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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-06 CC MINCITY OF STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 05-25 December 6, 2005 REGULAR MEETING Mayor Kimble called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 4:00 P.M. Present: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Russell Director of Administration Knauss Finance Director Harrison Fire Chief Glaser Public Works Director Eckles City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Library Project Update - Tour of construction site Following a tour of the library construction site, Bill Hickey and Richard Huelsmann of the Library Board of Trustees provided an update on the library expansion project. Mr. Huelsmann stated that actual construction on the steep, sandy hillside, east of the original library building, has proven to be more complex and difficult than anticipated. He said in May 2005, the relationship with the original construction management firm was terminated by mutual agreement. The primary reason for the termination of the relationship with the original construction management firm was that the cost estimate was way over budget and the firm would not comply with the City's open bidding agreement. Adolfson & Peterson Construction was subsequently selected as construction manager and has worked creatively with the Library Board, architects and consultants to develop a construction plan that provide for the renovation and expansion, along with important features, as originally planned. Groundbreaking took place on Sept. 10, 2005. Since that time, demolition of portions of the interior of the original building has been completed, a water main within the footprint of the planned addition relocated, and pouring of the foundation wall and footings is in progress. Project completion is expected in August 2006, he said. While some changes have been made to the footprint and floor plans of the addition, Mr. Huelsmann said the overall project will be close to that originally planned in looks, size, features, and efficiencies. He said it is the Library Board's view that there is only one opportunity to do the renovation and expansion project properly, one opportunity to "do it right." The project's initial budget was $9 million, to be funded by a public/private partnership; the initial capital campaign goal was $4 million. While the original goal has City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 been surpassed ($4.2 million), he said the Library Board is committed to soliciting an additional $1.5-$2 million in funding to cover the currently estimated overall project cost of $10.5-$11 million. He said the Board hopes to raise an additional $750,000 to $1 million, with the City matching the contributions, as in the original plan. The additional costs, he said, are due to: higher than anticipated costs to build on the steep site; the cost of relocating the library's operation to a temporary site, previously not included in the project budget; and the higher than estimated overall construction costs, particularly in the cost of concrete and steel. He said to this point, the Board has authorized construction contracts of $3.4 million and approved payments of $914,000 for work completed. Mr. Huelsmann said construction will proceed to the extent funding is possible. If necessary, portions of the interior finishing will be delayed pending receipt of additional funding. Solicitation of gifts from key contributors, foundations, corporations and individuals is continuing. Recently, a status report was mailed to major donors and letters sent requesting additional contributions to seven of the largest contributors. Two of the seven have expressed strong interest in seeing the project is completed. And on Dec. 5, one of the foundations notified the Board that an additional gift of $300,000 has been approved. Mr. Huelsmann expressed optimism that the Board can raise additional funds. He said as progress continues, the Board will meet with City administration to finalize a plan for the City's participation. Mr. Huelsmann concluded his report by thanking the over 600 donors and City staff for their cooperation and attention. Trinity Lutheran Church -Post Office Project Pastor Dan Poffenberger and Bob Eiselt of Trinity Lutheran Church were present. The Pastor noted that Trinity owns the property on which the current downtown Post Office building is located, as well as the property where St. Croix Preparatory Academy is located and a parcel at Third and Myrtle. Trinity is proposing to move the Post Office across the street to the other parcel the Church owns at Third and Myrtle and construct a new building. The current Post Office site/building would provide for some future Church expansion. Mr. Eiselt reviewed building plans for the Post Office branch; the new two-story structure could also house other retail space/tenants, as proposed. Mr. Eiselt said a preliminary meeting has been held with postal officials, who highly recommended that Trinity obtain a letter of support from the City. He spoke of the advantages of the move, particularly in traffic flow. Mayor Kimble noted the City favors keeping the postal facility in downtown Stillwater and the advantage the proposal has for traffic stacking/flow. Mr. Eiselt noted that it could be up to one year before postal officials approved any move. Councilmember Milbrandt said he thought the Council should do anything possible to encourage the Post Office to remain downtown. Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Harycki directing staff to prepare a letter of support. All in favor. Presentation by Washington County for County Road 15 Improvement Protect Joe Lux, Washington County, provided the Council with a brief update and background on the project. He noted that Manning, when constructed in 1960, was projected to carry 2,300 vehicles per day in 20 years. Currently, traffic volumes are about 15,000 vehicles per day, and the roadway is not holding up well. The reconstruction project, as proposed, includes afour-lane roadway with raised median, curb and gutter and bike trail on the east side and ditch section on the west side. He said engineers currently are working on ways to mitigate the impact of the 14-foot median, particularly in the Eben Court area. The proposed alignment is about 11 feet west of the current centerline at County Road 12, he said. He reviewed the public input process; neighborhood issues include traffic noise. Cost of the project is about $6 million. The City's share would be about $190,000, primarily in curb and gutter, trail construction and median costs; the County's share would be about $1.4 million. The bulk of the funding would be in federal funds, he said. Mayor Kimble noted that Council members have received numerous calls relating to safety concerns about the current conditions. It was noted the traffic signal at Manning and County Road 12 would be operational by Christmas. Mr. Lux also said there have been preliminary discussions about realigning the frontage road to align with 62nd Street. Councilmember Junker asked about the possibility of preserving the tree line by Liberty West, versus removing the trees and creating a berm; Mr. Lux responded that there are efforts to narrow the median to mitigate such issues. Councilmember Polehna asked about the road elevation; Mr. Lux said lowering the roadway probably is not a viable option. Councilmember Milbrandt asked about plans for Manning from County Road 12 to Highway 96. Mr. Lux responded that chances for funding that portion of the project are pretty "bleak." Regarding a construction timetable, Mr. Lux said an optimistic view would be for construction to begin in spring of 2007; realistically, he said, it is likely bids would be let in 2007 for construction to begin in 2008. STAFF REPORTS Director of Administration Knauss said there is a legislative mandate that the City must adopt a policy relating to out-of-state travel for elected officials. A policy must be adopted by January 2006 and reviewed annually. Included in the agenda packet was a model policy prepared by the League of Minnesota Cities. She noted that the Council could choose to adopt all, some or none of the model policy and asked for direction on what it would like included in a policy. Mayor Kimble said in discussions with City Administrator Hansen, it was felt that a minimal, but similar policy would be appropriate. It was the consensus to keep the language simple and straightforward. Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, moved to direct staff to prepare a policy relating to out-of state travel for elected officials for adoption at the next Council meeting. All in favor. Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 Ms. Knauss reported that single-source recycling will begin the first of the year. Carts will be distributed in late December, along with a letter explaining the process, with the first pickup scheduled for the second of January. Community Development Director Russell noted that a public meeting regarding the infill housing policy was scheduled for Dec. 14, and it is hoped that proposed guidelines will be ready to go to the Council by its first meeting in January. Councilmember Milbrandt suggested that the Dec. 14 meeting be taped for airing on Cable Access. Councilmember Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, moved to request Valley Access Channels to tape the Dec. 14 meeting; All in favor. Public Works Director Eckles updated the Council on a recent mandate relating to utility location requirements. The new mandate requires cities to locate and keep track of service lines that go to private homes. He said the new policy is of real concern due to staff time; he said many cities are going to a GPS approach. He said it is unclear as to the potential cost for getting into that. He said he would have a report for the next Council meeting. Mayor Kimble noted this is another unfunded government mandate, and a significant burden to the City due to the age of the infrastructure. Mr. Eckles said the City is supposed to appoint a representative and alternate to the Middle St. Croix Watershed. Ron Nelson has served as the City representative. Mr. Eckles said at a minimum, the Council should reappoint Mr. Nelson and consider appointment of an alternate. Mr. Eckles was asked to report on this matter and provide recommendations for the next meeting. Mr. Eckles responded to concerns about proposed stop sign locations. Mayor Kimble raised a concern about a sign at Third and Laurel streets. Mayor Kimble said a stop sign in that location won't work, especially during winter conditions. Councilmember Harycki also raised a concern about Hazel and the railroad tracks, and said he had also received calls about Fourth and Laurel. Councilmember Junker said he also had received calls about Third and Laurel and said he thought neighbors would be notified before the new stop signs were installed. Councilmember Junker agreed with Mayor Kimble about the Third and Laurel intersection. Councilmember Junker suggested the timing for that particular site is wrong; testing should be done in summer. Councilmember Polehna asked about the outdoor ice rink at the Rec Center; Mr. Eckles said the Hockey Association has lost interest in that project. Councilmember Polehna also suggested that a rink at Benson Park is not of much use and suggested flooding efforts might be better expended on a downtown rink. Councilmember Polehna also asked about the dredging project. Mr. Eckles said the City is waiting for permits; likely the project will be accomplished in February. City Administrator Hansen reported that as part of the Terra Springs project agreement, developers were allowed to sell two tax increment bonds and atax-exempt Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 refunding/take-out bond when completed. He said developers were notified that with the library bond sale and capital bonding in January 2006, the City would be coming close to its $10 million limit, which results in additional expense. As a result, he said Terra Springs' developers are very much in a hurry to sell the take-out bond before the end of the year; failure to do so would result in extra expenses of about $100,000 a year. He said efforts are being made to prepare for a sale by the next Council meeting. City Administrator Hansen also reported that no one responded to an opening on the Charter Commission, so now the Council has the prerogative to appoint someone. He suggested that Councilmembers think of possible appointments. The meeting was recessed at 6:05 p.m. RECESSED MEETING Mayor Kimble called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 7:00 P.M. Present: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Russell Finance Director Harrison Police Chief Dauffenbach Public Works Director Eckles City Clerk Ward APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Harycki, moved approval of the regular meeting minutes of November 15, 2005. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Presentation of the Community Conservationist Award by Jay Riggs, Manager of the Washington Conservation District Jay Riggs, District Manager of the Washington Conservation District, and Rosemary Wallace, Conservation District Supervisor, presented the 2005 Community Conservationist Award to the City of Stillwater. Mayor Kimble said the award really goes to staff and, in particular, acknowledged the efforts of Public Works Director Eckles. It was noted that Mr. Eckles had accepted the award on behalf of the City at the recent statewide convention. Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 Proclamation: Friends of Stillwater Parks Day Mayor Kimble read the proclamation declaring Dec. 7, 2005, as Friends of Stillwater Parks Day. Mayor Kimble thanked the organization for its efforts. Judy Gulden accepted the proclamation on behalf of Friends of Stillwater Parks. Police Chief Dauffenbach reminded the public that the City's odd-even winter parking regulations are in effect. Warning tickets were issued in November; citations now are being issued. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA* Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the Consent Agenda. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Resolution 2005-258, directing payment of bills Resolution 2005-259, adopting Delinquent Sewer Charges (L.I. No. 00001) Resolution 2005-260, adopting Delinquent Garbage Bill Charges (L.I. No. 00002) Resolution 2005-261, approval of maintenance agreement with Allstar Wireless for Fire & Public Works Department Resolution 2005-262, accepting grant agreement with the State of MN DNR Possible approval of temporary liquor license -Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce -February 23, 2006 -Blue Moon Possible approval of utility bill adjustments Resolution 2005-263, authorizing the participation in the Share Water Resource Educator Possible approval of Special Event - St. Croix Valley/Minnesota Youth Ski League - January 1, 2005 Approval to purchase desktop computer -Engineering Department Possible approval of Temporary Liquor License -Stillwater Sunrise Rotary -December 31, 2005 Resolution 2005-264, approving the amended and restated 457(b) plan document with Nationwide Retirement Solutions PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No SUB/05-65 This is the date and time for a public hearing to consider a request from Scott Junker for a subdivision of Lot 3 Blk 15 Carli & Schulenberg's Addition (15,000 square feet) into two lots of 7 500 square feet each located at 324 Wilkins Street East in the RB, Two Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 Family Residential District Notice was mailed to affected property owners and published in the Stillwater Gazette on November 25, 2005. Community Development Director Russell reviewed the request. He noted the proposed lot sizes meet the conditions of the RB District. He said there are two conditions of approval -one relating to an outstanding assessment and a second requiring a certificate of survey to show the actual size of the subdivided lots. Mayor Kimble opened the public hearing. City Attorney Magnuson said he had received a call from the applicant, who was unable to attend the evening meeting, in which Mr. Scott Junker said he would be willing to submit to design review if the Council determined that was appropriate. No other comments were received. Mr. Russell said the Case was approved by a unanimous vote of the Planning Commission. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Harycki to adopt Resolution 2005-266, approving subdivision of Lot 3, Block 15, Carli & Schulenberg's Addition (324 Wilkens Street) with the two conditions and an additional condition that if design guidelines are in place when the applicant chooses to build, that plans be subject to the design review process. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Abstention: Councilmember Junker This is the date and time for a public hearing for review of Phase III City Annexation and Expansion fora 170 acre 270 residential unit Millbrook Development (Palmer Farm) located south of TH 96 west of Neal Avenue north of Brown's Creek and east of Manning Avenue. Notice was mailed to affected property owners and published in the Stillwater Gazette on November 25, 2005 Community Development Director noted the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Board and the Joint Board have reviewed the request on several occasions. Many modifications to the plans have been made as a result of those meetings. He said there were nine conditions of approval that should be included in concept approval. He said the parks portion of the concept plan has been modified and approved by the Parks Board. The City's AUAR has been amended, and an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan will not be required for this plan, he said. The recommendation of the Planning Commission and Parks Board is to approve the concept plan with the nine conditions. Mayor Kimble opened the public hearing. Phil Carlson, planning consultant for the developer, US Homes, reviewed housing products and access to the development. He also reviewed changes made to the plan at the recommendation of City staff. The major change, he said, is the provision of a full Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 10 percent for park dedication -the 7.5-acre major park along Highway 96, a one-acre neighborhood park in the southern quadrant of the development, and passive park area along the south side of South Twin Lake. The plan includes an additional 22 acres of usable green areas, with another 11 acres that will remain green space due to required setbacks. Councilmember Junker questioned the dedication of the open space by South Twin Lake as parkland, noting the site in question was always shown in plans as open space. Mr. Carlson noted that previously the area was homeowner association-owned, rather than public land as now proposed. Councilmember Junker asked about the trail along South Twin Lake, saying it was one of the most important conditions. Mr. Carlson responded there is space for a trail and an easement will be provided if required; however, he said it is felt that any trail should be a natural trail, sensitively done. Mr. Carlson noted that the details of any trail have not been worked out at this time. Councilmember Polehna asked about access to the privately-owned areas and whether there might be gates installed, for example. Mr. Carlson said he did not see that as a possibility. Councilmember Harycki questioned the adequacy of parking for the active park; Councilmember Milbrandt responded that issue has been looked at several times, and there is a lot of on-street parking near the park. Mr. Carlson also noted that the City could choose to put a parking lot on a portion of the 7.5 acres. Mr. Junker said he thought the biggest issue and primary condition was the trail along South Twin Lake, an amenity to the entire City. Councilmember Junker also stated that he did not want to see just a grass trail. Councilmember Polehna agreed that it would be important to put the trail along the entire lake, not just the north end of the lake. Mr. Russell pointed out that in addition to the condition relating to the trail along South Twin Lake, condition of approval 9 provides for additional City authority over the specifics of the development of the trails. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Harycki, adopting Resolution 2005-267, approving concept of Phase III City Annexation and Expansion for a 170 acre, 270 residential unit, Millbrook Development (Palmer Farm) located south of TH 96, west of Neal Avenue, north of Brown's Creek and east of Manning Avenue, with the nine conditions as outlined. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None This is the date and time for a public hearing for Truth in Taxation. Notice was published in the Stillwater Gazette on November 30, 2005. City Administrator Hansen gave a Power Point presentation relating to the proposed budget and property tax levy. He pointed out that the 2006 budget is down $719,371 from the 2005 budget, primarily due to capital purchases. The tax levy for 2006 is $8.9 million, up $515,000 from 2005. The tax rate has gone down due to the growth in the community. He said the median tax increase is 6.6 percent, which compares quite favorably with the rest of Washington County. The presentation covered the services offered by the City and supported by taxes. Property taxes now account for 51 percent Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 of the income spent, while Local Government Aid is now 13 percent, down from 33 percent in the past. He noted that increased spending, excluding personnel contract costs, is up slightly over 2 percent. He also briefly reviewed legislative changes that impact tax rates, and the possible tax impact on homes of various valuations. Mayor Kimble invited public comment. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible second reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 31 of The Stillwater City Code, Zoning §31-1 Subd. 26' Sign Regulations City Attorney Magnuson said the proposed amendment requires signs to have a design review permit, rather than both a building permit and design review permit. The change is primarily a housekeeping one, he said. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, to adopt Ordinance No. 964 amending Chapter 31 of the Stillwater City Code, Zoning, Sign Regulations. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of resolution calling for redemption of certain outstanding bonds Finance Director Harrison said staff recommends paying off the general obligation bonds 1998C. There is a savings of $12,480 in interest payments by calling the bonds early, she said. Motion by Councilmember Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2005-265, Resolution Calling for Redemption of Certain Outstanding Bonds. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Accepting Preserve America Designation (Resolution) Mayor Kimble noted Stillwater is one of the few cities in the State to receive such a designation. He stated the program is a new federal initiative to encourage preservation efforts. Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 December 6, 2005 Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2005-268, Accepting Preserve America Designation and Authorizing Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to Use Submittal Documents Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Accepting Governor's Fit City Award Mayor Kimble noted this award recognizes the City's commitment to encourage citizens to become more physically fit and active and improve the overall health of the community. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker to accept the Governors Fit City Award. All in favor. Possible approval of revised Joint Powers Agreement with Middle St. Croix River Watershed Management Organization City Attorney Magnuson said earlier this year, the Watershed hired a law firm to rewrite and update the original Joint Powers Agreement. He and local attorney Mark Vierling were invited to provide input into the process as, between the two of them; they represent seven of the 11 communities in the Watershed. Mr. Magnuson said the invited input was listened to and incorporated. He said he did not think the revisions are substantive changes but put the agreement into the form it should be according to state statute. He said he thought it would be in the best interests of the City to consider approval. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Harycki to adopt Resolution 2005-269, Approval of Revised Joint Powers Agreement with Middle St. Croix River Watershed Management Organization. Ayes: Councilmembers Harycki, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Request from Board of Water Commissioners for future well site Public Works Director Eckles said the Board of Water Commissioners had submitted a letter requesting an additional well by the existing water tank. He said staff had not had time to review the request. He said the request would require the City to acquire property on behalf of the Water Board. He said there is some question as to whether a new well would require an environmental review process. He said he would suggest that staff obtain more information from the Water Board and then report back to the Council. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Junker directing staff to work with the Water Board to get the engineering analysis that would support the request. Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting - 05-23 COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS December 6, 2005 Mayor Kimble reported after several years of meetings with bridge stakeholders, agreement has been reached so the process can move forward. Mayor Kimble also reminded residents of the annual Christmas gathering at Valley Access Channels. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Harycki to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. All in favor. ATTEST: .~ \~ G~~C~~~i3~ ~~ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2005-258, directing payment of bills Resolution 2005-259, adopting Delinquent Sewer Charges (L.I. No. 00001) Resolution 2005-260, adopting Delinquent Garbage Bill Charges (L.I. No. 00002) Resolution 2005-261, approval of maintenance agreement with Allstar Wireless for Fire & Public Works Department Resolution 2005-262, accepting grant agreement with the State of MN DNR Resolution 2005-263, authorizing the participation in the Share Water Resource Educator Resolution 2005-264, approving the amended and restated 457(b) plan document with Nationwide Retirement Solutions Resolution 2005-265, Resolution Calling for Redemption of Certain Outstanding Bonds Resolution 2005-267, approving concept of Phase III City Annexation and Expansion fora 170 acre, 270 residential unit, Millbrook Development (Palmer Farm) located south of TH 96, west of Neal Avenue, north of Brown's Creek and east of Manning Avenue Resolution 2005-268, accepting Preserve America Designation and Authorizing Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to Use Submittal Documents Resolution 2005-269, Approval of Revised Joint Powers Agreement with Middle St. Croix River Watershed Management Organization Ordinance No. 964 amending Chapter 31 of the Stillwater City Code, Zoning, Sign Regulations Page 11 of 11