06-15-2020 Regular CCMMeeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, June 15, 2020
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Garrett Christianson, Nate
Ovall, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Finance Director Lori Ziemer,
Chief of Police Ron Nierenhausen, Stormwater Coordinator Brandon
Wisner, Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Recreation Manager Steve
Benoit, Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker,
Environmental Coordinator Amanda Erickson, Farmers
Market/Event Coordinator Karen Wingard, and Deputy Clerk Jessica
Miller
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 6:49 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Item 4.4 was moved after the consent agenda.
Item 4.13 was removed.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0.
4.4 COVID-10 Preparedness Plan as outlined in the staff report
Mr. Portner presented an election addendum to the Preparedness Plan. He stated the
state was supposed to issue guidelines today on preparedness plans, but he hasn't
seen it. He explained the deadline to have a plan in place is June 29 and since the
Council doesn't meet before that date he would like Council to provide him with
authorization to make changes in order to have a plan in place by the deadline. He
noted any plan changes would be ratified by the Council at their July 6 meeting.
Moved by Councihncmber Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to approve the elections addendum to the COVID-19 Preparedness
Plan and allow staff to make changes to be ratified at the July 6 Council
meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
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June 15, 2020
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to approve:
4.1 Minutes
■ May 18, 2020, Regular
■ May 28, 2020, Special
■ June 1, 2020, Regular
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Ratify outdoor dining patio extensions as outlined in the staff report
for the following:
■ Aegir Brewing Co, 707 Main Street NW
■ American Legion, 525 Railroad Drive NW
■ Broadway Bar and Pizza,16754 Highway 10
■ Daddy O's, 709 Main Street NW
■ Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant,19232 Evans Street NW
■ Sunshine Depot, 701 Main Street NW
4.5 Liquor License renewals as outlined in the staff report.
4.6 Resolution 20-32 approving final plat of Tall Pines Second Addition,
with the following conditions:
1. All conditions of approval for the associated Conditional Use Permit
and Preliminary Plat must be satisfied prior to releasing the plat for
recording.
2. A Development Agreement be prepared and executed outlining the
terms and conditions of the plat approval prior to releasing the plat for
recording.
3. Water Availability Charge shall be paid in the amount required by the
city at the time the Final Plat is released for recording.
4. Park Dedication fee shall be paid in the amount required by the city at
the time the Final Plat is released for recording.
5. Staff approval of all site, landscaping, engineering, and stormwater
plans.
6. Streetlights shall be installed as required by Elk River Utilities.
7. A Letter of Credit shall be provided to the city in the amount of 100% of
the costs of the public improvements.
8. Upon completing all public improvements and having them accepted
by the city, a security or warranty in a form acceptable to the public
works director must be secured.
9. A development plan shall be approved by the city engineer prior to the
issuance of building permits.
10. All mailboxes shall be clustered.
11. Any item or condition found that indicates the site is likely to yield
information important to pre -history or history shall be reported to the
city immediately. Further, the city reserves the right to stop work
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authorized in its approval until the site is appropriately investigated and
work is authorized.
4.7 Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for Multipurpose Facility as
outlined in the staff report.
4.8 Pay estimates as outlined in the staff report.
4.9 Resolution 20-33 authorizing the transfer from the Municipal Liquor
Fun to the Park Improvement Fund.
4.10 2020 Mineral Excavation License Renewals as listed in the staff report.
4.11 Approve low bid from GM Contracting for the Main Street forcemain
relocation.
4.12 Permanent and temporary easements to facilitate construction of the
CSAH 12 improvements and their effects on the city owned property
containing Hillside Park.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. Open Forum
Mr. Portner indicated he was contacted by resident Valerie Hanson, 548 Auburn
Place regarding her concerns with the direction residents are receiving following
CDC guidance when out in the community. Ms. Hanson would like the Council to
take more of a leadership role along with the Chamber of Commerce in encouraging
l people to wear masks and social distancing.
Council consensus was for communications staff to put something together and
send to Council for review.
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Anne Kostrzewski, 27235 146`' Street NW, Zimmerman — introduced herself and
stated she is running for the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.
Jason Vahlenkamp, 10087 191't Avenue NW — explained there is a median in the
new Miske Meadows development that is unkept. He indicated the median is city -
owned but the residents would like to take over maintenance.
Councilmember Wagner indicated she also spoke with a resident regarding this issue.
The Mayor indicated he spoke with Mr. Portner about this issue earlier today.
Council direction was for Mr. Vahlenkamp to contact Mr. Portner in the morning
and get in touch with Street/Park Superintendent Tim Sevcik.
Todd Baumann, Eagle Scout Leader, stated his son Aaron was working with the
city on an Eagle Scout project but he found out today the project has been cancelled.
Mr. Baumann explained this puts his son in a bad position to complete his project in
time. He indicated it is common knowledge in the Scout community that Elk River is
difficult to work with.
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Councilmember Wagner indicated she is the liaison to the Parks and Recreation
Commission and read Mr. Hecker's staff report regarding the project cancellation
because of site issues.
Mayor Dietz and Councilmember Wagner expressed shock and commented the city
has partnered with Eagle Scouts on many successful projects.
Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Baumann if the city can write a letter on behalf of Aaron to
get him a project extension or if we can find another project for him. Mr. Baumann
indicated he isn't sure Aaron is interested in working with the City of Elk River on
future projects.
6.1 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Mayor Dietz presented the June Volunteer of the Month award to Jim Schroeder. He
highlighted the following:
■ CAER food shelf support
w Great River Family Promise volunteer
■ Second Harvest produce food drop at St. Andrews
■ St. Andrew's tuition assistance
■ Assist at Timber Bay Kids Camp
• Knights of Columbus member
■ Tenth grade confirmation teacher
• Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Sacristan at St. Andrews
■ Led mission trips to Mexican orphanage
■ St. Andrews Social Justice Mission Outreach leader
6.2 Proclaim Phil Barsody Day
Mr. Barsody was not in attendance and this item has been postponed until July 6.
6.3 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Year Ended December
31, 2019.
Michelle Hoffman and Troy Gabler from CliftonLarsonAllen presented an overview
of the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report for the year ended December 31,
2019.
Moved by Councilmember Ovall and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to receive the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the
year ended December 31, 2019. Motion carried 5-0.
7.1 Lake Orono Drawdown Permit Requirement Per Minn. Stat. §§
103G.408
Ms. Bednar presented the staff report.
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Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Page 5
Bob Bergeth, 1797 Tipton Circle #111, indicated he has lived in his home for 20
years and the continued tax increases are difficult enough without adding an
assessment and creating a larger tax increase. He stated the assessment being
proposed has no reasonableness and will drive people to move out of Elk River. He
indicated he is advocating for the Council to reduce expenses rather than keep
raising taxes with no tangible benefit for the residents.
Leonora Person, 13726 189t' Avenue, believes the assessment is quite large and
their property is not receiving a benefit from the lake dredging.
Mark Person, 13726 189`' Avenue, indicated he is against the drawdown and
doesn't believe it should continue until litigation revolving around formation of the
lake district is finished.
Denise Cundif, 13742 189" Avenue NW, expressed opposition to the drawdown
and questioned why the vote for the drawdown was one per property but the vote
on the lake district was two.
Ms. Erickson explained based on DNR requirements for the drawdown, all DNR
identified parcels are given one vote per parcel regardless of ownership. She
I } explained the lake district formation had different requirements and based on
ownership, some properties received two votes.
Ms. Person thought she recalled the city attorney saying the Council can remove
people from the OLID.
Attorney Beck stated the Council has authority to change boundaries but cannot
remove properties from the OLID. He noted changing the boundaries would require
a new procedure. He indicated assessments for the dredging project are determined
by the public improvement project the Council orders. He noted the draft
assessment roll tracks the properties that fall within OLID but they don't have to be
the same.
Attorney Beck explained there would be no reason to delay action on the LORE
project and the drawdown because of the OLID litigation as they are separate issues
and separate processes.
Ms. Person questioned if the Council would take under advisement the assessment
versus a flat fee when the project does not benefit the property owners. She
questioned if larger properties pay a larger assessment.
Mr. Wisner explained commercial may pay a larger assessment, but residential
properties all pay the same assessment unless they are over 10 acres.
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Mayor Dietz indicated the Council will determine assessments during the assessment
hearing. He stated residents will have an option to speak at the hearing and there is
an appeal process in place for residents who disagree with the assessment.
Patrick Plant, 13184 Islandview Drive NW, stated the drawdown is critical to
advance the lake project and he is in favor.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public
hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Ovall
to adopt resolution 20-34 approving a permit application for the drawdown of
Lake Orono. Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Easement Vacation: Twin Lakes Road & 175" Avenue, Community
Housing Development Corporation
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Dan Walsh, Community Housing Development Corporation, understands staff
does not support the easement vacation and he agrees traffic control is important
and highlighted two items with the goal of finding a collective solution for this
vacation request. The first item Mr. Walsh mentioned is he feels alternative traffic
control measures may be nearly as effective and would cost much less than a
roundabout. The second item Mr. Walsh highlighted is the uniqueness of this area
and the city owning 150-feet of right of way on the north side assuming there may be
sufficient right of way for the roundabout and to grant the easement vacation. He
noted CHDC is proud of this building concept and they believe it accomplishes all
the goals laid out by the city. He added allowing the building to utilize the corner of
the right of way is key to the project allowing activation of the street scape and
making for an attractive project.
There being no one else to speak, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Wagner indicated her biggest hesitation for granting this vacation is
the large growth already in the area as well as future growth. She questioned how
other easements look in this type of intersection in the rest of the city. Mr. Carlton
explained typically right-of-way would exist on the back side of the sidewalk and
continue north. He added this request is consistent with other right-of-way designs.
He noted the study indicated the roundabout as the preferred treatment but also
evaluated a four-way stop. He stated the roundabout functioned slightly better in the
study and the plan recommends multiple roundabouts down the corridor so he feels
it may be good for consistency.
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* r Councilmember Ovall questioned if the study was completed prior to awarding of
the Highway 169 project. Mr. Carlton indicated he is not 100% sure of the timing
but believes the study was started before the Highway 169 project.
Councilmember Ovall questioned how early staff shared their position on not
supporting the vacation with the applicant. Mr. Carlton explained initial
conversations with the application were supportive but after the application was
submitted and during staff review as part of the site plan meeting, the public works
director reviewed the 2018 traffic study and noted his concerns regarding the conflict
between the proposal and city plans. He stated the applicant was notified prior to the
first public hearing held on this project. Councilmember Ovall indicated he would
like staff to find a way to provide applicants with more accurate feedback earlier in
the process.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated he struggles with this request. He questioned if
the roundabout shown in the packet is to scale and asked who prepared the drawing.
Mr. Carlton stated the graphic was prepared for the applicant by the surveyor and
includes general specifications but is not designed specifically for this intersection.
Councilmember Westgaard stated the amount of right-of-way seems like a lot
compared to normal and he would like to support the project but doesn't want to
box ourselves in without having enough right-of-way. He added he agrees with
Councilmember Ovall that staff needs to find a way to communicate these issues
with the applicant earlier in the process. Mr. Carlton indicated staff is working
towards pre -application meetings where everyone will be part of the initial
conversation. He stated the city moved away from roundabouts where there is
heavier truck traffic and indicated that may become an issue in this area with the
industrial uses to the west potentially creating heavy truck traffic.
Mayor Dietz noted he is not sure the developer should pay for our uncertainty on
possibly building a roundabout.
Councilmember Wagner questioned if 175'' Avenue is proposed to be anything other
than the design it is right now including more lanes, medians, etc. She explained it is
difficult for her to decide based on the single graphic in the packet. She added her
biggest concern is the growth in the area. She questioned if a partial easement could
be discussed.
Councilmember Christianson questioned if the Council could see a roundabout to
specifications overlaid in this intersection to see what the easement would look like.
Mr. Carlton stated he is not aware of any design changes to 175th. He indicated staff
could put a standardized roundabout in the center and see how it fits. He noted
every roundabout is unique and specifically designed for an intersection. He added a
partial easement vacation could be entertained. He stated this item could be
continued to July 6 if the Council provides direction.
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Mr. Walsh explained they are just looking for site control so a smaller easement
could work. He noted they just need to put a small corner of the building on the
easement. He added site control documentation is due to the state this week.
Mayor Dietz asked if staff and the applicant can work on paperwork showing one
option with site control approval and one with denial. The applicant agreed to a
continuation to July 6.
Councilmember Ovall indicated he would like Public Works Director Justin Femrite
to comment prior to the next meeting.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to continue this item until July 6, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
8.1 Riverfront Concert Series Cancellation
Mr. Benoit presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz indicated he spoke with the chair of the Sherburne County Fair Board
and it may be possible for the concerts to be held at the grandstand however there is
no power and we would need to rent a stage. He stated he also likes the possibility of
having the concerts at the Multipurpose Facility since we wouldn't have to provide
power and a stage.
Mr. Hecker explained parking lot construction at the Multipurpose Facility through
August will make it difficult to move crowds.
Mayor Dietz explained he would like to explore all options as he doesn't want to
cancel the entire concert series as he believes this would be uplifting to people
looking for things to do. He added he would be in favor of rebooking the bands to
2021 if we have to cancel this year. He questioned if cancelling the events through
July 23 gives staff time to explore using the Multipurpose Facility and find out exact
costs for using the fairgrounds if necessary.
Councilmember Wagner indicated in her experience with event planning, she is
hesitant to use the fairgrounds as it is not the venue people are accustomed to. She
noted she is holding out hope to hold concerts in August.
Councilmember Westgaard stated he would like staff to continue strategizing on how
we can preserve as many concerts as possible while staying within the state
guidelines. He questioned if Zabee Theater has been explored. Mr. Hecker indicated
rain day concerts were scheduled at Zabee Theater but those were scheduled prior to
the COVID shutdowns.
Councilmember Wagner added Handke Pit may be an option.
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Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Ovall
to cancel the Riverfront Concert Series concerts up to and including the July
23, 2020, event. Motion carried 5-0.
8.2 Elk RiverFest 2020 Cancellation
Mr. Benoit presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz questioned if staff will be putting out information on social distancing
expectations or if we will be asking people to remain in their cars while watching the
fireworks. Mr. Benoit stated staff will strongly educate the public about ways to
socially distance.
Mayor Dietz stated he doesn't mean to be rude but questioned if staff made a sincere
effort to move the event to Labor Day. Ms. Wingard indicated she wants the event
to go on if it can safely go on as much as anyone and assured Council staff worked
really hard to try and make the festival work. She stated a reduced number of craft
and food vendors would be willing to do the event in September. She added the Sips
on Main area has had 17-20 vendors in the past but only five were available for
Labor Day. She stated Sips on Main is a huge draw but it's difficult to charge people
when only five vendors are available for samples. She explained there was also some
concern with Sips on Main being too close to the rescheduled Taste of Elk River
event in September. The Taste of Elk River is a fundraiser and she doesn't want to
j take away from that event. She further explained the downtown venue is what makes
Elk RiverFest amazing but is also what makes holding an event during a pandemic
especially difficult with people being so closer together and not being able to control
the entrance/exits. She believes it is the best interest of public safety and fiscal
responsibility to cancel the event for this year and concentrate on the fireworks on
the 4th of July.
Councilmember Christianson questioned if scaling the event back is an option. He
stated there is almost three months until the event and a lot can change with state
COVID restrictions by then. Ms. Wingard indicated she felt that salvaging the
fireworks and promoting small gatherings on the 4' of July would allow recreation
staff to utilize resources to provide other events for the community rather than
planning an event that may or may not happen.
Moved by Councilmember Ovall and seconded by Councihmember Westgaard
to cancel Elk RiverFest 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
8.3 Elk River Youth Baseball Association Dugout and Elk River Youth
LaCrosse Field Lighting Payment Deferment Requests
Mr. Benoit presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Westgaard to defer the Elk River Youth Baseball's 2020 and 2021 dugout
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payments for one year from the due dates in the Youth Athletic Complex and
Oak Knoll Agreement. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councihnernber Wagner and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to defer the Elk River Youth LaCrosse's 2020, 2021, and 2022
field lighting payments for one year from the due dates indicated in the
agreement regarding the Oak Knoll Athletic Complex. Motion carried 5-0.
8.4 Comprehensive Plan Consultant
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember
Christianson to select Houseal Lavigne to complete the 2020 Comprehensive
Plan Update. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Mayor
Dietz to appoint Councilmernbers Christianson and Westgaard to serve on
the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC). Motion carried 5-0.
9.1 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Property Tax Abatement
Overview
Ms. Othoudt presented on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and property tax
abatement along with Mikaela Huot of Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC.
Mayor Dietz questioned what should be used as a guide as to how much tax
abatement a city should have. Ms. Huot explained there is a statutory limit of not
more than 10% of a city's next tax capacity can be tax abatement. She noted this
limit is difficult to reach. She indicated there is no statutory limit for TIF, but some
cities have established a desired threshold. She stated she will gather information on
a comparison of capture tax capacity in TIF districts in the state and will forward
that information when she receives it. She stated many cities are focused on what the
public to private percentage ratios are for projects and some cities have set limits and
some compare public to private participation ratios for each project.
Councilmember Wagner indicated one reason for her requesting this discussion is to
determine whether the Council should be reviewing applications individually or
provide an overall Council direction for staff to pass on when people inquire about
TIF.
Mayor Dietz stated he believes the Council should review applications individually to
make sure they have gone through the process and qualify for the financing. He
noted applications that do not meet the qualifications may not be brought to the
Council. He cautioned about setting limits as he would hate to set a limit and have to
turn down a large project. Councilmember Westgaard didn't believe the city has
overextended on TIF and would find it difficult to tell people we don't want TIF
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until you know what type of project is being proposed. Mayor Dietz indicated it may
be better to discuss what kind of TIF the Council wants such as industrial, housing,
etc. He noted it seems like most residential TIF is low income. He stated he would
like to see how many low-income units Elk River has versus where we should be.
Ms. Othoudt indicated the housing study lays out a number of affordable housing
units for the next 10-15 years and she believes the number was 93. She noted if you
consider recently approved projects, there may not be a need for additional
affordable housing projects.
9.2 Discuss Proposed Land Swap with Copart
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Councilmember Ovall questioned if the soil composition and quality is comparable
on both sites. Mr. Carlton stated soil quality is part of what will be reviewed when
considering a land swap. He noted a wetland delineation was completed on the
Copart property and environmental is reviewing to ensure its buildable property.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated it seems like making the swap gives us a better
piece of land to develop.
Councilmember Wagner questioned if Mr. Hecker is comfortable with the land swap
considering the future plans of the proposed sports complex. Mr. Hecker indicated
after brief review it appears the land swap will work well but he would like the Parks
and Recreation Commission to review.
Council consensus was to move forward with exploring the land swap.
9.3 Public Safety Building and Fire Station 3 Architectural Plans
Bruce Schwartzman, lead architect for BKV Group, updated the Council on the
progress of the plans and initial cost estimates for the public safety building and Fire
Station #3.
Councilmember Westgaard asked Mr. Schwartzman if he was comfortable with the
timeline with not bidding until after the new year and beginning in April. He added
he's experienced issues with other projects with long lead times. Mr. Schwartzman
explained he is comfortable with the timeline, but he believes the construction
manager would probably say to go out for bids earlier if possible. He stated the issue
can be revisited once a construction manager is on board.
Mayor Dietz questioned Chief Dickinson and Chief Nierenhausen to see if the
proposal meets their needs. Chief Dickinson stated he will work with the firm on a
few things, but it will absolutely work. Chief Nierenhausen indicated his goal
throughout the process was to plan for future growth and he believes this
accomplishes that growth planning. He noted the additional garage space is really
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important because there are security issues with all the electronics and having the
vehicles stored outside.
Council consensus was to keep moving forward on this project.
Mr. Schwartzman explained the goal is to work with the city attorney and create a
Request for Proposal for a construction manager to get that person on board. He
noted BKV Group is available to assist in the process however needed. He stated
once the construction manager is on board that person should review the figures and
come back to the Council.
9.4 Open Containers in Public Places
Chief Nierenhausen presented the staff report. He indicated upon research he
realized the city has an archaic ordinance in place Section 6-3 that states "no person
shall consume liquor on a public highway or public place." He noted a park or
parking lot would constitute a public place. He stated there is no state statute
prohibiting liquor in public places and he conferred with the city attorney as well. He
explained under current liquor licensing laws, on -sale establishments are prohibited
from allowing liquor to leave their designated premises; however, those with off -sale
licenses can sell the liquor in a sealed container for off -sale consumption and if the
current ordinance is eliminated the patron could consume the liquor in public place.
He stated he does not have a preference either way.
Mr. Portner indicated instances of people consuming alcohol on public property
exist and now that law enforcement is aware of the ordinance it will have to be
enforced.
The Council expressed concerns with enforcing the ordinance now when people
have been consuming alcohol in public places without issue for a while.
Council consensus was to eliminate the ordinance prohibiting alcohol consumption
in public places.
9.5 Multipurpose Facility Staffing and Fees
Mr. Benoit and Mr. Dalton presented proposed staffing and fees. Mr. Dalton
indicated staff is looking for Council consensus on the information presented so they
can begin marketing.
Councilmember Wagner stated the last presentation showed the facility operating in
a deficit, but the new presentation shows different numbers. She questioned what
CM means in the presentation. Mr. Benoit indicated CM stands for Councilmember
and represents feedback from the last meeting.
Councilmember Westgaard questioned if staff is referring to the feedback he
provided at the last meeting because he is only one voice and the numbers presented
are not his and he would prefer if they weren't presented as such.
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Mr. Portner explained staff revised numbers using the 65% revenue based on whole
Council feedback at the last meeting.
Mr. Benoit further explained staff used information discussed at the last meeting
including using 65% revenues, expenses from the staffing plan, 2018 budget
numbers, and modifications for utilities and put it together for this presentation. He
noted the May 4 presentation did not include capital outlay.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated he simply voiced his concern at the last
meeting on how he felt we should move forward with the facility. He explained he
feels the advisory commission should have been part of this from day one, but it
seems like staff keeps ignoring the direction and forging ahead for approvals. He
believes it will be a mistake to move forward setting rates and schedules without
commission and community input and believes the Council will get backlash.
Mr. Portner apologized if he misunderstood the direction from the last meeting. He
indicated the advisory commission will be on board by July and will get started
shortly after reviewing these items. He questioned if the Council is looking for the
commission to conduct the research to provide budget estimates and staffing costs.
He noted in his experience a group of residents typically don't have the experience to
put that information together. He stated the payment for the naming rights
- consultant will come from the initial payment and we will pay for signage so there
may be a deficit for that right away. He stated capital outlay won't have much the
` first couple years because it's a new building and many of the larger items have
warranties. He asked for direction of what the Council wants to see.
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Mayor Dietz indicated he is not understanding Councilmember Westgaard's
comments. He questioned if Councilmember Westgaard is expecting the group to
come in and set rates. He believes they need to have a starting point and once the
commission comes on board, they should review staffs figures and make a
recommendation to the Council. He stated staff has a lot of time comparing
numbers with other cities and our competition and he wouldn't expect the advisory
commission to do that level of work.
Councilmember Westgaard explained the ordinance establishing the advisory
commission outlines the group's duties which include setting fees, budget, and
capital outlay for the facility and make recommendation to the Council. He indicated
a presentation back in December discussed having the commission established so
they could be involved as the new facility comes online and now it's June. He thinks
it is a mistake to move forward without input of the advisory commission.
Mayor Dietz questioned how the individuals appointed to the commission are going
to know better than the Council on what is right and wrong with the proposed fees
and staffing.
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Councilmember Westgaard indicated one of the commission's tasks is to work with
staff to do the research.
Mayor Dietz questioned if that means the commission does the research or staff
does the research. He indicated it seems like staffs research would be a starting point
for the commission. He stated once the facility is open the commission can review
and bring back any recommendations to the Council.
Councilmember Wagner indicated she shares some of Councilmember Westgaard's
concerns with having the commission involved from the beginning. She noted some
of the budget numbers put out there didn't make sense to her.
Mayor Dietz explained commission interviews will take place in July and the
commission will be on board by August. The commission's first task can be
reviewing the proposed fee schedule as it may already be published but fees can be
changed. He stated he believes there is still time for the commission to review the
fees and most of the building stuff before the building goes online October 1. He
asked if Councilmembers Westgaard and Wagner were comfortable with that.
Councilmember Westgaard indicated the sooner the better.
Mr. Portner and Mr. Benoit explained how staff arrived at the current budget
numbers.
Councilmember Wagner indicated upon review of the organizational chart, she feels
there is an abundance of staff to work in the new facility. She explained she wants as
many people on board as it takes to effectively run the facility; however, she thinks it
may be better to start with fewer employees and ramp up to the maximum as the
facility dictates.
Mr. Benoit indicated the facility is open 108 hours a week so many more than the ice
rink was. He stated the vacant positions could be held off on until necessary.
Mayor Dietz concurred it may be best to start without the vacant positions and see
how it goes.
Councilmember Ovallindicated he would like to see the commission up and running
as this facility was sold to the community and we need ongoing communication with
the commission and the community. He noted he believes this information is a good
framework to work from.
Mayor Dietz indicated the goal is to get the commission appointed by the end of July
and have their first meeting to review all rates, etc. and any commission
recommended changes to be brought back to the Council by August 15 so rates can
be published for the October 1 opening.
P 0 V I R E I BY
NATURE
City Council Minutes Page 15
June 15, 2020
9.6 Activity Center 55+ Transition/MPC Use Updates
Mr. Hecker presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Christianson and seconded by Councilmember
Wagner to not reopen the current senior activity center with the goal of
opening the senior center in the Multipurpose Facility by October 1. Motion
carried 5-0.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 12:11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
P B N E R E B B Y
INATI ZE