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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-2020 Council Meeting MinutesCOUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 MINUTES 3 4 DATE April 13, 2020 5 TIME STARTED 6:30 p.m. 6 TIME ENDED 7*57 p.m. 7 MEMBERS PRESENT Councilmember Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn 8 and Mayor Rafferty 9 MEMBERS ABSENT 10 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development Director 11 Michael Grochala; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; Finance Director Sarah Cotton; City 12 Planner Katie Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Human Resources Manager Karissa 13 Bartholomew; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; and City Clerk Julie Bartell 14 15 The council meeting was held on-line on the Zoom Meeting platform and as allowed by Minnesota 16 Statutes 13D.021. 17 18 PUBLIC COMMENT 19 Jamie Jensen, St. Clair Estates Developer, spoke to the funds that the City is holding on his 20 development, partially for a driveway not owned by the City or Mr. Jensen. He is concerned about 21 the process; it's been six months that money has been held. 22 Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, Anoka County Historical Society, said she is touching base with cities in 23 Anoka County to announce that the Society is collecting stories related to this unusual time. 24 History is happening around us and they want to take the opportunity to gather it. Their website 25 includes a link to a survey that can be used to provide information. She requests that the City 26 include the link on its website. Mayor Rafferty asked that information be forwarded to the council 27 and city administrator. 28 SETTING THE AGENDA 29 The agenda was approved; Item 6D will be discussed first on the Community Development 30 Department section. 31 CONSENT AGENDA 32 Councilmember Stoesz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items lA through 1D as presented. 33 Councilmember Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 34 35 ITEM ACTION 36 Consideration of Expenditures: 37 A) March 23, 2020 (Check No. 111933 through 112013) in 38 the Amount of $367,382.93. Approved 39 B) Consider Approval of March 2, 2020 40 Work Session Minutes Approved 1 COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 41 C) Consider Approval of March 9, 2020 42 Council Meeting Minutes 43 FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT 44 There was no report from the Finance Department. 45 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Approved 46 A) Consider Resolution 20-35 Approving the LELS Local No. 299, Labor Contract for 47 Police Officers — Human Resources Manager Bartholomew reviewed her written report. The 48 council is being asked to approve a one year labor contract with the police officers union. Ms. 49 Bartholomew reviewed the terms of the proposed contract (as included in the staff report on record). 50 Councilmember Ruhland moved to approve Resolution No. 20-35 as presented. Councilmember 51 Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 52 B) Consideration of Personnel Reductions —Administrator Karlson noted that the pandemic 53 virus situation has impacted City services. The council discussed at their last work session the 54 cancelation of the City's summer events and parks and recreation programming. In consideration 55 of that cancellation, staff has reviewed the personnel situation and determined that layoff of some 56 staff is the best option moving forward. The discussion included recognition of changes that have 57 occurred that impact the use of the City's programs and consideration of what a parks and recreation 58 program should look like moving forward. If staff were to be brought back for future events, it 59 would probably be seasonal or part time. The proposed layoff of this personnel would be effective 6o April 24, 2020. 61 Mayor Rafferty remarked that this has been troubling for the City staff family as there are bonds that 62 have formed. These are difficult times and that creates difficult decisions. He understands that 63 programming changes have occurred and he appreciates that they were recognized by staff and 64 brought to the council. 65 Councilmember Cavegn asked if the City is planning to discontinue athletic programs sponsored by 66 the City in the future? Administrator Karlson remarked that the Centennial programs are well 67 utilized. Public Services Director DeGardner explained that staff will be reviewing all 68 programming and will provide scenarios as the council moves to looking at next year's budget. He 69 added that it's difficult to duplicate programs that are offered elsewhere but there are certainly some 70 programs that staff may recommend go forward. 71 Councilmember Stoesz reitterated that these are tough times. He appreciates the work of the Parks 72 and Recreation staff in the past and recognizes that times are changing. There has to be a point 73 where competition impacts what the City can offer. It's hard to let these individuals go but the 74 tough decisions have to be made. 75 Councilmember Lyden concurred that these are hard and sad decisions but sometimes changes have 76 to be made. He wishes these two employees well. 77 Councilmember Lyden moved to approve the personnel reductions as recommended. Councilmember 78 Stoesz seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 79 Administrator Karlson added that he is not, at this time, considering additional personnel reductions. COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 80 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT 81 There was no report from the Public Safety Department. 82 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT 83 There was no report from the Public Services Department. 84 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT 85 6A) 2020 Street Rehabilitation Project - 86 Consider Resolution No. 20-18, Accepting bids, Awarding a Construction Contract 87 Consider Resolution No. 20-33, Approving Construction Services Contract with WSB & 88 Associates 89 City Engineer Hankee reviewed the areas included in the recommendation for this year's street 90 rehabilitation project: 91 - Full Depth Reclamation, curb and gutter and storm sewer repair for Deerwood Lane between 92 Birch Street and Fox Road; and Fox Road, between West Shadow Lake Drive and 93 Deerwood Lane; 94 - Watermain Repair, bolt replacement on identified gate valves and services; 95 - Bituminous Overlay, Carl Street and, 77tn Street, and Gordon Avenue; 96 - Curb Replacement, Town Center Parkway. 97 She explained the funding proposed for the project. The completion date for the project is anticipated 98 to be about the end of October. Spring road restrictions have been lifted so the project will be ready to 99 begin soon. She noted the proposed construction services contract with WSB & Associates and 100 services that would be provided through that agreement. 101 Mayor Rafferty remarked that North Valley has done a good job on other projects. 102 Councilmember Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 204 8 and Resolution No. 20-33 as 103 presented. Councilmember Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 104 613) Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. (13-20 Amending Marketplace Planned los Development Overlay (PDO) Design Guidelines Ordinance No. 03-OS —City Planner Larsen noted 106 that this ordinance relates to 617 Apollo Drive and the Muddy Cow Restaurant project. An 107 amendment is required for the plans proposed, which Ms. Larsen reviewed. She noted that the 108 council approved the 1st Reading of the ordinance at the last council meeting. 109 Councilmember Stoesz asked if restaurant design in general is changing based on experience with the 110 current pandemic. Ms. Larsen noted that she hasn't considered that topic. 111 Councilmember Stoesz moved to waive the full reading of the ordinance as presented. 112 Councilmember Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried; Yeas, 5; Nays none. 113 Councilmember Cavegn moved to approve the 2nd Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 03-20 as 114 presented. Councilmember Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 115 6C) Consider Resolution No. 20-34, Approving Extended Working Hours for the 116 Construction of Water Tower No. 3— City Engineer Hankee explained that the request before the 117 council relates to the hours certain contractors/subcontractors would be able to work on the water COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 118 tower project. She noted that construction on the project has already begun. There is ongoing 119 communication with adjacent residents. Part of the project involves crews coming from out of 120 town (for certain tasks only) and the contractor would like those individuals to work outside allowed 121 hours, including on Sunday. 122 Councilmember Stoesz remarked that working on Sunday is unusual Ms. Hankee explained that 123 there are special work personnel who come from out of town and will be staying in hotels and the 124 company would like to minimize their stay by having them work all days of the week. 125 Mayor Rafferty noted the normal working hours allowed by the City. He recognizes that a change to 126 the length of time they can work as well as the days on the weekend is being requested. He is 127 wondering about the 8:00 a.m. start on the weekend; he'd prefer 9:00 a.m. and going until 6:00 p.m. 128 Ms. Hankee said it is up to the council. Ms. Hankee did note that the work that they do is pretty 129 isolated to the site. Community Development Director Grochala recommended that 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 130 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday be allowed. Mayor Rafferty said he would be comfortable with that. 131 Councilmember Cavegn wondered if this would set a precedent for other projects in the City. It was 132 noted that the council can say no whenever this is requested and further Ms. Hankee said staff typically 133 doesn't even forward this type of request. This project requires such specialized workers it could be 134 seen as an exceptional situation. 135 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the notices already provided to the properly owners indicate that the 136 hours of work could be different. Ms. Hankee explained that staff intends to provide additional 137 information to the property owners and would include the hours. Community Development Director 138 Grochala remarked that people will have the opportunity to contact the City with any issues and the job 139 of the contractor remains the same - to maintain a reasonable environment. 140 Councilmember Lyden said he would support 9:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday with assurance that 141 the neighbors understand what's being allowed. 142 Councilmember Cavegn moved to approve Resolution No. 20-34 as amended to indicate that hours 143 allowed on the weekend will be Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Councilmember 144 Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 145 6D) Consider Resolution No. 20-36, Approving Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County, 146 Birch Street (CSAH 34) Reconstruction —Community Development Director Grochala explained that 147 staff is requesting approval of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Anoka County for a Birch Street 148 improvement project. He reviewed the proposed improvements, including layout and interim 149 improvements. He noted that a project has been discussed since 2010, design elements that have been 150 considered, including the addition of a third roundabout at one point. The County has brought the 151 current proposal that includes two roundabouts. He noted the public involvement element that brings 152 this forward. A map of the proposed layout was shown and Mr. Grochala noted: 153 -the proposal includes two roundabouts; 154 -the eastern third of the project would consist of a mill and overlay in 2021 but recognizes that the 155 County is proposing a thin mat overlay on that section in 2020 to take care of some of the bumps; 156 -the project allows construction to go ahead between Hokah Drive and West Shadow Lake Drive 157 with two roundabouts and. potentially add to the project to the east in the future; El COUNCIL MINUTES 158 - staff and the County have worked hard to design a project that avoids taking a property at NE 159 corner West Shadow Lake Drive; 160 - Pedestrian safety at crossings is a key element; the engineer has put together a memoradum 161 outlining safety considerations of the roundabout and Anoka County has committed to evaluating 162 the addition of a flashing safety sign along with other safety considerations included in the project; 163 -The JPA lays out a description of the improvements and agreement on the overall layout, identifies 164 intersection modifications, includes language that allows the City to acquire land for a future Well 165 No. 7, deals with consideration of a pedestrian flasher and landscaping in the future, and cost 166 sharing on the project which is down by about $60,000; 167 -the City's cost would be born by Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds designated to the City and the 168 City's utility funds. 169 Mr. Grochala noted that Anoka County Engineer Jason Orcutt was on line to answer questions. 170 Mr. Orcutt noted in particular the right of way process and that, through good design and working with 171 staff, they have minimized the number of parcels involved (some of which are City owned). Also they 172 have worked with the area school to make this project move as smoothly as possible for them. 173 Councilmember Stoesz noted that there is an embankment by the base of the southside trail tunnel 174 where there is a bump; will that be smoothed at all? Mr. Orcutt explained that they will be looking at 175 the trail situation and attempting to improve it and make it better for use. 176 Council Member Stoesz asked if there will be improvement of the Chomonix sign on Birch Street that 177 is badly faded. Mr. Grochala suggested that the sign actually serves to warn people that there is no 178 access to Chomonix. 179 Councilmember Cavegn asked for a timeline and if the pandemic situation will impact that. Mr. Orcutt 180 suggested that construction is planned to begin in 2021. They do not at this point expect an impact 181 related to the pandemic. 182 Councilmember Lyden noted that this is a huge project for the City. He appreciates the efforts of the 183 residents working with Anoka County to bring a project design to fruition. He is still concerned about 184 cars approaching the roundabouts being able to clearly see pedestrians in the crosswalk. Mr. Orcutt 185 explained how the space is planned in that area; it is also an important consideration that the street will 186 be aligned so as to slow traffic as it approachs roundabouts. 187 Mayor Rafferty remarked that the idea of this project has evolved over the past twenty years. He knows 188 that there have been many positive changes in this project and he has seen Anoka County work very 189 hard to solve issues for the community. Public safety has been and remains the most important 190 element. 191 Mr. Orcutt thanked the council for allowing staff to work through a good process. It's been an open 192 discussion and has resulted in a good project. 193 Councilmember Ruhland concurred and thanked county staff for working hard on communication, 194 especially during this difficult social distancing period. 5 COUNCIL MINUTES \»:ZII���� 195 Mayor Rafferty remarked that everything that everyone wants can't be included. But the project that is 196 coming forward is thoughtful of the school, the residents and safety. 197 Councilmember Stoesz asked what will come to the council for approval in the future. Director 198 Grochala remarked that there isn't anything clear at this point; perhaps a parking decision and 199 landscaping if that is added. 20o Councilmember Cavegn moved to approve Resolution No. 20-36 as presented. Councilmember 201 Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried; Yeas, 5; Nays none. 202 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 203 There was no Unfmished Business. 204 205 NEW BUSINESS 206 There was no New Business. 207 208 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 Monday, Apri127 Monday, April 27 Community Calendar - A Look Ahead April 13, 2020 through April 27, 2020 The following meetings will be held on-line See agendas.for information on accessing the meeting 6:00 pm Council Work Session 6:30 City Council Meeting 216 217 ADJOURN 218 219 There being no further business, Councilmember Ruhland moved to adjourn at 7:57 p.m. 220 Councilmember Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 221 222 These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on April 27, 2020. 223 224 225 226 227 Juliani4e Bartell, City 228