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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/1993 Council Minutes1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 DATE :. TIME :STARTED TIME .:ENDED` MEMBERS PRESENT':. MEMBERS ABSENT September 8, 1993 Reinert, Neal, Kuether None Staff members present: Public Works Director, Don Volk; City Engineer, Darrell Schneider; Economic Development Authority Advisory Board Chairman, Brian Wessel; City Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. Review Police Chief Interview Format, Larry Thompson Mr. Thompson brought the City Council up to date regarding the process used to select the four (4) candidates for the Chief of Police position. He noted that he had met with Mayor Reinert and all Council Members to determine what type of person they perceived should be hired for the position. Mr. Thompson felt that the City Council was united in what they felt was best for the City. Mr. Thompson explained that he selected candidates with strong technical backgrounds, candidates who could established a sense of direction internally, could establish goals and vision for the department and put the plan in place to get there and candidates who expressed a strong need for good training. Mr. Thompson said he felt the process was proceeding well. Twenty (20) persons were interviewed and ten (10) were selected to be tested. After the testing, the field of candidates was narrowed to four (4). The four (4) have been ranked by Mr. Thompson as listed in the press release. The City Council may want to change the ranking after they have interviewed the candidates. The City Council will meet Saturday, September 11, 1993 at 9:00 A.M. to interview the four (4) candidates. Mr. Thompson suggested a format for the interview process and each Council Member selected a particular portion of interview questions to PAGE 1 74 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 ask each candidate. Council Member Neal noted that he is personally acquainted with one (1) of the candidates and asked if he should excuse himself from the questioning process for this candidate. Mr. Thompson said no. Council Member Bergeson asked if the City Council could required that the successful candidate live near or in the City. Mr. Thompson explained that this was against the law. However, Mr. Thompson noted that the City Council could offer incentives such as moving expenses to the successful candidate if he decided to move to Lino Lakes. Mr. Thompson explained that most of the background investigation on each candidate is complete. He will have this material for review on Monday evening. Mr. Thompson noted that the psychological evaluation and personal review is private and the City Council will have to go into a closed session to discuss the material. Council Member Neal asked what would happen if a candidate is selected and the candidate declines the position. Mr. Thompson said that it would be very unlikely to happen. However, if it did, the City Council could offer the position to the second choice candidate. Council Member Neal asked what would happen if a candidate did not come for the City Council interview. Mr. Thompson explained that all four (4) candidates are very interested in the position and there would be a very good explanation for not appearing for the interview. Mr. Thompson reviewed the interview questions with the City Council and noted that each Council Member would be allowed to ask follow-up questions if they wished. He also noted some questions that cannot be asked such as personal questions. Council Member Neal noted that some members of the Police Department may be here to listen to the interviews. Mr. Thompson noted that the meeting was an open City Council meeting and they could attend as observers. Mr. Thompson explained that after a candidate has been selected, a letter of understanding should be sent to him outlining personal policy items such as the probational period. Council Member Neal asked if a contract should be offered to the,, successful candidate. Mr. Thompson said no, a contract would tie the City to a particular person and the City may not be able to dismiss the person if things are not going well. PAGE 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 Mr. Schumacher gave the City Council a report prepared by Mr. Thompson regarding the candidates and noted that the reports were confidential. The City Council thanked Mr. Thompson for coming. Cul -de -Sac Policy Review, Ed Vaughan Mr. Vaughan presented a request for the construction of island cul-de-sacs in future additions of Pheasant Hills Preserve. He also presented a petition from lot owners around the current cul- de-sacs. Mr. Vaughan displayed pictures of some island cul-de- sacs currently existing in Lino Lakes. The pictures were reviewed and Mr. Volk expressed concern noting that island cul- de-sacs present issues including the lack of area for snow storage and they may cause poor visibility promoting a safety concern. Council Member Kuether asked who maintains the plantings in the island and Mr. Volk said usually the homeowner's association. Mr. Vaughan agreed that there will be more snow placed in driveways in island cul-de-sacs. This concern was related to the residents in the cul-de-sacs and they felt that this was not a problem. Mayor Reinert noted that this question has been before the City Council in the past and the major concern expressed by City staff is the safety problem due to poor visibility. It was noted that the traffic speed in a cul-de-sac is about 5 mph. Mayor Reinert explained that the City likes the plantings however, safety is the most important concern. It is difficult to satisfy everybody. Mr. Volk explained that the developer's prospective on the matter is appearance and this is understandable. However, he wanted the City Council to be aware that safety, cost of maintenance, obstruction of vision and tougher snow plowing conditions are his concerns. There was discussion of the maintenance of the islands. It was suggested that the development agreement contain language that would allow the City to maintain the islands and bill the homeowner's association if the association is not maintaining them as required. Mr. Volk noted that school buses will not drive down island cul- de-sacs and children are required to walk to the main street. He also suggested that the insurance carrier for the City be asked to comment about the liability of an island cul-de-sac. Mayor Reinert also noted that plantings in the island may be damaged by PAGE 3 7 :3 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 salt used during snow plowing and suggested that the developer's agreement contain language that would not hold the City responsible for replacing the damaged plants. Council Member Bergeson asked if the specifications for island cul-de-sacs are the same as for non -island cul-de-sacs. Mr. Volk said yes and Council Member Bergeson suggested that the island cul-de-sacs be redesigned. Mr. Volk showed the City Council several different newspaper articles regarding cul-de-sacs. He asked the City Council for direction on this matter. Mr. Volk was told to research island cul-de-sacs with the City's insurance carrier, suggest possible designs and to do whatever additional research is necessary and bring the information back to a City Council work session. Ordinance No. 93 - 09, Declaring Weeds and Grass over Eight (8) Inches in Height and Weeds which have gone to Seed or Growing in the City of Lino Lakes to be a Nuisance Mr. Volk explained that he and Mr. Asleson have met with Council Member Kuether and one (1) additional sentence will be added to the proposed ordinance regarding City owned property. The property will be maintained according to what is normal for the area. Mr. Volk asked that this ordinance be placed on the agenda for the second reading. Accu -Tool, Inc., City Business Park Proposal Accu -Tool, Inc. is a machining service established 20 years ago and presently located in Forest Lake. Accu -Tool manufactures parts and components for companies such as 3M and employs six (6) persons. The owner, Joe Jungman has purchased the former Nickelson Plumbing Company building and is planning to update the building and move his business to that building. The existing building is 3,000 square feet and an addition of 6,000 square feet is also planned. Mr. Wessel explained that the owner of the business, Joe Jungman has presented two different proposals to the EDAAB and has worked diligently to respond to EDAAB concerns regarding the quality and character of the Accu -Tool expansion. Mr. Wessel explained that this project is the gateway to Apollo Business Park and is critically visible from the freeway,, The proposed expansion includes the addition of a conventionally designed steel structure with an architectural concrete block exterior. EDAAB is recommending facing of the existing metal building with a compatible architectural concrete block and that PAGE 4 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 the City provide financial assistance for that portion of the project. Mr. Wessel explained that the upgrading of the existing metal building and overall quality of the manufacturing addition will be, in the opinion of EDAAB, a significant and precedent setting step forward in upgrading the image of the Apollo Business Park. EDAAB is recommending approval of the Accu -Tool, Inc. project. Mayor Reinert asked if Mr. Wessel could explain the cost/benefit ratio. Mr. Schumacher explained that the project cost is estimated to be $327,000.00 which does not include "soft" costs. Mr. Ron Batty, EDAAB legal counsel, concurs with the recommendation from the EDAAB of the subsidy of $50,000.00 for the improvements to the existing pole building. If the City supported the subsidy the process would be implemented as follows: 1. Amend the current TIF plan to include these improvements. Set a public hearing - 30 day waiting period for Centennial School District and Anoka County to give input. 2. Draft a developers agreement which would include a $50,000 land and/or site preparation write down subsidy to be delivered at the time of occupancy. Mr. Wessel explained that the City's willingness to assist this business shows the City's sincere interest in attracting business. Mr. Bergeson asked if the City Council should know the current tax base and the potential tax base. He felt it should show a significant increase in the tax base. Mr. Wessel noted that several buildings in the area are pole structures and upgrading of this building is significant in showing that it can be done. Council Member Kuether asked if the subsidy would be repaid. Wessel said no, it would be an outright grant. Mr. Council Member Kuether asked what happens if the building is upgraded and the subsidy given and six (6) months later Mr. Jungman sells the building and leaves the City. Mr. Schwnacher explained the City gets a significant tax base increase no matter who owns the building. Council Member Kuether said she felt that there is a need to get financing for persons trying to build in this City. Mayor Reinert said he liked the creative way of PAGE 5 7 ,r 7 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 improving the building. Mr. Wessel explained that Mr. Jungman has been very cooperative and this matter is on the Planning and Zoning Board agenda for this evening. Mayor Reinert asked the Council for a consensus on this matter and the consensus was to proceed as outlined by Mr. Wessel. Future Meetings and Conferences: A. Municipal Board - Annexation, September 30, 1993, Forest Lake Township, 9:30 A.M. - Mr. Schumacher explained that the Municipal Board will give a preliminary decision on this matter at that time. B. Joint Hugo/Lino Lakes Council Work Session - This matter will be put on the September 13, 1993 Council Agenda. C. National League of Cities, First Week in December - This meeting is in Orlando, Florida. Council Member Neal noted that when the City Council first authorized attendance at the National League of Cities meetings, it was intended that Council Members take turns attending. He felt it should be his turn this year since he is acting mayor. Council Member Kuether noted that the new Elk River municipal building is open and asked Mr. Schumacher to make an appointment for the City Council to tour the building. Council Member Elliott noted that the Park Board is seriously considering a dog "droppings" ordinance. They are reviewing ordinances from other cities and will bring a recommendation to the City Council. Council Member Bergeson noted that the shortage of space at city hall was discussed during the recent budget meetings and asked if something had put in the 1994 Budget for temporary space. He asked that this matter be given further consideration. Council Member Elliott noted that an estimate of $40,000.00 had been given to update the park building on Lake Drive. Mr. Schumacher explained that leasing space had been considered a year ago and was found to be very expensive. Agenda, September 13, 1993 All items on the agenda were reviewed. It was noted that there will be a closed Council meeting at 5:30 on Monday. PAGE 6 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 The Council work session was adjourned at 6:28 P.M. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on September 27 993. rte_ 44,9, MailynUG. Anderson, Vernon F. Reinert, Clerk -Treasurer Mayor PAGE 7