02-05-1996 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1996
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Scheel, Holmgren and
Farber
None
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Michelle Dwyer, Recording
Secretary; Steve Ach, City Planner; Tom Zerwas, Police Chief; Bill
Rubin, Economic Development Coordinator; Peter Beck, City
Attorney; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Cliff Skogstad, Building
Official; Phil Hals, street/Park Superintendent
Call Meetinq 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 Duitsman.
2. Consider A.qenda
Councilmember Scheel stated that she had one item under other business and
Pat Klaers, City Administrator stated that he had three update items.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 5, 1996, CITY
COUNCIL AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
Consider Consent Aqenda
Mayor Duitsman asked for a clarification on the January 15, 1996 minutes
regarding having the City Engineer, Terry Maurer work with MnDOT on the Proctor
and Highway 10 intersection.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF ITEM 6.3 AS FOLLOWS:
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
6.1
6.2
o
JANUARY 15, 1996 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -- APPROVED
JANUARY 22, 1996 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -- APPROVED
JANUARY 22, 1996 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES -- APPROVED
JANUARY 29, 1996, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -- APPROVED
CONSIDER REQUEST TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR STREET/PARK TRUCK AND
PARK MOWER -- APPROVED
CALL SPECIAL CIIY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR FEBRUARY 19 AND MARCH 12,
1996 -- APPROVED
CHECK REGISTER -- APPROVED
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Elk River City Council Meeting
February 5, 1996
5.1 Consider Initiatinq Proposal for Focus Area Study of Downtown
5.2
5.3
5.4
Page 2
City Planner Steve Ach discussed a focus area study on the downtown and asked
the City Council to request a proposal frOm Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKgi).
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO REQUEST A PROPOSAL FOR A DOWNTOWN
FOCUS AREA STUDY FROM HKGI AND TO SEEK OTHER PROPOSALS IF THE COUNCIL
DOES NOT ACCEPT THE HKGI PROPOSAL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.3
Consider Sendinq Second Plannin.q Commissioner to National Plannin,q
Conference
City Planner Steve Ach updated the Council on the 1996 National Planning
Conference. The Council stated its desire to have the conference expenditures
come in on budget and to receive a report from the commissioners on the
conference.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO SEND A SECOND PLANNING COMMISSIONER
TO THE NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Initiatinq Rezonin.q of Areas #7-# 12
City Planner Steve Ach indicated he would like to have public hearings before
the Planning Commission and City Council to consider rezoning these areas
consistent with the updated Comprehensive Plan.
Mayor Duitsman invited the Planning Commission to the Council meeting on
February 19, 1996, at 5:00 p.m. council meeting to discuss general planning issues
and specifically the allowable land uses in the urban district before utilities are
available.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO INITIATE THE REZONING OF THE PROPEF. TY
WITHIN THE URBAN SERVICE BOUNDARY. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Ordinance Amendments Relatin.q to the Urban Service District
City Planner Steve Ach explained the ordinance amendments which address
development within the urban service d:strict with and without sewer and water.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO INITIATE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS WITHIN THE
URBAN SERVICE DISTRICT AND TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Quotes for Two ATV's for the Police Reserves
Police Chief Tom Zerwas has obtained four quotes and Moon Motor Sales was
approximately $900 less. Councilmember Dietz was concerned about buying
locally.
Elk River City Council Meeting
February 5, 1996
Page 3
C:OUNC:ILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURC:HASE OF TWO ATV'S FROM
MOON MOTOR SALES. C:OUNC:ILMEMBER HOLMGREN SEC:ONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4 City Hall Sprinkler System Update
Building Official Cliff Skogstad reviewed his January 31, 1996 memo regarding
building repairs at City Hall and the Library.
COUNC:ILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:
APPROVE SPENDING A MAXIMUM OF $500 FROM THE SELF INSURANC:E
FUND TO INSTALL A GLYCOL SYSTEM FOR THE BOILERS AT THE ELK RIVER
LIBRARY.
APPROVE SPENDING A BID PRICE OF $4,350 FROM THE SELF INSURANCE
FUND FOR WORK REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN OUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM FROM
FREEZING.
APPROVE SPENDING A MAXIMUM OF $500 FROM THE SELF INSURANCE
FUND FOR THE INSTALLATION OF REGISTERS IN THE SOFFIT AREA OF THE
MAIN CORRIDOR TO ELIMINATE POSSIBLE FUTURE FREEZING OF THE
SPRINKLER SYSTEM.
COUNC:ILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.5 Update on February 13, 1996 City Boards and Commission Appreciation Dinner
Councilmember Dietz stated that next year it might be better to hold this dinner
in the spring or fall because of the Iow turnout this winter. The Appreciation
Dinner will be February 13, 1996. Pat Klaers, City Administrator showed the
Council the pen which will be the appreciation gift.
6.6 Consider Schedulinq the City Board of Review Meetinq
City Administrator Pat Klaers stated the Sherburne County Assessor has requested
the Council to meet as the City Board of Review on April 30, 1996.
C:OUNCILMEMBER SC:HEEL MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING FOR THE BOARD OF
REVIEW ON APRIL 30, 1996 AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CENTER. C:OUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5.0.
6.7 Consider East Elk River Aerial Topo.qraphy and Ground Control Bid
City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that an aerial topography of east trunk
Highway 10 would be very useful for laying out the location for utilities and to look
at the storm water plans.
C:OUNC:ILMEMBER SC:HEEL MOVED TO DELAY A DECISION ON THIS REQUEST UNTIL
FEBRUARY 19, 1996. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Elk River City Council Meeting
February 5, 1996 Page 4
6.8 Update on the Joplin Street/Hi.qhway 10 Si.qna zation and North Fronta.qe Road
Project
City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed with the Council the Joplin Street/Highway
10 signalization and north frontage road project. Guardian Angels and the
Hartmans are in favor of the project. The city, MnDOT, and benefited property
owners will finance this project together.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO HAVE THE PROJECT PROCEED FORWARD.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-
1. Councilmember Scheel abstained.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO HAVE TERRY MAURER, CITY ENGINEER ORDER
THE SIGNAL WORK FROM MNDOT. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. Councilmember Scheel abstained.
6.9 Consider Police Department Request to Hire a Part-Time Records Clerk
Police Chief Tom Zerwas expressed the need for a part-time records clerk and
reviewed his 1/31/96 memo on this issue.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME RECORDS CLERK.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.10 Snow Removal Update - Phil Halls, Street/Park Superintendent
Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals stated that with the "unique snow", the
Street/Park Department has had some problems with removal of snow. Phil Hals
stated a concern with the sidewalks and mailboxes and reviewed his February 2,
1996 memo and a video related to snow removal.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO DECLARE THE RECENT SNOWFALL AS A
"UNIQUE SNOW EVENT" AND DIRECTED THE STREET CREW TO REMOVE SNOW FROM
UNDER THE MAILBOXES. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.11 Update on Opatz Bill, H. F. 2330
It is City Council consensus to send a letter to Senators Ourada and Stevens which
highlight the concern over Section 7 of this bill.
6.12 Mayor Duitsman - Discussion on Economic Development Coordinator
Mayor Duitsman stated that he has met with Economic Development
Coordinator Bill Rubin to discuss the future of the city's Economic Development
Program. The Mayor stated that he is recommending that the City Council
accept the resignation of Economic Development Coordinator Bill Rubin and that
in order to treat Bill fairly and to obtain a release from Bill that the city should
provide Bill with a separation wage and benefit package.
MAYOR DUITSMAN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BILL RUBIN,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AND TO
PROVIDE BILL RUBIN WITH A SEVERANCE PACKAGE TO INCLUDE SIX MONTHS WAGES
Elk River City Council Meeting
February 5, 1996 Page 5
AND BENEFITS AND UP TO $2,000 FOR OUTSIDE JOB REPLACEMENT SERVICES AND
THAT BILL'S LAST DAY WITH THE CITY BE MARCH 5, 1996 IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN THE
ORDERLY TRANSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Councilmember Holmgren stated that he would like to publicly thank Bill Rubin for
his ,5 years of service and efforts on behalf of the City of Elk River and the EDA.
Councilmember Holmgren noted that there have been many successes over the
last five years and that he has personally enjoyed working with Bill.
Councilmember Holmgren stated that he wished Bill the best in his future
employment endeavors. Additionally Councilmember Holmgren stated that he
thanks Bill Rubin for realizing that the city is moving in a different direction in its
Economic Development efforts and that this resignation and severance package
is the best for all parties.
Councilmember Scheel suggested a letter of recommendation for Bill Rubin.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO PROVIDE BILL RUBIN WITH A LE'ITER OF
RECOMMENDATION. MAYOR DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Open Mike
Dennis Chuba stated he is surprised about the resignation of Economic
Development Coordinator Bill Rubin and indicated that he has always found Bill
Rubin to be very professional in the way he conducted city business.
Other Business
Councilmember Scheel stated she would like Bruce West, Fire Chief to do some
investigation to have Carbon Monoxide detectors sold through the city and also
to instruct Peter Beck, City Attorney to look into an ordinance for carbon
monoxide detectors on new construction.
COUNCILMEMBER SCHEEL MOVED TO HAVE AN ORDINANCE PREPARED FOR
CONSIDERATION REGARDING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS ON NEW
CONSTRUCTION. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
10.
Staff Updates
City Planner Steve Ach would like a special City Council meeting called for
March 11, 1996 for Menards conditional use permit, rezoning, land use changes,
etc.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
MARCH 11, 1996 FOLLOWING THE EDA TO CONSIDER PLANNING ISSUES RELATED TO
THE MENARDS PROPOSAL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Pat Klaers handed out information related to the National League of Cities
conference in Washington.
Elk River City Council Meeting
February 5, 1996
Page 6
City Administrator Pat Klaersreviewed the DiSC training program and invited the
Council to participate.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Dwyer
Recording Secretary