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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008.09.15 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, Associate Planner Rachel Simone, City Attorney Dave Snyder, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of City Council Meeting of September 2, 2008 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the September 2, 2008 City Council meeting as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approved the agenda as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo Lions Donation to the Tornado Hugo Relief Fund — President Grant Shaffer City staff was contacted by Hugo Lions President Grant Shaffer who requested to make a presentation to the City of Hugo and the Hugo City Council with donations collected by the Lions for the Hugo Tornado Relief Fund. As Council is aware, the Hugo Lions played a key service role in both the tornado cleanup activities as well as a very active role on the Tornado Disaster Recovery Committee. Grant explained the Lions International Club was contacted after the tornado, and $10,000 in funds was contributed by them for immediate distribution to residents effected by the tornado. Last Sunday, September 7, 2008, the Hugo Lions provided free food and beverages for attendees at the community picnic in Lions Park at which families and friends could share some time together while enjoying a number of fun games and the silent auction. President Grant Shaffer stated the Hugo Lions were in it for the long haul and would be there for the families in need. Shannon DeVinny, a member of the Long Term Recovery Committee, explained the Committee membership and the process for obtaining a caseworker and receiving funds. So far, 34 cases have been considered and $43,000 in funds dispersed. Mayor Fran Miron thanked the Lions for their generous donation, and he thanked all those who had stepped forward to be on the Long Term Recovery Committee. Introduction of Candidate for House District 52B — Kate Christopher City staff was contacted by a candidate for the Minnesota House District 52B who wanted an opportunity to introduce herself to the Hugo City Council. Mahtomedi resident Kate Christopher made a brief presentation to the Council to introduce herself as a candidate for the House District 52B representative. Kate served previously on the Mahtomedi School Board and was an active volunteer in the church and the community. She encouraged everyone to check the website at www.votekatechristopher.com, and support her in the election. Mayor Fran Miron thanked her for attending the meeting, and he wished her well in the election. Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 2 of 7 Approval of Consent Agenda Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Annual Performance Review for City Clerk Michele Lindau Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Paul Christianson Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Tim Kieffer Approve Reimbursement Payment to Washington County Sheriff's Office for May 25, 2008 Tornado Disaster Personnel and Equipment Costs. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Annual Performance Review for City Clerk Michele Lindau Michele Lindau was hired as the new City Clerk in the City of Hugo on January 1, 2007. Michele was originally hired by the City of Hugo as a part time employee in 1997 and a full time employee beginning May 1, 1999. Michele replaced long-time City Clerk Mary Ann Creager who was fortunate to have worked for the City for a record-setting 31 years. Michele is an excellent employee with excellent customer service skills and an ability to always get the job done. She brings a great skill set to the position which includes multi -tasking, attention to detail, and ability to meet timelines. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for City Clerk Michele Lindau. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Paul Christianson The City of Hugo hired Paul Christianson as a public works worker on September 27, 2004. For the past four years, Paul has demonstrated a good work ethic in performing a wide variety of duties in the public works department and has good communication skills in dealing with the public and contractors. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance for public works worker Paul Christianson. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Tim Kieffer On September 27, 2004, the City hired Tim Kieffer as a public works worker. Tim is a skilled and conscientious employee in the public works department and has excellent customer service skills in dealing with residents and contractors. Tim is a valued member of the public works department and has completed a wide variety of duties. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for public works worker Tim Kieffer. Approve Reimbursement Payment to Washington County Sheriffs Office for May 25, 2008 Tornado Disaster Personnel and Equipment Costs On May 25, 2008, the City of Hugo was hit by an F3 Tornado with winds of more than 165 miles per hour which destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes throughout the community, especially in the Creekview Preserve and Waters Edge neighborhoods. Immediately on the scene were deputies and Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 3 of 7 emergency personnel from the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Washington County Sheriff's Deputies immediately secured the neighborhoods from both the east and west entrances allowing only emergency, medical, and police personnel in. Led by Washington County Sheriff Bill Hutton, the department response, coverage, and protection was swift and professional. The immediate response from the Washington County Sheriff's Office resulted in no looting, no vandalism, and no damage to person or property. Twenty-four hour coverage was provided by the Sheriff Deputies as well as coverage of the Prindle family home site. Sheriff Hutton and his department have provided a list of reimbursable personnel and equipment costs to the City of Hugo, which needs to be approved by the Hugo City Council. As directed by Council, these personnel and equipment costs will be included as part of the City's special legislation to the 2009 Minnesota State Legislature from which reimbursement will be sought through the assistance of State Senator Ray Vandeveer, State Representative Bob Dettmer, and State Representative Matt Dean. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reimbursement payment to the Washington County Sheriffs Office for costs related to the May 25, 2008 Tornado Disaster in the amount of $87,617.24. Housing Proposal from Walker Forest Bay Lodge, LLC, for Proiect Financing Assistance Public Hearing At its August 5, 2008 mid -year budget review meeting, the Council learned from Finance Director Ron Otkin the interest of the City of Forest Lake to utilize the bonding authority of the City of Hugo for the sale of $10 million dollars in conduit financing for the construction of a senior housing complex in the Headwaters development in Forest Lake. The Council considered the request and directed staff to schedule a public hearing on September 15, 2008 to consider a housing finance program and the issuance of the revenue notes to finance the senior housing. City Administrator Mike Ericson informed the Council that Walker Methodists officials have notified the City of Hugo that they will be seeking private financing for the project, and public finance assistance from the City of Hugo is not required and furthermore, the public hearing is hereby cancelled. Recodification of City Code Public Hearing— Associate Planner Rachel Simone Over the last year City staff has been working with Municipal Code Corporation (MCC) to re -codify all chapters of the City Code. Associate Planner Rachel Simone explained the re -codification of the City Code re -numbers the entire code, addresses contradictions within the code, conflicts with State law, and redundancies within the code. The contents of the ordinance were not changed. The Municipal Code Corporation staff attorney reviewed the entire code to make sure there are not conflicts with any Minnesota State Statute. Minnesota State Statues supersedes any City ordinance that may be inconsistent. Staff has worked closely with him throughout the process. At its August 28, 2008 meeting the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the zoning portion of the code and recommended to the City Council approval of the consistency changes outlined in the draft version of the City Code. Mayor Fran Miron opened the public hearing. Elizabeth Herrmann, 6198 165th Street North, questioned why the curfew and shooting ordinance was removed and why the recodification was done by an external party and not City staff. It was explained that the curfew was covered by Washington County's Code and shooting was covered by Sate Statute. City Attorney Dave Snyder explained it was more cost effective to have the code recodified by an external company who had all the resources. The code would be available on the City's website and more assessable to residents. There were no other comments. Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 4 of 7 Petryk made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2008-422 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING A NEW CODE FOR THE CITY OF HUGO; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES NOT INCLUDED THEREIN; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF AMENDING SUCH CODE; AND PROVIDING WHEN SUCH CODE AND THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE, and to keep the shooting ordinance as part of the City Code and to include references to State Statutes and County Ordinances. Upon roll call voting Aye: Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Granger, Miron Voting Nay: None Motion carried. Proposed Test Well Drilling Proiect for Bosch Holdings Property At its August 18, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council approved the purchase agreement for the purchase of the property owned by Bosch Holdings, LLC on 125th Street for the location of the new City water tower and well. City Engineer Jay Kennedy informed Council that the purchase agreement was contingent on the City of Hugo obtaining satisfactory results from a test well and soil testing. City Engineer Jay Kennedy and Senior Engineering Technician have obtained quotes from local well drilling companies who have performed work for the City of Hugo. Jay explained the City received three quotes with Bergerson-Caswell, Inc. being the low bidder. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to award the bid for test drilling to Bergerson-Casewwll, Inc. in the amount of $39,867.50. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Sign Ordinance Committee — Associate Planner Rachel Simone At its July 7, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council directed the Ordinance Review Committee to review the City's current sign ordinance. Council Member Mike Granger and Council Member Frank Puleo were appointed to the Committee to review the City's Sign Ordinance which involves massive revisions and changes. Also on the committee are Planning Commissioners Tom Weidt, Bob Rosenquist, and Adam Moore. Associate Planner Rachel Simone shared with the Council work completed to date on revisions to the City's Sign Ordinance as well as some suggested major changes. Rachel explained what was in the current ordinance and the changes that the Committee has preliminarily agreed on, and she explained the next steps in the process. The goal of the Committee was to have it completed by December, 2008. No formal action was taken. Presentation of Northeast YMCA Market Study on Proposed Community Center — Angelica Bonacci At its March 3, 2008 meeting, Hugo City Council listened to a presentation from Northeast YMCA Executive Director Tom Holland who shared with Council the concept proposal for a new Northeast YMCA Community Center. This concept proposal would involve the cities of White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Hugo, and White Bear Township, and include a partnership with Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake School Districts respectively, along with the YMCA. Council included this topic in its 2008 City Focus Goals. On April 7, 2008, the Council approved a market feasibility study to determine Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 5 of 7 whether a new regional community center managed by the YMCA could be sustained in the northeast suburbs. The independent market research firm of Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, Inc. was retained to conduct this research. Tom Holland attended the meeting along with Angelica Bonacci from Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, who explained the results of this research in detail. She provided the results of the survey conducted with current YMCA members and residents living in Hugo, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and their respective school districts. Based on the results, a community center located at the current Northeast Family YMCA site would produce greater membership and revenue than one built in Hugo. The Council questioned what the membership would be based on a different geographical area to include Forest Lake. The Council also discussed the impact of a proposed Vadnais Heights Recreation Center. Tom Holland informed the Council the Committee would be meeting this Wednesday to determine what direction to go from here. No formal action was taken. Approve Appointment of New Public Works Director At it's September 2, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council listened to an update from City Administrator Mike Ericson who reported that second round interviews were conducted with five applicants for the Public Works Director positions, replacing Chris Petree who left to become the Lakeville Public Works Director. Council directed staff to provide them with the names of two — three candidates for final round interviews which were to be conducted by the Hugo City Council. Council held final round interviews with the three applicants on Friday, September 12, 2008. Mayor Fran Miron was pleased to announce there were many qualified candidates for the position. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to appoint City Engineer Scott Anderson as the new Public Works Director at Pay Grade 10, Step 2 and directed staff and City Attorney Dave Snyder to negotiate with him the requirement for ongoing education. All Ayes. Motion carried. Council directed staff to notify the other candidates. October 4 -Celebration Activities for Hugo Fire Department's 100 Year Anniversary On behalf of the Hugo Fire Department, City Administrator Mike Ericson announced that on Saturday, October 4, 2008, the Hugo Fire Department will celebrate its 100 year anniversary with an open house from noon to 4:00 p.m., and a dinner at 5:00 p.m. with a dance following to be held next door at the Hugo American Legion. The public is invited to attend the community activity as well as the special community celebration dance at the Hugo American Legion. Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to direct staff to notice it as a Council meeting to allow for Council participation in the event. All Ayes. Motion carried. CSAH 4 and TH61 Cooperative Agreement Letter of Support for County At its June 2, 2008, meeting, the Hugo City Council listened to a presentation from City Engineer Jay Kennedy who reported that Washington County had included the TH61 and CSAH 4 intersection as its Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 6 of 7 number one priority for improvements for 2009. As part of the review process, Washington County Engineering Department is requesting a resolution of support for a cooperative agreement funding request to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. City Engineer Jay Kennedy explained MnDot has funding programmed for improvements to be done in 2013; however, Washington Council was applying for a cooperative agreement through MnDot that would allow the project to be constructed sooner (2010). Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to send a letter in support of Washington County's request for cooperative agreement funding to MnDot for intersection CSAH 4 and TH61 improvements, and to include this item on the agenda for the next I-35 W/E Coalition meeting. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Site Plan and TIF Agreement with Developer Partners Hugo, LLC for the Former End Zone Property The applicant is requesting site plan approval of a 23,123 square foot retail building located at 13891 Forest Boulevard North. Associate Planner Rachel Simone explained the property is currently zoned Residential Service (RS) and is approximately 3 acres in size. Currently on site is a blighted restaurant building that will be demolished with the construction of the proposed retail building, which would consist of 12 leased spaces. The proposed uses are basic retail uses and possibly a restaurant uses. The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their May 8, 2008 meeting and was generally comfortable with the application adding that a fence be constructed between the site and the townhomes to the east. At their March 5, 2007 meeting, the City Council authorized staff to draft a text amendment for the Residential Service zoning district to allow restaurant uses. The applicant has also applied for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the project. The EDA recommended approval of the TIF Agreement at their meeting on Monday, September 15, 2008. Developer Bill Lynch was at the meeting and stated he did not feel the fence was necessary, nor did he feel he should have to give an additional 39 feet of right-of-way to MnDot for future expansion of TH61. Planning Commission Tom Weidt was at the Council meeting and explained the reasons for the fence was for the safety of children crossing the area from the townhomes. The Council talked about the necessity of the fence and the precedence that has already been set for the dedication of right-of-way for the future expansion of TH61. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2008-42 APPROVING A SITE PLAN AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR HUGO DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS LLC IN THE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE ZONING DISTRICT ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13891 FOREST BOULEVARD NORTH with a change stating the fence did not need to be installed at this time but could be required in the future if deemed necessary for safety reasons, and a change to allow the owner the right to use the property until the time improvements are made to TH61. Upon roll call voting Aye: Petryk, Puleo, Granger, Haas, Miron Voting Nay: None Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Page 7 of 7 Schedule Annual Bus Tour for City Council and Commissions As part of the Council's 2008 City Focus Goals, the Hugo City Council annually schedules a bus tour with Hugo City Council, Commissions, and City staff in order to better involve, update and inform members of the Council and Commissions on City projects, developments, and public activities the City has worked on over the past year. City Administrator Mike Ericson requested Council schedule a date on which to hold the City's annual Council and Commision bus tour for specific site visits throughout the City reminding them that in 2007 and 2006, the Council had selected dates of September 18 and October 11 knowing that it must be scheduled before daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2008. Petryk made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule the annual bus tour for Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Candidate Debate Scheduled for Tuesday, October 7 The City of Hugo has been contacted by The Citizen newspaper and the League of Women Voters to hold a City Council Candidate Debate on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The Citizen would like to hold the Candidate Debate/forum in the City Council Chambers and televise it live with replays on the City's public access channel. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, approve the use of the Hugo City Council Chambers for the Candidate Debate sponsored by The Citizen newspaper and the League of Women Voters, and directed staff to broadcast the debate live with replays on the City public access channel. All Aye. Motion carried. Council directed staff to schedule this as a Council meeting to allow Council participation. Adjournment Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk