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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-15 CC MINPresentation of Award of Valor —Chris Kopel cater TYE 1IINTNPIACE OF ■INNEIEFE CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 15, 2009 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Vice Mayor Polehna called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Absent: Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Administrator Hansen 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 Officer Chris Kopel led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush to approve the December 1, 2009, regular and recessed minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Police Chief Gannaway referred to a serious incident that occurred in the City earlier in the week and praised the actions of his officers. Chief Gannaway read and presented an Award of Valor to Officer Christopher T. Kopel in recognition of his actions in response to a stabbing and murder on Oct. 17, 2009. Vice Mayor Polehna thanked Officer Kopel for his services to the community on behalf of the Council. Presentation of Plaque by Colleen Danford, Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields Colleen Danford, director of the Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, provided an update on the athletic complex. She expressed a plaque of appreciation for the City's previous support of the complex. She reviewed some of the improvements made with the help of City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 the City's financial support. She stated a capital campaign was initiated in 2007 to finish the complex with the final building and outdoor lighting. She said the building has been roughed in, but the campaign still needs to be continued to achieve the goal of $220,000. She spoke of the importance of the complex and the role it plays in fulfilling the recreational needs of the area and supporting communities. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders reported that due to the two recent snowfalls, snow removal would take place in the downtown area and hopefully be completed by the end of the week. Councilmember Roush asked about the upper level of the new parking ramp and whether a fence was missing to prevent people from going around a barricade. Community Development Director Turnblad said a barrier of some type will be placed in that area once the City actually starts charging for parking. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution 2009 -204, directing payment of bills 2. Resolution 2009 -205, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001 (available Tuesday) 3. Resolution 2009 -206, adopting delinquent garbage bill charges Project No. 0002 4. Possible approval to carry over Capital Outlay Items a. MIS b. Fire Department c. Public Works, Parks, Streets, Sewer d. Recreation Center e. Plant City Hall 5. Possible approval of Towing License Councilmember Cook asked that Item 6 be pulled for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the Consent Agenda, minus Item No. 6. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None Regarding Item No. 6, Councilmember Cook asked for an explanation about the carryover funds. City Administrator Hansen said it is his philosophy, noting that in 2010, for the first time in many years, the City will not be selling a bond issue but will obviously need to buy certain equipment; the carryover funds will be used to make those Page 2of7 City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 necessary purchases. On a question by Councilmember Cook, Mr. Hansen explained the carryover funds are not so much project - related as related to purchases that haven't been made this year, such as setting aside funds for a new surface at the Recreation Center rather than having to fund the entire cost in one year. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Gag to approve item No. 6 of the Consent Agenda. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible second reading of Ordinance No. 1011, an ordinance amending the City Code by changing §31 -010, entitled "Definitions" and by changing §31 -400 entitled "Flood Plain Overlay District and adopting resolution of the Stillwater City Council directing the publication of an ordinance by Title & Summary (Case 2009 -43) Community Development Director Turnblad noted no changes have been made since the first reading of the ordinance. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Ordinance No. 1011 an ordinance amending the City Code by changing §31 -010, entitled "Definitions" and by changing §31 -400 entitled "Flood Plain Overlay District and adopting resolution of the Stillwater City Council directing the publication of an ordinance by Title & Summary (Case 2009 -43), and Resolution 2009 -207, a resolution of the Stillwater City Council Directing the publication of an ordinance by Title and Summary (Case No. 2009 -43). Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None Discussion of problem property enforcement options Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed staff suggestions for a stepped up enforcement program. Suggestions included more public outreach, such as placing a notice in utility bills regarding common complaints and suggested solutions to reducing complaints, and having police officers, building inspectors and public works employees keep an eye out for common violations and reporting those violations to the Community Service Officer. Councilmember Cook said she had received a call that exemplifies the essence of the problem from a resident's perspective. Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 Linda Saveland, 106 Sherburne St. N., who had called Councilmember Cook, spoke against taking a "soft" approach; she spoke of the many problems related to a rental property next door and suggesting there should be a licensing of landlords. City Attorney Magnuson said from the many violations described, a nuisance complaint could be signed and levied against the property and that staff could look at the reports and see what kind of aggressive action could be taken to help the situation. Councilmember Cook said this resident's complaint is not atypical, referring to another property on the North Hill where there had been many Initial Complaint Reports (ICRs) but not one ticket issued. Councilmember Cook said she would like to see a more aggressive approach to this issue. Councilmember Polehna agreed and stated he receives many calls related to quality of life issues. Councilmember Gag said the Council must decide if this is a priority issue, and if it is, then obligate the necessary funding toward an aggressive enforcement program. Councilmember Gag said St. Cloud has an aggressive program and wondered whether the City might look at that city as an example. Chief Gannaway said he had some sample ordinances from other communities and that they are pretty strict and pretty severe; which it takes time and resources, with dedicated staff to that type of enforcement. City Administrator Hansen spoke of the dwindling economic resources and being in a period of downsizing that is likely to continue. Councilmember Gag suggested making this a point of emphasis in 2010, with more enforcement. Councilmember Roush suggested using Ms. Saveland's presentation as a training tool to raise officers' awareness of these issues. It was decided to discuss this issue further in January, with direction being the Council does not want to take a soft approach. NEW BUSINESS Possible adoption of resolutions for 2009 Budget & Tax Levy Finance Director Harrison noted the two resolutions reflect the information given at the December 1 meeting. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2009 -208, adopting the final tax levy for the Year 2010. Ayes: Councilmember Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2009 -209, adopting the final budget for the Year 2010. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 Possible acceptance of grant from Metropolitan Emergency Services Board — Fire Department Possible a Fire Chief Glaser told the Council that City has been awarded $16,031 from the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board for the purchase and upgrade of interoperable radio equipment. He asked the Council to acknowledge and approve the grant monies. Chief Glaser explained that the new equipment will allow the department to communicate with communities in Wisconsin with mutual aid agreements with Stillwater. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2009 -210, authorizing the acceptance of grant and approving sub grant agreement with the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None royal of an addendum to the Parkin. Ram • Develo • ment A• reement 11 Community Development Director explained the addendum which reflects the actual ramp costs needed to accommodate the Lowell Inn annex and the actual appraised value of the Lowell Inn property used for the ramp construction. He said the recommendation, as reflected in the addendum, is to split the difference in the land appraisal and make the Lowell Inn responsible for the entire additional ramp costs. He said Mr. Anderson has agreed to the terms of the addendum, and approval is recommended. On a question by Councilmember Cook, Mr. Turnblad said if the City does not adopt the addendum, the City will be responsible for an additional $150,000 in ramp costs and the City will give the Lowell Inn about 36 years of parking credit; if the addendum is approved, the Lowell Inn pays for all the additional ramp cost and receives about 23 years of parking credit. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2009 -211, approval of Addendum No. 1 to development agreement between the City of Stillwater and Trinity Lutheran Church and 102 Second, LLC. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Vice Mayor Polehna Nays: None Possible approval of quotation for downtown siren Police Chief Gannaway noted that the Council had asked the department to look into a downtown warning siren. He said a quote had been received for a siren to be located someplace in Lowell Park. Cost, excluding electrical and any required permits, would be $17,802 and that this item is not included in the budget. Vice Mayor Polehna suggested that carryover funds might be utilized if available later in 2010. No action was taken. Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Beyond Yellow Ribbon Update Vice Mayor Polehna gave an update on the Yellow Ribbon Committee. He said the City would be recognized as an official Yellow Ribbon City on January 5; a celebration will take place at Century College beginning at 9 a.m., with information available on the City web site. Other activities planned include a pheasant hunt for returning troop on March 14. He said Councilmember Roush is working with local Scout troops on an adopt -a- family program and that Community Thread is also working with troops and families. The official award presentation on January 5 will take place at 1:45 p.m. Vice Mayor Polehna said it would be nice if Councilmembers would be in attendance and it was noted that if a majority of Councilmembers attend, it must be published as a meeting; it was agreed the event should be published as a quorum will likely be in attendance. Councilmember Roush acknowledged a letter suggesting the City needs a movie theater, but noted the suggested location is in Oak Park Heights, not Stillwater. Councilmember Roush asked about unused light poles at the Rec Center and whether that equipment might be of use at the Lucy Winton Bell complex; City Administrator Hansen said he could check with the people at Lucy Winton Bell to see if the poles would be usable. Councilmember Roush asked for approval of an expenditure of $219 to participate in a teleconference on current issues in cell tower regulations and suggested that City Attorney Magnuson and Planner Pogge also might want to participate. Councilmember Roush also said he had an upcoming meeting with Congresswoman Bachmann's office to discuss the issue at a national level. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook, moved to approve the expenditure of $219 for the teleconference. All in favor. Vice Mayor Polehna said Bob Kaufman had informed him they would be starting ice at the outdoor rink at the Rec Center later in the week and were very complimentary of the assistance provided by City staff. Councilmember Cook asked about shoveling of sidewalks in the downtown area in front of businesses that have closed. City Administrator Hansen said staff would contact the property owners in question; noting that compliance this year has been good. Councilmember Gag stated he had a town hall meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. December 8 at City Hall. Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting December 15, 2009 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. All in favor. ATTEST: A .4,,e,6 ,(__ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Michael Polehna, Vice Mayor Resolution 2009 -204, directing payment of bills Resolution 2009 -205, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001 Resolution 2009 -206, adopting delinquent garbage bill charges Project No. 0002 Resolution 2009 -207, a resolution of the Stillwater City Council Directing the publication of an ordinance by Title and Summary (Case No. 2009 -43) Resolution 2009 -208, adopting the final tax levy for the Year 2010. Resolution 2009 -209, adopting the final budget for the Year 2010. Resolution 2009 -210, authorizing the acceptance of grant and approving sub grant agreement with the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board Resolution 2009 -211, approval of Addendum No. 1 to development agreement between the City of Stillwater and Trinity Lutheran Church and 102 Second, LLC Ordinance No. 1011 an ordinance amending the City Code by changing §31 -010, entitled "Definitions" and by changing §31 -400 entitled "Flood Plain Overlay District and adopting resolution of the Stillwater City Council directing the publication of an ordinance by Title & Summary (Case 2009 -43) Page 7 of 7