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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-26 CC MINTM! 1....... r. Of ....... R CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 26, 2010 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Public Works Director Sanders City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Armory Access Community Development Director Turnblad stated staff has been doing due diligence work with regard to the armory site. He said the major issue that has arisen is access. He said depending on what type of facilities are built — armory and fire station or armory, fire station and some other type of community use — Boutwell or Myrtle Street (County Road 12) are designed to handle the resultant traffic. He said there are two access options: access from Boutwell only or access from Boutwell and County Road 12. He said Washington County Transportation Department has determined that if there is to be access from Myrtle, the traffic needs to be distributed to both Boutwell and Myrtle Street. He stated that financially, from the City's point of view, the best option would be access from Boutwell only, as the only improvement that would be necessary would be turn lanes into the site. He noted that no federal dollars can be expended on improvements except within the boundaries of the property, which works well with access from Boutwell only, as the armory property includes land to the center of Boutwell Road. Mr. Turnblad pointed out that at some point in the future, if the fire department moves to the site, there will need to be a second access. Access from Myrtle will require turn lane improvements at an estimated City cost of about $250,000; however, that expense wouldn't have to be incurred until the fire department located at the site. He said the National Guard has indicated it would be able to do most of the construction of the public road on the interior of the site connecting Myrtle to Boutwell, including doing all the grading, stormwater improvements, wetland mitigation, etc. He noted the City would have to acquire some additional property to align the connecting street with Maryknoll at Myrtle Street. He said the acquisition would have to occur before the fire City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 department gains access to Myrtle, and that acquisition may involve an unwilling seller situation. Councilmember Roush said he would have a problem with access from Boutwell only and suggested that the two accesses be done concurrently. He stated that when the Council was presented with the property purchase option, it was with the understanding that the only access would be from Myrtle Street. Councilmember Roush said he would be vehemently opposed to having access from Boutwell only due to the traffic that will be generated. Mayor Harycki said a National Guard representative has indicated the Guard would prefer access from Myrtle, as well; he asked about the possibility of getting a temporary access off County Road 12 until such time as the fire department moves to the site. Mr. Turnblad said even with a temporary access, turn lanes would have to be constructed. On a question by Councilmember Roush, Mr. Turnblad said it is unclear whether there would be any traffic control added at County Road 15 and Boutwell Road, and that won't be known until the design process get under way. Joe Gustafson, Washington County traffic engineer, spoke of the possibility of a traffic signal at Boutwell (80 Street) and Manning Avenue. Mayor Harycki said he would favor doing both of the entrances at the same time, rather than waiting for the fire department. Councilmember Gag asked if staff had looked at the implications for the Comprehensive Plan; Mr. Turnblad said the Comp Plan shows the land use as residential, where typically institutional uses are allowed by special use permit. Regarding funding for pursuing two access points from the onset, there was discussion of the possibility of carving off a portion of the site where there are existing residences, which could be sold to raise some revenue; Councilmember Roush suggested a possible land swap to get the additional required land for the Myrtle Street access. Councilmember Cook expressed concern about the many unknowns involved in the armory project, with a lot of additional costs in difficult economic times; she called for the City to step back from the process /project. On a question by Councilmember Gag, Mr. Turnblad reviewed the project deadlines: making a decision by the first of the year as to whether the City wants to offer the site to the National Guard, with a November 1 deadline for a decision on whether to purchase the land for the site. Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 Councilmember Cook asked whether the wetlands on the site in question would represent an issue; Mr. Turnblad said the Guard has indicated this site would work for them. Councilmember Cook questioned what the City would gain if nothing is built on the site but the armory, referring to the recently approved fire services study, which may indicate this site is not the best site for a future new fire station; she reiterated her concern about the potential costs to the citizens of Stillwater. Councilmember Roush spoke of the potential $2 million in savings by cooperating with the Armory for a future site for a new fire station. Councilmember Polehna spoke of the importance for planning for the future and keeping options open for future opportunities at a less cost. There was discussion of the best location for a future fire station. Mr. Turnblad pointed out that by closing on the property by November 1, the City is protecting its option to build there — it doesn't mean the City has to build there if it is later determined this whole project isn't going to work as there is always the option of selling the property at that time. Mayor Harycki also pointed out that the two residences on the property could also be sold off later if a decision is made to not move forward with the project. Mr. Turnblad briefly referred to the project timetable included with the agenda, noting there is lots of opportunity for public input. He also said the Phase 1 environmental investigation has been completed, with nothing unexpected in the report. On a question by Councilmember Roush, Mr. Turnblad said an issue with a barn /house is a township issue at this point; there was discussion about the possibility of using demolition as a training tool. Councilmember Polehna talked about the Guard's commitment to the project. In discussion, it was noted closing on the property will take place November 1 unless the Council directs otherwise. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna moved to move forward with the purchase and to pursue the dual entrances, Myrtle and Boutwell, to the site. Motion passed 4 -1, with Councilmember Cook voting no. Pavement Management Assistant Engineer Kraftson reviewed the 2010 pavement management study. He noted the study rates streets according to five criteria — patching, alligator cracking, edge cracking, transverse cracking and ride quality. Once streets are Page 3of9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 rated according to the five criteria, an overall rating — excellent, fair, poor and worst -- is given to the streets. Of 89.7 miles in the City, about 45 miles were rated, any new or streets reconstructed in the past 15 years were not analyzed, but were classified as good or excellent. Of the 45 miles rated, 17.4 miles were either good or excellent, 17 miles fair, 10.6 miles poor and 1 mile rated worst condition. He informed the Council that a comparison of the studies done in the past four years indicates that excellent/good ratings has been relatively consistent, while the miles rated fair has been increasing slightly, miles rated poor has been fairly consistent, and those rated worst have decreased. He showed slides indicating the locations of the streets, previous street improvement projects and the proposed 5 -year capital improvement plan, including streets proposed for reconstruction and those for mill and overlay projects. He said the 5 -year plan includes 8.9 miles of reconstruction and 8 miles of mill and overlay. He stated the recommendation is to continue to dedicate 70% of street improvement funds to reconstruction and 30% to mill and overlay; to continue maintenance of patching and crack sealing; and to reevaluate the plan in 3 years. He said the recommendation also is to continue to reconstruct neighborhoods whenever possible to provide more efficiency; to continue upgrading utilities along with the street projects; and to continue targeting '/2 inch of stormwater infiltration with the projects. He said authorization to do a feasibility report for a 2011 improvement program will be brought to Council at the next meeting. On a question by Councilmember Roush, Public Works Director Sanders said there is a study being conducted by MnDOT to determine the cause of a technical problem with seal coating and that the study is expected to take about two years. He stated that seal coating will be discontinued until that study is complete. Councilmember Polehna suggested that a pavement management plan ought to be done for the City's bike trails as well. Mr. Kraftson stated the rating maps and 5 -year CIP will be posted on the City's web site. STAFF REPORTS City Clerk Ward reminded residents of the hours for absentee voting. Community Development Director Turnblad said in the wake of the National Park Service's position on the new river crossing, staff has had discussions with MnDOT about the mitigation items associated with the new crossing. He said there are some items that in progress that MnDOT will continue with, but items that are not fairly well along in completion will be put on hold, including the Shoddy Mill relocation project. Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 Public Works Director Sanders provided an update on the Millbrook park areas by stated that the City has received title to the two park properties, and the developer has been re- grading and putting in top soil and will be responsible for seeding and fertilizing the park area(s). He said as part of the development agreement, the City did receive $40,000 for park improvements, primarily for irrigation systems for the two areas. He also informed the Council that staff would be meeting again with the DNR to discuss the potential for a boat launch at the former Cayuga site. City Administrator Hansen said some progress in being made in negotiations for the refuse contract. He said the City Clerk is preparing a questionnaire to be sent to other cities regarding rates and other services and that he also has asked Waste Management to prepare a spread sheet regarding their other contracts. He stated that he and the City Clerk would be meeting with Waste Management people on November 15. Mayor Harycki suggested the issue of early pickup start be included in the negotiations. The meeting was recessed at 5:50 p.m. RECESSED MEETING Mayor Harycki called the recessed 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 Public Works Director Sanders City Clerk Ward PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:00 P.M. Mayor Harycki led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Minutes for October 19, 2010 will be available for approval on November 16, 2010 PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Sheri Vrieze and Rose Hauge - Chemical Health Action Collaborative Sheri Vrieze of the Chemical Health Action Collaborative gave a presentation about the work/mission of the Collaborative and possible partnership opportunities. She reviewed some of the most recent statistics regarding alcohol use among Washington County youths, which indicate use here, while Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 decreasing, is still much higher than the national average. She noted that past survey results have indicated that Stillwater School District results are 2 -3% higher than the county's average. She talked about youths' perception of the community's view of alcohol use, and statistics of use in communities where there are collaborative efforts such as Washington County's. She talked about opportunities for community participation in Collaborative efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol, such as: alcohol compliance checks, community event management, training of servers, fines and fees for violation of alcohol ordinances, and a social host ordinance. Councilmember Roush suggested providing the server training via DVD; Ms. Vrieze said that is something the Collaborative might be able to facilitate. Ms. Vrieze noted that Stillwater's alcohol license fees are low and violation fines low as compared to other communities; she also noted that Stillwater has no server training requirement, no keg registration requirement and no regulation regarding home delivery of alcohol. Ms. Vrieze specifically addressed the passage of a social host ordinance that holds a property owner /parent accountable for any underage use that they know is happening on their property; she noted that are 56 communities in the state, and several in Washington County, including Oak Park Heights, that currently have such ordinances. A sample ordinance was included in the materials provided. Ms. Vrieze concluded by offering the assistance and resources of the Collaborative. Councilmember Cook suggested that the Council give thought to participating in the Collaborative. Mayor Harycki suggested that Attorney Magnuson review the sample social host ordinance and provide a report/recommendation at an upcoming meeting; Mr. Magnuson said he would do that and get input from Police Chief Gannaway. Councilmember Cook also suggested that the existing fines be reviewed; Councilmember Roush pointed out that the initial fines may be on the low side, but subsequent violations are more severe. Councilmembers thanked Ms. Vrieze for her presentation. Proclamation: Red Bulls Day Mayor Harycki read a proclamation designating November 7 as Red Bulls Day in the City of Stillwater. Certificate of Appreciation: Tierney Brothers Mayor Harycki presented the Certification of Appreciation to Tierney Brothers for their support of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon activities. Councilmember Polehna presented a certificate and pin on behalf of the Stillwater Beyond the Yellow Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 Ribbon Community; he presented a print, made possible by Tierney Brothers, to Mayor Harycki to be displayed at City Hall. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adopt Resolution 2010 -169, Certificate of Appreciation presented to Tierney Brothers Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Blue Star Award - Trevor Russell — Friends of the Mississippi River Trevor Russell of Friends of the Mississippi River presented the City with a Blue Star Award. He explained the Blue Star Award program and the intent to honor those communities that go above and beyond the minimum to protect and manage clean water resources. He noted that Stillwater is among only 9 communities in the state, the first in Washington County, to receive the award. Mayor Harycki and Public Works Director Sanders accepted the award on behalf of the City. OPEN FORUM No comments were received. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2010 -165, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -166, abating special assessments Possible approval of 2011 Cable Communications Budget Resolution 2010 -167, a resolution rejecting all bids, directing staff to revise the General Conditions & Specifications, and directing staff to submit the revised General Conditions & Specifications to a public bid process for the Municipal Park Ramp Video Surveillance Project Resolution 2010 -168, approval of 2011 -2013 Fire Contract with Stillwater Township Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 There were no unfinished business items NEW BUSINESS Possible accepting of quotes and awarding the contract for the 2010 Sign Project Public Works Director Sanders noted the signs are being replaced to comply with federal requirements. He said municipal state aid funds can be used to pay for signs on municipal state aid streets. He informed the Council that there are about 104 intersections on state aid streets that would be replaced, about 25% of the signs. He said bids were solicited with the low bid from TranSignal for $26,520 and that the cost includes making of the signs, installation, salvage of the old signage and new posts where required. Councilmember Roush asked about the signs along Eagle Ridge Trail and said current signage is very difficult to read because of the small font size of the various associated street names. Mr. Sanders said the lettering size will be increased when the project gets to the non -state aid street sign replacements. Mayor Harycki questioned the amount involved and whether City staff couldn't do the work in house. In discussion, it was noted there is a 2012 deadline for compliance with the new lettering requirements; Mr. Sanders said staff would be working on doing the non -state aid street signage. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adopt Resolution 2010 -170, accepting quotes and awarding contract for street sign replacement on State Aid Streets. City Administrator Hansen said, while he didn't agree with the mandate, he approved the recommendation. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Cook asked Mr. Hansen about the results of the energy audit. Mr. Hansen said he hadn't received the report yet, but stated that he was somewhat disappointed in the results. Mr. Hansen said City Hall was done initially. Councilmember Polehna suggested that there are other things the City can be doing to improve as a green community and noted there is a new state program that will require the City to show energy use of its buildings in the state audit report. Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting October 26, 2010 Councilmember Roush asked City Attorney Magnuson to review the City's options regarding grandfathering before the second reading of the pool fence ordinance. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Rou ved to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. All in favor. rycki, Mayor ATTEST: &('" 1.� — Larry D ansen, City Administrator Resolution 2010 -165, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -166, abating special assessments Possible approval of 2011 Cable Communications Budget Resolution 2010 -167, a resolution rejecting all bids, directing staff to revise the General Conditions & Specifications, and directing staff to submit the revised General Conditions & Specifications to a public bid process for the Municipal Park Ramp Video Surveillance Project Resolution 2010 -168, approval of 2011 -2013 Fire Contract with Stillwater Township Resolution 2010 -169, Certificate of Appreciation presented to Tierney Brothers Resolution 2010 -170, accepting quotes and awarding contract for street sign replacement on State Aid Streets Page 9of9