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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008.10.06 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Community Development Director Bryan Bear, Finance Director Ron Otkin, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, City Attorney Dave Snyder, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approve Minutes for City Council Public Works Director Interviews and Budget Meeting of September 12, 2008 Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the Public Works Director Interviews and Budget Meeting of September 12, 2008 presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for City Council Meeting of September 15, 2008 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the September 15, 2008 City Council meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for City Council Tornado Disaster Neighborhood Meeting of September 22, 2008 Puleo made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the minutes for the Tornado Disaster Neighborhood Meeting of September 22, 2008 as presented All Ayes Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approved the agenda as amended. Add L.1 2008 Sporting Clays Champion Add M.2 Christ Lutheran Church Fall Festival Add M.3 Hugo American Legion Tailgate Party Add MA Local Board of Review Training Opportunity All Ayes. Motion carried. Presentation of Donation to Hugo Relief Fund from HBA Charitable Golf Tournament — Kerstin Quigley, Assistant Vice President of Lake Area Bank On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the Hugo Business Association sponsored a charity golf tournament held at the Oneka Ridge Golf Course followed by a social gathering at the Blue Heron Grill. Money Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 2 of 9 was raised at this event for donation to the Hugo Relief fund that has been established to aid the victims of the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster. Kerstin Quigley, Assistant Vice President of Lake Area Bank, introduced the planning committee for the fund raising event which included Brian Denaway, Katie Lindstrom, Deb Johnson, and Christine Wrobel. Kersten explained they exceeded their goal by raising $3,485.99 for the Hugo relief fund. The charity event included 40 golfers and 60 participants at the social gathering held afterwards at the Blue Heron Grill. Phil Klein, member of the Long Term Recovery Committee, explained how funds were dispersed and encouraged those looking for help to come forward. The Mayor thanked the HBA for the much appreciated donation to the Hugo Relief Fund. Introduction of Candidate for City Council — Phil Klein City staff received a request from a resident who is a candidate for the Hugo City Council. Resident Phil Kline introduced himself to the City Council and public as a candidate for the City Council Ward 2 Representative. Phil stated he has been a Hugo resident for 17 years and has experienced the increase in population. He stated he liked the present Council's openness to residents and support for businesses, and he wanted to become elected to continue to represent Hugo that way. Introduction of Candidate for City Council — Tom Weidt City staff has received a request from a resident who is a candidate for the Hugo City Council. Resident Tom Weidt introduced himself to the City Council and public as a candidate for the City Council Member at Large Representative. Tom explained he has been a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission for four years and is currently on the Planning Commission for his fourth year. He has had an opportunity to watch Hugo grow into a great place to live, work and play. Tom stated he wanted to use his leadership skills and experience to continue to guide Hugo into the future on the path Hugo is on today. A forum will be held at City Hall on October 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Fran Miron encouraged the community to attend. The event will be televised. Introduction of Candidate for Commissioner - Dennis Hegber2 Mayor Fran Miron introduced Commissioner Dennis Hegberg who was in attendance for a different issue on the agenda. Commissioner Hegberg stated that he has served since 1989 and was seeking reelection as District 1 Representative, which includes Hugo. Hegberg said he has enjoyed working with Hugo through some difficult changes and appreciated that Hugo has been very transparent and open. He asked for support in the election and stated it has been an honor to represent Hugo. Approval of Consent Aienda Approval of Claims Approve Job Description and Authorization to Staff to Advertise for Senior Engineering Technician Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for White Bear Fast Pitch at Hugo American Legion on March 28, 2009 Approve Hire of Brian Denaway as Temporary Permit Technician Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 3 of 9 Approve Variance for Shoreland Setback for an Addition at 12727 Homestead Drive - Bryan and Megan Schmidt Approve Appointment Adam Greeder as Apprentice Public Works Worker Approve Six-month Probationary Period for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields and Appoint as Regular Employee Approve Reimbursement to City Employees for Damage to Personal Vehicles Approve City Sponsorship of the Hugo Health Fair on November 8, 2008 Approve Pay Request No.9 from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for Well House No. 5 Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Job Description and Authorization to Staff to Advertise for Senior Engineering Technician At its September 15, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council appointed Scott Anderson as the City's new Public Works Director replacing Chris Petree who left the City in July for the Lakeville Public Works Director position. Scott had been the City's Senior Engineering Technician for the past five years providing a high level of professional engineering services both at City Hall and in the field as a construction supervisor for a number of public improvement projects. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the job description for the Senior Engineering Technician, and authorized staff to advertise for the position to fill the vacancy by the promotion of Scott Anderson by the end of the year. Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for White Bear Fast Pitch at Hugo American Legion on March 28, 2009 The City of Hugo has received an application for a lawful gambling permit for the White Bear Fast Pitch Association to hold a charitable fundraiser at the Hugo American Legion on March 28, 2008. The charitable gambling fundraiser would include bingo, raffles, and tip boards. City staff has reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactorily complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the lawful gambling permit for the White Bear Fast Pitch Association for their charitable fundraiser at the Hugo American Legion scheduled for March 28, 2009. Approve Hire of Brian Denaway as Temporary Permit Technician Brian Denaway was hired by the City of Hugo for an unpaid internship as the City's Communications Intern on April 7, 2008. Over the past several months, Brian has worked hard on the Business Retention and Expansion Committee and a wide variety of marketing and communication duties involving the EDA and the HBA. After the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster, the City staffed the front counter Receptionist/Building Permit Technician with volunteers from a number of local communities as well as City staff including Brian. With the continued need to provide excellent customer service for this position for the next two months through the construction season, staff has determined that Brian Denaway can fill the position. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved appointment of Brian Denaway as the Temporary Permit Technician at $10.00 an hour until November 28, 2008. Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 4 of 9 Approve Variance for Shoreland Setback for an Addition at 12727 Homestead Drive - Brvan and Megan Schmidt Brian and Megan Schmidt live at 12727 Homestead Drive North, and are requesting a variance to construct a building addition 64.5 feet from the ordinary high water (OHW) mark of Sunset Lake where 100 feet is required by ordinance. Hugo City Code, Chapter 320, Section 1155, classifies Sunset Lake as a Recreational Development Lake and requires a 100 foot setback for all structures located on the lake. The addition would meet all other building setback requirements. At its September 25, 2008 meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on the request for Brian and Megan Schmidt. There was no one that spoke at the public hearing besides the applicant. The Board approved the variance request by a vote of 2-0. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2008-43 APPROVING VARIANCES FOR BRIAN AND MEGAN SCHMIDT IN THE RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12727 HOMESTEAD DRIVE NORTH. Approve Appointment Adam Greeder as Apprentice Public Works Worker At its September 12, 2008 Budget Workshop, the Hugo City Council listened to a presentation from Finance Director Ron Otkin as he explained revenues and expenditures to date from the City in 2008. Ron discussed with Council the projections and proposals for 2009 which include the need for an additional Public Works Maintenance Worker. Ron shared with Council the interest of summer seasonal employee Adam Greeder as a potential Apprentice Public Works Worker. Public Works Director Scott Anderson has approached Adam and he is very interested in the position. Council directed staff to place this item on the next regularly scheduled agenda for consideration by Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Adam Greeder as Apprentice Public Works Maintenance Worker subject to the standard pre-employment physical and six-month probationary period. Approve Six-month Probationary Period for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields and Appoint as Regular Employee Dennis Fields was hired by the City of Hugo on March 10, 2008 as the City's new Community Development Assistant replacing Michele Lindau who was appointed as the new City Clerk. Dennis's work in the Community Development Department over the past six months has been excellent as he has taken over the primary role as the City's GIS Technician providing the City with a wide variety of mapping, most importantly the critical maps of the Waters Edge and Creekview Preserve Neighborhoods which were invaluable for the emergency response to the May 25, 2008 Tornado Disaster. Dennis provides a wide variety of duties to the Community Development Department, both at the Planning Commission meetings and front counter customer service, and monitoring the housing foreclosures within the City. Dennis has excellent communication skills, good organizational skills, and a good sense of humor. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the satisfactory completion of the six-month probationary period for Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields, and appoint him as a regular employee for the City of Hugo. Approve Reimbursement to City Employees for Damage to Personal Vehicles On May 25, 2008, the City of Hugo was hit by a tornado that devastated several parts of the City. Firefighters and other city employees immediately responded to the devastated areas, many of them in their personal vehicles. Following the tornado, these areas were then hit by severe winds and large hail. Many of these personal vehicles were damaged by this large hail. Discussions in the days following this Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 5 of 9 event included an assurance that the city would assist the responders in getting their vehicles repaired. Fifteen city employees incurred damage to their personal vehicles, the vast majority of which was covered by private insurance policies. These employees are now seeking to be reimbursed for the deductibles they paid when they repaired their vehicles. The total amount involved is $7,850.00. These amounts are over and above the normal operating costs incurred by the City in responding to this tragedy, thus the city will be seeking state assistance in covering these expenditures. The Finance Department requests official City Council approval prior to disbursing these funds. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reimbursement to City employees for damage to personal vehicles Approve City Sponsorship of the Hugo Health Fair on November 8, 2008 On Saturday, November 8, 2008, the Oneka Chiropractic Clinic and members of the Hugo Business Association will hold the fifth annual Hugo Health Fair at the Oneka Elementary School. The wellness fair has grown each year with participation by members of the Hugo Business Association as well as outside organizations like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. The City has provided co- sponsorship of the event in order to support the Hugo Business Association in its efforts to share wellness opportunities with residents and their families. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the co-sponsorship for the third consecutive year for the Hugo Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the Oneka Elementary School. Approve Pay Request No .9 from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for Well House No. 5 EnComm, Inc. has submitted Pay Request No. 9 to the City of Hugo for work completed to date on construction of Well House No. 5. Public Works Director Scott Anderson has reviewed the pay request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Pay Request No. 9 from EnComm Midwest, Inc in the amount of $5,164.20 for work completed to date on the construction of Well House No. 5. Approve Bald Eagle Sportsman Association Special Use Permit Amendment and Review Hugo Resident Kevin Rhodes asked this item to be removed from the Consent Agenda. The Bald Eagle Sportsman Association (BESA) has a special use permit (SUP) to operate a gun club on property located at 6557 125th Street. The gun club is requesting to amend its SUP to allow removal of an office trailer and outhouse with a holding tank. They would then construct a 26x40 range office building and install a 2000 gallon holding tank for the building. The proposed building will match the other permanent buildings that are on the property. Staff visited the gun club on September 11, 2008 and is not aware of any violations of the existing SUP. Condition 19 of the existing permit states that it shall be reviewed prior to December 1St of the even -numbered years or if the SUP is amended or violated. Staff finds BESA to be in compliance with the SUP. At its September 25, 2008 meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for consideration of this request to amend the SUP and for review of the special use permit. There was no one that spoke at the public hearing besides Al Savage, President of the gun club. Staff recommended approval of the SUP amendment and review of the SUP for compliance. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the SUP amendment and SUP review. Council Member Puleo refrained from the discussion on voting because he is a member of BESA. Kevin Rhodes, 12160 Upper Heather Avenue, had concerns that conditions in the resolution and existing SUP have not been met, specifically issues of noise abatement and lead reclamation. Community Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 6 of 9 Development Bryan Bear explained how progress has been made in all areas. The only amendment to the SUP is the change to the site plan. Staff has inspected the site and the property is in compliance. Barb Connolly, 13475 Goodview Avenue North, said BESA has made tremendous improvements. Council encouraged a open house event at BESA for the neighbors to attend and directed staff to keep Kevin notified of progress on the site. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2008-44 APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT AND REVIEW OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR BALD EAGLE SPORTSMAN'S ASSOCIATION LOCATED AT 6557 125TH STREET NORTH. Upon roll call voting Aye: Granger, Petryk, Haas, Miron Abstain: Puleo Motion carried. Award of Sale of General Obligation Taxable Tax Increment Refunding Bond — Kathy Aho, President of Springsted, Inc. In November of 2000, the City issued Taxable G.O. Tax Increment Bonds in the amount of $1,885,000 which were used to finance what has become the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. The Finance Department requested a review of the current issue by the City's finance consultants, Springsted, Inc. who determined the interest rate on the bonds could be lowered to between 4%-5%. Since that time staff, in conjunction with Springsted, prepared an official statement for dissemination to potential bidders and arranged for the bonds to be rated by Moody's Investor Service. Proposals were opened at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008. Three bids were received with the best net interest of 5.95%. Finance Director Ron Otkin and Kathy Aho, President of Springsted, presented the bid tabulation to Council and recommended Council reject all bids at this time. Also discussed was the Moody Bond Rating of Al that was issued to the City as a result of well managed financial operations. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to reject all bids for the sale of G.O. tax increment refunding bonds. All Ayes. Motion carried. Finance Director Ron Otkin will continue to monitor market conditions. Report from Washington County on Request to State for Property Tax Relief At its August 4, 2008 meeting, Council adopted a resolution supporting a joint effort with Washington County to submit an application for property tax relief to the State of Minnesota for the residents and their homes affected by the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster. Washington County staff and Kevin Corbid, Director of Property Records and Tax Assessments, have received notification from the State of Minnesota that they have approved the joint application for the County and the City's efforts to see a property tax relief for those affected Hugo Residents. Community Development Director Bryan Bear and City Assessor Frank Langer explained that 2008 tax abatements would affect properties damaged over 50%, and 2009 tax credits were due to market value reductions. Mayor Miron thanked City Assessor Frank Langer for donating his time in assessing the damaged homes. Commissioner Hegberg advised those who receive these benefits to monitor their mortgages if these taxes were part of their escrow accounts. Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 7 of 9 Discussion on Petition to Close Goodview Avenue South into Grant The City of Hugo received a copy of a petition submitted to White Bear Township and the City of Grant that includes a request to close Goodview Avenue at Hugo/Grant border. The residents that signed the petition are from both White Bear Township and the City of Grant. City Engineer Jay Kennedy has been in discussion with City and Township Officials as well as Washington County Officials, and he updated the Council on discussions to date. It was noted that the City of Grant chose not to participate in the 1990 Goodview Avenue paving project, and to close Goodview at this time would increase traffic on Ironwood Avenue located in Grant because it would become the north/south connection. Two Hugo residents living on Goodview Avenue talked about the increase of traffic that would occur at the currently congested intersection of Highway 61 and 130th Street should Goodview Avenue be closed to the south, and the effect it would have on the school busing system. Miron made motion, Hass seconded, to direct staff to prepare a letter to Washington County, White Bear Township, Metropolitan Council, and the school districts asking them to review the City of Grants transportation section of their Comprehensive Plan. All Ayes. Motion carried. Announcement of Candidate Forum at Hugo City Hall on October 7, 2008 At its September 15, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council approved the request from The Citizen and League of Women Voters for the use of the Council Chambers at Hugo City Hall for the Candidate Forum scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2009. The City has been informed by The Citizen that three candidates running for the three seats have chosen not to participate in the debate for four reasons. City Administrator Mike Ericson discussed with Council the reasons submitted by the candidates who refused to participate in the forum, and he explained a member of the League of Women Voters would assist in facilitating the event but they were not sponsoring it. Mike encouraged the public to attend. Discussion on September 22, 2008 Tornado Disaster Survivor Neighborhood Meeting On Monday, September 22, 2008, a neighborhood meeting was held at the Oneka Elementary School with survivors from the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster. Accompanied with representatives from the Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee, Hugo City Staff, and State and area agencies. Mayor Fran Miron and Council Members Becky Petryk and Frank Puleo were at the neighborhood meeting, which was well attended by residents. The Mayor stated he was pleased with the progress in the neighborhood. Discussion on Washington County Board Request for Metro Transit Funding As Council is aware, after the I -35W bridge collapse, Washington County Officials were successful in getting federal funding from MnDot for a commuter bus line from the Washington County Service Center in Forest Lake to downtown St. Paul. With completion and opening of the new I -35W bridge, there have been discussions regarding the elimination of the federal funds for the commuter bus route. Washington County Board and County Administrator Jim Schug have requested support from the City of Hugo for the Board's request for Metro Transit Funding. Washington County Commissioner Dennis Hegberg, Washington County Senior Transportation Engineer Mike Rogers, and Met Council Representative Georgie Hilker addressed the City Council requesting the City's participation in the Metro Transit Tax District. Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 8 of 9 Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff to include this as a discussion item at the next I-35 W/E Coalition meeting. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on State Statute Regarding Green Acres City of Hugo has been informed by Washington County Officials that new state legislation was passed by the Minnesota State Legislature in 2008 regarding the Green Acres classification of land which dramatically affects residents in Hugo. Specifically, Kevin Corbid, Director of Property Taxes and Tax Payer Assessment has notified City staff that the County is informing and educating residents regarding their Green Acres property classification which would have an effect on the amount of property taxes paid by the residents. City Assessor Frank Langer attended the Council meeting in order to provide information and answer questions Council may have on this issue. Mayor Miron explained this legislation was included in a ominous tax bill, and many people are unhappy with these changes. There are hopes it will be addressed in upcoming legislation since the bill is very broad based and it impacts many conservation programs. Discussion on the New Hugo Feeder Distribution Line Installation by Xcel Energy City staff has been informed by Xcel Energy that it wishes to construct a new feeder distribution line in its right-of-way easement in the property extending southwest from the Waters Edge neighborhood through Victor Gardens into Anoka County. On Tuesday, September 30, 2008, City staff met with representatives from Xcel Energy to learn and better understand the construction of the new distribution line which is scheduled to begin later on this month. Public Works Director Scott Anderson explained the 45 -foot high poles would be above grade and carry three transmission lines. City Attorney Dave Snyder said the City needed to review the franchise agreement and City ordinances, and consider what other options were available. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to review options and present them to the Council at the next meeting. All Ayes. Motion carried. Team USA World Sporting Clays Champions Council Member Haas announced he recently returned from the Country of Cyprus where he watched the World Championship Sporting Clay Competition. His son Mike and three other shooters from the United States competed as Team USA and won the gold medal in the Sporting Clay Completion. The Council congratulated Team USA on this accomplishment. Update on Transportation Forum Scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2008 City Administrator Mike Ericson informed the Council a Forum will be held at Hugo City Hall on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This forum will provide residents an opportunity to hear from transportation providers and voice concerns and opinion about transportation needs. The public, including the Hugo Seniors, are encouraged to attend. Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 9 of 9 Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to notice the Transportation Forum on October 16, 2008 as a Council Meeting to allow Council attendance at the forum. All Ayes. Motion carried. Christ Lutheran Church Fall Festival City Administrator Mike Ericson announced the City received notice from Pastor Matt Henning that the Christ Lutheran Church will hold a Fall Festival on their new property between Festival Foods and Wagner's on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 4:00-8:00 p.m. Everyone is invited. Hugo American Legion Tailgate Party City Administrator Mike Ericson announced the Hugo American Legion will hold a Tailgate Party in their parking lot on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. — 6:010 p.m. for the Minnesota Vikings versus Chisago Bears football game. Everyone is invited, rain or shine. Local Board of Review Training Opportunity City Administrator Mike Ericson announced the Local Board of Appeal training opportunity will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Washington County Government Center. It is required to have at least one member of the Council, which serves as Hugo Board of Appeals, attend training every four years. Mayor Fran Miron and Council Member Becky Petryk stated they would attend this training and asked staff to RSVP to the County. Adjournment Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 9:59 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk