HomeMy WebLinkAbout#1 CCM 11-17-15xCITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015 CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 7:10 pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Julie Fliflet, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and Jill Lundgren.
Staff present: Interim Administrator Schroeder, City Attorney Snyder, City Engineer Griffin,
Finance Director Bendel, City Planner Wensman and City Clerk Johnson.
Interim Administrator Schroeder read a statement explaining the role of the Parliamentarian.
Chief Administrative Law Judge Pust introduced herself and reviewed guidelines and decorum policies for the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO ADD ITEM J: ROLE OF
PARLIAMENTARIAN TO THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED 4 – 1. (Bloyer – Nay)
Item 10 was removed from the Agenda. Items 7 and 9 were moved to the Regular Agenda for discussion after item 13.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Mayor Pearson, moved TO APPROVE THE AGENDA
AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ACCEPT MINUTES Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Mayor Pearson, moved TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 4, 2015 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pearson: Met with staff, Bureau of Mediation Services, LMC and Judge Pust to discuss
the Parliamentarian process; met with staff to prepare for a water sewer consultant RFP; met with County officials on a variety of matters; held a Visit with the Mayor; attended the Oakdale Lake Elmo Prayer Breakfast; attended the Public Safety Committee meeting; attended the Parks
Commission meeting; fielded concerns from residents regarding the impact of development in
various neighborhoods, noting no complaints have been received from downtown property
owners; took calls regarding financial discussion and asked Interim Administrator Schroeder to comment on that during his staff report.
Councilmember Fliflet: Met with LMC and BMS; held a Finance Committee meeting where
they worked on water rate reduction and 2016 Budget; held an HR Committee meeting and
fielded resident concerns.
Councilmember Smith: Attended Finance Committee and postponed other reports due to time considerations.
Councilmember Lundgren: Spoke with Bureau of Mediation; discussed milfoil in lakes with
residents, attended HR Committee meeting; attended Oakdale Lake Elmo Prayer Breakfast;
thanked Public Works staff for picking up two dead deer in her neighborhood; discussed Inwood
area flooding with resident and staff.
Councilmember Bloyer: Emailed with Fields residents, emails from residents regarding the
Parliamentarian.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Page 2 of 6
Judge Pust explained that she was serving as Parliamentarian on behalf of the Office of
Administrative Hearings and reported that the City will be billed by the OAH at a rate of $120
per hour as approved by the Minnesota Management and Budget Department.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES
Matt Eder and Becky Goble spoke on behalf of their dad, Jerome Eder, at 3415 Lake Elmo Avenue North concerning the construction of a storm water holding pond adjacent to his
property and related safety concerns.
Wally Nelson, 4582 Lilac Lane North, stressed the need for civility among the City Council
Members and called for removal of the censure of Councilmember Bloyer.
PRESENTATIONS
None
FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA
2. Approve Payment of Disbursements
3. Accept Financial Report Dated October 31, 2015
4. Accept Building Report Dated October 31, 2015 5. Accept Assessors Report Dated October 31, 2015 6. Approve Eagle Point Blvd. Street Improvements Pay Request No. 3
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO APPROVE THE FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION PASSED 5-0. OTHER CONSENT AGENDA
8. Water Tower No. 4 – Approve Preliminary Design Recommendations
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Fliflet, moved TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ITEM 11: CLARIFICATION OF MANNING AVENUE REDESIGN AND FUNDING
OPTIONS
Interim Administrator Schroeder provided background information on the Washington County
plan to realign Manning Avenue and the design option chosen by the City Council.
Councilmember Fliflet added that she requested this discussion to provide clarification for the
public to address misconceptions.
Jack Rowenhorst, 11676 Little Bluestem, stated that as a new driver he is concerned about safety
and thinks option C would be much safer.
Lisa Rowenhorst, 11676 Little Bluestem, spoke against the C2 design chosen by the City
Council and asked the Council to reconsider option C for safety reasons.
Mary Pat Cumming, 11857 44th Street Lane North, reported that approximately 200 people in the
neighborhood have met and asked that their voices be heard in support of option C.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Page 3 of 6
Cindy Silkworth, 4418 Lily Avenue North, stated the County, staff and Planning Commission
recommended concept C and requested the City Council reconsider concept C.
Karen Schwartz, 11772 44th Street Lane North, expressed concerns about safety and asked that
Highway 5 remain open in both directions until the north-south road is built.
John Hodler, 11834 44th Street Lane North, stated that not building the north-south road is a big
problem for Fields of St. Croix residents and requested the Council reconsider option C.
Marcy Eischen, 11674 Stillwater Boulevard, spoke in favor of the dead end option on behalf of
herself and neighbors Dupuis and Jacobsen.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO CLARIFY
MANNING AVENUE REDESIGN APPROVAL OF CONCEPT C2 THAT WAS PASSED AT
THE SEPTEMBER 15 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TO READ THA THE CITY COUNCIL
ACCEPTS CONCEPT C2, BUT THA THE EXACT TIMING, PLACEMENT, DESIGN AND
FUNDING FOR THE NORTH/SOUTH CONNECTION ROAD WILL BE DETERMINED
AT A LATER TIME THROUGH THOUGHTFUL PLANNING, AND THAT OLD
HIGHWAY 5 WILL NOT BE CUL DE SAC’D UNTIL THIS NORTH/SOUTH
CONNECTION IS BUILT. MOTION PASSED 3 – 2. (Pearson, Bloyer – Nay)
Councilmember Bloyer stated concerns about safety and uncertainty that the costly north-south
road would be safer than option C. Mayor Pearson referred to a Washington County report on
stop lights and stated the C2 option is not safer.
Councilmember Fliflet directed staff to begin planning a workshop with residents to gather their
feedback. Councilmember Bloyer stated that the landowner should be contacted to inquire about
purchasing land for the north-south road. Mayor Pearson stated that the north-south road is an
improvement but without the landowner present it will be difficult to make progress.
ITEM 9: DOWNTOWN PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS – APPROVE DESIGN
REVISIONS FOR UPPER 33RD STREET AND LIBRARY PARKING LOT City Engineer Griffin provided an overview of the proposed revisions on Upper 33rd Street and
noted concerns expressed by a business owner.
Steve Johnson, 2945 Lake Elmo Avenue, stated that he has some concerns but feels the proposed
design is reasonable and works well for the Fire Department.
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Councilmember Fliflet, moved TO APPROVE THE
UPPER 33RD STREET STRIPING REVISIONS FOR THE PHASE I DOWNTOWN
STREET, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. MOTION PASSED 4 – 1.
(Pearson – Nay)
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Mayor Pearson stated that removing five parking spaces downtown needs additional research and
discussion.
City Engineer Griffin reviewed the proposed parking lot improvements for the Library, noting
that the Library Board would also be reviewing the proposal. Griffin stated that the project
contractor is offering favorable pricing through adding this project on to the downtown project.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO APPROVE THE
LIBRARY PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH PHASE I DOWNTOWN STREET, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS. MOTION PASSED 4 – 1. (Bloyer – Nay)
Councilmember Bloyer stated that the City should pay for this improvement for a City building
and added that the City Council has not seen the Library budget.
ITEM 12: SEARCH FIRM FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Interim Administrator Schroeder explained that the term of his contract is July 2016 to January 2016 and presented a list of search firms that could be employed to conduct a search for a
permanent City Administrator. Schroeder stated that Springsted provided an estimated cost of
$15,000 to $20,000 depending upon the scope of services. Discussion held concerning options
for conducting a search with and without a search firm.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT A SEARCH FIRM AND INSTRUCT THE CITY CLERK TO POST THE POSITION ON THE LMC AND ICMA WEBSITES.
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Fliflet, moved TO AMEND THE
MOTION TO ADD SUBJECT TO HIRING OF A PROFESSIONAL FIRM TO CONDUCT
BACKGROUND CHECKS. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
Councilmember Bloyer stated that he won’t support the motion, as he feels the City could extend
Mr. Schroeder’s contract and that Councilmembers shouldn’t be involved in vetting applicants.
Mayor Pearson suggested seeking professionals within the City to assist with reviewing
applicants.
PRIMARY MOTION PASSED 3 – 2. (Pearson, Bloyer – Nay)
City Attorney Snyder recommended that the process should be moved along and suggested staff
prepare an advertisement for approve at the next Council meeting.
ITEM 13: HIGH PRIORITY FOR HIGHWAY 5/COUNTY ROAD 14
Interim Administrator Schroeder explained that Councilmembers have expressed a need for a traffic light at the intersection of Highway 5 and 50th Street.
Jim Ogren, 11790 Little Bluestem, stated that a stop light will also be needed at the intersection
of Highway 5 and Manning and suggested they could both be installed at the same time.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Page 5 of 6
Councilmember Fliflet stated that the 50th Street intersection should be a high priority for 2016
and not wait for the new road alignment.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved THE LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL WOULD LIKE BY MATTER OF RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF NEW CSAH 15 AND 50TH STREET AND MAKE IT KNOWN THAT THE CITY WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
FO RHTE COUNTY FOR THIS STRETCH OF ROADWAY RECENTLY TURNED OVER
TO THE COUNTY FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS STATE HIGHWAY 5. Councilmember Bloyer stated that this intersection does not meet County standards for a traffic
light. Mayor Pearson asked about facts and rankings from the County’s report on intersections
and stated that all intersections should be assessed before committing to upgrading one. Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Bloyer, moved TO TABLE THIS ISSUE TO A WORKSHOP. MOTION FAILED 2 – 3. (Fliflet, Lundgren, Smith – Nay)
PRIMARY MOTION PASSED 3 – 1 – 1. (Pearson – Nay, Bloyer – Present)
Mayor Pearson clarified that he is not opposed to a traffic light at the 50th Street intersection but
wants to look at all intersections first.
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO DIRECT STAFF TO ARRANGE A WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS INTERSECTION SAFETY CITY WIDE. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 7: APPROVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PAYOFF FOR KLEIS PROPERTY
Finance Director Bendel reviewed the request from the property owner for a reduced payoff amount for special assessments levied in 1995 on a parcel that is in the Green Acres program.
City Attorney Snyder explained the Green Acres program and noted that if the City Council
chooses to modify the assessment it should be done by uniform resolution or an ordinance
change. Peter Kastler, 9130 55th Street North, stated he is the grandson of the original owners and that his
grandparents did not have any documentation regarding this assessment or the interest that is
due. Mr. Kastler noted that the assessment payoff isn’t due until the property is taken out of
Green Acres but he would agree to pay it off early at the reduced amount as a benefit to both parties.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO ACCEPT THE
PAYOFF OFFER OF $6,879.55 FROM MR. KASTLER/KLEIS FAMILY TO PAY IN FULL
THE OUTSTANDING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO THE 1995 STREET OVERLAY PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 3 – 2. (Pearson, Bloyer – Nay)
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
Page 6 of 6
Councilmember Bloyer stated that he understands the situation but feels the City needs to adhere
to the laws and have thought out policies in place. Mayor Pearson added that he is concerned
about setting precedence with this reduction but has empathy for the property owners.
STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interim City Administrator Schroeder: Attended the Public Safety Committee meeting, Parks
Commission meeting, met with developers, worked on legal and engineering concerns, attended
the Finance Committee meeting, provided the Mayor’s Handbook to the City Council at the
recommendation of the League of MN Cities. Reported that the Finance Committee discussed the proforma and recommends hiring Northland Securities to take over the proforma. The Finance Committee will continue to discuss the proforma at the next meeting.
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Mayor Pearson, moved THAT THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR AND FINANCE DIRECTOR PROVIDE EXPLANATION TO
RESIDENTS AS TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF $6.5 MILLION IN ASSESSMENTS.
MOTION FAILED 2 – 3. (Fliflet, Lundgren, Smith – Nay)
City Clerk Johnson: Reported that an offer has been extended to a candidate for the Office
Administrative Assistant position.
Finance Director Bendel: Finalized recommended changes to the 2016 General Fund Budget at
Finance Committee Meeting, fielding calls and questions on assessments, all Lennar outstanding
assessments will be paid soon, started year end closeout in preparation for the audit.
City Attorney Snyder: No report.
Community Development Wensman: No report
City Engineer Griffin: Working on projects for next year and the engineering department is
very busy with current construction projects.
ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIAN
Judge Pust asked for City Council input on the Parliamentarian and stated it was an honor to be
invited. Councilmembers indicated that it was helpful to have a Parliamentarian run the meeting.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO CONTINUE THE
SERVICES OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN UNTIL THE SERVICES ARE NO LONGER NEEDEDAND TO DIRECT STAFF TO SECURE A REPLACEMENT PARLIAMENTARIAN IF NEEDED. MOTION PASSED 3 – 1 – 1. (Pearson – Abstain, Bloyer – Nay)
Meeting adjourned at 11:16 pm.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
______________________________
Mike Pearson, Mayor
_______________________________ Julie Johnson, City Clerk