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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/1993 Council Minutes176 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 19, 1993 City Engineer, Darrell Schneider; Police Administrative Officer, Bruce Keller; Parks Director, Marty Asieson; Public Works Director, Don Volk; City Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Clerk- Treasurer Marilyn Anderson were also present. Police Department Speed Monitor Proposal Officer Keller presented a copy of a Speed Monitor proposal to the City Council. Officer Keller explained that he and Council Member Neal have been working on a program to specifically deal with traffic problems and weight enforcement. The purpose of the program is to actively enforce traffic related laws for the safety of the community and those who travel through it. The program will also generate revenue for the City and reduce crime. Another purpose of the program is to ensure that all relevant road weight restrictions are complied with on a seasonal basis, preserving City owned and maintained streets. Officer Keller outlined how the program would be staffed and what capital purchases would be required to get the program operational. He requested authorization to begin the program on a temporary basis for a three (3) month trial. During the trial period current fulitime and parttime staff would be used to staff the program and a current unmarked squad car would be utilized. There would be no need to purchase any equipment other than the video camera and there would be no need to hire additional staff. Council Member Neal felt that now is the time of year to start this program because of the increase traffic. Council Member Bergeson wondered if using the following three (3) months would give false results. PAGE 1 1 1 1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 1993 Council Member Kuether asked if an officer must let a driver of a vehicle stopped by the officer know that a video camera is in operation. Officer Keller said no, however video film is admissible court evidence and does cut down on court time. Mayor Reinert asked if there would be administrative costs. Officer Keller said he would oversee the program and it would fit into his regular duties. After further discussion, Council Member Bergeson asked that a three (3) month budget be prepared for the program. Council Member Kuether asked for a 30 day update. This item will be placed on the May 24, 1993 City Council agenda. A False Alarm Report was given to the City Council. The number of alarms in the City is growing very fast as well as the number of false alarm calls. Officer Keller explained that normally two (2) officers will respond to an alarm call not knowing whether or not it is a false alarm. A proposal for making the alarm owner responsible for false alarms would send a message to the owner that this cannot continue. Officer Keller also noted that vehicle lock out calls are also increasing. Normally the Community Service Officer will handle such calls. Since Lino Lakes does not have a major shopping center or any other facility where large crowds would gather, he is not recommending charging at this time. Most calls come from residents of Lino Lakes. Officer Keller noted that some communities do license alarm systems. This may be something to consider in the future. The Speed Monitor Proposal and the False Alarm Proposal will be placed on the May 24, 1993 City Council agenda. First Quarter Area and Unit Report Mr. Schneider gave the City Council a copy of the First Quarter Area and Unit Report. He used the overhead projector and briefly outlined the report. The purpose of the report was to keep the City Council updated on the progress for the Area and Unit Fund. Thomas Yee - Easement Mr. Schneider explained that the City Council was introduced to this matter earlier this year. The City Staff has been sensitive to the townhome owner and have worked with the developer of Black Duck Estates in an effort to remove the driveway over the Ye property and place it in the proper location. The matter should PAGE 2 • 177 178 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 1993 be completed by June 1, 1993. Mayor Reinert explained that Mr. Yee is unhappy with what has been happening and has threatened to call the Attorney General. Mr. Schneider explained that he has written several letters to Mr. Yee and has explained that the townhome owner will remove the old driveway and seed the area. The driveway easement is a private easement. The City has no authority to vacate the easement. Mayor Reinert directed that another letter be sent to Mr. Yee pointing out that the easement is not a City easement however, the staff is working to straighten out the matter. He asked that copies of the letter be given to the City Council. Campaign Contributions - New Policy Mr. Schumacher explained that staff is currently gathering information to draft a campaign contributions policy. In addition, the legislature has just enacted new legislation regarding this matter. As soon as the new legislation is available, staff will draft a policy for City Council consideration. A new policy should be in place before the election this fall. Behms Century Farm Mr. Schneider explained that Regency Homes is considering developing an area including the Behm homestead on Lilac Street. The area is currently zoned Rural and the maps indicate that there is significant amounts of wetland in the area. Mr. Schneider explained that this proposal is very similar to the Lake Amelia situation and he wanted the City Council to be aware of the developer's proposal and to be aware that staff has warned the developer that there are many concerns with the proposal. Two (2) major concerns are the wetlands and the fact that municipal utilities are not located in the immediate area. The developer has been warned that the project has to "stand on its own" and he must satisfy all criteria associated with platting areas that are not properly zoned, not in the MUSA and not addressed in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The developer has been given a copy of the "Infill Policy ". All exhibits presented to the Planning and Zoning Board have been presented in concept only. Council Member Elliott noted that a- neighborhood meeting was held in the proposed plat area. Ms. Wyland attended the meeting and reported that there was mixed reaction to the proposal from nearby residents. There appears to be no strong feelings in PAGE 3 1 1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 1993 either direction. Mr. Schneider explained that he is waiting for the developer to provide numbers regarding development costs. The developer has been told that the City will not subsidize the project. Council Member Bergeson asked what has to happen before the project can be approved? Mr. Schneider explained the property must be rezoned, MUSA exchange is required and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan must be revised. A plan to exchange MUSA areas could be accomplished. There was further discussion on this matter. Mr. Schumacher explained that if the City Council has strong concerns regarding the proposed plat they should let staff know as soon as possible so that the concerns can be resolved right away. Council Member Elliott said she wanted the rezone matter resolved "up front ". Mr. Schneider explained that financing the proposal is very "touch and go ". It was explained that other landowners in the area will divide their properties providing more connections to the utility system. Mr. Schneider suggested that the assessment hearing be held before a contract is awarded. Although this is not normally done, the procedure is within State Statutes 429. If the assessment hearing proves unfruitful, the project can be terminated. Ron Birch Depositions - May 21, 1993, 10:00 A.M. Mr. Schneider explained that depositions are taking a long time because the Lino Lakes attorney has not received all the information he has requested. This item is on the agenda to remind the City Council of the dates. Centennial School District Open House for Retiring Principals This item is informational. Mr. Biem and Mr. Peterson are retiring at the end of this school year and a reception is being held in the new theater. Mayor Reinert will attend representing the City. It was suggested that the City present a plaque to the retirees. Council Member Neal will also attend. Centerville Annexation Hearing, June 23, 1993 Mr. Schumacher gave a brief background on this matter and noted that the new hearings will begin where the previous hearings stopped. The City of Centerville is also finished with their PAGE 4 179 180 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 1993 presentations and the City of Lino Lakes presentations should not take much time. The City of Lino Lakes had prepared all the information for the previous hearing. IC Collection Service Mr. Schumacher explained that the Finance Department is recommending that the City hire a collection service to collect past due utility bills and other outstanding debts. As the City grows collecting unpaid bills has become more time consuming. The Finance Department is recommending the IC Collection Service because it is relatively inexpensive and is located nearby. IC Collection Service would keep 40% of the proceeds up to $100.00 and 29% after that. A $200.00 set up charge is required. After further discussion it was decided to hire IC Collection Service on a trial basis. Pot Holes Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Volk about the pot hole patching procedure. Mr. Volk explained and noted that this part of the maintenance program is running behind schedule. Agenda, May 24, 1992 The City Council reviewed the agenda. Mr. Schneider noted item 3A, Consideration of Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Report for the Lake Drive /Highway 49 Intersection and explained that he is proposing the assessment hearing be held prior to awarding bids. This will insure that the financing is in place. Mr. Schneider noted that MnDOT has the revised plans and he is attending a meeting in Circle Pines and that City was receptive to them. Mr. Volk explained that a temporary three (3) way stop sign will be installed at the intersection shortly. Mr. Schumacher asked to add an item to the agenda entitled, "Resignation of Gary Uhde from the Economic Development Authority Board ". Council Member Bergeson suggested that Mr. Schumacher and Mr. Wessel outline a process to fill this position and give appropriate "thanks" to Mr. Uhde. Mr. Schumacher will determine an appropriate recognition. Mr. Schumacher asked to add an item to the agenda entitled, "Adopting the Lino Lakes Safety Manual ". He explained that it is mandatory to have written safety policies and procedures and he explained the AWARE Act. Mr. Doug Holms from North Star Risk Services assisted with the preparation of the manual and the White Bear Lake Safety Manual was used as a guideline. PAGE 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 1993 Mayor Reinert asked if adoption of the manual places any liability on the City and taxpayers. Mr. Schumacher explained that the manual meets the mandated requirements and should have the effect of reducing accidents and injuries thereby reducing insurance premiums. He also noted that the committee that prepared the manual will continue to meet monthly and monthly training sessions will also be held to focus on high risk areas and the right -to -know area. Mr. Schumacher asked to add an item to the agenda entitled, "Special Events Application Forms ". He explained that the forms have been drafted by the Parks Department. The application is very comprehensive and requires that all City departments review each request for a special event. Mr. Asleson explained the forms. He noted that he and the Parks Department secretary will monitor all applications to be sure that all codes and policies are addressed. The City Attorney has also reviewed the forms. Council Member Neal noted that a resident went to City Hall and asked where the Earth Day celebration was being held. The person at City Hall did not know anything about Earth Day. It was explained that this occurred during the weekend and the person addressed was not a regular City Hall employee. Mr. Volk noted that when special groups are using City Hall, the public comes in and expects answers from City Hall any time of the day or night. This matter will be discussed at the next staff meeting. Council Member Neal noted that someone working for the Parks Department did not get his pay check when everyone else was paid. He asked that if a department head loses a time card, the department head should also not be paid. Mayor Reinert asked that this matter be checked. The work session was adjourned at 7:30 P.M. r ly G.I nderson, Vernon F. Reinert, Cle k- Treasurer Mayor PAGE 6 181