Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-20 CC MIN (ar TIE 11 NTNELE CE Of NIINEEETE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers, 216 North Fourth Street April 20, 2010 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and 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 Mayor Harycki led the Council and au ience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, moved approval of the April 6, 2010, regular, recessed and exe•utive session minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM No comments were received. STAFF REPORTS Fire Chief Glaser reminded citizens t at the spring burning restrictions are still in effect. He also noted that it was Severe eather Awareness Week, with the tornado drills scheduled for April 22; he also remi ded people that an all -clear siren is not sounded. He informed the Council that the City was rejected for the fire station grant, as well as a grant for the purchase of fire apparat s. Mayor Harycki asked about a problem with the siren on the South Hill and whether s aff had looked at getting a siren for the downtown area. Police Chief Gannaway said h - did look at a siren for the downtown, but it was City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 fairly expensive and other options are being explored. Chief Gannaway said the South Hill siren was just repaired the week prior to the Council meeting. City Clerk Ward reported the one newsletter for the year is at the printer's and should be going out to residents by the end of the following week. Community Development Director Turnblad noted that the parking ramp summer hours begin Saturday, May 1, at which time the fee for weekends (6 p.m. Friday evening) will be $5 per day, and continue through the end of October. Mr. Turnblad said Gartner Studios is going to be remodeling the former Reed's building and the remodeling of the facade will require scaffolding on Main and Chestnut streets. He said both the building owner and contractor are working with MnDOT and City engineering staff and that the City and MnDOT are requiring that the area must remain open to pedestrians at all times. He said he expects the exterior work will begin in about two weeks and be completed in two weeks. Councilmember Polehna said he had received complimentary remarks about Mr. Turnblad's efforts related to the parking ramp. Public Works Director Sanders noted that the mill and overlay project on Highway 95 in the downtown area started the week of the Council meeting. Once the work is completed in the downtown area, MnDOT will be doing some work on the project area north of Stillwater and that work on the area north of town is scheduled to begin about May 10, with all work scheduled to be completed by June 4. Mr. Sanders informed the Council that the Corps of Engineers has informed the City that there are some hazardous substances in the levee project area and the City is responsible for the cleanup or any mitigation efforts; and that has to be done prior to the Corps beginning its work. He said he had received a quote from a consultant to assist staff with identifying materials and what needs to be done, along with some possible funding options. He said the consultant is familiar with the area and has worked with the City in the past; he asked for approval to retain the consultant at a cost of $1,600. He said if the City doesn't want to do anything about the hazardous substances; the levee project is dead in the Corps mind. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the $1,600 expenditure for the consultant's services. All in favor. Councilmember Polehna said he thought this issue had been dealt with previously. Mr. Sanders said he thought the Corps was going to be responsible for the cleanup and he was unaware of any past agreement that the City is responsible. City Administrator Hansen said the past three months have been one disappointment after another from the Corps and that things are not going well, suggesting that sometimes federal Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 money is too expensive to accept. Mr. Hansen and Mr. Sanders said they are exploring options of things the City might be able to do on its own. Mr. Sanders noted the first round of street sweeping has been completed. Crosswalk stripping will begin and be completed before Memorial Day. He stated that crews are sealing cracks and patching potholes. Councilmember Roush informed Mr. Sanders that a gravel truck had dumped its contents the entire length of Eagle Ridge Trail. Finance Director Harrison said the 2011 budget calendar is very similar to last year's calendar. She stated she had listed several possible Tuesday nights for the workshop sessions. Ms. Harrison said the calendar would be firmed up at the next Council meeting. City Administrator Hansen noted that one of his duties is to invest City funds that are obligated but idle and in control of the City. He said it has been difficult to get any kind of yield at all on investments and that he has been buying government issues, which have a maximum yield curve in the 5 to 6 -year range. He said none of the products he has been buying last the 5 to 6 -year term; they all called early and generally are not lasting more than 6 months. He pointed out the City's investment policy, which he last asked the Council to update in 2008, has a clause that extended maturities may be utilized to take advantage of higher yields, but no more than 25% of the total investment should extend beyond 5 years, and in no circumstance should any extend beyond 10 years without Council approval. He asked the Council for approval to exceed the 25% maximum; he noted that while on paper it indicates the City is invested for 5 -6 years, in reality, the City is invested for six months. He also pointed out he is keeping the City plenty liquid so even if the City did go to term with those issues, the City would still be in good shape. Mr. Hansen said he buys those issues with the highest initial yield and the quickest step (to a higher interest). Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the authorization to exceed the 25% maximum. Mr. Hansen suggested putting a cap on the authorization until the end of this calendar year; Mr. Roush amended his motion to include a cap to the end of this calendar year. Councilmember Polehna seconded the motion. Councilmember Gag said he would like to read the previous discussion on this issues (February 2009) and likely would have some questions of Mr. Hansen and that he would be not comfortable with taking action at this point. Mayor Harycki agreed that he would not like to take action without some additional analysis and insight. Mayor Harycki noted that these are funds that are in escrow and can't be used for other purposes; Mr. Hansen said these are funds that are obligated, in Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 essence already spent, but are spent over a period of time and can't be used for operational expenses. Councilmember Polehna expressed confidence in Mr. Hansen's recommendation. Councilmember Gag said he would just like to do a bit more investigation of the issue. Mayor Harycki said the investment policies were put together with a great deal of thought and have stood the test of time, and that he would be hesitant to amend the policies without more study. Mr. Hansen said two weeks would not make a difference and that he would send all Council members a copy of the present investment policy and answer individual questions. Councilmember Polehna withdrew his second. Motion died for lack of a second. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution 2010 -61, directing payment of bills 2. Possible approval to purchase replacement/upgraded dive gear - Fire Department 3. Possible approval of temporary liquor license for Church of St. Michael 4. Possible approval of temporary liquor license of Stillwater Public Library Foundation Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS No public hearings UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible approval of second reading of Ordinance 1017, an ordinance creating an overall enforcement strategy for the control and elimination of problem property City Attorney Magnuson noted there were many suggestions made during the first consideration of this ordinance. He said he had incorporated those suggestions to the extent possible and tightened up the language for the second reading of the ordinance. Some of the changes he highlighted, included: restating the purpose of the ordinance to be more direct and articulate about the action being taken under the police power; adding some things, including maintenance that lessens market value according to an Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 appraiser, to the problem section; changing the language related to the timeframe for requiring a problem property license and adding a minimum license fee. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Ordinance 1017, an ordinance creating an overall enforcement strategy for the control and elimination of problem property. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Benchmarks City Administrator Hansen noted the information related to benchmarks is the outgrowth of the Mayor's ad hoc committee that looked at benchmarks and how Stillwater compares with other cities and with past years. Mr. Hansen's presentation highlighted the City's10 -year trends related to local government aid and general tax levy; general fund balance and general fund operating expenditures; legal debt margin and yearly bond ratings; property valuation (assessed and estimated); capital assets by function /program; and staffing levels. NEW BUSINESS Possible accepting of bids and awarding contract for 2010 Street Improvement Project (Resolution Public Works Director Sanders stated three bids were received for the annual street improvement project, with the low bid by Tower Asphalt for $1,271,295. It was noted that the low bid is about $175,000 below the engineer's estimate. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2010 -62, accepting bid and awarding contract for 2010 Street Improvement Project (Project 2010 -02). Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible ordering preparation of feasibility report for 2010 Supplementary Street Improvement (Resolution -Roll Call) Public Works Director Sanders said the good bid for the annual street improvement project will allow the addition of two streets, a mill and overlay project on Mulberry from 4 to Everett and a total reconstruction of Pine Tree Trail between Olive and Pine Street. Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2010 -63, ordering preparation of report for 2010 Supplementary Street Improvements (Project 2010 -07). Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval awarding contract for plans & specifications development for Ramp Security Camera System Community Development Director Turnblad explained that the Downtown Parking Commission is looking at the final system, the security system, for the parking ramp. He said initially it was expected that about $60,000 would come out of the Parking Enterprise Fund to pay for the system. He noted that 38 spots for cameras were hard wired during construction of the ramp. He said staff has looked at several different systems and it has become obvious expertise is required that is not available internally and the Parking Commission recommends that the City solicit requests for proposals to do the plans and specs for the camera security system. Three proposals were received, with the low bid from Paulson & Clark Engineering, Inc. He said the bid was to prepare plans and specs for a system that could accommodate up to 48 cameras, with 20 cameras installed initially. He said the Parking Commission is recommending that the bid for development of the plans and specs for the security system be awarded to Paulson & Clark. Councilmember Polehna suggested perhaps using a design /build method, rather than utilizing a consultant. Councilmember Gag said using a consultant provides the City with some needed protection. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2010 -64, approving contract from Paulson & Clark Engineering, Inc. for security design service for Stillwater Parking Ramp Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Request for Exemption from 24 Hour On- Street Parking - Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Police Chief Gannaway told the Council the Washington County Housing and Development Authority has requested an exemption from the 24 -hour on- street parking ordinance for a portion of West Orleans Street from about May 25 to July 15, during which time the HRA will be redoing the parking lot at the Ann Bodlovick Apartment property on West Orleans. Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 Motion by Mayor Harrick, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the requested exemption. All in favor. Possible approval of transfer of tobacco licenses from Twin Cities Stores to Lucky's Station LLC, for businesses located at 103 Main Street and 1750 Greeley Street S. City Clerk Ward said an application has been received for the transfer of the tobacco licenses from the former Oasis Markets on Main Street and Greeley Street to Lucky's LLC. She noted approval should be contingent upon the filing of all required documents and approval by Police, Fire, Finance, and Inspection departments. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2010 -65, approving transfer of ownership of the tobacco license from Twin Cities Stores, DBA: Oasis Markets to Lucky's LLC DBA: Lucky's Station. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible appointments to Downtown Parking, Planning, Human Rights and Parks commissions Clerk Ward reviewed the vacancies on the various commissions, applications received and the recommended appointments. She noted that the interview committee for the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to re- advertise the one vacancy as there currently is no representative from Ward 1 on that commission and that the position would be re- advertised targeting applicants from Ward 1. Motion Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2010- 66, approving appointments to Planning, Heritage Preservation, Downtown Parking and Human Rights Commissions., consisting of Eric Hansen and Aron Buchanan to Planning, Scott Zahren to Heritage Preservation Commission, David Junker and David Korte to Downtown Parking Commission, and Loretto VanGrasstek to Human Rights Commission.. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval for speed survey to MnDOT Public Works Director Sanders noted that some time ago the City asked MnDOT to conduct a speed study for all City streets. He said MnDOT responded that the City should reconsider the request. The Traffic Committee discussed the issue and agreed that no speed studies ought to be done on local streets but recommended that studies be conducted on County Road 12 (Myrtle Street) from Maryknoll to Eagle Ridge and Highway 95 both north and south of downtown. He said the Traffic Committee recommended that Highway 95 be considered due to the discrepancy in the speed limits approaching from the north; the Committee felt that one speed limit should be established for the entire zone. He said the Committee also felt that the speed limit Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 should be lowered exiting downtown going south. He said for County Road 12 (Myrtle Street), the request would have to be made to the County to forward the request to MnDOT. The City would make a formal request to MnDOT for the speed study on Highway 95. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna authorizing staff to request the speed studies as recommended, noting there have been discussions for some time regarding Myrtle Street in the area in question. All in favor. Mayor Harycki asked how the Traffic Committee was working out. Mr. Sanders replied that he thought it was a knowledgeable committee, with an excellent resource in the person of Glen VanWormer, longtime traffic engineer, who has volunteers his time to the committee. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Cook asked about the Council retreat date. It was noted the date was tentatively set for May 7. Due to Councilmember Polehna's upcoming surgery, it was decided to schedule the retreat for Friday, May 14. Councilmember Roush asked for an update on a rain garden in dispute in the north part of Oak Glen. Public Works Director Sanders said that has been worked out by Engineer Kraftson; Mr. Sanders said Mr. Kraftson would contact Councilmember Roush with the information. Councilmember Gag said he and Mayor Harycki, along with City Administrator Hansen, attended a meeting with MnDOT, legislators and representatives from Washington County to discuss bridge issues. One of the action items from that meeting was to look into the formation of a coalition and that he and Jennifer Seversen, representing the Chamber, volunteered to work on that. Subsequent to the meeting, Councilmember Gag said he has met with Ms. Seversen and they had put together a formation of goals for a coalition and they are looking at a steering committee to put together a non - profit coalition. He said the intent of the non - profit coalition would be to have all the various entities interested in the bridge issue talking the same points. He asked the Council for approval to work with the steering committee to determine whether a non - profit organization makes sense. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Mayor Harycki to approve moving forward with the steering committee. All in favor. Councilmember Gag asked about skate parks in people's backyards and whether that might come under the new nuisance regulations. He asked that staff look at what other cities do with the issue. Councilmember Polehna provided an update on the Yellow Ribbon Committee. He said a location for the 4 of July fireworks will be set aside for troops and families of Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting April 20, 2010 returning veterans. He stated the Red Bulls will be the grand marshals for the Lumberjack Days parade. He said a picnic for the troops will take place August 15 at Big Marine Park Reserve; the picnic is being sponsored by the Washington County Coalition and donations of door prizes and prizes for children's games are welcome. He said the local organization is working closely with other community groups. Councilmember Roush said he is working with the Great Rivers Boy Scout District, along with another multi -city coalition, to provide a leading example of service organizations helping the troops. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Ga• • adjourn at 8:40 p.m. All in favor. Ken H,rwi,Mayor ATT ST: Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2010 -61, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -62, accepting bid and awarding contract for 2010 Street Improvement Project (Project 2010 -02) Resolution 2010 -63, ordering preparation of report for 2010 Supplementary Street Improvements (Project 2010 -07) Resolution 2010 -64, approving contract from Paulson & Clark Engineering, Inc. for security design service for Stillwater Parking Ramp Resolution 2010 -65, approving transfer of ownership of the tobacco license from Twin Cities Stores, DBA: Oasis Markets to Lucky's LLC DBA: Lucky's Station. Resolution 2010 -66, approving appointments to Planning, Heritage Preservation, Downtown Parking and Human Rights Commissions Ordinance 1017, an ordinance creating an overall enforcement strategy for the control and elimination of problem property Page 9 of 9