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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008.11.03 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mike Ericson, Finance Director Ron Otkin, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Administrative Intern Shelly Clausen and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of Minutes for Candidate Forum on October 7, 2008 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the October 7, 2008 Candidate Forum meeting with City Council candidates and County Commissioners candidates, as corrected. All ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for Transportation Forum on October 16, 2008 Petryk made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the October 16, 2008 Transportation Forum as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for City Council Meeting on October 20, 2008 Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the October 20, 2008 meeting as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for Annual City -Wide Bus Tour on October 21, 2008 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the October 21, 2008 Annual City -Wide Bus Tour as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approved the agenda as amended. Add G.5 Award Sale of Old Fire Trucks All ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 2 of 6 Donation to Hugo Fire Department — Gloria Brunner, Contest Winner from Allergen's Botox Dreams Campaign City staff was contacted recently by resident Gloria Brunner who informed the City of Hugo that she was the winner of an essay contest sponsored by Allergan, a drug manufacture of Botox, which she had been using recently to treat an illness identified as Cervical Dystonia. As part of the essay contest, in which she explained the drug has improved the quality of her life, she needed to identify a local community focused organization to be the recipient of the award which she could not personally accept. Gloria selected the Hugo Fire Department for its response to the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster, which affected her and her husband and their home on 157th Street Circle. She stated that she was moved by conduct of the Hugo Fire Department during and after the tornado disaster. Gloria and her husband moved from a small town Washburn, North Dakota to the Creekview Preserve neighborhood eight years ago. John had been previously very active in the Washburn Fire Department for more than 15 years as both a firefighter and deputy fire chief. Gloria flew out to Irvine, California on October 28-30 to accept the award for the Midwest region, which includes the state of Minnesota, and to publicly accept the $10,000 donation which will be wired to the City of Hugo and the Hugo Fire Department. Gloria Brunner and friends were at the meeting, and Gloria read aloud her winning essay. Fire Chief Jim Compton, Mayor Fran Miron, State Senator Ray Vandeveer, and State Representative Bob Dettmer accepted the $10,000 dollar donation on behalf of the citizens of Hugo and the Hugo Fire Department and publicly thanked Gloria for her generous donation to the Hugo Fire Department. Donation to Rice Lake Park Athletic Complex — Club President Dave Scheer from White Bear Soccer Club City staff met recently with White Bear Soccer Club President Dave Scheer to discuss future programming for the use of the Rice Lake Park Athletic Complex. Dave is a White Bear Lake area resident who has been involved with the soccer club for over 15 year. The White Bear Soccer Club is very excited and eager to be part of the athletic program for the Rice Lake Park Athletic Complex for its intended use in the fall of 2008. As part of its donation to the City of Hugo, the Soccer Club has already purchased four soccer goal posts and nets which will be donated to the City of Hugo for use at Rice Lake Park. Dave Scheer explained the Club served children ages from 5-19 years and living in the White Bear, Vadnais Heights, and Hugo area. He was appreciative of the development of the Rice Lake Complex and committed to working with Hugo to make it one of the finest soccer complexes in the State. Dave presented the $10,000 check to Council Members Becky Petryk and Mike Granger, who worked on the plan for the complex, and Finance Director Ron Otkin on behalf of the White Bear Soccer Club and the more than 1,700 children who participate in the program. Approval of Consent Agenda Hass made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Auto Dismantling License for Hugo Auto and Truck Parts — Mike Brandt Approve Reduction of Letter of Credit for Victor Gardens North 5th Addition Approve Termination of Probationary Firefighter Chris Elletson Approve Award of Sale of Old Fire Trucks All ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 3 of 6 Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Auto Dismantling License for Hugo Auto and Truck Parts — Mike Brandt The City of Hugo has received an application for the bi-annual Auto Dismantling License from Mike Brandt, dba Hugo Auto and Truck Parts. As a requirement of the license, City staff makes an annual inspection of the auto dismantling company for compliance with city, county, and state code. On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, Hugo City staff completed an inspection of Hugo Auto and Truck Parts and found it to be in compliance with City Code as well as County regulations. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the bi-annual Auto Dismantling License for Hugo Auto Parts and owner Mike Brandt, which will expire in 2010. Approve Reduction of Letter of Credit for Victor Gardens North 5th Addition Rottlund Homes, developer, has requested the City reduce the letter of credit being held for the newly constructed public and private improvements in the Victor Gardens North 5th development. Public Works Director Scott Anderson has inspected the work and recommended approval of the reduction of the letter of credit. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reduction of the letter of credit being held for the newly constructed improvements in the Victor Garden North 5th development to $22,750.00. Approve Termination of Probationary Hugo Firefighter Chris Elletson Chris Elletson was hired by the Hugo Fire Department in 2005 as a probationary fire fighter. Following several extensions of his probation period, Fire Chief Jim Compton has terminated Chris Ellison due to failure to pass the mandatory probation classes and moving out of the City of Hugo without providing notification or letter of his intent. Fire Chief Jim Compton met with Chris last Friday, and Chris returned all issued City equipment. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the termination of Probationary Fire Fighter Chris Elletson. Approval of the Award of Sale of Old Fire Trucks The City of Hugo received sealed bids for a 1974 International 1800 tanker truck and a 1974 International 1910 pumper truck. Bids were opened on Friday October 31, 2008, and two bids were received. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the award of the sale of the old fire trucks to Working Boy Motors for $400 for the 1974 tanker truck and $375 for the 1974 pumper truck. Update on the Long Term Tornado Disaster Committee and November 18 Phases of Disaster Presentation and Discussion at Oneka Elementary School The Long Term Tornado Disaster Recovery Committee has been meeting regularly for the past four month to assist residents and survivors of the tornado disaster with any unmet needs as well as to help residents rebuild their lives with assistance from the City, agencies, and Social Worker Kyle Johnson. Administrative Intern Shelly Clausen reported to Council the work completed to date as well as the efforts of the Committee to organize another town hall meeting with tornado disaster survivors on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 from 5:45 — 8:15 p.m. at Oneka Elementary School to take residents through the phases of rebuilding their families lives with grief counseling and information sharing. Administrative Intern Shelly Clausen explained the committee was continuing to meet once a week, and Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 4 of 6 a total of $446,835 has been received in donations with 64% of those funds distributed. Finance Director Ron Otkin explained the City tornado cost of $600,000 in expenditures, which include expense for damage to buildings and vehicles, leaving approximately $400,000 as a reimbursable expense for the MN State Legislature. Fire Chief Jim Compton informed the public the department would not be holding their Toys for Tots Drive this year but instead will collect toys for Hugo kids. Heidi Sicard said she had friends in the tornado damaged area who were told they could not get additional funding for sod replacement. Phil Klein, who is on the Long Term Disaster Committee, explained the committee tries to distribute funds based on a needs and safety standpoint and every family was considered on an individual basis. He encouraged families with unmet needs to continue to apply through their caseworker. The Committee continues to accept funding. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to notice November 18, 2008 as a Council Meeting to allow council attendance at the Phases of Disaster Presentation and Discussion at Oneka Elementary School at 5:45 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Report from Excel Enemy for Phase I Installation of New Power Poles in ROW Easement The City of Hugo was informed recently by Excel Energy officials of the desire of Excel Energy to install additional power poles and power lines to provide additional electricity to the City of Hugo from the existing power station on TH61 next to Grundhofers Old Fashioned Meat Market. At its October 6, 2008 meeting, City staff informed Hugo City Council they had met with Excel Energy officials to discuss their proposed installation project which includes City approval of the right-of-way easement application. John Wertish, Excel Energy Local Government Relations Manager, shared with Council the proposed project with details on the installation of Phase I and Phase II. John explained the main line was a distribution overhead feeder that would terminate at a smaller substation in Shoreview. This line would parallel existing transmission lines on the easement and would allow better service to the existing distribution system and support new loads. The lines in Phase I would run southwest from the substation on TH61, north of 152nd Street, and terminate approximately at Everton Avenue. Phase II would continue from Everton to I -35E. He said the area near Rosemary Way was critical, and they were looking at a design to combine lines on a single pole for more clearance and a cleaner look. John stated property owners adjacent to the easement in Phase I have been notified, and it is critical it be finished by next summer's air conditioning season. The Council discussed locating the lines underground if it had been planned for with development of the area. John explained most feeder lines were overhead because it was cheaper to locate them there, could be fixed in a more timely manner, and visually there was little difference except the poles being approximately ten feet higher. Excel Energy will share the conceptual design with the City when available. No formal action was taken. Approve Resolution Providing for the Distribution of Excess Construction Funds for Oakshore Park and 129Lhh Street Public Improvement Projects The Oakshore Park and 129th Street projects have been completed, and the final payments have been made to the respective contractors. Finance Director Ron Otkin and City Engineer Jay Kennedy have summarized all of the project expenses, and discussed with Council the recommended distribution of the excess construction funds for the public improvement projects. Council members Mike Granger and Becky Petryk excused themselves from discussion and voting because they have homes in Oakshore Park. Ron explained the project and the sources of funds. Residents assessed for the project have until Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 5 of 6 November 15, 2008 to prepay assessment without incurring interest. After November 15th, checks would be issued to those who have paid, and money would be applied to the assessment of those who have not paid. Jim Kellison thanked the Council for following through with this reimbursement. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2008-47 APROVIDING THE DISTRIBUTION OF EXCESS CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR THE 129TH STREET AND OAKSHORE PARK PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. Ayes: Haas, Puleo, Miron Abstain: Granger, Petryk Motion carried. Discussion on Letter of Support for Washington County and Hugo Fire Department for National Disaster Preparedness Academy in Washington, D.C. Washington County Emergency Management Director Deb Paige has been working with the Washington County Fire Chiefs Association in preparation of a grant application to fund a delegation of City and County officials to attend the National Disaster Preparedness Academy in Washington, D.C. in 2010. The County's Fire Chief Association is seeking a letter of support from the City of Hugo for the attendance of City officials which would include members of the Hugo Fire Department. The grant covers the cost of the airline flight and housing, and the only cost to the City would be $125 for a one- week meal ticket. This Academy is recognized nationwide as the premier emergency management training center for police, fire, public works, elected and appointed city officials. Fire Chief Jim Compton stated his desire to send six members of the Fire Department to the academy if they receive this grant. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to send a letter of support for the grant to Washington County for its application on behalf of the Washington County Fire Chiefs Association for attendance at the National Disaster Preparedness Academy in Washington, D.C. All ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Support of City of Scandia's Resolution on Green Acres Legislation At its October 6, 2008 meeting, Hugo City Council discussed with City Assessor Frank Langer the change in Green Acres legislation that was approve by the 2008 Minnesota State Legislature and the effect on homeowners and property owners in the City of Hugo. Mayor Fran Miron reported that this Legislation had been approved with not a full and complete understanding of affected property owners, and that changes would need to be made in the 2009 Minnesota State Legislature. The City of Scandia has adopted a resolution supporting changes to State Statute on the Green Acres Law and requested that the City of Hugo adopt a same or similar resolution thereby requesting State Senator Ray Vandeveer and Representative Bob Dettmer take action and make the necessary changes. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, to direct staff to prepare a resolution requesting the State Legislature reconsider or delay changes in the Minnesota Green Acres Law. All ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 6 of 6 Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to direct staff to contact Scandia to determine what other communities are involved, and place this item on the next I-35 W/E agenda, December 11, 2008. All ayes. Motion carried. Lake Area Bank Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, December 19, 2008 City staff has been contacted by Deb Donavan from the Lake Area Bank requesting Council attendance at their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to take place on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. The Lake Area Bank is located on the southwest corner of Everton Avenue and CSAH 8/Frenchman Road. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule a meeting for Friday, December 19, 2008 to allow Council attendance at the Lake Area Bank Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. All ayes. Motion carried. Reminder of Meeting of Board of Canvass on Thursday, November 6, 2008 Mike Ericson gave Council a friendly reminder of the Board of Canvas meeting scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at which the Hugo City Council acting as the Board of Canvass will certify the 2008 Election results in the City of Hugo. Adjournment Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau City Clerk