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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-19 CC MINt11waiez The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 19, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht Absent: Councilmember Polehna Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill City Planner Wittman Finance Director Provos Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Stillwater's 178th Birthday, Heritage Preservation Commission Annual Report and Awards To honor Stillwater's 178th birthday on October 26, Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) Chair Mino and Vice -Chair Thueson shared 2019-2021 preservation activities, milestones in the City's commitment to heritage preservation, and upcoming workplan elements. City Planner Wittman presented the annual HPC Awards to: Karen and Mark Peterson, 107 Everett Street S., Conservation District Infill Residence; David and Joan Fazendin, 724 Fourth Street S., Residential Restoration; Sara Jespersen, 123 Second Street N., Commercial Signage Design; Michael Lynskey Sr., 214 Main Street S., Commercial Facade Restoration; Michael and Christine Cairl, 905 First Street N., Conservation District Infill Residence; Lowell Inn, 102 Second Street N., Commercial Facade Reconstruction, Elin Marco Group Inc., 515 Third Street S., Residential Rescue. OPEN FORUM Timothy Press, Orwell Court N., spoke about tourism and economic development issues. He stated that globally and locally, many destinations are raising the alarm about "over - tourism" - excessive numbers of visitors damaging the environment and having a detrimental impact on residents. He recognized that economic development is healthy for the City, but it is prudent for the Council to exercise responsibility to realize the impacts of excessive tourism on residents. He urged the Council to form a commission to evaluate the long and short term impacts of tourism and economic development initiatives. There seems City Council Meeting October 19, 2021 to be a general philosophy of constant, increasing promotion in an area that is already overstressed, impacting the City, its budget and its residents. Mayor Kozlowski responded that assumptions that the Council has the authority to regulate tourism are erroneous. The Council approves events, but does not promote tourism. He pointed out that COVID increased the number of visitors downtown without additional events, and that the trail system also is a big attraction. The Council has been discussing having event organizers submit a transportation plan as part of the event approval process. Councilmember Odebrecht noted that civil unrest in the Twin Cities is driving a lot of people to Stillwater. Twenty years ago it was easy to find businesses that were about to close. He understands the need for balance, but does not want to go back to that scenario. Mayor Kozlowski added that having two brand new hotels downtown increased Stillwater's popularity as a destination. It is exciting to have another hotel option in Stillwater. Mr. Press responded that the apartment complex planned on Second and Chestnut will have additional impacts in terms of stress and overcrowding. He urged the Council to be more objective and consider the long term impacts of such development. Louise Hansen, resident of Rivertown Commons, voiced concerns about skateboarders and stated the majority of the kids skateboarding on Chestnut Plaza in front of the bridge and in the ramps are doing drugs. She has found syringes in the park by Rivertown Commons, and has been told by skateboarders that the police do not do anything about it. She has been attacked verbally. She cautioned against installing skateboard equipment downtown. She also would like more signage erected at the crosswalk on Myrtle for pedestrian safety. Mayor Kozlowski stated he would like to find a place to keep skateboarders out of harm's way and find a better mechanism to deal with those who are not treating others with respect and are putting others in danger. However there are kids with skateboards, bikes and rollerblades who are doing no harm to anyone. He thanked Ms. Hansen for her input. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Mueller stated the Police Department is aware of the hot spots in the City. Officers have been directed to enforce the no skateboarding rule downtown based on behavior. Anyone who sees drug use is encouraged to call 911. He reported on special operations training in Duluth involving tactical officers, negotiators and emergency medicine personnel. Councilmember Odebrecht read a letter to the editor praising the Public Safety Departments and EMS response to a recent emergency situation. Community Development Director Gladhill shared project updates. Staff has met with historic preservation staff for clarification on Chestnut Street Plaza plans. An RFP for design and engineering services for Lumberjack Landing is out. Staff has been working with St. Croix Rec Center on the potential curling center and will report back at the end of the year. Staff met with Washington County about sewer and water extension for the future Lakeview campus and the extension of Curve Crest Boulevard. A Tax Increment Financing agreement for the 200 Chestnut apartments should come before the Council in November, with construction starting soon after the first of the year. Page 2 of 5 City Council Meeting October 19, 2021 Mayor Kozlowski stated he has heard many concerns about Highway 36 road resurfacing. Public Works Director Sanders replied that most of the work will be nighttime construction with lane closures. The project will be disruptive for the entire corridor from Stillwater to Maplewood. He will keep the Council apprised. City Administrator McCarty reported that staff has been working with St. Croix County staff on a joint powers agreement for Loop Trail plowing. Staff is working on priorities for the next legislative session. The 2022 proposed budget is on the City website and the Truth in Taxation Meeting is December 7. Staff will bring forth recommendations on the allocation of ARPA funds in the next few months. CONSENT AGENDA October 5, 2021 regular and recessed meeting minutes Payment of Bills Resolution 2021-146, Designating No Parking/Bus Loading Zone on East Willard Street Premises Gambling Permit - American Legion Post 48 at Devil's Advocate Premises Gambling Permit - Stillwater Area Hockey Association at Lift Bridge Brewery Resolution 2021-147, Approving 2022 Group Medicare Insurance Premiums Resolution 2021-148, Approval of Increase to Railroad Lease Payment Resolution 2021-149, Approving U.S. Bench Corporation Bench License Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS CPC Case No. 2021-56 to consider a request by the City of Stillwater for a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Sign Code to create design standards for signage in the CA and CBD Districts (tabled from October 5.2021) City Planner Wittman stated that in 2020 the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) was awarded a grant to consolidate the HPC's design guidelines. She reviewed the revisions. Staff recommends approval of a Zoning Text Amendment removing Design Permit requirements for Downtown Design Review District signage, clarifying requirements for murals, multi - tenant signs and sign plans, and creating sign code standards for the CA, CBD and NC Zoning Districts; and adoption of HPC design guidelines. The HPC and Planning Commission also recommend approval. Councilmember Collins asked if any concerns were brought up during the public hearings; and Ms. Wittman answered that public outreach was done targeting past applicants and there was no public testimony at either public hearing. Councilmember Junker inquired if all new signs downtown will now have staff review; and Ms. Wittman replied yes, presently a new sign downtown requires a design permit issued by the HPC, and a sign permit, based on the sign being in conformance with the design permit. In the future there will be one permit application that just goes to staff, not the HPC. If the applicants do not agree with the staff finding, then they can take it to the next level and go before the HPC. Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting October 19, 2021 Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt first reading of an ordinance amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 31-101 regarding graphic design signs, 31-202 regarding sign design approval, 31-404 regarding design permit Heritage Preservation Commission review and amending Chapter 31-509 regarding sign regulations, and to adopt Resolution 2021-150, A Resolution Approving the Stillwater Design Guidelines Manual. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS City Administrator Vacancy Recruitment City Administrator McCarty noted that he provided notice on October 13, 2021 of his March 11, 2022 retirement. The City needs to commence the recruitment process immediately. Staff recommends issuing a request for proposals for executive search firms with their responses due the week of October 25, so that the Council could select a firm and initiate the recruitment process by early November. Councilmember Junker agreed that time is of the essence and the Council must move quickly. The last major three hires of City Administrator, Police Chief, and Community Development Director followed a good process and brought extremely qualified people. He would support hiring an outside recruitment firm to begin the process. Motion by Mayor Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to put out an RFP to engage an executive search firm, with proposals to be reviewed and a firm selected by Councilmember Junker. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS There were no Council request items. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adjourn to closed session pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13D.05, Subd. 3(b) for attorney -client privileged communication regarding eminent domain matter for 425 Nelson Street (Dock Cafe) at 8:20 p.m. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned to closed session at 8:20 p.m. The meeting convened at 8:23 p.m. in the Riverview Room by Mayor Kozlowski. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Junker, Collins and Odebrecht. Also present: City Administrator McCarty, City Attorney Mikhail and Public Works Director Sanders. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to reopen the meeting. All in favor. The meeting was reopened at 9:30 p.m. Page 4 of 5 City Council Meeting October 19, 2021 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: i Beth Wolf, City CIer Resolution 2021-146, Designating No Parking/Bus Loading Zone on East Willard Street Resolution 2021-147, Approving 2022 Group Medicare Insurance Premiums Resolution 2021-148, Approval of Increase to Railroad Lease Payment Resolution 2021-149, Approving U.S. Bench Corporation Bench License Resolution 2021-150, A Resolution Approving the Stillwater Design Guidelines Manual Page 5 of 5