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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 pur- purpose of interviewing prospective auditing firms. Mr. Don Anfinson of Anfinson, Hendrickson & Co. and Mr. Greg Murphy of George M. Hansen Co. The Council questioned both auditor's, thanked them for their time and answers eld 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 in 1976, there were none. The Clerk will reply to the questioniare. ..Mr. Stephen Klein, Program Planner of the Anoka County Council of Economic Opp- ortunity, 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 112 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 dt 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 assissments 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 discu- ssed. Since there is a primary election, the office must be kept open six even- ings 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 unan- imously. 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 recomn endations to the Council at the June 28, 1976 meeting. Page 2 Mr. Blackbird, representing North NorthEast Realty, ed if he had any thing to add to the report and Mr. will have to be changed to flow toward Main Street. Rice Creek Watershed Board. July 26, 1976 was present. Mr. McLean ask - Blackbird said the drainage This is by request from the ;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 incumbr,.^ce. McLean moved to approve the final plat of Pine Haven pending written receipt 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. Zellnka. Motion carried with Mr. Karth abstaining. Mr. McLean moved to close the hearing for the Pine Haven Plat at 8:45P.M. Second- ed 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. Zellnka asked if the Clerk could offer a compariston of the amount collect- ed 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 pass- sd 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 ix) handle this and the number of cases are on the increase. That office felt their space and staff would have to be tripled. Mr. Zelinka felt a letter to the Senator and Representative from this district pointing 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 gen- eral figures for the year 1975. ..A letter to Mrs. Rykel from Mr. Frank Marziteili on the speed limit on Birch Street from Centerville Road East was read. Mr. Marziteili said the speed lim i-, is reasonable and suggested Mrs. Rykel work through this Council and Anoka Coun+y for further action on this matter. Mr. Schneider said he is famitar 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 a race track. Mr. Mobley said he had clocked cars and motorcycles at 110MPH. Mr. Karth said The posting of a 40mph limit does very 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, t"is to in- clude 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 moving radar, but one was better than none. Mr. Karth felt that just the fact that radar is being used, and word would be spread via the CB's, would deter the speeders. Mr. Karth seconded Mr. McLean's motion. Motion carried unanimously. Page -3- July 26, 1976 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 inorder 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 re- quested 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 con- ditions 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 serv'ce from A.B. Dick had ute minimum cost of repairs on the copy machine would be an estimate and the man felt that more things might need the machine was taken apart. After some discussion, Mr. have the Clerk check on the cost of either purchasing or Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously. called with the absoi- $262.00. This is just to be replaced once Schneider moved to leasing a copy machine. ..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 LittleCanada had felt with the area to be covering and the inflation cost, the survey would probably 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 batifield at Sunrise was discussed with the general consen- sus to leave the field as it is for the remainder of this year and put the cost of a backstop in next year's budget. The outiot in LaMotte's addition had been checked into and it was found this lot is owned by the City but is to be 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.wi.nter mon- ths 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 dis- cussed 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. 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. r. • , • Lr..•• - .1 Page -4- July 26, 1976 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 d,3partments. Mr. Schneider felt that all figures should be finalized at the Sept- ember 27, 1976 meeting in order to certify the Levy to the Auditor on time. Mr. Schneider would like the Auditor problem settled In order to meet with the f;;1 nce committee before budget hearings. Mr. McLean asked when budget hearings s'.-arted 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 said the fire Department has spent many hours since last Thursday (July 22, 1976) - uring water on this fire and it is still burning. Mr. Ross felt that this Council should take some ac-iion to insure the cost of this fire is borne' by the owner of the property and not the residents of Lino Lakes. Mr. Ross felt the bill will be quite a lot. Sc,ma members of the Council were unaware of the fire and asked Mr. Ross to explain. 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 property and to clean up what had &ready 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 ?eople have been back, also the tree inspector since there Is a suspicion that some of the trees are diseased trees. M McLean asked about permission for a land fill and Mr. Locher said this matter ;s controlled entirely by the County. Mr. Locher felt there is basis for civil ation in this matter. He felt this Council could sue Mr. Ford for the costs. M. 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 an 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. Torktidson on West Shadow Lake Drive and the City can expect quite a lot of assistance fr,m them in improving that street. The County will be using that street for the next two years 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 and rowdiness on the course. Mr. McLean said he will pass this information on to Mr. Torkitdson. Mr. Mobley asked if anything more %as being done about the blocking of 4th Avenue Page -5- July 26, 1976 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 meeting the latter part of August and a fifth member is needed for that Board. He asked the Council to submit some names for consideration. Mr. McLean reported on the Planning and Zoning Board meeting held on July 21, 1976. __ Mr. Koistad's Air Park was considered. The Planning and Zoning had recommended approval with the stipulation the recommendations of the Planner, Engineer and ROce Creek Watershed Board be favorable. There was discussion on the need for soil bearings, perc tests, traffic control, FAA approval before this can be con- r'dered. 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 instruct -- cd to put this matter on the August agenda. Su -,set Oaks, an extension of this Air Park, it to be considered at the August maPt- ing also. Mrs. Donna Butters had appeared concerned with a parcel of land at the dead end ^f Marshan Lane. The street will have 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 he 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. Isakson of 6450 Otter Lake Road had applied for a variance to build a garage rithin five feet of his property line. He had obtained the signatures of the property owners on either side of his property. Since there is a third owner, The Board instructed the Clerk to write to this owner and inform him of this matter <nd ask for his thoughts. This will be considered at the August meeting. -onjunction with the requirements stated in the Metro Resolution, the Planning a, Zoning Board will be holding extra meetings in order to work out the nec- z sary 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 meetings have been scheduled for August 26, September 22, and October 28. Mr. Gotward and Mr. Short have been requested to attend the meeting in Aug- ust . The Clerk has been instructed not to schedule any business for these meet- ings. 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 report- ed that he had been told that Mr. Hill is in the process of selling his business. Mr. Davis is returning to the firm he hc.d originally been with. Mr. McLean felt that since Mr. Schneider had handfed the contacts with these aud- iting firms, he would like Mr. Schneider's thought on the auditing firms to be Page -6- July 26, 1976 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 recommendatis. This would be his recommendation. 'Where was discussion with each Council member expressing his thoughts. Mr. :Chneider moved to retain the firm of Anfinson, Hendrickson and Co. for the bal- ance 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 before the meeting of August 23, 1976 and ask Mr. Anfinson to attend that Co'rnci meeting. Mr. Nbbiey reported on the problems with the homes on Andati Street and the pro- gress that has been made in upgrading those homes. Mr. Mobley is asking for Council support in his act'on on these homes. The Council informed Mr. Mobley to require alt things to be done the way they were originally set up. The own- er wants to sell the homes and he cannot sets until the red tag is removed. Mr. Mobley said he will inform the owner he must comply with alt requirements an' :f it is not done, he, Mr. Mobley , will Issue a ticket. Mr. Mobley presented three items for Council consideration; 1) adopt a disclous- ure 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 :onsider these items for possible action. Mr. Karth moved to approve requisitions #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, Second by lir. McLean. Motion carried unanimously. P.lr. McLean moved to adjourn at 12:00 midnight. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Aye.