Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-02 CC MINj (water 216 41h Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 r0 0651-430-8800 The Birthplace of Minnesota www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 2, 2024 WORKSHOP MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker (via Zoom), 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 Library Director Troendle OTHER BUSINESS Washington County Emergency Housing Services Building Community Development Director Gladhill stated that an Emergency Housing Services Building is proposed by Washington County on their main campus located at 14949 62nd St N. The site is located in the Public Administrative Offices District (PA), which allows residential uses with a Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional Use Permit allows the City to attach reasonable conditions. The site also includes a remnant parcel that was annexed into Stillwater in 2019 with no zoning district; it should be included in the PA District consistent with the surrounding area. The project would require a Zoning Map Amendment for housekeeping purposes, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and lot line adjustment. No official action will be taken on the proposal at this time. Jennifer Castillo, Washington County Director of Community Services, explained the facility will not be a stereotypical shelter, but a support toward removing barriers to housing for clients, whose typical stay will be about 90 days. Melissa Taphorn, Executive Director of Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA), explained the CDA would be the developer and Washington County would be the final owner. She shared the County's history of efforts to house unsheltered adults, and stated that this facility will provide a permanent place for people to reside temporarily while the County helps them find the services they need. Michelle Pribyl, Housing Studio Lead with LHB, reviewed the current site conditions and the advantages: ready access to services at the Government Center, a green space and a buffer City Council Meeting January 2, 2024 to the adjacent neighborhood. She presented a preliminary site plan and interior layout of the building. Ms. Taphorn stated that Washington County will continue to work with City staff to ensure zoning and watershed requirements are met, as well as community engagement. Councilmembers voiced support for the concept. Energy Action Plan Councilmember Odebrecht gave a presentation on development of an Energy Action Plan. He summarized recommendations drafted by a team of very engaged citizens that has been meeting over the past six months, along with Excel Energy's Partners in Energy as project managers. He reviewed recommended initiatives, plan development steps and the four focus areas in the vision statement. The overall energy goal is to save the City 246,000 therms of natural gas and 5.1 million kWh of electricity by the end of 2025, which will save the community $600,000. Implementation of the plan is targeted for March 2024-Sept 2025. He will provide the Council with monthly updates. IT Report Terre Heiser, Information Technology Consultant with CityTech Consulting, presented IT recommendations. City Administrator Kohlmann stated that CityTech was hired to do an IT assessment and audit, finding that the IT department is in very good condition, however there are some strategic adjustments that could be made to improve workloads, efficiency, security and adaptability. Next steps are to fill the IT manager, role but also include some external consulting work; make operational adjustments/network improvements at three City facilities that lack the required upload bandwidth; adopt a Cloud -smart approach to workloads; and explore partnerships with other IT service providers. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that buckthorn removal will begin soon at Lumberjack Landing; ice rinks are being flooded; and Pine Hollow townhome association in Liberty neighborhood is asking the City to take over road ownership of Pine Hollow Green and Pine Hollow Place, about 500 feet in total. Council members stated they have no problem as long as the townhome association pays 100% of any road improvement costs. He also reported that staff will meet with National Park Service representatives and Wild River Conservancy about possible use of the Aiple house at Lumberjack Landing. Police Chief Mueller gave personnel updates. Fire Chief Glaser stated the holidays were quiet. There is a blood drive January 9. Bill Peltier will be retiring February 29 after 45 years of service. Finance Director Provos gave a software update. Community Development Director Gladhill updated the Council on River Grove School and review of the demolition ordinance compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan. City Clerk Wolf noted recruitment for election judges has begun. Page 2 of 5 City Council Meeting January 2, 2024 City Attorney Land reported that all three of the CBD businesses failed compliance checks and have been issued administrative citations. City Administrator Kohlmann reminded the Council of upcoming meetings. Library Director Troendle stated energy audit kits are available; and gave a recap of the collection event and upcoming program activities. Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 6:06 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker (via Zoom), 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. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS 7:00 P.M. Certificates of Appreciation for Ryan Mathre and Sharon Hollatz, Library Board of Trustees Mayor Kozlowski commended Mr. Mathre and Ms. Hollatz for their service to the City. He also recognized that this is Councilmember Polehna's 20th year on the Council. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA December 19, 2023 closed session and regular meeting minutes Payment of Bills Data Practices Policy for Members of the Public and for Data Subjects - Resolution 2024-001 Designating a Responsible Authority in accordance with State Data Practices Statute - Resolution 2024-002 Designating the Authority to Make Electronic Funds Transfers - Resolution 2024-003 Designation of Depositories for 2024 - Resolution 2024-004 Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting January 2, 2024 Gambling Premise Permit for Bayport American Legion at Patriots Tavern - Resolution 2024-005 Legal Publication Designation for 2024 - Resolution 2024-006 MS4 Services Agreement for 2024 Ordinance Establishing Fee Schedule for 2024 - Ordinance No. 1210 St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and Lily Lake Arena Management Agreement Stillwater Parking Ramp Restoration Services Agreement Temporary Liquor License for Ascension Church Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case 2023-65 to consider a request of a Preliminary Plat and Final Plat for properties located in Grandview Bluff Addition Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the case. Brian Brosdahl has applied for a Final Plat to facilitate the lot line reconfiguration of four existing lots. The primary purpose of the reconfiguration is to bring two existing structures into conformity regarding their rear yard structure setbacks and creating larger rear yards for 419 2nd Street South and 322 Broadway Street South. Additionally, the lot line reconfiguration cleans up some existing encroachments. Due to the complexity of the lot line configuration involving multiple parcels, easements, multiple property types (Torrens/Abstract property), etc., a Plat is necessary. All zoning and building code requirements are met. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments and he closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2024-007, Resolution Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat for Grandview Bluff Addition (Case No. CD2023-65). All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Council Representative Appointments to Boards and Commissions Councilmember Polehna stated he was removed as alternative to Middle St. Croix Watershed District (no alternate needed), and he would like to let another Councilmember represent the Human Rights Commission. He will stay on through January. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2024-008, Designation of Council Representatives for 2024 Boards and Commissions. All in favor. Designation of Vice Mayor Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2024-009, Designating Council Vice Mayor for 2024. All in favor. Page 4 of 5 City Council Meeting January 2, 2024 VOTER Fund Allocation Memorandum of Understanding City Clerk Wolf explained that the 2023 Legislature established the Voting Operations, Technology, and Election Resources (VOTER) Account, allocating $1.25 million annually to be distributed to counties. Counties then distribute allocated funds to municipalities. The City of Stillwater's allocation would be $1,033.17. The funds are required to be in a separate account and annual reporting of how the money was spent is required to be sent to OSS. Staff recommends Council enter into an MOU to opt out of the VOTER account since the City's portion is not significant enough to maintain a separate fund account. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve the VOTER Fund Allocation Memorandum of Understanding to opt out. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Polehna reminded everyone of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 15. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: Joseph Kohlmann, Acting City Clerk Resolution 2024-001, Approval of Data Practices Policy for Members of the Public and Data Practices Policy for Data Subjects Resolution 2024-002, Designating a Responsible Authority and Assigning Duties in Accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2024-003, A Resolution Approving the Following City Employees as the Official Designated City Authority to Make Electronic Funds Transfers Resolution 2024-004, Designation of Depositories for 2024 Resolution 2024-005, Approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Bayport American Legion at Patriots Tavern Resolution 2024-006, Designating the Stillwater Gazette as the City's 2024 Legal Publications Newspaper and Approving Agreement Resolution 2024-007, Resolution Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat for Grandview Bluff Addition (Case No. CD2023-65) Resolution 2024-008, Designation of Council Representatives for 2024 Boards and Commissions Resolution 2024-009, Designating Council Vice Mayor for 2024 Ordinance No. 1210, An Ordinance Establishing the City of Stillwater 2024 Fee Schedule Page 5 of 5