Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-18 CC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 05-03 January 18,2005 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kimble called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Polehna, Milbrandt, Harycki, Junker and Mayor Kimble Others Present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Police Chief Dauffenbach Fire Chief Glaser Public Works Director Eckles Finance Director Harrison Director of Administration Knauss City Clerk Ward APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker to approve the January 4, 2005 City Council regular meeting minutes and January 11 & 12, 2005 special meeting minutes with the revised page 1. All in favor. OTHER BUSINESS Certification of City Council election results of January 12, 2005. Mayor Kimble noted that the Council had interviewed candidates to fill the position vacated by Gary Kriesel on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12. He stated the Council had a difficult decision, as there was a great slate of candidates. The Council was in agreement, however, that Mike Polehna was the best candidate. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Harycki to certify the election results of January 12, 2005. All in favor. OATH OF OFFICE FOR APPOINTED MEMBER OF COUNCIL City Clerk Ward administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Mike Polehna - Ward 4. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Mayor Kimble welcomed students from Ms. Ferguson's class at Stillwater Area High School who were in attendance. City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 Nature Valley Grand Prix - Minnesota Bike Races Tim Romels, representing race organizers, was in attendance. He thanked the city of Stillwater for helping host this event in the past and asked if there were any questions or concerns. Mayor Kimble asked Police Chief Dauffenbach if he had any concerns. Chief Dauffenbach stated that last year organizers made some improvements to correct past traffic problems. He stated race organizers are good to work with and recommended approval of the June 12 race. Mr. Romels said this year's race would be over a slightly shorter venue. He explained the procedures for notifying residents impacted by street closures. Mr. Junker stated race organizers have done a good job in working with and notifying neighbors and called the race a great event for the city of Stillwater. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Harycki, to approve the June 12 Nature Valley Grand Prix and directed staff to continue working with race organizers in coordinating the event. All in favor. OPEN FORUM No one was present from the public. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Klayton Eckles reviewed the Public Works and Engineering Department's annual report, which was included in the packet. Mr. Eckles stated the intent was to provide a report that was useful to the general public and to new Council members. The report provides information on the main duties of each division; any significant changes, such as increases in the size of the infrastructure; goals and objectives and how far the department got in meeting goals and objectives. Mr. Eckles highlighted some of the financial comparisons. The department's percentage of the City's overall budget has been decreasing, something that may have implications overtime. The department's overall budget has been growing at a compound growth rate of 5.5 percent a year while the Consumer Price Index has risen at a rate of 2.8 percent during the same time period, indicating there is some real budget growth. Mr. Eckles noted the department's assets have grown as well. The question, he said, is whether the department's budget capacity is keeping pace with the growth community. Mr. Eckles also reviewed personnel levels from 1993-04. He noted that since 1997 there has been virtually no change in full-time staff, and the number of part-time staff has been declining since 2000. Miles of streets per employee has risen from nine in 1993 to 11 currently, a number that impacts plowing and street maintenance. There was a big increase in the number of acres of parks/open space per employee from 1999 to 2000, he said, due to the new Liberty, Legends, Brown's Creek and Aiple areas, as well Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 as some bookkeeping changes. Currently there are about 80 acres of open space per employee, a figure that has implications as park improvements are made adding to the demand for parks. The engineering division of the department currently has six full-time employees, a significant growth from the late 1990s. At the same time, the City has cut back on its use of outside consultants and done more work in-house. In 2004, the engineering division had $600,060 worth of billable hours, compared to its budget of $338,000. Administrator Hansen commended Mr. Eckles on the quality of the report, as did Councilmember Junker. Council member Milbrandt requested that the section relating to the parks division be provided to the Park and Recreation Board. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2005-12, directing payment of bills Resolution 2005-13, Approving the Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local No. 257) representing Stillwater Patrol Officers Resolution 2005-14, Approving salary schedule for seasonal parking lot attendants Approval of Special Event - American Diabetes Annual Walk - Oct. 1,2005 Approval of Special Event - Kid's Ski Race - Jan. 29, 2005 (Brown's Creek trails) Approval of Special Event - Hope House 10th annual fundraiser - May 7,2005 Approval of Banner Installation - Fall Art Fair - Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce - Sept. 16-0ct. 3, 2005 Approval of rollover of funds from 2005 to 2005 - MIS Approval of utility bill adjustments - Sewer charges Approval of transfer of special assessment balances Approval of placement of Stillwater Bridal Affair sign - Washington County Historic Courthouse Resolution 2005-15, acquisition of tax forfeited land Resolution 2005-16, approving amendments to Section 125 plan (flexible spending plan) Councilmember Polehna asked if item No. 11 should be pulled from the Consent Agenda due to a possible conflict of interest, as he is the Historic Courthouse supervisor. City Attorney Magnuson agreed that would be appropriate. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, to approve the Consent Agenda, deleting Item No. 11. Ayes: Councilmembers Polehna, Milbrandt, Harycki, Junker and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Motion by Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Council member Harycki to approve the placement of Stillwater Bridal Affair sign - Washington County Historic Courthouse. Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 Ayes: Councilmembers Milbrandt, Harycki, Junker and Mayor Kimble January 18, 2005 Nays: None Abstain: Councilmember Polehna PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible second readinq of Ordinance relatinq to Zoninq Text Amendment chanqinq the requlation of nonconformities (land use and buildinqs) allowinq continuance of such nonconformities in certain situations consistent with Minnesota Statues. City Attorney Magnuson noted the Zoning Text Amendment puts the City's Ordinance in compliance with recent changes in State Statute. He noted the Amendment gives further rights to owners of nonconforming properties, allowing them up to one year to rebuild a structure destroyed by fire. The one exception, he said, is those portions of the City in the Flood Plain/Shoreland Overlay District of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which are subject to Riverway regulations rather than City Ordinance. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Council member Milbrandt, to adopt Ordinance No. 952, an ordinance amending Chapter 31 of the City Code, Zoning 31-1, Subd. 9, Nonconforming uses. Ayes: Council members Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Update on RFP process for fire service delivery study Fire Chief Glaser noted the Council had approved the service delivery study on Dec. 7. The time for submitting RFPs closed Jan. 15. Six firms submitted proposals. The next step in the process, he said, is to review the written proposals and then interview a short list of candidates and decide on how to proceed. He said he would like a committee of five, including himself, City Administrator Hansen, the Deputy Fire Chief and Part-time, On-Call Assistant Chief and one Councilperson to serve on the review committee. Council member Junker volunteered to be the Council representative. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to move forward with the review process and appoint Council member Junker as the Council representative on the review committee. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of service contract for Ankeny Kell relatinq to National Guard Armory Community Development Director Russell told the Council that last week he and Mayor Kimble met with National Guard representatives. He noted that since 9/11 there have Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 been additional design criteria for siting new Armory facilities, especially criteria relating to setback, which have implications for the City's proposed Armory facility near the Recreation Center. Mr. Russell said he would like to enlist the services of Ankeny Kell, the firm that did the original Recreation Center/Armory study, to update the plan and look at how to fit an Armory on the City's identified site. Mr. Russell said he had talked with Duane Kell and would have a proposed scope and cost of the work available for the Council's next meeting. In the interim, he said he would like consensus from the Council to begin working with the architect. Council member Junker noted the original design plan dates to 1997 and asked whether possible upgrades/changes to the plan itself would be part of the work. Mr. Russell agreed that should be done and suggested a group of community representatives should be consulted as to upgrades, noting that the Guard has changed its plans too. It was noted that former Council member Kriesel had been serving on the Community Center Task Force and Councilmember Polehna also has been serving on that Task Force. It was the consensus it would be appropriate to appoint Council member Polehna to fill Mr. Kriesel's position as City representative on the Community Center Task Force. Mr. Russell said the initial work by Ankeny Kell would be to look at the revised site criteria and how to accommodate an Armory facility on the City's site. Council member Harycki noted that the local firm of Stefan Larson was involved in the original design plan and asked if there was any reason not to use a local firm. Mr. Russell said he was proposing Ankeny Kell because of that firm's experience and history with the project. Mayor Kimble also spoke of Ankeny Kell's expertise with National Guard training centers and its familiarity with Guard rules and regulations. Councilmember Harycki asked whether RFPs are solicited for such work or if the City just appoints a firm. Mr. Russell said that depends on the project - RFPs generally are solicited for major projects. Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Council member Junker, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2005-17. approval of service contract with Ankeny Kell relating to the National Guard Armory at a cost not to exceed $5,000 and appointing Councilmember Polehna to replace Gary Kriesel on the Community Center Task Force. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Request for consideration of development in Boutwell South Area by Manchester Homes Mayor Kimble said the applicants had requested delaying consideration of their request until the Council's February 15 meeting. Motion by Council member Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to continue this request until the February 15, 2005, meeting. All in favor. Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 Possible acceptance of feasibility report for 2005 Street Improvement Project and callinq for hearinq Assistant City Engineer Sanders reviewed the proposed 2005 street improvements. He stated in the past year, staff rated all streets in the City; those ratings will be used as a guide for the next three years in selected reconstruction projects. He stated that the worst rated streets are primarily in the South Hill area going east to Greeley. Proposed for reconstruction in 2005 are Hancock between Third and South Holcombe; Marsh from Third to Sixth; Fifth from Churchill to Orleans; and Deer Path and Deer Path Court. Mr. Sanders said Deerpath was initially done in 1981 to an Urban Section. Originally, he said, the street was used for local traffic only, but overtime has become an access route and has deteriorated significantly. The proposal is to remove the existing blacktop, gravel, and reconstruct the street with 4" of blacktop, 8" of gravel and 1" of sand. He said the street would not be fully reconstructed; the existing curb will remain. Council member Milbrandt asked if there had been any assessments since 1981; Mr. Sanders stated there had been none. Mr. Sanders said it is unknown when the last improvements were made to Marsh, Hancock and Fifth other than rehabilitation to the blacktop in the early 1970s. The streets have no curb and gutter and vary in width from 24' to 36'. There is some sidewalk, which is in very poor condition, he said. Also, there are some galvanized water services in the project area, which will be replaced. He said property owners are given the option of replacing water service prior to construction as the City will replace the line only from the water main to the property line, and sometimes property owners want to replace the entire service from the house to the water main. He stated that the total cost of the projects is $994,000 and that property owners would be assessed 50 percent for the street reconstruction, 100 percent for water service replacement. He noted that the Deerpath estimated assessments are $3,575, with corner lots $1,787. For the remainder of the project areas, the street assessment would be $5,892 for a standard lot and $2,946 per side for corner lots. The School District would be assessed $64/foot for its property on Hancock. Assessments for water service replacement would be $2,072 per lot. Mr. Sanders said it is proposed to hold a public hearing next month, then develop plans and specs, solicit bids in March and award bids April 1. Construction would take place over the summer, with the assessment hearing to take place in September. Councilmember Milbrandt noted the City's goal of expending $1.2 million annually for street reconstruction. He asked if there were any other candidates for reconstruction should the City receive good bids and have some extra funds. Mr. Sanders suggested a possible candidate would be one or two blocks on North Owens between Olive and Greeley. Public Works Director Eckles stated the City's goal is to spend $1.1 million annually for reconstruction. He suggested that if the Council wants to possibly include additional work, it should indicate that at this time, prior to the public hearing. Attorney Magnuson Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 agreed that would be wise as once bid, the City would be limited to 25 percent of the total contract for add-ons. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2005-218, resolution receiving report and calling hearing on 2005 Street Improvement Project (Project 2005-02) and setting the public hearing for 7 p.m. February 15, 2005. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Councilmember Milbrandt asked Clerk Ward to include the street-rating map on the City's web site. Discussion of Interlachen West to Northland Avenue Councilmember Milbrandt said he raised this issue for two reasons - the condition of the road from Northland to Mid Oaks and the increasing cut-through traffic on the remainder of the road into Rutherford in the Liberty development. Councilmember Milbrandt said school buses need to pick up several children with special needs at Interlachen/Mid Oaks. He said he has been told that children actually have to be held because of the condition of the road and requested that the Council consider paving that 400-250 feet of Interlachen between Northland and Mid Oaks. He also asked consideration be given to implementing a nine-month trial period in which Interlachen/72nd from Mid Oaks to Rutherford Road be designated one-way for eastbound traffic only. Mayor Kimble said he could support both paving the road from Northland to Mid Oaks and the nine-month trial proposal. Public Works Director Eckles said there has been previous discussion about the cut- through traffic. He said there are some possible solutions that will have other repercussions. He said he could present a background report for the Council's next meeting. Councilmember Junker asked if recent traffic counts were available. Mr. Eckles said it might not be possible to get those in time for the next meeting but agreed those counts should be updated. Possible appointments to Library Board Mayor Kimble noted the Library Board had recommended Julia Sandstrom for appointment. Councilmember Milbrandt said he had worked with Ms. Sandstrom previously and she would make a good appointee. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Council member Junker to adopt Resolution 2005-19, appointing Julia Sandstrom to the Library Board. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 Possible appointments to Parks Board January 18, 2005 Mayor Kimble stated that there are two openings on the Parks Board and two applicants, David Brandt and Catherine Sewilo. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Council member Harycki, to adopt Resolution 2005-20, appointing David Brandt and Catherine Sewilo to the Parks Board. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Possible appointments to Human Riqhts Commission Mayor Kimble noted that current Commission Chair Anthony Carr has requested reappointment, as did Ellie Samuelson; Ms. Samuelson requested appointment to a one-year term. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to appoint Anthony Carr to a two-year term to the Human Rights Commission. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to appoint Ellie Samuelson to a one-year term on the Human Rights Commission. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None It was noted the Council needs to appoint a total of seven members. Mr. Ken Moses has not officially resigned however he has indicated that he has resigned in a newspaper article. Councilmember Junker suggested proceeding as if Mr. Moses does not want to continue his membership. Mayor Kimble noted that Mr. Carr made some recommendations for appointment and that Councilmember Milbrandt had interviewed some of the candidates. The five candidates recommended by Mr. Carr and Mr. Milbrandt include Jane Taves, Gary Campbell, Wally Goettle, Louise Jones and Jo Harrison. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Harycki, appointing Jane Taves to a two-year term, Gary Campbell to a one-year term, Wally Goettle to a one-year term, Louise Jones to a two-year term, and Jo Harrison to a one-year term on the Human Rights Commission and adopting Resolution 2005-21, appointing members to the Human Rights Commission. Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 Ayes: Council members Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Possible approval of recommendations for General Obliqation Capital Outlay Bonds. Series 2005A, General Obliqation Capital Outlay Refundinq Bonds, Series 2005B, General Obliqation Sports Center Refundinq Bonds, Series 2005C (Resolution #2005-22. 2005-23. 2005-24) Finance Director Sharon Harrison explained that the $1.48 million in General Obligation Bonds will be used to finance the purchase of capital outlay items approved in the 2005 budget. The refunding of the Capital Outlay bonds, used to finance the 1996 City Hall remodeling project, will result in an estimated savings of $279,000. The refunding of the Revenue Bonds for the Recreation Center will result in an estimated savings of $109,000. Total estimated savings is $388,000, with a potential for additional savings depending on rates. Administrator Hansen said it is being recommended that the sale be held at the Council's February 15 meeting. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2005-22, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $1 ,480,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2005A. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Motion by Council member Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2005-23, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $3,180,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Refunding Bonds, Series 2005B. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Motion by Council member Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2005-24, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $2,715,000 General Obligation Sports Center Refunding Bonds, Series 2005C. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Mayor Kimble congratulated staff on doing a good job in saving taxpayer dollars. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS (continued) None COMMUNICA TIONS/REQUESTS None Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Council member Milbrandt asked that the City consider moving the Farmer's Market to the lower River View parking lot due to concerns about its current co-location with the Veterans Memorial. He said he thought both uses could be accommodated if the Market is moved to the lower level in the future. Councilmember Junker said he though that would be a good idea in order to show due respect to the Memorial pavers. Motion by Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Council member Harycki to move the Farmer's Market to the lower River View parking lot in the future. All in favor. Councilmember Polehna raised the issue of providing a portable toilet for the Market, noting that people have been walking through the Courthouse interrupting private events such as weddings in order to use the restrooms. Administrator Hansen asked whether the City or the Market organizers should be required to provide the toilets. Community Development Director Russell noted that the Farmer's Market people appear before the Council on an annual basis. It was the consensus to raise that issue when the Market's permit request is reviewed. Councilmember Junker updated the Council regarding a renewed interested in a City lodging tax and told the Council to expect that issue to come before it in the very near future. STAFF REPORTS (continued) None. Administrator Hansen reminded the Council it was adjourning to executive session. ADJOURNMENT to Executive Session requested by City Attorney for Litigation Issues Motion by Council member Junker, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, to adjourn to executive session at 8:26 p.m. All in favor. cfi~ ATTEST: I12icvu d uJ~ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2005-12, directing payment of bills Resolution 2005-13, Approving the Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local No. 257) representing Stillwater Patrol Officers Resolution 2005-14, Approving salary schedule for seasonal parking lot attendants Resolution 2005-15, acquisition of tax forfeited land Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-03 January 18, 2005 Resolution 2005-16, approving amendments to Section 125 plan (flexible spending plan) Resolution 2005-17, approval of service contract with Ankeny Kell relating to the National Guard Armory at a cost not to exceed $5,000 Resolution 2005-218, resolution receiving report and calling hearing on 2005 Street Improvement Project (Project 2005-02) Resolution 2005-19, appointing Julia Sandstrom to the Library Board. Resolution 2005-20, appointing David Brandt and Catherine Sewilo to the Parks Board. Resolution 2005-21, appointing members to the Human Rights Commission. Resolution 2005-22, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $1,480,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2005A. Resolution 2005-23, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $3,180,000 General Obligation Capital Outlay Refunding Bonds, Series 2005B. Resolution 2005-24, resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of $2,715,000 General Obligation Sports Center Refunding Bonds, Series 2005C. Ordinance No. 952, an ordinance amending Chapter 31 of the City Code, Zoning 31-1, Subd. 9, Noncorforming uses. Page 11 of 11