Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.04.06 CC Minutes MINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON APRIL 6.2015 Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Haas, Klein,Miron, Petryk, Weidt ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear,Planner Rachel Juba,Public Works Director Scott Anderson, Parks Planner Shayla Denaway,and City Clerk Michele Lindau Approval of the Minutes for the March 16.2015 City Council Meeting Petryk made motion,Klein seconded,to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting on March 16,2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Minutes for the March 18.2015 Workshop with Fire Department Klein made motion, Miron seconded,to approve the minutes for the workshop with the Fire Department on March 18,2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Minutes for the March 21.2015 Food Shelf Pasta Dinner Klein made motion, Petryk seconded,to approve the minutes for the Good Neighbors Food Shelf Pasta Dinner on March 21,2015 as presented. Approval of the Minutes for the March 23.2015 Parks Commission Interviews Miron made motion,Klein seconded,to approve the minutes for the interviews to fill the Parks Commission vacancy on March 23,2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda, Weidt made motion, Haas seconded,to approve the agenda as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Stillwater School District Bond Reauest—Interim Superintendent Tom Nelson Residents in the Stillwater Independent School District 834 are asked to vote on Tuesday,May 12, 2015 on whether the School District should issue bonds for acquisition and betterment of the District's school sites and facilities. Hugo residents in ISD 834 can vote at the Rice Lake Centre. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 2 of 10 Interim Superintendent Tom Nelson was at the meeting to present the bond referendum. He reviewed the academic opportunities they were looking to achieve with this bond by allowing them to build a new elementary school and expand and improve the other schools. This would allow the ninth graders to move to the high school,the sixth graders to the middle schools and add preschool to the elementary schools. He explained that with the Districts current debt, taxpayers would see a reduction in the next few years. With approval of the bond,the District would hold outstanding debt at the same level and maintain the tax rate as today through the year 2028. Haas stated that he is the Council representative in the Stillwater School District and would be pleased to support the referendum. Arts Garden—Jill Whitney Birk Arts Garden works as a non-profit arts organization that offers arts experiences and community arts events for people of all ages. Art Garden has been using the City's community rooms for approximately the last four years and has put on several performances. Jill explained they were founded in 2012. Arts Garden is not currently not a full-fledged non- profit but is supported by Springboard for the arts,and everything is funneled through them. Arts Garden has put on seven productions and are working on their eighth. The performances are very well attended. Arts Garden focuses on intergenerational experiences at all skill levels and a variety in arts that fit into people's busy lifestyles. They are looking to raise funds and collaborate with Hugo on more projects. The Council talked about opportunities to collaborate with the City and the Lions Club,and stated their appreciation for providing the arts to the community. Jill informed Council she has a website, www.Artsgarden.org, if people want more information. Weidt made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to continue to work with them and support their growth in the community. All Ayes. Motion carried. Kidz n' Biz—Hugo Area Business Association Member Cindy Petty The Hugo Area Business Association will hold their annual Kidz n' Biz event on Saturday,April 25, 2015 at Oneka Elementary School. HBA member Cindy Petty talked about a few changes planned for this year and explained that it was an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their businesses. Residents have the opportunity to learn more about area business while children enjoy games,activities, food,and prizes. In the past,the City has donated$750 to the HBA to be used towards the Kidz n' Biz Event. Miron made motion, Klein seconded,to donate$750 to the HBA for the Kidz n' Biz Festival. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 3 of 10 2014 Park.Recreation,and Open Space Commission Annual Report Parks Planner Shayla Denaway presented the 2014 Annual report for the Park,Recreation,and Open Space Commission to the Council. She stated that this was a big year for policy making including the trails development policy, which prioritizes improvements for trail connections. She talked about the improvements to the Hardwood Creek Trail to make connections to other trails,recreation programing with White Bear Lake Schools, and the partnerships with Washington County Library to hold more library programs in Hugo. Haas asked about the trail along Elmcrest Avenue and pedestrian access to McDonalds, questioning whether McDonalds has any interest in supporting a trail along Elmcrest. He suggested they be invited to future discussions on trails in the area. Approval of the Consent Agenda Haas made motion, Miron seconded,to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approval of Claims 2. Approve Agreement for Law Enforcement Services with Washington County 3. Approve Resignation of Rachel Berger as Regular Member of the Parks Commission and Appointment as Alternate Member 4. Approve Appointment of Cinde Morris and John Pontrelli to the Parks Commission 5. Approve Sale of 2005 Sterling Plow Truck 6. Approve the Hiring of Five Public Works Seasonal Employees 7. Approve Memorandum of Agreement with St. Paul Regional Water Services for Repairs to the Bald Eagle Lake Outlet 8. Approve Special Event Permit for Color Run 9. Approve Renewal of 2 a.m.Closing Time for Sal's Angus Grill 10. Approve Renewal of 2 a.m. Liquor License for Blue Heron Grill, Inc. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Agreement for Law Enforcement Services with Washington County The City of Hugo last renewed its law enforcement services agreement with Washington County in March, 1999. Washington County had provided a new agreement for review by the City. This agreement will remain in effect for three years and will automatically renew every one year after that. It is in staffs opinion that the Washington County Sheriff's Department has provided the City with excellent service. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services with Washington County. Approve Resignation of Rachel Berger as Regular Member of the Parks Commission and Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 4 of 10 Appointment as Alternate Member Parks Commissioner Rachel Berger is requesting to serve as an alternate member of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission instead of a regular member due to time constraints. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the resignation of Rachel Berger as a regular member and appoint her as an alternate member of the Parks Commission effective immediately. Approve Appointment of Cinde Morris and John Pontrelli to the Parks Commission On March 23, 2015,Council held interviews on three residents who were interested in serving on the Parks, Recreation,and Open Space Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Joan Benner. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved Cinde Morris to fill Rachel's vacancy with a term to end on December 31, 2016 and John Pontrelli to fill the other vacancy with a term to end on December 31,2017. Approve Sale of 2005 Sterling Plow Truck Approved at the October 6,2014 City Council meeting was the purchase of a 2015 Mack plow truck for the Public Works Department.This truck replaced the aging 2005 Sterling Tandem axle plow truck(205-05). Also at that meeting,Council authorized staff to advertise and hold a sealed bid opening for the sale of the 2005 Sterling plow truck. Staff is extremely pleased to inform the Council that a high bid of$48,500.00 was submitted by the City of St. Paul Park,MN. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the sale of the 2005 Sterling Plow truck to the City of St. Paul Park, MN for the amount of$48,500.00. Approve Hiring of Five Public Works Seasonal Employees Each year,the Public Works Department hires staff to fill five seasonal positions to perform grounds maintenance duties at all City owned properties. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the hiring of Shannon Nelson,Tess Natterstad, Kraig Pettee,Neal Nelson and Steven Thomson as full-time seasonal to fill a total of five seasonal positions within the Public Works Department. Approve Memorandum of Agreement with St.Paul Regional Water Services for Repairs to the Bald Eagle Lake Outlet The City Council and staff have been working with a number of agencies in an effort to fund and complete the Bald Eagle Outlet reconstruction project. Following discussions with the St Paul Regional Water Services,the City received a commitment of$30,000 from the SPRWS staff pending formal Board approval. City staff had been working with SPRWS staff to develop an agreement that would approve the$30,000 in funding. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the agreement subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney. Approve Special Event Permit for Color Run Oneka Elementary submitted a Special Event Permit application for a Color Run to be held on Saturday, May 9,2015. The Color Run is a fund raising event for the Oneka Elementary and Hugo Elementary school. Students and families will get donations and earn rewards for the amount of money raised for participation in the 5K run/walk. The event will begin and end at Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 5 of 10 the Oneka Elementary schools. The run will take place along both sides of Oneka Parkway and there will be four color stations along the route where participants are sprayed with a non-toxic water-soluble colored power. Registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 10 a.m. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Special Event Permit subject to the conditions listed in the permit. Approve Renewal of 2 a.m.Closing Time for Sal's Angus Grill Sal's Angus Grill, 12010 Keystone Avenue North,has applied for renewal of its 2:00 a.m. closing time license.City staff has reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactorily complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the renewal of the 2:00 a.m. closing time for Sal's Angus Grill. Approve Renewal of 2 a.m.Liquor License for Blue Heron Grill.Inc. Blue Heron Grill, Inc., 14725 Victor Hugo Boulevard,has applied for renewal of its 2:00 a.m. closing time license.City staff has reviewed the application and found it to be satisfactorily complete. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the renewal of the 2:00 a.m. closing time for the Blue Heron Grill. Approve Award of Bid for the 2015 Dust Control Project At its February 2,2015 meeting,the Hugo City Council authorized City staff to advertise and receive bids for the 2015 dust control project. Bids were received and opened on March 31, 2015 for this contract. Public Works Director Scott Anderson stated that two bids were received,and he explained how the city cooperates and does cost sharing with May Township and the City of Grant. The low bid was at$0.94/gal by Northern Salt. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to award the bid for the 2015 dust control project to Northern Salt to apply Calcium Chloride at$0.94/gallon All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Award of Bid for the 2015 Seal Coating Project At its February 2, 2015 meeting,the Hugo City Council authorized City staff to advertise and receive bids for the 2015 seal coat project. Bids were received and opened on March 31,2015 for this contract. Public Works Director Scott Anderson stated that two bids were received. The low bidder was Pearson Brothers, Inc. at$179,193.07 Haas made motion, Klein seconded,to award the 2015 seal coating contract to Pearson Brothers, Inc. at$179,193.07. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 6 of 10 Approve Award of Bid for the 2015 Gravel Road Resurfacing Project At its March 2, 2015 meeting,the Hugo City Council authorized City staff to advertise and receive bids for the delivery of gravel for the City's gravel road resurfacing project. Bids were received and opened on March 31,2015 for this contract. Public Works Director Scott Anderson explained the scope of the project.Two bids were received with the low bid from Dressel Contracting, Inc. at$8.00/ton. Haas made motion,Miron seconded,to approve a 2015 gravel road resurfacing contract with Dressel Contracting to supply class 5 modified(60%crushed)aggregate at$8.00/ton. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Marketing of City Owned Property Over the past several years the City has been acquiring properties in downtown for the purpose of redevelopment of the area. The property is for sale and consists of approximately four acres. Planner Rachel Juba explained to Council that the EDA has been marketing the property in several ways, including the hiring of a realtor, who they later let go. The City continues to market the property on its own through the website, flyers, signage,and providing information to commercial brokers and other interested parties. In January, staff met with the St. Paul Port Authority,who specializes in economic development. They provided specific steps they go through in the selling and developing of properties, and staff learned that the City has been doing a lot of the right things and is pretty well situated. Rachel updated the Council on recent EDA discussions about incentives based on the project meeting certain development criteria. Criteria included specific uses that would benefit the public,quality architecture and design,and creation of public amenities. If certain criteria is met,the property could be offered at a reduced price or even$1. Staff could look for new ways to market the property with these incentives. Hass talked about the development of Schwieters and recalled working with Tom Junella,who brought Schwieters to Hugo. Haas said he felt Tom did a great job and suggested staff reach out to him. He also suggested the hiring of St. Paul Port Authority or similar agency who has the expertise and talents to market it. Petryk asked whether failure to sell the property is due to the economy or the marketing of it. Juba stated that it is likely a little of both,and the reduced price would be something new to offer. Petryk initiated discussion about specific uses that would be allowed. The Mayor stated he liked what was in the criteria, feeling it was a good start,but the City needs to be selective on what types of uses they allow. Miron said he agreed it was a good plan,and was willing to consider some incentive in hopes a project will exceed the criteria and be a model to other businesses in the downtown area. City Administrator Bryan Bear stated that the EDA had a much longer list of criteria,and Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 7 of 10 Council should consider if there are comfortable with this level of an incentive. The hope is to get projects to the door and evaluate them from there. Klein said he was concerned that staff did not have the time to market the property. Bear responded that the City has been going through brokers who are marketing the property at the market levels price,which has not seen any results. Hugo may be able to get projects if marketed with the incentives, and staff can do some marketing to make these incentives available,though he acknowledged other organizations may be better suited. Haas made motion, Klein seconded,to direct staff to proceed with the development incentives and criteria,and review it with the St. Paul Port Authority to see what they would charge to market it, and report back to Council. Weidt talked about the discussion that occurred at the EDA meeting and said he has faith in their recommendation to move forward as a City in marketing the property with these incentives. He also did not want things delayed while working with the Port Authority. Ayes: Haas, Klein, Miron, Petryk Nays: Weidt Motion carried. Approve Resolution Approving Plans and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for the Rice Lake Meadows and Finale Avenue Improvement Projects At its March 2, 2015 meeting,Council directed WSB and Associates to prepare plans and specifications for street improvements in the Rice Lake Meadows development and for Finale Avenue. On March 31,2015, staff held an open house for residents to review the plans and ask questions regarding the project. City Engineer Jay Kennedy provided an update on the open house. He stated there was much discussion about constructing the intersection without the median, and it was well received by attendees of the open house. Klein talked about the crosswalk and the safety of it without a stop sign. Kennedy stated that the walk would be marked and there would be signage showing the crosswalk. Currently there is no sidewalk, and this will be a safer option than walking on the street. The Council also discussed evaluating the lighting at the intersection. Petryk made motion, Haas seconded,to approve RESOLUTION 2015—16 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE RICE LAKE MEADOWS AND FINALE AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. All Ayes. Motion carried. jgislative Updates At its March 16,2015 meeting,City Administrator Bryan Bear provided Council with an update on several bills that were introduced during this year's legislative session that are related to water Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 8 of 10 topics discussed during the January 29, 2015 Water Summit. The Council chose to remain neutral on the bill relating to surcharges and fees to water users within the new Ground Water Management Area and the bill for White Bear Lake augmentation. They supported the bill for stormwater reuse projects in Hugo and the bill relating to the modification of the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee, which has been improved with significant changes, including to make the Water Supply Master Plan an advisory plan only. Bear explained that a new bill was introduced by Senator Wiger, SF No. 1910,that creates legislation required per the settlement agreement for White Bear Lake. The bill would not seek funding for the design of a$6 million regional water supply system but instead seeks$1.5 million to study alternatives.The DNR is looking for cities to support or remain neutral on this bill. This would delay any other action until after the USGS study is released in 2016. Bear and the Council talked about the accuracy of the Ground Water Management Area boundaries because some of the communities involved in the settlement agreement are far removed from White Bear Lake. The boundary to include 13 communities was set by the USGS as a study boundary,and the area needs to be refined by removing communities that don't draw from that aquifer and maybe add some other communities that do. It is hoped that the list of cities would be refined during negotiations. Haas also talked about how the studies and lawsuit stipulations are not based on science. The DNR is asking cities to remain neutral on this bill, and in turn, he suggested that language be added to the bill stating that if science shows cities should be excluded, they will be excluded. The lawsuit expects some type of activity to happen,and the judge needs to see progress for the stay to continue. The Council agreed that this bill would be preferable to spending$600 million on a water supply system. Haas made motion, Petryk seconded,to Communicate to Metro Cities to ask for more specific language to what the north and east metro cities are, and pursue an amendment that the DNR remove cities from the study area if science is presented that shows they should be removed. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Partnership with Forest Lake YMCA Staff recently met with the Forest Lake YMCA executive director. The YMCA will be opening in 2016,and they are beginning to form their organization and partnerships with entities in the area. They have requested an elected or appointed representative from the City of Hugo be on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be up to 25 members with three year terms. In addition,the YMCA is also requesting an annual$1,500 contribution from all members of the Board. City Administrator Bryan Bear asked Council on direction. The first board meeting is anticipated to be in May, 2015. The Council agreed that the YMCA will provide a valuable service to community and will open partnerships with the Forest Lake School District. Haas made motion, Klein seconded,to direct staff to accept the invitation for appointment of a Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 9 of 10 Hugo representative on the Board,and to extend this invitation to other City committees that may want to be involved. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on the Yellow Ribbon Network Council Members Chuck Haas and Phil Klein updated the Council on the activities of the Yellow Ribbon Network to date. A packing event is scheduled for Saturday,April 11, 2015 at City Hall, and he thanked the Girl Scouts for their support. On April 18,2015,the Chain of Lakes Rotary is holding a fund raising event. Lino Lakes is taking steps to become a Yellow Ribbon City. Firefighters from White Bear Lake will be this month's sponsor for Hamburger Night. Water Conservation Workshop on Tuesday.April 7.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council that a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 7,2015 to discuss several issues facing the City regarding the conservation of water. The workshop will be held at Hugo City Hall at 7 p.m. Water Summit on Thursday.April 9.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council that a Water Summit has been scheduled for Thursday,April 9,2015 at 7 p.m. The Summit will be held at Hugo City Hall in the Oneka Room. Hju o Feed Mill& Hardware Grand Opening on Saturday.April 11.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that the Hugo Feed Mill &Hardware store will hold a grand opening of their new site at 5582 146th Street North on Saturday,April 11,2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Council is invited to attend. Petryk made motion, Miron seconded,to schedule Council to attend the Hugo Feed Mill Grand Opening on Saturday,April 11, 2015. All Ayes. Severe Weather Awareness Week April 13-17 and Tornado Drill on April 16,2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 13-17,2015 in Minnesota. This is an opportunity for family and businesses to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.The most important event during Severe Weather Awareness Week is the annual statewide tornado drills.These drills are scheduled for Thursday,April 16,2015 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning. Board of Eaualization Meeting on Thursday.April 16.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council they will meet as the Board of Appeal and Equalization on Thursday,April 16,2015 from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. The meeting will take Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 6,2015 Page 10 of 10 place in the Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall. Brent Hubertv Benefit on April 18.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council that the benefit for Brent Huberty will be held at the Hugo American Legion on April 18,2015 from 2-8 p.m. Brent Huberty has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and will be receiving his treatment at the local VA in Minneapolis. Brent is 30 years old and has been deployed twice to Afghanistan while serving as a Marine. The proceeds from the benefit will help him pay any bills associated with his treatment. Staff has posted this as a meeting to allow Council attendance at the benefit. Adjournment Hass made motion, Klein seconded to adjourn at 9:32 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectful\4..Submitted, 1vitIle Lu City Clerk