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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-20 CC MIN. water THE 11 *IMF LAC1 9f MINI EC I TA CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 20, 2010 REGULAR MEETING Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 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 7:00 P.M. Brig. General Kelly and staff led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the July 6, 2010, regular and recessed meeting minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Discussion of new armory Fire Chief Glaser reviewed the background of the fire service delivery study and the subsequent search for a suitable site for a single, centrally located fire station. He reported the possible advantages and shared uses /resources in co- locating a new facility with a new National Guard Armory. He stated there are a lot of options available that would seem to be favorable to the City and the National Guard. Mayor Harycki briefly reviewed previous discussions with the National Guard and noted that at this time, the decision would not represent an obligation to build a new fire station within a specific timeframe, but rather to secure a site for a future fire station when finances and the economy permit. Councilmember Cook asked Chief Glaser about the origination of the most calls for service and expressed her concern that the suggested location for a new station Page 1 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 might be moving away from the area of greatest need. Councilmember Cook asked Chief Glaser to expound on some of the potential shared facilities. Chief Glaser responded that he just became involved in these discussions and does not have more concrete information at this time, which is why there is a lot of qualifying language in his memorandum. Councilmember Cook stated that she would be more inclined to separate the two — fire station and armory — in this discussion because the proposal is in its infancy. On a question by Councilmember Cook, City Administrator Hansen and Chief Glaser reviewed the three options for service delivery that came out of the fire study; City Administrator Hansen stated that the options related to two station service were rejected by the Council as that would double the personnel cost and the decision was made to pursue the one - station option. Councilmember Cook questioned whether the recommendations of the 2005 fire service study would be the same recommendations that would be made today in terms of the economy and downturn in development; she stated that when she thinks of consolidating services, she thinks of cooperative efforts involving more local jurisdictions. It was noted that the discussion at this meeting was one of gathering information, the first step in the process that might result in the City indicating that it is interested in pursuing the National Guard's proposal for an armory. Assistant Adjutant General Joe Kelley, Minnesota National Guard, reviewed the effort to build a new armory in Stillwater, an effort that began some 20 years ago. He stated that the Guard is as close as it has ever been to being able to construct a new armory in Stillwater, because for the first time the Army has money in its budget for a building for the unit that has been based in Stillwater for 150 years. He provided an overview of the Guard's association with Stillwater, the proposed new facility, including areas that would be available for public use, and timelines for construction of a new facility. He noted that construction costs for the base building would be 100% federally funded. He spoke briefly of the potential economic benefits of having a new armory located here. He noted that a deed for a parcel of land would be required by June of 2012, when 35% of the design would be completed. Mayor Harycki asked about the estimated annual budget of the new armory; General Kelly stated that he thought that was in the $6 million range, which does not include any ancillary economic benefits. Councilmember Gag asked how many new armory facilities have been built in the past five years; General Kelly responded that about one facility a year has been constructed. Councilmember Gag questioned if other cities have attached facilities to the new armories. General Kelly reviewed some of the community facilities included in the armories. General Kelly stated that he believes the possibility of cooperating with a fire station is an excellent match. Councilmember Cook asked if the community facilities General Kelly mentioned were free to the public. General Kelly responded those are either free or based on Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 direct/identifiable cost, such as cost of lighting /heating. He stated that such arrangements are made on a community -by- community basis. Councilmember Roush questioned if there would be a substantial number of military vehicles parked on site. General Kelly stated that most equipment is kept in central locations, but there would be some vehicle storage. Colonel Jensen stated that there would be storage for about 50 -60 vehicles, kept separate from regular vehicles. Councilmember Polehna spoke of the need for assurance and not having the proposal fall through late in the process, as it has in the past. General Kelly explained that this time, funding is tied to the Unit, which has its historic home in Stillwater. He stated that he could give the facility to another community if Stillwater is unable to find a site, but the facility has to be built for this Unit. On a question by Mayor Harycki, General Kelly explained the potential kinds of training that would take place at the facility. Councilmember Polehna presented Yellow Ribbon t -shirts to the Guard representatives. General Kelly thanked Stillwater for being one of the first Yellow Ribbon Communities. Community Development Director Turnblad spoke briefly of the potential economic impact of an armory facility in Stillwater. Councilmember Gag asked about potential plans for reuse of the current facility. Mr. Turnblad noted that in the previous reuse study, potential use of the building was envisioned as an arts and community center. He noted the desirability of the location. One of the Guard representatives spoke of the disposal process should the City not wish to purchase the existing facility. Councilmember Cook asked about the next step in the Council's discussion of this proposal. General Kelly stated the Guard would need some kind of firm commitment from the City by January. Finance Director Harrison reviewed some estimated tax impact information based on various lengths of term of capital outlay bonds. Councilmember Cook asked whether there are any firm figures regarding economic benefits from other communities where armory facilities are located, Finance Director Harrison noted that the recent audit cautioned about taking on any additional debt. It was agreed to schedule a further discussion of the proposal, either at a regular Council meeting or special meeting. Senator Salzman, Representative Bunn, Senator Vandeveer The Legislative delegates reported on the last Legislative Session. Sen. Salzman highlighted some Legislative actions, including the jobs bill, which includes an historic building preservation fund that provides a tax credit for preservations of historic buildings primarily located in commercial districts; a tax credit for small emerging companies that helps with seed capital; and a study of potential additional Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 funding options for the new bridge. Rep. Bunn noted the budget challenges faced by the state and her priority areas: actions related to improving the business and jobs climate; scaling back the continued growth in health and human services budget; and finding ways to make budget cuts and reallocate resources so core institutions remain viable. Sen. Vandeveer indicated the bipartisan efforts that resulted in several local actions, including limiting truck traffic on the lift bridge and efforts related to the Boom Site. He noted the upcoming budget deficits that will be faced in the next biennium. Jennifer Severson - Summer Tuesdays amendment to special event and possible approval of temporary liquor license City Clerk Ward reviewed the request to allow sampling of a local microbrew at the July 27 Summer Tuesdays. She noted that the Chamber is working with Police Chief Gannaway regarding the requirements for controlled area, etc. Chief Gannaway stated that he had no concerns. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Roush to approve the request as presented. All in favor. Proclamation: 2010 Night to Unite Mayor Harycki read the proclamation designating August 3, 2010, as Night to Unite in the City of Stillwater. Resolution 2010 -108 Certificate of Appreciation — DJ Raduenz of Stillwater Motors Mayor Harycki read a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing DJ Raduenz for his efforts on behalf of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2010 -108, Certificate of Appreciation — DJ Raduenz. Councilmember Polehna presented the Certificate of Appreciation and Yellow Ribbon t -shirt to Mr. Raduenz. OPEN FORUM Benchmarks — Stan Miller Stan Miller gave a presentation regarding the work of the Benchmarking committee which included himself and Dick Paukert. He stated that this year they worked on comparing Stillwater's expenditures with eight other cities. The comparisons were made in general government expenditures; streets and highways; public safety; culture and recreation; debt interest and principal payments; housing and economic development; new capital outlay; and total expenditures — current, capital, and debt service. The presentation indicated that Stillwater is typical in the areas of general Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 government, streets and highways, public safety and new capital outlay, and high in culture and recreation, debt principal and debt interest payments, current expenditures and total expenditures. Mayor Harycki suggested it would be interesting to see what impact the reduction in local government aid has had on expenditures. Mr. Miller stated that he has looked at revenues and would be willing to share that information. City Administrator Hansen noted that the budget book does show the correlation between taxes and reductions in local government aid and stated that it is an absolute correlation. Councilmember Polehna talked about the impact the library has on figures related to culture /recreation and stated that that should be shown /explained in the figures as not all cities being compared to have their own library and recreation center. Mayor Harycki stated that it would be interesting to see a four -year trend, 2007- 2010, suggesting that there will be a significant shifting in the patterns. Mr. Paukert spoke of the charge to the committee — to look at actual figures, and responding to Councilmember Polehna's comments stated that that is not meant to be critical of expenditures in culture and recreation. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Gannaway reported that the department is ready for Lumberjack Days and will be doing canine presentations as part of the festivities. He spoke of plans for Night to Unite. Fire Chief Glaser stated that the Fire Department is also preparing for Lumberjack Days, with public safety in mind. He updated the Council on events related to the recent severe weather, with a house fire likely caused by a lightning strike and numerous other storm - related calls. He noted he and several other staff members will be attending the integrated emergency management course, and he will be absent from the July 27 Council meeting. Community Development Director Turnblad referred to the building permit activity report that he handed out at the meeting. Public Works Director Sanders also spoke of storm - related issues, noting there had been three power failures at lift stations which required additional man hours, as well as a number of downed trees which had to be removed. Finance Director Harrison told the Council that the impact on the recent utility bill adjustments approved last meeting was $500. City Administrator Hansen reminded the Council that the next Council meeting will be July 27 rather than the usual first Tuesday in August; he also noted that the bill for the Middle St. Croix is included in the payment of bills. Mayor Harycki spoke of the potential for additional federal funds for the levee project and questioned whether to pursue those funds through a lobbyist; City Administrator Hansen stated that he would distribute a memo regarding that issue. Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting CONSENT AGENDA July 20, 2010 1. Resolution 2010 -104, directing payment of bills 2. Possible approval of permit to sell — Lily Lake ball fields — Sharon Brent 3. Resolution 2010 -105, approval of grant agreement for municipal recycling grant distribution 4. Resolution 2010 -106, approval to entering to participating member city agreement with CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. 5. Resolution 2010 -107, approval of donation to Youth Service Bureau 6. Lumberjack Days Festival Association, possible approval of temporary liquor license Councilmember Cook asked that item 11 be pulled. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the Consent Agenda minus item 11. Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Regarding item 11, Councilmember Cook asked why it was decided to provide a donation rather than contract for service. Chief Gannaway stated that the concept of contract for service was to be the topic of future discussion; he stated that since the City cut its donation, the Police Department agreed to make a one -time donation of $5,000. Mr. Hansen noted this money is being taken out of forfeiture funds. It was also noted that this was agreed upon last year. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the donation to the Youth Service Bureau. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS - Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 10 minutes or less. Case No. 2010 -20. This is the date and time for a public hearing to consider a request from Rich Schmidt for a special use permit to build within the flood plain located at 229 Main Street South in the Central Business District. Notice was mailed to affected property owners and published in the Stillwater Gazette on June 25, 2010. (Resolution — Roll Call) (tabled from July 6, 2010 meeting) Mayor Harycki noted the applicant has requested that this be tabled. Mayor Harycki opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush to table this case until the July 27 meeting. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on change of location of ArtReach special event City Clerk Ward reviewed the request to change the location of Art in the Park to the front lawn of the library. She stated that the Council and Park Board previously approved the event for Lowell Park. She stated that Chief Gannaway has indicated no issues with the request, but noted the applicant would need to ensure legal parking and there may be some impact on the neighborhood. She stated Mr. Hansen has indicated Lowell Park may be a more appropriate setting for the event, rather than the lawn of the library. Mr. Hansen noted the library is already under significant pressure from neighbors regarding events and stated that his concern is the potential impact on the neighborhood, not with the event itself. Councilmember Polehna stated that he thought 400 people on the lawn would be excessive. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to deny the requested change in location. Motion passed 4 -1, with Councilmember Gag voting no. Possible approval of Municipal Agreement with MnDOT for the Bergstein warehouse and Shoddy Mill Community Development Director Turnblad gave a brief background on the plans to relocate the Shoddy Mill and Warehouse as part of the bridge mitigation plans. Todd Clarkowski noted both structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He stated that the City has previously identified a site for the buildings and some of the issues related to the site. He stated that MnDOT has been working with the City staff, the DNR and National Park Service coordinating the development of the plan to relocate the buildings. He stated that plans for the site include providing fill to raise the elevation, providing new foundation for the two buildings, rip rap work along the shoreline and removing some of the man -made concrete in the shoreline, cleaning up some of the contaminated soils in the area and naturalizing the shoreline. The project would also include extension of City utilities to the buildings, he stated that. He briefly reviewed the proposed relocation route and timeframe for the move, which he stated that will primarily take place during the week days. He stated that the request is for a municipal agreement for sharing cost for the utilities along with the permission for the City Engineer to sign the plan set for the buildings. He estimated the cost for the City share for the utilities is $17, 928. Mayor Harycki asked if that is a budgeted item. Mr. Hansen stated that the City could take the money from previously dedicated park funds or from reserves. He stated that the reason for the recommendation to proceed at this time is due to the complexity of the permitting process. Councilmember Cook asked about any ongoing cost. Mr. Hansen noted the $17,928 is just to extend utilities to the foundation of the buildings, and he noted the City agreed to accept the buildings in 2006 and that the initial thought was the City would use the buildings in conjunction with the park and eventually install restrooms in the Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 buildings. She asked asked about the possibility of the bridge project not moving forward; Mr. Clarkowski noted that this is a before construction mitigation measure. Councilmember Roush suggested that if not approved, this might be a roadblock to the eventual construction of a new bridge. Mayor Harycki asked if any thought has been given to security once the buildings are moved on site; Mr. Hansen stated that the City has asked that fencing be placed around the buildings. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Gag to adopt Resolution 2010 -109, approval of municipal agreement with MnDOT for the Bergstein warehouse and Shoddy Mill. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval of additional plaque at the veteran's memorial site Jon Larson, acting chair of the Stillwater Veteran's Memorial Committee, stated that the group has decided to remove the words "hallowed ground" from the verbiage and would change the last sentence to read, "This memorial is dedicated to all veterans who are remembered here." Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush accept the plaque as presented with the wording change. All in favor. Possible approval of quote for reroofing lift stations Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the request for the new roofs for three lift stations, noting that some are almost 40 years old and are deteriorating. He stated that two quotes were received, with the low quote of $34,000. He stated that funds would come from the Sanitary Sewer Capital outlay fund. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2010 -110, approval of quote for reroofing lift stations. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Discussion of new armory Mayor Harycki suggested adding this discussion to the 4:30 agenda of the July 27 meeting. It was noted Fire Chief Glaser and Councilmember Roush will not be in attendance at that meeting. City Clerk Ward noted that all Tuesdays in August are filled. It was agreed to schedule a special meeting; members were to circulate potential dates to City Clerk Ward /City Administrator Hansen. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Roush stated that he knows of an Eagle Scout candidate interested in constructing a pier on Long Lake and asked Mr. Sanders if there are any funds Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting July 20, 2010 available to assist with the project. Mr. Sander stated that the Scout has already contacted staff and staff is working with him. Chief Gannaway noted that the 34 Military Police would be assisting with traffic control during Lumberjack Days. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adjourn at 9:47 p.m. All in favor. Ke arycki, Mayor ATTEST: Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2010 -104, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -105, approval of grant agreement for municipal recycling grant distribution Resolution 2010 -106, approval to entering to participating member city agreement with CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Resolution 2010 -107, approval of donation to Youth Service Bureau Resolution 2010 -108, Certificate of Appreciation — DJ Raduenz. Resolution 2010 -109, approval of municipal agreement with MnDOT for the Bergstein Warehouse and Shoddy Mill. Resolution 2010 -110, approval of quote for reroofing lift stations Page 9 of 9