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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2023 Council Meeting Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: October 9, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:32 PM TIME ENDED: 7:44 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers, Lyden,Stoesz, Ruhland,Cavegn, Mayor Rafferty Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. SETTING THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented: No additions or changes were made. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment was opened at 6:33 PM. Mr. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, addressed Council and advised that she is running for City Council. (Mayor Rafferty informed Ms. Decker that this is not an opportunity to campaign.) Ms. Decker commented that she brings to the Council experience in human resources and that today she heard the Council discussing compensation for paid on-call fire fighters. She asked Council to do their due diligence and identify issues related to compensation. She added that she did not hear any discussion of strategic planning related to how the compensation aligns with (City)goals and strategies; that money cannot be thrown at issues. She questioned if exit interviews have been conducted with past paid on-call firefighters or even with current employees. Ms. Decker also said that she conducted some google research today and found that the tag line for Lino Lakes is a city with a vision but she is not sure what that vision is. Following Ms. Decker's comment, Councilmember Ruhland clarified that Council has held multiple conversations (at work sessions) on the topic of paid on-call compensation, dating back to June, 2023. He encouraged residents to review Council records for details. 1. Motion to: Close Public Comment at 6:41 PM. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Lyden, Cavegn, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty 1 SPECIAL PRESENTATION The 2023- 2024 Lino Lakes Ambassadors, Carley Gooder, Katie Kerr, and Libbie Vanger Vegt, introduced themselves to Council and shared details about their upcoming events as well as volunteer activities they have participated in since their coronation in August. They shared the new relationships they are building, their excitement for continuing to build community relationships. They thanked Council for their continued support. 1. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consider Approval of Expenditures for October 9, 2023 (Check No. 119408 through 119512) in the Amount of$1,058,191.30 B. Consider Approval of September 25, 2023 Work Session Minutes C. Consider Approval of September 25, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes D. Consider Approval of September 25, 2023 Council Closed Session Minutes E. Consider Approval of Resolution 23-103, Appointing Election Judges F. Consider Approval of Resolution 23-104, Approving Issuance of New Massage Enterprise and Therapist Licenses i. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items 1A— 1F RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Ruhland, Lyden, Cavegn, Stoesz, Rafferty 2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT No report was presented. 3. ADMINSTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Consider Amendment to the Paid On-Call Fire Compensation Plan Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer reviewed the compensation plan comparison completed by staff for Council consideration. This comparison was also detailed in the staff report and in the Agenda Packet. She reviewed the information presented previously to Council at the October work session, and highlighted the four (4) options presented to Council for implantation: Option A contemplated a starting pay of$17.50 with an increase of$1.50/hour after every five (5) years of service and Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases. 2 Option B contemplated a starting pay of $19.00/hour with an increase of $1/hour after every five (5) years of service and COLA increases. Option C contemplated a starting pay of$21.00/hour with in increase of$1.50/hour after completion of every five (5) years of service and COLA increases. Option D contemplated a starting wage of $19.00/hour with $2.00 increases after completion of every five (5) years of service and COLA increases. i. Motion to Approve Resolution 23-108 with Option C DISCUSSION: Councilmember Cavegn advised that he was opposed to moving Option C forward though he was supportive of Option A. He stated that there has not been data presented which would indicate the increase would resolve any issues. He further stated that he concurred with Councilmember Lyden that a comprehensive study should be completed before any decisions are made. Councilmember Lyden concurred with Councilmember Cavegn. Mayor Rafferty advised his review of the information as well as information gathered from speaking with fire chiefs (in other jurisdictions) has led him to believe that Option C is the best option. He added that the main mission is to keep a full-time department as far down the road as possible. RESULT: CARRIED [3-2] MOVER: Stoesz i SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty NAYS: Lyden, Cavegn B. Consider Appointment of Streets and Stormwater Maintenance Worker Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer presented a recommendation to appoint Riley Kissick to the vacant Streets and Stormwater Maintenance Worker position within the Public Works department. She noted that Mr. Kissick is currently a seasonal employee making this an internal hire. 3 i. Motion to: Approve Appointment of Streets and Stormwater Maintenance Worker RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Ruhland, Lyden, Stoesz, Cavegn, Rafferty 4. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT No report was presented. 5. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT No report was presented. 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT A. Public Hearing. Consider Resolution No. 23-105, Adopting Weed Abatement Assessment Role Community Development Director Michael Grochala advised Council that City Ordinance provides guidance for process relating to violations of nuisances yards and weeds. This year, two (2) properties received remediation by the City. The total for that remediation is $360 or$180/property. Director Grochala also provided an explanation of the fees to be assessed following a question by Councilmember Stoesz. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-105 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Cavegn, Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Rafferty After Council had moved to Agenda Item 6B, it was noted that the Public Hearing had not been conducted. Following conclusion of Agenda Item 6B, at 7:02 PM Mayor Rafferty entertained a motion to open the public hearing. ii. Motion to: Open the Public Hearing on Weed Abatement Assessments RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Cavegn, Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Rafferty 4 Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, asked if the abatements were residential homes. He also asked if work is being done at business properties as well. He wanted to know how many square feet of landscaping work is being done by the city. Director Grochala clarified that the work was done at two (2) residential lots and that the cost is established by the fee schedule and the ordinance. No further public comment was received. i. Motion to: Close Public Hearing at 7:04 PM. RESULT: CARRIED[UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden,Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty B. Consider First Reading of Ordinance No. 10-23, Amending City Code Section 904.08 Related to Managed Natural Landscapes Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson presented the first reading of Ordinance 10-23 to Council. Director Nelson informed Council that a amendment to Section 9.04 of the city code is required following an amendment to Minn. Stat. 412.925 which now mandates that municipalities allow for managed natural and native landscapes on all parcels. The proposed ordinance amendment brings the city code into compliance with the state statute. i. Motion to: Dispense of Full Reading of Ordinance 10-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Lyden, Cavegn, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty ii. Motion to: Approve First Reading of Ordinance 10-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Stoesz, Ruhland, Lyden, Cavegn, Rafferty 5 C. Consider Resolution No. 23-107, Approving 2024 SCORE Grant with Anoka County Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson requested approval of Resolution 23-107: Approval of the SCORE Grant with Anoka County. This grant provides funding for City recycling programs. The total amount of grant funds for 2024 is $81,795.00. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-107 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Ruhland, Stoesz, Lyden, Cavegn, Rafferty D. Consider Resolution No. 23-96, Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specs, 2024 Street Rehabilitation and Trunk Watermain Project City Engineer Diane Hankee requested Council consideration and approval of Resolution 23- 96, Authorizing the plans and specifications for the 2024 street rehab and trunk watermain project. The street rehab project proposes mill and overlay of pavement in a 1.7-mile area, outlined in the staff report. Watermain is proposed to be installed along Blackduck Drive. The total cost for the project is $2,135,000 and funding for the project is expected to come from the Pavement Management Fund, Trunk Water Fund, and Water Operating Fund. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-96 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden ; SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Lyden, Ruhland, Stoesz, Cavegn, Rafferty E. Consider Denial of Ordinance 12-23,Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment—Synthetic Grass City Planner Katie Larson presented a zoning text amendment brought forth by Troy Johnson with Forever Lawns and resident Jon Lipinski. The zoning text amendment follows a land use application to allow for installation of a full yard of synthetic grass; this application of synthetic grass is not currently allowed by the Zoning Code. She advised that the text amendment pplication was reviewed by the Environmental Board on August 30, 2023 and the Board voted against recommendation of the amendment. A Public Hearing was held at the Planning and Zoning Board on September 13, 2023 at which time the applicants, Johnson and Lipinski, and Felipe Illescas of MN Nursery and Landscape Association spoke in favor of the use of synthetic grass. The Planning and 6 Zoning Board voted 7-0 to deny the zoning text amendment as proposed by the applicants. City staff, the Environmental Board, and the Planning and Zoning Board recommended denial of the zoning text amendment as proposed by the applicants. i. Motion to: Dispense with full reading of Ordinance 12-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Cavegn, Rafferty ii. Motion to: Deny Ordinance 12-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Stoesz, Lyden, Cavegn, Ruhland, Rafferty F. Glamos Wire, Inc. (2300 Main Street) City Planner Katie Larsen requested consideration and approval of Resolutions 23-101 and 23-102 related to an application by Glamos Wire, Inc, for a CUP Amendment to allow for expansion of outdoor storage. She provided background on the property, the CUP, and an analysis of the request pursuant to current zoning ordinances. Planner Larsen advised that the Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearin gon September 13, 2023; no public comments were received. The board recommended approval of the CUP amendment with conditions as outlined in Resolution 23-101. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-101 Approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Outdoor Storage RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Ruhland, Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty 7 ii. Motion to: Approve Resolution No. 23-102 Approving Site Improvement Performance Agreement RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Ruhland, Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty G. Consider First Reading of Ordinance 13-23, Zoning Text Amendment—General Updates City Planner Katie Larsen presented Ordinance 08-22 amending City Code Chapter 1007. She noted that the current Zoning Code was adopted in November 2022 and went into effect in January 2023. Following passage of the Zoning Code, staff found areas where language needed further amendment or clarification and typos that required correction. Planner Larsen advised that the Planning and Zoning Board held a Public Hearing on September 13, 2023; no public comments were received. The Board voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance with the deletion of the 4/12 roof pitch requirement and adding a quasi-public structure definition. i. Motion to: Dispense with Full Reading of Ordinance 13-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty ii. Motion to: Approve First Reading of Ordinance 13-23 DISCUSSION: Prior to the vote on the motion that was on the table, Mayor Rafferty allowed for public comment: Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, stated that she is concerned that the process for amending ordinances was not being followed and that the process tonight was not proper. Planner Larsen responded and outlined the process for amending an ordinance. She explained that those steps were followed and confirmed those steps. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, stated that he applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and an ordinance change and that staff notified his neighbors, he paid the City $1000, and he's still waiting. He said that what was established tonight is that staff just amends ordinances, omits stuff then adds it back in. He 8 also noted that the full reading of the ordinance was not done, it was just rattled off. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty H. Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance 11-23, Approving Land Sale TS Miller Co. Community Development Director Michael Grochala reviewed proposed ordinance 11-23 to convey 1.4 acres of land to Rice Industries and noted that the parcel in consideration is a stormwater holding pond. Rice Industries is looking at expansion on their existing site but their current parcel restricted this; conveyance of the parcel will allow the expansion to go forward. The parcel is currently off tax rolls. Director Grochala added that conveyance of the land will make that a taxable property; the City will retain a drainage and utility easement. Proposal is conveyance of $1 as the parcel itself is not buildable because it is still needed for drainage. Councilmember Cavegn noted that during the work session, there was a verbal offer to purchase the property for $1000. Director Grochala stated that the City would not consider that offer as the property is not for sale just for anyone; the City is looking for reuse of it for economic development purposes. He added that Council may take that offer into consideration but he does not believe the offer would be accepted as there is no building allowed on the parcel and it still needs to be maintained for stormwater management purposes. To convey it to Rice, there is a citywide benefit in economic development. Director Grochala also clarified that the tax revenue that will be generated will far supersede any sale revenue from the property. Mayor Rafferty accepted comments from the public: Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, said we are currently considering an increase in the budget of 10%,that part of the explanation of the increase was to buy new firetrucks to service people who are on well water, and the City is planning to build a new water treatment plant which the people who are on well water won't be use. She also said that she doesn't think that the people who are on well water asked for fire trucks; people on well water are being charged for water they're not using and fire service they don't want to use when the City is selling wetlands that go for over$100,000 per acre for one dollar. She asked how are we not being good financial stewards in our community. We should be charging fair market value and be good stewards. 9 Director Grochala clarified for Council that this parcel is not a certified wetland bank, there are no wetland credits on this property to be sold; this is a stormwater holding pond. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, said that even though it's not currently designated as wetlands, it can be turned into wetlands. He commented on his private ponds and the depth of them compared to this pond. He thinks it should be sold as wetlands and turned into a marsh. i. Motion to: Dispense with Full Reading of Ordinance 11-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Lyden, Cavegn, Ruhland, Stoesz, Rafferty ii. Motion to Approve Second Reading of Ordinance 11-23 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES/Roll Call: Lyden, Cavegn, Ruhland, Stoesz, Rafferty I. Consider Resolution No. 23-106, Adopting Assessments, 2023 Individual Properties City Engineer Diane Hankee requested consideration and approval of Resolution 23-106, to adopt assessments for properties where the owners at 785 Vicky Lane have requested connection to City utilities and have entered into a Petition and Waiver Agreement. The total assessment amount is $9,294.00. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-106 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Cavegn, Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Rafferty J. Consider Resolution No. 23-109, Authorizing Preparation of Well No. 4 Repurposing Plan Community Development Director Michael Grochala requested consideration and approval of Resolution 23-109, authorizing a repurposing plan for Well No. 4. He stated 10 that with the development of the Water Treatment Plant,Well No. 4 could be repurposed to serve solely for use during peak times and in an emergency. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-109 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Ruhland, Lyden, Cavegn, Stoesz, Rafferty 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 8. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 9. COMMUNITY EVENTS Mayor Rafferty reviewed the upcoming Community Calendar. ADJOURN 1. Motion to: Adjourn RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn, Stoesz, Rafferty The meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM. These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on November 13, 2023. C,r Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Ro ffertY. Mayor 11