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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-17 CC MIN1 • a er TOE OIOTOELOCE Of 0ICC EEEEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 17, 2012 REGULAR MEETING Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 7:00 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 Public Works Director Sanders Administrative Secretary Manos PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Harycki led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim to approve the January 3, 2012, regular and recessed meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Bruce Werre, 1314 Meadowlark Dr., gave a presentation on lake issues in Stillwater. The presentation included photos showing the condition of the lakes last summer (2011). He noted that each of the lakes, McKusick, Lily and Long, drains into the St. Croix River and each has different challenges and needs before the water flows downstream. He encouraged the Council to approve funding enhancements for local lakes management. He spoke of the need for both long -term and short-term plans and stated taking no action is not an option. Councilmember Roush noted the Council has asked staff to prepare a matrix of options including costs and history of effectiveness of the various options to provide the Council with an idea of how best to move forward regarding the lakes issues. Dorothy Joachim, 1624 McKusick Lane, asked about the format for the January 31 workshop of the lakes issues, whether it would be staff report only or whether residents should be prepared with information as well. Mayor Harycki explained the City Engineer would be presenting information, requested by Council, that has been compiled over the last several months and that he expected there would be some discussion at that point. City Council Meeting STAFF REPORTS January 17, 2012 Community Development Director Turnblad provided graphs summarizing Building Department activity for the past year. The graphs included information on the number of building permits issued and total valuation of all construction, which indicated there was a slight increase in activity during the past year; information on new home construction; information on number of inspections per inspector, which Mr. Turnblad noted indicated the inspectors, per person, are as busy now as they have ever been. Mayor Harycki asked if, given the workload, inspectors are still able to provide good customer service and not delay projects due to inspection scheduling; and Mr. Turnblad answered that staff is starting to accumulate some overtime hours, which indicates the situation is close to being at maximum workloads, but added at this point, the department is still able to provide good service. On a question by Mayor Harycki, Mr. Turnblad responded that there are options for obtaining temporary assistance in the area of inspections if necessary. Also included was information on building inspections /permit revenue; Mr. Turnblad added that it appears that revenue also seems to be going up. City Administrator Hansen updated the Council on the status of the 4th of July fireworks display. He stated that requests for proposals (RFPs) were sent out to five different vendors the week prior to the Council meeting, with proposals due back on January 22. He continued by stating that proposals will be brought to the Parks Commission on January 30. He noted that the RFPs included a not -to- exceed amount of $30,000, which is about the same as previous displays have cost. He expressed that he is optimistic the City will receive good proposals and that he should be able to present the results of the proposals by January 31. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2012 -013, directing payment of bills Possible approval 2012 Capital Budget Release — Part I — Library Resolution 2012 -014, a resolution approving the abatement of certain special assessments Resolution 2012 -015, approving 2012 salary schedule for temporary, seasonal Maintenance Worker I Resolution 2012 -016, a resolution supporting Washington County in their pursuit of a new crossing for the Browns Creek Trail at Manning Avenue Councilmember Cook asked that payment of bills be pulled for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, moved approval of the Consent Agenda without the Payment of Bills. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting January 17, 2012 Councilmember Cook stated she would not be voting in favor of the payment of bills because of the payment to Conach group. Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, moved approval of the Payment of Bills. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: Councilmember Cook PUBLIC HEARINGS No public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Armory /Fire Station Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council an open house on the concept plans for both the fire station and armory has been scheduled for 7 -9 p.m. February 1 in Council Chambers. He stated the open house will provide the opportunity for any interested persons to review the plans, talk with staff and National Guard representatives, and submit written comments. He pointed out that the intent is to have the written comments available when the National Guard selects a design team to begin work on the project. He noted that public hearings will take place later this summer when the design work is far enough along to know what the building is likely to look like, how the building will be oriented on the site, where parking lots will be located, etc. At that point plans will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, Joint Board and Council. On a question by Mayor Harycki, Mr. Turnblad responded the concept plans to be reviewed at the February 1 open house will be those presented by Buetow and those put together by the National Guard in the design charrette completed last summer. Councilmember Cook asked how the open house would be advertised. Mr. Turnblad replied that notice would be published in the paper and there will be a mailing to all current landowners and residents within 1,000 feet of the site; he continued that notice is also on the City's web site and Face Book. On a request by Councilmember Cook, Mr. Turnblad indicated that he would make sure the meeting notice is referenced on the front page of the City's web site. Mr. Turnblad noted that he keeps the project web site up to date, with information added on a weekly basis or as it becomes available. Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting NEW BUSINESS January 17, 2012 Possible awarding of funding to Rec Center for the retrofit of Lily Lake Ice Arena Recreation Center Manager Doug Brady reviewed the request to upgrade Lily Lake Ice Arena. He explained that most of the refrigeration system is the original, installed when the Arena was constructed in 1971; he noted that the equipment has exceeded the estimate lifetime by about 10 years. Administrator Hansen referred to several items, including refrigeration, pipes /headers, pumps and rink glass, equipment that he stated is well beyond life expectancy; he noted the City has been putting money away for this since 2008 and additional funds were included in the 2012 budget. Mr. Hansen indicated that he recommended approval and noted that Mr. Brady would be doing most of the work with his own crew, which will likely save about 50 %. Mayor Harycki and Councilmember Polehna suggested the equipment wouldn't have exceeded the life expectancy for this long if not for the efforts of Mr. Brady and his crews. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adopt Resolution 2012 -017, Approval of funding to St. Croix Recreation Center for the retrofit of Lily Lake Ice Arena, as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval to hire seasonal employees for the Public Works Department Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the request to hire seasonal employees. He noted that last year in the budget cycle, there was discussion of the option of hiring one full -time employee to replace a vacancy not filled earlier or hire seasonal help. He expressed that he thought seasonal help would be the best option as that is the busy time of year when the most work is needed in parks and streets. He informed the Council that the request to hire eight additional seasonal employees would cost $48,000, which was included in the budget and is about the equivalent salary of one full -time employee. He pointed out the request is to hire 10 seasonal employees, 8 of which would be the new positions. Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Cook to approve the request as presented. All in favor. Possible approval of drainage and utility easement request — 2225 Curve Crest Blvd. Mr. Turnblad reviewed the request and informed them that it has been reviewed by Public Works, which found there are no utilities located in the easement and the easement no longer serves any public purpose. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2012 -018, a resolution approving the vacation of portions of the drainage and utility easement at 2225 Curve Crest Boulevard. Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting January 17, 2012 Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible authorizing the preparation of feasibility report for Third Street S Reconstruction Project from Orleans to Walnut Street (Project 2012 -04) Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the request and stated that Washington County is planning to do road improvements on County Road 23 over the next three to four years, with this year's improvements to include the bituminous portion of South Third Street from Orleans to Walnut Street. He noted this section of roadway is wide and has no boulevard on one side, resulting in many complaints about the lack of snow storage. He indicated that he spoke with the County and suggested that the road be narrowed to allow the boulevard to be restored. He added that the County has agreed to do that, but according to the County's cost participation policy, the City would be responsible for 50% of the cost to move the curb in and redo the sidewalk. Mr. Sanders informed the Council that in order for that cost to be assessed to the benefitting property owners and the City has to follow the 429 improvement process. Mayor Harycki asked how narrowing the road might affect parking in front of St. Michael's Church; Mr. Sanders responded that the street would be narrowed to Willard, just short of St. Michael's Church. Mr. Sanders reported the City's cost is anticipated to be about $50,000 of a $900,000 project. On a question by Mayor Harycki, Mr. Sanders replied that the County is looking at incorporating some rain gardens and perhaps some bump -outs as part of the project. Mr. Sanders pointed out that a County representative would be present at the 4:30 p.m. meeting January 31 to discuss the project and the Brown's Creek Trail project. He added that neighborhood meetings also would be scheduled, as well as the public hearing process. Mayor Harycki suggested that St. Michael's Church be contacted and made aware of the proposal. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim to adopt Resolution 2012 -019, a resolution ordering preparation of feasibility report for Third Street S Reconstruction Project from Orleans to Walnut Street (Project 2012 -04). Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting January 17, 2012 Possible approval of use of TIF for paying off parking ramp land purchase Mr. Turnblad reviewed the request and noted that an item in the amended budget for TIF District 1 included as much as $120,000 for payment of the debt still owed on the land purchased for the parking ramp. He stated the City still owes $106,187, and staff is recommending authorizing paying of the remaining amount from TIF funds. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adopt Resolution 2012 -020, Approving use of TIF for paying off parking ramp land purchase. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Menikheim, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Roush asked about the redistricting process, whether that would include City boundaries as well. Administration Secretary Manos responded in the affirmative, but noted the City has to wait until legislative district lines are drawn. City Attorney Magnuson pointed out the City Charter requires that 60 days after redistricting is certified by the state, wards be realigned to be within plus or minus 5 %. Mr. Magnuson added that he would expect the Charter Commission to take action by April of this year. Councilmember Cook reported that she attended the Lanesboro's annual meeting and provided a map from the Lanesboro Chamber. She stated that she had been asked by Mr. Turnblad to obtain names and a commitment from a core group of key people willing to participate in a conference call with Stillwater. She continued by stating that she had indicated the City would try to have something in advance to share with those participating in the conference call. She informed the Council that Lanesboro Mayor Steve Ron will be participating, along with Councilmember O'Connor, City Administrator Vickerman, a DNR representative and a Chamber representative. She indicated that she would work out details of scheduling the conference call with Mr. Turnblad. Mr. Turnblad asked Councilmembers to provide him with questions they would like asked during the conference call. Councilmember Polehna read a thank -you to the Stillwater Yellow Ribbon group for its support of a family of a soldier during deployment from the Family Readiness Group, with a certificate presented to the City. He stated a representative would be here in February to present the national award from the Sea of Grace. He pointed out that he would be doing a presentation about the Yellow Ribbon activities at the upcoming Last Man's Club meeting. Councilmember Polehna asked about the status of the pedestrian plaza project. Mr. Turnblad answered that the City has contracts for both the restroom and pedestrian walkway. He stated the contract for the restroom was for the foundation only, which is completed; he added that construction will begin again in spring. Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting ADJOURNMENT January 17, 2012 Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Roush to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. All in favor. ATTEST: NJ -\ "i Larry D. Han , Acting City Clerk Resolution 2012 -013, directing payment of bills Possible approval 2012 Capital Budget Release — Part I — Library Resolution 2012 -014, a resolution approving the abatement of certain special assessments Resolution 2012 -015, approving 2012 salary schedule for temporary, seasonal Maintenance Worker I Resolution 2012 -016, a resolution supporting Washington County in their pursuit of a new crossing for the Browns Creek Trail at Manning Avenue Resolution 2012 -017, Approval of funding to St. Croix Recreation Center for the retrofit of Lily Lake Ice Arena Resolution 2012 -018, a resolution approving the vacation of portions of the drainage and utility easement at 2225 Curve Crest Boulevard. Resolution 2012 -019, a resolution ordering preparation of feasibility report for Third Street S Reconstruction Project from Orleans to Walnut Street (Project 2012 -04) Resolution 2012 -020, Approving use of TIF for paying off parking ramp land purchase Page 7 of 7