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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-04 CC MIN • ate THE IINTMSLACI Of MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers, 216 North Fourth Street May 4, 2010 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Mayor Harycki Absent: Councilmember Polehna Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Fire Chief Glaser Public Works Director Sanders Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Fire Chief Glaser told the Council that planning for the Marathon is proceeding, and planning for Lumberjack Days will begin in the near future. He stated that the DNR has announced that the burn restrictions will be lifted as of May 5. Community Development Director Turnblad told the Council that the outdoor wood boiler that created an issue earlier in the year has been removed from the property. He announced that Stillwater ranked No. 4 among small towns (40,000 or less) in America as best places to live, 52nd overall. He reported that, as requested by Councilmember Polehna, staff had researched the issue of a public boat access on the St. Croix and found that two sites were looked at relatively recently. He pointed out that as part of the mitigation process for the new bridge, MnDOT will give the DNR funds to create a public boat access to the River. He stated that initially MnDOT offered a site under the new bridge, but that has been rejected, as Oak Park Heights did not like that site. A second site, the Aiple property north of downtown, has been rejected by the DNR due to concerns about access from Highway 95 in that area and possible issues with trailering of the boats. The site where the Cayuga is currently situated was mentioned as a possibility; Mr. Turnblad responded that staff could do some preliminary investigation to see what might be possible at that site. Mr. Turnblad referred to the questionnaire /survey which will be sent to downtown businesses regarding trash pickup and garbage enclosures and that an online survey instrument will be utilized. He asked for input from the Council regarding suggested changes to the survey. Councilmember Cook suggested including a stronger purpose statement. Ms. Cook also suggested removing the last question in the background section; moving the last two questions in the enclosures City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 section to the beginning of that section; changing the wording of the questions related to constructing dumpster enclosures to "would you be willing to contribute towards the construction of a community dumpster enclosure? Or should the City require businesses to build dumpster enclosures for their own trash if they do not have one," as an option. Councilmember Cook also suggested adding a "why or why not" to the questions regarding pickup and eliminating the second question in the comments section. Mayor Harycki spoke in favor of retaining the second question in the comment section. Public Works Director Sanders stated the Main Street mill and overlay project is going well, with the project completed by May 14. The remaining work will be completed during the nighttime hours. The work on the 2010 street improvement projects began the day before the Council meeting. He stated that Xcel Energy has started the painting of the downtown light poles, with that project expected to be completed by Memorial Day. Mr. Sanders noted that last year, as part of its ongoing stop sign modification program, it was recommended that the sign at Martha and Rice streets be removed. He reported that the removal of the sign has caused the most concern of any changes made, and that he would recommend leaving the sign in place. It was consensus to leave the sign in place due to neighborhood feedback; a resolution was to be prepared for action at the evening session. City Attorney Magnuson told the Council the problem property ordinance was published the week prior to the meeting. He noted staff has discussed setting up a procedure to assign some responsibility for generating needed reports. He thought that within the week, the City would be taking some action and that Councilmembers will be copied on the progress being made. On a question by Mayor Harycki, Mr. Magnuson responded that staff believes there are three properties that are candidates for the top of the list. Councilmember Cook referred to a letter from a resident who expressed gratitude that the Council is taking on this issue. City Administrator Hansen asked that the budget calendar included in the agenda packet be adopted. Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the proposed budget calendar. All in favor. Mr. Hansen provided an update on contract negotiations, noting that he does have one signed contract, with two bargaining units that he believes are close to a settlement. He said an offer has been sent to another group, with no response at this time, and negotiations are continuing with two other groups. Progress is being made, he concluded. The meeting was recessed at 5 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. AGENDA Mayor Harycki called the recessed meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 Present: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Roush and Mayor Harycki Absent: Councilmember Polehna Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Fire Chief Glaser Public Works Director Sanders Clerk Ward Mayor Harycki announced that the City of Stillwater has been named No. 4 among the best small towns in America, and No. 52 among cities of all sizes. 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 Roush, to approve the April 20, 2010, regular meeting minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS OPEN FORUM No comments were received. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution 2010 -67, directing payment of bills 2. Resolution 2010 -68, approving the 2010 Service Agreement for water monitoring with the Washington Conservation District 3. Resolution 2010 -69, approving the transfer of Contract from Tower Asphalt to Hardrives 2010 Street Improvement Project 4. Resolution 2010 -70, approving Joint Powers Agreement with the SW/WC Service Cooperative 5. Resolution 2010 -71, approving the abatement of certain special assessments Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Cook, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Quotes on Cayuga Public Works Director Sanders stated the report from MidAmerica regarding hazardous materials on the Cayuga indicates the presence of lead, asbestos and other materials such as mercury and Freon. If the City were to proceed with demolition of the boat, the materials would have to be removed. Mr. Sanders indicated that subsequent to receiving the report, staff solicited some quotes from contractors for cleanup costs and demolition, and that four quotes were received. Mr. Sanders reviewed the low quotes and options, which involve scrap value and which party assumes risk. Mr. Sanders said he would recommend MidAmerica's Option 1 for the cleanup and demolition in which there is no risk to the City and MidAmerica retains all scrap and salvage material. On a question by Councilmember Roush regarding the possible scrap value, Mr. Sanders stated he is not sure of, and has not been able to ascertain, the exact tonnage of the boat. Mr. Hansen stated that he agreed with Mr. Sander's recommendation, noting the boat as it exists today is a liability, not an asset. Councilmember Cook asked about possible liability to the City; and Mr. Magnuson replied that the contractor and subcontractor will be required to have all the necessary insurances and permits. When asked about funding, City Administrator Hansen said funds will have to come from the reserve fund at this time; and rent that the City is currently receiving from Mr. Anderson could be applied to the cost. Councilmember Gag noted that the timing of the expense is awful, but added that there are some rental monies that will help and the City has given itself some options to make that property more usable for the public. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve Option 1 submitted by MidAmerica Technical & Environmental Services at a cost of $29,612. All in favor. Possible approval of feasibility report and calling for hearing on 2010 Supplemental Street Improvements Torry Kraftson reviewed the proposed additions to the annual street improvement project made possible due to the aggressive bids the City received. The additions are Mulberry from Fourth to Everett and Pine Tree Trail between Pine and Olive streets. He noted that the 2010 street project budget was $1.77 million, with the low bid for construction only of $1.27 million. Adding in engineering and administrative costs, there is about $171,000 available for the additional work. He indicated that Mulberry Street was reconstructed in 1991, and in the last few years there has been a lot of surface deterioration primarily in the top 2 inches of pavement. He reported that the utilities are in good condition, but all the sidewalk ramps do not have the required truncated domes. The proposed project would involve milling two inches of the pavement and installing the required truncated domes at the sidewalk intersections and replacing two outdated catch Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 basins. He pointed out the estimated cost, including engineering and administration, of $79,800. Pine Tree Trail was constructed in 1970, and has almost a completely failed pavement, with extensive potholes. The proposed project for Pine Tree Trail would involve removing the existing bituminous, testing and compacting the gravel base, and adding gravel as necessary, along with the replacement of several curb sections, with 4 inches of new asphalt and new truncated domes at the sidewalk intersections. Estimated cost of this work, including engineering and administration, is $70,400. He reviewed the proposed assessments -- 50% by the property owner and 50% by the City. Because Mulberry Street was constructed in 1991 and is under the usual 20 -year timeframe before a mill and overlay would be considered, it is proposed to give a 5% reduction in those assessments. Total project cost is estimated at $150,200. He noted that because construction cost for the supplemental work is less than 25% of the initial project bid, new bids are not necessary. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2010 -72, resolution receiving report and calling hearing on 2010 Supplementary Project (Project 2010 -07) Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Cook, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Mayor Harycki noted that unfinished business from the recessed portion of the meeting was amending Resolution 2009 -171 to allow the stop sign at Rice and Martha to remain in place. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to adopt Resolution 2010 -73, amending resolution 2009 -171 approving the traffic control sign changes. Ayes: Councilmembers Gag, Cook, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of Special Events in Lowell Park a. Fire Muster— June 27th (NEW EVENT) — Minnesota Fire Engine Club b. Lost Dogs Concert — July 16th (NEW EVENT) — River Valley Christian Church c. Vintage Car Show— Wednesdays, June — August - Stillwater Chamber of Commerce City Clerk Ward reviewed the special event requests. She stated the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the events. City Administrator Hansen noted that he and various departments reviewed the requests and has no particular concerns with any of the events; the requests are brought to the Council because in the past, Council has wanted to be involved in the approval of events taking place in Lowell Park. Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to approve the special events. All in favor. Councilmember Cook indicated that she was of the understanding that there would be a moratorium on special events taking place in Lowell Park until the special events task force has completed its recommendations, but that was never formalized. She noted that she appreciated having these requests brought to the Council's attention. Ms. Ward reported that applicants are being made aware of the special events task force and that processes may be changing in the future. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Roush reported that last weekend his Scout troop did a highway cleanup on Stagecoach Trail on a two -mile stretch past St. Croix Preparatory Academy. He noted that it was amazing at how much alcohol- and drug - related materials were found in the ditches, and wondered if Chief Gannaway could talk with Washington County about the possibility of focusing on patrolling that stretch of roadway a bit more. Councilmember Cook wondered if there is always a need for a 4:30 p.m. meeting and whether it should be left up to City Administrator Hansen's discretion as to whether to schedule the afternoon session. Mr. Hansen responded that timing of publication could be an issue due to late requests, but to the extent possible, he would implement that suggestion. Mayor Harycki asked Public Works Director Sanders to look into concerns expressed in a letter from Pat Anderson regarding an alley in the commercial district. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Mayor Harycki, to adjour• - • • . All in favor. Ae Ken H. ,.'i, Mayor ATTEST: 2, z c z, Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2010 -67, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -68, approving the 2010 Service Agreement for water monitoring with the Washington Conservation District Resolution 2010 -69, approving the transfer of Contract from Tower Asphalt to Hardrives 2010 Street Improvement Project Resolution 2010 -70, approving Joint Powers Agreement with the SW/WC Service Cooperative Resolution 2010 -71, approving the abatement of certain special assessments Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting May 4, 2010 Resolution 2010 -72, resolution receiving report and calling hearing on 2010 Supplementary Project (Project 2010 -07) Resolution 2010 -73, amending resolution 2009 -171 approving the traffic control sign changes Page 7 of 7