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Home My WebLink About2024-08-07 CC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 7, 2024 WORKSHOP MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann Acting City Attorney Johnson City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Deputy Fire Chief Ballis Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders Library Director Troendle OTHER BUSINESS Downtown Solid Waste Management Study Community Development Director Gladhill explained that Washington County contracted with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC to study existing waste management methods, hold discussions with downtown business owners and stakeholders, and with solid waste management companies. Some of the issues are lack of space for receptacles, challenges to reducing volume in the waste stream and the need for more opportunities for organic recycling. The study outlines alternatives that the City and County could explore further, such as: add waste enclosures, more centralized waste stations, and create collection zones. At minimum, additional enclosures are needed throughout downtown. Any option should avoid any unreasonable demands on staff workload. Angie Lamar, Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, presented an assessment of Downtown Stillwater Recycling Infrastructure, including project background, goals and objectives, methods and analysis of data collected. This Phase 1 study was funded through the County’s technical assistance program. The County wishes to increase recycling opportunities and acknowledges that many businesses are interested in recycling, but have little or no space for it. Councilmember Junker noted that the City has added many trash enclosures in the last 10 years with the help of grant money. There are still space issues with some alleys, and another big issue is the greasers at restaurants, which create a lot of smell and mess. Ms. Lamar agreed the City is making great strides and it will take planning to ensure grease collection stations are in the right places and accommodating to businesses. cStillwater ~~ ......, ' The Birthplace of Minnesota J City Council Meeting August 7, 2024 Page 2 of 5 Councilmember Polehna asked why would the City pay for enclosures and other solutions downtown, while doing nothing for the rest of the community, and Ms. Lamar replied that businesses would still pay into the funding mechanism. Education will be key to business owners understanding the benefits of adding enclosures and centralized waste stations. City Administrator Kohlmann agreed to bring the report to the Special Services District Board to discuss grease and food waste, centralized waste stations, and a communication plan. Stillwater Library Update Craig Hansen, Treasurer, Stillwater Public Library Board of Trustees, and Summer Seidenkranz, President, Stillwater Public Library Foundation, gave an overview of the budget process, library services, operations, program participation and funding. Mr. Hansen explained the budget process and what the City’s funding, representing 83% of the library budget, covers. Ms. Seidenkranz reviewed what donor funding pays for. Mr. Hansen then summarized the City’s historical support of the library. Ms. Seidenkranz reviewed Foundation grant support. In 2024, the Foundation is providing more than $230,000 in grants to the library and is working to increase annual grants to the library. Councilmembers commended the library volunteers and staff, agreeing that it is a tremendous asset for the City. Library Director Troendle mentioned that even though the fireworks were postponed, 190 people who had purchased tickets for the Light a Spark Fundraiser showed up for various programs that evening. The Library will participate in Summer Tuesdays and other community events, including the naturalist in residence program starting August 15. Fiscal Agent City Administrator Kohlmann informed the Council that the City has partnered with a local group to consider logistics and feasibility of Recreation Center enhancements. The group is about to receive a sizable cash donation and in the short term, it makes sense for the City to act as the fiscal agent for any funds raised. He asked the Council to discuss and consider a draft agreement outlining the City acting as the fiscal agent for initial fundraising efforts. The consensus of the Council was to be the fiscal agent to accept donations for the organization doing the Rec Center Curling Expansion. Zoning Code Update Community Development Director Gladhill shared that throughout 2024 and into 2025 the Planning Department will be conducting a comprehensive zoning code review. Staff began the process with a kickoff meeting in March to discuss goals, timelines, and workflow. The resulting report will serve as a roadmap through the amendment process. Currently, staff is discussing performance standards with a view toward consolidating, simplifying and reorganizing. Key policy points being examined are accessory structures, home occupations, off street parking, and signage especially advertising signage. He reminded the Council that the moratorium on adult use cannabis will be ending on January 1. A previously developed zoning ordinance includes some protections on where cannabis businesses may operate; code does not allow shops in the downtown district. An ordinance amendment will need to be done soon to catch up with State rules. City Council Meeting August 7, 2024 Page 3 of 5 STAFF REPORTS Mr. Gladhill stated staff is working on new signage for downtown parking. A consultant is doing a master sign plan and temporary signs are about to be installed. Staff also is implementing the building permit software changeover. Public Works Director Sanders reported that the river is rising; County Road 5 will be closed for construction; the street project and Lowell Park gazebo repairs are underway. Police Chief Mueller summarized the Night to Unite event with kudos to CSO Brad Junker; Councilmembers thanked the public safety staff for their participation. Deputy Fire Chief Ballis gave an update on the SAFER Grant, and stated that plan review will soon be digital. Finance Director Provos stated the budget review will be underway soon. City Clerk Wolf stated the August 16 Canvass meeting has been cancelled; there is an opening on the Browns Creek Watershed District Board; the August 20 Council meeting will start at 3:30 p.m. City Administrator Kohlmann stated there is an HR manager position open, and noted that staff made many budget concessions in preparation for beginning budget discussion. RECESS Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 6:02 p.m. 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 Acting City Attorney Johnson City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Police Chief Mueller Deputy Fire Chief Ballis Public Works Director Sanders PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Certificate of Appreciation for Joseph Yetman (Parks & Recreation Commission) Mayor Kozlowski recognized Joe Yetman for his service on the Parks Commission. Council Service Award for John Murphy (Valley Access Broadcasting) - postponed City Council Meeting August 7, 2024 Page 4 of 5 OPEN FORUM Ed Nelsen, 875 Eagle Ridge Place, thanked staff for help with the Opera on the River event. Rick Heidick, Sustainable Stillwater and Stillwater’s Bicycle Friendly Community, invited all to a Rotary bike rally August 11 in South Lowell Park and thanked Parks Superintendent Rogness for his assistance. To address concerns about trail safety, there will be an August 24 event to engage trail users and the public in the principles of sharing multi-use trails. He requested support for the event and future such events. He would like to work on an agreement with the DNR to have Stillwater be the permitting authority for all events held on any trail including State trails within the City limits. City Administrator responded that the DNR reached out to the City about this and staff will follow up. CONSENT AGENDA July 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills 2024 Street Improvement Project Easement Acquisitions along Greeley Street – Resolution 2024‐091 2025 Street Improvement Project Order Feasibility Study – Resolution 2024‐092 Harvest Fest 2024 Event Agreement and Temporary Liquor License Lowell Park Pavilion Rehabilitation Project Agreement Manitou Fund Arts and Cultural Center Zoning Text Amendment – Ordinance 1st Reading Rivertown Art Festival 2024 Event Agreement and Temporary Liquor License Short Term Home Rental License Amendment for 209 Main St S Temporary Liquor License for Episcopal Church of the Ascension Tobacco and CBD License for Stillwater Tobacco LLC Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS Proposed Vacation and Discontinuance of a Permanent Drainage and Utility Easement at 201 and 211 Olive St W (Case 2024-030) – Postponed from 7/16 Mayor Kozlowski stated that the applicant is currently not available and has not yet been able to confirm acceptance of the document for required replacement easements. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to postpone the hearing to Tuesday, August 20. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. City Council Meeting August 7, 2024 COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Mayor Kozlowski thanked staff and donors for their efforts on Night to Unite and the Lumberjack Days Parade. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Micha 1 Polehna, Vice Mayor ATTE T: Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2024-091, Authorizing Permanent Easement Acquisition for 2024 Street Improvement Project (Project 2024-02) Resolution 2024-092, Resolution Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Report for 2025 Street Improvement Project (Project 2025-02) Page 5 of 5