HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 06102003 Meeting Sheet
IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIII IIIIIIII
iosazs
Box: 34
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2003
Document: CC MINUTES 06102003
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 1
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
4
5 June 10, 2003
6
7 CALL TO ORDER
8 Mayor Hodson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9
10 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
11 Mayor Hodson invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
12
13 ROLL CALL.
14 Present: Mayor Hodson; Councilmembers, Sparks, Thuesen, and Faust.
15 Absent: Councilmember Horst.
16 Also Present: City Manager Mike Mornson.
17
18 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
19 ITEMS.
20
21 I. APPROVAL OF JUNE 10, 2003 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
22 Motion by Councilmember Sparks to approve the City Council Meeting Agenda of June 10,
46 2003.
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26
27 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
28 None.
29
30 III. COMMUNITY FORUM.
31 Mayor Hodson invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items
32 that are not on the regular agenda.
33
34 Hearing none, Mayor Hodson moved forward with the agenda.
35
36 IV. CONSENT AGENDA.
37
38 A. Consider May 28, 2003 Council meeting minutes.
39 B. Consider licenses and permits.
40 C. Consider payment of claims.
41 D. The second reading of the following ordinances:
42 1.1 2003-003, re: Pawnbrokers.
43 1.2 2003-004, re: Secondhand Dealers.
44 1.3 2003-005 re: Pawnbrokers and Second Hand Dealers as conditional uses in
commercial districts.
1.4 2003-006, re: Fees for investigating and licensing of Pawnbrokers and
47 Secondhand Dealers.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 2
Motion by Councilmember Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
7 None.
8
9 VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND STAFF.
10 A. Resolution 03-042, re: Approve bid for Silver Point Park improvements.
11 Mayor Hodson welcomed Brad Forbrook, SEH, Inc., to the meeting.
12
13 Mr. Forbrook stepped forward to address the Council and presented the bids received for the
14 Silver Point Park improvements. He advised that they have made recommendations to award the
15 bid to the lowest bidder. He explained that bids were received for two contracts, one for the
16 building package and the second for installation of the building. He reviewed the bids with
17 Council stated that both came in very close to the projected budget.
18
19 Councilmember Sparks asked Mr. Forbrook if he has worked with either of the builders. Mr.
20 Forbrook stated that the City has worked with one of the builders adding that he is familiar but
21 has not worked with them. He stated that both are known for doing a good job.
22
Motion by Councilmember Faust to adopt Resolution 03-042, re: Approve bid for Silver Point
is Park improvements.
25
26 Motion carried unanimously.
27
28 B. Inflow/Infiltration Report
29 Mayor Hodson welcomed Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, to the meeting.
30
31 Mr. Hubmer stepped forward to address the Council and provided an update on
32 inflow/infiltration study. He explained that one of the goals set for this year is to continue to
33 work to minimize the inflow and infiltration into the sewer water system. He provided the
34 Council with a brief review of the water system stating that City streets have two sewer systems,
35 the sanitary sewer and storm water sewer. He explained that a large percentage of residents
36 operate sump pumps that flow into the storm water sewer. He stated that this has to be
37 corrected, as they should be flowing into the sanitary sewer system. He reviewed the inspection
38 process with Council stating that they completed a citywide education program in 2002 that
39 included brochures and mailings to the general public. He explained that the mailings included
40 an explanation of the process and contact information for any questions or concerns. He stated
41 that since 1999 the City has reconstructed approximately 17,000 feet of the sewer drainage
42 system,which should help reach their goal to reduce the inflow to the Metropolitan Waste
43 Control treatment center. He stated that the Metropolitan Council notified the City of St.
44 Anthony that treatment costs would increase due to the amount flowing through the treatment
center. He stated that treatment expenses have increased significantly. He suggested four
46 options for Council to consideration adding that they are looking for direction from Council on
47 the next step in the process. He reviewed the options with Council -
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 3
1. Continue mandatory inspections at the point of sale for homes in St. Anthony.
3
4 2. An aggressive door-to-door approach to each residence in order to identify those who are not
5 in compliance and would require upgrading to the new system. He stated that those who do not
6 comply within the allotted timeframe could incur a fee or fine and reviewed with the Council.
7
8 3. Continue an educational program that would utilize the City newsletter and cable access to
9 alert and update the residents.
10
11 4. St. Anthony Village could establish a grant program that would assist residents with the cost
12 to disconnect the systems. He stated that in addition to the door-to-door inspections, the City
13 could charge two different rates for sanitary. He explained that one rate would be assigned for
14 residents who have complied and another rate assigned for residents who are not in compliance.
15 He explained that residents who are not in compliance would be charged at a higher rate.
16
17 Mayor Hodson stated that he likes the idea of charging two different rates and asked Mr.
18 Hubmer if it would be possible to also incorporate, with this option, a grant process for the
19 residents to defray the costs that would include a repayment option that would not penalize the
20 resident immediately. Mr. Hubmer stated that the two options could be coordinated. He stated
21 that if the City decides to charge a higher fee for those not in compliance that the additional
22 money could be incorporated into the grant process in some way in order to assist residents who
0 are not in compliance.
25 Councilmember Faust asked if it would be possible to use the same assessment process for this
26 as they do for street improvements. He stated that he likes the idea of a two-rate system to
27 acknowledge residents who are in compliance. He expressed concerns stating that it is very
28 important to be sensitive to those who might need a way to pay over time.
29
30 City Manager Mornson agreed stating that they could implement a two-rate system that includes
31 a grant process. He stated that the City would have to adopt an ordinance noting that several
32 other communities have handled it the same way and it worked quite well. Councilmember
33 Faust agreed stating that this would work better for those who might not be able to afford a lump
34 sum payment. City Manager Mornson stated that the charges could also be included as a part of
35 their utility bill.
36
37 Councilmember Thuesen asked for further clarification of the two-rate billing process. He asked
38 if they would begin charging the higher rate upon completion of the inspection or would they
39 assign a timeframe for the resident to come into compliance and if they do not complete within
40 the assigned timeframe that the City would begin to charge at the higher rate. Mr. Hubmer
41 stated that they are aware that some residents are already in compliance and some are not. He
42 stated that they have already completed some of the inspections and proposed implementing an
43 education program for the Residents that would include a timeline for completion. He suggested
44 giving the Residents an eight-month window to allow them an opportunity to ensure that they are
0 in conformance before the rate change is initiated.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 4
Councilmember Thuesen asked if homes sold in the past two years would be subjected to
another inspection. He agreed that incorporating an ongoing education component for the
3 Residents would be a good plan. He stated that he is in favor of the two-rate system adding that
4 it would not be fair to penalize residents who are in compliance. He stated that he is also in
5 agreement that a grant process of some kind should also be incorporated with the two-rate
6 system. He expressed his agreement with Councilmember Faust that the City should be sensitive
7 to residents who might not be able to afford a lump sum payment adding that they should offer
8 an option that would assist the homeowners with the costs. Mr. Hubmer clarified that
9 homeowners would not be subjected to a second inspection if they are on record as already
10 completing one.
11
12 Mayor Hodson stated that it is his understanding that approximately 75% of the residents are not
13 in compliance. He reviewed the process and concerns noting that the penalty would continue to
14 accrue until resolved.
15
16 Councilmember Sparks asked for clarification of the costs. Mr. Hubmer stated that last year the
17 City paid between $50-$70,000.00 for waste water treatment. He explained that they also have
18 several residents who experience sewage backup that causes damage on a yearly basis. He stated
19 that this is another major component that should be considered.
20
21 Councilmember Sparks stated that she prefers the lump sum payment adding that she is in
22 agreement that the City should establish a grant process to assist residents who cannot afford a
dolump sum payment.
25 Mr. Hubmer explained that the Metropolitan Council receives 60-70% of what is paid for waste
26 treatment. Mayor Hodson stated that a two-rate structure would allow the City to reward
27 residents who are in compliance adding that if the City could reduce the 70% down to 40%that
28 it would be very beneficial to the City.
29
30 Councilmember Thuesen asked if there would be any incentives offered to those residents, who
31 on their own, fixed the problem in the past or paid for it out of their own pocket, because they
32 felt it was the right thing to do.
33
34 Councilmember Faust agreed that the City should implement a continued education process
35 utilizing the City Newsletter and cable TV. He suggested informing the residents that as of July
36 1, 2004 that there would a penalty for homeowners who have not had their homes inspected and
37 are not in compliance. He reviewed his understanding of the two-rate system stating that he has
38 an issue if some of the residents have already paid out of pocket. He stated that the assessment
39 would be a way to address that issue and provide some benefit back to the homeowner. He
40 stated that the assessment could be included in the bond rating in order to lower the interest
41 rates.
42
43 Mayor Hodson stated that he is in support of a continued education program and the two-rate
44 system. He clarified that the Council is not prepared at this time, without further discussion, to
determine the assessment and penalty process. He agreed that implementing a grant process
16 could assist in subsidizing a portion of the repair for homeowners.
47
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 5
Councilmember Thuesen asked how they could really measure the inflow from homes that are
not in compliance. Mr. Hubmer stated that they could review and compare the flow rates, based
3 on precipitation. He stated that they would be able to see where the flow rates drop for those
4 who are in compliance. He stated that it is not totally possible to determine how much, in
5 gallons, might have contributed to the sanitary sewer rates.
6
7 Councilmember Thuesen asked if this issue is 90%of their problem with wastewater inflow.
8 Mr. Hubmer explained that it would resolve the sewer backup problems and the flow rates into
9 the Waste Water plant.
10
11 Councilmember Sparks asked how much it would cost to implement a door-to-door campaign.
12 Mr. Hubmer stated that the costs would depend on how extensively they want to canvas the area.
13 He stated that it could get very expensive, as they would have hire outside help if they have a 6-8
14 month window for compliance. He stated that the biggest issue is time and staffing.
15
16 Councilmember Sparks asked if they have a large number of residents who want to upgrade at
17 the same time, would the City could get a reduced rate if they were to contract it as a project.
18 Mr. Hubmer stated that they could probably get a very good rate if they were to combine it as a
19 project.
20
21 Councilmember Faust suggested an ongoing educational process versus door-to-door canvassing.
22 He stated that they could educate the public with regards to the timeline for inspections adding
that this could give them a sense of scale that would allow them to move forward with a
contractor. He suggested that Mr. Hubmer put together a plan based on the ideas discussed and
25 present to Council for consideration.
26
27 Mr. Hubmer stated that he would take the information and formulate it into a plan for
28 presentation to Council. Mayor Hodson thanked Mr. Hubmer for his time stating that he has
29 provided the Council with excellent information to consider.
30
31 C. Resolution 03-041. Recommendation for lease option location for the temporary fire
32 station.
33 Fire Chief Hewitt explained that the Council is asked to adopt the draft resolution, which would
34 provide a new interim location for the fire station until the new fire station has been completed.
35 He reviewed the process they took to determine an interim location with Council. He stated that
36 it was important to locate a site that could be fully utilized without additional costs. He stated
37 that they have to vacate the current building by September 1, 2003 and relocate to a temporary
38 location where they would reside until the new fire station has been completed. He stated that
39 they plan to begin construction on May 312004 with a plan to occupy the new site by August 1,
40 2004. He explained that they have six career people who spend a fair amount of time at the fire
41 station adding that they want their employees to be fairly comfortable with adequate living space.
42 He explained that there is also a need for enough space to store their apparatus and they want to
43 minimize any negative impact to the operations while maintaining quality service and response
44 time. He reviewed their options with Council stating that they reviewed each location for
ground level access, the cost to bring in a manufactured home for office and living space, utility
46 costs, and storage. He reviewed the costs for each option stating that they also considered
47 housing at other fire station locations. He stated that they considered both Columbia Heights and
I City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
2 June 10, 2003
3 Page 6
9 New Brighton as options noting that both locations would greatly affect their response times and
6 it would also increase their viability exposure if something critical should occur. He stated that
7 they recently found the Construction 70 site located in the Industrial park and reviewed with
8 Council. He stated that the location has room for all three apparatus in addition to adequate
9 living quarters, office space and storage. He stated that the only modification would be to punch
10 out a door for the apparatus. He stated that the cost to lease would be $5,000.00 a month with a
11 total cost of$55,000.00 over a ten-month period. He stated that it is their preference to relocate
12 at the Construction 70 site, as it would provide quality quarters for the firefighters, eliminate the
13 heating and weather concerns. He stated that they are requesting approval for ten-month lease
14 for the facility, offices, apparatus storage building and a punch-in for an 11-foot by 14-foot door.
15
16 Councilmember Sparks asked for further clarification of their choice for location. Fire Chief
17 Hewitt explained that the second option would have required that they move in a manufactured
18 home and a storage building. He stated that the location had heating and electrical issues that
19 would have had to be resolved before moving in and the fire trucks would have been inside a
20 fabric type building versus the storage building available at the Construction 70 site.
21
22 Councilmember Sparks asked if they considered any sites in the South Industrial Park area. Fire
23 Chief Hewitt stated that they did not review any locations in this area because of the access
24 requirements in addition to the number of uncontrolled intersections. He stated that it would
25 have also affected response time and travel time for the firefighters. He explained that one of the
key items the Task Force looked for was a site that provided good accessibility to the city and
0 would benefit the entire City with respect to response time.
28
29 Motion by Councilmember Faust to adopt Resolution 03-041, Recommendation for lease option
30 location for the temporary fire station.
31
32 Motion carried unanimously.
33
34 VII. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
35 None.
36
37 VIII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
38 City Manager Momson reported on the following:
39
40 Due to relocation of the fire station, the City has to find a new polling location for this fall. He
41 stated that they are presently considering St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
42
43 There will be an Auction on June 19, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. to sell off equipment from the
44 Stonehouse. He stated that items would be open for review at 8:30 a.m.
45
46 Mornson attended a meeting with Hennepin County regarding an easement issue on the
47 Stonehouse property. He noted that both the building and the property must be vacated to the
16 owner by closing on September 9, 2003.
50
I City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
0 Page 7
4
5 e Relating to the fire station property, closing of the Christen properties is tentatively scheduled for
6 June 24. The Christen's intend to lease the properties until July 15, 2003. Morrison distributed
7 handouts to the Council and explained that there are seven items still requiring review.
8
9 0 A Special Meeting to consider bids for the Public Works building will be held Tuesday,
10 September 30, 2003.
11
12 The LMC Conference is scheduled next week in St. Cloud.
13
14 The City Manager gave an update on the "Conceal and Carry Law", indicating the Community
15 Center will need to be signed to ban guns because the City rents part of the building. In addition,
16 an employee policy will be developed outlining the ban of weapons in the workplace.
17
18 The TIF hearing is rescheduled to July 22, 2003 because the City Attorney has been unable to
19 sign off on the inspection work, as inspections have not been completed.
20
21 The City has received verification of another$250,000 from the DNR. He indicated this may be
22 the last large lump sum amount from the DNR.
23
24 The regular Council meeting for July 8 has been cancelled.
10 Councilmember Sparks attended the Growing Smart Minnesota seminar. She reviewed the
27 agenda and noted that Rich Varda from Target was one of the presenters. She stated that the
28 concept is very versatile and noted that they discussed how to integrate the concept with small
29 retail. Parking space requirements of one space for every 1,000 square feet of store were
30 discussed. Mr. Vanda said this was over the amount of space needed for parking. Sparks
31 suggested Council review the City ordinance to determine if there is any need to revise the
32 requirements. The Councilmember stated she had more information for Council at a later date.
33
34 Councilmember Sparks referenced the map for the Northwest Quadrant and inquired about the
35 parking areas shown on the map. City Manager responded that presently what they see for
36 parking is the developer's concept of what they would need.
37
38 Councilmember Thuesen stated that he had nothing to report.
39
40 Councilmember Faust stated the Northwest Quadrant Task Force and BSU indicated that parking
41 would be planned with aesthetics in mind as well.
42
43 Mayor Hodson, City Manager Mornson and Councilmember Faust met with Congressman Sabo
44 to discuss issues. Faust stated that Congressman Sabo was instrumental in getting funding to do
45 the water filtration plant for St. Anthony. He explained that Congressman Sabo was given an
46 update on the Northwest Quadrant project, adding that the Congressman had suggestions and
if ideas on how to keep dialogue open and work from the Federal level down.
49
I City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
2 June 10, 2003
3 Page 8
0 Councilmember Faust continued his report by noting he attended a meeting on June 2, 2003
6 regarding Salo, Finland, St. Anthony's Sister City. The Councilmember attended the joint
7 meetings with the Planning Commission, held on June 3, 2003 and the Parks Commission held
8 on June 9, 2003.
9
10 He attended the final blue Ribbon Task Force meeting on June 5, 2003 and said they would
11 submit documents for Council review.
12
13 Mayor Hodson indicated that the Council has"a lot on their plate" and that City Manager
14 Mornson has and will continue to coordinate and keep the Council up to date. The Mayor
15 thanked the Council for their preparedness for all the meetings. Mayor Hodson stated the
16 Council has many important decisions to make in the near future, noting that 98%of the
17 feedback received from the Community has been very favorable with respect to the projects
18 being done in the City. He thanked everyone for their hard work.
19
20 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
21
22 X. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
23
24 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
25 Motion by Councilmember Faust to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm.
9 Motion carried unaniously.
28
29
30
31 Respectfully submitted,
32
33 Bonita Sullivan
34 TimeSaver Off Site
35
36
37
38 Mayor
39
40 ATTEST:
41 City Clerk
42
43
44
45
46
47
16
50