12-04-2023 CCMMeeting of the Elk River City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, December 4, 2023
ver
Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Cory Grupa, Mike Beyer, Matt Westgaard, and
Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Business Services Director/Assistant City
Administrator Joe Stremcha, Finance Manager Lori Stich, Senior Planner Chris
Leeseberg, Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Justin Femrite, 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 6:28 p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
2. Pledge of Allegiance:
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councihnember Beyer to approve the
agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councihnember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve:
4.1 November 6, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Fire department to conduct live training until March of 2024, at which time there will
be a live burn conducted at 19101 Jackson Avenue.
4.4 Updates to the Advisory Board and Commission Policy as outlined in the staff report.
4.5 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Motion carried 5-0.
S. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
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City Council Minutes
December 4, 2023
6.1 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Page 2
Mayor Dietz presented the November Volunteer of the Month award to Deb Weston. He highlighted
the following:
Member Elk River Lions Club for 15 years.
■ Served as President, Secretary, and Board member for Elk River Lions Club.
• Currently on the District Cabinet of Lions.
■ Served six years for Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation.
■ Board member for Minnesota Lions Mission.
* Traveled to Guatemala in 2019 to provide glasses for over 2000 residents, will make another
trip back in 2024.
* Catholic Charities Senior Dining volunteers.
■ Member of Friends of Guardian Angels Care Center.
6.2 Oath of Office: Police Officer
Mayor Dietz administered the oath of office for Officer Bailey Meyer.
6.3 Energy City Commission Interview
Mayor Dietz presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to appoint
Barbara Burandt as Energy City Commissioner with a term ending February 29, 2024. Motion
carried 5-0.
7.1 2024 Budget and Tax Levy
Mr. Stremcha presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
Charlie Wanha,10619 201" Ave NW, asked about the percentage set by legislature and expressed
concern at how his taxes had increased.
Wendy Nelson, 13990 194' Ln NW, suggested supporting a bill in legislature to examine how
houses are assessed.
Steve Nelson, 13990194'' Ln NW, stated that people don't gain the money from their house
valuation until they sell and he doesn't see a huge increase in city services.
Tory Apps,19702 Irving St NW, stated his home value went up and he doesn't use city sewer or
water. He asked the city to look where they could cut costs for those who don't use as many city
services.
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Greg Olson,19726 Irving St NW, expressed concern at his taxes going up as he is retired and on a
fixed income.
Ross Hiermstad,18175 Denver St NW, wondered about the timeframe of evaluations and asked
questions regarding homestead exclusion.
Brian Hub, 303 Proctor Ave NW, stated he has lived in Elk River for 20 years and seen a lot of nice
things in Elk River. He asked that the city stop adding nice things.
Gary Stritesky,12808 Orono Rd NW, stated he moved from the city of Ramsey because of their
taxes.
Diane Stritesky,12808 Orono Rd NW, stated they may need to move out of Minnesota because of
the high taxes.
Roger Page,13740 Riverview Dr NW, expressed concern with the rise in taxes and the amount of
apartment buildings in Elk River.
Virginia Page,13740 Riverview Dr NW, asked if the council decides how many apartment
buildings are built in Elk River. The Council explained that they do have final decisions on when and
where apartment buildings are built and how they are funded.
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Wagner stated that being on the council involves making hard decisions. The council
tries to make the best decisions with the best information available to leave the city the best now and
in the future.
Councilmember Beyer encouraged people to attend the 2024 Board of Appeals meeting and to talk to
the county assessors.
Mayor Dietz added that cost of living increase for employees helps ensure that the city retains quality
employees and doesn't need to hire and re-train new staff.
Councilmember Westgaard encouraged residents to contact their representatives to consider a bill that
would change the way houses are valued as well as attend county and school tax meetings.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve
the 2024 General, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund budgets. Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Councihnember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt
Resolution 23-59 authorizing the property tax levy for collection in 2024. Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Simple Plat: Glens Ridge, Westphal Construction Company, Inc., Case No. P 23-13
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing.
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Shawn Norton, 201 Montana Ave, Big Lake, applicant, asked about a less expensive pavement
option. He also asked for clarification on the total cost. Mr. Leeseberg stated the estimated cost was
$65,000.
Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing.
Mayor Dietz stated the city is trying to get rid of gravel roads, not add new ones and he will be voting
to follow city standards.
Councilmember Westgaard recommended building the cul-de-sac to city standards consistent with the
rest of the Rolling Hills development that it is connecting to. He was surprised the applicant had
chosen a cul-de-sac rather than a future through street.
Mr. Femrite discussed engineering standards for new private developments including surmountable
curbs but offered that he could support a B4-12 curb which may be a less expensive option.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt
Resolution 23-60 for the final plat of Glens Ridge with the following conditions:
1. Park Dedication shall be paid for one dwelling unit at the rate applicable when the
subdivision is released for recording.
2. All city standards for public improvements shall be met.
3. A development agreement shall be approved by the City Council prior to releasing the
plat for recording.
4. Allowing the applicant to work with staff to consider the appropriate curbing options
that meet city standards.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.3 Amend Sections 30-1861 through Section 30-1912 of the Floodplain Management
Ordinance Division I I
Rebecca Haug, WSB Senior Project Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor 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 adopt
Ordinance 23-25 amending Chapter 30, Section 1861, Definitions, through Section 30-1914,
Nonconforming Structures and Uses of the City of Elk River, Minnesota, City Code. Motion
carried 5-0.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt
Resolution 23-61 approving notice of summary publication of Ordinance 23-25, and ordinance
regarding floodplain management. Motion carried 5-0.
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December 4, 2023
8.1 Discuss Work Session Items
Page 5
Mayor Dietz presented the staff report. He asked why there were so few items on the list.
Mr. Portner explained that the council had addressed some of the items and others were being
reassessed before the Council needs to provide input.
9. Council Liaison Updates
Councilmembers provided updates as outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes.
Councilmember Wagner asked about the potential to disband the Naming Rights Committee.
Councilmember Wagner stated the combined Public Art and Beautification Committee is considering
applying for a grant for public art in 2024.
10. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
U
tie Porath.
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