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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009.02.02 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Haas, Klein, Petryk, Weidt, Miron ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, City Attorney Dave Snyder, Finance Director Ron Otkin, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, Associate Planner Rachel Simone, Fire Chief Jim Compton, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of Minutes for the HealthEast Clinic Open House on January 14, 2009 Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the minutes for the January 14, 2009 Open House held at HealthEast - Hugo Clinic as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for the Council Meeting of January 20, 2009 Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the minutes for the January 20, 2009 meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Miron made motion, Weidt seconded, to approved the agenda as amended: Add: K.1 Gold Plate Dinner on Friday, February 6, 2009 K.2 Firefighters Relief Association Annual Banquet on Saturday, February 7, 2009 All Ayes. Motion carried. The MN Home Ownership Center: Mortgage Counseling - Ed Nelson City staff was recently contacted by representatives of The Minnesota Home Ownership Center who requested an opportunity to present Council with the latest information regarding the home foreclosure issue in the State of Minnesota and services available for residents who are faced with foreclosure issues. Ed Nelson, from The Minnesota Home Ownership Center, provided Council with a brief overview and update on the foreclosure issue in the State of Minnesota as well as available services for residents facing foreclosure issues. The MN Home Ownership Center is trying to reach consumers before they fall behind in their mortgages, In 2008, the Center was able to help homeowners avoid foreclosures 59 % of the time. Ed explained the MN Home Ownership Center works closely with Washington County HRA and other nonprofit groups to assist residents facing foreclosure as well as providing pre -purchase education and counseling. On February 10, 2009, the MN Home Ownership Center will provide a telephone seminar where callers can listen to a brief presentation and have the opportunity to speak one-on- one to counselors to address their specific issues. The seminar will take place between 7-8 p.m. Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 2 of 7 and residents facing foreclosure are encouraged to contact them at 888-886-6603. Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to work with the MN Home Ownership Center to update the City's website with a link to the services provided by the MN Home Ownership Center. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Consent Agenda Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Appointment of Doug Galler to the Planning Commission Approve Advertisement for Vacancy on the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals Approve Recommendation from EDA to Reschedule the February 16 EDA Meeting to February 23 Due to Presidents Day Federal Holiday Approve Change in Telephone Provider from Qwest to Integra Approve Work Drill and Training Policy for Hugo Fire Department Approve Revisions to the Fire Department Point System for Responding to Calls Approve Reduction in Letter of Credit for Public Improvements on Everton Avenue — Everton Investments, LLC Approve Final Pay Request from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for Work Completed on Construction of Well House No. 5 Accept Donation from Matt Hayek to the Hugo Fire Department Accept Donation from Hugo Firefighters Relief Association to the City of Hugo for the Hugo Fire Department All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster as presented. Approve Appointment of Doug Galler to the Planning Commission At its December 15, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council accepted the resignation of Councilmember Tom Weidt from the Hugo Planning Commission since he was elected as a new Councilmember in the November City election. Council directed City staff to advertise for the vacancy on the Planning Commission. The City of Hugo received an application for the vacancy from Doug Galler who was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2008 by the Hugo City Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the appointment of Doug Galler as the new Planning Commissioner on the Hugo Planning Commission replacing Councilmember Tom Weidt with a four-year term set to expire December 31, 2012. Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 3 of 7 Approve Advertisement for Vacancy on the Board of Zoning Adiustments and Appeals Due to the appointment of Doug Galler to the Planning Commission, a vacancy has been created on the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the advertisement for vacancy on the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals and encourage any interested residents to apply for the position. Approve Recommendation from EDA to Reschedule the February 16 EDA Meeting to February 23 Due to Presidents Day Federal Holiday Annually, the Economic Development Authority must reschedule its February meeting due to the Presidents Day Federal Holiday. At its January 26, 2009 meeting, the EDA agreed to reschedule it to the fourth Monday of the month of February. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the recommendation from the EDA to reschedule its February meeting to February 23, 2009 due to the Presidents Day Federal Holiday. Approve Change in Telephone Provider from Qwest to Integra Over the past several months, City staff has been reviewing and exploring the current delivery of services to the City of Hugo by the telephone provider Qwest, which the City is currently in a month-to-month contract. In short, staff has determined that its telephone provider services can better be provided by another telephone provider with a reduction in cost to the City of Hugo. City Clerk Michele Lindau and Finance Director Ron Otkin have reviewed a proposal from a telephone provider named Integra who can provide a higher level of communication services to the City of Hugo while reducing its monthly costs by $260. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the change in the telephone provider for the City of Hugo and cancel its contract with Qwest and sign a three year contract with Integra. Approve Work Drill and Training Policy for Hugo Fire Department Fire Chief Jim Compton, Deputy Fire Chief Jadon 011ila, and Assistant Fire Chief Marty Schwartz have reviewed the Hugo Fire Department Work Drill and Trailing Policy after the City of Hugo agreed to work with White Bear Lake Fire and Ambulance to provide BLS ambulance service to the City of Hugo beginning in January 2008. In order to provide the proper level of drill and training for firefighters, Chief Compton agreed to make revisions to the Drill and Training Policy to allow firefighters the opportunity to complete drill and training on the first three Tuesdays of the month. After review by the City Administrator Mike Ericson and City Attorney Dave Snyder, Fire Chief Jim Compton recommended council approve the revised Work Drill and Training Policy. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the revised Work Drill and Training Policy for the Hugo Fire Department effective March 2009. Approve Revisions to the Fire Department Point System for Responding to Calls After concerns were brought forth by Hugo Fire Department members, the Chief and Assistant Chief have reviewed the point system and made revisions to it to make it more user-friendly. These revisions have been reviewed by City Administrator Mike Ericson and City Attorney Dave Snyder and found to be acceptable. Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton recommended Council approve the revisions. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the revisions to the Hugo Fire Department Point System for responding to calls retroactive to January 4, 2009. Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 4 of 7 Approve Reduction in Letter of Credit for Public Improvements on Everton Avenue — Everton Investments, LLP Public Works Director Scott Anderson has reviewed the request from Everton Investments, LLP for a reduction in the letter of credit for public improvements which were made on Everton Avenue with the development of the HealthEast - Hugo Clinic building. Public Works Director Scott Anderson has agreed with the reduction of the letter of credit which would reduce the City's letter of credit from $150,000 to $15,000. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reduction in the letter of credit from $150,000 to $15,000 for Everton Investments, LLP. Approve Final Pay Request from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for Work Completed on Construction of Well House No. 5 The City of Hugo has received the final pay request from EnComm Midwest, Inc, for work completed on the construction of Well House No. 5. Public Works Director Scott Anderson has reviewed the request and found it to be consistent for work completed to date on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the final pay request for $18,916.45 for work completed on the construction of Well House No. 5. Accept Donation from Matt Hayek to the Hugo Fire Department On November 22, 2008, the Hugo Fire Department responded to an emergency call at the home of Matt Hayek for chest pains. The Hugo Fire Department transported Matt to St. Paul Regions Hospital where he made a full recovery. In appreciation for the work of the Hugo Fire Department, Matt Hayek wishes to donate a check in the amount of $100 to the Hugo Fire Department. Fire Chief Jim Compton recommends Council accept the donation from Matt Hayek in the amount of $100. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation from Matt Hayek for $100. Accept Donation from Hugo Firefighters Relief Association to the City of Hugo for the Hugo Fire Department In the past year, the Hugo Relief Association has raised funds through calendar sales, pop can cage funds, Hugo Good Neighbor Days proceeds, and other events. The Hugo Firefighters Relief Association wishes to donate items purchased with these funds to the City of Hugo for the Hugo Fire Department. President of the Hugo Firefighters Relief Association Tony Bronk and Fire Chief Jim Compton recommend Council accept the donation. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation from the Hugo Firefighters Relief Association to the City of Hugo for the Hugo Fire Department. Legislative Update - State Senator Ray Vandeveer, State Representative Matt Dean, and State Representative Bob Dettmer City staff was recently contacted by State Senator Ray Vandeveer who requested an opportunity to present a Minnesota State Legislature update for the Hugo City Council and the public. State Representatives Matt Dean and Bob Dettmer also attended the meeting and explained some of the items they would be working on during the upcoming State Legislature Session. Of importance is the Hugo Tornado Relief Bill to provide relief to the City for expenses incurred as a result of the May 25, 2008 tornado; Green Acres Bill that proposed changes to the Green Acre Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 5 of 7 Law passed last year which has created a financial hardship for rural property owners as well as encouraging development of open space; and the Watershed District Bill which would authorize the County Board to oversee levies proposed by the Watershed District Board. A town hall meeting will be scheduled at Hugo City Hall in the near future, and residents are encouraged to attend. Mayor Miron thanked Senator Ray Vandeveer, State Representative Bob Dettmer, and State Representative Matt Dean for the update and for all the things they do for the Citizens of Hugo and elsewhere. Discussion on Water Conservation and Water Usage Rates At its January 5, 2009 meeting, Hugo City Council listened to resident Joe Johnson who inquired as to what the City's water conservation measures were. Council agreed to research the issue with City staff and bring it back to the Council for a formal presentation and discussion. Council was provided with a detailed description of the City's waster and sewer rates adopted by Council in December 2004 which are posted on the City's website, as well as a copy of the City's flyer "How is Your Drinking Water" which is a requirement of the Minnesota Department of Health. This flyer is mailed to every municipal water user in the City, and it describes in detail the water restrictions and conservation tips adopted by the City on May 15, 2001. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with a review of the City's water conservation measures and water usage rates. Ron explained rates are reviewed by the DNR, who is also the permitting authority for wells. The City uses a Block Rate Structure with a base rate for the first 15,000 gallons used. This structure provides for stable and sufficient revenues as well as contributes to the City's goal of full funding of accumulated depreciation of the City's public infrastructure. Resident Joe Johnson, 5430 134th Street North, suggested the City encourage conservation by using a meter system that charged for each gallon used. Haas made motion, Klein second, to direct staff to review and recommend a water rate structure that 1) changes the first 15,000 gallons of residential water usage from a flat fee to a per unit cost, 2) applies same methodology to the commercial/industrial rate structure, and 3) is revenue neutral. A friendly amendment was made by Haas to consider Joe Johnson's proposed rate structure as well as include himself and Councilmember Petryk in future meetings. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Revisions to the City's Sign Ordinance Over the past several months, the City's ordinance review committee has reviewed and made revisions to the City's sign ordinance which was in need of a major overhaul. As Council is aware, the goal of the committee was to complete the sign ordinance by the end of the year, but input from the business owners and Hugo Business Association was necessary in order to make modification and revisions to the sign ordinance to allow for the grandfathering of a number of current signs. At its December 11, 2008 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the sign ordinance as proposed by staff to the City Council. At the January 5, 2009 Council meeting, Council tabled this item to allow staff to research some of the proposed sign requirements. Associate Planner Rachel Simone presented the Council with the revised ordinance, and the Council proposed further revisions to clarify the definition of "signs", change size requirements for signs associated with residential and agricultural uses, change wording on specific type of prohibited sign, and include an implementation date of June 1, 2009. Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 6 of 7 Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to make the changes to the ordinance as discussed, and schedule a public hearing at an upcoming Council meeting on the Sign Ordinance. Ayes: Haas, Petryk, Miron Nays: Weidt, Klein Motion carried. Discussion on Sign Complaints On July 7, 2008 the City Council directed staff to delay action on sign complaints until the new sign ordinance was adopted. There have been complaints since then that staff would like to address. Council tabled this item at its January 5, 2009 meeting until the time the Sign Ordinance was adopted. Weidt made motion, Haas seconded, to table this item until the Sign Ordinance is adopted. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Proposed New Well At its January 20, 2009 meeting, John Arcand asked questions regarding the City's purchase of property adjacent to the Oneka Ridge Golf Course for the location of a new well and water tower. Council then tabled this issue and directed City staff to provide additional information and bring it back for discussion at this meeting. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided Council with an updated map showing the location of other wells in the area as well as information on the White Bear Lake Township well, which was constructed in 1998 and is 7,500 feet from the Oneka Ridge Golf Course. Jay explained the DNR was the permitting authority on new wells and they determine how much the City can draw off an aquifer. During the drilling process, neighboring wells are monitored. Joe Johnson, Mike Gallivan, and John Arcand asked questions of the Council and staff regarding the purchase of the property, reason for the new well, and well site selection, which were all answered by staff and Council. No formal action was taken. Discussion on Hunting in City Parks Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation for Washington County Regional Rail Authority to Abandon Railroad Line from 140th Street to 146th St. At its January 14, 2008 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the issue of hunting in City Parks. Specifically, Commission members were split on whether to continue supporting the City's current ordinance, which prohibits the discharge of firearms but does not specifically include the discharge of archery equipment. The Parks Commission passed a motion requesting the City Council to form a sub -committee made up of members from the City Council, Planning Commission and Parks Commission to review the current ordinance and recommend any changes necessary. At is October 8, 2008 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the need to extend the Hardwood Creek Trail south along the west side of Hwy 61 to 140th Street. Commission members agreed that, due to the high use of the trail and need to connect the trial to the trail system in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park, the City of Hugo should make an official Hugo City Council Minutes for February 2, 2009 Page 7 of 7 request to the Washington County Regional Authority which maintains control and jurisdiction over the 100 -foot right-of-way easement in which the railroad tracks are currently installed. Petryk made motion, Weidt seconded, to table both items until the February 17, 2009 City Council meeting due to the lack of time. All Ayes. Motion carried. 4th Annual Oneka Gold Plate Dinner & Firefighters Relief Association Banquet On Friday, February 6, 2009 the Oneka PTA will host its 4th Annual Gold Plate Dinner at the Hugo American Legion beginning at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, February 7, 2009, The Firefighters Relief Association will hold its annual banquet at the Hugo American Legion to begin at 5:30 p.m. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to schedule both these events as Council meetings to allow Council participation. All Ayes. Motion carried. Death of Judge Doug Swenson and Judge Doug Doyscher Mayor Fran Miron announced 10th Judicial District Court Judge Douglas Swenson of Forest Lake, died on Sunday, February 1, 2009 in St. Paul. Swenson, 63, was elected to six terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving the Forest Lake area before being appointed to the bench in January of 1998. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff to send a sympathy card to the family of Judge Doug Swenson. Also, 10th Judicial District Court Judge David E. Doyscher from Forest Lake passed away on Monday, February 2, 2009 after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. Hass made motion, Petryk seconded, to amend the motion to include direction to staff to also send a sympathy card to the family of David E. Doyscher. Vote on amendment: All Ayes. Motion carried. Vote on motion as amended: All Ayes. Motion carried. The Mayor and Council expressed condolences to both families. Adiournment Petryk made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk