HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.10.05 CC Minutes
Meeting held remotely pursuant to MN Statute Sec. 13D.021.
ZOOM Meeting ID: 811 4223 0655
Passcode: 024994
Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT REMOTELY: Haas, Klein, Miron, Petryk, Weidt
COUNCIL ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT REMOTELY: City Attorney Dave Snyder, City Engineer Mark Erichson,
Community Development Director Rachel Juba, Finance Coordinator Anna Wobse, Community
Development Assistant Emily Weber
PRESENT AT CITY HALL: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Director Ron Otkin, City
Clerk Michele Lindau
Moment of Silence for Rick Gwynn
A moment of silence was held in remembrance of Rick Gwynn who died in August from liver
disease. Weidt wanted to acknowledge he was a member of the Planning Commission for a
number of years until 2012. He was also a member of the VFW in Forest Lake and active
nationally. Haas added that he started the Yellow Ribbon Network Hamburger Night at the
VFW in White Bear Lake. Rick was 68 years old.
Approval of Minutes for the September 21, 2020 City Council Meeting
Petryk made motion Klein seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting on
September 21, 2020, as presented.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes for the September 24, 2020 Public Works Ground Breaking
Ceremony
Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the Groundbreaking Ceremony
for the new Public Works Facility on September 24, 2020, as presented,
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Approval of Agenda
Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the agenda as presented.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
MINUTES
HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
REMOTE MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 – 7 P.M.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2020
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Update on COVID-19 City Response and Grant Approval
City Administrator Bryan Bear provided an update on the City’s response to the COVID-19
pandemic. The City remained in Phase 3 of the Stay Safe Plan. Absentee voting was open and in-
person voting would be occurring in the normal voting locations with modifications. Room
rentals were open with modified capacity limits and new rules. City Hall remained open.
Remote meetings would continue until AV upgrades were complete sometime near the end of
November. At that time, the Council may choose to shift to hybrid meetings. He reviewed the
multiple options for the public to participate. Online building permits were available, and over
50 percent of permits had been issued that way.
Bear provided an update on Business Grant Program saying 22 applications were received for
almost $213,000 dollars. Staff was reviewing the applications and it was expected the dollar
amount would be adjusted. He expected the grants to be ready for Council approval at their
October 19 meeting. Bear provided information on a new elections grant from the Center for
Tech and Civic Life (CTCL). He explained CTCL was a nonpartisan organization that provided
technical assistance to election administrators. They established the COVID-19 Response Grant
to help cities cover COVID related election expenses. Funds could be used for supplies,
education, training and cleaning. Staff applied for the grant and was awarded $5,000. Staff had
recommended approve the grant agreement.
Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the $5,000 COVID-19 grant agreement from the
Center for Tech and Civic Life.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the following consent agenda:
1. Approval of Claims
2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Adam Greeder
3. Approve Resolution Appointing Election Judges for 2020 General Election
4. Approve Renewal of Mining Permit for Mike Atkinson
5. Approve Resolutions Approving the Site Plan, CUP Amendment, and Variance for
Grundhofer’s Old Fashion Meats Located at 15449 Forest Boulevard North
6. Approve Resolution to Continue Participating in the Met Council Livable Communities Act
7. Approve Replacement of 2009 Toro Groundsmaster Area Mower
8. Approve Replacement of 2008 John Deer Zero Turn Mower
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Approve Claims Roster
Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2020
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Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Adam Greeder
In 2007, Adam Greeder was hired by the City of Hugo as one of its summer seasonal
maintenance workers in the Hugo Public Works Department. On October 6, 2008, Adam
became part of the department as a full-time employee as an apprentice for the Public Works
Maintenance Worker. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance
review for Public Works Worker Adam Greeder.
Approve Resolution Appointing Election Judges for 2020 General Election
State Statute requires the governing body to approve the appointment of election judges at least
25 days prior to the election. City Clerk Michele Lindau had recruited 56 judges to work the
2020 General Election. This was considerably more than what was needed in past elections due
to the requirements of COVID-19. All election judges would receive 2.5 hours of training,
which included COVID related instructions. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the
resolution appointing election judges for the 2020 General Election.
RESOLUTION 2020- 52 APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE NOVEMBER 3,
2020 GENERAL ELECTION
Approve Renewal of Mining Permit for Mike Atkinson
The Mining Permit for Mike Atkinson on his property located on the south side of 147th Street
between Irish and Hyde Avenue expired on August 2, 2020. Atkinson had applied for renewal of
the permit for another two years. For the past several years, the site had been used to stockpile
material, with no mining activity taking place. When the permit was renewed in 2012, the
Council allowed the Atkinsons to move forward with the Mining Permit renewal process without
all the conditions being met until the time mining operations began again, due to the cost of
meeting those conditions. The requirements not being met are to: biannually provide a
topographic map of the site, calculation of stockpiled material, amount of granular material left
on site to be mined, and a reclamation plan. Staff had found very minimal activity on the site to
require those conditions be met for the renewal of his permit. Adoption of the Consent Agenda
approved the Mining Permit for Mike Atkinson for property located on 147th Street North with
the condition that all requirements in the permit be met when mining activity begins again.
Approve Resolutions Approving the Site Plan, CUP Amendment, and Variance for
Grundhofer’s Old Fashion Meats Located at 15449 Forest Boulevard North
Spencer Grundhofer had applied for a site plan, CUP amendment, and variance for Grundhofer’s
Old Fashion Meats located at 15449 Forest Boulevard North. The request was to allow a 2,450
square foot addition to the existing 2,880 square foot building on site. The existing buildings on
site are legal nonconforming in regard to the side yard building setback and the applicant had
requested a 12-foot side yard setback, where 30 feet was required for the proposed addition. The
applicant had also requested the existing meat market and meat processing facility CUP be
amended to reflect the new site plan. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and held a
public hearing at their September 24, 2020 meeting. No one spoke at the public hearing. The
Planning Commission recommended approval of the site plan, CUP amendment, and variance
for Grundhofer’s Old Fashioned Meats located at 15449 Forest Boulevard North. Adoption of
the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2020-53 APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR
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GRUNDHOFER’S OLD FASHIONED MEATS LOCATED AT 15449 FOREST
BOULEVARD NORTH, and RESOLUTION 2020-54 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR GRUNDHOFER’S OLD FASHIONED MEATS TO
CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE MEAT PROCESSING FACILITY ON THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 15449 FOREST BOULEVARD NORTH, and RESOLUTION 2020-55
APPROVING A VARIANCE FROM THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR AN
ADDITION TO AN EXISTING BUILDING FOR GRUNDHOFER’S OLD FASHIONED
MEATS LOCATED AT 15449 FOREST BOULEVAD NORTH.
Approve Resolution to Continue Participating in the Met Council Livable Communities
Act
The City of Hugo had previously elected to be a participant in the Metropolitan Livable
Communities Act (LCA) Program. Participation on the program would provide the City with an
opportunity to compete for grants and loans to support activities that help the City meet its
affordable and life cycle housing goals, clean up polluted sites, and support demonstration
projects linking jobs, housing, and transit. The City received demonstration grants in 2004 and
2007 for Hugo Downtown redevelopment project planning. The Metropolitan Council requested
the City formal adopt the LCA goals for the next 10 years through 2030, which were consistent
with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The City needed to do this to remain eligible to apply for
the Metropolitan Council’s LCA grants. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approve
RESOLUTION 2020-56 ELECTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LOCAL HOUSING
INCENTIVES ACCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER THE METROPOLITAN LIVABLE
COMMUNITIES ACT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2021 THROUGH 2030.
Approve Replacement of 2009 Toro Groundsmaster Area Mower
The Public Works Department had been exploring options to replace its current area wide
mower. This mower was used to mow the grass in the large parks like Hanifl Fields, Beaver
Ponds, Lions Park, as well as Oakshore Park. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the
purchase of a Kubota L6060 Tractor with turf tires and various attachments from Olson Power
and Equipment in the amount of $100,154.34.
Approve Replacement of 2008 John Deer Zero Turn Mower
The Public Works Department had been exploring options to replace its current John Deer Zero
Turn mower. This mower was used to mow parks in the summer and also used to blow and
broom snow in the winter months. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the purchase of a
Ferrris ZT 37/61 Zero Turn Mower from Olson Power and Equipment in the amount of $15,400.
Approve Resolution Providing for the Issuance and Sale of $8,000,000 General
Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds
Paul Steinman with Baker Tilly presented information on the issuance and sale of $8,000,000 in
General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds. Bids for the sale of these bonds was
accepted until11:00 a.m. on this day, Monday, October 5th. There were six bidders and true
interest costs ranged from 1.62% to 1.79%. The best bid was from Robert W. Baird and
Company, Inc. with about 30 syndicated underwriters underneath them. These were 25 year
bonds. A premium was receive for about $483,000 that would show up as an additional source of
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2020
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funds. Steinman informed Council that S&P had affirmed the City’s AA+ rating. He
recommended Council accept the bid for 1.62% from Robert W. Barid and Company, Inc.
Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2020- 57 PROVIDING FOR
THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $8,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN BONDS, SERIES 2020A AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE
PAYMENT THEREOF.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Goodview Avenue Improvement Project Assessment Hearing
At its September 8, 2020 meeting, the Council adopted the resolution declaring costs to be
assessed for the Goodview Avenue Improvement Project, and scheduled the hearing on the
proposed assessments for this evening. The Notice of Assessment Hearing has been published in
the official newspaper and mailed to the owners of each parcel described in the assessment roll at
least two weeks prior to the hearing. City Engineer Mark Erichson presented a summary of the
project, the assessment process, and related costs of the project. Work was generally completed
except for the second lift, gravel shouldering work, restoration, and striping that would be
complete in the next week.
Weidt asked about the shoulders and having room for pedestrians. Erichson recalled discussions
during the public input process regarding speed and room for pedestrians on the side of the
roadway. The roadway existed as 24 feet wide and was increased to provide more room. A 50
mile per hour road had primarily 11 feet wide lanes, and they were looking at striping it to 10-
foot wide lanes which would provide 3-foot wide shoulders. Speed on the road would be
discussed later in the meeting. Haas questioned if it would be better to have a shoulder on one
side small and larger on the other side. Erichson explained that walkers travel opposite the flow
of traffic and bicycles go with traffic, so it was felt both sides should be uniform. He explained
it was not identified as a pedestrian trail and did not meet the State Aid requirement as a street
with pedestrian facility.
Erichson explained overall project costs were estimated to be $929,600 with $137,700 paid for
by assessments and the rest from City Capital Improvement Fund and State Aid since 125th
Street to the north was a state aid roadway.
He explained the appeal process and presented three objections that were received. He discussed
the memo from Grace Axelson who owned the 80 acre parcel at the corner of Goodview and
125th Street. Council discussed their concern over their large parcel that was to receive five
assessments. Erichson explained it was based on the number of accesses onto Goodview if
subdivided. In the memo, the Shooting Range Protection Act was referenced which discussed a
required 750 foot perimeter around the property that limited their building area. Erichson said
that was taken into consideration. Juba explained the Act required a 750 foot buffer around the
property line of a shooting range, but there were things that could be done to reduce the impact
and allow buildings to be closer. Erichson read the portion of the email that talked about the
parcel being one PID number and the owner felt it should get one assessment. He explained that
was contrary to the Assessment Policy which looked at future buildable land, not just the PID.
He said the memo further explained their intention to keep the property greenspace. Erichson
said the property was in green acres and assessments would not be due immediately, but interest
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would accrue.
Another memo was received from Kevin Peltier saying property owners should not be assessed
because there was development traffic and excessive speeds on the road. Erichson explained the
way the City monitors roadways, and Goodview Avenue was in poor condition prior to
improvements. The road was last paved 32 years ago.
Lastly, staff received a call from the property owner at 12240 Goodview who had two parcels
that were both getting assessed. One lot was deemed unbuildable and one they lived on. They
were looking at combining the lots to have only one parcel. Erichson explained if combined,
they would not be able to subdivide later, and staff was comfortable with that option moving
forward.
Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. After receiving no comments, Weidt closed the public
hearing.
Miron asked about the Axelson property and if there was an agricultural program that may
change how they were assessed. Community Development Director Rachel Juba said there may
be some programs that include a significant process. She had not spoken to the property owners
but indicated she would reach out to them to discuss.
Haas commented the road had seen 32 years of use and residents were only paying 14% of the
assessment and the City’s residents were paying the rest. He talked about the Axelson property
and how it was suitable for development and the Assessment Policy anticipated that. He said he
was not persuaded by any of the arguments that the City should change the assessment roll.
Klein stated he agreed with Haas, and the policy was in place for a reason and had served the
City well.
Petryk talked about the properties owners of 12240 Goodview who wanted to combine their lots.
She said she supported keeping it on the assessment roll as is until they prove they combined the
lots and cannot subdivide them again.
Weidt agreed there was always an argument that someone else broke the road, and that was why
the City had an assessment policy where only a small portion of the improvements were assessed
to the property owners on the street. He said the assessment policy takes into account that the
roads are used by everyone.
Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve Resolution 2020-58. After a brief discussion,
Klein rescinded his second to the motion, and Miron rescinded the motion.
Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2020 -58 RESOLUTION
ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE GOODVIEW AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT and include a condition that if the two lots at 12240 are legally combined and cannot
ever be subdivided, the property owner would be assessed for only one unit.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2020
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Lions Park Design Development Consultant Contracts
Parks Planner Shayla Denaway shared three proposals from different consultants for the design
of Lions Park. She shared a picture of the master plan and provided background on the meetings
held regarding the development of the park. Most recently, the Council approved the apartment
project adjacent to Lions Park and the 2021 street improvement feasibility study, which all
related to the park.
The first proposal was from WSB for the pavilion and playground areas at a cost of $57,000.
The Parks Commission reviewed and recommended approval of this proposal at their August 18,
2020, meeting. The proposal included working with two different state holder committees.
The second proposal was $83,300 from WSB to design the parking lot, stormwater, trails and
sidewalks, community sports pad and to relocate the skate park. The Parks Commission had
reviewed this at their September 16, 2020 meeting and recommended approval.
The third consultant proposal was for the pavilion architect. Three proposals were received, and
the interview panel recommended HCM Architects who had the most experience with similar
projects and had worked with WSB before. Their proposal was for $20,900. She noted that none
of the proposals included construction documents or construction administration. The proposals
would take the design to the 50% stage and provide more reliable costs.
She provided next steps that included a meeting with the Lions Club and a community workshop
for the design of the park. Stakeholder group members would be on their October 19, 2020
meeting for approval. The design process would start at the end of October. Designs would go to
the Parks Commission in January 2021 and Council in February 2021. The Council could then
authorize the preparation of the construction documents and allow for bid, bonding, and
construction in the summer of 2021.
Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the hiring of WSB and HCM Architects.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Approve Resolution Reducing the Speed Limit on Goodview Avenue North
In May 2019, Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill granting cities the authority to set speed
limits under their jurisdiction. This statute went into effect August 1, 2019. City Engineer Mark
Erichson provided Council background information on the speed limit rules and what next steps
they would need to follow to implement a speed change on Goodview Avenue South of Egg
Lake Road. Goodview Avenue (south of County Road 8) was currently posted as a 50 MPH
roadway. Improvements completed along the roadway with the 2020 Goodview Avenue Street
Improvement project included widening the road from a 24-foot width to a 26-foot width. To
accommodate MnDOT’s policy for a State Aid roadway with a design speed of 50 MPH or
higher, the wider roadway allowed for two 11-foot driving lanes and two 2-foot paved shoulders.
Erichson said if the City was in favor of reducing speed limit on Goodview Avenue to 40 MPH
(consistent with Goodview Avenue north of County Road 8), the driving lane could be reduced
to 10 feet, allowing an additional foot of paved shoulder on both sides of the roadway. The
wider shoulder would provide a safer route for pedestrians and bicyclists, which was a large
concern for residents participating in the public hearings for this project.
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Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2020 – 59 RESOLUTION
REDUCING SPEED LIMIT ALONG GOODVIEW AVENUE FROM THE ¼ Mile SOUTH OF
125TH STREET TO EGG LAKE ROAD.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Yellow Ribbon Network Update
Haas and Klein reported to Council on the Yellow Ribbon Network activities held recently. Hass
explained a friend from the MN Timberwolves provided a new basketball hoop for solders in
Djibouti, Africa. Bingo will begin at Sal’s Angus Grill on October 3 and held every Saturday
until the end of March. Five hundred pounds of coffee was donated by European Rotisseries to
be shipped in care packages along with socks and toiletries donated by the Food Shelf. A youth
hunt was held last Sunday at Wild Wings for 25 youngsters of military families. Haas thanked
the Washington County and Chisago County Pheasants Forever and others who helped.
Donations were received for a soldier who was moving to Minneapolis. On Sunday there will be
a Military Appreciation Hunt for 32 Soldiers put on by Greg Lockwood. One unit being hosted
had lost three solider in a helicopter crash last December. In addition to sponsoring them, Greg
was donating $5,000 to each family. Lakeside Dentistry held a donation drive for the YRN. The
Rotary Club of Brooklyn Park supplied Christmas cards with messages to the soldiers to be
included in care packages.
Arcand Park Grand Opening on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council a meeting was scheduled to attend the Grand
Opening of Arcand Park on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 3 p.m. The park is located at 13246
Fondant Trail North.
Lions Park Community Workshop on Monday, October 12, 2020
City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council a meeting was scheduled to attend the Lions Park
Community Workshop on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually.
Schedule Interviews for Fire Chief Position for Week of October 12, 2020
Fire Chief Kevin Colvard will be resigning his position on the Fire Department effective
December 31, 2020. Staff had advertised for his replacement and City Administrator Bryan Bear
requested Council schedule the interviews for some time during the week of October 12-16,
2020.
Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to schedule the fire chief interviews for Wednesday,
October 14, 2020 beginning at 7 p.m.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
There was discussion on how to hold the interviews. Miron, Weidt, and Klelin indicated they
would attend in person. Petryk will attend virtually, and Haas was undecided.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2020
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Closure of Hugo HealthEast Clinic
Weidt added a quick announcement regarding a recent conversation he had with Mary Edwards,
Vice President of Public Relations with HealthEast, who informed him the Hugo Clinic would be
closing and the workers had been relocated. Fairview Hugo will remain open and they will
merge into that location.
Adjournment
Klein made motion, Haas seconded, to adjourn at 8:31 p.m.
Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Lindau
City Clerk