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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-17 CC MINIi11wate& The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 17, 2023 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann City Attorney Johnson City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders Assistant City Engineer Abdullah PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Swearing in Police Officer Josh Gow Police Chief Mueller swore in Officer Josh Gow. BCWD Boundary revision Karen Kill, Administrator of Brown's Creek Watershed District (BCWD), explained that as a result of updated hydrologic data, 67 parcels are recommended to be reassigned from Brown's Creek Watershed District (BCWD) to Carnelian -Marine -St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD), and 159 parcels from the CMSCWD to the BCWD. The levies and regulations in both districts are very similar. She added that there is currently a vacancy on the BCWD Board. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2023-013, a Resolution Concurring the Boundary Change Between Brown's Creek Watershed District and Carnelian -Marine -on -St. Croix Watershed District, and Authorizing Letter of Concurrence. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders stated that the proposed Highway 36 boundary change discussed at the last meeting would not affect Local Government Aid (LGA). Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to proceed with the Highway 36 boundary change requested by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. All in favor. Police Chief Mueller stated the Department is ready for this week's Snow Sculpting Event. Fire Chief Glaser thanked residents for clearing hydrants of snow. Finance Director Provos noted that audit season is starting. Community Development Director Gladhill reported: 1) the new pay parking system is working well; 2) the Rec Center Curling Club expansion proposal will be presented at the February 7 meeting; and 3) the Heritage Preservation Commission will hold workshops in January and February. City Clerk Wolf stated on November 7, 2023 a School District special election will be held. Councilmember Polehna thanked staff for helping with the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. City Administrator Kohlmann noted the World Snow Sculpting Championship Kickoff will be tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA January 3, 2023 Regular and Recessed Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills Animal Humane Society Impound Housing Services Agreement for 2023 Declaration of Surplus Property - Resolution 2023-014 Gambling Premise Permit for Stillwater Elks #179 at Brick & Bourbon - Resolution 2023-015 Labor Agreement between City of Stillwater and IUOE Local49 - 2023-2025 Moratorium on Development in the Highway Mixed Use Development District Ordinance 1st Reading Washington County Household Hazardous Waste Day License to Use Lily Lake - Resolution 2023-016 Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS Project No. 2023-02 to Consider Street and Utility Improvements on the 2023 Street Improvement Project Assistant City Engineer Abdullah reviewed the project. There are 3.41 miles of streets proposed for improvements, 2.45 miles of mill and overlay, and 0.96 miles of full pavement reconstruction. Construction would occur May to October 2023. The total estimated cost is $2,192,761 funded through assessments, and permanent improvement bonds. Page 2 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. Robert Dombrowsky, 924 7th Street South, stated that in 1999 the City completely redid his road, curbs and sidewalks, and he was forced to install a new waterline. He asked why his road is now proposed for mill and overlay when its condition is not bad. Hot patch paving and a sealcoat would give it another 10 years of life at a minimal cost. Public Works Director Sanders answered that streets to be done are chosen according to the pavement management program. The life of a street is about 50 years. Total reconstruction was done in 1999, and it is now time to restore the surface of the asphalt. Mr. Dombrowsky argued that his street is in good shape and should be removed from the project, while Hancock has lots of potholes and should have been widened when it was last done. Linda Hansen, 803 Anderson Street, objected to the project, saying that Anderson Street does not need curbs. Mr. Sanders noted that residents age 65 and older may apply for a deferred assessment. Gillian Stewart, 1209 Bergmann Drive, agreed the road needs to be milled, but asked why residents will have to pay for the widening of the road around the park because the people who come and play sports are the only ones who need the wider road. Mr. Abdullah stated that at the November meeting, residents requested widening of the road. Mr. Sanders clarified that the roadway is not being widened, but a parking lane is being added around the perimeter of the park where there is very limited parking. Some of the residents complained about lack of parking when ballfields are being used. Councilmember Odebrecht asked if it would be difficult to eliminate the parking lane if the Home Owners Association says it is not desired, and Mr. Sanders replied not hard at all. Councilmember Odebrecht told Ms. Stewart to talk to the HOA. Teri Minard, 1104 Timber Way, echoed Ms. Stewart's concerns and asked about the impact of construction on Stillwater Crossings. She stated she called the HOA manager and they didn't have a clue about the project. If it is people who are playing on the ballfield who requested the parking lane, she thinks that is not a Stillwater Crossings concern. Mr. Abdullah noted the City sent a postcard to all impacted homeowners inviting them to the neighborhood meeting. Ms. Minard emphasized that Stillwater Crossings and Legends are different developments and that the Stillwater Crossings HOA was not notified. Councilmember Odebrecht stated the process is to reach out to the homeowners because HOA boards change all the time. The City tries to make sure all the HOAs are aware but the HOAs should also help the City ensure residents are aware. Tim Maas, 3390 Judd Trail (Legends HOA), stated Stillwater Crossings is separate and zoned differently so it should be assessed differently. Mr. Abdullah responded that both developments are undergoing mill and overlay so the unit assessments were calculated across the whole project. Page 3 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 Mr. Maas stated the part of the project with curbs, widening the pavement, and new trails will be more expensive than the mill and overlay so some residents are being assessed for something that is not adjacent to their property and they should not pay for parking for a park outside their area. Mayor Kozlowski stated he would like to know the cost specific to the parking lane. The project has not yet been put out to bid. It makes sense to widen the pavement but engineers need to figure out how to separate that cost from the rest of the project. Wesley Humphries, 3421 Judd Trail, spoke in support of widening the street near the park because there is not enough parking to service the games which is very disruptive for residents. He is also president of the HOA but not here in an official capacity. It's really a City health and safety issue, not a HOA issue because they are City streets. He would like a couple of cut-outs on Bergmann and on Judd for parking, and he agreed that the cost should be assessed to the homeowners in that area, not over the entire project. Kelly Comer, 3285 Staloch Place, stated that 62nd Street is a disaster. He asked about traffic impacts of Lakeview Hospital's plans to build on the corner of the Bergmann property. Councilmember Polehna noted the design process for the future hospital is just beginning. 62nd Street will hook around to the south and traffic controls will be added. Mr. Comer asked about the assessment process, and Mr. Abdullah replied assessments may be put on taxes over 10 years with interest. Terry Dyer, 3402 Judd Trail, agreed there is a need for additional road space due to all the traffic and the parking which often reduces the road to one lane. Mike Herman, 805 Abbott Street, asked, if this project goes through, will homeowners have enough time to replace their sewer lines before the new curb, gutter and street are put in? Mr. Sanders replied that construction probably won't start till May so there should be enough time for residents to have their sewer lines inspected and replaced if needed. Rebecca Peterson, 811 Martha Street, asked about her notice which stated that she has galvanized pipes and may have a shared water line. Mr. Abdullah replied there was confusion from the Water Department about properties in that area. Upon a second look, he believes Ms. Peterson is not sharing a water line. Susan Kollaja, 1376 Orleans Court, asked how homeowners will be affected during construction. Also, every time the watermain is worked on at Curve Crest and Greeley, it impacts her water. How can she address those concerns about impacts during the project? Mr. Abdullah answered he will discuss the water issues in the project area with the Water Department. If any water services need to be repaired due to breakage or damage, the City will repair it. Mr. Sanders added that there will be minimal roadway obstruction and residents will not be without access for long periods of time. Melissa Loskota, 804 Anderson Street, stated she has galvanized plumbing that will be replaced, and two telephone poles on her property that will be disrupted to do the street work and curbs, disrupting the whole neighborhood. She has a disabled child and works from home and cannot work without internet. Page 4 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 Mr. Abdullah replied that water service replacement takes about 3-4 hours and Ms. Loskota will be given 24-hour notice. The power poles may not have to be removed as the concrete can be poured by hand without removing the pole. If the poles need to be removed, the contractor would notify Xcel and they would usually replace the pole in 1 day. Residents will always have access to their driveway. Ms. Loskota stated she is worried about her dirt and limestone basement and vibrations from machinery going on for months. Mr. Abdullah responded that residents will only have disruption when the work directly in front of their property is being done, and the contractor doing the work will have insurance. He suggested Ms. Loskota take pictures of her property so that any construction damages can be proven. Once the contractor's schedule is available, residents will be informed exactly when the contractor will be in their neighborhood and what will be done. Ms. Loskota suggested additional ways of conveying info to those who don't use internet. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Mr. Sanders agreed to break down the cost of adding the parking lane around Bergmann Park and update the assessed cost for that area, bringing the info to the next meeting. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2023-017, Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the 2023 Street Improvement Project (Project 2023-02). All in favor. Update City Code Chapter 56 (Taxes and Assessments) to include zoning related fees - Ordinance 1st Reading Community Development Director Gladhill presented staff -recommended amendments to the current zoning -related fees, which are mostly minor clarifications. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt first reading of an Ordinance establishing Zoning Related Fees into City Code Section 56-6. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS 72nd Street Improvement Project Feasibility Report Jake Guzik, Project Manager with Bolton and Menk, reviewed the feasibility study for street and trail improvements on Interlachen and 72nd Street, between Rutherford Road and Northland Avenue. Proposed project improvements include installing an asphalt surface on the section of road from Mid Oaks to Rutherford Road, and rebuilding the roadway section on Interlachen from Mid Oaks Avenue to Northland Ave. The new street would be 22 feet wide with curb and gutter the length of the roadway. An eight -foot -wide trail would be installed on the north side of the newly paved road. New roadway and trail would be within the existing right-of-way. Storm and water quality improvement would be included in the project. Estimated cost of the project is $795,000, to be funded through assessments and bonds. Traffic counts collected in November 2022 indicated 250 vehicles per day on average Page 5 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 use the road, with an 85th percentile speed of 27 mph. The existing curves do not support typical speeds above 30 mph. A neighborhood meeting took place October 27, 2022, attended by 12 residents and an online survey received 262 responses indicating concerns about pedestrian and bike safety. Mr. Sanders added that on the west end of the project, there are 2-3 properties whose driveways are on the existing roadway and they will not be using 72nd Street as much as someone living in the middle of it, therefore the appraised value was a lot less than a typical roadway improvement per the appraiser. Mayor Kozlowski and Councilmember Polehna voiced concern about some residents being penalized because of where their driveway comes out. Councilmember Junker asked if engineers considered designating the 8 foot trail as both walking and bike path versus designating both lanes as bike paths; and Mr. Guzik replied that putting the bike lanes in the street is a traffic calming measure - most serious bicyclists will be on the street. The striping will alert traffic there could be a bike there. Councilmember Junker responded he would prefer to see bikes on the trail versus in the middle of the lane due to curves and topography of the road; and Mr. Sanders noted the geometrics of this road are unique with tight curves and the hill crest, so to have it be a combined walking and bike trail may compromise pedestrian safety. Councilmember Junker offered the same argument about cars, that a car could come right upon a biker who is in the middle of the lane versus on the side of the lane. Councilmember stated it would be nice to have a couple parking spots of parallel parking by the weir if possible, and Mr. Guzik replied he can look at that. Councilmember Junker asked about adding to the problem of salt runoff into Long Lake; and Mr. Guzik answered that the project will capture most water before it goes directly into the lake, will eliminate the gravel washing into the lake, and the chloride treatment for dust control. Mr. Sanders added that the City can control how much salt is put on the roadway as well. Councilmember Junker stated as this is the last gravel road in the City, he supports the improvements and safer walkway and paved road. Mr. Sanders added that a goal is to keep the feel of a narrow, rural road. Councilmember Polehna remarked it seems unfair to have 3-4 different assessment amounts based on where the driveway comes out. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2023-018, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 72nd Street N. Road and Trail Improvement, Project 2022-04. All in favor. Legislative - Local ❑ption Safes Tax City Administrator Kohlmann stated that in order to implement park improvements to Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park, an estimated $12.5 million is required. Staff has conducted an analysis on a 0.5% sales tax revenue projection with Baker Tilly. It is anticipated that a local option sales tax would generate approximately $12.5 million for capital investment. If the City wishes to proceed with a local option sales tax, the first steps Page 6 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 are to calculate the estimated costs for a regional project, estimate the revenue generated, and then submit a resolution to the Minnesota Legislature for their review and approval. The question could be proposed to voters in the Fall of 2024 for potential implementation in 2025. The deadline to submit a local option sales tax resolution to the State of Minnesota is January 31. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2023-019, a Resolution in Support of Legislative Authorization for Approval of a Local Sales and Use Tax to Fund Specific Capital Improvements Providing Regional Benefit, to Establish the Duration of the Tax and the Revenue to be Raised by the Tax, and to Authorize the City to Issue Bonds Supported by the Sales Tax. All in favor. Ice Cream Social Special Event Mr. Kohlmann stated that the event application for the January 28 Winter Ice Cream Social in North Lowell Park near Mulberry Point was approved by the Council on January 3, 2023. The Washington County Historical Society is asking to have all fees waived and to move the event closer to the gazebo near Myrtle and Sam Bloomer Streets. Councilmember Junker noted that the City recently restructured fees to be more compatible with costs. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to approve the event location change, but not to waive the fees. All in favor. Opera on the River Special Event City Administrator Kohlmann informed the Council that the St. Croix Valley Opera has applied to host the "Opera on the River 2023: A Celebration of Music and Community" Event Saturday, July 29, 2023 in North Lowell Park. They are also requesting use of parking lots #5 and #9, and waiver of the fees. Obed Floan, event organizer, stated the project is thankful for City support in any capacity. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to approve the event, but not to waive the fees. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Junker and the Council expressed condolence to Heidi McAllister, former Downtown Parking Commissioner, on the sudden passing of her husband January 1. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m. �, • Ted Kozlowski, Mayor Page 7 of 8 City Council Meeting January 17, 2023 Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2023-013, A Resolution Concurring the Boundary Change Between Brown's Creek Watershed District and Carnelian -Marine -on -St. Croix Watershed District, and Authorizing Letter of Concurrence Resolution 2023-014, A Resolution Declaring Equipment as Surplus and Authorizing the Disposition of the Same Resolution 2023-015, Approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Stillwater Elks #179 at Brick & Bourbon Resolution 2023-016, Approving the 2023-2025 Labor Agreement Between the City of Stillwater and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 Resolution 2023-017, Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the 2023 Street Improvement Project (Project 2023-02) Resolution 2023-018, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 72nd Street N. Road and Trail Improvement, Project 2022-04 Resolution 2023-019, a Resolution in Support of Legislative Authorization for Approval of a Local Sales and Use Tax to Fund Specific Capital Improvements Providing Regional Benefit, to Establish the Duration of the Tax and the Revenue to be Raised by the Tax, and to Authorize the City to Issue Bonds Supported by the Sales Tax Page 8 of 8