03-10-2003 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2003
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Acting Mayor Kuester, Councilmembers Dietz, Motin, and Tveite
Mayor Klinzing
City Administrator Pat Klaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
City Attorney Peter Beck, and City Clerk Sandra Peine
5.1.
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:30 p.m. by Acting Mayor Kuester.
Consider 3 / 10/2003 Agenda
The following item was added to the Council Agenda:
· Troy Street Railroad crossing
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBERTVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.2.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 21, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 3, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES
CHECK REGISTER
PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE
PREVENTION MONTH
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
Consider Purchase of Assist Software for NPDES Phase II Monitoring
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March 10, 2003
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Director of Planning Michele McPherson reviewed the staff memo and provided an update
on the request. She indicated that the Asist Software will be used for the purpose of
implementing the NPDES Permits. She noted that cost of the software is $3,495 per license.
The City Administrator indicated that the project would be funded from the Wastewater
Surface Water Management funds.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF
THE ASIST SOFTWARE AT $3,495. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.2. Legislative Update
The City Administrator provided an update on legislative activities relating to the budget
issues. He indicated that he would be meeting with departments to talk about potential
budget options.
5.3. Consider Tour of Public Safety Facility on March 24 at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 24, 2003, AT 5:30 P.M. TO TOUR THE
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5.4. Update on Chamber Meeting - State of the City on March 18
Chamber President Jeff Gongoll informed the Council that the annual State of the City
meeting would be held on March 18. He noted that the three main issues of discussion
include the Comprehensive Plan process, the downtown revitalization plan, and budget
issues that the City is facing.
5.5. City Administrator Performance Review - Conclusion
Councilmember Motin provided a conclusion to the City Administrator's performance
review. The conclusion was read and made part of the City Council minutes.
Consensus of the City Council from the review of Pat I~aers - March 2003
As a whole, the Council believes Pat has been doing a good job in managing the City and in
protecting the City's financial well-being and image. The review process did, however, bring
up some issues that the Council believes need to be addressed:
The 16-year length of time to perform the review on Pat was too long. A two-year
review period is appropriate.
It appears that communication skills and attitude with staff had been improving
since even prior to the beginning of this process. Pat should continue with these
efforts.
We are concerned with the transition process of the City Hall as it relates to the
Public Safety building and expansion project. It is a priority that there be good
City Council Minutes
March 10, 2003
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Page 3
communication with city personnel and the public about the impact of the
transition.
4. Improve coordination of multi-department projects.
5. Provide more opportunity for one-on-one meetings with department heads.
6. Take advantage of professional development and leadership training opportunitites.
Other Business
Councilmember Dietz indicated that he has received a complaint from a resident regarding
the Troy Street railroad crossing. The resident indicated his concern about whether the
crossing could be closed, as it is not being used anymore. Michele McPherson indicated she
would work with the City Engineer on the issue.
Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
Executive Session - Tollefson Lawsuit Appeal Update
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE TOLLEFSON LAWSUIT.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
The Council recessed at 7:10 p.m.
Following the executive session of the City council, Acting Mayor Kuester reconvened the
regular council meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Acting Mayor Kuester adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 7:31 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk