10-28-2002 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2002
Members Present:
Members Absent:
S taft Pres ent:
Mayor Kdinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
None
City Administrator Pat Klaers, Finance Director LoriJohnson, Director of
Planning Michele McPherson, Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, Chief of
Police Tom Zerwas, Assistant Police Chief Jeff Beahen, Recreation
Manager Michele Bergh, Director of Economic Development Catherine
Mehelich, Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals, Assistant Street
Superintendent Mark Thompson, and City Clerk Sandra Peine
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 Vice Mayor Tveite.
Consider 10/28/2002 Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
Mayor I~inzing arrived at this time.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4A.
3.4B.
3.4C.
3.4D.
3.4E.
10/21/2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CHECK REGISTER
RESOLUTION 02-99 APPROVING APPLICATION TO CONDUCT
ANNUAL OFF-SITE GAMBLING FOR ELK RIVER YOUTH HOCKEY
PAY ESTIMATE #3 TO S.R. WEIDEMA IN THE AMOUNT OF
$57,337.73 FOR WORK DONE ON THE ZANE AVENUE PROJECT
PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO QUALITY FLOW SYSTEMS, INC. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $2,071.00 FOR WORK ON THE JACKSON STREET LIFT
STATION
PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO JAY BROTHERS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$14,634.11 FOR WORK ON THE ORONO PARKWAY PROJECT
PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO S.R. WEIDEMA IN THE AMOUNT OF
$243,441.17 FOR WORK ON THE 175TM AVENUE PROJECT
FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO NORTHWEST ASPHALT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $2,128.83 FOR WORK ON THE MAIN STREET TURN
LANE PROJECT
City Council Nfinutes
October 28, 2002
3.4F.
3.4G.
Page 2
PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO VARIOUS CONTRACTORS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $466,571.00 FOR WORK ON THE PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY
PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO VARIOUS CONTRACTORS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $23, 223.80 FOR WORK ON THE CITY HALL EXPANSION
PROJECT
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Nfike
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
No one appeared for open mike.
Vehicle Lockout Services
The Chief of Police presented information on vehicle lockout services. He indicated that
starting December 1, 2002, staff is proposing to charge $20.00 for lockout services provided
by the police department.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 02-100
ADOPTING FEES FOR VEHICLE LOCKOUT SERVICES. COUNCILMEMBER
TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
HRA Update
Councilmember Motin and HRA Commissioner Thompson provided an update on the
HRA meeting that was held earlier in the evening. A key discussion item at the HRA
meeting related to the roles and responsibilities of the City Council and HRA with the
downtown project. In this regard, the HRA indicated its desire to continue as the lead
responsible agency for such things as the developer agreement, addressing land acquisition
issues, and establishing a TIF district. The Council concurred that the HRA is to continue
taking the lead with this downtown project.
Call Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Ciw of Elk River Business Subsidies Policy.
Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich indicated that the HRA has
reviewed the second draft of the Business Subsidies Policy and has called a public hearing
for November 25, 2002. She indicated that by law the Council must also call a public hearing
prior to formally adopting the policy.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO CALL A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2002, TO CONSIDER THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
BUSINESS SUBSIDIES POLICY. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Proposal to Lease Boys and Girls Club Gym Space
Daryl Thompson updated the Council on the status of the Boys and Girls Club in regard to
operating expenses and the building debt. He noted that the Club has fallen behind with
fundraising and is requesting the City of Elk River to sign off on the club incurring more
building debt. The original building debt was $480,000.
City Council Minutes Page 3
October 28, 2002
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO SIGN
OFF ON ADDITIONAL DEBT FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL DEBT OF $160,000.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Recreation Manager Nfichele Bergh discussed the issue of the City leasing gym space at the
Boys and Girls Club for city recreation programs. She noted that the suggested lease amount
for the gym space is $15,000 per year with a minimum of a three-year commitment.
Follo~ving discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to take no action on this until the
2003 budget is discussed.
5.5. City Recreation Update
Recreation Manager Michele Bergh updated the Council on recreation programs and issues.
5.7. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Presentation
Director of Planning Michele McPherson updated the Council on the work that has been
completed to date on the Elk River Base Map and Geographic Information Systems. She
also provided an update on the tasks that are needed to continue implementation of the
system. Chris Albrecht of HR Green provided a live demonstration of the GIS software,
including property values, building permits, and aerial photos.
5.8. Consider Mining Area Utility Feasibility Study
Michele McPherson indicated that the City has been approached by the Tiller Corporation
regarding the future development of their property near the County Road 33/HSghway 169
intersection. She noted that staff is requesting Council to consider authorizing a feasibility
study regarding the ability to provide city sewer and water to the gravel mining area.
Council discussion pursued regarding the issue of extending services to this area and the
issue of funding the study. It was suggested that it may be best to extend services for
industrial or commercial needs rather than for residential. It was the consensus of the
Council to get a better understanding of Tiller's needs and to contact the other gravel
mining businesses in the area to see if they are interested in participating in a this type of a
feasibility study.
5.6. Consider Street Department Issues
Snowplowing Policy
Street/Park Superintendent P141 Hals and Assistant Street Superintendent Mark Thompson
presented the Council with the 2003 snow plowing policy.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO ADOPT THE 2003 SNOWPLOWING
POLICY. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
City Council M/nutes
October 28, 2002
Mechanical Shop Improvements
5.9.
Page 4
Phil Hals indicated that the mechanic shop is nearly completed, however an extra $20,000 is
needed to address some safety issues regarding air quality.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE
AND INSTALLATION OF AN AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST COLLECTION
SYSTEM, CARBON MONOXIDE/NITROUS OXIDE SENSORS AND TWO
MAKE-UP AIR FURNACES AT A COST OF $20,000 WITH FUNDING TO
COME FROM EQUIPMENT SERVICES GENERAL FUND WITH THE
POSSIBILITY OF A BUDGET AMENDMENT AT YEAR-END.
COUNClLMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED $-0.
Custodial Update
Phil Hals provided an update on the proposal for custodial services. It was the consensus of
the Council to proceed with the hiring of a maintenance service firm and to take no action
on the hiring of the building maintenance employee at this time.
Review 2003 Fee Schedule
The City Clerk presented the draft 2003 fee schedule for Council review. She noted that
there are some proposed fee increases in the schedule. The Clerk stated that the Director of
Planning has submitted a memo explaining the proposed increases in land use application
fees. She also noted that the Council previously requested staff to research the possibility of
increasing liquor fees. The Clerk indicated that all liquor establishments have been notified
of a possible increase in liquor fees.
The Clerk indicated that the fee schedule ~vould be presented to the Council for approval on
November 18, 2002.
5.10. Review 2003 Budget Including Pay Resolution
The City Administrator indicated that with adjustments since the last budget meeting there
currendy is an $86,600 budget gap. The Council reviewed the possibilities available to close
the budget gap.
It was the consensus of the Council to take the following steps to balance the budget:
Add $15,000 from the liquor fund (+ $15,000)
· Cut the building maintenance posidon (410,000)
· Cut the truck enforcement officer position (-$23,250)
· Cut the tree coupon program (-$9,000)
· Cut the cost to lease gym space from the Boys and Girls Club (-$15,000)
· Cut the Fire Prevention position (-$9,900)
Councilmember Tveite suggested using the street reserve to cover more of the sealcoating
program.
City Council Minutes Page 5
October 28, 2002
Mayor Klinzing indicated that although the City is not budgeting $15,000 for leasing the gym
at the Boys and Girls Club, the club could sd]/be leased by the City for some programming
as needed.
It was the consensus of the Council to purchase $16, 550 of requested computers in 2002
instead of 2003. These purchases were discussed at the August 26, 2002, budget meeting.
Discussion was held regarding the pay plan. Finance Director Lori Johnson indicated that
the pay plan shows a 3% increase in wages and a $10 per month increase toward employee
health insurance consistent with Council direction at a previous budget worksession.
Discussion was held regarding the City's health insurance. Lori Johnson indicated that a
20% increase is proposed. Discussion took place regarding the possibility of looking at a
deductible plan in order to reduce employee premiums. It was the Council consensus to
authorize staff to look into costs of a deductible plan.
The City Administrator noted that the building inspectors are being paid above the top of
the pay plan which puts the City out of compliance with the comparable worth law.
Discussion was held regarding this issue and it ~vas the consensus of the Council that the
building inspectors receive the COLA 3% increase over and above the $3,000 they received
earlier in the year.
It was the consensus of the Council to consider the pay plan at a later date to allow staff
time to look at other health insurance opdons.
6. Other Business
Councilmember Dietz requested staff to look into an issue regarding a car parked in the
street for an extended period of time with a for-sale sign on it.
7. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Fdinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk Pdver
City Council at 10:30 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk