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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-17 CC MINThe Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 17, 2022 CLOSED SESSION MEETING 5:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann IT Manager Holman Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to move into closed session to receive security briefings and reports and to discuss issues related to security systems pursuant to Minn.Stat. 13D.05 subd. 3(d). All in favor. The meeting was adjourned to closed session at 5:01 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Also present: City Administrator Kohlmann and IT Manager Holman Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to reopen the meeting. All in favor. The meeting was reopened at 6:16 p.m. RECESS Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting until the 7:00 p.m. regular meeting. 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, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders IT Manager Holman PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Proclamation - Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Luke Mayor Kozlowski recognized Brian Luke for his induction into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame. He noted Mr. Luke's many accomplishments including leading the girls' and boys' swimming and diving teams for 47 seasons. Swearing in Police Officer Stephen Papke Police Chief Mueller swore in Officer Stephen Papke. Acknowledging Promotion of Brandon Gunderson to Sergeant Chief Mueller conducted the promotion ceremony for Sgt. Gunderson. Proclamation - Stillwater Fire Department 150th Anniversary Surrounded by firefighters, Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation honoring the Stillwater Fire Department's 150th anniversary May 28, 2022. Fire Chief Glaser shared history of the Department and noted the ribbon cutting June 3. Certificates of Appreciation - Taylor Stockert and Jenn Sundberg Mayor Kozlowski presented Certificates of Appreciation to Taylor Stockert for two years as Natural Resources Technician; and to Jenn Sundberg for six years as Administration Assistant for the Community Development Department. New Heights School Playground Project Tom Kearney, Principal of New Heights School, 614 West Mulberry Street, reviewed a proposal for a partnership with the City to renovate the playground area making it the community's first all inclusive playground. In February 2020, the Parks Commission voted to support the project, but the request did not include a specific funding request. Then COVID struck. The project was again addressed by the Council about a year ago. Mr. Kearney added that New Heights School has a relationship with the Madison Claire Foundation and Flagship Recreation to renovate the space. It will help accomplish some of the City's strategic goals. They are seeking a partnership with the City and a City contribution of $133,000 per year for three years plus ongoing maintenance costs. The project will cost about $800,000 total. Mayor Kozlowski stated partnering on the project is the right thing to do and he would like the City Administrator and Finance Director to come up with a financing proposal. He would like the project to be included in budget workshops. However $133,000 basically equals a full time City employee and is not a feasible amount for the City contribution. Mr. Kearney replied the suggested amount was to start talking about what is realistic. Dana Millington, Madison Claire Foundation, added that it would be helpful for grant applications to be able to say that the City is a partner, and also to have introductions to key persons within the community, for example people who might provide in kind labor. Mr. Kearney will reach out to City Administrator Kohlmann to discuss next steps. Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 Councilmember Polehna added that the Parks Commission already has a playground replacement plan, and there was concern about taking away from what the City already maintains. OPEN FORUM Louise Hansen of Rivertown Commons shared concerns about drug use and paraphernalia left behind by skateboarders. Police Chief Mueller advised Ms. Hansen to call 911 instead of picking up the items herself. Sue Ryan, former Stillwater resident, suggested having a City Song. Mayor Kozlowski and Councilmember Polehna stated there could be a competition for an annual song. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that Lily Lake's alum treatment is delayed until next week. The Riverbank Stabilization project will be 95% complete by June. The river level has crested at 685'. People are advised to stay out of the area and more signage will be placed warning of the danger. The Met Council Water Efficiency Grant ($31,000) was received to help reimburse residents who install devices that help conserve water. Councilmember Junker pointed out the south side of the Pioneer Park stairs has been washed out. Mr. Sanders will check it out. Police Chief Mueller stated the Bike Rodeo Safety Event was successful - kudos to Community Resource Officer Brad Junker and donors/volunteers. The Washington County Memorial Event went well. He provided a Data Specialist position recruitment update. Councilmember Junker asked for more enforcement for dump trucks speeding downtown. There will be a Mental Health Training for the community May 24 at 7 p.m. Fire Chief Glaser reported on recent calls. He warned residents the water temperature is still in the 40s. Chad Rogness (Public Works) and Chris Felsch (Police) graduated from Leadership in the Valley. Burn restrictions will be lifted May 18. This week is National EMS Week. The Department is preparing for the Stillwater Half Marathon May 28. Finance Director Provos stated the City received an AA2 status from Moody's. Conduit debt could be a possible funding source for the New Heights School Playground project. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the Department is short staffed so they are prioritizing permits and other requests. Ben Gutknecht started as Assistant City Planner last week. Interviews for Planning Manager are done and the position should be filled soon. City Clerk Wolf stated candidate filing opened May 17 and closes May 31. City Attorney Land updated the Council on Terra Springs public trail project and Lumberjack Landing trail project. City Administrator Kohlmann stated the State bonding bill will be addressed soon by the legislature. CONSENT AGENDA May 3, 2022 regular and recessed meeting minutes Payment of Bills Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 2022 Cruisin' on the Croix Car Show Event Application and Contract Portable Restroom Contract Public Works Facility Flooring Project Contract Agreement Retiree Medicare Insurance Reimbursement - Resolution 2022-069 Water Sprinkling Restriction Ordinance Amendment - 2nd reading of Ordinance 1182 Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 2022-13 to consider a request by Michael Koch of PMI Homes, Inc. and Steve and Lynn Thron for a Preliminary and Final plat to split 516 Myrtle St W into two separate lots. - Tabled from May 3. 2022 City Council Meeting. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the owners of 516 Myrtle St W have applied for a subdivision by way of standard plat. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the Plat. Councilmember Junker asked about parking concerns voiced by a neighbor; and Mr. Gladhill answered that after the subdivision the lots will still have sufficient parking on site. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. He closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2022-070, A Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for Myrtle View (Case No. 2022-13) and Resolution 2022-071, A Resolution Approving a Final Plat for Myrtle View (Case No. 2022-13). All in favor. Case No. 2022-32 to consider vacating public drainage and utility easements on property located at 8457 Marylane Ave N. Public Works Director Sanders explained that the City is proposing to vacate the drainage and utility easement located at Lot 3, Block 1 Marylane Gateway Addition. The easement was proposed to the City due to the enlarging of the infiltration basin on the development site but was recorded at the County without prior City approval. Under terms of the Developers Agreement, ownership and maintenance of the basin is the Homeowners Association responsibility, and therefore a public easement is not necessary. Staff recommends that Council approve the vacation of the drainage and utility easement. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. Kevin Pechumer, 8375 Marylane Avenue, voiced concern that vacation of the easement could allow a future landowner to truck in dirt and create more surface, pushing water onto nearby lots. He would like an environmental impact study done. Mr. Sanders answered that vacating the easement is not impacting the infiltration basin that was installed which is the homeowner association's responsibility. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2022-072, A Resolution Vacating a Public Drainage and Utility Easement Located Within the City of Stillwater, Minnesota. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Alcohol in City Parks - Ordinance lst Reading City Administrator Kohlmann explained an ordinance that would permit alcohol consumption without a permit at all City Parks except Teddy Bear Park. Consumption would be allowed in parking lots, except during a special event. No glass bottles would be allowed. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt first reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 48, Article 1, Section 48-4 and Section 52-15 of the City Code of the City of Stillwater. All in favor. Chestnut Street Plaza Project Update Public Works Director Sanders stated that three bids were received for the Chestnut Street Plaza Project. Pember Companies submitted the low bid in the amount of $3,240,948. The engineer's estimate was $2,803,782. With design and engineering, the total cost of the project is estimated to be $3.65M. The City has committed funding in the amount of $2.625M ($2.25M from MnDOT and $400K from TIF sources), leaving a shortfall of $1.025M. Potential funding sources of this shortfall include additional funding from the City and the Minnesota Legislature, where the City is requesting up to $6.OM in the bonding bill to fund riverfront projects, including the Chestnut Street Plaza Project. The amount from the State should be known soon. Staff is recommending that additional funding sources be explored. Pending viable sources, including the bonding bill, staff will report back at the June 7 Council meeting with an update and possible award of the contract to Pember Companies. Joint Powers Mutual Aid Agreement for Public Works Personnel and Equipment Mr. Sanders stated that the purpose of this agreement is to provide a process for local units of government to share public works personnel and equipment with participating agencies. There is no membership or fixed cost to participate in this public works mutual aid pact. The City Attorney has reviewed and this agreement and had no issues. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2022-074, Authorizing the Public Works Mutual Aid Pact. All in favor. General Obligation Capital ā¯‘utlay Bonds Sale Elizabeth Bergman, BakerTilly, reported that four bids were received on this morning's bond sale of $3.96 million for various capital improvements. In the last year interest rates have gone up significantly. She recommended the award of the bonds to Piper Sandler at a true interest cost of 2.97%. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2022-073, Resolution Accepting Proposal on the Competitive Negotiated Sale of Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 $3,965,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2022A, Providing for their Issuance and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof. All in favor. Stillwater Police Department Participation in the Minnesota Law Enforcement Support Office Program Chief Mueller explained the program which will help provide protective gear for officers. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2022-075, A Resolution Supporting and Authorizing Participation by the Stillwater Police Department in the Minnesota Law Enforcement Support Office Program. All in favor. Public Parking Ramp/Lowell Inn Safety Improvements Mr. Kohlmann explained the options for deterring climbing at the parking ramp and Lowell Inn roof. Staff recommends Option 1, demolition of the existing block and brick pier which is decorative, as it seems to be the stepping point for gaining access to the roof. Construction of a four -foot masonry wall above the existing concrete, five feet longer than the Lowell Inn corner, painting and capping and caulking between buildings. The cost of Option 1 would be approximately $17,820. Staff also recommends adding five more cameras at a cost of $16,712 for a total project cost of approximately $34,532. Mayor Kozlowski asked if the cameras would allow someone to act immediately if vandalism is occurring; and Police Chief Mueller answered that it would not be monitored live footage. It would be used as evidence after the fact. IT Manager Holman added there are already many cameras in the ramp. Four of them are inside, more to cover graffiti and not the problem with the Lowell Inn roof. Councilmember Junker inquired if this proposal will be presented tomorrow at the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting. It has been 11 months since the Lowell Inn first notified the City that kids are climbing on the roof and it is a recurring issue. Councilmember Polehna agreed he would like to proceed as he gets many calls on this issue. Councilmember Collins asked what is the City liability if someone is injured; and City Attorney Land answered that the City could be brought into a lawsuit, but climbing on a roof could be considered an open and obvious danger. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve Option 1, and to have a general discussion on cameras in the City at the next meeting. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Polehna offered kudos to staff on the Riverbank Stabilization Project. He would like to have a Trail Reopening Celebration August 13. Council agreed to support the celebration. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTES Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2022-069, Approving 2022 Group Medicare Insurance Reimbursement Resolution 2022-070, A Resolution Approving a Preliminary Plat for Myrtle View (Case No. 2022-13) Resolution 2022-071, A Resolution Approving a Final Plat for Myrtle View (Case No. 2022-13) Resolution 2022-072, A Resolution Vacating a Public Drainage and Utility Easement Located Within the City of Stillwater, Minnesota Resolution 2022-073, Resolution Accepting Proposal on the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $3,965,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2022A, Providing for their Issuance and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof Resolution 2022-074, Authorizing the Public Works Mutual Aid Pact Resolution 2022-075, A Resolution Supporting and Authorizing Participation by the Stillwater Police Department in the Minnesota Law Enforcement Support Office Program Page 7 of 7