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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-2023 Council Meeting Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: December 11, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM TIME ENDED: 8:05 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; Public Works Superintendent Justin Williams; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:30 PM. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment was opened at 6:31 PM. Ms. Michelle Kasprisin, 6025 Sergeant Ct N., asked Council to consider a ban on waterfowl hunting on Otter Lake. She noted that the lake lies within Ramsey and Anoka County and that the portion within Anoka allows hunting on the lake but the same is not allowed on the Ramsey County portion of the lake. Ms. Kasprisin stated that hunters have been an issue on their property: She has experienced shotgun shells overhead; neighbors have had windows broken; their property has been trespassed. Police respond but it is difficult for them to get to hunters on the lake. She is not opposed to hunting but this area is too close to residential properties. Mr. William Hahn, 6808 Lakeview Drive, requested that Council address issues in the area of Lakeview Drive and North Road between 7:00—8:00 AM in the mornings due to high schoolers using the street as a drag strip. He said is becoming dangerous and it is also noisy. He asked for additional resources and for the city to address it because it is becoming very unsafe due to the high rates of speed; he added that he sees 50-100 high schoolers daily. Mr. Ben Schuhbauer, 7020 W. Shadow Lake Drive, expressed concern and disapproval for high property tax increase for 2024. He is concerned with the increases; moved out of Ramsey County due to high taxes. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, said he started coming(to Council meetings) months ago and he wanted to let Council know that he doesn't believe that Council is reviewing the budget and taxes. 1. Motion to: Close Public Comment at 6:39 PM. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Lyden, Stoesz Cavegn, Ruhland, Rafferty SETTING THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. 1. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consider Approval of Expenditures for December 11, 2023 (Check No. 119787 through 119858) in the Amount of$505,986.82 B. Consider Approval of November 27, 2023 Work Session Minutes C. Consider Approval of November 27, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes D. Consider Approval of Exempt Gambling Permit for Rice Creek Trails Association E. Consider Approval of Personnel Policy Updates F. Consider Approval of Earned Safe and Sick Time G. Consider Approval of Resolution 23-129, Approving a New Tobacco License H. Consider Approval of Resolution 23-136, Approving Permits for the Centerville Lions Club Annual Fishing Contest I. Consider Approval and Acceptance of Quote for CivicPlus Civic Clerk module i. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items 1A— 11 RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Stoesz, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland, Rafferty 2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT A. 2024 Budget and Tax Levy Finance Director Hannah Lynch provided an overview of the 2024 budget and tax levy as presented in detail in the staff report for Council's consideration of final approval. PUBLIC HEARING opened at 6:46 PM. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, cautioned Council on high taxes due to explosive growth as seen in Blaine; he suggested the City is trying to grow too fast. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, opined that the tax rates are way too high and that the City is not being fiscally responsible. She added that water charges for water are not necessarily user funded; those on wells are also being charged. i. Motion to: Close Public hearing at 6:48 PM RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Stoesz, Ruhland, Lyden, Cavegn, Rafferty ii. Motion to: Approve Resolution No. 23-131, Adopting the Final 2024 Budget and Tax Levy RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Lyden, Stoesz, Cavegn, Ruhland, Rafferty B. 2024-2028 Financial Plan Finance Director Hannah Lynch presented the 2024-2028 Financial Plan as outlined in the staff report. She highlighted that this is a plan and guiding document for the city. PUBLIC HEARING opened at 6:51 PM. No public comments were received. i. Motion to: Close Public hearing closed at 6:51 PM RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Ruhland, Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty ii. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-132, Accepting the 2024-2028 Financial Plan RESULT: CARRIED[UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Ruhland, Lyden, Cavegn, Stoesz, Rafferty C. Consider Resolution No. 23-133, Amending the Interfund Loan for Fire Apparatus Finance Director Hannah Lynch presented a request to amend the Interfund Loan for Fire Apparatus and advised the interfund loan was approved in 2022; the request to amend is to show the use of public safety aid. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-133, Amending the Interfund Loan for Fire Apparatus RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Cavegn, Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, Rafferty D. Consider Resolution No. 23-134, Committing General Fund Balance, Hannah Lynch Finance Director Hannah Lynch advised that the 2023 General Fund Budget includes $25,667 within Fire Uniforms for 5 sets of fire turn out protective gear; delivery of this gear will not be received until January, 2024. Staff recommends committing the funds within the General Fund which will allow for use of the 2023 budgeted funds in without having a 2024 budget impact. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-134, Committing General Fund Balance RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Cavegn, Ruhland, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty E. Consider Resolution No. 23-135, Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget Finance Director Hannah Lynch advised that amending the general fund is an annual practice to have a better understanding of where 2023 will end. Significant amendments were outlined in the staff report. The proposed increase to the revenue budget of $155,580 combined with the proposed decrease to the expenditure budget of $450,510 results in a budget surplus of$606,090. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-135, Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Lyden, Stoesz, Cavegn, Ruhland, Rafferty 3. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Consider Appointment of Utilities Maintenance Worker City Administrator Sarah Cotton requested Council approval of the appointment of Austin Mooney as a Utilities Maintenance Worker. i. Motion to: Approve Appointment of Austin Mooney as Utilities Maintenance Worker RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Ruhland, Lyden, Stoesz, Cavegn, Rafferty l i 3. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Consider Contracting for Organizational Crisis Planning & Preparedness, John Swenson Public Safety Director John Swenson requested approval for contract with The Axtell Group; he advised the contract will ensure that elected officials and staff are training on how to respond in emergency situations. The funding source for this is public safety aid. i. Motion to: Approve Hiring of the Axtell Group RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty B. Consider Approval of Anoka County SWAT Joint Power Agreement, John Swenson Public Safety Director John Swenson requested formal approval of a Joint Powers Agreement with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office which would allow the Lino Lakes Police Department to join the Anoka County Sheriff's Office multi-jurisdictional SWAT. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, said he thinks there is a problem taking local police departments and turning them into a military (unit) and that he does not think a local police officer should be knocking down doors. He is already paying Anoka County to operate a SWAT team. i. Motion to: Approve Anoka County SWAT Joint Powers Agreement RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn, Stoesz, Rafferty 5. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT A. Consider Resolution 23-130, Approving Utility Meter Reading Equipment and Customer Portal Public Works Superintendent Justin Williams requested approval of resolution 23-130 to purchase utility meter reading equipment and related hardware/software. Councilmember Cavegn stated that the agreement does not include language to make it clear that the equipment will not invade user privacy as was discussed at the December 4 Work Session; as such, he would like to postpone approval until further opinion is received by the City Attorney. Council concurred with the decision to table the matter until further opinion could be obtained from the City Attorney. i. Motion to: Table until the February 12 Council meeting RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Ruhland, Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT A. Consider Resolution No. 23-126 Approving Lyngblomsten PUD Amendment #2-North Lot Line Fence and Pickleball Court City Planner Katie Larsen presented a second Amendment to the Lyngblomsten PUD; the resolution encompassed all This staff report is a revision to the December 4, 2023 Work Session staff report and Resolution No. 23-126 was crafted to reflect changes from Council, though Planner Larsen noted these changes do not place any specific conditions on construction of the pickleball court. She requested that if conditions related to the construction of a pickleball court are requested by the Council, that those changes be included in the motion approving the resolution. Mr. Brendon French, 6180 Linda Lane, inquired of Council how realistic is it that 83-year- old (residents) will be out playing pickleball? He asked if the court would even be used? Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, said of the 83-year-old average age (of Lyngblomsten residents)— how many people will be there that will actually use the court. Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, asked what is the alternative at this time not having a pickleball court? Can they go to the rookery? i. Motion to: Deny PUD Amendment RESULT: FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND MOVER: Lyden SECONDER: NONE ii. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-126, Approving Lyngblomsten PUD Amendment #2 with conditions for construction of pickleball court: Outdoor lighting not allowed, hours of operation for residents from 8:00 AM — 8:00 PM; access only to residents; developer to meet with engineering to push court as far east as possible; add acoustic noise abatement around entire court or as recommended by manufacturer; add continuation of vinyl fence. RESULT: CARRIED [4-1] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Ruhland, Stoesz, Cavegn, Rafferty NAYS: Lyden B. Consider Resolution No. 23-122, Order Project, Approve the Plans and Specifications and Authorize the Ad for Bid, 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project City Engingeer Diane Hankee Council approval to authorize the ad for bid for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project. She advised that the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project is in conformance with the City's Pavement Management Program and Capital Improvement Planning; all proposed improvements were detailed in the related staff report. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-122, Ordering Project, Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Bid for 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty C. Consider Resolution No. 23-123, Approve Final Payment, 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project City Engineer Diane Hankee requested approval for final payment in the amount of $47,070.94 to Bituminous Roadways for the completed 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-123, Approving Final Payment for 2023 Street Rehab Project RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Cavegn AYES: Ruhland, Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty D. Consider Resolution No. 23-128, Approve Final Payment, 2022 135E Pipe Crossing Project City Engineer Diane Hankee requested approval for final payment in the amount of $510,244.05 to Bituminous Roadways for the completed 2022 135E Pipe Crossing Project. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-128, Approving Final Payment for 2022 135E Pipe Crossing Project RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Cavegn, Ruhland, Lyden, Stoesz, Rafferty E. Consider Resolution No. 23-127, Approving Extension of Anoka County Regional Economic Development Memorandum of Understanding Community Development Director Michael Grochala requested Council approval of an extention to the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Anoka County Regional Economic partnership; a one (1) year extension is proposed to allow for the completion of an updated strategic plan. i. Motion to: Approve Resolution 23-127, Approving Extension of Anoka Co Reg Economic Development MOU RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 8. NEW.BUSINESS None Adjournment Mayor Rafferty reviewed the community calendar. After confirming there were no additional business matters to attend to, Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 8:05 PM. These minutes were considered and approved at the Regular City Council Meeting on January 8, 2024. -"jk 1 .-4i‘c"1-'44--1- Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Rob rt , Mayor