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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/15/1993 Council Minutes1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 1993 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED: MEMBERS: PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT December 15, 1993. 5:00 P.M. 7:15 P.M. Reinert, Neal None, Council 5:45 P.M. Ruether,.Elliott Member Bergeson arrived at Staff members present: City Administrator, Randy Schumacher; Assistant to the City Administrator, Dan Tesch; Parks and Recreation Director, Marty Asleson; Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. Mr. Pat Smith, Charter Commission Chairman was also present. Park Board Chairman, George Lindy arrived at 6:05 P.M. 1994 CHARTER COMMISSION UPDATE Mayor Reinert noted that in a recent newspaper article, Mr. Smith appeared to take the position that Chapter 8 of the Lino Lakes City Charter had been violated with the installation of Apollo Drive because a petition against the proposed assessments had been received by the City staff. Mr. Smith explained that it was the interpretation of the Charter Commission that any petition against any portion of the project was a petition against the entire project and the completion of the project should have been stopped. He further stated that there is nothing in the Charter that says if a petition against the assessments is received, the project can go forward if the affected landowners are not assessed. Mr. Smith further explained that the City Engineer attended.the December 2, 1992 Charter Commission meeting and explained the entire project to the Charter Commission. The information from the City Engineer was forwarded to the attorney from the League of Minnesota Cities for his opinion. The opinion has not yet been received. Mr. Smith noted that the Charter Commission was doing what is necessary regardless of what else is happening. Mayor Reinert explained that the City Council has made an effort PAGE 1 371 372 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 to communicate with the Charter Commission. He said he felt that this issue came as a political issue. He further explained that if a potential business gets wind of a controversy between the City Council and the Charter Commission, they may get "cold feet" and locate in some other city. Mr. Smith explained that the Charter Commission members learned a lot from the presentation by the City Engineer because of the Apollo Drive project. He further explained that the proposed Charter change to State Statute 429 in some areas of the City is very business pro- active. Mr. Smith said, "the last thing we (Charter Commission) needs to do is put up fences". Mayor Reinert asked where does the City Council and the City Charter stand now on the Apollo Drive improvement project? He noted that the Charter Commission has not made a public statement regarding whether or not they feel that the City violated the City Charter. Mr. Smith said that the matter is still under review by the League of Minnesota Cities but he personally did not feel that there was a violation of the City Charter. Council Member Kuether asked if the Charter Commission could prepare a statement to that effect so that it could be read at a Council meeting. Mr. Smith explained that after the presentation by the City Engineer to the Charter Commission, the Commission feels that there is a tremendous amount of imbalance in the way area and unit charges are being collected. He further explained that the charges are being paid by property owners who connect to the sanitary sewer and municipal water systems. As these persons connect, their tax base is broadened and this benefits all property owners in the City. Mayor Reinert said this is unique to the Lino Lakes City Charter. However, he felt that it was important to shorten the time span for getting improvements to commercial properties so that Lino Lakes could be more competitive in attracting new businesses. Mr. Schumacher noted that only eight (8) of the 15 Charter Commission members were present at the December 2, 1993 meeting and asked if there was a problem. Mr. Smith said that there will be an effort to contact all members prior to another meeting. He noted a different balance on the Charter Commission which reflects a true balance of the community. He also said he did see a struggle in the next five (5) years but as the community changes so must the Charter and there will be problems. Mr. Smith also noted that he would be resigning as chairman at the next Charter Commission meeting unless a petition is received against the new ordinance adopting State Statute 429 in three (3) specific areas of the City. Mr. Smith felt that the Chairman of the Charter Commission must be pro -active or the Charter will not PAGE 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION change to meet the needs of the community. 373 DECEMBER 15, 1993 Mr. Smith will send a letter to the City Council stating the position of the Charter Commission on the Apollo Drive improvement. Mr. Smith applauded the City Council for their support of the Charter change. WILLOW PONDS - MARY KAY WYLAND Ms. Wyland prepared a packet of information regarding the Willow Ponds single family subdivision proposal. The packet included a memorandum, map of the area, petition against the proposed subdivision and the consulting planner's review and recommendations. Mr. John Landers, Planning and Zoning Board member was present to discuss the proposed subdivision. The subdivision proposal includes 27 single family lots for property that was proposed for senior housing. Mr. Derrick, the senior housing developer has formally withdrawn his interest in the senior housing project and in the property. He was unable to secure federal tax credits which would have made the monthly rent affordable. He did secure federal tax credits for another senior housing proposal in another community. The City Council expressed dismay regarding the failure to secure federal tax credits. Ms. Wyland noted that the current zoning on the property is R-4 with a Planned Development Overlay (PDO). The proposed density for the senior housing was 82 units. A petition has been received from adjoining property owners who want the property to see the senior housing developed and want the property to remain zoned R-4. A neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for January 5, 1994, 7:00 P.M. by the developer. The background on the property was discussed. Ms. Wyland explained that her presentation this evening is to update the City Council regarding this matter. Mr. Landers explained that the neighborhood still wants the senior housing proposal developed and suggested that the City purchase the area and hold it until federal tax credits are available. A single family development is the last thing the neighborhood wants in the area. He noted that Centennial Schools are already over crowded and Elm Street would have problems handling the additional traffic. Senior housing would have the least impact on the area. Mayor Reinert said that if the City purchased the property, the PAGE 3 374 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 City would have to pay the assessments already assessed to the property. This money is needed to pay the bonds for the West Central Improvement since General Fund dollars cannot be used to pay assessments. The question is where would the City get the money to purchase the land and where would the City get the money to pay the assessments. Mr. Landers suggested that a City Council person attend the neighborhood meeting to answer questions that could not be answered by the developer. Mayor Reinert suggested that a staff person attend the meeting. Council Member Kuether further explained to Mr. Landers that the City Council would have a difficult time justifying the purchase of this parcel because it would then be removed from the tax rolls as well as finding the funds needed for the purchase and payment of the assessments. Mayor Reinert noted that the willingness of the developer to meet with the neighborhood is a plus. FORJAY BUILDING, STATUS REPORT - MARTY ASLESON Mr. Schumacher reminded the City Council that during budget work sessions there was much conversation regarding space needs for the proposed new employees. The Forjay building was discussed as a possible location for the parks and recreation staff. Staff is now in the process of determining the cost to upgrade this building and have asked if the City Council wants staff to prepare the plans and specifications or to actually have an architect prepare plans and specifications and advertise for bids. Mr. Schumacher noted that if an architect is required, there will not be enough funds to complete the improvements to the building. Consideration has been given to locating the Recycling Coordinator in the Forjay building and using some dollars from her budget to improve the building. Mr. Schumacher noted the many issues raised the last time the City staff attempted to upgrade a City building for staff use. Mayor Reinert said that during 1994 the City should be considering the space needs for the future as well as how the space needs should be funded. Since it is not known when a new City hall will be constructed, temporary space for the parks and recreation staff could be obtained by using_ the Forjay building. Mr. Schumacher noted that only necessary improvements to the building such as rest room facilities, heating, lighting, telephone, etc. would be constructed. In the future when a new City hall is complete, this space can :be used for otper park functions. The question remains; does the City Council want staff to use the services of a registered architect to prepare plans and specifications. PAGE 4 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 There was further discussion regarding the need for a new City hall. Mr. Schumacher also told the City Council that he had talked with the Superintendent of Centennial Schools who told him that there is only space for an additional 950 students and the school district is already looking at building another facility. This means that most of the Lino Lakes residents will be faced with another school bond referendum in the next couple of years. A referendum for a new City hall would not be well received by the citizens. Mayor Reinert asked that the facilities study be updated and asked Council Member Bergeson to be a one (1) man committee to take leadership in evaluating the space needs for the City. Council Member Bergeson said that he would like to ask Brian Wessel to help him in this matter. Mr. Schumacher will get quotes for upgrading the Forjay building to minimum requirements following the building code and the handicap accessible requirements and bring this information to the City Council for their consideration. Council Member Elliott noted that the Park Board was not "excited" about spending $12,000.00 of Dedicated Park Funds to upgrade the Forjay building. She asked Mr. Schumacher to write a letter from the City Council to the Park Board outlining the need for the space and why Dedicated Park Funds are needed. Mr. Asleson explained that there was much discussion about this matter during the last Park Board meeting. They think upgrading the building is a good idea but they need to know that the City Council worked hard to find financing of the improvement and did give up something else to finance the improvement. The Park Board also needs to know that without their help the building will remain an empty shell. Mayor Reinert asked that the Park Board understand that they will be getting a usable building with very little Dedicated Park funding. Mr. Lindy explained to the City Council the main reason the Park Board was unhappy about this situation was because of the way the Birch Street tunnel situation was handled by the City Council. Some of the Park Board members perceived the same sentiment in this situation. Council Member Elliott explained that she was unable to attend the last Park Board meeting and to explain the need for some funding from Dedicated Park funds. Mr. Lindy relayed this message to the Park Board. Mr. Asleson said he has invited the Park Board to the Forjay building this coming Saturday to view the building and explained what is needed. This matter will be placed on the next Park Board agenda. Council Member Neal suggested that the Forjay building be made PAGE 5 375 376 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 into a bingo parlor. He noted that the Blaine Hockey Association has done this and the proceeds pay for all the hockey equipment. Council Member Bergeson asked where the fees charged for individual recreation programs go. Mr. Asleson explained that the funds go into the General Fund and helps to pay for individual programs. Council Member Bergeson asked if there were meeting rooms in the Forjay building that could be rented, who would get the proceeds. Mr. Schumacher explained the money would go into the General Fund for operation of government buildings. REVIEW OF GOALS AND EXPENDITURES OF DEDICATED PARK FUNDS Mr. Lindy explained that the Park Board is trying to tie up loose ends and not initiate new projects. He presented a list of projects not necessarily in priority order and explained that the Park Board is trying to prepare a reasonable plan of action for each project. It was noted that the updating of the Forjay building is priority item #14. Mr. Asleson gave the City Council information regarding a possible referendum for the purchase of items such as land for a new athletic complex. Council Member Bergeson noted that Centennial School District is planning a referendum and it should not coincide with this possible referendum. Mr. Lindy explained that the Park Board is aware that the referendum process is a long process and felt that it should be started now. Mr. Asleson explained that focus of the recreation committee is to get citizen input as to what programs and facilities are needed. Everything comes back to the need for recreation facilities. Mayor Reinert felt that the Park Board planning effort is timely since the City Council has decided to look at space needs for the entire City. He noted that a sizable parcel of property is needed to accommodate an athletic complex/recreational facility/government building. Mr. Asleson explained that the Park Board is looking at enlisting the aid of Jeff Schoenbauer to educated the Park Board regarding planning a referendum. Mayor Reinert suggested that the Park Board meet with Council Member Bergeson who is the one (1) man committee to look at space needs. Mr. Lindy asked if it would be prudent to meet with Brauer and Associates about the referendum process. He was told to do what he feels needs to be done. Council Member Bergeson said everybody should to be educated on this matter and suggested that the entire City Council attend any meeting set up to discuss a referendum. Mayor Reinert suggested that a meeting with all boards and PAGE 6 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 commissions be planned for a Saturday early this winter to discuss long range goals and plans similar to the meeting held about two (2) years ago. Mr. Asieson noted that the Park Board does have plans to spend some money from the Dedicated Parks Fund in 1994. Council Member Elliott suggested that discussion on this matter be delayed until after the Park Board visits the Forjay building on Saturday. FRIENDS OF THE PARKS FOUNDATION Mr. Asieson presented a list of contributors to the Friends of the Parks Foundation to the City Council. He asked that the contributors be recognized at a City Council meeting that is cablevised. Mrs. Jacquelyne Farm has been instrumental in seeing that the Foundation became reality. Two (2) grant applications have been prepared and will be submitted as soon as the IRS approves the non-profit status. RECREATION ROUND -UP Recreation Round -Up is a program in which all persons paying a utility bill to the City would round -up their utility bill to the next dollar. The difference would go into the recreation fund for supporting various recreational programs. This program is strictly voluntary. Other municipalities are using this program for reforestation etc. Mr. Schumacher noted that the computer equipment would have to be checked to see if it can handle such a program. A-3/RECREATION COMPLEX SITE RELOCATE Mr. Asieson noted that Brauer and Associates helped locate a recreation complex site for the Comprehensive Park Plan. Since this site is considered prime land for residential development, Brauer and Associated prepared an evaluation of other sites available for the athletic complex. The sites were identified as parcels "A", "B" etc. The findings suggest that site "D" is the most suitable with Parcel "A" the second choice. Since the Comprehensive Park Plan must be amended to show the new site, a public hearing for the Comprehensive Park Plan amendment will be placed on the next City Council agenda. WINTER ICE RINK/SHELTER USER FEES Mr. Asieson noted that there are limited funds for skating facilities and for warming house attendants. He suggested that some of the warming house facilities could be rented to private PAGE 7 377 37J COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 15, 1993 parties and the rental fees used for updating the facilities. He suggested that the rental fee be $15.00 per hour. Mr. Asleson was asked to do an energy audit and then proposed a rental fee to the City Council. RESTRUCTURING/MANAGEMENT UNION NEGOTIATION TIME LINE Mr. Tesch presented an outline of the proposed restructuring of City staff. Mr. Schumacher will meet with management to present the restructuring program to them and will also meet with the Ways and Means Committee prior to presenting the final restructuring plan to the City Council sometime in January. Mayor Reinert noted that the purpose of the restructuring of staff is for better accountability. Negotiations with the Lino Lakes Management Association are continuing and Mr. Schumacher will keep the Ways and Means Committee updated on this item. The contract for Financial Director with White Bear Township is being revised to indicated that the Financial Director will be at Lino Lakes for three (3) days per week and at White Bear Township two (2) days per week. Lino Lakes will be the primary employer and bill White Bear Township for two fifths of the contract. Council Member Bergeson asked if the LLMA can bargain with the City regarding restructuring staff. Mr. Schumacher said no, the City has full control of this matter. AGENDA, DECEMBER 20, 1993 Council Member Kuether asked that recognition of all persons going off of a board or commission membership be recognized in January. It was noted that there should be a special award for Jacquelyne Farm. Mr. Asleson was requested to call Ms. Farm and have her appear at the December 20, 1993 City Council meeting to promote the Friends of the Parks Foundation. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular City Council meeting held on January 1994. MarilyniG. Anderson, Clerk -Treasurer 1 Vernon F. Reinert, Mayor PAGE 8