HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2012 CCMAPPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 1
City of Lake Elmo
City Council Minutes
March 6, 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 Emmons moved to approve the March 6, 2012, City Council
Agenda as amended. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed
5-0.
ACCEPTED MINUTES:
The February 21, 2012, City Council minutes were accepted as amended by consensus of
the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES:
Government students of Stillwater Area High School, Ben Williams, 361 Cimarron, Lake
Elmo, Joe Bush, 1911 Pine St. W, Stillwater, Christy Prentice, 8151 Hill Trail N, Lake
Elmo, T. J. Hughes, 5470 Marquess Trail, Lake Elmo, attended their first Council
meeting as a class assignment.
REPORTS:
Mayor Johnston reported that he had attended the celebration approval by Congress of a
new Stillwater bridge which promotes regional economic development transportation
monies, legislation regarding waste collection being discussed, and preliminary growth.
Council Member Pearson attended the Fire Relief Association, 10th Street and Village
meetings.
City Administrator Zuleger updated City Council on debt service and investment; City
Newsletter and Website; HOA meeting scheduled for March 15, 2012; Community
Development Workshop on April 10, 2012; Board of Equalization scheduled for April
25, 2012, 5-7 p.m.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 2
Planning Director Klatt informed the Council about the upcoming meetings: March 8th is
I-94 buffering, March 15 is Village Work Group large landowners, March 22nd is Work
Group, March 28th 6–9 pm is Public Open House; March 12th the Planning Commission
will be addressing the lighting ordinance; attended the Gateway Corridor meeting.
City Attorney Snyder reported that library facility options were being reviewed, code
enforcement and compliance has been voluntary cooperation; detachment litigation had
been appointed to the Courts.
City Engineer Griffin reported the Test Well No. 4 test results showed high capacity and
closing on property is March 13, 2012.
CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Council
Member Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Approved Disbursements and Payroll in the amount of $119,849.02
Authorized Signatures for the Grant Fund and Regular Savings Account from the
Lake Elmo Bank
Approved 2012 Fee Schedule
Approved Appointment of Finance Director
Approved Reestablishment of Precincts and Polling Places
Administrator Zuleger and City Council welcomed Cathy Bendel as the new Finance
Director.
REGULAR AGENDA:
MnDNR Watercraft Inspection Grant
Administrator Zuleger requested the Council adopt Resolution 2012-009 to expend
$2,000 from the City’s undesignated fund balance as a matching grant to secure a
MnDNR Watercraft Inspection Grant. The Council had approved the funds at the
February 21, 2012, Council meeting.
Council Pearson commented that non-lake shore homeowners take the onus off of the
MnDNR; people who enjoy the benefits should pay for it. A better option would be a
split with cost between the City and lakeshore owners.
Council discussed that it should be addressed year by year; lakes are assets; beneficial to
protect what we have.
MOTION: Council Member Emmons moved to adopt Resolution No. 2012-009 to expend
from the City’s undesignated fund balance as a matching grant to secure a MnDNR
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 3
Watercraft Inspection Grant to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species in Lake
Elmo lakes. Council Member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1.
Council Member Pearson voting against–lakeshore owner’s responsibility as residents
“already pay for lake concerns through taxes and other related fees”.
Lot Area (Size) and Width Variances – 5577 Lake Elmo Avenue
Planning Director Klatt informed the Council that due to miscommunication, Steve
Weber (applicant) requested tabling his variance request until the March 20, 2012, City
Council meeting.
Fire Relief Association Raffle Drawing
Steve Rutkowski, Firefighter, requested the City Council draw the winning raffle tickets
from their Annual fund raising raffle.
New Finance Director Cathy Bendel drew the names.
Demontreville Highlands Area Street Improvements – Public Improvement Hearing and
Resolution No. 2012-011 Ordering Improvement and the Preparation of Plans and
Specifications
City Engineer Griffin provided a brief overview of the Feasibility Report of the
recommended street reclamation improvement project. Total cost estimates for two
alternatives were provided. At Council’s direction, cost estimates reflect bituminous
gutter and curbs.
Council discussed road widths; narrowing of roads affects storm water runoff, drivers
tend to slow down, and waiting can be very costly.
Engineer Griffin stated there are five cul-de-sacs and will meet with residents during
design process. All residents must agree.
Public Hearing Opened at 8:01 p.m.
Tim Roden, 8080 59th St., was not in favor of narrowing 59th Street stating the road
provided traffic to the Trail.
Larry Ptasienski, 5715 Highlands Trail N., expressed concerns about the speed near the
park and inquired about a walkway on one side. He asked about the total debt to tax
revenue to the City.
Administrator Zuleger stated the funds were available and stable; General Obligation
debt ratio was good.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 4
John Fremont, 7741 53rd St., stated the road needs repair; requested the same road width;
looking forward to a new road.
Mike Groetsch, 5675 Highlands Tr., requested the same road width; expressed concerns
for the safety of residents; speeding problems with a newly paved thoroughfare;
questioned why County did not keep the road.
David Nielsen, 5680 Highlands Tr., stated the road traffic increased since 1994, not as
safe, wider road is better, and inquired about traffic calming options.
Gary Peltzer, 5747 Highlands Ct., requested same road width, as he’s been walking it for
33 years; commented that the bituminous curbs are gone due to snow plows.
Mary Noreen, 7960 Demontreville Tr., stated it is hard economic times and plans need to
reevaluated; maintain road width; aware that Highlands Tr. in tough shape due to high
traffic but why not all of Highlands Tr.
Michael Miller, 5810 Highlands Tr., requested same road width, commenting that streets
narrow during winter (snowy) months; walking and bicycling lanes would be helpful.
Public Hearing Closed at 8:40 p.m.
Council discussed the new Stillwater Bridge and preserving frontage road access to the
City; City would not pay additional costs for concrete curbs; costs cannot increase if
concrete comes up after closing; explore “red zone policing” regarding ticketing;
sensitive to cost less street maintenance, speed concerns and parking.
Engineer Griffin stated quantities are managed which help save disturbance of properties;
pedestrian safety; emergency vehicles.
MOTION: Council Member Pearson moved to adopt Resolution No. 2012-011, ordering
the Improvement and the Preparation of the Plans and Specifications for the
Demontreville Highlands Area Street Improvements. Council Member Park seconded the
motion. Motion passed 5-0.
Keats Avenue North: MSA Street and Trunk Watermain Improvements – Public
Improvement Hearing and Resolution No. 2012-012 Ordering Improvement and the
Preparation of Plans and Specifications
City Engineer Griffin updated the Council on the Feasibility Report for the Keats Avenue
North and Trunk Watermain Improvements project. Keats Avenue is a major north and
south collector roadway and a designated Municipal State Aid route within the City. The
pavement surface showed significant distresses including subgrade failure, indicating that
a street reclamation process could not be utilized as a low cost payment rehabilitation
option. The project improvements include the reconstruction of Keats Avenue together
with a 16-inch diameter trunk watermain extension.
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 5
The City Engineer then presented an alternative project schedule that would allow the
Council time to review the capital water system investment. The new schedule allows
the Council to postpone ordering the improvement until August 21, 2012, with the project
construction being moved back to 2013.
City Council discussed temporary road closures during construction, various design
alternatives, use of State Aid funds; for the watermain project, the pros and cons of
charging lateral benefit charges.
Public Hearing Opened at 9:14 p.m.
George Crocker, 5093 Keats Ave., lived there since 1958; appreciates Hwy. 36 and Keats
Avenue interchange; road improvement needed; assessment does not fit reality; traffic
ratio inaccurate and to reconsider ratio and assessment; not interested in hooking up to
water and residents should not need to pay.
Jim Dyer, 5435 Keats Ave., requested clarification of subdividing into two lots and a
second access; two hookup charges if service stub is placed in front of home.
George Dege, 5193 Keats Ave., commented that it would be cheaper to put in another
well or repair than the proposed watermain assessment charge; keep existing road bed.
Robert Meyer, 5220 Keats Ave., maintain street width; existing street needs
improvements; expressed safety concerns about speeding with new road; not interested in
hooking up to water and assessment fees; issue is about the City wanting to extend water
service.
Bill Vogel, 5055 Keats Ave., appreciates the benefit of City water but unable to afford
hookup and assessment charges; too expensive to justify a community benefit.
City Council discussed the watermain investment; possible lateral benefit charge in lieu
of an assessment; State Aid funds will bear majority of street project costs; traffic ratio;
City-wide benefit of watermain extension, but the goal is not to pay anything until
hookup.
City Administrator Zuleger stated that the City is doing a water fund analysis and was
currently reviewing operations, including water fee, rate case and storm water concerns.
MOTION: Mayor Johnston moved to continue the Public Hearing to the August 2, 2012,
Council meeting. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Council – Staff Goal Setting / Development Retreat
City Administrator Zuleger requested the City Council authorize funds, not to exceed
$3,300, for the purpose of conducting a Council-Staff Developmental Retreat to be held
in April 2012 utilizing Don Salverda and Associates. It has been the desire of several
APPROVED AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 2012
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 6, 2012 6
City Council Members to facilitate a forum/retreat to define and improve the relationship
between the City Council and appointed operational staff.
Administrator Zuleger stated the goals are to build trust, team building, develop goals and
engage citizenry. It will help develop the Council and Staff strengths and build on the
positive attributes.
MOTION: Council Member Pearson moved to authorize funds not to exceed $3,300 for
the purpose of conducting a Council-Staff Developmental Retreat to be held in April
2012, utilizing Don Salverda and Associates. Council Member Park seconded the
motion. The motion passed 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Carole Luczak, Interim City Clerk
Resolution No. 2012-007: Authorized Signatures for Grant Fund and Regular Savings
from the Lake Elmo Bank
Resolution No. 2012-008: Approved Reestablishing Precincts and Polling Places
Resolution No. 2012-009: Approved Disbursing Public Funds for the Purpose of
Protecting Surface Waters Within the Confines of the
City of Lake Elmo from Certain Aquatic Invasive Species
Resolution No. 2012-010: Approved Denying Lot Area and Width Variances to Allow
a Minor Subdivision at 5577 Lake Elmo Avenue
Resolution No. 2012-011: Approved Ordering the Improvement and Preparation of Plans
and Specifications for the Demontreville Highlands Area
Street Improvements
Ordinance No. 08-056: Approved Setting Municipal Fees for Calendar Year 2012