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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001.11.05 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 5, 2001 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo (Mayor Miron arrived at 9:10 pm.) City Administrator, Michael Ericson CD Director, John Rask City Attorney, Dave Snyder City Engineer, Dave Mitchell City Clerk, Mary Ann Creager CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 9.2001 Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of October 9, 2001 as submitted. All aye. Motion Carried. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 15.2001 Puleo made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of October 15, 2001 as submitted. All aye. Motion Carried. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 22.2001 Puleo made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of October 22, 2001 as submitted. VOTING AYE: Petryk, Puleo, Haas ABSTAINED: Mike Granger Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Delete G3, H 1, and H3 from Agenda Schedule next rural preservation meeting Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the agenda for November 5, 2001 as amended. All aye. Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Petryk made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: Approval of Claims Approve Hiring of Kevin M. Hopp as City Building Inspector Resolution Approving City Participation in 2002 Met Council Livable Communities Act City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 2 Approve Date Change for City Christmas Party to December 13, 2001 Approval of a Setback Variance (Capaul) Approve Reappointment of Pete Willenbring & WSB Engineers as City's Water Resource Engineer Approve Pay Request for Work Completed on Peloquin Ind Park P.I. Project (Richard Knutson) Approve Kennel Application from Debra Burmeister Authorize Staff to Auction 1988 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup Truck All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims for November 5, 2001 as presented. APPROVE HIRING KEVIN HOPP AS CITY BUILDING INSPECTOR On October 9, 2001, City staff interviewed four candidates for the position of building inspector. An employment offer was made to the top candidate James Goldsmith, and he turned down the offer to accept an offer from the City of Isanti, which is very close to his home in Cambridge. Staff met with the second -ranked candidate, and is pleased to recommend to the Council the hiring of Kevin Hopp as the City's new building inspector. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved hiring Kevin Hopp subject to the standard preemployment physical and six-month probationary period. Mr. Hopp would be hired at an annual salary of $33,566, which is step 3, pay grade 5, as prescribed in the City's salary matrix. RESOLUTION APPROVING CITY PARTICIPATION IN 2002 MET COUNCIL LIVABLE COMMUNITIES ACT In 2000, the City of Hugo became a partner with the Metropolitan Council with its Livable Communities Act (LCA). Looking ahead to 2002, the Met Council seeks the City's renewed participation and continued cooperation in the Livable Communities efforts. The City needs to determine participation in the local housing incentives program by November 15, 2001. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Resolution (2001-64) electing to continue participating in the local housing incentives account program under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act for 2002. APPROVE DATE CHANGE FOR CITY CHRISTMAS PARTY TO 12/13/01 At its October 15, 2001 meeting, the Council selected Friday, December 1416 at the Wild Wings Game Farm, for the City's annual Christmas party. Staff was directed to inform Councilman Chuck Haas to handle the arrangements. Councilman Haas reported that December 10 was not available, and suggests, Thursday, December 13'x. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved 12/13/01 for the City's annual Christmas party, and directed staff to invite the various Commission members, consultants, and volunteers, who regularly attend the event. APPROVAL OF A SETBACK VARIANCE (CAPAULI At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments considered a variance request from Roger Capaul, 12173 Janero Avenue, to permit a 27 -foot setback from the side lot line where 40 feet is City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 3 required. The Board unanimously recommended approval of the variance request. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the proposal because it meets all the standards necessary for approval by the City (reso 2001-65). APPROVE REAPPOINTMENT OF PETE WILLENBRING AS THE CITY'S WATER RESOURCE ENGINEER At its October 22, 2001 meeting, the Council conducted a performance review of Pete Willenbring and WSB Engineers as the City's Water Resource Engineer. After discussion, Council agreed to recommend the reappointment of Pete as the City's Water Resource Engineer and cancel the staff directive to accept Requests for Proposals for water resource engineering services. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reappointment of WSB Engineers as the City's Water Resource Engineers. APPROVE PAY REQUEST FOR WORK COMPLETED ON THE PELOOUIN INDUSTRIAL PARK P.I. PROJECT (RICHARD KNUTSON) City Engineer Dave Mitchell received a payment request from Richard Knutson, Inc., for work completed to date on the Peloquin Industrial Park P.I. Project. Adoption of the Consent Agenda accepted the recommendation of the City Engineer and authorized payment in the amount of $321,565.32. APPROVE KENNEL APPLICATION FROM DEBI BURMEISTER Greg and Debi Burmeister made application to the City for a commercial kennel license to allow a maximum of nine dogs on their property located at 16345 Everton Avenue. The applicant intends to operate a `pampered pet kennel" where they will provide boarding for dogs when their owners go on vacation or out of town. Staff reviewed the application and found that it is in compliance with all applicable ordinance requirements. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the application and directed staff to issue a kennel license for up to nine dogs. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO AUCTION 1988 CHEVROLET S-10 PICKUP TRUCK The City's red 1988 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck is in very poor condition, and staff does not want to spend any additional funds for its repair. The State of Minnesota has an auction scheduled on November I& as its Arden Hills facility. A replacement truck has been budgeted for in the City's Capital Improvements Program for 2002. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized the public works department to place the vehicle for sale at the auction. VARIANCE REQUESTS (TWEDT. GRUBER. RUSH) Acting Mayor Chuck Haas removed the variance for Twedt, Gruber, and Rush from the Consent Agenda for Council discussion. Staff had recommended denial of the requests and the Board of Zoning Adjustments approved them. He thought maybe the City should consider changing the rules to accommodate these requests. Councilman Puleo, who sits on the Board of Zoning Adjustments, stated they each request is looked at on an individual basis. The Council will discuss variances when they review the new land use regulations at the December 1, 2001 workshop. City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 4 Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the variance requests of Twedt, Gruber, and Rush as submitted. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF A VARIANCE TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF A POLE BLDG (TWEDT) At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments considered a variance application from Lynette Twedt, who wishes to build a pole barn on her property located at 15135 Elmcrest Avenue. Ms. Twedt is requesting approval to build a 5,000 sq ft building on his property, where 3,600 sq ft is allowed. The Board considered the request and recommended approval of the variance. Staff reviewed the variance request and found no hardship, and does not recommend approval to the Council. The Board's recommendation is that the Council approve the variance request from Ms. Twedt to build a 5,000 sq ft pole barn in a zoning district where 3,600 sq ft is allowed, subject to the applicant planting trees along the south side of the building. Variance approved by previous motion (reso 2001-66). APPROVAL OF A SETBACK AND SIZE VARIANCE FOR A POLE BLDG (GRUBER) David Gruber, 8045 140' Street, has made application to the City for a variance to construct a 3,200 sq ft pole building closer to the road than the existing home on the property. A variance is also requested because the building is larger than the zoning standard of 2,300 sq ft for an accessory building. At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments considered this request and unanimously recommended approval. City staffs recommendation is to approve the variance to permit the pole building in front of the home, but recommended denial of the variance to increase the size of the pole building. Variance approved by previous motion (reso 2001-67). APPROVAL OF A SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A DECK (RUSH) At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments considered a variance request from Michael and Debra Rush, 6352 151 S` Street, to permit a 8 -foot side yard setback, where 10 ft is required. The Board unanimously recommended approval of the variance request. City staff finds the proposal does not meet all the standards necessary for the City to approve a variance and recommends denial of the variance request of Michael and Debra Rush based on the plans and application. Variance approved by previous motion (reso 2001-68). FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND EQUIPMENT FOR NEW CITY HALL At its October 15, 2001 meeting, the Council awarded the low bid for the furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new City Hall to Casper Systems in the amount of $110,824.24. As part of the standard follow-up on all City contracts, the City Attorney reviewed the bid document for conformity to the City standards for bid specifications. City Attorney Dave Snyder recommended Council withdraw the bid award, as Casper Systems did not meet all specifications contained in the bid documents. City staff recommended Council consider the rejection of all bids or award the contract for the furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new City Hall to the second low bidder Marco Systems from St. Cloud, MN, in the amount of $115,824.21. It was noted that Casper's bid did not include sales tax, which brought the two low bids closer together. City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 5 Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, directing staff to work with Casper Systems to meet bid specifications, with a deadline of 11/16/01. If compliance cannot be met by that date, staff is directed to bring issue to Council in order to reject all bids and rebid for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. All aye. Motion Carried. PELOOUIN INDUSTRIAL PARK CHANGE ORDER City Engineer Dave Mitchell has been working the Army Corps of Engineers to seek permission to construct a retention pond on the west side of TH61 for the Peloquin Industrial Park P.I. Project. Dave discussed this issue with Council previously, and presented a new option for the Council to consider, which is not to construct a pond at all. In discussions with RCWD officials, the City Engineer determined that the volume of runoff from the project is not increased and that a pond is not necessary. He presented this issue for discussion by the Council. Dave also discussed other issues related to the Peloquin Industrial Park project: 1) the use of pipe foundation rock to mitigate poor soils found at the proposed pipe location; and 2) the potential of additional costs related to winter work. The existing soils cannot be dewatered to an acceptable level to provide the sound foundation required for the pipe. The use of foundation rock is necessary to provide a stable base for the pipe being placed. The delay in obtaining easements on the Ferrell Gas and Glamos properties caused the potential of winter work at an approximate cost of $100,000. It was the consensus of the Council that the City Engineer contact the RCWD notifying them that the pond will be removed from the project. Granger made motion, Haas seconded, authorizing an additional expenditure of approximately $16,000 for the placement of pipe foundation rock under the sanitary sewer in areas of poor soils. All aye. Motion Carried. It was the consensus of the Council that the City Engineer notify the contractor to suspend work for the winter months and continue work in the spring. JACKSON PROPERTY ARBITRATION AWARD In May 2000, the Council approved a Development Agreement with Minnesota Union Builders to construct a building on a lot in the BEIP from the Jackson family. Council approved the Development Agreement contingent on approval of the trunk and ponding fees that had been questioned by the Jacksons. Since an agreement could not be reached, the issue of a setting of the fees was sent to arbitration. The arbitration panel convened on Tuesday, September 25, 2001, and commended the two parties on the professional, thorough, and complete presentation of their position. The arbitration panel agreed with the City's recommendation for the setting of the trunk and ponding fees, and found that the Jackson family owes the City $247,342.06. Staff commended the work of Water Resource Engineer Pete Willenbring and WSB & Associates, as well as City Attorney Dave Snyder. The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, publicly acknowledged the arbitration award to the City, as well as the cooperation of Tom Jackson and his family. 165" STREET DITCH/ONEKA LAKE OUTLET PROPOSAL At its October 9, 2001 meeting, the Council held a public informational meeting for residents located City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 6 near the 165' Street ditch and the proposed Oneka Lake outlet. The purpose of the meeting was to present to residents the project, which had been proposed to the residents a number of years ago, as well as to take public comment. Water Resource Engineer Pete Willenbring of WSB presented the City's issue to the residents, and Council responded to residents' questions. Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to accept Pete Willenbring's recommendation to complete an engineering feasibility study on the project in an amount not exceed $5,400. VOTING AYE: Granger, Haas, Petryk ABSTAINED: Frank Puleo Motion Carried. CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW FOR FENWAY PARK At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Planning Commission considered a concept plan review from Len Pratt to construct a twin home development called Fenway Park at the intersection of Fenway Avenue and 140' Street. CD Director John Rask reviewed the concept plan with the Council, and Len Pratt addressed the Council stating that he would work with the City in the realignment of CR 8. No formal Council action was required. SCHEDULE JOINT WORKSHOP WITH COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION The Community Development Department received a request from the developers in the Everton/Elmcrest area to have a workshop session with the Council and the Planning Commission. The purpose of the workshop would be to provide the developers an opportunity to discuss their concept plans for their respective properties. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to schedule a joint Planning Commission/City Council workshop for November 28, 2001, 7:30 pm, at the (1) Hugo Fire Hall or (2) City Hall to discuss development of the Everton/Elmcrest area. All aye. Motion Carried. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES POLICY ADOPTION CONFERENCE (11/16/01) The LMC will hold its annual policy adoption conference on November 16, 2001 to set its legislative policy agenda for the upcoming Minnesota state legislative session. Mayor and Council members should be prepared to state whether or not they could attend the conference. City Administrator Mike Ericson will represent the City at this conference. SUGGESTED OPERATING GUIDELINES (HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT For the past year, the Hugo FD has reviewed the Suggested Operation Guidelines for the department, and worked with City Attorney Dave Snyder to make revisions and update SOG to be more in conformance with modern-day fire departmental operations and state statutes. Committee Chair Jadon 011ila and the Hugo FD reviewed, and unanimously recommended approval of the SOG dated October 29, 2001. City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 7 Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to accept the Hugo Fire Department's recommendation and approve the revised Suggested Operating Guidelines. All aye. Motion Carried. SCHEDULE NEXT RURAL PRESERVATION MEETING Haas made motion, Granger seconded, to schedule the next rural preservation meeting for January 16, 2002, 7:00 pm, at (1) the Hugo Fire Hall or (2) Withrow Elementary School. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON MOLITOR/TSCHIDA REZONING MAYOR MIRON ARRIVED AT 9:10 PM. At its October 24, 2001 meeting, the Hugo Planning Commission considered the proposed rezoning of the Molitor/Tschida property, and they suggested that a subcommittee be formed from the PC to allow further discussion on a proposed rezoning of the Molitor/Tschida property to an "office -/showroom - type zoning". CD Director John Rask provided additional information at the meeting. Petryk made motion, Miron seconded, to confirm establishment of a subcommittee to allow further discussion of the proposed rezoning of the Molitor/Tschida property consisting of CD Director John Rask; Planning Commissioners Patrick Rooney and Bob Rosenquist; Developers Len Pratt and Tom Junnila; and Councilman Mike Granger. Should Councilman Granger not be able to attend, Council member Becky Petryk would be an alternate. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE REGULATIONS The Planning Commission has considered the revisions to the City's land use regulations for the past several months, and most recently, at its October 24 and October 30 meetings. CD Director John Rask reported on the work to date, noting that it needs to be completed very soon to allow adequate time for Council review and consideration. Granger made motion, Petryk seconded, to consider the revisions to the City's land use regulations on December 1, 2001, City Hall, at 9:00 am, at a joint workshop with the Planning Commission. All aye. Motion Carried. SWEET GRASS MEADOWS DITCH PROJECT City Engineer Dave Mitchell reported to Council on the Sweet Grass Meadows ditch project stating that he received a quote from RoSo Contracting to perform the work at a cost of $26,984. Dave will check with Richard Knutson, Inc., doing work in the Peloquin Park, to see if they could perform the work, and at what cost. City Council meeting of November 5, 2001 Page 8 Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to authorize the Sweet Grass Meadows ditch project at a cost not to exceed $27,000. All aye. Motion Carried. BEAVER PONDS DITCH City Engineer Dave Mitchell reported to Council on the October 25, 2001 meeting held with the Beaver Ponds residents and CD Director John Rask. The City will facilitate some of the engineering for the property owners. RESIGNATION OF RUSTY FIFIELD, CITY'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR. FROM EHLERS Staff was informed that the City's long-time financial advisor has resigned his position with Ehlers effective October 30, 2001. On Monday, October 29, 2001, CD Director John Rask, Finance Director Ron Otkin, and the City Administrator met with Rusty Fifield to discuss the transition of Rusty's departure from Ehlers. Rusty suggested the new team of Carolyn Drude and Jim Prosser as his replacements for the City. City staff presented this issue for consideration by the Council and recommended discussion as to whether or not the City should consider Requests for Proposals for the City's financial advisor or make some other arrangements. The City Administrator listed four options for the Council to consider: 1) accept Rusty's recommendation and utilize the Ehlers's team of Carolyn Drude and Jim Prosser, 2) accept Rusty's suggestion and allow the replacement team to conduct a one- time bond sale at the end of the year, 3) go out for RFPS's; or 4) select the consultant that has worked with the City on the CIP special project. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to hire Nick Dragisich of Springsted, Inc., as the City's financial advisor. All aye. Motion Carried. RETIREMENT PART FOR JOE MCMAHON Granger made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to post a notice of the retirement party for Fire Chief Joe McMahon. The Mayor and Council will be attending. All aye. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. G 14- Mary 4Mary reager J City Cl