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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-04 CC MIN ate ISE 1111TXELACE Of 11110E101A CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 4, 2011 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Gag, to approve the December 21, 2010, regular meeting minutes. All in favor. OTHER BUSINESS Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation for David Middleton Mayor Harycki presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dave Middleton for his many years of service on the City's Planning Commission. Mr. Middleton encouraged other citizens to become involved in City government by volunteering their time. Councilmember Gag spoke of Mr. Middleton's leadership as chair of the Planning Commission. OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Douglas Menikheim, Michael Polehna and Ken Harycki City Clerk Ward administered the oath of office to Councilmember Menikheim, Councilmember Polehna and Mayor Harycki. ADJOURN Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harycki called the meeting of the new City Council to order at 7:35 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, 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 audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COUNCILMEMBERS Adoption and Presentation of Resolution commending Robert Gag Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to adopt Resolution 2011 -01, commending Councilmember Robert Gag. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Mayor Harycki read the resolution. Mr. Gag extended his appreciation to staff, fellow Councilmembers, his family, and residents. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Gannaway reported New Year's Eve was a relatively quiet and safe night. Fire Chief Glaser reviewed a brief summary of year -end calls. He stated that there was a house fire on Near Year's day. He reported that the City has received the grant for the shared services study in the amount of $37,296. The grant is for a study of shared services with Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi and Stillwater. Chief Glaser briefly explained the intent of the study is to look at ways of providing services differently or share services to potentially save costs and improve efficiency. He stated that the City has one year to complete the study. Chief Glaser also informed the Council that he had been notified by RJF Agencies, an insurance company that represents Fireman's Fund Insurance, that the Stillwater Fire Department has been selected to receive a grant. Public Works Director Sanders reported that with the Parks Commission's recommendation, staff has started preparing a skating rink north of Mulberry between the Desch building and PD Pappy's, and that the rink should be ready within the next week or so. Councilmember Roush asked if there would be any advertising to let the public know the rink is available, and Mr. Sanders responded that it would be placed on the City web site, and that he had been contacted by a member of the press, as well. Mr. Page 2 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 Sanders stated that the City has been notified by the Middle St. Croix WMO of the availability of several grants, one of $6,000 for rain garden work near the hospital, and another $40,000 for work in the Lake McKusick watershed area for rain gardens and other water quality improvements. He noted that work would be incorporated in this summer's street improvement project. City Administrator Hansen informed the Council that work is continuing on rebidding of contracts. OPEN FORUM Mark Walker, 333 Aspen St. W., talked about the condition of the skating rink at Staples Field; he stated the rink is in very poor condition and not maintained. Mayor Harycki pointed out that with the heavy snowfall; crews have been backed up due to the need for snow removal. Mr. Walker talked about other conditions in the park, including bent fences, and the loss of the lights. It was agreed to have staff look into Mr. Walker's concerns. Louis Van, 1101 McKusick Road Lane N., talked about the problem they have had with getting their street plowed in a timely manner. Mr. Sanders stated crews have been instructed to plow the street and will be keeping a record of when it is plowed. Linda Harder, 1266 McKusick Road Lane N., echoed the previous comments and talked about the problem with piling snow too high near cross streets, as well as the narrowness of the road. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution 2011 -02, directing payment of bills 2. Resolution 2011 -03, designation of depositories for 2011 3. Resolution 2011 -04, designating a responsible authority and assigning duties in accordance with the State Of Minnesota Data Practices Statute 4. Resolution 2011 -05, designating the Stillwater Gazette as the City's legal publication and approving contract with the Stillwater Gazette for 2011 5. Resolution 2011 -06, approval of cooperative agreement with Washington County relating to airboat Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS No public hearings UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible adoption of resolution relating to beautification funds Community Development Director Turnblad reported that subsequent to the last Council meeting, staff had worked with Councilmember Cook regarding some wordsmithing of the previous resolution. He indicated that he believes the proposed Page 3 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 new wording addresses previous concerns. Councilmember Cook stated she was satisfied with the wording and acknowledged the work done by former Councilmember Gag during his two years of work with the special events task force; she noted this is specifically about the downtown beautification fund, acknowledging the City's responsibility to maintain and create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment. Councilmember Cook stated this resolution is a first attempt in creating a fund where residents will be able to contribute through the City, on an ongoing basis, to create that environment. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to adopt Resolution 2011 -07, establishing policies related to downtown beautification. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Shuttle Request — Trolley Tour LLC Tom McGlynn gave a presentation outlining his proposal to operate a shuttle service and historic tour service in downtown Stillwater. He stated the proposal is to offer three services, a daily shuttle service between the local motels on the Highway 36 corridor, local B &Bs, and some senior residence homes to downtown Stillwater; a shuttle service for residents on weekends only from the old Courthouse River View lot to downtown Stillwater; and daily scheduled, historic - themed tours, with tours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. He addressed what he sees as the benefits of the proposal. He stated the drop -off point for the shuttle service, approved by the Downtown Parking Commission, would be on North Main Street, parallel to City lot #6. He noted the weekend service also would utilize the North Main Street drop -off. He stated the proposal for the historic -theme tours is for a pickup- drop -off spot on Water Street, off Chestnut and that ticket sales would take place on the trolley. He indicated the Parking Commission approved the locations after several presentations. He stated the request is for a permanent, reserved, on- street spot for one trolley west of Water immediately north of Chestnut, with two permanent drop -off spots at lot #6 and the River View lot. He stated they would also like three temporary stops on the north end of Main Street with temporary signage to encourage foot traffic and tourists in that area. He stated signage would be done to meet City's specifications. He stated the request is for the parking fee to be the same as the current trolley operator, with a three -year commitment from the City. Mayor Harycki asked staff if there had been any discussion or public notice about routes for the historic tours, and Community Development Director Turnblad replied there was not discussion of those issues at the Parking Commission meetings, noting these are public streets. Mr. Turnblad stated in the proposed resolution, there is a requirement for an annual review, so if there are routes that have created problems for public safety reasons, that issue could be addressed in the annual review. Councilmember Roush asked if signage would be reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission, and Mr. Turnblad stated signage would be reviewed by staff, but agreed it would make sense to have the HPC look at them, as well. City Administrator Hansen asked about the request for a three -year commitment, and Mr. Turnblad stated there was no time mentioned in the resolution, just the requirement Page 4 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 for an annual review; he stated the Parking Commission wants to review the operation in one year. Mayor Harycki invited comments from the public. Bob Raleigh, operator of Stillwater Trolley, noted that his business has seen a decline over the past 3 years with the economy. He questioned whether the City needs an additional service of the type proposed. He stated he had not had a chance to review the proposal to make additional points and stated he thought other people should have a chance to comment. Joe Simonet, 120 Chestnut St. W., stated he thought having another trolley company would be overdoing it. He stated he would think very hard before putting another trolley system in town — one is enough, he stated. Cory Buettner, 722 Everett St. S. and owner of Leo's Grill and Malt Shop, expressed concern about the proposed parking spot on Water Street as it would block the gate for garbage pickup and deliveries for his restaurant. He noted that the parking spot request is 24' long and the trolley Mr. McGlynn will be using is 27' long so the vehicle will be sticking out into the yellow area that is used for deliveries as well as mail, UPS and other delivery services utilized by many businesses in the area. He also noted the sidewalk is rather narrow in that area. Larry Nelson, owner of the building at 125 Main St., expressed concern that the trolley would block the entrance for his tenants of his building. He stated he was in favor of entrepreneurship, but stated it seems the proposal is somewhat redundant as there is already a trolley system in operation. He stated he thought the proposed parking space would result in congestion. Julie Anderson, 119 Chestnut St. W. and owner of Rivertown Inn Bed & Breakfast, 306 Olive W., spoke of the current trolley operation and the good job Mr. Raleigh has done. She stated she felt this proposal would result in increased traffic in an already congested area. She stated she felt a personal loyalty to Mr. Raleigh. She stated she felt the proposal deserved more attention and thought before moving forward. Linda Harder, McKusick Lane North, asked about the impact on the farmers' market. Mr. Turnblad stated the farmers' market is on Saturday mornings and the shuttle would not operate until the afternoon hours. Tom Lynam, co -owner of Sauntry Bed & Breakfast, noted that government has to be careful about creating or protecting economic interests in businesses. Mayor Harycki suggested perhaps there is a way of varying routes so there are not continual trolley visits to certain neighborhoods. He stated he would like to physically visit the proposed parking and drop -off spots to determine if there might not be other options; he stated he would not be ready to make a decision at this point. Councilmember Cook asked how the parking locations were selected; Chief Gannaway stated the Parking Commission rejected several proposed sites and stated other issues brought up at this meeting were not raised at the Parking Commission. Mr. McGlynn stated he had spoken with Mr. Buettner and stated on days when garbage pickup is scheduled, the trolleys will not be there; he also stated the proposed location would not take any parking in front of Mr. Nelson's building, except for one spot that is already taken. In terms of delivery trucks, Mr. McGlynn noted that most deliveries are made before noon when the trolley starts operating; he also noted there is a no- parking zone Page 5 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 located across the street from the proposed location specifically for deliveries and pickups. Councilmember Roush asked whether the parking permit would be issued for the length of the proposed trolley, 27'; Chief Gannaway stated Mr. McGlynn would have to pay for two spots if the trolley is longer than one space. In discussion, Chief Gannaway pointed out that the trolley cannot extend into the yellow, no parking zone. Mr. McGlynn pointed out that the current trolley uses a 12' space and yellow- marked spaces. Mayor Harycki suggested this issue ought to be referred back to the Parking Commission; he also suggested there be some discussion of routes at some level. Councilmember Polehna suggested the main issue should be limited to the parking issue, not the proposed business plan. Motion by Mayor Harycki, seconded by Councilmember Roush, to direct this back to the Parking Commission to resolve the parking location issue. All in favor. Possible approval of solid waste contract with Waste Management City Administrator Hansen reviewed the proposed contract. He stated he had met with representatives of Waste Management a number of times. The original proposal was for increases each year of the five -year agreement; the current proposal calls for increases in the first two years and the final year of the agreement. He stated that he has compared the proposal with other contracts and with information received from other city managers and believes the proposed rates are very competitive. He stated the proposed increased are about 4 %, but one of the primary reasons for that increase is the increase in tipping fees; he noted that tipping fees will go up to $54 in 2011 and $58 in 2012. Factoring in the tipping fee increases, he stated the increase Waste Management will realize doesn't amount to much and represents 2.25% if factored over the 5 years of the agreement. He stated the No. 1 complaint received has been with hours of operation, noting that service hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. as compared to the current 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also, Mr. Hansen stated there is an option for cart rental for yard waste at $48 per year, which he stated is very competitive. Councilmember Cook asked if the current arrangement of obtaining a sticker for individually purchased containers would still be honored, and Mr. Hansen responded in the affirmative. Mr. Hansen stated he recommended approval of the five -year agreement. In discussion, it was noted the agreement provides for free pickup of everything other than construction materials. Mr. Hansen noted that in almost every contract he reviewed, there were fuel adjustments to protect the company from excess increases in fuel costs; he stated there is a potential there could be an automatic adjustment should diesel fuel go over $4 a gallon. Councilmember Polehna questioned where the fuel index figure comes from, and Jennifer Klennart, from Waste Management, stated the fuel surcharge is based on the Midwest average for diesel fuel and is released by the Department of Energy on a weekly basis, based on an average of multiple states. Page 6 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 Councilmember Polehna asked whether the percentage is based on wholesale or retail prices, and Ms. Klennart stated it is based on the Midwest average for retail. Councilmember Polehna expressed concern about charging citizens on a retail price when Waste Management is buying fuel at wholesale prices. Ms. Klennart stated she understood that concern and stated that issue would be open to discussion. Councilmember Roush agreed that the fuel cost should be a pass- through, not an avenue for profit. City Administrator Hansen stated if the rest of the contract is agreeable, he could meet with Waste Management representatives again to discuss the fuel adjustment language to have it reflect wholesale, what the company is paying. Councilmember Polehna spoke of the great service provided by Waste Management. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2011 -08, approving agreement with Waste Management, Inc. effective January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015 and establishing a monthly rate schedule for the collection of solid waste and recycling; with City Administrator Hansen to negotiate the language regarding the fuel adjustment. Councilmember Roush asked about the size of the containers; Ms. Klennart stated they felt it important to reflect what is being used; nothing is being changed related to size. On a question by Councilmember Roush, Ms. Klennart reiterated that the sticker arrangements for personally -owned yard waste containers /bags would still be honored. On a question by Councilmember Roush, Ms. Klennart explained the operation of the County's Resource Recovery facility related to recycling. During discussion, Ms. Klennart stated they would be happy to work with the Parks Department regarding recycling containers for the parks. Mayor Harycki suggested having the Parks Commission look at recycling in the parks; Ms. Klennart stated they do work with Lumberjack Days and some of the other event sponsors in providing recycling containers. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Designation of Vice Mayor Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook to adopt Resolution 2011 -09, designating Council Vice Mayor; with Councilmember Roush as Vice Mayor for 2011. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Designation of Council representatives for Boards /Commissions /Committees Mayor Harycki noted that these are non - voting appointments. It was consensus to keep the current appointments, with Councilmember Menikheim replacing Councilmember Page 7 of 8 City Council Meeting January 4, 2011 Gag in those positions — Planning, Downtown Parking, Lumberjack Days Advisory, Fire Relief Association representative. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to approve the appointments /designations as presented. All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Roush asked that a proposal regarding alternatives for B &Bs under the 3% lodging tax be placed on an upcoming workshop session. Council reviewed the 2011 work plan. Councilmember Roush asked that the contract for the barge terminal property be added to the work plan considering the Cayuga is gone; it was agreed to have City Attorney Magnuson look at the contract. Councilmember Polehna noted the Stillwater's Yellow Ribbon program is featured in an article in the National Parks and Recreation magazine. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Meni eim, • _ •bourn at 9:24 p.m. All in favor. Ken Hary• Mayor ATTEST: 0,e Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2011 -01, commending Councilmember Robert Gag Resolution 2011 -02, directing payment of bills Resolution 2011 -03, designation of depositories for 2011 Resolution 2011 -04, designating a responsible authority and assigning duties in accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2011 -05, designating the Stillwater Gazette as the City's legal publication and approving contract with the Stillwater Gazette for 2011 Resolution 2011 -06, approval of cooperative agreement with Washington County relating to airboat Resolution 2011 -07, establishing policies related to downtown beautification Resolution 2011 -08, approving agreement with Waste Management, Inc. effective January 1, 2011- December 31, 2015 and establishing a monthly rate schedule for the collection of solid waste and recycling Resolution 2011 -09, designating Council Vice Mayor; with Councilmember Roush as Vice Mayor for 2011 Page 8 of 8