Loading...
4.1 DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 05-17-2021 Meeting of the Elk River City Council Held at the Elk River Emergency Operations Center Monday, April 26, 2021 Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Garrett Christianson, Mike Beyer, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Chief of Police Ron Nierenhausen, Finance Director Lori Ziemer, City Clerk Tina Allard, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Justin Femrite, Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Fire Chief Mark Dickinson, Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker, 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 1:03 p.m. by Mayor Dietz. 2. Council/Staff Retreat Leadership Assessment Discussion Lisa Sorenson, Sorenson Consulting, presented Leadership and Team Effectiveness and walked the Council and staff through the results of their colors personality profiles. Staff and Council discussed the differences and how to interact and communicate with each other based on each person’s prominent profile color. The Council recessed at 2:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 3:11 p.m. Review 2020 Retreat Mr. Portner presented a PowerPoint reviewing the 2020 retreat and the agenda topics for this meeting. Business Matrix Update Mr. Carlton distributed an updated Action Plan generated from the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Focus Group discussions. He reminded the Council these are results from a survey the Chamber of Commerce sent out to building permit recipients from the last few years. Mr. Carlton reviewed the updated Action Plan. He stated staff is looking at some of the larger design standards and questioned where the Council would like to see change or of any sections of the code the Council is interested in discussing. City Council Minutes Page 2 April 26, 2021 ----------------------------- Councilmember Wagner explained she would like to look at landscape design requirements as she believes our landscaping ordinance creates situations where planting trees and shrubs does not make sense once they are full grown and impact site lines. One example Councilmember Wagner provided was the former Jiffy Lube location on the corner of Main Street and Line Avenue where landscaping was required at one time but has since been removed due to visibility issues. She suggested having the landscaping planted elsewhere like a park or somewhere that makes more sense if it does not make sense on the property being considered. Mr. Carlton indicated he will add this to a future agenda for discussion. Councilmember Beyer questioned how often all ordinances are reviewed. Mr. Carlton indicated ordinances are generally reviewed as issues come up but we could be more proactive in the review if the Council desires. Mr. Carlton indicated staff is encouraging Council concept review to developers because it potentially saves the applicant from spending time and money only to find out the Council is not interested in the project. Mr. Carlton stated Code Enforcement Officer Tim Trebesch is following up on Conditional Use Permits to make sure conditions are still being adhered to. He then notifies the applicant of any issues by an in-person meeting and/or a follow-up letter. Mayor Dietz questioned if Mr. Trebesch looks at other properties in a neighborhood if he is in the area for a complaint. Mr. Carlton indicated he does. He explained Mr. Trebesch prefers to knock on doors and have personal conversations about code concerns; however, he has been reluctant to do that because of COVID but is hoping to begin in-person meetings again soon. He added staff will continue to follow-up with a letter even after an in-person meeting. Mr. Carlton questioned if the Council is interested in getting rid of the second planning public hearing at Council for less controversial items helping to expedite the process. He noted this could be achieved by putting non-controversial items on consent. The Council discussed and they are not in favor of eliminating the Council public hearing at this time for a variety of reasons including the following:  Perceived favoritism with which items are put on consent.  Planning Commission hearing more detailed, and bugs worked out between hearings.  Items that come up at Planning Commission can be addressed at the City Council public hearing.  Reduced transparency. Mayor Dietz questioned if staff notifies the applicant and the public that the Planning Commission is an advisory commission and Council makes the decisions, City Council Minutes Page 3 April 26, 2021 ----------------------------- so it is good to attend both hearings. Mr. Carlton explained this is a common misconception and staff does stress it is important to attend both hearings. Mayor Dietz questioned if staff notifies applicants if new information comes up during the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Carlton indicated staff generates a letter to the applicant immediately following the Planning Commission meeting and staff always encourages applicants to attend both meetings. Councilmember Westgaard suggested conducting another survey of people who pull multiple permits to see if their experience or perception has changed since the first survey. Councilmember Wagner agreed we should ask the end user if we have made progress. She added she is willing to meet with the Chamber to review the new matrix if need be. Mr. Carlton stated the Economic Development Authority also expressed interest in following up on the survey after a year or two. He indicated he is willing to meet with Ms. Rydberg and she can discuss follow-up with her board and any Chamber members. Public Safety Improvement Tour Representatives from Terra Construction and BKV Architects provided a tour of the public safety facility to the Council and staff. The Council recessed at 5:00 p.m. for dinner. The meeting reconvened at 5:40 p.m. Review Values, Vision, and Mission Statement Vision Chief Dickinson questioned community engagement and what it means in the vision statement. Staff and Council provided some examples including Night to Unite and other community events as well as soliciting more public input. Councilmember Christianson indicated he feels like we have doubled down on the community engagement and are continuing to do things to elevate community engagement. Mr. Portner explained one advantage of COVID is we had a chance to look at ways to better engage people and we are looking at how we can continue to improve once we have more freedom coming out of the pandemic. Mission Mr. Portner reviewed the mission components with the Council and asked if the statement still meets the intent. Goals Mr. Portner reviewed the following goals and updates: City Council Minutes Page 4 April 26, 2021 ----------------------------- Short-term (2020-21)  Commercial Development o HRA Main/Gates Project  Property ready for development  Preparing RFP o Ebert Joplin/Business Ave Project  Ebert sold to Beaudry. o Market EDA TH10 Property  Multiple inquiries – discuss expectation? o Monitor Downtown development  Negotiating with ER Meats  Considered Ecology  HRA  Great River Energy revenue replacement o Monitor GRE property marketing.  Site restoration in process  Doesn’t look like they are selling plant area.  October 2020 sale of Resource Processing facility to Malark, Inc.  Is replacement necessary? Citywide valuation increased 7%  Withdrew added powerplant plan.  Budget and sinking fund for building repair. o Transition PW Facility bond to general levy  Ongoing  CARES Act removed large capital improvements.  Sale of Activity Center removes capital needs.  Demo of Lions Park Center removes capital needs.  ER Ice Arena replacement removes capital needs.  PS improvements removes capital needs.  Closure of RDF Plant accelerated tipping fees. o Move GRE Fund Balance to Building Fund  Do we want this in other funds? Park Improvement, Capital Replacement?  Parks & Recreation Capital Plan – Funding o LOST-funded projects o Field/facility user fees shift.  Activity Center Facility future  Sale in progress  Zoning & Acquisition of “challenged” properties policy discussion.  Riverwalk under review, land use applications approved.  Considering a property identification committee with PD, CD.  Keep 2021 property tax rate flat.  2021 tax rate decreased over 2020.  Complete Lion John Weicht Park (playground, disc golf, trail, lighting)  FT Center Branding City Council Minutes Page 5 April 26, 2021 ----------------------------- Ms. Ziemer indicated debt service payments over $1 million are coming due in 2022 and urged the Council to begin thinking if those payments should be included in the levy or if building funds should be used. Mayor Dietz questioned what happens to resident’s garbage once the landfill closes. Councilmember Christianson indicated it will likely be hauled to the open space at the landfill in Livonia Township. Mayor Dietz indicated the parking lot at Lion John Weicht Park may have been built too small as he recently attended a softball game and the lot was completely full. Councilmember Wagner stated the school lot across the street is huge and is still closer to the fields than parking is at some other ball parks in the state. She noted she would be in favor of communicating to people to pay attention in the crosswalk after someone was hit while crossing. Mid-term (2026)  Budget Plan – Post Waste Management  Transportation development funding  TH169 complete (Corridors of Commerce)  Final plans being developed. Construction starts in 2022.  TH10 study in partnership with county, Metro/D3 MnDOT  Study underway for TH 10 east of TH 101.  Acquire business park land.  Assist developers with private acquisition as needed.  Cargill swap in progress  Marketing Moyer  Faribault Foods  Develop means for park capital needs.  LOST-funded projects  Some complete, some under construction, some in design, and a few remain in preliminary design.  Parking lot repair/replacement funded through Pavement Management Program  Trail maintenance plan initiated.  Field/facility user fees shift.  Commercial development o HRA Main/Gates Project  Public works will be seeding the property within 2 weeks. o Ebert Joplin/Business Ave Project o Market EDA TH10 Property o Monitor Downtown development  Draft Comp Plan includes language regarding downtown – expand area and evaluate uses.  (Short or mid) understand obligations for landfill once it is capped.  Future of Pinewood Golf Course City Council Minutes Page 6 April 26, 2021 -----------------------------  Negotiating Purchase Agreement  Bubble over football practice field  Oak Knoll/Hale’s Field improvement - collaboration with ISD #728  Preliminary discussions opened – need athletic field Needs Analysis and master plan update.  Parks and Rec app – directions, ads, amenities, park features  Complete athletic field needs analysis.  Initiated  (Short or mid) Update our branding/colors more toward red and black to match ERHS  Initiated  Youth Athletic Complex and Oak Knoll Master Plans  Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock Councilmember Beyer questioned the status of the movie theater. Mayor Dietz indicated he has been in discussions with the theater owner and last he heard they have a May 15 reopening planned but still plan to market the property. He asked staff to contact the owners to discuss ways the city can provide assistance for the theater by way of loans, etc. Mayor Dietz indicated Shannon Tatro received a large donation from Chris Carlson for the downtown dock and is still working on fundraising. He questioned if GRE funds can be used for this project. Councilmember Wagner questioned what projects the city is looking for volunteer funding on and which the city is willing to fund. She likes the idea of the city participating in the dock installation in some form. The Council directed staff to check on lead times for the dock and put this item on an agenda for discussion soon. Long-term (2031)  Urban Service Area expansion o Comp Plan Update  C/I development  Sewer and water extended north of 169.  Analysis of what to do with garbage once closes in 2030.  Development of Specht property in eastern Elk River o Numerous conversations with prospective developers over the past year. Landowner apprehensive to sell.  Improve Broadband connectivity o Initiated – in conjunction with ARPA and DEED funds. DEED Grants in Aug./Sept.  Trail connections  Trail from Lion’s Park to downtown over the railroad tracks. o Initiated – In conjunction with ARPA and Federal Biden infrastructure stimulus bill. City Council Minutes Page 7 April 26, 2021 -----------------------------  More retail development in western Elk River o Comprehensive plan review opportunities for additional development along 10  What does redevelopment look like if Hwy 10 becomes a freeway?  Riverwalk from Orono Park to City of Ramsey  Feasibility of moving train station to downtown  Outdoor swimming pool Mr. Portner asked if there are items the Council would like incorporated or changed. Councilmember Westgaard explained the city has a lot going on right now with major transportation projects and we may need all hands-on deck for crowd control and communications. He indicated once finished with those larger projects, he believes ideas about what to do and where to go next will come freely and will become quite apparent going into the next decade. Mayor Dietz questioned if the meat market building would be demolished quickly if the city acquires the property. Councilmember Wagner questioned if we would assume additional parking or if we would ask the community what they would like to see. She mentioned feedback from downtown businesses has been to install public restrooms and that may be an appropriate area, especially if a dock is completed. Councilmember Christianson questioned how closely environmental staff is talking to landfill staff about post collection. He explained the issue could come up a lot quicker than we had planned and he does not want to be tasked with making drastic decisions. Councilmember Westgaard commented the discussions should take place but noted the increase in costs will be passed from the garbage hauler to the resident and not absorbed by the city. It was noted the tipping fee the city receives will be eliminated once the landfill closes. Mr. Portner indicated he will bring the goals back on a future agenda for review and acceptance. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at 7:04 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller. ___________________ John J. Dietz, Mayor ___________________ Tina Allard, City Clerk Meeting of the Elk River City Council Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, May 3, 2021 Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Mike Beyer, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner Members Absent: Councilmember Garrett Christianson Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Cablecaster Micaela Strand, 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 6:41p.m. by Mayor Dietz. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Consider Agenda Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0. 4. Consent Agenda Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve: 4.1 April 19, 2021, minutes. 4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report. 4.3 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the City of Elk River for Elk River Fest on July 3, 2021, with the condition alcohol must be confined to an area enclosed by a fence with a secured, controlled access. Wrist band control is required for patrons 21 and over. 4.4 Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses to the Davis Darrow Meyer American Legion Post 112 for events on June 12, 2021, and July 15 – 18, 2021, with the following conditions: 1. Alcohol must be confined to an area enclosed by a fence with a secured, controlled access and limited to the beer garden and grandstand. Wrist band control is required for patrons 21 and over. 2. Applicant must contact the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office to arrange for security needs. City Council Minutes Page 2 May 3, 2021 ----------------------------- 4.5 Transient Merchant License allowing overnight storage for Allen Pantelis to sell kites, ground spinners, wood carvings, and windsocks from the parking lot of Wash-n-Fill, 18296 Zane Street NW, weekends May 1 through October 31, subject to the following conditions: 1. One 24-square foot sign shall be allowed. A temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to display of the sign. Contact the Planning Department at 763.635.1000. 2. The merchandise displayed shall not occupy more than 100 square feet \[Section 38-414(6)\]. 3. Applicant must remain on the asphalt surface and no product shall be displayed in the landscaped areas. 4. No electrical services shall be across any drive or walking surface. 5. If traffic becomes a problem around the temporary site, the sales area shall be delineated with a barrier to restrict traffic. 6. The area shall be maintained free of debris and kept in an orderly condition. 7. Trailer shall be no larger than 8x12. 8. No signage may be posted on the trailer. 9. Trailer to be parked overnight only as shown on the site plan. Overnight parking is limited to Friday through Sunday of the sales weekends. 4.6 Lot Split: Osberg Addition as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 4-0. 5. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6.1 Inside Elk River Videos Ms. Strand had the Council draw job assignments as part of the Inside Elk River video series. The results are as follows: Councilmember Wagner – liquor delivery Councilmember Beyer – install ice at Furniture and Things Community Event Center Mayor Dietz – road repair Councilmember Westgaard – police officer Councilmember Christianson – project management 7.1 Tax Increment Financing District No. 27 Mr. Portner presented the staff report. He indicated the Housing and Redevelopment Authority recommended approval at their meeting immediately preceding tonight’s Council meeting. City Council Minutes Page 3 May 3, 2021 ----------------------------- Mikaela Huot, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors LLC, reviewed a PowerPoint outlining creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and adoption of a TIF plan. Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. Mark Buchholz, Stonewood Development, thanked the Council for hearing his request. He stated he is excited to be a part of the City of Elk River. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. Councilmember Westgaard indicated he believes looking at the validation on the appraisal is the biggest piece for him to make sure the project aligns. He believes the HRA’s recommendation and Commissioner Ovall’s comment during the HRA meeting summarizes the point well that the city’s normal term is 15 years, but the state allows for a longer term. He indicated he agrees with the HRA that this is a good opportunity to get the site redeveloped. He explained supporting this request makes sense to him given the project, project site, condition of the property, and the opportunities that exist to assist the project. Mayor Dietz questioned the project’s tax value once the project is complete. Ms. Huot indicated the estimated tax value of both phases completed is $21 million plus any future inflation. Mayor Dietz indicated he does not recall anyone mentioning the 20-year term when this item was previously discussed. He stated he is not a fan of extending the term to 20 years as he believes 20 years is too long of a term and deviates too far from the city’s policy. Councilmember Wagner indicated she believes this project is unique in that it includes both redevelopment and housing. She explained the city has not extended the 15-year term for housing but has extended the term for redevelopment. She has concerns about deviating from the policy but HRA Commissioner Ovall did a great job at the preceding HRA meeting of explaining how the Finance Committee arrived at their approval recommendation. Councilmember Beyer indicated he understands this is a big commitment and a deviation from typical city policy but sometimes you must take a chance. He explained he is also looking at it with the perspective of getting two major items checked off with creating housing and getting rid of a lot that has been vacant for some time. Ms. Huot clarified the action requested tonight is to consider creation of the Tax Increment Financing District No. 27 and adoption of the Tax Increment Financing Plan and in no way obligates the city. She explained if approved, this provides the City Council Minutes Page 4 May 3, 2021 ----------------------------- city with the authority to use TIF and enter into an agreement with the developer. She indicated it also allows the developer to begin site preparation. Patrick Briggs, Briggs Companies, explained the purchase agreement is subject to the 20-year tax increment financing and the buyer will not proceed if the TIF is not for at least 20 years. He noted there will not be any movement on the site until the 20- year term is approved. Mr. Buchholz explained the eagerness for beginning construction is how quickly the costs of construction are increasing. He explained they still feel the project is feasible, but costs are already significantly higher than when the project was first presented. He indicated they want to make this work but would like to get started with contractors and subcontractors but cannot begin until they are certain the TIF will be for 20 years. Mayor Dietz indicated three councilmembers have expressed interest in allowing the 20-year tax increment financing, but the contract will not be considered until the May 17 meeting. He stated he believes this is a good project, but he is nervous about extending to 20 years and needs additional time to consider. Councilmember Westgaard stated the real numbers need to be flushed out before the contract is considered but he has heard the Council say this is a valuable project and a majority say they are in favor of a deviation in term length given the special circumstances of this application and the project site. Ms. Huot indicated the intent of tonight’s conversation surrounding the developer’s request is to provide as much information as possible to the Council without the Council making a final decision on the contract. Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to establish Tax Increment Financing (Redevelopment) District No. 27 and adopt a Tax Increment Financing Plan. Motion carried 4-0. 8.1 All Aboard Minnesota Mr. Portner presented the staff report. Councilmember Wagner indicated she researched this project and believes this is out of the Council’s area of expertise. She stated although she understands why Mr. Beaumont is asking for support, she does not believe this project would benefit Elk River and she is not willing to put her name on it. Councilmembers Westgaard and Beyer concurred adding the train would not make a stop in Elk River. The Council asked Mr. Portner to let Mr. Beaumont know the Council is not interested in providing a resolution of support. City Council Minutes Page 5 May 3, 2021 ----------------------------- 8.2 Discuss Work Session Items Mr. Portner presented the staff report. There were no additions. 9. Council Liaison Updates Councilmembers provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board’s minutes. Council asked staff to prepare a staff report listing the committees and commissions for this item to be included in the packet. 10. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at 7:35 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller. ___________________ John J. Dietz, Mayor ___________________ Tina Allard, City Clerk