HomeMy WebLinkAbout#01 - 01-16-24 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 16, 2024
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Cadenhead called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Mayor Charles Cadenhead and Councilmembers Katrina Beckstrom, Nick Dragisich,
Matt Hirn and Jeff Holtz. Staff present: Interim Administrator Schroeder, Administrative Services Director Goers, City Attorney Sonsalla, City Engineer Griffin, Public Works Director Powers, Fire Chief Kalis, Finance Director Hadler, City Planner Jensen, and City Clerk Johnson
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Item 15, “Approve Job Description for City Administrator” was moved to the Regular Agenda. Mayor Cadenhead, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, moved TO APPROVE THE
AGENDA AS AMENDED. Motion passed 5 – 0.
ACCEPT MINUTES Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO ACCEPT THE
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 2, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 5 – 0. PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES
Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33rd St. N., spoke about the Upper 33rd Street townhome project and
asked the Council to re-examine infilling in the Old Village, noting issues with the site and type
of construction.
PRESENTATIONS
None CONSENT AGENDA
2. Approve Payments and Disbursements
3. Approve Planning Commission Reappointments
4. Accept Improvements and Approve Security Reductions for the Northport 3rd Addition
5. Approve Upper 33rd St Townhome Conditional Use Permit Extension; Resolution 2024-
010
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January 16, 2024
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6. Approve Final Plat Extension Prairie Skies; Resolution 2024-011
7. Approve Final Plat Extension Northstar 1st Addition; Resolution 2024-012
8. Approve Pay Request No. 5 (FINAL) for 2023 Trail Improvements
9. Approve Tractor Purchase
10. Approve Bulk Water Meter Purchase
11. Approve Purchase of Public Works Backup Generator
12. Approve Purchase of Fire Department Brush 2 Replacement Truck
13. Approve Purchase of Permitting Software
14. Approve Outdoor Warning Siren JPA Update
Councilmember Hirn, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 5 - 0.
ITEM 16: MYP Agriculture Zoning Text Amendment City Planner Jensen presented the request for a zoning text amendment to include landscape supply
and yard waste recycling as a conditional use. Planner Jensen also reviewed public comments,
Planning Commission recommendation for approval and proposed findings of fact. Discussion was held regarding current operations versus what would be allowed if the amendment is approved. John Peterson spoke on behalf of the applicant, addressing comments from neighbors and invited anyone with concerns to visit the site.
John Burban, 9612 57th Street N., spoke on behalf of 40 residents in the area surrounding the
MYP property, expressing concern regarding the operations and violation of current CUP.
Lisa Burban, 9612 57th Street N., expressed concern regarding noise, vibration, and risk of fire
from decomposing debris.
Pat Barrett, 9692 57th Street N., encouraged the Council to protect the environment and quality
of life. Ms. Barrett also read a letter from Reba Moua, 9543 57th Street N., expressing concerns
regarding the safety of composting and increased noise affecting property values.
Len Juran, 9784 57th Street N., commented on impacts of noise and vibration on the surrounding
homes.
Harvey Taipola, 9275 57th Street N., commented on noise and vibration coming from the site and
discussed MPCA guidelines regarding noise from the grinders at the site. Mr. Taipola asked for
setback language for equipment to protect homeowners.
Joan Ziertman, 5761 Keats Avenue N., commented on CUP violations and current use of the site,
and requested denial of the zoning text amendments.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
January 16, 2024
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Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO DIRECT STAFF TO
PREPARE A RESOLUTION DENYING THE REQUEST. Motion passed 5 – 0.
ITEM 17: Carmelite Nun Conditional Use Permit
City Planner Jensen presented the scope of the expansion, agency review and recommended
conditions.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Dragisich, moved TO APPROVE
RESOLUTION 2024-013 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE
DISCALCED CARMELITE NUNS OF ST PAUL MONASTERY WITH THE CONDTIONS
AND FINDINGS LISTED IN THE STAFF REPORT. Motion passed 5 – 0.
ITEM 18: Search Firm for City Administrator
Administrator Schroeder reviewed the firms that responded to the RFP for the City
Administrator search. Discussion was held with consensus to add a clause stating the firm will
not recruit the place while they are employed as the City Administrator.
Councilmember Beckstrom, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO AUTHORIZE
STAFF TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATES.
Motion passed 5 – 0.
ITEM 15: Approve Job Description for City Administrator
Discussion was held regarding the minimum qualifications related to education and experience, with consensus to remove the requirement for a masters degree and require a minimum 7 – 10
years experience in local government leadership.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO APPROVE THE JOB DESCRIPTION WITH THE CHANGES DISCUSSED. Motion passed 5 – 0.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Beckstrom: Thanked staff for work on the dashboards and discussed the year end results.
Councilmember Holtz: Reported on upcoming January 17th meeting of the priority 2 3M
settlement workgroup.
STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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January 16, 2024
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Administrator Schroeder: Noted website updates regarding well testing and water issues.
Public Works Director Powers: Reported that the Lions Park ice rink will be opening.
Fire Chief Kalis: Discussed carbon monoxide detection calls and reminded the public to be
mindful of carbon monoxide risk and fireplace inspections.
CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 13D.05, SUBDIVISION 3(B) TO DISCUSS MATTERS PROTECTED BY THE ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE RELATING TO THE PENDING CONTESTED CASE HEARING BEFORE THE OFFICE
OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS ENTITLED “IN THE MATTER OF AMENDMENTS
TO VARIOUS WATER APPROPRIATION PERMITS.” Motion passed 5 – 0.
Closed session held.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO ENTER OPEN SESSION. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ATTEST:
______________________________ Charles Cadenhead, Mayor _______________________________ Julie Johnson, City Clerk