2001.02.05 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council meeting of February 5, 2001 Page 8 Miran made motion, Granger seconded, that the City acquire the necessary land from Len Pratt for the City's water tower site. All aye. Motion Carried. JD2 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DETERMINATION In December 2000, the Council directed City Attorney Dave Snyder to seek a conflict of interest determination for incoming Mayor Fran Miron regarding JD2 litigation. Since Mr. Miron is both a plaintiff in the lawsuit and a property owner in the JD2 area, but also as the fifture Mayor who may have a potential conflict of interest in voting on this issue. Council directed the City Attorney to send a letter to State Attorney General Mike Hatch for a legal determination on this issue. The Minnesota Attorney General's office submitted a letter to City Attorney Dave Snyder whereby he declined to issue an opinion on the question of whether Mayor Fran Miron may deliberate or vote on matters affecting the JD2 lawsuit because his office is representing two of the three defendants: the MnDNR and BWSR City Attorney Dave Snyder, under authorization from the Minnesota Attorney General, rendered his legal opinion of the issue. Attorney. Snyder recommended that Mayor Miron continue to decline any involvement in discussions regarding the JD2 lawsuit and to furthermore, decline from voting on the matter in any instance for the sake of perception of any public improprieties. Attorney Vierling stated that if Mayor Miron's status as a plaintiff would change; a conflict of interest would no longer exist. Attorney Vierling also advised that when the Council holds an executive session, plaintiffs in this lawsuit need not be present. Mayor Miron thanked Attorney Vierling for his explanation No further action was taken on this matter. SCHEDULE DATE FOR 2001 LOCAL BOARD OF REVIEW Each year, the Washington. County Assessor provides all local governmental jurisdictions the opportunity to determine the date for their local Board of Review. Washington County has recommended the date df Thursday, May 3, 2001 at 10:00 am, Hugo City Hall, for the City to conduct its annual Board of Review. The local Board of Review is an opportunity for residents to discuss with Council the market valuations for their property in the City. City Assessor Frank Langer will be present, along with members from the Washington County Assessor's Office, to answer any and all questions residents may have Miron made motion, Haas seconded, that the City hold its annual Board of Review on May 3, 2001, Hugo City Hall, at 10:00 am. All aye. Motion Carried. ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ELE IINATING THE BOARD OF APPEALS & ADJUSTMENTS AND DELEGATING CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PLANNING COhVWSSION In the fall of 2000, the Council directed staff to schedule a public hearing for the PC to consider an