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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 CC MIN1,1wa t e r 216 4tn Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 The Birthplace of Minnesota www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 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 (arrived at 4:36 p.m.), Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann City Attorney Land Administrative Assistant Schmid Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders IT Manager Rice Library Director Troendle OTHER BUSINESS Stillwater Fire Department Relief Board of Trustees Cost Analysis Todd Kockelman, President of Stillwater Firefighter's Relief Association, requested authorization for a cost analysis to join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter (SVF) Plan Lump -Sum Division. MNPERA would perform the cost analysis at no cost. The results would be brought back to the Council for a decision on whether to participate in the plan. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the cost analysis. All in favor. Embedded Social Worker Presentation Fire Chief Mueller gave statistics on the program which was started about a year ago in partnership and cost -sharing with Washington County Community Services. This is the only Coordinated Response Unit that has a female detective and a male social worker. He introduced Detective Chyrisse LaMoine and Social Worker Nick Pilney. Mr. Pilney and Ms. LaMoine introduced themselves and explained the role of the Coordinated Response Unit. They work as a cohesive unit with mental health resources, addiction treatment services, emergency housing team and emergency response. The Coordinated Response to a call feels more friendly and client -focused, compared with a strictly law enforcement -based response. They do a lot of case management, follow up and City Council Meeting April 2, 2024 building trust, connecting clients to resources and then checking in with them to ensure they received the services. They provided an example of a start to finish case. Chief Mueller reflected there is need to expand the program, as Mr. Pilney and Ms. LaMoine work 40 hrs/wk but much of their work is case management. Councilmembers voiced their appreciation for the program. Community Development Customer Experience Plan Community Development Director Gladhill reported on a plan for improving the customer experience for those doing business with the Community Development Department. This was a priority identified in the current Strategic Plan. He gave an overview of processes, activity levels, pressures and needs of the department, and upcoming projects. A request for an additional staff member (or other resources) in the Building Division can be discussed in future budget cycles. Top priorities will be taking the economic development strategy to the next level, continuing to work on customer experience improvements, downtown parking, software enhancements, and updating the Zoning Code. Councilmembers expressed support for the positive approach. Missing Middle Housing Bill Update Mr. Gladhill stated that several bills are working through both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing. Many of these bills aim to remove barriers to bringing affordable housing to the market, especially for higher density development. The proposed legislation would require cities to allow certain types of housing within single-family districts and would require that cities require multifamily housing in commercial districts, with certain exceptions. The proposed legislation includes other zoning preemption such as limits on building height regulations. There is general concern that the legislation would cause a loss of local control/zoning authority, deciding what is allowed in certain districts. This would definitely impact the City's historic preservation guidelines and other zoning regulations. A number of peer communities are considering adopting resolutions opposing the proposed legislation; a draft resolution is provided for Council consideration. Councilmember Odebrecht added that he has been working in coordination with others in the League of Minnesota Cities to address the issue. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2024-034, Resolution to Uphold Local Zoning Authority and Support Community - Specific Solutions for Affordable Housing. All in favor. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders updated the Council on concept plans for the Shoddy Mill Buildings, and stated the preliminary estimate from architect is about half the previously estimated cost. He reported that the local road improvement grant for Myrtle Street was denied; and welcomed Jesse Farrell, Deputy Public Works Director. Police Chief Mueller gave a hiring update. Fire Chief Glaser gave highlights from the 2023 Fire Department Annual Report, and said next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Page 2 of 6 City Council Meeting April 2, 2024 Finance Director Provos said the annual audit continues. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the land use application process is being streamlined; there will be open houses on the Washington County Emergency Services Housing project in April; and Heritage Preservation Commission Chair Matt Thueson got a Great Ideas grant for decals to identify historic resources. City Attorney Land noted she is finalizing the Rivermarket Coop lease agreement. City Administrator Kohlmann updated the Council on the PFAS/drinking water communication plan. IT Manager Rice introduced himself and reviewed security updates and upgrades. He said the BCA technical audit is wrapping up. Library Director Troendle gave statistics from the annual report to the Minnesota Department of Education. Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 6:07 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker (via Zoom), Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann City Attorney Land Administrative Assistant Schmid 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 Proclamation - Organ Donation Month Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation designating April as Donate Life Month. Councilmember Odebrecht addressed the need for organ donors, speaking from his family's experiences with organ donation. Water Update Public Works Director Sanders gave a presentation on the detection of PFAS in three of the City's wells, prompting the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to issue a health risk advisory. All three wells were below the acceptable levels in 2021 and 2022. He reviewed Page 3 of 6 City Council Meeting April 2, 2024 the roles and responsibilities of involved agencies including the City, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Environmental Protection Agency. The MDH has drastically lowered the acceptable level of PFAS over the past several years. Stillwater's average values were within guidelines until the MDH updated its guidelines in 2024. The City stopped using Well #6 when it learned of the test results in 2023, and stopped using a second well in 2023 in anticipation of the EPA's maximum contaminant level. In 2024 the MDH released more stringent values which resulted in a third well exceeding those values and out of caution the City has not been using that well. Information is going to residents on the City's website and in the City newsletter. The City is seeking grant funding and initiated a study to identify alternatives to mitigate the PFAS contamination. The City will continue to monitor the wells and stay in communication with the MDH and with customers. Property owners may consider installing filtration devices in their homes; more information is available from the MDH. OPEN FORUM Pat Kelly, 604 Myrtle Street, voiced several concerns about nuisance citations he has received. He asked the Council to look into data he has requested from the building department on street easements along his property, as well as why he needs a permit for a deck on a playhouse. He has been back and forth between the City and Washington County regarding the documentation. CONSENT AGENDA March 19, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills CBD Retail - Conditional Use Permit - Resolution 2024-039 City Hall Clock Tower Internal Roof Interim Use Permit - Good Egg Food Truck at River Siren Brewing - Resolution 2024- 040 Lift Bridge Road Race Event Agreement Liquor License Permit Amendment for Portside (Gio's) - Resolution 2024-035 Maintenance & Storage Roof Restoration Agreement Maryknoll Lift Station Improvement Project (2023-12) - Bid Rejection - Resolution 2024-036 Ordinances for Fire Protection Permits & Sanitary Sewer Connections - Ordinance 1213 and Ordinance 1214, 2nd Readings Park Irrigation Upgrade Agreement Short Term Home Rental License Renewal for 2009 Lake St N St Croix Crossing Half Marathon Event Agreement Temporary Liquor License for Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Temporary Liquor License for Stillwater Public Library Foundation Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2024 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project Feasibility Report and Public Hearing to Consider Sidewalk Improvements - 2 Resolutions Page 4 of 6 City Council Meeting April 2, 2024 Assistant City Engineer Abdullah reviewed the project. Criteria are sidewalks that are severely cracked, heaved, settled, or misaligned. The project includes 32 properties plus a few City park sidewalks. The estimated construction cost is $182,016. Assessments will cover 50% of the costs, with an assessment rate of $13.35 per square foot. The remaining share would be paid for by the City. Construction would occur May through October, 2024. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2024-037, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 2024 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2024-03). All in favor. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt Resolution 2024-038, Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the 2024 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2024-03). All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Dance Here Event Fee Waiver and Noise Variance City Administrator Kohlmann explained that the City is partnering with local businesses to host the first ever dinner event (`Dine Here') on the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, followed by a dance on the plaza ('Dance Here') in celebration of the Chestnut Street Plaza grand opening on May 18. They are seeking a noise variance and fee waiver. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve the event fee waiver and noise variance for the Dance Here Event on May 18, 2024. All in favor. Valley Eco Fair Event Fee Waiver Request Mr. Kohlmann stated that the Valley Eco Fair (previously named Stillwater Climate Fair), hosted by Sustainable Stillwater, to be held April 27 at Pioneer Park, is seeking a fee waiver of $300. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to approve the fee waiver for the Valley Eco Fair Event on April 27, 2024. All in favor. Nancy Lyner, Sustainable Stillwater, thanked the Council for approving the waiver. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Washington County Waste Reduction Advisory Committee Councilmember Odebrecht said he is now on this Committee. Maybe the City can come up with a better way to do yard waste recycling than the new yard waste recycling bins, which some residents do not want. Public Works Director Sanders said he will ask City Clerk Wolf what to do with extra bins. Councilmember Collins said he gets many questions about unleashed dogs in the parks; he requested a social media post about it. Page 5 of 6 City Council Meeting April 2, 2024 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Ted KozI owskil"M ayor ATTEST: Joe Kohlmann, Acting City Clerk Resolution 2024-034, Resolution to Uphold Local Zoning Authority and Support Community -Specific Solutions for Affordable Housing Resolution 2024-035, Resolution Approving the Amendment to Stillwater Holdings LLC dba Portside Liquor License for Extension of Premise at 317 Main St S Resolution 2024-036, Rejecting Bids and Advertise to Rebid the Maryknoll Lift Station Improvement Project (2023-12) Resolution 2024-037, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 2024 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2024-03) Resolution 2024-038, Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the 2024 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2024-03) Resolution 2024-039, Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for A CBD Retail Establishment - Intoxicating Located at 1570 Frontage Road West Resolution 2024-040, Resolution Approving an Interim Use Permit for the Placement of a Seasonal Food Vending Trailer at 225 Main Street North (River Siren Brewing) Ordinance 1213, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 24, Buildings and Construction, General, Regarding Fire Protection Permits Ordinance 1214, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20, Article 3 of the Stillwater City Code of the City of Stillwater Regarding Sanitary Sewer Connections Page 6 of 6