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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/1998 Council Minutes• • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19, 1998 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE : August 19, 1998 TIME STARTED : 5:35 p.m. TIME ENDED : 7:38 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; Consulting City Engineer, John Powell; City Attorney, Bill Hawkins; Building Official, Pete Kluegel; Assistant City Administrator, Dan Tesch; Community Development Coordinator, Mary Alice Divine; and City Clerk, Marilyn Anderson Mayor Sullivan reminded the Council Members there is an EDA meeting Monday, August 24, 1998, 4:00 p.m. VARIANCE, JAMES DOUGHERTY, 147 SMOKETREE LANE Mary Kay explained this is a request for a variance to allow the construction of a third stall on a garage with living space above. Mr. Dougherty is requesting a variance of two (2) feet on the rear and six (6) on the front. Mr. Dougherty was able to obtain a building permit and ready the site for the proposed construction. When he called for a footing inspection it was determined that he was too close to the side property line. Thus the variance request. Neighborhood input has indicated the neighbors are not opposed to the construction. The Planning and Zoning Board has recommended approval. There are no sight problems with the construction. Kim stated that the variance is basically to correct an error made by City staff. She stated Dave needs to determine who is responsible for the error and make sure it does not happen again. This item will appear on the regular City Council agenda, Monday, August 24, 1998. ACCESS FROM ANDALL STREET, RICHARD CARLSON Mr. Richard Carlson has purchased a 60 acre tract of land just east of the subdivision known as Arena Acres. The development was platted around 1979/1980 and provided a 60 foot wide outlot to serve as a westerly access point to Mr. Carlson's property. Mr. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19, 1998 Carlson would like to use this 60 foot wide outlot to access his property and is requesting permission for the Council to install a 16 foot wide gravel driveway. There is no other public access to the property. Bill stated there is no requirement for the City to approve this. Legally, the City cannot be forced to open that roadway. He stated the Council can approve the 16 foot driveway with the condition that when development occurs the driveway will not remain. Kim asked that all Council Members read the background regarding this request and bring it back to the next work session. Kim expressed concern regarding the BMX track at Rehbein's Area located on Pine Street and 4th Avenue. She asked staff to contact Ms. Connie Baumann and let her know about a very large event over the Labor Day weekend. She asked that the conditional use permit for the BMX track also be reviewed at the next work session. RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION ON ELM STREET Brian explained that nothing will take place regarding the reconstruction of Elm Street for 5-10 years. John stated Elm Street is a low priority because of the connection on Sunset Road. Dan stated Mr. and Mrs. Hill had an assessment of the lot they wish to sell. It was determined that they will be able to sell the lot for more than they had originally thought. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are going to proceed with the subdivision of the property and will provide the 14 foot easement along Elm Street. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Brian passed out a schedule for the remaining Comprehensive Plan Task Force meetings. He noted the Vision Bus Tour has been changed to October 10, 1998. CONSIDERATION OF A BLOCK PARTY REQUEST, LACASSE COURT Marilyn asked for a verbal consensus from the Council for approval of a block party on LaCasse Court. The Fire Department and the Police Department will be updated if Council approves. Requests for block parties are only approved for dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs. Kim stated if the Fire Department or Police Department has any reservations regarding the block party the permit should not be given. It was the consensus of the Council to approve the application for a block party on LaCasse Court. 2 • • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19, 1998 ABSENTEE VOTING Marilyn informed the Council she will again be offering the service of absentee voting at City Hall during regular office hours. This service is being advertised in the Community Briefs. CONSIDERATION OF WRITTEN CONCERN REGARDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Kim passed out a list of consequences if the Comprehensive Plan is not completed on time. She asked each Council Member to write down their concerns regarding the Policy Plan. She asked that copies of these concerns be distributed to each Council Member. She stated that specific time must be set aside at the next two (2) work sessions to discuss concerns regarding the Policy Plan. Chris stated he may agree with the Policy Plan but not the substance of the plan. Kim stated that all applications of the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed. The Policy Plan is not the end all. Concerns regarding the Policy Plan must be written down by each Council Member and brought to the next work session. Chris said that the Metropolitan Council will not dictate how the City of Lino Lakes will develop. CIVIC COMPLEX UPDATE Mary Alice stated construction of the Civic Complex is on schedule. The mechanical and electrical work will begin next week. The project is going very well and at this point the project is still within budget. Kim stated Mr. Scott Goyer, YMCA, is having financial problems regarding the YMCA. He has asked the City to make a commitment to get additional funding. Anyone who can make a recommendation for possible donations or has an in with a large corporation should contact Mr. Goyer. Mary Alice stated she is still working with the Taylor Corporation regarding funding. Chris suggested nearby cities also be approached. Kim asked that a discussion of the Athletic Complex be placed on the next work session agenda. CITY ATTORNEY CONTRACT John indicated he is in favor of the updated contract and costs for services was very reasonable. He stated the contract should be reviewed and updated yearly. Caroline stated she does not like being locked in for three (3) years. Bill stated the City has the right to terminate the contract at any time by giving a 30 day written notice. Caroline indicated she is in favor of the contract. Kim stated she is in favor of the contract with the following two (2) qualifications: 1) Staff is able to pursue specialty legal services, and, 2) Council agrees to work with Hoff to clear up ECFE contract. John felt staff CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19, 1998 could pursue specialty legal services as determined by Council. This would avoid the problem of staff making major financial commitments with other attorneys. Bill stated he will ask Council for approval to obtain other legal opinions if they are needed. In addition, the City Administrator can determine if other legal opinions are needed if time is a factor. It was the consensus of the Council to continue the new City Attorney contract. Kim stated the City needs a policy statement regarding the use of other attorney's. This item will appear on the regular City Council agenda Monday, August 24, 1998. Kim suggested the City pursue and insurance claim on the Errors and Omissions policy. When the issue goes public the City must be prepared to address all questions. Kim stated if the City does not collect on insurance there will be negative headlines. John stated if the attorney (George Hoff) feels the City can file a claim, the City should pursue the matter. If it is determined a claim should not be filed, the City has done all they can do. It was determined the Council is in favor of the City Attorney contract. The City Administrator will make referrals for special legal counsel. Mr. Hoff will complete work with the investigation. The City Attorney contract will be on the regular City Council agenda Monday, August 24, 1998. COUNCIL CONTACTS WITH CONSULTANTS This item was tabled until the next Council work session. CONTINGENT JOB OFFER, TWO (2) COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS Dan stated final interviews were conducted on Tuesday, August 18, 1998. The City would like to offer employment to two (2) candidates contingent on a background check. The positions will be pro -rated for benefits. Dave created these positions for people interested in law enforcement. The full-time CSO position was eliminated. This item will be on the regular City Council agenda Monday, August 24, 1998. UPDATE OF RESTRUCTURING OF CITY HALL STAFF Dan indicated the process of restructuring City staff is on track. The City is looking at continuing finalizing Phase 2. There has been negotiating regarding salaries and a grievance has been filed. John asked if there is a time limit regarding litigation from former employees. Bill stated there is a time limit depending on what type of claim. He indicated grievances may be filed throughout the next full year. 4 • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19, 1998 Kim stated a member of the Charter Commission has brought up the question of the City Clerk/Treasurer reporting to the Director of Administration. Previously, the Charter Commission was supportive of that. She stated the Charter requires that the Clerk report to the City Administrator. Council needs to work with the Charter Commission to resolve the issue. The City needs to work within the regulations that exist. The City would need a very good cause for the Charter to change. Dan stated this issue is part of Phase 2 of the restructuring and will be reviewed. Bill stated he will review the Charter and send a letter to Council and Charter Members. Kim passed out a copy of proposed goals for the City Administrator. She asked that each Council Member review and make changes. Priorities are needed for Dave in relation to the following Council goals: 1( Economic and Business Development 2) Finance 3) Personal and Reorganization, and, 4) Comprehensive Plan. Kim passed out a copy of Performance Appraisal "Rules for the Road" and indicated it was an item for discussion. Kim indicated there are issues involving communication. The Policy Plan that was requested last work session was not received until last Monday. Staff needs to be more cognoscenti of what Council wants in a timely manner. Information must be correct. Staff must respond to Council and citizens more rapidly. She would like citizens to have a response from staff within one (1) day. A new standard needs to be set for communication. Staff needs to understand Council is not full time. Council needs to be sure what they request from staff is within the responsibilities of that staff person. REGULAR AGENDA, AUGUST 24, 1998 Kim asked that staff be sure to calendar and follow-up on conditions of approval regarding Item 3B (Site Plan Review, Russell Trettel, 7148 Rice Lake Lane). Kim asked that a specific list of tasks and an estimated time frame for those tasks be provided regarding Item 3F. She asked the list be faxed to all Council Members before the Monday, August 24, 1998, Council meeting (Contract with Ehlers & Associates). It was the consensus of Council for John to investigate and make a recommendation on Monday, August 24, 1998, regarding the immediate paving of the trail on Item 3H (Trail paving along the realigned Otter Lake Road). Kim asked that when the documents are received for Item 4E (Proposed 1998 Tax Levy, Collectable, 1999), staff review with Andy to bring him up to speed. This item will remain on the Monday, August 24, 1998, agenda but will not be sent to the County until September, 1998. Marilyn noted it must be filed with the County no later than September 15, 1998. Amendments can be made prior to sending it to the County. • John noted he received a call from Wheeler Covered Bridges regarding the possibility of building a covered bridge over Rice Creek on Hodgson Road. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 19,1998 Kim indicated it would be very helpful to have all green sheets at the work sessions. John noted the green sheet will be received on Friday for Item 3 of the EDA meeting. He asked that all Council Members review this item before the Monday, August 24, 1998, meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on September 14, 1998. ilyn G. Anderson, City Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 6 •