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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004.04.19 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 19.2004 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Puleo, Miron City Administrator Michael Ericson; Assistant City Attorney Laura Domagala; Water Management Specialist Phil Belfiori; City Planner Kendra Lindahl; PW Director Chris Petree; Fire Chief Jim Compton; Finance Director Ron Otkin; and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager ABSENT: Becky Petryk MINUTES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 5.2004 Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the minutes for the April 5, 2004 meeting as presented. MINUTES FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION OF APRIL 5, 2004 Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve the minutes for the executive session of April 5, 2004 as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Add I.5 — MCES Sewer Capacity Update Add J.6 — Letter to Washington County on PID Information Add MA — Discussion of Public Hearing Notice Timeline Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the agenda for April 19, 2004 as amended. All aye. Motion Carried. PROPOSAL FOR TAX ABATEMENT FINANCING FOR CSAH 8/14 PROJECT (SPRINGSTED INC) Over the past several months, City staff has met with Paul Steinman and Mikaela Huot from Springsted to discuss and determine financing options for the CSAH 8/14 reconstruction project. In discussions with Washington County officials, staff determined a cost estimate for the City's share of the construcdi project. Paul and Mikaela met recently with Finance Director Ron Otkin and City Administrator Mike Ericson to map out both options and a timeline for securing and formulating a payment plan with Washington County. Paul and Mikaela were in attendance and Mikaela presented Council with a proposal for the use of tax abatement as a financing tool for the CSAH 8/14 project. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, authoring the following: 1) implementation of a time schedule and call for a public hearing on June 21, 2004, 7:00 pm, for approval of a tax abatement; 2) draft a tax abatement policy; and 3) draft a tax abatement resolution. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 2 Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a Council workshop for Monday, May 24, 2004, 7:00 pm, to discuss the use of tax abatement for financing the CSAH 8/14 realignment project. All aye. Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approval of Probationary Period for PW Worker & Appoint as Regular Employee (Rick Kieffer) Approve Performance Review and Salary Adjustment for Building Inspector (Gary Schwartz) Approve Employment Offer to Community Development Director (Bryan Bear) Approve Application for Water Surface Use Permit on Sunset Lake (Dave Strub) Approve Variance Request for Accessory Building at 14880 Francesca Ave. N.(Richard Mireault) Approve Temporary Beer License for Dead Broke Saddle Club Approve Award of Bid for Water System for the New Public Works Facility Approve Water and Sewer Rates for 2004 Approve Final Plat for Northern Pines Subdivision (Masterpiece Homes) Approve 3.2 Beer License for Good Neighbor Days (Hugo Lions Club) Approve Waiver Application for Hugo Fire Department All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for April 19, 2004 as presented. APPROVAL OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR PW WORKER AND APPOINT AS REGULAR EMPLOYEE (RICK KIEFFER) Rick Kieffer was hired by the City on October 6, 2003 as the newest public works worker. Over the past six months, Rick has worked hard to become a valuable asset to the public works department with skills and ability to perform a wide variety of duties. Rick is always on time and never misses any work. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the satisfactory completion of Rick's six-month probation perA and appointed him as a regular employee. APPROVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR BUILDING INSPECTOR (GARY SCHWARTZ) Gary Schwartz was hired by the City on April 15, 2002 as the new building inspector. Over the past two years, Gary has worked hard to establish himself as an excellent building inspector and valued member of the City Hall team. Gary is very conscientious, dependable, and is well respected with the builders and contractors that he works with. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Gary Schwartz and salary adjustment, as per the employee salary matrix. City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 3 APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OFFER TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRYAN BEAR) At its April 5, 2004 meeting, Council directed staff the City Administrator to negotiate an agreement with Bryan Bear and hire him as the new CD Director. Consistent with the City's personnel policy and the employee salary matrix, City staff was successful in negotiating an employment agreement to hire Bryan Bear, who would begin employment on May 3, 2004. Bryan would be subject to the standard preemployment physical examination, as well as the six-month probationary period. City staff recommends Council approve the employment offer and officially appoint Bryan Bear as the new CD Director for the City of Hugo. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR WATER SURFACE PERMIT ON SUNSET LAKE (DAVE STRUM On behalf of the Sunset Lake Ski Club, Dave Strub has submitted an application for approval of the water ski slalom course. Staff has reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactorily completed. City staff recommends Council approve the water ski slalom course application for Sunset Lake. APPROVE VARIANCE REQUEST FOR ACCESSORY BUILDING AT 14880 FRANCESCA AVENUE NORTH (RICHARD MIREAULT) Richard Mireault applied for a variance to construct a 672 square foot accessory building where 260 square feet is the maximum allowed by ordinance and a variance for a 10 foot setback where 25 feet is required by ordinance. The Board of Zoning considered the application at its meeting on April 8, 2004 and recommended approval of both variances. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the variance for Richard Mireault to construct a 672 square foot accessory building ten feet from the property line on his property at 14880 Francesca Avenue North. APPROVE BEER LICENSE FOR DEAD BROKE SADDLE CLUB City staff received an application from the Dead Broke Saddle Club for a temporary beer license, which would allow the club to sell 3.2 beer during its rodeo activities. City staff reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactory and complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the temporary beer license for the Dead Broke Saddle Club to sell 3.2 beer during its rodeo activities, subject to rec1t of appropriate certificate of insurance for liquor liability. APPROVE AWARD OF BID FOR WATER SYSTEM FOR NEW PW FACILITY At its April 5, 2004 meeting, Council removed from the award of bid for the new public works facility the water system to allow City staff to meet with a local well drilling contractor, who had previously drilled the original well on the Rice Lake Park property. Staff reviewed the feasibility and determined that the location of the existing well would not permit the proper installation of a well on the site, since it would involve over 825 ft of water line. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the award of bid for the new water system to Ingleside Engineering with a low bid of $19,300. City Council meeting of April 14, 2004 Page 4 APPROVE WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR 2004 As Council is aware, Bill Lehner from ISM, Inc. provided a water and sewer rate model back in 2001. Finance Director Ron Otkin has used this model to determine the appropriate water and sewer rates, on an annual basis, as they relate to the City's capital improvement program and staffing needs. For 2004, the Finance Director determined that water rates are sufficient to retain profitability, but that sewer rates need to be adjusted due to increased sewage treatment expense. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2004-15 approving the new sewer rate schedule for 2004, as submitted. APPROVE FINAL PLAT FOR NORTHERN PINES SUBD (MASTERPIECE HOMES) Masterpiece Homes is requesting approval of a final plat for 38 twinhomes on this 12.3 -acre parcel. The final plat for "Northern Pines" is consistent with the preliminary plat that was approved by the City Council on January 5, 2004. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2004-16 approving the final plat for the Northern Pines subdivision. APPROVE 3.2 BEER LICENSE FOR GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS (HUGO LIONS CLUB) The Hugo Lions Club submitted its annual license application to sell 3.2 beer during the Hugo Good Neighbor Days. As Council is aware, the Good Neighbor Days will be held from June 10-13, 2004. City staff reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactory and complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the 3.2 beer license for the Hugo Lions Club to sell 3.2 beer during Good Neighbor Days, subject to receipt of appropriate certificate of insurance for liquor liability. APPROVE WAIVER APPLICATION FOR HUGO FRE DEPARTMENT The Hugo Fire Department has been working with the City Attorney to draft a waiver to allow for a "ride -a -longs". This waiver would legally allow the department to have residents and potential firefighter applicants ride along, just like local police and sheriff departments. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the waiver application to allow for "ride -a -longs" for the Hugo Fire Department. APPROVE LAWFUL GAMBLING PERMIT FOR AMERICAN LEGION POST 491 (SAL'S ANGUS GRILL) The Americaegion Post 491 of Bayport, MN made application for a lawful gambling permit to conduct a pull tab operation at the new Sal's Angus Grill (formerly dba Woody's Bar and Grill). The gambling manager for the American Legion Post completed the State of Minnesota's lawful gambling application and it has been reviewed by City staff and found to be satisfactorily completed. City staff recommended approval the lawful gambling permit for the American Legion Post 491 to conduct a pull tab operation at Sal's Angus Grill. Council member Haas questioned whether we wanted these licenses to be issued to a "local" gambling operation and requested City staff to make inquiries. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to table this issue until the Council meeting of May 3, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 5 APPROVE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WIWSB FOR BRIDGE INSPECTIONS City staff requested Council approval for the Supplemental Agreement with WSB & Associates to perform the required bridge inspections and file the necessary paperwork. The funding for this work would be paid under the Contract Engineering Fees item of the City's budget. Council member Haas expressed concern that there might be duplication of inspections for culverts located at 157'h Street and 165'" Street, therefore, duplication in charges as well. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to table this matter until the Council meeting of May 3, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. CIP AND PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY BONDS (SPRINGSTED INC.) Paul Steinman and Mikaela Huot from Springsted, and the City's Finance Director were present to answer Council questions regarding this matter. Finance Director Ron Otkin reviewed with Springsted and bond counsel Mary Ippel from Briggs and Morgan, the new state statute, by which the City will finance the public works facility. Mayor Fran Miron opened the required public hearing on the proposed sale of bonds for the new public works facility and also capital improvement program equipment needs. There were no oral or written comments at the hearing. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-17 GIVING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF G.O. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,560,000 AND ADOPTING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN THEREFOR. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-18 PROVIDING FOR THE COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATED SALE OF $2,560,000 G.O. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2004A. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. .-*C OPTIONS FOR USE OF THE RICE PROPERTY LOCATED la, 9497140TH STREET As directed by Council, the City Engineer prepared options for the reuse of the Don and Pauline Rice property. Phil Belfiori from WSB Engineers provided a Power Point presentation reviewing these options with Council. Staff was notified by FEMA that the sub -grant agreement was mailed April 13, 2004, which will allow the City to finalize the purchase of the land and building. After discussion of the proposed options, Council felt that the Parks Commission should take another look at the property to determine whether the property could be used as City parkland. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to look at the property for wetlands banking and City Council meeting of April 14, 2004 Page 6 place this issue on the next Parks Commission agenda for a recommendation on the use of the property. All aye. Motion Carried. PROPOSED CHANGE ORDER FOR COMMUNITY ROOM ON PW FACILITY On Tuesday, April 13, 2004, the PW Building Committee met with City architect Bob Russek from Elsness Swenson and Graham (ESG) and general contractor, Jack Parkos from Parkos Construction, to discuss the community room, which had been approved by Council as Alternate #2 in March 2004. Council member Mike Granger shared his support for a reconfiguration of the community room to allow for a more user-friendly design, complete with a relocation of the exterior door, which would be the main entrance into the community room from the east. Bob proposed a new room layout, which would involve the relocation of the mechanical room and bathroom facilities to allow for the location of a small kitchen with cabinets for storage. Jack Parkos is working on a cost estimate for the Change Order to the community room for submission to Council. Puleo made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the Change Order for the new configuration to the community room, and provide cost estimate for the Change Order to Council for approval. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL FROM MNDOT FOR A RAILROAD CROSSING ON CSAH 8 AT TH61 Staff received official notification from the MnDOT that approval has been granted for a railroad crossing on CR8 at TH61. The order, signed by Deputy Commissioner Doug Differt, spells out that the City/county can establish a new roadway grade crossing on the new CR8, subject to conditions. Assistant City Attorney Laura Domagala provided a brief recap and explanation of the order by MnDOT. No formal City Council action was taken. WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSESSOR PROPOSAL At its April 5, 2004 meeting, Council listened to a short briefing from City Administrator Mike Ericson regarding Washington County's interest in providing county -wide assessing services. This was an informational item only, and Council agreed that it would be discussed at a later date. The City Administrator'& -et with local assessor Frank Langer since that time, and suggested Council provide direction to staff regarding local control for City assessing services. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to send the draft letter to Washington County outlining support to retain Frank Langer as the City's assessor. All aye. Motion Carried. MCES SEWER CAPACITY UPDATE Council member Haas requested this item be added to the agenda for discussion. City Administrator City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 7 Mike Ericson stated that the City was a part of the April 16, 2004 RFP selection process for an engineering firm to complete the capital improvement project to increase sewer capacity. That firm will be announced the week of 4/194/23 by the MCES, and a meeting will be held as soon as possible with the City, developers, and engineers. DISCUSSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The City Council identified as one of its 2004 top -ten goals, the reestablishment of an economic development authority. Staff carefully researched this issue in order to provide Council a thorough comparison and analysis of economic authorities throughout the State of Minnesota, which are prescribed by, and for, in state statute. Administrative Intern Tom Denaway presented a Power Point highlighting the establishment of an economic development authority. Mayor Miron stated that the City presently has an EDA made up of the City Council, but it does not include the marketing of the community. Council member Granger felt that the City should: wait until the new Community Development Director Bryan Bear begins employment on May 3, 2004; get an understanding of what the City wants from an EDA; and then decide how to form it. A public hearing will be needed to change the formation. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a workshop for Friday, May 21, 2004, to continue discussion on the Economic Development Authority. All aye. Motion Carried. CONCEPT PLAN FOR NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL On Tuesday, April 13, 2004, the new Hugo elementary school design team met for the last time to provide input and direction to school architects LHB Architects and Engineers with the design of the new elementary school and redesign of the current Hugo Elementary School. Included in the new elementary school plan is a regular elementary and community gymnasium, along with a fitness center, which could be utilized by Hugo residents, with staff supervision provided by the WBL recreation department. This issue was identified by Council as one of its top -ten 2004 City goals. Council discussion on this issue is necessary to provide direction to staff and to the school architects for inclusion of the community gymnasium and fitness center into the final concept plan. Council discussions with school officials and City officials focused on using park dedication funds from the Water's Edge South development as the City's contribution and share of funding. Council requested staff provide import outlining land already platted, as well as undeveloped land in the MUSA, to determine future parkland dedication fees available to the City. No formal Council action was taken. TREE DEDICATION CEREMONY AT VICTOR GARDEN PARK ON APRIL 25, 2004 AT 2:00 PM City staff was notified by the town manager for the Victor Gardens subdivision regarding City interest in participating in a tree dedication ceremony at the Victor Gardens Park. This activity was arranged by Homer and Shelly Tompkins from CPDC as a way to involve the local residents in a formal tree dedication ceremony and a spring cleanup of their neighborhood. The town manager was interested in the Council's participation in this activity and ceremony, and staff placed this on the agenda for City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 8 consideration by Council, as well as the scheduling of a public meeting on that Sunday afternoon on April 25, 2004 at 2:00 pm. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to post a special meeting notice to allow City Council attendance at a tree dedication ceremony at Victor Garden Park on April 25, 2004 at 2 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. PARIQNG PROBLEM AT 15870 FENWAY AVENUE NORTH For more than three years, City staff has received complaints from residents living on Fenway Avenue in the Creekview Preserve subdivision about a resident, who continues to operate his business out of his home, thereby necessitating the parking of heavy-duty trucks and trailers on Fenway Avenue at all times of the day and night, during the week, and on weekends. Staff responded several times to the complaints raised by residents, who live on the street and fear for the safety of their children. They have voiced their strong opposition to the operation of a commercial business out of a home located in a residential neighborhood. Staff has been unsuccessful in getting the homeowner to cooperate, and to the extent he has ignored the City's request to move his operation out of his home. The City Council's adoption of the 72 -hour parking ordinance has been helpful, but this resident simply moves his trucks during that period so he does not violate the ordinance. Paul Holman, owner of the maintenance business, addressed Council stating that he leases 4,000 sq ft of space in Blaine for storage of his equipment, and he does not operate his business from his residence. He stated he does drive his dump truck home during the lunch time, and that he is in full compliance of City code. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to provide Mr. Holman with copies of related ordinances and regulations that have been discussed so that he understands his limits for use of his property. Staff shall notify the WCSO to patrol said residence to insure compliance with City code and report to Council. All aye. Motion Carried. PROPOSAL FOR OFFICE FURNITURE OF HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Jim Compton has been working over the past several months to solicit and secure quotations for used replacement furniture for the fire department. The quotations are from local furniture com*ies would include replacement of the current fiuniture, which was donated to the fire department when it was built. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, authorizing the Fire Department to purchase use office furniture from S & T Office Products, in the amount of $6,259. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of April 19, 2004 Page 9 DISCUSSION LETTER TO WASHINGTON COUNTY ON PID INFORMATION Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to table until the Council meeting of May 3, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. LMC POLICY COMMITTEES The League of Minnesota Cities requested the interest of elected officials throughout the State of Minnesota to serve on a number of advisory committees, which provide direction to the League on policy issues during the legislative session. The time commitment is over a two-month period, and staff seeks interest from Council to be appointed to these committees. No formal Council action was taken. CITY ADMINISTRATOR ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW Mike Ericson was hired on April 17, 2000 as Hugo's new City Administrator. Over the past three years, the City Council conducted his annual performance review, in part through a sub -committee, and last year, through the work of City Attorney Dave Snyder, who compiled the results of the performance reviews submitted individually by Council members. Mike expressed his desire to continue to utilize the services of the City Attorney to complete this work and would be open for a review by Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting. After a meeting with Council members Mike Granger and Chuck Haas, Mike suggested that a City Hall team of employees be formed to research monitoring and follow up of City issues. No formal Council action was taken. APRIL 13TH NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING ON ELMCREST AVENUE PAVING PROPOSAL This item is information only until May 3, 2004 Council meeting. Staff reported that a neighborhood meeting was held and provided to Council a list of the attendees. This issue is being discussed in context with the petition submitted by residents on 132"d street. Staff provided a very brief recap. TIMELINE FOR PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES As the result of a resident notifying the City that public hearing notices were not being published in a timely manner, City Administrator Mike Ericson explained to Council what steps have been taken to remedy the pAlem. ADJOURNMENT Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. Mary Tin�,,A,reager City Qork