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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/2013LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 1 of 4 September 24, 2013 Mayor Dains called the City Council meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Councilors present: Mary Gaasch, Denise Hawkinson, Lara Mac Lean and Mayor Jeff Dains. Councilors Absent: Roxanne Grove. Staff present: Heather Butkowski, City Administrator, Jim Bownik, Assistant to the City Administrator; and Kevin Kelly, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Dains asked for changes to the meeting agenda. No changes were made to the agenda. Councilor Hawkinson moved to approve the agenda. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson moved to approve the September 10, 2013 City Council meeting minutes. Councilor Gaasch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson moved approval of the claims totaling $24,527.63. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson moved adoption of the consent agenda approving the August Financial Report and the PCIC Minutes. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mayor Dains commented that the annual Halloween Party at City Hall was coming up. The party will be held on Thursday, October 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Donations of money and candy can be brought to City Hall. Bownik explained that individuals who donate will be given a flyer to post at their homes noting that they left their treats at the Halloween Event. Discussion Items: Larpenteur Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project Geoff Martin from Stantec discussed the Larpenteur Avenue Improvement plans with the Council and residents. Property owners commented on the project. Barb Eggers of 2379 Larpenteur Avenue asked about the difference between the right-of-way (ROW) and easements which the County purchased from Larpenteur Avenue property owners in the 1990's. Martin stated the easements were purchased so improvements could be added to Laipenteur Avenue. The easement is 1.2 meters beyond the ROW. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 2 of 4 September 24, 2013 Eggers was concerned about a lamppost and retaining wall on her property and whether they would be affected by the installation of the sidewalk. Martin said they can work around improvements in the area. Another question from Eggers was who would be responsible for the clearing of the sidewalk in the winter. Mayor Dains responded the Council was looking into the possibility of a contractor clearing the snow in winter. Shauna Krabbenhoft of 2371 Larpenteur Avenue addressed the Council. Krabbenhoft was concerned about her double lot and the steep grade on her property. Martin stated if approved by the Council to move forward, the construction plans will address the unique situation of each lot which abuts the project. Paul Roufs of 2383 Larpenteur Avenue stated he was concerned about snow removal and the large maple tree in his yard. Matt Koncar of 1736 Malvern Street addressed the Council. Koncar stated he is in favor of the sidewalk and likes to bike in Lauderdale but does not currently bike on Larpenteur because it is not safe. Martin stated the next step for the project is to develop site specific construction plans and to take bids on the project this fall with build out to begin in the spring of 2014. Councilor Gaasch moved to authorize Stantec to prepare construction plans for the Larpenteur Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project between Hwy 280 and Fulham Street. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion Items: Auditing Services The Council debated whether to continue with Adbo, Eick and Meyer and whether to sign a one- year or three-year contract. Butkowski stated she could put out an RFP for auditing services for the 2014 audit if the Council desired. Councilor Gaasch moved to approve the three-year contract with Abdo, Eick and Meyer for city auditing services. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 3 of 4 Sewer Lining Project September 24, 2013 There are two areas of the sewer lining project which need to be repaired before the lining can be completed. One of the areas is in Eustis Street and the other in the easement area behind a Fulham Street home. The City will need right of entry agreements with the property owners of 1745 and 1753 Fulham Streets before work can begin. Butkowski suggested the Council pre -approve up to $15,000.00 for the two repairs. Butkowski stated if the amount for the work is above $15,000.00 the Council can vote on whether to approve the work at the October 8 meeting. Councilor Gaasch moved to approve the right -of -entry agreements with the owners of 1745 and 1753 Fulham Street. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Councilor Hawkinson authorized sewer repair work on Eustis Street and the Lake/Fulham easement areas at a price not to exceed $15,000.00. Councilor Gaasch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Agenda items for the October 8 Council Meeting may include a discussion of the Larpenteur Avenue project, the Animal Control Ordinance, the City logo, the Zoning Ordinance, the City Redevelopment Policy, and a presentation by John Thein, Roseville School District Superintendent. Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom is scheduled for the October 22 meeting. Mayor Dains explained that the Council was moving into the work session. Work sessions are a continuation of the meeting but not aired on community television. Mayor Dains asked if anyone wished to address the Council; no one came forward. Work Session: Animal Control Ordinance The Council discussed the number of hens which should be allowed in ordinance and the size and placement of chicken coops. Matt Koncar of 1736 Malvern Street stated he thought eight hens was too small of a number as many chicken permit holders in the City have been responsible and have not had any complaints by neighbors. Koncar stated the City has had a successful pilot project regarding chicken LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Lauderdale City Hall 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Page 4 of 4 September 24, 2013 permitting and didn't feel the numbers of chickens should be controlled but rather be based on neighbor complaints. Melissa Eisenschenk of 1903 Walnut stated she also felt the numbers of permitted chickens was too restrictive. The Council directed staff to make revisions to the draft ordinance and bring back for further Council discussion. At 9:38 p.m. the Council went into closed session to discuss the purchase of two properties for sale in the City, 2453 Larpenteur Avenue and 2430 Larpenteur Avenue. The Council returned from the closed session at 9.58 p.m. There being no further business on the council agenda, Councilor Hawkinson moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Mac Lean seconded the motion and it carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Kelly Deputy City Clerk