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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-20 CC MIN4g 'ga.le, l.! �....... r. Of ■....... CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 20, 2011 REGULAR MEETING Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7:00 P.M. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to approve the December 6, 2011, regular and recessed meeting minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Library Board Update Ned Gordon, Library Board of Trustees, provided an update of Library services, including services for the unemployed, the volunteer program and the high school registration drive. Mr. Gordon reported that due to the increased need for services related to unemployment, the Library is planning to offer computer classes for job seekers, business start-ups and e- publishing. He also informed the Council that approximately 50 volunteers, who provide a variety of services for the library, donated over 2,000 hours of service in the first three quarters of this year, which equates to a monetary contribution of over $38,000 in services. He continued by stating that the Board is seeking funding for a paid volunteer coordinator position to enable utilizing more volunteers. Mr. Gordon described a registration drive conducted in partnership with the Washington County Library and Stillwater Area High School library which resulted in the issuance of 146 new cards. He also spoke of the closure City Council Meeting December 20, 2011 of the Lake Elmo library and stated it appears that closure will result in an increased load on the City's library. Councilmember Roush asked about the possibility of a fee for non - resident use of the library; Mr. Gordon responded that a policy is already in place -- non - residents are allowed to obtain a library card with a fee of $60 per year, which is consistent with the Washington County Library policy. Mayor Harycki asked about the computer classes, whether there is a fee; Mr. Gordon stated that is part of the library's service, noting that MELSA has contributed to the cost of the job - seeker computer classes. Councilmember Cook asked if there is a formal arrangement with Washington County, whereby the County might contribute to the Stillwater library in view of its closure of some of its facilities and services; Mr. Gordon noted that Washington County supports a number of the library's operations, but said there is nothing additional due to the closing of some of the County's library facilities. Councilmember Polehna suggested that is an issue that could be raised in the next budget cycle. Director Lynne Bertalmio stated that as of January 3, 2012, Lake Elmo residents will have to purchase a library card as Lake Elmo is no longer participating in the regional library system, MELSA. Ms. Bertalmio explained that Washington County Library provides many background services — ordering, processing, cataloging to the Stillwater Library and stated it would have to be determined whether the status quo is changing dramatically to look into whether some type of additional compensation might be appropriate. OPEN FORUM Tom Lynum, 626 Fourth St. N., Stillwater, spoke of an incident last fall when he was stopped by a local police officer for a traffic violation. He praised the officer's conduct as exemplifying everything one would want a police officer to be. He went on to say that when he was looking at the traffic ticket, he noticed there is no noise ordinance violation fine. He stated that he owns one of the local B &Bs, and he described an incident when noise from motorcycles created a problem for a wedding reception the B &B was hosting. He requested information from Chief Gannaway and found that there were 151 incidents related to noise violations, with only two of those for loud muffler /car noise. He suggested the City needs a new noise ordinance with some teeth in it. Chief Gannaway indicated that he would like to have an ordinance in place to more vigorously enforce that particular issue. Chief Gannaway stated he would have to work with City Attorney Magnuson to work on a revision that is not in conflict with state statute. Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting STAFF REPORTS December 20, 2011 Police Chief Gannaway reported that the Toys for Tots drop off took pace December 19 and Stillwater delivered several hundred toys thanks to the generosity of the local community. Fire Chief Glaser reminded residents that the holiday season can be a deadly season for fire deaths, noting there have been a number of fire deaths in Minnesota this month. He reminded residents to test smoke detectors and make sure the batteries are working as there are many activities during the season than can result in fire if caution is not exercised. Community Development Director Turnblad stated he had attended a workshop on grant writing and invited staff to contact him for more information as to what might be available. Public Works Director Sanders indicated that the Conservation District has received $450,000 in grants for water resource projects in the City that would benefit Lake McKusick, Lily Lake and Long Lake. He reported that the grant money includes funding for the iron - enhanced sand filtration project, additional rain gardens in the Lily Lake and Lake McKusick watershed districts and a significant project in the Industrial Park. In total, he said projects are anticipated to result in a 133 pound reduction in phosphorus. He informed the Council and residents that staff has been working on the ice rinks but have been delayed due to the warm weather; and that there are plans are to try another rink in the downtown area this season. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution 2011 -184, directing payment of bills 2. Resolution 2011 -185, approval of name change from St. Croix Preservation Company Inc. to DBD Partners, Inc., d/b /a Water Street Inn, Charles Dougherty 3. Resolution 2011 -186, establishing fund balance policies as required by GASB 54 4. Resolution 2011 -187, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001 5. Resolution 2011 -188, adopting delinquent garbage charges Project No. 0002 6. Possible approval of utility bill adjustment 7. Possible approval to carry over Capital Outlay Items a. MIS b. Building Inspection c. Plant City Hall d. Recreation Center e. Public Works — Sewer, Parks Councilmember Cook asked that the resolution directing payment of bills be pulled for discussion. Councilmember Roush expressed that he was alarmed at the number of delinquent sewer charges; he asked if the current amount, $151,000, is typical. Finance Director Harrison responded that is about $15,000 higher than last year but is fairly typical; it was noted the charges are assessed against the homeowners' property taxes. Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting December 20, 2011 Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to approve the Consent Agenda without the resolution directing payment of bills Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Councilmember Cook stated she would be voting against the payment of bills, as it includes the payment to the Conach Group. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2011 -184, directing payment of bills. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: Councilmember Cook PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolution suspending the Lumberjack Days and Stillwater Marathon Contract City Attorney Magnuson explained that the prepared resolution suspends the City's participation in the contracts until the County Attorney's investigation in regard to checks that were dishonored is completed. He stated that Minnesota Statutes provide that this information is not made public until a charging decision is made by the County Attorney. He continued by stating that it would be his suggestion that rather than take further action at this point, to at least suspend the contracts associated with the events in question until more information is available. On a question by Councilmember Cook, Mr. Magnuson said this issue can be discussed at an open public meeting in the future, when all the information is available. Mayor Harycki pointed out that this action would alleviate the pressure for the City's end -of- the -year $40,000 payment for fireworks. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2011 -189, suspending performance of certain contracts (St. Croix Events, Inc.) Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval of Purchasing Policy City Administrator Hansen referred to the changes in the purchasing policy included in the agenda packet and recommended the changes. Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting December 20, 2011 Mayor Harycki asked if the City's auditor had reviewed the policy changes; Mr. Hansen responded in the affirmative and indicated that he had discussed this with the auditor at length. Mr. Hansen added that the policy also was reviewed by Finance Director Harrison, who had some suggested additions. Mayor Harycki asked if there is a provision that allows for emergency purchases, such as items needed for flood control; Mr. Hansen replied he could add a section on that. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adopt Resolution 2011 -190, approving the City of Stillwater purchasing policy, with the provision regarding giving the Mayor and /or Vice Mayor along with the City Administrator the authority to make emergency expenditures. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of recommendation for Library Board Appoint & Reappointments City Clerk Ward informed the Council that the Library Board of Trustees is recommending the appointment of Mike Keliher and reappointment of Leslie Jones and Kathy Stark, all with terms expiring January 1, 2015. She noted the Board does interview applicants. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2011 -191, appointing Mike Keliher and reappointing Leslie Lindbergh Jones and Kathy Stark to the Library Board. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None COMMUNICATIONS /REQUESTS City Administrator Hansen informed the Council that he received a request from Brent Peterson asking for some funding for the Washington County Historical Society. Mr. Hansen pointed out that while there is no money in the current budget, the request is relatively minimal -- $150 -$250. He suggested that if the Council so desires, he could find the funding for that amount outside of the budget cycle. He continued by stating that he would talk with Mr. Peterson again about the City's normal budget cycle for making future requests and that he recommends the donation, noting the Historical Society does provide a valuable service to the community. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Roush to approve the requested funding of $250.00 to the Washington County Historical Society. All in favor. Councilmember Menikheim spoke about a League of Minnesota Cities training opportunity being offered January 27 and 28; he asked if anyone from the Council or City would be attending. Mr. Hansen agreed that the training would be valuable for anyone who could Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting December 20, 2011 attend. Councilmember Cook expressed that she was still considering attending, but would be paying the cost herself should she attend. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Yellow Ribbon update Councilmember Polehna provided an update on Yellow Ribbon activities including sending 300 packages to troops in Iraq; obtaining boots for a troop in Afghanistan; plans for a joint meeting with Lake Elmo to discuss the Veterans Court. He stated that he still is planning some type of celebration for the award the City received. Councilmember Roush reported that the Middle St. Croix Joint Cable Commission and Valley Access Channels will be working on refranchising with a provider. He asked staff and Councilmembers who think there should be changes in the franchise agreement moving forward to contact him, and he invited residents who have concerns regarding cable service to contact the Valley Access Channels. Councilmember Polehna suggested including upgrade of equipment at City Hall in the franchise agreement, pointing out that the community does use the City Hall rooms; Councilmember Roush said that is being addressed. Councilmember Menikheim inquired about networking City Hall with the Water Department and/or Public Works; City Administrator Hansen informed the Council that the City's IT staff is working on that. Councilmember Roush noted there had been some interest in having WIFI available in the Council Chambers; Mr. Hansen added that IT is looking at all of those items, with those decisions to be made when costs and extent of the effort involved are fully known. On a question by Councilmember Cook, Mayor Harycki replied the contract with the Conach Group was pulled due to a request by a Councilmember who wished for more time to review and comment on the contract. Councilmember Cook expressed that she had some comments to make. Councilmember Menikheim asked about I -Pads for the Council. Mayor Harycki responded that that is included in the budget and that he would be looking into that. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, second by Councilmember Polehna tQ adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. All in favor. __Ir Keri �cki, Mayor ATTEST: Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting December 20, 2011 Resolution 2011 -184, directing payment of bills Resolution 2011 -185, approval of name change from St. Croix Preservation Company Inc. to DBD Partners, Inc., d/b /a Water Street Inn, Charles Dougherty Resolution 2011 -186, establishing fund balance policies as required by GASB 54 Resolution 2011 -187, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001 Resolution 2011 -188, adopting delinquent garbage charges Project No. 0002 Resolution 2011 -189, suspending performance of certain contracts (St. Croix Events, Inc Resolution 2011 -190, approving the City of Stillwater purchasing policy Resolution 2011 -191, Appointing Mike Keliher and reappointing Leslie Lindbergh Jones and Kathy Stark to the Library Board Page 7 of 7