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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/14/1977 Council MinutesMarch 14, 1977 The regular meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 8:05 P.M., March 14, 1977 by Mayor Bohjanen. Council member present: Karth, McLean, Schneider. Absent; Zelinka. Mr. Locher will arrive late. Mr. Gotwald was also present. The minutes of February 28, 1977 were corrected as follows: Page 3, paragraph 3, Ilth line, after Ramsey County Open Space add 'or Metropolit- an Open Space'. Page 6, paragraph 3, change 'several' to 'one', 1st line; 2nd line add 'and septic tank inspections' after 'water tests' delete the word 'blackmail' and insert 'method used to condemn the area and force the installation of the utilities.' Mr. Schneider moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Mot- ion carried unanimously. The minutes of March 7, 1977 were corrected as follows; 7th paragraph, delete the phrase, 'But this is not a good practice'. Add the re- maining sentence to the 6th paragraph. Mr. McLean moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Benjy Munson, Lexington Fire Chief, was present to report on the Fire on Main Street that the Council had received a reporton from Officer Hillyer. Mr. Munson said the Police Departments had been notified of the fire. He had tried to talk to them personally, but had been unable to make contact. He then called Anoka Central Communications. The Police Departments were notified at 11:00 A.M., which fact is noted in Mr. Hillyer's report, of the planned fire drill. The fire did not start until 11:49 A.M., which is also noted in Mr. Hillyer's report. It would appear there are conflicting statements in the policeman's report. Mr. Munson said this drill had been set one week in advance of the actual fire. There had also been a complaint of excessive speed by the firemen from Mr. Hillyer. Mr. Munson said all firemen are limited to the 55mph speed limit and if caught exceeding that speed, they are automatically suspended from the fire department. Mayor Bohjanen asked Mr. Munson if it was necessary for the fire department to obtain a burning permit from PCA for an operation such as this was and Mr. Munson said, No, this is a permitted action and does not require a permit. Mr. Munson presented some figures showing that in 1976 the percentage of service comp- arison of the two Cities. About 72% of the fire departments time is spent in Lino Lakes and 28% in Lexington. Someone asked why this difference and Mr. Munson reminded them Lexington is only one square mile and that department covers 14 square miles of Lino Lakes. He told the Council monthly reports, as well as quarterly reports, will be sub- mitted for Council consideration. Mr. Munson read a letter he had written to Mr. David Torkildson, in reference to the area in the Anoka County Open Space that is covered by his fire department. He said the Lino Lakes contract will be adjusted to reflect this lost area. This matter will be discussed when the fire contract is presented for renewal. There is also a matter of deleting the Page -2 March 14, 1977 assessed valuation for the property now located within the park system. He will contact the Clerk on this matter. Mr. Munson said in the future, he will refer all requests to burn buildings to the Clerk's office for clearance before proceeding. He also requested a List of the new homes and the street addresses. Also, when new maps are available, he would appreciate a copy. He would like to set up a complete index file on all homes located in the area covered by their fire department. He realizes this will take a lot of time but felt the index would be invaluable to them. He will work with the Clerk on this matter. Mr. Bohjanen thanked Mr. Munson for his time and his report. The Public Hearing for the Townhouses of Reshneau was called to order at 8:30 P.M. The Clerk read the notice of publication. There was no one present to represent either pro- ponents or opponents. Mr. McLean read the motion as approved by the Council. This plat meets all City requirments and Mr. McLean moved to approve this plat. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Karth moved to close the hearing at 8:35 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously. The Clerk presented the following items for Council consideration: ..Received a reply from Mr. Burman on the request to post a lower speed zone sign at the Lino Elementary School. This matter will be considered at the March 21, 1977 meeting of the Commissioners. ..AII Council members have a copy of the memorandum received today from Mr. Lee Starr in conjunction with the Lino Lakes Interceptor. This matter will be heard by the Phys- ical Development Commission on March 17, 1977 at 1:30 P.M. ..Read a letter from Mark A Wurdeman setting forth a proposal to combine the animal con- trol and tree inspection. The general consensus of the Council was both these depart- ments are being handled at this time. The Clerk is to put the letter on file for fut- ure reference. ..Read a letter from the Rice Creek Watershed District approving the application of the Crossways Gun Club for cleaning the waterway in Rondeau Lake. ..Reminded the Council of the meeting scheduled by Mr. Torkildson for discussion on dredg- ing and/or restoration of the Lakes by the use of a Mud Cat. This meeting is scheduled for April 7, 1977 at 7:30 P.M. at Bunker Park Activity Center. Mayor Bohjanen had been called out of the Council Chambers by Mr. Bastain of the Police Union. When he returned he said the only point in question is the Police Clerk's salary. Mayor Bphjanen felt that Mr. Zelinka should be present when a decision is made on this point. Mayor Bohjanen had received a letter from Beckman, Yoder Associates informing the Council they are closing their offices in St. Paul. However, Mr. Bill Short will be opening his own firm at the same location and is using the same phone number. Mr. McLean asked Mr. Locher if it would not be necessary for Mr. Short to submit his con- tract for consideration by this Council and Mr. Locher said, Yes. The Clerk was instructed to contact Mr. Short on this matter. • ,Page -3- March 14, 1977 Mr. Karth said there had been some complaint on this City loaning and borrowing tools and equipment from the City of Circle Pines. He said this had been a long time pract- ice and he felt the men should have Council approval of this matter or it would not be done. He was asked how much borrowing and lending was being done and Mr. Karth said, very little, mostly hand tools. Mr. Locher suggested keeping track of the equipment by logging it in and out and he could see no problems. Mr. McLean so moved. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carr- ied unanimously. Mr. Karth said there had also been a complaint on the plowing of private driveways. He said the only driveway that is plowed is Bob Lundgren's and if it wasn't plowed out so Bob can get to work, no one else would get their streets plowed. The Council found no fault with this. Mr. Karth said the Shenandoah lift station has been filling up faster than it can be pumped out, and had even gotten to the point where the sewage was backing up in the homes. Mr. Volk had checked the system and feels the leakage of ground water is in the line near the lift station that was installed by the Metro Contractor. Mr. Gotwald will talk with Mr. Volk and contact the contractor on this matter. Mayor Bohjanen said he had had a call from Mr. Speiser who complained about the sew- age going through the ditch near his home. He is to be contacted and told what steps the City is taking to correct this problem. Mr. McLean had no Planning and Zoning Board report. Mr. Schneider had no report from the Park Board but he had met with the Advisory Board at the MMTC and the concern is with the security plans. There will be a special meet- ing again this next Saturday to discuss these plans. Mr. Schneider said the bids for the remodeling of the facility had come in too high and the bids are being resubmitted. Mr. Schneider has also set up a meeting this week with the citizens concerned with the establishing of a major seaplane base on Rice Lake. He will report back to the Council on the results of this meeting. Mr. Schneider read a letter from a Professor from the University of Minnesota who had done quite a lot of study in connection with the Blue Herons at Pig's Eye Island and has come to the conclusion that planes and barge traffic have no adverse effect on the birds. He felt the tornados that had passed through:- the Rice Lake area had destroyed many of the Blue Herons and their nests and that colony has not fully recovered. Mr. Schneider said he had stopped by to talk to the Boy Scouts on the census matter and had dropped off several maps. He would like several copies of the maps that have the homes located on them. Mr. Gotwald will provide these. Mr. Schneider went through a suggested fund change which combines all funds with the exception of the dedicated monies. This method would still leave two months in the red but in a better financial poition that by the other method. This is only a sugg- estion and not meant for Council action. Mr. Bastain, Union Representative, said that he had been authorized to settle the Police contract on a split vote. This package would become effective January 1, 1977 and expire December 31, 1977. The Union will settle for $52.50 insurance benefits; $185.00 per year clothing allowance; 8% salary increase; eight paid holidays and $20.00 per month for the police clerk. Mr. Bastain said that if the other employees are provided Page -4- March 14, 1977 any additional Holidays or more insurance benefits, he would expect the Police Depart- ment to be provided the same. Mr. Karth said then the only item not agreed upon was the Clerk's salary. Mr. Schneider said the City's offer was a result of a study of the Personnel Commission that puts that salary above the average for that position. The Other employees are below average and it was an attempt to equalize the salaries to all employees. After some discussion on this matter, Mr. McLean moved to accept this proposal as pre- sented. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Locher said he had talked with Mr. Kronholm in reference to the park land dedicat- ion in Lakes Additions #I, 2 and 3. He has also written to Mr. Meyer, Attorney for Mr. Kronholm, informing him of these requirements. The townhouse plat will be used in the overall computations for acreage. Mr. Locher said he had mentioned the area by the creek and Mr. Kronholm did not seem to have any problems with the suggestion. Mr. Locher will keep the Council informed on this matter. On the matter of Mr. Rehbein's problem, Mr. Locher felt this is not a Council involvement. There is a problem of the Escrow firm. He felt that Mr. Rehbein could sue the person. He also suggested the City could withhold the issuance of any further hook up permits unless the person shows evidence of payment into the escrow fund. After some discussion, Mr. McLean moved to write a letter stating that no hook up per- mits will be issued until the resident pFesents evidence of payment to Mr. Rehbein. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Locher will compose this letter. Mr. Gotwald reported that he had sent all the material requested to Mr. Starr. He had also set a letter to the PCA and to Centerville requesting permission to hook into the Centerville interceptor. The Clerk had received a copy of the proposed Centerville interceptor. Mr. Gotwald had checked this p ,fnt and recommended approval. Mr. McLean so moved. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Gotwald said he will open the bids on the LaMotte sewers at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 18, 1977. He will analyze the bids and have a report for the next Council meeting. Mr. Locher received Council authorization to attend the Physical Development hearing on March 17, 1977. Chief Myhre asked if the Council members had had a chance to review the specs he had presented for a new patrol car and most Council members had not. He felt that the ad- vertising for bids should be authorized now in order to get this car before the 1978 models go into production. There was discussion on the vehicle and what advantages there would be with this type rather than a sedan. Mr. Karth moved to submit the specs for bids to be opened at 12:00 Noon on April II, 1977 for inspection purposes. Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Motion carr- ied unanimously. Chief Myhre also recommended tha animal control be hired for one extra hour per week for the months of April, May and June. Page -5- March 14, 1977 The Clerk presented the requirement for licensing after March I, 1977. The fee increase i5 to $10.00. She felt there should be some time for the residents to become aware of this requirement, such as an extension of time. There was dicussion on the many facets of this problem. Mr. Schneider would like to set up a clinic for shots and dog licenses at the same time. In order to get these things in order, Mr. Schneider moved to extend the current fees until May I, 1977. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously. Under Old Business, Mr. Schneider asked the Clerk to order the stamp as suggested by the Auditor. She will put together a suggested form for Mr. Schneider to check before order- ing. No new business. Mr. McLean questioned the requisitions - the mace is a two year supply; the League Hand- book is over and above the dues and is an office copy. Mr. McLean moved to approve requisitions #737 and #738. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McLean said there is a lot of bills without requisitions. There are small purchases from various stores that should be purchased out of petty cash; also invoices signed by persons other thatn the supervisor must be approved by the supervisor. The Clerk will take care of these matters. Mr. Karth moved top pay bills #7742 through and including #7782, with #775I, 7771 and 7779 being voided. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McLean moved to adjourn at 10:55 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Aye.