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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.09.04 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4.2007 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron City Administrator Mike Ericson, CD Director Bryan Bear, Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Nodes, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Finance Director Ron Otkin, and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 19.2007 — 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the July 19, 2007 meeting to discuss the 2008 Comprehensive Plan as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 13.2007 REGARDING RURAL & OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the August 13, 2007 meeting to discuss the rural & open space preservation ordinance as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 20.2007 Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the August 20, 2007 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 23.2007 TO DISCUSS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the August 23, 2007 meeting to discuss the 2008 Comprehensive Plan as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 27.2007 TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS TO FILL VACANCY ON BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the August 27, 2007 meeting to conduct interviews to fill vacancy on Board of Zoning Appeals as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 2 APPROVAL OF AGENDA Add D.5 — Approve Minutes for City Council meeting of August 27, 2007 Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the agenda for September 4, 2007 as amended. All aye. Motion Carried. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE ON BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS In January 2007, Council accepted the resignation from Bernie Brunotte, who was serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals as the citizen at large. As Council is aware, Bernie has served on the Board since 1995, having previously served on the Hugo City Council. Mayor Fran Miron publicly thanked Bernie for his 12 years of dedicated service and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation, along with his official nameplate from the Board. APPROVE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY BY THE HUGO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (HBA) TO HONOR SOLDIERS IN IRAQ The HBA met recently at the Hugo American Legion and unanimously agreed to recognize the soldiers who have, and are currently serving our country in Iraq. They agreed that a tree planting ceremony would be a patriotic public recognition for the soldiers for their dedication and service to the citizens of Minnesota and the USA. HBA president Phil Klein made a presentation to Council requesting approval of the tree planting ceremony, which would take place on the east side of City Hall, near the bituminous trail and rain garden, in a location that would provide public access to the tree. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the tree planting ceremony on September 11, 2007 at 6:30 pm and invite members of the HBA, as well as the public and all veterans to attend. All aye. Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Claims Approve Amendment to Ordinance to Expand Membership on Parks & Recreation Commission Approve Appointment of Jim Taylor, Noel Schmidt, and Dave Strub as New Commissioners on Parks & Recreation Commission Approve Annual Performance Review for City Clerk Mary Ann Creager Approve Pay Request #7 from Keys Well Drilling for Work Completed to Date on Well No. 5 Approve Extension of Internship for Administrative Intern Nathan Ehalt Approve Encroachment Agreement for Construction of Deck at 15945 Finley Ave. N. (Flores) Approve Variance for Monument Sign at 12912 Farnham Avenue (Wilson Tool) All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 3 APROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for September 4, 2007 as presented. APPROVE AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE TO EXPAND MEMBERSHIP ON PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION At its August 20, 2007 meeting, Council discussed the recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Commission to expand its membership from seven to nine members. Council agreed that the expansion would allow additional volunteer opportunities during those times that commission members are absent due to conflicting schedules. Council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the City ordinance, which created the Parks & Recreation Commission. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved adoption of Ordinance 2007411 amending City ordinance expanding the membership on the Parks & Recreation Commission from seven to nine members. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF JIM TAYLOR, NOEL SCHMIDT, AND DAVE STRUB AS NEW COMMISSIONERS ON THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION At its August 20, 2007 meeting, Council discussed the expansion of the Parks & Recreation Commission membership from seven to nine members, citing that they were please with the recent interviews of five citizens who wish to volunteer to serve on the Commission. Council agreed that three of the interviewees were especially qualified and agreed to appoint them, one who would serve out the term of Tony Groff. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the appointment of Jim Taylor, Noel Schmidt, and Dave Strub as the new commissioners on the Parks & Recreation Commission. APPROVE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR CITY CLERK MARY ANN CREAGER Mary Ann Creager was hired by the City of Hugo on September 3, 1976. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Mary Ann's last and final performance review. APPROVE PAY REQUEST #7 FROM KEYS WELL DRILLING FOR WORK COMPLETED TO DATE ON WELL NO.5 The City of Hugo received pay request #7 from Keys Well Drilling for work completed to date on the well No. 5 in the Waters Edge development. PW Director Chris Petree and City Engineer Jay Kennedy have reviewed the pay request and found it to be consistent for work completed to date on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved pay request #7 in the amount of $43,111 from Keys Well Drilling for work completed to date on well No. 5. APPROVE EXTENSION OF INTERNSHIP FOR ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN NATHAN EHALT Nathan Ehalt was hired as the new administrative intern on March 20, 2007. Over the past several months, Nate has worked on a wide variety of projects, including codification of the City code and THE Hugo Kidz `n Biz Fest. He has quickly become a valuable member of the City Hall team and seeks an extension of his internship in order to allow him additional experience. Adoption of the Consent City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 4 Agenda approved the extension of the internship for administrative intern Nathan Ehalt for six months to March 20, 2008. APPROVE ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A DECK AND PATIO AT 15945 FINLEY AVENUE NORTH (FLORES) Fernando and Teresa Flores, 15945 Finley Avenue North, have applied for an encroachment agreement to locate deck footings and a concrete slab patio within the drainage and utility easement on property described as Lot 17, Block 1, Creekview Preserve 2nd addition. The deck and patio would encroach approximately 15 feet into the easement. Staff has determined the encroachment would have no negative impact on the drainage or utilities in the area. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Encroachment Agreement for Fernando and Teresa Flores at 15945 Finley Avenue North. APPROVE VARIANCE FOR MONUMENT SIGN AT 12912 FARNHAM AVENUE (WILSON TOOL) Wilson Tool recently received administrative approval of an addition to the main entrance of the building on Farnham Avenue totaling approximately 520 square feet. This gives them a more visible main entrance for their customers. With the new addition, Wilson Tool has submitted a sign application and variance request for a 32 square foot monument sign. The sign is proposed to be located 15'3" from the front property line where 30 feet is required by ordinance; therefore, a variance is required. The building is on a comer resulting in the property having two front yards. Wilson Tool also currently has a monument sign located on 130th Street that is proposed to stay. The sign ordinance states that a property is only allowed to have one monument sign. Since the applicant is requesting two monument signs, a variance is required. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Resolution 2007-48 approving two variances for Wilson Tool. APPROVE APPOINT OF GREG BURMEISTER TO BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Mayor Miron requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. On August 27, 2007, Council conducted interviews of candidates wishing to volunteer to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals and complete the term of long-time board member Bernie Brunotte. Council was very pleased with the quality of the applicants, and after discussion, agreed to appoint Greg Burmeister to serve out the term of Bernie Brunotte. Board members are appointed on an annual basis at the City Council's first meeting of the year. Applicant Dwight Harvey was in attendance at the meeting, and Mayor Miron expressed his appreciation for Mr. Harvey's volunteerism. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the appointment of Greg Burmeister to serve out the vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals due to the retirement of Bernie Brunotte. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE PAY REQUEST #2 FROM PETERSON COMPANIES FOR CSAH 8 LANDSCAPING PROJECT Council member Chuck Haas requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 5 discussion. Peterson Companies has completed the majority of work on the CSAH 8 landscaping project, which has significantly beautified the corridor from I -35E into the City of Hugo to TH61. City staff has received pay request #2 from Peterson Companies for work completed to date on the project. Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson, Council member Frank Puleo, and City staff have been involved in the final punch list work, which includes the replacement of a number of trees along the boulevard. Staff is comfortable with the retainage held on the project, which would cover the necessary work related to the replacement of the trees. Council member Haas stated that he had received calls from constituents stating concern that sprinklers were on while it was raining. Council member Puleo stated that there are rain sensors but that they are not "full proof'. Council also discussed warranties associated with the project and how long they are enforced. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve pay request #2 in the amount of $138,799.08 for work completed on the CSAH 8 landscaping project. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON ETHAN/EVERTON/12e/122ND PROPOSED P.I. PROJECT At its August 20, 2007 meeting, City staff updated Council and residents in the audience that this issue would be placed on the Tuesday, September 4, 2007 meeting in order to provide residents an update on the petitions submitted to the City by the neighbors. City Engineer Jay Kennedy presented the petitions to Council and discussed with them the number of residents who are supportive in some variation of the public improvement project and that most are supportive of a new bituminous roadway. After a PowerPoint presentation recapping the proposed project activities to date, Council agreed that because of the lack of interest indicated by many property owners, that they were not interested expending City funds without installing utilities. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule a neighborhood meeting to further discuss the proposed project and share with residents the City Council's reluctance to proceed with a project. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON CITY POPULATION SIGNS (MNDOT ACTION REQUESTED) Several months ago, Council discussed the MnDOT population signs that are placed at the City's borders as a reflection of the last official census in 2000, with a population of 6,363; the next census will take place in 2010. Staff was directed to research this issue to determine whether the City could get new population signs that would reflect the City population in excess of 12,000. City Engineer Jay Kennedy and Administrative Intern Nathan Ehalt reviewed this issue and determined that the City could make application to MnDOT for new population decals in the amount of $573.68 Metropolitan Council has Hugo's population set at 11,658 and will update their population figures in April 2008. Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to table discussion of this matter until April 2008. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 6 UPDATE ON RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ORDINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE For the past several months, the recreational vehicle ordinance subcommittee has been meeting with a membership makeup of City Council, Planning Commission, citizens at large, and City staff. CD Director Bryan Bear provided Council with an update on the subcommittee's work to date. At its August 21, 2007 meeting, the subcommittee drafted a proposed ordinance, which would regulate the parking of recreational equipment on property less than one acre in size. Miran made motion, Haas seconded, directing City staff to schedule a public hearing to be held on the proposed ordinance at the Planning Commission. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON HUGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AREA STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT At its August 6, 2007 meeting, Council considered a request from a resident who lives on Foxhill Avenue in the Hugo Elementary School neighborhood who would like his street reconstructed. Council directed City staff to hold a neighborhood meeting with residents living in and around the area to explain the project in more detail. On Monday, August 13, 2007, City Engineer Jay Kennedy and PW Director Chris Petree met with resident Hank Schnider to discuss his request for a street reconstruction project. Jay will provide Council with an update on the project. Jay provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the background, scope of improvements, financing, and potential project schedule. Council also discussed: trail/sidewalk connections; consideration of downtown redevelopment as it relates to Fondant/Lower 147' Street; storm sewers/drainage; and reconsideration of the assessment policy as this project unfolds. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to schedule a special Council meeting to hold neighborhood meeting to discuss this proposed reconstruction project. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE PRELIMINARY 2008 CITY TAX LEVY On July 18, 2007, Council held its annual mid -year budget review meeting. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with recap of the 2007 City budget to date. Council discussed focused areas for the 2008 City budget, which included public safety, parks, and transportation. After discussion, Council agreed to direct staff to prepare the proposed 2008 City budget, which would reflect a decrease in the City tax capacity rate of 0.5%. Council agreed to set the preliminary tax levy at its September 4, 2007 meeting for certification to the State of Minnesota by the September 15, 2007 deadline. Finance Director Ron Otkin prepared a proposed 2008 City budget with a proposed City tax rate of 34.967% of tax capacity and provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation of focus areas for the 2008 City budget, as well as a recommendation for approval of the resolution certifying the 2008 City tax levy at $5,189,598. As Council is aware, the tax levy cannot be increased beyond this date; however, it can be lowered following the Truth in Taxation hearing scheduled for December 3, 2007. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 7 Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 200749 APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY PAYABLE IN 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,189.598. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a special Council meeting/workshop for Friday, October 5, 2007, at 8:30 am, to discuss the 2008 proposed City budget. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE FUNDING APPLICATION TO MNDOT FOR 130TH AND 147TH STREETS/TH61 FOR TURN LANES For the past several years, the City of Hugo has made application to MnDOT for funding traffic signals at 130th Street and 147th Street and TH61, respectively. In 2006, City staff reviewed these projects with MnDOT officials as part of the Highway 61 corridor planning effort. They agreed that a funding request for turn lanes only would be more favorable for funding. City Transportation Engineer Chuck Rickert reviewed this year's applications with the City Council. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-50 REQUESTING FUNDING FROM MNDOT THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT PROGRAM FOR 130TH STREET AND TH61. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-51 REQUESTING FUNDING FROM MNDOT THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT PROGRAM FOR 147TH STREET AND TH61. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. SCHEDULE COUNCIL WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS 2007 STATE BUILDING CODE AND ADOPTION OF CHAPTER 1306 AND FIRE MARSHAL BUILDING REPORT Included in its 2007 City focus goals, Council agreed to schedule a workshop to discuss an annual inspection program of City businesses, which would include review for the location of combustible and hazardous materials. Council agreed to schedule a workshop at which it would discuss this annual inspection program, City business licensing program, as well as a staff recommended review of the proposed 2007 state building codes. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to attempt to schedule a Council workshop for October 5, 2007, 10:30 am, to discuss these issues, after confirming the availability of Fire Chief Jim Compton, Assistant Chief Jadon 011ila, and Fire Marshal Marty Schwartz. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 8 APPROVE RECOMMENDATION FROM EDA TO ADVERTISE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN IN FINANCE AND COMMERCE NEWSPAPER At its August 20, 2007 meeting, the Hugo Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed a proposal whereby the City would advertise for the downtown redevelopment plan in the Finance and Commerce newspaper, which is recognized as the premier newspaper for developers and contractors in the Twin Cities' area. The EDA agreed that by advertising the downtown redevelopment plan, which would include the tax increment financing district, it would allow developers to learn more about the City -owned property across from City Hall. The area has recently opened up with the demolition of the house next to the old antique store. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the recommendation from the EDA to advertise for the redevelopment of the City's downtown properties. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE STREET NAME CHANGE FROM 130TH STREET TO GREYSTONE AVENUE City staff has been working for the past several months on issues related to the renaming of 130'h Street to Greystone Avenue in the area of the Hidden Hills Preserve neighborhood. After discussions with residents and the developer, staff agreed to recommend to Council a name change to Greystone Avenue from 130'h Street. Staff has reviewed this issue, which is supported by local residents. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the official name change to Greystone Avenue from 1301h Street in the area of the Hidden Hills Preserve neighborhood. All aye. Motion Carried. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10.2007 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING (GRACE LAVALLE) Resident Grace LaValle Schostag has been working with the WCSO to create a Neighborhood Watch Program for her neighborhood on 145'' Street, which was reconstructed last year with a cul-de-sac. Grace shared with City staff that the LaValle pole barn had been burglarized twice recently and her desire to inform her neighbors about suspicious or illegal activities. Grace requested that the City host a neighborhood meeting on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Oneka Room at which any and all residents living around the 145d' Street neighborhood are invited to attend. Washington County Sheriffs Deputies will be in attendance to present the Neighborhood Watch Program, with attendance by Mayor Fran Miron, Council member Frank Puleo, and City Administrator Mike Ericson. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.2007 FAMILY PICNIC AT LIONS PARK WITH WBL SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVY SUPPORT GROUP City staff wished to inform the public that the Hugo City Council will be in attendance at the family picnic on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 5:00 pm in order to discuss with residents information materials related to the WBL school district operating referendum scheduled for November 6, 2007. City Council meeting of September 4, 2007 Page 9 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 FALL CLEANUP DAY City staff wished to inform Council and the public that the City's first ever community -wide cleanup day will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 8:00 am at the Hugo Public Works building. City staff will be on hand and with a refuse and recycling company to take refuse and salvageable materials. Entrance to the site will take place at the entrance to the Hosanna Lutheran Church, which is housed in the Rice Lake Park building. ADJOURNMENT Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adjourn at 9:40 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. At ;rc-, 6 C�. Mary reager City C k