10-02-2023 CCMMeeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, October 2, 2023
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Cory Grupa, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer
Wagner
Members Absent: Councilmember Beyer
Staff Present: Business Services Director/Assistant City Administrator Joe Stremcha, Community
Development Director Zack Carlton, and Records Specialist Katie Porath
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order
at 6:27 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance:
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Items 4.6 and 11.1 were removed from the agenda.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
the agenda as amended. Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve:
4.1 September 18, 2023, Minutes.
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Adopt Resolution 23-40 acknowledging appreciation and thanks to the many sponsors
that help make Elk RiverFest possible.
4.4 Adopt the City Council goals discussed at the May 8, 2023, Special Meeting.
4.5 Approve Agreement 23-31 an amendment to the Elk River Multipurpose Facility
Naming Rights Agreement.
4.6 Removed from the agenda.
4.7 Accept the quote from North Valley Inc. to repair the damage to the Orono Park
pickle ball court for $14,914.67.
4.8 Execute a towing Agreement 23-32 between the City of Elk River and Collins Brothers
Towing, Inc.
Motion carried 4-0.
U
City Council Minutes
October 2, 2023
S. Open Forum
Page 2
Katie Shatusky, Thumbs Up for Mental Health, 13050180" Ct NW, thanked the city and the
Council for their assistance for the annual Thumbs Up event.
Neil Thomas, 9998 215" Ave NW, requesting two stop signs in his neighborhood. He provided a
map and a petition from his neighbors. The Council asked that the issue be researched by the city
engineer and come to a future council meeting.
6.1 Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Presentation - ERMU
Mike Teitz, Technical Services Superintendent for ERMU, presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz asked if there was any charge to the customer. Mr. Teitz responded that there would be
no charge for replacement of the meters.
6.2 FT Center Energy Audit
Sara Youngs, Administration Director for ERMU, presented the staff report.
The Council discussed staggering the rink pumps to keep both rinks cool and not running pumps at
the same time. The Council recommended hiring a mechanical consultant to help determine a pump
schedule.
Ms. Youngs stated that ERMU would be happy to continue working with the city and a consultant to
make changes.
7. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
8.1 Ordinance: Moratorium on Home Occupation Applications
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. Anyone with an application in progress would be
"grandfathered" in.
Councilmember Wagner understood the reasons behind the moratorium, however, she felt it went
against what she supported for Elk River businesses.
Councilmember Westgaard stated that there are historically fewer applications in the fourth quarter,
therefore this was a good time, if any, to have a moratorium.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adopt
Ordinance 23-21 an interim ordinance (moratorium) on the issuance of Permitted or
Conditional Use Permitted Horne Occupations. Motion carried 3-1. Councilmember Wagner
opposed.
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City Council Minutes Page 3
October 2, 2023
8.2 Discuss Work Session Items
Mayor Dietz presented the staff report.
9. Council Liaison Updates
Councilmembers provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes.
10. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Councilmernber Wagner and seconded by Councilrnernber Westgaard to adjourn
the regular meeting of City Council. Motion carried 4-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Mayor Dietz called the work session to order at 7:22 p.m.
1 1.1 Vacant Buildings and Business Registration Programs
Item 11.1 was removed from the agenda.
11.2 Park Dedication Fees (Handout)
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
The Council was in favor or hiring an appraisal firm to look at park dedication rates. Mr. Carlton will
bring options to the council at a future meeting.
12. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Councilmernber Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to adjourn
the meeting of City Council. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Katie Porath.
Jr�# J.17ietz, Malfor
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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