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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991.03.04 CC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING... OF MARCH _ 41-1.991 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stoltzman at 7:00 PM. PRESENT: Brunotte, JesinsE::i, McAllister, Miron, Stoltzman City Administrator, K.en Huber City Clerk, Mary Ann Creager Miron made motion, Jesi.nsk:i seconded, to approve the minutes for the regular City Council meeting of February 19, 1991 as submitted. All aye. Motion Carried. McAllister made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the claims for March 4, 1991 in the amount of $11,660.03. All aye. Motion Carried. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES Mayor Stoltzman presented former Mayor George Atkinson and Councilman Bob Olson with plaques, recognizing their commitment to the City of Hugo. BROWN'S CREEF:: WATERSHED PRESENTATION Mr. Dave Truax, Hugo's representative to the Brown's Creel-, Water Management Organization, appeared before the City Council to discuss the proposed local watershed management plan. The City Council received copies of model ordinances dealing with forest/wetland protection, and soil erosion. Mr. Truax stated that the City of Hugo has until November 1, 1991 in which to implement its own water management plan. Mr. Trua:: suggested the City review the draft plan from the City of Scandia, or contact the Washington County ASCS office, in addition to the City's professional staff. MINING PERMIT On behalf of River City Asphalt, Inc. (RCA), an application has been made for a mining permit on an ac_► acre tract of land in an agricultural zoning district. The property in question is described as the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 23, and the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 23, all in T31N, R1W, Washington County, MN. The site was formerly known as the Schuh gravel pit, and the estate of Mr. Richard Schuh has indicated that they no longer wish to continue the existing operation by the Schuh family. RCA has secured an access agreement with Andrew Goiffon. It is their intent to operate a business similar to that operated by Richard Schuh on the 40 acre tract of land described, which is currently owned by the Elmer Hansen estate. It is our understandinq that River City Asphalt has entered into an agreement with the Hansen estate to acquire the 40 acres described herein. The 40 acres owned by Mr. Goiffon will be used only for the purposes of access to the south 40 acres, and no mining or processing will take place on Mr. Goiffon's property. The proposed draft mining permit is virtually identical to that issued to Mr. Richard Schuh, with the exception of special condition #.7'?, which limits the use of the north 40 acres of the site. The application before the City Council is consistent with previous operation on the site in question, with the City Council meeting of March 4, 1991 Page exception of the reduced size of the site for the purpose of mining. It would appear that all insurance and required financial deposits have been provided, with the exception of the $25,000 compliance bond, which will be provided if the permit is approved. The applicants have requested that this permit be treated as a transfer from Richard Schuh to RCA, Inc. In that there appears to be no process for the transfer of such a license, the City is treating it as a new application subject to the same conditions and requirements of the permit issued to Mr. Richard Schuh. As a courtesy to adjacent property owners, a copy of the agenda was sent to representatives of the neighborhood groups adjacent to the gravel pit. Rich Carron, president of RCA, explained the operation, and answered questions from the Council and audience. Mr. Carron stated that he had reviewed the 33 conditions of the proposed mining permit, and had no problem with complying with them. because of illegal use of haul roads in the past, new directional signs will be placed on the pit site for the drivers. Mayor Stoltzman opened the meeting for public comment, and Sandy and Bob Malaski expressed their concerns about the following: water and air pollution, violations of permit conditions relating to hours of operation, noise from the operation, and concern that the operator is not using materials on site, but rather hauling in materials. If the permit was granted this evening, the Council stated that at the time of a public hearing in 1992, the operator of the gravel pit will have to provide information as to the "life expectancy" of the pit. Mr. Carron agreed to have this data available at that time. Jesinski made motion, McAllister seconded, to approve the application of River Valley Asphalt, Inc., for a Mining Permit to allow for the removal of gravel and the operation of a portable asphalt plant at the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section_, and the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 3, all. in T31N, R 1W, Washington County, MN. This Mining Permit will expire on July 1, -1992, and is subject to compliance with all special conditions as stated in the permit. VOTING AYE: JesinsE::i, McAllister, Miron, Stoltzman VOTING NAY: brunotte Motion Carried. FOREST LAKE YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU CONTRACT The City Council received a copy of the annual contract with the FLYSB for services described therein. This agreement is similar to those entered into by the City in previous years; however, we would note that the signing of this agreement does commit the City to the $2,760 contribution noted on page 1 of the agreement. A copy of the Youth Service BUreau's annual report is on file with the City for your review. Miron made motion, McAllister seconded, to table this matter until state legislative adjournment to better determine the financial position of the City as it relates to the 1991 budget. All aye. Motion Carried. City Administrator Huber will contact the Forest Lake Youth Service Bureau advising them of the Council action. City Council meeting of March 4, 1991 Page OPERATION OF' 1991 COMPOST SITE The City Council received a copy of a letter from the Washington County Public Health Department indicating that they will be discontinuing the financing of compost sites beginning in 1992. It is our understanding that the state and county will be funding the operation of compost facilities during the 1991 year at the same level as it was operated in 1990. Their letter suggested that the City Council may want to consider alternates for providing this type of service when funding runs out in the future. The City's cost of operating our compost site in 1990 was $4,450.00. It is our intent to continue operating the compost site for the 1991 calendar year unless directed otherwise by the City Council. Councilman Miron suggested that the City contact Anot::a County regarding their compost program. The City Council consensus was that the City Should continue operation of its compost recycling in a manner consistent with the 1990 program. PLANNING COMMISSION COMPREHENSIVE FLAN REVIEW Administrator Huber reviewed the Planning Commission's progress relative to required changes in the Systems Statement. LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT STUDY Administrator Huber stated that a copy of the study is available at City Hall for Council review. STANEK LITIGATION Administrator Huber stated that depositions will be taken, and this matter will be ready for trial shortly. CIP PHASE 2 Administrator Huber stated that the plans and specs for this project should be ready for the City Council meeting of April 1, 1991. MISCELLANEOUS Councilman Miron discussed the condition of gravel roads in the City, and a complaint he received regarding the lack:: of snow removal on sidewalks in the area south of the post office. The City Administrator responded to a newspaper article which stated, "the City of Hugo had the dubious honor of having the highest tax rate in Washington County." He explained how the increased property taxes affected the City's revenue budget, and how the loss of homestead credit would affect taxpayers and the City's budget. He emphasized the affect revenue cuts would have on City service levels. Miron made motion, Brunotte seconded, to adjourn at 9:12 PM. aye. Mot' h Car i Mary Ann 4eager, City Cler:: City of