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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/22/1998 Council Minutes• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22,1998 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE April 22, 1998 TIME STARTED 5:30 P.M. TIME ENDED 9:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Bergeson, Dahl, Lyden, Neal, Sullivan MEMBERS ABSENT None City staff members present: City Engineer, Dave Ahrens; Parks and Recreation Director, Rick DeGardner; Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland; Community Development Coordinator, Mary Alice Divine; Assistant to the City Administrator, Dan Tesch and City Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. DISCUSSION OF WENZEL FARMS TOWNHOMES PRIVATE STREET AND TRAIL EASEMENTS, RICK DEGARDNER Rick presented a memorandum dated April 20, 1998. The memorandum references a meeting that he and Dave Ahrens held with Shirley Patterson on April 16, 1998. Ms. Patterson is president of the Wenzel Farms Homeowners Association. At this meeting all issues regarding the trail easements were discussed. A solution to the concerns of both the Homeowners Association and the City was drafted. Ms. Patterson will take the memorandum to the April 27th Homeowners Association and ask for their approval. Chris asked that a policy be adopted that specifically states that the City will not approve any more private streets. Dave Ahrens noted that in this case the private street is just as much of a liability for the City as a public street because the trail easements cover the entire street. However, because the right-of-way does not meet City street standards, he strongly recommended that this street remain a private street. He also noted that if the City did made the street a public street, a precedence would be set. Ms. Patterson noted that snowplowing is the issue. At this time, the Homeowners Association does have regulations regarding snowplowing. If the street were to become a public street, the City would do the snowplowing and could not adhere to the Homeowners Association snowplowing regulations. Rick asked that the City Council approve the provisions detailed in his memorandum. Chris said that he would be in favor of the proposed solution, however, he asked that when Lake Drive is reconstructed, the trail be moved to the Lake Drive right-of-way. He asked the City Engineer to make Anoka County Highway Department aware of this concern. IIIMs. Patterson asked that a sign be placed where pedestrians leave the trail and enter the private street so they know that the street is private. PAGE 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 If the Homeowners Association approve the items outlined in the April 20th memorandum, the easements will be brought to the City Council for their approval. If the Homeowners Association does not approve the resolution, the City will not pursue additional trail easements. DISCUSSION WITH SCOTT GOYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ST. PAUL YMCA, TOWN CENTER YMCA, MARY ALICE DIVINE Mary Alice introduced Mr. Goyer. He explained that the YMCA (the Y) was founded in St. Paul in 1856. He gave a brief history of the Y and also briefly explained their purpose and programs. Mr. Goyer explained that the Y has been looking at the northern suburbs and has discussed just how far into the suburbs the Y should go. There appeared to be an interest in a Y for this area so a feasibility study was completed and a market study was commissioned. The next step will be an investigation to determine how much funding can be generated in this community, from the City, the school district and possibly Fairview Hospital. Mr. Goyer also noted that both the St. Paul and Minneapolis Y are working together to make this branch work. This has never been done before. Kim noted that a survey was completed with the 20/20 project and the citizens indicated that they wanted a community center, the full cost going to the citizens. The quality of life survey also indicated that citizens would approve some level of funding for this type of facility. It appears that a gathering place is needed sometime in the future. There was discussion regarding what programs would be offered in the Y and the fee structure for these programs. Chris said he felt a Y would be a terrific place but the Council had many obligations. He asked that a more creative way to pay for the facility be investigated. Chris also noted the water park in St. Louis Park and asked that Mary Alice, Brian Wessel and Mr. Goyer visit this facility. He felt that this facility was a real money maker and challenged Mr. Goyer to make space for such a facility. Chris noted some other obligations the Council has to address and asked what would happen if it took the City three (3) years to raise money for the City portion of the costs. Mr. Goyer noted that it took the City of Burnsville nine (9) years to get its funding. Kim felt that this City could not wait that long. This facility is needed to encourage commercial development in the Town Center. Mary Alice also said that the City cannot just say here are 75 acres, developers come and get it. The City has to offer some amenities to encourage development. Rick asked Mr. Goyer what would happen if the City offered just land and infrastructure. Mr. Goyer said that the Y would look for alternate sites and then do another market study. John noted that a capital campaign cannot go on forever. After the initial "big splash", not PAGE 2 • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 much happens. Mr. Goyer noted that the "me generation" expects to have what they want immediately. Kim summarized stating that if the City wishes to go forward with the Y, funding will have to be available within the next 18 to 24 months. Without significant funding from the City, the interest in a partnership will not continue. Mr. Goyer said that the Y will be more certain of the funding within the next 30 days. John expressed concern because the Y fee structure makes it a bit of an exclusive club and some people would not be able to use the facility. Mr. Goyer noted that there are programs available and some sliding fees are also available to these people. Caroline said she had mixed feelings about the Y. She noted that a new Y was just constructed in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Goyer explained that the Y received a very large gift for construction of the facility. Kim noted that this matter is not "under the gun" now. She felt it was important to let the Y know that the Council supports the Y and the citizens support the Y and the City is looking at additional bonding in 1999. The City will ask for consideration for investment, such as the inclusion of a senior facility. III Chris said he wanted to see the Y in the Town Center. He asked for a commitment for a senior center. Mary Alice said that the senior center could be phased in. • Kim asked how the Y would impact the current park programs. Rick said that the building will offer a place for more programs. The City cannot maintain a community center and the Y would offer a place to do something cooperatively or in partnership for more programming. Mr. Goyer said he felt this project would be very exciting. The partnership between the St. Paul Y and the Minneapolis Y would be breaking new ground. DISCUSSION OF MUSA FOR MOLIN CONCRETE, MARY KAY WYLAND Mary Kay explained that Molin Concrete has petitioned for sewer service for their facility. This property is not in the MUSA and cannot be connected until MUSA is made available to them. Chris said he could support MUSA for this property. DISCUSSION OF MUSA FOR THE DOUGLAS PROPERTY ON LILAC STREET, MARY KAY WYLAND Mary Kay explained that the septic system at the Douglas home has failed. Since sanitary sewer service is available, the Douglas' have petitioned for connection to the system. The Douglas property is not in the MUSA. Council approval is necessary to include the PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 property in the MUSA. Chris said that he could support this request since a current resident is asking for the service. Kim asked staff to be very clear to take care of residents currently located along these new utility services. If an assessment search is requested, let the title search company know that although the services may be in the area, the property cannot be connected since it is not located in the MUSA. DISCUSSION OF LINO AIR PARK NORTH BUILDING PERMITS, DAVE AHRENS Dave explained that this matter is continued from the April 8, 1998 work session agenda. Since April 8th, Mr. Kolstad and the Lino Air Park Association have met and have come to an agreement to allow three (3) of the four (4) building permits to be issued. Dave noted that Mr. Kolstad's letter of credit expires July 1,1998 and he will be monitoring the situation and if it appears that Mr. Kolstad has not substantially completed all the work that he has agreed to do, he will start the process of taking the letter of credit and having the work completed. Mr. Schmelzer, a member of the Lino Air Park Association and Mr. Kolstad were present and explained that they have tried to come to some agreement so that they will not have to come back before Council again. Mr. Schmelzer noted that it is in the best interest of the Lino Air Park to allow some building permits to be issued so that Mr. Kolstad will have money to complete his work. Dave and the Lino Air Park Association will monitor Mr. Kolstad's work. Kim said that because of the City's responsibility with the use of escrow funds, no extension will be allowed related to completion of the work by the contractor. Kim asked about the provision in the agreement regarding the City providing fill dirt for Mr. Kolstad's project. Dave explained that there may be surplus dirt off of the Ware Road project and that fill could be used by Mr. Kolstad. There is no accountability or responsibility for the City related to the use of the surplus dirt. DISCUSSION OF EXCESS FUND BALANCE, DAN TESCH Dan explained that Mary Vaske had prepared a memorandum to the City Council regarding the excess General Fund balance. The department heads met and discussed options for use of the excess fund balance. The consensus of the group was to fund the following four (4) options: 1. Finance software and hardware replacement. 2. Purchase playground equipment for parks that are in dire need. 3. Transfer the dollars to the Street Reconstruction Fund. 4. Civic Center complex costs. PAGE 4 • • s CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 Dan noted that excess fund balance is more than $300,000. Rick explained that there are five (5) parks which need funding at about $40,000 each. He also noted that if equipment for all four (4) parks was ordered at the same time, there would be a reduction from the supplier and residents would be asked to help erect the equipment. Kim noted that the computer equipment was already approved by the City Council. She also felt that some funding for park equipment was warranted. She also felt starting a road reconstruction fund was a good idea. This shows that the City has made a commitment and it is a good faith issue. However, she did not feel kindly to more civic complex funding. Kim also noted that there is funding needed for the Randy Schumacher issue. Rick said that if the Council only funds park benches and a place for residents to go, this would show that the Council is concerned about parks. John suggested that the Council agree to a percentage allocation. He agreed that the computer is a done deal, felt the street reconstruction issue was too large of an issue to consider at this time, and wanted to be sure that there was no other financial issue that the Council was not aware of. He said that the consensus of the Council seemed to be that they did not want to put anymore dollars into the civic complex. Andy said he was in favor of "sweat equity" for the parks. He noted that half of the benches in the City parks were made and donated by the Lions Club. They can still make and donate more benches. He felt the Council should not let go of the excess funds all at once. Caroline asked Rick to look at the playground constructed at a Moundsview Elementary School. The equipment was funded and constructed by the neighborhood. Kim said she did not think residents would be overjoyed to spend all of the fund balance on parks. She would like to see some going to a contingency fund because the City does not know what tax compression will do to taxes. John agreed to a contingency option. Chris said the Lino Lakes parks are shameful. He supported 60% going to parks, $70,000 for computers and the balance into a road reconstruction fund. The following percentages were approved: 30% computers 50% parks 10% road reconstruction 10% contingency fund PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 SAC CHARGES REFUND UPDATE, DAVE AHRENS Dave explained that Pete Kluegel is working with Lynn Francis in Finance to compile a list of property owners who have paid SAC. The work will be completed this week. A letter will be mailed to the residents with Kim's signature. UPDATE, ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT SECRETARY/DEPUTY CLERK WAGE, DAN TESCH Dan explained that Dave Pecchia has received a request and has responded to the request for reconsideration of salary for the Administration Department Secretary/Deputy Clerk. This matter will be revisited after the Hay Study is completed. Council will be discussing the Hay Study the first week in May. DISCUSSION OF POLICY FOR CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS, DAVE AHRENS Dave handed out a proposed Change Order Policy. Andy said he was not in favor of any change orders. Kim suggested that maybe someone is not careful enough. John said that the proposed policy identifies situations where exact figures are not available until the work is actually completed. He suggested that Dave come to Council only when the Change Order is a major change. Kim asked that Change Orders be charted to see if there is a problem with a consultant. Maybe enough care has not been taken when making estimates. John noted that there have been instances when a small project is added to another project. This should not reflect badly on the engineer. He also asked that the consulting engineers be monitored. DISCUSSION OF SHOREVIEW JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, DAVE AHRENS Dave explained that the City approved a joint powers agreement with the City of Shoreview in 1987 which allowed homes in Lino Lakes to be connected to the Shoreview water and sewer facilities. A formula for funding the connections was outlined in the joint powers agreement. Lino Lakes has not paid the connections fees and it is estimated that the City owes Shoreview more than $250,000 in fees and more than $270,000 in penalties. Mary Vaske has recommended that these fees be paid to Shoreview in increments. There was discussion regarding why these fees were not paid and penalties allowed to accumulate. Marilyn explained that this matter was brought to the attention of the City Administrator by herself, previous consulting engineers and Mary Vaske. The previous City Administrator advised all staff to withhold payment until Shoreview billed the City. John asked why this liability was not included in the City audit. Marilyn explained that the City Administrator advised that it was not to be included in the audit. John felt that PAGE 6 • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 this was inappropriate and asked for more information on the matter. John and Andy stated that whoever withheld this information from the Council should be reprimanded. Dave Pecchia and Dave Ahrens will meet with the City of Shoreview on Friday and finalize the dollar amount to be paid to Shoreview. 21ST AVENUE UPDATE, DAVE AHRENS Dave met with Mr. Rehbein and Ms. Tschida and outlined the schedule for the reconstruction of 21st Avenue south of Main Street to serve the new restaurant and fuel station. They were satisfied with the time schedule. The construction will include sewer and water service and a gravel road. Dave has prepared a joint powers agreement to be executed by the City of Centerville and the City of Lino Lakes for the reconstruction. He reviewed the provisions of the agreement. He noted that he will ask the City Attorney to review the agreement before submitting it to Centerville. Dave referred to the request from the City of Centerville to construct 21st Avenue north of Main Street. The request would require that Lino Lakes obtain right-of-way from Richard Schreier. Dave has not talked to Mr. Schreier yet. Centerville has suggested that both the north and south segments of 21st Avenue be constructed at the same time. There was discussion regarding the manner in which the City of Centerville addressed the request from the City of Lino Lakes for a joint powers agreement for the reconstruction of 21st Avenue south of Main Street. Kim noted that she had talked with the mayor of Centerville and was told that they were uncomfortable about the way in which it was presented. Dave explained that he had made the first presentation to the City of Centerville and when it appeared that there would be some delay, Brian visited with their Council. Kim asked that the next time the issue is discussed with the Centerville Council, a Lino Lakes Council Member will be there. Kim asked that Dave Pecchia contact the Centerville City Administrator and determine exactly what is happening. REGULAR AGENDA Mary Alice explained Item No. 3 on the regular agenda. The City has already approved the issuance of the bonds and the City has no obligation or liability for these bonds. Dan asked why there is a Series A and a Series B bond. Mary Alice explained that Molin Concrete could not get the entire funding from the State. Mary Kay explained that the funds will pay for the expansion of facilities at Molin. Mary Kay addressed Item No. 4C noting that a garage will be moved onto the property. PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 Mary Kay addressed item No. 4D noting that nine (9) billboard signs have been requested to be posted along 35E. The request meets all requirements of the Sign Ordinance and they were approved by the Planning and Zoning Board. However, the approval of the Minnesota Department of Transportation is also required and it appears that they may get that approval. Dan addressed 5A and 5B. Kim asked that Maurine Davidson be at the Council meeting. Dan addressed 7A and 7B. Kim asked if Community Service Awards will be considered this year. She asked that staff research this issue. She also asked staff and Council to make recommendations regarding deserving citizens. Dave addressed 6A. Bids have been received for Ware Road and he is ready to recommend awarding the construction contract. He has met with the contractor and all easements are in place. Dave addressed 6B. Bids have been received for Lakes Addition Street Reconstruction. The matter of relocating the lift station has been "set on the back burner" for now. He will revisit this matter in the fall. All piping required for the new lift station will be placed during the street reconstruction. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a re ' ular meeting of the City Council on May 11, 1998. /))�` lz�cL,r� 1, uti \.� Marilyn G. Anderson, Clerk -Treasurer Ki er A. llivan, Mayor PAGE 8