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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004.12.06 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 2004 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron City Administrator Mike Ericson; CD Director Bryan Bear; City Attorney Dave Snyder; City Engineer Jay Kennedy; Water Resource Engineer Pete Willenbring; City Planner Kendra Lindahl; Finance Director Ron Otkin; PW Director Chris Petree; Fire Chief Jim Compton; and City Clerk Mary Ann Creager CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 15, 2004 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the November 15, 2004 meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2004 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the November 19, 2004 budget meeting as presented. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Add D.2 — Approval of Minutes for City Council Budget Workshop of November 19, 2004 Add G. 12 — Reinstatement of Bill Buystedt to the Hugo Fire Department Remove J.3 from the Agenda — Legal Action against Paul Montain at 4330 170"' Street Add L.1— Report from Council Member Haas on Meeting Discussing Vikings Stadium Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the agenda for December 6, 2004 as amended. All aye. Motion Carried. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO HFD FIREFIGHTERS FOR FIREFIGHTING 1 TRAINING Upon the successful completion of Firefighter 1 training, Fire Chief Jim Compton presented certificates to three deserving members of the HFD. Firefighters Todd Jones, Mark Koll, and Tim Lorinser completed Firefighter 1 training, which involved more than 60 hours of in -class training and several dozen hours of practical experience. Todd and Mark were present to receive their Certificates of Appreciation and Mayor Fran Miron and City Council members publicly recognized and thanked them. CONSENT AGENDA Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 2 Approve Noran MS 150 Bike Tour through Hugo on June 12, 2005 Approve Resolution Approving Liquor, Tobacco, and Games Licenses for 2005 Approve December 13, 2004 Meeting with HBA at Hugo American Legion Approve Grant from MnDNR for Hugo Fire Department Approve Reduction in Letter of Credit for Northern Pines (Masterpiece Homes) Approve Resolution Authorizing Washington County to Install No Parking Signs on 130d' Street, North of Long Lake Approve Support Letter for City Assessor to Gary Kriesel (County Commissioner -Elect) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims roster for December 6, 2004 as presented. APPROVE NORAN MS 150 BIKE TOUR THROUGH HUGO ON JUNE 12.2005 The City received an application from officials from the Noran MS 150 Bike Tour, which will hold its annual bicycle tour on June 12, 2005. The event is a fundraiser with proceeds going to finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. The Washington County Parks Department has already given approval for the event, which will be held on a portion of the Hardwood Creek Trail. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized and approved the Noran MS 150 Bike Tour through Hugo on June 12, 2005. APPROVE RESOLUTION APPROVING LIQUOR. TOBACCO, AND GAMES LICENSES FOR 2005 Annually, City staff sends out renewal notices to businesses that require liquor, tobacco, and games licenses. City staff has received renewal applications from all current businesses requiring licenses for 2005. After thorough review of necessary licensing requirements, including liquor liability insurance, Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2004-84 approving all liquor, tobacco, and games licenses for 2005, subject to receipt of all the necessary documentation and related fees. APPROVE DECEMBER 13.2004 MEETING WITH HBA AT AMERICAN LEGION Hugo Business Association president, Katie Riopel, requests City Council attendance at the first annual holiday meeting the Hugo American Legion. City staff requests that Council post this meeting as a public meeting in order to allow attendance. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved December 13, 2004 as a public meeting in order to allow Council attendance at the HBA holiday meeting at the Hugo American Legion. APPROVE GRANT FROM MNDNR FOR HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT Annually, the Hugo Fire Department submits a grant application to the MnDNR for a Volunteer Forestry Assistance Matching Grant. The HFD received notification from the MnDNR that its grant application has been awarded. These grants typically are used for fire suppression equipment to suppress wild land fires. Since the City has a large amount of rural area, the City has been successful in the past in receiving grants. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved acceptance of the 2005 MnDNR Forestry Assistance Matching Grant, in the amount of $2,000. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 3 APPROVE REDUCTION IN LETTER OF CREDIT FOR NORTHERN PINES (MASTERPIECE HOMES) As the developer of the Northern Pines residential development, Masterpiece Homes requested a reduction in the letter of credit being held for the newly constructed public and private improvements in the development. The City would continue to hold a letter of credit in an amount equal to 25% of the original cost. City staff reviewed the request and inspected the improvements and found them to be satisfactorily complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved reduction in the letter of credit being held for the Northern Pines residential development to the amount of $147,187.50. APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NO PARK SIGNS ON 130TH STREET At its October 18, 2004 meeting, Council agreed to accept a recommendation from Washington County to install no parking signs on 130d' Street, north of Long Lake. This authorization was necessary to protect pedestrians, who access Long Lake to fish. In accordance with county policy, they have requested adoption of a resolution providing formal authority to Washington County. Adoption of the Consent Agenda adopted Resolution 2004-85 authorizing Washington County to install no parking signs on 130'h Street, north of Long Lake. APPROVE LETTER OF SUPPORT TO COUNTY COMMISSIONER -ELECT GARY KRIESEL FOR CITY ASSESSOR On November 2, 2004, Stillwater City Council member Gary Kriesel was elected by Washington County residents to replace his brother, Nile Kriesel, who is the Washington Commissioner for the Stillwater area. Staff has spoken with City Assessor Frank Langer regarding the actions of the Washington County Board regarding local city assessors. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized a support letter be sent to Commissioner -elect Gary Kriesel requesting his support for local assessing, and specifically, local City of Hugo Assessor Frank Langer. APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT FOR O'SHEA'S IRISH RIDGE SUBD. Stephen W. Shea requested approval of both a preliminary and final plat for four single-family detached homes in "O'Shea's Irish Ridge". The subject property is located at the southwest quadrant of Irish Avenue and 155th Street. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 18th and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the preliminary plat. The final plat is in substantial conformance with the preliminary plat. Council member Haas questioned buyer notification of the proximity of the Wild Wings game farm. CD Director Bryan Bear stated that the "first-time buyer" would be notified of the game farm, but there would be no way to ensure that future homeowners would be informed. Haas also suggested that horse trails be installed sooner than later. Because the trails go "nowhere" right now, and the "exception" parcel did not want an easement on his property, it was determined to not pursue a trail at this time. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-86 APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR O'SHEA'S IRISH RIDGE. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 4 Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-87 A RESOLUTION APPROVE THE FINAL PLAT FOR O'SHEA'S IRISH RIDGE. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. APPROVE RICE LAKE PARK FEASIBILITY STUDY Scott Ward of Stevens Engineers prepared the final draft of the Rice Lake Park feasibility study, including the changes as recommended by the Park Commission and City Council. The Park Commission approved the final draft of the Rice Lake Park feasibility study at its November 10, 2004 meeting. This matter was tabled at the City Council meeting of November 15, 2004 due to the absence of Council member Mike Granger, who was involved in the project. Council member Haas removed this matter from the Consent Agenda to solicit comments from Council member Granger. Granger stated that he was comfortable with the study. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to approve the final draft of the Rice Lake Park feasibility study. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE LETTER TO MELINDA LOPES REGARDING THE BESA At its November 15, 2004 meeting, Council discussed renewal of the Special Use Permit for the Bald Eagle Sportsman Association. Council received comment from a spokesperson for adjoining property owners, and directed staff to work with neighbors in an effort to resolve some issues. City staff worked with the City Attorney to draft a letter to resident Melinda Lopes and the neighborhood to address issues raised by her and the neighbors. Council member Haas removed that issue from the Consent Agenda to question the difference between an administrative approval and Council decision. CD Director Bear clarified the matter for Council member Haas. Haas made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the letter addressed to Melinda Lopes regarding the SUP for the BESA. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Miron ABSTAINED: Puled Motion Carried. REINSTATE BILL BUYSTEDT ON THE HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT One year ago, Hugo firefighter Bill Buystedt left with the Minnesota National Guard to serve our country in Kosovo. He has returned home and would now like to be reinstated on the Hugo Fire Department. Mayor Miron publicly thanked Bill for serving his country and welcomed him home. Fire Chief Jim Compton stated that he will return with no stop in his membership years. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to reinstate Bill Buystedt on the Hugo Fire Department. All Aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 5 TRUTH -IN -TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING At its September 7, 2004 meeting, Council adopted the proposed 2005 City budget and City tax levy and scheduled a public hearing for Monday, December 6, 2004 in order to take comment at the City's Truth - in -Taxation public hearing as prescribed by State Statute. The budget will not be adopted at the meeting, but will be considered for adoption at the Council's Monday, December 20, 2004 meeting. City staff recommended Council maintain the same City tax rate for 2005 as in 2004, which is 35.968% and reflects a 7% decrease over 2003. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided a Power Point presentation that very effectively outlined the proposed 2005 City budget. Mayor Miron opened the truth -in -taxation public hearing at 7:50 pm. Julie Williams, Director of the WB Counseling Center, made her annual appeal for funding of her programs. The hearing closed at 7:55 pm. Puleo made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule a budget workshop for Friday, December 17, 2004 at 9:00 am., to finalize the City's 2005 budget. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION OF METRO GREENWAYS GRANT APPLICATION At its October 18, 2004 meeting, Council directed staff to forward to the Parks Commission the Metro Greenways Grant Application. At its November 10, 2004 meeting, the Parks Commission reviewed potential park projects under which the City may make application for grant funds. Commission members had suggestions, but were unsuccessful in recommending a project, which could comply with guidelines for the Metro Greenways Grant. City Administrator Mike Ericson contacted Lino Lakes CD Director Mike Grochala regarding an opportunity for the section of Hardwood Creek through the James Leroux farm, which is under purchase agreement by developer Len Pratt. This corridor may be an opportunity for Council to consider application for the Metro Greenways Grant Program. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to continue researching this matter and include on the agenda for the next joint meeting with the RCWD. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION OF MNDNR OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM Each year, the MNDNR solicits from communities, state wide, trail and outdoor recreation projects. As Council is aware, the City of Hugo submitted a grant application for the Oneka Lake Park this past summer, but was unsuccessful, as only seven applications were funded of the 86 that were submitted. The Park Commission would like to submit other grant applications for local trail connections and a possible park in the Diamond Point East subdivision. Because completion of the application requires many hours, Council member Granger suggested that staff determine how the previous grant awardees were determined to help in completion of Hugo's next grant application. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to investigate the seven grants previously awarded and how to proceed, and report to the City Council. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 6 UPDATE ON NOVEMBER 22.2004 RCWD MEETING ON PROPOSED HARDWOOD CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT At its November 22, 2004 meeting, the RCWD discussed the proposed Hardwood Creek Rehabilitation Project, along with the four proposed options for rehabilitation. After discussion, the Board adopted Option 4, which is the minor maintenance option, after carefully considering all issues and factors related to the engineer's feasibility study. After discussions with RCWD Administrator Steve Hobbs, City staff met to discuss this option in relation to the final report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force. Although the Council adopted a resolution supporting the traditional repair method at its November 15, 2004 meeting, City staff recommended Council accept the RCWD Board's recommended minor maintenance option in order to proceed with the project with respect to all parties, to achieve the win- win objectives, which were the single most important accomplishments of the Blue Ribbon Task Force work in 2001. Mayor Miron suggested another joint Council/RCWD meeting be scheduled sometime mid-January 2005 to discuss a number of issues related to Hardwood Creek/JD2. John Waller stated that if an option was selected by the RCWD's at its 11/22/04 meeting, the 30 -day appeal process would have started that day, and a meeting in mid-January would be too late for discussion. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to schedule a joint meeting with the RCWD Board of Managers on January 14, 2004 at 9:00 am, Hugo City Hall. Staff shall request that the RCWD delay final action on their decision until after this meeting, as well as inclusion of other agenda items for this meeting. All aye. Motion Carried. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, directing the City Attorney to review the appeal process and make a recommendation to Council at its regular meeting of December 20, 2004. All aye. Motion Carried. JD2 CULVERT REPAIR PROJECT FUNDING RECOMMENDATION At its November 15, 2004 meeting, Council received an update from City Attorney Dave Snyder regarding the proposed agreement for the completion of the JD2 culvert replacement project. Council directed staff to work with the RCWD to reach an agreement or seek an alternative, which would allow the City to complete the project. City staff met with WSB Engineers and the City Attorney, and after careful discussion, recommended that the City take over completion of the project and pay a sum in the amount of $115,000 to the RCWD for work completed to date, with expected completion in spring 2005, as well as waive of summary judgment and removal from the Jay Bros. lawsuit against the RCWD and the City of Hugo. City Attorney Dave Snyder presented staffs proposed agreement, which has been reviewed by the RCWD attorney and staff and is recommended for approval. Mayor Miron suggested that this matter be included on the agenda for the joint meeting with the RCWD on January 14, 2005. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to continue to finalize the dollar amount for payment to the RCWD and fine tune the proposed agreement, recognizing Council's concern with the dollar amount and bring to the joint meeting, with a review at the December 20, 2004 meeting, if necessary. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 7 CHANGE ORDER OPTIONS FOR NEW PW BUILDING (CHRIS PETREE) PW Director Chris Petree discussed with City Architect Bob Russek the opportunity for creating a salt/sand storage area under the canopy on the west side of the public works building. The original design was that the canopy be opened on three sides. Staff determined, along with the city architect, that this would allow the City to plan for a permanent storage facility in the future, while providing a temporary solution. General contractor Parkos Construction developed a Change Order, which includes a cost estimate of $16,269. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the Change Order with Parkos Construction, while allows for creating a salt/sand storage area under the canopy on the west side of the new public works facility, at an estimated cost of $16,269. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR CDBG PROGRAM At its special workshop on Monday, October 25, 2004, Council listened to a presentation from Washington County staff and HRA staff regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Council agreed that this would be an excellent opportunity to utilize block grant funding for a downtown redevelopment project. Additionally, at its November 15, 2004 meeting, the EDA also discussed this program and was encouraged as to its opportunity for use in the City's downtown redevelopment plan. Staff attended a workshop on November 8, 2004, at which suggested projects throughout the county were suggested. Staff also met with Washington and Ramsey County officials on November 30, 2004, and discussed in more detail, the City's proposed downtown redevelopment project, which would include the acquisition and demolition of properties on the east side of TH61, next to Egg Lake. CD Director Bryan Bear provided additional information to Council on this issue. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to submit an application for the CDBG program in order to begin the process seeking grant funds for the downtown redevelopment project. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR LIONS PARK At its November 10, 2004 meeting, the Parks Commission discussed the future of Lions Park as it relates to the youth activity nights being held in the Lions building, future use of the old public works/City Hall building, and general poor condition of the tennis courts. As Council is aware, the City's well #I and wellhouse have been demolished and created the need to take a look at the future of Lions Park with the City's public works department moving to its new facility in late December. After Council discussion: Granger made motion, Haas seconded, Council agreed that it would be premature to expend dollars for a parks planning feasibility study for Lions Park, taking into consideration all current and future uses. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of December 6, 2004 Page 8 REQUEST FOR "BLIND DRIVEWAY" SIGNS ON ELMCREST AVENUE Lynn Stabner of 15135 Elmcrest Avenue requested the installation of "Blind Driveway" signs on the east and west sides of Elmcrest Avenue, just prior to her driveway, which she states is located on a hill and not in a good visible position for vehicular traffic on Elmcrest Avenue. Additionally, she requested enforcement of the speed limit on Elmcrest Avenue, of which staff has already notified the Washington County Sheriffs Department. City staff and City Engineer have reviewed this request and found that although they share the concern for her driveway onto Elmcrest Avenue with Ms. Stabner, warrants for the installation of "Blind Driveway" signs fail to meet engineering standards. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to send Ms. Stabner a letter stating that her request for "blind driveway" signs fail to meet required engineering standards. All aye. Motion Carried. REPORT ON ROTARY CLUB MEETING REGARDING VIIKINGS STADIUM (HAAS) Council member Haas reported on a Vadnais Heights Rotary meeting he attended where Steve Novak discussed efforts being made by Anoka County to attract construction of a new Vikings stadium in Anoka County. It was suggested that Mr. Novak be invited to speak at the next Tri -Cities I-35 W/E Coalition meeting to discuss this matter. FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ENGINEERING STUDY OF 1-35E/CSAH 14 INTERCHANGE On Wednesday, November 24, 2004, staff received notification from U.S. Mark Kennedy's office that federal funds have been authorized to begin the engineering study of the I-35E/CSAH 14 interchange. This federal funding is the result of a formal request from the Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah for $500,000 in engineering study funds. The Congressman's office notified the cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes, as well as Anoka County, that a total of $250,000 has been authorized and allocated for the engineering study of the interchange. City staff acknowledged the work of County Commissioner Sivarajah, the City of Lino Lakes, and all other members of the Tri -Cities Coalition aka I- 35 W/E Coalition that were very involved in presenting this issue to Congressman Kennedy and his staff. Congressman Kennedy will present the check on December 10, 2004, Lino Lakes City Hall, at 10:30 am. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to post notice of the check presentation date and time to allow Council attendance. All aye. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT Granger made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 9:50 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. %LC - ,: �• � ,,�: fit- zc. �„ � � �; r� r /