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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-07 CC MIN' Ater 1 1YE iIXTY EIXCE OF YIYX Et Yil� CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 7, 2014 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Finance Director Harrison Police- Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser Community Development Director Turnblad Public Works Director Sanders Admin Secretary Manos OTHER BUSINESS Updates on Armory, Police Station, Fire Station Community Development Director Turnblad reported that last month, the US Congress and President approved the Defense Department budget which includes the Stillwater Armory project. Appropriations may be completed for the Armory this month. Consequently, it is time to begin the next phase of planning for the new fire station and the police station expansion. He presented a resolution for consideration, giving staff authority to obtain the design team proposal for Council review, and to direct Springsted to begin exploring options for a bond sale, as soon as appropriations occur. There will likely be cost savings to the City if the City and Federal projects are bid separately. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adopt Resolution 2014 -014, a resolution granting City staff authority to proceed with design of the fire station. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Harycki Nays: None STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Gannaway informed the Council that crime statistics for 2013 were significantly down. A report will be forthcoming. City Council Meeting January 7, 2014 Fire Chief Glaser updated the Council on recent fire events. He offered fire safety tips for the extremely cold weather and asked residents to keep fire hydrants clear of snow. Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the City's Costar Data subscription that tracks all commercial properties in the City. It has been very helpful for providing information quickly for prospective businesses that are considering locating in Stillwater, and for analyzing commercial property information such as vacancy rates. Councilmember Polehna asked about progress on plans for the Aiple site. He noted that the Council has set planning for that property as a priority and he would like planning to begin. Community Development Director Turnblad replied that staff is looking for grants to fund the planning. He agreed to begin the process of updating the park plan for the area just south of St. Croix Boat and Packet. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Harycki recessed the meeting at 5:20 p.m. RECESSED MEETING Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 7:00 P.M. Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Finance Director Harrison Police Chief Gannaway Community Development Director Turnblad Public Works Director Sanders Admin Secretary Manos PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Harycki led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of December 17, 2013 regular meeting minutes Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the December 17, 2013 regular meeting minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS There were no petitions, individuals, delegations or commendations. Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting OPEN FORUM January 7, 2014 Todd Streeter, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, explained "Success 2014," a Chamber program offering financial, marketing and advertising assistance to businesses that may be impacted by St. Croix River Crossing construction. An open house is scheduled on January 25 at Valley Ridge Mall to kick off the program. Scott Zahren, Cruisin' on the Croix, stated the parking fees for the event will be $3,412 and the amphitheater will cost the event $125 /day. He asked the Council to waive the fee for the amphitheater and waive 25 cents per parking spot, which would result in significant cost savings for the event. Councilmember Menikheim proposed that the fees be waived this year per the request, and that the organizer budget for those costs next year. Noting the City's major investment in downtown improvements, Councilmember Polehna stated there could be many requests for fees to be waived - where would they draw the line. He can go along with the request this year, but feels it should be a one -year only waiver. Mayor Harycki added that in the past the Council has been criticized for waiving fees. Councilmember Kozlowski moved to waive the fees for the amphitheater for Cruisin' on the Croix. He then rescinded his motion, acknowledging that the item is on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Kozlowski pulled Resolution 2014 -005, approving 2014 Special Event and Contract for Cruisin' on the Croix, from the Consent Agenda. Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve Resolution 2014 -005, approving 2014 Special Event and Contract for Cruisin' on the Croix and waiving the amphitheater fees for the event for 2014. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2014 -001, Directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2014 -002, Designation of Depositories for 2014 Resolution 2014 -003, Designating a Responsible Authority and Assigning Duties in Accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2014 -004, Designating the Stillwater Gazette as the City's legal publication and approving contract with the Stillwater Gazette for 2014 Resolution 2014 -006, approving cleaning services contract with Dan Clark Resolution 2014 -007, approving Exhibit A as it relates to Resolution 2013 -057, resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code Possible approval of new camera system for new squad car Resolution 2014 -008, Accepting work and ordering final payment for 2012 Street Improvement Project (Project 2012 -02) Resolution 2014 -009, approval of 2014 Wine & Strong Beer renewal for The Wedge & Wheel Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting January 7, 2014 Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Harycki Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Possible first reading of Ordinance 1062 (Lodging, Tax) City Attorney Magnuson explained that staff feels the ordinance has worked well and does not warrant any changes other than possibly extending it for three years rather than four years as written. Councilmember Menikheim asked if the ordinance could be tabled until January 21 because the CVB is meeting next Wednesday to consider policies and procedures, which could generate some suggestions for amendments. City Administrator Hansen pointed out that any amendments could easily be done at the second reading. Mayor Harycki stated he would have no problem extending the ordinance for four years. Councilmember Weidner stated he likes the idea of a three year extension to provide more frequent oversight. Tom Lynum, Sauntry Mansion Bed and Breakfast, expressed opposition to the tax. He feels it is fundamentally unfair and represents an intrusion by government into the mechanism of private business. There is no empirical evidence that a lodging tax supports the lodging industry. Three bed and breakfasts have closed since the tax was enacted, and no new hotels have been built. One percent should be enough to fund a good web site and finance a visitor guide. The tax should not be extended for three years - it should be reviewed annually. There was to be an audit explaining how the funds collected were spent but it was not delivered. City Attorney Magnuson noted that, according to State law, the only local tax that may be imposed without an act of the legislature is a lodging tax. Mayor Harycki stated he was initially opposed to this tax, but it is currently the only mechanism available for promoting the City. Councilmember Menikheim remarked it would be appropriate to ask the CVB to respond to some of Mr. Lynum's points. He feels to take away the tax takes away the momentum for promoting Stillwater. Councilmember Weidner commented if there were promises of an audit as to how the money was spent, then that should have been delivered. City Administrator Hansen suggested when the CVB comes two weeks from now, the Council can ask them where the audit is. Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting January 7, 2014 Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1062, with the revision of changing the period to three years. Ayes: Councilmember Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval of meeting date change and budget meeting dates for 2014 City Administrator Hansen recommended that the August 5 meeting be moved to Tuesday July 29, the November 4 meeting be moved to October 28, and the budget meetings be set for August 19 and August 26. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt changes in meeting dates as recommended. All in favor. Designation of Vice Mayor Councilmember Menikheim nominated Councilmember Polehna as Vice Mayor. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Kozlowski, to adopt Resolution 2014 -010, Designating Council Vice Mayor. Ayes: Councilmember Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None Possible approval of the Aiple Property Joint Powers Agreement Community Development Director Turnblad noted that Washington County is in negotiations for the purchase of the Aiple Property for public open space. When certain conditions are met, the title would be turned over to the City and the City would own and maintain the property. Staff has been working on an agreement between the County and the City that outlines who is responsible for what. A concept plan for the site must be completed by the City. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2014 -011, approval of the Aiple Property Joint Powers Agreement. Ayes: Councilmember Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None Designation of Council representatives for Boards /Commissions /Committees Councilmember Menikheim asked that the Library Board Council liaison position be added to the list of Boards. The Library Board allows one Councilmember to be on its Board. He also is interested in becoming a Library Board Member (not Council liaison but a board member). City Attorney Magnuson indicated he would check into it. Councilmember Menikheim also would like to continue as CVB liaison (alternate). Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2014 -012, Designation of Council representatives for Boards /Commissions /Committees, with changes noted. Ayes: Councilmember Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting January 7, 2014 Possible approval of retainer for the Sun Oil Company remediation plan Community Development Director Turnblad stated the City was served with an order to investigate and take necessary action on a presumed petroleum tank release site at the former Sun Oil Company on Second Street which is underneath the current parking ramp. The City is required to put together a work plan and report for MPCA comment. Permission is requested from the Council to commission the remediation plan at a cost of $18,000. City Administrator Hansen added that, while staff is not convinced of the City's responsibility, it will be cheaper to accept the $18,000 cost than to fight MPCA for the next several years. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Kozlowski, to adopt Resolution 2014 -013, approval of retainer for the Sun Oil Company remediation plan. Ayes: Councilmember Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki Nays: None COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Menikheim asked about the City's contract with The Locals and City Administrator Hansen responded that the City may move forward with it. The Locals were asked to submit to a background check. They took that very well and when the information is returned, along with a performance bond, the City will be able to move forward on the contract. Councilmember Menikheim asked that the Event Coordinator position move forward as well. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. All in favor. ATTEST: A-4'Z-� U�', Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2014 -001, Directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2014 -002, Designation of Depositories for 2014 Resolution 2014 -003, Designating a Responsible Authority and Assigning Duties in Accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2014 -004, Designating the Stillwater Gazette as the City's legal publications and approving contract with the Stillwater Gazette for 2014 Resolution 2014 -005, approving 2014 Special Event and Contract for Cruisin' on the Croix Resolution 2014 -006, approving cleaning services contract with Dan Clark Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting January 7, 2014 Resolution 2014 -007, approving Exhibit A as it relates to Resolution 2013 -057, resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code Resolution 2014 -008, accepting work and ordering final payment for 2012 Street Improvement Project (Project 2012 -02) Resolution 2014 -009, approval of 2014 Wine & Strong Beer renewal for The Wedge & Wheel Resolution 2014 -010, Designating Council Vice Mayor Resolution 2014 -011, approval of the Aiple Property Joint Powers Agreement Resolution 2014 -012, Designation of Council representatives for Boards /Commissions /Committees Resolution 2014 -013, approval of retainer for the Sun Oil Company remediation plan Resolution 2014 -014, a resolution granting City staff authority to proceed with design of the fire station Page 7of7