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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008.08.04 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2008 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, Assistant City Attorney Cameron Kelly, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Disaster Recovery Coordinator Nate Ehalt, and City Clerk Michele Lindau The Mayor expressed his condolences to the Weiss Family on the death of Harold Weiss. Harold is the father of Brett Weiss who is part owner of WSB Engineering. Approve Minutes for July 16, 2008 Town Hall Meeting with Senator Ray Vandeveer on Tornado Insurance Issues Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the July 16, 2008 Town Hall Meeting that State Senator Ray Vandeveer held regarding Tornado Insurance Issues for residents as presented. All aye. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for July 17, 2008 Open House on FEMA Flood Plain Mapping Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the July 17, 2008 open house with residents in regards to the FEMA Flood Plain Mapping as presented. All aye. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for City Council meeting July 21, 2008 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the July 21, 2008 council meeting as presented. All aye. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Add G.12 - Approve application for outdoor benefit for Brandon Perry at Blacksmith Lounge who was badly injured in a car accident on July 9, 2008 Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approved the agenda as amended. All Aye. Motion carried. Donation from Meisters Bar and Grill Fundraising Event For The Hugo Relief Fund City staff has been contacted by representatives from Meisters Bar and Grill in Scandia who recently held a fundraising event to raise money for the Hugo Relief Fund. They have requested an opportunity to present their donation to the City of Hugo and the residents affected by the May 25, 2008 Tornado. City Council Meeting of August 4, 2008 Page 2 of 6 Courtney Taylor, owner of Meisters Bar and Grill and Hugo resident with her family, explained they held their annual Summer Fest event the same weekend as the Hugo Good Neighbor Days, and were donating the $2,794 in profits from the event to help assist those affected by the tornado. Mayor Fran Miron publicly recognized and thanked the representatives of the fundraising event on behalf of the survivors of the tornado who will benefit from this generous donation. Presentation of 2007 City Audit Jason Miller from the independent accounting firm of Smith Schafer & Associates presented the Hugo City Council with a recap of the audit of City's finances for the 2007 fiscal year. Jason presented a PowerPoint presentation showing the pertinent information in the form of charts and graphs comparing revenue and expenditure information over the past five years as well as the status of City funds. He explained the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is on the City's website and available in the City's Finance Directors Office, and a summary has been published in the City's official newspaper. Jason recommend the need to better segregate the duties of the Finance Director and a need for staff to accomplish this. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to formally accept the 2007 City Audit as recommended by Finance Director Ron Otkin. All aye. Motion carried. Approval of Consent Agenda Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Resolution Appointing Election Judges for Primary and General Elections in 2008 Approve Temporary Liquor License for the Hugo Lions Club for the August 9, 2008 Wilson Tool Picnic Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Mike Loeffler Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Dave Greeder Approve Annual Performance Review for Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson Approve Pay Request No. 6 from Arnt Construction for work completed to date on Rice Lake Park Soccer Complex Approve Pay Request No. 8 from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for work completed to date on Well House No. 5 Approve Date Change to September 15, 2008 for Public Hearing on Recodification of City Code. Approve August 28, 2008 Open House on Street Construction Project for Hugo Elementary School Approve Rescheduling of September 1, 2008 Council meeting to September 2, 2008 due to Labor Day Holiday Approve Application for Outdoor Benefit to be Held for Brand Perry at the Blacksmith Lounge on September 6, 2008 Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster as presented. City Council Meeting of August 4, 2008 Page 3 of 6 Approval Resolution Appointing Election Judges for Primary and General Elections in 2008 City Clerk Michele Lindau has successfully recruited a number of residents who will serve as election judges for the City of Hugo's Primary and General Elections in 2008. Michele has prepared a resolution listing the respective election judges, many of which have served the City for decades. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2008-37 APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS IN THE YEAR 2008. Approve Temporary License for the Hugo Lions Club for the August 9, 2008 Wilson Tool Picnic Each year, Wilson Tool holds its annual employee picnic in Lions Park. For the past few years, Wilson Tool has accepted an offer from the Hugo Lions Club who will dispense the liquor which is provided by Wilson Tool along with other beverages. City staff has reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactory complete along with the naming of the City of Hugo as an additional insured. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the issuance of a temporary liquor license for the Hugo Lions Club for the August 9, 2008 Wilson Tool picnic. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Mike Loeffler Mike Loeffler was hired by the City of Hugo on August 5, 2002, as a new Public Works Worker. For the past six years, Mike has demonstrated an excellent work ethic along with a commitment and loyalty to the Public Works Department and residents providing an excellent level of duties primarily as the City's road grader operator. Mike has excellent customer service skills in dealing with the many residents in rural Hugo in addition to a wide variety of sewer and water department responsibilities. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for public works worker Mike Loeffler. 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. For the past three years, Dave has demonstrated an excellent level of mechanic duties for both the Public Works Department and the Fire Department saving the City many dollars. Dave is a hard worker who is very conscience and committed to the Public Works Department. Dave has other duties in the Public Works Department including streets, parks and the City's utility system. Dave has an attentive eye to detail and an excellent work place attitude. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Public Works Mechanic Dave Greeder. Approve Annual Performance Review for Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson Scott Anderson was hired by the City of Hugo on August 11, 2003 as the City's new Senior Engineering Technician. For the past five years, Scott has demonstrated an excellent work ethic along with a commitment and loyalty to the City which is well recognized by residents and business owners. Scott's primary focus for several years has been project manager for numerous City public improvement projects which has resulted in significant cost savings for the taxpayers of Hugo. Scott is an excellent communicator with a great sense of humor which works well with contractors and residents. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson. City Council Meeting of August 4, 2008 Page 4 of 6 Approve Pay Request No. 6 from Arnt Construction for work completed to date on Rice Lake Park Soccer Complex The City of Hugo has received Pay Request No. 6 from Arnt Construction for work completed to date for the construction of the Rice Lake Park Soccer Complex. Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson has reviewed the pay request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed to date on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Pay Request No. 6 in the amount of $131,752.54 for work completed to date on the Rice Lake Park Soccer Complex. Approve Pay Request No. 8 from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for work completed to date on Well House No. 5 The City of Hugo has received Pay Request No. 8 from EnComm Midwest Inc. for work completed to date on Well House No. 5 which includes a portion for painting, site work, chemical feed and electrical work. Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson has reviewed the pay request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed to date on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the pay request No. 8 in the amount of $39,089.50 for work completed to date on the construction of the Well House No. 5. Approve Date Change for Public Hearing on Recodification of City Code At its July 21, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council selected August 18, 2008 to hold the City Council's public hearing for the recodification of the City's Code. City staff will have a public hearing to be held by the Planning Commission on the Zoning Ordinance portion of the City Code prior to the formal adoption of the entire City Code. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approve the public hearing date for the recodification of the City Code on Monday, September 15, 2008 at the City Council meeting. Approve August 28, 2008 Open House on Street Construction Proiect for Hugo Elementary School Neighborhood City Engineer, Jay Kennedy has been working on plans and specifications for the street reconstruction project for the Hugo Elementary School neighborhood. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the scheduling of the open house on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at Hugo City Hall in order to allow residents the opportunity to review the street reconstruction plans. Approve Rescheduling of September 1, 2008 Council meeting to September 2, 2008 due to Labor Day Holiday The Hugo City Council needs 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, 2008 City Council meeting to September 2, 2008. Approve Application for Outdoor Benefit for Brandon Perry at the Blacksmith Lounge on September 6, 2008 The City received a request to hold an outdoor benefit for Brandon Perry for a who was badly injured in a car accident on July 9, 2008. The event would include raffles, liquor to be served outside, and a band. The Blacksmith Lounge has agreed to allow the event to be held in their outdoor area at their site located City Council Meeting of August 4, 2008 Page 5 of 6 at 17205 Forest Boulevard North. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the outdoor event and gambling permit to sell raffle tickets. Report on Hugo Long Term Recovery Services Committee — Nate Ehalt Coordinator Nate Ehalt provided the Hugo City Council with a report on the Committee activities to date and the work of the Hugo Long Term Recovery Services Committee which organized more than one month ago and has been meeting weekly. He explained that currently there was $422,838.04 available to help residents in need of goods or services not covered by insurance, and there was an additional $20,000 grant available to pay for mental health services. Nate talked about the events the committee was working on and how funds were being dispersed. Residents were coming forward anonymously, and eight cases had already been paid out totaling $14,776. Pete Pedersen, member of the committee, commented on the great job Nate was doing and the Council was concerned the process would be "short- changed" if they allowed Nate to leave prematurely. Pete stated that those experienced in disaster relief have pointed out that needs increase as the time goes on and the money needed to continue to come in and be available to residents in need. Update on Application for Tax Relief for Disaster and Destroyed Property Program At its July 7, 2008 meeting the Hugo City Council adopted a resolution drafted by Washington County which was then submitted to the State of Minnesota's Executive Committee for the revisions to the evaluations of properties of homes damaged by the May 25, 2008 Tornado Disaster. Community Development Director Bryan Bear explained the applications and materials had been submitted on behalf of the City of Hugo by Washington County to the State of Minnesota's Executive Council in regards to property evaluations, and the City was waiting the review by the Executive Council which should be completed by October 15, 2008. Bryan explained that 386 properties were affected at a total of $24 million, averaging $62,000 per building, which exceeded the requirement for property tax relief. Petryk noted City Assessor Frank Langer had not taken any financial compensation for all his extra work, and the Council expressed appreciation for the countless hours he worked with no billable hours. Report on July 21, 2008 GEARS Board Meting At its July 7, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council selected Mayor Fran Miron to attend the GEARS Board Meeting at which he would be the City of Hugo's representative of the selection for a municipal representative of Washington County to serve on the GEARS Board for the distribution of the one quarter cent sales tax which would raise annual funds in the amount of $1 million dollars to provide funds towards the transportation projects in five counties in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Mayor Fran Miron was unable to attend the meeting and requested Council member Chuck Haas attend to represent the City of Hugo. Council member Chuck Haas reported on the activities that day and the nomination and election of Mayor Bill Hargis as the Municipal Representative. National Night Out August 5, 2008 The annual National Night Out will be held on August 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the neighborhoods of Beaver Pond, Victor Gardens and Creekview Preserve. These neighborhoods have contacted the Washington County Sheriff and Hugo Fire Department to be present at their neighborhood's National Night Out. City Council Meeting of August 4, 2008 Page 6 of 6 Report from Parks Commissioner Pete Pederson regarding Hansen Family Property Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission Pete Pederson has requested an opportunity to address the City Council regarding the proposed purchase of the Hansen family property formally operated as a gravel pit. Pete was at the meeting as well as Parks Commission Chair Roger Clarke. Pete explained the Master Park Plan called for a 80+ acre ball field complex and the property located at 14420 Irish Avenue North was a 120 acre site. There were five beneficiaries of the estate including Ken Hansen who is handling the legal issues. Pete had been working with Hansen's lawyer Dale Heburt and requested Council approve forming a committee to begin the process of purchasing the property and approve obtaining an appraisal. The goal of the Parks Commission was to have a recommendation to the City Council by early October. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to form a committee to include Council Members Chuck Haas and Mike Granger, Parks Commission Members Pete Pederson and Roger Clarke, City Staff, and City Assessor Frank Langer who will establish a value on the property. All aye. Motion carried. Council Member Petryk volunteered to be a substitute on the committee. Vacancy on Brown's Creek Watershed District Board City staff has received notification from Brown's Creek Watershed District the term of one of its board members will expire in October of 2008. City staff publicly announced to any residents living in the Brown's Creek Watershed District area that if they are interested in serving as a manager on the Brown's Creek Watershed District Board that they should contact Washington County and/or the City of Hugo for an application and additional information. Mid -Year Budget Review Meeting City Administrator Mike Ericson provided a friendly reminder to the Council of the mid -year budget review meeting to be held the following day, Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Hugo City Hall. Boy Scouts in Attendance The Mayor noted there were three Boy Scouts in attendance, and he invited them to come to the podium and introduce themselves. They stated they were working on their Citizenship Merit Badge. The Mayor thanked them for attending and wished them good luck. Adiournment Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. to the Hugo City Hall Parking Lot to inspect the new pumper tanker fire truck recently purchased by the Hugo Fire Department. All aye. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk