11-14-2005 CC MIN - JOINT
JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
WITH SHERBURNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HELD AT THE CITY OF ELK RIVER (UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14,2005
Members Present:
Mayior I<linzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Morin, Farber, and Gumphrey
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Finance and Administrative Services Director and Interim City
_Administrator Lon Johnson, Police Chief Jeff Beahen, Fire Chief Bruce
~lest, Environmental i\.dministrator Rebecca Haug, City Engineer Terry
Maurer, Community Development Director Scott Clark, and City Clerk
J oan Schmidt
Sherburne County
Commissioners
Present:
Arne Engs tram, Terry Nagorski, John Riebel, Chair Felix Schmiesing, and
Rachel Leonard
Sherburne County
Staff Pres en t:
County Administrator Brian Bensen, County Attorney I<athleen Heaney,
County Sheriff Bruce Anderson, County Public ~1 arks Director John
Menter, Solid Waste Officer Dave Lucas, County Engineer Rhonda Le~vis,
and l\ssistant County Engineer Dan I<napek
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 6:30 p.m. by Mayor I<linzing.
2. Consider Council_A.genda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
3. Open Mike
Mr. Ivliller v.rho lives along County Road 33 asked if County Road 33 ,-vas going to be
discussed. He was assured that it would be under the topic of Transportation.
4. J oint Meeting with Sherburne County Commissioners
The follo\Vwg projects are items of interest for both Sherburne County and the City of Elk
River.
City Council Ivfinutes
November 14, 2005
Page 2
4.1 Household Hazardous \\laste Project
The Elk River City Council had an earlier discussion to work \vith Sherburne County and the
Elk River Landfill on constructing a permanent Household Hazardous \Xlaste Facility.
Env-ironmental_Administrator Rebecca Haug stated the t\vo locations in the City where a
permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility could be located would be at the Elk River
Landfill and NRG. County Solid "'Taste Officer Dave Lucas ans\vered questions stating that
a permanent facility could be located at the landfill and the cost ~vould be dependent on the
local fire chiefs interpretation of State codes. Ms. Haug stated that she has been working
\V;.th Cliff .l\.nderson of the Fire Department. Iv1r. Lucas answered that the money source
could be structured into the RFP and thought that abatement money could be used.
Chair Schmiesing stated that the County has only just begun discussions and there is the
issue of ~vhether a building should be built at the landfill site. It was felt to do on piece\vork
basis ~vith private industry rather than getting into the business and providing staff.
Mr. Lucas stated that "rhen he learned that the Stearns County Mobile HHW Collection Unit
\\iill no longer be able to participate in Elk River that he "ras in the process of scheduling
events and included making these events open to the City of Elk River residents.
1\/&. Lucas stated that he has RFP's froIn other counties and \vi.th the Board's approval \vill
be \vorking \,vith the County Attorney to draft for Sherburne County. He ~v-ill continue to
"7ork at setting up regional events including the cities of Zimmerman, Big Lake, and Becker
and ""ill have something to satisfy the needs of Elk River residents.
The County is looking for a business entity that meets the requirements of the State, falls
under the umbrella of Tn-County and ~vould not be o"rned, operated, and staffed by the
County. Currently the Elk River Landfill is not under the State contract but would not have
a problem 'With honoring those agreements.
4.2 Sherburne County Government Center Expansion Plan and Surrounding Land
Development Plan
Using a map of the Government Center and surrounding area, County _Administrator Brian
Bensen informed the group of possible expansion plans. He stated that there are 18 acres
~~lith a hiking trail and fencing and the area is located south of the frontage road, east of
Waco Street and north of County Road 30. He illustrated the remaining undeveloped land
purchased from the Wilson family. He.stated that Union Street may be a potential future
access.
He indicated the possibility of the following projects: a joint project \vith the City of Becker
for a public works facility; to add on to the existing Government Center building or build a
free standing office (in approximately 4 years) - currently experiencing storage issue; in the
future look at building a veteran's clinic (currently have a van going daily to Vi\. Clinics and
Hospital); vlith the remaining property have a complex similar to Target ~"1.th possibly a restaurant (something to go back on the ta..~ rolls); and the need for o'iterflow parking (on
court days parking is a challenge). It ,vas felt that there would not be a need for expansion in
the future for additional jail f?-cility. He indicated that the three court rooms are to be
remodeled and the second floor may be expanded as court related.
City Council ?vfinutes
November 14, 2005
Page 3
4.3 \1 eterans Clinic
Chair Schmiesing stated that there is not a budget yet for the veteran's clinic project and that
Elk River is a potential site. He stated that the County and City need to continue to '\vork
together and that the Vi\. knows that these !\vo entities \\i1.sh to have this facility built here.
Discussion follo'\\.ied regarding _:\llina's interest.
Commissioner Engstrom stated that both the County and City passed resolutions of support
to have this facility in our community and that these resolutions are on HIe in W*asbington.
It was the consensus of the group that we need to continue tracking and to continue our
joint efforts and move forward.
4.4 "YMC}\.
Recently~ the City Council requested and subsequently reviewed data on the tax impact of
funding $3 million or up to one-third of the construction of the "YMCA either through a
voter approved bond issue or through a lease purchase agreement. It has been the Council's
understanding that the City's contribution is contingent upon County participation, as
contributions from both are needed to fund the project.
Mayor I<linzing stated that the Northstar Coinmunity YlvlCA ~vants a cooperative adventure
and the City is v.r.illing to contribute one-third but that this \\Tould be towards construction
costs and not in the form of endo\VIDent money.
Bill Helliwell from the "YMCA stated that t\vo plans have been presented to the County
Board and he apologized for not coming back and updating the City and that nO\\7 he was
asking for direction. .Also present representing the Y1vICA '\vere Tom LaSalle and j\..nita
Lan cello. Highlights of the discussion:
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City's original premise was contribution of one-third from the City, one-third from
the County, and one-third from the Y1\1CA;
The County has not revisited this item since their work shop - contribution of
$12M plus land is a big investment; some reluctance and this is structured to have
ongoing-annual expenses;
Scale would be based on membership;
If the City contributes one-third into brick and mortar that would cut down on the
County's portion of $12M;
City feels there is a limited ability on their part to make this '\vork and feel they are
holding this project back and don't want to do that;
County feels they need to come up \v1.th a policy in order to be consistent and offer
to the other cities;
$4M plus land \\i*ould be County's portion if cost is $12M;
Concern if a referendum is done by the City won't voters be confused if County
doesn't go to referendum;
City of Elk River cannot afford $4M \vithout a referendum and contingency of
County and YIvICi\' coming forward;
County needs to discuss further since \vhat ~vas presented to them by the "YMC.i\ is
different than discussed tonight;
Having a "YMCA by the Government Center could also be used for social services
use and other benefits for the County;
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City Councillvfinutes
~overnber14,2005
Page 4
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The County employs 550 employees some residing in Elk River and some outside of
Elk River; need to have equity for odler areas of the County;
Felt it should not be a NO to Elk River; one-third of the County's population is
here in Elk River Vlith the other communities being served but also do need to
continue to serve Elk River;
Need a policy that is equitable;
City also has land on the east side of to\\ifi if the County does not "\V1.sh to donate
land;
Future discussion needed as to the land portion and where to locate;
Suggested to have a timeframe;
The County will ha~e on their agenda for discussion over the next 60 da"ys;
Th1C.l\ \vill provide structuring information - how to service the bond, tax-exempt
financing, how to collectively finance each third and payoff, etc.
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4.5 Update on Joint Communication Projects
Sheriff Bruce Anderson, Fire Chief Bruce West, and Police Chief Jeff Beahen gave an update
on the progress of ongoing joint communication projects.
Sheriff Anderson stated that money "\vas available at one time from the government to fund
d1e 800 megahertz radio system throughout the State, however, due to 9-11 and other
catastrophes, this money has been pulled and distributed to dle metro area. Three counties
currently have this system. The counties of Stearns, \X1right and Sherburne are working \vith
:MnDot and looking at the costs involved. Costs '\vould be dependent on the number of
towers and how many mobiles. They are working on a way to get this system \\ithout
having to go to the taxpayers for funding but feel at this time that more facts are needed.
Councilmember Farber stated that he is familiar ~vith this system '\Vi.th his work for the City
of Fridley and that he has never heard a negative comment. He stated that the radios can be
used anyw-here, can use any channel \vithout static, and that it is the best system that he has
seen in 26 years.
Chief West stated that Northstar Line has a Fire/Life Safety Committee which has started to
meet to discuss the commuter rail. It is the committee's goal to have the 800 megahertz
radio system in the County by the end of 2007 and that it is important Vlith the Northstar
Corridor Rail being built.
ChiefBeahen stated that as a member of the Northstar Corridor Rail we \\till be required to
be on megahertz by 2008 or that there could be the problem that \\re can't have commuter
rail in our County.
Sheriff ~Anderson disagreed stating that \ve \\till have portables that are megahertz.
Discussion follo~ved regarding lack of communication benveen the entities and that
discussions need to take place prior to problems versus after problems exist.
4.6 Transportation
Commissioner Leonard stated that she had been called by :Mr. l:vIiller in regards to County
Road 33 e).."Pansion project and suggested that he attend this meeting.
City Council1'iinutes
November 14, 2005
Page 5
:Lvrr. lvWler explained that he has concerns that ~v~th this expansion this road \vill be even
more dangerous. He feels the people travel this road too fast no\v and that people ~vho are
being affected aren't in the loop. He stated the only reason he is R\Vare of \vhat is going on
is because cf a letter received in regards to right-of-~vay.
County Attorney Heaney explained that because of litigation the County has to do
reconstruction of roads up to State standards and these are the same issues \Vith every road.
She stated that as soon as the plans are finalized, a letter is sent. This is on a short timeline
in order to get that road safe and to meet State timelines. She stated that concerned citizens
should call her.
County Public \Xlorks Director Menter stated that MnDot dictates the speed limits.
Police Chief Beahen stated that he is pleased that the County is doing t\vo feet of gravel on
the shoulder and two 12 foot lanes 'With 8 foot shoulders and flattening end slopes.
Councilmember Farber stated that he is glad that the County is addressing shoulders on the
roads which make them safer.
City Engineer Terry Maurer and County Public \\iorks Director John Menter revle"\l.red the
follo\\?IDg joint projects:
· Placement of bituminous trails \vithin the county's roads right-of-way - the county
~vill give as much lead time to the City as possible about upcoming County road
construction projects; will put trail into their nght-of-way or adjacent to right-of-
\-vay; and if the trail cannot be accommodated at that time the County \\rill still
include a trail in their bid if the City secures additional nght-of-way or easements.
· County H.igh~vay 40 reconstruction \vith rural roadv.ray construction funded entirely
b~y the County; both entities desire to have a joint powers agreement to include
public improvements in this project consisting of \1:ratermain, sanitary sewer, a
detached trail, and a pedestrian culvert. City's responsibility will be to provide the
design and project specifications for inclusion in the County High\vay project and
funding the cost of the improvements and associated overhead.
Councilmember Dietz inquired as. to what had happened \V1th the tumback
discussions and the plan to build an urban section.
Commissioner Engstrom stated that the fonner county engineer had applied for
additional federal funds, missed obtaining those funds and \vithout those funds the
County couldn't construct the urban section.
Nil. Maurer stated that we went through 18 months of planning for the City to take
this road back, applied for additional funds but had agreed to a formula for cost
participation including federal funds that the County had already received and then
split remaining costs between the City and County. He stated that he did minutes
from each meeting that were distributed to the City Council and fonner county
engineer but he felt these minutes were never distributed to the County Board.
Chair Schmiesing stated that communication wasn't ~vhat it should have been and
that the County didn't ha've a policy in place regarding this issue.
City Council Minutes
November 14, 2005
Page 6
County Administrator Bensen stated that there had been bad communication - felt
justification in not having had the full kno~vledge in that the Board was not
comfortable; \vhen turning a road back it's because it's a lo~v use road; and when the
City \\ilshed to build this road into an urban road this became a contradiction to the
Board.
lvlr. Maurer stated in the future he is confident that the County 'Will communicate
better '\Vith the City and inquire VJ-hether there ~v1ll be a change from rural to urban
and use their policy to determine who pays for the road.
· Sherburne County has let a contract to Bauerly Companies for the reconstruction of
County Highway No.1 from County Highway 32 to the north City limits. Parks
and Recreation Director 11aertz is ~vorking to include a detached trail in this right-
of-way.
· Sherburne County is ~vorking on the plans and specifications for the County
Highway 33 and 77 improvements. Tills is the area of County Highway 33 that is to
be realigned through the gra\Tel mining areas and then continuing along the existing
alignment westerly to County Highway No.1. One urnesolved issue is the land
acquisition costs for the portion of County High~vay improvements bet\veen d1e
railroad trail and County High'\vay No.1. City staff ,vas una"\vare until recently that
this portion of County Highway 33 was included in this project. Discussion on the
potential for future repayment of the costs of this right-of-'\vay acquisition to be
discussed at a quarterly Transportation Committee meeting. County Engineer
Rhonda Le\V1.s will continue v:.~th the land acquisition of right-oE-way to keep this
project on schedule. The City \\till be working \vi.th the County on the design and
both entities "\Villlook at a Joint Powers .A..greement for city improvements in County
right-of-way.
· Sherburne County has undertaken the project to reclaim and overlay the surface of
County Highway 44 from approximately Trunk Highway 10 to County Highvlay
No.1. City staff to determine the potential for a city-constructed detached trail
",-ithin or adjacent to the County f:Iighway 44 right-oE-way. :Mr. Maurer stated that
the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to see a detached trail on all
County roads within the City.
· Sherburne County has asked the City to take back portions of existing County
Highway 33 and County Highway 77 after the ne\vly constructed road is completed
in 2007. The roadways in question ha\Te had their surfaces reclaimed and have been
newly overlaid in 2005. The City of Elk River will receive a small increase in
lvfunicipal State _f\.id funding by the turnback of these road~vays. The Council agreed
to consider the tumback agreement at an upcoming Council meeting.
· Sharp curves on County :Highway 33 east ofTH169. Police Chief Beahen
distributed photographs taken of vehicles traveling over the line on these curves.
The County Engineering staff has a conceptual layout ofho~v County Highway 33
could be realigned in the future to meet up '\\rith County Road 22 in Anoka County
reducing the traffic using these roads. Working 'N-ith County staff and '\I-ith Council
direction, staff w-ill submit a project request to eliminate these sharp curves. If the
County is successful in obtaining Federal funds, the City ",111 still be expected to
acquire the necessary right-of-,vay. It was stated that a multi-jurisdiction application
for federal funds \vith the number one issue of safet~y carries more weight "\\11th
IvInDot.
· Easement agreement for access to the Jackson .i\.venue Fire Station - Due to the
expansion of the Jackson j\..venue Fire Station to allo"\v for expanded ambulance
City Council IVUnutes
November 14, 2005
Page 7
service, the City does not have a ~vay to get into the ambulance bay ~\~thout driving
on County property. Sherburne County Engineering staff has agreed that this issue
should be clarified. At present the City o~vns a piece of land behind a County
building. An easement agreement "\vill be drafted '\Vi.th the possibility of looking at
an exchange of property to clean up lot lines of the two parcels.
· Quarterly Transportation meetings - both entities would like for these meetings to
start up again monthly. Dates will be looked at after the first of the year.
Commissioner Leonard thanked Police Chief Beahen and Fire Chief West for their
participation in obtaining funds for the Boys and Girls Club by remaining on the roof of
Coburns until their goal for funds was reached.
5. Other Business
None.
6. Staff Updates
None.
7. Adjournment
Mayio! I<Jinzing thanked the County Commissioners and County staff for their participation.
There being no further business, Mayor I<linzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:22 p.m.
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