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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2015 CCMLAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Page 1 of 2 CITY OF LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Fliflet, Smith, Bloyer and Lundgren Staff present: Finance Director Bendel, City Attorney Snyder, Community Development Director Klatt, City Engineer Griffin, City Planner Johnson, City Administrator Zuleger, and Deputy Clerk Gumatz. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ITEM II: MUNICIPAL CONSENT ON PHASE 1 OF THE DOWNTOWN STREET AND UTILITY PROJECT; RESOLUTION NO. 2015-08 City Administrator Zuleger gave an overview of how this project got moved up from 2018 to 2015. Many residents in the old village were having problems with their septic systems, as well as flooding issues each spring. City Administrator Zuleger also explained municipal consent and what the next steps are. Washington County Deputy Public Works Director Wayne Sandberg spoke about some of the problems in the old village. He also spoke about Washington County’s role in this project and the county’s partnership with the city. Mr. Sandberg also explained what would happen if Lake Elmo chose to delay this project. Washington County Commissioner Gary Kriesel also talked about the partnership between Lake Elmo and Washington County. City Planner Nick Johnson gave a presentation about Phase I Downtown Street and Utility Project. This includes Laverne Ave., Upper 33rd St., 36th St., and the Regional Stormwater Improvements (downstream). Planner Johnson went over the proposed project schedule as well as gave an overview of what Municipal Consent is. The Preliminary Design for Phase I was outlined. There was further discussion about what would happen if the city did not approve or chose to delay Phase I. The Preliminary Design for Phase I outline presentation was continued. Planner Johnson presented options for 36th Street and Laverne Avenue north of 36th Street. Frank Squadrito, 3570 Laverne Ave., spoke about flooding issues on his property. He also spoke about his desire for city sewer and to see the water issues corrected. Dave Faint, 3617 Laverne Ave., spoke about the flooding issues on his property. He voiced his support for storm sewer. He also said that he prefers Option 2 for both Laverne Ave and 36th St. Mr. Faint also stated his concern for the flooding that takes place in the alley between Laverne and Layton. Bill Wacker, 3603 Laverne Ave., asked about extending 36th street. He also spoke about traffic in the old village when Lake Elmo Avenue is torn up. He felt that Lake Elmo Avenue should be redone first before the city roads. City Engineer Jack Griffin explained why the city streets were being done prior to Lake Elmo Avenue. Susan Dunn, 11018 Upper 33rd St N., thanked Washington County for partnering with the city. She also spoke about drainage issues in the old village. She hopes that Washington County is working with the Valley Branch Watershed District on this project. She also asked about the size of the pipes being used. Finance Director Bendel gave a report on the financial considerations regarding the project. The 2015 budget included this project at $8.2 million and now it is at $10 million. There was further discussion regarding the financing of the project as well as future sewer. City Administrator Zuleger spoke about some funding options for sewer. The city is looking at various grants to help pay for sewer costs. Stewart Johnson, 3603 Lake Elmo Avenue, is happy to see the improvements coming. He is also concerned about tree removal. He also spoke about assessment methodology. LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Page 2 of 2 The trees and landscaping plan was discussed. Most of the decisions regarding what types of trees will be used as replacement trees will be made at a later date. Meeting recessed at 9:20pm. Meeting reconvened at 9:27pm. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved THAT AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH MUNICIPAL CONSENT WE STRIP THE SIDEWALKS FROM EVERY STREET IN PHASE I. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion. There was further discussion regarding sidewalks. There was also discussion about putting an overpass or underpass across Highway 5 and what the costs would be. MOTION FAILED 1-4 (BLOYER - AYE). MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-08, APPROVING MUNICIAL CONSENT FOR PHASE I OF THE DOWNTOWN STREET AND UTILITY PROJECT. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. The options for parking and sidewalks on Laverne Ave. were discussed. Option 1 includes parking and sidewalks on both sides of Laverne Ave. north of 36th Street. Option 2 has parking and sidewalks only on the west side of Laverne Ave. north of 36th Street. FIRST MOTION TO AMEND: Council Member Smith moved TO AMEND FOR LAVERNE AVE NORTH OF 36TH GO WITH OPTION 2. Mayor Pearson seconded the motion to amend. The two options for Laverne Ave. north of 36th Street were further discussed. The Planning and Engineering perspectives and opinions were given. They both recommended sidewalks on each side of Laverne Ave. FIRST MOTION TO AMEND PASSED 3-2 (SMITH/BLOYER – NAY). The regional stormwater management plan was discussed. Frank Ticknor from Washington County explained the stormwater management plan that the county is proposing. Placement of the stormwater pond was debated. It was explained that there are not very many places where the pond can be put because of the size needed. SECOND MOTION TO AMEND: Council Member Smith moved TO AMEND FOR 36TH STREET TO GO WITH OPTION 1. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion to amend. SECOND MOTION TO AMEND PASSED 5-0. ORIGINAL MOTION PASSED AS AMENDED 5-0. Mayor Pearson adjourned meeting at 10:48 pm. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: ______________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor _______________________________ Beckie Gumatz, Deputy Clerk