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Home My WebLink About2024-02-20 CC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 20, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Vice Mayor Polehna called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Vice Mayor Polehna, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht Absent: Mayor Kozlowski 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 MOMENT OF SILENCE The Vice Mayor and Council observed a moment of silence honoring the two police officers and paramedic who were killed in the line of duty in Burnsville on Sunday. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Polehna led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Proclamation - George Thole Day Vice Mayor Polehna read a proclamation designating February 21, 2024 as George Thole Day, honoring the legendary football coach’s lifetime of service. Certification of Appreciation for Mike Mallet, Patrol Officer Vice Mayor Polehna read a certificate honoring Officer Mallet for his six+ years of service. OPEN FORUM Rick Heidick, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, explained that the DNR denied use of the Brown’s Creek Trail for the Bridge the Valley Bike Rally planned for August 11, 2024, due to concerns about safety, high numbers of riders and possible implications for other event requests. Event organizers believe the risk is overstated and have factored in sufficient safety procedures. They would like to meet with the DNR to negotiate a compromise that addresses the DNR’s concerns, have spoken to State legislators and are working with Councilmember Odebrecht to arrange a meeting. Councilmember Junker acknowledged that the DNR receives requests for many events to be held on the trail. He would like the DNR to create a policy on use of the trail for events. cStillwater ~~ ......, ' The Birthplace of Minnesota J City Council Meeting February 20, 2024 Page 2 of 4 Councilmember Odebrecht read language he crafted for a possible Resolution supporting the event and showing that the organizers have demonstrated a proactive approach to mitigating any safety concerns. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2024‐023, Resolution in Support of Sunrise Rotary Club Bridge the Valley Bike Rally on August 11, 2024. All in favor. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that the City will receive two awards for the Chestnut Plaza Project; the Oakridge lift station project and water tower painting will occur this summer; and Jesse Farrell is the new Assistant Public Works Director as of April 1. Police Chief Mueller highlighted the team approach to public safety, in light of the tragic domestic incident involving first responders in Burnsville. Fire Chief Glaser acknowledged the loss of Burnsville public safety staff; and reminded the Council of the retirement of Bill Peltier. Finance Director Provos stated the workers’ comp and sales tax audits are in process. Community Development Director Gladhill noted the Department is working on upcoming projects, code enforcement and Short Term Home Rental licensing. City Clerk Wolf reported that Waste Management will notify residents about new yard waste collection; Healthcare Facility voting began; pointed out the revised minutes; and noted the next meeting will be March 6 due to the Presidential Primary. City Attorney Land and the Council gratefully acknowledged City Clerk Wolf for all her invaluable assistance with City Code recodification. City Administrator Kohlmann gave a street project funding update, and noted that new IT Manager Rob Rice will start March 11. CONSENT AGENDA February 6, 2024 Workshop and Regular Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills 2024 Street Project Approve Plans and Specs and Order Advertisement of Bids – Resolution 2024‐020 2024 Street Project Saw Cutting Agreement Aiple Lift Station Engineering Services Agreement City Garage Fence and Gate Project Agreement Encroachment Agreement for 112 Harriet St S Gambling Premise Permit for American Legion Post 48 at Gio’s – Resolution 2024‐021 I/I Repair at Shoddy Mill Agreement Parking Restriction on Greeley Street – Resolution 2024‐022 St. Croix Valley Rec Center Ice Time Agreement with Mahtomedi School District St. Croix Valley Rec Center Reroof Project Agreement Special Service District Board Appointments Temporary Liquor License for Ascension Church Water Street Dumpster Rooftop Project Agreement City Council Meeting February 20, 2024 Page 3 of 4 Agreement Dedicating Land-Use License for Brown’s Creek Restoration Project 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 Possible Adoption of New City Code – Ordinance 1st Reading City Attorney Land explained the year-long process of reviewing the entire City Code; the Code has been uniformly formatted and reorganized, its terminology and statutory references updated, and new ordinances have been introduced to better serve the City. One change is the addition of an administrative license for street performers, who must be sponsored by a business and are allowed to perform only on the property of that business, except during Citywide events when they may perform on public property. She added that staff is working to set up hotel licensing, now authorized by the Legislature. The new code also authorizes the City Clerk to approve some licenses and permits administratively. Vice Mayor Polehna questioned the provision that a hotel property manager must reside in the 7-county metro area, which would not allow a manager to live in Wisconsin; and Ms. Land replied that can be revisited if the situation arises. She continued, stating that the new small animal ordinance still requires a permit for keeping chickens, but not bees. Dog licenses are no longer required. The prohibition on skateboards downtown was removed, and in its place, skateboard use must be safe, reasonable and responsible. Councilmember Junker pointed out that “safe use” is a subjective term. He asked Police Chief Mueller how it will be interpreted; and Police Chief Mueller noted that sometimes, individuals want police action because of the sound the skateboard makes. He stated safety is a subjective term; he stands behind the ordinance as stated. He is not in favor of simply prohibiting skateboarding, but if someone is being unsafe the police will step in, have a conversation and go from there. Councilmember Junker asked if using a jump or ramp or other object that is not permanently part of the park or the bridge, for instance a picnic table, is considered unsafe; and Chief Mueller replied he is more concerned about the skateboarder’s actions affecting someone other than themselves. Simply jumping likely would not be considered a safety issue. However, moving or damaging City property would warrant police intervention. He encourages anyone who sees someone damaging City property to call the police, but if someone eating dinner in a park does not like the sound or the look of the skateboarding, that is not where the police should focus. Ms. Land stated that on final adoption of the revised Code, staff will start the next phase of redoing the zoning ordinance. City Council Meeting February 20, 2024 Councilmember Junker noted an important new regulation concerns food trucks, if downtown, only being allowed on private property of a restaurant or brewery. Councilmember Odebrecht remarked that the grid for public safety violations is an excellent model for the State. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt first reading of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing the City of Stillwater City Code. All in favor. 2024 Fee Schedule Amendment — Ordinance 1st Rea_d__ing City Clerk Wolf reviewed the changes in the Fee Schedule necessitated by recodification of the City Code. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt first reading of an Ordinance Amending the City of Stillwater 2024 Fee Schedule. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Vice Mayor Polehna stated the Chestnut Plaza Grand Opening is set for May 19. Councilmember Odebrecht stated he will bring a resolution regarding a State bill on zoning and land use to the March 6 meeting. Councilmember Junker pointed out that some bridge and building holiday lights are temporarily out and the lights technician has been notified. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. lUicel �Polehna, ice Mayor ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2024-020, Approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for American Legion Post 48 at Gio's Resolution 2024-021, Approve Plans & Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for 2024 Street Improvement Project (Project 2024-02) Resolution 2024-022, Approve Parking Restrictions on S.A.P. 169-108-005 Greeley Street S from Myrtle Street W to Orleans Street W Resolution 2024-023, Resolution in Support of Sunrise Rotary Club Bridge the Valley Bike Rally on August 11, 2024 Page 4 of 4