HomeMy WebLinkAbout#16 Council Memo-OP Amendment Discussion 1 5 15MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE: 01/05/2016
REGULAR
ITEM #: 16
MOTION
AGENDA ITEM: OP-Open Space Preservation Ordinance Amendment Discussion
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Wensman
THROUGH: Clark Schroeder
REVIEWED BY: Ben Gozola
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction of Item .................................................................................................... Staff
- Report/Presentation .................................................................................................... Staff - Questions from Council to Staff ............................................................ Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion .............................................................................. Mayor & City Council - Discussion ..................................................................................... Mayor & City Council - Action on Motion .................................................................................. Mayor Facilitates
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
On November 4, 2015, the City Council passed a motion, 3-1, directing staff to have the
Planning Commission look at changes to the OP Ordinance. Staff held an informational session
with the Planning Commission on November 9, 2015 and from the discussion it became
apparent that the Planning Commission and the City Council had a divergent vision/goals for the
ordinance amendment. Because of the divergent nature of the comments between the Planning
Commission and City Council, the Planning staff is requesting clarification and direction from the
City Council for the future amendment.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
On November 4, 2015, the City Council briefly discussed several issues related to the OP –
Open Space Preservation District and requested that the Planning Commission discuss the
ordinance referencing certain aspects of the ordinance. The staff report requested the Planning
Commission specifically discuss the following:
• Overall Purpose of the OP District – Review the overall purpose.
• Density – should density be increased?
• Density calculation – Should the density calculations be based buildable or gross land
area.
• Buffer zones – what buffer or buffers are appropriate (maintain 200’ around RR, but
no buffers against adjacent OP’s).
• Septic system options.
• Minimum lot size.
• Qualifying property size, i.e. 20 acres vs. 40 acre minimum.
• Lot Design.
On November 9, 2015, the Planning Commission recommended the following:
• No community septic systems.
• 1 acre minimum lot sizes.
• Allow the 50% open space requirement to be based on gross acres, rather than buildable acres.
• Remove lot design criteria (not enforceable).
• Density 18 units per 40 gross acres of buildable land.
• Buffer: supportive of waiving the buffer between OP developments, if potential for OP,
then 100’ buffer, and potential for berms and trees to buffer in lieu of 100’ buffer might
be acceptable.
• Remove 4/5th vote to waive requirements to allow more flexibility.
In addition to the Planning Commission comments, staff has identified some additional issues
that warrant examination with the ordinance amendment to the OP District regulations. Staff’s
considerations are as follows:
• Remove redundancies between OP Ord platting requirements and regular subdivision
platting requirements.
• Restructure OP Ordinance as a PUD with Overlay Zoning rather than a CUP process.
• Hardcover regulations may need to be updated, depending on the changes.
• Street minimum standards.
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff requests the City Council discuss the divergent goals for the potential ordinance
amendment and provide direction to staff for an amendment to the Open Space Preservation
Ordinance.
ATTACHMENT(S):
• November 4, 2015 City Council Minutes
• November 9, 2015 Planning Commission Minutes
• Open Space Preservation Ordinance
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 11-9-15
City of Lake Elmo
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 9, 2015
Chairman Dodson called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at
7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Dodson, Dorschner, Haggard, Larson, Griffin Kreimer and
Williams. Fields joined at 9:15
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Fields until 9:15
STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Stephen Wensman
Approve Agenda:
The agenda was accepted as presented.
Approve Minutes: None
Presentation – Public Safety and Response Time
Chief Malmquist presented data regarding public safety and response time. They
identify those things that they can control and make the response time quicker. Chief
Malmquist went over the County street naming system. It is a grid pattern. This has
been complicated with the winding roads in the new developments. The other problem
we have in Lake Elmo is the one access point in Developments.
Chief Malmquist also talked about the street widths. He stated that he had sat down
with Engineer Griffin and came up with some standards and would like the City Council
and Planning Commission to support those standards. Malmquist talked about
connectivity. There is a reason that the City put in stubs. These neighborhoods need to
be connected for response time. If they are on a call, they may get another one and
have to go around to the next one. One argument against connectivity was that it
creates a safety issue for children. Malmquist stated that for how dense Cimarron is,
there has never been a call for a child being struck by a car.
Chief Malmquist would appreciate the Planning Commission supporting his
recommendations for safety issues moving forward.
2
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 11-9-15
Business Item – General Discussion of Open Space Preservation Ordinance
City Planner Wensman introduced the topic of the Open Space Preservation Ordinance.
There is currently a project in the works, and the City Council thought this would be a
good time to discuss if some changes would be appropriate. The topics that have been
suggested for discussion are to review the purpose and possible flexibility. Should the
density go from 18 to 20 homes per 40 acres? How should the density be calculated and
how should the buffer setbacks be dealt with? Should there be a buffer between two
OP developments. What should septic system options be? Should community systems
be allowed going forward? Should there be a minimum lot size for individual septics?
Should we allow the community septic? How should lot design be determined? Should
the septic be the most important?
Dorschner stated that we need to decide if we want to stay rural. If that is the case, we
need to consider the environment and the impacts of septic if we are not going to have
sewer. He would like to hear from U of M or Washington County on what is acceptable.
The Commission likes the OP, but some would like more choice such as RE. Dodson
mentioned that with RE, residents would use their property more for things such as
gardens etc. In some OP developments, the open space is not accessible or even usable.
Larson would like to talk about the land trust documents as well and what kind of uses
would be allowed.
Williams thinks the first sentence of the purpose statement is fine, but would like the
second and third sentence to read “This type of development is intended to provide
additional flexibility of housing styles in the City. It provides an alternative to large lot,
single family housing and will reduce the cost of constructing and maintaining costly
infrastructure.”
Dodson asked what single family attached would mean. Wensman stated it is 2 or more
single family homes that share a common wall.
Haggard would like to add “natural Habitats” and have the first line read “The purpose
of open space preservation (OP) is to maintain the rural character of Lake Elmo by
preserving agricultural land, woodlands, corridors, natural habitats and other significant
natural features, while allowing residential development consistent with the goals and
objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.”
Planning Commission would like an update from the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) and Washington County regarding septic design and why there are
failing systems.
3
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 11-9-15
Dodson would like on page 3 Item (2) 4 to change “deed Covenants” to “CIC
Declarations”.
There was a general discussion regarding septic systems. What type should be allowed
and who should oversee. There are several items that need to be discussed, but the
Commission would like a presentation from the County and MPCA before a decision
would be made on which way to go.
Wensman asked if the Commission felt it was appropriate for septic systems to be
located in the preserved open space. Some members thought it was fine, but others
wanted to think about it.
Williams is not in favor of increasing the density. The density already reflects a bonus
that was intended to stimulate development. The smaller lots already provides a bonus
by having fewer roads and infrastructure when the homes are clustered. Dorschner and
Dodson do not believe that we should increase the numbers in the rural areas for OP to
relieve the numbers in the sewered areas. This is where the higher numbers belong.
We need to think about the environment and how we are managing these septic
systems. The Planning Commission as a whole is not in favor of increasing density. They
also are not in favor of changing the density calculation. They would like to leave it at
buildable acres. Wensman stated that buildable land is usually how all developments
are measured.
Williams suggested that the Commission consider changing the 50% open space to be
based on gross acres vs. buildable acres.
Dodson feels that minimum lot size is linked to the type of septic that it has. Others are
interested in what Washington County has to say regarding septic. Williams might like
to see larger lots to preserve the rural character in the OP. Kreimer is concerned that
the 1 acre for individual well and septic might not be big enough. He feels that there
should be a requirement at preliminary plat to prove that the lot perks when they come
before them for primary and secondary drainfields and where the house is going to be.
The majority of the Commission still would like to see a 1 acre minimum even with a
shared sewer system.
Williams mentioned that there is such a variance in buffer zones because in the past,
there was not enough oversight. He would like the existing rules to be enforced.
The Commission was interested in exploring using discretion with the buffers. They
would like to explore a possible list of things that could be used for deciding when and
how large of a buffer to employ, instead of just requiring one.
4
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 11-9-15
Dodson feels that anything less than 40 acres is too small for an OP development,
especially if there is a CIC. Other Commissioners felt that anything smaller than 40 acres
might require private septic. The Commission wanted the Planning staff to explore if it
is even viable to do less than 40 acres for OP. Some thought anything less than 40 acres
should possibly be RE.
The Planning Commission discussed the lot design objectives and their relevance. There
was no real consensus on this.
Dodson asked that the boulevard landscaping be checked for consistency with our
landscaping code. If it is a higher standard we would keep it in, if not we should
probably defer to the landscape code.
Williams asked about the impervious surface allowed and thought 20% of gross seemed
high and possibly should be buildable.
Williams thinks the review process should follow that of any other development within
the City. This section needs to match what we are already doing, or possibly it should
be one section for all types of development. Also the wording in 150.179 should
probably be changed from “development stage plan” to “Preliminary Plat”. 150.183 (2)
(e) should also include trails. 150.184 should be reviewed for public hearing and stage
requirements. Williams would like to add something to the effect that an application is
not complete until all of the City Engineers comments are met. Commissioners would
like these met before the preliminary plat moves forward.
Dodson would like “Homeowners Association” changed to “Common Interest
Community” wherever it appears in ordinance.
Council Updates – October 20, 2015 Meeting
1. Hammes Plat Extension – Passed
Staff Updates
1. Upcoming Meetings
a. November 23, 2015
b. December 14, 2015
Commission Concerns
Haggard asked if the staff has a chart regarding all of the developments that have
passed and all of the conditions of approval. Have they all been met? How is this
tracked? Wensman stated that it is an issue that they are going to be working on.
5
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 11-9-15
Dodson stated that Fields, Rolf and he went to a seminar. He went to energy planning
which was very interesting and they talked about how this should be part of the
planning.
Williams stated that his packet did not arrive until Monday at 5:00. He would like to see
packets arrive on Thursdays before the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Ziertman
Planning Program Assistant
CITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, City Planner Wensman, and City Clerk Johnson.
B. PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW
Susan Dunn was interviewed for a vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Councilmember Fliflet, moved TO APPOINT MAYOR DUNN TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
C. PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Items 4, 7, 9 and 11 were removed from the Consent Agenda and Item 12 was moved to the
beginning of the Regular Agenda.
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Mayor Pearson, moved TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
E. ACCEPT MINUTES
Minutes of the October 20, 2015 Regular Meeting were accepted as presented.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pearson: Thanked Washington County for hosting neighborhood meetings on the Olson
Lake Road project, met with owner on 33rd Street regarding right of way concerns, met with
Fields of St. Croix residents, announced the upcoming Meeting with the Mayor, noted that the
ISD 622 election process went well, and welcomed Stephen Wensman to the City staff.
Councilmember Smith: Met with Ellie Hammes, met with Fields II residents regarding realignment of County Rd. 5, met with Focus Engineering and took calls from developers.
Councilmember Fliflet: Met with residents regarding various issues, noted Kyle Klatt’s last day
with the City and thanked him for his service, welcomed the new City Planner and thanked Ben
Gozola for his high quality work during the transition period. Recognized and thanked the
administrative staff team (Patty Baker, Joan Ziertmann, Cathy Bendel, and Julie Johnson) who for the past 6 months have continually stepped up and done whatever was needed with great
attitudes.
Councilmember Bloyer: Received a lot of emails from Fields II residents, met with League of
Minnesota Cities with Councilmember Fliflet.
Councilmember Lundgren: Met with Fields II residents, thanked staff for meeting with Councilmembers prior to the Council meeting to answer questions and welcomed City Planner Wensman.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 2 of 7
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES
Mike Reeves, 11075 14th Street North, commented on City Council effectiveness and interaction
with each other, and censure of Councilmember Bloyer.
Christine Nelson commented on her application to serve on the HR Committee and comments
made concerning her experience.
PRESENTATIONS
None
FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA
2. Approve Payment of Disbursements
3. Approve 404 Lake Elmo Avenue Assessment Agreement 5. Wildflower at Lake Elmo – Approve Release of Grading Security per the Site Grading
Agreement
6. Eagle Point Boulevard Street Improvements – Change Order No. 2
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO APPROVE THE FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION PASSED 5-0. OTHER CONSENT AGENDA
8. Receive Building Department Report
10. Motion to Request Being Added to the County CIP for 2017 Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO APPROVE THE OTHER CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ITEM 12: 2016 STREET IMPROVEMENTS – IMPROVEMENT HEARING, ORDER PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICAITONS AND PUBLIC HEARING
City Engineer Griffin provided an introduction of the history of the project and planning. City
Engineer Stempski reviewed the project schedule for each of the three portions of the project,
providing details on the improvements proposed for each area. Stempski also reviewed the
assessable properties and the costs for each neighborhood with the City share and per unit
assessment rate for the proposed street project and optional water project.
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Bloyer, moved TO OPEN THE PUBLIC
HEARING AT 8:00 P.M. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
Curt Monteith, 331 Julep, requested clarification on the project area and suggested squaring off
the parking area at the park.
Wayne Hector, 5110 Kirkwood, provided a written statement in favor of the project.
David Loos, 3567 Kelvin, spoke in favor of the water main improvement due to pollution from
the landfill and plume, adding he is not in favor of the road project unless the water portion is
included.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 3 of 7
Dick Hedquist, 3440 Kelvin, questioned the expense for the water connection and additional cost
for looping.
Bill Rogers, 3490 Kelvin, spoke against the water project and stated the road project should be
paid from tax dollars due to City neglect in maintaining the road.
Joe Chaves, 3505 Kelvin, stated that street maintenance has been lacking.
Allen Kristenson, 5230 Kirkwood, spoke in favor of the project.
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:22 P.M. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
Discussion was held concerning the water utility portion of the project and funding options. City
Engineer Griffin reviewed the 2030 Comprehensive Water System Plan as it relates to the Kelvin
project.
Councilmember Bloyer, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO AMEND
RESOLUTION 2015-82 TO INCLUDE STONGATE AND KIRKWOOD AREAS AND
REMOVE THE KELVIN AVENUE AREA FROM THE PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5 –
0.
Discussion held concerning the Kelvin Avenue area of the project. Citizen input was considered
and allowing payment on the water connection as was done with the Keats Avenue project was
discussed. Councilmember Fliflet stated that the road is not well traveled and the project could
be postponed.
Councilmember Lundgren, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO ADOPT 2015-82
ORDERING THE 2016 STREET, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND
THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AS AMENDED, WITH
REMOVAL OF THE 6” WATER MAIN LATERAL TO THE EAST, AND TO AMEND THE
WATER LATERAL ASSESSMENT TO $2,900 WITH AN ADDITIONAL $2,900
DEFERRED TO THE TIME OF CONNECTION. MOTION PASSED 3 – 2. (Bloyer, Fliflet
– Nay)
Councilmember Bloyer stated he was opposed to the motion due to the $12,000 assessment on
the north portion of the project.
City Engineer Griffin reviewed the bids received for engineering design and support services.
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO APPROVE A
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
SERVICES CONTRACT WITH SEH AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER.
MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 4: APPROVAL FOR GASB 67 & 68 VALUATION ACTUARIAL SERVICES
CONTRACT
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 4 of 7
Councilmember Fliflet reported that it is a new requirement to approve actuarial review on an
annual basis.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO APPROVE THE
CONTRACT FOR ACTUARIAL SERVICES AND ACCEPT AS AN ANNUAL POLICY NOT
REQUIRING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL EACH YEAR. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 7: RETAINING WALL FOR LIONS PARK
Interim Administrator Schroeder explained the need for a retaining wall in Lions Park needed to
support the trail as a result of a change in grade with the downtown project.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO APPROVE THE
RETAINING WALL CHANGE ORDER FOR LIONS PARK. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 9: APPROVE MASSAGE LICENSE RENEWALS
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Fliflet, moved TO APPROVE THE LICENSE
RENEWAL FOR RENEW AND RECOVER MASSAGE. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO TABLE THE LICENSE
RENEWAL FOR NIRVANA MASSAGE & SPA. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
Councilmember Lundgren, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO APPROVE THE
LICENSE RENEWALS FOR BODY & SOUL AND JENNIFER MERTES. MOTION
PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 11: REASSIGNMENT OF INWOOD DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS
Interim Administrator Schroeder reported that M/I Homes is acquiring the assets of Hans Hagen
Homes. Schroeder explained that Hans Hagen Homes will continue to construct the homes and
there will be no design changes.
Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Lundgren, moved TO REASSIGN
DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS FROM HANS HAGEN HOMES TO M/I HOMES, LLC.
MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 13: HAMMES PLAT EXTENSION
Interim Administrator Schroeder reviewed the request for an extension of the plat approved in
2014. Councilmember Fliflet requested clarification on how the moratorium affects this request.
City Attorney Snyder stated that the moratorium does not apply to previously approved plats.
Discussion held concerning outstanding special assessments and property taxes.
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Bloyer, moved TO EXTEND THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR
TWO YEARS THROUGH OCTOBER 7, 2016 WITH THE CONDITION THAT ALL
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 5 of 7
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS BE PAID AT PLAT, AND THAT THE DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BE EXECUTED BY A DEVELOPER AS A CONDITION OF RECORDING
THE PLAT. MOTION PASSED 3 – 2. (Fliflet, Lundgren – Nay)
Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved THAT ASSESSMENT ARREARAGES AND BALANCE BE PAID WHEN OTHERWISE DUE UNDER THE CONTRACT. MOTION PASSED 3 – 0 – 2. (Fliflet, Lundgren – abstain)
ITEM 14: RFP REQUEST FROM PARKS COMMISSION FOR BALLPARK
REDESIGN Parks Commission Chair Weis explained the scope of the RFP request and presented photos of
ball parks in other Minnesota cities. Weis explained that the Parks Commission has placed Lions
Park on the Parks Commission CIP and has incurred significant cost for repairs, prompting the need for further planning.
Curt Monteith, 331 Julep, asked for denial of the request and stated that future parks should
include long space, not just tot lots.
Barry Weeks, 3647 Lake Elmo Avenue, stated that the ball field is a tradition in the area and is heavily used.
Pam Hartley, 10010 Tapestry, spoke as a Parks Commissioner, stating that the Commission was
unanimous in its decision to move forward toward making Lions Park a focal point and asset for the community.
Nadine Obermueller stated she loves Lions Park and baseball is great for the town but the park
needs freshening up.
Jerry Kromschroeder, 3517 Lake Elmo Avenue, stated that Lions Park is an icon and anything that can be done to improve it would be a good thing.
Parks Chair Weis discussed a potential timeline for receiving plans and initiating a project.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Bloyer, moved TO ISSUE AN RFP FOR ARCHITECTURAL WORK TO REDESIGN THE BALLFIELDS IN THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN. MOTION PASSED 5 – 0.
ITEM 15: BUILDING DEPARTMENT TRUCK
Interim Administrator Schroeder reviewed bids received for two vehicle options under leasing
and purchasing plans. Councilmember Lundgren stated that a leased vehicle would be cheaper
for the City in the long run. Councilmember Fliflet stated she is in favor of leasing and allowing
staff to turn in leased vehicles for new leased vehicles without City Council approval. Mayor Pearson, seconded by Councilmember Bloyer, moved TO PURCHASE A 2016 JEEP COMPASS WITH A LOAN FROM LAKE ELMO BANK AT 1.99%. MOTION PASSED 3 –
2. (Fliflet, Lundgren – Nay)
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 6 of 7
ITEM 16: OP ORDINANCE DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION
Interim Administrator Schroeder reviewed the general requirements regarding density in the OP zoning district and questions concerning potential revisions. Councilmembers noted restrictions in the current code and potential for improving it.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO DIRECT THE OP
ORDINANCE BACK TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION BASED ON THE AREAS IDENTIFIED IN ORDINANCE THAT WERE DISCUSSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION PASSED 3 – 1 – 1. (Bloyer – Nay, Pearson – Abstain)
ITEM 17: PARLIAMENTARIAN DISCUSSION
Councilmember Fliflet stated that she would like the Council to hire a parliamentarian to run the City Council meetings while the Council continues to work toward better relations.
Discussion held concerning the current Council meeting procedures and decorum.
Councilmember Fliflet, seconded by Councilmember Smith, moved TO DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATOR TO HIRE A PARLIAMENTARIAN OF HIS CHOICE FOR THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION PASSED 3 – 1 – 1. (Bloyer – Nay, Pearson – Abstain)
Dale Doerschner – 3150 Lake Elmo Avenue – questioned the cost and effectiveness of hiring a parliamentarian. ITEM 18: RFP PROCESS FOR ENGINEERING AND LEGAL CONTRACTS
Councilmember Fliflet asked staff to look into the current contracts with City consultants to determine if the City needs to start an RFP process as part of year end planning. ITEM 19: INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT
City Attorney Snyder stated that he prepared a letter to the Council and provided a copy of the Interim Administrator’s contract for Council review. Councilmember Bloyer suggested the City Attorney negotiate with the Interim Administrator for an extension to allow the City time to
stabilize. Councilmember Fliflet stated the City needs to finish the process and conduct a search
for a permanent Administrator but noted she is against using a search firm. Councilmember
Smith stated she is in favor of using a search firm and offered to gather additional information for the next meeting. ITEM 20: PROFORMA UPDATE
Interim Administrator Schroeder reported on follow up he conducted on questions from the previous Council meeting. Schroeder explained that the document is a very complex, interlinked spreadsheet with issues in calculations that occur after the year 2021. Schroeder reiterated his
recommendation from the previous meeting for the City to purchase software from an outside
vendor and hire a contractor to input the information to replace use of the spreadsheet.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Page 7 of 7
Wally Nelson, 4582 Lilac Lane, thanked staff for admitting errors in the spreadsheet and offered
assistance to the Finance Director and Finance Committee Chair.
STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interim City Administrator Schroeder: Attended a library meeting, Washington County
municipal water meeting, League of Minnesota Cities Meeting, met with developers, attended an
in-service regarding livable communities.
City Clerk Johnson: Reported that the ISD 622 special election went very smoothly with a
25% voter turnout, and thanked City staff and election judges for their help. Attended an HR training last week, preparing for HR Committee meeting Monday, November 9th, posted
Community Development Director position opening, interviewing candidates for the Office
Administrative Assistant position later in the week, working on license renewals and assisting
residents with special assessment questions. Noted City Hall will be closed on Wednesday,
November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
Meeting adjourned at 12:26 a.m.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST: ______________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor
_______________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk