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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-31 CC MIN Special Meeting. 4 t � THE AINTOPEN CE OF MINNESOTA MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers, 216 North Fourth Street Monday, October 31, 2011 SPECIAL MEETING 8:00 A.M. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Cook, Polehna, Roush, and Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Attorney Magnuson City Administrator Hansen City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Annexation Information City Administrator Hansen reviewed the petition of a resident of the City of Lake Elmo to annex to Stillwater. He indicated that the property is located on the south side of Highway 36 at Manning Avenue, and they are just looking for a response from us. City Administrator Hansen stated that he does not recommend approving it. Councilmember Roush asked if the lot size mattered, and it did not. Councilmember Polehna mentioned that property had been considered for the new armory site, but there was no way to get utilities across Highway 36, and he wasn't interested in it. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Mayor Harycki, to respond that we are not interested in annexing the property to Stillwater. Councilmember Roush pointed out that he didn't think there was enough information before the council, and Councilmember Cook concurred. Mayor Harycki indicated that it is outside the Orderly Annexation Area. Councilmember Polehna also warned that the City of Lake Elmo will not allow the property to be annexed to Stillwater. City Attorney Magnuson explained the details of the petition and history of the parcel. He pointed out that it would be very expensive to provide sewer and water service under Highway 36, and indicated that the request ultimately is to annex to Stillwater Township. Special City Council Meeting Monday, October 31, 2011 Discussion regarding Stillwater Township's interest; plans for the future squaring off the City limits; our obligations to extend utilities; cleanup of the Buberl composting; potential value of the property across the street; prominent physical barrier is good municipal boundary, etc. Councilmember Polehna amended the motion, seconded by Mayor Harycki, to adopt Resolution 2011 -155, authorizing Closing Argument of the City of Stillwater that the subject property should remain in the City of Lake Elmo. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, and Roush, and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Discussion on the State Auditor response City Attorney Magnuson updated Council on the $80,000 to be sent to the Washington County Auditor by today, to be in compliance. Councilmember Roush expressed his interpretation that the State Auditor was overstepping their bounds and exceeding their authority. Mayor Harycki was with our Legislators last week, and indicated that those comments were reflected at the State level as well. Councilmember Cook pointed out that she didn't feel it fair to characterize it as political. She stated that we should suck it up and give the money back. Councilmember Menikheim noted that he wasn't persuaded by the politics part either, and reiterated that we should admit our mistake, cut our losses, and concentrate on moving forward. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to adopt a resolution authorizing the return of the TIF money to Washington County Auditor. Councilmember Roush suggested restating part of the motion to pay, not return, the money, because it wasn't the Auditor's money initially. Councilmember Menikheim amended his motion, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to adopt Resolution 2011 -156, authorizing the payment of TIF money to Washington County Auditor. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, and Roush, and Mayor Harycki Nays: None ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, adjourn at 8:27 a.m. All in favor. Ken FWcki, Mayor Page 2 of 3 Special City Council Meeting ATTEST: r- Diane F. Ward, City Clerk L Monday, October 31, 2011 Resolution 2011 -155, authorizing Closing Argument of the City of Stillwater that the subject property should remain in the City of Lake Elmo Resolution 2011 -155, authorizing the payment of TIF money to Washington County Auditor Page 3 of 3