HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-17 CC MINCITY OF STILLWATER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 07-16
July 17, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
Present: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Staff present: City Administrator Hansen
City Attorney Magnuson
Community Development Director Turnblad
Director of Administration Knauss
Finance Director Harrison
Assistant Fire Chief Linhoff
Police Chief Gannaway
Public Works Director Sanders
City Clerk Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Harycki led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the July 3,
2007 regular and recessed meeting minutes. All in favor.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS
St. Croix River Crossing Update -Todd Clarkowski and Nick Thompsen
Nick Thompsen, East Metro Area Manager for the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT), provided an update on the St. Croix River crossing project. He
noted that in December, the Federal Highway Administration issued the record of
decision, approving the environmental process utilized by the stakeholders group. The
record of decision started the 180-time period in which the decision could be
challenged. At this time, work is being done on mitigation items that need to be
completed prior to construction, along with design and funding items, and permits.
Regarding mitigation items, he stated the first work completed was removal of the Terra
Terminal Building. Later in the process, the area around the building will be improved
with trails and an historic structure will be moved to the terminal site. Also at this time,
nominations are being solicited for historic properties on the Minnesota side of the river.
City Council Meeting - 07-16
July 17, 2007
A transit feasibility study is being conducted at this time; that report will be completed
this year. Overall, there are $16 million in mitigation items for this project.
Design work includes the roadway leading to the bridge on the Minnesota and
Wisconsin sides of the river and the bridge itself. In the next several months, the
contract for the preliminary design on the bridge itself will be awarded; the preliminary
design will take about 18 months to complete, he stated. A lot of the preliminary design
work on the Minnesota approach has been done, he said. Efforts also are under way to
secure the necessary federal permits, he said.
Two legal actions are pending against the project, he stated. The City of Oak Park
Heights filed legal action against MnDOT last fall. Oak Park Height's action relates to
the Municipal Consent process itself. The Municipal Consent process was changed by
the state legislature in 2001, and the City of Oak Park Heights believes the old law
should be used. The first hearing in Oak Park Heights' legal action was to take place on
July 20. The Sierra Club has taken action against the Federal Highway Administration
and the Department of Interior, so at this point MnDOT is not a party to that action. The
key to both of the legal actions, he said, is that neither of the legal challenges is
impeding the project schedule. The key to the project schedule, he stated, is funding. Ai
this time, there is not full funding for the bridge and the bridge is not scheduled to be
built any time soon. He said there is about $25 million in federal funding at this time,
probably enough for the design phase. However, he pointed out a decision has not
been made regarding the delivery method for construction. He said MnDOT has been
doing some projects under the design-build process. In that process, a project is only
taken to about the preliminary design stage, with final design done when construction is
started. He stated the design-build process is a way to speed up construction of this
project, so until funding is secured, the DOTs may want to keep their options open and
not enter final design at this point. He noted that is a state decision that will be made by
the two DOTs. He reiterated that the key issue at this point is funding, noting that
funding is not in the schedule until after 2024.
Mayor Harycki asked if there was any contingency for providing state funding should
federal funding be secured. Mr. Thompsen pointed out that generally when a large
amount of federal funds are earmarked for a certain project, the required matching state
funds are found somewhere.
Mr. Thompsen briefly spoke of plans for Highway 36 frontage road improvements
planned in conjunction with the bridge crossing. He stated Oak Park Heights has
requested some improvements be done before the bridge construction. He said MnDOT
has made an offer to Oak Park Heights and would extend the same offer to Stillwater to
do a mill and overlay of the frontage roads if the cities are willing to do routine
maintenance of the roads after. He said reconstruction of the roads would still be part of
the bridge construction project. Mayor Harycki noted the issue is complicated by the fact
- that Stillwater owns the north lane of the frontage road in Oak Park Heights. Mr.
Thompsen agreed that this issue needs more discussion with the two cities and
Washington County.
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July 17, 2007
Mayor Harycki asked if there might be any assistance from MnDOT to mitigate traffic
issues the City is experiencing due to the existing bridge. Councilmember Milbrandt
asked if it would require state legislation to prohibit truck/semi traffic from going through
downtown Stillwater. Mr. Thompsen said it might be possible to secure an engineering
judgment that the existing bridge can only handle a certain weight load. Prohibiting truck
traffic from utilizing Highway 95 through downtown would require state legislation, it was
noted.
Also in attendance for the discussion were State Representatives Matt Dean and Julie
Bunn, State Senator Kathy Salzmann and a representative from U.S. Rep. Michelle
Bachmann's office.
Youth Services Bureau -Budget Request -Paul Weiler
Paul Weiler, executive director of the Youth Service Bureau, expressed his appreciation
for the City's nearly 30 years of continuous support for the Youth Service Bureau's
efforts to keep kids out of the court system and to request $36,000 in funding for the
coming year.
Mr. Weiler reviewed the mission of the Youth Service Bureau and its core programs. He
stated that last year, the Bureau served over 2,300 children and their families from three
locations -Stillwater, Woodbury and Cottage Grove - with a new location just recently
opened in River Falls. He stated that 455 youth and their families from Stillwater
received services last year. He pointed that for the past several years, the Bureau has
partnered with Stillwater Schools to provide an alternative to suspension that has
served well over 300 kids each year. He said the Bureau also has initiated a restorative
justice component that puts the youths in direct contact with the victim they caused
harm to. Mr. Weiler also talked about outcomes and data that indicates that 85 percent
of the kids they have served do not get re-involved in the juvenile justice system six
months after completion; 75 percent of the families who receive counseling assistance
indicate the issue that brought them into counseling is either manageable or improved.
He also referred to a study by the Wilder Foundation that looked at the social return on
investment in programs such as offered by the Youth Service Bureau. The Wilder study
found that every $1 investment in targeted programs returns an $8 savings to a
community, he pointed out, and every $1 in investment in comprehensive programs,
such as counseling programs, returns $14 in savings to a community. He stated that
more importantly, it is their belief that programs result in better outcomes for kids,
families and community.
Community Volunteer Services -Budget Request -Keith Paul and Karla Bataglia
Keith Paul, president of the Community Volunteer Services board of directors, and Karla
Bataglia, program director, appeared with the annual budget request. Mr. Paul reviewed
the history and mission of Community Volunteer Services, now in its 40th year. Ms.
Bataglia reviewed the six primary program areas and numbers of people served.
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City Council Meeting - 07-16 July 17, 2007
Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce -Budget Request -Jennifer Severson
Jennifer Severson, executive director of Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce,
appeared on behalf of the Downtown Merchants Association, a Chamber committee,
with a budget request of $11,250 for beautification projects in the historic downtown
Stillwater area. Projects include the holiday snowflake decorations, the sidewalk
planters in the summer, and the seasonal banners. She said the request is to establish
a partnership with the City on the beautification projects, a financial and maintenance
partnership.
Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration -Jane Leonard
Jane Leonard, executive director of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission,
reviewed plans for the celebration, a time to rediscover the state and showcase the
people and achievements. She talked about the goals set by the Commission. She
reviewed funding sources and major activities/events. She invited the City of Stillwater
to showcase the Sesquicentennial's spirit program and debut the program here in 2007.
A representative of the graphic art design company showed the banner that will be used
in promotions.
Proclamation of National Night Out -August 7, 2007
Mayor Harycki read a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2007, as National Night Out in the
City of Stillwater. Police Chief Gannaway said police and fire department personnel
would be visiting neighborhoods and also would have something planned for downtown.
OPEN FORUM
Joe Hibberd, 781 Eagle Ridge Trail, pointed out that a survey conducted by one of the
members of the Eagle Ridge task force indicates that 74 percent of the residents of
Eagle Ridge between Green Twig and Neal Avenue do not want any type of pedestrian
pathway. He said residents of Eagle Ridge Trail feel they are being forced to accept
something they didn't ask for and clearly do not want. He asked that the Council
represent the majority of the residents of Eagle Ridge Trail and vote against any plans
for a sidewalk or path.
William Fogarty, 8500 215th St., Forest Lake, spoke of an incident his son was involved
with the previous weekend that involved personnel of the Freight House. He asked that
the Council look at licensing of bouncers and security enforcement methodse
STAFF REPORTS
- Director of Administration Knauss provided a report on the number of summer
personnel
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Community Development Director Turnblad reported that Washington Square Park will
be reopened on Aug. 1 and facilities will be available for rent beginning Aug. 10. He also
reported that the Teddy Bear Park train whistle has been baffled and insulated and now
creates very little volume; the whistle was to be replaced the day following the Council
meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA (Roll Call)
Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Resolution 2007-140, directing payment of bills
Possible approval of Special Event -American Legion Post 48 -July 19-22
Possible approval of application to sell 3.2 beer -Softball Tournament Lily Lake -July
20-22 -Brent Sharon
Possible approval to purchase three (3) new Taser X-26 devices -Police Department
Resolution 2007-141, approving Minnesota premises permit for gambling for American
Legion Post 491, located at Ruby Begonias' and Loggers
Possible approval to purchase three (3) picnic tables for Brown's Creek Park
Possible approval of utility bill adjustments
Possible approval to purchase digital recording system for Council Chambers
Possible approval to purchase of a filtering server
Possible approval to purchase two computers Engineering, two computers for Fire
Departments and one computer for the Recreation Center
Possible approval of maintenance agreement with Loffler Companies for copier
maintenance
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case No. 07-32. This is the date and time for a public hearing for the final plat approval of
Fairway Villas a development of property at 1902 North William Street into 22 twinhomes (11
buildings with two homes per building) and development agreement. MBM Development, Bob
Clark applicant Notices were mailed to affected property owners on and published in the
Stillwater Gazette on June 8 2007. Continued from July 3, 2007 meeting.
Mayor Harycki opened the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to continue the hearing
until Aug. 7, 2007. All in favor.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Report from Eagle Ridge Task Force
July 17, 2007
Public Works Director Sanders pointed out when the Council awarded the project; the
Council asked that a task force be established to look at the issues of street lighting,
sidewalk/path options, and traffic calming measures. He stated 21 people expressed an
interest in serving on the task force. Aseven-member panel was formed.
Councilmembers Milbrandt and Gag, City Administrator Hansen, Assistant City
Engineer Kraftson and Mr. Sanders attended the task force meetings. Three meetings
were held during the last month.
The task force recommends that no additional street lighting be added to the project; the
original project proposed three streetlights between Myrtle and Green Twig. Rather than
additional street lighting, the task force encourages residents to continue using their
front yard globes and recommended that the Council and staff create a policy for the
Eagle Ridge and Oak Glen neighborhoods for maintaining lights once the covenants
expire. Regarding the path/sidewalk, the task force recommended that a no-build option
be presented as an option for the Council to consider. Should a walkway be installed,
the task force recommended that a 5' concrete sidewalk be installed two feet from the
boulevard, with consideration for lot size, landscaping and other factors so the sidewalk
is the least obtrusive to a property as possible. The talk force did not want to make a
recommendation as to which side of the street a sidewalk should be placed, Mr.
Sanders said, but did suggest the decision on the location be based on the number of
properties affected, properties with side yards and back yards that would be adjacent to
the sidewalk, amount of traffic from cul-de-sacs at the various intersections, number of
steep driveways that would be affected, and the safety of crossing locations at Green
Twig and Neal Avenue. A final factor to consider, the task force suggested, is which
side of the street the people who favor a pedestrian walkway live on. The task force also
recommended that if a sidewalk is constructed, staff from the Engineering Department
work with homeowners with steep driveways to fit the sidewalk on the property in the
best manner possible.
Regarding traffic calming measures, the task force recommended that the police
department enforce speeds along Eagle Ridge and review enforcement procedures with
the neighborhood. It also recommended the placement of two speed advisory signs at
the curves on Eagle Ridge and that the City asks MnDOT to consider a speed study if
speed remains a problem in the future. If a sidewalk is constructed, the task force
recommended that the Council consider narrowing the street by four feet on the side of
the street the walkway is constructed, resulting in a 28' street face to face. The group
also recommended that the double yellow line not be installed after the street is paved.
Mr. Sanders stated the additional cost of narrowing the street is estimated at $40,000 -
removing and replacing the curb, moving some storm sewer structures and relocation of
- a number of sprinklers.
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July 17, 2007
Councilmember Gag noted that the task force members worked very hard and held
diverse views, and he thanked the members for their efforts at making this a better
project. Councilmember Milbrandt echoed Mr. Gag's thanks for participation and
diligence.
Mark Hackbarth, 731 Eagle Ridge Trail, called for communication between residents
and the Council. He asked the Council to consider the neighborhood, noting a sidewalk
is not something 74 percent of the residents want. Regarding safety, he stated this is
not an unsafe neighborhood -everyone has a responsibility for safety -and having a
sidewalk will not make Eagle Ridge a safer neighborhood. If the City can't narrow the
roadway and put the sidewalk to the edge and can't tell residents how the City can
handle some of the more difficult driveways and provide some comfort level, then the
City cannot expect residents to just accept this. He reiterated that residents prefer not to
have a sidewalk, the group of people with the "skin in the game," those on the north side
as well as the other side, do not want the sidewalk and are asking that a sidewalk not
be constructed..
Amy Zastrow, 2302 Eagle Ridge Trail, referred to federal guidelines that determine
when a sidewalk is required, and she stated that Eagle Ridge does not meet those
guidelines. Sidewalks are needed on streets serving four or more units per acre, she
said, and Eagle Ridge Trail serves a maximum of 3 properties per acre. She also
referred to a transportation study that calls for construction of bicycle and pedestrian
ways in new construction/reconstruction projects unless the cost of establishing
bike/pedestrian walkways would be excessively disproportionate (20 percent of the cost
of the larger transportation project) to the need or probable use. She pointed out the
cost of constructing a sidewalk is estimated at 19.13 to 22.5 percent of the total project
cost, again exceeding federal guidelines dealing with sidewalks. She also stated that
regardless of which side of the road a sidewalk is placed, it will result in driveway
issues, and increasing slopes above what is allowed by City code. She also called for
some education of all residents in the area regarding speed and safety issues.
Bill Vezina, 1008 Eagle Ridge Court, a task force member, said he felt the Eagle Ridge
neighborhood is large enough and dense enough to justify a sidewalk, primarily for
safety reasons and as an amenity for the neighborhood. He encouraged the Council to
push forward with the sidewalk project.
At Mayor Harycki's request, Police Chief Gannaway explained the Police Department's
program of loaning out ahand-held radar unit. Residents can clock vehicles in their
neighborhoods and record license plates. The Police Department then sends advisory
letters to the registered owner of the vehicles recorded as exceeding the speed limit.
Councilmember Milbrandt pointed out he lives in the neighborhood and continually
hears three comments -What are you going to do to fix Eagle Ridge? What are you
going to do about the speeders? And what are you going to do to protect pedestrians?
He suggested the task force has provided the opportunity to address all three concerns
by continuing with the infrastructure project and narrowing the road, which statistically is
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July 17, 2007
supposed to reduce speeds and help with traffic calming, and which will provide room
for the placement of a sidewalk. He stated he supported construction of the sidewalk
and said he believed the northeast quadrant was the best location.
Councilmember Gag noted this is a difficult decision and suggested this is the Council's
opportunity to make a difficult decision that will be looked at as the right decision 20
years in the future. He said the speed advisory signs make good sense and spoke in
favor of the two-foot boulevard and the narrowing of the street by 4' to minimize the
slope issue on some driveways and make the walkway less obtrusive. He spoke in favor
of the sidewalk and how it fits with the comprehensive trail plan and said he felt the best
placement would be on the north side.
Councilmember Polehna said he felt that sidewalks are an important safety feature and
felt constructing a sidewalk was the right thing to do. Councilmember Nyberg said he
felt this was a safety issue and said with the task force's recommendation for narrowing
the street; this will be a much better project.
City Attorney Magnuson noted this would require a resolution as it involves a contract
change order.
There was a question from the audience regarding a homeowner's legal liability for the
sidewalk. City Attorney Magnuson responded a homeowner's responsibility/liability for a
public sidewalk is very limited.
Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution
2007-142, resolution approving changing items in the 2007 Street Improvement Project on
Eagle Ridge, placing a 5' concrete sidewalk on the northeast side and narrowing the street on
the same side by 4' fora 28' street the entire length; incorporating all three task force
recommendations regarding street lighting; incorporating the recommendation regarding the
boulevard and directing engineering staff to work with residents with steep driveways; and
incorporating all five task force recommendations regarding traffic calming.
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg and Polehna
Nays: Mayor Harycki
Discussion on Lumberjack Days and possible approval of temporary liquor license (tabled from
July 3, 2007)
Mayor Harycki said he and Councilmember Nyberg had met with representatives of
both the not-for-profit Lumberjack Days Festival and the for-profit entity, St. Croix
Events, at which time the Lumberjack Days representatives proposed that the City
revert back to its earlier practice of not charging for additional police protection for the
event. Mayor Harycki said he made a counter proposal that the City scale charges back
to what it charged about two years ago -- $25,000 for the additional $64,000 in police
costs incurred by the City. Mayor Harycki said the agreement had been signed by the
Lumberjack Days representatives.
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July 17, 2007
Councilmember Nyberg said he thought the agreement was a good solution for
everyone involved at this point, and said efforts will continue to reach along-term
agreement. Mayor Harycki did suggest one change to the contract -designating a
closing date in 2008 when final payment to the City is due; Mayor Harycki also stated he
would like to see along-term agreement reached by September of 2007. City
Administrator Hansen stated the Lumberjack Days people are in agreement with the
desire for along-term agreement and thought that might be possible; City Administrator
Hansen did caution against making any last-minute changes to the proposed agreement
which could be interpreted as a show of bad faith.
Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt
Resolution 2007-143, approval 2007 Lumberjack Days Agreement and directed that by Oct.
1, 2007 that the City has either reached along-term agreement with the present Lumberjack
Days Association or the City shall seek alternative celebration channels with an open park
date. On a suggestion by Mayor Harycki, Councilmember Milbrandt amended his motion to
change the deadline for along-term agreement to the second Council meeting of September.
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the issuance of a
temporary liquor license for Lumberjack Days. All in favor.
Discussion on Fairway Villas Hook-up Fees (continued from July 3, 2007 meeting)
Mayor Harycki suggested tabling a decision on this matter until a decision has been
made on the final plat as well. Councilmember Milbrandt also spoke in favor of delaying
action until the final plat is approved in order to establish the most equitable fees.
Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to table this matter until
a decision is reached on the final plat. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on 2007-08 Recreation Center rates
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that even with the proposed increase
in rental fees for ice time and field house time, the Recreation Center rates will still be
10-20 percent lower than other similar facilities in the metro area. Fees for open skate
and open field will not change.
Councilmember Polehna noted that rates were not increased last year.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Nyberg to adopt Resolution
2007-144, approving rates for the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.
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City Council Meeting - 07-16 July 17, 2007
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible approval of Teddy Bear Park rental agreement amendment
Community Development Director Turnblad explained that the proposed amendment
dealing with reservation and payment deadlines is primarily due to staff scheduling
issues. He stated the Park and Recreation Board recommended approval.
Councilmember Milbrandt noted the intent is to generate revenues and said he would
not like to have the policy so rigid as to discourage rentals. Councilmember Polehna
said he thought there should be a rental policy for all parks. It was agreed to refer
Councilmember Polehna's suggestion regarding arental/reservation policy for all parks
to the Park & Recreation Commission.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt to adopt
Resolution 2007-145, approving revisions to the Teddy Bear Park rental agreement.
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Discussion of Lowell Park flap pole renovation
Community Development Director Turnblad told the Council a local resident and stone
mason, Paul Johnson, has volunteered to restore the flagpole in Lowell Park. He said
Mr. Johnson is only asking the City to pay for the cost of the replacement block and
some metal work, as well as the cost of lowering and raising the pole. Mr. Turnblad said
if the Council is in agreement with the concept, staff will develop a license agreement
and bring details back at another Council meeting. Councilmember Polehna asked if the
levee project might impact the future location of the flagpole. Administrator Hansen said
the flood control project will not have any impact on the location.
Motion by Councilmember Nyberg, seconded by Councilmember Gag, moved to proceed with
drafting a license agreement for the project. All in favor.
Possible first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2007 Minnesota State Fire Code, possible
first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code, and possible
first reading of an ordinance establishing_,permit fees to be collected by the City of Stillwater
City Attorney Magnuson suggested noted this is a housekeeping measure, as the state
Fire Code became the law in the state of Minnesota on July 10, as well as the new
Building Code. Mr. Magnuson suggested that one roll call vote could be taken for the
three first readings -Fire Code, Building Code and permit fees.
Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the
first reading of the three ordinances.
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City Council Meeting - 07-16 July 17, 2007
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible approval of Plans and Specifications for the 2007 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project
Public Works Director Sanders said plans and specifications for the sidewalk project
have been completed and staff has talked with the four people who commented at the
recent public hearing and their comments have been addressed.
Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Nyberg to adopt Resolution
2007-146. approve plans & specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for 2007
Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2007-05).
Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible designation of Council representative for interview panel for the Park Commission
vacancy
City Clerk Ward noted that with the recently adopted policy regarding Heritage
Preservation, Planning and Park & Recreation Commissions vacancies, there is a need
for a Councilmember to volunteer to serve on the interview panel for a recent Park &
Recreation Commission vacancy created with the resignation of Paul Donna.
Councilmember Polehna volunteered to serve on the interview panel.
Councilmember Nyberg expressed his appreciation for Mr. Donna's service on the
Commission
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt to accept Mr.
Polehna's offer to serve on the interview panel. All in favor.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Community Development Director Turnblad reported that he had contacted Washington
County regarding a possible grant to assist the City in purchasing the Jackson Wildlife
Management Area. He stated the County has indicated the purchase would be an
eligible grant application but may not rank as high as other grant requests, simply
because the land is already publicly owned. However County staff did encourage that
the City make application and suggested that the City consider a grant application that
includes a City match, as that might increase the chances of the grant being awarded.
He stated this year's application deadline is July 31, and a grant application had been
prepared if the Council desired to pursue that avenue. Councilmember Milbrandt noted
the application obligates the City to a match of $51,000, and he noted the County grant
program will be an ongoing one. Councilmember Milbrandt also pointed out that neither
the Council nor the Park & Recreation Commission had discussed whether the
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City Council Meeting - 07-16
July 17, 2007
purchase of the property is a priority that ought to be pursued. It was agreed to bring the
issue to the Park & Recreation Commission.
Public Works Director Sanders told the Council that each year staff re-stripes about 111
crosswalks which were completed in the spring with the addition of three new
crosswalks -Churchill and Greeley, Sixth and Marsh, and Churchill and Holcomb. He
said staff was asked to look at the criteria for installing crossings. He stated that the
criteria includes preferred routes to schools, community centers such as churches or
other public buildings, pubic parks, and high volume intersections. He noted that,
according to Minnesota State Statute, motorists should yield to pedestrians in all
marked and unmarked intersections. Mayor Harycki suggested it might be good to have
a more formal policy regarding the installation of crosswalks and suggested it might be
an issue the Human Rights Commission might be interested in. Councilmember
Polehna stated that he would bring the issue to the commission.
Public Works Director Sanders also reported that the harvesting of Lake McKusick has
been completed. He asked if the Council was interested in harvesting algae or weeds
on Long Lake; he noted there is a problem regarding access for the harvester on Long
Lake that would add to the cost. Councilmember Nyberg suggested contacting lake
residents to secure another access. It was consensus of the Council that staff look at
pursuing an access point for next year, rather than wasting most of the contract time in
going from one end of the lake to the other.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Nyberg, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt, moved-#o adjourn at 9:50
p.m. All in favor.
ATT ST:
L~~
Diane F. Ward,
~G%~~~
City Clerk
Resolution 2007-140, directing payment of bills
Resolution 2007-141, approving Minnesota premises permit for gambling for American
Legion Post 491, located at Ruby Begonias' and Loggers
Resolution 2007-142, resolution approving changing items in the 2007 Street
Improvement Project on Eagle Ridge
Resolution 2007-143, approval 2007 Lumberjack Days Agreement
Resolution 2007-144, approving rates for the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center
Resolution 2007-145, approving revisions to the Teddy Bear Park rental agreement
Resolution 2007-146, approve plans & specifications and ordering advertisement for
bids for 2007 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2007-05)
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