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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.02.06 CC Minutes MINUTES City Council Meeting City Hall Council Chambers Monday, February 6, 2023 7:00 p.m. Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call COUNCIL PRESENT: Klein, Miron, Petryk, Strub (arrived via Zoom at 7:02), Weidt COUNCIL ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, City Engineer Mark Erichson, City Attorney Dave Snyder, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, City Clerk Michele Lindau, Parks Planner Shayla Denaway Approval of Minutes for the January 5, 2023, Birch Tree Ponds Neighborhood Open House Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the Birch Tree Ponds Neighborhood Open House on January 5, 2023, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for the January 9, 2023, Council Meeting Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the Council meeting held on January 9, 2023, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for the January 14, 2023, Hugo Fire Department Annual Banquet Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the minutes for the Hugo Fire Department Annual Banquet held on January 14, 2023, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried Approval of Minutes for the January 23, 2023, Council Goal Setting Session Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the minutes for the Council Goal Setting Session held on January 23, 2023, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Agenda Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 2 of 11 Parks Commission Annual Report Parks Planner Shayla Denaway presented the 2022 Parks Commission Annual Report. Expanding community parks was the bulk of the work in 2022. Denaway reviewed the Parks Commission’s goals for 2022 and said many of the items are carrying over to 2023. One of the highlights for 2022 was the naming and opening of Lions Volunteer Park and the Pede Pedersen Pavilion. Staff had updated the City’s building rental software and launched a new online reservation system on the first of 2023. The City also received a grant from the Metropolitan Council for upgraded irrigation controllers, which are now installed all in the City’s parks. The Parks Commission had reviewed four different park dedication proposals: Oneka Prairie, Hugo Estates, Goodview Estates, and the Shores of Oneka. All opted to pay park dedication fees in lieu of dedicating park land except the Shores of Oneka, which will tie into property the City currently owns, former Bernin property. In 2022, the buildings on the Bernin property were removed. The Commission reviewed the master plan and will be reviewing it in 2023. Other projects completed in 2022 were the reconstruction of the trail on Freedom Road, adaptive swing put in the playground at Arbre Park, and the fence for pickleball installed and parking lot completed in Arcand Parkland. The City also held the annual Santa Party and tree lighting ceremony. Toys and food had been collected and donated to the Hugo Food Shelf and the Fire Department Toy Drive. Weidt commented that he had received a lot of positive emails on the adaptive swing, and he noted the sledding party was scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. Approval of the Consent Agenda Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approve Claims Roster 2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Neal Nelson 3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Finance and Public Works Administrative Assistant Jennifer Compton 4. Approve Donation from the Hugo American Legion to the Hugo Fire Department 5. Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Church of St. Genevieve’s Fish Fry on March 31, 2023 6. Approve Ordinances Revising Chapter 10 Animal Ordinance and Adding Section 90- 182 Salt Storage to Comply with MS4 Permit Requirements 7. Approve Advertisement for Public Works Summer Seasonal Workers 8. Approve Pay Request No. 3 for the Oneka Parkway Project 9. Approve Proclamation Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 3 of 11 Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Neal Nelson Neal Nelson was hired on January 3, 2017, as a Public Works Worker. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Annual Performance Review for Neal Nelson. Approve Annual Performance Review for Finance and Public Works Administrative Assistant Jennifer Compton At its February 7, 2022, meeting, Council approved the hiring of Jennifer Compton as the new Finance and Public Works Administrative Assistant. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Finance and Public Works Administrative Assistant Jennifer Compton. Approve Donation from the Hugo American Legion to the Hugo Fire Department The Hugo American Legion had requested to donate $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department from pull-tab proceeds for equipment and training. All donations to the Fire Department must be approved by the Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation of $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department. Approve Lawful Gambling Permit for Church of St. Genevieve’s Fish Fry on March 31, 2023 The Church of St. Genevieve’s had applied for a Lawful Gambling Permit to hold a raffle during their Fish Fry on March 31, 2023. Earnings would be split with the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf and the Centennial Community Food Shelf. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Lawful Gambling Permit for the Church of St. Genevieve’s Fish Fry for a raffle on March 31, 2023. Approve Ordinances Revising Chapter 10 Animal Ordinance and Adding Section 90-182 Salt Storage to Comply with MS4 Permit Requirements In reviewing the city’s Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, staff found the need to pass two ordinances to comply with permit requirements that were designed to reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants entering state waters from stormwater systems. One ordinance would address pet feces and one would address salt storage at commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the ordinances as drafted by staff. Approve Advertisement for Public Works Summer Seasonal Workers Staff had requested authorization to advertise and hire a total of six seasonal employees for the public works department. In the 2022 General Fund Budget, Council approved the six seasonal positions. Seasonal Public Works Employees assist with mowing, garbage/litter removal, park maintenance, boulevard and general Public Works maintenance. A starting hourly wage of $13.00/hour was approved in the 2022 General Fund Budget for these positions. These positions Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 4 of 11 would not exceed 40 hours per week. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the advertisement for Public Works Summer Seasonal workers. Approve Payment Voucher No. 3 for the 2022 Oneka Parkway Project North Valley, Inc. had submitted Pay Request No. 3 in the amount of $93,270.00 for work certified through January 31, 2022, on the Oneka Parkway Project. Substantial completion had occurred on all phases of the project. Signal work at Frenchman Road/Oneka Parkway was on- going and should be completed by the end of February. Punch-list items would be completed in the spring. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved payment to North Valley, Inc. in the amount of $93,270.00. Approve Proclamation Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce The year 2023 marked the 100 years of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce. To celebrate, a Legislative Reception was planned for March 7, 2023, with state, county, and city leaders. Staff had prepared a proclamation recognizing their 100th Anniversary. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the proclamation. Public Hearing on Application for On-Sale Wine and Beer Liquor License for C&J, Inc., DBA Amian American & Asian Bistro A public hearing was scheduled for this evening to consider the applications from Jin Qin Liao, President of C&J, Inc, dba Amian American & Asian Bistro, for a Wine License and a 3.2% Malt Liquor License with a provision for strong beer. According to City Code, the Council could approve strong beer to be served under this license as long as 60% of sales is from food. Amian, located at 14755 Victor Hugo Boulevard, Unit 104, had been in businesses since 2007 under the ownership of Guobin Wang, Amian Inc., which had been sold to C&J, Inc. The applicant had paid the $500 application fee, completed the background check, and provided the Certificate of Insurance for Workmen’s Compensation and Liquor Liability. Staff recommended Council hold the public hearing and approve the applications. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and Weidt closed the public hearing. Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the liquor license applications for C&J, Inc., dba Amian American & Asian Bistro subject to receipt of the prorated license fee. All ayes. Motion carried. Hopkins Schoolhouse Progress Report and Request to Proceed A group of interested citizens began meeting in April, 2022, to come up with a plan to restore the Hopkins Schoolhouse. They were given a six-month deadline by Council to present a plan that would be acceptable. At Council’s November 7, 2022, meeting, City Administrator Bryan Bear had shared their plan with the Council that would involve conversion of the structure into a heritage center and recreation hub. Bear stated the group was very organized but needed a few Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 5 of 11 more months to work on funding source details. The group had requested approval to tarp the roof to prevent more water damage in the meantime. Council approved the request to tarp the roof and an extension to the end of the year to report back to Council with their plan. Members of the group were in attendance this evening to present their plan to Council and ask for approval to proceed. Historical Commission and Hopkins Committee member Craig Moen began by stating that funding had been a hindrance without having Council approval. He explained that Hopkins Schoolhouse was once owned by the Forest Lake School District, and he introduced Justin Brink from the Forest Lake Historical Society. Justin Brink talked about the three partners for the Hopkins Schoolhouse (Hugo Historical Commission, Forest Lake Historical Society, and community members) and the Heritage Center Steering Committee Members (Justin Brink, Craig Moen, Liz Cinquenonce, Cindy and Floyd Petty, and Angela Minner). He introduced Liz who presented their proposal. Liz explained they were proposing a new non-profit, and she provided their vision for the schoolhouse. There would be five uses: museum for displaying historical items, outdoor educational displays, community engagement and leadership programs to build pipeline of volunteers, meeting space, and a trail stop for the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Their plan was to have the Forest Lake Historical Society act as the temporary fiscal host for the non-profit, since the Society is already a 501c3 organization, which is needed for fundraising and grants. The steering committee would continue leadership and would transfer that to a board of directors when organized. Liz said Attorney Dave Snyder’s legal team would review documents, and they would have someone do their tax filing. She explained how the board would be organized and said they would like to increase members and have a great level of diversity. Their long-term business model was in progress, and they could file for a 501c3. They would like to bring in Capstone Consultants to advise them on a longer-term business plan. Liz reviewed their estimated timeline for restoration saying it would take six to eight years depending on when they have the funds needed. She had it broke down into three smaller goals and talked about three strategies they will use to keep the momentum going. She said the person who put the temporary patch on the roof has introduced them to others that will help and tosomeone who will fix the chimney for free. The timeline for restoration had them currently in the Mothball Phase. They would be doing building and grounds cleanup and working on amenities for the trail stop and exterior displays. Their hope was to have a Centennial Celebration in 2028. She shared accomplishments to date noting there had been both business development and development on the site. She said they felt they have the momentum and the interest of the community. They were currently working on their bylaws and articles of incorporation. They received an estimate of $31,000 for both the roof and siding on the building, which was much less than the estimate from 2018. Their financial summary to date showed revenues were up since their campaign began in November. She said businesses had expressed concern about whether the project was happening and if they would be able to write off their donations. Since November, 2022, donations and pledges were approximately $13,900. They will continue to look for new grant opportunities. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 6 of 11 Milestones for 2023 was entering into a contract with the City and restoration of the chimney and roof. The siding would possibly be done next year. They were leaning towards not putting it on the National Registry of Historical Places. The Committee asked the Council to confirm the schoolhouse would not be destroyed, allow them to enter into an agreement with Forest Lake Historical Society as a temporary fiscal host until they are a non-profit, and to have staff work with the steering committee to define details of an agreement for Council approval at a future meeting. Miron asked if Phases 0-2 would be done quickly and if there may be some type of use as early as 2025. He also asked about septic and water services. Liz replied there would be no interior restoration done by 2025, but they should have outdoor displays and trail stop improvements. The roof, siding, and chimney was quoted to cost $31,000, so that was their goal. Liz said there was talk about partnering with the snowmobile club to share in cost for things that are mutually needed, and they would be continuing those conversations. Petryk asked about National Park Service grants. Liz replied they may be able to get $125,000 in grants, but cost of restoration would be driven up under their requirements. Miron asked about addressing the safety of the building. Liz said they were doing a lot of driving by it. They did install security lights and may possibly install a trail camera to deter people. Brink added that they have not seen anyone there in months. Strub said he was impressed by their work, and Phil agreed they were on a good path. Weidt indicated he didn’t think they were completely there with the financing yet, but it was owed to them and to the schoolhouse to allow them to try. He had concerns about the project stalling and agreed there was a need to have an agreement between them and the City. Miron agreed and said he understood the predicament of the committee when the future of the building was in question. If something stalls, the City needed to maintain the safety and security of the building and needed to preserve the City’s decision to do something different. Bear confirmed that those were provisions that needed to go into the agreement. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to prepare an agreement with the intent to continue with restoration and preservation of the schoolhouse. All Ayes. Motion carried. Oneka Commons Sketch Plan Planner Rachel Juba provided background information on the Oneka Commons Sketch Plan application. In October, 2022, the applicant received feedback from the Planning Commission and the EDA on a sketch plan submitted by developer Peter Stalland for properties generally located in the area south of Frenchman Road/CSAH 8 and west of TH 61 for an apartment development. Comments made indicated they did not like where the residential uses were located along CSAH8, and they wanted it behind commercial uses. The applicant was looking Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 7 of 11 for a six-acre piece of land for apartments and was not looking to do mixed use. The applicant considered the feedback and proposed a new sketch plan for Planning Commission review. At its January 12, 2023, meeting the Planning Commission reviewed the new concept plan that showed a mixed-use development with commercial uses along CSAH 8 and apartments behind that. The apartments would be the first phase of the development. The applicant had a purchase agreement for the whole site. There was no phasing plan at that time. Juba explained the property was mostly zoned C-1 where it was expected to have varying uses. The property was also guided for mixed use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She said it is a highly visible area of the City, and the Downtown Design Guidelines needed to be met that blends commercial and residential uses together. She showed renderings of the commercial building and apartments saying they would meet the intent of the Design Guidelines but comments from the Planning Commission indicated they did not like the large mass of the apartment building and suggested it be reduced by removing the middle and creating two buildings. They also wanted the underground parking entrance to be moved to the back of the building instead of in the front. Juba showed on the plan where the trail would be located and the connection to the Hardwood Creek Trail. Park dedication would be considered on a small park area shown on the plan, but she said it didn’t look like much usable space and would need to be evaluated by staff. The landscaping plan showed the ditch to the south and area where trees would be removed. Juba said staff would like more buffering there. The main entrance would be off CSAH 8 and may eventually include a traffic signal. This would need to be evaluated, and the applicant would need to work with the County to do a traffic study. A portion of Victor Path would need to be built, and Fenway Avenue to the south would require easement acquisitions. A regional pond proposed to be constructed to the west would need to be evaluated, and the applicant had not indicated if storm water reuse would be used. Sewer and water were available to the property. Juba said the Planning Commission liked the walking loops, common spaces, and that it would meet the downtown plan guidelines. They felt architectural design covenants should be in place, and the building mass should be reduced. She said staff felt the applicant was on the right track, but details needed to be worked out, and phasing would be very important. Developer Peter Stalland said he had been working for a few months with staff and wanted to point out that he had the entire 23 acres tied up with the seller. He would have covenants in respect to the architecture so it would be cohesive. He said Washington County would not allow a right-in right-out on the County road so they needed to deal with one entrance and move the roundabout. He originally wanted to just do apartments at the street and it now it was 23 acres. He said there was a lot of risk with the project, and to put all the money upfront was difficult if you still have commercial to sell. He said if the City was interested, he would need help with the stoplight and roundabout, which doesn’t have to be built right away. He talked about the garages and said he could put up a nice landscaping barrier to prevent headlights on neighboring properties. Klein said he agreed with the Planning Commission’s comments; it would be nice to put in two buildings instead of one. He said the City normally has developers pay for infrastructure, and it should be his burden. He thought the project looked good, and he had no problem with the south Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 8 of 11 entrance for the garages. Weidt commented that it has come a long way. He said it would be a nice project to have there, and there are issues to work out. He suggested Stalland keep moving forward with staff. Strub added that it looked better than the first proposal. The Mayor called for a short recess at 8:15 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:23 p.m. Discussion on North Star Wetland Bank Parks Planner Shayla Denaway provided an update on the North Star Wetland Bank and next steps. At the meeting of May 2, 2022, Council approved a proposal from WSB to assess the vegetation and monitor the hydrology in the project area north of Lions Volunteer Park. Council also approved submittal of a draft prospectus. The site evaluation was completed July- October. WSB has provided a summary of their findings and were recommending that the City complete the draft prospectus phase of the wetland banking application process to receive comments and feedback from the Technical Evaluation Panel. Pending approval of the draft prospectus, staff had recommended Council authorize cost estimates to be prepared and that an agreement with White Bear Lake Area Schools be drafted. Denaway explained the assessments were completed in October at a cost of $14,500, including the draft prospectus. Assessments showed vegetation was extremely low quality in the project area, and there was tremendous potential for improvement to put in natural plants. Four monitoring wells indicated sites in July drained and some partially drained. Eliminating ditches could restore a large portion of the site. If all areas were drained, there was a potential for 116 credits to be received with restoration. If it is only partially drained, there would be approximately 69 credits. Based on market value, credits could be sold for over $85,000 per credit. Building the wetland bank would cost approximately one million dollars. This would not include trail construction. WSB was preparing to submit a draft prospectus to the Technical Evaluation Panel. Denaway presented what she considered an extremely progressive timeline with a goal to start construction in 2024. If the draft prospectus was approved, WSB would need authorization to prepare a cost estimate that would cost $7,500. Staff was also looking for authorization to work with the White Bear Lake School District on an agreement for the property and wetland bank. Klein asked if we should be speaking with the White Bear Lake School District first. Bear explained they had been having discussions, and the district appreciated the trails as they would be compatible with the district’s needs. Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to authorize WSB to prepare the cost estimates and work with the White Bear Lake School District on the agreement for the wetland bank. All ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Reorganizations of Public Works Department Public Works Director provided a recap of the City Council workshop held on July 25, 2022, to Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 9 of 11 discussed the potential restructuring of the Public Works Department. He began by explaining Public Works had a total of 22 employees with two in leadership positions, himself, and the lead worker. He proposed changes that would move the current lead worker position to a public works supervisor position and create new lead worker positions specifically directed to streets, utilities, and parks. He said the benefits of having a lead worker position would be the ability to provide on-site direction to crews in the field to achieve the goals of the department. This restructuring could be done without adding additional employees, and the pay structure was accounted for in the 2023 budget. Petryk made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the staff proposed organizational chart and job descriptions and authorize staff to interview internal candidates. All Ayes. Motion carried.   Approve 2023 City Council Focus Goals and Ongoing Priorities City Administrator Bryan Bear provided a recap of the Council’s annual Goal Setting Workshop held on Monday, January 23, 2023. The purpose of the workshop was to establish the 2023 City Focus Goals and Ongoing Priorities. Some of the goals for 2023 focused on water conversation, economic develop (specifically the City owned property along TH61), solar energy projects, apartments and mix used development, and area planning on TH61. The City would also be working on updating the Assessment Policy. The Capital Improvement Project for 2023 was the Birch Tree Ponds area street reconstruction. Other goals included planning for the Northstar Wetland Bank, and the Parks Commission will be working on the Clearwater Creek Preserve area and planning for the Bernin Property. There were currently discussions happening on a fulltime fire chief, Hopkins schoolhouse renovation, and reorganization of the Public Works Department. The City will be planning for the use of ARPA funds, revamping the City website, and following legislation regarding THC and marijuana laws. Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to approve goals for 2023. All Ayes. Motion carried. Consideration of Moratorium on Solar Farms Solar Energy Systems Community Development Director Rachel Juba talked about discussions at the Planning Commission and at the Council Goals Setting Session regarding policies on solar energy. Since there is increased interest in building solar in the City at this time, Juba recommended Council consider a moratorium on Solar Energy Systems while the ordinance was being reviewed. Juba explained a moratorium would be on solar farms, not accessory panels, and a moratorium would allow the City to temporarily suspend approval and consideration of those systems. If Council approved the resolution approving a moratorium, staff would schedule a workshop to further discuss. Council agreed that if the City was going to have more of these projects, Council needed to decide if there was anything in the ordinance they wanted to change. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 10 of 11 Tom made motion, Klein seconded, to approve ORDINANCE 2023-522 PLACING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON NEW DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR FARM SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND DIRECTING A STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED. Roll call vote- Ayes: Klein, Miron, Petryk, Strub, Weidt Nays: None Motion carried Sledding Party on Saturday, February 11, 2023 City Administrator Bryan Bear announced the annual Sledding Party would be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. to noon at Oakshore Park. HBA Business Breakfast/State of the City Address on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 City Administrator Bryan Bear announced the Hugo Area Business Association Business breakfast would be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Blue Heron Grill from 7:30 -9 a.m. Mayor Weidt will present the State of the City Address. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Business Breakfast on February 14, 2023. All Ayes. Motion carried. Cancel Regular City Council Meeting Due to Presidents’ Day February 20, 2023, City Administrator Bryan Bear pointed out the regular Hugo City Council meeting scheduled for February 20, 2023, would fall on Presidents’ Day Holiday, and offices would be closed. Petryk made motion, Weidt seconded, to cancel the regular Council meeting scheduled for February 20, 2023, due to the Presidents’ Day Holiday. All Ayes. Motion carried. Reschedule Workshop with the Fire Department for Tuesday, February 21, 2023 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded the Council the workshop with the Hugo Fire Department scheduled for January 25, 2023, had been cancelled. He recommended Council reschedule the workshop for Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to reschedule the workshop for Tuesday, February 21, 2023. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2023 Page 11 of 11 Adjournment Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk