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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.12.17 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 17.2007 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, Fire Chief Jim Compton, Assistant Chief Jadon 011ila, Fire Marshal Marty Schwartz, and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager APPROVE MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 3.2007 Granger made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the December 3, 2007 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the agenda for December 17, 2007 as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. RECOGNITION OF FINANCE DIRECTOR RON OTKIN RECEIVES 14TH GFOA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING Finance Director Ron Otkin has been informed by the Government Finance Officers Association that he had earned another Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. As Council is aware, this award is presented to less than 1% of cities of our size. This is the 14'h award earned by our Finance Director, which is very significant considering the amount of finance, budget, and accounting work generated by a City with a population of more than 12,000. Mayor Miron and Council recognized Ron and publicly thanked him for his excellent work and public service to the City of Hugo and its citizens. CONSENT AGENDA Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Resolution for Renewal of 2007 On -Sale Liquor Licenses and Related Licenses Approve Renewal of 2007 Refuse Hauler Licenses Approve Rescheduling of Second Meeting in January to January 22, 2008 in Observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Approve Pay Request #2 from EnComm Midwest Inc for Work Completed on Wellhouse #5 Approve Pay Request from Washington County for Right -of -Way Acquisition for CSAH 8/14 Approve Purchase of For Sale Sign for Downtown City Properties Approve Resolution Establishing 2008 Salaries and Reimbursement Rates Approve Extension of Probationary Period for Firefighter Chris Elletson Approve Appointment of Probationary Firefighters David Jensen and James Fordham Approve Extension of Temporary Bank Trailer for Lake Area Bank until October 1, 2008 City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 2 Approve Appointment of Michele Lindau as City Clerk Approve Resolution Certifying Delinquent Utility Accounts Approve Final Acceptance of Oneka Ponds Public Improvements All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for December 17, 2007 as presented. APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR RENEWAL OF 2008 ON -SALE LIQUOR LICENSES AND RELATED LICENSES Each year, the City Clerk's office prepares application packets for businesses seeking the renewal of on - sale liquor licenses and tobacco licenses. Staff has prepared the annual renewal list, which includes certificates of liability insurance, payment of all required fees and taxes, and completion of application materials. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved adoption of Resolution 2007-60 approving the annual renewal for the 2008 on -sale liquor licenses and related licenses, subject to payment of all requested fees, taxes, and certificates of liquor liability insurance. APPROVE 2008 LICENSE RENEWALS FOR REFUSE HAULERS The City has seven refuse haulers, who provide refuse collection and recycling services. The haulers are: Maroney's Sanitation; DoAll Service; Ace Solid Waste; MN Waste Management; SRC, Inc.; Gene's Disposal; and BFI Waste Services. City staff received renewal applications from all seven haulers, and they have paid their annual fee of $165. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the issuance of 2008 refuse haulers licenses to: Maroney's Sanitation; DoAll Service; Ace Solid Waste; MN Waste Management; SRC, Inc.; Gene's Disposal; and BFI Waste Services. APPROVE RESCHEDULING OF SECOND MEETING IN JANUARY TO JANUARY 22, 2008 IN OBSERVANCE OF THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING FEDERAL HOLIDAY Each year, Council reschedules the second meeting in January to the next Tuesday to observe the Martin Luther King federal holiday. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the rescheduling of the second meeting in January to January 22, 2008 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King federal holiday. APPROVE PAY REQUEST #2 FROM ENCOMM MIDWEST INC FOR WORK COMPLETED ON WELL HOUSE #5 City staff has received pay request #2 from EnComm Midwest, Inc. for work completed to date on the construction of well house #5. City Engineer Jay Kennedy and PW Director Chris Petree have reviewed the pay request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed on the well house. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved pay request #2 in the amount of $80,199.47 for work completed to date on the construction of well house #5. City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 3 APPROVE PAY REQUEST FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION COSTS FOR CSAH 8/14 PROJECT Washington County has submitted an invoice to the City for costs associated with the right-of-way acquisition for the CSAH 8/14 road construction project. City Engineer Jay Kennedy and Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson have reviewed the invoice and found it be satisfactory for costs associated with right-of-way acquisition. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved payment to Washington County in the amount of $488,089.87 for costs associated with the right-of-way acquisition for the CSAH 8/14 road construction project. APPROVE PURCHASE OF FOR SALE SIGN FOR DOWNTOWN CITY PROPERTIES At its November 19, 2007 meeting, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed the City - owned properties on the east side of TH61, immediately adjacent to Egg Lake. As Council is aware, two houses were recently demolished and scrub trees and brush were removed by the City's public works department to make the site very appealing to residents and passersby. The EDA agreed to have the City install a for sale sign to notify to residents, business owners, and potential developers that the site is for sale. City staff discussed the installation of a for sale sign and agreed that a more professional approach would need to have it outsourced. PW Director Chris Petree contacted Bill Weigel Signs and they have proposed a very professional for sale sign at a very reasonable price. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the purchase of a for sale sign from Bill Weigel Signs for the downtown property on the east side of TH61 in the amount of $516.53. APPROVE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2008 SALARIES AND RATE REIMBURSEMENT RATES At its October 23, 2007 budget workshop, Council agreed with the proposed 2008 City budget and recommendations for City salaries, with an overall target increase of less than 5%. Finance Director Ron Otkin and City Administrator Mike Ericson prepared the proposed 2008 City wages and salaries, which reflect an overall increase of 1.78%. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Resolution 2007-61 approving the 2008 City employee wages and salaries schedule as presented. APPROVE EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR FIREFIGHTER CHRIS ELLETSON Chris Elletson was hired by the City as a probationary firefighter two years ago. Over the past several months, Chris has been working hard and testing for the firefighter 1 and EMT. Chris has needed additional time to address this issue and achieve his goal as appointment as a regular firefighter. Fire Chief Jim Compton recommends Council extend the probationary period of Chris Elletson for a one- year period. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS DAVID JENSEN AND JAMES FORDHAM Included in the Hugo Fire Department's 2008 budget is funding for four firefighters. Fire Chief Jim Compton and the screening committee have reviewed applications and are pleased to recommend to City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 4 Council the appointment of two probationary firefighters, who have passed all standard background investigations and pre-employment screening. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed David Jensen and James Fordham as probationary firefighters for the City of Hugo. APPROVE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY BANK TRAILER FOR LAKE AREA BANK UNTIL OCTOBER 1. 2008 As Council is aware, Lake Area Bank installed a temporary bank trailer on the Victor Garden site, on the south side of CSAH 8, east of the KinderGardens daycare. Due to a change in leadership, an application to construct a permanent facility was delayed. At its November 19, 2007 meeting, the EDA listened to a presentation from Dave Erickson, whose family owns the Lake Area banks. Dave provided some explanation to the EDA as to the circumstances surrounding the delay and requested permission for an extension of the temporary bank trailer until October 1, 2008. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved extension of the temporary bank trailer for Lake Area Bank until October 1, 2008. APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF MICHELE LINDAU AS CITY CLERK Long-time City Clerk Mary Ann Creager, who has dedicated 31 years of her life to the citizens of Hugo, is saying "good-bye". Michele Lindau has worked for the City for the past eight years, in a variety of duties, most importantly, as the City's Deputy Clerk. Staff feels that Michele is more than ready and able for the challenge. As per Minnesota Statute, the City must appoint a City Clerk to fulfill the statutory duties of a municipal city clerk. Michele has earned her State of Minnesota Certified Municipal Clerk designation, and she is more than capable of fulfilling the duties as City Clerk. Adoption of the Consent Agenda appointed Michele Lindau as the new City Clerk, beginning January 1, 2008, wishing her all the best for success in her new career. APPROVE RESOLUTION CERTIFYING DELINQUENT UTILITY ACCOUNTS Annually, the finance department reviews all delinquent utility bills, which are the result of nonpayment or underpayment of water and sewer utility bills. In accordance with City ordinance, Council is required to adopt a resolution to certify delinquent utility bills in order that they are placed on the property tax statements for collection. Property owners, who have not paid their outstanding utility bill, must have it certified to the property tax rolls. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2007-62 certifying delinquent utility bills for placement on property tax statements APPROVE FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF ONEKA PONDS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Fegowi Rentals, developer of the Oneka Ponds neighborhood, submitted a request to the City for a final acceptance of the public improvements. Senior Engineering Technician Scott Anderson has reviewed the request and found it to be satisfactory for the installation of public improvements, including concrete curb and gutter, bituminous roadway, and storm sewer. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the final acceptance of the public improvements for the Oneka Ponds neighborhood. APPROVE 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE & CHAPTER 1306 -OPTION #2 Council member Frank Puleo had this item removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. At its City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 5 special workshop on November 20, 2007, Council discussed with Building Official John Benson, Fire Marshal Marry Schwartz, and Deputy Fire Chief Jadon 011ila the changes recommended in the 2006 International Building Code. One chapter, 1306, merited additional discussion in regard to some modifications suggested due to a tragic fire at a nightclub in 2003. Council discussed Chapter 1306 and its two options, 1 and 2, for consideration. Council agreed to recommend to the EDA discussion of this issue as well, as it relates to economic development issues for small businesses. The EDA addressed this issue at its December 17, 2007 meeting, and recommended the 2006 International Building Code with Chapter 1036, Option 2, be approved. Council member Puleo stated that he felt that there were a number of unanswered questions and needed more discussion at the Council level, with maybe a workshop. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to table this issue until Council questions are answered. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING 2008 CITY BUDGET AND CITY TAX LEVY At its December 3, 2007 meeting, Council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing in order to take public comment on the proposed 2008 City budget. As per Minnesota Statute, Council does not approve the budget at that meeting in order to allow staff the opportunity the time to make any adjustments to the budget as directed by Council. In September 2007, Council scheduled December 17, 2007 as the day on which it would formally adopt the 2008 City budget and set the City tax levy. As Council is aware, highlights of the proposed budget include a focus on police, parks, and transportation. Earlier this year, Council directed staff to prepare a budget that reflects a'/, of I% reduction in the City's tax levy, a reduction for the fifth consecutive year, totaling nearly 10%. At its December 3, 2007 TnT hearing, Council took comment from residents and directed City staff to address issues raised by them. City staff was successful in working with City Assessor Frank Langer to specifically address issues of valuation for Arta Rider on Elmcrest Avenue, and explained to Wendy Maxwell, the change in classification that increased her property taxes. Issues related to the request for a state audit are exactly the same as they were six months ago when staff first addressed this issue with the Deputy State Auditor. The proposed 2008 City budget reflects a conservative and fiscally prudent revenue projection and careful examination of City expenditures. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation addressing issues raised at the TnT public hearing and recommended Council approve the 2008 general fund budget in the amount of $3,894,088 and set the City's tax levy at $5,189,598. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-63 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE 2008 FISCAL YEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,894.088. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-64 APPROVING THE FINAL TAX LEVY PAYABLE IN 2008 AT $5,189,598. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 6 DISCUSSION ON APPLICATION FOR DRIVEWAY PERMIT FOR JEREMY VALLIER AT 7130 177STREET Jeremy L'Allier, 7130 177d' Street North, applied for a driveway permit to allow an existing second driveway to access his property. The application was in response to direction by the Council requesting the applicant apply for the driveway permit after a neighbor of the applicant's addressed the Council on November 5, 2007 regarding the illegal driveway. In addition, on October 1, 2007, Council had denied L'Allier's request for an Interim Use Permit for a home-based business on the grounds he did not reside at the address. The Council asked him to reapply in six months. CD Director Bryan Bear provided an aerial photo of the property, stating that the fate of the driveway depends on the business. Jeremy addressed Council outlining what steps he has taken to remedy concerns expressed by his neighbor, John Olson. Mr. Olson also addressed Council stating his continued concerns with conditions at his neighbor's property with regard to the offensive security light and headlights of vehicles leaving the property and shining into his house. Bryan Bear offered to inspect the security light on the property and report his findings to Council. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to table action on the driveway permit and reconsider it when the applicant reapplies for the Interim Use permit. All aye. Motion Carried. RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT OF CITY CLERK MARY ANN CREAGER Council took this time to thank me for giving 31 years of my life to the City with a resolution and very impressive plaque; it was my pleasure. Her City Hall friends are forever in her heart! Mayor Miron and the Council joined Mary Ann at the podium to extend their public appreciation. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-65 RECOGNIZING MARY ANN CREAGER FOR HER 31 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AS THE CITY CLERK FOR THE CITY OF HUGO, MN. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. APPROVE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PAUL HUGO FARMS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PLAN Due to a conflict of interest, Mayor Miron passed the gavel to Acting Mayor Becky Petryk and left the dais. At its November 19, 2007 meeting, Council listened to a presentation from CD Director Bryan Bear and Emmett Mullen and Bob Welsh from the MnDNR regarding the draft plan for the Paul Hugo Farms Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Plan. After thorough discussion, Council voted unanimously to support the plan, with Mayor Fran Miron taking no part in the discussion or the Council vote. Council directed the City Attorney to prepare a resolution of support for the plan. CD Director Bryan Bear provided a PowerPoint presentation with the background and changes made to the WMA plan as suggested by residents. Bryan stated that the City's comprehensive plan, anticipated to be approved in April 2008, will guide use of land surrounding the WMA. City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 7 Petryk made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2007-66 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGO, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, CONCERNING THE PAUL HUGO FARMS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PLAN. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo ABSTAINED: Miron Motion Carried. Mayor Miron returned to the dais to chair the meeting. DISCUSSION ON REAPPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO CITY COMMISSIONS At its December 3, 2007 meeting, Council listened to a presentation from staff regarding the reappointment of commissioners on various commissions and boards in the City. Staff reported to Council that all commissioners desired reappointment to their respective commission, and as per City policy, Council agreed to provide performance reviews for each of the commissioners. Council felt that other commissioners should be involved in the review process. City Administrator Mike Ericson, CD Director Bryan Bear, and Mayor Miron and Council member Frank Puleo will evaluate the performance reviews with input from other commissioners. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to encourage performance review input from various commissioners not up for reappointment, and City Administrator Mike Ericson, CD Director Bryan Bear, and Mayor Miron and Council member Frank Puleo will evaluate the performance reviews with the commissioners whose terms are expiring. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY LAND AND WATER LEGACY PROGRAM At its December 11, 2007 workshop meeting, the Washington County Board considered recommendations from its Water Legacy Advisory Committee to purchase land using funds from the $20 million open space referendum approved in the November 2006 election. CD Director Bryan Bear and Administrative Intern Nathan Ehalt attended the County Board workshop meeting in order to present the City's request for the purchase of the Linden property located adjacent to the Paul Hugo Farms WMA located on CR8. Bryan presented Council with an update of the decision by the Washington County Board to support the acquisition of the Linden property as part of the partnership area of the Paul Hugo Farms WMA. DISCUSSION ON COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH WBL FIRE DEPT TO PROVIDE BLS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN HUGO In 2004, Council scheduled a workshop with the Hugo Fire Department in order to discuss ambulance service provided to the City of Hugo by the WBL Fire Dept. As Council is aware, that workshop was the Council's first opportunity to discuss the ambulance service provided to the City for both basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). For the past three years, HFD and City staff have proceeded to discuss with the WBL Fire Dept and Regions Hospital issues associated with the HFD City Council meeting of December 17, 2007 Page 8 providing BLS ambulance service to residents. At its annual goal setting session in January 2007, Council approved a public safety goal of a Cooperative Agreement with the WBL Fire Dept to have BLS ambulance service provided by Hugo firefighters. Over the past several months, City staff has met with WBL fire department, League of Minnesota City Insurance Trust officials, and City officials to formalize an agreement for the City to begin providing BLS ambulance service during evening hours. The City of WBL fully supports this Cooperative Agreement, which would involve the staging of a brand new ambulance at the Hugo Fire Hall. The ambulance will be strategically utilized by both the Hugo firefighters in the evening, as well as WBL firefighters during the daytime. City staff and City Attorneys have reviewed the Agreement, which is a simple legal cooperative agreement to best utilize taxpayer dollars and provide more efficiency in the delivery of BLS ambulance service in the City of Hugo. Fire Chief Jim Compton was present to further explain the Agreement and answer all Council questions, as well as advise Council of the Fire Department's recommendation for approval of this Agreement. If approved, service would commence January 4, 2008 at 5:00 pm. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the Cooperative Agreement with the City of White Bear Lake to provide Basic Life Support ambulance service in the City of Hugo during evening hours, 5:00 pm to 5:00 am. All aye. Motion Carried. LETTER FROM CITIZEN ON LIFESAVING MEASURES FROM HFD As Council is aware, the Hugo Fire Department regularly provides emergency services for residents, and even lifesaving measures from time -to -time. Residents take the time to thank the HFD with voice mails, emails, and hand-written thank you cards. There is one resident who took the time to send a hand- written thank you to the HFD, who needs public recognition. This resident expressed her gratitude to- the HFD for its lifesaving measures more than a year ago, which allowed her to live. Fire Chief Jim Compton read this thank you letter for the benefit of the entire community, as a public measure thanking the HFD for all they do for our community. ADJOURNMENT Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 9:30 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. Mary Ann Creager City Clerk THE END