HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2012 CCMAPPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 6, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 1
City of Lake Elmo
City Council Minutes
February 21, 2012
Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Council Members Emmons, Park, Pearson, and Smith
Also Present: City Administrator Zuleger, Attorney Snyder, City Engineer Griffin,
Planning Director Klatt, and Interim City Clerk Luczak
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to approve the February 21, 2012, City
Council Agenda as amended. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion. The
motion passed 5-0.
ACCEPTED MINUTES:
The February 8, 2012, City Council minutes were accepted as amended by consensus of
the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES:
Christian Le, 89 Cimarron, Stillwater High School student, introduced himself and that
his Government class assignment was to report on a local government meeting.
Sarah Quick, Lake Elmo Jaycees President, presented a check to the City in the amount
of $7,500.00. Updates of the various scheduled events will continue to be
communicated to the residents and City Council.
The City Council thanked the Jaycees for all of their work in the community and looked
forward to continuing their partnership with the City.
Matt Moore, South Washington Watershed District, reported to the Council the 2012
planned activities and updates on the sub-watershed projects, including Afton and
Denmark Township. SWWD now has three management groups utilizing storm water.
Clean Water Grant to assist with water quality improvements, Colby Lake neighborhood,
communication and education to residents
Council discussed collective water quality improvements; better communication of storm
water costs to homeowners.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 6, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 2
REPORTS:
Council Member Emmons reported that the Village Committee are meeting and are in
general agreement, and continue to work to finalize a map; attended the Gateway
Commission meeting to discuss mass transit options.
Council Member Smith thanked the Jaycees for donating their time, effort and work in
the City, the new Christmas lights and Park Shelter at Carriage Station Park. She also
recognized Fire Fighter Mr. VanDammelTraadt for his 18 years of service.
Council Member Pearson reported he had attended the Fire Relief Association meeting.
City Administrator Zuleger received a Council Member request for a Workshop on
February 28, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the Demontreville Highlands Area Street
Improvements and the Keats Ave. N. MSA Street and Trunk Watermain Improvements
Planning Director Klatt reported that a variance request was received from Steve Weber
and will be discussed at the February 27, 2012, Planning Commission meeting; Village
Workshops Open House is tentatively scheduled for mid-March; I-94 Work Group
continues to meet weekly.
City Attorney Snyder reported two matters of interest that he will address in writing.
City Engineer Griffin informed the Council that the well chlorination was almost
complete; test well drilled showed high capacity well and samples sent out and waiting
for results.
CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Council
Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Approved Disbursements and Payroll in the amount of $333,388.18
Authorized Signatures for Payment of Funds from Lake Elmo Bank
Authorized dues paid for City Administrator to be a Rotary Member
REGULAR AGENDA:
Planning Commission: Second Alternate Appointment
Administrator Zuleger informed the City Council about the current Planning Commission
opening, and requested they consider appointing Justin Bloyer as Second Alternate to the
Planning Commission.
Council Members discussed their brief interview/discussion with Mr. Bloyer, stating that
good discussion had occurred and different viewpoints welcome.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 6, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 3
MOTION: Council Member Pearson moved to appoint Justin Bloyer as Second Alternate
on the Planning Commission. Council Member Smith seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5-0.
Keats Avenue North: MSA Street Improvements – Resolution Requesting a Design
Variance from State Aid Operations
City Engineer Griffin request City Council approval of the Resolution requesting a design
variance from State Aid Operations standards. The next quarterly State Aid Variance
Committee meeting is March 1, 2012, and in order to have the City’s request reviewed
the completed application must be submitted by March 1, 2012. He would be attending
the hearing on March 22, 2012.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 2012-005 Requesting
a Design Variance from Standards for State Aid Operations for Keats Avenue North MSA
Street Improvements State Aid Project 206-105-002. Council Member Pearson
seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
MnDNR Water Grant
City Administrator Zuleger reported that the Tri-Lakes Association had applied for a
DNR Watercraft Inspections Grant, and requested the City participate in a matching grant
to funds pledged by the VBWD in the amount of $2,000.00.
Justin Bloyer, 8881 Jane Rd., updated the Council regarding the MnDNR deadline, the
invasive species, the monitoring of boat launches and concerns since it is a public boat
launch.
Council discussed the City involvement, problems since it was a public boat launch,
possible use of park dedication funds.
Attorney Snyder requested the City provide a resolution to authorize funds advising
direction of money after Park Commission approval.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to commit to funding of $2,000.00 to the Lake
Elmo Tri-Lakes Association for the MnDNR 2012 Grant for Watercraft Inspection, with
funding to be defined. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed
4-1. Council Member Pearson voting against-lakeshore owners’ responsibility, DNR
less likely to take care if cities get involved, residents already pay for lake concerns thru
their taxes, the DNR and VBWD.
Council members applauded the efforts of Tri-Lakes residents, property owners
responsibilities, community resources not used uniformly, and exploring other
opportunities.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 6, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 4
Justin Bloyer, 8881 Jane Rd., stated that current Tri-Lakes Association Members dues
pay for weed and algae treatments.
Steve DeLapp, 8468 Lake Jane Trl., commented that with watercraft inspections would
reduce the odds of contaminating the lakes.
Pat Dean, stated it was an investment, quality of life issue, affects property values and
lake habitat. MN may end up performing the inspections (CA and NV have inspection
stations) and need a cooperative effort with the City.
Roger Johnson, president of Olson/Demontreville, stated their Association will withdraw
their application without financial support.
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to amend the prior motion to provide for the
City to match the $1300 amount currently paid by the Association. Council Member
Pearson seconded the motion. Motion failed 3-2 with Mayor Johnston, Council Members
Smith and Park voting against.
Property/Building for Lake Elmo
City Administrator Zuleger requested that the City Council consider constructing an offer
to purchase certain properties for the purpose of housing a community-sponsored library.
He asked that the Council discuss funding and negotiating options for the purchase/lease
of a building for use as a Municipal Library during the Closed session, and to focus on
four policy issues: Practical affordability for both the Library Board and the City; Short
and long-term effects on the City’s financial position; the Selected Option Impact on the
Library’s Board operational functionality; and financial and asset management
contingencies based on the success of the Library.
Council Members discussed internal finance options, budget staffing time; lock-in price
at time of signing; pay as you go option; internal loan funding; control of asset.
Sarah Linder, 11108 12th St., reported that the Library Board has very detailed budget
which includes general budget which included contingency funds and reserves.
Andy Fields, Oak-Land Junior High School Principal, applauded the efforts of a library
and informed the Council that the National Jr. High Society students are available to
volunteer hours, stock shelves, and tutor programs.
Steve DeLapp, 8468 Lake Jane Trl., apologized for not addressing the lease option for a
library and informed Council that SAHS students are currently volunteering.
Justin Bloyer, 8881 Jane Rd., requested the Council to spend money wisely when
considering purchasing a building.
Kathy Haggard, 12154 Marquess Ln., thanked the Old Village and Planning Commission
for their work but has reservations about purchasing; need to consider options to move to
a new location as the Old Village grows; flexible if desire to move; no investment return.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 6, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 5
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to move to Closed Session. Mayor Johnston
seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
The City Council recessed the Open Meeting at 9:10 p.m. to a Closed Meeting to discuss
real estate negotiations, per State Stat. 13D.05, subd. 3 (3)
PRESENT: Mayor Johnston, Council Members Emmons, Park, Pearson and Smith.
Also Present: Administrator Zuleger, Attorney Snyder, Library Consultant Cummings
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to end the Closed meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Council Member Park seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
The Council meeting reconvened to Open session at 10:02 p.m.
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to direct Staff to construct an offer to
purchase 3357 Lake Elmo Avenue North (Clock building) for the purpose of housing the
Lake Elmo Public Library. Mayor Johnston seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-1;
Council Member Smith voting against.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Carole Luczak, Interim City Clerk
Resolution 2012-005: Approved a Design Variance from Standards for State Aid
Operations for Keats Avenue North MSA Street Improvements
State Aid Project 206-105-002