Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.08.04 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 4, 2014 Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Bronk, Haas, Klein, Petryk, Weidt ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, City Attorney Dave Snyder, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Moment of Silence for Mendota Heights Officer Scott Patrick Mayor Weidt called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Mendota Heights Police Office Scott Patrick. Office Patrick was shot and killed after making a routine traffic stop on August 30, 3012. Weidt made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to write a letter of condolence to the City of Mendota Heights. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the July 8, 2014 DNR Meeting on Bald Eagle Lake Outlet Bronk made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the meeting with the DNR to discuss the Bald Eagle Lake Outlet on July 8, 2014 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the July 8, 2014 Parks Commission Interviews Klein made motion, Bronk seconded, to approve the minutes for the Parks Commission Interviews held on July 8, 2014 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the July 9, 2014 HBA Business Networking Breakfast Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the HBA Business Networking Breakfast on July 9, 2014 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the July 14, 2014 City Council Meeting Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the July 14, 2014 City Council Meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 2 of 7 Approval of the Agenda Weidt made motion, Bronk seconded, to approve the agenda as amended: Add to Council Presentations - Letter to the Legislators on Veterans Health Care Add to Administrative Presentations - Ideal Credit Union Community Appreciation/88th Anniversary Celebration All Ayes. Motion carried. Northeast Youth and Family Services — President and CEO Jerry Hromatka President and CEO of the Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) Jerry Hromatka presented information to Council on the NYFS programs and provided a summary of their services to area youths and families. He described the merger with the White Bear Lake Area Community Counseling Center (WBLACCC) as a win-win situation. Jerry reviewed the services that NYFS provides and stated that they appreciate the City's $6,000 contract payment. He thanked the Council for their support. Presentation of 2013 Audit Report - Jason Miller, Smith Schafer & Associates Jason Miller from the independent accounting firm of Smith Schafer & Associates presented the Council with a recap of the audit of City's finances for the 2013 fiscal year. The Council listened to the presentation from Jason Miller, who stated it was a very clean audit, and he found the City to be very well run. It was noted that a copy of the 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report can be found on the City's website. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to accept the findings of the 2013 Audit Report. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Consent Agenda Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda items: 1. Approval of Claims 2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Dave Greeder 3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Director Scott Anderson 4. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Lead Worker Mike Loeffler 5. Approve Rescheduling of September 1, 2014 Council Meeting to Tuesday, September 2, 2014 Due to Labor Day Holiday 6. Approve Sale of 2002 Chevrolet S-10 All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 3 of 7 Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Dave Greeder Dave Greeder was hired by the City of Hugo as the new mechanic in the Public Works Department on August 8, 2005. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Public Works Mechanic Dave Greeder. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Director Scott Anderson Scott Anderson was hired by the City of Hugo on August 11, 2003 as the City's new Senior Engineering Technician, and on August 5, 2008, Scott was promoted as the City's Public Works Director. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Public Works Director Scott Anderson. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Lead Worker Mike Loeffler Mike Loeffler was hired as a maintenance worker for the City of Hugo's Public Works Department on August 5, 2002. On October 17, 2011, Mike was promoted to be the Public Works Lead Worker. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Public Works Worker Mike Loeffler. Approve Rescheduling of September 2, 2013 Council Meeting to Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Due to Labor Day Holiday Each year, the Hugo City Council has to reschedule its first meeting in September to the following Tuesday due to the Labor Day Federal Holiday. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the rescheduling of the September 1, 2014 City Council meeting to Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Approve Sale of 2002 Chevrolet 5-10 The City has recently purchased two new F250 trucks to replace trucks in the Engineering Department and the Public Works Department. The older trucks will be put into service where they will be used less. One truck will replace the 2002 Chevrolet 5-10 at City Hall, which has had several mechanical issues. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the sale of the Chevrolet 5-10 through a sealed bid process. Award of Bid for Rosemary Way Street and Utility Project Bids were received on June 19, 2014 for the Rosemary Way Street and Utility Project. There were two bids received with the low bidder being Arnt Construction Company in the amount of $906,816.92. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided background on the project. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 4 of 7 Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to award the bid to Arnt Construction Company in the amount of $906.816.92. All Ayes. Motion carried. Public Hearing on Renewal of Atkinson MininE Permit A public hearing was held to consider renewal of the Atkinson Mining Permit for mining and excavation on their property located on the south side of 147th Street between Irish and Hyde Avenue. City Administrator Bryan bear explained that there is no current mining activity on the site, and he provided information on the last renewal of the permit. In 2012, the Council allowed the Atkinsons to move forward with the Mining Permit renewal process without all the conditions being met until the time mining operations begin again. The conditions not being met are the requirement to biannually provide a topographic map of the site, calculation of stockpiled material, amount of granular material left onsite to be mined, and a reclamation plan. The permit is required to be renewed every two years. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. Jean Danner, 8478 147th Street North, said she lived across the street from the mining pit and asked if it was going to be as intense as it was before. She stated that it was horrible when the pit was being mined but has no objection if it continues as the way it is now. City Administrator Bryan Bear stated that they would review the permit at the time the mining started again. Council Member Haas asked about other trucks that were hauling on the road and told her to contact the City if there is a problem with the dust again. Cindy Petty, 13679 Fiona Avenue North, wanted clarification on whether they were doing mining, however minimal, or not. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained they were removing some of the stockpiled materials but not specifically mining. Mike Atkinson, 5560 140th Street, said he is the owner of A&B Construction and has only been to the site approximately seven times this year. He stated that if the mining begins again, it will likely be on projects benefiting Hugo. There were no more comments, and Mayor Weidt closed the public hearing. Council Member Haas stated that the pit is considered a valuable resource and it is understood that mining may happen again. The Council had decided to not make the Atkinsons incur the cost of meeting all the conditions of the permit until the time they started to mine again. He talked about the roads stating the if/when extensive hauling begins, Irish Avenue, north of 147th Street, is not suitable for all the trucks. He suggested having the haul route be 1471h , then south on Irish Avenue to CSAH 8 because it is better designed to handle the loads of the trucks. Haas stated he would consider allowing the use of the roads going to the north if the haulers maintained the roads. City Administrator Bear stated that conditions in the permit address that, but the City needs to pay better attention to it by monitoring them. Ruby Atkinson, 13452 Goodview Avenue North, said that there are a lot of other trucks that are using the roads. If changing the gravel pit route, others should have routes changed. Mike Atkinson stated that someone needs to pay attention to who's hauling besides them. Haas asked Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 5 of 7 residents to call City Hall if there are a lot of trucks hauling on the roads. Haas made motion, Bronk seconded, to approve renewal of the Mining Permit to expire July 1, 2016 with a change in route eliminating Irish Avenue, north of 147th Street, and 152nd Street as haul routes. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on NRI — City Attorney Dave Snyder City Administrator Bryan Bear provided background on the subcommittee that was created to work on issues related to National Recycling, Inc.'s use of the rail spur. The committee includes Desiree Rotter, Pat Dunn, Christine Taylor, Council Member Petryk, Mayor Weidt and representatives from NRI. The subcommittee held its first meeting on June, 24, 2014 and a follow-up meeting was held on the spur site on July 16, 2014. At that meeting, there was discussion on abatement of noise by planting trees or constructing a noise wall or berm. Bear stated that staff had discussions with the railroad who indicated it would be difficult to get approval to construct any structure in the easement. Bear presented several alternatives to consider noting that funding for a project is unknown, and there are several factors to consider. At the July 14, 2014 meeting, resident John Rotter presented a letter from the neighborhood asking specific question on the Bald Eagle Industrial Park Development Covenants and the Team Track Agreement. City Attorney Dave Snyder answered their questions saying the documents are legal and binding but their recording needs to be verified. The documents are separate regulatory tools that work together. The City would be obliged to take reasonable steps to enforce them, subject to many factors, which could result in litigation. In response to their question regarding future potential uses and how problems would be handled, Snyder talked about possible regulatory tools such as a permitting or licensing requirement. He explained that City regulations would only apply to the spur track, and would have no control over the main track. Any control steps would need the participation of all interested parties. City Administrator Bryan Bear said there are four parties involved: the City, MN Commercial Railroad, Schwieters, and customers of the rail spur. He stated that there was a lot of information to consider and suggested staff report back to Council with a recommendation at a future meeting. City Attorney Dave Snyder addressed the prospect of litigation. Snyder indicated that it may result in a short term reduction of a problem, but recommended adopting a more extensive code of regulations instead. John Rotter, 13635 Fiona Avenue North, thanked the City Attorney for his response to the letter. He said the City would be better served by having control over what happens. The neighbors would like to see compliance and feels that would take care of the issues the neighborhood has. Cindy Petty, 13679 Fiona Avenue North, asked about getting regular updates and also wanted to know about the NRI north site. She also said she felt the City should consider some screening of the railroad to improve the appearance since it is the entry point of the City and a future development area. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 6 of 7 The Council talked about having all parties involved and about the importance of looking into the future uses of the track. It was agreed a comprehensive review would be time well spent by staff, and things could be accomplished through a permitting process. Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to perform a comprehensive review and analysis of information regarding the spur. All Ayes. Motion carried. Yellow Ribbon Network Report Council Member Chuck Haas and Council Member Phil Klein reported on the Yellow Ribbon Network activities held recently. Haas thanked Wilson Tool for setting a record on July Hamburger Night for serving 261 burgers. He also thanked the Hugo Legion for their support. Hamburger Night Sponsor in August is Mark Schowpe from Keller Williams Realty. Mark also donates a portion of his income to the Yellow Ribbon, and he will be a field sponsors for the Pheasant Hunt. The YRN is inviting members of three units to the Hunt: 114 Transportation Company, 109 Aviation Squadron, and the 849 Mobile Augmentation Company. There will be another packing event on August 30, 2014 at 9 a.m., and the YRN is accepting wish list items. The Dogs on Deployment Program was able to find a home for a dog of an enlisted soldier. Letter to the Legislators on Veterans Health Care At its July 14, 2014 meeting, the Council directed staff to send a letter to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, and Congresswoman Bachman expressing disappointment on the lack of services our veterans receive from the Veterans Health Administration. Haas added this to the agenda to request this letter be forwarded to others. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff to forward the letter to Adjutant General MG Rick Nash and Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito. All Ayes. Motion carried. National Night Out/Community Night Out Tuesday, August 5, 2014 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. This event is an opportunity for neighbors to strengthen neighborhood spirit by gathering with police, fire department, City Council, and staff. As part of National Night Out, the Hugo Business Association (HBA) will be holding Community Night Out from 5-8 p.m. at Lions Park. This had been scheduled as a meeting of the Council. Oneka Ridue Golf Couse Proiect Tour Friday, August 8, 2014 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council that the Rice Creek Watershed District will be conducting tours of the water reuse project at the Oneka Ridge Golf Course. The tour for local decision makers is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2014 from 8:45-10 a.m. Another tour with the Board of Water and Soil Resources will be held on August 27, 2014. Council Members Bronk, Klein, Petryk, and Weidt have been scheduled to attend the Friday, August 8th tour, and Council Member Haas will attend the August 27th tour due to a conflict in his schedule. This is Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for August 4, 2014 Page 7 of 7 been scheduled as a meeting of the Council. Vacancy on Brown's Creek Watershed District Board City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that there is a vacancy on the Brown's Creek Watershed District. Anyone living in this district and interested in serving on the Board should contact the City. Ideal Credit Union Community Appreciation/88th Anniversary Celebration Staff added this to the agenda to inform Council they are invited to attend the Ideal Credit Union event on August 12, 2014. This will take place at their branch on 14750 Victor Hugo Boulevard from 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Ideal Credit Union event on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. All Ayes. Motion carried. Adiournment Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk