03-20-2012 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

APPROVED MARCH 20, 2012 LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 20, 2012 Affirm the Hiring of the City Clerk – Sandie Thone Council Member Smith commended the City Engineer for his work in assembling an effective consultant pool and was glad to see a local consultant on the list. City Administrator Zuleger provided a brief summary of the qualifications of the new City Clerk, Sandie Thone. He noted her seven years as the Clerk of Mendota Heights, MN. Prior to that, she h ad a career in quality management and process improvement. He noted she will be an excellent addition to the management team and will focus on taxpayer service and organizational improvement. REGULAR AGENDA: DPW MULTI-USE 2012 PICK-UP PURCHASE (PER MAC) – DPW Director Mike Bouthilet presented the findings and recommendation about the purchase of a heavy duty pick -up. Bouthilet explained that the Ford 250 was chosen via the state contract because of its pulling capability and price. Bouthilet noted that by adding the $600 spring package the F-250 actually becomes an F-350 for about $10,000 less in price. Smith / Pearson noted a price disparity in the MAC minutes from the base price of the truck and the total price with the plow package and lighting system. The MAC minutes will be corrected to reflect the total price of $33,735 which included additional safety lights recommended by the MAC members by phone poll. MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to approve the purchase of the 2012 F-250 off the MN State Contract with MAC proposed accessories, including the additional warning lights, for $33,735.30 and to put the 1985 Dodge up for auction. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. OLSON LAKE TRAIL SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION – JOINT SEWER PROJECT WITH THE CITY OF OAKDALE – City Engineer Griffin introduced the City of Oakdale Olson Lake Trail sewer extension project. At the last Washington County Transportation meeting the Director of Public Works for Oakdale inquired as to Lake Elmo’s interest to extend sewer service to at least (2) properties that would be in proximity to the Oakdale project. Griffin explained the Oakdale project in detail and noted the (15) Lake Elmo properties that could benefit from a sewer extension service. Griffin provided a historical perspective on a petition spearheaded by Lake Elmo resident Roger Johnson that would have requested hook-up to the Oakdale sewer system on the DeMontreville peninsula. While Griffin noted that he and his staff had not had time to examine the private system efficacy of those affected, he did note that they were able to contact 9 out of the 15 properties along the extension route and 6 expressed interest in the service and 3 were not interested . Efforts are being made to contact the remaining six property owners. A dialogue occurred between Council Members and the City Engineer on next steps or expressed interest to have Oakdale extend the project to Lake Elmo residents. City Engineer Griffin noted that the next step would be a feasibility study at an approximate cost of $15,000 that would be shared between Oakdale and Lake Elmo. Griffin also stated that Oakdale and Lake Elmo were waiting to hear from Washington County on what their plans might be for maintenance on County Highway 13. Council Member Smith said she saw a benefit in pursuing the project but needed more information on the County’s commitment to work on CTH 13 and a more complete response from affected residents. Griffin responded that if the County does not do the CTH work that Oakdale believes there is enough room to place the pipe in the ditch. Council Member Pearson asked how quick Oakdale needed an answer. Griffin responded that Oakdale would like the project to commence in 2013. The Council also explored the idea of extending the pipe beyond the initial 15 properties affected. Council Member Smith re-iterated the need for more information from Washington County and the residents. Council Member Park said she would like to see an extension to the two-year hook-up for residents who just made an investment in new septic systems. Attorney Snyder cited several different deferment agreements that could be used to accomplish the extension. Council Member Pearson concluded that the project has practical merit, but would like to see more support from the residents involved. Griffin will continue to acquire information.