HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-04 CC MIN61illwater 216 41h Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
June 4, 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, 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
IT Manager Rice
Library Director Troendle
OTHER BUSINESS
Request to Join Statewide Volunteer Firefighter (SVF) Plan
Todd Kockelman, President of Stillwater Firefighters Relief Association, presented a cost
analysis. He stated that the membership recommends joining the Statewide plan at the
$11,000 per year benefit level.
Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt
Resolution 2024-060, Resolution to Join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan. All in favor.
Local Option Sales Tax
City Administrator Kohlmann stated that the 2023 Legislature authorized the City of
Stillwater to consider a Local Option Sales Tax for the Riverfront Improvement Project. In
addition, the City received $6 million in a State Bonding Grant for the project (Bridgeview
Park, Lumberjack Landing, and Lowell Park Pavilion). He reviewed the elements of the
project, the estimated cost of which is $12.2 million (less $1 million donation and small City
contribution). As a condition of the State Bonding Grant, the project as described must be
completed in totality. The Local Option Sales Tax would supplement the State Bonding Grant
to complete all improvements to the Riverfront. Staff recommends approval of a Resolution
authorizing the referendum vote for a Local Option Sales Tax. Adopting the Resolution
tonight allows the City to develop the ballot questions in August and have the public vote on
the sales tax at the general election. He pointed out that, according to the University of
Minnesota Extension study, 46% of the sales tax revenue would be paid for by non-
residents.
City Council Meeting
June 4, 2024
City Attorney Land added that Councilmembers may voice their opinions but may not spend
the City's money to do so. The City may spend money to educate the public on the facts of
the sales tax, but may not pay money to lobby for the tax.
Mr. Kohlmann noted that the Local Option Sales Tax is being proposed for about 50% of the
authorized amount by the State Legislature. The authorization was for $12.5 million over
20 years at 0.5%. The proposed amount is $6.2 million over 10 years at 0.5%.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution
2024-061, A Resolution Authorizing a Referendum for a Local Option 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.
Zoning Code Update
Community Development Director Gladhill discussed possible policy changes in conjunction
with ongoing work on a comprehensive zoning code amendment. One change is
consolidating the City's several single family zoning districts. He requested Council direction
on allowing duplexes and accessory dwelling units in single family districts.
Councilmember Collins asked if there would be a minimum lot size for Accessory Dwelling
Units (ADUs), and Mr. Gladhill replied as currently drafted, the ordinance does not set a
separate minimum lot size for ADUs, but the City has a minimum lot size for any district and
has lot coverage and setback requirements.
Councilmember Junker pointed out that initially, an ADU may house a family member like
an aging parent, but in 5-10 years it becomes a rental and entirely independent dwelling.
Mr. Gladhill responded this is another revenue stream for people to keep their homes - they
would not want someone in their ADU who detracts from their own residence. He stated
staff is also working on consolidation of motor vehicle repair uses, and continuing to limit
motor vehicle sales to just a couple parcels. Staff also will be addressing adult use cannabis
as State Statute has changed again; animal uses to reflect that some businesses allow
customers to bring their dogs; the Village Commercial area (Liberty Village) and setbacks
between businesses and residential areas. Staff will continue to dive deeper in coming
workshops. The Planning Commission will take public comments and staff will do targeted
outreach to areas that might be impacted by the changes, before the public hearing.
STAFF REPORTS
Public Works Director Sanders reported on the following: the Chestnut Street Project
earned a national recognition award; the river elevation is rising; the Greeley Street project
will necessitate lane closure for 6-8 weeks; the downtown street lighting bid will be on July
1; a Washington Avenue/Highway 36 frontage road study open house will be June 26 or 27.
Police Chief Mueller stated he and the City Attorney are working on minor alcohol ordinance
adjustments. He updated the Council DUI enforcement and server training, gave a staffing
update, and stated the Department assists people who are begging by providing resources.
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City Council Meeting
June 4, 2024
Fire Chief Glaser thanked the Council for ongoing support. He stated two new employees
have started and more candidates will be interviewed. He gave an update on community
activities.
Finance Director Provos reported that the state fuel reimbursement audit is done.
Community Development Director Gladhill clarified that the Emergency Housing Services
Building item on the Consent Agenda is not final approval. He updated the Council on the
new parking permit process and River Grove School move. Due to long grass complaints, No
Mow May could possibly be adjusted in the future.
City Clerk Wolf stated six candidates filed for office including four for Ward 2, which will be
on the August primary ballot.
City Attorney Land stated the legislature created a new social equity cannabis license
category, so the City needs to pivot its ordinances. Staff will bring a draft back to the Council
in July. The current moratorium expires January 1, 2025.
City Administrator Kohlmann reassured the Council the City is still working on the PFAS
issue. He stated City staff will meet with the Veterans Memorial Board President on Friday
about their project.
IT Manager Rice stated cyber security training rolled out today to all employees. He
explained the IT items on the Consent Agenda.
Library Director Troendle thanked staff for their help on a grant application. He recapped
programming activities and the upcoming reading program. Tickets are available for the
July 4 Light a Spark event.
Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:01 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.
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City Council Meeting June 4, 2024
RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation - Stillwater Girls Synchronized Swimming Team
Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation designating June 5, 2024 as Stillwater Area High
School Girls Synchronized Swimming Day in recognition of the team's fourth straight State
Championship.
Certificates of Appreciation for Dine Here Dance Here Volunteers and Donors
Mayor Kozlowski and the Council thanked the organizations, businesses and individuals
who contributed, volunteered and participated in the event: Alchemy Sound & Vision, Paul
Larson; Baglio Real Estate Group, Tracy Baglio; Brine's Market & Deli, Scot DeStasio; Great
Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce, Robin Anthony & Sydney Bebeau; Cub Foods, Carrie
Higgs; Food Services Specialties, Don Leick; Kelli Kaufer; Molly Krakowski; Lake Elmo Inn,
John Schiltz; Leo's Grill & Malt Shop, Cory Buettner; Lift Bridge Brewing, Brad Glynn;
Lolito's/Lolo's/Melt Pizza/Stillwater Proper, Joe Ehlenz; Mad Capper/The Lumberjack, Sara
Jespersen; St. Croix Boat & Packet, Amy Estenson; Stillwater High School Football Team,
Beau LaBore; Stillwater Sunrise Rotary, Bob Gray; Stillwater Noon Rotary, Tom Hollatz;
Studio Louise, Jenn Hovland; Sustainable Stillwater, Rick Heidick; Victorianos, Amy
Mortenson; Stillwater Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works Department;
Chad Rogness, Stillwater Parks Superintendent; Shawn Sanders, Stillwater Public Works
Director; Joe Kohlmann, Stillwater City Administrator; Stillwater Councilmembers and
Mayor. Councilmember Polehna thanked the community, and noted that 800 people were
served in 3 hours.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
May 21, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
Payment of Bills
Ash Tree Removal Project Bid Award and Agreement
Ethernet Network Services Comcast Agreement
Gas Mask and Filter Replacement - Police
Human Rights Commission Meeting Date Change - Resolution 2024-062
Indoor Commercial Recreation (Fitness Center) at 107 Chestnut St E - Resolution
2024-064
Leo's Grill and Malt Shop - Seasonal Outdoor Food Vending - Resolution 2024-063
Medical Supply Purchase - Police
Myrtle Street Reconstruction Project (Project 2024-05)
Neal Avenue Improvement Project (Project 2019-08) - Final Payment - Resolution
2024-065
Off -site Gambling Permit for Bayport American Legion during Lumberjack Days -
Resolution 2024-066
Pond Circle Manhole Project
Provicta PCC Early Detection Testing - Police
Public Works Generator Installation Project
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City Council Meeting June 4, 2024
Sinch Cloud -based phone system
Summer Tuesdays - Event Contract
Therapeutic Massage Business Licenses and Massage Therapist Licenses - Resolution
2024-067
Washington County Emergency Housing Services Building - Ordinance/Zoning Map
Amendment 1st Reading
Short Term Home Rental License Amendment for 1133 Nightingale Blvd
Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt the
Consent Agenda. All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
There were no Council request items.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. All in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Ted Kozlowski, Mayor
ATTEST:
Beth Wolf, City Clerk .
Resolution 2024-060, Resolution to Join the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan
Resolution 2024-061, A Resolution Authorizing a Referendum for 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
Resolution 2024-062, Changing the Stillwater Human Rights Commission Regular
Meeting Date
Resolution 2024-063, Resolution Approving an Interim Use Permit for the Placement
of a Seasonal Food Vending Trailer at 127 Main Street South (Leo's Grill & Malt
Shop) (Case No. CD2024-021)
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City Council Meeting
June 4, 2024
Resolution 2024-064, Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for Indoor
Commercial Recreation Located at 107 Chestnut Street East (Case No. CD2024-
016)
Resolution 2024-065, Accepting Work and Ordering Final Payment for Neal Avenue
Improvement project (Project 2019-08)
Resolution 2024-066, Approving Bayport American Legion Application to Conduct
Off -Site Gambling at Lowell Park
Resolution 2024-067, Approving Issuance of Individual Massage Therapist License
for 2024
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