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06-04-2007 CC MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007 Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Zerwas, Farber, Gumphrey, and Motin Members Absent None Staff Present; City Administrator Lori Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz, Finance Director Tim Simon, Liquor Operations Manager Dave Potvin, Fire Chief Bruce West, and City Clerk Tina Allard Also Present: Parks and Recreation Commissioners Steve Boese, Dave Anderson, Amanda Larson, James Nystrom, Paul Paige, and Charles Schuldt 1. Call Meetin[ 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. 3. Joint Meetine with Parks and Recreation Commission-Utilities Conference Room Mayor Klinzing welcomed the Parks and Recreation Commissioners to the meeting. Mr. Maertz reviewed many recent parks and recreation amenities accomplished in the city. He stated the Parks Master Plan is in need of an update and park dedication funds will not be adequate to cover future improvements. 1\1r. Maertz stated the Ice Arena Commission would like to consider adding a lobby to the arena. He stated Orono Park is getting tired and needs to have the paving replaced. He is looking for direction from Council on how aggressive they would like to be for parks and recreation projects. Commissioner Paige stated he views parks as an important community development feature. He stated the standards for park development has risen greatly among cities. He compared the tiredness of the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC) to similar complexes in Rogers and Andover. Commissioner Paige stated he believes there are issues with the northern gateway into Elk River that should be considered. He noted that when people come into town the first thing they see is the landfill. Mr. Maertz stated the following YAC issues; . Irrigation not working correctly Satellite toilets Area becomes a dust storm because there is no paved parking area for parking Hot, stark, and baron feeling due to not having any landscaping . . . He requested Council feedback regarding funds for improving YAC. He stated there is potential to expand YAC into the sludge fields. Councilmember Gumphrey stated concerns with the funding needs of YAC. City Council :Minutes June 4, 2007 Page 2 Councilmember Farber stated he would like to see some grass out at YAC. He further questioned if anything could be done with the Sherburne County parking lot by the ballfields near Orono Park. . e Councilmember Farber stated the Ice Arena is losing big tournaments due to not having the lobby as an amenity. Ms. Johnson stated the capital debt for the arena would be paid in 2013 but there are many large projects that need funding. Councilmember Farber stated the arena needs to pay for itself. Commissioner Paige noted that users of the arena bring in dollars through their spending in the community. Councilmember Morin suggested talking with the school district about the arena. Mr. Maertz stated it will depend upon how their referendum goes in the fall. Mr. Maertz stated the Senior Center did not get the grant they applied for but they did rate high. Commissioner Anderson complimented the city and staff on how far they've come with parks and recreation amenities within the last few years. He commented on how good Pinewood Golf Course is looks. He stated the city needs to consider alternate funding mechanisms. e Councilmember Morin stated the city needs to consider different funding mechanisms but he is not in favor of using the General Fund. He stated he would like more transparency on where the funds are being spent. He expressed concerns of the city spreading itself too thin with too many projects and trying to maintilln them. He expressed concerns with having a referendum. Commissioner Paige stated there are alternative tools for cities to consider and suggested the use of the special assessment process. He also suggested utilizing housing improvement areas whereby neighbors would have to sign a petition for services. He stated the commission would like to consider a referendum package if it were the right package. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if a portion of liquor store funds could be used to fund park projects. He further suggested a tax levy, or a sales tax. He stated he has no issues with finding alternative sources for funding but he is not sure about going for a bond referendum. He suggested planning projects in phases. Councilmember Zerwas stated the city needs to look at long-term funding options. He stated the city needs to maintain what they have now and finish exisring parks first before they create new ones. Mr. Schuldt suggested an increase in usage fees. Ms. Johnson stated that fees typically are used for ongoing maintenance. e e e e City Council jyfinutes June 4, 2007 Page 3 It was Council consensus to consider alternate sources of funding for park projects and for staff to put together needs and costs for YAC through a phase-in process. Councilmember Gwnphrey asked the commission for their goals. Commissioner Nystrom stated he is concerned about losing Pinewood Golf Course. Commissioner Larson stated she would like to see Elk River maintain the small town feel. She thinks the city needs to consider the total package of parks and recreation amenities. She expressed concerns with a referendum. Commissioner Boese stated he would like to see more neighborhood parks, a trail connection system, and areas for dogs. Councilmember Gwnphrey questioned the commission on recreational programming. Commissioner Schuldt stated programming for teens needs to be maintained to keep them occupied and out of trouble. Commissioner Larson stated the YMCA works collaboratively with many organizations for programming needs. Mr. Maertz highlighted the current programming for recreation and how it has increased over the last few years. Councilmember Motin stated there are not enough neighborhood facilities for unorganized sporting events. Mayor Klinzing thanked the Commission for attending the meeting and welcomed the new cotnnUsSlOners. 4. Recess to Council Chambers for ReVJlar Afenda Items and Call Meeting: Back to Order 2. Consider 06/04/2007 Agenda Mayor Klinzing added Council Retreat to Council Update. Councilmember Gwnphrey added Project Update to Other Business. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT AGENDA: 5.1. COUNCIL MINUTES. . MAY 14, 2007 WORKSESSION. . MAY 21,2007 REGULAR. City Council I'vlinutes June 4,2007 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 5.7. Page 4 CHECK REGISTER. APPLICATION TO THE INITIATIVE FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY LAKES AND RIVERS PARTNERSHIP GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000. CITY CLERK ITEMS. A. PYROTECHNIC FIREWORK DISPLAY LICENSE TO JOHN ROTHFORK, RES SPECIALTY PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY AT LAKE ORONO PARK ON JULY 4,2007. B. MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT AND MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE FOR FLO KAHLSTORF, NORTHWEST MEDICAL MASSAGE. C. TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE TO JUSTIN BINGHAM AND JOSEPH URE, PINNACLE SECURITY, WITH THE CONDITION THAT MR. URE IS NOT PERMITTED TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE UNTIL HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE HAS BEEN RENEWED. PAYROLL CLERK CHANGED TO PAY GRADE 7 AND PARK MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR CHANGED TO PAY GRADE 9. HIRE LEE ANDERSON AS TEMPORARY IT SUPPPORT ASSISTANT EXCLUDED BINGO PERMIT TO THE LADIES AUXILIARY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS #5518 FOR JULY 4 CHAMBER EVENT . e MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. Open Mike e Russ Anderson, 640 Irving Anderson-Stated there ate two utility wood posts that have been installed neat his property as patt of the Irving Avenue Pavement Management Project that he would like buried. Councilmember Gumphrey stated he would stop by Mr. Anderson's residence and take a look at the concern. He stated he would bring it the Utilities Commission. 7.1. Certificates of Appreciation to Firefighters at the Hatn Lake Gunflint Trail Fire Chief West explained what the Elk River firefighters did at the Gunflint Trail fire and thanked firefighters Michael Schipper, Gary Lore, and Ryan Lore for volunteering to attend with the fire relief efforts. Mayor Klinzing gave out certificates of appreciations to Michael Schipper and Gary Lore. Ryan Lore could not attend the meeting but his mom accepted the awatd on his behalf. Mayor Klinzing thanked the firefighters for representing the City of Elk River at the fire and making a difference in the community. 7.2. Consider Mocation of Fire Depattment Funds from the Hatn Lake Gunflint Trail Fire Chief West stated there would be excess funds from the reimbursement of the Gunflint Trail fire. He stated he would like to use the funds for exterior panic door hatdware, flag pole replacement, and repairing and replacing asphalt on the north side of Station #1. e e e e City Council Minutes June 4, 2007 7.4. 7.5. Page 5 MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO APPROVE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE HAM LAKE FIRE AS OULINED IN THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.3. Consider Transfer of Forfeiture Vehicle from the Police Department to the Fire Department Chief West explained how this item came about after the Council had already authorized purchase of this forfeiture vehicle for the Police Department. Mr. Potvin stated this expenditure is a great example that highlights the purpose of the municipal liquor operations Mr. Simon exphined that the 2007 equipment certificates would still be used to fund the Impala police vehicle that was planned for the 2007 budget. He also asked for approval to purchas e the final unmarked squad. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-53 AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER FROM THE MUNICIPAL LIQUOR FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Resolution Awarding- the Sale of 2007C General Obligation Improvement Bonds Mark Ruff, Ehlers and Associates stated the bond amount has been changed to $3,090,000 based on favorable interest rate results. He stated the city received a very strong Al rating due to many factors including its growth, diversification, tax base, etc. He reviewed the bids received for the bonds. Councilmember Gumphrey abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-54 PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $3,090,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2007C, PLEDGING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO REDUCE THE INTEREST RATE ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE 2007 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT (DEERFIELD 3RD & IRVING AVENUE) TO 5.5 PERCENT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Present 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Finance Director Tim Simon and Andrew Berg, Abdo, Eick, & Meyers presented the city's 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Mr. Berg stated there were no instances of non-compliance. City Council Minutes June 4, 2007 Page 6 Councilmember Morin questioned if the city would fall into the 40 percent range if its Special Revenue Funds were combined with the Reserve funds. e Ms. Johnson stated the state auditor puts those figures together every year. She noted the percent would be higher than recommended by the state auditor because some of the Special Reserve Funds are undesignated. She stated staff is working on remedying this so the auditor won't lump them together. She stated some funds can't be changed such as the Landfill Fund. The Fire Relief Association Financial Statements were also presented. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ACCEPT THE 2006 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.6. Receive Resignation from Herito,ge Preservation Commission member (HPC) leff Gongnll and Direction on Filling Vacan<;y Ms. Allard requested direction on whether the Council would like to appoint an applicant for the HPC vacancy that the Council interviewed in April or to re-advertise. It was Council consensus to contact the applicant to see they would like to serve on the HPc. 7.7. Discuss Council Worksession Agendas Ms. Johnson reviewed the items for the June 11 worksession agenda. She added an update by RJM Construction to explain the bid process and timeline for the YMCA project. e Councilmember Morin suggested moving the private road discussion to a televised meeting because it would affect many residents. It was moved to the June 18 Council agenda. 8. Other Business Zylstra Parking Lot Councilmember Gumphrey questioned the status of the conditional use permit for the Zylstra parking lot and whether there was an expiration date on it. Ms. Johnson stated she would have the Planning Department provide an update. 9. Council Updates Council Ret",at Councilmember Zerwas stated a retreat is important in order to spend time on concerns of the Community Development Department. Councilmember Morin stated he felt the concerns could be dealt with at worksessions. He stated the Council should have the list of concerns from Community Development when planning out the worksession agendas. He stated the concerns could be broken into small components. e e e e City Council :Minutes June 4, 2007 Page 7 Councilmember Zerwas felt the worksession agendas have been too busy. Councilmember Gumphrey stated the Council could schedule additional quarterly meetings. Councilmember Farber suggested scheduling meetings on Mondays when there are no Council meetings scheduled. Ms. Johnson suggested discussing some of the concerns at the July worksession when the Council will be reviewing the Community Development budget. 10. Staff Updates Cod. Enftrcement Ms. J ohoson stated two lawn service companies would be hired by the city to take care of long grass issues. Residents would receive mailed notice prior to the city mowing the property and the resident would be billed for the service. Councilmember Farber expressed concern with maintenance of the lawns over the long- term. Ms. J ohoson stated staff would keep an eye on the properties once they start to have issues to make sure they are maintained. ] ufy 2 Council Meeting All Councilmembers stated they would be available for the July 2 meeting. They delayed action on whether to cancel this meeting until a later date in order to see if any issues come up. 11. Adjournment There being no further business, IYhyor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River .' . ?Y Co~ncil at ~:35 pm. ~/ L {/{;f Tina Allard City Clerk