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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/1998 Council Minutes• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 5,1998 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE : August 5, 1998 TIME STARTED : 5:00 p.m. TIME ENDED : 9:02 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Members Bergeson, Dahl, Lyden, Mayor Sullivan MEMBERS ABSENT : Neal Staff members present: Community Development Director, Brian Wessel, Planning Coordinator, Mary Kay Wyland; City Engineer, Dave Ahrens; Interim City Administrator, David Pecchia; City Attorney, Bill Hawkins; Parks and Recreation Director, Rick DeGardner; Building Official, Pete Kluegel; Parks Lead Worker, Mike Hoffman; and City Clerk, Marilyn Anderson The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. The Council adjourned for a closed meeting. The Council returned at 6:40 p.m., to continue with the regular work session agenda. Council Member Lyden excused himself from the meeting at 6:40 p.m. WHEELER CONSOLIDATED Mr. Ken Johnson, Wheeler Consolidated, gave a presentation which entailed the historic and modern Timber Bridge design and how Timber Bridges can be used within the City of Lino Lakes. Kim stated that if the Timber Bridge is cost effective, the City may consider it at some point in the future. CONSIDERATION OF MINOR SUBDIVISION, JAMES HILL Mary Kay outlined three (3) options for Mr. and Mrs. Hill that were discussed at staff level. She noted the options have not yet been discussed with Mr. and Mrs. Hills. Dave Ahrens indicated the City has the right to require the right-of-way as Elm Street is a collector street. The City has consistently required right-of-way if needed every time a landowner requested a subdivision of their land and additional right-of-way was needed to upgrade the roadway. He stated that compensation for the right-of-way would be setting a negative precedent. Mr. Hawkins stated that because this is a unique situation a CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 5,1998 variance for lot width precedent would not set a precedent. There is a sufficient basis to grant the variance. He stated the City has the clear authority to ask for the right-of-way. Mr. Hill indicated that a hardship has been proven. He stated the City should not require the right-of-way without compensation because of all the time and money that has been spent of the property. He indicated he will not dedicate the property to the City. Kim stated she does not see any hardship other than economic. The City cannot make exceptions to rules if it is not a unique situation. John stated the request for the variance is reasonable. The right-of-way is the issue. He stated it is in the City's best interest to obtain the right-of-way so that there will be a consistent width on Elm Street. Mr. and Mrs. Hill stated they want to work something out with the City. Mrs. Hill indicated they are being asked to give more to the City than other property owners. Kim asked Mr. and Mrs. Hill to take the options into consideration. It is the Council's job to weigh their hardship against the right-of-way dedication. This item will appear on the regular City Council agenda, Monday, August 10, 1998. CONSIDERATION OF A SNOW REMOVAL POLICY FOR TRAILS Rick stated the Parks and Recreation Department would like to institute a snow removal policy for the City's trail system which will enable residents to enjoy the trails year round. He stated trail segments will be indicated as an A or B priority. Upon completion of all A paths, the B Priority paths will be cleared. There will be no additional costs to the City at this time. No chemicals will be used on the trails. The policy will be evaluated after the 1998/1999 snow season to see if the policy should continue. Council supported the snow removal policy. This item will appear on the regular City Council agenda, Monday, August 10, 1998. RESHANAU LAKE TRAIL UPDATE Rick gave an update regarding the Reshanau Lake trail. He requested approval from Council to begin discussions with the two (2) property owners where the limited access easement exists. It was the consensus of the Council to direct Rick to initiate discussions with the property owners regarding the purchase of the easement. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (JPA) WITH THE CITY OF CENTERVILLE Dave Ahrens detailed the JPA with the City of Centerville. He stated that the Agreement will be on the City of Centerville's regular City Council agenda on August 12, 1998. To 2 • • • • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 5, 1998 be consistent with past agreements, issues such as future sealcoating and overlay projects will be completed under separate agreements. The Agreement will appear on the regular City Council agenda Monday, August 10, 1998. BLACK DUCK LIFT STATION The original proposal for this project was to relocate the Black Duck lift station to the easement across Black Duck Drive on Captains Place. Dave stated that he is now proposing to keep the station in place but modify the station. Dave went over the projected costs and modifications. Special coatings are included in the estimated costs. He indicated spring, 1999, for construction of the project. Neighbors have complained about the alarm that sounds quite frequently on the current lift station. It was the consensus of the Council for this item to appear on the August 24, 1998, regular City Council agenda. CITY ATTORNEY CONTRACT This item was tabled until the next Council Work Session. In reference to the Hill request, John suggested the option of initiating the right-of-way acquisition of all parcels on Elm Street where additional right-of-way would be required. Kim stated the widening on Elm Street may not occur for a long time. She stated she will support this option if there is justification that the widening on Elm Street will happen in the near future. Kim asked Dave Ahrens to determine how many properties will be required to dedicate right-of-way so that there would be consistent right-of-way on Elm Street. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Brian passed out a meeting schedule listing meetings through October 26, 1998. The schedule indicates the Comprehensive Plan will come before Council on October 26, 1998. It will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council on November 13, 1998. Kim stated she is not available for the October 16, 1998, meeting. She asked the schedule be posted on the door of City Hall. She wants the schedule noted "Special Council Meetings". She stated it is very important the all Council Members attend the final meetings. Council needs to review the Comprehensive Plan and put in writing any concerns they have about the Plan. She asked that all written concerns be presented at the next Council Work Session. She indicated it will be very irresponsible of the Council to wait until the Comprehensive Plan comes before Council to voice any concerns. Caroline stated she wanted to see the Plan written as it will come before Council. Brian indicated the Plan will be in draft form at the meeting recaps. Kim stated the level of communication needs to increase regarding the Comprehensive Plan and the citizens of CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 5,1998 Lino Lakes. Brian stated there is a communication plan in draft form. He will go over the communication plan at the Council meeting on Monday, August 10, 1998. John noted the City should pay for an insert to be included in The Quad. He said that even if it costs the City some money, the City must start improving communications with its citizens. Caroline suggested flyers be placed in residents paper boxes. It was the general consensus of the Council that staff proceed with improvements to communicating the Comprehensive Plan to the citizens. CIVIC COMPLEX UPDATE Brian invited everyone present to visit the Civic Complex Site. He stated visitors must check in with the Superintendent. The project is on schedule and weekly meetings are being held. Construction bids have been awarded. The next bid package is due September, 1998. JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY OF HUGO Marilyn passed out a preliminary draft of the meeting minutes. This item was taken off the agenda so the City of Hugo and White Bear Township can also review the minutes. She asked Council and staff to review and make any corrections necessary. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS UPDATE David Pecchia referred to a letter from Anoka County regarding the expansion of the Minnesota Department of Corrections facility in Lino Lakes. He stated the facility was designed for expansion. The facility will double in size and the impact on the City is minimal. He indicated his only concern is of a break out during transportation to the facility. The prison will be very secure. REGULAR AGENDA, AUGUST 10, 1998 Brian noted the EDA meeting on Monday August 10, 1998, has been canceled. DISCUSSION OF PDI CONTRACT Kim asked for support regarding sending a letter to Mr. Nick Dragisch stating he is no longer a candidate for City Administrator. She also asked that a review of the PDI contract be conducted in regard to performance. She stated an evaluation should be made regarding any guarantees from PDI for a candidate for the position. Council directed staff to pursue the review and evaluation. Kim stated she would write the letter to PDI. David Pecchia stated a closed Council meeting will be held on Monday, August 10, 1998, at 4:00 p.m. 4 • • • • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 5,1998 Kim stated that Council has asked David Pecchia to continue as Interim City Administrator based on Council evaluation. David agreed to continue until January 1, 1999. There will be a press release regarding this decision. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on August 24, 1998. Marilyn G. nderson, City Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.