04-22-2002 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELl( RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2002
Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, and Tveite
Members Absent:
Councilmember Motin
Staff Present:
City Administrator Pat Klaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
City Clerk Sandra Peine, Chief of Police Tom Zerwas, and Street/Park
Superintendent Phil Hals
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 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing,
2. Consider 4/22/02 Agenda
(Item 3.1 - Consent Agenda) - The City Clerk requested the following amendment to the
motion on item 3.11 of the 4/15/02 Council Minutes:
Attorney Peter Beck suggested the follovaing amendment: '~3y striking, Section 1, making Section 2 Section
1, striking Section 3, and making Section 4 Section 2 in order to separate those items pertaining to Section
1002 of the ordnance.from Section 900, in order to table the items addressed in Section 900."
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. 4/15/2001 CIT~ COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED AS AMENDED
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM AARON SHOMAKER AND
AUTHORIZE HIRING OF: GREGORY GENGLER AS ASSISTANT
CABLE PRODUCER AT A STARTING WAGE OF $11 PER HOUR WITH
AN INCREASE TO $12 PER HOUR BASED ON A SUCCESSFUL SIX-
MONTH ORIENTATION.
3.4. AUTHORIZE SPENDING ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE
FUNDS UP TO THE ORIGINAL BUDGET AMOUNT OF $186,500 FOR
THE PURCHASE OF A DUMP TRUCK, ASPHALT PATCHING
TRAILER, AND PICK-UP TRUCK.
3.5. AMENDMENT TO ITEM 6.5 OF THE MARCH 18, 2002 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
3.6. RESOLUTION 02-34 CANCELING THE 1999 EAST ELK RIVER
IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AGAINST
CERTAIN CARGILL, INCORPORATED PROPERTY
City Council Minutes Page 2
April 22, 2002
3.7. CONSIDER RESOLUTION 02-35 ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE
AID STREETS (UNNAMED ROADWAY FROM 165TM AVENUE NW TO
JARVIS STREET NW)
RESOLUTION 02-36 REVOKING MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREETS
(IRVING STREET NW FROM RAILROAD DRIVE TO SCHOOL
STREET NW (MSAS ROUTE 108))
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for open mike.
5.1. Comprehensive Plan Membership and Meeting Schedule Update
Director of Planning Michele McPherson informed the Council that 11 primary members
representing city commissions and the public have volunteered to be on the task force. She
indicated that in addition to the task force, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. would be
interviewing 11 identified citizens to represent the community at large.
Michele updated the Council on the schedule of events planned for the next several months.
She indicated that the public would be invited to attend all of the meetings. Michele stated
that staff is working to establish a communications plan in order to ke. ep the community
informed of the activities during the comprehensive plan update.
The Council reviewed the list of community at-large citizens that will be interviewed by
Hoisington Koegler. The Council agreed that two community at-large members should be
appointed to the Task Force.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPOINT THE 11
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE TASK FORCE MEMBERS TO
REPRESENT CITY COMMITTEES AND THE PUBLIC AS PRESENTED,
LEAVING TWO ADDITIONAL POSITIONS OPEN TO BE APPOINTED AS
AT-LARGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.2.
Resolution Designating Polling places
City Clerk Sandra Peine reviewed the proposed polling places for the city's eight precincts.
Discussion took place regarding the rec6mmended polling place of St. Andrew's Church for
Precinct 4B. The City Clerk noted that the church is located just outside of the precinct line,
which is allowed by State Law. She indicated that another option for a polling location
located within the boundary line is the Guardian Angels Senior Center. The Council
discussed the proposed polling locations.
The City Clerk noted Councilmember Motin's concerns regarding using St. Andrew's as a
polling location. She also noted his disappointment in not being able to use the Trott Brook
Barn as a polling location.
City Council Minutes
April 22, 2002
Page 3
The Council discussed the issue of using St. Andrew's Church as a polling location.
Following Council discussion it was the Consensus of the Council that it would be best to
use the Senior Center as a polling location for Precinct 4B. The City Clerk noted that the
resolution would be amended to reflectithis change.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOvED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 02-37
DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER WITH
THE AMENDMENT SHOWING THE SENIOR CENTER AS THE POLLING
LOCATION FOR PRECINCT 4B.~OUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.3.
Wapiti Park Consumption and Display i
The Mayor noted that the Council previ
Council following a report from the Clx
Wapiti Park during the past year.
?errnit
ously requested that this item be revisited by the
ef of Police of incidents that have taken place at
5,4.
Chief Zerwas informed the Council ttxa! the police department has received 86 calls for
service to varying degrees over a 16-mogth period, many of which were nuisance related. He
also indicated that he has received complaints from citizens regarding noise. The Chief
indicated that Ms. Glen is working withI the police department to try to get the situation
under control. '
Juanita Glen, Wapiti Park manager, informed the Council that she has implemented rules for
the campground and is attempting to g~t rid of the problem people. Ms. Glen handed out
the campground rules to the Council.
Mayor Klinzing indicated that it is the r{commendation of the Chief of Police that Wapiti
Park Campgrounds is put on notice thai there is currently a problem at the campground.
Councilmember Dietz indicated that if the problem continues, the Council should consider
not renewing the beer license that will be due on July 1.
Susan Sevruid, 5349 Park Avenue SouR: Minneapolis, MN, stated that she keeps a motor
home at the camp. She noted that not all 86 calls are related to the sale of beer and does not
feel the 3.2 liquor license is the problerr~. She further noted that the camp is providing a
place where low income working peopk can have a home that is respectable. Mayor
Klinzing stated that Wapiti Park is not a
COUNCILMEMBER TvEITE MO
AND DISPLAY PERMIT FOR
STIPULATION THAT THE COUI
LIQUOR LICENSES ARE RENE'xl
ICOESTER SECONDED THE MO'
place for permanent living.
VED TO APPROvE THE CONSUMPTION
~ITI PARK CAMPGROUNDS WITH THE
4CIL REVISITS THE ISSUE WHEN
"ED IN JUNE. COUNCILMEMBER
['ION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
City. Hall/Public Safety/Utilities Build~ Project Update
City Administrator Pat Klaers addressed the Council on issues relating to the building
project. Items of review included the following:
· Emergency Vehicle Flasher Requirement
· Bid Alternate for the Roof
City Council Minutes
April 22, 2002
· Construction Schedule
· Public Use of Meeting Rooms
· Budget Issues
· 1992 CUP
Chief Zerwas reviewed the issue relatmt
recommended against installing the war
Page 4
; to the warning flashers on Orono Parkway. He
~ing flashers, as he does not believe they are
necessary. He also noted that to activa~ the flashers, full lights and sirens would be required;
this is in conflict with the wishes of the ]neighbors. He noted that Firefighters and police
officers would use care when exiting O~ono Parkway. The City Administrator suggested that
the warning flashers could be installed i~ the future if traffic conflicts become a problem.
The City Administrator suggested that the roof material concern be addressed by having
Timberline shingles added as a bid alterFative. In this manner the Council can select their
roof preference once bids are opened. The Council agreed with this approach.
Pat KIaers reviewed the construction schedule. He noted that the City is two weeks behind
schedule for bidding. He noted that thelpositive side of the delay is that it would keep the
project from interfering with the Count~ Fair and the July 4th celebration.
Discussion was held regarding public u~e of meeting rooms. The City Administrator
recommended not having the meeting r
security and staffing reasons. Councilm,
Lion's Park. Councilmember Kuester h:
allowing the rooms to be open to the p~
long term planning of the facility take ti
~om available to the public in the evening due to
,.tuber Dietz indicated that these groups could use
dicated that she would be uncomfortable never
~blic in the evening and would, like to ensure that
ds issue into consideration.
The City Administrator recommended riot charging SAC and WAC fees, as this is essentially
an internal transfer of funds, i~
The City Administrator informed the Cpuncil that the committee is recommending total
replacement of the existing flat roof be(~ause of problems the City has experienced. He
noted that this replacement is necessar~ but is not in the budget. He informed the Council
that that the City may have to use interflal loans for the roof replacement until funds
become available for this additional expenditure.
The City Administrator informed the C~uncil that the public safety budget has been
exceeded due to the additional square footage for the EOC and fire station and because
cabling and security costs were under~s~xnated. He reviewed what has been done to date to
begin reducing the cost and discussed possible additional bid alternates that would be
considered to bring the cost down.
The City Administrator reviewed the 1992 conditional use permit conditions for the existing
City Hall. Councilmember Dietz indicated that condition of 80% opacity has not been
accomplished. He suggested adding more trees to accomplish this.
Councilmember Tveite requested staff ~o pursue the possibility of recovering some
reimbursement for the existing roof. The City Administrator indicated that this is being
done.
City Council Minutes Page 5
April 22, 2002
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MO~D TO APPROVE THE ELIMINATION OF
THE EMERGENCY WARNING FLASHERS FROM THE CUP, THE
INCLUSION OF A NEW FLAT ROOF WITH THE BUILDING PROJECT, AND
THE FORGMNG OF SAC FEES FOR THE PROJECT. COUNCILMEMBER
KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6.1.
Request by Phoenix Enterprises for Cooditional Use Permit for Building Addition and
Billiard Hall - CU 02-08
Director of Planning Michele McPherson indicated that Phoenix Enterprises and Bruce
Smith are requesting a conditional use permit to allow construction of an addition to a
building and to allow a billiard hall located at 19463 Evans Street. Michele reviewed the staff
report. Michele noted that no one spoke for or against the request at the Planning
Commission. She indicated that the Planning Commission voted to approve the two
requests with certain conditions.
Michele noted that there is a conflict with the licensing ordinance and applicant's request for
hours of operation. She indicated that the ordinance limits hours of operation to 1 am.
Michele indicated that the City Attorney has suggested two options to resolve this conflict.
Issue the Conditional Use Permit with hours to 3:00 a.m. with the condition that
until the ordinance is amended, they cannot operate past the hour of 1:00 a.m., or
2. Issue the conditional Use Permit limiting the hours of operation to 1:00 a.m.
Discussion was held regarding the request to have the Billiard Hall ophn on Fridays and
Saturdays until 3:00 a.m.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. No one spoke for or against the matter. Mayor
Klinzing closed the public heating.
Councilmember Dietz questioned who the primary audience would be for the Billiard
Center. Bruce Smith, 19260 Dodge Street, applicant, indicated that the primary audience is
between the ages of 16 and 35 and between ages 45 and 65.
Mayor I4dinzing indicated that she is not in favor of authorizing a 3 a.m. closing time. She
also indicated her concerned about disturbing the neighbors. Brace Smith responded that he
is not interested in attracting the bar crowd.
Councilmember Tveite indicated that although he has concerns regarding the 3 a.m.
timeframe, he would be willing to allow it with the condition that a 6 and 12-month review
and report from the police chief be given to the Council and allowing the Council to revoke
the 3 a.m. time frame if problems exist.
Councilmember Kuester indicated that she has heard concerns from her constituents
relating to noise emanating from vehicles that neighbors will be subject to during the early
morning hours.
MAYOR KLINZING MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WITH THE HOURS OF OPERATION NOT
EXCEEDING 1:00 A.M. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE
City Council Minutes
April 22, 2002
Page 6
MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED 2-2. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ AND
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE OPPOSED.
Daryl Thompson representing the developer indicated that notices of the public hearings
were sent to the neighborhood but no one appeared at the public hearings to object to the
request.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR A BUILDING ADDITION AND BILLIARD HALL AT 19463
EVANS STREET NW WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
BUILDING CONDITIONS:
1. THE BUILDING ADDITION SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL
APPLICABLE BUILDING AND FIRE CODES.
2. SECURITY LIGHTING SHALL BE INSTALLED IN THE REAR OF
THE BUILDING.
BILLIARD FACILITY CONDITIONS:
1. THE EMPLOYEES SHALL POST IN PLAIN SIGHT AND ENFORCE
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER'S CURFEW REQUIREMENTS.
2. THE EMPLOYEES SHALL POLICE THE GROUNDS AND NOTIFY
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS INSIDE
OR OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING.
3. WINDOWS SHALL REMAIN UNCOVERED AND UNOBSTRUCTED.
4. THERE SHALL BE NO SALE OF CIGARETTES.
5. THERE SHALL BE NO USE OF CIGARETTES BY MINORS.
6. THE OPERATOR SHALL APPLY FOR, RECEIVE, AND COMPLY
WITH A BILLIARD HALL ICENSE ISSUED BY THE CITY OF ELK
RIVER.
7. THE BILLIARD HALL EXTENDED HOURS OF OPERATION ON
FRIDAY AND SATURDAy EVENING SHALL BE REVIEWED FOR
THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF POLICE CALLS AT SIX AND TWELVE
MONTHS.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-O.
6.1A. Request for Billiards License
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE BILLIARD
LICENSE FOR B & B BILLIARDS AT 19463 EVANS STREET iN~ AND TO
DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILLIARD
ORDINANCE TO ALLOW MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR HOURS OF
City Council Minutes Page 7
April 22, 2002
OPERATION. COUNCILMEMBER K-UESTER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
The Council recessed at 7:25 and moved to the training room for a joint meeting with the
Park and Recreation Commission.
Joint Meeting with Park and RecreatiogiCommission
Park and Recreation Commission Members Present: Commissioners Dave Briggs,
Dawn Polston-Hork, Dave Anderson, Duane Peterson, John Kuester, and Tim Sladek
Staff Present: Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals, Recreation Director Michele Bergh,
Assistant Street/Park Superintendent Mark Thompson, City Administrator Pat Klaers,
Director of Planning Michele McPherson and City Clerk Sandra Peine
The Council reconvened at 7:35 pm.
Mike Nijolek gave a presentation relafng to environmental issues. The presentation focused
on the preservation of the ecosystem.
Michele McPherson introduced the topics of discussion, which included formation of a Park
and Recreation Department, regulations of off-road vehicles, and the YMCA.
1. Formation of a Park and R¢<reation Department
Discussion pertaining to the draft Park and Recreation Commission j6b description for a
park and recreation director, the need for staff reorganization if a director is hired, and
budget constraints ensued. Commissioner Duane Peterson stated that the Park and
Recreation Commission would like to see the position as a 2003 budget request.
Commissioner Peterson discussed the Park and Recreation Commission's reasons for
wanting to implement a Park and Receeation Department and to hire a director.
Commissioner Peterson indicated that the need has to do with how fast things are moving
in the City, the need to look at different ways of replacing revenue streams, and the need to
preserve land. He stated that the Comm/ssion feels that the need for someone to oversee
these issues is critical. Commissioner Tim Sladek indicated that hiring this position would
combine many other departments allowing them to focus on their specific department
needs. He indicated that the position could also address the issue of tree preservation.
Councilmember Motin submitted a memo expressing his concerns relating to this issue.
Mayor Klinzing reviewed Councilmerrlber Morro's concerns. Councilmember Motin's memo
indicated that he does not believe that the time is right for adding this position. He states
that he would prefer to wait until the building expansion is completed. Mayor Klinzing
stated that she concurs with Councilmernber Motin. She stated that the position will cost
about $100,000 and feels it should be a planned budget item. Mayor Fdinzing indicated that
the city hall project needs to be complgted prior to hiring the position. Mayor Klinzing
indicated that the Council could consider the position during the 2003 budgeting process
with the understanding that it may no{ happen in 2003. She indicated that she would prefer
to see more background in natural sciences be a minimum qualification of the position.
Councilmember Tveite stated that the !management part of the job description should be
addressed by increasing the amount oS experience required. Councilmember Tveite stated
that he also thought it may be too early to hire at this time.
City Council Minutes
April 22, 2002
Page 8
Commissioner John Kuester stated thgt people who move to Elk River have expectations
relating to a Park and Recreation Dep~irtment. Commissioner Kuester indicated that he felt
the existing system works because of ~xtra demands being placed on existing staff. He
questioned how long the C~ty could keep operating this way and still stay ahead of the
demand curve. He further indicated c6ntinuity and planning are the missing links in Park
and Recreation issues.
The Commission discussed the need for revenue for the department, which could offset the
budget issues. The Commission felt tt~at a director could implement programs that would
bring in revenue·
Councilmember Kuester discusSed th~ need to continue improving the City's working
relationship with the youth associatio? and that a Director should help in this regard.
Councilmember Dietz stated that this is an important issue and that the Council needs to
discuss and decide the priority for the !p<)sition. Councilmember Dietz stated that he feels
this is a top priority issue.
·
City Administrator Pat Klaers indicatqd that a Park and Recreation Director would be
beneficial for the entire organization.
Councilmember Kuester suggested haV~ng gtudelines for use of park dedication money and
recreation fees.
2. Regulation of Off Road Ve~cles
Michele McPherson indicated that th~Park and Recreation Commission would Like to
establish general parameters that will become the foundation of a revised snowmobile
ordinance and trail map.
Councilmember Tveite suggested ma~g a uniform plan for snowmobiles and ATVs.
Mayor IClinzing suggested keeping th~ moratorium intact. Commissioner Dave Anderson
suggested a more meandering line, poCting major roads, and protecting the urban core.
Michele McPherson indicated that staff would draft an ordinance for Council consideration·
Councilmember Dietz suggesting informing snowmobilers and ATV owners of the meeting
date when the ordinance will be considered. It was the consensus of the Commission and
Council that there be no through - Ci~ snowmobile corridor.
3. YMCA
Mayor Klinzing updated the Park Coq~nission on the progress of the YMCA. She indicated
that the partnership with the City and YMCA is still intact and that more people are
becoming involved in the process. Ma3r0r I(dinzing indicated that there are two pieces of
property available for the facility but fi'o decision on the location has been made yet.
It was noted that the Park Commissionl would like to look at the property being considered
if it is park property. Commissioner John Kuester questioned the YMCA site that is a
desirable park location. He indicated that it would be helpful if the Park and Recreation
Commission knew if they could be open to considering other sites. Mayor Klinzing
City Council Minutes Page 9
April 22, 2002
indicated that no other sites are being COnsidered at this time. She stated that the marketing
research was based on these two sites.
Discussion held regarding progranu~g and how it would affect ex. isting dty programming.
Mayor IGinzing indicated that there w~Uld be no duplication of programming.
o
°
It was noted that the YMCA affects the Park and Recreation Commission in areas relating
to revenue, programming, and land use The Commission would like to be more involved in
the entire process because of the tie itl Of these issues.
Mayor Klinzing suggested inviting theiYMcA to a Park and Recreation Commission
meeting to make a presentation. The COmmission concurred that this would be a good idea.
Mayor Klinzing thanked the CommissiOn members for their discussion and input on the
issues discussed.
Other Business
There was no other business.
Staff Updates
Board of Review
The City Clerk reminded the Council ~f the Board of Review meeting on April 29, 2002, at
6:00 pm at Sherburne County Govem~nent Center.
9.2°
Volunteer Appreciation Program
The City Clerk reminded the Council 9~ the Volunteer Appreciation Program to be held on
April 25, 2002, at Riverwood ConferenCe Center.
10.
Adjournment
Ther~ being no further business, May~~ Klmzing adjourned the meeting of the ELk River
City Council at 9:45 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk