HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2009 CCMLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 3, 2009 1
MINUTES APPROVED: March 17, 2009
City of Lake Elmo
City Council Minutes
March 3, 2009
Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Johnston and Council Members DeLapp, Emmons, Park and Smith
Also present: Interim City Administrator Dawson, Planning Director Klatt, City
Engineer Griffin, City Attorney Filla, Paul Donna- Northland Securities, John North-
Ehlers, Inc., Finance Director Bouthilet and City Clerk Lumby
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to approve the March 3, 2009 agenda as
presented. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
GROUND RULES:
APPROVED MINUTES:
The minutes of February 17, 2009 were approved by consensus after Council Member
Emmons noted revisions made to the Planning Commission’s 2009 Work Plan.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES:
John Cavanaugh, 2456 Springside Dr. E, Maplewood, explained the Minnesota Boat
Club (MBC) will be requesting Council approval to host the 106th Northwestern
International Rowing Association Championship Regatta, a two day rowing regatta on
Lake Elmo on August 21-22, 2009. NWIRA has sent letters out to 64 property owners
with lake shore access explaining the event.
CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION: Council Member Park moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Council Member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Approve payment of disbursements and payroll in the amount of $192,373.49
Adopt Resolution no. 2009-06 recognizing the Washington County Historical
Society’s 75th Anniversary
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 3, 2009 2
REGULAR AGENDA:
Announce and introduce the promotions of two new Captains, Barney Sachs and Mike
Cornell
District Chief Brad Winkels introduced Lake Elmo firefighters Barney Sachs and Mike
Cornell, both of whom were recently promoted to the rank of captain.
Refunding of Bonds
Paul Donna, senior vice president with Northland Securities, explained given the
anticipated market for municipal bonds over the next few months, the City should
achieve notable savings in future interest costs. (The average interest rates of the current
bond issues are approximately 4.8%; the projected average interest rate is approximately
2.9 %.) By refunding the bonds, the City would be able to free up funds to address other
financial needs.
The two bond issues, under consideration, totaling just over $1 million in outstanding
principal are: 1) General obligation State Aid Street Bonds, Series 2001A and 2) General
Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2002B.
MOTION: Council Member DeLapp moved to adopt Resolution no. 2009-007
authorizing the commencement of refunding State Aid Bonds Series 2001A, and Water
Improvement Bonds, Series 2002B, provided the total net savings is at least $60,000 and
to authorize the services of Northland Securities, Inc., for this transaction. Council
Member Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Special Assessment Policy & Financing of Projects in 2009-2013 Streets Capital
Improvement Program (CIP)
Interim City Administrator Dawson requested the City Council determine the basis for
any special assessments to be used for projects in 2009 (i.e., a percentage of costs, or a
fixed dollar amount); and identify and direct staff to prepare any modifications the
Council wishes to make to the City’s policy.
Jack Griffin presented several options for how the Council could finance the $2.8 million
in local street improvements planned between now and 2013. Proposals had the net
effect of assessing individual property owners up to 30 percent of project costs over the
five-year period. If the City sells general obligation bonds to fund the work, at least 20
percent of the cost must be paid for with assessments, and if assessments are substantial
the City must be able to prove that the property is benefiting to those amounts from the
street work.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 3, 2009 3
Council Member DeLapp presented an alternate proposal and a set of maps showing
different roads in the City and their type of use. He believed the City should pay for a
base standard for roadways, typically a 22-foot street designed to carry nine tons
regardless of when and where the streets are built. If the residents in a project area
determine they wish to have more in their neighborhood streets such as curb and gutter,
wider streets or bike paths, then the neighborhood should be assessed for those additions.
Council Member Smith suggested the council assess affected properties for 30 percent of
those projects scheduled for 2009, and take a more in-depth look at alternate assessment
schemes in the near future.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to set the special assessments to be used for
2009 street projects at a maximum of 30 percent of project cost per the City Engineer’s
proposal and address in-depth the City’s public improvement and assessment policy in
the near future. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
Selection Process for City Attorney
Interim City Administrator Dawson asked the Council how it will proceed with the next
steps of the city attorney selection process. The schedule anticipated in the RFP that
firms would be interviewed during the week of March 9. The Council will interview
representatives from Campbell Knutson; Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff & Vierling;
Hoff Barry & Kozar; Kelly & Lemmons; and Kennedy & Graven.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to interview five law firms stated that
expressed interest in representing the City in civil legal matters on March 18 and 19th,
starting at 5 p.m. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Sharon Lumby, City Clerk
Resolution no. 2007-07 authorizing the commencement of refunding State Aid Bonds
Series 2001A & Water Improvement Bonds