sessions including July 22 and July 29 with a possible date of August 12, 2019. These
meetings would start at 5:00 p.m.
The Council should approve the maximum levy at the September 3, 2019, meeting.
The Council expressed a desire to maintain the same level of services despite
proposed expenditure increases.
Ms. Ziemer asked for recommendations on essential services that could not be cut
out of the budget.
Councilmember Christianson asked Mr. Femrite if they could have a discussion in
early July about sidewalk plowing.
Ms. Ziemer asked if the council would like to start looking at how to fund capital
improvements.
Mayor Dietz asked about the vehicle replacement fund.
Ms. Ziemer stated the fund took a hit when they purchased a fire truck and another
fire truck purchase was scheduled in the next few years.
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Councilmember Ovall asked where the city could cut, if needed, due to a recession.
Currently, it seems like we are paying for past rainy day expenses. Staff should decide
where there is room to cut if the need is there.
Councilmember Christianson asked what the city should do if housing prices crash
again.
Mr. Portner stated common practices during a recession period are to not fill vacant
positions, not raise pay or send staff to training.
Councilmember Ovall didn't like the options he has been presented on how to make
the budget work. The costs seem to keep crescendoing and citizens are unhappy.
Where are the city's priorities?
Councilmember Westgaard stated some things the city could control and some they
could not. The city cannot control PERA or workers compensation costs. The city
should prepare for when, not if, a downturn occurs. You can cut a lot of Park and
Recreation programs but it wouldn't make up for the amount in the costs incurred
by the Police, Fire, or Parks and Streets departments.
Ms. Ziemer agreed approximately 77% of personnel services are fixed and cannot be
changed without reducing staff.
Councilmember Ovall asked about maintenance of the park system such as mowing.
Should the city stop expanding the park system and improve what we have? Can we
look at parks more strategically? Perhaps we can let some parks grow more natural
which would take them off the acreage to mow.
Mr. Portner said some playsets and ice rinks have been removed from parks. Prairie
grasses and a reduction in mowing could be a discussion. The Park Master Plan
could be reviewed to see which parks to divest in and which cannot. Many parks
were received through park dedication and would need to go back to the original
owner.
Councilmember Ovall suggested looking at sustainability and not increasing tax
capacity.
Mr. Portner asked if the council was asking for a priority -based budgeting process.
He recommended such exercise breaking the budget down by programs and
activities.
Councilmember Wagner asked what can be cut and still keep the services at the level
we currently have. Can anything be done to create a lean budget?
Mr. Portner stated the council seems to enjoy going through the budget line by line.
The past eight budgets have been thin. It's impossible to know what will happen
with housing changes.
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Councilmember Ovall encouraged staff to consider if there are ways to invest in
future efficiency improvements. He felt visiting the budget annually allows the city to
be more nimble.
Mr. Portner stated technology additions have been requested, such as building plan
inspection software. He followed that expenditures, despite council review and the
practice of following five-year averages, are typically about one percent below
budgets, which are built 18 months in advance. Staff makes 8,000 independent
spending decisions each year and are most frequently criticized for denying rather
than bringing unplanned expenditure requests to the council to review and approve.
10.8 Trunk Highway (TH) 10 Corridor Study and Coalition Concept
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
MnDOT is willing to fund two-thirds of the TH 10 Corridor Study and he is talking
to the county about help with funding the final third of the cost.
Councilmember Westgaard stated this seems like the final piece. MnDOT made
improvements in Anoka and then moved on to Ramsey.
Councilmember Ovall asked if the city has communicated to MnDOT the city's
focus on turning that area into industrial. Development could take off faster than
what MnDOT was planning.
Mayor Dietz asked if the city's share could come out of state aid money.
Mr. Femrite said the project was state aid eligible.
Councilmember Ovall mentioned the activity in the area that has occurred just in the
last year with new construction and requests for building projects. The city needs to
focus on what it wants for this area.
Mr. Femrite said there were estimates for different options for studies ranging in cost
and offering a varying scope. If you have MnDOT at the table, it might be best to
capitalize on that and go with a more detailed concept.
Councilmember Westgaard asked if the City of Ramsey study was concluded. There
was some debate on whether the access point should be on Alpine Drive or Jarvis
Street.
Mr. Femrite said the study kept the access point issue open and needs to be looked
at further.
Councilmember Westgaard added the access point decision makes a difference to
Elk River.
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Council consensus was to support a corridor study of TH 10.
Mr. Femrite will communicate with MnDOT.
Mr. Femrite addressed the TH 10 Coalition. He felt if a coalition was formed,
perhaps spearheaded by the county; it would be to the advantage of Elk River to be
involved.
10.9 Technology Enhanced Traffic Control Policy
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. The policy was formed out of a need for a
guiding document for determining speed regulating signage.
The document should help councilmembers and staff determine when technology
enhanced traffic control is warranted since an overuse of these devices loses
effectiveness and comes at a higher price. Once signage is determined to meet
requirements of the policy, it will be brought forward for consideration of the
Council during future year budget discussions.
Mayor Dietz felt it was good to have a document like this to help determine if these
traffic control devices are needed. Residents can see certain criteria needs to be met
to install them.
Mr. Femrite will finalize the document and bring it back to the council for approval.
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 10:28 p.m.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
ie Porath.
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