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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/1998 Council Minutes• MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, March 18, 1998 4:30 p.m. Council Members Present: Mayor Sullivan, Council Members Bergeson, Dahl, Lyden, Neal Council Member Absent : None Staff Members Present : City Engineer, Dave Ahrens, Acting Administrator, Dave Pecchia; Parks and Recreation Director, Rick DeGardner; Environmental Coordinator, Marty Asleson; Community Development Director, Brian Wessel and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. Interview Candidates for Planning and Zoning Board and Parks and Recreation Board. The City Council interviewed Gene Lane and Todd Schilling, applicants for the Planning and Zoning Board. They also interviewed Sharon Lane, an applicant for the Park Board. Following the interviews, the Council adjourned to dinner in the staff lunch room and discussed the various candidates. 1. Discussion of Parks Bond Referendum, Rick DeGardner Rick recommended that the City Council delay a Parks and Recreation bond referendum until 1999. He noted at this time, a site for the athletic complex cannot be secured. The Council requested that Rick continue the search for a complex site and prepare a list of sites for Council review. They also asked that a bond referendum not be ruled out for 1998 at this time. 2 Discussion of a Health Insurance Bridge, Refer to Committee, Dave Pecchia Dave Pecchia explained that this issue has been referred to the committee working on other health related issues and will come back to the Council at a later time. PAGE 1 MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 3. Discussion of Meeting Posting, Marilyn Anderson Meetings set by City Code are not posted or advertised. The dates are included in the Citizens Guide and other publications. Special meetings are posted on the outside door of the city hall and if set far enough in advance, they are advertised in the Quad Press. 4 Selection of Date to Follow-up Council Goal Setting, Dave Pecchia Saturday, May 9, 1998, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. was scheduled for this meeting. 5. Discussion of Environment Board, Marty Asleson/Maureen Davidson Marty and Maureen Davidson, Environmental Board Chairman outlined the creation of the Environmental Board. By-laws and a regular meeting schedule has been prepared. Board members will be appointed in the same manner as the Planning and Zoning Board and Park and Recreation Board. One member has not been attending meetings regularly. This person will be contacted and if another appointment is necessary, the Council will be advised. All current board members will be officially appointed at Monday's Council meeting. The terms will be staggered so that some terms will end at the end of this year and additional appointments will be made when other board members are appointed shortly after January 1, 1999. Stipends will begin after the ordinance is adopted. With the official formation of this advisory board, the City Code will require amendment. Environmental issues that are currently the responsibility of the Park Board will be removed and become the duties of the Environmental Board. Marty presented a draft ordinance that would amend the City Code as described. He will have the draft ready for Council review at the next work session. Concern was expressed regarding overlap of jurisdiction on issues with the Planning and Zoning Board and the Park Board. Maureen noted that when the board was first formed there was a concern that environmental issues were not being addressed. The ordinance should address both of these concerns. Concern was expressed regarding this board lengthening the process of planning items on their way to Council approval. Staff will develop a process showing the channel an item would go through before it reaches the Council. 6. Discuss Environmental Inventory and Management Plan Consultant Recommendation, Marty Asleson PAGE 2 • • • MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 The documents have been approved by the Council, the Environmental Board and the City Attorney. The contracts can be signed without bringing them back to the Council. Marty will update the Council on the progress of this matter and bring the final document to Council for their review. 7. Discussion of Banner Signs for Liquor Stores, Mary Kay Wyland This matter was delayed until the April 8th work session. 8. "Village" Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), Brian Wessel See 4C on page 7. 9. Civic Campus Project Update, Brian Wessel Brian began the update by presenting the budget for the project. The contingency fund was explained and Brian was told that this fund should only be used for an emergency. The work schedule was outlined beginning with ground breaking in early May for the Early Childhood Center. The Civic Complex Approval Schedule was also reviewed. Kim asked the Council to meet with the Town Center Group April 2, 1998, 6:00 p.m. Kim asked that the Council bring all of their questions and concerns regarding this project to this meeting. She felt that it was important that there be a Council consensus before the April 8th Council work session. Brian was asked to be prepared to show the Council how the final "product" would look. He was also asked to prepare a plan to make the buildings look "warmer". Brian will also bring an architectural rendering for the new bank site. Brian gave a brief overview of the land exchange project involving the civic campus property. Tomorrow a hearing will be conducted in the eminent domain proceedings involving property owned by Ed Vaughan. A dollar amount will be determined for the property owned by Mr. Vaughan that Anoka County wants to protect Ward and Sherman Lakes. The City will pay Mr. Vaughan for the property and deed it to the Council and in return the County will sell the City 14.72 acres of land on which the civic campus will be constructed. Brian briefly explained some of the planning for Phase II of the "Village". He noted that there is a strong interest for a restaurant/inn development on PAGE 3 MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 the Tagg property. He also explained how the original plan for the area is changing with the acquisition of the Funkhauser property and noted where some of the commercial development will take place. John asked Brian for a concept plan of the property to be retained by Anoka County in the land exchange transaction. 10. Discussion of Ordinance Establishing Utility Rates to Properties Outside City of Lino Lakes Boundaries, Dave Ahrens This item will be on the April 13, 1998 Council agenda. 11. Discussion of Joint Powers Agreement With the City of Centerville Regarding 21st Avenue, Dave Ahrens Dave explained that he met with the staff at the City of Centerville just prior to this meeting and reviewed the Joint Powers Agreement. Centerville has asked that the Agreement include a 1300 foot segment of street north of Main Street. Dave is concerned about this request because it would probably involve eminent domain to obtain the right-of-way for the street. Mr. Richard Schreier is the owner of the property on the Lino Lakes side of the border and the City is currently in litigation with Mr. Schreier regarding a similar situation on the southeast corner of the freeway. The second concern is the cost sharing formula. Centerville wants only the actual construction costs, the design costs and inspections costs to be included in the formula. All other costs would be born by the respective City. The Council appeared comfortable with this arrangement. An alternate method of providing access for the new construction on the southwest corner of I -35E and Main Street was determined. With this in mind, Dave will tell Centerville that Lino Lakes although the City would be interested in a road north of Main Street in the future, securing that right-of- way will take some time. If Centerville tries to delay construction of 21st Street south of Main Street, Lino Lakes will serve the new development by the alternate method. Dave will keep the Council updated. 12. Discuss Policy for Construction Change Orders, Dave Ahrens This item was tabled and will be brought back to the April 8th work session. 13. Discuss 49/23 Intersection Project Wetland Replacement Requirements, Dave Ahrens PAGE 4 • 0 MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 This item was tabled and will be brought back to the April 8th work session. 14. Review Lake Drive Trunk Utility Design, Dave Ahrens Before Dave presented his review, Chris asked who would benefit from the construction of the second "leg" of this project. Dave identified several areas. Chris was concerned that a lot of money was being spent to develop additional housing thereby making the mix between commercial/industrial development and housing development even more out of balance. Dave explained that the first segment of this project is scheduled for construction in 1998 and the second segment starting at 79th Street is scheduled for 1999. Dave identified issues relating to the extension of Apollo Drive to Lake Drive. He has set a meeting with the property owners, the City appraisers and the City Attorney to try and avoid eminent domain proceedings in obtaining right-of-way for this extension. As drafting of the plans and specifications for the Lake Drive trunk utilities trunk line has proceeded, several areas of concern have surfaced. The major concern is the cost of the relocation of utility services currently in the right- of-way on the west side of Lake Drive. Dave is in the process of looking at the right-of-way on the east side of Lake Drive. When the consultants have completed the analysis of costs associated with locating utilities on the east side of the street, he will come back to the Council and update. There was additional discussion regarding how far north this project should go. Three (3) of the Council members want the project to proceed as previously ordered. Dave noted that Anoka County will allow utilities to be constructed down the middle of the roadway on Main Street to the Lino Elementary School. Main Street traffic will be rerouted during construction. Dave will be holding additional informational meetings with the residents and other utility companies. 15. Discuss Hiring of Part -Time Maintenance Worker -Storm Sewers/Ponds, Dave Ahrens PAGE 5 MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 Dave noted that residents have been complaining about the condition of holding ponds and drainage ditches. Many ponds and ditches are more than 20 years old and have not been maintained. He proposed that a temporary, part-time person be hired to develop a list of the ponds and ditches, determine if they are working and prioritize the list according to the need for improvement. Dave proposed that compensation for this person come from the Area and Unit Charge Fund. John questioned the use of these funds for personnel needs and noted that this person should have been budgeted. Dave explained that he was trying to be proactive on this matter but it could wait to be included in the 1999 budget. Dave Pecchia explained that the Finance Department said that the project could be funded as proposed especially since the person will be specialized and temporary. 16. Developer Issues, Dave Ahrens Roger Kolstad/Tom Schmelzer, Lino Air Park North - Mr. Kolstad referred to a meeting of the City Council dated October, 1996 in which Dave Ahrens was instructed to hold all building permits until Mr. Kolstad had completed all the improvements outlined at that meeting and the Association signed off on them. Mr. Kolstad explained that most of the improvements were completed and asked that a building permit be issued to one lot that he has a sold. Mr. Schmelzer explained that some items remaining incomplete are important and outlined them. He explained that when Mr. Kolstad gives the Association some assurance of what is to be done and when it will be done, the Association will ask the City to issue one building permit. Mr. Gary Uhde noted that Mr. Kolstad has piled a large stockpile of dirt on his property without permission. Also some of the dirt pile is on the William's pipeline easement which is causing some problems for his final plat of the area. In addition, Mr. Kolstad's son has constructed a new home on his own lot, however, the septic system is on Mr. Uhde's property and must be moved. Mr. Kolstad will get assurances to the Association that the remaining work will be done and remove the dirt pile and septic system from Mr. Uhde's property. If this work is not completed before July 1, 1998, the day the letter of credit expires, Mr. Ahrens will draw on this letter of credit and have the work completed. Mr. Uhde, owner of Behm's Century Farms, 4th, 5th and 6th Additions, has petitioned the City for utilities for these subdivisions and has signed a waiver of a public hearing and appeal to his assessments. Mr. Uhde expressed concern that the City get utility service to his property in a timely manner so that he can begin selling the lots and build homes. PAGE 6 • • MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 Dave explained that he would be asking the Council to approve plans and specifications and advertise for bids for Phase I of the Lilac Street Trunk Utility Improvements at the March 23, 1998 regular Council meeting. This project will provide the services that Mr. Uhde is concerned about. 17. Update Criminal Trials, Dave Pecchia Dave Pecchia updated the Council regarding two (2) court cases that involve past employees. 18. Regular Agenda 4A. Site Plan Review, Wargo Nature Center - Brian explained that the building proposed to be moved into the Regional Park will be used as a laboratory and will be harmonious with the surrounding area. The Planning and Zoning Board approve the request. 4B. Minor Subdivision, Pierre Nadeau - The Nadeau subdivision is not complicated and meets the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Board approved the request. 4C. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 44, Need for an Environmental Impact State (EIS), the "Village". TKDA prepared a Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Town Center. It was distributed according to law and responses from all agencies indicate that an Environment Impact Statement (EIS) is not needed. A resolution adopted by the Council is required to address this issue. The EAW covered the entire "Village" project. 5A. Accept Proposal for Preparation of Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer and Comprehensive Water Plan. This item was presented at the last Council meeting and Dave was asked to verify the low proposal. He has checked the proposal to be sure that all the requirements have been included. He has talked to John Powell of TKDA who will be performing the work. Mr. Powell explained that the reason his proposal was so much less than the other proposals is because his firm has prepared other utility comprehensive utility plans for this City and has much of the base work already completed. TKDA also really wants the work. 5B. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 27, Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids, Lakes Addition Street Reconstruction Project. Dave noted that this is the best time of the year to PAGE 7 MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 advertise for bids on a project. The plans are complete and require acceptance by the Council. He has stressed that there will be no change orders on this project. The proposal will be written with the clause, "not to exceed...". Dave summarized the work to be done. 5C. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 28, Order Improvement, Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids, Black Duck Lift Station - Chris asked Dave to "dress up" the area where the new lift station will be constructed. He noted that the well house on Birch Street needs to be "dressed up" too. Kim suggested that the Council could do this on Earth Day. 5D. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 40, Accept Bids and Award Construction Contract, Lilac Street Utility Extension (Between Apollo Drive and 4th Avenue) - Dave explained that bids were opened on Tuesday and the low bid was about 3% under the engineer's estimate. This is very good. 5E. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 41, Accept Bids and Award Construction Contract, Lakes Addition Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation - Bids were opened today and they were very competitive. Previously the Council had authorized Dave to pursue a $40,000.00 grant to cover a portion of this construction. It appears that Lino Lakes could be granted the entire amount. 5F. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 42, Approve Change Orders 1, 2 and 3 and Payment No. 7 (final), Centennial Middle School Street and Utility Project - Dave detailed the change orders and noted that the cost of the change orders are all recoverable with the assessments. 19. Discuss Compensation for Interim City Administrator, Mayor Sullivan Kim explained that Dan had call several other cities to see how they handled compensation when a city employee stepped into a higher position until that position could be filled. There was not any good comparisons. She suggested doing as North St. Paul did. They paid the difference between the employees current salary and the entry level of the position that the employee was stepping into temporarily. In addition, additional time off after the vacant position was filled was set. Every Council Member gave their opinion regarding compensation. Dave Pecchia's union status was discussed. Kim explained that she had received a letter from the union attorney describing Dave's temporary withdrawal from the union. Kim was asked to get the City Attorney's opinion on this matter. PAGE 8 • • • MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 It was decided to offer Dave an additional salary of $1,050.00 per month and 25 extra days of comp time. This matter will be placed on the regular Council agenda, March 23, 1998. 20. Reminder, Special Council Work Session, March 30, 1998, 6:00 p.m. at the Centennial Fire District Station No. 2, 7741 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, Minnesota. U. S. WEST AREA CODE Kim reported that U.S. West has withdrawn their request to split the zip code in Lino Lakes. WHITE BEAR PRESS STORY COMPARING MAHTOMEDI AND LINO LAKES SEARCH FOR NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR Kim received a call from a reporter for the White Bear Press asking why the compensation that Lino Lakes is offering to a new Administrator is considerably higher than what Mahtomedi is offering. She explained that the criteria is different for each city and that Lino Lakes is looking for a person with considerable experience and more credentials. She also noted that this story will probably be in the March 24th edition of the Quad Press. JOB WELL DONE Kim explained that the City Council purchased balloons for the staff for a job well done in preparation for the March 16, 1998 Council work session to discuss City projects for the years 1998 through 2003. Council Member Neal noted that several administration staff employees did not have their 1998 annual review. He also noted that the City Council was asked to appoint Jean Viger Deputy Clerk. However, she was not given additional compensation for the additional duties. Dave Pecchia will be asked for his recommendation on these matters. 21. Adjourn - The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m. These minutes were corrected and approved at a regular meeting of the City Council on April 13, 1998. Marilyn G. Anderson Clerk -Treasurer PAGE 9