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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-16 CC MIN. lvvater 1 TM! IIATM PLACE 0i . . A N EI O.A CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 16, 2013 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Vice Mayor Polehna called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Kozlowski, Menikheim, Weidner (arrived at 7:11 p.m.), and Polehna Absent: Mayor Harycki Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Police Chief Gannaway Public Works Director Sanders Finance Director Harrison Community Development Director Turnblad City Clerk Ward PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Officer Dan Young led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to approve the July 2, 2013 regular and recessed meeting minutes. All in favor, PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Nite to Unite - Officer Dan Y Officer Dan Young explained activities planned for the annual Nite to Unite event scheduled for August 6, 2013: neighborhood block parties and a central event in Washington Square Park. He also informed the Council and the audience that a nine -week publicity safety citizens' academy will be held this fall. City Clerk Ward noted that because of Nite to Unite, the next Council meeting will be July 30 with no Council meeting on August 6. City Council Meeting July 16, 2013 Financial Statement - Tom Koop, CliftonLarsonAllen Tom Koop and Chris Knopik of CliftonLarsonAllen presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012. Mr. Knopik explained that this is a favorable audit; the City Finance Department should be commended. He noted it is time for the Council to consider an increase in sanitary sewer rates as there has been no increase since 2006 and the fund is losing money. He also suggested looking at the signs and lighting fund as well. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders updated the Council on the Army Corps of Engineers project which started this week. He also reviewed the letter the City is ready to send to the Coast Guard requesting a temporary deviation from the lift bridge schedule. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2013-110, directing payment of bills Resolution 2013-111, amending section 10-5 Family Care Leave, City of Stillwater Personnel Policy - Possible approval of temporary liquor license at Ascension Church — River Market Community Coop Resolution 2013-112, approving Exhibit A as it relates to Resolution 2013-057, a resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code Possible approval of utility bill adjustments Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, and Polehna Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 2013-08. A public bearing to consider a request from Cornerstone Land Surveying Inc, representing Tom Garley, for an amendment, final plat for Cottonwood Trail Addition and zoning map amendment for the property located at 13295 Boutwell Road North in the Transitional Zoning District and any variances related thereto. Continued from July 2, 2013 meeting. Community Development Director Turnblad explained that the addition consists of three lots. Two of the lots would accommodate relocation of the existing houses on the adjacent Armory site. The third lot would be a large lot for the Garleys' existing home. This lot has future re-subdivision Page 2 of 6 City Council Meeting July 16, 2013 potential. He explained the current version of the development agreement. The developer is asking for waiver of City sewer and water connection fees, which total about $15,000, but staff believes since there will be new connections to the system, there will be impacts and so they ought to be paid. Except for this item, staff approves the development agreement and recommends approval of the final plat and the development agreement. Vice Mayor Polehna opened the public hearing. Tom Garley of 13295 Boutwell explained his request for the wavier of the SAC and WAC charges. The timing of when the houses have to go and when the road can get put in creates a time lag. The houses will need to be moved this year but sewer and water won't be connected until next year due to Armory construction timelines. There is interest on the construction loan and lost revenue while they sit empty, creating a financial hardship. There were no other public comments. It was the Council consensus that all new properties pay SAC and WAC charges for hookup to city sewer and water so to waive these charges would not be in the City's best interest. Community Development Director Turnblad noted budget approval for the Armory is still anticipated around August 2013, and the target date to start construction is April 1, 2014 however discussions have been held so that the road may be the first item built so that Mr. Garley's hookups could happen sooner rather than later. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Kozlowski, to adopt Resolution 2013 -113, a resolution approving the final plat for Cottonwood Trail Addition as stated, Case No. 2013- 08. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, and Polehna Nays: None Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Kozlowski, to adopt Resolution 2013 -114, a resolution approving the Development Agreement for Cottonwood Trail Addition, Case No. 2013 -08. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, and Polehna Nays: None Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting July 16, 2013 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion of Chamber of Commerce request for downtown studies Todd Streeter, Executive Director of the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce, explained the request for City assistance to fund studies that would assess various economic, demographic, marketing and business mix aspects of the Downtown Stillwater retail sector. He explained the Chamber's mission. This is not a request for funding for the Chamber's operations; an economic development plan is needed to provide data being requested by those seeking to relocate. Kevin LaCasse of Greystone Commercial spoke of economic challenges. He said that a plan needs to be done to get the proper tenant mix to meet the serious economic challenges of downtown retailers and landlords. Larry Cramer of Rafters, and landlord of the Exchange Building, told the Council he has lost money every year for the last 10 years. The City is the "landlord" of the downtown, and needs to work together with the Chamber to develop an economic development plan. Councilmember Weidner countered that the City is not the "landlord" of downtown because it does not control nor can it enforce what a study recommendations would recommend for the downtown space or businesses. He believes the study is a good idea, but doesn't believe it is the responsibility of the City to fund. Sam Leon of Acapulco and Pub 112 thanked the City for paying for the planters downtown, and doing things like providing an interest free loan to a business that was looking to remodel in Stillwater. He and his family business are happy to be in Stillwater. Mr. Streeter summarized that the downtown is a very complex organism. There are fears that when the bridge is completed, Stillwater will become a drive -by community. An economic development plan is an investment in the future. It will take teamwork between the City, business owners and building owners. Vice Mayor Polehna mentioned the major investments in downtown that have already been made by this and previous Councils, including the pedestrian plaza, trail head, new restrooms etc. Councilmembers take a lot of pride in the community. He believes City Staff needs to weigh in with a recommendation; only then should the Council vote on the funding. Councilmember Kozlowski commended the energy and expertise brought by the Chamber. He feels the City needs to develop a commission of some type in order to direct the process before committing to funding the study. He wants to make sure economic development is a priority for the City but doesn't think the study will be the silver bullet that influences that. Councilmember Menikheim expressed surprise and concern at the comments of fellow Councilmembers. He believes a study is needed and the City needs to partner with the business owners to accomplish it. Page 4 of 6 City Council Meeting July 16, 2013 Councilmember Polehna responded if it involves taxpayers' money, the recommendation should come from City Staff. Councilmember Menikheim replied that he views this as delaying making a decision, avoiding taking any risks, and putting the responsibility on staff Councilmember Weidner responded that the City has a responsibility to assist with economic development but he disagrees with the method by which it is proposed. The work of the symposium is fantastic; he has a philosophical difference when it comes to the City's role. Councilmember Kozlowski said the City should form an Economic Development Commission charged with increasing the economic vitality of the community. Councilmember Polehna agreed that the City should be involved but he also thinks there should be other funders of the study as well. He took exception to remarks that he was characterized as not caring about the downtown. Councilmember Weidner commented he feels the City has dithered too long and the issue has been before the Council twice. He would put it back on Staff to make a recommendation. Councilmember Polehna noted that he promised Mayor Harycki the Council would not vote on the issue tonight; it should be referred to Staff to come back with a recommendation at the next meeting. Consider adopting new rate structure for downtown parking Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the Downtown Parking Commission's proposed rate increases but it was also the recommendation to table the increase until 2014. There seems to be a general feeling that increasing parking rates in 2014 would be adding insult to injury because downtown traffic will be disrupted this year and next year due to construction of the St. Croix Crossing Project and Highway 36 upgrades. The City Council made this same comment on May 7, and suggested that if the rate increase were approved, it ought not to become effective until the spring of 2015. Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to table parking increases for review in 2014 after evaluation of construction timetables. Ayes: Councilmembers Kozlowski, Weidner, and Polehna Nays: Councilmember Menikheim Discussion on RFP for Community Festival Community Development Director Turnblad presented a first draft of a request for proposals for a Stillwater Community Festival. He requested Council comments by July 25 so he can bring a more final version to the next meeting. Page 5 of 5 City Council Meeting NEW BUSINESS July 16, 2013 Possible approval of plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for Downtown Parking Lot improvements Public Works Director Sanders informed the Council of the completion of plans and specifications for the reconstruction of downtown parking lots. Bid opening and award are scheduled for mid - August, and the contractor should be starting after Labor Day which gives them two to two and a half months to complete everything. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Kozlowski, to adopt Resolution 2013 -115, approve plans & specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for downtown parking lot improvements (Project 2012 -06) Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner and Polehna Nays: None COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS There were no Council Request Items. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. All in favor. r� ichael Polehna, Vice Mayor ATTEST: Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2013 -110, directing payment of bills Resolution 2013 -111, amending section 10 -5 Family Care Leave, City of Stillwater Personnel Policy Resolution 2013 -112, approving Exhibit A as it relates to Resolution 2013 -057, a resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code Resolution 2013 -113, a resolution approving the final plat for Cottonwood Trail Addition as stated, Case No. 2013 -08. Resolution 2013 -114, a resolution approving the Development Agreement for Cottonwood Trail Addition, Case No. 2013 -08. Resolution 2013 -115, approve plans & Specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for downtown parking lot improvements (Project 2012 -06) Page 6 of 6