Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-2020 Council Meeting MinutesCOUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL 3 REGULAR MEETING 4 MINUTES 5 6 DATE April 27, 2020 7 TIME STARTED 6:30 p.m. 8 TIME ENDED 8:07 p.m. 9 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Stoesz, Lyden, 10 Ruhland, Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty (via 11 Zoom) 12 MEMBERS ABSENT 13 14 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Finance Director Sarah Cotton; Director of 15 Public Safety John Swenson; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; Community Development 16 Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Utilities Supervisor Justin Williams; and 17 City Clerk Julie Bartell 18 19 The council meeting was held telephonically on the Zoom Meeting platform and as allowed by 20 Minnesota Statutes 13D.021. 21 22 PUBLIC COMMENT 23 Wayne LeBlanc, 1677 Peltier Lake Drive, representative of the environment for many years, 24 including working with restoring the Heron colony on Peltier Island. He works with the 25 Environmental Board. (He noted that comments were submitted by email to the council.) He has 26 concerns with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) and in particular the citizen advisory 27 operation which is supposed to be independent and listening to the public and should be free in their 28 discussion. Instead that advisory group is being controlled too much by the RCWD staff, he was 29 banned from discussing an issue. The information he wished to discuss was a water quality issue 30 and he noted the professional expertise behind it. His suggestion is to ask RCWD some questions 31 about the citizens committee (included in Mr. LeBlanc's email to the City). Mayor Rafferty 32 thanked Mr. LeBlanc and suggested that the council see what answers can be obtained. 33 Mayor Rafferty read a message he'd received. Jamie Jensen, developer of St. Clair Estates in Lino 34 Lakes, asked the council for assistance in obtaining funds back from the City. 35 SETTING THE AGENDA 36 The agenda had been amended to remove Items 8A and 8B. 37 CONSENT AGENDA 38 Councilmember Stoesz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items lA through lE as presented. 39 Councilmember Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none. 40 41 ITEM ACTION 42 Consideration of Expenditures. 43 A) April 27, 2020 (Check No. 112088 through 112185) in 44 the Amount of $637,430.90. Approved 1 COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 45 B) Consider Approval of April 6, 2020 46 Work Session Minutes Approved 41 C) Consider Approval of April 13, 2020 48 Council Meeting Minutes Approved 49 D) Consider Approval of Noise Ordinance Signage Approved 50 E) Consider Approval of Resolution No. 20-37, Approving 51 a Permit for Consumer Firework Sales at Target 52 Store 1448 Approved 53 FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT 54 2A) Consider Resolution No. 2043, Providing for the Issuance and Sale of General 55 Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A, in the Proposed Aggregate Principal Amount 56 of $4,800,000 — Finance Director Cotton reviewed the written staff report. The recommendation is 57 to move forward with the issuance and sale of bonds to finance the approved water tower project. 58 The bonds will be repaid over a period of 15 years. 59 Mayor Rafferty asked if there are important elements about this project that the council should 60 know. Ms. Cotton noted that the council adopted a resolution some time ago allowing the City to 61 pay for work that is done prior to receiving the bond proceeds; additionally there are measures in 62 place recognizing the current market. 63 Terri Heaton, financial consultant with Baker Tilly, reported. She explained that the resolution 64 authorizes a competitve sale on June 8, 2020 but if the market becomes volitale it allows for 65 flexibility. Mayor Rafferty asked if there is something to be cautiously looking at? Ms. Heaton 66 noted that the market has been pretty stable for the last few weeks, barring some volitilty tied to 67 certain types of announcements. 68 Council Member Cavegn asked, if the market does become volitale and bonds aren't sold, what is in 69 place to pay expenses? Ms. Cotton said expenses would be paid with cash on hand, specifically 70 from the trunk utility fund and she is comfortable that could go on for some time. 71 Ms. Heaton noted that, from the bond side, the flexibility would be needed probably only up to two 72 weeks to a month if a delay is necessary. 73 Council Member Ruhland noted that he's been watching the market closely. He is wondering if 74 there is any connection to what is occuring in the mortgage based securities market. Ms. Heaton 75 noted twenty year markets and she feels that is back to stable post pandemic; we are in the early 76 days of pandemic, however, and so there could be changes ahead. 77 Council Member Stoesz asked, if there is a delay in construction due to social distancing, would 78 there be an impact on the bonds? Ms. Heaton explained that the City will have up to three years to 79 spend bond proceeds; past that, you can actually spread it out longer if necessary. 80 Council Member Ruhland asked about the interest rate; Ms. Heaton noted 1.93% for fifteen years. 81 Council Member Cavegn moved to approve Resolution No. 2043 as presented. 82 Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 83 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Council Member 2 COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 84 3A) Consider Resolution No. 20-38, Amending Joint Cooperative Agreement with North 85 Metro Telecommunications Commission — Administrator Karlson explained that the resolution 86 would amend the City's cooperative agreement with North Metro. He reviewed changes proposed: 87 - Creates one budget instead of two; 88 - Membership — strikes requirements that cities be geographically contiguous; 89 - Voting — allows the number of directors present to constitute a quorum; voting is clarified 90 so as to remove overweighted votes (he noted that votes are normally unanimous); 91 - Powers of Commission —bonds can be payable through peg fees in addition to other sources. 92 Council Member Stoesz, Lino Lakes' representative on and Chair of the North Metro Board, 93 reported that the agreement was reviewed extensivley by the Board and he feels this is well written; 94 he fully supports the changes proposed. 95 Council Member Lyden moved to approve Resolution No. 20-3 8 as presented. Council Member 96 Stoesz seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 97 3B) Consider Resolution No. 20-41, Supporting the Protect Community Television Act, - 98 Administrator Karlson explained that the FCC has ruled that certain non monetary consideration can 99 be subtracted from the franchise fees received by communities. North Metro TV provides a lot of 100 good community programming that is funded by those fees. He recommmends that the City adopt 101 this resolution that supports continuing fees for community programming. 102 Council Member Stoesz remarked that this relates to a federal matter and, while the City of Lino 103 Lakes is small portion of the impact, he understands that this resolution sends a message that he 104 supports. 105 Council Member Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 2041 as presented. Council Member 106 Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 107 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT 108 4A) Consider Acceptance of Monetary Donation to Lino Lakes Public Safety Canine Unit — 109 Public Safety Director Swenson asked for the council's approval to accept the donation laid out in 110 his report. The donation comes as a result of the City's host role in the most recent canine event of 111 this organization. 112 Mayor Rafferty remarked that the event was very successful and he is thankful to the organization 113 for recognizing the City and for the donation. He supports the City's canine unit; it's a value to the 114 community. 115 Council Member Ruhland asked, what is the cost to train a canine? Director Swenson replied that 116 the cost of the dog and training for the most recent City canine was about $12,000 to $15,000. 117 Council Member Ruhland moved to accept the donation as presented. Council Member Lyden 118 seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 119 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT 120 SA) Consider Resolution No. 20-42, Accepting Quotes and Awarding a Construction 121 Contract for Lift Station No. 5 Force Main Repair —City Engineer Hankee explained the route of 122 the sewer lines in the Pheasant Hills neighborhood. A section of the line has been dug up for repairs 123 in the past few weeks and another section a couple years ago. Crews noted corrosion of those lines. 3 COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 124 She pointed out recent repairs and implications on a nearby trail. The watermain was also repaired 125 and corrosion was noted. Staff is concerned about the condition of the force main that serves a 126 significant area of the City and have discussed options. Staff is now recommending a directional 127 drilling project to address the situation. She noted the proposed project budget that includes extra 128 funding for some exploratory work. She explained the proposed project schedule. 129 Mayor Rafferty asked if this has anything to do with what goes down the sewer? Ms. Hankee said 130 that while there is additional clogging in certain areas that is probably related to , in this case, staff 131 believes the break relates to a corroded pipe. 132 Utility Supervisor Williams noted that staff is performing inspections on a regular basis to prevent 133 larger problems and there is an increase in certain things being flushed, but that isn't related to this 134 situation. 135 Council Member Lyden asked if this failure of the pipe is premature and, if so, related to what. City 136 Engineer Hankee, on the question of premature failure, said she'd have to evaluate that question 137 further. She noted that the life of the proposed new pipe is fifty to seventy years. There does seem to 138 be more failure in certain soils. 139 Utility Supervisor Williams added information on the new pipe type and it's wear; the metal pipe that 140 is currently present is less resistant to certain corrosives. The new pipe is made of the best material 141 for the soil where it would be buryed. 142 Council Member Cavegn asked how much more of the metal pipe exists in the city. Also he's 143 concerned about the funding source. Mr. Williams noted that this particular pipe is unique and he 144 doesn't see this situation at other lift stations in the City at least for several years. Ms. Cotton noted 145 that the project would be paid from the Water Operating Fund which has over $6,000,000; those funds 146 are intended to replace existing infrastructure. 147 Council Member Cavegn asked if there is any expectation of loss of City funding either through 148 property taxes unpaid or people not paying utility bills. Ms. Cotton said she is monitoring the utility 149 funds and isn't seeing an issue; on the property taxes, the City's general fund reserve is available for a 150 full six months of expenses. 151 Council Member Stoesz asked about the resident impact; will there be service outages. Mr. Williams 152 said there should not be any service outages; further this is the least invasive type of repair to road 153 surfaces. Council Member Stoesz asked about communication to the residents. Ms. Hankee said 154 there could be mailings or door hangers; the homeowners association will be notified. 155 Council Member Stoesz asked if WSB &Associates will be doing the inspections. Ms. Hankee said 156 staff hasn't gotten to the support level and she suspects that Mr. Williams will be able to do much of 157 that. 158 Mayor Rafferty thanked Mr. Williams for his good work; he's unfortunately had to deal with a couple 159 of large breaks within a short period. He added that this is a proactive approach proposed by the City 160 in a situation of failure based on staff review and recommendation. 161 Council Member Lyden moved to approve Resolution No. 2042 as presented. Council Member 162 Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 163 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT 164 6A) Item 6A regarding Watermark 3`a Addition had been removed from the agenda. COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 165 6B) Consider Resolution No. 20-39, Accepting Quotes and Awarding a Contract, City Hall 166 Parking Lot Fog Seal — City Engineer Hankee explained that the City Hall parking lot is in need of 167 maintenance to preserve the surface. Staff has determined the best approach at this time is crack and 168 fog sealing. She was asked to contact the YMCA to see if they would like to join in a project and she 169 is checking with them. A low quote, funding and schedule were reviewed. 170 Mayor Rafferty asked what area is included. Ms. Hankee said it includes the drive to the doors, the 171 parking lot and the back of the lot by the Public Safety Department. 172 Council Member Stoesz asked if there can be more parking allowed (through striping) to accommodate 173 the many people who drop off at the day care center. Ms . Hankee said that staff did review striping 174 and found that the way it is currently designed doesn't leave much room for modification. There will 175 be an additional handicap parking spot on the north end of the lot. The front striping will remain the 176 same. 177 Council Member Cavegn asked if this should be delayed with less traffic at City Hall. Ms. Hankee 178 explained that staff has been trying to get the project going for several years and it fits into the overall 179 program this year; there is concern in delaying infrastructure projects and funding is in place currently 180 for the project. She added that a low traffic period is a good time for this type of project. 181 Public Services Director DeGardner remarked that this project could add another five to seven years to 182 the existing surface; otherwise a full mill and overlay may be required as early as next year. 183 Mayor Rafferty discussed timing and asked about the identified contractor. Ms. Hankee said they have 184 a good record. 185 Council Member Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 20-39 as presented. Council Member 186 Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 187 6C) Consider Resolution No. 20-40, Authorizing 2020 Regional Solicitation Grant Submittal, 188 Main Street (CSAH 14) Multiuse Trail from Lino Lakes Elementary School to I-35W Overpass — 189 Community Development Director Grochala first noted that the City's future plans include extension of 190 the trail on the north side of the City. He noted the history of the trail to date. The resolution 191 authorizes staff to seek a grant through a funding program that happens every two years. If approved, 192 the trail extension project planned would be covered up to 80%. He explained how the remainder is 193 planned to be funded. An extension of this trail would provide a good addition on the north side of the 194 city and he has received letters of support that will be submitted with the application. The City 195 received assistance from WSB & Associates on completing an application and would work with Anoka 196 County on a submission. Grant notification is probably in September. 197 Council Member Lyden noted that he is excited about the possibility of this project but he does see that 198 there is some movement from the north to south side of the street. Mr. Grochala remarked that there 199 would be a safety measure at a crossing. 200 Council Member Stoesz asked if there would be an impact to snowmobile trails and Mr. Grochala said 201 it will be investigated. 202 Council Member Cavegn asked if the trail could instead go north to south side at Lake Drive where 203 there is traffic control? Mr. Grochala indicated there could be wetland impacts but such an alignment 204 could be reviewed. 205 Council Member Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 2040 as presented. Council Member 206 Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 5 COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 207 6D) Consider Resolution No. 20-22, Approving Amendments to the Designated Municipal 208 State Aid Street System — City Engineer Hankee noted the City's designation as a Municipal State 2o9 Aid (MSA) city. There are certain streets within the City that are designated as MSA streets 210 eligible for MSA funds. Staff is recommending adding the following roadways to the list: Town 211 Center Parkway; Village Drive; Woods Edge Drive. 212 Council Member Lyden remarked that the new streets aren't necessarily ones that are used by a 213 large number of residents. Ms. Hankee noted the current MSA designated roadways in the City and 214 requirements for MSA roadways. The majority of the high volume streets are County MSA roads. 215 Council Member Cavegn asked if Apollo Drive east of Lake Drive should be designated? Ms. 216 Hankee concurred that would be a good addition but it is disqualified as a dead end street. 217 Council Member Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 2042 as presented. Council Member 218 Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 219 220 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 221 222 There was no Unfinished Business. 223 224 NEW BUSINESS 225 226 Items 8A and 8B, Closed Session regarding Employee Misconduct, were removed from the agenda. 227 228 ADJOURN 229 230 Council Member Ruhland noted that he's heard that cities are experiencing increases in crimes such 231 as domestic abuse; what's the situation in Lino Lakes? Public Safety Director Swenson remarked 232 that there are some increases being seen in other cities but thankfully Lino Lakes has not seen that. 233 234 There being no further business, Council Member Ruhland moved to adjourn at 8:07 p.m. Council 235 Member Stoesz seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 236 237 These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on May 11, 2020. 238 239 240 241 242 243 Rafferty, Mayor