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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.05.04 CC Minutes MINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MAY 4.2015 Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. PRESENT: Haas, Klein,Miron,Petryk,Weidt ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear,City Attorney Dave Snyder,City Engineer Jay Kennedy, Planner Rachel Juba, and City Clerk Michele Lindau Mayor Weidt invited two boy scouts in attendance to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Minutes for the April 16.2015 Board of Equalization Meeting Klein made motion, Miron seconded,to approve the minutes for the Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting on April 16, 2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for the April 18.2015 Brent Hubertv Benefit Haas made motion, Klein seconded,to approve the minutes for the Brent Huberty Benefit on April 18, 2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes for the April 20.2015 City Council Meeting Klein made motion Petryk seconded,to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting on April 20,2015 as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of the Agenda, Weidt made motion,Haas seconded,to approve the agenda as amended. Add to Administrative Presentations: Habitat for Humanity Wall Raising Ceremony HGN Food Shelf Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting All Ayes. Motion carried. 2016 Turkey Stamp Winner—Nick Markel) Council Member Haas had informed staff that Hugo Resident Nick Markell won the 2016 Turkey stamp contest with his acrylic painting of a torn turkey. This contest is put on by the DNR annually to select the print that will go on the next year's turkey stamp. The Minnesota Wild Turkey Stamp must be purchased by all turkey hunters, and the revenue is used for the Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 2 of 7 development, restoration,maintenance and preservation of wild turkey habitat in Minnesota. In addition,Nick also won the 2016 Delaware State Trout Stamp Contest. Nick was invited to attend this evenings meeting, and the Council recognized him for his achievement by presenting him a certificate of recognition. Nick donated a framed signed print of the winning turkey stamp to City Hall. Washington County Sheriff's Office Annual Report—Sheriff Bill Hutton Sheriff Bill Hutton presented the 2014 Washington County Sheriff's Department Annual Report. He provided an overview of the Sheriff's Office,which consists of 240+employees in addition to volunteers who provide more than 12,000 hours of work each year. Accomplishments of 2014 include the destruction of 14,000 lbs. of unused medication that had been collected over the past three years. The Sheriff provided crime statistics and talked about 2014 crime trends. Meth is on the increase as well as computer technology crimes and fmancial scams. Things to look forward to this year are: a new records management system,ArchAngle program that will turn the computers in their vehicles off at certain speeds to avoid texting(typing)while driving, active shooter training,parks patrol,upgrades to jail security, and implementation of NextGen 911 (allows communication centers to receive video and text messages). Council thanked Sheriff Hutton and the Department for all they do,and stated that Hugo residents get excellent use of their tax dollar. The Mayor said he looks forward to continuing the relationship with the Sheriff's Department. Economic Development Authority.Planning Department,and Building Department Annual Report Inter Rachel Leitz presented the Planning Department,Economic Development Authority,and Building Department Annual Report for 2014. She provided a review of the past ten years in planning applications and residential permits, stating there were 48 building permits in 2014,and it has been as steady upward trend for the past four years. Hugo's two building inspectors performed 1,732 inspections,not including those done for the cities of Lino Lakes, Scandia,and Lake Elmo.New projects include Prairie Village,Fox Meadows,LaValle Fields and Habitat for Humanity,and there are currently a total of 257 residential units available. Foreclosures were down to 59 homes at the end of 2014, and foreclosure rates continue to fall. Residential construction remains stable, and staff continues to receive calls and meet with developers who are interested in Hugo. Haas asked for information on the number of homes being built outside the urban service areas. Staff will be providing that information. Approval of the Consent Agenda Haas made motion,Klein seconded,to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approval of Claims 2. Approve Resolution Approving Variance for Accessory Building-Petronack 3. Approve Board of Trustees Request for Increase in Lump-Sum Pension 4. Approve Resolution to Acquire Tax Forfeited Parcels 5. Approve Hiring of Four Seasonal Compost Site Employees Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 3 of 7 6. Approve Ordinance and Summary Ordinance for Zoning Code Text Amendments 7. Approve Authorization to Create Ordinance on Solar Gardens All Ayes. Motion. Approval of Claims Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Resolution Approving Variance for Accessory Building—Petronack Michael and Debra Petronack, 12997 Elmcrest Ave.N. applied for a variance to allow an accessory building to be placed in the front of the house,where the ordinance states that accessory buildings shall not protrude in front of the principal building. The footprint of the accessory building is proposed to be 1,040 square feet. At its April 23,2015 meeting,the Board considered the request and held a public hearing.There was no one that spoke during the public hearing, except the applicant. The Board agreed that the request met the criteria necessary to approve the variance and recommended Council approve the resolution for the variance request. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2015-22 APPROVING VARIANCES FOR MICHAEL AND DEBRA PETRONACK IN THE LARGE LOT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING LOCATION ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12997 ELMCREST AVENUE NORTH. Approve Board of Trustees Reauest for Increase in Lump-Sum Pension The Board of Trustees for the Hugo Firefighter's Relief Association has formally requested City Council ratification of an increase of$100 per year of service in their lump-sum pension benefit. The Finance Department has reviewed this request and fmds it to be fmancially feasible and consistent with the Pension Fiscal Policy adopted in April, 2012. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Board of Trustees request for a$100 increase in the lump-sum pension benefit,effective immediately. Haas commented that he appreciated the work of Finance Director Ron Otkin on this in recognition of the sacrifices made by the firefighters. Approve Resolution to Acquire Tax-Forfeited Parcels Each year,Washington County sends out a listing of tax-forfeited parcels in the City. This year there are no new tax forfeited parcels in Hugo,but the County is cleaning up tax-forfeited parcels from previous years. The City has received information that two lots in the City are in tax forfeiture. Staff recommends the City Council approve the resolution approving one outlot be conveyed to the City and the other lot for auction to adjacent property owners. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2015-23 APPROVING THE APPLICATION BY A GOVERNMENTAL SUBDIVISION FOR CONVEYANCE OF TAX-FORFEITED LANDS FOR ONE PARCEL TO THE CITY,AND APPROVING ONE PARCEL FOR PRIVATE SALE TO AN ADJACENT LAND OWNER. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 4 of 7 Approve Hiring of Four Seasonal Compost Site Employees Each year,the Public Works Department hires seasonal employees to staff the compost site. Staffing the hours of operation is divided between several part time seasonal employees. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the hiring of Peter Schmidt, Scott Barsness,Ronald Sparrow and Arlo Werner as part-time seasonal employees to fill the staffmg needs at the Hugo compost site. Approve Ordinance and Summary Ordinance for Zoning Code Text Amendments At its March 2,2015 meeting,the City Council authorized zoning ordinance text amendments related to inconsistencies within the City Code to be reviewed by the Ordinance Review Committee(ORC). Staff had completed the revisions relating to zoning district and performance standard inconsistencies and an amendment to the livestock and poultry ordinance. Staff recommends that the zoning text amendments be approved. The ORC and Planning Commission agreed that the proposed zoning text amendments were necessary and recommend approval by the City Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved ORDINANCE 2015-470 AN ORDINANCE DELETING,ADDING,AND AMENDING ARTICLE IV-ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS AND ARTICLE VI-REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC USES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS and the Summary Ordinance for publication. Approve Authorization to Create Ordinance on Solar Gardens Staff has been receiving many inquiries from solar companies and residents regarding the construction of solar gardens. Staff will be preparing a work plan for the ORC to discuss creating and implementing a solar garden ordinance to regulate future solar projects. Adoption of the Consent Agenda authorized the ORC to create a solar garden ordinance for the City Code. Update on Marketing of City Owned Properties At the April 6, 2015 meeting,the Council was provided an update on the marketing of the City owned properties, and they discussed incentives based on the project meeting certain development criteria. The Council had directed staff to proceed with the development incentives and criteria,and to also review it with the St. Paul Port Authority to see what they would charge to market the property for the City. Planner Rachel Juba explained that staff contacted the St. Paul Port Authority and learned there were two ways they could provide economic development services. One would be a Brokerage Service Agreement,based on a percentage of the sale, and the other would be an Economic Development Consulting Agreement,which is based on an hourly fee. Haas talked about the need to have the land sold and adding to Hugo's tax base, instead of remaining vacant. He stated that a time frame should be set for the City to market it before asking the Port Authority to do so, if it does not sell. Weidt suggested visiting the issue again in September. Miron asked how staff would be marketing it. Rachel responded that the City would be doing the same thing a broker would do. Haas asked for a written list of what the City will be doing to market it. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 5 of 7 Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to direct staff to market the City owned property and report back to the Council in September. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Water Reuse Systems and Potential LCCMR Grant City staff has been working on the design of the Beaver Ponds,CSAH 8,and Water's Edge Water Reuse Systems. WSB Environmental Engineer Jamie Wallerstedt was in attendance to provide an update on the projects,and discuss a LCCMR Grant opportunity to support the further advancement of the City's water sustainability goals. Jamie stated that WSB has been working on the water reuse projects and is currently working with RCWD on credit coordination. She provided a status update on the Beaver Ponds project saying the final design is in progress,and construction is anticipated to begin this summer. The ponds at Water's Edge and CSAH 8 need to be surveyed, and construction should begin this fall. All systems should be in service by the 2016 watering season. Jamie talked about the additional work that will be involved with these projects after the system is in place and the next steps the City could anticipate. WSB has been looking for ways the City could fund these initiatives. She talked about funds available from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust fund through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources(LCCMR)and provided the application schedule. Funds would be allocated towards the research and implementation of an Integrated Water Management Plan, and no local match is required. In addition,the City would get credit for money already put into this effort. She proposed the City ask for$200,000 for this initiative, and there was discussion among Council that$200,000 may not be enough. Staff will look again at the numbers. Council discussed the indirect benefits to the City including the continued leadership by the City of Hugo in water management, improvements to water and aquifer recharge,and informed policy development at the local level. Haas talked about how much money is spent on studies and asked if they would end up with a plan to implement. Jamie replied that area legislators had indicated there will be a plan developed. Haas made motion, Petryk second,RESOLUTION 2015-24 APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE-CITIZEN COMMISSION ON MINNESOTA RESOURCES (LCCMR) FOR THE FUNDING OF INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS and included direction to staff to gain support from area legislators,the Rice Creek Watershed District and other regional bodies as suitable. All Ayes. Motion carried. Consider Letter of Support for railroad improvements Staff has been working with Minnesota Commercial Railroad and the rail-dependent local businesses to find the revenue to improve the railroad to a condition that will allow for continued rail service to Hugo businesses. Recently,with help from Representative Runbeck,and Senators Chamberlain and Kiffmeyer,an amendment to the senate transportation bill was approved by the Senate Transportation Finance Committee. The amendment would appropriate$143,000 for a one-year fix to the railroad,allowing time for a permanent solution to be found. The same provision is not yet included in the House version of the transportation bill, and would need to be Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 6 of 7 added at the Conference Committee. The legislators have suggested the City send a letter of support to the members of the Conference Committee. City Administrator Bryan Bear provided Council details on this issue and a draft letter of support. Weidt made motion, Klein seconded,to direct staff to send the letter to the Conference Committee encouraging support of the House Amendment. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on the Yellow Ribbon Network Council Member Chuck Haas and Phil Klein reported to Council on the recent City of Hugo's Yellow Ribbon Network activities. White Bear Lake Firefighter Special Teams was the sponsor of last month's hamburger night. Welcome Home Troops are looking for sponsors for the Pheasant Hunt. The Bayport American Legion provided a check for$2,500 to the YRN as a result of the Blue Star Moms working the meat raffles at Sal's Angus Grill. Haas showed photos of the Firefighter Special Teams, soldiers receiving care packages,the track chair that was used for a hunt, stating it is available for use by other veterans. Hugo Area Business Association(HBA)Showcase on Thursday.May 14.2015—Kindergardens City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that Kindergardens will sponsor a Hugo Area Business Association Showcase on Thursday, May 14, 2105 from 10 a.m.— 1 p.m. Kindergardens is located at 14665 Mercantile Drive North. Petryk made motion,Weidt seconded,to schedule a meeting to attend Kindergardens HBA Showcase on Thursday,May 14,2015. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hardwood Creek Open House on Thursday.May 14.2015 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council that a meeting has been scheduled to attend the grand opening for the extension of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail on Thursday,May 14 at 5:00pm. A Ribbon Cutting will take place on the trail at 145th Street North. Hugo Area Business Association (HBAI Showcase on Tuesday.May 19.2015—Micra Manufacturing City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that Micra Manufacturing will sponsor the Hugo Area Business Showcase on Tuesday,May 19,2015 from 2-7 p.m. Mirca Manufacturing is located at 15578 Forest Boulevard North. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded,to schedule a meeting to attend the Micra Manufacturing HBA Showcase on Tuesday, May 19,2015. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 4,2015 Page 7 of 7 Schedule Annual Performance Review for City Administrator Bryan Bear Bryan Bear has been employed with the City since May 3,2004. Bryan served as the Community Development Director until being appointed the City Administrator on November, 7,2011. Annually,Council schedules a day on which to conduct the annual performance review for City Administrator Bryan Bear. Weidt made motion,Klein seconded,to schedule the City Administrator's annual performance review for Tuesday,June 2, 2015 at 7 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Habitat for Humanity Wall Raising Ceremony City Administrator Bryan Bear added this to the agenda to inform Council that Habitat for Humanity is preparing to raise the first wall on one of the homes to be developed by Habitat for Humanity at Generation Acres/150`h Street North. Council has been invited to the wall raising ceremony. Petryk made motion, Klein seconded,to schedule a meeting to attend the Habitat for Humanity Wall Raising Ceremony on Tuesday,June 2,2015 at 10 a.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Hugo Good Neighbor Food Shelf Grand Onening/Ribbon Cutting City Administrator Bryan Bear added this to the agenda to inform Council that the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf has invited the Council to attend the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their new location at 15106 Francesca Avenue North. The event will be held on Thursday,June 4, 2015 at 5 p.m. with the ceremony to be at approximately 5:54. Klein made motion, Miron seconded,to schedule a meeting to attend the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday,June 4, 2015 at 5 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Adjournment Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to adjourn at 9:18 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk