The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024-08-20 CC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 20, 2024 SPECIAL MEETING 3:30 P.M. Vice Mayor Polehna called the meeting to order at 3:35 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 Deputy Fire Chief Ballis Police Captain Julien Public Works Director Sanders IT Manager Rice Library Director Troendle St. Croix Recreation Valley Center Manager Brady OTHER BUSINESS 2025 Proposed Budget Workshop City Administrator Kohlmann presented the 2025 budget recommendations and the recommended total property levy increase for 2025 of 7.77%. Vice Mayor Polehna questioned the Senior Building Inspector position in light of less construction occurring now, other than the hospital and Hy-Vee. He asked if it would be better to hire someone to inspect those buildings; and Mr. Kohlmann replied that adding the position will allow the City to cut back on overtime, reduce consulting costs, give the Building Official more managerial authority and streamline the inspection process. Councilmember Junker asked if money has been spent on third party inspectors in 2024; and Community Development Director Gladhill replied that the City spent $15,000 in overtime and $17,000+ on professional services thus far in 2024. There will still be opportunities for contracted services. Vice Mayor Polehna inquired if promoting two Sergeants will take them off the street; and Captain Julien replied that currently, if one of the four Patrol Sergeants takes time off or is sick or at training, their shift is not covered. Adding the two Sergeants would provide 24- hour Sergeant supervision. Vice Mayor Polehna stated he is struggling with the Assistant Administrator position, and does not think there is enough to do; and Mr. Kohlmann answered that it started with the Council’s desire to boost public communications. Directing Communications in Stillwater would not be a full-time job, so it was determined what else can this person do. cStillwater ~~ ......, ' The Birthplace of Minnesota J City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 Page 2 of 6 Councilmember Odebrecht noted that adding an Assistant Administrator would break up the Administrator’s growing workload. Councilmember Junker agreed the position is needed, but questioned the proposed salary; and Mr. Kohlmann agreed to bring back more information on the position. Councilmember Junker remarked, as an outgoing official, that the Mayor and Council have not had a raise in 24 years; and Mr. Kohlmann stated he will see what other cities are doing. Mr. Kohlmann went over special revenue funds, and the Council commended St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Manager Doug Brady for being constantly in the black. He then reviewed the library and parks budgets, permanent improvements, and major capital projects. He will bring back updated utility fund budget proposals and a more refined budget. RECESS Vice Mayor Polehna recessed the meeting at 4:32 p.m. 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 Police Captain Julien Deputy Fire Chief Ballis Public Works Director Sanders PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Council led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Proclamation for Stillwater Country Club celebrating their Centennial Anniversary Councilmember Junker read a proclamation honoring Stillwater Country Club. Council Service Award for John Murphy (Valley Access Broadcasting) Councilmember Odebrecht read a proclamation honoring John Murphy for 2½ years of audio/visual broadcasting of City meetings. Certification of Appreciation for Donna Robole, Human Resources Manager Vice Mayor Polehna read a proclamation honoring Donna Robole as Human Resources Manager for 8½ years. City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 Page 3 of 6 Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2024‐093, Donna Robole. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Lizzie Harris, 1220 Owens Street, stated physical separation between bikes and cars would be much safer than painted bike lanes in the Myrtle Street redesign project. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that Lowell Park is open. He gave updates on Greeley Street and County Road 5 projects and fiber optic repair work. Police Captain Julien recapped the Cones & Cops event and staffing for August 31 fireworks. Deputy Fire Chief Ballis reviewed training and department activities and planning for upcoming fire prevention week activities. Finance Director Provos stated the sale of GO bonds will be presented at the next meeting. Community Development Director Gladhill gave updates on department activities and parking signage. City Clerk Wolf stated there is still an opening on the Browns Creek Watershed District. Motion by Vice Mayor Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to nominate Councilmember Odebrecht to the BCWD Board. All in favor. Ms. Wolf noted that applications for City boards and commissions are due September 3. City Attorney Land stated cannabis regulations will be ready for discussion soon. City Administrator Kohlmann noted that Human Resources Manager Saige Kroells will start in September. CONSENT AGENDA August 7, 2024 Workshop and Regular Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills Chestnut Plaza Project Final Payment City Hall HVAC Project Change Order Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Program Cooperative Agreement Renewal Minnesota State Armory Building Commission Lease Agreement Amendment Pond Inspection Survey Project Agreement Solid Waste, Recycling and Roll-off Hauler License for Sanimax Temporary Liquor License for River Siren Brewery Bands for the Brave Event Therapeutic Massage Business and Individual Massage Therapist License for Aaron Koen and Shaylynn Wichryk – Resolution 2024‐094 Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 Page 4 of 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS Proposed Vacation and Discontinuance of a Permanent Drainage and Utility Easement at 201 and 211 Olive St W (Case 2024-030) – Resolutions 2024‐095 and 2024‐096 (Postponed from 7/16) Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the City received an application for easement vacation to facilitate a lot line reconfiguration for 201 & 211 Olive Street West. In addition to the lot line reconfiguration, the existing easement in question was recorded in an incorrect location. Staff recommends approval of the easement vacation and the acceptance of the new easements. Vice Mayor Polehna opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt Resolution 2024‐095, A Resolution Vacating a Permanent Drainage and Utility Easement Located Within the City of Stillwater, Minnesota, to approve the new easements, and to adopt Resolution 2024‐096, Resolution Rescinding, Terminating and Releasing a Variance Pertaining to Real Property in the City of Stillwater, Minnesota. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Manitou Fund Arts and Cultural Center Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Community Development Director Gladhill explained the proposed Ordinance Amendment to Section 28-236 Allowable uses in nonresidential districts, and the two Conditional Use Permits associated with the Zoning Code Amendment request by Manitou Fund. The Planning Commission recommends approval. Councilmember Junker asked if language needs to be amended on the 4-year lease signed last September for the north parking lot; and City Attorney Land replied the lease agreement covers uses related to the course of business operated on the lessee’s premises between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.; after 5 p.m. it is shared with the public. The language need not be amended. Brian Bell, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, representing the property owner, added in their experience, there has not been significant use of the parking lot after 5 p.m. so they don’t anticipate sharing the use with the public to be an issue. Councilmember Junker asked if the facility will host weddings and conventions, and Mr. Bell replied they are not contemplating that right now - it’s mostly performing and visual arts, possibly with some receptions related to the arts. Councilmembers complimented the applicant on changes done to the property. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt second reading of Ordinance 1217, An Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 28, Section 28-236 Central Business District Allowable Uses, and to adopt Resolution 2024‐097, Termination of Resolution PC2023-19 for an Interim Use Permit for a K-6 School at 601 Main Street North and Granting a Conditional Use Permit for a Cultural Facility (Library, Art Gallery, and Theater for City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 Performing Arts) and a Conditional Use Permit for an Event Center at 601 Main Street North. All in favor. Charter Amendment for Sectinns 4.03 and 5.12 City Attorney Land reviewed the proposed amendments. The Charter Commission recommends repealing the requirement to hold a primary, which the Charter has required since 1970, on a vote of 8-1. The "no" vote believed that it is good democracy to have more elections, not fewer, and preferred narrowing down the list of candidates for the general election. Secondly, the Charter Commission reviewed the list of officials who must complete a financial disclosure form, and recommended it be revised so that only the following elected or appointed City officials must complete the financial disclosure form: members of the Planning Commission and Heritage Preservation Commission, elected and appointed Mayor and Council, Community Development Director, and City Administrator. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to hold first reading of an Ordinance Amending the City Charter of the City of Stillwater section 4.03, Regarding Filing for Office. All in favor. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to hold first reading of an Ordinance Amending the City Charter of the City of Stillwater Section 5.12, Subd. 3, Regarding Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Odebrecht stated the Energy Action Team had its kickoff this week. Vice Mayor Polehna reminded the Community that the postponed July 4th fireworks take place on August 31 at 9 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. _ � I Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Clerk (,/ Resolution 2024-093, Donna Robole Certificate of Retirement Resolution 2024-094, Approving Issuance of Therapeutic Massage Business License and Individual Massage Therapist Licenses for 2024 Resolution 2024-095, A Resolution Vacating a Permanent Drainage and Utility Easement Located within the City of Stillwater, Minnesota, to approve the new easements Page 5 of 6 City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 Page 6 of 6 Resolution 2024‐096, Resolution Rescinding, Terminating and Releasing a Variance Pertaining to Real Property in the City of Stillwater, Minnesota Resolution 2024‐097, Termination of Resolution PC2023-19 for an Interim Use Permit for a K-6 School at 601 Main Street North and Granting a Conditional Use Permit for a Cultural Facility (Library, Art Gallery, and Theater for Performing Arts) and a Conditional Use Permit for an Event Center at 601 Main Street North Ordinance 1217, An Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 28, Section 28-236 Central Business District Allowable Uses