Loading...
3.0. SR 01-29-1996ity of iver FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Mayor & City Council Pat Klaers, City Administrator January 29, 1996 ~ Joint Meeting A joint meeting between the Elk River City Council and the District 728 School Board has been scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 1996, at the Elk River City Hall Training Room. Some new School Board members have recently been elected and this will be a good opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and to become familiar with issues of mutual concern. It should be noted that the School Board will be meeting in the Training Room from 6 to 7 p.m. for some School District business. JOINT MEETING TOPICS ALC Building Project - School district representatives have visited with the city staff regarding the possibility of the city bonding for the school's ALC building project. This request is much like the EDA being the owner of City Hall and the city leasing this facility from the EDA. After the final City Hall lease payment in twenty years, the city will then be the owner of the building. Additionally, the city has performed this bonding function for the county related to their jail addition. The only concern raised by the city staff was the annual goal of having the total amount of bonds in a calendar year under $10 million. The only known projects for 1996 are the ice arena ($2.5 million) and the WWTP Expansion Project ($2.5 million) so it appears that there is sufficient room below our $10 million goal. However, the Council should note that if the east Elk River project should happen in 1996, then this $10 million ceiling (with or without the school ALC building) may be in danger. It is appropriate for the school district representatives to update the City Council on the ALC building project that is proposed for 1996 at the Community Education site. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Public Works Building As the Council should recall, the school is planning on constructing a public works building on a site in the Industrial Park which the EDA sold to the school district. This project has been reviewed and approved by the City Council. A problem developed when the bids received last fall exceeded the project budget. In this regard, I understand that the school district is planning to construct "phase one" of the project in 1996 with the balance of the building to be completed at some time in the future. It is appropriate for school district representatives to update the City Council on the status of this 1996 building project. County Road I Improvement Project For the past few years the county has advised the city and school district that it plans to upgrade County Road 1. This project was tentatively scheduled for 1995, but is now planned for 1996. I have invited County Engineer Dave Schwarting to attend this meeting or to send a letter that can be presented and reviewed. City Engineer Terry Maurer will not be in attendance at this meeting so, if Dave Schwarting cannot attend, and, if we do not get a letter from him, then I will do my best to update the Council and School Board on what I know about the improvement project design and timetable. The overall good news is that I believe the project will be completed in 1996, and that it will be completed under the county's management and mainly with county funding. School Street/Proctor Avenue Signalization and School Street Improvements In 1995, the city requested that the county conduct a trsffic warrants study for the School Street and Proctor Avenue intersection. The preliminary results indicate that a signal is very close to being needed, and that it most likely will be necessary in 1997 ff trsffic increases as projected. Accordingly, the county has scheduled the signolization of this intersection for 1997. The signalization of the intersection will require some improvements to the intersection. With the improvements to the intersection comes the concern about the balance of School Street between this intersection and where the four-lane ends just west of Jackson Avenue. It seems appropriate that when the signal gets installed and the intersection gets improved, the city consider the improvement of School Street to a four-lane for its entire length between Jackson Avenue and Proctor Avenue. This project is only in its discussion stages and would not be constructed until 1997. Ice Arena Update School Board member and Task Force Chair Jeff Gongoll is scheduled to provide everyone with an update on the status of the ice arena project. As everyone knows, the city did not obtain a Mighty Ducks Grant for this project. In this regard, the Task Force is evaluating alternatives including downsizing the project and reapplying for funding if more monies are authorized. The Task Force is committed to seeing a project begin this spring so that the arena can be completed for skating next winter season. The project is still anticipated to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.4 to $2.6 million. s :\council\cc-sbmm.doc CITY OF ELK RIVER SCHEDULE OF 1996 BOND ISSUES As of January 25, 1996 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Ice Arena Equipment Certificate 1991 EDA City Hall Lease Revenue Highway 10 Frontage Road at Joplin G.O. Sewer Revenue $2,550,000 G.O. $2,100,000 G.O. $80,000 Refunding $2,300,000 (1) G.O. Improvement ?? 77 (2) Developer Requested Public Improvements G.O. Improvement ISD 728 Area Learning Center and Maint. Facility EDA Lease Revenue $1,8oo,ooo (3) (1) This issue is discretionary; current estimated savings - $82,000. This could be completed in late 1996 if there is room under the $10,000,000 cap. (2) As of this date, no formal requests have been received. (3) The school staff estimated an issue of between $1.2 and $1.8 million. These estimated bond issues are based on information currently available. The size of each bond issue is subject to change; however, the size should not change substantially. It is the City's intent to time bond issues (to the extent possible) so as to not exceed the $10,000,000 bank qualified limit. Exceeding the limit increases the interest rate paid. Finance Dept. January 25, 1996 City of iver P.O. Box 490 · 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 City Council Minutes January. 31, 1994 Page 4 School Board Members Present: Also Present: JOINT MEETING WITH DISTRICT 728 SCHOOL BOARD Chairman Tim Kelly, Board Members Ty Bischoff, Kathteen Poate, James Osterman, Patricia Schaber, Mary McDevitt, and Rachael Leonard Doctor Flonnery, School Superintendent Reconvene City Council Meetinq The City Council meeting was reconvened by Mayor Duitsman at 6:40 p.m. Introductions Introductions of City Council and Staff and School Board Members and Staff were made at this time. Consider LCMR Grant Proposal by Mike Niziolek Mike Niziolek stated that he is requesting support for a grant application. The grant is for the construction of a environmental learning center building to be located at Woodland Trails Park and for the development of a Community Environmental Education Program. Mayor Duitsman explained that the City Council heard Mr. Nizioiek's proposal at the January 24 Council meeting. At the time the council decided to take no action until the School Board heard the request and made a recommendation. Dr. Flannery stated that he applauds Mike Niziolek's efforts and stated that it is his belief that the School District will invest in this concept in the next 5 to 10 years. He questioned the timing of this project and stated that the school district will not be able to commit any money at this time. Councilmember Farber stated that although the Council felt this was a worthy project, it felt the City could not commit $70,000 on this short of notice. Councilmember Scheel indicated her concern of ongoing costs. Mr. Niziolek stated that the funds would not be needed until 1995 and 1996. School Board Chair Tim Kelly suggested that a committee be formed to work on this issue. Mr. Niziolek stated that this grant will again be available in two years but it will be 1999-2000 before the actual project could take place. He further stated that by waiting, the City will be competing against more applicants. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $70,000 PAYABLE IN 1995 AND 1996 AS LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE LCMR GRANT APPLICATION. COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL SECONDED THE MOTION. City Council Minutes Page 5 January 3 I, 1994 Mayor Duitsman stated that he would be in favor of giving $40,000. Councilmember Dietz felt that this request for funds and project was moving too fast and stated that he would like more time to study the request. THE MOTION FAILED 1-4. MAYOR DUITSMAN AND COUNCILMEMBERS DIETZ, SCHEEL, AND FARBER VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $40,000 AS LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE LCMR GRANT PAYABLE IN TWO INSTALLMENTS IN 1995 AND 1996. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Chairman Kelly stated thaf although the School Board is not ready to offer money for this project at this time, it would send a letter of support for the project. BOARD MEMBER SCHARBER MOVED TO DRAFT A JOINT RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE CITY SHOWING SUPPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER PROJECT. BOARD MEMBER LEONARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO JOIN WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD IN THE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Update on Second Ice Hockey Arena Proposal - Jeff Gonaoll Jeff Gongoll updated the School Board and City Council on the progress of the proposed ice arena. He indicated that this issue will be before the EDA at its next meeting to request funding of a financial feasibility study. He informed the Board and Council members that the total project is estimated to cost 2.5 million dollars, however, the land has to be turned over to the City to make the project viable. School Board Member Jim Osterman gave an update from the land committee discussions regarding this proposal and the issue of traffic. He indicated that it was felt that traffic will not be a concern because most events will be held during off hours of the school. He stated that the land committee supported the hockey arena concept at this site. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER OSTERMAN MOVED TO DEED THE LAND TO THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT BODY (EDA OR CITY) CONTINGENT UPON SOIL BORINGS AND OTHER NECESSARY TESTS TURNING OUT POSITIVE AND WITH THE STIPULATION THAT IF PROBLEMS ARISE, THE LAND TRANSACTION WOULD NOT TAKE PLACE. BOARD MEMBER BISCHOFF SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1. BOARD MEMBER POATE ABSTAINED. Mayor Duitsman emphasized the fact that if the City is to own and manage the facility, then the City does not intend to lose money at any time during this project. Councilmember Dietz questioned whether the School Board is prepared to pay more for ice time with the new arena. Jim Osterman stated that he felt the cost to the school would be less with the new arena. City Council Minutes Page 6 January 31, 1994 Councilmember Scheel indicated that the ice arena was a good idea, however, she hoped that the same support would be shown to all of the children in Elk River, not just those involved in hockey. Review School Maintenance Facility Project Dr. Flannery commented on several projects that have been done in cooperation between the City and the School District. Some of the projects mentioned included joint occupancy of the city maintenance building, police liaison, D.A.R.E., Oak Knoll park, and the Recreation position. Dr. Flannery requested the City to extend the School's lease for use of the City maintenance garage. This extension would end 12/1/95. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO EXTEND THE LEASE FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S USE OF THE CITY MAINTENANCE GARAGE FOR ONE YEAR. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Dr. Flannery informed the Council that the School District is looking for property to locate a maintenance building. He indicated that one of the locations being considered is a piece of city property located in Oak Knoll park. Streets City Engineer, Terry Maurer, reviewed the two options available for improvements to widen School Street. He reviewed a three-lane and a four-lane option. After discussion on both options, it was the consensus of the School District that a three lane design would be safer for the school children. The Council indicated its desire to see a four-lane design as it felt this would be the best long term design for the city traffic flow. Terry Maurer also reviewed proposed designs for the intersections of School Street at Jackson Avenue and Freeport Avenue. Terry Maurer recommended a four lane option for both intersections. Dr. Flannery stated that the School District has four concerns: Children crossing the street Sidewalks on the south side Lincoln School -- concern for children due to its proximity to the street The School District would like to see an exploration of other east/west routes through the City. Chair Tim Kelly indicated that the School Board would continue discussions on this subject at future Board meetings. Discussion was held regarding the student parking at Lion's Park. Dr. Flannery indicated that the school district has taken care of the situation by creating another parking lot at the school. Street Superintendent, Phil Hals, indicated that there is no longer a problem with students parking at Lion's Park. City Council Minutes Page 7 January 31, 1994 7. Future School Sites Mayor Duitsman stated that the City wants to work with the school district in locating a new senior high school in the City of Elk River. He sfated that it was a high priority of the Council that a senior high school be located in Elk River and offered to work with the School District in finding a location and developing property at a reasonable cost. Dr. Flannery indicated that the School Board would be making a decision very soon regarding school building needs. He indicated that the school district is considering all possibilities including other cities in the school district. 8. Update on County Road 1 Terry Maurer presented an update on the request to upgrade County Road #1 from County Road #77 to County Road #32. He indicated that this County project would not be constructed in 1994, but administration work may take place so construction could happen in 1995 or 1996. 9. Update on D.A.R.E. Proqram The City Administrator informed the Council and Board that the D.A.R.E. house has been sold. He indicated that the money will finance the secondary D.A.R.E. program for the next two or three years. 10. Other Business Chairman Kelly questioned if the City had any idea as to the plans of Morrell Transfer. He indicated that the fumes from the trucks are causing problems for the students and teachers. It was noted that Morrell may be looking for a new location. Chairman Kelly indicated that the School Board appreciated the opportunity to meet with the City Council and requested that this type of meeting take place on an annual basis. 11. Adjournment COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO ADJOURN. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. BOARD MEMBER LEONARD MOVED TO ADJOURN. BOARD MEMBER BISCHOFF SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The joint meeting of the City Council and School Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m. eray kC~/~'z'~' City Clerk Elk River City Council/School Board Meeting April 3, 1995 5.6. Page ii, tared, either by a developer or by a petition, the next st~ be to hold a p,u'~earing. /" Mayor"~uitsman voiced his support for the "T" intersectij ~r'("Exhibit 8A or Option 2) ..with st_opX~gns at three legs of the intersection. Cot n,,,dl ne'nber Farber indicated t~at afler f~,,~x.er evaluating the situation, he conc "ed vitl~ the Mayor. ~z~n,..o,~ Fir. _,~.ht~rs Compensation Plon Assistant City AdmJhi~trator Loft Johnsor cl the issues regarding the fire compensation propos~The issues ' · total hou't~ · double tim~ pay, · night call ~y, and · annual re,compensation. o Following review of th issues it consensus of the Council to offer the following to the firefi / · //total hourly pay of $22~25 fo~mergency calls only, and /;' double time pay for holidays ~ // * annual review of Fire Compensc~on. / COUNCJ~MEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO OFFER THE FIREFIG-~TERS ,$22.25 PER HOUR FOR EMERG'~NCY CALLS, $8.00 PER HOUR FOR ALL OTHER NON~MERGENCY CALLS, AND DOzU~LE TIME PAY FOR THE SEVEN HOLIDAYS LISTED IN TH~ORIGINAL PROPOSAL A.J~I'D ANNUAL REV,EW OF F,RE COMPENSAT, ON. COUJ~.C,LMEMBER FARBER //~CONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ~ // Open Mike ~ No one appeared for this item. The City Council recessed at 7:00 p.m. and moved to the Training Room for a joint meeting with the School Board. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m. The following members of the School Board and staff were present: Chair Tim Kelly; Vice Chair Patricia Schaber; Ty Bischoff; Kathleen Poate] Jeff Gongoll; Mark Strater~ Rochelle Leonard; Superintendent Doctor Flannery~ and Ran Brantley. 7.1. Ice Arena Update Jeff Gongoll updated the Council and School Board on the status of the ice arena project. He indicated that the local banks have committed to a loan on the building of $2 million and stated that the ice arena will be able to support $2 million from user fees and revenues. Jeff Gongoll explained that the estimated costs for the ice arena have come in at $2.4 million. He indicated that the project is $400,000 over budget and that this gap must be bridged through fundraising. He further stated that there is a chance that the Mighty Duck Legislation may go through which would provide some money to bridge that gap. Elk River City Council/School Board Meeting Page 4 April 3, 1995 Councilmember Dietz questioned the School Board as to whether they could offer any assistance fo help bridge the $400,000 gap. He indicated that the high school will be one of the biggest benefactors of the ice arena. Chair Tim Kelly indicated that the School Board has donated the land for the ice arena project and will be contributing to the cash flow with an increase in ice time. He stated that at this time he did not feel the School Board could offer any other assistance. 7.2. D.A.R.E. Secondary Officer Update Police Chief Tom Zerwas indicated that the secondary D.A.R.E. Officer funding which was attributed from the D.A.R.E. House project, will be concluded at the end of 1995. The Police Chief indicated that he would like to see the secondary D.A.R.E. Program continued as it has been very well received by the students and the Schools. Councilmember Scheel indicated she felt that other cities in the school district should contribute toward the secondary D.A.R.E. Officer Program. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of other communities in the school district sharing in the cost of the secondary D.A.R.E. Officer. It was the consensus of the Mayor and the School Chair to send a joint letter from the School Board and City Council signed by the Mayor and the Chair to other communities in the school district to see if they would be interested in sharing in the cost of a D.A.R.E. Officer. 7.3. Trans~)odation Plan City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed the draft proposal of the City's long range transportation plan. Discussion was held regarding the east/west corridor and County Road 1 being a priority with the County for improvements. Dr. Flannery discussed the possibility of a traffic signal at Highway 169 and Country Road 33. Dr. Flannery also stated that the transportation plan is a high priority. 7.4. School Buildinq/Bond Proposal Dr. Flannery indicated that the School Board is planning a public referendum to finance a 2100 student Senior High School on May 16, 1995. The referendum will be in the amount of $45,400,000. Dr. Flannery indicated that the proposal will include the locating of the Senior High in the City of Elk River. Dr. Flannery requested .City Councilmembers to publicly support this proposal. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that the timing for the bond referendum was poor because it is the day after property taxes are due. Dr. Flannery requested the City's assistance in the possible reduction of water availability and sewer availability charges and with sewer and water assessments. Councilmember Holmgren stated that the School Board should inform the public of the alternatives if the bond referendum fails. Elk River City Council/School Board Meeting April 3, 1995 Page 5 Zachary Fox, resident of Elk River, questioned what the alternatives would be if the bond referendum does fail. Following discussion of this issue, it was the consensus that the ,School Board would make a presentation of the bond referendum proposal to the City Council at a future City Council meeting. 7.5. School Public Works Buildinq and Site Updato City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that the School District is ready to move forward with the construction of a public works building. He indicated that the School District is considering two sites: Oak Knoll Complex and a lot owned by the EDA in the Industrial Park. Discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of the Oak Knall Complex site versus the Industrial Park site. Dr. Flannery indicated that the Oak Knoll Complex provides no room for expansion for the building, and further stated that the extension of utilities to the site would be very expensive. The City Administrator indicated that the Industrial Park site which the EDA is offering for sale to the School District is development ready with sewer and water available to the site. The City Administrator indicated that the City desires to recapture expenses in the amount of $45,000 for the site. Other Business .Arts Mac/net Proqram - Dr. Flannery invited the members of the City Council and School Board to attend the Arts Magnet Exhibit to be held at the Elk River Mall on April 10. Holt Street and Jackson Avenue - City Engineer Terry Maurer asked the Council whether they would be interested in deleting or adjusting the change order for the Holt Street and Jackson Avenue project. It was the consensus of the Council to move ahead with the project. 10. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 0:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Thackeray City Clerk