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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.03.15 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Haas, Klein, Petryk, Miron ABSENT: Weidt ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Finance Director Ron Otkin, Building Official John Benson, Assistant City Attorney Christine Eid, Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, Senior Engineering Technician Steve Duff, Parks and Recreation Intern Shayla Severson, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of Minutes for the I-35 W/E Coalition Meeting on February 23, 2010 Petryk made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the minutes for the February 23, 2010 I-35 W/E Coalition meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. City Council Meeting on March 1, 2010 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the March 1, 2010 Council meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approved the agenda as amended. Add F.1 - Yellow Ribbon Network Pheasant Hunt on March 14, 2010 Remove G.13 - Recommended Changes to Traffic Control Devices in Fable Hill Development Add M.1 - MN DOT Meeting on March 23, 2010 All Ayes. Motion carried. Yellow Ribbon Network Welcome Home Pheasant Hunt on Sunday, March 14, 2010 Councilmember Chuck Haas added this item to the agenda. City of Stillwater Councilmember Mike Pohlena was in attendance with Hugo Councilmember Chuck Haas to thank everyone who participated in the Yellow Ribbon Network Welcome Home Pheasant Hunt that was held on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Wild Wings Game Farm in Hugo. This well organized event was made possible by the cooperation of the communities of Stillwater and Hugo, and the generous donations of Wild Wings and area businesses and residents. Over 90 troops attended this event on a record-setting 65 degree day to participate in the pheasant hunt, sporting clays, and wild Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 2 of 9 game dinner. Mayor Fran Miron stated the City was proud to have the Jeff and Susan Hughes family living in Hugo and it was admirable of them to offer their Wild Wings Game Farm facility for the hunt and for the guides to offer their services free of charge. Presentation of GFOA Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting - Finance Director Ron Otkin Finance Director Ron Otkin has received notification from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada that he has received his 16th Certificate of Achievement for excellence in financial reporting. As Council is aware, this certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The City is proud to recognize Finance Director Ron Otkin for his excellence in financial reporting, a job he takes a lot of pride in. Mayor Fran Miron presented Ron with his certificate and publicly thanked him for his 21 years of dedicated service to the City of Hugo. Approve Resolution of Recognition for Building Official John Benson At its March 1, 2010 meeting, the Hugo City Council accepted the letter of resignation from Building Official John Benson who is set to retire at the end of March after 22 years working as the City of Hugo's Building Official. City staff has prepared the attached resolution that notes John's work and accomplishments over the past 22 years, which include the tens of thousands of inspections he's made on homes, commercial buildings, retail buildings, as well as new decks, siding, windows, and roofs. Mayor Fran Miron read the resolution of recognition and publicly thank John for his 22 years of dedicated service to the Citizens of Hugo. The Mayor also announced there will be a retirement open house on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 2pm - 4pm at which cake and punch will be served. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt Resolution 2010-7 RECOGNIZING JOHN BENSON FOR HIS 22 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AS THE BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR THE CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Consent Agenda Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Summary Ordinance for Publication of the Fire Protection and Prevention Ordinance Approve Adoption of the 2030 City of Hugo Comprehensive Plan Approve Authorization for Bids for Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Shelter Approve Annual Performance Review for Finance Director Ron Otkin Approve Annual Performance Review for Building Department Secretary Debi Close Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 3 of 9 Approve Annual Performance Review for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields Approve Resolution Advertising for Bid for South Egg Lake Street Reconstruction Project All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Summary Ordinance for Publication of the Fire Protection and Prevention Ordinance At its August 17, 2009 City Council meeting, Fire Chief Jim Compton recommended the City consider adopting a formal burning ordinance. The Council directed staff to prepare a draft burning ordinance for Council consideration, and they discussed various drafts of the ordinance on four separate occasions. Staff has worked with the Hugo Fire Department to amend the draft ordinance while considering how the ordinance would be administered with current staffing levels. At its March 1, 2010 meeting, the City Council unanimously adopted the revised burning ordinance. City staff has prepared a summary for publication in the City's newspaper, The Citizen. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the publication of the summary of the revised Fire Protection and Prevention ordinance. Approve Adoption of the 2030 City of Hugo Comprehensive Plan At its December 9, 2009 meeting, the Met Council formally approved the City of Hugo's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. There were minor changes in the comprehensive plan that were amended per the Met Councils conditions of approval. On December 21, 2009, the City Council forwarded the revisions to the City Code that are necessary to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan to the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC). The ORC has been meeting the last couple months to go over the sections of the City Code that need to be amended. This will be completed within the nine months allowed, and a public hearing will be held on the revisions. At their March 9, 2010, meeting the ORC made a recommendation to the City Council to formally adopt the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2010-5 AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2030 COMPRENSIVE PLAN. Approve Authorization for Bids for Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Shelter At its February 1, 2010 meeting, the Council listened to a presentation from Kendra Lindahl from Landform who shared with Council the most recent concept plan including preliminary construction plans for the new park shelter at Hanifl Fields Athletic Complex. Kendra informed the Council that the final revisions to the construction plans would be made by Landform and a final set of construction plans would be brought forward to the City and a request made to authorize City staff to solicit bids for the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the authorization for Bids for Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Shelter. Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 4 of 9 Approve Annual Performance Review for Finance Director Ron Otkin Ron Otkin was hired as the City's Finance Director on April 3, 1989. For the past 21 years, Ron has provided an excellent level of duties related to the City's Finance Department which includes the preparation of the City's annual budget as well as financing of public improvement projects and accounts payable and accounts receivable. Earlier this evening, Ron was presented with his 16th GFOA Award of Excellence in Financial Reporting, which reflects public recognition of the most highest level of professional skills demonstrated by a finance director. City Administrator Mike Ericson recommended Council approve the annual performance review for Finance Director Ron Otkin. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Finance Director Ron Otkin who just completed his 21St year of dedicated service to the City of Hugo. Approve Annual Performance Review for Building Department Secretary Debi Close Debi Close was hired as the City's Building Department Receptionist on March 20, 2006. For the past four years, Debi has worked hard in performing her duties which involve an extensive amount of customer service duties both at the front counter and on the telephone scheduling inspections with contractors. Debi is responsible for all front counter duties which has increased her work load yet she is providing an excellent level of customer service duties. Debi communicates with the building department official when front counter help is needed. Debi also works as the secretary to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Debi has a good work ethic with excellent people skills and the ability to multi -task very well. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Building Department Receptionist Debi Close. Approve Annual Performance Review for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields Dennis Fields was hired by the City of Hugo as the new Community Development Assistant and started work on March 31, 2008. Over the past two years, Dennis has worked hard in setting up the City's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where he has mapped the entire City providing maps to both the Public Works Department for snowplowing and the Fire Department for emergency response. Dennis provides support staff to the Planning Commission and works with Rachel Simone to meet with Home Owner Association representatives to address issues such as foreclosures and rental housing. Dennis is very knowledgeable in his field and he has an excellent understanding of community development issues. Dennis is an excellent communicator and has a great work ethic. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields. Approve Resolution Advertising for Bid for South Egg Lake Street Reconstruction Proiect On October 12, 2009, a neighborhood meeting was held with the residents on the south end of Egg Lake to discuss a 2010 street reconstruction project. At its October 19, 2009 meeting, the Council directed staff to prepare a feasibility study for the project. City Engineer Jay Kennedy prepared the feasibility study, and at the December 21, 2009 meeting he presented the findings to the City Council on the project. Council held a public hearing February 1, 2010 where several Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 5 of 9 residents spoke. Council adopted a resolution ordering improvements and preparation of plans and specification for the South Egg Lake Street Reconstruction Project. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, staff held the final open house for the project which was attended by residents whose questions were answered by staff. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2009-9 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE SOUTH EGG LAKE AREA ROADWAY, DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. Approve Resolution Approving Sanitary Sewer Rates Councilmember Haas removed this item from the Consent Agenda. Finance Director Ron Otkin explained that since 2004, the annual cost of sewage treatment paid to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has increased over $334,000. This is an average annual increase of 22% over a five-year period and, as a result, the sewer fund has incurred operating losses four out of the last five years. The Finance Department recommends that sanitary sewer rates be adjusted for the first time since 2004 to restore profitability to the sewer fund. For single-family residential customers, the increase amounts to $5 per quarter. Haas made motion, Klein seconded to recommend RESOLUTION 2010-10 ESTABLISHING SANITARY SEWER SERVICE RATES, which will take effect with the first quarter 2010 utility bills. Ayes: Petryk, Klein, Haas, Miron Nays: None Motion carried. Approve Extension to Enchanted Waters Preliminary Plat Approval Councilmember Petryk removed this from the Consent Agenda. City staff has received a letter of request from property owners Jim and Karen Bever for an extension for approval of the Enchanted Waters Preliminary Plat that was first approved on May 1, 2006. There has been three other extension requests previously approved by the City Council for this project, and the latest approval will expire August 6, 2010. The property owners have requested an extension of approval until August 2013 or 2014 because of the conditions of the real estate market. Staff met with Mr. Bever to discuss the extension request after receiving the letter. Councilmember Petryk commented that the property owners worked very hard to plat this property, and due to the suggested changes to the Comprehensive Plan by the Metropolitan Council to not create density greater than one home per ten acres, the City would be removing the Rural and Open Space Preservation Ordinance, which was what the Enchanted Waters Preliminary Plat was approved under. Petryk made motion, Haas seconded, to approve an extension for approval of the Enchanted Waters Preliminary Plat for 24 months, to expire on August 6, 2012. Ayes: Klein, Haas, Petryk, Miron Nays: None Motion carried. Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 6 of 9 Approve Award of Bid to Rum River Contracting for TH61/130th Intersection Councilmember Klein removed this from the Consent Agenda, On March 2, 2010, staff opened bids for the intersection improvements at TH61/130th Street with a total of six bidders, and bids for improvements at TH61/147th Street with a total of eleven bidders. Klein pointed out that the bid from Rum River Contracting of $869,991.50 for TH61/130th Street intersection was 22.5% below the engineer's estimated overall cost, and the bid from Arnt Construction for $2,096,740.13 for TH61/147th Street intersection was 22.11% below the engineer's estimated overall cost. Klein made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the award of bid to Rum River Contracting in the amount of $869,991.50 for TH61/130th Street, and award of bid to Arnt Construction for $2,096,740.13 for TH61/147th Street. All Ayes. Motion carried. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to schedule a meeting with local businesses to identify how construction will affect them, and keep them appraised of potential projects. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Recommended Changes to Traffic Control Devices in the Fable Hill Development This was removed from the Consent Agenda by staff for discussion. City staff was contacted by a group of residents who were concerned with traffic speeds throughout the Fable Hill development. Senior Engineering Technician Steve Duff conducted traffic and speed counts at several locations in the development. After the data was collected and reviewed, staff consulted with WSB & Associates Transportation Engineer Chuck Rickart to determine if changes to the existing traffic control devices in the area would encourage a reduction of speed. City Engineer Jay Kennedy explained the traffic data and presented a phased approach where all -way stops would be installed, and if that didn't reduce speeds, "curve ahead" and warning signs could be installed. Art Anderson, 4453 Fable Hills Parkway, and another resident on the same street commented on the excessive speed. Kris Birch, 4540 Fable Hills Parkway, questioned whether a sign could be installed indicating there was a park is located in this area. Miron made motion, Klein seconded to approve the changes recommend by WSB, and direct staff to review speed limit signage off Elmcrest Avenue and near the park, and directed staff to work with Washington County Sheriff's Department to increase patrol. All Ayes. Motion carried. Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 7 of 9 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) Each year, the City is required to hold a public hearing in order to take pubic comment on the City's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as part of the City's MS4 NPDES permit to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The City scheduled a public hearing for Monday, March 15, 2010 at Hugo City Hall, to present and discuss the SWPPP. Senior Engineer Technician Steve Duff presented the SWPPP to the Council outlining City activities as a result of implementing the SWPPP. Mayor Miron opened the public hearing and there were no comments on the City's SWPPP. No other formal action was required. Update on Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program and EDA Recommendation for a Joint Workshop on April 7, 2010 On February 8, 2010 the Hugo Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) task force held a retreat at Hugo City Hall. The retreat showcased the outcomes of the survey and started the implementation process for the projects that were identified by the task force members. City Planner Rachel Simone and EDA Intern Shayla Syverson provided Council with an update including a recommendation by the EDA to hold a joint workshop and commencement meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Hugo American Legion. The commencement meeting will provide all the businesses in Hugo an opportunity to see the business survey results and the projects that were identified to implement the main goals for helping businesses. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to schedule a joint meeting to allow Council attendance at the BR&E Commencement meeting on Wednesday, April 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hugo American Legion. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Shooting Ordinance At its December 7, 2009 Meeting, City Council directed City staff to work with Councilmember Chuck Haas and Councilmember Becky Petryk to prepare revisions to the proposed Shooting Regulations Ordinance. The Council members and staff created a Controlled Shooting Area Map, and made revisions to the proposed ordinance, which will recognize both urban and rural areas of the City. Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields presented Council with the most recent revisions to the City's proposed Shooting Regulations Ordinance. The Council discussed how Minnesota State Statute and DNR regulations complied with the Ordinance and whether the restrictions on Bald Eagle Lake were enforceable. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to table the item and directed staff to provide additional information at the next meeting regarding DNR regulations. All Ayes. Motion carried. Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 8 of 9 Discussion on Gambling Ordinance At it's January 4, 2010, the Hugo City Council discussed issues related to charitable gambling in the City of Hugo and whether the City of Hugo should consider adopting an ordinance to ensure that charitable gambling proceeds are spent within the City of Hugo's trade area. The Hugo City Council directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance that would regulate how the City's charitable organizations spend their proceeds. City met with representatives from charitable gambling organizations in the City of Hugo to discuss the ordinance, and City Clerk Michele Lindau worked with Assistant City Attorney Christine Eid to prepare the draft ordinance which Michele presented to Council. Council discussed whether there was a need for an ordinance at this time. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to table this item until the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, and direct staff to provide all gambling organizations with a copy of the proposed ordinance and invite them to the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried. Approve Appointment of Chuck Preisler as New Building Official Due to the retirement of Hugo Building Official John Benson, Hugo City Council is required under Minnesota Statute to appoint a person to the position. Chuck Preisler was hired by the City of Hugo on November 29, 2004 as the City's new building inspector. Over the past five years Chuck has worked hard to perform all the duties necessary of a building inspector as well as continuing his education to earn the certification as a building official under the State of Minnesota Building Official Guidelines. For the past year, John Benson and Chuck Preisler have met on a regular basis to review duties and prepare Chuck to serve as the City's new building official. John worked closely with Chuck and other City staff to transfer the duties of code enforcement officer to Chuck as well, and he has preformed them with a high level of professionalism and customer service. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the promotion of Building Inspector Chuck Preisler to his new position as Building Official of the City of Hugo, which includes the salary adjustment reflected in the City's 2010 City Budget. All Ayes. Motion carried. It was also noted that the position vacated by Chuck Preisler would not be filled, reducing the Building Department inspection staff from three employees to two employees. Discussion on Supreme Court Ruling on Hubbard Case and Proposed Legislation Concerning DNR Certification on Variances As the Council is aware, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the City of Lakeland's decision to grant a variance to a homeowner wishing to construct a home in Lakeland on the bluffs along the St. Croix River. Supreme Court ruling confirmed the City of Lakeland's control over variance decisions in the lower St. Croix River. There is legislation currently in the 2010 MN State Minutes for the Hugo City Council meeting on March 15, 2010 Page 9 of 9 Legislature which would effectively grant the MN DNR control over cities' zoning decisions that impact the lower St. Croix River. The Council generally agreed that DNR guidelines did not fit every community, and they did not want to see local control be turned over to a state agency. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to write a letter to Lakeland indicating their strong support for the position they took. All Ayes. Motion carried. MN DOT Meeting on March 23, 2010 MN DOT and the Anoka Highway Department will be holding a workshop on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Bobby and Steve's Auto World in Lino Lakes to provide an overview of the removal and replacement of the County Road 14 Bridge over Interstate 35E. Mayor Fran Miron and City Administrator Mike Ericson will be attending this meeting. Adjournment Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk