HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/25/1978 Council Minutes66
January 23, 1978
The Minnesota Department of Transportation had contacted Mr. Gotwald for traffic
count figures on the street designated in the Bike Trail application. He had given
them the information he had and suggested the County be contacted for the count on
the County roads.
On the matter of the extension of the sewer system on East Shadow Lake DRive
Mr. Gotwald had prepared the specifications and sent them on the the PCA.
On the matter of the plats getting to the agencies, Mr. Gotwald suggested the office
ask for enough copies to send to these agencies and include in the requested answer,
a reply date. This should help in getting these documents back on time. He said he
would get-together with the Clerk and put together an outline for the devleoper.
Mr. McLean noted that fees for platting must be reviewed as to the costs. He had
also requested a copy of Hugo's Ordinance setting forth the requirements for proof
of ownership.
The Clerk had done some checking on the cost of placques and found the kind being c'
considered can be obtained from a place in White Bear Lake for $14.00 to $22.00. Mr.
McLean will continue with this-matter.
On considereing the requisitions #811, hold; #816, hold; #815 refer to the Park
Board. Mr. Schneider moved to approve #809,810,812,813, &814. Seconded by Mr.
Zelinka. Motion carried nunanimously.
On considering the bills, Mr. Schneider requested that the receivables be transferred
out of the bills and set up in accounts receviables, particularly the Attorney's fee.
Mr. Zelinka moved to approve checks #8551 through and including #8500. Seconded by
Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Schneider moved to approve the transfer of $1500.00 from Debt #3 to the general
fund. These monies were included in that bond issue as adminstrative costs and the
transfer was recommended by the Autitor. Seconded by Mr. Zelinka. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Zelinka suggested that the Council install a public address system in the Council
chambers with a recorder attachment. This would enable the persons in the rear of
the room to understand what is going on.
Mr. McLean moved to adjourn at 12:15 A.M. Seconded by Mr. Zelinka. Aye
These minutes were corrected and approved at the regular meeing on February 13, 1978.
0(-4
Edna L. Sarner; Clerk- Treasurer
January 25, 1978
A special meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 8:05 P.M.
by Mayor Karth. Council members present; Kulaszewicz, McLean, Schneider, Zelinka.
Absent; None.
Mr. Robert Burman,and Mr. David Torkildson represented Anoka County.
Mayor Karth said the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Chain of Lakes Park
and the proposed use of the Leo Hensel Home as a Jonathan Home for Boys. Mayor Karth
turned the meeting over to Mr. Burman, who introduced Mr. Trokildson Mr. Fritzke and
Mr. Solin.
January 25, 1978
67
Mr, Burman said the use of the home for this purpose had come from the Court Services.
He asked Mr. Fritzke to explain this decision.
Mr. Fritzke said the State of Minnesota no longer provides facilities for the treatment
of juveniles. The Counties must provide the facilities for housing and the treatment.
He said the only boys that would be housed in this facility would be boys from Anoka
County.
Mr. Fritzke said studies have shown the hest method of treating juvenile problems
is to keep them within their own community. This is the reason for looking at
facilities available in Anoka County.
The cost per day for the care of a juvenile in an outside facility is up to $50.00
per day. Mr. Fritzke said this is jsut the beginning of the expansion of this program.
They will be looking for foster homes and other buildings that can be used as group
homes. These facilities will be for both boys and girls.
Mayor Karth asked what the cost is in a group home such as is planned and was told
approximately $26.00 per day.
Mr. Fritzke reported on the advisory boards that recommend the persons who will be
put in these homes. He said each community was represented. Mr. McLean asked who the
representative was from Lino Lakes and Mr. Fritzke said the area s are represented,
not necessarily each community. Mr. Bill Robin was the representative from this area.
Mr. McLean asked if any information had been forwarded to the communities and was
told, No.
Mr. Burman felt this was an excellent point - this should be done. There should be
closer communications with the local communities. Also, Mr. Robin must fbe replaced
and there should be some input from the communities on this matter.
Mayor Karth asked about the program of keeping the children in the local communities -
how many in this home are from Lino Lakes? It was felt taht at the present time there
are none from Lino Lakes.
Mr. Schneider asked what the criteria was for admission into this group home program?
Mr. Fritzke explained the method by which the offenders are screened before being
placed in a group home. He said these homes are to provide supervision. Mr. Schneider
said the juvenile could be a problem child or a repeater (referring to a criminal act)
and Mr. Ritzke agreed.
Mayor Karth asked what relationship the County has with the Jonathan Home for Boys and
was told this is on a contract hasis and can be cancelled if ti doesn't work.
He said this is an independent agency and when asked why this facility was chose, he
said because it was available. Mr. Schneider said there is a problem with the juveniles
at MMTC, what's to make this operation any different?
Mr. Fritzke said they hoped it wouldn't be the same at this facility. If it doesn't
work, they will discontinue the facility.
Mayor Karth asked who approved this home for this use and was told it had been approved
by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Burman said he had attached an addendum to the approval making the approval
'subject to the approval of the Anoka County Attorney.'
Mr. McLean pointed out this home had been acquired as a caretaker's home and the
Council had been told the juveniles housed in this facility would not be used for any
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January 25, 1978
caretaking purposes. Mr. Fritzke disagreed with this and said part of the contract
is that they would be available for some work in the park. He said there are two boys
there now.
Mayor Karth said this Council is not in agreement with the Park property being used
in this manner and even if they had known about the use prior to the agreement
with Anoka County, this Council would still not have been in agreement.
Mr. Mobley explained the inadequacy of the septic system, particularly the open pit
of raw sewage. The outside stairway has been done improperly and does not -meet
fire code standards. Are there smoke alarms? Fire extinguishers?
Mr. Mobley was told there are smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and there was some
disagreement on the fire escape stairway. Mr. Fritzke asked what the City's objections
were to the use of this home for this purpose?
Mayor Karth said the use of the property for this purpsoe is in direct violation to
the City's agreement with Anoka County on the use of the land. The City also objects
to the means in which this permitting procedure had been handled. The City also
already has a prison. The two cottages at MMTC that must be vacated - where will
these juveniles go? At this rate, the City will become one big area for correctioal
institutions.
Mr. Zelinka said that any action that takes place within a City - the City should be
the first to know of the planned action and should be consulted.
Mr. Torkildson said the intent of the Park Department was to keep the homes occupied
until the money is available for development. This house is to be a caretaker's home
but it cannot be allowed to stand empgq. The house seemed to fit the needs for a
group home. Mr. Torkildson said they have permits for both the inside and outside
plumbing and the system has been disconnected from the septic pit and this will be
filled when fill is available. Mr. Torkildson said the State Fire Marshall had
instructed them on the construction of the stairway and he also said it mow met
State Codes. The department of public welfare must also inspect the premises.
Mayor Karth asked Mr. Torkildson, why the owners of the property were moved out,
if they did not want to have the homes stand empty?
A lady in the audience stated the home had been rented to two gentlemen Kho had been
evicted for the purpose of the Jonathan Home and both men had wanted to remain. This
lady felt that if keeping the homes occupied was the intent of the Park Department,
there would be no problem in renting the building.
Mayor Karth asked from what funds had the money to remodel this home been taken from
and Mr. Torkildson said from the Metro Funds for special projects. There was some
questions on this and Mr. Kulaszewicz will check this out.
Mr. Zelinka asked Mr. Burman when he became aware of this project and Mr. Burman said
he was not sure of the date but he had been told that the elected officials of the
City were aware of this action.
Mr. McLean asked what thoughts had been considered on the matter of Police and Fire
protection?
There was no answer for these questions except that Mr. Torkildson said his
department has a contract with the City of Centerville for Fire coverage. This
home is to be looked at as a foster home and not as a correctional home. It was
felt that the kids could function within the community.
Mr. McLean pointed out the areas within the agreement with Anoka County on the
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January 25, 1978
permitted uses of the lands acquired for open space. Mr. Schneider pointed out there
had been 7 escapees from the MMTC in December, all involving the Lino Lakes Police Dept.
The method by which kids are screened to be put in this home was explained. There are
no drug users, arsonist, assualtive persons considered for this type of group home.
A gentleman from Mound Trail questioned the use of Federal Funds for the acquisition of
lands for open space and then converting to this use - would the Park Department be
forced to repay the funds?
Mr. Torkildson said the Metro Open Space has been advised of the planned usage and are
considering it at this time.
Mr. McLean asked what were the possibilities this operation could be expanded into
another home within the Park? Mr. Torkildson said if this is a successfull operation
and the kids can be used in the Park, this is a possibility.
Mr. Fritzke said the department is looking for a facility to replace the program at
MMTC. A larger building will be needed and it may be that one will have to be constructed.
Mr. Solin, Director of the operation at MMTC, said the State is cutting back on their
juvenile program and making the counties responsible for their programs. He outlined
the school program now in operation at St. Joe's Church.
Mr. Zelinka pointed out the City has worked out a means by which the City was reimbursed
by the State for the time the City's Police Department was involved with the juveniles
located at MMTC. It was felt this could be discussed with the County.
Mr. Fritzke felt this had gone through the law committee and apoligized for not coming
to the community. He said they need people to serve on these boards.
Mayor Karth felt the whole point of this discussion is that if something is to be done
within the City, the City should be the first to be contacted. He felt the use of the
land is being changed - the land was taken by holding public hearings and before any
more changes are made, perhaps it will become necessary to hold more public hearings.
Mayor Karth said the lands were taken for Park purposes and should remain as such.
Mr. McLean moved to take the same action as is set forth in the Resolution passed by
Centerville rejecting this use of the Park property for a group home for boys in that
it is inconsistent with the purpose of acquisition and violates the agreement between
the City of Lino Lakes and the Anoka County Board of Commissioners in the permitted
uses of the Park lands. Motion was seconded by Mr. Zelinka. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Zelinka moved to adjourn at 9:30 P.M. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Aye.
These minutes were corrected and approved at the February 13, 1978 Council.meeting.
Edna L. Sarner, Clerk- Treasurer