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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.03.19 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2007 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. PRESENT: Petryk, Puleo, Miron (Haas arrived at 7:38) ABSENT: Granger ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, Assistant City Attorney Nick Vivian, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, City Planner Kendra Lindahl, Fire Chief Jim Compton, Deputy Fire Chief Jadon 011ila, Deputy Jeff Larson, Sergeant Wayne Johnson, and Community Development Assistant Michele Lindau COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2007 Petryk made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the March 5, 2007 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion carried. JOINT COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION/EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2007 AT 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OPEN HOUSE Petryk made motion, Puleo seconded, approve the minutes for the February 26, 2007 meeting at the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Open House as presented. All aye. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Change F.1 — Change Chris Burns to Robert VerStratten Add F.3 - Sheriff s Report Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the agenda for March 19, 2007 All aye. Motion carried. AMERICAN RED CROSS "GET READY CAMPAIGN" PROCLAMATION In January, the American Red Cross held a public safety summit at the Twin Cities' area Red Cross facility in Minneapolis. Staff attended the meeting at which a number of city officials were presented with an opportunity for a public partnership with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross "Get Ready Campaign" is an effort to formalize the Metro Cities' partnerships with the American Red Cross including the City of Hugo's Fire Department. City Administrator Mike Ericson introduced Robert VerStratten, Volunteer Resources Coordinator for the Red Cross, who was seeking support from the City to work with the American Red Cross to insure that citizens are prepared for a disaster emergency situation, and to provide training in first aid and CPR to save lives and make our community a safer place. Mayor Miron noted that it would tie into the Fire Departments efforts and he invited Fire Chief Compton to comment on the idea. Compton said he agreed with the Mayor and supported the idea. City Administrator Mike Ericson stated Compton would be the contact person at the City and, he would support Compton administratively. City Council Meeting March 19, 2007 Page 2 Myron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-9 APPROVING THE OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE CITY OF HUGO A PARTNER WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN THE "GET READY CAMPAIGN" All aye. Motion carried. PRESENTATION OF HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 2006 ANNUAL REPORT Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton and Assistant Fire Chief Jadon 011ila presented the Council with the HFD's annual report. Compton stated they responded to 417 emergency calls during the year and held 42 public and 82 business trainings in CPR and First Aid. Compton presented highlights of the year 2006 including the 800 MHz Radio Grant, purchase and replacement of vehicles, the retirement of two firefighters (totaling 41 years of experience), and two new members who had joined the department. An eight-year comparison was shown on type of calls and a three-year comparison on the calls per shift showing an increase in daytime calls. Compton pointed out the Department would be celebrating their 1001' year anniversary next year and asked the Council to help develop a 100 -year badge for the department. The Mayor congratulated the department and said he understood the need for daytime responders and appreciated the businesses that participated in the program allowing employees to leave work to respond to emergency calls. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to accept the Fire Department's 2006 Annual Report. All aye. Motion carried. SHERIFF'S REPORT — DEPUTY JEFF LARSON AND SERGEANT WAYNE JOHNSON New Sergeant Wayne Johnson was introduced who stated he had worked for the department for 16 years. Deputy Jeff Larson presented the monthly report of the department's activities for February 2007. Council member Petryk had concerns about excessive speed and accidents on Ethan Avenue and under - aged drinking and driving. Council member Puleo requested information on any trends relating to the 2 a.m. bar closing time in the City. Council expressed appreciation for the continued efforts of the Sheriff's Department. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to accept the Sheriff Department's report for February 2007. All aye. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Authorization to Advertise for Public Works Seasonal Summer Employees Approve Hiring of Nathan Ehalt as Administrative Intern Approve Resignation of Jennifer May from Parks and Recreation Commission Approve Pay Request from Washington County for CSAH 8 Project City Council Meeting March 19, 2007 Page 3 Approve Annual Performance Review for Bldg Dept Receptionist Debi Close All aye. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for March 19, 2007 as presented. APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR FIVE PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL SUMMER EMPLOYEES Each year, the Public Works Department hires seasonal employees to perform additional maintenance responsibilities during the summer months. These responsibilities include: building, grounds, boulevard, park and street maintenance. Included in the City's 2007 budget City of Hugo was staffing for five summer seasonal employees. This item was tabled at the request of Council member Becky Petryk in order get information from PW Director Chris Petree, which she has received. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized staff to advertise for five public works seasonal summer employees. APPROVE HIRING OF NATHAN EHALT AS ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN At its February 5, 2007 meeting, Council accepted the resignation of administrative intem Matt Stemwedel, who accepted a job with the City of Woodbury. Council directed staff to advertise for the position and staff was pleased to announce that the City received 18 applicants for the position. After completion of the interviews, staff recommended the hiring of Nathan Ehalt as the new Administrative Intern. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the hiring of Nathan Ehalt as the new Administrative Intern to begin work on March 20, 2007 for a six-month internship at $10 an hour. APPROVE RESIGNATION OF JENNIFER MAY FROM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City staff received a letter of resignation from Jennifer May from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Jennifer and her family are building a new home in Forest Lake, and will be moving this spring. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the resignation of Jennifer May from the Parks and Recreation Commission. APPROVE PAY REQUEST FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR CSAH 8 PROJECT The City had received pay request #9 from Washington County for work completed to date on the CSAH8/14 project. Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson and City Engineer Jay Kennedy reviewed the pay request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the pay request in the amount of $126,617.24 for the CSAH 8 project. APPROVE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR BLDG DEPARTMENT RECEPTIONIST DEBI CLOSE For the past year, Debi has worked hard to learn her job and has become an important member of the City Council meeting of Mach 19, 2007 Page 4 Hugo City Hall team. Debi's cross training allows her to process building permits, deliver front counter customer service, perform receptionist duties, and work with the finance director on accounts payable, as well as work with public works, community development, and the City Administrator. Debi is conscientious and thorough and has an excellent attitude. Building official John Benson recommended Council approve the annual performance review for Debi Close. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Building Department Receptionist Debi Close. APPROVE RECOMMENDAITON FROM EDA TO SPONSOR APRIL 22.2007 HUGO KIDZ `N BIZ FEST Council Member Puleo requested this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. On April 22, 2007, the 3rd annual Kidz `n Biz Fest will take place at the Oneka Elementary School. This annual event is an opportunity for the Hugo Business Association and the Hugo EDA to integrate with Hugo families and children in a PTA carnival atmosphere. The event has grown so big that it was necessary to move it to the super -sized gymnasium at the school. This event is expected to attract more than 400 Hugo children and their families, and will once again feature the chocolate chip cookie contest, as well as an assortment of carnival games presented by Hugo businesses with assistance from the WBL High School Student Ambassadors Club and National Honor Society. At its March 19, 2007 meeting, the EDA agreed to recommend a co-sponsorship of the event in the amount of $500. Council Member Puleo asked the Assistant City Attorney to comment on the appropriateness of the City to continue co- sponsoring the event. Assistant City Attorney Nick Vivian explained the function of the EDA and that the expenditure of public funds was appropriate and not out of character. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded to approve the recommendation from the EDA to co-sponsor the April 22, 2007 Kidz `n Biz Fest in the amount of $500. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON TERRY MILLER LAWSUIT AGAINST CITY AND APPEAL TO MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT City staff had received notification from LMCIT attorney Jim Thompson that Terry Miller, aka Oneka Development, has appealed his unsuccessful lawsuit against the City to the Minnesota Supreme Court. This appeal was forwarded to the City by Mr. Miller's attorney, Jerry Duffy, who has requested that the Minnesota Supreme Court view the lower court's ruling, which ruled in favor of the City of Hugo in regard to the applicant's request for a comprehensive plan amendment. Assistant City Attorney Nick Vivian explained the Supreme Court reviewed petitions and needed a novel legal issue prior to accepting a case for review. It was Vivian's opinion that it was unlikely the court would accept this case for review, and he would keep the Council informed on the progress of the appeal. UPDATE ON MARCH 15.2007 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING WITH OAKSHORE PARK At its March 5, 2007 meeting, City Engineer Jay Kennedy informed Council that staff would be holding another neighborhood meeting with residents from the Oakshore Park neighborhood regarding the public improvement project slated for the neighborhood in spring 2007. A meeting was held on Thursday, City Council Meeting March 19, 2007 Page 5 March 15, 2007, with the residents of the Oakshore Park neighborhood. Council member Petryk, who lives in the project area, stated she did not attend the meeting and she was abstaining from all discussion on the project. In attendance at the March 15 meeting was CD Director Bryan Bear, PW Director Chris Petree, Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson, and City Engineer Jay Kennedy, and others from WSB. Kennedy explained that residents were provided with an update on the project, contact information, and an explanation of what they could expect during construction. Minor changes had been made on the plan based on residents' comments and it was expected they could accept bids on the project in April. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, to authorize staff to solicit bids for the Oakshore Park public improvement project. VOTING AYE: Haas, Puleo, Miron ABSTAINED: Petryk Motion Carried. UPDATE ON MARCH 8.2007 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND DISCUSSION ON 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN At its March 8, 2007 Planning Commission meeting, CD Director Bryan Bear and City Planner Kendra Lindahl held a visioning discussion regarding the City's 2008 comprehensive plan. A visioning discussion was also held at the EDA meeting on March 19, 2007. Comments were made at those meetings on the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis worksheet. Lindahl summarized the comments received from the residents, the Planning Commission, and the EDA and shared them with the Council. She explained the next step would be to establish goals and strategies to implement the vision for Hugo. The Council provided their comments to Lindahl who will compile the information for a basis for the final vision and goal setting document. The next meeting would be a workshop with the Planning Commission to review the background chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and the draft goals/vision section. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to hold a workshop meeting on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON LETTER FROM MCES REGARDING CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE SEPTIC DUMPING SITES At its March 5, 2007 meeting, Council listened to Council member Chuck Haas as he explained a conversation he had with Assistant General Keith Buttleman from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) regarding its effort to work to explore fiuther the proposed closing of the four northern septic dumping sites, including the MCES site in Forest Lake. Chuck reported that the City had not received a response letter yet from MCES, but expected one soon. Staff had since received a letter from Mr. Buttleman which outlines MCES's position. The letter stated that the four northern city disposal sites would not close until thirty days after the Fridley site is fully operational, and the St. Paul site would remain open at all times during construction of the new site on Childs Road. City Council Meeting March 19, 2007 Page 6 Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to draft a letter to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services and the County Commissioner informing them the City of Hugo is still open to discussions on the closing of the dumping sites. All aye. Motion Carried. City submitted a Cooperative Agreement to MnDOT last October for funding traffic signals on TH61 at 130" Street and 147" Street, respectively. City Engineer Jay Kennedy stated the City was unsuccessful in acquiring cooperative agreement funds for the traffic signals but has come a long way and should continue applying for funding. Kennedy suggested apslying for turn lane only improvements at this time, specifically at the intersection of TH61 and 130 Street. The Council directed Kennedy to investigate the possibility of applying for those funds. No formal action was taken. APPROVE IMPLEMENTATION OF TASK FORCE FOR RICE LAKE PARK SOCCER COMPLES Included in the Council's 2007 City Focus Goals were multiple parks projects, of which Council agreed to form an implementation committee for the construction of a soccer complex at Rice Lake Park. Council discussed forming a parks project funding committee to include two Council members, two Parks Commission members, as well as members of the soccer association, PTA, and school district. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct Council Members Haas and Granger to work as a subcommittee with staff to form a committee for the formation of the Rice Lake Soccer Complex. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON APPOINTMENT OF TONY GROFF AS NEW COMMISSIONER ON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION On January 8, 2007, Council conducted interviews for the two vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Council was very pleased with the quality of the applicants, noting that any of the individuals would do an excellent job on the Commission. One applicant was unable to attend the interviews due to work commitments. Staff had an opportunity to meet with the applicant and give him a tour of the City and the City's parks and recreational amenities. Applicant Tony Groff is still very interested in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission and brings to the City a strong background in recreational activities and leadership. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to appoint Tony Groff to the vacancy created on the Commission due to the resignation of Jennifer May. All aye. Motion Carried. Miron directed staff to prepare a Certificate of Appreciation for Jennifer May to be presented to her at a future Council meeting. City Council Meeting March 19, 2007 Page 7 GOVERNOR TIM PAWLENTY ANNOUNCEMENT ON METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES. The City has received notification from Governor Tim Pawlenty that the terms of the representatives on the Metropolitan Council have expired as of last month. A public announcement of the vacancies was made and the Mayor directed any individuals interested in serving on the Metropolitan Council to contact the Governor's office or the City of Hugo. ADJOURNMENT Hass made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. All aye. Motion Carried. Michele Lindau, Community Development Assistant