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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 4, 1985
Mayor Morgan called the special meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the
council chambers. Present: Armstrong, Christ, Dunn, Mazzara, City
Administrator Klaers and City Attorney Knaak.
1. Resignation letter from City Administrator, Patrick D. Klaers
Patrick D. Klaers has submitted his resignation letter and stated the
conditions in which he would like to have the resignation accepted.
Severance terms provide Klaers will be paid for 105 days, 60 days
severance pay and. 45 days of the usual 90 day notice period, beyond
July 1st, plus two weeks vacation.
Mazzara would like to see Klaers kept on for a longer period of time
because of the time it will take to fill the position and for the
amount of severance compensation that is being paid out.
M/S/P Morgan/Christ - to accept Patrick Klaers resignation as City
Administrator and to accept the terms as outlined in his resignation
letter dated June 24, 1985. (Motion carried 5-0).
M/S/P Morgan/Christ - to adjourn the special meeting. (6:50 p.m.).
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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 4, 1985
Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council chambers. Present: Armstrong, Christ, Dunn, Mazzara,
City Administrator Klaers, City Engineer Bohrer, and City Attorney
Knaak.
1. Agenda
M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - To approve the agenda for the June 4, 1985
City Council meeting as amended. Add: 51. - Report on the
Ramsey/Washington metro watersheds drainage plan, 6A. Olson Lake
Weir, 6B. Fill for Flood -threatened Homes, 6C. Resignation of City
Administrator, 6D. Halfway House and 6E. Acting Aity
Administrator. (Motion carried 5-0)
2. Minutes
M/S/P Mazzara/Christ - To approve the May 7, 1985 City Council
Meeting minutes as amended. (Motion carried 5-0)
M/S/P Mazzara/Christ - To approve the May 21, 1985 City Council
Meeting minutes as amended. (Motion carried 5-0)
3. Claims
M/S/P Mazzara/Dunn - To approve claims 86143 thru 86190, excluding
86157, as presented. (Motion carried 5-0)
Christ brought up claim 86157 regarding Patrick Klaers charge of
$62 for travel to Brainerd. His understanding was that the $100
expense account was to handle this type of expense and additional
bills for travel was not necessary and would like to scratch this
claim. Klaers stated that his contract covers travel within the
metro area and not outside. Armstrong and Dunn questioned the
definition of the metro area and whether or not Brainerd is
covered. Morgan inquired if it was an allowable expense according
to his contract, and if it was then the council should pay it.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to approve the $62 travel expense to
Brainerd of City Administrator, Pat Klaers. (Motion carried
4:1<Armstrong>)
LAKE
ELMO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 4,
1985 Page 2
4.
Public
Inquiries
Pursuant to published notice, this public inquiry was opened at
7:12 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Mr. Steve Grabski appeared before the City Council as a public
inquiry regarding the possibility of a simple lot division and a
lot size variance to remedy the illegal subdivision of his
property in Lane's DeMontreville Country Club approximately one
year ago. The City Engineer, Larry Bohrer, distributed maps of
the lots prior to July 1984 and then the lots as sold after July
1984. The reason it became known to him was because the Steve
Grabski lot was part of the 201 program and was planning on
putting the septic system on lot 610-612. Now that 610 and 611 is
sold off, that was ruled out. According to the City code, this
dividing of an already substandard building site is not allowed.
The City Council instructed Larry to meet with Mr. Grabski and see
what could be worked out.
Mr. Grabski tried to purchase back lot 610 and 611, but found the
price had tripled. Also lot 610 and 611 cannot be purchased back
under the 201 program because they will not participate in the
land acquisition that only benefits one individual. They are now
investigating a possibility of a holding tank on the Marchio
property as a last resort. Mr. Grabski would like to combine lots
519-523 and lots 616-620 to make a possible building site. This
would consist of 0.459 acres. A simple lot division would clean
up the situation, and it would take a lot size variance. The code
requires 0.9 acres and the average lot size in Lake DeMontreville
is 0.579 acres which the Council has used as a guide in the past.
According to Larry, the lot size variance would not determine the
buildability of a lot, but the septic system, pore tests and
design would determine the buildability. Mr.. Grabski realizes
that he will have to submit his proposed simple lot division and
lot size variance request through the Planning Commission as
required by the City Code. He appeared before the City Council to
get their feelings on the possibility of this subdivision. The
Mayor stated that he personally was not receptive to this
subdivision because the lot size being so small that they would
not even equal the average of the area.
Bruce Dunn asked what happened a year ago when they were going to
undo this sale. The answer being that Larry and Pat had met with
the City Attorney, and he suggested they meet wth Mr. Grabski to
find out the facts and to find some way to work it out rather than
go to court and rescind these sales. Now there is an innocent
third party, Marchio, who has purchased the property and put
substantial improvements that has to be considered. The consensus
of the Council is that the illegal subdivision should be a matter
of civil action between Mr. Grabski and the new owner, Mr.
Marchio.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 3
5. City Engineer's Report
A. Landfill Water System Update
The Engineer reported that he had transmitted all of his
preliminary design data to the Ramsey and Washington County staffs
and their engineer, Hickok and Associates, on May 24, 1985. The
Engineer suggested a meeting of all parties for May 31, 1985. The
earliest date acceptable to the Counties is June 13, 1985;
therefore, the Engineer will not be able to report back to the
City Council until the first meeting in July.
B. Shoreland Permit for Lot 4, Block 2 of Teal Pass Estates
3rd Addition
The City Engineer, Larry Bohrer recommends approval of the
shoreland permit contingent upon the applicant meeting the
conditions of the DNR.
M/S/P Christ/Mazzara - to approve a shoreland permit for Lot 4,
Block 2, Teal Pass 3rd Addition. Contingent upon the applicant
meeting the conditions of the DNR and that the shoreland permit
will not be issued until the final plat has been recorded and
signed for Teal Pass 3rd Addition and a developer's agreement
entered into between the applicant and the city.
C. Public Hearing for zoning code side yard setback variance
application for construction of garage at 8033-50th Street
by Donald Harnish.
Pursuant to published notice, this public hearing was opened at
7:31 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Mr. Donald Harnish proposes to remove the existing single car
garage and construct in its place a double car garage at 8033 50th
Street North. The existing garage is estimated to be two to three
feet from the west property line, and Mr. Harnish is requesting a
sideyard setback variance for this same distance. The code
requires a sideyard setback of ten feet. The City Council
reviewed the hardship of the small lot size and the difficulty of
locating the garage closer to the house to improve the situaton.
Therefore, the Council will grant a sideyard setback variance from
ten feet to the west line of the existing garage, but not less
than three feet from the property line. Mr. Harnish is also to
establish the west property line to the satisfaction of the
Building Inspector.
In another matter, Mr. Harnish requested the Council's feelings of
a second accessory structure. In that he would like to move the
single car garage onto an existing concrete slab on the lakeside
of his property. Mr. Harnish's neighbor, Lois Witzmann, signed the
6/4/85 agenda giving her approval. Mayor Morgan would be inclined
to let him build a garage and keep the same setbacks and was not
in favor of moving the old garage onto the concrete slab. Mazzara
and Dunn would be in favor of letting him build a new garage as
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 4
long as his property lines are surveyed. Mazzara suggested that
if Mr. Harnish wants to attach his garage, he should look up the
City ordinance.
M/S/P Christ/Mazzara - to approve a sideyard variance from 10 feet
to existing garage, but not less than 3 feet for building his new
garage based on finding his surveyed property lines. (Motion
carried 5-0)
M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - to deny the request since only one accessory
structure is allowed. (Motion carried 5-0)
D. Shoreland permit for addition to garage and future deck at
9436 Jane Road North for Mr. Petrellis.
Mr. Petrellis is proposing to add a third stall to his garage and
also a deck to the rear of his house. From the sketch he
submitted, Mr. Petrellis can meet all the setbacks so our City
Engineer has no concerns to recommend that the shoreland permit be
granted. Adjoining property owners were notified, and there were
no problems or concerns about this request.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to approve the shoreland permit for Mr.
Petrellis for addition to a garage and future deck at 9436 Jane
Road North. (Motion carried 5-0).
E. Public Hearing to amend City Code Section 105.040 to
add septic system inspection fee.
Pursuant to published notice, this public hearing was opened at
8:03 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
At the April 2, 1985 meeting, the City Council passed a motion to
adopt an ordinance which would require a septic system inspection
fee. At the time of this consideration we understood that these
fees were done by resolutions, but it has since come to our
attention that a formal ordinance adoption is required to
implement these fees. Therefore, it technically requires a public
hearing in order to adopt the code. Dunn commented there should
be a clarification on the time for on -site inspections. Number 3
should be changed to all on -site inspections $50.
M/S/P Dunn/Mazzara - to adopt ordinance 7969 amending Lake Elmo
City code adding Section 105.04008 "When an inspection of the
existing septic system is requested, the following fees will be
charged for said inspection: 1. new system first year free, 2.
one to five years in office verification $25, 3. all on -site
inspections $50". (Motion carried 5-0).
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 5
F. Application by Bill Eder requesting a simple lot
subdivision and zoning code variances, south of
RR tracks and east of Lake Elmo Avenue
(continued from 5-7-85).
This will be before the Council at a later date.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to table the application by Bill Eder.
(Motion carried 5-0)
G. Public Hearing for zoning
Shoreland permit at Lot 9
James Holmberg.
code lot size variance and
of Krause's Addition for
Pursuant to published notice, this public hearing was opened at
8:18 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
James Holmberg is proposing to build a home on Lot 9, Krause's
Addition. The lot size is 0.785 acres; therefore, a lot size
variance is required. The City Council determined that the
hardship was that there was no additional land available for
purchase to increase the lot size. Recommendations for approval
will be contingent upon the soil tests and septic system design
being submitted and showing that a primary and an alternate system
are able to be constructed. The City Engineer suggested the
drainfield be on the east side of the lot and encourages the
driveway to come off of Jane Road. If fill is brought in., it has
to settle for a year then a. pore test taken. Neighbors were
notified, and there were no objections brought up at the meeting.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to grant lot size variance subject to the
Engineer's three recommendations. (Motion carried 5-0)
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to grant a Shoreland Permit. (Motion
carried 5-0)
H. Street Repair Discussion
The City Engineer and the Maintenance Foreman, Dan Olinger,
reviewed the street work that needs to be done and concentrated on
the northwest area of the City and 20th Street. They have
determined that patch and overlay method of repair is most cost
effective and best for preventing further deterioration. The
estimated cost is $17,185. The City Engineer advised the Council
that construction projects over $10,000 must be publicly
advertised and bid out.
There are four areas that they feel are absolutely necessary, and
they are Highlands Trail between DeMontreville Trail and High
Trail, two areas in the Hidden Bay area; Deer Pond Trail from
Hidden Bay on the south and then right at the fork between
Jackpine Trail and Deerpond Trail and lastly up on the northern
part of the City on 55th street near Howard Springborne's
driveway. They felt that it was small enough that the City crew
could handle 20th street.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 6
The City Council determined that delaying any part of the work
would just increase the cost of the repair; therefore, they
ordered that all of the repairs, identified in the Engineer's
letter should be bid out and repaired in 1985.
M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - to approve recommended street repairs
identified by the City Engineer. (Motion carried 5-0).
I. Other
509 Plan for Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District
The City Engineer reported that a small portion of the southwest
area of Lake Elmo is contained in this Watershed District. He has
reviewed the Stormwater Management Plan for the Watershed District
and find that it is consistent with the previous Battlecreek
Watershed Plan prepared in 1977. The Battlecreek Watershed Plan
is the one that has been used by the City when evaluating drainage
alternatives for that portion of Section 32. No City Co?Neil
action was required.
6. City Council. Reports
A. Olson Lake Weir
The Mayor brought up the situation of continuing vandalism on the
temporarily sandbagged weir at the outlet on Lake Olson. There is
an existing sign up warning against such vandalism but it
continues. The problem is that when the sandbags are removed,
there is an almost instantaneous rise in the level of Deer Pond.
The Mayor suggested that perhaps a deputy could be parked there
between midnight and 5:00 a.m. when the vandalism appears to be
occurring. The Mayor requested an article in the newsletter
stating that these sandbag vandals when caught could be guilty of
a misdemeanor and will be prosecuted.
The Engineer suggested that something more vandal resistant could
be installed, in the form of a steel ring, fabricated to build up
the weir elevation.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to give approval to the City Engineer to
proceed with the fabrication of a more vandal proof weir extension
for a cost of $200 and inform the Valley Branch Watershed District
why the City is taking these steps. (Motion carried 5-0).
B. Fill for Flood -threatened Homes
The Mayor reported that the foundation to the Carl Paul on the
east side of Lake Jane is being jeopardized due to the high water.
The Council directed the City Engineer to investigate this
foundation and determine if an emergency exists. If an emergency
exists, the City will furnish fill free of charge to these
homeowners. If there is a home threatening emergency, the
residents should contact the City office. The request will then
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 7
be referred to the City Engineer for investigation and possible
action. Mayor Morgan would like an article regarding this free
fill in the newsletter.
M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - to approve furnishing fill to people free of
charge based on the City Engineer's determination if an emergency
situation exists. (Motion carried 3-2 <Armstrong, Mazzara>)
C. Resignation of City Administrator
The City Council has accepted Pat Klaers resignation as the City
Administrator and would like to proceed. with advertising for a new
City Administrator as soon as possible. Bruce Dunn and Pat Klaers
will work together to decide what papers the ad should go into.
It was suggested that the ad should appear in the St. Paul Pioneer
Press/Dispatch and Minneapolis Star and Tribune and not to
advertise nationally.
D. Halfway House
Regarding the Halfway House article in the newsletter written by
Mary Meyer stating that the Lake Elmo City Council agreed it was a
"perfect place for a group home", Mayor Morgan commented it was
not his feelings at all. He was very concerned about it and
didn't sense a lot of enthusiasm within the City Council as was
written in the newsletter. Under our ordinance boarding care
homes are a permitted use, but they have to go through the proper
procedures.
E. Acting City Administrator
With the absence of Pat Klaers, there is a need for an acting City
Administrator. Armstrong had asked Marilyn Banister if she was
interested in helping with these duties and she was agreeable.
Mazzara had no problem with the idea of it but felt every council
member should have talked to Marilyn regarding hours and money.
M/S/P Armstrong/Dunn - to appoint Marilyn Banister as acting City
Administrator with all the powers of that office as defined in
Section 207 of the city code . This appointment shall continue
until such time as the City fills the office of Administrator.
(Motion carried 3-2<Morgan, Mazzara>)
7. City Administrator's Report
A. Board of Review recommendation and request by Mark Rivard,
5290 Hilltop Avenue, to address the Council.
M/S/P Dunn/Christ - to approve to accept the list of adjustments
and recommendations from the assessors office. (Motion carried
5-0).
Mark Rivard, 5290 Hilltop Avenue, presented a handout to the
Council regarding the assessors estimate of $129,200 for his house
which was built in September 1984. Rivard disagreed that
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 8
assessments should be based on the value of what the home is
regardless of who did the work. For example, plumbing cost for
his home was $3,425 and the assessors cost was $12,000. Rivard
felt the fair market value for his home was $126,000 based on the
cost approach versus market approach. The consensus of the City
Council was to suggest Mark Rivard go on to the county level and
present his figures.
John and Mary Leslie, 11546 20th St., informed the Council that
their house was built for $22,000 in 1959 and they moved in their
home in 1960 and the records are incorrect showing 1960 and 1961.
Today the home is assessed at $96,400 and in the last seven years
they have doubled the value of the building and more than tripled
the value of the land. John Leslie feels that his 1.8 acres is
not worth $21,000 because of the location across of the
maintenance building and surrounding lots.
They presented pictures showing that their fireplaces have been
blocked off to make them more energy efficient, rooms are small
because of large hallways to accommodate a wheelchair, tile is
falling off the upstair bathrooms, and the oak woodwork and
panelling is in need of fill and restaining, and they feel $85,000
would be the fair price. The Council recommended, in order to get
a change in value, that they permit the assessor enter into their
home. The Council did agree with the Leslies that proper
identificaton should be carried by the assessors and notice should
be given when he will be coming. Consensus of the City Council
was for the Leslies to go on to the next step and go before the
County.
B. Lake Rules Sign
The City Administrator has found out that the DNR has given us a
variance so that this time frame is acceptable and enforceable,
and he would like the Council to amend their motion that was
adopted on April 16 to change the rule number two from 6 p.m.
until noon to read "no boats above slow/no wake speed sunset until
noon the following day." This way our lake rule sign will
correspond to our ordinance, and the DNR has verified that we have
a variance from their rules so that we would not be in conflict
with their regulations. This seems a much more reasonable
approach, and since the DNR has given us a variance, it is
appropriate that our lake rule signs reflect pecisely the working
of our city code.
There are four lake rules: 1. no littering, 2. no boats above
slow/no wake speed sunset until noon, 3. boats operating over 5
mph must travel counterclockwise and 4. boat launching is
restricted to public access.
M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - to accept the four lake rules which
included the change in rule number two. (Motion carried 5-0)
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 4, 1985 Page 9
C. Summer Youth Workers
The City Administrator requests Council approval to hire capable
workers for the City office and for the maintenance crew to assist
in the City park. This will be the same as in the past years;
whereas, we will provide the work and verify the timecards and the
County will be responsible for the payroll. We will add one
individual to the City office and two individuals to the City
maintenance crew which are in addition to the already hired MEED
employee.
M/S/P Mazzara/Morgan - to give approval to hire one individual for
the City office and two individuals for the City maintenance crew.
(Motion carried 5-0)
D. House moving permit for Larry Gray at the David Nelson
Estates Addition.
At the last Planning Commission meeting on. May 28, 1985 this issue
was discussed and their only concern was that the conditions
impose upon this lot relating to the accessory structure be
strictly enforced. There is an existing 2,400 square foot
accessory structure, and our code only allows 1,000 square feet.
Mr Gray will remove the entire building and the time limit would
be until Fall. The access will be on the new street and the house
will face loth St.
M/S/P Mazzara/Dunn - to approve the moving of Mr. Gray's house
into the City of Lake Elmo and permanently locate it contingent
upon him moving the accessory structure before the end of the
calendar year. (Motion carried 5-0).
E. Second Council. Meeting Date for June.
The June 18th City Council meeting will be considered cancelled
unless an emergency should come up.
M/S/P Mazzara/Dunn - to cancel the June 18th City Council meeting
contingent upon the City Administrator's agenda.
M/S/P Dunn/Armstrong - to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
(Motion carried 5-0).
86143
86144
86145
86146
86147
86148
86149
86150
CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED AT JUNE 4, 1985 LAKE EIMO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Commissioner of Revenue - May State withholding
State Bank of Lake Elmo - May Federal withholding
Allied Group Insurance Trust - June Hosp. & Disability
LMCIT - June Hosp.
Minn. Benefit Assn. - June Hosp.
Lake Elmo Associates Ltd. - June rent
Mary Meyer - 5/28/85 newsletter
James McNamara - May Mileage - Lake Elmo
86151
Gerald Dahlberg -
May Animal
86152
Oakwood Animal Hospital - May
86153
Northwestern Bell
- Office
Fire
Maint.
Park
86154
AT & T - Fire
$ 14.93
Maint,
9.06
Mahtomedi
Control Officer
$ 184.08
53.52
52.89
9.97
$ 76.96
91.24
86155 AT & T - Office
86156 Northern States Power - Street Lights $ 633.99
Maintenance 138.58
Fire Dept, 93.73
Parks 79.21
Water 183.39
86157
86158
86159
86160
86161
86162
86163
86164
86165
86166
86167
86168
86169
86170
86171
86172
86173
86174
86175
86176
86177
86178
86190
Patrick Klaers - June Expense $ 100.00
Travel to Brainerd 62.00
Wood Specialist - Plaques for apprec-mat party
Carsten Products - Bicycle registration stickers
Satellite Industries - 3 Flooded homes
Rauenhorst & Carlson - Retainer 4/16/85 to 5/31/85
Caswell & Tavernier - Legal Services - Criminal
TKDA - General $ 3,347.04
Pass Thru 584.09
MSA 392.41
Wear Guard - Clothing Allowance - Maint. Dept.
Lampert Building Center - Maint. Dept.
T. A. Schifsky -'AC mix - Maint Dept.
Vern's CTC - Maint. Dept. parts
Electrosonics - Fire Dept. radio service
Fire Command - Subscriptions
Northstar International - Fire Dept. parts
Northern Hydraulics - Fire Dept. liner Box
Uniforms Unlimited - Fire Dept.
Mid -Central Fire - Fire Dept. coats
Power Brake & Equip. - Fire Dept.
John Eder - Fire Dept. - mileage
Brookman Motor Sales - New Truck
Sauk Rapids Fire Dept. - MD1 Stat
thru
June 7th payroll
e
parts
to North Branch
Fire Dept.
Firemen's Convention
944.00
1,765.00
76.86
1,252.62
52.00
1,760.77
250.00
168.20
324.00
181.00
300.46
23.99
33.68
1,128.90
162.00
40.08
200.00
160.00
450.00
850.00
4,323.54
230,38
98.76
44.00
39.75
70.25
14.50
20.00
199.95
8.00
297.50
42.48
17.60
12,037.00
70.00
6,500.00
Total $ T34;1337 a 27
Since we do not have time to discuss every point presented, it may
seem that decisions are preconceived. However, background information
is provided for the City Council on each agenda item in advance from
City Staff and appointed Commissions; and decisions are based on this
information and past experiences. In addition, some items may also
have been discussed at previous Council meetings. If you are aware of
information that hasn't been discussed, please fill out a "Request to
Appear Before the City Council" slip; or, if you came late, raise your
hand to be recognized. Comments that are pertinent are appreciated.
Items requiring excessive time may be continued to another meeting.
AGENDA
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 4, 1985
7:00 p.m. Meetings Convenes
1. Agenda
2. Minutes: May 7, 1985 and May 21, 1985
3. Claims
7:15 p.m. 4. Public Inquiries
5. City Engineer's Report
A. Landfill Water System Update
B. Shoreland Permit for Lot 4, Block 2
of Teal Pass Estates 3rd Addition
7:30 p.m. C. Public Hearing for zoning code side
yard setback variance application for
construction of garage at 8033-50th
Street by Donald Harnish.
D. Shoreland permit for addition to garage
and future deck at 9436 Jane Road North
for Mr. Petrellis.
--------------------------BREAK-----------------------------
8:00 p.m. E. Public Hearing to amend City Code Section
105.040 to add septic system inspection
fee.
F. Application by Bill Eder requesting a
simple lot subdivision and zoning code
variances, south of RR tracks and east
of Lake Elmo Avenue (continued from
5-7-85)•
8:30 p.m. G. Public Hearing for zoning code lot size
variance and s oreland permit at Lot 9
of Krause's Addition for James Holmberg.
H. Street Repair Discussion
I. Other
6. City Council Reports
7. City Administrator's Report
A. Board of Review recommendation and
request by Mark Rivard, 5290 Hilltop
Avenue, to address the Council.
B. Lake Rules Sign
C. Summer Youth Workers
D. Housing moving permit for Larry Gray
at the David Nelson Estates Addition.
E. Second Council Meeting Date for June.
F. Other
May 30, 1985
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Patrick D. Alaers, City Administrator
Re: Informational Memo for June 4, 1985 City Council Meeting
1. Attached for your information is the most recent City Newsletter
dated May 28, 1985. This Newsletter edition highlights an article on
the Highway 5 traffic options and the planned boarding care home for
the Brookman Addition.
2. The Highway 5 safety options that were discussed at the last
council meeting will require a council decision sometime in the
future. The council should feel free to notify the city staff as to
when you would like this back on the agenda for further discussion.
One of the options should be implemented prior to the school year
beginning around Labor Day. It appears that the two best alternatives
relate to spending approximately $4000 for some type of warning
flasher, or the installation of a reduced speed zone sign in the area.
Of course, the best alternative is to persuade the school to increase
the amount of time which an adult is at the school crossing to assist
the children.
3. Attached for your information is a letter dated 5-24-85 from Mr.
Don Raleigh regarding the proposed boarding care home facility. Also
attached is the section of the city code, 504-5 which relates to the
building and site plan review of commercial structures by the city
council. I believe that the condtions imposed on Brookfield Company
will also be imposed upon the individuals constructing the boarding
care home faciltty. I am in the process of sending a letter to Hecla
informing them of our site and building plan review requirements. I
will be sending them a copy of page 504-5 and 504-6 of the city code.
4. I had tentatively planned on having the discussion at the council
level for a. composting site on this agenda. However, I have not been
notified by the small. composting committee composed of Bruce Dunn,
Arlyn Christ and Nancy Prince that they have reached agreement on a
proposed site for this activity. Someone on this committee will have
to notify the city staff when they desire this item to be added to the
council agenda so the council can make a decision on this issue.
5. Attached for your information is an interesting article from the
Minneapolis Star and Tribune dated May 20, 1985. This article
discusses exurban lifestyles which definitely meets the definition of
Lake Elmo.
6. Wish to acknowledge that the city has added a MEED employee to its
outside maintenance staff. John Tauer has been added this past week
and will be a big assistance in helping to maintain the city parks.
7. Attached for your information is the third issue of the Washington
County "Waste Forum". This forum updates us on relevant activities
within the area.
Informational Memo for 6-4-85 City Council Meeting Page 2
8. Wish to acknowledge that the City is in the process of having a
dead dutch elm tree removed from city property near the water tower.
This tree is dangering some telephone lines. The removal of this tree
should make an area resident, Mrs. Earl, very happy as she has
complained about this tree a number of times. The tree is
approximately thirty inches in diameter and will be removed by an area
resident who has expertise in this area, Mr. Eldon Smith. The cost to
the city will be approximately $130.
9. At a previous city council meeting there was discussion about the
limitations for the number of commercial buildings on one lot. At
that point in time we felt that the septic system requirements were
the only limiting factors in determining the number of buildings on a
lot. The staff and council both felt that it was quite unusual that
it was not specifically spelled out in the code that only one
principal building should be allowed per lot. After further research,
we have found a section of the city code (not in the General Business
Zone area of the city code) that specifically states "There shall be
no more than one principal building on any one (1) parcel of land".
This is a requirement in all zones and clearly states that we cannot
allow more than one commercial building per lot. I have notified Mr.
Stouvenel of this code requirement so that any future efforts he has
to construct a second facility on a site that has an existing building.
will not proceed any farther in the future.