HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-2013 CCMLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 2013
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CITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 17, 2013
Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson, Council Members Wally Nelson, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and
Mike Reeves.
Also Present: City Administrator Zuleger, City Attorney Snyder, Planning Director Klatt, City Engineer
Griffin, Finance Director Bendel, and City Clerk Bell.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 17, 2013 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ITEM 1: ACCEPT MINUTES
THE DECEMBER 03, 2013 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS PRESENTED BY CONSENSUS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Council Member Reeves: Attended Parks Commission Meeting. It was very productive. He noted some highlights: Sunfish Lake Park master development plan. Prioritized 2014 park improvements. Worked
through park audit. Commission is transitioning very well into a more productive, engaged, and cohesive group; Attended Light Up Lake Elmo.
Council Member Bloyer: Attended Light Up Lake Elmo event. Thanked all who coordinated it; noted
that nonresident member of NextGen group was harshly criticized by members of community [for her recent comments about the city’s lack of entertainment options]. Speak Your Peace should be
implemented more. The criticism [of someone who has helped community] should not happen.
Mayor Pearson: attended Christmas tree lighting event on 12/14. Thanked John Schiltz for his contributions. Also thanked those who coordinated. Looks forward to next year; met with developers and
attended 2014 bonding meetings; will be meeting with Metropolitan Council on the MOU; Thanked Dean
Johnston and Sarah Hietpas for working on Met Council Parks Commission; Recognized Nick Johnson and Rick Chase for employees of the year and commended Council Member Nelson for his Guardian of
the Taxpayer award.
Council Member Smith: attended Finance Committee meeting with Council Member Nelson and Finance Director Bendel; spoke with Pete Ganzel and Lowell Johnson from Washington county. The City
needs to draft a broader policy for the septic system issues in the Village.
Council Member Nelson: attended Finance Committee meeting. Added Terry Forrest to the Committee; enjoyed Light Up Lake Elmo event; City Christmas party was a successful “rural” feeling event. It was a
great time.
CONSENT AGENDA 2. Approve Payment of Disbursements and Payroll in the amount of $2,088,479.40 3. Accept Financial Report dated November 30, 2013 4. Accept Building Permit Report dated November 30, 2013 5. Approve 2014 Meeting Calendar 6. Approve 2014 Fee Schedule; Ord. No. 08-097 7. Approve Ski Trail Grooming Agreement
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DECEMBER 17, 2013
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8. Section 34 Water and Sewer Utility Extension Improvements – Pay Request No. 2. 9. Lake Elmo Sewer Infrastructure Improvements: I-94 to 30th St. – Pay Request No. 3. 10. Conditional Use Permit and Eagle Point Business Park PUD Amendment – PID: 33.029.21.42.0013;
Res. No. 2013-107 11. Approve Ki Pro Digital Recording Device Cable Equipment Upgrade
MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED.
Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM 12: WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY CARD REIMBURSEMENT
Mayor Pearson gave overview of the history of the city library. Library Board moved to pay fee for services in the amount of $80,000 at last Board meeting.
Council Member Nelson asked what was being paid currently to the county. Mayor Pearson said about
$30K ~ 500 cards at $60 each. Proposal would include $50,000 more to the county. Council Member Bloyer asked about total levy. It is approximately $290K, where $30K is for bonding county buildings. Council Member Reeves asked how the additional $50,000 was reached. Mayor Pearson noted that the
current process is not convenient. This proposal would be simpler for city, residents, and county. It is win-win all around.
Council Member Smith pointed out that the city library does not use the same catalog. A real win-win
would be completely back in the county system. She would rather look at seeing what would take to re-enter county system. What this proposal entailed and the experience for the residents were discussed.
Judy Gibson 10th St Ct N., spoke in support of library. She is member of Friends of the Library and
former Board member. Surrounding libraries have commented their envy of some of the programs the city library has. She showed the council the Friends fundraising library calendar. Calendars are $20. Library
now has tablets available for check out to serve as e-readers.
Paul Ryberg, Library Board Treasurer, stated cards would be good throughout the seven county system. Cataloging system is same as Chisago County and several other counties. The Board made sure
that system was compatible. Mr. Ryberg asserted that the county moved first to close the Lake Elmo library. Lake Elmo then withdrew from the system. Cost to city residents is about $30-35K for bond service. He would like to know how much and for how long. He would also like to know cost for the
county extending hours and actual cost to extend eBooks to Lake Elmo residents.
Mr. Reeves thanked Mr. Ryberg for coming to meeting. Mr. Bloyer asked about just how far the library card extends. It depends on the county approving it in their respective systems.
Sarah Linder, Library Board Vice President, 12th Street N., was available for questions. Mr. Bloyer asked why she voted against the Board motion. She said the board voted and she supports the action now. It was clarified that the proposal was to gain equal access to county resources.
Ann Bucheck, Library Board Member (Alternate) 2301 Legion Ave., noted that Stillwater and Bayport are affiliate members. The city library wants to be an affliate member. She noted that people
from other cities and western Wisconsin are also obtaining city cards.
Mr. Bloyer read letter from resident Nadine Obermueller. Her letter was supportive of the library. See agenda packet for letter.
MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO APPROVE, AT THE REQUEST OF THE LAKE ELMO
LIBRARY BOARD, AN ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF UP TO $80,000 LIBRARY LEVY DOLLARS TO WASHINGTON COUNTY IN ORDER TO BUY LAKE ELMO RESIDENTS THE SAME EASE OF ACCESS AND USE OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM SIMILAR TO ALL OTHER WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS. THIS DIRECT FEE FOR SERVICE AMOUNT
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DECEMBER 17, 2013
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REFLECTS LAKE ELMO RESIDENTS’ 2013 COUNTY CARD PURCHASE REVENUES PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $50,000. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion.
Council Member Nelson supportive of motion. Believes it is win-win-win. Will be better for City and
residents and provides more money for county. Mayor Pearson is supportive. He noted that the board has been very fiscally conservative. Government should be efficient, responsive and grassroots. It would be
hard to reproduce other places what the library volunteers have achieved. The library encourages visitors
downtown. Council Member Reeves is supportive and hopes that Washington County will be collaborative in working towards a better solution. Council Member Bloyer asked how many city
residents have cards. It is unknown at this time. Mr. Bloyer pointed out that he was initially opposed to it,
but he has grown more positive after seeing its success.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ITEM 13: ADOPT METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’S APPROVAL OF VILLAGE LAND USE
PLAN
Planning Director Klatt explained what the Met Council approved. It was noted that this item was on the
Met Council’s consent agenda. There were no comments or questions by the Met Council. There were no
questions or comments by Council.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-108 ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAKE ELMO 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ITEM 14: BOULDER PONDS PUD CONCEPT PLAN; RES. NO. 2013-109
Planning Director Klatt gave overview of the proposal. Includes 93 single family lots; 64 multi-family lots. Proposal is at Concept Plan stage. It is along the I94 corridor and covers approximately 58 acres
between Eagle Point Business Park, Stonegate neighborhood, Hudson Blvd, and Savona neighborhood. Staff believes that proposal is in line with intent of comprehensive plan.
One issue is the alignment of 5th street vis-à-vis Savona. Staff thinks that agreement can be met prior to
plat. There will be three development phases. Staff recommends that the areas around 5th St. be phased first. Mr. Klatt explained that the findings recommend approval. He explained the 11 conditions of
approval. See agenda packet item for details of conditions.
Council Member Bloyer asked about condition #1 and requiring a neighbor to permit the road and ROW. Mr. Klatt explained that part of the road will be on that property and it really is to clarify what needs to be
done. Council Member Reeves asked if #s 1 and 2 are the same. Council Member Nelson interjected that
the reason for the difference and use of term “consent” is that the Dale Properties involves a business transaction. The Bremer Bank does not involve a transaction.
Mr. Bloyer asked if the road is first come first served when it comes to building roads and developments.
Mr. Klatt responded that the Lennar approval allows the flexibility to realign without having to go through the entire process again.
Clarification about the Concept Plan stage and process was provided. It was explained that more details will be available at the preliminary plat stage.
Mr. Nelson asked about the developer comments and objections. It was explained that staff received them
this afternoon (12/17). Mr. Nelson asked if council should go through them. Mr. Klatt said staff has not had a chance to analyze and respond to each point. It was noted that the comments included the
developer’s desire to work with staff. The conditions of approval were further explained and discussed. It
was noted that the Planning Commission vote for approval was unanimous.
Ray Pruban of Amaris Corp. provided overview of proposal. Explained the difficulty in devising proposal. End goal is to provide a higher end product. Rick Harrison of Rick Harrison Site Design spoke
about the challenge of having the road run through the development. He explained how efficiency is
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DECEMBER 17, 2013
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being incorporated, including, but not limited to energy, meandering walks, coving, street and lot design, cul de sacs, set-backs, and home views. He believes that following developments will have to compete.
Mayor Pearson asked about street island maintenance. The HOA is responsible for maintenance. The
price range will be between $425-525K. Council Member Reeves said he appreciated the developer trying to exceed the minimums especially with the requirements to higher density. Council Member Smith noted
her being impressed with the proposal. Council Members Bloyer and Nelson are both supportive of the
proposal. Mr. Pruban noted his formal comments and objections to the required conditions of approval.
MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-109, APPROVING
THE BOULDER PONDS PUD CONCEPT PLAN. Council Member Smith seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSES 5-0.
ITEM 15: RECEIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Planning Director Klatt gave overview of the Community Development Department Annual Report. It is
a yearly summary of major projects. He highlighted the key activities and projects that the Planners and Planning Commission have dealt with in the last year. It was noted that the Planning Commission had 14
different commissioners over the last year.
NO FORMAL ACTION REQUESTED
ITEM 16: 2014 PLAN OF WORK
City Administrator Zuleger introduced the 2014 City Plan of Work. Mr. Zuleger highlighted some of the goals and objectives. The 2014 Parks Commission Plan of Work was also explained.
Council Member Nelson asked about land use planning and adoption of form-based codes. Planning
Director Klatt explained that the next step is to develop some and see if they meet Council objectives. Placing the future sewer pipe under the railroad strategy and utility creation are both included in 2014.
Mayor Pearson wants to add: Establish TIF district if economically feasible; collaborate fire service with
communities; and building plan inspections for fire. Council Member Reeves asked about adding a few Human Resources Committee goals. It was decided that the revised Plan of Work would be brought back
in January.
ITEM 17: SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICY REVISIONS; RES. NO. 2013-110
City Engineer Griffin explained the current and proposed minor policy changes. Changes to collector
roadway access management, large lots, and the duration of assessment terms were included and
explained. Mayor Pearson asked for public comment. There was none.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-110, ADOPTING MINOR REVISIONS TO THE CITY OF LAKE ELMO SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSES 5-0.
SUMMARY REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Zuleger: been busy cleaning up year-end issues; 2014 bonding; obtaining Lake
Elmo Ave watermain agreements; determining access to Engstrom site. It was noted that the developer may bring sewer pipe up to Gonyea site; meeting with Washington County on highway 5/Manning
realignment; working with Alyssa on Source Q4 edition. City Attorney Snyder: no report. Planning Director Klatt: reported Planning Commission will be considering the proposals for
developments on Lake Elmo Ave in early 2014; staff received a revised and amendment to preliminary
plat from Lennar;
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DECEMBER 17, 2013
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City Engineer Griffin: both construction projects are behind due to unseasonably cold weather/frost. Lennar water main will be done in spring. Lift station too. 5-10 days of work left. Village sewer will be done about mid Jan. Council Member Reeves commended the traffic management efforts. Finance Director Bendel: attended Finance Committee meeting; finishing water assessments. Finalizing year end; final payroll run; storm water will go out on 31st; working on year-end close; 2014 sales tax
exemption mailing; 1099 preparation. City Clerk Bell: submitted liquor license approvals to the county and state for final approval; renewing 2014 waste hauler licensing; working with building official to implement electrical inspections. Should
begin February 3, 2014; Note as approved tonight the next City Council meeting will be on Monday,
January 6, 2014.
The Washington County septic issue that Council Member Smith mentioned was discussed. The Mayor
asked that more than one council member or staff be involved in discussions
MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSES 5-0. Meeting closed at 9:20pm.
ITEM 18: EXECUTIVE SESSION: ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF CITY
ADMINISTRATOR DEAN ZULEGER
MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO RE-ENTER OPEN SESSION. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSES 5-0. Meeting reopened at 9:20pm. No formal action taken.
Mayor Pearson adjourned the meeting at 11:15pm.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST: ________________________________
Mike Pearson, Mayor _______________________________
Adam R. Bell, City Clerk