4.1 DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 08-07-2023c�ty of
Elk �
River �
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Meeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 17, 2023
Ma�ror John Dietz, Councilmembers Cor�T Grupa, iVlike Be�Ter (6:13 p.m.), Matt
Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner
None
Staff Present: CityT Administrator Calvin Portner, Cit�J AttorneyT Jared Shepherd, CommunityT
Development Director Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, Engineer I
Ryan Sandhoefner, Engineering Project Manager Brandon Wisner, Administrative
Captain Joe Gacke, Police Chief Ron NieYenhausen, Business Services
Director/Assistant City Administrator Joe Stremcha, Multipurpose FacilityT
Superintendent Tim Dalton, and Records Specialist Katie PoYath
I. Call Meeting to Order
2.
3.
PuYsuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk RiveY Cityr Council was called to oYdeY
at 6:02 p.m. byr Mayor Dietz.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Consider Agenda
Councilmember WagneY asked to add Item 8.5, a discussion of a letteY to MnDOT foY business
district e�t signage on Highwa�� 169.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
the agenda, as amended. Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Ma�ror Dietz stated, if a third budget meeting was needed, he would prefeY it be held on September 5,
2023.
Councilmember �X�agner asked for clarification on the amount due in the iBackCheck AgYeement foY
Item 4.4. iVLr. PortneY explained the agYeement amended terms foY Yepayment.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve:
4.1 June 20, 2023, Minutes.
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Pay estimates outlined in the staff report.
4.4 Amendment to Lease Agreement 23-19 with iBackCheck.
4.5 2023 Mineral Excavation Licenses.
4.6 Special Meetings for 2024 Budget Discussions on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
and Monday, August 14, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
4.7 Finance Assistant position description.
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4.8 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to the City of Elk River for the 2023 Riverfront
Concert Series scheduled on August 17, 2023, with the condition alcohol must be
confned to an area enclosed by a fence with a secured, controlled access. Wrist band
control is required for patrons 21 and over.
4.9 Liquor license renewals for Speedway #4196, Speedway #4338, and Speedway #4470
for the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
4.10 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to the Ciry of Elk River for the Oktoberfest event
at the Furniture and Things Community Event Center scheduled on September 16,
2023, with the condition alcohol must be confned to an area enclosed with a secured,
controlled access. Wrist band control is required for patrons 21 and over.
4.11 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to the Church of St. Andrew for their event
scheduled for September 17, 2023, with the condition alcohol must be confned to an
area enclosed by a fence with a secured, controlled access. Wrist band control is
required for patrons 21 and over.
4.12 2023 Street, Park, and Building Maintenance Divisions equipment replacement fund
purchases of fve (5) pickups as outlined in the staff report.
4.13 Law Enforcement Agreement 23-20 between the City of Elk River and Independent
School District #728.
4.14 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3264 for their
event scheduled August 12, 2023, with the condition alcohol must be confned to an
area enclosed by a fence with a secured, controlled access. Wrist band control is
required for patrons 21 and over.
Motion carried 4-0. _'
Open Forum `4
No one appeared foY Open Forum. -
City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Ma�Tor Dietz presented the Jul�� Volunteer of the Month awaYd to Chris and Kati Grabrick. He
highlighted the following:
■ Started the group HOODLUM (Helping Out OtheYs During Life's Unkind Moments).
■ Their Christmas program adopted 76 families/individuals with help during the holidays.
■ Raised more than �32,000 in 2021 to assist 15 families at Christmas with gifts, rent payments,
and bills.
■ Assist with parking at Thumbs Up event.
■ In 2019 the�� helped fill more than 20,000 sandbags for Otsego flooding.
■ Helps �vith Lions Pancake breakfasts.
■ O�ganizes otheY HOODLUM events to benefit the Elk River Communityr.
6.2 Recognition of 30 Years of Service, Police Officer Mike Suchy
Police Chief Nierenhausen recognized Office Suchy for 30 �Tears of service.
MayTor Dietz presented Officer Such�T with a plaque.
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7.2
7.3
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Zone Change: Planned Unit Development to Highway Commercial at 19101 Jackson
Avenue, Ann-Marie Ross on behalf of the estate of Roger W. Dickenson
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
MayroY Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to adopt
Ordinance 23-15 to rezone certain properry from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to
Highway Commercial (C3) as the rezoning is consistent with the City of Elk River Land Use
Plan adopted as part of the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried 4-0.
Conditional Use Permit: Amend Planned Unit Development Agreement at 19475
Evans Street to Allow 45 sq. ft. Menu Board, Culver's Restaurant
Mr. LeesebeYg presented the staff report.
Councilmember Bey er arrived at 6:13 p.m.
MayroY Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak on this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve a
Conditional Use Permit, amending the Planning Unit Development Agreement to allow a 45
sq. ft. menu board for Culver's Restaurant, 19475 Evans Street, as the standards set forth in
Section 30-654 have been satisfed.
Motion carried 5-0.
Conditional Use Permit: Construction of a Truck Terminal and Outdoor Storage at
I 6234 Jarvis Street - Collins Brothers Towing, Inc.
NLr. Leeseberg presented the staff repoYt.
Ma��or Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, MayroY Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Wagner asked the applicant if the�r were oka�T with the eight conditions, and they
Yesponded that they weYe.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve a
Conditional Use Permit for the Construction of a Truck Terminal and Outdoor Storage at
16234 Jarvis St. NW with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth in Section
30-654:
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1. All outdoor storage shall follow Section 30-807 regarding screening.
2. All comments outlined in the Letter of Complete dated June 14, 2023, shall be addressed.
3. The offce hours of operation shall be limited to 7 a.m. — 5 p.m.
4. The parking and driveway area outside of the fenced area shall be bound by B612 curb
and gutter.
5. All parking and driving areas must be fnished with an approved surface — bituminous,
concrete, or compacted Class 5.
6. All areas not identifed for parking or driving areas shall be maintained as turf grass in
accordance with ciry standards.
7. Outside of short-term staging requirements, there shall be no storage of vehicles outside
of the approved storage area, to include the ciry street, exterior parking area, and
landscaped areas.
8. Staff approval of all site and civil plans.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.4 Conditional Use Permit: Expand Educational Use - Building Addition at Handke
School, I 170 Main Street - ISD 728
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Ma�ror Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve the
Conditional Use Permit to Expand the Educational Use and Building Addition at Handke
School, 1170 Main Street NW — ISD 728 as the Front Yard Setback Variance (V 23-05) was
approved. Motion carried 5-0.
7.5 Conditional Use Permit: Amend Planned Unit Development Agreement to Allow
for Use of Amusement and Recreation to Operate an Indoor Playground at Elk Park
Center
iVlr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Ma��or Dietz opened the public hearing. TheYe being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember �X�agner expressed concerris that parents will drop off their children at the
p1a�Tground and children �vill be unsupervised.
Cody Baragar, 16283 2615` Ave NW, Big Lake, the applicant, stated that parents would sign an
agreement stating theyr will supervise their children. TheYe will also be eight oY nine securityr cameras
on site.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve the
request by Avery's Adventures for an Amendment to the Planned Unit Development
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Agreement for Elk Park Center for a Conditional Use Permit as the standards set forth in
Section 30-654 have been satisfed. Motion carried 5-0.
7.6 Simple Plat: Jackson Street Apartments
Mr. Carlton stated the applicant has Yequested moYe time to review their pYoposal.
l�layror Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, l�Zayor Dietz
continued the public hearing to the August 21, 2023, Cityr Council meeting.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to continue
the public hearing for Jackson Street Apartments Simple Plat to August 21, 2023. Motion
carried 5-0.
7.7 The Cove, BK Land Development, 13161 US Highway 10
a) Zone Change: Highway Commercial to R- I c(Single Family Residential)
b) Preliminary Plat: The Cove
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
MayroY Dietz opened the public hearing. �- ,
Steve Hickman, owner of Furniture and Things, asked if there �vould be a parking lot for "boyT
scout island". Mr. Carlton stated that there would not be a parking lot and visitoYs would need to paYk
on-street.
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. �
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve
Ordinance 23-16 changing the zoning from C3 Highway Commercial to R-1c Single-Family
Residential with the following conditions:
1. City Council approval of city-initiated Land Use Amendments (LU 23-04).
2. Approval of a variance permitting 66-foot-wide lots in an R1c zoning district.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa approve the
Preliminary Plat of The Cove with the following conditions:
1. Council approval of the related Land Use Amendment (LU 23-04), Zone Change (ZC 23-
07)
2. Approval of a variance permitting 66-foot-wide lots in an R-1c zoning district.
3. The proposed public street and right-of-way must comply with all ciry design standards.
4. Provide an ingress/egress easement to the beneft of the public, allowing access to the
ciry owned island north of the subject site — commonly referred to as "Boy Scout Island."
5. Identify flood zones AE and X on the plat.
6. Outlot A must be included in the expanded Right-of-Way to prevent a"spite strip" from
limiting access to the existing lots west of the site.
7. Staff approval of all site and civil plans.
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8. Applicant shall pay for any expenses incurred for address changes of the two existing
residential properties.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.8 Vinje Investments LLC - PID's 75-01 I-2401, 75-01 I-2120, 75-01 I-3203, 75-01 I-3235
a. Land Use Amendment: Business Park to Highway Business
b. Zone Change: FAST (H) to Planned Unit Development (PUD)
c. Conditional Use Permit: Establish a PUD
d. Preliminary Plat: Vinje Commercial Addition �
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
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Mayror Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, MayroY Dietz
closed the public hearing.
MayTor Dietz clarified the distance of the setback. Mr. Carlton explained the cityT is providing a portion
of the right-of-way.
CouncilmembeY Wagner asked the applicant if he was okay ��ith the conditions listed and they
Yesponded they weYe.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt
Resolution 23-25 approving the Land Use Amendment changing the guidance from Business
Park to Highway Business, with the condition that the associated Zone Change (ZC 23-01)
and CUP (CU 23-06) applications shall be approved by the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adopt
Ordinance 23-17 approving the zone change from FAST (H) to Planned Unit Development
(PUD) with the following conditions:
1. City Council approval of associated Land Use Amendment (LU 23-03).
2. A PUD agreement shall be approved by the City Council prior to recording the Zone
Change.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve a
Conditional Use Permit establishing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with the following
conditions:
1. A PUD Agreement shall be developed and signed by both parties prior to issuance of a
building permit.
2. Streets, access, and circulation, must comply with MN State Fire Code Chapter 5 and
Appendix D.
3. Staff approval of all site, utility, engineering, and landscaping plans.
4. State approval of permits related to the proposed wetland impacts.
5. Approval of the updated landscape plan.
6. All offce and industrial buildings within the PUD shall comply with the Business Park
design standards. The ministorage facility is exempt from strict application of this
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standard, but additional materials must be included to improve the overall aesthetic of the
project.
7. Fencing clearly visible from the public street shall be of a wrought iron sryle. Fencing not
clearly visible from the street shall be black chain-link.
8. All outdoor storage areas shall be screened with a 100% opaque fence.
9. The driveway access to Twin Lakes Road will be reduced to a right-in-right-out when
Twin Lakes Road is improved to a 4-land divided roadway.
10. Future development phases will be reviewed utilizing the CUP process as outlined in ciry
ordinances.
11. Improvements within city right-of-way are limited to paving, curbing, grading, and utility
work. Improvements such as fencing will not be permitted.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve
the Preliminary Plat of Vinje Commercial Addition with the following conditions:
1. Council approval of the related Land Use Amendment (LU 23-03), Zone Change (ZC 23-
01), and Conditional Use Permit (CU 23-06).
2. The preliminary plat shall be updated to include the proposed billboard within Lot 1,
Block 1.
3. There will be no future access Highway 10.
Motion carried 5-0. � �..
7.9 Lennar's Bradford Park Subdivision - Property IDs 73- I 36- I 300, 2400, 3 I 00, 3200,
4200, and 4300, Case No. P 23-04
a. Zone Change: Rld (Single-Family) to PUD (Planned Unit Development).
b. Conditional Use Permit: Establish a Residential PUD for Bradford Park.
c. Preliminary Plat: Bradford Park.
Mr. Carlton pYesented the staff report.
Ma�ror Dietz opened the public hearing.
Jim Sweazey, 18434 Cleveland St NW, expressed concern with the impact of future Phase 2
development to his propert�r. He asked if curYent zoning around his propertyr could be maintained.
Chris Stearns, 12268 Ridewood Dr NW, expressed concern `vith removal of oak trees and oak `vilt.
Mr. Carlton stated that the development agreement addresses the proper removal and time period
when oak trees ma�� be Yemoved.
MayTor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Westgaard stated the Planning Commission discussed the mix of different units and
densit�T.
The Council agrees `vith the Planning Commission that Mr. S`veazeyT's propertyT be given careful
consideration when Phase 2 is submitted b�T the developer.
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Councilmember Westgaard asked CityT Attorne�T Shepherd about Mr. SweazeyT's request to maintain
zoning surrounding his propertyT. Cit�T Attorne�T Shepherd stated that the PUD needs to be confined
to this application and Phase 2 can be considered when it comes before the commission and council.
1VLr. Carlton added there was no cash dedication coming in with this pYoject.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt
Ordinance 23-18 rezoning the subject properties from R-1d (single-family residential) to
Planned Unit Development (PUD), subject to the condition that Council approves a PUD
agreement outlining the standards of the subdivision. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve
the Conditional Use Permit establishing a residential Planned Unit Development (PUD) with
the following conditions:
1. A PUD Agreement shall be developed and signed by both parties prior to releasing a fnal
plat for recording.
2. Streets and access must comply with MN State Fire Code Chapter 5 and Appendix D.
3. Staff approval of all site, utility, engineering, and landscaping plans.
4. Submit a phasing plan outlining the anticipated subdivision additions.
5. Hydrants must be spaced to ensure all portions of a residence are within 250 feet of a
hydrant.
6. All watermains shall be looped. Dead-end watermains are not permitted.
7. The water main beneath Ivanhoe Parkway shall be continuous along the entire street to
the connection beneath CR 40.
8. The water main beneath Ivanhoe Parkway should be increased from an 8" line to a 12",
matching the existing pipe size in Miske Meadows.
9. The existing lift station must remain energized throughout the entire construction
process.
10. State and local approval of all wetland permits related to the proposed wetland fill.
11. An internal monotony code for home facades shall be developed and memorialized in the
PUD agreement.
12. Construct trails and trail connections as recommended by the Park and Recreation
Commission.
13. Mailboxes shall be clustered.
14. The front yard setback of 25 feet shall apply to both streets for all corner lots.
15. Driveways shall be limited to 20 feet wide at the property line.
16. All buildable lots shall include a drainage and utility easement for areas within the 45-foot
wetland setback or within 45 feet of the OHW for stormwater ponds.
17. Grading for trails along the pond shall be designed to minimize impacts to existing
grades and vegetation.
18. Grading for the trail north of Ivanhoe shall be updated to create a stable platform/bench
for the trail. Slopes leading to and from the trail must be reduced to minimize erosion.
19. Landscape plans shall identify an overstory tree in the front yard of every parcel and no
more than four of the same tree species shall be on adjacent lots.
20. Add a trail/sidewalk to the southside of Ivanhoe Parkway as it crosses the pond.
21. Complete the trail loop around the central pond as part of this approval of the Bradford
Park development.
22. Complete the trail connection from the park trail to the sidewalk near lots 45 and 46.
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23. Create a trail connection from the sidewalk near lot 194, between basins J and K, to the
trail along the pond. This provides maintenance and pedestrian access.
24. Establish a trail connection through outlot C.
25. The street terminating near lots 38 and 39, shall end in a full cul-de-sac.
26. A sign noting "future through street" shall be posted at all temporary dead-end streets.
27. The cost to construct the central trail, as identi�ed in the attached park and trail exhibit,
shall be funded by the ciry through park dedication funds.
28. The cost to construct the 10-foot trail along Cleveland St NW (CR 40) shall be dedicated
to the city and will be used to fund a ciry project constructing a larger trail project along
the corridor.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve the
Preliminary Plat of Bradford Park subject to the following conditions:
1. Council approval of the Conditional Use Permit (CU 23-10) and Zone Change (ZC 23-05)
supporting the plat.
2. The PUD agreement for Bradford Park must be recorded.
3. All recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Motion carried 5-0.
7. I Oa City of Elk River — Land Use Agreement
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Ma�roY Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve
the Comprehensive Plan Amendments as shown on the exhibit entitled "Land Use Map
(Proposed)". Motion carried 5-0.
7. I Ob City of Elk River — Zone Change
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, MayroY Dietz
continued the public hearing to the August 21, 2023, City Council meeting.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to continue the
public hearing for Zone Change to August 21, 2023. Motion carried 5-0.
8. I Rolling Hills Sewer Extension Assessment and Project Approvals (handout)
Mr. WisneY presented the staff Yeport.
Darren Thom, 9717 226t'' Ave NW, spoke on behalf of the Home Owners Association (HOA). He
asked the council to loweY the inteYest Yate to 3.7%, extend the payback teYm to 20 years, and waive
the 1.5% adrniuistrative fee.
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The Council agYeed that it would be a bad pYecedent to waive the admitustrative fee. Theyr discussed
extending the payback term to 15 years.
Cit�- AttorneyT Shepherd reviewed the cit�-'s special assessment polic�T that requires the Council to
make a special approval for amounts over $40,000.
Mr. Wisner asked the Council about changing the ordinance staring that private property septic tanks
do not need to be bYought up to compliance if theyr are connected to cit�r se�uer.
CouncilmembeY WestgaaYd was concerried that the extra ground water that was being processed in
the aYea would now be pYocessed byr the cityr.lVLr. Thom stated that the source of some of the extra
gYoundwateY was found when one of the homeowneYs needed to replace his septic tanks. There is a
notable reduction of flo`vage from last yTear.
Moved by Mayor Dietz to set the interest rate at 5.3% for 15 years. Motion died for lack of a
second.
Councilmember Wagner was in favor of considering a 20-�Tear pay-back due to the high cost of the
assessment.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve
the petition of waiver which was submitted by the Homeowners Association as it is over
$40,000. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to adopt
Resolution 23-26 for the adoption of the special assessment roll at a rate of 5.3% over a period
of 20 years. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
Connection Agreement 23-21 with Rolling Hills. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to approve
lift station easement Agreement 23-22. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adopt
Resolution 23-27 awarding bid to Northdale Construction Company in the amount of
$1,711,923.51. Motion carried 5-0.
Councilmember WestgaaYd asked about the tirniug of construction. 1VLr. Wisner stated it would begin
in August of 2023, but supplyT chain issues mayT delayT completion for a yTear.
8.2 Watson Circle Cul-de-sac
Mr. Sandhoefner presented the staff report.
Scott Stevenson, 19850 Watson Circle NW, showed photos of different cul-de-sac in Elk River as
size comparison and discussed clearing sno`v.
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Vickie Stevenson, 19850 Watson Circle NW, stated the street was not `vide enough for two
vehicles to pass each other.
Doug Savaloja, 12607 Ridgewood Dr, stated he does not like the new design and was concerned
about fire vehicles being able to access the aYea.
Mr. SandhoefneY reviewed the issue of snow storage. The cost to YestoYe the cul-de-sac to its original
condition would be $8,483.45.
CouncilmembeY WestgaaYd stated he visited the neighborhood and with neighbors. He believes the
construction is odd and laYge vehicles would have an issue turning around in the cul-de-sac. He
recommended returning the cul-de-sac to its original design.
CouncilmembeY Grupa stated he drove to the cul-de-sac. He thought the design was different, but not
enough to spend $8,500 to replace it.
MayroY Dietz stated he understands what the Yesidents are sa�ring but supports the Public Works
Director decision on the design.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve a
change order to revert the Watson Circle cul-de-sac to its original size. Motion carried 3-2.
Mayor Dietz and Councilmember Grupa opposed.
8.3 Two Brothers Hockey Agreement
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1VIr. Stremcha presented the staff YepoYt ��
Mayor Dietz asked wh�� Two Brothers Hockey was not being chaYged foY use of the fieldhouse. 1VLr.
Stremcha stated the i�lultipurpose Facilit�- �d�risory Commission made that concession based on the
prioY standard established b�r the Squatch agreement.
Mayor Dietz stated he heard that members of Two BYothers Hockey weYe sneaking into the facilityr.
iVlr. Stremcha stated that Furniture and Things Communityr Event Center staff monitoYs entries and
will be securing a door providing access.
Mavor Dietz is concerned about discounted ice Yates. Mr. StYemcha stated the commission felt loweY
�ates encourage moYe rentals.
Councilmember Westgaard asked how much more capacityT the Furniture and Things CommunityT
Event Center has to sell. 1VLr. Stremcha stated it depends on the time of yreaY and whether opeYating
with one or two sheets of ice.
Councilmember Westgaard was concerned that giving awayT fieldhouse rentals and reducing ice rentals
is giving up a chance to make revenue.
Councilmember Wagner asked if y outh hockeyT has always had a discounted rate. Councilmember
Westgaard stated that �Touth hocke�T did not have a discounted rate until the ne�v facilittT was built.
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MayTor Dietz stated that some amount of revenue is better than zero revenue. The Squatch group is
bu�Ting formerlyT unused dayTtime ice, bringing new revenue to the facilit�T.
Councilmember Wagner `vas frustrated `vith not receiving enough information on the Multipurpose
FacilityT AdvisoryT Commission to make decisions.
MayroY Dietz asked if the cityr has a plan in place to try and get back to the average cost of ice Yental.
How long is the current contract with youth hockey? Mr. Stremcha responded that the yTouth hockeyT
agreement expires after next season.
CouncilmembeY Wagner addYessed feedback she had heard from Two BYothers Hockey that they
weYe coming to open the facilities in the moYning and put out nets because staff were not there.lVLr.
Dalton stated that, in the old ice rink, this did occuY, and the pYactice carried oveY to the new facilityr
and is no longer occurring.
l�layror Dietz stated Two Brothers Hockey should not have keys to the Furniture and Things
Community Event Center. Mr. Dalton stated that facility staff will �uork with Two Brothers to
monitor their access.
1VLr. Dalton clarified Two Brothers Hocke�� would only be using the field house at rimes when it was
not being used byT other groups.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
Agreement 23-23 approving the Two Brothers agreement as recommended by the Multi-
Purpose Facility Advisory Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
Councilmember �X�agner asked 1��. Stremcha to provide data at the upcoming budget meetings to see
the complete picture of what is needed foY the facilit�r.
8.4 Summary of City Administrator Performance Review
Ma�Tor Dietz presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve
the summary of City Administrator performance review. Motion carried 5-0.
8.5 Letter to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Councilmember Wagner stated the Together Elk RiveY subcommittee would like the Council to write
a letter to �InDOT requesting "businesses open, e�t Main Street" signs be created and placed as soon
as possible.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer for the ciry
council to direct staff for a letter of support to MnDOT to put up business right-of-way signs
along Highway 169. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Adjourn Regular Meeting
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Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
regular meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The regular meeting adjouYned at 9:04 p.m. MayroY Dietz called the Work Session to order at 9:04 p.m.
I 0.1 Transition of Detective Assistant Position to Crime Analyst Position
Police Chief NieYenhausen and Captain Gacke presented the staff Yeport.
MayroY Dietz asked about the job description and pay increase.
Captain Gacke responded the position would include a$13,000 raise and change from non-exempt to
exempt. A job description will come to the council at a future meeting.
I 0.2 2024 Budget Overview ;�
Mr. Stremcha pYesented the staff YepoYt.
I I. Motion to Adjourn -
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn the
meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
�
The meeting adjourried at 9:15 p.rr
Minutes prepared b�r Katie Porath.
John J. Dietz, Ma�ror
Tina AllaYd, City Clerk
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Special Meeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 24, 2023
Members Present: 1�1a�-or John Dietz, Councilmembers CoryT Grupa, Mike Beyer,l�latt Westgaard, and
Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present CityT Administrator Calvin Pormer, r�ssistant CityT Administrator Joe Stremcha,
Environmental Services Director Suzanne Fischer, Building Official Mark Pistulka,
Human Resources Representative Lauren Wipper, Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen,
Police Captain Darren McKernan, Police Captain Joe Gacke, and CityT Clerk Tina
Allard
I. Call Meeting to Order
PuYsuant to due call and notice theYeof, the meering of the Elk RiveY City Council was called to oYdeY
at 4:30 p.m. by MayoY Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. 2024 Budget
Mr. PoYtneY introduced the topic. Various staff presented their budgets. The Council noted the
follo`ving:
■ Future work session discussion clarifyTing roles for the Orono Lake Improvement District and
cityT staff.
■ Fee for plastic bags at businesses. Review our own cityT events, such as the Farmer's Market, to
see ho�� `ve can do awayT with plastic bags. Should not be a subsidized cityT program.
■ Review items in the IT budget to see what can be purchased in 2023 utilizing excess funds.
■ Evaluate leasing computers.
■ Evaluate Council and advisoryT board salaries.
■ Move agenda management softwaYe purchase to 2023.
■ Considered moving the review of the Multipurpose FacilityT budget prior to setting the levy. Mr.
PortneY stated theYe needs to be more historical budget detail before the Council should
discuss possible tax subsidy options. The Multipurpose FacilityT expenditures to revenues to
date are trending prettyr well at this time.
■ Would like to revie`v the Liquor Operation revenues and yTear-end projections so theyT can
evaluate whetheY to include an additional transfeY to the GeneYal Fund. Mr. PoYtneY stated the
LiquoY OpeYation budget Yeview will be at the next budget meeting and will include fund
balance information.
■ 1�1ayTor Dietz stated his goal is a budget increase of under 4%.
4. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn the
meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
Cit�r Council i�linutes
Jul�� 24, 2023
The meeting adjouYned at 6:21 p.m.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
Tina Allard, CityT Clerk
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