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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1977/08/08Mayor Pickar Councilmember Ziebarth Councilmember Baumgartner Councilmember Rowley PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEb1 RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA A regular meeting of the Mounds View City Council was called to order by Mayor Pickar at 7:30 PM on August 8, 1977 at the Mounds View City Hall, 2101 Highway 10, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Members Present: Also Present: Clerk- Administrator Achen Attorney Meyers Engineer Hubbard Mayor Pickar stated that Councilmember Hodges was out of town on business. MSP (Baumgartner Ziebarth) to approve the minutes of the July 25, 1977 meeting. 4 ayes CITIZEN COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Charles Isinger, 7860 Edgewood Drive asked if there was anything going on to get Edgewood Street put through. Engineer Hubbard replied that the issue had been discussed about a year ago and it was decided at that time that nothing would be done until the drainage problems were solved. Engineer Hubbard pointed out that the issue was on the agenda and would be discussed later in the evening. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Ziebarth asked that the amusement devices license for the Launching Pad, under Item E on the consent agenda, be removed for further discussion. MSP (Rowley Baumgartner) to approve the consent agenda as follows: 4 ayes ITEM A. Authorize an advance of 15 days of sick leave to Police Sergeant Edward Loomis pursuant to Chapter 6.26, Subdivision 4 of the Municipal Code. Officer Loomis has been employed by the City of Mounds View since February 14, 1969, and has executed an agreement for repayment of the advance. ITEM B. Accept the resignation of Douglas F. Bryant as Parks and Recreation Director effective August 26, 1977. Authorize Councilmember Roger Baumgartner, Parks Recreation Commission Chairman Vern Peterson, and Administrator Achon to screen applicants for this vacated position and recommend five or six applicants for Council interview. ITEM C. Appoint Virginia Klumb as senior clerk- typist effective August 4, 1977, at the hourly rate of $3.50 during the six month probationary period. August 8, 1977 Page 2 ITEM D. ITEM E. Adopt Resolution Nos. 846 and 8 for the Clara Ford Addition and subdivisions. Approve the following licenses: CONTRACTORS expire 6/30/78 Heating new J J Heating Route 2 Monticello, MN 55362 Asphalt renewal Modern Blacktop Co. Inc. 5043 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 General renewal Montgomery Ward Co. 1400 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55101 Gill Hummel 8729 Central Ave. Blaine, MN 55434 Brunn Construction Co., Inc. 509 4th Ave. N.W. New Brighton, MN 55112 RESTAURANT expires 6/30/78 Bel Rae Ballroom 5394 Edgewood Driv- Mounds View, MN 55112 Launching Pad 2375 Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112 ITEM F. Approve August 8, 1977, bills for payment 47 reapportioning assessments Rindahl Addition major Masonry renewal 1.. T. Ernst, Inc. 1661 127th Ave. N.W. Anoka, MN 55303 Sewer Water Excavating renewal Waalen Sabby, Inc. 9082 Polk St. N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55434 General renewal T.E.W. Homes, Inc. 15052 Bass Lake Rd. Osseo, MN 55369 General new Hansen Construction 8409 Knollwood Drive Mounds View, MN 55432 SUNDAY ON -SALE LIQUOR exp. 6/30/78 Launching Pad 2375 Highway 13 Mounds View, MN 55112 Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he was concerned with the addition of four general amusement devices at the Launching Pad since they already had five ard he wondered how many constitute an amusement area. Administrator Achen stated that, as a comparison, the Marmaid has nine amusement devices while Donatelle's has none. Bel Rae, when they had their amusement room, had approximately 10 or 12. Councilmember Ziebarth asked that the issue of amusement devices be discussed at the next agenda meeting. August 8, 1977 Page 3 MSP (Ziebarth- Pickar) to approve the addition of fuur general amusement devices for the Launching Pad, making a total of nine devices. 4 ayes Councilmember Baumgartner read a letter that had been received from Doug Bryant concerning his resignation as Parks and Recreation Director, in which Mr. Bryant stated how much he had enjoyed working for the City. Councilmember Baumgartner asked that on behalf of the Council and so forth, that Mr. Bryant should be thanked for his service to Mounds View and wished success in his future. Mayor Pickar stated that it would be difficult to replace Mr. Bryant and stated that he also felt Mr. Bryant had done an excellent job while working for the City. Mayor Pickar at this time recessed the general meeting and opened the public hearing. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION BY EDKER CHERRIER, 5497 ADAMS STREET Mayor Pickar reported that Mr. Cherrier had requested to rent the property at 5497 Adams Street for a repair garage in a B1 -B2 zone and that the Planning Commission had denied the request so Mr. Cherrier had appealed to the Council. Gary Creek, 8224 Long Lake Road identified himself as the individual who was renting Mr. Cherrier's space and stated that he was operating a cabinet making shop, not a repair garage. He stated that he had opened his business approximately one month ago, after calling City Hall to make sure that a cabinet shop would be permissible there. He was told by someone over the phone that a cabinet shop would be acceptable, but he did not know who he had spoken to. He proceeded to open his shop and then just today received notification in the mail that his shop was a zoning violation. Mayor Pickar stated that the public hearing was for an appeal of denial to operate a repair garage, not a cabinet shop, and asked if Mr. Cherrier was present. Mr. Creek replied that he was not present and that he was a truck driver and was often out of town. Administrator Achen stated that the application was made for a repair garage and that the City did notknow there would be a4thing else in there until a week ago, at which time a letter was prepared and sent to the occupant regarding the zoning violation. Mayor Pickar asked what the difference would be between a repair garage and a cabinet shop. Administrator Achen replied that a cabinet shop would involve heavy equipment and would require zoning other than B -1 or B -2 and that it did not fall in until B -4 or B -5. Mr. Creek asked if the present zoning could be changed to allow his cabinet shop. Mayor Pickar replied that there were many things to content with, such as the neigh- bors, and with the area being residential. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that at the Planning Commission the big problem in the request had been in deciding the differences between definitions for a repair garage and a public garage. It was decided that Mr. Cherrier's garage was to he a repair garage and thus did not fall under the present zoning. Councilmember Rowley suggested that the issue be tabled until Mr. Cherrier makes it clear if he wants approval of a repair garage, a cabinet shop or whatever. August 8, 1977 Page 4 Administrator Achen stated that the issue should go back to the Planning Commission as the Council should have the Planning Commissions recommendations on a cabinet shop before making a final decision. He stated that Mr. Cherrier should inform the City more of what he wants, whether it be a cabinet shop or repair garage and allow the City to get the pertinent facts, such as exhaust systems, fire safety systems, etc. Attorney Meyers advised that the public hearing could be continued without public notices having to go out again. However, Mr. Cherrier must ask for rezoning for either the repair garage or cabinet shop. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he would like to know what is going on in the build- ing presently as far as other zoning violations. Mr. Creek reported that he had spoken to Steve Rose earlier in the day, after receiving the letter from the City, and had invited Steve to stop over and view the shop for himself, but that Steve did not stop over that afternoon. Administrator Achen recommended that the Council deny the appeal for the repair garage and that Mr. Cherrier be contacted to find out what his plans are for the land. MSP (Pickar- Baumgartner) to deny the request of Mr. Cherrier based on the fact that the Council does not have the power to change the necessary zoning for a cabinet shop since the public hearing was requested for a repair garage. 4 ayes Attorney Meyers stated that the issue at hand is commercially zoned property that is being gradually zoned to other activities, and that unless Mr. Cherrier takes action to have the property rezoned, the businesses presently there would be in violation of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Creek asked what he could do in the meantime as far as operating his cabinet shop. Mayor Pickar directed Administrator Achen to contact Mr. Cherrier by letter and inform him of what happened at the public hearing and advise him of what he should do next. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if Mr. Creek would be able to open his cabinet shop tomorrow. Attorney Meyers replied that the City would not send the police out tomorrow but that the owner should take immediate action to clarify the situation. Administrator Achen pointed out that the issue could not possibly be resolved until the end of September since it must first get on the Planning Commission agenda and then on the City Council agenda. Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing and opened the public hearing for the Fisher Addition. FISHER ADDITION SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY PLAT Robert Smith identified himself as the attorney for Mr. Fisher and stated that Mr. Fisher is requesting to subdivide the lots fronting Groveland and Knollwood into nine lots. Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 would be 90' wide by 211.6' deep and lot 5 would be 100' wide by 423.2' deep. The plat designates a 15' easement off the back lot lines of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for drainage, and lot 5 would have a 28' easement in the center part of the lot in continuation of the easement already on it, except that it would be 2' less on the western most side because of the placement of August 8, 1977 Page 5 the existing homestead. There is also an additional drainage easement of 10' on the north lot line of lot 3 extending to the proposed new hack lot line. Mr. Smith reported that the Fishers have owned the land since 1941, and that what was once rural land has now become residential, and due to the amount of assessments and taxes Mr. Fisher has paid on the land, he now feels it is time to sell it. Mayor Pickar asked if the problems discussed in the Planning Commission meeting had been resolved, i.e., setback requirements. Councilmember Baumgartner replied that when lot 5 was made into one big lot, the variances originally asked for were no longer required. Also, the garage variance would no longer be required. Mr. Smith stated that the shed on the property would be removed, and that they are now seeking approval of the revised plat, which consists of 9 lots, rather than the original 10 lots. Engineer Hubbard reported that Short, Elliot and Associates have some improvements planned for the area. Administrator Achen replied that the City is asking for a 28' easement and asked if there would be any problem with property damage. Engineer Hubbard replied that they would be working within about 14' of the building and will have to be careful. Mr. Smith pointed out that the original easement was for 10', which was now been expanded to 28'. Councilmember Ziebarth asked what drainage district the property was in. Engineer Hubbard replied that it was in SCP5, and that the water would eventually drain south and go to the Scotland Green basin. Councilmember Ziebarth expressed his concern that the water from the area would drain onto the property of the people who already have water problems and recommended that no development be approved until a decision was made on the drainage project. MSP (Baumgartner Pickar) to approve the preliminary plat of the Fisher Addition as presented on the revised plat plan of 7/27/77 with the condition that if the garage on lot 5 is less than 5° from the property line that it be moved, and the shed present- ly on lot 6 be removedand that the lots facing Groveland that will require fill and so forth before development, be required by the City to have soil tests and grading plans prior to the issuance of building permits. 3 ayes 1 nay Administrator Achen asked if there would be a single developer for the lots involved. Mr. Smith replied that there would be one single developer. Administrator Achen then recommended that the City enter into a development agreement on the Fisher addition. MSP (Pickar- Baumgartner) to amend the previous motion and add that a development agreement be drawn up on the Fisher Addition to conform with the fill, the grading plan, etc., as required by the City Engineer. 3 ayes 1 nay Councilmember Ziebarth asked what the timetable was for development. Mr. Fisher replied that they plan to start on four lots this Fall and that the remainder would then be developed next year. Councilmember Ziebarth then expressed his concern with the speedy development without having a decision on the drainage project. He stated August 8, 1977 Page 6 that since it was u,)_,tream from the area that it floAed about a conth ago, that it would just contribute to their problem. He stated that it was his recommendation to solve the drainage problem before adding more problems to it. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he was sure that as soon as an :one had water problems, they would come to the Council and point out that the Council had approved the development. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he thought Councilmember Ziebarth's comments were well taken but that again the Council has put an urgency on the storm sewer study and that a decision should be made. He also stated that he could appreciate the Fisher's wanting to subdivide the property. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the Fishers had done what they could to assist the City with the water problem, as far as grading plans, drainage easements and so forth. Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing and opened the public hearing for PKB Invest- ment Company. MOUNDS VIEW INDUSTRIAL PARK #2 PRELIMINARY PLAT OF 2172 MUSTANG DRIVE Mayor Pickar reported that Bill Beim of PKB Investment Co. has requested to create three lots out of a 32 acre parcel in the Mounds View Industrial Park. All three lots would have frontage on the extension of MustLng Road which will end in a cul -de -sac of an 80 foot radius. Lot 1 will also have frontage on a new proposed street which will connect to a future road in New Brighton. Mr. Beim has also pro- posed a possible warehouse use for Lot 1. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he understands from the Planning Commission notes that Mr. Beim has expressed interest in developing Lot 2 and asked if development did take place, if a cul -de -sac would be suitable. Mr. Beim replied that he did have someone interested in Lot 2 and that he had checked with Steve Rose and they felt a cul -de -sac would be appropriate. Mr. Beim stated that he also has a prospective buyer for Lot 1. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if extensions of water and sewer would be required. Mr. Beim replied that yes, they would be put in. Engineer Hubbard pointed out that, dependent upon the building size and requirements, another fire hydrant may be required. Administrator Achen stated that it was very important to finalize plans as soon as possible to know what was required as the cost of putting in a fire hydrant at a later time was very expensive. Attorney Meyer asked how the streets would he paid for. Mr. Beim replied thet they hoped to do what they had done previously, have the City pay for the street and then assess the property. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if the plan would have to go to the Rice Creek Water Shed District as some of the drainage runs into the creek. Engineer Hubbard replied that the plan would have to go to Rice Creek since it was an industrial development that would increase the run -off. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if Mr. Beim r:ouid have Lo u_, io Rice Creek now or after the use of the lots had been determined. Engineer Hubbard replied that Mr. Beim would have to contact Rice Creek for each development and that he may be required to put in a holding pond to limit the water run -off to what it was before development took place. August 8, 1977 Page 7 Engineer Hubbard stated that the hest way Ln cjo ahnr!. Lhis w:rs to take the plan to Rice Creek and show them what is planned. MSP (Pickar- Rowley) to approve the request of PKB Investment Company with the criteria as described in the Planning Commission Road System and Easements requirements, items 1 5. In addition, Rice Creek Water Shed District approval must be obtained prior to the development of the area and the building of the streets, and that a develop- ment agreement be worked out between the City and the developer in the final plat stage. 4 ayes Attorney Meyers inquired about collecting a park dedication. Mr. Beim replied that the dedication was paid for in full when Smith Transfer was put in. Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing and reopened the general meeting. GREENFIELD PLAT #3 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR BONA ROAD LOTS Administrator Achen reported that the Council had two alternatives for Mr. Harstad's request, which would be to allow Mr. Harstad to develop the six platted lots on Bona Road under a development agreement, or to disallow such development until drainage improvements are actually constructed. Under alternative #1, to allow Mr. Harstad to develop the lots, the Council could direct that a formal development agreement embodying the stipulations be prepared by the City Attorney and that a security bond be submitted by the developer for Council consideration and execution at the next meeting. Alternative #2 would establish a precedent for other development proposals that are currently pending. That is, a moratorium imposed on one developer would probably require a similar moratorium on others. Otherwise, in order to differentiate between developers an evaluation would have to be made of the drainage impact of each and the feasibility of allowing development before construction of storm sewers. Mr. Harstad reported that he did not have anything new to say to the Council but that he did want to remind the Council that he had built two houses there already and they did not have water problems. He also stated that all six homes would be split entries, with no basement being lower than what is already built there, and that he would be putting in interior drain tile in all the homes. As far as he is concerned, there will never be any water problems with the precautions he is taking. Mr. Harstad stated that he had met with Administrator Achen and representatives of Short, Elliot :nd Associates and that he did not interpret their comments to be that they foresee any big problems in putting in six houses. Mayor Pickar stated that the City has seriously been considering implementing the storm system and wanted to know if Mr. Harstad was willing to wait until the system was put in before building the houses. Mr. Harstad replied that he was not willing to wait until a storm system was put in since he had hen waiting two years already since first approaching the City about building, and that he had prospective buyers for the houses, and that he h been paying taxes on improved property and that he wanted to build on it. August 8, 1977 Page 8 Mr. Harstad stated that he would never say Ilia( a storri sewer was not r.�eded and that he realizes some work has to be done. He also asked that the City remember where the water comes from, and also charge those at the top of the hill when the storm system is put in. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he agreed with Mr. Harstad, that Mr. Harstad did not create the problem. However, the letter the City received from Short, Elliot and Associates did not indicate that there would not be problems if the property were developed. Administrator Achen stated that Short, Elliot and Associates did not want to be liable either way and that they would not take a firm stand on the issue and that they would not guarantee that there would or would not be a problem if development were to take place Mr. Harstad pointed out that Short, Elliot and Associates would not say that the development would do measurable damage. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that the problem with the water was there before the study was done and that nothing indicates that the problem has imprcved. He also stated that he could appreciate Mr. Harstad's understanding that there are two sides to the coin but that Mr. Harstad knew the condition of the property when he bought it. Mayor Pickar pointed out that the Council made a committment to make a decision quite awhile ago and that the City waited for a year for the results of the storm sewer study and now that the study had been completed, the issue was again being discussed. Councilmember Rowley pointed out that the Council had asked for a decision or recommen- dation from Short, Elliot and Associates but that they would not take a stand. She also pointed out that the Council has approved other developments in other questionable areas and did not feel the Council could justify turning down one individual yet approving others. She also stated that she would like Mr. Harstad to agree that the buyers would be aware that there would be assessments going in. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that his comments had been said by others already but that he personally felt that because one was approved did not mean that the next one should be approved but that each area should be evaluated individually. MSP (Rowley Pickar) to allow Mr. Harstad to develop the six platted lots on Bona Road under a development agreement stipulating that he agrees to be assessed for the planned drainage improvements and will notify the buyers of the pending assessment; and that the basement elevations of the structures not be less than 903.00; and that a grading plan, approved by the City Engineer, will be implemented, and that Mr. Harstad bring in signed statements from the buyers stating they are aware of the pending assessments and that Mr. Harstad put in interior parimeter drain tile with holes in each block, and establish a minimum elevation and put in all split entries. A rollcall vote was taken: Councilmember Ziebarth nay Councilmember Baumgartner aye Councilmember Rowley aye Mayor Pickar aye 3 ayes, 1 nay August 8, 1977 Page 9 Councilmember Ziebarth stated that the City should solve the drainage problems first and then have development. The drainage system should he attacked first so as to protect the people already living in Mounds View. Mayor Pickar stated that he could foresee problems in the area. However, all the Council has to go by is what Short, Elliot and Associates have dictated and they have nothing substantial on which to deny the request. Councilmember Ziebarth pointed out that the City has a $30,000 study that points out that more drainage is needed in the area. He recommended that the study be taken to the people of Mounds View and ask them if they are willing to support the project before doing anything else. LAUNCHING PAD LIQUOR LICENSE AGREEMENT REDUCTION OF SECURITY DEPOSIT Administrator Achen reported that the L, Inching Pad owner, Mr. Hartinger, has complied with some of the more expensive terms of the agreement authorizing his on -sale liquor license. He has requested a reduction in the $20,000 cash bond he has posted to secure the agreement. Work remaining under the agreement amounts to approximately $6,140 and the Staff recommends that a minimum of $7,000 be retainEd by the City to secure the agreement. In addition the Staff has recommended that the applicant be charged the same as a developer for Staff time involved in enforcing the agreement. To date, such charges total $295.81. Mr. Hartinger stated that he has completed most of the major projects required in the agreement and that due to part of his establishment being closed while the work was being done, he is short of cash and would appreciate part of the cash bond refunded for the work already completed so that he can pay for the work. Mayor Pickar reported that the manager of the Launching Pad had met with the Council at the agenda session and that the improvements had been discussed. One area that had been noted was that better exit markings were needed on the lower level. Fir. Hartinger replied that that had already been taken care of. Administrator Achen asked Mr. Hartinger what his plans were with the additional amuse- ment devices. Mr. Hartinger replied that they are taking part of the dining area and partitioning it off from floor to ceiling on the main floor to allow a game area. he will continue to have an amusement area on the lower level also. Mayor Pickar pointed out that the Staff has incurred some expenses in working with the owner of the Launching Pad. Attorney Meyer stated that the expenses were written into the agreement between Mr. Hartinger and the City and that Mr. Hartinger would be paying for them. MSP Ziebarth- Rowley) to reduce the $20,000 cash bond for the Launching Pad to $7,000. 4 ayes Councilmember Baumgartner questioned if the $295.81 in costs incurred to date should be paid at that time. Administrator Achen replied that they could wait until all the work had been completed. ADMINISTRATOR ACHEN'S REPORT Administrator Achen discussed the preliminary location report on new TH 10 and stated that the Red Oak interchange would not be brought up until the Fall of 1978. August 8, 1977 Page 10 Administrator Achen reported that there would be a farewell reception on August 23 for Dean Lund at the St. Paul Arts and Science Building. Administra nr Achen also reported that Blaine had awarded bids on the water project and that tney plan to start work on August 9. They plan to replace the culvert on Lois Drive, which is presently 48 with one that is 72 Administrator Achen reported that Phase II of the Metro Area Police Selection Standards Study is up for review and that Ramsey County has not given its approval, basically because the Board is controlled by the City of St. Paul, which does not want to get involved in suburban issues. The study is a study of what standards are legitimate under the equal employment opportunity and affirmative action guidelines, i.e., such as specifications for height, weight, age, etc. The study is trying to develop model standards that will meet federal regulations. Administrator Achen recommended that the Council state its support of the study, and that several suburban communities were going to be doing so, to show their interest even though Ramsey County is not approving it. MSP Pickar- Ziebarth) for the Council to voice its support of the Metro Area Management Association Police Selection Standards Study and urge the Metro Council to approve the federal funding application. 4 ayes Administrator Achen stated that in reference to the issue of drainage, the Council had decided to proceed with the drainage project at their last agenda session. He recommended that the Council direct the Staff to have Short, Elliot and Associates prepare a feasibility report, while at the same time the Staff will try to compile financial figures and construction timing. Administrator Achen stated that it would not be fair to stop development, yet it is also not fair to say tough luck to the people who are already living in the area. He pointed out that the project could always be backed out of. He recommended that the City take action to proceed and at least attempt to approach the problem. Attorney Meyers pointed out that the drainage problems are coming out now because all the easy property in Mounds View has been developed already. He stated that the City should have a clear cut plan for the storm sewer development that could be written into contracts with developers, and that something must be done soon. MSP (Ziebarth Rowley) to direct the Staff to prepare a feasibility report for the drainage project. 4 ayes Engineer Hubbard reported that a feasibility report from Short, Elliot and Associates would cost approximately $30,000. Attorney Meyers stated that public hearings could be held after receiving the feasi- bility report to let the public give their opinion. Engineer Hubbard recommended that one flat assessment be made for the whole City. Mayor Pickar asked how the feasibility report would be paid for. Administrator Achen replied that it would involve borrowing money from another fund but that outside funding would have to be sought. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he was worried about what other long -range projects the City might have in mind or need within the next 10 to 15 years and that the citizens might end up being unduly taxed. August 8, 1977 Page 11 Administrator Achen stated that they have not yet determined what the capitol improvement program is or the different types of improvements that will be required. However, he stated that he felt high priority items might be, in addition to the drainage project, additional water improvements and development of Silver View Park, which could amount to $250,000 or even more, with permanent structures such as light- ing, replaceable boards, etc. He stated that a bond issue would be the only way to raise money fast. Administrator Achen also stated that within the next 10 -20 years some significant improvements would have to made to existing Highway 10 and that it would eventually be an urban road design, perhaps similar to Brooklyn Boulevard. He stated that there is presently federal funding available for that type of project. Other costs that might be incurred would be expansion of the maintenance garage facility since the City might eventually do its own snowplowing. Sidewalks are a low priority which might be put in. Engineer Hubbard stated that there were a number of small developments thatwould be special assessment items if they do come up. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that the Council should anticipate what is coming up because invariably the citizens will ask what is next when their taxes are raised and the City should tell them everything at once. Attorney Meyers pointed out that the City has done a good job of spacing its projects over the past 20 years. Administrator Achen also pointed out that a storm sewer project gives the people an impression of great expense, while it actually is not that expensive. However, it might cause Silver View Park to be turned down. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that the public must be made aware of what they will be facing in the future. Administrator Achen then pointed out that with the increased development, taxes would actually be decreased for each individual as there would be more to spread it between. Administrator Achen stated that budget meetings must be set. He recommended meeting the nights of August 24, August 31 and September 7, then holding public hearings on September 26 and October 3. It was agreed that these dates were acceptable but could be subject to change. ATTORNEY MEYERS REPORT Attorney Meyers reported that he had the closing papers for the sale of the City property and would require three resolutions: MSP (Pickar- Liebarth) to approve Resolution 4041 for the Wehlast and Baycr sale. 4 ayes MSP (Ziebarth-Rowley) Resolution #849 for the Hemsworth sale. 4 ayes owlcy to approve MSP (Ziebarth Rowley) to approve Resolution ;850 for the Fulwider sale. 4 ayes Attorney Meyers reported on the pending court cases the City was involved in. He stated that the Laxman Sundae case may come up again later. Agusut 8, 1977 Page 12 ENGINEER HIJBBARD'S REPORT Engineer Hubbard reported that while two companies took plans for the dehumidifier installation project, no bids were received. He checked with the two companies and found that they did not bid on the project because they were too busy at the time and they indicated they would be available at a later date. Councilmember Ziebarth asked how crucial it was to get the dehumidifier in. Engineer Hubbard replied that he would like to have the dehumidifier installed so that other work could be done, such as painting, etc. in the well house. MSP (Baumgartner Rowley) to readvertise for bids on the dehumidifier project on August 18 and September 1, with the bid opening to be September 7 at 11:00 AM and a decision to be made September 12. 4 ayes Engineer Hubbard reported that the contractor has started work on the Greenfield Park waterline and that water and sewer services should be started on Bona Road and Edgewood next week. Engineer Hubbard also reported that he had talked to Allied, the company that is going to do the sealcoating project, and they expect to start by August 15. COUNCILMEMBER ZIEBARTH'S REPORT Councilmember Ziebarth reported that the Park and Recreation Committee has requested an evening of the Council's time for a slide presentation and would like to schedule it for August 29. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that August 29 was also the evening that they plan on taking Doug Bryant to dinner at Donatelle's and that the Council members are welcome to attend. COUNCILMEMBER BAUMGARTNER'S REPORT Councilmember Baumgartner reported that the Planning Commission will be meeting August 10 at 7:30 PM. He also stated that he was not happy with the letter received from the chairperson of the Planning Commission regarding Allen Zepper being asked to step down during a recent discussion. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he could now see the other side of the issue and understand why the chairperson may have felt it necessary to ask Mr. Zepper to step down if he was actively involved in trying to defeat the issue. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he felt a person should definitely be aske to step down if there was a financial interest involved but if there wasn't, he felt each Commission member was on the Commission for a purpose and that they should be allowed to fulfill that purpose. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that the Council should reaffirm their position that someone should only be asked to step down due to a financial conflict of interest, as stated in Ordinance 215. Mayor Pickar stated that a letter would he written to the Planning Commission stating August 8, 1977 Page 13 that conflict of interest is covered under Ordinance 215 and that they should follow it. COUNCILMEMBER ROWLEY'S REPORT Councilmember Rowley had no report. MAYOR PICKAR'S REPORT Mayor Pickar asked if any news had been received from the State regarding the starting date for the noise barrier on 35W. Engineer Hubbard replied that bids are to be received during August and that the completion date is scheduled for June 8, 1979, which does include the landscaping work. Mayor Pickar asked what the situation was on the utility bills. Administrator Achen replied that they are anticipating the ones that were due in April and that as of last week, they hoped to have them out by August 15. He reported that problems have occurred because there are seven communities involved in the computer system and each community requires modification of the program for their billings. The bills will not be sent in any closer frequency than two months, so the billings will be backed up for awhile. Mayor Pickar asked how the lack of income in the utility fund was working. Administrator Achen replied that they are losing the interest income off the money. Right now billings are being planned for August, October, December, February and April, at which time they will be caught up. Councilmember Ziebarth asked if the bugs were not worked out if the City could go back to the old system. Administrator Achen replied that yes, they could if need be but that a duplicate expenditure would then be required if they went back to the old system. MSP Ziebarth- Pickar) to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 PM. 4 ayes Respectfully submitted, Mark Achen Clerk- Administrator