HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001.07.17 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 17.2001
Mayor Fran Miron reconvened the meeting of July 16, 2001 at 7:00 pm.
PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron
City Administrator, Michael Ericson
CD Director, John Rask
City Attorney, Dave Snyder
City Clerk, Mary Ann Creager
REZONING & PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL FOR PINEVIEW MEADOWS 2ND
ADDITION
At its June 27, 2001 meeting, the Planning Commission considered a rezoning and preliminary plat for
the Pineview Meadows 2"d Addition, and unanimously recommended approval. The plat would include
an additional 66 townhomes adjacent to Pineview Meadows I"' Addition. The Council approved the
rezoning at its meeting of July 16, 2001, and continued discussion of the preliminary plat at tonight's
meeting. The Council discussed the project with staff and the developer questioning pedestrian traffic,
access to TH61, and road width issues.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2001-36#APPROVING THE
PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR PINEVIEW MEADOWS PD ADDITION.
VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron
Motion Carried.
CUP FOR GREENHOUSES AT 4860 FRENCHMAN ROAD (SCOTT WAGNER)
Scott Wagner dba Wagner Greenhouses made application to the City for a CUP to construct an
additional ten greenhouses on his property located at 4860 Frenchman Road. As Council is aware, Mr.
Wagner operates the greenhouses as a wholesale supply house for its retail flower operation in south
Minneapolis. Mr. Wagner recently received approval from Council for a revision in the zoning
ordinance allowing him the opportunity to apply for a CUP to construct additional greenhouses on the
site. This CUP would allow Mr. Wagner the opportunity to expand to approximately 10 acres of
greenhouses on the property. At its June 27, 2001 Planning Commission meeting, two of the
Commissioners wanted a five-year time limit on the CUP, and two wanted a four-year time limit. The
Council discussed this request at length, with Councilman Haas having concerns with the operation: 1)
lighting; 2) tax capacity; 3) compatibility with neighborhood; and determine if applicant should pay
storm water trunk fees. Councilman Granger also questioned whether the proposed operation would fit
in with the neighborhood and future development. Mayor Miron and Councilman Puled felt the business
was appropriate for the location, and continued the "rural setting" often cited by residents.
Puled made motion, Miron seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2001-38 APPROVING A CUP FOR
WAGNER PARTNERS FOR WHOLESALE GREENHOUSES ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4860
FRENCHMAN ROAD. The approval is for 3 of the 5 phases, which must be completed by 12131!04.
VOTING AYE: Granger, Petryk, Puleo, Miron
VOTING NAY: Chuck Haas
Motion Carried.
City Council meeting of July 17, 2001
Page 2
MNDNR NATURAL & SCENIC GRANT FOR BERNIN PROPERTY PURCHASE
The City received a letter from the MnDNR Commissioner notifying the City that it has been successful
in its grant application for a natural scenic grant that would allow the City to purchase the 21 -acre Bernin
property for a City park. This $305,000 matching grant, which if accepted by the City Council, would
allow the City to develop a passive/multi-use City park on the property at a timeline yet to be determined
by the current property owner Bruce Bernin. Robyn LaCasse, representing the Parks Commission, stated
the Commission's desire that this project move forward.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to work with Councilman Puleo's concerns with
the acquisition, and begin to negotiate the terms of the Purchase Agreement with the Bernins.
VOTING AYE: Granger, Petryk, Puleo, Miron
ABSTAINED: Haas
Motion Carried.
Councilman Mike Granger left the meeting at this time.
REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE SIGNAGE ON TH61 Ca, 140TH STREET
Fire Chief Joe McMahon informed staff that the Hugo Fire Department has been experiencing increasing
problems with traffic at the intersection of 140' Street and TH61. The majority of these problems occur
between the hours of 6 to 9 am and 4 to 6 pm. The department has experienced additional delays in
response times as well, and requests Council authorize the City Engineer to obtain permission from the
MnDOT engineers for the installation of "emergency vehicle crossing signs" on TH61 at the 141P Street
intersection. Council is aware that this intersection has been slated for improvement in the future that
would include the installation of stoplights. This preliminary measure would provide the department the
opportunity to alert drivers on TH61 of the location of the Hugo Fire Hall, and notify them that
emergency vehicles use the intersection.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, authorizing the City Engineer to obtain permission for the
installation of "emergency vehicle crossing signs" on TH61 in accordance with DOT recommended
standards.
All aye. Motion Carried.
RESCHEDULE MONDAY, 9/3/01 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Each year, the Council must reschedule its first meeting in September due to the Labor Day holiday.
Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to reschedule the first meeting in September from the P to the 5`h
of September 2001.
All aye. Motion Carried.
City Council meeting of July 17, 2001
Page 3
BRAMDSTEDT MUSA REQUEST
At its June 27, 2001 meeting, the PC considered a request from the Bramstedts for the inclusion of their
property in the MUSA. The PC unanimously recommended denial of the Bramstedts' request, and staff
brings this issue to the Council for public notification.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to table this issue until the first meeting in September 2001,
unless applicant allows tabling until the meeting of September 17, 2001.
All aye. Motion Carried..
GOOSE PROBLEM IN BEAVER PONDS
A resident in the Beaver Ponds subdivision notified the City that there is a problem with the large
number of geese in the area, and requested help in contacting the MnDNR for assistance.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, that the residents be notified that the problem should be taken
care on their own by contact the DNR.
All aye. Motion Carried.
REQUEST TO PURCHASE HOUSE Q)14635 FOREST BOULEVARD
Recently, the owner of 14635 Forest Boulevard contacted City staff and expressed an interest in selling
his property to the City. Staff reviewed the request, and determined that the property lies with the
parameters set forth in the enabling resolution.
Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to: 1) inspect the property located at 14635 Forest
Boulevard; 2) negotiate a purchase price with the property owner; 3) bring back a proposed Purchase
Agreement for Council consideration; and 4) direct the Finance Director to designate a funding source
for the purchase of the property.
All aye. Motion Carried.
KENNEL PROBLEM
At its July 2, 2001 meeting, the Council asked that this issue be placed on the agenda for discussion
regarding nuisance violations, which have been received by staff and Council. CD Director John Rask
stated that there is a conflict in the code regarding kennels, and the City is short of staff for responding to
complaints.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to send a letter to the source of the nuisance
requesting their cooperation in resolving the dog problems at the property.
All aye. Motion Carried.
City Council meeting of July 17, 2001
Page 4
AERATOR FOR ONEKA LAKE
Bruce Bernin has contacted staff regarding the City's interest in installing an aerator on Oneka Lake to
allow the lake to remain open over the winter so that there is not a total fish kill, which happened this
past winter. It was suggested that surrounding neighbors be included in an informational meeting in
order to solicit interest and/or support of the aerator, and coordinate a site visit with them to the Bernin
property as well.
Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to proceed with the grant application for an aerator
for Oneka Lake. The City shall work with the Parks Commission in an effort to solicit support for this
project.
All aye. Motion Carried.
RICE LAKE PARK PLAN
Landscape architect Laurie McCrostie has prepared a draft park plan for the Rice Lake Park property to
show Council what could be done with the property. Robyn LaCasse from the Parks Commission stated
that the Commission is not yet ready to move on development of the property, but wanted the Council to
get an idea of how it could be used. No formal Council action was required on this matter.
TIF LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The Minnesota State Legislature recessed its 2001 legislative session on Saturday, June 30, 2001. There
has been a significant number of changes made to the TIF laws, and CD Director John Rask provided
Council with an update on those significant changes that have an impact on the City's Bald Eagle
Industrial Park and the TIF agreements the City has made with businesses in the park. No formal
Council action was required on this matter.
WATERING/BURNING BAN
Miron made motion, Haas seconded, that the City establish water and burning bans effective July 18,
2001.
All aye. Motion Carried.
HIRE CITY BUILDING INSPECTOR
Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to hire Jeffrey Pleski as the City's new Building Inspector, at a rate
not to exceed $I 8.00/hr.
All aye. Motion Carried.
JD2 INVOICE
Because of a possible conflict, Mayor Miron passed the gavel to acting Mayor Haas.
City Council meeting of July 17, 2001
Page 5
City Attorney Dave Snyder advised the Council that the MnDNR and BWSR have brought a motion that
appeals (to Judge Muehlberg) the court administrator's award of costs and disbursements against the
plaintiffs. The court awarded approximately $6,500 and the defendants seek approximately $17,000.
Snyder presented three options: 1) to do nothing, which would mean the motion would be uncontested
and the award of costs updated; 2) to authorize Paul Haik to file a motion opposing the motion; and 3) to
consult with the state's decision makers concerning this recent effort. Owing to time restrictions, the
Council took no action.
ADJOURNMENT
Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 pm.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Mary reager
City C rk