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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.01.02 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 2, 2007 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. PRESENT: Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron City Administrator Mike Ericson, CD Director Bryan Bear, Assistant City Attorney Mark Vierling, Water Resource Engineer Pete Willenbring, PW Director Chris Petree, Fire Chief Jim Compton, and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager ABSENT: Mike Granger APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 2006 Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the December 18, 2006 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Cared. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Add L. I — Discussion of Snowmobiles on Elmcrest Avenue Add L.2 — Discussion of Plants at City Hall Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the agenda for January 2, 2007 as amended. All aye. Motion Carried. OATHS OF OFFICE (MAYOR FRAN MIRON, COUNCIL MEMBERS BECKY PETYRK AND CHUCK HAAS) Newly elected City officials, Mayor Fran Miron, and Council members Becky Petryk and Chuck Haas, took their oaths of office. RECOGNITION OF JIM LEROUX FOR SERVICE ON THE RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT Jim Leroux retired from service on the Hugo City Council in 2000, after serving the City with honor and distinction as a Council member. Upon Jim's retirement, he was appointed by the Washington County Board to serve as a manager on the RCWD Board beginning in 2001. Over the past six years, Jim has worked hard as a manager representing the City of Hugo and all of its interests and concerns. Jim has worked hard to solve problems and provide solutions for citizens who have wetland, storm water, and flooding problems. Jim's six years of service culminated with the completion of work in the development of a Memorandum of Agreement for the long-term maintenance of JD2. He worked hard to establish a level of trust and respect between the RCWD, MnDNR, and the City of Hugo. Mayor Fran Miron and the Council presented Jim with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the citizens of Hugo and thanked him for his dedication and 30 years of public service. FEMA GRANT FOR 800 MHZ COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT In August 2006, Council authorized the HFD to submit a joint application on behalf of the fire City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 2 department in Washington County for a communications grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This joint application was an effort by the Washington County Fire Chiefs to obtain federal funding for the new 800 MHz communications system that Washington County has planned for the past several years to bring online in late 2007/2008. Washington County received notification from FEMA that a $1,000,000 grant had been awarded to Washington County for 800 MHz communications system equipment, including new radios. The City of Lake Elmo and its Fire Chief Greg Malmquist took a leadership role in the summer of 2006 on this grant application. Fire Chief Jim Compton and Assistant Chief Jadon 011ila presented specifics of the grant and Mayor Miron expressed the Council's appreciation for their leadership. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the acceptance of the FEMA grant for 800 MHz communications equipment. All aye. Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Appointment of Acting Mayor Approve Appointment of City Engineer Approve Appointment of City Planner Approve Appointment of City Attorney Approve Appointment of Financial Advisor Approve Appointment of Civil Defense Director Approve Appointment of Depository for City Funds Approve Appointments to Hugo Firefighter Relief Association Approve Thursday, April 26, 2007 as Annual Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting Approve Appointment of Chairperson and Vice Chair for Planning Commission Approve Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks and Recreation Commission Approve Letter of Retirement from City Clerk Mary Ann Creager Approve Annual Performance Review for Building Inspector Scott Bailer Approve Apprenticeship Program for Public Works Department and Internship Program Approve Appointment of Ryan McCullough as Public Works Apprentice Approve Variance Request for Building Addition at 9113 122nd Street (Dave Greeder) Approve Resignation of Don Wolkerstorfer from Service on Hugo Fire Department Approve Adoption of Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan Approve Donation for Withrow Elementary School Playground Project Approve Purchase of Pickup Truck for Public Works Approve Purchase of Single Axle Snowplow Truck for Public Works Approve Conditional Use Permit for Exterior Storage (Lametti & Sons) Approve Appointment of Rachel Simone as Associate Planner All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 3 APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for January 2, 2007 as presented. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR Each year, the Council appoints a member of the Council for the position of acting Mayor. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Council member Becky Petryk as acting Mayor for the year 2007 APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CITY ENGINEER WSB Engineers has been the City Engineer for the past three years. Jay Kennedy has handled the day- to-day duties, and Pete Willenbring continues as the water resource engineer. WSB has provided an excellent level of service to the City over the past year and staff is very pleased with their work. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Jay Kennedy as the City Engineer for 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CITY PLANNER Kendra Lindahl from Landform has worked over the past five years as the City planner, as directed by CD Director Bryan Bear. Her primary focus has been on large plats submitted by developers. She reviews, advises, and recommends changes on plats, as well as attending PC and Council meetings as needed. She has proven to be a dedicated, hard worker, and valued member of the City Hall team. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Kendra Lindahl as the City Planner/planning consultant for the year 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Dave Snyder and the law firm of Eckberg Lammers Wolff and Vierling have served the City of Hugo very well over the past year. Dave has provided an excellent level of professional legal advice on a wide variety of City issues. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed David K. Snyder as the City Attorney for the year 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR Financial advisors Paul Steinman and Nick Dragisich and the other members of the Springsted team have served the City very well over the past year on a wide variety of projects and issues. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Paul Steinman and Nick Dragisich, from Springsted, Inc., as the City's financial advisors for the year 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR Each year, Council appoints a member of the City staff to serve in the role of Civil Defense Director. For the past several years, the Fire Chief has served in this position. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Fire Chief Jim Compton as the City's Civil Defense Director for 2007. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 4 APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITORY FOR CITY FUNDS Each year, Council selects a depository/bank for the deposit of City funds. For many years, Council has selected the local Hugo bank, US Bank. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed U.S. Bank -Hugo as the official depository for City funds for 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS TO HUGO FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION City staff has been informed that a new Minnesota Statute requires the official appointment of the ex - officio members of the Hugo Fire Relief Association Board. Council must appoint one elected City official and one City staff member. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Mayor Fran Miron and Finance Director Ron Otkin as ex -officio members of the Hugo Fire Relief Association. APPROVE THURSDAY, APRIL 26.2007 AS ANNUAL BOARD OF APPEAL & EQUALIZATION MEETING Each year, Council meets as the Board of Appeal and Equalization with the sole purpose of providing Hugo residents and business owners an opportunity to appear personally in front of the Board to discuss their property market valuations. Washington County Assessor Bruce Munneke has selected Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 8:30 am, as the date and time on which to hold the meeting. Adoption of the Consent Agenda selected Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 8:30 am, as the City's annual Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR FOR PLANNING COMMISSION The Council appointed Dave Schumann as the Chairperson for the Planning Commission for the past several years. He has worked hard over the past year to build a strong cohesiveness within the PC. He always treats persons appearing before the PC with respect and dignity. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Dave Schumann as Chair and Bronwen Kleissler as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission for 2007. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR FOR PARKS COMMISSION On October 2, 2006, Council appointed Roger Clarke as the new chair of the Parks Commission replacing long-time chair Kitty Cheesebrow, who resigned due to a change in her work responsibilities. Pete Pedersen continued on as vice chair. Over the past several months, Roger has provided an excellent level of leadership to the Parks Commission, and demonstrated a commitment to the Parks and Recreation Commission having served on two very important committees, the rural and open space preservation committee and park projects funding committee. His dedication and commitments to the Parks and Recreation Commission is exceptional. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Roger Clarke as chair and Pete Pedersen as Vice Chair for the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2007. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF RETIREMENT FROM CITY CLERK MARY ANN CREAGER City Clerk Mary Ann Creager announced her retirement from the City effective December 31, 2007. Adoption of the Consent Agenda accepted the letter of retirement from City Clerk Mary Ann Creager. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 5 APPROVE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR BUILDING INSPECTOR SCOTT BALLER Scott Bailer was hired by the City on January 1, 2006 as one of the City's new building inspectors. Scott had previously served a paid and unpaid internship during the summer of 2005 where he demonstrated an excellent work ethic and eagerness to learn all aspects of building inspection. Over the past year, Scott has worked diligently on his building inspector skills and has proven to be a thorough and well respected building inspector in the residential construction industry. Scott has a can do attitude with an attentive eye to detail and comes to work every day ready to perform his duties. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for building inspector Scott Bailer. APPROVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM At its October 3, 2006 budget workshop, Council discussed the proposed 2007 City budget. City staff presented two staffing considerations for Council, including the creation of an apprenticeship program for the public works department in order to provide entry level positions for individuals with no specific skill sets for public works duties. PW Director Chris Petree identified one of his seasonal employees as a candidate likely for consideration for this newly -created apprentice public works maintenance worker. Staff has provided for Council a description of an apprenticeship program similar those in the building trades industry, whereby over a period of three years, a candidate would earn percentages of the entry level wage rate under which each successful evaluation would receive a specific percentage increase. Administrative intern Matt Stemwedel has worked with PW Director Chris Petree and developed a proposed apprenticeship program, which would be adopted as part of the City's personnel policy. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the apprenticeship and internship programs and authorized staff to include them as an amendment to the City's personnel policy. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF RYAN MCCULLOUGH AS PUBLIC WORKS APPRENTICE Ryan McCullough was hired by the City in 2005 as one of the new summer seasonal employees. Over the past two years, Ryan has worked hard in completing his summer seasonal worker duties, demonstrating an excellent work ethic and commitment to the public works department. Ryan is always on time, completes his work on time, and is willing to learn any and all duties of a public works worker. Ryan grew up in the City of Hugo and has a strong desire to give back to his community. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Ryan McCullough as the new public works apprentice, subject to a pre- employment physical and a six month probationary period. APPROVE VARIANCE REQUEST FOR BUILDING ADDITION AT 9113122ND ST (DAVE GREEDER) David Greeder, 9113 122' Street North (C.S.A.H. 7), has applied for a variance to permit an addition to the existing home to be located 19 feet from the right-of-way where 40 feet is required by ordinance. The Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments considered this application at their December 14, 2006 meeting and unanimously recommended approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the variance for a 19 foot front yard setback for Dave Greeder at 9113 122nd Street North. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 6 APPROVE RESIGNATION OF DON WOLKERSTORFER FROM SERVICE ON HFI) City staff received a letter of resignation from Don Wolkerstorfer, an 8 -year firefighter on the HFD. Don's family and work responsibilities do not allow him to spend a sufficient amount of time to the department. Adoption of the Consent Agenda accepted the letter of resignation from Don Wolkerstorfer and publicly thanked him for his eight years of dedicated service to the City of Hugo. APPROVE ADOPTION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN The City of Hugo has participated in the Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was established under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The plan includes a risk assessment and mitigation strategy, including goals and objectives for specific mitigation projects and costs. The plan has been shared with the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fire Chief Jim Compton and the Washington County Fire Chiefs have formally endorsed the adoption of the plan for any and all hazard mitigation emergencies. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2007-1 supporting the county plan and the adoption of the all - hazard mitigation plan for Washington County. APPROVE DONATION FOR WITHROW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND PROJECT Parks Commission Chair Roger Clarke and PW Director Chris Petree were contacted by representatives from Withrow Elementary School seeking City assistance in funding new playground equipment. The current equipment is not compliant with safety regulations and the Withrow PTA was seeking funding assistance from the Stillwater school district, May Township, Stillwater Township, private companies and the City of Hugo for updating the antiquated playground equipment. At its December 13, 2006 meeting, the Hugo Parks and Recreation Commission considered the donation request from Withrow Elementary School and agreed to fund a proportional share, similar to the equipment purchase at Oneka Elementary School by the City and the WBL school district, as well as the playground equipment at Hugo Elementary School. The commission agreed that this was a worthwhile donation from the City's parkland dedication fund for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment. The equipment is scheduled to be installed in spring 2007, at a total cost of $40,000. Stillwater school district, May Township, Stillwater Township, local cub scouts, Withrow PTA, and private companies have all agreed to donate funds to the playground project. Withrow PTA is requesting an $8,700 donation from the City of Hugo. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized a donation of $8,700 to the Withrow Elementary PTA for its playground. APPROVE PURCHASE OF PICKUP TRUCK FOR PUBLIC WORKS Included in the 2007 City budget, the public works department identified the need to purchase an additional pickup truck to continue the efficient operation of its department with 15 full-time and seasonal staff planned for the summer 2007. The truck will be a general fleet vehicle and will be utilized in all areas by public works employees. Council member Mike Granger has reviewed the purchase and agreed to support the decision to purchase it. The truck would be purchased, as with all other trucks, through the state Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV). Polar Chevrolet from WBL holds the state contract for this year. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the purchase of a 2007 Chevrolet City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 7 pickup truck in an amount not to exceed $25,000. APPROVE PURCHASE OF SINGLE AXLE SNOWPLOW TRUCK FOR PUBLIC WORKS Included in the 2007 City budget was $135,000 for the purchase of a new single axle plow truck. The truck would replace the 1995 plow truck that was purchased from Washington County in 2002. A new state contract will not be released until late February 2007; however, the City is still able to order the single axle under the current contract. The plow truck and equipment will be purchased off state contract through the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) assuring the City of a fair and discounted price. Council member Mike Granger supports the decision to purchase the single axle plow truck at this time. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized the purchase of a 2007 Sterling L8500 chassis and equipment with a cost not to exceed $135,000. APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR EXTERIOR STORAGE (LAMETTI & SONS) The applicant is requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for Lametti and Sons Inc located at 16028 Forest Boulevard North. The CUP will allow interior and exterior storage of material and equipment, and processing of cured -in-place pipe inside of an existing building. In the Restricted Industrial zoning district, exterior storage and light manufacturing is only allowed with a conditional use permit. The applicant did have a CUP to allow these uses on the property that expired in March of 2005. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the CUP for Lametti and Sons Inc. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2007-2 approving the Conditional Use Permit for Lametti and Sons to allow for interior and exterior storage of material and equipment, and processing of cured -in-place pipe in side of an existing building. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF RACHEL SIMONE AS ASSOCIATE PLANNER In February 2006, Council authorized the hire of Rachel Simone as the new community development intern. Over the past several months, Rachel has worked under the supervision and direction of CD Director Bryan Bear on a wide variety of duties, including staff reports for the Planning Commission, agenda and staff reports for the EDA meeting, and all research and preparation work for creation of the TIF district. Rachel's written and communication skills have improved greatly, and she demonstrates an excellent work ethic in her contributions to the community development department. Included in the 2007 City budget, staff identified the position of associate planner in order to provide in-house planning and economic development duties. Council approved this position for a temporary one-year tern, with a re-evaluation of this position's duties in six months to determine whether it should become a permanent full time position. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the appointment of Rachel Simone as an associate planner, subject to a pre-employment physical and six month probationary period. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER Each year, Council selects a newspaper as the official publication for all public notices and publishing of ordinances. For the past several years, Council has selected the White Bear Press as the City's official newspaper. For more than two years, local publisher Louis Melamed has distributed a newspaper to the entire City of Hugo, in both the 55038 and 55110 zip codes. Your Neighborhood News and Report merged with the Hugonian to create The Citizen last year. Publisher Louis Melamed and associate City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 8 publisher Bill Bremer have teamed to deliver an excellent community newspaper with excellent coverage of all Hugo activities, including all City of Hugo activities, all four school districts, and many human interest stories. Council will recall the special Hugo Centennial Celebration Edition as an outstanding example of the excellent coverage The Citizen has delivered to the citizens and businesses in Hugo. Publisher Louis Melamed has submitted a letter of request to the City requesting that his newspaper be named the official newspaper for the City of Hugo. City staff and City Attorney Dave Snyder reviewed the state statute that governs the qualifications necessary for a newspaper to become the official newspaper of a local municipality and The Citizen does meet all requirements. City staff recommended Council appoint The Citizen as the City's official newspaper for public notices and publishing for 2007. White Bear Press associate publisher Pat Dahl and Louis Melamed were in attendance to answer any and all questions of Council. Council acknowledged the excellent service the City has received from the White Bear Press, but that The Citizen was a "local" paper: Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, to appoint The Citizen as the City's legal newspaper for the year 2007. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to amend the previous motion directing staff to send a letter of appreciation to the White Bear Press for their years of dedicated service as the City's legal newspaper. VOTE ON AMENDMENT: All aye. Motion Carried. VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION: All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HOSANNA LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR RICE LAKE PARK BUILDING Council member Haas requested this item be removed from the Consent Agenda. At its October 3, 2006 budget workshop, Council directed staff to explore the utility fees associated with the use of the Rice Lake Park Building by Hosanna Lutheran Church. City staff reviewed the utility fees with officials from the church, who have agreed to pay all electric and gas utilities for use of the building. City staff also updated and revised the old lease agreement under which the members of Hosanna Lutheran Church used the building, which has been approved by City Attorney Dave Snyder. After discussion, Council agreed to delete the first sentence of 5.A in the agreement. PW Director stated that the Pastor Sparby was well aware that the City will be making plans for the property in the future. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the new lease agreement with Hosanna Lutheran Church for use of the Rice Lake Park Building. All aye. Motion Carried. AWARD OF BID FOR CSAH 8 LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION Staff began working with the CSAH 8 Landscape Committee in the summer of 2006. At the November 6, 2006 Council meeting, Council approved the landscape plans for CSAH 8 and authorized staff to advertise for bids. The City sent out 14 bid packages and received nine bids for the project. The City held the bid opening on December 22, 2006 and staff recommended Council award the CSAH 8 Landscape and Irrigation bid to Peterson Companies at a base bid price of $351,626.50. Staff further City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 9 recommended the award of the alternate bid of $11,670 to extend the warranty period an additional year. PW Director Chris Petree stated that he was comfortable with Peterson Companies' qualifications. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to award the CSAH 8 Landscape and Irrigation bid to Peterson Companies at a base bid price of $351,626.50 and the alternate bid of $11,670 to extend the warranty period an additional year. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON 2007 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS At its December 18, 2006 meeting, Council discussed the appointments to the Hugo Board of Zoning Appeals after staff was informed that the three members did not wish reappointment in 2007. Council member Frank Puleo agreed to continue his service on the Board until such time his service was no longer needed. Council agreed to table discussion on this issue and the options available to Council in regard to providing this level of service to residents seeking a variance for the construction of homes, home additions, fences, and out buildings. CD Director Bryan Bear provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation outlining additional options to consider for providing Board of Zoning Appeals services for Hugo citizens. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to begin work on Option 4 amending the variance process to allow administrative staff latitude in approving variances with input from existing Board members, request the three Board members (Puleo, Schumann, Brunotte) continue to serve on the Board, and return recommendation to Council for discussion. All aye. Motion Carried. REPORT FROM CODE ENFORCEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE For the past several months, the Code Enforcement Subcommittee has been meeting to discuss revisions to the City's public nuisance ordinance. CD Development Director Bryan Bear and CD Development Intem Rachel Simone have staffed the committee and provided the necessary research on a variety of public nuisance issues discussed by the subcommittee. The subcommittee consists of Becky Petryk, Frank Puleo, Bob Rosenquist, Tom Weidt, and Kelly Bailly. Bryan reported to Council the work completed to date on the issues related to code enforcement, specifically, the storing of recreational vehicles on private property. Council stressed the importance of informing residents of the pending ordinance change via public hearings, newspaper articles, informing homeowner associations, and future Newsletters. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, authorizing the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on revisions to the City's public nuisance ordinance at a time defined by City staff, and staff to investigate the cost of providing additional notices in both newspapers. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 10 DISCUSSION WASHINGTON COUNTY OPEN SPACE REFERENDUM PASSAGE LAST FALL On November 7, 2006, Washington County residents approved the $20,000,000 open space referendum authorized by the Washington County Board in an effort to preserve open space and improve water quality in lakes and streams and rivers in Washington County. As Council is aware, a presentation was made to Council on October 2, 2006 by representatives of an organization who supported and advocated for approval of the open space referendum. At its December 13, 2006 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the recent approval of the referendum and agreed that the City should be involved in identifying land or lands in the City for inclusion in the county's open space preservation program. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to contact Washington County to get a clear idea on direction on the open space initiative and report to Council, with further direction to the Parks Commission. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AND RETIREMENT PROGRAM At its October 2, 2006 meeting, Council discussed the creation of a formal employee recognition program. After discussion, Council agreed to table the issue in order to direct staff to include the members of the fire department as part of the policy program. Administrative intern Matt Stemwedel has worked closely with Fire Chief Jim Compton, as well as members of City staff, to include all City employees in the newly -named employee recognition and retirement program. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve adoption of the Hugo City employee recognition and retirement program to recognize dedicated and long -serving City employees, as well as to publicly thank those who have retired from service to the City. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON MCES TRANSFER LOCATION SITE IN FRIDLEY FOR SEWAGE DUMPING As Council is aware, change advocated by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services division has directed the closure of sanitary sewer collection sites in the Twin Cities metro area for septic system haulers. Council member Chuck Haas first brought the issue to the attention of staff several weeks ago, and a recent article in The Citizen explained how MCES officials would be closing four dumping locations in the metro area, opening up a new privately run facility in Fridley. Administrative Intern Matt Stemwedel completed additional research on the issue with Fridley city officials and staff included a copy of his report for Council consideration. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to send a letter of MCES in an effort to schedule a meeting with them to share the City of Hugo's concerns, with partnership with Washington County. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page l 1 APPROVE DENIAL VARIANCE FOR DRIVEWAY AT 6192 147TH STREET (TODD Todd Christensen, 6192 147h Street North, applied for a variance to permit a driveway to be located along the side property line, where a 5' edge clearance is required by ordinance, and a variance to allow a 32' wide driveway, where ordinance allows a maximum width of 24' as measured at the property line. The driveway had been constructed prior to the application. The Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments considered this application at their meetings on October 26 and December 14 and unanimously recommended denial of the request. Staff recommended Council deny the request for the oversized driveway and approve the findings of fact denying the variance. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-3 APPROVING FINDINGS OF FACT DENYING REQUEST FOR VARIANCES FOR A DRIVEWAY LOCATED AT 6192 14711, STREET, and allow homeowner until September 1, 2007 to remove illegal driveway. VOTING AYE: Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. SELECTION OF CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON PAUL HUGO FARMS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA) To remove a potential conflict of interest, Mayor Miron removed himself from discussion on this issue and turned the gavel over to acting Mayor Becky Petryk. On November 20, 2006, Council approved the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the MnDNR and the RCWD for the maintenance of JD2. Included as part of the conditions of the agreement was the creation of a stakeholders group to develop the management plan for the Paul Hugo Farms Wildlife Management Area. MnDNR regional director Joe Kurcinka has appointed Emmett Mullen from his staff to head up the stakeholders group on which City representation is requested. City Administrator Mike Ericson met with Mr. Mullen to explain the MOA in more detail, as well as the multitude of issues related to the maintenance of JD2, lake levels in Rice Lake, and the development of a WMA for the Paul Hugo Farms. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to appoint Frank Puleo and Dave Schumann as City representatives on the stakeholders group to develop the management plan for the Paul Hugo Farms Wildlife Management Area. All aye. Motion Carried. Mayor Miron returned to the Council dais. SCHEDULE ANNUAL COUNCIL GOAL SETTING SESSION Each year, Council holds its goal setting session in order to solicit from Council and Commission members, ideas and projects for inclusion in the Council's setting of its City's focus goals. The goal setting session is an opportunity, in a workshop setting, for Council, Commission members, and staff to develop a list of ideas to formally ratify them as the goals of the City for each respective new year. The goal setting sessions typically are held in January, with formal adoption by Council at one of its regularly scheduled meetings. City Council meeting of January 2, 2007 Page 12 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to schedule the Council's goal setting session for Monday, January 15, 2007, Hugo City Hall, at 7:00 pm, along with representation from the City's commissions. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION OF SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ALONG ELMCREST AVENUE A resident on Elmcrest Avenue has placed wood logs in the road right-of-way in an effort to prevent snowmobiles from using the land. The property owner has been notified to have them removed, but as of this date, nothing has been done. Assistant Attorney Mark Vierling stated that staff has the right to remove the obstacles from the right-of-way. Because of the potential hazard and liability: Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to follow guidelines to bring resolution to the problem and facilitate a meeting with involved parties. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON CITY HALL PLANTS Council member Frank Puleo noted that Ricardo Edelstein has provided City Hall with large, beautiful plants, at no charge to the City, and his maintenance. Puleo made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to send a letter of Ricardo Edelstein thanking him for his generous donation of plants at Hugo City Hall, with no charge to the City. All aye. Motion Carried. JANUARY 18, 2007 I-35 W/E COALITION MEETING At its September 28, 2006 meeting, the I-35 WE Coalition selected January 18, 2007 for its next meeting. Council agreed to keep this date. ADJOURNMENT Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 9:51 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. ��7 G� ?� ?�� l/L'- fir_ ,• ,f�i Mary Creager City erk