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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004.06.21 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2004 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron City Administrator Michael Ericson; CD Director Bryan Bear; City Attorney Dave Snyder; City Engineer Jay Kennedy; PW Director Chris Petree; Fire Chief Jim Compton; Finance Director Ron Otkin; Financial Advisors Paul Steinman and Mikaela Huot from Springsted Inc; and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 7, 2004 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the June 7, 2004 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the agenda for June 21, 2004 as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR CITY ASSESSOR (FRANK LANGER) Frank Langer has been employed as the City's assessor since 1979. Over the past 25 years, Frank has worked closely with a number of City Council's and City staff members in providing a high level of quality service for the City's residential and commercial property valuations. Frank is thorough and has an attentive eye for detail, which is reflected each year in the City's Board of Review, where traditionally, Council sees very few residents and property owners reflecting satisfactory service. In appreciation for his 25 years of work, the Hugo City Council wished to recognize Frank and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and wishes for many years of dedicated service to the City. Mayor Fran Miron and City Council publicly thanked Frank and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his 25 years of dedicated service. CONSENT AGENDA Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Award Bid to Clean South Water Tower (#2 Tower) Approve Joint Powers Agreement with I-35 W/E Coalition Approve Final Plat and Development Agreement for Beaver Ponds South Approve Variance Request for Location of Accessory Building at 9514 122"d St. (McCormack) Approve Variance Request for Exterior Finish on Accessory Building at 12506 Irish Ave. (Palecek) Approve Site Plan for Storage Building Addition at Oneka Ridge Golf Course Approve Encroachment Agreement for Deck at 6460 1501' Street (Schillinger) Approve Encroachment Agreement for Deck at 5540 157°i Street (Cullison) Approve Name for Community Room at the PW Facility Approve Change Order #2 for Parking Lot at the PW Facility City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 2 Approve Pay Request #2 from Parkos Construction for Work Completed on the PW Facility Authorize to Receive Bids to Demolish Water Tower #1 Authorize to Seal Well #1 and Demolish Pump House Approve Resignation of Jeff Wenzel from the Hugo Fire Department All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for June 21, 2004 as presented. AWARD BID TO CLEAN SOUTH WATER TOWER (#2 TOWER) Public Works Director Chris Petree solicited bids to power wash and clean the south water tower, water tower #2. The tower was last cleaned in 1999, and because of its design, it necessitates a regular cleaning due to the mold and mildew collecting on the lower half of the bowl. Adoption of the Consent Agenda awarded the contract to Tight Rope in the low bid amount of $2,950. APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH I-35 W/E COALITION At the May 20, 2004 Tri -Cities Coalition meeting, members of the Hugo City Council agreed with Coalition members to the name change for the Coalition, which will now be known as the I-35 W/E Coalition and the proposed Joint Powers Agreement, which will provide a formal agreement between the four cities, two counties, and one township. Coalition members agreed to present a finalized draft of the JPA to each respective governing council or board, in order to seek approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Joint Powers Agreement. APPROVE FINAL PLAT AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR BEAVER PONDS SOUTH At its April 5, 2004 meeting, Council approved a preliminary plat for 43 homes on this 20 -acre site. John Peterson from Oakwood Development is now requesting final plat approval for the 43 -single family lots and the development agreement. Two changes have been made to the plans. The most significant change is the result of a redesign of the street in the northeast corner of the site. Staff and Council noted a number of concerns about the initial street design, specifically, the design speed. In response to these comments, the applicant revised the plans to create a cul-de-sac in the northeast corner without losing any lots. The applicant revised the plans to include a parking lot within the City park. The preliminary plat approval indicated that the developer would be responsible for the construction of the parking area, but that the City would reimburse the developer for the cost of bituminous and curbing. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2004-44 approving the final plat and development agreement with Oakwood Development for Beaver Ponds South. APPROVE VARIANCE REQUEST FOR LOCATION OF ACCESSORY BUILDING (MACCORMACIQ Robert and Sherrylee MacCormick, 9514 122nd Street North, applied for a variance to allow two existing accessory buildings to be located closer to the road than the principal structure. The applicant City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 3 is building a new home on their 6.5 acre parcel that will be located further from the road than the existing home and accessory buildings. Once the new home is built, the existing home will be removed. The applicant would like to keep the existing 720 square foot garage and 120 square foot milk house/garden shed. The Board of Zoning Adjustments considered the application and unanimously recommended approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the variance request for the location of an accessory building at 9514 122nd Street North. APPROVE VARIANCE REQUEST FOR EXTERIOR FINISH ON ACCESSORY BUILDING (PALECEK) ' John and Marie Palecek, 12506 Irish Avenue North, applied for a variance to permit an accessory building with an exterior finish that is inconsistent with the principal structure. The home is constructed with beige colored horizontal lap siding and the applicant would like to finish the proposed building with vertical steel siding of the same color. Upon staff inspection, it was noted several porta-potties stored on the property. Because Hugo City Code does not permit this type of exterior storage, staff is recommending the applicant remove the exterior storage prior to the issuance of a building permit. The applicant agreed to this condition and has since applied for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a home occupation business, Smilie's Sewer Service, to be conducted in an accessory building for storage of these items. The Board of Zoning Adjustments has considered the application and unanimously recommended approval with the condition the exterior storage is removed from the property prior to the issuance of the building permit. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the variance for accessory building finish at 12506 Irish Avenue North as recommended by the Board. APPROVE SITE PLAN FOR ADDITION AT ONEKA RIDGE GOLF COURSE Oneka Ridge Golf Course, 5610 120'x' Street North, applied for a site plan amendment to allow construction of a 720 square foot addition to the maintenance building. The addition would be constructed as a lean-to with three open sides. The Planning Commission has considered the application and unanimously recommended approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved of the site plan amendment for the Oneka Ridge Golf Course. APPROVE ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR DECK (SCHILLINGER) Chad & Kristi Schillinger, 6460 150'x' Street North, applied for an encroachment agreement to permit construction of a 12' X 16' three -season porch and deck to be located eight feet into the drainage and utility easement. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the encroachment agreement for a deck at 6460 15& Street North. APPROVE ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR DECK AT 5540157TH STREET (CULLISON) Keith & Julia Cullison, 5540 157h Street North, applied for an encroachment agreement to permit construction of a 16' X 20' deck to be located 14 feet into the drainage and utility easement. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the encroachment agreement for a deck at 6460 150'x' Street. City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 4 APPROVE NAME FOR COMMUNITY ROOM AT THE NEW PW FACILITY Included in the bid specifications for the new public works building, Council approved a Change Order to provide for the construction of a community room. The room would be used by residents of Hugo for a variety of uses. Contained in the building specifications is the requirement for an official name. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the name for the community room as the Rice Lake Community Room, recognizing the significant body of water located immediately adjacent to the City's property. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR PARKING LOT AT NEW PW FACILITY At its May 17, 2004 meeting, Council accepted staffs recommendation and directed the Public Works Building Committee to meet with landscape architect Laurie McCrostie and Scott Ward from Stevens Engineers to revise the parking lot for the new facility. The PW Building Committee has met and concurs with the revised parking lot design, which needs to be incorporated into a professionally - engineered design complete with appropriate landscaping. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Change Order #2 for the parking lot and directed the project engineer to proceed with final plans and specifications. APPROVE PAY REQUEST #2 FROM PARKOS CONSTRUCTION FOR WORK COMPLETED ON THE NEW PW FACILITY Parkos Construction submitted pay request #2 for work completed to date on the new public works facility. City architect Bob Russek from Elness Swenson Graham reviewed the request and found it to be satisfactory for work completed to date on the project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved payment in the amount of $50,996. AUTHORIZATION TO RECEIVE BIDS TO DEMOLISH WATER TOWER #1 With the completion of water tower #3 in the fall of 2002, the City's original 100,000 -gallon water tower constructed in 1961 is no longer in service and has surpassed its useful life. Due to continued maintenance that is required on the tower, and the liability of having a structure such as the tower that is not in use. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized staff to receive bids for the demolition of water tower # 1. AUTHORIZATION TO SEAL WELL #1 AND DEMOLISH PUMP HOUSE With the improvements to the City's water system in recent years, well #1 has become obsolete and un - useable since the fall of 2002. The size of the well casing makes it unsatisfactory for redevelopment of the well. Pump house #1 has been in failing condition for a number of years and requires demolition or complete reconstruction, as noted in previous Department of Health reports. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized staff to receive bids for the sealing of well #I and the demolition of pump house # 1. APPROVE RESIGNATION OF JEFF WENZEL FROM THE HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighter Jeff Wenzel submitted his letter of resignation from the HFD. Jeff has served the department faithfully for fourteen years, but family and job demands have changed. Adoption of the Consent City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 5 Agenda accepted the resignation of Jeff Wenzel and publicly thanked him for his 14 years of dedicated service. TAX ABATEMENT FOR FINANCING CSAH 8/14 REALIGNMENT PROJECT/TAX ABATEMENT POLICY At its May 24, 2004 meeting, Council listened to a presentation from City financial advisor Paul Steinman and Mikaela Huot from Springsted, Inc. regarding the use of tax abatement as a financing tool for the CSAH 8/14 project. Council accepted the financial advisor's recommendation and scheduled a public hearing for June 21, 2004 in order to take public comment on the issue. Council also directed Springsted to prepare a draft tax abatement policy, which will also be discussed at the public hearing reflecting the City's strong interest in this Minnesota state legislature -approved financing tool. Paul Steinman and Mikaela Huot reviewed the proposed tax abatement policy, as well as how tax abatement could implemented for the CSAH 8/14 project. Council member Haas stated that the City should encourage the school district and Washington County to use this tool as well. Mayor Fran Miron opened the public hearing at 7:25 pm. Steve Nelson of 6644 132nd Street asked if this project was taking taxpayer money away from other projects. Paul Steinman stated that this project would have no impact because of the dollar cap. Walter Stoltzman asked what the money would be used for. Mayor Miron stated that the money was earmarked for right-of-way acquisition and that the money abated would be used to pay off bonds. Should the money be used for other projects, a public hearing would be required. The public hearing was closed at 7:40 pm. Council suggested that the proposed policy be reworded to reflect that tax abatement would encourage "economic" development within the City. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 200445 ADOPTING A TAX ABATEMENT POLICY. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 200446 APPROVING PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS FOR THE CSAH 8/14 PROJECT. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. At this time, Paul Steinman presented Mayor Fran Miron and the City of Hugo a plaque congratulating the City for its two-step improved bond rating, from A3 to Al from Moody's Investors for the sale of bonds for the public works facility. 132ND STREET PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT At its regular meeting of May 17, 2004, Council received the feasibility study for the paving of 132nd Street between Goodview Avenue and Henna Avenue. The feasibility study was completed in response City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 6 to a petition submitted by the benefiting property owners during the fall of 2003. Council member Haas questioned whether the Parks Commission had reviewed the project for a possible trail system. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided a Power Point presentation of the project to the City Council, after which Mayor Miron opened the public hearing at 8:27 pm. All names listed are residents on 132nd Street and favored the project: Sally Cain felt that The Gardens should be included on the assessment roll as the business generates are large volume of traffic. Molly Seidl, author of the petition, thanked City Engineer Jay Kennedy for his work, and stated that the road needs to be improved for safety reasons. Diane Kirchoffner was concerned with speed and cars not stopping at sign on 132nd/Goodview. Steve Nelson did not want a trail system and was also concerned with speed. Ed Grieman, Steve Seidl, Chris Anderson, and Ray Ferwerda stated their support for the project. Debbie Stadt questioned whether there would be a cost savings to bid next spring. Jim Bever would like to see more financial help from the City. Laura Bean inquired about the "financial hardship" as she is a single parent and just lost her job. Jerome Jessen: wanted The Gardens included in the assessment; inquired how residents paid for the assessment; and whether calcium chloride could be applied for the summer months. Others: Jerry Cohen submitted a written statement outlining his concerns with the project. Dean Stedt stated that he is retired and his assessment was high because of additional building units. He stated that he would pay for two only. He felt the City should contribute more to the project cost and The Gardens should be included in the assessment. Wally Stoltzman suggested that the City use petro mats for road base support. Gene Zerwas expressed concern with assessments for corner lots and that Council, when considering whether to assess The Gardens, should consider the goodwill donated from The Gardens' profits. The public hearing was closed at 9:25 pm. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 200447 ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECS FOR THE 132ND STREET IMPROVEMENTS. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. Staff was directed to research inclusion of The Gardens as a benefited property and speeding concerns. The project will be completed prior to adoption of assessments. RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON EDA At its June 7, 2004 meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with the drafting of a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the modification of the enabling resolution that established the City's Economic Development Authority. City staff prepared a draft enabling resolution, which includes specific powers and duties of the EDA, and prescribes commission status, which includes two members of the City Council and five citizens appointed at -large by Council. City staff recommends Council adopt the resolution calling for a public hearing at Hugo City Hall, on July 19, 2004, at which time City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 7 Council can adopt the Enabling Resolution, thus reforming the City's Economic Development Authority. Staff sought direction from Council as to the advertising for the citizens -at -large appointments to the commission, and who from the Council will resign their seats on the EDA board. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-48 CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON MODIFYING THE ENABLING RESOLUTION WHICH ESTABLISHED THE EDA FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. WEST ONEKA LAKE STUDY AREA PHASE III (PETE WILLENBRING OF WSB) On Monday, June 7, 2004, Pete Willenbring from WSB & Associates held a neighborhood meeting with the property owner immediately west of the 165h Street ditch project. As Council is aware, Pete was directed by Council to proceed with inquiries as to the availability of the property to construct a ponding area that would allow for upstream improvements to alleviate existing flooding issues. The property owners to the west of TH61 expressed no interest in working with the City to implement a project within their property. Pete was present to discuss this project with the City Council. A neighborhood meeting to discuss this project will be held on June 22, 2004, thereby answering further questions. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to table this issue until the next regular meeting on July 6, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. ONEKA LAKE OUTLET PROJECT UPDATE (PETE WILLENBRING OF WSB) Pete Willenbring from WSB & Associates presented Council with an update on the Oneka Lake outlet project. Pete received quotations for this work, both of which were under $50,000, and recommended Council award the project to Huldegaard Construction in the amount of $44,000. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to award the Oneka Lake Outlet Project to Huldegaard Construction, in the amount of $44,000. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSS CITY OF HUGO INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Included in Administrative Intern Tom Denaway's administrative duties, hired in January 2004, was the completion of a formal City of Hugo internship program. Tom has prepared a draft internship program, which will allow the City and City staff to hire interns for both the CD Department as a planning intern, as well as the Administration Department as an administrative intern to assist City staff and department heads with the day-to-day operations of the City of Hugo. The proposed draft internship program provides specific direction, as well as job duties and responsibilities, which would be assigned to the individual who is seeking a future career in local government. City staff recommends Council approve the proposed City of Hugo internship program for all future planning and administrative interns with the City. This issue was tabled at the City Council meeting of June 7, 2004. City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 8 Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to table this matter until July 6, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE MASTER PLAN FOR RICE LAKE PARK At its May 17, 2004, Council formed a committee to work with landscape architect Laurie McCrostie to develop a master plan for the development of the 70 acres on the Rice Lake Park property. Laurie met most recently with members of the Committee and has presented a revised master plan, which reflects a soccer field complex with five fields, expanded parking lot, and playground area. The proposed trail system and future snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails into the 70 acres of land. City staff recommended Council approve the master plan for the Rice Lake Park property. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to table this matter until July 6, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. MARKETING PROPOSAL FROM CHAMPIONS OF INDUSTRY 300 At its June 7, 2004 meeting, Council heard from Mayor Fran Miron, who was approached by an associate producer for the Pat Summerall's Champions of Industry 300. The producer noted that through staff research, the City of Hugo was identified as one of the fastest-growing communities under 10,000 population, which has carefully planned for its future. This proposal would present a great marketing opportunity for the City, which would include both a two -minute video on CNN news in October 2004 and the production of a professional six -minute City marketing video. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to notify Champions of Industry 300 that the City of Hugo is not interested in their proposal. All aye. Motion Carried. PROPOSAL FROM CATHERINE & MIKE ANDERSON TO SELL OLD NADEAU'S MARKET BUILDING (ANTIOUE STORE) On June 3, 2004, Mayor Fran Miron, CD Director Bryan Bear, and City Administrator Mike Ericson met with Mike and Catherine Anderson, owners of Carpenter's restaurant. They wish to discontinue the lease with the antique store and are interested in selling the building to the City for redevelopment efforts of the east side of TH61, next to Egg Lake. City staff researched this issue with City assessor Frank Lander, who has been instrumental in providing market valuations to all of the City's land and building acquisitions over the past several years. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to move forward with the process for purchase of the Anderson property. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 9 UPGRADE TO COUNCIL CHAMBER AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT City staff has been working with video technician Cindra Schmidt to provide for some necessary upgrades to the Council chamber's video equipment. Staff met with the vendor who originally installed the equipment and made some computer programmable changes, which have corrected some video production problems. The new video equipment upgrade would improve the overall production, as well as provide for much better replay of a number of Council and PC video tapes. City staff requested direction from Council as to its interest in the upgrades, which would be funded on a recommendation from the City's finance director. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to table this matter until July 6, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. JUNE 10TH BRIDGE DEDICATION CEREMONY AT FABLE HILL SUBDIVISION Mayor Fran Miron and members of the Hugo City Council attended the June 10, 2004 bridge dedication ceremony at the Fable Hill subdivision, which was followed by a reception in the new $1.3M model home. Mayor Miron and Council members reflected on the excellent ceremony and large number of residents, business owners, City officials, and attendees who made the event a huge success. DISCUSSION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT Council member Chuck Haas requested that this issue be placed on the Council agenda for discussion purposes. CD Director Bryan Bear will be attending a meeting at Washington County that will address this issue and report to Council. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to table this matter until the meeting of July 6, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. PROPOSED PURCHASE OF AMBULANCE FROM MAHTOMEDI FIRE DEPARTMENT Mayor Fran Miron requested this item be placed on the Council agenda to discuss the proposed purchase of a BLS 1990 Road Rescue ambulance from the Mahtomedi Fire Dept. Fire Chief Jim Compton was in attendance and described the condition of the vehicle for Council. It was his opinion that the ambulance with in excellent condition and would serve the City. In the past, the City has also discussed the HFD becoming an ambulance provider of Basic Life Support Service because of "necessity" rather than "want". This process takes 9-12 months. Council member Granger desired more discussion on the purchase of the ambulance stating that he would like to personally inspect it. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to apply to the proper agencies to allow the Hugo Fire Department to provide a Basic Life Support Service. All aye. Motion Carried. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to table purchase of the ambulance to allow Council members to inspect the vehicle. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of June 21, 2004 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. Mary il eager City