08-21-2006 CC MIN
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Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCil
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HAll
MONDAY, AUGUST 21,2006
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Motin, Farber, and Gumphrey
None
City Administrator Lori] ohnson, Community Development Director Scott
Clark, Planning Manager] eremy Barnhart, Planner Chris Leeseberg, City
Engineer Terry Maurer, City Attorney Peter Beck, and Recording Secretary
Tina Allard
Planning Commissioner Leo Offerman
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 Klinzing.
2.
Consider 8/21/2006 Agenda
Mayor Klinzing added "YMCA Signage" and Councilmember Motin added ''Jackson/Main
Street Intersection" to Other Business.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3.
Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA:
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8
8/7/06 MINUTES.
CHECK REGISTER.
PAY ESTIMATES.
ANNUAL MONITORING OF CITY DUMP UNTIL FUTURE PLANS
FOR SITE ARE KNOWN AND RESULTS OF PRIVATE WELL
TESTING BE SENT TO INDIVIDUAL RESIDENCE.
ROUTE CHANGE FOR RANDY'S SANITATION AS OUTLINED IN
STAFF REPORT.
MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE TO JANE STANGLER.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM TERRY MAURER.
RESOLUTION 06-97 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE
BONDS UNDER THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL
DEVELQPMENT ACT BY SHERBURNE COUNTY, MINNESOTA
City Council :Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 2
3.9. REQUEST BY WILLIAM MATTHEWS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR AUTOMOBILE SALES, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO.
CU 06-11-WITHDRAWN.
3.10. REQUEST BY BAUERLY BROTHERS, INC. FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR GRAVEL MINING, PUBLIC HEARING-CASE NO. CU
06-20-POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 18, 2006.
3.11. RESOLUTION 06-98 GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR WEST
OAKS FIFTH ADDITION, CASE NO. P 06-12 WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE CITY ENGINEER'S COMMENTS SHALL BE
INCORPORATED INTO THE PLANS.
2. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEES SHALL BE PAID IN
THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY THE CITY AT THE TIME OF
FINAL PLAT PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR
RECORDING.' ,
3. THE LETTER OF CREDIT SHALL COVER WETLAND
MITIGATION. DRAINAGE EASEMENTS SHALL BE IN PLACE
OVER THE WETLAND AND THE WETLAND MITIGATION
AREAS.
4. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE
WETLAND AND THE WETLAND MITIGATION AREAS.
5. A THREE YEAR MONITORING REPORT ON THE WETLAND
MITIGATION IS REQUIRED.
6. STREET LIGHTS BE INSTALLED AS REQUIRED BY ELK
RIVER UTILITIES
7. A SEALCOAT FEE IN THE ~OUNT TO BE DETERMINED
BY THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE PAID PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
8. A GRADING AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN SHALL BE
APPROVED BY THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE
ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.
9. A DEVELOPMENT PLAN SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE
CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS.
10. ALL GRADING BE CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF
BUILDING PERMITS.
11. ALL MAILBOXES SHALL BE CLUSTERED.
12. A TREE PRESERVATION PLAN SHALL BE APPROVED PRIOR
TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
13. ANY TREES OFF SITE OR ON SITE, NEAR THE LIMIT OF
GRADING THAT ARE TO BE PRESERVED, SHALL BE
FENCED WITH A SNOW FENCE AT THE DRIP LINE TO
PREVENT GRADING, COMPACTION, OR STORAGE OF
EQUIPMENT, DEBRIS OR MATERIALS. STAFF SHALL
INSPECT FENCING PRIOR TO GRADING COMMENCING.
14. WATER ACCESSIBILITY FEES IN THE AMOUNT
DETERMINED BY THE CITY SHALL BE PAID PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
15. TOWNHOUSE ELEVATIONS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE
DESIGN STANDARDS OF THE R3 ZONING DISTRICT.
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City Council :M:inutes
August 21, 2006
Page 3
16. THE DEVELOPER SHALL PAY $750 FOR EACH TOWNHOUSE
LOT AS PART OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE
COST OF THE WACO STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
3.12. RESOLUTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF A DRAINAGE AND
UTILITY EASEMENT, REQUESTED BY CATHERINE STEIN,
PUBLIC HEARING-CASE NO. EV 06-04-WITHDRAWN
3.13. TEMPORRAY ON-SALE LIQUOR PREMISES EXTENSION TO THE
SUNSHINE DEPOT
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open :M:ike
Noone appeared for Open :M:ike.
5.1. Request by Northern Natural Gas Company for Approval of Simple Plat (Christian Farms
Addition). Public Hearing-Case No. P 06-13
Planner Chris Leeseberg stated the applicant is requesting to create a one lot subdivision. He
stated part of the land has numerous natural gas pipes.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Tom Christianson, 10989 181 st Avenue-Explained the lot dimensions.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Dietz questioned what the applicant has planned for the land. He is
concerned with the distance homes may be located from the parcel with the natural gas
p1pes.
Mr. Barnhart stated the applicant would be doing a land swap with another property owner.
Councilmember Motin stated he has received comments from residents in Trott Brook who
don't like the aesthetics of the pipes and questioned if any screening would be utilized on
the site.
Charles Herring, with Northern Natural Gas-Stated his company would add screening.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 06-99
GRANTING FINAL PLANT APPROVAL FOR CHRISTIAN FARMS
ADDITION, CASE NO. P 06-13 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. ALL REQUIRED SUBDIVISION/PARK INFORMATION SHALL BE
PROVIDED IN AN ELECTRONIC FORMAT (.DWG FILE) AS
REQUIR.PD BY THE CITY ORDINANCE AND LAND USE
APPLICATION PRIOR TO RECORDING OF THE PLAT.
City COWlcil Minutes
August 21,2006
Page 4
3. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT IMPACT FEE SHALL BE PAID AT
THE RATE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT APPROVAL.
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4. PARK DEDICATION SHALL BE IN THE FORM OF CASH FOR ONE
LOT AT THE RATE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT
APPROVAL.
5. THIS FINAL PLAT APPROVAL SHALL EXPIRE ONE YEAR FROM
THE DATE OF THIS RESOLUTION IF THE FINAL PLAT IS NOT
RECORDED WITHIN THAT TIME.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.2. Request by Northern Natural Gas Company for Approval of Administrati~'e Subdivision
(Elk River TBS Addition). Public Hearing-Case No. P 06-14
Planner Chris Leeseberg stated the applicant is requesting to subdivide a parcel into two lots.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 06-100 GRANTING
FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR ELK RIVER TBS ADDITION, CASE NO. P 06-14
WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
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2. ALL REQUIRED SUBDIVISION/PARK INFORMATION SHALL BE
PROVIDED IN AN ELECTRONIC FORMAT (.DWG FILE) AS
REQUIRED BY THE CITY ORDINANCE AND LAND USE
APPLICATION PRIOR TO RECORDING OF THE PLAT.
3. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT IMPACT FEE SHALL BE PAID AT
THE RATE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT APPROVAL.
4. PARK DEDICATION SHALL BE IN THE FORM OF CASH FOR ONE
LOT AT THE RATE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT
APPROVAL.
5. THIS FINAL PLAT APPROVAL SHALL EXPIRE ONE YEAR FROM
THE DATE OF THIS RESOLUTION IF THE FINAL PLAT IS NOT
RECORDED WITHIN THAT TIME.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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City Council :M:inutes
August 21, 2006
Page 5
5.3.
Request by Wilkus Architects to Construct Restaurant (Chipotle Mexican Restaurant) in
Carson Business Park. Public Hearing-Case No. CD 06-18
Planner Chris Leeseberg stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to
construct Chipotle Mexican Restaurant. He provided an overview of the project.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Brock Hinrich, Chipotle Representative-Stated he appreciates the opportunity to open a
business in Elk River.
There being no further comment on this issue, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Motin questioned the traffic counts for the Carson Businf;ss Park.
Mr. Maurer stated all four parcels in the Carson Business Park will meet the traffic standards
set by Council when this plat was approved.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT CU 06-18 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE BUILDING SHALL MEET ALL APPLICABLE BUILDING
CODES.
2. THE BUILDING SHALL MEET ALL APPLICABLE FIRE CODES.
3. ALL REQUIRED LIQUOR LICENSES SHALL BE OBTAINED.
4. THE PATIO SHALL BE FENCED WITH AN EMERGENCY EXIT
GATE WITH REQUIRED EXITING HARDWARE, AS REQUIRED BY
CODE.
5. A SIGN PERMIT SHALL BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO ANY SIGNAGE
BEING INSTALLED.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.4. Request by Kinghorn Construction to Allow Church in R1 b Zoning District (Alliance
Community Church). Public Hearing-Case No. CD 06-19
Mr. Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to construct a
church in the R1 b zoning district. He discussed landscaping, soil correction, and Fire
Department comments. He further stated the applicant had concerns with two conditions
proposed by staff: the right-of-way for the extension of 186th Avenue and the installation of
parking lot islands. Mr. Barnhart stated it will be difficult to ask for an easement later and
the parking islands help break up the sea of concrete and also create greens cape.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the, public hearing and asked the applicant to explain why the church is
opposed to the conditions.
City Council Minutes
August 21,2006
Page 6
Brady Kinghorn, Kinghorn Company-Stated the easement will create a problem for any
future expansion of the church. He stated the back of the property is not visible to traffic
and allowing the church to stripe the islands rather than having curb islands makes it easier
to snowplow. He further stated landscaping doesn't live very well on the islands. Mr.
Kinghorn stated he is willing to install the two islands at the front of the church. He further
stated that when the church bought the property they didn't realized it would be cut in half
with an easement. He questioned what would happen if the easement was given to the city
but never utilized.
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Councilmember Dietz stated the city needs to consider future development of this area and
it is easier for them to get the easement now rather than having to pay more to get it later.
He stated he would be willing to allow the applicant to sign a document stating the city can
take the easement when they need it without additional expense to the city.
Mayor Klinzing stated she can see how the easement would be a hardsh1p for the church
because it creates a narrow property but the city also needs assurances they can build a
connection from the east side of the church to the undeveloped property on the west side of
the church.
Mr. Maurer stated even if a street is not installed in the near future, the easement is needed
for utilities.
Councilrnember Farber stated if the easement is never used, the applicant can request an
easement vacation.
Joel N elson, Church Chairman-Questioned if the church would have to pay for the vacation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT, CASE NO. CU 06-19 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
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1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER DATED JULY 11,2006,
SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. A LETTER OF CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 SHALL BE
PROVIDED AS A GUARANTEE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE
SITE IMPROVEMENTS.
3. FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS SHALL BE ADDRESSED,
INCLUDING EXTENDING WATER MAIN TO LOOP WITHIN THE
SITE, AND ADDING A THIRD HYDRANT TO THE WEST END OF
THE 185TH AVENUE WATER MAIN.
4. SOIL CORRECTION BE COMPLETED AS PER REBECCA HAUG'S
MEMO DATED AUGUST 3, 2006.
5. LIGHTING PLAN BE PROVIDED, INCLUDING
A. PHOTOMETRIC PLAN BE PREPARED TO VERIFY NO MORE
THAN .5 FOOTCANDLES (FC) LIGHT SPILLING AT GROUND
LeVEL ONTO ADJACENT PROPERTIES.
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City Council Minutes
August 21,2006
Page 7
B. LIGHTS BE A CUTOFF DESIGN AND NO MORE THAN 30
FEET ABOVE GRADE.
6. A CONCRETE EDGE SHALL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE NORTH
SIDE OF THE NORTH PARKING LOT.
7. A PUBLIC EASEMENT FOR STREET, UTILITIES, AND DRAINAGE
PURPOSES ACROSS THE SUBJECT PROPERTY AT THE 186TH
AVENUE ALIGNMENT SHALL BE PROVIDED.
8. TWO PARKING LOT ISLANDS BE INSTALLED AT THE FRONT
ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH WITH OVERSTORY SHADE TREES
PLANTED AND STRIPED ISLANDS BE INSTALLED AT THE BACK
OF THE CHURCH.
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9. MUST MEET LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS PER CITY
ORDINANCE.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Mayor I<.1inzing questioned how cleanup efforts of the site are progressing.
Mr. Nelson stated the work is minimal and they are waiting on final approval from the
MPCA.
5.5.
Request by Kalway Construction on Behalf of Waste Management for a Conditional Use
Permit to Construct Office/Garage. Public Hearing-Case No. CU 06-21
Mr. Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to construct a
building at the Elk River Landfill. He discussed parking, landscaping, setbacks, and building
design. He stated an existing building is planned for removal.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Gumphrey questioned what would happen to the existing building.
Mr. Barnhart stated it will be removed from the site and suggested adding it as a condition.
Mr. Clark stated the applicant will be required to get a demolition permit from the Building
Department.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CU
06-21 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. FIVE TREES BE ADDED AT AND NEAR THE BUILDING SITE TO
HELP SATISFY THE LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS IN A LEVEL
CONSISTENT WITH THE PLANNED IMPROVEMENT.
2. THE PROPERTY LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE PROPOSED
BUILDING BE ADJUSTED OR REMOVED.
City Council :Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 8
3. CONCRETE PANELS MATCH (IN COLOR) THE EXISTING GAS
RECLAMATION PLANT.
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4. REVISION OF SITE PLAN TO SHOW PROOF OF PARKING FOR 9
ADDITIONAL SPACES.
5. A LETTER OF CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF 10% OF THE COST OF
THE INSTALLED IMPROVEMENTS (TREES, SIDEWALK, ETC.) NOT
TO EXCEED $50,000 SHALL BE PROVIDED AS A GUARANTEE FOR
THE COMPLETION OF THE SITE IMPROVEMENTS.
6. THE EXISTING BUILDING MUST BE REMOVED AND CLEANED UP
FROM THE SITE AND A DEMOLITION PERMIT IS REQUIRED.
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MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.6. Request by LeFebvre Properties. LLP for Interim Use Permit to Allow Temporary Office,
Public Hearing-Case No..CU 06-22
Mr. Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a temporary
office trailer. He stated the applicant is requesting the interim use permit for three years but
staff is recommending two years.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Bob Strong, 1971 Rush Street-Stated he is aware of the changes in the conditions made by
s tafE.
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Councilmember Motin stated he has no issues with allowing the permit to be valid for three
years and questioned why staff is recommending two years.
Mr. Clark stated staff recommended two years due to previous Council discussion in which
the Council wanted to minimize the time period to keep interim use permits consistent and
short.
Councilmember Motin suggested staff work on putting the timeframe into city ordinance.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMT
CU 06-22 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SHALL EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31,
2009.
2. ALL FIRE AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
3. IF THE APPLICANT DESIRES THE TEMPORARY CUP TO BE
EXTENDED BEYOND DATE ABOVE, THE CUP SHALL BE
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City Council Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 9
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AMENDED FOLLOWING REVIEW BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.7. TH 169 Geometric and Environmental Study
Mr. Maurer reviewed Mn/DOT's responses to a city letter regarding potential funding of
the TH 169 Study.
Mayor Klinzing questioned what would happen if the city's cost for the study reaches over
$1 million.
Mr. Maurer stated the city can cancel out of the study at anytime but wo,ul.q have nothing to
show for the project and would be out of the funds spent up to the cancellation date.
Councilmember Farber suggested the city contact legislators to change the policy regarding
transportation funding for cities and to get the city's money refunded for this Study.
Councilmember Motin stated there should be a mechanism for the city receiving credit for
funds they spend on the Study. He further stated concerns with Item 7 in Mn/DOT's letter
stating they will not allow future credits for any monies expended by the city.
Councilmember Dietz concurred.
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Mayor Klinzing concurred and stated she is disappointed Mn/DOT is not willing to give
credit to the city in some way.
Councilmember Farber stated the city needs to risk funding this Study in order to get the
project nearer to completion.
Councilmember Gumphrey concurred and stated the city needs to work with legislators to
get credit for the Study.
Councilmember Motin stated he would be willing to move forward with the Study if
Mn/DOT would change the language in their letter.
Mr. Maurer stated he finds it difficult to believe the Mn/DOT Central Office won't give Elk
River some credit for completing the Study. He stated a completed geometric study will help
the city compete for funds.
Mr. Clark explained how the study would be helpful to the city in future planning decisions
such as development/redevelopment along Highway 169.
Councilmember Dietz expressed concern with borrowing MSA funds into the future when
the funds could be used for current road needs. He questioned if the $1 million could be
paid over time.
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Mr. Maurer stated the funds may be able to be borrowed interest free from the MSA system
and the city would be billed as they use the funds.
City Council Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 10
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE TH 169
GEOMETRIC STUDY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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Councilmember Farber stated he would like federal/ state legislators contacted informing
them of the issue Elk River is facing and to introduce a bill in order for Elk River to be
refunded for this Study.
Mayor Klinzing directed staff to discuss with Council how to carry out a lobbying effort for
the city.
5.8. Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for
Bids in the Matter of the CSAH Watermain Extension Improvement
Mr. Maurer stated the city has agreed to finance the water improvements a~d to use future
watermain assessments for the repayment for the CSAH 12 improvement.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 06-101
APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING THE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS IN THE MATTER OF THE CSAH 12
WATERMAIN EXTENSION IMPROVEMENT OF 2006. MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
5.9. Consider Agreement for Improvement to Count;y Highway 40
Mr. Maurer stated Sherburne County will be upgrading County Highway 40. He discussed
the bids received for the project, the city's cost, and funding sources.
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MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR THE
IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTY ROAD 40 IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER,
MINNESOTA (S.P. 71-596-04). MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.10. Consider Agreement for Improvement to County Road 33
Mr. Maurer stated Sherburne County will be upgrading County Road 33. He discussed the
bids received for the project, the city's cost, and funding sources.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR THE
IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTY ROAD 33 IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER,
MINNESOTA (S.P. 71-633-01). MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.11. Highland Sewer and Water Connection Charges
Mr. Maurer reviewed the progress of the Highland Road Improvement. He stated he has
received inquiries from residents regarding the cost of hooking up to city sewer and water.
Mr. Maurer recommended the city assess $15,000 for the hookup charge with an inflationary
percentage added e!lch year. He reviewed how he arrived at this amount.
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City Council Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 11
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Mr. Maurer stated the Boston/Concord Improvement assessment was required at $17,500
but the residents in the Highland Improvement would not be required to hookup.
Councilmember Farber questioned what would happen if the actual cost came in lower than
the estimated.
Ms. Johnson stated the city tried to reach a reasonable assessment number. She stated if the
number is too low, the city would be subsidizing the project.
Councilmember Gumphrey stated the $15,000 was too high for an assessment and it should
be lowered.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO RECOMMEND $12,000 BE
ASSESSED TO HIGHLAND ROAD IMPROVEMENT RESIDENTS FOR
HOOKING UP TO SEWER AND WATER. Motion failed for lack of a second.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO RECOMMEND $15,000 BE ASSESSED TO
HIGHLAND ROAD IMPROVEMENT RESIDENTS FOR HOOKING UP TO
SEWER AND WATER WITH A THREE PERCENT RATE INCREASE PER
YEAR.
MOTION CARRIED 3-1. Councilmember Gumphrey opposed. Councilmember Farber
abstained because his property is included in the Highland Road Improvement.
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Councilmember Motin stated if the cost is too prohibitive the Council could consider
lowering the rate and the residents who paid the higher rate would be reimbursed.
5.12.
School Street/Jackson Avenue Intersection Analysis Update
Mr. Maurer explained several alternatives for improving the intersection operations at
School Street and Jackson Avenue.
Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with using MSA funds for this project due to the
account being low.
Councilmember Dietz questioned if there were other alternatives for funding this project.
Ms. Johnson stated the city could use reserves but there is competition for these funds.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with this project and to have staff
bring back more detail regarding costs and to ask the School District for right-of-way for a
right turn lane onto School Street.
6.1.
Resolution Giving Preliminary Approval for the Issuance of General Obligation Capital
Improvement Plan Bonds in an Amount Not to Exceed $5 Million and Adopting the City of
Elk River. Minnesota Capital Improvement Plan. Public Hearing
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Ms. Johnson stated a public hearing is needed to consider the city's Capital Improvement
Plan for the purpose of issuing Capital Improvement Bonds for construction of a new
library. She discussed the bond amount and modifications on the Capital Improvement
Plan.
City Council Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 12
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
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MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 06-102 GIVING
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL
OBLIGATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN BONDS IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,000 AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER,
MINNESOTA, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN THEREFOR. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
7. Other Business
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YMCA Sign age
Mayor Klinzing questioned if it would be possible for the YMCA to install signage
on city property stating it was the future home of the YMCA.
Ms. Johnson stated it may be possible but the YMCA would have to follow the sign
ordinance and she was also concerned about the language used on the signage
because of the YMCA referendum on the September 12 ballot.
MOVED BY MAYOR KLINZING AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
GUMPHREY TO ALLOW THE YMCA TO HAVE SIGNAGE ON CITY
PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE BOND ATTORNEY)S REVIEW AND THE
CITY'S SIGN ORDINANCE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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· Jackson/Main Street Intersection
Councilmember Motin expressed concern with visibility at this intersection due to
the construction gate.
Mr. Maurer stated he would visit with contractors to see if they can move the gate
to a different angle. He stated it may be difficult due to the trucks that need to enter
the site but an alternative may be to relocate some of the signage in this area to
improve visibility.
8. Council Updates
There were no Council updates.
9. Staff Updates
Ms. Johnson stated Mr. Maertz is proceeding with the Library appraisal which will cost
$2,300.
Ms. Johnson stated the Parks and Recreation Commission approved paying $1,000 for an
appraisal of the Gruys property.
Ms. Johnson questioned if the Council would like to see a policy regarding utility boxes in
right-of-ways.
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City Council :Minutes
August 21, 2006
Page 13
9.
Staff Updates
Ms. Johnson stated Mr. Maertz is proceeding with the Library appraisal which will cost
$2,300.
Ms. Johnson stated the Parks and Recreation Commission approved paying $1,000 for an
appraisal of the Gruys property.
Ms. Johnson questioned if the Council would like to see a policy regarding utility boxes in
right-of-ways.
Councilmember Farber stated he received a comment from a resident who had three boxes
in their yard and came home one day to find a fourth one that was quite, lp:,ge.
Councilmember Farber expressed concern of how property values may be affected by many
boxes in a yard.
It was. the consensus of the Council to review this item further.
Mayor Klinzing recessed the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
10. Adjourn to Uppertown Conference Room (at 8:50 p.m.) for Worksession
10.1. Consider Pay Plan Reclassification Study
Rod Kelsey with Riley, Dettmann, and Kelsey, reviewed the proposed new pay plan
structure for the city. He further reviewed the average 60 percent benchmark, which was
generated from a list of cities comparable to Elk River. Mr. Kelsey stated there are some
positions that have not been slotted into the pay plan along with some positions that were
difficult to compare with other cities because the job duties were different.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with implementing the pay plan.
Ms. Johnson stated the city needs to determine how best to implement the plan and how it
will fit into the 2007 budget. She stated staff will bring the item back to Council either
September 5 or 11.
10.2 Budget W orksession
Community Development
Mr. Clark reviewed some of the highlights for the 2007 proposed budget for Community
Development. He discussed the Energy Conference and Expo and goals for the Planning
Department. Mr. Clark stated the consistency of communications and working relationships
with developers is going very well.
Councilmember Motin questioned if landfill abatement funds could be utilized for the
Energy Conference. He also expressed concerns regarding the number of attendees at the
conference. He suggested staff work with the schools to get kids involved with the
conference.
City Council Minutes
August 21,2006
Page 14
Councilmember Gumphrey suggested there be involvement with neighboring cities.
.
Ms. Johnson stated Mr. Clark has been doing a great job working with the community
development staff and with all the projects he has had to handle.
Engineering
Ms. Johnson stated the Engineering Department has not received any applications for hiring
engineering technicians but city staff will re-advertise for the positions.
Mr. Maurer reviewed highlights from the Engineering Department budget. He discussed the
computerization of pavement management and working with Sherburne County for GIS
services. He stated if the GIS pilot program budgeted for in 2007 goes oveF well, the city
may want to consider funding a position in 2008 at the county.
Mayor Klinzing stated the city will need to prioritize what attributes it would like put on
maps in 2008.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tina Allard
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