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Home My WebLink About2024-09-17 CC MINj (water 216 41h Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 r0 0651-430-8800 The Birthplace of Minnesota www.stillwatermn.gov CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 17, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Kohlmann City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Council led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Stillwater Human Rights Award Presented to Rachel Schmeltzer, Stillwater Area Public School Choir Teacher Human Rights Commission Chairman Nelsen explained the work of the Commission. Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation honoring Rachel Schmeltzer for her outstanding leadership and dedication to human rights. Ms. Schmeltzer voiced her appreciation. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt Resolution 2024-102, Stillwater Human Rights Award - Rachel Schmeltzer. All in favor. Proclamation for United Way of Washington County East United Way Development & Community Engagement Manager, Kelly Stenerson, stated that United Way is celebrating 75 years in the St. Croix Valley. Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation designating October 7-13 as United Way Week. Riverfront Renewal City Administrator Kohlmann reviewed a $13.5 million plan to expand and enhance riverfront access, called "Riverfront Renewal." The plan includes transforming Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park through State funding, private donations, grants and City contributions. In the November election, Stillwater voters will decide whether to accept a half percent sales tax to cover $6.2 million of project costs. The tax would end after 10 years or whenever the $6.2 million is secured, whichever comes first. City Council Meeting September 17, 2024 OPEN FORUM Patrick Kelly, 604 Myrtle Street, provided background on building permit problems at his property, involving a fence and a deck. The fence replaces an existing fence and the deck is a playhouse deck not connected to his house, so he believes building permits are not needed. The City has issued citations and fines and he feels this is retribution for issues he discussed with the Mayor about the responsibility for repair of his retaining wall. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders stated the downtown lighting project and Greeley Street project are underway. He noted that the next two Council meetings will include public hearings on assessments. Councilmember Odebrecht gave kudos for the work on the ash tree program. Police Chief Mueller stated a Police Cadet program for 14-20-year-olds has started; officer recruitment is ongoing; aid was offered to Hugo after tragic events there; and added that the alcohol training ordinance will be before the Council in October. Fire Chief Glaser reported on the Fire Relief meeting and reminded the Council of the Fire Prevention Week dinner October 1. Finance Director Provos stated bonds will be sold October 1 and rating call results are expected on Thursday. City Clerk Wolf briefed the Council on newsletter announcements, the new State flag, liquor license fee hearing, and the Mayor and Administrator speaking at the Chamber's Toast & Topics forum. City Attorney Land noted the Council will review the new cannabis regulations and possible Charter amendments on October 1. City Administrator Kohlmann stated the new Human Resources Manager will start Thursday, and Community Development Director applications close soon. CONSENT AGENDA September 3, 2024 Workshop and Regular Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills 2024 Street Improvement Project Declaring Costs and Order Public Hearing - Resolution 2024-103 Declaring Costs and Order Public Hearing for Delinquent Abatement Cleanup Fees, Administrative Citations Fees and Solid Waste Fees - Resolutions 2024-104, 2024-105 and 2024-106 Encroachment Agreement for 823 Anderson St. Fire Department Vehicle Purchase Gambling Premise Permit for Stillwater Hockey at Keys Cafe - Resolution 2024-107 OSHA and Safety Training Agreement Short Term Home Rental License for 1410 4th St N Temporary Liquor Licenses for River Siren Brewing TH 95 Monument Concrete and Electrical Work Agreement Settlement Agreement Page 2 of 4 City Council Meeting September 17, 2024 Declaring Cost and Order Public Hearing for Water Line Service Repair Fees - Resolution 2024-108 Motion by Councilmember Dunker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS Charter Amendment for Sections 4.03 and 5.12 City Attorney Land explained what it means to be a Charter City, and reviewed the proposed Charter amendments. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Councilmember Dunker voiced support for the amendment, noting how difficult it is to get voters to vote in primaries. Motion by Councilmember Dunker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2024-109, Resolution Revoking City Council Resolution 4447 Regarding the Requirement for Primary Elections, and to adopt second reading of Ordinance 1218, an Ordinance Amending the City Charter of the City of Stillwater Section 4.03, Regarding Filing for Office. All in favor. City Attorney Land reviewed the proposed Charter amendment on financial disclosure requirements. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Dunker to adopt second reading of Ordinance 1219, 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS 2025 Preliminary Budget - Adopting the proposed tax levy for the payable year 2025. Adopting the proposed budget for the year 2025, and Setting the Truth in Taxation meeting date Mr. Kohlmann stated that City Council discussions on the 2025 Budget proposals have resulted in a General Fund Operating proposed tax levy of $15,811,130 and a proposed debt service levy of $4,489,403. This total proposed levy of $20,300,533 results in a 7.813% increase over the 2024 levy. The Preliminary Levy must set by September 30. The City has the option to reduce the levy prior to final adoption but cannot increase the levy after the September 30 deadline. The Truth in Taxation proposed meeting date is 7:00 p.m. on December 3, 2024. Motion by Councilmember Dunker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2024-110, Adopting the Proposed Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2025, and to adopt Resolution 2024-111, Adopting the Proposed Budget Appropriations for the Year 2025, and Page 3 of 4 City Council Meeting September 17, 2024 to adopt Resolution 2024-112, Setting the Payable 2025 Truth -In -Taxation Public Meeting. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS There were no Council request items. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: zt� Beth Wolf, City Clerk6-1 Resolution 2024-102, Stillwater Human Rights Award - Rachel Schmeltzer Resolution 2024-103, Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for 2024 Street Improvement Project (Project 2024-02, L.I.441) Resolution 2024-104, Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Delinquent Abatement Cleanup Fees L.I.040 Resolution 2024-105, Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Delinquent Administrative Citation Fees, L.I.006 Resolution 2024-106, Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Delinquent Solid Waste Fees L.I.002 Resolution 2024-107, Approving Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premise Permit for Stillwater Area Hockey Association at Keys Cafe Bakery & Bar Resolution 2024-108, Declaring Cost to be Assessed and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for Delinquent Water Line Service Fees Resolution 2024-109, Resolution Revoking City Council Resolution 4447 Regarding the Requirement for Primary Elections Resolution 2024-110, Adopting the Proposed Tax Levy for the Payable Year 2025 Resolution 2024-111, Adopting the Proposed Budget Appropriations for the Year 2025 Resolution 2024-112, Setting the Payable 2025 Truth -In -Taxation Public Meeting Ordinance 1218, Ordinance Amending the City Charter of the City of Stillwater Section 4.03, Regarding Filing for Office Ordinance 1219, Ordinance Amending the City Charter of the City of Stillwater Section 5.12, Subd. 3, Regarding Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures Page 4 of 4