HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-01 CCMMINUTES APPROVED: MAY 1, 2001
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 17, 2001
6:30 Lake Elmo Jaycees: Charitable Gambling
1. AGENDA
2. MINUTES: April 3, 2001
3. CLAIMS
4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL: None
5. NEW BUSINESS:
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Accept resignation from Greta Gauthier from Environmental
Management -Special Projects
7. MAINTENANCE/PARK/FIRE/BUILDING:
A. Update of Maintenance Activities: Dan Olinger
B. Update of Fire Dept. Activities: Chief Malmquist
C. Update of Building Dept. Activities: Jim McNamara
8. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT:
A. 501h Street Improvement
B. 151h Street Roadway Improvement
9. PLANNING, LAND USE & ZONING:
A. Planned Unit Development Concept Plan: Hiner Development
B. Zoning Variance Appeal Hearing: Thomas Wiener Cardinal
Homebuilders
C. Planning Commission Request —Old
10. CITY ATTORNEY' S REPORT:
11.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
12.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
A. Lodging Tax
B. League Conference
Village Special Projects
6:30 p.m. Charitable Gambling: Lake Elmo Jaycees:
Per City Administrator, Attorney Filla stated our code is correct requesting
copies of all records and reports required to file with the Minnesota Lawful
Gambling Control Board pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 349.
John Hughes, Lake Elmo Jaycees, stated it was a month ago that he saw our
charitable gambling ordinance for the first time when it was included in the
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001
Administrator's letter. He said the Jaycees have not been following City
code and know they should follow state law. If they did, the Jaycees would
not be able to give donations to Stillwater H.S. because the law states only to
bordering cities in trade area and Stillwater is not included. The City
ordinance is more restrictive than state law, which would eliminate many
groups. The Administrator, John Hughes, and Rand Wagner will meet to go
over state laws and City code regarding charitable gambling.
Vice -Mayor Dunn called the Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council chambers. PRESENT: Siedow, Dunn, Armstrong, DeLapp,
Administrator Kueffner, City Planner Dillerud, City Attorney Filla, City
Engineer Prew, Fire Chief Malmquist, Maintenance Foreman Dan Olinger,
and Building Official Jim McNamara. ABSENT: Mayor Hunt
L AGENDA
M/S/P Siedow/DeLapp — to approve the April 17, 2001 City Council
agenda, as amended. (Motion passed 4-0.)
2. MINUTES: APRIL 3, 2001
M/S/P Armstrong/DeLapp — to approve the April 3, 2001 City Council
minutes, as amended. (Motion passed 4-0.)
3. CLAIMS
M/S/P Armstrong/DeLapp — to adopt Resolution No. 2001-024, approving
claim number 18660 through 18695 in the amount of $44,976.23. (Motion
passed 4-0.)
4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL: None
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Letter of Resignation: Greta Gauthier
M/S/P Armstrong/Dunn - to accept Greta Gauthier's resignation from the
Environmental Management -Special Projects Group of the Lake Elmo
Planning Commission and direct staff to write a letter of appreciation for her
service on this committee. (Motion passed 4-0).
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 2
7. MAINTENANCFE/PARK/FIREBUILDING
A. Update of Maintenance Dept. Activities: Dan Olinger
Dan Olinger reported that the crew would be street sweeping for about one
month. The watermain break on 33rd Street and Kraft Circle was repaired.
Another possible watermain break on Laverne Court is being investigated.
The crew has been trying to keep up with the continuous grading 15`h Street
requires.
B. Update of Fire Dept. Activities: Chief Greg Malmquist
Chief Malmquist reported that 9 members were sent to Stillwater for RET
teams to learn how to save firefighters. There is a burning restriction in the
7 County Metro area. Mamlquist will notify the City if a burning ban goes
into effect. The new truck will be delivered in 1-'/2 weeks and there might
be a small additional charge for putting in the box.
Malmquist asked for clarification on the purchasing process for the
emergency sirens and a new grass rig. The Council responded the process
hasn't changed, equipment requests should be brought to the Administrator
and then will be brought before the Planning Commission -Maintenance
Advisory Special Project members.
The Council asked that the Fire Chief and Administrator get together to
discuss the Chief s request for a part time clerical employee and decide what
Saturday the Fire Dept. Committee would meet.
C. Update of Building Dept: Jim McNamara
Jim McNamara presented a summary building report for March with 15 new
residential permits, 28 other residential permits and 3 other commercial
permits.
M/S/P DeLapp/Armstrong - to request Jim McNamara bring update on code
violations and corrective actions to the May I't Council meeting. (Motion
passed 4-0.)
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 3
8. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT
A. 50th Street Improvement
Tom Prow presented the Feasibility Report for 501h Street Construction from
CSAH 17 to Highway 5. Council member Armstrong stated the proposed
plan was a good compromise, but $990,289 is too much money to spend on
a country road. The fees paid by the developers from the new developments
along the street were $23,384, which is only 2.5% of the total cost. She did
not think this was an efficient use of State money.
Council member DeLapp added that 501h Street didn't need to be paved until
the people from the new developments complained about the poor condition
of the road. Under the new assessment policy under discussion, everyone
would pay for using the road.
M/S/P DeLapp/Armstrong — to adopt Resolution No. 2001-025, A
Resolution Receiving the Feasibility Report for the 50th Street Improvement
and calling a public Hearing. (Motion passed 4-0.)
B. 15th Street N. Roadway Improvement
Tom Prow reported bids were received on the project and the low bid from
Tower Asphalt in the amount of $214,657.25 is in line with the Feasibility
Report. This project is scheduled to begin after July 15, 2001. The City has
received a number of complaints this Spring about the conditions. Jonnie
Foster, 15th Street resident, asked if the road construction could be started
before July 15". Dan Olinger, Maintenance Foreman, has been trying to
keep the road graded and improved as best as possible. The Council asked
that the City Engineer contact Tower Asphalt to see if they could start the
project earlier than July 15t".
M/S/P Armstrong/Siedow - to adopt Resolution No. 2001-026, A
Resolution awarding the bid for the 15" Street North Roadway
Improvements (CSAH13 to Lake Elmo Park Reserve) to Tower Asphalt in
the amount of $214,657.25. (Motion passed 4-0). Council member
Armstrong noted this project cost $32/linear foot whereas the 50th Street
Project cost is $151 /linear foot. Tom Prow reported that Tower Asphalt is
working on the subdivision next door and that is the reason for the low bid.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 4
9. PLANNING, LAND USE & ZONING:
A. Planned Unit Development Concept Plan: Hiner Development
The Council tabled the application and directed clarification as to the land
use classification of the North 2/3 of the site as it appears on the 1997 Land
Use Plan. It is confirmed that the classification on the 1997 plan is RE, not
RAD as first reported. The 2000 Land Use Plan reclassifies the North 2/3 of
the site from RED to RAD. Planner Dillerud advised that the concept plan
where the office portion is consistent with the 1997 Plan, but the golf
practice facility would not be consistent with the 1997 RED. The reverse is
true with reference to the adopted, but not "in effect" 2000 land use Plan.
The golf practice facility would be consistent, but the office portion would
not. Mr. Hiner understood the confusion and said he was willing to adapt to
whatever is necessary.
Council member Armstrong stated she would deny this application based on
non-compliance with the comprehensive plan. She thought the golf course is
a good use for that location, but the small office buildings were not
appreciated
Council member Siedow thought the concept for both commercial and
residential was a good idea and lilted the offering of small office buildings.
Council member Dunn stated we are bound by our comprehensive plan, and
what is proposed in not in compliance. She liked the idea of the golf course,
but had a concern on amount of impervious surface for the individual office
concept.
Marilyn Durrow explained her family bought the property in 1910. We were
forced out because the freeway took our building site. Her children went to
school in Lake Elmo. The site was originally 80 acres and now it is 56
acres. She asked the City to be open minded to land use proposals.
M/S/P Armstrong/DeLapp - to deny this concept plan presented by Rich
Hiner based on the concept plan is inconsistent with either the 1997 and the
2000 Comprehensive Plans as stated. (Motion passed 3-1: Siedow lilted the
concept, didn't agree with comp plan for this reason, and this proposal is a
good example. People wanting to develop every piece of land is a lie.
Council member DeLapp responded that there is a process those proposals
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 5
have to go through in order to keep us out of litigation. Planner Dillerud will
advise the Planning Commission of Council action.
B.Zoning Variance Appeal Hearing: Thomas Wiener/Cardinal
Homebuilders
Thomas Wiener/Cardinal Homebuilder has appealed the denial decision of
the Planning Commission. The notice of the hearing on the appeal before
the Board of Adjustments and Appeals has been provided.
Attorney Filla explained the Open Space Development Ordinance "buffer"
requirements that specify a 100 foot minimum structure setback to
peripheral plat property lines where topography and/or vegetation provide
appropriate screening; and, 200 feet where no such screening does not exist.
The footings, lower level and capping of the house were complete at the
time the developer discovered the error. He explained that Cardinal
Homebuilders applied for, and the City issued a building permit that resulted
in a 29-foot setback where a 100-foot buffer should have been required.
Council member Siedow stated the other homes in this development had
different setbacks so he could understand how the mistake was made. The
homebuilder did bring the problem forward. The abutting property owner,
Mr. Forletti, is satisfied with planting additional trees.
Tom Wiener, Cardinal Homes, apologized for being in front of the Council
with this variance request. He had met with the Tjosvolds to discuss the best
location for the house. Tim Freeman drew up the survey, and the City
approved the building permit application. A problem was brought up on
possible wrong setbacks with their houses in the project. The builder found
the problem with the setback on the west side, and the builder brought this
mistake to the attention of the City. Cardinal Home Builders have worked
out a plan with Mr. Forletti to plant three rows of trees to buffer the lot to
keep their privacy.
M/S/P Armstrong/Dunn — to approve the zoning variance request by Thomas
Wiener/Cardinal Homebuilders based on the following reasons: 1. The
project is too advanced to request removal, 2. The developer, Cardinal
Homes, brought forward the sideyard setback mistake, 3. The City failed to
catch the error, 4. Planting of trees is a small remedial action compared to
moving the house, and 5. This was an honest mistake.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 6
Subject to the following conditions of approval: Submission of a landscape
plan, 2. Submission of an estimate cost of implementing the landscape plan,
3. Submission of a timetable for completion of landscape plan, 4.
Submission of a performance bond approved by the City Attorney for
completion of the landscape plan on or before July 1, 2001, 5. Submission of
all above for approval by thb City Council prior to the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy.
And the Council finds that by granting this variance: 1. A single family
home is a reasonable use of the property, 2. The hardship was not totally
self-created because the City granted the building permit, 3. The proposed
location of the home on the lot will not change the character of the
neighborhood. (Motion passed 4-0).
The Council noted that the ordinance requiring the 100' setback might need
to be changed.
C. Planning Commission Request —Old Village Special Projects
Planner Dillerud advised the Council that the former Village Commission
Members had developed a Work Program for the Village Commission in late
2000. That Work Program carried the adopted Old Village Plan into
implementation, on the assumption that Tax Abatement funds would soon
become available to fund Plan implementation. The Old Village Special
Projects Planning Commission members suggested to the Commission that
carrying forth with that Work Plan should continue to be a priority. The
Planning Commission adopted a motion requesting the Council approve
establishment of an ad hoc Old Village subcommittee to meet separately
from the Planning Commission to complete the groundwork on Old Village
related items; to open the membership to all Planning Commission members
and staff need not be present.
Council member Dunn stated there is no reason why the Village
Commission cannot work on their own and not as an adhoc committee. What
did they want to specifically work on? Planner Dillerud responded the work
program entailed programming of what will go on in the OV and executes
OV Plan with projects. They are concerned the broad view of projects might
get lost.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 7
Council member DeLapp stated they don't need staff help so what is the
issue.
Administrator Kueffner advised if the Commission is formally recognized
they have to follow all the rules. Planner Dillerud responded the VC special
projects can purview under the Planning Commission. The Council has not
approved the workplan. It died with the commission. The Council did not
want to change the Village Commission Special Projects into an adhoc
committee, but did want to see their workplan.
10.CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
I LCITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
Council member Dunn received telephone complaints on airport noise and
filed the complaint with the City. Council member Siedow was at the Lake
Elmo airport at the time and saw the prop plane malting touch and go. This
is a plane that was based in So. St. Paul and is not allowed there anymore
because of noise complaints. Planner Dillerud contacted the Airport
Manager, who said he would take care of the problem.
M/S/P Armstrong/DeLapp — to direct the Administrator to follow through
with the noise complaints by notifying Washington County, Baytown
Township, and MAC, because it's in their jurisdiction. (Motion passed 4-0).
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
13.CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
A. Local Lodging Tax
Administrator Kueffner provided the section of the State Statute that
regulates Local Lodging Tax. The Council was not interested in pursuing
funds, but staff could ask our legislatures for special legislation that would
allow us to impose such a tax for a period of maybe 10-20 years.
B. League Conference
The Council members that are interested in attending the League conference
in Jime will contact the City Administrator.
The Council adjourn the meeting 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Sharon Lumby, Deputy Clerk
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 8
Resolution No. 2001-024 Approve Claims #18660-18695 in amount of
$44,976.23
Resolution No. 2001-025 Receiving the Feasibility Report for the 501h Street
Improvement and calling a Public Hearing
Resolution No. 2001-026 Awarding the Bid for the 15t11 Street Roadway
Improvements
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 17, 2001 9
Mayor:
Lee Hunt
Councilmembers:
Steve DeLapp
Susan Dunn
Rosemary Armstrong
Chuck Siedow
Lake Elmo City Council
Tuesday
APRIL 17, 2001
3800 Laverne Avenue No.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
777-5510 777-9615 (fax)
LakeElmoMK@aol.com
E-Mail
Please read: Since the City Council does not have time to discuss every point presented, it may appear that
decisions are preconceived. However, staff provides background information to the City
Council on each agenda item in advance; and decisions are based on this information and
experience. In addition, some items may have been discussed at previous council meetings.
If you are aware of information that has not been discussed, please fill out a "Request to
Appear Before the City Council form; or, if you came late, raise your hand to be recognized.
Comments that are pertinent are appreciated. Items may be continued to a future meeting if
additional time is needed before a decision can be made.
6:30 Lake Elmo Jaycees: Charitable Gambling
Agenda
City Council Meeting Convenes 7:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance
I.Agenda
2. Minutes
April 3, 2001
3. Claims
4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL:
A.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Accept resignation from Greta Gauthier
from Enviromental Management -
Special Projects
7. MAINTENANCE/PARK/FIREBUILDING
A. Update of Maintenance Activities: Dan
Olinger
B. Update of Fire Dept. Activities: Chief
Greg Malmquist
C. Update of Building Dept: Jim
McNamara
8. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT
Tom Prew
A. 501h Street Improvement
B. 151h Street N. Roadway Improvement
9. PLANNING, LAND USE & ZONING:
C. Dillerud
A. Planned Unit Development Concept
Plan: Hiner Development
Lake Elmo City Council Agenda
April 17, 2001
Paoe 2
B. Zoning Variance Appeal Hearing:
Thomas Wiener Cardinal Homebuilders
C. Planning Commission Request - Old
Village Special Projects
10. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
11. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
A. Mayor Hunt
B. Council Member DeLapp
C. Council Member Dunn
D. Council Member Armstrong
E. Council Member Siedow
A. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
A. Lodging Tax
CLEAN UP DAY, SATURDAY,MAY 5T"'
BOARD OF REVIEW,
a TO NOON,
Wednesday, May9 ,
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
4-6 p.m.