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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000.10.16 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 16.2000 Mayor Stoltzman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Barnes, Leroux, Petryk, Stoltzman City Administrator, Michael Ericson City Attorney, Dave Snyder City Engineer, Dave Mitchell Community Development Director, John Rask City Clerk, Mary Ann Creager ABSENT: Chuck Haas CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 2.2000 Barnes made motion, Stoltzman seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of October 2, 2000, as submitted. All aye. Motion Carried. MICHELE BACHMANN (SENATE CANDIDATE) Local State Senate candidate, Michele Bachmann, appeared before the Council to introduce herself, and identify some of the issues she is supporting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1.7 City Hall Update L.2 Insert Discussion of Bemin Property L.3 City Administrator Performance Evaluation LA Discussion of Parking at Ricci's CONSENT AGENDA Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approval of Claims 2. Request for Payment from Quast General Contracting (Wussler/Peterson Swale) 3. Charitable Gambling License Request from The CLIMB Theater to Sell Pulltabs @ The End Zone Bar dba Route 61 All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the claims for October 16, 2000, as presented. REQUEST FOR PAYMENT FROM OUAST GENERAL CONTRACTING (WUSSLER/PETERSON SWALE) City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 2 At its October 2, 2000 meeting, the Council authorized the construction of the swale between the Wussler and Peterson properties to take storm water from Ethan Avenue. The work has been completed in accordance with the engineer's design, and City staff recommended payment. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved payment of $13,000 to Quast General Contracting as requested. CHARITABLE GAMBLING LICENSE (END ZONE DBA ROUTE 61) The CLIMB Theatre made application to conduct charitable gambling at The End Zone dba Route 61, 13891 Forest Boulevard, to allow for the sale of pull -tabs. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved issuance of a charitable gambling license to the CLIMB Theatre for the sale of pull -tabs at The End Zone dba Route 61, 13891 Forest Blvd., and waiver of the 30 -day waiting period. 132ND STREET PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT At its September 18, 2000 meeting, the Council accepted the feasibility report and ordered a public hearing for 132nd Street. Council ordered the hearing with the understanding that financially, according to the appraisal report, the City would fund 50% to 55% of the proposed $1.1 million project. The City had received a petition requesting that the project be canceled, primarily due to a cost per parcel, which residents felt was too high. Ron Otkin, Finance Director, prepared a memo for Council that highlighted that the City is still paying for the public improvement bonds issued in 1991 for the pavement of City streets. Additionally, Public Works Supervisor, Chris Petree, prepared a memo highlighting an option whereby a soybean -based treatment is applied to the gravel road thereby extending its life and structural integrity. City Engineer, Dave Mitchell, reviewed the project with residents present at the meeting. Mayor Stoltzman opened the public hearing with the comments: Lee Roebke: Was told cost would be about $10/ft so he initiated a road improvement petition. He stated he is in favor of the project, but the cost of the improvement was too high. Jerome Jessen: Cost too high. Don't need that good of a road. Get bids and you'll find out project cost estimated too high by the City Engineer. Dan Kirchoffner: Road base is gone; grader pushed material into ditch. I have largest power pole in my yard, and it will be difficult to maneuver around it. Dean Stedt: Cost too high. Must look for a cheaper to complete project. Jerry Cohen: Likes living on dirt road; that's why he moved here. Questioned negative health factor related to installation of bituminous surface. Blacktop would discourage privacy and create need for more policing. Jess Roush: Keep Hugo rural and treat your road with dust control measures as he does in the Oakshore Park area. Ray Bahm: I was already assessed for Goodview Avenue, now I'll have to pay for 1320 St. Cost too high. Jeff Marvin: The City should be responsible for part of the road as it is a collector street. Will it become a highway? Because of dust, safety is a factor. Bob Bilotta: We will pay a lot of money to install proper base, then that will be ruined when sewer comes through. Dust control measures would help. How about using recycled materials? Ali Giarushi: Cost of project too high. Get some bids to determine real cost. Cost would be a burden on smaller homeowner. Clifford Axelson: Has 40 acres and has only one building site on the parcel. Rest of the land is City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 3 unusable. Kevin Aufderhar: Cost of project too high. Dust control measures do work. Assessment would be very difficult for him to handle. Steve Nelson: Cost too high. We do not need a 9 -ton road; no other road adjacent to 132nd Street is constructed to that standard. Look at all alternatives. Sally Cain: Do something because of safety factor. Cost estimate too high. Barb Johnson: Need road improved because dust is awful. Others in the City should help pay for the road as it is a collector street; high traffic volume. Deb Barnes: On behalf of herself and her husband, Randal, Mrs. Barnes read from a prepared statement stating the need for the road but at a cost too high. Their property would not benefited to the extent of the assessment. The City definitely needs an assessment policy Mayor Stoltzman closed the public hearing. The Council discussed Minnesota State Aid funding, and was informed that the City is one half year away from receiving additional funds. Mayor Stoltzman wanted the project postponed until these funds were again available, as 132"d Street is considered a collector street and eligible for funds. The Council all agreed that a formal assessment policy is needed to deal with: non -developable land; corner lots; and effect on budget. Public Works Supervisor, Chris Petree, reviewed his memo regarding application of a soybean -based material to the road for dust control. He suggested that the City go through a winter season to determine what effect the weather has on this particular product. Leroux made motion, Petryk seconded, to table this issue directing staff to develop a formal street assessment policy for Council consideration, and requested the Finance Director provide a projection of the City's future tax base and availability of MSA funds. VOTING FOR: Leroux, Petryk, Stoltzman ABSTAINED: Deb Barnes Motion Carried. The City Administrator will inform property owners the next time the project is discussed, and will include discussion of dust control measures at budget time. PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO INCREASE MAYOR AND COUNCIL SALARIES In accordance with City ordinance, the Council held a public hearing to consider an increase for Mayor and Council member salaries. The Mayor called the public hearing to order, with no oral or written comments. Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, to adopt ORDINANCE 2000-342, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HUGO CITY CODE ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION" BY INCREASING THE SALARIES FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL VOTING AYE: Barnes, Leroux, Stoltzman VOTING NAY: Becky Petryk Motion Carried. City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 4 LEVY CERTIFICATION RATE INCREASE Minnesota State Statute specifies that the Council hold a public hearing to consider rate increases for local levies. City staff recommended the Council take public comment regarding the proposed 3% levy increase, and certify that rate to the County. The public hearing was called to order with no oral or written comments. Stoltzman made motion, Barnes seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2000-40, A RESOLUTION RELATING TO TAX RATE AUTHORIZATION FOR THE YEAR 2001. VOTING AYE: Barnes, Leroux, Stoltzman VOTING NAY: Becky Petryk Motion Carried. DEMOLITION OF HOUSES AT 14607 AND 14645 FOREST BOULEVARD Council directed staff to obtain quotations for the demolition of the houses at 14607 and 14645 Forest Blvd., and they are: 1) $19,390 from Carl Bolander and Sons; 2) $15,100 from Ray Anderson and Sons; and 3) $11,950 from Ozzie Berntson. Barnes made motion, Leroux seconded, that after review of the bids and the specific work covered, Council award the bid for demolition to the low bidder, Berntson, at a cost of $11,950. All aye. Motion Carried. SNOWMOBILING ON HARDWOOD CREEK TRAIL On September 15, 2000, Washington County Parks officials held a meeting at the City of Forest Lake to discuss snowmobile use on the Hardwood Creek Trail. Specifically, Washington County requested the official position of the City of Hugo in regard to its current policy that bans the use of studs on snowmobiles within the Hardwood Creek Trail corridor. The Council should consider a City policy decision on banning studs on snowmobiles within the Hardwood Creek Trail corridor. The City Administrator met with a representative from the local snowmobile club who does support the ban on studs. Leroux made motion, Petryk seconded, to accept City staff recommendation and support the County and the City of Forest Lake's position to ban the use of studs on snowmobiles within the Hardwood Creek Trail corridor. All aye. Motion Carried. EARTHWORK PROPOSAL FOR BEIP 3RD ADDITION. LOT 1. BLOCK 1 At a specially called meeting on September 25, 2000, the Council listened to a presentation from the City Engineer whereby the City would be able to get the 4.2 acre lot in BEIP graded for free, with 500 cubic yards going to the Sweet Grass Meadows ditch project, and the remaining fill being taken by the contractor for the cost of grading the site. The location was the former site for the Protective Coatings City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 5 building, which the developer, Jim Kellison, removed from the Council agenda for further discussion. The Council had tabled action on this issue until the October 2, 2000 regularly scheduled Council meeting for further discussion and the opportunity to negotiate for the sale of the earth. Staff estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 cubic yards of excess material exists on the site. Staff recommended that the Council consider an agreement with Eagle Enterprises to grade Lot 1, Block 1, BEIP 3rd Addition. Chris Taylor of Eagle Enterprises is interested in the earth if he does not have to pay for it, as the grading work performed for the City is worth approximately $2 per cubic yard. The Council thanked Mr. Taylor, but took no action on this request in the event earth was needed for a future City project. EXTENSION REQUEST TO JACKSON'S FOR STORM WATER PONDING AND TRUNK FEES At the direction of the City Attorney, City staff requested an extension from the Jackson's for final determination of storm water ponding and trunk fees. Petryk made motion, Leroux seconded, to approve the Consent and Amendment between the City of Hugo and the Jackson family to allow an additional thirty (30) days for the City to consider the storm water ponding and trunk fees for BEIP 4`h Addition. All aye. Motion Carried. INSTALL GRAVEL ON 140TH STREET AND REGRADE WITH STEEP GRADE SIGNS Mayor Walter Stoltzman was approached by residents who are once again interested the use of 140` Street. One proposal would be to improve the road and install up to 12" of gravel on 140'' Street with a regrading of the gravel and the installation of "steep grade" signs on the edges. City staff recommended the Council consider the installation and regrading of 140' Street with gravel and installation of "steep grade" signs, which the LMCIT representatives encourage as a way to limit any City liability. Council member Barnes felt that this situation was "an accident waiting to happen", and was concerned with City liability. Public Work Supervisor Petree stated that the only calls he had taken were positive relative to the road being closed. Leroux made motion, Petryk seconded, to defer action on this matter until the spring of 2001 to determine the water level of Lake Plaisted. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON NEW WATER TOWER SITE The City Engineer, Dave Mitchell, met with the developer of the Martha Peltier property, and presented to the Council three sites for the new water tower. Engineer Mitchell stated that the Council should consider the tower's "shadow" when making the selection, and that borings will be needed. Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, that the City actively pursue purchase of the northeast corner City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 6 site of the Peltier property and authorize soil borings at that site. All aye. Motion Carried. SEEDING & IRRIGATION OF BEAVER PONDS SOCCER FIELD After the Council authorized the additional seeding work, staff has repeatedly contacted the contractor, American Irrigation, to complete work on this project before November 150%. Although the contractor has expressed interest in doing the work, their schedule has not allowed them to complete it this fall. Stoltzman made motion, Petryk seconded, that the City allow American Irrigation one month to respond to a new Agreement Letter specifying a spring schedule. If they fail to respond, staff will secure new quotations for the seeding and irrigation system. New quotations would be brought before the Council for consideration at a future meeting. All aye. Motion Carried. NEW CITY HALL UPDATE The City Administrator has continued discussions with the property owner for the site selected for the new City Hall. There remains a large gap in the price between the two parties. The Administrator stated that the architect wanted the Council to be aware that the cost of the project goes up approximately 5% per month. Barnes made motion, Leroux seconded, that the Council recess tonight's meeting until October 30, 2000 at 7:00 pm, to further discuss the City Hall site, as well as other unfinished issues. All aye. Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF CUP FOR DAN RAMBERG FOR TRAININGBOARDING OF HORSES On August 23, 2000, the Planning Commission reviewed the CUP request from Dan Ramberg for a horse training and boarding facility located at 5676 170' Street. The current facility provides boarding space for 125 horses. Mr. Ramberg believes that the horse training and boarding facility represents an accessory use of the property, and he would lice to establish the use as primary use of the property in the event that the nature of his overall operation changes in the future. Staff reviewed the proposal and concurred that it meets all CUP standards outlined in the City's comprehensive land use regulations. Petryk made motion, Barnes seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2000-41, APPROVING A CUP FOR DANIEL AND ELAINE RAMBERG FOR HORSE TRAINING AND BOARDING FACILITIES FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5676- 170TH STREET NORTH. All aye. Motion Carried. City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 7 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO LAND USE REGULATIONS REGARDING DRIVEWAY WIDTH On August 7, 2000, the Council considered a possible change to the driveway width standard of the City's driveway ordinance. Council referred the issue back to the Planning Commission for a formal public hearing, and on September 27h, the PC held a hearing to consider an amendment to the driveway width standard for urban residential zoned properties. The PC, by unanimous vote, recommended approval of a text amendment that would increase the maximum driveway width of 16' to 24' for properties that contain a 3 -car garage. The PC also recommended that the width of the driveway not exceed 35% of the lot width, and that the curb opening be set back at least 15' from the property line in order to accommodate parking on the street. City staff reviewed the PC recommendation, and submitted the following the Council to consider: a 28' driveway width standard is reasonable, and a limitation in width of the driveway to 35% of the lot width will insure that the driveway does not visually dominate the front yard or create an unsafe condition. Leroux made motion, Barnes seconded, that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance for Council consideration increasing the City's driveway width from 16' to 24' as a maximum, and the width of the driveway not exceed 35% of the lot width. All aye. Motion Carried. NOMINATION FOR COUNTY GROUNDWATER PLAN Washington County is in the process of updating and finalizing a countywide groundwater plan. A fifteen -member advisory committee must be established, and the County is seeking nominations for the committee. The City should submit a person to represent the community. Barnes made motion, Petryk seconded, to defer this matter until the Council meeting of 10/30/00. All aye. Motion Carried. RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT APPOINTMENT The City has been notified by Washington County that the term of office for Robert Hult, Forest Lake, on the Rice Creek Watershed District, expires on January 17, 2001. State statutes provide that the County Board may select watershed managers from a list of nominees submitted by the municipalities that are wholly or partially in the watershed district. Barnes made motion, Stoltzman seconded, to defer this matter until the Council meeting of 10/30/00. All aye. Motion Carried. ANNOUNCEMENT OF PATRICK ROONEY AS NEW PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER At a specially called meeting on October 9, 2000, the Council interviewed seven applicants for the City Council meeting of October 16, 2000 Page 8 vacancy position on the Planning Commission, and that Council voted and approved Patrick Rooney as the new member on the PC. Mayor Stoltzman announced his appointment at tonight's meeting. PURCHASE OF BERNIN PROPERTY Stoltzman made motion, Leroux seconded, to defer this issue until the meeting of 10/30/00. All aye. Motion Carried. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S 6 -MONTH PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Rather than pay $1,000 for Sathe and Associates to conduct the Administrator's performance evaluation, the Council will conduct the evaluation in-house. Councilman Haas was selected to coordinate the effort. RICCI'S PARKING Community Development Director, John Rask, will meet with Ricci's owner, Bo Bogatty, to discuss parking concerns at his establishment. Mr. Rask will submit a report for the meeting of 11/6/00. STOP SIGN REQUEST FORWARDED TO WASHINGTON COUNTY On October 2, 2000, the City received a request for installation of an additional stop sign at the intersection of Jeffrey Avenue and 152"d Street. Because the intersection is controlled by Washington County, the letter was referred to them for their consideration. They have responded to the request with installation of additional safety signs, and notified the requestor of their action. CLEARWATER CREEK 3RD ADDITION AND THE USE OF ELNICREST AVENUE Stoltzman made motion, Leroux seconded, to defer this matter until the meeting of 10/30/00. All aye. Motion Carried. RECESS Barnes made motion, Leroux seconded, to recess tonight's meeting at 11:00 pm until Monday, October 30, 2000, Hugo City Hall, at 7:00 pm. All aye. Motion Carried. t C Ma;Y��Creager City�k