HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-94 CCMMARCII 15, 1994 LAKE EL110 COUNCIL MEETING
List of Claims for Approval
far the period 03/11/94 to 03/15/94 03/11/94
CLAIM
TOTAL
ACCOUNT
ACCOUNT
TO WHOM PAID
FOR WHAT PURPOSE
DATE
NUMBER
CLAIM
NUMBER
AMOUNT
WEBER ELECTRIC, INC.
INSTALL RECEPTACLE FOR CABLE EQUIP.
03/15/94
2465
129,28
100-41300-216
129,28
VISA
ELMO INN - 2/2/94
03/15/94
2466
31,05
100-41300-216
31.05
AMERICAN LINEN SUPPLY
OFFICE MAINT.
03/15/94
2467
49,01
100-41609-400
49,01
HAGBERG'S COUNTRY MARKET
OFFICE MAINT.
03/15/94
2468
13.06
100-41500-400
13.06
BELLAIRE SANITATION
OFFICE BLDG MAINT
03/15/94
2469
66,95
100-41500-400
66.95
WASHINGTON COUNTY TREAS.
RECORD RESOLUTIONS 94-6 & 94-5
13/15/94
2470
39.00
160-41500-200
39,00
KINKO'3 CF MINNESOTA, INC.
3/2/94 NEWSLETTER PRINTING
03/15/94
2471
533.60
100-41500-354
533.60
A T & T
OFFICE TELEPHONE
03/15194
2472
16.89
100-41500-320
16.89
GENERAL OFFICE PRODUCTS
OFFICE SUPPLIES
03/15/94
2473
138.18
100-41500-200
138.18
WASHINGTON COUNTY TREAS,
1994 TAX ROLLS
43/15/94
2474
125,72
100-41500-200
125.72
STILLWATER GAZETTE
LEGAL PUBLICATIONS
03/16/94
2475
81.00
180-41500-361
81.00
WASHIMGTDN COUNTY TREAS.
1/2 SECTION MAPS
03/15/94
2476
4.66
100-41500-200
4.66
NORTHERN STATES POWER CO
FEBRUARY UTILITIES
03/16/94
2477
3,245.99
100-41500-389
258.60
100-42200-380
641.71
150-43109-380
636.35
100-43160-380
837.85
100-452B0-380
851.50
602-49450-380
21.58
A T & T
FIRE & MAINT TELEPHONE
03/15f94
2478
48.63
100-42200-320
19.55
100-43100-320
29.08
U S. WEST
FEBRUARY TELEPHONE
03/15/94
2479
435,92
100-41500-320
225.17
i
100-42200-320
137.95
100-43100-320
56.57
100-45200-320
66.23
TKOA
JANUARY ENGINEERING
03/15/94
2480
2,982.64
100-41930-390
2,609,74
100-428S0-312
312.90
PETERSON FRAM & BERGMAN
FEBRUARY LEGAL
03/15/94
2481
4,941.12
100-41600-300
4,416.32
601-41600-300
259.00
402-41600-300
266.80
ST CROIX ANIMAL SHELTER
FEBRUARY ANIMAL IMPOUNDING
03/15/94
2482
224,76
100-42700-418
224.76
TNT RECYCLING
FEBRUARY RECYCLING
03/15/94
2483
4,579,20
100-43200-318
2.772.00
803-43200-318
1,807.20
ELNO'S LUMBER & PLYWOOD
PARKS MISC SUPPLIES
13115/94
2484
46.04
100-45210-219
46.04
ON -SITE SANITATION INC
SUNFISH PARK SATELLITE
03/15/94
2485
69,22
100-45200-386
69.22
TWC INC.
PARKS TRUCK RADIO
03/15/94
2486
738,0E
100-45200-223
738,08
METRO FIRE
FIRE DEPT SUPPLIES
03/15/94
2487
1,149.46
100-42200-217
194,15
100-42200-580
955.31
ASTLEFORD EQUIPMENT CO.
FIRE DEPT TRUCK REPAIR -GENERATOR
03/15/94
2488
305,43
140-42200-270
305,43
JAMES SACHS
JAN. & FEB. RUN REPORTS
03/15/94
2489
73.75
100-42200-200
78,75
ROAD RESCUE INC
FIRE DEPT TRUCK REPAIR -STROBE LITE
03115/94
2490
45,00
100-42200-220
45,00
APOLLO HEATING
FIRE STATION 1 FURNACE REPAIR
03/15194
2491
64.00
100-42200-451
64.00
OSWALD FIRE HOSE
FIRE DEPT SUPPLIES
03/15/94
2492
190.80
100-42200-217
190.80
LAKE ELMO OIL
FEBRUARY FUEL
03/15/94
2493
2,103.26
100-42200-212
128.61
100-42400-331
70.17
150-43100-212
1,852.28
100-16200-221
52.20
r '. CONF,OF BLO6.OFFICIALS
BLDG OFFICIAL ANNUAL DUES
03/15/94
2494
75.00
100-42400-207
75.00
.4DS
CABLE SUPPLIES & NAINT DEPT SUPPLIE
03/15/94
2495
54.67
100-41300-216
15.79
100-43190-223
38.88
T.A. SCNIFSKY & SONS
MAINT DEPT BLACKTOP MIX
03/15194
2496
51.98
100-43100-407
61.98
JUNKER SANITATION
MAINT DEPT DUMPSTER
03/16/94
2497
86.23
100-43100-223
86.23
GLENWOOD INGLEWOOD
NAINT DEPT SUPPLIES
03/15/94
2498
12.60
100-43100-223
12.60
AIRSIGNAL, INC.
MAINT DEPT PHONES
03/15/94
2499
31.02
100-43100-320
31,02
March 15th
Page 2
List of Claims for
Approval
For the period
03/11/94 to 03/15/94
03/11/94
CLAIM
TOTAL
ACCOUNT
ACCOUNT
TO WHOM PAID
FOR WHAT PURPOSE
DATE
NUMBER
CLAIM
NUMBER
AMOUNT
TWIN POINT TAVERN
REIMS
FOR ITEMS -BACTERIA IN WATER
03/15/94
2500
138,49
601-49400-430
138,49
MILLER EXCAVATING
2/1/94
WATERMAIN BREAK
03115/94
2501
2,258.47
601-49401-430
2,258.47
TWIN CITY TESTING
WATER
TESTING -NEW WATER TOWER
03/15/94
2502
98.21
601-49400-400
98.20
OAKDALE, CITY OF
FEBRUARY
WATER PURCHASED
03/15/94
2503
567.54
601-49400-250
567,54
MAQUIRE IRON, INC.
WATER
TOWER REPAIR -PER CONTRACT
03/15/94
2504
52,725.10
601-49400-430
52,725.00
MINNESOTA POLLUTION
CONTROL AGENCY SEWER
FUND ANNUAL FEE
03/15/94
2505
505.00
662-49450-430
505.00
TOTAL
79,140,90 79,140,90
79,140.91
MINUTES APPROVED: April 5, 1994
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 15, 1994
Acting Mayor Johnston called the council meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the
council chambers. PRESENT: Mottaz, Conlin, Johnston, Johnson, City
Engineer Bohrer, City Attorney Filla and Administrator Kueffner. ABSENT:
Mayor John.
ACTING MAYOR JOHNSTON ACKNOWLEDGE SCOUT LEADER DENNIS
WEAVER; SCOUTS, JACOB WEAVER, BRIAN DAVEY, BRENT ROGERS WHO
ARE WORKING ON THEIR MERIT BADGE.
1. AGENDA
Add: 7A. Status Report on Olson Lake Estates Pond, 7B. Notification by the
VBWD of a development in West Lakeland Township that is tributary to Downs
Lake, 10E. Request by Rep Neary asking support for annexation bill.
M/S/C Johnson/Conlin - to approve the March 15, 1994 city council agenda as
amended. (Motion carried 4-0).
2. MINUTES: March 3, 1994
M/S/C Mottaz/Conlin - to approve the March 3, 1994 City Council minutes as
amended. (Motion carried 4-0).
3. CLAIMS
M/S/C Conlin/Mottaz - to approve the March 15, claims #2465 through #2505 as
presented. (Motion carried 4-0).
4. PUBLIC INFORMATION - None
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Update on HF1828
House File 1828, introduced by Walt Perit, allows Oakdale to petition
independently to annex properties currently owned by MnDOT that are within the
jurisdiction of Lake Elmo, was defeated today by a vote of 11-9 in the House
Committee on Local Government Affairs.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994 2
M/S/C Conlin/ Mottaz - that the City Administrator write a letter to City of
Oakdale and invite them to a joint council meeting on Thursday, April 7, at 7
p.m.; areas of discussion would be initiating the process --just getting together to
talk about how we are going to progress through the negotiations, set meeting
dates, review our letter to them, suggest having a mediator work with us and put
this in a form of an agenda, 2 or 3 bullets of some of the possibilities on process,
and set adjournment at 8:30 p.m. (Motion carried 4-0).
This letter will be included on the March 22, 1994 recodification workshop
agenda for council review.
6. PLANNING, LAND USE & ZONING:
A. Recommendation from Planning Commission on Highway 5 Study
On December 13,1993, the PZ made a motion to amend the Comp Plan Future
Land Use Map to show Limited Business - LB the same as allowed on 1-94 from
Stillwater Blvd., north of the railroad tracks to County Road 13, on the south side
of TH5.
Administrator Kueffner stated before a study is done, 3M should be brought in to
find out if they have intentions to develop their property. We are dealing with
Hwy. 5 to clean up the Animal Inn in Agricultural zoning with very small lots and
the Joe Roger's property. The PZ felt that LB would be a reasonable use on that
strip of land.
Council member Conlin explained the area that the planner suggested to look at
in the study takes in the 3M property north of 5 and all the way to Stillwater Road
to the south which is beyond the perimeters of what originally the PZ was looking
at. She definitely was not in favor of a study that large. Conlin indicated LB is a
good ordinance and suited for non -sewer area and appropriate for the south side
of Hwy 5 and the railroad tracks. She felt it would be good for the Mayor to meet
with 3M to discuss their long range plans for that area and at that time determine
if the study should be done to the north.
Council Member Mottaz added that we cannot exclude 3M property, but should
ask them if they have any current plans and involve them in what's going on. He
would like to wait until the Mayor comes back and ask him.
M/S/C Mottaz/Johnson - to table discussion on the Highway 5 Overlay Study
until the Mayor returns from vacation to receive his input. (Motion carried 4-0).
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994
7. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT
In his memo dated March 8, 1994 City Engineer Larry Bohrer indicated he made
a calculation of the volume of Olson Lake Estates Pond represented in the "as
approved" plan and compared it to the "as -constructed" plan as prepared by the
DNR. Pond volume below the outlet elevation is considered "dead" storage. It is
this volume which is most beneficial for water quality improvement. We find that
the dead storage as constructed exceeds the dead storage provided by the
approved plan by 13%.
Larry Bohrer reported that at the DNR meeting discussion continued on water
quality. It seemed that the DNR and Corp of Engineers were going to accept the
pond in its "as built" condition. A number of the members wanted to let the pond
function in its normal mode for one year and do some observations. Attorney
Dayton made it clear that Lake Elmo would not accept water of a quality that
would degrade Olson Lake. In order to keep dialogue going, a proposal was
made by Attorney Dayton with the understanding that it would be discussed at
this meeting.
These are the conditions under which the pond might be allowed to function
normally for one year:
1. The VBWD will propose a feasibility study to analyze upstream mitigation
measures, mitigation measures in Olson Lake Estate's Pond, and alternate
discharge routes. VBWD should fund the cost of the study.
2. The VBWD will pay for the chemical treatment of Olson Lake for one, year.
(The residents on the lake pay each year for treatment of the lake.)
3. A spring -time discharge should be done to create capacity in the Olson Lake
pond. Also, the Pond shall be treated prior to release, if appropriate.
4. Prior to any other discharge, Olson Lake Estate Pond shall be treated so
that phosphorus concentration is no greater than what exists in Olson Lake,
5. A monitoring program shall be conducted to measure the efficiency of the
Olson Lake Estates Pond treatment.
The Council suggested inviting the Tri Lakes Assoc to the next meeting to keep
them appraised of the situation.
M/S/C Mottaz/Johnson - that a letter be prepared by the city engineer and
administrator stating the city's conditions on which the pond might be allowed
normal discharge for one year and forward the letter to VBWD. (Motion carried
4-0).
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994
B. Notification by VBWD of development Mannington Downs in West
Lakeland Township that is tributary to Downs Lake
Larry Bohrer reported that the VBWD notified the city of a proposed development
in West Lakeland Township, known as Mannington Downs, which is tributary to
Downs Lake. The development of this area will not increase the rate of surface
water runoff from the watershed; however, the volume of runoff will increase due
to the eventual increase in impervious surface. A decision to approve this
subdivision is scheduled at the March 24 VBWD meeting. In the revised 509
plan, the VBWD is proposing a controlled outlet for Downs Lake, but no
timetable was developed.
M/S/C Mottaz/Conlin - to send a letter to the VBWD encouraging them to
accelerate the project to construct an outlet to Downs Lake and ask if there is
additional ponding besides the wetlands planned for the new development,
Mannington Downs, In West Lakeland Township because this is considered a
flood sensitive area. (Motion carried 4-0).
The City Administrator will notify Ann Bucheck, Eden Park, that the Mannington
Downs Development will be on the March 24, 1994 VBWD agenda.
8. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Officials to be reimbursed for legal fees
Attorney Filla reported the Afton circumstance are not exactly the same as Lake
Elmo's in the following way: Lake Elmo's case involves a lawsuit by a resident
against two council members who were found not in violation of the open
meeting law. The Afton case involved a lawsuit by a resident against 3 council
members who were subsequently found to have violated the open meeting law
even though it may have been unintentional. In addition, in Afton the 3 council
members sued the city and the League of Cities. District Court threw out their
claims and the appellate court has now reversed. The District Court had said
there is a provision in the standard League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
Contract that the appellate court requires the League of Cities reimburse for
legal costs incurred. This issue is not present in the Lake Elmo case. The
League of Cities intends to appeal this and have filed petition. They don't know
if the Supreme Court is going to accept the case for review.
Attorney Filla was told by the League of Minnesota Cities, pending the outcome
of this before the Supreme Court, to file a claim. He will review the letter that
was sent to the city denying coverage from the League of MN Cities and draft
the correspondence with copies of the appropriate bills and request they
reimburse the city under this provision of the standard contract that also applies
to Lake Elmo.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994
9. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Conlin reported on the March 10 cable commission meeting
she attended. Issues discussed were amending the by-laws to always use a
weighted vote; amend the joint powers agreement to eliminate alternate
directors and update the population. The franchise is up in approx. 17 months
and there was discussion on what the next franchise will consist of.
Councilman Johnson reported two grant applications were submitted to the DNR
for two different tree program.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
A. Recommendation from Solid Waste Committee on Open Burning
The law has changed to allow for open burning of trees, brush, grass and other
vegetable matter in the clearing of land, the maintenance of street, road and
highway right-of-way and in accepted agricultural land management practices.
The Solid Waste Committee has asked for some direction from the Council on
this. Should they prepare an ordinance similar to that of Stillwater or is the city
going to continue its ban on burning.
Council members Mottaz and Johnson did not want the city's policy on open
burning to change because the residents have a site to bring their brush and
leaves/grass clippings and did not want to increase air pollution.
B. Recommendation from Solid Waste on Composting
The Solid Waste Committee recommended that we continue on accepting leaves
and grass clippings and brush from Lake Elmo residents at the same cost as last
year. That cost was $10 from Lake Elmo residents which included "Clean Up"
days and $15 for non-residents and $50 for the small lawn maintenance
contractors.
Administrator Kueffner reported an inquiry was received from the City of
Woodbury asking about the availability of the site for its residents because they
are losing their compost site. The garbage collector for Stillwater and Oak Park
Heights will no longer take leaves and grass clippings. If we allow these other
communities to use the site, we will have to expand hours of operation so that
the traffic is spread out and have to talk to the County in expanding the site to
accommodate them. To help defer these additional costs, a suggestion was
made to increase non-resident sticker to $20 per calendar year.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 15, 1994
Council member Mottaz was opposed to expansion of the compost operation
due to increased traffic and more work for the staff that will not be covered and
not included in the total operation cost. Woodbury has land for their own site
and didn't want Lake Elmo to be a dumping site.
The consensus of the Council was to continue the program that is in -place
because they shared the concern that Lake Elmo cannot service the entire East
Metro area. If we find we are getting a significant increase in usage, we will look
at expansion later.
M/S/C Johnson/Mottaz - to increase the non-resident compost fee from $15 to
$20, but keep the $10 fee for Lake Elmo residents which includes clean up day
and $50 for the small lawn maintenance contractors per calendar year. (Motion
carried 4-0).
C. Set date for "Clean -Up" Days
M/S/C Johnson/Mottaz - to set May 21st from 8 a.m. until noon as Lake Elmo
Clean up day. (Motion carried 4-0).
D. Recodification
Administrator Kueffner explained the PZ did not feel they have the time to go
through and rewrite the code. When she explained the ordinances had already
been incorporated into the code by the League of MN cities, they felt it would be
a job better done by the staff to check to see if all the ordinances are
incorporated. If there are sections of the code the council feels need rewriting,
then this is a separate issue. The attorney for the League has already reviewed
the code and made recommendations.
The concern is not completing the recodification. The staff will prepare list of the
sections of the code added or changed and Mary will incorporate the ordinances
into the code. There is no money in the planning budget for what the Planner
has proposed. The Council will form a strategy on how to complete the
recodification at the March 22 recodification workshop.
E. Letter from Representative Pam Neary
The council received a letter from Rep. Pam Neary requesting the city's support
of her recent bill on annexations. The council was not in favor of endorsing this
bill, but favored proposing a study of the entire Municipal Planning/Annexation
laws.
M/S/C Mottaz/Johnson - to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. (Motion carried 4-
0).
**********************************************
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
RECODIFICATION WORKSHOP
AGENDA
Tuesday, March 22, 1994
6:00 p.m. MEETING CONVENES
1. AGENDA
2. MINUTES: March 8, 1994
3. Review letter to City of Oakdale inviting them
to a joint council meeting
4. Form strategy to expedite Recodification of
Lake Elmo Municipal Code
5. Other
6. Adjourn
MINUTES APPROVED: 4-5-94
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL RECODIFICATION WORKSHOP MINUTES
MARCH 22, 1994
Acting Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the city council
chambers. PRESENT: Johnston, Mottaz, Johnson, John (arrived 6:30 p.m.)
and Administrator Kueffner. ABSENT: Conlin
1. AGENDA
M/S/C Mottaz/Johnson - to approve the March 22, 1994 city council agenda as
presented. (Motion carried 3-0).
2. MINUTES: March 8, 1994
M/S/C Johnson/Mottaz - to approve the March 8, 1994 council minutes as
presented. (Motion carried 3-0)
3. Review letter to City of Oakdale inviting them to a joint council meeting
M/S/C Johnson/Mottaz - to approve the letter, as amended (change "request' to
"Invite", add "proposed agenda",) to city of Oakdale inviting them to a joint
council meeting and approve the proposed agenda. (Motion carried 3-0).
4. Form strategy to expedite Recodification of Lake Elmo Municipal Code
Administrator Kueffner explained the purpose of the recodificiaton is to make
sure that every ordinance we have adopted since 1979 is inserted in the code.
She will check to see if all the ordinances have been inserted and any
corrections made by the city will be typed in BOLD 3ta&:&. The Council will
review the recodification to make sure it meets the intent and spirit of how the
city wants to govern themselves. A finished copy of the recodified section will be
mailed to the Council.
M/S/C Mottaz/John - that the City Administrator will implement plan as outlined.
(Motion carried 4-0).
M/S/C Mottaz/Johnson - to adjourn the meeting. (Motion carried 4-0).
11MVI0-04 IUr 10,, 4
r, uI
w, ave sr, u
LVhn
Elmo
G
I.uke Elmo
Airport
17
20
00
3 2` :,5'
� CT,
to
0 2000
Scale in Feet
1 ��I
MANNINGTON DOWNS
West Lakeland Township, MN
Judges and judicial officers are cautioned to avoid engaging in any
preliminary unrecorded and unswom conversation with the officer or
prosecutor. See ABA Guidelines for the Issuance of Search Warrants,
Guideline 11(3) (1990).
In order to complete the record, the recorded oral testimony must be
transcribed, the transcript reviewed by the judge or judicial officer to
insure Its accuracy, and the transcript filed. This is a requirement of
Fed.R.Crim.P. 41 (c)(2)(D) and most state statutes and rules which
permit oral warrants. If the recording is done by the applicant rather
than thejudge orjudicial officer, the applicant must provide the tape or
other original record to the issuing judge or judicial officer as soon as
practical so that the judge or judicial officer will be able to have the
transcript timely prepared and filed as required by the rule.
Pursuant to Rule 36.05 the judge or judicial officer may issue the
warrant only after assuring that reasonable circumstances exist for the
use of the oral warrant process, that the application is otherwise in
conformity with law, and that probable cause exists for the issuance of
the warrant. The officer and the judge orjudicial officer must keep in
mind that in addition to the special requirements for issuance of an oral
warrant, all other requirements for the issuance of a warrant must also
be met. See Minn. Star. §§ 626.05 -.17 (1992). Once these require-
ments are met, the judge orjudicial officer may authorize the officer to
sign the name of the judge or judicial officer to the duplicate original
warrant. Rule 36.05 also requires that thejudge orjudicial officer note
the exact time the original warrant issigned.
In ruling on the oral warrant application, it is strongly suggested that
the judge orjudicial officer state on the record whether probable cause
exists, what premises or person may be searched under the warrant,
and highlight any differences between the authority requested and that
granted, The judge or judicial officer should also identify what items
may be searched for under the warrant and indicate whether the request
has been modified or limited: See ABA Guidelines forthe Issuance of
Search Warrants, Guideline 11(12) (1990).
Rule 36.06 mandates filing under the provisionsof Rule 33.04, which
contains special provisions for filing warrants and related documents.
The judge or judicial officer is responsible for seeing that the certified
transcript, any longhand verbatim record, and the original warrant are
filed. Additionally, Rule 36.06 requires that if the record was made
using a tape recorder, the original_ tape be filed as well. If any other
form of electronic recording device is utilized, the medium upon which
that record is made must also be filed. This requirement ensures the
accuracy of the oral warrant record and emphasizes a principal concern
of this process, that the oral submission be as reviewable after the fact
as traditional affidavits.
Rules 36.07 and 36.08 also emphasize that the oral warrant process
must observe all the formalities of the conventional warrant process.
All concerned are cautioned that the circumstances that permit the use
of the oral warrant process do not justify -any other departures from
traditional warrant law and practice. The additional requirement in
Rule 36.08 that the person executing the warrant enter the time of
execution on the duplicate original warrant is modeled on
Fed,R.Crim.P. 41(cX2)(F), Rule 36 does not specify sanction for
violation of the various procedural requirements of the rule. That is left
to caselaw development."
77. Farms.
Amend the Introductory Statement to the Criminal Forms following
the rules to read as follows:
"The following forms are
limited in number. No attempt is made to furnish a complete manual
of forms. For all complaints charging a misdemeanor offense the
prosecuting attorney, judge, judicial officer or clerk of court
authorized to issue process shall use the appropriate form as set
forth in the following criminal forms or a form substantially in
compliance with these forms. The other forms provided herein are
not mandatory, but shall be accepted by the court if offered by any
party or counsel for their designated purpose."
78. Forms.
Amend the Introductory Statement to the Criminal Forms by adding
the following comment
"Comment
The Final Report of the Minnesota Supreme Coun Task Force u„
Racial Bias in the Judicial System (1993) recommends that all judicial
forms and documents be drafted in easily translatable English, and be
translated by approved legal translators into such additional languages
as the State Court Administrator approves. It is recommended that any
criminal forms that are translated consist of both English and the
additional language."
COURT OF APPEALS
FILED MARCH 8,1994
Washington County "
' . Davies, Judge
District Court File No C199222
Suzanne
Jon & Kroschel, et al.,
�(; Flinch S
3346 Soo. Trafing / ost Tr.
Appellants,
Afton, MN 55001•
Nicholas Mucciacciaro, -'.
Jon Erik Kingstad � •
St. Croix Law Center
Appellant, .
310 South St. Croix Trail
Lakeland, MN 55043
VS. ..
t
The City of Arlon,
-.. Pierre N. Regnier
..
::.Marsha Eldot Devine
Respondent, ..
.
Jardine, Logan & O'Brien - -
.•--i,:.
2100 Mentor Tower -.
444 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55101 ..
The League of Minnesota
-, Richard B. Allyn
Cities Insurance Trust,
M. Gregory Simpson
Robin, Kaplan, Miller & Cvesi
Respondent.
2800 LaSalle Plaza
800 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402-2015
Filed March S, 1994
Office of Appellate Courts
SYLLABUS
I. A city does not have a duty under Minn. Stat. § 466.07 (1990)
to reimburse Its mayor and city council members for costs and
attorney fees incurred to defend an alleged violation of the Min-
nesota Open Meeting Law.
11..A city may reimburse its mayor and city council members
pursuant to Minn. Star. § 465.76 (1990) for costs and attorney fees
incurred to defend an action alleging a violation of the open meeting
law,
III. Pursuant to the tears of the covenant issued by the Minnesota
League of Cities InsuranceTrnt, it must defend, or must reimburse
for costs and attorney fees incurred to defend, an action alleginf
violation of.the open meeting law.
Affirmed in part, reversed In part, and remanded.
Considered and decided by Davies, Presiding Judge, Kalitowsld,
Judge, and Fleming, Judge.
Retired judge of the district court, serving as judge of the Minnesota
Court of Appeals by appointment pursuant to Minn. Coast art. Vl, § 10.
OPINION
nA VTVC T:,.1 �.... T-. -r. I--- i,:_._: _..._ .. .
FINANCE AND COMMERCE APPELLATE COURTS EDITION MARCH 11, 1994
Appellants commenced this action seeking a declaratory judg-
ment that respondents have either the duty or the authority to defend,
— or to reimburse them for costs and attorney fees incurred to defend,
an action alleging that appellants violated the open meeting law.
The trial court granted summary judgment for respondents. The
trial court also granted $500 in attorney fees for each respondent.
We.affirm the grant of attorney fees, but otherwise reverse and
remand,
FACTS .
Appellants were defendants in an actioni brought by an Afton
resident against the mayor of Afton and two city council members
'in both their personal and official capacities. Thuma v, Kroschel,
506 N.W.2d 14,16 (Minn. App.1993), pet. for rev. denied (Minn.
Dec,.14, 1993) (the Thuma action). This action is a derivative of
that action.
At all relevant times, appellant Jon S. Kroschel was the mayor of
the City of Afton; and appellants Suzanne Flinch and Nicholas
Mucciacciaro were members of the Afton City Council. Count I of
the Thuma complaint alleged that by holding a closed meeting
during which they deliberated and approved a contract for the repair
of the well in Afton Square Town Park, appellants violated the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn, Stat. § 471.705, subd. 1
(1990). Count II alleged that the mayor's action in approving the
contract under "emergency powers" was ultra vires because the
mayor has no "emergency powers." Count III alleged that failure
to obtain two quotations for the emergency well -drilling contract
violated the Uniform Municipal Contracting Law, Minn. Stat. §
.471.345, subd. 5 (1990).
The Thuma complaint sought a "civil penalty" against each
individual defendant in the amount of $100 for each separate viola-
tion of.the open meeting law. It also sought to have appellants
removed from office because of multiple violations of the open
meeting law. It did not seek compensatory 'damages or punitive
damages and the city was not a party to the suit.
The trial court found that each appellant violated the open meeting
law on one occasion; that Mayor Kroschel acted ultra vires in
executing the contract without authority of the city council; but that
appellants had not violated the Uniform Municipal Contracting Act.
For the open meeting violation, the trial court imposed a $100 "civil
penalty" on each appellant pursuant to Minn. Star. § 471.705, subd
2.(1900y..
On appeal, this coumaffirmed the ruling that appellants violated
the open meeting law: Tbuma Y. Kroschel 506 N.W.2d 14, 19
(Minn. App.1993), pet. for rev. denied (Minn. Dec.14,1993). This
court concluded, however, that the trial court did not have jurisdic-
tion to decide the ultra vices issue on the merits. Id. at 21.
While the Thuma action was pending, appellants commenced
this declaratory judgment action againstthe city and the Minnesota
League of Cities Insurance Trust (MLCIT). Appellants assert that
respondent city was obligated to provide them a defense in the
Thuma action pursuant to either Minn. Stat. § 466.07 (1990)
(indemnification for municipal employee liability) or Minn. Star. §
465.76 (1990) (reimbursement to municipal employee for costs and
attorney fees incurred in the, defense of charges of a "criminal
nature"). Appellants also assert that respondent MLCIT, a self -in-
suring -pool operated for the benefit of Minnesota municipalities,
owes them a defense and reimbursement under the covenant issued
to the city by MLCIT.
Counsel for the city and MLCIT appeared at a first summary
judgment motion hearing but the hearing was canceled when ap-
pellantsadvised them that a stipulation for dismissal would be filed
because the city council had voted to reimburse appellants, Within
days, the council decision to reimburse appellants was rescinded,'
and the summary judgment motion hearing was again noticed. At
the rescheduled hearing, the city and MLCIT sought attorney fees
because their counsel had to appear twice to argue the same sum-
mary judgment motion. The trial court granted attorney fees in the
sum of $500 for each respondent.
At the hearing, the district court also granted summary judgment
in favor of the city and MLCIT, dismissing with prejudice
appellants' petition for declaratory relief.
We affirm the award of attorney fees to respondents, but reverse
the dismissal, and remand.
ISSUES
1. Does the city have a duty under Minn. Star, § 466.07 (1990) to
defend the Thuma action, or to reimburse for costs and attorneys
fees incurred by appellants to defend the action?
2. May the city under Minn. Stat. § 465.76 (1990) reimburse
appellants for costs and attorney fees incurred to defend the Thuma
action?
3, Is MLCIT obligated to provide coverage on behalf of the city
pursuant to.the terms of the covenant it issued to the city?
4. Did the trial, court abuse its discretion by awarding attorney fees
to each respondent in the amount of $5007 .
ANALYSIS
On appeal from summary judgment, this court must determine
whether any genuine issues of material fact exist and whether the
trial court erred in its application of the law. Offerdahl Y. Univer-
sity of Minn. Hasps. & Clinics, 426 N.W.2d 425,427 (1988). The
parties agree that there are no material facts in dispute and that
resolution of this case depends upon the legal determination of how
statutes are applied to undisputed facts. This court owes no
deference to the trial court's resolution of a legal issue. Queen v.
Minneapolis Pub. Schs., 481 N.W.2d 66, 67 (Minn. App. 1992).
"The object of all interpretation and construction of laws is to
ascertain and effectuate the intention of the legislature." Minn. Stat.
§ 645.16 (1990); accord Tuma v. Commissioner of Economic
Sec,, 386 N.W.2d 702, 706 (Minn. 1986). When interpreting a
statute, the court must
examine the language of the statute and, "[a]bsent a clearly
expressed legislative intention to the contrary, that legisla-
tive intention most ordinarily be regarded as conclusive." .
Swenson Y. Emerson Elec. Co., 374 N.W.2d 690,699 (Minn.1985)
(quoting Consumer Prod. Safety Comm 'n Y. GTE Sylvania, Inc.,
447 U.S. 102, 108, 100 S. Ct. 2051, 2056 (1980)), cert. denied, 476
U.S.1130 (1986).
I
The open meeting law requires that meetings of the governing
body of any city shall generally be open to the public. Minn. Stat.
§471.705, subd. 1 (1990), Any person who violates the open
meeting law "shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a
civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $100 for a single occur.
rence."' Minn. Star. § 471.705, subd. 2 (1990) (emphasis added).
This court, has already held that appellants violated the open
meeting law. Thuma; 506 N.W.2d at 19. We also affirmed that the,
violation was unintentional. Id. .
The Municipal Tort Liability Act peovides:
Indemnification required. [Subject to the statutory max
- \imums contained in -section 466.041, a municipality or an
- instrumentality of a municipality shall defend and indem.
nify any of its officers and employees, whether elective or
appo ntive, for damages, including punitive damages,,
claimed or levied against the officer or employee, provided
that the officer or employee: .
(1) was -acting in the performance of the duties of the
position; and
(2 was not guilty of malfeasance in office, willful neglect
of?duty, or bad faith.
Minn. Stat. § 466.07, subd.1 (1990) (emphasis added).
The trial court concluded that the duty of a municipality to defend
and indemnify'
'The claim here is for reimbursement of the costs of defense, not for
indemnification of the $100 civil penalty. Its employees under section 466.07 does not extend to the Thuma
action because that action, alleging violations of the open meeting
law, was not a claim for "damages" or "punitive damages." The
plaintiff in the Thuma action sought imposition of a "civil penalty"
under Minn: Star. § 471.705, subd. 2 (1990). The trial court con-
cluded that the "civil penalty" was not analogous to "damages," as
referred to in section 466.07, and the duty of the city to defend its
All opinions since 1989 can be faxed. Ca11883.4244 50
employees under section 466.07 did not extend to the Thuma
action. We agree.
Prior to 1987, a municipality had a duty to defend and indemnify
Its employees against any "tort claim or demand." Minn. $tat. §
466.07 (1086). Section 466.07 was amended in 1987, however, to
remove the word "tort" from that phrase. 1987 Minn. Laws ch. 79,
§ 2. As amended, section 466.07 provides that a municipality must
defend and indemnify its employees against any claim for
"damages, including punitive damages." Minn. Stat. `§ 466.07
(1990).
Appellants argue that removal of the word "tort" by the 1987
amendment was intended to broaden a municipality's duty to defend
and indemnify its employees. That may be true, but we are not
persuaded that the duty was extended to reach this kind of case. The
attorney general has specifically rejected that contention;
Indeed, while the 1987 amendment deletes the reference to
"tort," itspecifically incorporates the notion that the defense
and indemnification requirements are directed to actions for
"damages."
As noted in [Op. Ally. Gen. 471-a (April 29,1983)], an action to
impose sanctions under the Open Meeting Law is wholly unrelated
to the establishment of monetary damages. Yii Thus, ►tcontinues
to be our view that Minn. StaL § 466.07 does not expressly
provide authority for defense and indemnification of officers
charged personally with Open Meeting I.aw violations, '
Op. Att'y Gen. 471-a (Dec. 31,1992) (emphasis added). .
One of the legislature's reasons for requiring indemnification of
municipal employees for damage claims was to reduce the risk that
employees would be burdened with damage awards. Hearing on
S.F. No. 53 Before the Senate Judiciary Committee (Feb. 2,
1987).. We do not believe the $100 civil penalty under the open
meeting jaw is the type of personal expense the legislature was
concerned about when it enacted the indemnification law, or the
1987 amendment to it.
Appellants also attempt to characterize the civil penalty in the
open meeting law as punitive damages. As such, appellants argue,
the city must defend them under section,466.07. We conclude,
however, for several reasons, that civil penalties do not constitute
punitive damages. First, punitive damages are allowed only where
the harm complained of is the result of "deliberate disregard for the
rights or safety of others." Minn. Stat. § 549.20, subd. 1(a) (1990).
But a civil penalty is called for under the open meeting law even
when, as here, the violation was unintentional. Thurna, 506
N. W.2d at 19. Second, punitive damages are awarded to a plaintiff;
a civil penalty'is awarded to the government (in this case, the city).
Appellants also argue that there is no rational public policy basis
to maintain that a violation of the open meeting law is not entitled
to defense by the municipality, while at the same time requiring a
municipality to defend a public official or employee accused of
unlawful discrimination, violations of civil. rights, sexual harass-
ment, or police brutality. We conclude, however, that the wrongs
referred to by appellants are directed against individuals (or groups
of individuals) who, as victims, are allowed to seek compensatory
and/or punitive damages for themselves, whereas an open meeting
violation is more property viewed as a wrong directed at society as
a whole. Thuma, as an individual plaintiff, could not seek damages
as compensation for herself for an open meeting violation. Cf.
Grossman Y. School Bd. of Indep. Sch. Dist. No. 640, 389 N.W.2d
532, 536 (Minn. App. 1986) (Complaint. alleging open meeting
violations.must seek "civil penalty," not to exceed $100 to be paid
to plaintiff himself, rather than "damages" of $100.). The whole
purpose is deterrence.
We hold that the city has no duty under section 466.07 to defend
or reimburse appellants for costs and attorney fees incurred in
defense of the Thuma action.
Minn. Star. § 465.76 (1990) provides:
If reimbursement is requested by the officer or employee,
• the governing body of a home rule charter or statutory city
or county may; after consultation with its legal counsel,
reimburse a city or county officer or employee for any costs
and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the person to
defend charges of a criminal nature brought against the
person that arose out of the reasonable and lawful perfor-
mance of duties for the city or county.
(Emphasis added.)
The trial court concluded that appellants are not entitled to rein
bursement of their attorney fees under Minn. Star. §.465.76 becout
(1) allegations of a violation of the open meeting law are not chargr
of a "criminal nature," and (2) the allegations did not arise out of it
lawful performance by appellants'of their duties.
We recognize that a violation of the open meeting law is not
criminal act and that the statutory penalty is a "civil penalty." Min
Stat. § 471.705, subd. 2.. We also recognize that the safeguan
normally afforded a criminal defendant are not applicable in dete
mining whether a violation has occurred. Nevertheless, we do n
believe the legislature required defense of officials in suits f
damages under section 466.07 and permitted their defense, and
section 465.76, against criminal charges that could result in incz
ceration, yet intended to bar reimbursement of defense costs
actions seeking a civil fine.
The attorney general has opined that "the authority of cities
reimburse officers for criminal defense may be construed to inclu
as well defense of allegations of violation of the Open Meed
Law." Op. Att'y Gen. 471-a (Dec. 31, 1992). We agree. 'I
attorney general opinion goes on, however, to state a propositi
with which we do not fully.agree--that in "virtually all cases
would be required] that [the] officer not be guilty of the violatl
charged If reimbursement is to be granted," Id. That is, if a violat:
is found to have occurred, according to the attorney general
cannot then be said that the allegation of violation of the bl
meeting law "arose out of the reasonable and lawful performan
of public duties. But it has been established in this case tl
although appellants violated the open meeting law, the violation v
unintentional. In such a circumstance, we find the condurt to
within the "reasonable and lawful performance of publk I
within the meaning of section 465.76. The violation was a) ... piy
unfortunate misstep --a stumble --while the azppellants went about
performance of legitimate public services.
a We do not address, however, the question of whether the statute we
allow payment of defense costs if the open meeting violation were wil
or intentional. • .. r
We conclude that the city may provide reimbursement pursuan
section 465.76.
Because the city council members who are disinterested in re
bursement is less ttian a quorum the council must paresent
reimbursement decision to a district court For approval.
3 Section 465.76 provides:..
[Ilf lessthana quorum of the governing body is disinterested,
reimbursement shall be approved by a judge of the'district court.
(That may be unnecessary, however, in light of our decisior
MLCIT liability that follows in part III.) We remand to the dis
court.
M.
Under the covenant issued to the city by MLCIT, MLCIT h
duty to defend and indemnify city officials in suits arising from l
errors and omissions in performing city duties, except that
MLCIT's duty to pay on behalf of or to .indemnify a
"covered party" other than the "city" shall not apply to any
-" act, error or omission:
d. For which the "city" is not authorized to Indemnify
any person bav statute.
(Emphasis added )
4 The provision in its entirety reads:
MLCIT's duty to pay on behalf of or to indemnify a "wvered( "
than the "city shall not apply to any act, error or omission: -
a.Which constitutes malfeasance in office; or
b. Which constitutes willful neglect of duty; or
c.Which constitutes bad faith; or
d. For which the "city" is not authorized to indemnify any person by st
or 1.-
51
All opinions since 109 can be faxed. Ca,'IM
FINANCE AND COMMERCE APPELLATE COURTS EDMON
e, Which constitutes dishonesty on the part of a "covered party;" or
`f. Which constitutes the willful violation of a statute or ordinance by any
f6cial, employee, or agent of the "city."
'The terms "malfeasance," "willful neglect of duty," and "bad faith"
shall be given the same meaning in this covenant as given in the
applicable statute with respect to the "city's" duty to defend or
indemnify its official, employees or agents.
The coverage afforded by the covenant thus parallels the city's
statutory duty and authority to defend and to reimburse; and, be-
cause the city may (under our holding in part II) reimburse
appellants' defense costs pursuant to section 465.76, we conclude
that MLCIT has a concomitant duty under the covenant to reimburse
appellants for the costs and attorney fees they incurred in defense
of the Thuma action (in the absence of malfeasance, etc.).
We note, however, that MLCIT does not have a duty to indemnify
for the $100 penalties imposed against each appellant because the
policy specifically excludes coverage for "fines or penalties Im-
posed by law.", Furthermore, In addition to the exclusion in the
covenant, the open meeting law explicitly calls for "personal
liability" for the $100 civil penalty. Minn. Stat. § 471.705, subd. I
IV:
The trial court granted attorney fees in the amount of $500 for
each respondent. The district court has broad discretion in awarding
,fees. Solon v. Soloa, 255 N.W,2d 395, 397 (1977). Appellants do
not dispute that respondents had to appear twice due to appellant's
actions. We find no abuse of the trial court's discretion in awarding
attorney fees to respondents under these circumstances,
DECISION
The city does not have a duty to defend and reimburse under Minn.
Stat. § 466.07 (1990) for costs and attorney fees incurred by appel-
lants In their defense of the Thuma action. The city may, however,
)under Minn. Star, § 465.76 (1990), provide reimbursement for
attorney fees and other defense costs. Because less than a quorum
of the city council is disinterested in this matter, approval of any
reimbursement decision must be sought from a district court.,
Under the terms of the covenant issued by MLCIT to the city,
MLC1T has a duty to defend and, therefore, to reimburse for the cost
of defending. Finally, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in
awarding attorney fees in the amount of $500 to each respondent.
Affirmed in -part, reversed In part, and remanded.
Blue Earth County
Lansing, Judge
District Court rlCX911921
Willard T. Dorn, et. al„
Michael D. Schwartz
David E. Wandling
Appellants,
Michael D. Schwartz, P.A.
Suite 230
12900 Whitewater Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55343
VS.
John Peterson, Individually
Bailey W. Blethen
and in his capacity as an -
- Blelhen, Gage & Krause
Employee of H & C Electric
127 South Second Street
Supply Company, et, al.,
P.O. Box 3049
Mankato, MN 56001
Respondents.
Filed: March 8,1994
Office of Appellate Courts
SYLLABUS
I, There is no age ceiling on the Minnesota Human Rights Act's
MARCH 11, 1994
prohibition against discharge based on age, but the Act permits an
exemption for a mandatory retirement age established by law or an
employer's published retirement policy if it is established consistent
with Minn. Stat. § 181.81 (1990).
II. An employer's statement to the Department of Jobs and
Training in response to an employee's claim for unemployment
benefits is absolutely privileged and cannot be the basis for a
defamation action both because the response is an integral part of a
quasi-judicial proceeding and because the response is required by
statute.
. Affirmed in part and reversed In part.
Considered and decided by Norton, Presiding Judge, Lansing,
Judge, Forsberg, Judge.
OPINION
LANSING, Judge (Hon. James D. Mason, District Court Trial
Judge)
This appeal raises the question of whether the Minnesota Human
Rights Act protects employees seventy years of age and older
against discharge based on age. We hold that Minn. Stat. § 363,03,
subd. I (2)(b) (1990) prohibits discharge based on agewith no upper
age limit, but Minn. Stat. § 363.02, subd. 6 (1990)allows an exemp-
tion for a mandatory retirement age to be established by law or by
an employer's published retirement policy if it is established con-
sistent with Minn, Star. § 181.81 (1990). This appeal also requires
us to determine whether an employer's submission to the Depart-
ment of Jobs and Training of reasons for discharge Is absolutely or
qualifiedly privileged for purposes of a defamation action. We
conclude that within the context of the unemployment compensa-
tion claim procedure, an employer's statement of reasons for dis-
charge is absolutely privileged.
FACTS.
H & C Electric Supply Company employed Willard Dorn from
1960 to 1991 and John Hoerr from 1980 to 1991. Both employees
were discharged in 1991 by John Peterson, general manager for
H & C Electric. At the time of discharge Dorn was seventy-nine
years old and Hoerr was seventy-eight years old. H & C Electric
did not have a mandatory retirement policy. Peterson stated that
Dom and Hoerr were discharged for deficient performance. Dom
and Hoerr claim that Peterson told them that the discharge was
because of their age.
Both Dom and Hoerr applied for unemployment benefits. Peter-
son,. in response to an inquiryfrom the Department of Jobs and
Training, wrote a letter saying that he had terminated Hoerr so other
more qualified employees could advance, that Hoerr's termination
had nothing to do with his age, that Hoerr had difficulty using H &
C Electrie's computer system, and that Hoerr had held his position
as buyer because of H & C Electric's prior owners. Peterson wrote
a separate letter stating that Dom was terminated because his
,productivity had decreased over the past eight to ten years, that Dorn
could not provide some services other buyers could, and that he, like
Hoerr, had kept his job because of his personal relationship with the
prior owners, Audrey Roden, Peterson's secretary, typed the letters,
and Bob Stark, H & C Electric's plant manager, knew the letters'
contents.
Dom and Hoerr brought this action claiming (1) age discrimina-
tion under Minn. Star. § 363.03, subd. 1 (2)(b) (1990), and (2)
defamation based on Peterson's statements to the Department of
Jobs and Training. The district court held that Dorn and Hoerr were
not protected from age discrimination under the Minnesota Human
Rights Act and that Peterson's statements were privileged. The
district court entered summary judgment against Dorn and Hoerr
and they appeal.
ISSUES
I. Does Minn. Stat. § 363.03, subd, 1 (2)(b) (1990) protect
employees seventy years of age or older from discharge based on
age?
IL Is an employer's response' to a specific inquiry from the
Department of Jobs and Training relating to an employee's claim
for unemployment benefits protected by absolute or qualified
a hot-line to ask
elp, said Kelly
ate director.
challenge is sue-
d hope we could
elp more people,"
still got minors
poor — people
filth insurance —
me up with the
abortion."
abortion in Min-
)m about $250 to
lights advocates,
law would add to
of victories here
icluding removal
14,000
e women
ligible for
ley.
ban on abortions
my Medical Cen-
nton's lifting of a
abortions and a
revented federal-
, from referring
on clinics.
are performed at
clinics and hospi-
3t. Paul -Ramsey
five Twin Cities
Women's Health
iow a change in
affect Hennepin
Center, where a
bortions was lift -
he policy change
rily to allow for
ity of Minnesota
at the Minneap-
abortion proce-
>spital's intent is
at training at ex-
inics.
ortions have tak-
medical center
s lifted, said Dr.
the hospital's
Ise public money
rtions would, if
Tease the hospi-
abortion clinics.
A National Weather Service in
actor who visited the station in
.rly January said the Hibbing of-
fice was a disorganized and unsat-
isfactory station.
The inspector also said most of
the staff at the station, operated
by Weather One Corp., was unfa-
miliar with a procedure used to
calibrate instruments that mea-
sure barometric pressure.
"He was right on some things.
We should have been doing the
(barometric) comparisons," con-
tractor Michael Nbalik said Mon-
day.
The federal inspector's report
Minneapolis -St. Paul. All 18 people
on board were killed.
The safety board has not ruled
on the cause of the crash but re-
ports released to date have raised
questions about the pilot's training
history, his ability to work with
others and the labor-management
climate at the airline.
The NTSB has scheduled its
hearing on the crash for May 24,
There is no indication the board
is looking at the weather station's
operation as a cause. The weather
station has received "no special
focus," said board spokesman Alan
Pollock.
service because it was out of cali-
ration.
The device was about 20 feet off
— a discrepancy considered
"slightly out of tolerance," Pollock
said.
Mihalik disagreed with the in-
spector's finding, saying the de-
vice was "just within tolerance."
He also challenged the investi-
gator's finding that his office is
disorganized.
"I'll challenge anybody to come
up here and work with any of my
employees, especially when the
weather is bad, and I'll guarantee
they'll walk away impressed," he
said.
Officials to be reimbursed for legal fees
MARY R. SANDOK ASSOCIATED PRESS
Three Afton City officials found
to have violated Minnesota's open
meeting law unintentionally can
be reimbursed for their legal fees
stemming from the case, the state
Court of Appeals has ruled.
In a unanimous opinion to be
filed today, a three -judge panel
said that the city's insurance car-
rier must reimburse. the three offi-
cials. The ruling reversed key
parts of a Washington County trial
court's decision.
Mayor Jon Krosehel and City
Council Members Suzanne Flinch
and Nicholas Mucciacciaro spent a
total of between $56,000 and
$80,000 defending themselves
against an Afton resident's law-
suit, according to estimates from
attorneys involved in the case.
The appeals court rejected the
officials' claims that the city was
required to pay their legal bills,
but said that the city could pay the
costs voluntarily. The court said
that the Minnesota League of Cit-
ies Insurance Trust, under terms
of its policy with the city, had a
duty to reimburse them.
Pierre Regmer, an attorney rep-
resenting the city of Afton, said
the ruling "has much more of an
impact on the League of Minneso-
ta Cities Insurance Trust, because
it mandates the league to reim-
burse them for their attorney fees.
"As far as the city is concerned,
the court affirmed what we ar-
gued all along: there's no manda-
tory requirement of the city to
reimburse as they claimed."
The appeals court previously af-
firmed a finding that the three
officials unintentionally violate.
the open meeting law in June 1991
by holding a closed meeting dur-
ing which they approved a well
repair contract. Each official was
fined $100.
In the reimbursement case ap-
peal, the court said its ruling did
not address whether cities were
permitted to pay defense costs if
open meeting law violations were
found to be intentional.
Richard Allyn, attorney for the
trust, said trust officials will de-
cide in the next few days what
their next step will be.
Jon Erik Kingstad, Mucciacci-
aro's attorney, praised the ruling.
"The public interest is, if people
don't get the assurance that they
can receive a defense for keeping
offices that they legitimately won
in an election, a lot of people who
don't have the financial means
will simply be excluded from pub-
lic office," he said.
Age discrimination ruling. In
another case, the court held that
the Minnesota Human Rights Act
protects workers, no matter how
old, from discharge based on age.
But it permits exemptions for a
mandatory retirement age estab-
lished by law or an employer's
published retirement policy if it is
consistent with state law.
That ruling stemmed from a
case brought in Blue Earth County
regarding the firing in 1991 of two
employees — then ages 78 and 79
— by H&C Electric Supply Co.
An appeals court panel ruled
that the former employees —
John Hoerr and Willard Dorn —
can sue for age discrimination be-
cause the company did not have a
mandatory retirement policy.
was a warehouse for Farwell Uz
mun and Kirk hardware wholesal—
ers. It is the third such renovatic
• Debt Consolidation
• Purchase/Refinance
•Second Homes
• Rural Property
• 100% Equity Loans
• Home Improvement
• Slow Credit
• CID Payoffs
single-family homE
for artists' families
sold three.
You can install this thermal windo
present window frame using our s
Weatherstrip and special balance
with WOOD sash glazed with insl
Easy to follow instructions
Specially engineered windows tilt
you can easily wash both sides frc
A time saver! A wide variety of sta
Special sizes can be made to fit ye
opening.
Stock Sizes or Custom Made
1301 EAST 7TH ST. AT JOHNSON PARKW,
f
91011 fC01 ^LM /_1RBJRA1/+llC9
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 experiences.
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.
AGENDA
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 15, 1994
7:00 p.m. Meeting Convenes
Pledge of Allegiance
1. Agenda
2. Minutes: March 3, 1994
3. Claims
4. Public Informational
5. Old Business
A. Update on HF 1828
6. Planning, Land Use & Zoning
A. Recommendation from.Planning Commission on
Highway 5 Study
B. Other
7. City Engineer's Report
8. City Attorney's Report
9. City Council Reports
A.
Mayor John
B.
Council member Conlin
C.
Council member Johnson
D.
Council member Johnston
E.
Council member Mottaz
10. City Administrator's Report
A. Recommendation from Solid Waste Committee on Open
Burning
B. Recommendation from Solid Waste on Composting
C. Set date for "Clean -Up" Days
D. Recodification
11. Adjourn
�ONtis
70 ALG or.J
/1la/zt�I�L A/ s cN�Ive�.E.
/. YQw D Gi," // P.� 7 CO ,4 /EPA S / %3ic/7Y Szup y
70 s e vs S UP57/ze4W O!/W 447io,tJ ,cleAsu2� j
R/7/ 4fJT<o,J wews'vieeS /N PD,u /0
A67eR vA7,p- D/ScA/A)e4 E. 14v-seS_
o?. YQ c� /, Gu,' // 1pA Y Fo 4 7 e C//ew1/c,o c_ 7e�� 7sy P•d 7'
/� OGSo .v L,4,e e Fo.� 7•S//s S'PA,�
3, 4 5A,e/ti4 7/AWe 2)/Sc114Rer- .S/foeec,p /Se ,ve
70 C.ee.4- -e cAPAcr7Y /.v 7He i°dAJ6
7'f/e PaAvO 5/ACC Pie �.ePAYPO P.e/o,e z�7
leeee4S e Ae14-; -e
ANY ri/P�/scNA��EJ Pvuv
Sif'AG C 3 e Tiet:9 T' eD SO 7W l 7' /°f%S�iyb,Cus
CONpe�v7.c°AT/0.J /S No CFj eP./7e4 7fj�A�+J
,(4/NAT �F)c/S7S /.0 OCSd.✓ LA/c e
s- A l2ld �iz-d2.ti P,ed G,e.�sh ,5N.9cc. /3e
�dN0ue7e4 e.9sdee �iEyc/CP.ucy
0 F Idd.✓D e// 7`ds e,v 7,