09-16-2002 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motto (6:45 p.m.),
and Tveite
None
City Administrator Pat Iadaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, Planner Chris Leeseberg, Police Chief Tom
Zerwas, Assistant Police Chief Jeff Beahen, City Engineer Terry Maurer,
City Attorney Peter Beck, Recording Secretary Tina Allard
Planning Commissioner Mark Pederson
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
Consider 9/16/2002 Agenda
Councilmember Dietz requested to add Item 7.2. City Administrator Performance Review,
to the agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.3.
3.4
3.5
9/9/2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REQUEST BY RICHARD MOCHINSKI FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT 6,832 SQ. FT. RETAIL FACILITY &
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF
BATTERIES PLUS, PUBLIC HEARING - CASE NO. CU 02-23 -
WITHDRA~rN
WAGE INCREASE FOR DON KARSTENS FROM PAY GRADE 2, STEP
C TO PAY GRADE 8, STEP A RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1, 2002
ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF MICHAEL BAKER
SECURTY SYSTEM UPGRADE TO NORTHBOUND LIQUOR IN THE
AMOUNT OF $7,$63, WITH $0% OF FUNDS COMING FROM A
SAFETY GRANT AND THE OTHER $0% COMING FROM THE
LIQUOR STORE RESERVES
City Council 5,finutes Page 2
September 16, 2002
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
Mayor I~linzing stated that Michael Baker has served the Planning Commission very well
and will be missed.
4.1. NCDA Update
Senior Planner Scott Harhcker provided an update of the September 5, 2002 NCDA
meeting.
4.2. YMCA Update - Mayor K1inzing
Mayor Klinzing provided an update on YMCA activities. She stated that the subcommittees
have been meeting regularly and have been expanding and she also discussed YMCA
programming.
4.3. Utilities Update - Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Dietz updated the Council on the September 9, 2002 Util/ties Commission
meeting. He stated that the Commission discussed a new water rate design to help curb the
use of water for lawn sprinkling. The Commission also discussed the land purchase for Well
#8 near Grace Assembly of God Church on County Road 13.
4.4. Park and Recreation Commission Update
Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided the Council with an update of the
September 11, 2002 Commission meeting.
4.5. Consider Revised Open Burning Ordinance and May
Director of Planning Michele McPherson discussed the new Open Burning Map and
Section 410 - Open Burning.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 02-12
REPEALING ALL OF THE EXISTING SECTION 410 - OPEN BURNING, OF
THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES AND ADOPTIONG A NEW SECTION
410. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
5. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
6.1. Consider Resolution Requesting Sherbume County. to Pass a Resolution Requesting a
Traffic Study on Coun .t-y Road 33 from Proctor Road East to County. Road 13
Assistant Police Chief Jeff Beahen stated that he received a letter from a resident regarding
the safety of the curves on County Road 33 east of Highway 169. Assistant Chief Beahen
stated that he sent the resident a letter detailing the history of the action taken regarding this
stretch of road. He stated that the city has appealed to the county on numerous occasions
for road improvements m the area. He discussed the accident history of the road.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Page 3
6.2,
PoLice Chief Tom Zerwas stated that he received a letter from Sherburne County stating that
they have County Road 33 in their Long Range Transportation Plan and feel that this road is
a corridor road that needs further study.
Councilmember Tveite questioned whether passing a resolution requesting a traffic study on
the roadway would be enough action to motivate the county to address the safety concerns
with the curves on the road.
Mayor Klinzing questioned who would be responsible for the funding. She questioned
whether a speed study would be practical to complete now when the traffic on the road will
change dramatically once the interchange on Highway 169 and County Road 33 is complete.
City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that city could request a study to redesign the road
rather than a speed study.
City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that a speed study had been completed recently and
suggested that the city request another speed study after the interchange is completed.
It was the consensus of the Council that the city send a resolution requesting a Corridor
Redesign Study completed by the county.
Gravel Truck Update
Assistant Chief Beahen stated that the police department has been monitoring speeds of
traffic on Proctor Avenue. He stated that they have not caught any trucks speeding in the
area. He stated that patrols would keep monitoring the area.
Terry Maurer stated that the trucks would be using Proctor Avenue for another three weeks
for a large construction project in the area.
Consider Request for Four-Way Stop at Orono Parkway and Joplin Street
City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that staff is requesting an all-way stop at Orono
Parkway and Joplin Street due to the emergency vehicles that will be using that route.
Councilmember Kuester questioned if the stop sign at JopLin Street and Business Center
Drive would be removed.
Councilmember Dietz questioned if there was enough traffic using this route to warrant an
all way stop. He stated that he thought it premature to put in the stop sign and that it would
only irritate residents.
City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that it was unlikely that traffic counts would warrant a
stop sign for the intersection.
Councilmember Motto arrived. (6:45 p.m.)
Councilmember Tveite stated that he concurred with Councilmember Dietz and he felt the
stop sign would be more dangerous and would cause traffic to speed up more to
compensate for having to stop at the sign.
City Council Minutes Page 4
September 16, 2002
Mayor Ia-&inzing questioned if another type of signage could be used warning of emergency
vehicles in the area.
Assistant Chief Beahen stated that Optic-Con equipment could be used to warn traffic of
emergency vehicles in the area.
Mr. Maurer stated that would gather cost estimates for the Optic-Con equipment and check
with the Fire Chief regarding the necessity of the stop sign.
6.3.
Request by the City of Elk River for Easement Vacation - The Crossroads Second Addition
Public Hearing - Case No. EV 02-06
Staff report submitted by Director of Planning Michele McPherson. Ms. McPherson stated
that the city is completing a public improvement project to realign Yale Street and that the
old street right-of-way, and drainage and utility easements need to be vacated. New
easements will be dedicated on the plat of The Crossroads Second Addition.
Mayor Irdinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 02-86
VACATING STREET AND DRAINAGE AND UTILITIY EASEMENTS, CASE
NO. EV 02-06. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4.
Request by City, of Elk River for Preliminary and Final Plat Approval ,(The Crossroads
Second Addition), Public Hearing - Case No. P 02-15
Staff report submitted by Director of Planning Michele McPherson. Ms. McPherson stated
that the city is requesting preliminary and final plat approval for Crossroads Second
Addition. She gave an overview if the project and discussed the Planning Commission
action.
Mayor IGinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
K2inzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY
PLAT OF CROSSROADS SECOND ADDITION AND TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION 02-87 GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR THE
CROSSROADS SECOND ADDITION, CASE NO. P 02-15. COUNCILMEMBER
DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.5.
Request by Windsor Oaks for Elk River, LLC .(Barbara Ford.) for Preliminary. Plat Approval
OVindsor Oaks), Public Hearing - Case No., P 02-18
Staff report submitted by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Mr. Harlicker stated that the
applicant is requesting preliminary plat of Windsor Oaks of Elk River, a 33 single family lot
cluster subdivision. He discussed zoning, street and lot layout, wetlands, density bonuses,
landscaping, open space, park dedication requirements, well and septic, and the Planning
Commission action.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Page 5
Jim Brown, Dynamics Design and Land Company - Stated that breakaway barriers for
emergency vehicle access would be installed along the temporary easement. He stated that
the trails in the development would be available to the public.
Brad Steven, 19426 Ogden Street - Stated that he is concerned about the impact that
development is having on the schools. He is concerned about the ballfield located next to
the railroad tracks and stated that if the ballfield were moved north of 193rd Avenue he
would still be concerned about the safety of children near the ponds.
Mr. Brown stated that the zoning in this development is low density. He stated that he
would put berming, landscaping, and fencing along the railroad tracks, lie stated that the
roundabout on 193rd Avenue was put in to control traffic speeds.
Mayor K2inzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Kuester stated that she is concerned with the temporary cul-de-sac on
196th Avenue.
Mayor Kflinzing stated that she is concerned with how Ditch #28 would be affected by this
development. City Attorney Peter Beck stated that this issue should be addressed as a
condition in the f-mai plat.
Councilrnember Kuester stated that there should be a more qualitative way to measure
density bonuses that are given for public use of open space. She is also concerned with the
length of the cul-de-sac on 197~h Avenue.
Councilmember Tveite stated that he doesn't have a problem with the density bonuses given
in this plat. He stated that having a trail privately funded by the developer for public use is a
good addition for the community as a whole due to the shortage of parks.
Mayor Klinzing stated that the density bonuses give the city more trail access that wouldn't
normally happen if citizens could develop individual large lot properties.
Councilmember Motin stated that he liked the plat but he doesn't like the length of the cul-
de-sac on 197th Avenue. He is concerned about the gas line easement and having enough
egress/ingress to the development in an emergency.
Jim Brown stated that he felt that he met the purpose of the cul-de-sac length exceeding
700' because it is designed to extend into adjoining un-subdivided property and connect
with a future street.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY
PLAT OF WINDSOR OAKS WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT OUTLINING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE PLAT APPROVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
IMPROVEMENTS BE PREPARED AND EXECUTED PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
2. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER BE SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Page 6
A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DOCUMENT BE PREPARED
SUBJECT TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S REVIEW AND APPROVAL
PRIOR TO FINAL PLAT.
4. STREET LIGHTS BE INSTALLED AS REQUIRED BY ELK RIVER
UTILITIES
A LETTER OF CREDIT BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY IN THE
AMOUNT OF 100% OF THE COSTS OF THE PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS.
UPON COMPLETING ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS AND HAVING
THEM ACCEPTED BY THE CITY, A WARRANTY BOND IN THE
AMOUNT OF 25% OF THE IMPROVEMENT COSTS SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR THE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEE IN THE AMOUNT
REQUIRED BY THE CITY AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID
PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
A SEALCOAT FEE IN THE AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE
CITY ENGINEER BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR
RECORDING.
A GRADING AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN BE APPROVED BY
THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS.
10. A DEVELOPMENT PLAN BE APPROVED BY THE CITY ENGINEER
PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.
11. ALL GRADING BE CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF
BUILDING PERMITS.
OUTLOTS A -F BE PLACED IN A CONSERVATION EASEMENT TO
BE HELD BY THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OR A QUALIFIED
LAND TRUST.
13. ALL MAILBOXES BE CLUSTERED.
14. A TREE PRESERVATION PLAN BE APPROVED PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
15.
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
CLEARING OR GRADING COMMENCING.
16. ALL DISTURBED AREAS SHALL BE GRADED AND SEEDED.
City Council Minutes
September I6, 2002
Page 7
17.
MAINTENANCE AND OWNERSHIP OF THE OUTLOTS, AND THE
LANDSCAPED ISLANDS IN THE CUL DE SACS AND TRAFFIC
CIRCLE SHALL BE THE RESPOSIBILITY OF THE HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION AND SHALL BE INLUDED IN THE HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT.
18. ALL APPROPRIATE EASEMENTS SHALL BE SHOWN ON THE
PLAT.
19.
A REVISED LANDSCAPE PLAN SHALL BE PROVIDED THAT
COMPLIES WITH THE LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE AND INDICATES
WHERE THE ADDITIONAL TREES, THAT WILL BE REQUIRED IN
ORDER TO RECEIVE THE DENSITY BONUS, ARE TO BE
LOCATED.
20.
THE RIGHT-OF-WAYS FOR 193RD AVENUE, THE BURLINGTON
NORTHERN/SANTA FE RAILROAD AND COUNTY ROAD 35 BE
SHOWN IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE PLAT.
21. THE NORTHERN NATURAL GAS EASEMENT AND THE GAS LINES
BE SHOWN ON THE PLAT
22.
PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR 32 LOTS AT THE RATE APPLICABLE
AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING
THE PLAT FOR RECORDING
23.
THE BASEBALL FIELD ON OUTLOT E AND THE INTERNAL TRAIL
SYSTEM BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND MAINTAINED
BY THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AND SHALL BE INCLUDED
IN THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT.
24. STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM RAWLINS STREET WILL BE
PROVIDED TO THE EXCEPTION TO THE WEST.
25. THE BALLFIELD/PLAY AREA BE LOCATED NORTH OF 193RD
AVENUE.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-1. Councilmember Motto opposed.
6.6.
Request by Thomas Dunsmore for Preliminary and Final Plat Approval .(File River Town
Office Development), Public Hearing - Case No., P 02-19
Staff report submitted by Director of Planning M_ichele McPherson. Ms. McPherson stated
that the applicant is requesting preliminary and final plat approval of Elk River Town Office
Development. She provided an overview of the project and discussed circulation, drainage,
utilities, landscaping, and the Planning Commission action.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Councilmember Motin questioned if any retail could be allowed in this plat. He is also
concerned with tree preservation.
Page 8
Ms. McPherson stated that the post office site has the largest amount of trees on it but that
the city would work with the applicant in preserving as many trees as possible.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY
PLAT OF ELK RIVER TOWN OFFICE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. THE BUILDINGS SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL BUILDING AND FIRE
CODES.
AND TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 02-88 GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
FOR ELK RIVER TOWN OFFICE DEVELOPMENT, CASE NO. P 02-19, WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.7.
Discuss County Road 44 Improvement Project Status
Discuss County. Road 40 Improvement Project Status
City Engineer Terry Maurer updated the Council on the status of the County Road 44 and
County Road 40 improvement projects of Sherburne County. He stated that County Road
44 is scheduled for reconstruction in 2004. Mr. Maurer stated that this improvement project
does not include any cost for city amenities such as lights, trees, and trails. Sherburne
County received a TEA 21 grant for reconstructing County Road 40 in fiscal year 2004 but,
due to the right-of-way that must be obtained on this road, the county may not make any
improvements. He suggested the city might want to consider pursuing the turnback of these
two roadways because with one entity in control and overseeing the whole project the city
would have more control on how they are completed.
Discussion was held on the pros and cons of turning these roadways back to the dty.
Councilmember Dietz stated that the city should pursue the turnback of County Road 44
due to the traffic that uses this route. The Council concurred.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO HAVE THE CITY ACTIVELY
PURSUE THE TURNBACK OF COUNTY ROAD 44 AND TO WORK WITH
THE COUNTY ON THE COUNTY ROAD 40 PROJECT BUT TO TAKE A
"WAIT AND SEE" APPROACH TO THIS POSSIBLE TURNBACK.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Page 9
7.1.
7.2.
2002 Fall Homecoming Parade
City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that the Council has been invited by the Elk River Area
High School to be in the Fall Homecoming Parade. He stated that Council could ride in the
antique £zre truck provided by the £~re department.
City. Administrator Performance Review
Councilmember Dietz stated that the Council has discussed conducting a performance
review for the city administrator before the end of the year. He indicated that he thought it
would be important for the Council to receive input from department heads prior to
conducting the review. The Council discussed the best method to obtain input from
department heads regarding the performance of the city administrator.
Director of Planning Michele McPherson indicated that she has experienced this situation in
a previous munidpal position and that a successful approach was a questionnaire that
department heads anonomously f2led out.
The City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that he has been reviewing some articles from
the Public Management (ICMA) magazine and the League of Minnesota Cities magazine
regarding approaches and techniques for review of the city administrator. Discussion took
place regarding the administrator being provided direction by way of City Council goals. The
use of an outside consultant to assist in the review process was discussed.
Councilmember Tveite stated that the Council should obtain a self-assessment from the city
administrator prior to or during the review.
The City Council requested copies of the articles that the city administrator referenced and
indicated that it would further discuss this issue at a later date.
September 11 Sculpture
Mayor Klinzing presented a sculpture created by Planner Chris Leeseberg. She explained the
meaning of the sculpture as it relates to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. She received
many positive comments from the public regarding the sculpture at a recent memorial
service and other events she attended. She stated that there have been requests for more
copies of the sculpture from groups that would like to keep it as a reminder of the events on
September 11, 2001.
Staff Updates
Mr. Klaers informed Council of topics that would be coming up for discussion on the next
Council agenda.
Executive Session
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The Council recessed the regular meeting at 8:30 p.m. and went into Executive Session.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 2002
Page 10
Council reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council at 9:45 p.m.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor ICdinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:45 p.m.
Recording Secretary
Tina Allard
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
None
City Administrator Pat I~daers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
City Engineer Terry Maurer, City Attorney Peter Beck, Recording Secretary
Tina Allard
2o
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Executive Session of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 8:31 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
Gobel Litigation and Tollefson Development Inc. Litigation
City Attorney Peter Beck provided an update on the Gobel litigation and the Tollefson
Development Inc. litigation.
Adjournment
Mayor Klinzing adjourned the Executive Session of the Elk River City Council at 9:45 p.m.
Recording Secretary
Tina Allard