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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/22/1992 Council Minutes276 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES DATE : April 22, 1992 TIME STARTED : 4:07 P.M. TIME' ENDED : 7 :22 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Reinert, Neal, Kuether, Bergeson MEMBERS ABSENT : Elliott Staff Members present: City Administrator, Randy Schumacher; City Engineer, Darrell Schneider; Public Works Director, Don Volk and Clerk - Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. Consolidation Committee - Mrs. Lyola Thiltgen, Ms. Sylvia Marier and Mr. Bill Houle, Lino Lakes Consolidation Committee members were present to discuss with the City Council concerns they have regarding the progress of the Consolidation Committee. Mrs. Thiltgen gave the Council a brief update as to what has been transpiring during Committee meetings and suggested that the Lino Lakes members needed another approach in handling this matter. She noted that the Committee is constantly "filling in holes" and they still do not know what the structure is. Mr. Schumacher explained the attitude of the Centerville members. Mayor Reinert asked why the Centerville members are angry with the Lino Lakes members. Mr. Schumacher said he was not sure but the basic attitude has been "them against us ". He felt that only the chairman could eliminate the negative attitude. Mr. Schumacher explained that there is a lot of "finger pointing" rather than assisting to resolve the problem. Terms such as "getting your act together" was used several times regarding the lack of representation by Lino Lakes. It was noted that the meeting nights fall on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Several of the Lino Lakes representatives are not available those nights and have made this clear to the committee chairman. However, the committee has refused to change its meeting night. Mr. Schumacher explained that Lino Lakes should try to get full attendance by its members or replace the members who cannot attend on the specified meeting dates. Mr. Schumacher noted that although the chairman has resigned from his council position in Circle Pines, he will continue as chairman of the Consolidation Committee. PAGE 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 Mr. Schumacher was asked if the chairman is strong enough to conduct these meetings. Mr. Schumacher said he has been at times and has directed the committee to get back to the issue and leave personalities out. However, Mr. Schumacher asked what is the issue? He noted that the committee has reams and reams of material and said he believes that this is not what the Municipal Board has requested. Mrs. Thiltgen explained that the Centerville members came to the very first meeting with six (6) pages of single spaced typed issues. The Lino Lakes members did not come prepared and felt that consultants should be doing the work required. Mr. Houle gave a brief background on how this matter started. He noted that there were two (2) factions in Centerville fighting with each other. One of the factions prepared the petition for consolidation with Lino Lakes and filed it with the Municipal Board. The Centerville City Council did not want anything to do with consolidation and choose members who are all against consolidation. The Centerville membership is vehemently opposed to consolidation and they are doing everything possible to prevent any "meeting of the minds ". Mr. Schumacher noted that the petitioners are upset because there was no one appointed to the consolidation committee from the opposing side. Mr. Houle said the Centerville consolidation committee members try to confuse the issue and do not want to hire consultants to do any of the work. Mayor Reinert asked what the relationship of the Municipal Board was with the consolidation committee. He asked if the Municipal Board has set out any guidelines. Ms. Marier said that the Municipal Board has asked that each community set out stipulation and Lino Lakes has presented their stipulations. Mrs. Thiltgen suggested that the stipulations from Lino Lakes and from Centerville be set out side by side and compared and the differences will be immediately known. She said that Centerville is requiring all of the other material as a way to stall the matter. Mrs. Thiltgen noted that Centerville has relatively few policies and statements as compared to Lino Lakes. She told the Council that she is not prepared to do pages and pages of research. If this is what the City of Lino Lakes wants, they should look for another person to replace her on the committee. Mayor Reinert suggested going back to the committee and saying that Lino Lakes feels that they should not go beyond what the Municipal Board is requiring. Mrs. Thiltgen explained that the Lino Lakes committee members have already said this but Centerville wants this expanded because questions may come up during the public hearing such as what is the Lino Lakes severance pay policy, what form of government would the newly PAGE 2 277 278 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 consolidated community be organized as, what would the levy limits be, what services would be available, etc. She felt that first the committee should create an "umbrella" of understanding and then later if necessary go into the unbelievable details. Mr. Schumacher explained that next month, this City will be before the Municipal Board on another matter involving some Lino Lakes residents who want to detach themselves from Lino Lakes and annex with Centerville. He noted that there is a wealth of information now being gathered by the Lino Lakes consultants and also by the consultants hired by the City of Centerville. He suggested that the consolidation matter be tabled until this information is available. Mr. Houle noted that the Centerville members of the Consolidation Committee are so against everything presented by Lino Lakes that only way material can be gathered and submitted is through the consultants. Anything else will be questioned. Mrs. Thiltgen said she has even suggested to renaming the consolidated community Centerville as it was historically known. Other things were suggested but the Centerville members were opposed. She told the Council that if someone else is not hired to do the research, she will not on the committee because it is too irritating. Mr. Schumacher noted that almost all questions will be answered when the consultants submit their research in May. Mr. Houle noted that Centerville is going through the same thing and when they receive their information, the consultant information from Centerville and the consultant information from Lino Lakes can be put side by side and compared. Ms. Marier said that another consultant may be needed to compare the information and make a recommendation. Mrs. Thiltgen explained that the Centerville committee members do not perceive that they will be part of the new entity. They feel they would be captives of Lino Lakes, like lost citizens with no voting rights. Mayor Reinert noted that Lino Lakes has experienced this before and cited other instances. He noted that Lino Lakes has extended as much as possible. Mr. Houle noted that Lino Lakes did not initiate the consolidation procedure. The representatives of each city were discussed noting that the Centerville representatives are very interested in the process and are against consolidation. The Lino Lakes representatives were listed; Sylvia Marier, Bill Houle, Lyola Thiltgen, Marilyn Elsenpeter, Ray Johnson, Don Volk and Harold Lehmann. It was noted that Mr. Lehmann has been in Florida all winter and has been unable to attend. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Volk have conflicts on the days selected as meeting days. Mrs. Elsenpeter is not PAGE 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 always able to attend the meetings. Mrs. Thiltgen noted that meetings are always held in the Circle Pines city hall council chambers. The only nights available are one (1) Tuesday and one (1) Thursday a month. The chairman will not consider another meeting place. Mayor Reinert said that it appeared that the meetings are going to be held as the chairman dictates. He suggested that all further meetings be delayed until information is available from the consultants. He also suggested that the petitioners be contacted to determine if the interest is still for consolidation. Mr. Houle said that he was aware that the interest is still there because of the fear over rising taxes. He also noted that consolidation is encouraged by the State Legislature. Mr. Schumacher suggested that the matter go to a referendum without further study. Mr. Houle noted that when all is said and done, a referendum will be necessary. However, public hearings must be conducted prior to the referendum and Centerville is contending that all information for the public hearing be completed at this time. Mr. Houle suggested that the City Council appoint new members to the Lino Lakes committee at their next regular meeting to replace those who cannot attend regularly and then delay any further meetings until the consultant reports are available. Council Member Bergeson was encouraged to become a member of the consolidation committee. Council Member Bergeson suggested that each Council Member bring a nomination to the next Council meeting. Appointments can be made at that meeting. Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Schumacher were requested to contact current Consolidation Committee members and ask them if they intend to continue on the Committee or if they will submit their resignation. Council Member Bergeson asked that each Council Member submit one (1) nomination for the Consolidation Committee to Mr. Schumacher. Ms. Marier suggested that a former Council member be appointed to this committee. Mr. Houle requested that he be appointed a regular member of the Consolidation Committee and not an alternate. This will be done at the regular Council meeting. Ms. Marier will contact Jeff Nelson, Chairman of the Consolidation Committee and indicate that a delay in the next meetings will be necessary so that Lino Lakes can appoint new members to the Consolidation Committee. Roger Derrick, Cottage Homesteads of America, SENIOR HOUSING - PAGE 4 27; 280 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 Mr. Derrick and Mr. Gary Uhde came before the Council to outline a proposal for senior housing. Mr. Derrick is suggesting the triangle of land west of St. Joseph Catholic Church and north of Elm Street be used for this purpose. He noted that this would be subsidized senior housing and tax increment financing would be needed to make the proposal feasible. All housing units would be one (1) level with a one (1) car garage. They would not be apartments since each would have their own separate outside entrance. Part of the design is that each unit would have the private entry so that the resident could walk outside into the yard. All buildings and lands would be maintained by someone else. There will be a manager /caretaker. It is expected that about 70% of the residents would come from the Lino Lakes and surrounding communities. About 30% of the residents would come from further distances because they have children living nearby. The rent would be based on the ability to pay and subsidized by federal and local support. HUD guidelines would be followed and the program being suggested at this time would be a 15 year program. Mr. Derrick noted that equity for the development comes from government units. Lino Lakes will be asked to participate through Tax Increment Financing on a pay as you go basis. There will be no bonding and the TIF participation is expected to be 90 %. Mr. Derrick noted that with TIF, a community is more cohesive and offers a community room, a van and other personal services. There will be four (4) units in each structure. Some will have one (1) bedroom and some will have two (2) bedrooms. Council Member Neal asked who decides how renters will be selected. Mr. Derrick suggested that the City start a reservation list. Because the City is allowing the construction with TIF, the City can then be sure that the residents of the City have priority on the list. Mr. Derrick explained that the site contains approximately 12 acres and will accommodate from 70 to 90 units. He also noted that the definition of a senior citizen is anyone over the age of 55. If it is decided that a community room is not needed or wanted, then the definition of a senior citizen is anyone over the age of 62 years. Council Member Kuether asked how this location was selected. Mr. Derrick explained that he had asked for suggestions and this site was recommended along with several others. This site provides an ideal location because the terrain is flat and is of the size where a community room can be accommodated. Mr. Derrick said he is looking for two (2) things from the City Council. He asked if the Council wants to see a senior citizen PAGE 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 project in Lino Lakes_and does the Council think this is a good location for the project? If the answer to both questions is yes, then the next question is will the City Council support the proposal with Tax Increment Financing? Mr. Schumacher explained that the area is now an economic development TIF District. The City Council will have to take action before July 26, 1992 to make this a residential TIF District. If action is not taken before that time, the area remains an economic development TIF district for six (6) more years. Council Member Kuether asked if residents will be allowed to plant flowers. Mr. Derrick said yes, the concept is to make seniors feel at home. They may also have a pet, but there are restrictions on pets. Mayor Reinert asked if there were rental restrictions? Mr. Derrick said there were very strict rules. He noted that although this is subsidized housing, no one thinks of it in such terms. He noted that the construction is superior, it is slab on grade, forced air heat, air conditioning, and transit heating in the floor. After 15 years, the government subsidizes are eliminated but because of the economic of the situation, rents go up only about 3% per year. It should always be affordable. Mayor Reinert asked if the City would "carry the ball" in a high subsidized manner? Mr. Derrick explained that the City would still realize the same amount of taxes from the property as prior to the construction. He noted that the TIF is 90% of the excess tax after the project is completed. He also noted that there are less costs to the City for senior housing. The streets are private and do not require any snow plowing or maintenance, there are usually less police and fire calls and senior housing puts less stress on the school system. Mayor Reinert asked if Mr. Derrick has calculated the approximate value of each unit? Mr. Derrick explained that the Anoka County Assessor would do this. He also noted that the units would be title II taxes which is similar to homestead taxes. The assessor can also analyze and give estimates of what TIF is going to do to the taxes. Council Member Neal asked when building is planned to start. Mr. Derrick explained that it takes about six (6) months to go through the governmental processes. It takes about 90 to 120 days to process the financing portion of the project. The entire project takes about 9 months before construction can start. Mayor Reinert asked that Mr. Derrick come back to the next Council work session prepared to outline the impact to the City and provide additional layout information. Mr. Derrick said that PAGE 6 281 282 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 he would have to analyze the sewer and water availability and soils conditions before a layout could be completed. The Council noted that the concept is acceptable but would require additional information. Council Member Bergeson asked to see the tax implications on this project. Martha Slater, Patti Drive - Mr. Schneider explained that the Slater residence is experiencing septic system failure due partially to high ground water and heavy equipment accidentally running over the drain field. Mrs. Slater has asked if a neighborhood meeting could be held to see if there is interest in extending sanitary sewer into the area and to generally determine what the cost would be. Council Member Kuether noted that there may be a health hazard because of the failure of her system and explained that she may not be able to wait for a construction project to be completed. Council Member Kuether noted that Mrs. Slater is not able to get a loan to rebuild her septic system and asked if sanitary sewer is not available to her, will the City put in the system and then assess her? Mr. Schumacher explained that the City should not get into situations such as this. Council Member Kuether expressed concern regarding public safety in this matter. Mr. Schneider asked if the City Council felt that a neighborhood meeting should be held. He noted that in his opinion the costs will prohibitive. Council Member Bergeson felt the neighborhood meeting would be a good idea. Mr. Schneider will set a meeting for the first part of next week. Pine Street Drainage - Mr. Schneider explained that the Held family and the Elliott family are experiencing severe drainage problems. Mr. Schneider and Mr. Volk had spent an afternoon going through the ditch systems in this area and noted that many things can be done. However, elevations are not known and without this information, there is no way to find solutions to the problems. Mr. Schneider asked how much priority did the Council want him to give this matter. He noted that it could cost up to $30,000.00 to serve two (2) homes. Mayor Reinert noted that there is an assessment procedure to help alleviate such problems. Mr. Schneider said that he is going to meet with the Rice Creek Watershed District since this is an Anoka County ditch because they should have some responsibility since a permit will be needed to clean or work in the ditch. The DNR has review the situation and has noted that it is out of their jurisdiction. PAGE 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 Mr. Schneider said that he wanted the City Council to know that he is giving this matter some attention. He will talk to Mr. Schumacher before any expenditure is approved. Council Member Bergeson asked if the culvert problem in the Lino Air Park is contributing to this problem. Mr. Schneider said it was not much of a factor. The owners of the Air Park said that they will take care of the culvert problem this summer. Police Department Remodeling - Mr. Schumacher updated the Council on the impact of the just ended legislative session. He noted that Lino Lakes will loose about $6,000.00 in State Aid and beginning July 1, 1992, all municipalities will be paying state tax on all purchases including squad cars, dump trucks and fire trucks. This will increase the budget significantly. Mr. Schumacher also noted that during 1993, the State may be using some of the trust fund that was set aside to provide funding to make up for the loss in State Aid. Mr. Schumacher explained that $35,000.00 had been put in the 1992 budget for phase I of the police station remodeling. The remodeling did cost a couple of thousand dollars more than what was budgeted. Remodeling during phase II will cost between $35,000.00 and $40,000.00. Mr. Volk explained that he has received two (2) estimates from two (2) different companies. He noted that the blacktop will cost from $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 if the City crew does the blacktopping. Mr. Volk noted that the septic system needs updating, the exterior needs to be completed and a garage added. Mayor Reinert asked where this City will get the money to finish the remodeling? Mr. Schumacher noted that levy limits have been lifted and the 1993 levy could be increased for this expenditure. Mayor Reinert said that he felt that this was not an option. He said he knew that the Police Department needed "elbow" room and moving the Police Department also gave additional space to the staff at city hall. Mr. Volk said that he could complete the exterior of the building for less than $1,000.00. However, he felt the biggest problem was the parking lot. He suggested phasing the parking lot over a period of time. Mr. Volk suggested that $6,000.00 could complete these two (2) immediate problems. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Volk to determine what the costs would be to finish the exterior of the building and complete phase I of the parking lot. He asked that this be charged to the Police Department budget. Mr. Volk is to give his report to the Council PAGE 8 28 284 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 at the next work session. Lori Dahl, 216 Ulmer Drive - Mr. Schneider explained that Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have requested that their lot be split as many other lots in Ulmer's Rice Lake Addition have been split. The current ordinance requires homeowners to connect to the sanitary sewer within one (1) year after the utility becomes available. This requirement has not been enforced. The current policy is the City is not requiring a homeowner to connect to utilities until their present system fails. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl are asking for clarification of this conflict. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Schneider to prepare an ordinance amendment that would allow existing septic systems and require a homeowner to connect to sanitary services when the septic system fails. Mrs. Dahl said that she is unable to do anything further regarding selling the newly created lot until this matter is settled. Mayor Reinert explained that the ordinance amendment will be prepared and brought to the Council for their consideration. The ordinance will change the City Code to follow the precedent that has been set. Building Inspections - Part -Time Assistance - Mr. Schumacher explained that this building season is already busier than last year. Assistance is needed in the Building Inspections Department. The person who assisted the Building Official is not available this year. Also Mr. Schumacher has checked with the City of Circle Pines and they are willing to contract with the City of Lino Lakes for this service. However, there is an On the Job Training program that has a person (Bob Cartier) available at a cost of about $11,000.00. This person is at the top of his class and has been riding with the Building Official. He has been in the building trades for nine (9) years until he was injured. The company carrying the workmen's compensation insurance is paying to retrain Mr. Cartier. Mayor Reinert explained that if the Building Official is comfortable with Mr. Cartier and if Mr. Cartier is willing to sign a waiver of insurance, it appears that from an economical standpoint the City has no choice but to hire Mr. Cartier. He asked that this item be added to the Council agenda. Proposed Pornography Ordinance Mr. Schumacher explained that he has collected several ordinances from other cities including the City of Blaine to use as sample ordinances for this City. He explained that several Council Members have expressed the desire to be prepared for this problem PAGE 9 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 rather than react to the problem when it does occur. Mr. Schumacher said it would be his recommendation that this City enact a moratorium to allow up to six (6) months to prepare an ordinance regulating pornography. This matter will be placed on the April 27, 1992 agenda. Common Ground Meeting, April 23, 1992, 6:30 P.M. - This matter is on the agenda for informational purposes only. EDA Advisory Board Meeting, April 23, 1992, 7:30 A.M. - This matter is on the agenda for informational purposes only. Quail Ridge Preliminary Plat - Mr. Schumacher explained that he met with Mr. Ebensteiner, the developer of Quail Ridge and he has redrawn the preliminary plat to indicate 36 lots. The preliminary plat also indicates that a trail system will be constructed across the wetlands and this will allow the trail to be constructed behind the lots to the island park that will eventually be constructed in Pheasant Hills. The redrawn plat indicates that there will be a need for a variance for less than 20 lots that will be within the 150 foot set back required by the Shoreland Management Ordinance. Mr. Schumacher has not yet seen the preliminary plat and was unable to let the Council know how close to the wetlands the lots will encroach. Mayor Reinert noted that this plat will be a nice "infill" but cautioned that the Park Board must be satisfied with the park dedication. Mr. Schumacher noted that 90% of the issues raised at the public hearing for the preliminary plat have been resolved. This matter is not on the agenda for April 27, 1992. He will keep the City Council updated on the matter. Legislative Update - This matter was addressed during the item on Police Department Remodeling. Anoka County Park /Charles Cape Property - Mr. Schumacher gave a brief background on this matter. Mr. Cape simply wanted to sell some of his property to the Rice Lake Chain of Lakes Regional Park. However, because of a resolution this City has enacted, Anoka County had agreed not to take any more Lino Lakes property off of the tax rolls. A counter proposal was presented to the Anoka County Parks Department, overseer of this regional park requesting an exchange of property. The Anoka County Board has approved an exchange for 30 acres of property near the interchange in exchange for the Cape property and the City's assistance in obtaining total control of the Wards and Sherman Lakes area. Council Member Bergeson asked if there would be a problem with Mr. Vaughan on this matter. Mr. Volk said he did PAGE 10 285 286 COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1992 not think there would be a problem because the area is all wetlands and not developable. Mr. Schumacher noted that Anoka County Parks Department want to use the Cape property for a day camp. Al Ross, 6356 Ware Road - Mr. Ross explained that he recently received his property tax statement. It was mailed from the Carlson, Dropps office and they are listed as the tax payer. Mr. Ross noted that the Carlson, Dropps organization does not own his property. He did not know how the error occurred, however, a correction is being made by Anoka County. Mr. Ross has contacted County Commission Margaret Langfeld on the matter. Council Agenda for April 27, 1992 - Mr. Schumacher reviewed the proposed agenda with the Council. The work session adjourned at 7:22 P.M. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on May 11, 1992. l^ _A� a- 3 kALA., , arilyn? ✓G. Anderson, Clerk - Treasurer Vernon F. Reinert, Mayor PAGE 11