HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-23 CC Packet (Special Meeting)i 1 1 t e r
INF OIRTNFLACE OF MINNESOTA
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, 216 Fourth Street North
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014
SPECIAL MEETING 4:30 P.M.
4:30 P.M. AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Lift Bridge Schedule
IV. ADJOURNMENT
\Riliwater
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
July 16, 2012
Eric Washburn
Bridge Administrator
Eighth Coast Guard District
1222 Spruce Street,
Suite 2.102D
St. Louis, MO 63103-2832
RE: Stillwater Highway Bridge, St. Croix River -Request for deviation
Dear Mr. Washburn:
The City of Stillwater is requesting a deviation in the normal operation of the Stillwater Highway
Bridge (Lift Bridge). While the City recognizes the importance of river navigation on the St.
Croix to our community and others for recreational and commercial boaters, normal operation of
the Lift Bridge causes traffic congestion in our downtown area which has an adverse affect on
the community both financially and environmentally. This has been a long existing problem for
the past 20 years and will become more severe with the construction of the St. Croix Crossing
Bridge to the point the City must ask for some relief.
On average there are 18,000 vehicles per day that cross the Lift Bridge and traffic congestion
occurs year round, but becomes untenable especially during the summer months. Congestion
routinely occurs daily on northbound traffic through our downtown between the hours of 2:00
and 7:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. When the
Lift Bridge is in operation, traffic must wait for the Lift Bridge to raise and be lowered. This
takes on average 10 minutes, causing the traffic congestion. It is not unusual in the summer
months for northbound TH 95/36 traffic to back up as far as the TH 95/36 intersection, over one
mile away. Observations showed that it takes 6-20 minutes for vehicles to pass through once the
bridge goes back into the 'down' position. In addition to the congestion on TH 36/95, during
operation of the Lift Bridge, congestion extends beyond downtown Stillwater into collector
streets/highways; Myrtle St., 3rd St., Chestnut St., and TH 95 north of downtown bringing safety
concerns into our residential areas.
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 651-430-8800
Page 2
Eric Washburn, Bridge Administrator
Eighth Coast Guard District
July 16, 2013
In order to relieve the congestion during the period of construction, it is proposed that the Lift
Bridge schedule be reduced from its current schedule of 21 lifts per day during the week to 16
lifts per day. We are not proposing any change in the schedule on weekends. (See attached
schedule). This will aid in reduction of congestion, providing relief to our citizens and the
downtown businesses while maintaining adequate passage of boats under the Lift Bridge. The
City is requesting that this deviation in schedule be in effect until the completion of the St. Croix
Crossing Project scheduled to be completed in 2016.
Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
Sinc
Ken arycki
Mayor
Ted Kozlowski
Councilmember — Ward 2
Mike Polehna
Councilmember — Ward 4
mber — Ward 1
m Weidner
Councilmember — Ward 3
Proposed TerniMIIIIIIIEDri
Weekdays ( M - F )
Current Proposed
8:00 am
X
X
8:30
X
X
9:00 am
X
X
9:30
10:00 am
X
X
10:30
11:00 am
X
X
11:30
X
12 Noon
X
X
12:30
X
1:00 pm
X
X
1:30
X
2:00 pm
X
X
2:30
X
3:00 pm
X
X
3:30
4:00 pm
X
X
4:30
5:00 pm
X
X
5:30
X
6:00 pm
X
X
6:30
X
7:00 pm
X
X
7:30
X
X
8:00 pm
X
X
8:30
X
X
9:00 pm
X
X
9:30
X
X
10:00 pm
X
X
Lifts/ Day 21
*16
*5 less lifts translates to 50 minutes of additional
thru traffic; equal to approximately 1000 vehicles.
Summary
8am,9,10,11,Noon 1,2,4,6pm
7-10pm: Every half hour
10:30 pm until 7:30 am: 2 hour notice
Weekends/ Holidays
Current Proposed
No Changes
8:00 am
X
X
8:30
X
X
9:00 am
X
X
9:30
10:00 am
X
X
10:30
11:00 am
X
X
11:30
12 Noon
X
X
12:30
1:00 pm
X
X
1:30
2:00 pm
X
X
2:30
3:00 pm
X
X
3:30
4:00 pm
X
X
4:30
5:00 pm
X
X
5:30
6:00 pm
X
X
6:30
7:00 pm
X
X
7:30
8:00 pm
X
X
8:30
X
X
9:00 pm
X
X
9:30
X
X
10:00 pm
X
X
10:30
X
X
11:00
X
X
11:30
X
X
12 Midnight
X
X
Lifts/ Day
22
22
12:30 am until 7:30 am: 2 hour notice
To; Stillwater City Council
From; Mulberry Point Yacht Harbor Board of Directors
Regarding; Resolution pertaining to proposed Stillwater Lift Bridge schedule change
On June 6th, 2013, the Mulberry Point Yacht Harbor Board of Directors, representing the
interests of our 157 slip owners, unanimously voted in opposition to the proposed Lift
Bridge schedule change. We understand the complexity of the issue and that there are
multiple opinions involved, but we feel that reducing the frequency of lifts, including
those at the rush hour, will cause a hardship on our boating community. The schedule, as
it has stood since 1994, has well served our boating community. We feel that altering the
schedule will have little impact on the vehicle traffic, but a large impact on the marine
traffic. There is a newly implemented additional "no wake" zone for the new bridge
construction area, and this impediment to the usual travel times will undoubtedly affect
boaters and cause them to miss this altered time schedule, resulting in them remaining
south of the bridge for up to two hours.
Minnesota weather can be quickly changing. In times of emergency, it may be imperative
for a vessel to quickly return to safe harbor to avoid a dangerous situation. The St Croix
River is the only area between Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico that has a bridge that
does not open on demand. Altering this already restricted lift schedule may lead to
dangerous consequences. We have canvassed the other marinas in our area, and find that
they are also in agreement with our position.
In closing, we request that the existing Stillwater Lift Bridge Schedule not be altered, but
remain the same.
Thank you,
MPYH Board of Directors
City Council Meeting June 5, 2012
Councilmember Cook asked if this would be an appropriate time to discuss having a fire
presence downtown after the new fire station is constructed, and Mr. Turnblad answered that
this would be a separate project.
Mayor Harycki noted that he would hope to find out approximately how much money the City
could expect to spend for the possible retrofit of the station to serve Police Department space
needs.
Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution
2012-096, authorizing staff to proceed with an RFP for expansion of the Police Department facility.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Polehna, Roush, Cook, and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
COMMUNICATIONS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember Polehna reported that plans for the July 4th fireworks are moving along. The
music will be simulcast on KLBB radio.
Councilmember Cook inquired about the expansion of the problem property issue brought up at
the last meeting. She asked if there was any progress on the possibility of the City contracting
with a service for housing inspections.
Community Development Director Turnblad answered that the City currently doesn't have a
code of what to inspect for, so hiring a service may be premature at this time. He stated that in
regard to the property on South Fourth Avenue, Mr. Magnuson is helping the City work toward
a finding that the building is abandoned. This approach will give the City more options. Mr.
Magnuson suggested that for the next meeting he could have four or five proposals from
inspection services for discussion.
Councilmember Cook informed the Council she has had complaints of chronic congestion
downtown. With completion of the bridge set for 2017, she stated the City is looking at five
more years of congestion downtown. She has contacted the Coast Guard to learn options for
requesting that the lift bridge schedule be changed. She learned that the issue was last looked at
by the Coast Guard in 1998.
Mayor Harycki offered that the City might solicit suggestions for a recommendation from the
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Councilmember Menikheim expressed that he feels this is all part of a bigger picture of how can
the City control traffic. He suggested that perhaps instead of every hour or every half hour, the
bridge could wait to be lifted every hour during the most intense traffic times. He suggested
consulting Mr. Anderson of St. Croix Boat and Packet Company about the issue.
Mayor Harycki noted that getting everyone on the same page, and approaching the Coast Guard
with a concrete proposal for suggested lift times, might provide a better likelihood of success.
Councilmember Polehna indicated that feedback could be solicited from the Assistant
Commissioner of Transportation.
Public Works Director Sanders agreed to organize a meeting among stakeholders on this issue.
Mayor Harycki reported that the City's current population is 18,299 according to the
Metropolitan Council.
Page 9 of 11
City Council Meeting July 17, 2012
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Cook, Roush, Polehna and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible approval of plans and specifications and authorization for advertisement for bid
Public Works Director Sanders reported that the Washington County Transportation Department
has completed the plans and specifications for the Third Street South Improvement Project. It
includes narrowing and reconstructing Third Street from Orleans Street to Walnut Street and
constructing a sidewalk on the east side of the street. Although it is a county -led project, the
City is assessing a portion of its cost to affected property owners, so it must approve the plans
and authorize the advertisement for bids. Work should get started in September and be
completed by the end of October.
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to adopt Resolution
2012-115, approve plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for the Third Street
South Street Improvement Project (Project 2012-04).
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Cook, Roush, Polehna, and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Possible approval of irrigation at Northland Park
Public Works Director Sanders explained existing irrigation needs to be replaced in the lower
ballfield. Staff is recommending the low bidder, WaterWorks. Total project costs are estimated
at about $16,000 with funding to come from the parks capital outlay in the 2012 budget cycle.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to approve WaterWorks
for the installation of the irrigation system in Northland Park for $10,900 and $1,200 for pipe
upgrade and an additional $5,000 for connection to existing water. All in favor.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
Councilmember Polehna pointed out that the Yellow Ribbon Committee is still working on
putting together the Pheasant Hunt for the Troops.
Councilmember Cook informed the Council that she is still trying to schedule a meeting with
the Coast Guard regarding the lift bridge schedule. Another conference call is scheduled for July
24.
Councilmember Polehna complimented the staff on how well the Fourth of July fireworks went.
He has heard a lot of positive comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn at 8:53
p.m. All in favor.
Keri H 1 i, Mayor
Page 5 of 6
City Council Meeting December 4, 2012
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Cook, Roush, Polehna, Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Event Survey
Community Development Director Turnblad reported that next Tuesday, the survey process will
begin. Readex, the event consultant, will randomly select 2,000 addresses to receive the survey
kit. The kits will be mailed out December 13, follow up letters will be sent to non -responding
addresses on January 3, and fielding ends January 24 when data will begin to be analyzed. On
February 4, the raw data will be available to the City, and Readex will make a formal
presentation to the Council on February 19.
Councilmember Cook reminded the Council that they had also discussed giving the public
additional opportunities for input.
Update on Lift Bridge schedule
Public Works Director Sanders stated that at the request of Councilmember Cook, staff was
asked to explore changing the current lift bridge schedule. MnDOT has indicated it would not
support a change in the lift bridge schedule until after the new river crossing project is
completed, and if the City were to pursue a schedule change, MnDOT would require a study on
how both boat and vehicle traffic would be impacted by the change in schedule.
Councilmember Cook stated she was dismayed that MnDOT was not more helpful to the City in
this process. She would like the Council to pursue the issue because the traffic will be here until
the new bridge is built.
Mayor Harycki stated one factor might be that MnDOT is leaderless right now.
Possible approval of No Parking on Northwestern Avenue
Public Works Director Sanders informed the Council that he received a request from a business
owner for parking restrictions on the east side of Northwestern Avenue from Tower Drive North
to Curve Crest Boulevard. There is a hazard for cars coming out of parking lots.
Mayor Harycki and Councilmember Polehna stated they have reviewed and looked at the
request and don't see a problem there.
Motion by Councilmember Roush, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to deny the request. All
in favor.
Extension request on Abatement Order - David Paradeau
City Administrator Hansen stated that the train owner was notified it needed to be removed by
December 1. When it was not moved, City Administrator Hansen issued an abatement order last
week because he became aware it was a public safety issue. There is a contractor currently
working in town now who can remove the train at a cost savings, but Mr. Paradeau has appealed
the abatement.
Mr. Paradeau indicated that he doesn't blame the City for trying to get the train removed but it
has been very difficult. When the contractor he hired attempted to move the train to Bayport on
Page 12 of 15
City Council Meeting February 19, 2013
Gabby Taylor, Miss Teen Minnesota International 2012, presented Ms. Huna with her banner
and crown.
Ms. Huna indicated her platform is "Music Matters." She thanked the community for supporting
school music programs.
Proclamation: John W. Jackson, aka Bud Fowler Day
Brent Peterson, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society, explained the
history of John W. Jackson, aka Bud Fowler, the first professional black baseball player, who
played in the Northwestern League with the Stillwater, Minnesota Club in 1884.
Mayor Harycki read a proclamation honoring the pioneer spirit and the determination of
John W. Jackson, aka Bud Fowler, and proclaiming February 26, 2013 as John W. Jackson, aka
Bud Fowler Day.
St. Croix River Crossing Update - John Chiglo
Engineer John Chiglo informed the Council that the first letting for the bridge is a week from
Friday. Work will start mid to late April. He presented simulations of how the bridge will look.
Highway 95 will be realigned to the west and will have more direct access from Highway 36 for
eastbound traffic. Frontage roads along Highway 36 will be reconstructed beginning sometime
in April. When Highway 36 and 95 are under construction there will be a single lane of traffic in
each direction. MnDOT is committed to maintaining access to businesses and homes.
Intersection closures (north -south only) at Osgood and Oakgreen/Greeley will be allowed for 12
calendar days. MnDOT has identified timeframes that the frontage roads may be under
construction: 50 calendar days for the north frontage road, 70 calendar days for the south
frontage road. MnDOT will coordinate with emergency services throughout the process to
minimize service disruption to the greatest extent possible. Wisconsin is about to start
purchasing right of way. MnDOT is in the process of constructing the parking lot at Club Tara.
The Scenic Overlook will be rehabilitated this summer. Signals from 694 along Highway 36 all
the way to Stillwater will be connected by fiber optic. Later this year, landscaping contracts will
be coordinated with the cities and counties involved in the project. Final contract completion
with conversion of the lift bridge and completion of the loop trail in Wisconsin will occur in
2017. To date approximately $57 million has been spent on the project. The new contract was
bid at $52 million which is in addition to the $57 million spent to date. Final design for the
bridge is about 60% complete. Visuals will be done to show what people can expect to see on
the river when the bridge is built. There will be public meetings and extended office hours at
least one evening a week. He urged the Council to tell any frustrated constituents to call
MnDOT to get their concerns addressed as soon as possible.
Councilmember Weidner expressed concern about getting people downtown in the summer, and
Mr. Chiglo acknowledged there will be congestion with a single lane in each direction. No
detours are planned.
Councilmember Weidner asked if there is anything that can be done with the bridge schedule to
alleviate congestion. Mr. Chiglo responded that MnDOT could look at it, but getting the lift
bridge schedule changed would be very difficult because there are many agencies that determine
the schedule.
Mayor Harycki recognized there are alternative ways to get into Stillwater. He commended Mr.
Chiglo for his open communication with business owners.
Page 4 of 9
City Council Meeting
June 4, 2013
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
Councilmember Kozlowski asked about changing the lift bridge schedule to a schedule
suggested by the Chamber, because Highway 36 construction will likely lead to an increase in
traffic problems.
Public Works Director Sanders stated he could draft the request, but it would be best if it came
from the Council. He can bring the existing and proposed schedules to the next meeting and
invite businesses to come and provide input.
Mayor Harycki stated the Chamber and Downtown Revitalization Committee would like to
meet with the Council at 7 p.m. June 11 to discuss possibilities for marketing the City. City
Clerk Ward agreed to check on room availability and notice the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn the
meeting at 7:40 p.m. All in favor.
ATTEST:
/ 4 e
Diane F. Ward, City Clerk
Ken ary; 'i, Mayor
Resolution 2013-092, Directing the payment of bills
Resolution 2013-093, approving Master Services Agreement
Resolution 2013-094, approving Agreement with RES Specialty Pyrotechnics for July 4,
2013 Fireworks
Resolution 2013-095, approving salary for temporary, seasonal engineering intern
Resolution 2013-096, a resolution approving a special use permit amendment to convert
existing church to accessory business office for Lakeview Hospital, Case No. 2013-
13
Resolution 2013-097, approving proposal of Lake Management, Inc. for Algaecide
Treatment on McKusick Lake
Resolution 2013-098, approving proposal of Lake Improvement Consulting LLC for
Consulting for Treatment of Eurasian Milfoil on Long Lake
Resolution 2013-099, approving partially revised assessment agreement and Assessor's
Certificate with certain owners of Territorial Springs and the Washington County
Assessor
Ordinance 1060, an Ordinance amending City Code Section 31-325 relating to outside sales
in the BP -O Zoning District
Page 6 of 6
City Council Meeting June 18, 2013
Possible approval of recommendations for General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2013A
— Doug Green, Springsted, Inc. and Possible approval of agreement with Board of Water
Commissions for General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2013A
Doug Green of Springsted, Inc. reviewed the bond bids. There was only one bid, Robert W.
Baird of Milwaukee, at a true interest rate of 2.85%. The City's credit rating was affirmed at
AA2, the third highest credit rating.
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adopt Resolution
2013-102, a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of $1,450,000 General Obligation Water
Revenue Bonds, Series 2013A and pledging for the security thereof net revenues.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution
2013-103, approval of agreement with Board of Water Commissioners.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Harycki
Nays: None
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
STAFF REPORTS
Fire Chief Glaser reported that Sunday's bike race was an active day. Also, the Department is
seeking paid on-call personnel. There are currently eight vacancies for paid on-call firefighters.
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that the housing market
appears to be warming up. He confirmed there was a parking ramp problem on Sunday during
the bike race.
Public Works Director Sanders reviewed the proposed lift bridge schedule change. There will be
six changes, with five fewer lifts during weekdays. No changes during weekends and holidays.
Randy Boler of Mulberry Point Yacht Harbor stated its Board is against the proposed schedule
as it poses hardships to boaters, and presented a resolution stating such to the Council.
Councilmember Menikheim noted the City must consider not only boaters but also residents
downtown and on the hill, for whom traffic poses hardships.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to send the
proposed schedule to the Coast Guard. All in favor.
Public Works Director Sanders also noted that MnDOT plans to start doing lane closures and
bypass lanes this coming week on Highway 36. He reported the City has submitted permits to
the DNR for the lake treatments which will likely be in August.
Councilmember Menikheim commended the Public Works Department for repairing a hole on
Pine Street just before the bike race.
Page 2 of 5
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 hearing, to consider a request from Cornerstone Land Surveying Inc,
re.resentin. Tom Garle for an amendment final elat for Cottonwood Trail Addition and zonin ma
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 April 1, 2014
Councilmember Weidner remarked that to cancel the event now seems punitive. If the new date
is approved, he does not view it as a permanent change. He appreciates the business owners'
concerns, but believes it was a good faith mistake.
Councilmember Kozlowski agreed with Councilmember Weidner that the Art Fair should not be
denied, but he would like to see better scheduling and communication.
Councilmember Polehna stated the Chamber should have come to the Council in November
before automatically putting the new June dates in the visitor guide. He does not like the fact that
the Council is being put in the situation of being mediators.
There was a consensus of the Council that the June date for the Art Fair should have had better
planning and scheduling, but they would allow it for 2014 only with the Chamber working with
the City and Downtown Businesses prior to setting a date for the Air Fair in 2015.
Public Works Director Sanders informed the Council that on April 16, Mn/DOT and the Coast
Guard will have a public meeting to discuss proposed lift bridge schedule changes. He also stated
that a request was received from Washington County to tie into the City's sewer system in the
Oak Glen area to expand the County public works building. There would be no cost to the City.
He provided a flood update, saying that the weather service predicts a 65% chance of the river
reaching the 687 foot flood stage by the second week of April. He updated the Council on
conversations with the DNR regarding Rotary clubs building a fishing pier at McKusick Lake at
no cost to the City, via a grant.
City Attorney Magnuson reported on legislation re -instituting DNR certification for variance
requests.
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to take a position not
to support the legislation, and directed the City Administrator to prepare a letter. Motion passed 4-1,
Councilmember Kozlowski voting nay.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Harycki recessed the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Harycki called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Kozlowski, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Harycki
Staff present:
City Administrator Hansen
City Attorney Magnuson
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
Community Development Director Turnblad
Public Works Director Sanders
City Clerk Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Harycki led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Page 2 of 6
RESCINDING RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION RESCINDING
A REQUEST FOR
BRIDGE SCHEDULE DEVIATION
WHEREAS, the City Council has met from time to time to evaluate various plans
to elevate traffic congestion in the Downtown Historic District of the City; and
WHEREAS, the location of the interstate lift bridge has been an impediment to
the efficient movement of traffic because it not only has one lane in each direction, but
the bridge must be raised to allow the passage of vessels and then be lowered to allow
traffic to flow between Minnesota and Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2013 correspondence was sent to Eric Washburn, Bridge
Administrator for the Eighth Coast Guard District requesting that the Lift Schedule be
changed from 21 lifts per day during week days to 16 lifts per day; and
WHEREAS, public Hearings were subsequently conducted and it was revealed
that the requested reduction would curtail commercial and recreational river traffic and
therefore it would not be in the best interest of the Community if the Lift Schedule were
reduced as previously requested; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Request for Bridge Schedule Deviation dated July 16, 2013 be rescinded.
2. That a letter in the form attached as Exhibit "A" be signed by the Major and
Attested to by the City Administrator and mailed forthwith to Mr. Eric Washburn,
Bridge Administrator for the Eighth Coast Guard District informing him of the
decision.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Stillwater this 23rd day of April, 2014.
CITY OF STILLWATER
Ken Harycki, Mayor
ATTEST:
Larry D. Hansen, City Administrator
April 23, 2014
Eric Washburn
Bridge Administrator
Eighth Coast Guard District
1222 Spruce Street,
Suite 2.102D
St. Louis, MO 63103-2832
RE: Stillwater Highway Bridge, St. Croix River -Request for deviation
Dear Mr. Washburn:
Last year, the City of Stillwater requested a deviation in the normal operation of the Stillwater
Highway Bridge (Lift Bridge). On April 16th, 2014, a public meeting was conducted by the US
Coast Guard and the Minnesota Depaitunent of Transportation on this request. After hearing the
input from the meeting, the City Council at a Special Meeting on April 23, 2014 voted to rescind
its request of a deviation for the 2014 navigation season. Thank you for your consideration in
this matter.
Sincerely,
Ken Harycki, Mayor
on behalf of the Stillwater City Council
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Exhibit 10A"
651-430-8800 Website: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us