03-27-03 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED: APRIL 15, 2003 City Attorney Filla asked the justification for five times the rate. If it is only to generate more revenue there is a legal problem. Utilities can have replacement costs anticipated in rates but five times some other commercial rate needs more study. Councilmember DeLapp asked why council voted for it in the first place. The Acting Administrator said they were nervous about keeping the Water Fund. We have raised connection fees and are okay with it. Councilmember DeLapp wondered if the justification was for sprinkler service. It costs the city money waiting for that eventuality. The Acting Administrator said maybe it was justified then but they are equally justified to abandon it now. M/S/P, JOHNSTON/SIEDOW, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-026 for the Water Fund Rate Recommendation, using the option that includes the fee structure that includes $21.00 minimum for Eagle Point. VOTE: 4:0. (Dunn -make sure there is enough put away in case something happens. Thinks it is too large a down -size at once. Siedow agreed. ) The Acting Administrator recommended its review annually. If we did not have a sizable amount in the Water Enterprise Fund he would not recommend it. Consultant Proposals Two zoning firms were interviewed. TKDA was asked to provide additional information. A letter from TKDA was just received and distributed to the council. MFRA sent an e-mail. The city is asking for a sophisticated zoning ordinance. The Acting Administrator was not particularly impressed by either firm's experience with Performance Zoning. We might customize a contract to meet our needs. Neither of these firms truly meets our needs. It will cost more if they need assistance for Performance Zoning, etc. The options are to choose one, solicit again, or select one and customize with outside assistance. Acting Mayor Johnston said he would rather see that decision made when Mayor Hunt is present. Councilmember DeLapp said that potentially this ordinance can affect 3,000 households, and it could be a great savings to us if it is written well. M/S/P, DeLAPP/JOHNSTON, to table until the next meeting. VOTE: 4:0. The council directed staff to prepare more information. Personnel A Confidential Memo was distributed by the Acting Administrator. Two employees have been on paid administrative leave since March 12 based on e-mail between the two employees. He has conducted an investigation, analysis, and report regarding the e-mail. Washington County found no evidence of criminal action involved. The subject e-mail was probably not sent by the electronic signatory. The Acting Public Works Superintendent will be reinstated tomorrow morning. The Acting City Administrator will advise all employees to log off their domains. MISM, Dunn/Johnston, to return M. Bouthilet to active employee status. VOTE: 4:0. The next meeting date will be Thursday March 27, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. The Acting Administrator is anticipating putting another personnel matter on the Agenda. The individual will be notified and can make it an open or closed meeting at that time. It seems to be a disciplinary matter based on the evidence he has. Highway 5 Report Rick Arnebeck from Mn/DOT has presented signed recommendations from Mn/DOT. They discussed the need for and structure of a public forum. He advised Mn/DOT that the City Council thinks it is needed. He preferred it should take place at Stillwater H.S. Mn/DOT will set up that LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 18, 2003