Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-28 CC MIN ~~3 TO' "OTOPlO" 'F MI....~ CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 2008 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Gannaway Public Works Director Sanders City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Discussion on Special Event - 2009 Marathon - St. Croix Events Eric Thole, representing St. Croix Events, said organizers are looking to tweak the event a bit for aesthetic reasons. He explained that the initially proposed route that began at Taylors Falls is too hilly so they are looking at a different starting point and it is hard from a fans' standpoint to watch the marathon as the route goes along the highway. He said marathons that are fan-friendly are those with easy access for spectators. He said they would now like to start and end the race in Stillwater, perhaps incorporating some of the City's landmarks in the route. He said they are hoping to work with the Police Department and staff to come up with a better aesthetic route, however from a policing standpoint, most of the route will be outside City boundaries. He stated that the marathon is planned for the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and suggested that many residents will be out of town. Mayor Harycki pointed out if the route goes through more neighborhoods that will have an impact on policing and barricading of local street intersections. Dave Eckberg, St. Croix Events, stated they would reimburse the City for 100 percent of costs, but noted they would like the same consideration as given to the bicycle race - 5 officers. Mr. Eckberg also noted that at this point, the number of participants isn't known, as this is a first-ever event, but that the number of participants will be limited. It was noted that the Council had previously given concept approval to the event. Mayor Harycki said he would expect feedback from the Chamber and Visitors' Bureau within the next month or so. Mr. Eckberg said their goal is to have an official announcement, with the route and other details, by December 1. Councilmember Polehna said parking is one of the issues that need to be addressed in the final details. City Council Meeting October 28,2008 After discussion, it was agreed to have Mr. Eckberg return with more details, including the proposed route, at the November 18 meeting before giving final approval. Comp Plan Review Community Development Director Turnblad noted the Council has been involved in working on the Comprehensive Plan for more than two years, having approved the goals, objectives, policies and programs and individual chapters in the plan. However, he pointed out the Council has not seen the document as a whole, a single review document. Mr. Turnblad said there would be time for comments after presentations by Tina Goodroad and Jeff Martin of Bonestroo, but noted that comments would be received until December 2. Mr. Turnblad outlined the schedule for comments and review by the various City advisory commissions as well as the schedule of public hearings and review by neighboring communities. Tina Goodroad and Jeff Martin of Bonestroo gave an overview of the individual chapters in the draft document. Ms. Goodroad highlighted several issues related to the land use chapter and issues related to the transportation chapter. Mr. Martin reviewed the downtown sections and downtown framework plan. Councilmember Gag asked a question about the process for dealing with comments, whether comments become discussion items. Mr. Turnblad stated if comments deal with substantive issues, they will be put into a memo for consideration at public hearing. Mayor Harycki asked about a chapter/policy dealing with alternative energy; Mr. Turnblad responded that the plan talks about alternative energy to the extent that the City is required to by state mandate. Mr. Turnblad suggested that alternative energy is a policy document that should be generated independently rather than incorporated in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Goodroad spoke of several examples of how other communities have dealt with the alternative energy issue. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Gannaway gave an update on the administrative citations. He said at the time of the Council meeting, the program had been implemented for 20 days with 29 citations issued, most for speeding. Public Works Director Sanders provided an update on the Manning Avenue project, noting that the roadway is all paved, with striping to begin soon. Weather permitting the road should be open the week following the Council meeting. The meeting was recessed at 5:55 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Page 2 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28, 2008 Present: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Fire Chief Glaser 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 October 21, 2008, regular meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM No public comments CONSENT AGENDA* Mayor Harycki asked that Consent Item 2 - Resolution 2008-144, approval of resolution allowing the accumulation and use of storm water credits and Item 3 - Possible approval to purchase laptop & docking station-Administration & Fire be pulled for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the Consent Agenda, excluding Items 2 and 3. Resolution 2008-143, directing payment of bills Rosolution 2008 144, approval of resolution allowing the accumulation and use of storm 'Nater credits Possible approval to purchase laptop & docking station /\dministration & Fire Possible approval to purchase upgrade software for SQL Server - MIS Resolution 2008-145, resolution appointing additional election judges and fixing compensation Possible funding for Lowell Park reproduction plaque Possible approval to purchase 5 roadtemp sensors - Public Works Resolution 2008-146, resolution adopting an assessment Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 3 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28,2008 Mayor Harycki said he would like to see the language in Item 2 (Resolution 2008-144) related to credits for rain gardens tightened up a bit before adoption. Public Works Director Sanders suggested providing some flexibility, for example due to topography issues, isn't necessarily a bad thing to have. Councilmember Milbrandt suggested keeping the language broad provides some negotiation room when the City is seeking approvals from the various watershed entities, but said he would not have a problem limiting that flexibility to the City, rather than individual developers. It was agreed to send the Resolution back to the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization for clarification. Regarding Item 3 (purchase of laptops and docking stations); Mayor Harycki questioned the need for the docking stations and that he would like the purchase of the docking stations removed. Councilmember Milbrandt suggested the docking stations relate to security issues. Councilmember Polehna said he thought it would be worth the $400 purchase price for the docking stations to provide for security. It was agreed to bring this item back to MIS specialist Holman for additional information about whether the request is due to security issues. PUBLIC HEARINGS This is the date and time to consider an ordinance amendinq the Charter of the City of Stillwater as it relates to Councilmembers servinq on the Charter Commission. Notice was published in the Stillwater Gazette on October 9.2008. (Tabled from 10/21/08) City Administrator Hansen explained the amendment would preclude City Councilmembers from serving on the Charter Commission, and that the amendment is recommended by the Charter Commission. He noted it requires a unanimous vote of the Council for passage. On a question by Councilmember Nyberg, City Attorney Magnuson said he had no concerns with the proposed amendment to the Charter, noting that state law was changed in 2002 to allow the preclusion of Councilmembers from serving on a Charter Commission. Mayor Harycki opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Nyberg, moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Case No. 08-39. Possible 2nd readinq of Ordinance 1001. an ordinance amendinq the Stillwater City Code bv chanqing Section 31-204. Subd. 6 entitled "Permit Life Cvcle". Page 4 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28, 2008 Community Development Director Turnblad noted this is the second reading, and as there were no requested changes at the first reading, the amendment is the same as approved at the previous consideration. Motion by Councilmember Nyberg, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Ordinance 1001, an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by changing Section 31-204, Subd. 6 entitled "Permit Life Cycle". Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of desiqnation of Oak Street (between 4th & 5th Street) as a one way street Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the proposal to designate Oak Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, a one-way street. He stated this was the result of a request from residents of the Salem Church condominiums. He reviewed the signage; he also noted it is proposed to have no-parking on the south side of the street due to the width of the road. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2008-148, approve designation of Oak Street between 4th and 5th Street as a one way and no parking on the South side of street. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Libertv Stop Study Public Works Director Sanders informed the Council that at the beginning of the Manning Avenue project due to concerns about cut-through traffic, temporary stop signs were installed at four different intersections - Tall Pine Trail and Rutherford Road, Settlers Way and Liberty Parkway, Liberty Parkway and Country Road, and Reunion Road and Newman Trail. He said a request was received to make those signs permanent, and a stop sign study was conducted to determine if the signage is warranted. He referred to the state criteria for determining whether stop signs are warranted and that according to the traffic studies; none of the intersections meet the state criteria for volume. He said the most traffic recorded was at Settlers Way and Liberty Parkway; information from the Police Department indicates there was one reported accident in the past five years at the intersection and that was due to winter driving conditions. Mr. Sanders said the study also looked at compliance, as it has been shown that when stop signs are installed at unwarranted locations, drivers simply disregard them; the compliance study indicated only 17 percent of drivers actually came to a complete stop at the four intersections in question. He stated staff is recommending that the temporary signage be removed, with the exception of the Page 5 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28, 2008 intersection at Tall Pine Trail and Rutherford Road as Rutherford Road serves as something of a collector street for the neighborhood and all of the other minor streets that outlet onto Rutherford have stop signs. Mayor Harycki suggested that the stop signs have the affect of slowing speed. Police Chief Gannaway said it is documented that drivers will speed up to get to the next stop sign, actually increasing speed. Councilmember Gag asked about the cost of installing stop signs; Mr. Sanders said the material and time for making the signs amounts to about $250 each, with about three hours of labor time for installation per intersection. Councilmember Polehna said he had spoken with members of the Home Association and it is pretty much unanimous in favor of the stop signs and as a compromise he would suggest permanent signage at Settlers Way and Liberty Parkway where there are a lot of kids crossing to the park and store, along with the sign at Tall Pine and Rutherford Road, and leave the temporary signage at the other two intersections until Manning has been open to traffic for a while to determine traffic patterns. Mayor Harycki noted that there had been a request from the traffic committee of the Homeowners Association for two additional stop signs, one at Heritage and Country and another at Heritage and Homeward; he suggested that temporary signs be installed at those intersections as well. Councilmember Nyberg expressed a safety concern about placing temporary signage and then later taking the signs down. Councilmember Gag noted that the traffic counts that have been taken are probably high due to the traffic from the Manning Avenue project and he would not be comfortable with moving forward with installing the signage at a cost of about $1,000 per intersection on a traffic study during a time when there are not normal traffic patterns. Councilmember Nyberg expressed concern about setting a precedent by installing stop signs that are unwarranted in this neighborhood, as there likely are similar requests from other neighborhoods. Councilmember Gag agreed that there needs to be criteria. Councilmember Milbrandt pointed out that the City has been implementing its stop sign study from several years ago, and the trend is removing signs that are unwarranted;, but would be comfortable with leaving the temporary signage until Manning has been open to traffic for a time to determine traffic patterns. Mayor Harycki said residents had a good feel for the traffic. Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to make the signage at all four intersections permanent and requested that the Council take a further look at the Country Road intersections. Motion failed (2-3 Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt and Nyberg voting nay). Resolution Motion by Councilmember Nyberg, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt 2008-149, approving permanent stop signs at Tall Pine at Rutherford Road and Settlers Way and Liberty Parkway. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 6 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28,2008 Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to keep the remaining temporary signage in place and revisit the issue of that signage in a month. Motion passed (3- 2 Councilmembers Nyberg and Milbrandt voting no. Discussion and possible appointment to the Downtown Parkinq Commission City Clerk Ward stated she had received an application from Curt Newcomb to serve on the Downtown Parking Commission, noting that Commission is still two members short. Ms. Ward said she asked Councilmember Gag if he wished to interview the applicant. Mr. Gag asked that this be a discussion item for the Council and noted that the City continually advertises for members for this Commission but has had difficulty filling openings. Councilmember Gag said he promotes interviews for applicants when there are more applicants than there are positions to be filled, but that this is an instance where the City is just happy to have people apply. Councilmember Gag suggested it would be prudent to appoint Mr. Newcomb and reaffirm the other two members who are seeking reappointment. Councilmember Milbrandt suggested that the interview policy be amended to suspend interviews for the Parking Commission and Human Rights Commission until those bodies are at full membership. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt to adopt Resolution 2008-150, approving appointments to the Downtown Parking Commission and approve the amended interview policy as suggested. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Milbrandt, Nyberg, Polehna and Mayor Harycki Nays: None . COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Gag asked Mayor Harycki for an update on the CVBB. The Mayor said revenues are greater than expected and the organization recently began several new advertising programs. The Bureau also is working on a video and generally is making quite a bit of progress. Mayor Harycki asked Public Works Director Sanders to look at the intersection of Sherburne and Rice for possible placement of stop signs due to cut-through traffic. Chief Gannaway said his department has received complaints from that area. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Nyberg, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, moved to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. All in favor. Ken Page 7 of 8 City Council Meeting October 28,2008 ATTEST: 11d<<ud;LJ~d ~ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2008-143, directing payment of bills Resolution 2008-144, NOT USED Resolution 2008-145, resolution appointing additional election judges and fixing compensation Resolution 2008-146, resolution adopting an assessment Resolution 2008-148, approve designation of Oak Street between 4th and 5th Street as a one way and no parking on the South side of street. Resolution 2008-149, approving permanent stop signs at Tall Pine and Rutherford Road and Settlers Way and Liberty Parkway Resolution 2008-150, approving appointments to the Downtown Parking Commission Ordinance 1001, an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by changing Section 31-204, Subd. 6 entitled "Permit Life Cycle" Page 8 of 8