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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/1995 Council Minutes1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 18, 1995 DATE January 18, 1995 TIME STARTED 5:00 P.M. TIME ENDED 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Reinert, Neal, MEMBERS ABSENT : None • • e. Kuether,,Elliott,; Bergeson Staff members present: City Administrator, Randy Schumacher; Assistant to the City Administrator, Dan Tesch; Acting City Engineer, John Powell; Community Development Director, Brian Wessel; Public Works Foreman, Tom DeWolfe; Solid Waste Coordinator, Jackie Constant; Parks and Recreation Director, Marty Asleson; Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland; Chief of Police, David Pecchia and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. REGULAR AGENDA Mr. Powell addressed the issues he wanted on the agenda for consideration Monday evening. A petition has been received from the developer of Woods of Baldwin Lake, Second Addition requesting that the project be completed by using State Statutes 429. A resolution has been prepared accepting the petition and another resolution has been prepared calling for a public hearing on the proposed improvement. Mr. Powell explained that bids were requested for the cleaning and repair of the Lakeview Place/LaMotte ditch. Only one bid was received and it is very high. Mr. Powell will be recommending that the bid be denied and that the project be included in a larger project in the spring. Hopefully, the cost for this improvement will be closer to what Mr. Powell has estimated. A feasibility report has been prepared for Well No. 4. This well is proposed for the east side of I35E to service the proposed Clearwater Creek subdivision. A resolution has been prepared accepting the report. No further action by the City Council is requested at this time. Mr. Powell explained that the next step in the process of PAGE 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 developing the proposed subdivision of Trapper's Crossing is for the City Council to adopt a resolution ordering a feasibility study for the improvement of Holly Drive/12th Avenue. The southeast corner of the intersection of Holly Drive and Ash Street may be developed for recreational purposes which could generate a significant amount of traffic. Since the improvement of Holly Drive/12th Avenue would benefit the recreational complex and the surrounding residential area, Mr. Powell recommended that the City pay a portion of the cost of the study. He also explained that if Trapper's Crossing is not constructed, the study would be used in the future when Holly Drive/12th Avenue is reconstructed. Mr. Powell explained that the developer of Fox Trace was given a credit toward the cost of the feasibility study for the utility improvement because the utility improvement will benefit an area much wider than the Fox Trace development. Mr. Powell recommended that the City be consistent and allow a credit in this project. Mr. Schumacher asked that granting credits for feasibility studies that benefit more than the proposed development be formalized into a policy that can be made part of the City's Improvement Policy. Mr. Powell explained that plans and specifications have already been ordered for Well No. 3. This well is the third well planned for the west side of the City. The well will be located either on the Apitz property or the LaMotte property. It appears that the final site location will be the LaMotte property. Appraisal of the property has not been completed. However, there is an urgency to this matter because of the shortage of water experienced last summer. Negotiations with the landowner will proceed when the appraisal is complete. Mr. Powell explained that the former City Engineer was the Lino Lake's representative to the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO). VLAWMO is now requesting that the City Council appoint another representative. Mr. Powell explained that a person with some technical expertise be appointed and noted that there is a person at TKDA that could temporarily be appointed. Mayor Reinert also noted that Mr. Rockey Keehn, an engineer with SEH would also be well qualified. Ms. Wyland was asked to contact Mr. Keehn to see if he would be interested in the position. Since this is a voting position, it was recommended that all interested persons be advised of the need to attend the monthly meetings. Council Member Bergeson noted that if a qualified technical person in the City cannot be found, a technically qualified staff person would be appointed. PAGE 2 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 CLEARWATER CREEK STUDY Mr. Powell explained that a study of the Clearwater Creek Drainage area has been completed by OSM, the Hugo consulting engineering firm. This is a joint study between the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Hugo. Mr. Powell gave copies of the preliminary study to each Council Member. Mr. Powell explained that the preliminary findings indicate a problem with water standing in the creek and not moving downstream. Another problem concerns the flow of water under I35E. Water is not moved efficiently in this area. The problem could be solved by installing another pipe. This problem will be directed to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. They can include another pipe in their long range planning. These problems would impact the proposed Clearwater Creek subdivision to the extent that holding ponds would be made part of the platting. In addition, there would be a requirement that the subdivision contribute financially to a fund to pay for future improvements to the creek. The proposed subdivision would provide the opportunity to establish a fund for future creek improvement which would receive contributions from other development in the area. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Powell if this study considered the roof tops and driveways from the proposed subdivision that would be contributing to the watershed area. Mr. Powell explained that this study is not that detailed. This concern will be addressed in the study prepared specifically for the subdivision. Mr. Powell noted that he has met with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) and they want to create as much absorption as possible by flattening out some of the terrain. The RCWD will require ponding to restrict the flow of water from the area. Mr. Powell explained that long term improvements to be considered are widening and cleaning of Clearwater Creek, establishing a large holding area upstream before it gets to the creek, enlarging the pipes under I35E and keeping as must water on site as possible. A meeting has been set with the Hugo City Council for Wednesday, February 1, 1995 at the White Bear Country Inn. REGULAR AGENDA (CONTINUED) Ms. Wyland explained the items under the Planning Report. The first item is a request from Steven Haag, 171 White Pine Road to subdivide a portion of his lot and attached this portion to the PAGE 3 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 adjoining lot, 173 White Pine Road. No new developable lots would be created. The purpose of the subdivision is to provide a larger yard for the lot at 173 White Pine Road. The second item is a request to divide a lot off of the proposed Woods of Baldwin Lake, Second Addition. The house on the lot has been sold and the developer is asking that this parcel not be included in the plat because of legal and financial concerns. Ms. Wyland noted that the garage on the lot will be removed because it sits on the proposed lot line. A new garage will be constructed in the area where the current sewer system is located. This sewer system will be abandoned as soon as utility services are available to this lot. CITY HALL SOLID WASTE CONTRACT, JACKIE CONSTANT Ms. Constant explained that currently the City contracts with BFI Waste Systems for recycling and Waste Management for solid waste removal. BFI has submitted a proposal to provide recycling service at a zero cost and solid waste removal at $131.00 per month plus tax. Waste Management has presented a proposal to provide recycling service at a cost of $49.00 per month and solid waste removal at $182.00 per month plus tax. Ms. Constant recommended that the City contract with BFI Waste Systems. This matter will be placed on the January 23, 1995 agenda. SNOW AND ICE POLICY, TOM DEWOLFE Mr. DeWolfe gave each Council Member a copy of his proposed Snow and Ice Removal Policy. He explained that Berkley Risk (liability insurance carrier) and the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust have recommended that a specific policy be adopted. The policy would be used to let citizens know how and when snow and ice is removed by the Public Works Department. The policy will also be used for reference in the event the City is sued because of an accident on a City street or walkway. The proposed policy was reviewed by both Berkley Risk and the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Mr. DeWolfe will review the policy with the City Attorney as well. Mr. DeWolfe explained that although the policy has been used by the Public Works Department for the last several years, the City Council has not officially accepted it and therefore it cannot be used in a legal defense of the City in the event of a lawsuit. Mr. Schumacher explained that the purpose of the policy is to outline when the Public Works Department is to provide snow and ice removal, i.e. are plow trucks dispatched for a snowfall of 1 inch, 2 inches, etc. Mr. Tesch explained that an article is PAGE 4 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 placed in the newsletter each fall explaining the snowplowing procedures to let the residents know when to expect their street to be plowed. Parking restriction are also published at that time. Mayor Reinert asked that this matter be reviewed by the City Attorney and asked that each Council Member take time to review it as well. This matter will be placed on a future City Council agenda. Mayor Reinert asked that the "green sheet" specifically say that the policy has been reviewed by the City Attorney. REGULAR AGENDA (CONTINUED) Mr. DeWolfe gave each Council Member a written presentation regarding the purchase of a one -ton cab and chassis and a dump truck cab and chassis. These two (2) trucks were bid through the Hennepin County Purchasing Division. Two (2) bids were received for each truck. The 1995 dump truck will replace the 1980 dump truck which will be placed on the Hennepin County auction later this spring. The 1995 one -ton truck is not a replacement for an older truck, but will be used in the sewer and water utility department. Mr. DeWolfe will be recommending that the City Council accept the bid from Lake Land Ford Truck Sales, Inc. for the 1995 dump truck and the bid from Thank Hawkins Polar Chevrolet, Inc. for the one - ton truck. These bids fall within the 1995 budget. Mr. DeWolfe explained that he will be bringing the bids for the equipment for both trucks to the City Council at a later date. 20[20 VISION UPDATE, DAN TESCH Mr. Tesch gave each Council Member a packet of information regarding the 20/20 Vision program. The packet included an agenda for the meeting on Saturday, January 21, 1995 as well as a summary of what she has done to the present. The Council was asked to review the information and contact Kim Sullivan if they had further questions. ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS, DAN TESCH Mr. Tesch gave each Council Member a list of the open positions for each board as well as other areas where appointments are necessary. He noted that the City must appoint a legal newspaper and although the Circulating Pines is out of circulation, three (3) other local papers have submitted proposals. PAGE 5 "7; COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 Mr. Tesch explained that all applicants from 1994 have been contacted to determine if they are still interested in an appointment to a specific board. A list of applicants for each board was presented to the City Council. Mr. Tesch asked if the City Council was satisfied with the number of applicants and if they wished to schedule a date for interviewing them. Mr. Tesch also prepared and submitted to the City Council a draft form containing criteria to rate each applicant. He asked the City Council to review this form and let him know if there should be any changes to it. The number of years an applicant lived in this City was discussed. It was felt that this item should not be listed as "criteria" but only as an item of information since an applicant may have lived in the City a few months but was active on a particular board in another city. No. 11 on the list of available positions was "Capital Building Committee". Council Member Bergeson noted that the current committee consisted of staff and Council Members. He felt that soon this committee should be expanded to a "real" committee. He suggested that this matter be discussed at the next Capital Facilities Committee meeting. Mayor Reinert referred to the gas franchise position. He felt that a representative with an understanding of budgets and figures should be appointed. Mr. Schumacher explained that he has been working with a consultant and will be continuing this work. Council Member Bergeson suggested that Mr. Schumacher complete his task with the consultant before additional persons are placed on the committee. Mayor Reinert referred to item No. 15, Government Efficiency Committee and suggested that a committee of employees be formed to look at some things in City Hall and in the City in general which can in some manner be operated more cost effectively. He felt that the employees would be a good source of cost saving ideas. Council Member Bergeson suggested that whoever is appointed liaison to the Parks Department should also be appointed to the Recreation Department. Mayor Reinert asked how important is it to have a liaison to the Solid Waste Department? Council Member Elliott suggested waiting with this appointment until the City Council has made some decisions regarding organized collection. It was determined that interviews with all applicants will be on Wednesday, February 8, 1995 starting at 5:30 P.M. The City Council will review the normal work session items prior to the PAGE 6 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 interviews or between interviews as time permits. Mr. Tesch asked the Council Members to let him know if they wanted changes to the draft "Criteria for Advisory Board Appointment" form. He will provide these forms to the City Council prior to the meeting. REGULAR AGENDA (CONTINUED) Chief Pecchia presented his proposal to promote two (2) officers to the Sergeants position. He noted that currently the department is without any sergeants and this is creating an additional work load for him. Chief Pecchia explained that creation of these two (2) positions would provide better supervision of the patrol officers. A departmental meeting was held in December and the officers were asked for their input on this matter. Selection of the two (2) officers for these positions was based on the 1994 testing, and how successful the candidates were in the field of education/training, volunteerism, attitude, getting involved with programs of the department and how well they could identify their own weaknesses and strengths. The officers also prepared a memorandum outlining why they wanted to be appointed to the position. Chief Pecchia explained that he will be 'requesting Council approval to promote Officer Hammes and Officer Mortenson to the two (2) positions. He described each officers education, current duties, previous experience and commitment to community policing. Chief Pecchia also explained the cost savings of utilizing these two (2) officers over the previous sergeants cost. Council Member Kuether asked several questions regarding the proposal. She asked that cost figures be provided for Council review. Council Member Kuether asked if Officer Mortenson was too young for the position. Chief Pecchia explained that Officer Mortenson was very mature, and has a considerable amount of education and has shown how solid professionalism impacts the City. The need for two (2) sergeants was discussed. Chief Pecchia explained that there is a need for supervision on each shift and there will be creative scheduling to provide as much supervision as possible. The sergeants will be "working" officers and will be included in the work schedule. They will also be a resource person and assist in handling difficult situations. The sergeants will be in the background to assist other officers at night. PAGE 7 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 Chief Pecchia explained that he will be entrusting his career to these two (2) sergeants. If they fail, he fails. Chief Pecchia noted that they will be on probation for six (6) months. However, he felt the candidates were bright enough to work their way through anything that they would face. They have dealt with most of the pressing issues and now must deal with ethics and professionalism. Chief Pecchia explained that the D.A.R.E. program will continue as planned. Officer Hammes will continue to lead the program and it should enhance his role as a sergeant. The position of investigator has been posted and when an officer is appointed to this position, he will be trained by the Anoka County Investigative Unit and by this department. It was noted that Officer Hammes applied for a position on the Highway Patrol and was selected. He turned down this opportunity to work as a sergeant in Lino Lakes. This matter will be placed on the January 23, 1995 Council agenda. CONSIDERATION OF DONATION FROM THE CIRCLE -LEX VFW, POST #6583 Chief Pecchia explained that a donation of $8,000.00 has been received from the VFW to help fund the D.A.R.E. program. There is a possibility that the entire program will be funded through donations. A resolution will be prepared for the City Council to consider at the January 23, 1995 Council meeting. Mayor Reinert noted that the VFW has been very generous over the years and should be recognized for their community spirit. TARGET DONATION TO FRIENDS OF THE PARKS, MARTY ASLESON Mr. Asleson explained that the Friends of the Parks Foundation will be receiving a donation of $1,000.00 from Target Stores to be used in funding some of the summer performances in the parks. Target is asking for recognition of this donation because it provides an opportunity to promote their involvement in communities. Mr. Asleson noted that the Friends of the Parks Foundation continues to seek other funding and support. A joint meeting of the City Council and the Park Board was set for Wednesday, February 22, 1995, 6:30 P.M. The regular Council work session will start at 5:00 P.M. PAGE 8 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 SET DATE FOR CAPITAL BUILDINGS COMMITTEE MEETING Council Member Bergeson explained that the committee is waiting for additional information from Mr. Wessel concerning the "town center" proposal and from Mr. Schumacher regarding funding such a project. A tentative meeting was set for Saturday, February 18, 1995, 9:00 A.M. to noon. CENTENNIAL SCHOOLS BUILDINGS TASK FORCE Council Member Bergeson, a member of the task force explained that many meetings have been held and it is clear that the current buildings will not hold the current student population. The bottom line is that the school district will have to build something. The options are many and varied and will be narrowed down to about two (2) or three (3). After the options have been narrowed, the school district will take the matter to the public through informational meetings and parent/teacher meetings. A consultant has been hired to help the district determine the best possible solution to this problem. Mayor Reinert noted that the school district seems to be putting blame for the situation on Lino Lakes. He suggested that the City and Centennial School District work jointly with the City on these matters. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Schumacher explained that Lino Lakes will receive $38,000.00 in funding this year. He explained the funds must be used to benefit low and moderate income residents. It can also be used to fund accessibility issue in the City, however since this is federal money, many requirements have to be met. Organizations requesting a portion of the funding will appear at the Council meeting on Monday and explain their request. The City Council will close the public hearing and take the requests under advisement and act on them at a future meeting. Mr. Schumacher explained since the dollar amount of the fund is low, the City Council could look at funding a portion of the requests this year and the balance of the requests next year. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M. These minutes were consider, corrected and approved at a regular meeting of the City Council on February 13, 1995. PAGE 9 COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 18, 1995 Marilyn/G. Anderson, Vernon F. Reinert, Clerk -Treasurer Mayor PAGE 10 1 1