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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-2014 CCMLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 1 of 5 CITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Wally Nelson, Justin Bloyer, and Mike Reeves. ABSENT: Council Member Smith Staff present: City Administrator Zuleger, City Attorney Snyder, City Planner Johnson, City Engineer Griffin, and City Clerk Bell. PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 16, 2014 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. ITEM 1: ACCEPT MINUTES THE DECEMBER 02, 2014 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS AMENDED BY CONSENSUS. COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Bloyer: attended milfoil prevention meeting. Mr. Bloyer shared his appreciation for Council Members Nelson and Reeves. He thanked them for their service to Lake Elmo. Council Member Reeves: no activity to report. He said it has been a privilege and an honor to serve. He thanked everyone who he has worked with on the Council, Parks and Planning Commissions, HR Committee, and Administrator and staff. He wished the Mayor, Council Members Bloyer and Smith and Members-elect Fliflet and Lundgren the best. Council Member Nelson: attended Public Safety Committee meeting and Finance Committee meeting; worked with Conservation District to obtain refund for taxpayers; he thanked staff, Council, and the residents for the opportunity to serve. He commended Mayor Pearson on his dedication to the City. Mayor Pearson: thanked Council Members Nelson and Reeves for all the great work, dedication, and service to City. Mayor Pearson said he enjoyed working with them and getting to know them better. City Administrator Zuleger presented the City’s first Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Finance Chair Nelson. PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES Dave Carlson, 8554 Hidden Bay Trail N., thanked Council Members Reeves and Nelson for service to the City and Community. He also thanked the rest of the Council and staff for all the hard work. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Council Member Bloyer left the room at 7:13 pm. He returned at 7:15 pm. Paul and Nancy Hansen, 8024 Hill Trail N., thanked Council Members Reeves and Nelson for professional contributions and their volunteered time. Ray Strege, 8808 36th St. N., thanked Council for the attention paid to the 2015 Street Improvements Project, especially Council Members Nelson and Reeves for continued work even after the election. He wished them and their families the best. Shane Weis, 8483 27th St. N., Park Commission Chair, thanked Council Member Reeves for hard work and contribution to the Parks Commission and thanked him for his professionalism. Pam Hartley, 10010 Tapestry Road, thanked Council Members Nelson and especially Reeves for his service to the Parks Commission. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 2 of 5 Larry Weiss, 9302 Stillwater Blvd., appreciates the hard work Council Members Reeves and Nelson have done for the community and people. He thanked them for all the good they have done for the City. He knows that they listened to the people. He hopes to see them involved again. Ed Nielsen, 9498 Stillwater Blvd., thanked the Council for helping his neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood is extremely grateful. He believes the Council and Mayor are excellent. Donovan Chase, 9125 Lake Jane Trail, thanked the council members for being approachable, easy to talk to, and not a bringing with them a lot of drama. Mayor Pearson read letter from resident and Fields of St Croix board member Jim Ogren expressing his appreciation for Council Members Reeves and Nelson and their hard work and understanding of the issues. See letter attached as exhibit. PRESENTATIONS: ITEM 2: 2014 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT City Planner Johnson presented the Community Development Department Annual Report. He estimated that it has been the busiest year in the history of the department. He noted some of the highlights such as the residential and commercial developments, the elimination of the MOU, and the County/City partnerships. The number of land use applications has doubled over 2013. Council Member Bloyer asked the net increase in new homes. There were 37 new homes constructed including 3 demolition and rebuilds. Thirteen permits were issued in sewered area. Total valuation is $27,000,000. There have been eight development projects at preliminary plat approval stage, which includes 1311 units. Of those, 190 units have received final plat approval. Council Member Reeves commended staff for the accomplishments. City Administrator Zuleger noted that in addition to the quantity of the accomplishments, staff maintained a reputation for thoroughness and holding developers to high standards. Mr. Johnson thanked the Planning Commission for all their hard work and long hours. Mr. Bloyer thanked staff. Council Member Nelson asked what the impact the total valuation had on the City. Finance Director Bendel estimated that it would be just under 1%. He also recounted his recent visit to the Lennar model homes. He urged people to visit them to take a look for themselves as to the quality before making a judgment. No formal Council action requested. City Planner Johnson left the meeting. FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA 3. Approve Payment of Disbursements and Payroll in the amount of $603,802.88 4. Accept Financial Report dated November 30, 2014 5. Accept Building Report dated November 30, 2014 6. Accept City Assessor Report dated November 30, 2014 7. Authorize Certification to the Washington County Auditor for unpaid Water Utility Bills; Resolution No. 2014-97 8. 39th Street N: Street & Sanitary Sewer Improvements – Pay Request No. 3 9. 2014 Street Improvements – Pay Request No. 4 10. Diedrich-Rieder Easement Vacation MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO APPROVE THE FINANCE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. OTHER CONSENT AGENDA LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 3 of 5 11. Approve 2015 Meeting Calendar 12. Approve 2015 Fee Schedule; Ordinance 08-115 13. Approve Easement Encroachment Agreement - 5730 57th Street Cove N. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO APPROVE THE OTHER CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 14: APPROVE 2015 CIP Finance Director Bendel presented the 2015 CIP. The 11ft parks mower was discussed and whether the $70K should be left in or a lesser amount and possibly purchasing two smaller mowers. Fifty thousand dollars was the estimated figure that would be sufficient for two smaller mowers. There would be no funding impact as it would come out of park funds. The Fire Command Vehicle replacements were discussed. It was explained that leasing may be an option and will continue to be looked into. It was noted that as these are emergency vehicles, the reliability is more critical than a typical vehicle. The new Warning Sirens coverage was explained. What the library’s proposed ADA restrooms entail was explained. The Lake Elmo downtown revitalization project costs were explained. City Engineer Griffin explained the scope of the project was raised from $7.2 million to $8.1 million. He does not think it will actually be that high. City Administrator Zuleger recommended that the Council be cautious when it is considering the expenditures on the Downtown improvements. Some of the improvements have to happen, such as stormwater and sanitary sewer, but some amenities may not have the same return on investment. There will be a Council workshop on the Village- perhaps in January 2015. Mayor Pearson agreed that the cost may help make certain decisions throughout the process. He also wants the village business owners to have buy-in for items such as the burying of utility wires. Council Member Nelson asked about stormwater improvements. Mr. Zuleger explained the broader impact the stormwater project has on the village. It was noted that Comcast is expecting the City to pay for the burial of the utility wires; however, this is a 1-in-50 year opportunity to do that. Mayor Pearson is looking for input from EDA. Council Member Reeves pointed out that the policy of “growth pays for growth” may not be applicable here. There are certain aspects that need to be done, but there are some that are considered wants. What the “all in” costs include was explained. It does not include a village green. Mr. Nelson recommended increasing the $8.1 million figure. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO POSTPONE THE FINAL 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN UNTIL FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion. Council Member Nelson said that the CIP should have been done much earlier and must be done prior to the budget being approved. He would like this to be approved to deal with the 2015 debt. Council Member Bloyer thinks the decision should be made by the new council. The other council members noted that there are many decisions, such as the budget, that are approved by current councils and then assumed by the next or future councils. The next Council is not locked into spending the funds. MOTION FAILED 1-3 (NELSON, PEARSON, AND REEVES – NAY) MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO APPROVE THE 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS AMENDED: REDUCING THE PARK MOWER FUNDS TO $50K, MODIFYING DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION TO “DOWNTOWN SEWER, ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, AND FLOOD MITIGATION,” AND TO INCREASE $7.1M FIGURE TO $8.177 MILLION. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. Council Member Nelson noted that as the CIP figures into future debt, the growth has to happen to pay for the debt. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 4 of 5 MOTION PASSED 4-0 NEW BUSINESS ITEM 12: 2015 PLAN OF WORK City Administrator Zuleger presented the 2015 Plan of Work. He added finance goals of CIP done by 7/1, draft budget done by 8/15, budget books done by 10/1. He pointed out some of the significant highlights. The recent DNR White Bear Lake lawsuit and its impact on Lake Elmo was summarized. It will be a significant issue in coming year for region. Council Member Reeves suggested additional 360º/peer reviews to HR section. Mayor Pearson asked about the progress on the rail road crossings. Mr. Zuleger said that progress is being made. STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Zuleger: Working on park issues; employee evaluations are finished; attended joint meeting with the County, successful Met Council meeting, Groundwater Coalition meeting; working on transferring Carriage Station park land and the well house. City Attorney Snyder: reviewing development documents; working on pool encroachment issue; received a tolling agreement extension from 3M. MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO EXTEND TOLLING AGREEMENT FOUR MONTHS. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. A summary of the White Bear Lake groundwater lawsuit is forthcoming. City Engineer Griffin: refer to previously submitted written report. Planning: Mr. Zuleger provided report CSAH 17/Lake Elmo Ave open house went well. Considering minor redesign that will reduce impact on trees; Wildflower preliminary Plat has been submitted; Easton Village Final Plat has been submitted. City Finance Director: revising CIP, working on enterprise budgets, audit prep, cash-flow models, year-end financials; preparing assessments to County and sending out stormwater and Q4 water bills. City Clerk Bell: No report. Council Member Reeves complimented Mayor Pearson for being a courageous mayor. He also praised City Administrator Zuleger for his instrumental leadership and bringing initiatives, such as civility, to the City Government. Mr. Zuleger again commended Council Member Nelson on his financial contributions and Council Member Reeves on his leadership and guidance on bringing civility to Council to get things done. EXECUTIVE SESSION CLOSED SESSION PER MN STATE STATUTE 13D.05 SUBD. 3(A) FOR ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR DEAN ZULEGER MOTION: Council Member Reeves moved TO ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO MN STATE STATUTE 13D.05 SUBD. 3(A) FOR ROUTINE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR DEAN ZULEGER. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Entered closed session at 9:01 pm. MOTION: Council Member Reeves moved TO OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Entered Executive Session at 9:15 pm. MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Exited Closed Session at 10:44 pm. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2014 Page 5 of 5 MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO RECONVENE TO OPEN MEETING. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 3-1 BLOYER - NAY. Reconvened to Open Session at 10:44 pm. MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO ADJOURN. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Mayor Pearson Adjourned the meeting at 10:45 pm. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: ______________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor _______________________________ Adam R. Bell, City Clerk