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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2002 Council Minutes• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES NOVEMBER 6, 2002 : November 6, 2002 : 5:32 p.m. : 8:36 p.m. : Council Member Dahl, Carlson, O'Donnell, Reinert (5:45pm) and Mayor Bergeson : None Staff members present: Administration Director, Dan Tesch; Community Development Director, Michael Grochala; Finance Director, Al Rolek (part); 45.0ciate Planner, Tanda Gretz (part); City Engineer, Jim Studenski; Water Superintendent, Tim Hillesheim (part) and Public Services Director, Rick DeGardner UPDATE ON TRAPPER'S CROSSING DRAINAGE ISSUES, JIM STUDENSKI City Engineer Studenski stated there are somet'ramage issues at Trapper's Crossing. Some work is being done at Durango Point but "the issue is who is responsible for the problems. Cherokee Trail was included m a letter that went out to the developer, Mr. Hokanson. Staff has met with Mr. Hokanson and the builder. Mr. Hokanson decided he would just correct the problem and blil.the builder. Yesterday, Meadowview Builders began the work without notifyinghe City or residents. They have been in contact with the City since the work began. They aregoing to install a dram tile. The builder would like to complete the wok, as soon as possible due to the coming winter weather. The City has since discussed this issue: i the ll meowners. Mr. Michael Stagg, 6354 Cherokee Trail, stated he would like to have a letter from the builder outlining what they are doing and what they are responsible for. Starting the work with no notification caused a lot of confusion. The drainage tile may help with the drainage problems on one side, but the drainage problems on the other side of the house also have to be addressed. City Engineer Studenski stated a neighborhood meeting would be held to address all the drainage issues. The project will end up being a City surface water management project. Community Development Director Grochala stated the City wanted to get all the erosion controls in place. Now staff is talking to the builders and developers about cleaning out the storm sewers. The storm sewers should be cleaned out within the next month. • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 City Engineer Studenski stated the only issue is if a resolution is not found on the drain tile in the next twenty-four hours the project will not get completed this year and it will not be done by the builder. Mr. Stagg asked if staff could facilitate a meeting with the builder. He advised he does not want a situation where the builder does something or causes more damage and then they just leave. He referred to his inground sprinkler system, noting he would not know if there were any damages until spring. He stated he would like a letter of responsibility and then they can begin their work. Councilmember Carlson asked when the neighborhood meeting would take place. Community Development Director Grochala stated staff is trying to schedule a meeting for mid-November. Councilmember Carlson stated this is the third time that Homes by James has come up regarding issues with builders. She asked if the as -built surveys would address this problem. Community Development Director Grochala stated the as- types of problems with all builders. surveys will address these Councilmember Dahl asked that staff stress to the builders the need to communicate with • the neighbors Mayor Bergeson asked that an update on is issue be included in the Friday update. REPRESENTATIVE FROM CENTENNIAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION ALLOCATION OF GYM SPACE, ° COUNCILMEMBER O'DONNELL Councilmember O'Donnell, advised' he, has received several calls from concerned residents regarding this issueH stated he would like an update about the situation and a discussion on how to resolve the issue. The issue is use of gym time and the conflict is between the Lino Lakes Park and Recreation Department and other youth groups. The feeling in the community is that priority is given to the Lino Lakes adult programs and the elementary and middle school participants are getting late gym times. Mr. Joe Grave, Centennial Basketball Association, stated he believes that is the perception in the community. Adults have earlier gym times than the younger participants. Parents are very concerned and upset about that. Councilmember O'Donnell stated the purpose this evening is to facilitate some communication to resolve the issue. Public Services Director DeGardner referred to a memo from the School District that included a schedule of activities. He reviewed the schedule noting the corrections that should be made. He stated he is very much in disagreement because the School District • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 has been telling people that they cannot use the gym because of the Parks and Recreation programs. Public Services Director DeGardner distributed a current Parks and Recreation Department facility use schedule and list of gym use only. A new policy was adopted that forced the Parks and Recreation Department to move aerobics, which had previously been at Rice Lake Elementary for ten years. A gym at Rice Lake Elementary could be made available on Thursdays if the martial arts program moved to the Centennial Middle School wrestling room. There has been a lot of frustration from the Centennial Basketball Association because some of the basketball hoops in certain gyms are not adjustable. If the School District would allow some programs to be shifted to the middle school gyms there would be more gym space for Centennial basketball. Mayor Bergeson stated the Council could not help with the scheduling of activities. He asked what staff would like the Council to do regarding this situation_ Councilmember O'Donnell stated it sounds like there are opportunities to resolve the issue if staff could facilitate a meeting with the School District:, Public Services Director DeGardner stated the School District is in charge of scheduling the activities. The Parks and Recreation Department has -reduced gym use over the past ten years. He indicated he would meet with the School District if they were willing to move some of their programs. Ms. Cathy Wyland, Centennial School- strict, stated Mr. Bernstein and Liz have been very flexible with the rescheduling of activities. The School District does not have enough gym space for everyone. Thenschool will help with this problem once it is opened. Mayor Bergeson asked for*' arifica regarding the new policy. Ms. Wyland stated a chango was made in the gym use policy that was very bad timing for the Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks and Recreation Department takes care of the maintenance in exchange for use of the facilities. The aerobics program was moved to a different school so the time could stay the same. Mayor Bergeson asked if it is possible to reconsider that decision until the new school is opened. Ms. Wyland stated the School District can do that but programs are already scheduled. Other groups are already utilizing some of that previous gym space. She stated she is working with Mr. Bernstein to find places for all the groups along with a maintenance agreement for the new school. • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 Mayor Bergeson stated if there were a proposal between the School District and the City for a new building agreement there would be an opportunity to deal with any outstanding issues. Public Services Director DeGardner stated he is hoping to get a proposal from the School District soon because the City only has until December 1 to terminate the Rice Lake School agreement. Councilmember O'Donnell asked that a letter be sent to all groups if a meeting is held and a resolution is found. WATER METER DISCUSSION, KELLEY KIMBALL, AL ROLEK Finance Director Rolek stated the Council received an info'tation package regarding this issue and Mr. Kimball's areas of dispute. Water Supervisor Hillesheim reviewed the background of the issue advising Mr. Kimball is disputing his water bill. A new water meter was installed in February of 2002. Mr. Kimball stated he believes the water charges are fairly accurate since the new meter has been put in. City staff did agree that the usage was very high with the old meter and only one test was done when he was present. Staffdid however, indicate in a previous letter that the meter was under reading. Staff i nowindicating the meter was over reading. A representative of US Filter Corporation explained the type of meter and valves the City uses and referred to an accuracy charte indicated it is always expected that meters be replaced about every twenty yea dui : aec'acy issues. Councilmember O'Do the outstanding bill is in the amount of $2,218.19 and that Mr. Kinot disputing the meter reads since the new meter was installed. Mr. Kimball is also not disputing the sewer charges. He asked how many dollars Mr. Kimball believes'tle bill is off? Mr. Kimball stated he did all the calculations and came up with what he believes is as fair figure. He indicated he is willing to come up with a compromise. Water Supervisor Hillesheim stated he does not feel the meter was grossly non- performing. Finance Director Rolek stated it is staff's perspective that the water did go through the meter. The Council can determine if they wish to reduce the amount owed by Mr. Kimball. Penalties have accumulated to over $1,000 dollars. Mr. Kimball had the opportunity to pay his bills on time and avoid any late penalties. • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 Councilmember Reinert stated they are at an impasse and he suggested an arbitrary figure to reduce the bill because of the unknown. Mayor Bergeson stated that if that is done it has to be clear that the City is not taking a position that the meter or billing was inaccurate. The position would be that it is in the best interest of everyone involved to reach a compromise. If the City does make an accommodation for the bill, it should be on the interest and penalties. However, if the situation had been addressed earlier, the penalties would not have been so high. Councilmember Carlson asked if staff is in agreement of foregoing late penalties. Finance Director Rolek stated that is as a Council decision and a fairness issue. It is concerning that the issue only comes to a head when the City is ready to certify the charges. Mr. Kimball stated he would compromise if the City uses a base average consumption of 600 gallons per day. He noted he does not believe, however, is average use is 600 gallons per day. Mayor Bergeson stated the question is if the Council ants tv adjust the bill and if so, by how much. Councilmember Reinert stated that 600 gallons per Idly would reduce the usage by approximately 30% of the bill. That would.reduce the bill by approximately $350.00. Finance Director Rolek stated another the bill has been in dispute. He indi interest has been charged. pis for the City to reduce the penalties since t amount would equal $591.88 noting no Councilmember O'Donnell stated method such as relief of the persalt ould rather come to a conclusion that has a Councilmember Carlson stated she agrees with the method of reducing the penalties because that is the cleanest way to reduce the bill and it does not set a precedent for reducing water consumption. Finance Director Rolek stated it is still staff's intent to bring forward a resolution to certify the amount of the delinquent bill if it is not paid. Councilmember Reinert stated reducing the bill by $591.88 is more that he wanted to do but is acceptable. Mayor Bergeson indicated he could agree to that figure also. • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 It was the consensus of Council to direct staff to prepare a resolution that will reduce the penalties of Mr. Kimball's water bill in the amount of $591.88. The resolution will also include the certification of the bill if it is not paid. This item will appear on the consent agenda Monday, November 12, 2002, 6:30 p.m. BROWN VARIANCE REQUEST, FROM OCTOBER 28 AGENDA, TANDA GRETZ Associate Planner Gretz advised this item was tabled at the last Council meeting. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Board have recommended denial of the variance. Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the background of this issue noting the situation is very difficult for granting a variance taff feels the property owner should either remove the building or bring it into conformance. Mayor Bergeson stated the first issue is what action will be on the variance request. Mr. Brown asked what is a bigger eyesore; two 10 x 15 buildings or all of the equipment that is being stored in the building? Councilmember Carlson read the Findings of Fact necessary to grant a variance noting she does not feel this situation meets the five points deeded to grant a variance. She indicated she would have to vote no for the variance request. Councilmember Reinert stated giving a variance in this situation would be irresponsible. He asked how the building could, be brought up to code. Community Development Director Grochala stated the roof needs to be shingled and the building would have to bdci withsding similar to the principal structure. Councilmember Dahl stated she believes the ordinance should be changed because metal corrugated siding is much more cost beneficial and it looks better. Community Development Director Grochala stated the City is reviewing all the City ordinances. The Council decides if an ordinance should be changed. Mr. Brown inquired about the building permit and how long it is good for. He suggested the possibility of obtaining a permit and doing the work next summer. Community Development Director Grochala stated a building permit is good for one year. A permit will be issued if the plans for the building are submitted and approved. Mr. Brown would then have one year from the date the permit was issued to work on the building. • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, November 12, 2002, 6:30 p.m. SPIRIT HILLS COMMERCIAL, MICHAEL GROCHALA Community Development Director Grochala stated staff does not have final comments from Anoka County yet regarding this issue. Staff has met with the traffic engineers to discuss Hodgson and Birch Road. All three possible developments have been discussed along with the possibility of the developers making some improvements that will go in that area. The County is also considering making some improvements along with the developers. He reviewed the possible improvements including a right in right out with a right turn in at Hodgson and Birch, access on the south end of the Bruggeman project and a right in right out at the Miller Farm. Staff is waiting for a response from the County. It is probable that the developer will make the improvements and then the County would come in and put in a bridge. Mr. Goertz, developer for Spirit Hills, stated the developers ,have t look at what the land is worth and if they can wait three years to develop. Waiting tat long would not be cost effective. He indicated he believes doing the improvemerislwould be a fair exchange for him if the project can move forward. The traffic engineer will do another traffic study with the proposed improvements. It would be beneficial o all four involved parties and it is a cost share. Mayor Bergeson asked if everything couldgetm done before action has to be taken on Spirit Hills. Community Development Director Grochala stated staff is expecting a letter from the County very soon. A condition of approval relating to the improvements can be included in the Council action. Mayor Bergeson stated that is exactly why the project was tabled. Traffic issues had to be examined and resolved Councilmember Reinert requested detailed information from Bruggeman regarding their commercial piece of land. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, November 25, 2002, 6:30 p.m. TRAFFIC SAFETY AT BIRCH STREET AND BLACK DUCK DRIVE, COUNCILMEMBER DAHL Councilmember Dahl stated the intersection of Birch Street and Black Duck Drive is a huge safety issue and there are way too many accidents. She stated a stopping mechanism needs to be installed at that intersection. • • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 Mayor Bergeson stated years ago elected officials tried to tell traffic engineers what improvements were needed at that intersection. The result is it is still a bad intersection with safety problems. Councilmember Carlson asked if there has been any discussion with the County regarding that intersection. Community Development Director Grochala stated there has not been discussion specifically about that intersection. There has been discussion about Birch Street and that general area. There are several issues in that area and those issues will be discussed with the County in the future. Councilmember Carlson stated she believes the County is going to be putting a stop sign at that intersection. She asked staff to call a resident that has been in discussions with the County. Councilmember O'Donnell suggested staff speak to Chief Pecchia about increasing the police patrol on that street. Community Development Director Grochala stated statTwants to put together a plan for that whole stretch of roadway. CONCERNS ABOUT OPEN MIKE FORUM, COUCILMEMBER DAHL .....__.__. Councilmember Dahl stated Mayor Bergeson used t say something at the beginning of open mike relating to being respectful. She- sked if Mayor Bergeson could start reading that again prior to open mike to set thoone brthat portion of the meeting. Mayor Bergeson advised he did not read anything before open mike but the previous Mayor did. He indicated he will work with staff to locate what was read prior to open mike. CITY HALL SNAKE ISSUE, COUNCILMEMBER CARLSON Councilmember Carlson stated there is a snake problem in the entryway of City Hall. She stated there should be a simple way to keep the snakes out of the building. Administration Director Tesch stated staff has talked to maintenance regarding the snake problem. The barricade under the door is as low as it can go because of the necessary air ventilation. Staff will continue to look into this problem. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS, NOVEMBER 12, 2002 Kimball Water Bill and Certification was added to the consent agenda. There were no other changes to the regular Council agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 6, 2002 • These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on • • December 9, 2002 Ann Blair, Ci4y Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 9