HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/26/1976 Council MinutesJuly 26, 1976
The regular meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
by Acting Mayor Zelinka. Members present; Karth, McLean, Schneider. Absent; Mayor
Bohjanen. Mr. Locher was also present.
Acting Mayor Zelinka announced this meeting had been convened early for the purpose
of interviewing prospective auditing firms. Mr. Don Anfinson of Anfinson, Hendrickson
& Co. and Mr. Greg Murphy of George M. Hansen Company.
The Council questioned both auditors, thanked them for their time and answers and
said the Council will be in touch when a decision is reached.
Mr. Karth moved to approve the minutes of July 12, 1976 as presented. Seconded by
Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously.
The Clerk reported on the following items:
..A letter from the Citizens League asking for the special assessments levied in1976,
there were none. The Clerk will reply to the questionaire.
..Mr. Stephen Klein, Program Planner of the Anoka County Council of Economic Opport-
unity, had replied to the question on the publicity on the availability of funds for
the rehabilitation of homes in the County. He listed the ways the availability of
funds will be publicized.
..The State Aid Quarterly check in the amount of $20,703.59 had been received. This
check also included Homestead Credit aid in the amount of $15,000.14 and Attached
Machinery Aid in the amount of $953.60 for a total amount of $36,666.33.
..The first half of the tax levy had been received in the amount of $60,620.70.
..The savings account established at Centennial State Bank had earned interest in the
amount of $226.26 for the first quarter.
..In the tax levy breakdown, Debt #2 netted a $845.57 deficit due to refunds of special
assessments being paid twice. Mr. McLean asked the status of the $50,000.00 CD on
deposit at Drovers_:State Bank. Mr. Locher said he had talked with Mr. Mayer at the
Bank - he had said he would check into the CD and call Mr. Locher. Mr. Locher said
that he has not returned the call as yet. Mr. McLean commented on the possibility of
holding back on cooperation until the delinquent assessments are paid. Mr. Zelinka
asked Mr. Locher to prepare. in memo form the status of this project for the Council.
..A list of judges available for the Primary Election had been received from the
County Auditor but only for the REpublican Party. The CLerk was instructed to
contact the DFL for their list of judges.
..The requirement of keeping the office open for voter registration was discussed.
Since there is a primary election, the office must be kept open six evenings and
two Saturdays. Mr. McLean moved to authorize the Clerk to keep the office open
for the specified times and to obtain personnel for those hours from the election
judges. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously.
The Clerk's report was recessed. The public hearing for the Pine Haven Plat was
called to order at 8:30 P.M. Mr. McLean presented the PLanning and Zoning recomm-
endations to the Council at the June 28, 1976 meeting.
July 26, 1976
Mr. Blackbird, representing North NorthEast Realty, was present. Mr. McLean asked
if he had anything to add to the report and Mr. Blackbird, said the drainage will have
to be changed to flow toward Main Street. This is by request from the Rice Creek
Watershed Board.
Mr.,Locher asked that an abstract of title be furnished or an Attorney's opinion
as to the ownership of the land and that it is free of incumbrance.
Mr. McLean moved to approve the final plat of Pine Haven pending written receipt
of the Rice Creek Watershed Board approval of the drainage and an abstract of title
or Attorney's opinion as to the current ownership. Seconded by Mr. Zelinka. Motion
carried with Mr. Karth abstaining.
Mr. McLean moved to close the hearing for the Pine Haven Plat at 8:45 P.M. Seconded
by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously.
The Clerk report was continued with the following items:
..Municipal fines in the amount of $281.67 for the month of June had been received.
Mr. Zelinka asked if the Clerk could offer a comparision of the amount collected
against the legal costs. She said about seven to one as a guess. Cliff Buchan,
of the Forest Lake Times, said that Wyoming had turned their cases over to the
County Attorney's office. This was possible because of legislation passed this past
session. Mr. Locher said he has discussed this with the Anoka County Attorney's
office but they feel they do not have the staff at the present time to handle this
and the number of cases are on the increase. That office felt their space and staff
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would have to be tripled.
Mr. Zelinka felt a letter to the Senator and Representative from this district point-
ing out the inequities of cost and returns, especially with the low tax base of this
City, might bring some action. Mr. Zelinka asked the Clerk to check the records for
the past six months for the costs and fines received. Also, the general figures for
the year 1975.
..A letter to Mrs. Rykel from Mr. Frank Marzitelli on the speed limit on Birch Street
from Centerville Road East was read. Mr. Marzitelli said the speed limit is reason-
able and suggested Mrs. Rykel work through this Council and Anoka County for further
action on this matter. Mr. Schneider said he is familar with this problem only he
feels the speed limit on the entire street should be reviewed. He suggested a third
study be conducted.
Mr. McLean said the service roads on either side of 135E are used as race track.
Mr. Mobley said he had clocked cars motorcycles at 110 MPH. Mr. Karth said the
posting of a 40 MPH limit does vey little good. Main street is so posted and by
the time cars or motorcycles reach his house from Highway #8, they have already gone
through the gears and are well above the speed limit. There was more discussion on
the problem areas and what could be done.
Mr. McLean moved to have all County Roads in Lino Lakes analized, this to include
Birch Street, both sides of 135E and Main Street, for speed limits and traffic
control.
Mr. Karth suggested setting up radar. Mr. Zelinka felt the stationary radar is
not as effective as the moveing radar, but one was better that none. Mr. Karth
felt that just the fact that rafar is being used, and word would be spread via
the CB's, would deter the speeders. Mr. Karth seconded Mr. McLean's motion.
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July 26, 1976
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Karth moved to instruct the Lino Lakes Police Department to set up the radar
on Main Street, Birch Street and both sides of 135E whenever possible, in conjunct -
ion with asking for assistance from the Sheriff's office.
Mr. Schneider asked to defer this action until the next meeting in order to consult
with Chief Myhre. Mr. Zelinka also wondered what condition the old radar is in at
this time. After some discussion, Mr. McLean seconded Mr. Karth's motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
Mr. Schneider suggested that common sense be used in the issuance of tickets - possibly
issueing warning tickets if the speed was not excessive.
..A letter from the State Highway Department in reference to the speed study request-
ed by the City for Highway #49 from County Road J. to Birch Street was read. The
State had conducted a survey on that portion of the highway and found conditions
had not changed since the previous survey done in 1971. They felt that until there
was more development and the more traffic generated, the current speed is safe and
reasonable. At that time they will be glad to conduct another survey.
..The Clerk reported the repair service from A. B. Dick had called with the absol-
ute minimum cost of repairs on the copy machine would be $262.00. This is just
an estimate and the man felt that more things might need to be replaced once the
machine was taken apart. After some discussion, Mr. Schneider moved to have the
Clerk check on the cost of either purchasing or leasing a copy machine. Seconded
by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously.
..The Clerk had been instructed to check on the cost of conducting a census. She
reported she had contacted the Little Canada Clerks office. That community had
conducted a census in 1974 with an approximate cost of $3700.00. The Clerk in
Little Canada had felt with the area to be covered and the inflation cost, the
survey would probObly be around $5,000.00 for Lino Lakes. Mr. McLean moved to
table this until a later date. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried un-
animously.
Mr. Schneider reported on the meeting of the Park Board held on July 12, 1976. The
status of the new ballfield at Sunrise was discussed with the general consensus to
leave the field as it is for the remainder of this year and put the cost of a back-
stop in next year's budget.
The outlot in LaMotte's addition had been checked into and it was found this lot
is owned by the City but is to used for drainage purposes only. Also, the St. Paul
Water Department owns 25' bordering the lake shore.
There had also been discussion on needs at the Hall property for the winter months
such as ice rinks and a place for kids to change skates and warm up.
Mr. McLean asked if the possibility of using the area in the garage had been discuss
ed and Mr. Schneider said, Yes. Mr. McLean suggested the Park Board present a cost
figure for Council consideration.
The Barn at Sunrise had been discussed and since Mr. Mobley was in the audience,
Mr. Schneider asked for his findings.
July 26, 1976
Mr. Mobley said the barn must be repaired or else it should be condemned. The
supporting beams are loose and must be secured. He felt it could be repaired
for approximately $500.00.
Mr. McLean moved to instruct MR. Volk to get a proposal from a contractor for the
repair of the barn at Sunrise Park in order to make it safe. Seconded by Mr. Karth.
Motion carried unanimously. (These figures to be available by the next Council
meeting.)
All Council members have copies of the current cash flow. This was discussed and
Mr. Schneider answered the questions. He reported that he had talked with Mr. Volk
and Chief Myhre as to what he expects in the way of budgeting from those depart-
ments. Mr. Schneider felt that all figures should be finalized at the September 27,
1976 meeting in order to certify the levy to the Auditor on time.
Mr. Schneider would like the Auditor problem settled inorder to meet with the fin-
ance committee before budget hearings. Mr. McLean asked when budget hearings
started and the general consensus was around the last of August.
Mr. Al Ross of Ware Road was in the audience and spoke on the matter of the fire
on Mr. Roland Ford's property on Ware Road. Mr. Ross s -aid the fire Department has
spent many hours since last Thursday (July 22, 1976) pouring water on this fire and
it is still burning. Mr. Ross felt that this Council should take some action to in-
sure the cost of this fire is born by the owner of the property and not the residents
of Lino Lakes. Mr. Ross felt the bill will be quite a lot.
Some members of the Council were unaware of the fire and asked Mr. Ross to explain.
Mr. Ross said the problem had started quite some time ago with Mr. Ford blocking
the ditch with wood chips. The proper officials had been notified and Mr. Ford
had been instructed to cease dumping on the pcoperty and to clean up what had
already been dumped. The expiration date had been some time last week and early
Thursday morning the fire had started.
Chief Myhre said that the Health Department, the DNR, the Rice Creek Watershed
Board and the PCA had been contacted. All departments had told him to clean up
the area. Since the fire started, these people have been back, also the tree
inspector since there is a suspicion that some of the trees are diseased trees.
Mr. McLean asked about permission for a land fill and Mr. Locker said this matter
is controlled entirely by the County. Mr. Locher felt there is basis for civil act-
ion in this matter. He felt this Council could sue Mr. Ford for the costs.
Mr. Karth moved to instruct the Attorney to write a letter to the owner of this
property stating he is liable for the cost incurred for fire department services
and related costs. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Ross thanked the Council for their action and wanted them to know that it
was appreciated.
Mr. Karth reported that he and. Mr. Volk had met with Mr. Burman and Mr. Torkildson
on West Shadow Lake Drive and the City can expect quite a lot of assistance from
them in improving that street. The County will be using that street for the next
two y -ears or so as an entrance to the golf course. Some of the immediate problems
such as traffic problems, signs and weed cutting will be taken care of immediately.
Mr. Zelinka reported that he had been contacted about some problems of rudness
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July 26, 1976
and rowdiness on the course. Mr. McLean said he will pass this information on to
Mr. Torkildson.
Mr. Mobley asked if anything more was being done about the blocking of 4th Avenue
and Mr. Zelinka said he is the stumbling block. He has not submitted his letter
approving the action but he will. He will be in contact with Mr. Karth.
Mr. Zelinka said the Personnel Commission will begin their meetings the later part
of August and a fifth member is need for that Board. He asked the Council to sub-
mit some names for consideration.
Mr. McLean reported on the Planning and Zoning Board meeting held on July 21, 1976.
Mr. Kolstad's Air Park was considered. The Planning and Zoning had recommended app-
roval with the stipulation the recommendations of the Planner, Engineer and Rice
Creek Watershed Board be favorable. There was discussion on the need for soil bear-
ings, perc tests, traffic control, FAA approval before this can be considered. Mr.
McLean moved this information be made available to the Planning and Zoning Board
before considering this plat. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously.
There is to be discussion on the possibility of some special consideration in the area
of fire coverage. The Clerk was instructed to put this matter on the August agenda.
Sunset Oaks, an extension of this Air Park, It to be considered at the August meet-
ing also.
Mrs. Donna Butters had appeared concerned with a parcel of land at the dead end of
Marshan Lane. The street will hbe to be extended before a building permit can be
issued. The Clerk was instructed to contact the property owner to the North for
his thoughts on this before any decision is made. This matter is to be put on the
August agenda.
Mr. Kelly had appeared with Mr. Floyd Miller with questions on land located just
North of 8Ist street. They were looking for ways of developing the property. The
Planning and Zoning Board gave them several options. This matter is to be on the
August agenda.
Mr. I sakson of 6450 Otter Lake Road had applied for a variance to build a garage
within five feet of his property line. He had obtained the signatures of the prop-
erty owners on either side of his property. Since there is a third owner, the
Board instructed the Clerk to write to fiis owner and inform him of this matter and
ask for his thoughts. This will be considered at the August meeting.
In conjunction with the requirements stated in the Metro Resolution, the Planning
and Zoning Board will be holding extra meetings in order to work out the necessary
rules and regulations asked for. Several of the Ordinances need to be revised and the
House numbering system asked for by the Council will be worked on. Special meet-
ings have been scheduled for August 26, September 22, and October 28. Mr. Gorwald
and Mr. Short have been requested to attend the meeting in August. The Clerk has
been instructed not to schedule any business for these meetings. Mr. McLean will
be reporting back to the Council on the progress.
Mr. Locher reported the new Bingo regulations become effective August 1, 1976. He
will get information to the Council on this new law.
Mr. Zelinka asked the matter of the Auditor be considered at this time. He reported
that he had been told that Mr. Hill is in the process of selling his business. Mr.
Davis is returning to the firm he had originally been with.
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July 26, 1976
Mr. McLean felt that since Mr. Schneider had handled the contacts with these auditing
firms, he would like Mr. Schneider's thoughts on the auditing firms to be considered.
Mr. Schneider felt that either firm could handle the job but he leaned toward
Anfinson. He had seemed more agressive and Mr. Schneider felt this was more the
type of auditor he is accustomed to working with. Mr. Anfinson has already pre-
pared a letter with some recommendations. This would be his recommendation.
There was discussion with each Council member expressing his thoughts. Mr. Schneider
moved to retain the firm of Anfinson, Hendrickson and Company for the balance of 1976,
through the 1976 audit. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Schneider said he would like to meet with Mr. Anfinson and the Office staff be-
fore the meeting of August 23, 1976 and ask Mr. Anfinson to attend that Council
meeting.
Mr. Mobley reported on the problems with the homes an Andall Street and the pro-
gress that has been made in upgrading those homes. Mr. Mobley is asking for
Council support in his action on these homes. The Council informed Mr. Mobley
to require all things to be done the way they were originally set up. The owner
wants to sell the homes and he cannot sell until the red tag is removed. Mr.
Mobley said he will inform the owner he must comply with all requirements and
if it is not done, he, Mr. Mobley, will issue a ticket.
Mr. Mobley presented three items for Council consideration; 1) adopt a disclosure
law; 2) require contractors to be licensed; 3) all complaints must be in writing and
signed or he will not consider them. Mr. Mobley asked the Council to consider these
items for possible action.
Mr. Karth moved to approve requisistions #690 and #691. Seconded by Mr. McLean.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Karth moved to approve checks #7185 through and including #7218. Seconded
by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Karth moved to approve payroll checks #3622 through and including #3647,
Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carries' unanimously.
Mr. McLean moved to adjourn at 12:00 midnight.
Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Aye.
The minutes were ap oved, with correction on / �7
✓�� �, CLERK - TREA RER
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