HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-02 CC MIN
illwater
THlE 1IRTH.LACE OF .INIlIElllA
CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 2, 2009
REGULAR MEETING
4:30 P.M.
Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Cook, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki
Absent: Councilmember Gag
Staff present:
City Attorney Magnuson
Community Development Director Turnblad
Finance Director Harrison
Fire Chief Glaser
Police Chief Gannaway
Public Works Director Sanders
City Clerk Ward
OTHER BUSINESS
MnDOT Update - Todd Clarkowski
Todd Clarkowski of MnDOT provided an update on the new river crossing. He stated
that currently, MnDOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are working on
the preliminary bridge design, a further refinement of the bridge type decided upon as
the preferred design in the stakeholder and EIS processes. He said a visual quality
advisory committee, composed of various stakeholder representatives, will be involved
in the design refinement process; community open houses also are planned for July 15
and July 16. He also stated that it is anticipated the preliminary design process will be
completed by April 2010. He also spoke to right-of-way acquisition on the Minnesota
side of the new crossing and mitigation efforts related to the relocation of the Shoddy
Mill buildings and the lift bridge. He noted that a lift bridge management plan has been
completed, along with a bridge repair plan that converts the bridge to a
bicycling/pedestrian facility. He showed a video presentation of the loop trail that will
connect the lift bridge and the crossing.
Mayor Harycki asked if the lift bridge will still be operational; Mr. Clarkowski responded
in the affirmative, noting that there has been an agreement with the Corps of Engineers
regarding a lift schedule. He stated an endowment fund has been established for the lift
bridge; the fund will cover routine maintenance and operation costs associated with the
bridge being a bicycle and pedestrian facility. He said MnDOT is still pursuing a letting
date of July 2013 for the project. He stated the Minnesota Legislature has provided
funding that would cover the Minnesota portion of the cost, while the Wisconsin DOT is
still pursing funding for that state's portion of the cost. He noted there is a complaint
against the project by the Sierra Club; a hearing is anticipated for later this fall.
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Councilmember Roush asked about any beautification efforts in the area around the
relocated Shoddy Mill buildings; Mr. Clarkowski explained there is a visual quality
manual which has all the recommendations, including the area around the Shoddy Mill.
Councilmember Polehna asked if there are still plans to use the former Barge Terminal
property as a construction staging area; Mr. Clarkowski said that is a possibility but
should not preclude the City from proceeding with any plans to make improvements to
the area.
Councilmember Cook asked about the possibility of stimulus funding to move the
construction date up; Mr. Clarkowski responded the project wasn't one of the economic
stimulus projects as state level funding has already been indentified for the Minnesota
side. Mr. Clarkowski did speak to a potential federal grant source that might be pursued
for the project.
Councilmember Polehna asked about the possibility of providing a public river access
beneath the new bridge; Mr. Clarkowski stated there is a mitigation item to fund a study
to look at the public access issue.
Mr. Clarkowski also provided an update on the Highway 95 mill and overlay project. He
said the portion of the project in Stillwater is scheduled for the spring of 2010. Mayor
Harycki stated that in the City's discussion of the project it was suggested that perhaps
the work could be coordinated with the closure of the lift bridge for repairs. Mr.
Clarkowski said at this point there are no longer term repairs of the bridge scheduled,
but noted that MnDOT is trying to minimize the impact of the Highway 95 work in the
downtown.
Library
Richard Edstrom, Library Board of Trustees' President, provided an update on library
activities. He stated there were 380 public uses/meetings at the Library in 2008; and
that they are still working on a rental/best seller program as a revenue producer. He
also noted the Library is about to embark on a long-range, strategic planning effort; and
that part of that process will be small focus group meetings to try to find out from the
community what is important about the library and what the library should not be trying
to do, as much as what it should be doing. He said the hope is that the City Council
could serve as a focus group in some way. It was mentioned that could possibly be
arranged for a 4:30 meeting so that it would not require a special meeting.
STAFF REPORT
Police Chief Gannaway provided an update on the marathon, He said there were some
minor glitches, but noted that the Sheriff's Department dispatch center reported
receiving no complaints. He said there was a complaint from the Oasis Cafe at the
beginning of the race as customers couldn't access the business for a time ;;but overall,
the event went well. He said he would provide a final report after a meeting with all the
agencies involved. He stated he would be meeting with Stillwater Country Club
representatives regarding the parking complaint on Fourth Street on June 23.
Page 2 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Fire Chief Glaser told the Council the federal stimulus money has now been released
and grant guidelines issued for the fire station construction grants. He said it appears
the grant period will open June 8 and close July 10, and it appears the maximum
amount is $15 million per community, $5 million per project. He noted that land
acquisition is not eligible for the funding, but site preparation is eligible for funding.
Priority is given to projects to improve fire protection coverage to a community, he
noted. Chief Glaser asked if the City is interested in pursuing a grant, and, if so, he
asked for some official direction as to how to proceed.
Mayor Harycki noted that at the May 6 Special Council meeting, the Council approved
spending up to $5,000 of the budgeted $40,000 for development of a site plan, if a plan
is needed. Fire Chief Glaser said it doesn't appear as-built drawings will be required, but
the grant does require as accurate building costs as possible be provided, which will
require some consultation. There was discussion of possible funding for cleanup of the
potential building site, the former City dump site. Chief Glaser stated that he had one
estimate for assistance in cost estimate/grant writing of $9,000.
Councilmember Roush suggested moving forward based on the $5,000 maximum
previously authorized and if necessary call a special Council meeting to
discuss/authorize an expenditure over that amount; it was consensus to proceed in that
manner.
Chief Glaser noted that burn restrictions may be re-imposed; if that happens, the
announcement will be posted on the City web site. He reviewed a number of community
events the department has participated in during the school year and end of school
activities. He also provided an update on staffing/equipment.
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that the Parking
Commission has decided on a fee of $3,575 for the use of the proposed staging area for
Vern Stefan's project. He stated that the fee was based on a formula utilizing 11
parking spaces.
Mr. Turnblad provided an update on the Water Street cleanup activities, including an
estimate of $4,600 for enclosing the portable toilets. Mayor Harycki asked if Sentence to
Serve or Youth Service Bureau could be involved in construction of the toilet
enclosures; Mr. Turnblad said he did not know if the cost estimate was for materials
only.
Councilmember Polehna wondered why two handicapped-accessible toilets are
necessary; Mr. Turnblad said he would check into that.
Mayor Harycki passed along a compliment to Planner Mike Pogge for his response to a
complaint.
Public Works Director Sanders said a kickoff meeting for the Washington Avenue
project is scheduled for the second week in June. He said he submitted a request for
$350,000, with a City cost share of 20%, for the project; and stated that the City share
would come from the City's state aid monies.
Page 3 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Mr. Sanders stated the joint meeting with the Brown's Creek Watershed District has
been rescheduled for July 7.
Mayor Harycki pointed out the Legislature had approved about $200,000 for the levee
project, although the money wasn't specifically designated; he asked Mr. Sanders for an
update at the next Council meeting on how the project might be moved forward. Mr.
Sanders said he had spoken with a Corps of Engineers representative who has
indicated there has been a request made for a different project manager; when that
person comes on board in June, the City will be meeting with him in an effort to get the
project moving.
City Attorney Magnuson informed the Council that the order has been signed for the
Wilkins Street property allowing the City to enter, inspect and do any work necessary to
return that property to a duplex.
Finance Director Harrison reported that the 2008 audit is nearly completed and she
expects the financial statements will be ready for the public and Council sometime in
July.
Mayor Harycki asked that an executive session be scheduled at the next Council
meeting for the administrator evaluation/review.
The meeting was recessed at 5:43 p.m.
RECESSED MEETING
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Harycki reconvened the meeting at 7 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Cook, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki
Absent: Councilmember Gag
Staff present:
City Attorney Magnuson
Community Development Director Turnblad
Finance Director Harrison
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 Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the May 8,
2009 special meeting minutes and May 19, 2009 regular meeting minutes. All in favor.
Page 4 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS
Stillwater Ad Hoc Benchmarkinq Committee - Presentation
Stan Miller, member of the ad hoc committee, addressed the, Council. He reviewed the
mission of the committee, noting that the group focused on expenditures, not budgets,
of cities with similar characteristics to Stillwater. He stated that the cities selected for
comparison included Alexandria, Forest Lake, Hastings, Northfield, Red Wing and
White Bear Lake. He reviewed how the group benchmarked the financial data. The
report/presentation compared spending in the categories of general government, public
safety, public works, sanitation, culture and recreation, housing and economic
development, and all other expenditures. Also compared were total current
expenditures, total capital outlay, debt service - principal payments and interest
payments.
Mr. Miller said the group concluded that Stillwater is typical in two of eight categories -
public safety and public works - and high in six of eight categories - general
government, culture and recreation, housing and economic development, capital outlay,
principal payments and interest payments. The report recommended the City consider:
establishing benchmarks in each category for annual review; review the Stillwater
benchmarks on a quarterly basis; strive for level, not growing', debt service; consider
refinancing bonds for lower interest rates; consider not anticipating state aid when
setting the budget; obtain cost savings ideas from City staff; explore tools that allow
close monitoring of key operations; explore shared services with neighboring
communities; and explore collective purchasing. The report also included next steps:
present findings; feedback; drill down; further work, including update to 2008 actual data
when that information is available in 2010.
Councilmember Polehna asked if the group had studied the specifics of the debt
services, if, for example, other cities bond to pay a portion of the cost of street projects.
Councilmember Cook asked about the expenditures for culture and recreation, whether
the City is high in that category due to the library and recreation center. Mr. Miller stated
the group did not have the information from the other cities' budgets to go into that
detail. The Council thanked the group for its time and efforts. It was decided to have a
follow-up discussion when there is a full Council present.
OPEN FORUM
Tom Lynum, 626 Fourth St. N., stated he was speaking for himself as a private
business owner (Sauntry Mansion) in Stillwater. Mr. Lynum reviewed the lodging tax,
which became effective January 1, 2008 and comparison of sales for the first quarter of
2008 and 2009, which indicates about a 25% drop in gross lodging sales. He said he
had talked with hospitality business owners in competing markets who indicated they
are seeing about an 8% decline in business year over year. Mr. Lynum said these are
trends that need to be investigated. Mayor Harycki agreed this needs to be monitored,
but noted that the lodging tax was to be a three-year experiment. Mayor Harycki stated
he would share the information with the CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) at an
upcoming meeting.
Page 5 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Mike Robinson, 801 W. Pine St., expressed a concern about the Majestic Star docked
at the City docks. He noted that the St. Croix Boat and Packet permit is limited to four
boats over 26-feet in length. He also suggested the new boat is not in keeping with the
historic character of Stillwater and using the City docks. City Attorney Magnuson
explained that the docks are owned and on land owned by St. Croix Boat and Packet,
not the City's land. Mayor Harycki suggested that City Administrator Hansen and City
Attorney Magnuson look at the language of the dock permit to determine whether there
is a violation.
CONSENT AGENDA*
Mayor Harycki asked about the agreement with Caterpillar; Public Works Director
Sanders explained that is for the replacement of a 26-year-old grader.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Resolution 2009-84, directing payment of bills
Resolution 2009-85, approving continuing medical education agreement with Regions
Hospital Emergency Medical Services
Acceptance of Board of Water Commissioner's Financial Statement for period ending
December 31, 2008
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Possible approval to purchase Self Contained Breathinq Apparatus and appurtenances as part
of the Assistance to Firefiqhter's Act Grant
Fire Chief Glaser told the Council the Fire Department was awarded a grant from FEMA
through the Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of the equipment.
Mayor Harycki noted this was a budgeted item at the full price of $147,000+; however
through the grant, the City's share of the purchase will be $24,000.
Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the purchase
for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Department. All in favor.
Page 6 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Discussion on request for fundinq of cultural needs and use assessment (tabled from 5/19/09
meetinq)
City Clerk Ward noted this was on the agenda as Councilmember Roush had asked for
additional information regarding responsibility for ongoing funding should a cultural/art
facility of some type be constructed.
Mayor Harycki read the response, which indicated there is no other request for funding
from the City being made at this time and there is no obligation for any additional
support at any future time. Mayor Harycki suggested tabling this request until there is an
update on the State's cuts to cities. It was agreed to table this request.
Possible approval of Resolution amendinq Resolution 2008-157. amendinq the approved
sidewalk siqn policy
City Attorney Magnuson noted the change is to eliminate the permit fee and to indicate
that the program is to be administered by the City planner, with a provision of an appeal
of the planner's decision to the City Council.
Councilmember Roush noted there had been discussion about adding a provision that
any administrative fines that might be levied through the sign program be obligated to
the downtown beautification fund.
City Attorney Magnuson explained that as of August 1, the State will preempt the City's
administrative citation program by placing a limit of $60 on administrative citations and
taking 20% of every $60 fine issued. He stated that the City will have to re-examine its
administrative citation program to see if it makes sense as it will require the hiring of a
hearing examiner, at City cost, to provide due process procedure. It was agreed to put
the administrative citation program on the next Council agenda.
Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Mayor Harycki to approve the Resolution
amending Resolution 2008-157 relating to the Sign Policy.
Councilmember Cook asked for a further explanation of the new language for the
sidewalk sign policy.
Councilmember Polehna suggested with no enforcement power, the policy is
unnecessary. City Attorney Magnuson said a policy is important because it is what
MnDOT tacitly approved in allowing the City to assume jurisdiction of sidewalk signs in
MnDOT right-of-way. City Attorney Magnuson also suggested that the sidewalk policy
enforcement mechanism can be considered in the recommendation regarding the
administrative citation program.
Councilmember Roush withdrew his motion pending the recommendations regarding
the administrative citation program; Mayor Harycki rescinded, his second.
Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Roush to table this issue to a July
Council meeting. All in favor.
Page 7 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on Mainstream Development
The recording of a discussion that took place at a previous Council meeting was
replayed in which Mr. Stefan agreed to move the U-Haul trucks from his property as a
condition of allowing Mr. Stefan use of some parking spaces to serve as a construction
staging area for his upcoming project. Mayor Harycki reviewed the parking agreements
with Mr. Stefan and noted that the U-Hauls are still on the property. Mayor Harycki
stated Mr. Stefan has not abided by the conditions of the permit for the staging area and
suggested revoking the permit.
City Attorney Magnuson suggested that a two-week notice be provided before taking
action to revoke the permit. It was noted in the discussion there are additional
requirements of the permit including posting the area where the U-Hauls are parked as
public parking and fencing the staging area. Mr. Magnuson said he would notice Mr.
Stefan of all the conditions that need to be met.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook that if Mr. Stefan has
not met the conditions promised to the City by the next Council meeting, the permit for the
staging area use will be pulled at that meeting. All in favor.
Consider amendment to the Heirloom Homes contract with Don Empson
Community Development Director Turnblad stated the Heritage Preservation
Commission has recommended the contract amendment. There was a question as to
the reason for the number of inventories completed, 60 versus 300. It was agreed to
table this until additional information is provided regarding the reason for the lesser
number completed.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to table this until the
next Council meeting on June 16, 2009. All in favor.
501 N. Main St. Decorative Liqhts
Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the issue regarding the four pedestrian street
lights in front of 501 North Main. In December, he stated the proposal was a cost of
$7,000 to connect the lighting to the Xcel system and through additional discussions
Xcel has reduced the cost to $5,000. Mr. Sanders stated it has been discovered Xcel
has overcharged for some City lights and that overcharge amount would be used to
reduce the cost to $2,300. Councilmember Roush asked if there was an issue regarding
the possible theft of public utilities; Attorney Magnuson said the developer won't pay
because someone at the City said what was being done met specifications. Xcel
subsequently turned the lights off because the lighting/wiring didn't meet Xcel
standards, Mr. Magnuson noted. Mr. Sanders noted that staff is still working with Xcel
regarding additional overcharges which might further reduce this cost. Councilmember
Roush pointed out the overcharge is taxpayer money.
Page 8 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to authorize the City to enter
into the agreement with Xcel for the 501 North Main pedestrian lights. Motion passed 3-1, (with
Councilmember Roush voting Nay).
Comprehensive Plan update and Stillwater Barge Terminal Property (formerlv called the Aiple
Property) information
Community Development Director Turnblad provided an overview of some of the
requirements for implementing the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, including zoning and
land use changes to be consistent with the Comp Plan, and identifying a capital
improvement plan. He noted that economic development and redevelopment will
become a stronger tool in implementation as the City becomes fully developed. He
pointed out the Parks and Recreation Commission has developed a priority list for
development and upgrade of the City's parks, and the downtown chapter of the plan has
its own implementation section. Councilmember Roush asked about the status of the
Millbrook development; Mr. Turnblad stated the phasing will be delayed due to the
economy, but the development is still on track with the development agreements.
Mr. Turnblad reviewed the master plan for the Barge Terminal property, noting that this
plan became the foundation for discussions with MnDOT in the third iterations of plans
for a new river crossing and is completely consistent with MnDOT's mitigation plans for
the new bridge. He noted MnDOT will build the trail system, as well as some other
aspects of the master plan as part of the bridge mitigation efforts.
Postal Park water feature
Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the request to purchase a recirculating pump
and provide electrical service to Postal Park, a small space across from the Lowell Inn,
to get the water feature in the park operational again.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to approve the
requested purchase as presented. All in favor.
Planninq, Heritaqe Preservation, Human Riqhts and Downtown Parkinq commissions
City Clerk Ward said this ordinance addresses the Council's desire for term limits and
voting membership for the Council liaison. Councilmember Roush asked if the
resolution addresses the question of standardizing the length of terms to three years.
Councilmember Cook asked if this allows for a member to serve an additional term past
three terms if there are no other applicants. Ms. Ward noted this is the first reading of
the ordinance and those changes could be made for the second reading. Mayor Harycki
also noted there was discussion of having terms extend to May 1, rather than expire on
January 1.
Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Roush to table this until all the
changes discussed above are included. All in favor.
Page 9 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Possible approval to purchase Laserfische licenses
City Clerk Ward stated all the departments are moving toward digital recording of
paperwork and said she is requesting three additional licenses at this time to assist in
the project. She explained that Laserfiche and the digitizing of documents will be an
ongoing project in that rather than filing paper, staff is filing in Laserfiche and will require
additional licenses as Laserfiche moves into other departments. She stated that the
cost is $750 per license with an annual fee of $150 per license.
Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the
request as presented. All in favor.
Discussion on Traffic Safety Committee
Councilmember Polehna reported that five applications had been received for the traffic
safety committee, with all five applicants interviewed by Councilmember Cook and
himself, assisted by Councilmember Roush. He said the interview committee would like
to appoint all five applicants as they are all qualified folks. He said appointing the five
will require a change in the membership from four as stated in the original resolution.
City Clerk Ward pointed out that will make the membership 10, which could present a
problem in case of tie votes. Councilmember Polehna said he envisioned this committee
as more of a discussion/recommendation group.
Councilmember Roush suggested that nine is the better number and asked what
happens if there are not such qualified applicants in the future. It was suggested that a
staff member could be removed from the committee to have membership at 9 if there is
a problem.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution
2009-86, resolution amending resolution 2009-52 Establishing A Traffic Safety Review
Committee for the City of Stillwater which revises the resolution to have a committee
membership include five residents, rather than four.
Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Roush, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible appointments to Special Event Task Force
City Clerk Ward stated three applications have been received for membership on the
special events task force, Debbie Johnson, Sherri Hopfe, and David Mooney, noting
that Ms. Johnson and Mr. Mooney would fill the at-large citizen representation. It was
pointed out that the position of downtown merchant not a Chamber member had already
been filled and the Chamber has already appointed its representative. It was noted that
Mr. Mooney is associated with St. Croix Events, which might present a conflict of
interest. Councilmember Polehna suggested interviewing the candidates to be
consistent with what is done for other commission/committee applicants. It was agreed
to have Councilmembers Cook and Gag interview the applicants.
Page 1 0 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Possible first reading of ordinance relatinq to Ordinance Adoption Procedures
City Attorney Magnuson said the proposal pertains to the second readings of
ordinances and would require that a second reading take place within 60 days of the
first reading or the process must start over with a new first reading. Mr. Magnuson said
there had been discussion to require a new first reading if an ordinance is substantially
amended prior to the second reading; however, City Charter provides that the second
reading shall be by section and amendments can be offered by the Council at the
reading of each section. Mr. Magnuson said he thought this addressed the major
concern about the potential for long gaps between the first and second readings.
Councilmember Roush suggested perhaps adding a requirement that there shall be the
same Councilmembers for the first and second readings.
Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Roush to have the first reading of
Ordinance 1009, and directing the City Attorney to add language for the second reading stating
it must be the same Councilmembers for the first and second readings.
Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Acceptinq of bids and awardinq contract for annual Street Sealcoat Proiect
Public Works Director Sanders stated three bids were received for the annual sealcoat
project, with the low bid submitted by Allied Blacktop Co. in the amount of $347,805. He
noted the bid is a joint bid for work in Oak Park Heights, Grant, May, and Stillwater
townships, and Bayport, and he noted the contractor bills the work separately. He noted
that the City's share of the cost is $105,000.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adopt Resolution
2009-87, accepting bid and awarding contract for 2009 Street Sealcoat Project (Project 2009-
06).
Mayor Harycki suggested the School District might be interested in participating in the future;
Mr. Sanders said he had a meeting scheduled with a School District representative.
Councilmember Polehna questioned having the motion indicate approval for the entire
project cost rather than just the City share. City Attorney Magnuson said the resolution
could be amended to indicate approval is for the City share only. Councilmember
Polehna amended his motion to indicate approval for the City share only;
Councilmember Roush amended his second.
Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Page 11 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
Discussion on bridqe restrictions
Mayor Harycki suggested the City had a very good year at the state Legislature with all
three items of interest to the City passed into law, including a bridge endowment fund for
permanent maintenance of the lift bridge once it becomes a pedestrian facility, funding
for the third phase of the levee wall, and restriction of truck traffic on the lift bridge.
Mayor Harycki explained that the bill restricting the truck traffic basically limits the length
of a vehicle to 55 feet on the two blocks of Chestnut Street leading/exiting the bridge,
except for emergency vehicles, snow and ice removal vehicles etc. He stated the law
becomes effective July 1,2009, with an agreement that the City will begin enforcement
with informational ticketing only; he noted that enforcement will be a local issue. He
stated he would like to begin with the informational tickets on July 1 and July 2 to get the
word out and perhaps spend an hour or two by the bridge every day or every other day.
Councilmember Polehna asked about signage. Mr. Sanders said he had been informed
by MnDOT that the City will have to make the signs; cost is estimated at $2,000.
Councilmember Polehna suggested taking the money for the signage out of the lobbyist
fund.
Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Cook to take the money for the
signage from the lobbyist budget. All in favor.
Councilmember Roush suggested following up with the Department of Transportation to
verify that the City is, in fact, responsible for the signage as the bill that was passed into
law states that is a State responsibility. Mayor Harycki later noted there should be a
funding document accompanying the bill, which should clarify the question of costs.
On a question by Councilmember Cook, Mr. Sanders explained the location of the
signage. Councilmember Cook suggested that this is an important measure for the City
and said she would like to focus on enforcement.
Mayor Harycki asked Chief Gannaway for an update at the second Council meeting in
July. Councilmember Cook thanked the Mayor for his efforts at the Capitol.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
Councilmember Roush stated some business owners have e'xpressed concern that the
new flowers are drying up and wondered whether Public Works has any resources for
watering the plants. Mr. Sanders said he had talked with Ms. Severson of the Chamber
who is trying to get Sentence to Serve to come in on a weekly basis to do the watering.
Mayor Harycki said he had received a call regarding the lights on the tennis courts at
Staples Field. Mr. Sanders suggested perhaps this was a discussion for the Park Board,
noting the proximity of the courts/lights to residences. Mr. Sa[lders also noted that the
timers on the lights had been vandalized. It was agreed to bring the issue to the Park
Board.
Page 12 of 13
City Council Meeting
June 2, 2009
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to a
t 9:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
~d/(k .
Diane F. Ward, City Clerk
Resolution 2009-84, directing payment of bills
Resolution 2009-85, approving continuing medical education agreement with Regions
Hospital Emergency Medical Services
Resolution 2009-86, resolution amending resolution 2009-52 Establishing A Traffic
Safety Review Committee for the City of Stillwater
Resolution 2009-87, accepting bid and awarding contract for 2009 Street Sealcoat
Project (Project 2009-06)
Page 13 of 13