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Home My WebLink About2022-11-15 CC MINSJLt. The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 15, 2022 SPECIAL 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 City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller OTHER BUSINESS Presentation of Police Department Operations Study Police Chief Mueller introduced the operational review of the Police Department conducted by BerryDunn, which covers operational, staffing and logistical functions. Michele Weinzetl, BerryDunn, reviewed the report and presented the overall recommendations, including: suggest the City move to a third full time investigator; add a half time position; adjust case assignment and review protocols; more robust use of solvability factors. She reported that the Stillwater Police Department is a highly ethical department, committed to community service, and to achieving best practices, responsive and active in making adjustments, and pursuing necessary changes to policies and practices. Staffing recommendations are: add one CSO; add five patrol officers; add one .5 investigator (adjust SRO to full-time during school year). Councilmember Odebrecht asked which is the most immediate need to tackle, and Ms. Weinzetl acknowledged that some of the recommendations have fiscal constraints. Additional staffing is at the top of the list. Second, understanding how to create efficiencies and help inform decisions of the Council to determine what should be done next. Councilmember Odebrecht asked if there are cultural barriers to implementing the recommendations, and Ms. Weinzetl replied that she does not sense particular cultural challenges. Chief Mueller commended the report for being not just about staffing, but also including recommendations for how to maximize efficiencies, process cases, and collect data. The goal is to review the report and revise it every few years. Ms. Weinzetl added that BerryDunn often assists organizations with the next step of prioritizing recommendations and designing strategic action plans, goals and action steps. City Council Meeting November 15, 2022 Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to accept the BerryDunn report on Stillwater Police Department Operations. All in favor. 2023 Staffing Considerations City Administrator Kohlmann stated that the City has set the preliminary budget levy with a 9.817% increase over the 2022 budget levy. This can be decreased, but not increased prior to the December 6 Truth in Taxation meeting. There were several staffing requests considered for the 2023 budget, but postponed for more information prior to making a decision, including the Police Department's request for two new patrol officers and the request for a Code Enforcement Officer in the Community Development Department. The budget impact on the tax levy would be: Two Police Officers - $247,524 or approximately 2.05% and Code Enforcement - $90,831 or approximately 0.75%. Mayor Kozlowski voiced support for all the requested positions which are community - facing. Councilmember Polehna stated he would like to postpone hiring of police officers until it is known whether there are grants to help fund the positions, depending on what happens with the State legislature. Councilmember Collins stated he wished there was a way to address the Fire Department staffing request and hopefully that is something to pursue next time around. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to approve the hiring of two patrol officers and one code enforcement officer. All in favor. RECESS Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 6:14 p.m. 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 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Page 2 of 5 City Council Meeting November 15, 2022 CANVASS OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION City Clerk Wolf provided the Abstract of Votes Cast for Mayor, Council Member Ward 1 and Council Member Ward 4 for the City's municipal election held on November 8, 2022. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the Abstract of Votes Cast for Stillwater's Municipal Election for Mayor, Council Member Ward 1 and Council Member Ward 4. All in favor. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS There were no recognitions or presentations. OPEN FORUM Lowell Thompson proposed historical markers for locations throughout the City, which would highlight Stillwater history and support four goals of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated State funds are available and he has brought the idea to the Heritage Preservation Commission, Chamber, Washington County Historical Society and other organizations. Councilmembers voiced support for staff to work with Mr. Thompson. Louise Hansen, Rivertown Commons resident, wished the Council Happy Thanksgiving. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that the Chestnut Street project is suspended until April, with anticipated June completion. He explained snow plowing priority; trails are last. Police Chief Mueller stated the Veterans Day ceremony went well, and provided details on upcoming community events. Fire Chief Glaser recapped recent response activities and public outreach efforts, and gave seasonal warnings about unsafe ice, preventing cooking fires and carbon monoxide. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that the new parking payment system and a St. Croix Curling Club analysis will be presented December 6. City Attorney Land reminded the Council of the Stillwater Towing summary judgment hearing this Friday. City Administrator Kohlmann stated Kraus Anderson inspected City facilities and an alternative revenue report was sent to the workgroup. CONSENT AGENDA November 1, 2022 closed session and regular meeting minutes Payment of Bills Downtown Parking District Credit Card Kiosks Liquor and Tobacco License Renewals for 2023 - Resolution 2022-143 Liquor License for Lolito Cantina - Resolution 2022-144 Lumberjack Landing Vegetation Management Agreement One -Ton Truck Purchase Request Stillwater Lift Bridge Tender Parking - Resolution 2022-145 Terra Springs Certificate of Completion - Resolution 2022-146 Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting November 15, 2022 Tobacco License for Stillwater Smoke Shop Well #11 Reservoir Repair Agreement Extended Hours Permit for Water Street Inn and Brian's Joint Powers Agreement with St. Croix County for Loop Trail Snow Clearing Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS 2023 Sidewalk Project Along Maryknoll ❑rive Feasibility Study Public Works Director Sanders requested authorization for a feasibility study for a sidewalk along Maryknoll Dr. from Oakridge Rd. to Interlachen Dr. In 2021, a proposal was presented to add a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the east side of Maryknoll, however the sidewalk was not budgeted during the reconstruction of Maryknoll Drive, and was proposed for future consideration. The total length of the sidewalk would be 1,200 feet. The feasibility study will analyze the conflicts with existing utilities, street light poles, and private landscaping in the right-of-way, and prepare a breakdown of costs. It is proposed that the sidewalk be considered for 2023. Councilmember Polehna commented that the City should investigate a citywide funding source for sidewalk projects so abutting residents do not bear all the cost. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2022-147, Resolution Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Study for 2023 Sidewalk Along Maryknoll Dr. from Interlachen Dr. to Oakridge Rd., Project 2023-03. All in favor. CBD Establishment Licenses City Attorney Land informed the Council that the City received three CBD retail establishment license applications and two of them cannot meet the 50% gross retail sales requirement, because they have not been able to stock their inventory sufficiently due to the moratorium that was in place. The third applicant can meet the 50% gross retail sales requirement, but is not compliant with the zoning requirement. The City's ordinance only authorizes two CBD retail establishment licenses. However, in the interest of fairness for calendar year 2023, in order to allow the two businesses to attempt to establish their business and show 50% gross retail sales, yet acknowledge the one business that already meets the threshold, staff recommends a one-year exception to allow three CBD retail establishment licenses. All would still need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. Mayor Kozlowski noted the Council will probably be reviewing this ordinance sooner rather than later considering comments received from breweries and bars. Page 4 of 5 City Council Meeting November 15, 2022 Councilmember Junker remarked that he does not like to allow an exception to a brand new ordinance. The CBD House is selling 100% THC products, that has been their livelihood, so he is 100% in favor of The CBD House getting their license. For the two tobacco shops, this is not their livelihood and they do not meet the 50% sales requirement in the ordinance. He recommends licensing only The CBD House. Councilmember Collins commented that the two tobacco shops not meeting the 50% threshold is not their fault, it is because of the moratorium the Council enacted. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2022-142, Resolution Allowing Three CBD Retail Establishment Licenses. Motion passed 3-2 with Councilmembers Junker and Odebrecht voting nay. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Polehna noted the Lowell Park Christmas Tree will go up on November 29 and the Twinkle Parade is December 3, and Councilmember Junker stated the bridge will be lit by Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Cler Resolution 2022-142, Resolution Allowing Three CBD Retail Establishment Licenses Resolution 2022-143, Approving Renewals of Liquor Licenses and Tobacco Licenses for 2023 Resolution 2022-144, Approving Issuance of New On -Sale Liquor License with Sunday Sales to MAV Hospitality, LLC DBA Lolito Cantina Resolution 2022-145, The Creation of Parking Permits for the Designation of Two Reserved Parking Spots for the Stillwater Lift Bridge Tender Parking in Parking Lot 2 Resolution 2022-146, a Resolution Accepting and Granting Easements, Accepting Payment of Park Dedication Fees and Authorizing Certificate of Completion for Terra Springs Resolution 2022-147, Resolution Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Study for 2023 Sidewalk Along Maryknoll Dr. from Interlachen Dr. to Oakridge Rd., Project 2023-03 Page 5 of 5