Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-03 CC MIN ater THE ►IETHPIACE Of MI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 3,2015 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Absent: Councilmember Menikheim Staff present: Interim City Administrator/Public Works Director Sanders City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Finance Director Harrison Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Annual Report of CVB Antonio Rossini,President,and Christie Rosckes, Marketing Director,provided the annual report for the Convention&Visitors Bureau indicating it was a very good year for the CVB. Mayor Kozlowski thanked the CVB for its efforts on behalf of the City. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Gannaway reported that staff was approached by Traci Maki of Valley Outreach with a proposal where in lieu of paying fines for parking tickets,persons ticketed in the Downtown Area would have the option of paying with ten non-perishable food items for the Food Shelf. The Downtown Parking Commission approved the proposal for the month of March. Chief Gannaway recommended the Council adopt the program for the month of March 2015,for parking violations in the downtown area only. Councilmember Junker commented that the program was approved unanimously by the Downtown Parking Commission and would give the City positive PR. Traci Maki, Valley Outreach, stated that response to the proposal already has been very positive. Several media outlets have covered the story. Councilmember Weidner supports Valley Outreach but feels the Parking Commission should not forego fines in light of the deficit in the parking enterprise fund. He would rather see the City donate directly to the Food Shelf. Mayor Kozlowski stated he likes the idea of donating money to Valley Outreach in the future. The level of PR that the City will receive from the "Food for Fines"program is worth the cost. City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 Councilmember Polehna noted the proposal generated questions from the public about the shortage of parking funds and felt that Council should have heard about it sooner and not through the publicity it received. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna,to adopt Resolution 2015- 044,approving Food for Fines program for the month of March,2015 in the downtown area only.as outlined by Chief Gannaway. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Weidner Fire Chief Glaser provided an update on construction of the Fire Station. Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that a reuse study is underway on the two Bergstein buildings. On March 24,from 9-9:30 a.m.there will be a public walk through of the structures, and from 7-10 p.m. March 24, there will be a public meeting to gather information and ideas on possible uses for the buildings. He invited Councilmembers to both sessions. RECESS The meeting went into recess at 5:00 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Absent: Councilmember Menikheim Staff present: Interim City Administrator/Public Works Director Sanders City Attorney Magnuson Finance Director Harrison Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser Community Development Director Turnblad City Clerk Ward PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of February 17, 2015 regular and executive session meeting minutes. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to approve the February 17, 2015 regular and executive session meeting minutes. All in favor. Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS There were no petitions, individuals, delegations or commendations. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2015-039, directing payment of bills Resolution 2015-040, approval of consumption& display permit(liquor) for The Loft at Studio J LLC; dba: The Loft at Studio J Possible approval to purchase Zamboni 546— Capital Outlay—Rec Center Resolution 2015-041, approval of Agreement with RES Specialty Pyrotechnics for July 4, 2015 fireworks Possible approval to purchase Parking Enforcement Vehicle—Police Resolution 2015-042, a resolution supporting dedicated state funding for city streets Resolution 2015-043, approval of cleaning contract with Dan Clark Councilmember Polehna requested that Item 15, possible approval to purchase parking enforcement vehicle, be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Councilmember Polehna stated he thought that the Council had previously decided to wait for the new City Administrator to help determine whether to lease or purchase vehicles, and Police Chief Gannaway replied he did not recall that. The lease is more economical than purchasing the vehicle via the state contract. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to approve the purchase of a parking enforcement vehicle. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. SUB/2014-39. A public hearing to consider a request by Thad Rich of Richlind to approve an 8 lot residential preliminary plat, rezoning to RA, One-Family Residential and a setback variance, all for property located at 13310 Boutwell Road North (tabled from February 3, 2015 meeting). Community Development Director Turnblad explained that Thad Rich plans to develop 7.82 acres located at 13310 Boutwell Road, currently a single parcel containing one residence. A total of eight lots, to be known as Richlind, are proposed; one new lot would contain the existing residence. All lots would access Boutwell Road via a single cul-de-sac road proposed to be named Richlind Ranch Court. He stated that the Joint Planning Board is required to take action prior to a Council decision on the rezoning. He continued by stating that the Council can either give Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 conceptual approval now and formal approval with the final plat, or table the preliminary plat approval until the Joint Board can convene and take action on the zoning. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. Tom Holmstrom, 746 Wildwood Lane, expressed concern about the impacts of altering the flow of surface and underground water. He is not opposed to the development but wants assurance that surrounding properties will be protected. More studies may be needed to look at water-related impacts before approving the proposal. A.J. Bergevin, 680 Wildwood Lane, agreed with Mr. Holmstrom's concerns. He asked that the City include a requirement prohibiting the rain gardens from being filled in by future owners. Councilmember Polehna stated that the Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization enforces a maintenance agreement for rain gardens to ensure they are not filled in. Eric Van Deelen, 786 Eagle Ridge Trail, agreed with Mr. Holmstrom. He is not opposed to the development but hopes surrounding properties are protected from adverse impacts. Dan Register, 7857 Newberry Court North,asked who determined what was wetland. Some years there is a foot of water in some areas. He agreed with concerns about wetland and water impacts. Thad Rich, developer, reviewed his proposal. He has been working on this for two years with the City and the watershed district. He is not changing any wetlands and wants to keep the neighbors happy. Steve Johnson, Elan Design Lab, engineer for the project,explained the drainage process and that plans have been adjusted to address all watershed conditions. Community Development Director Turnblad explained that by state law,wetland delineations are to be done by individuals who are licensed by the State,which was completed.He stated that there is a maintenance agreement for rain gardens that will be filed with the plat and that the storm water management plan was reviewed by the City engineer. Councilmember Weidner stated this is the first potential development that has come to the Council since annexation. If this takes 14 variances, perhaps it is not developable and does not fit. He understands how the property owner wants to use the property, but questions whether it is a good idea. The Orderly Annexation Agreement brought 160 properties into the City. To try to fit the maximum number of homes in a spot with 14 variances concerns him. Mr. Rich stated he is not going for wetland buffer variances, they are part of the conditions, and they are requesting seven variances. Councilmember Junker stated there is no guarantee there would not be any movement of water, but it appears that there are ample spots for water to go to according to engineers from the City, the developer, and the watershed district. He feels a lot of homework has been done regarding the water runoff. Councilmember Polehna stated he was on the Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization and would not have supported the original proposal for 12 homes. He knows the WMO is very restrictive and selective in what it approves. He believes the WMO is now very comfortable with how water will be handled especially with the overflow pipe to drain out of the area. Councilmember Weidner stated he feels the developer is trying to force development on property that is not developable without all the variances, so he does not support the proposal. Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 Mayor Kozlowski noted the Middle St. Croix WMO does not approve projects very easily. He would not have supported the original 12-home design. He does not feel the current proposal is ideal, but does not see enough of a reason to deny it. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Resolution 2015- 046, Approving Variances for Richlind, Case No. SUB/2014-39. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Weidner Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Resolution 2015- 045, approving the Preliminary Plat for Richlind, Case No. SUB/2014-39. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Weidner UNFINISHED BUSINESS Possible approval of Bridgeview Park Master Plan. Community Development Director Turnblad presented the first draft of the final plan for Bridgeview Park and it could be a 5-15 year phased plan. He stated that if all elements of the plan were constructed, the cost would be about $10.7 million; half of that amount would be the City's responsibility. He informed the Council that there would be 5-10 years to identify funding sources for the City's half and annual capital improvement planning could incorporate the phased park plans. Staff requests the Council to consider approving the Bridgeview Park Plan, with one change. He explained that the change would be to refer to the draft plan's "preferred dock location" as one of several dock location options, calling the whole area between Nelson Street and the Bergstein Buildings "the targeted area" for a dock. He stated in his discussion with St. Croix Boat and Packet, Dick Anderson suggested he could lease his current transient docks to the City for a two year period, so the City could gain some experience in the municipal dock business. The City could promote the transient docks in a different way than St. Croix Boat and Packet does, and could potentially offer the docking to the public for free. If the Council supports the plan for Bridgeview Park, staff would bring a formal resolution to the March 17 Council meeting. Mayor Kozlowski expressed appreciation for the work that went into the plan. Councilmember Weidner stated he likes the Andersons' dock proposal and would like the City to pursue this. Mayor Kozlowski commented that no one outside Stillwater knows about the existence of the public docks. Councilmember Polehna agreed that few boaters know the docks are there and felt that more signage is needed. Councilmember Junker remarked that 16 is pretty minimal in terms of public docks and if the City took them over this year, it would have to get the word out. On a question by Councilmember Junker about a timeframe for the St. Croix Loop trail, Public Works Director Sanders stated construction will start later this year and be completed in 2016. Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 Community Development Director Turnblad stated he will bring back Bridgeview Park plan documents for the Council to approve. Possible approval of the special event and contract for 2015 Log Jam. It was noted that there were no representatives of The Locals present. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to table approval of the contract for Log Jam 2015 to March 17. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of feasibility report and calling for hearing for the Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Street Project—Orleans Street Project(Project No. 2014-03a). Public Works Director Sanders explained that the portion of the project that affects the City of Stillwater would be the reconstruction of the northern half of Orleans Street between Fourth Avenue and Second Avenue. The street would be constructed to a 24' wide street with curb and gutter. Also as part of the project, a hydrant would be replaced on one water main and two galvanized water services would be replaced. It is proposed that the City hire a contractor for the hydrant and water services. Oak Park Heights would be responsible for the engineering and the construction of the streets and would invoice all costs associated with work affecting properties in Stillwater. The estimated cost for the street reconstruction of the north half of Orleans is $74,203.25, the hydrant replacement is $5,900 and the galvanized water service replacement is $3,800, for a total project cost of$83,903. Staff recommends that Council approve the feasibility report and order a public hearing to be held on March 17, 2015. Councilmember Weidner recused himself from discussion. Motion by Councilmember Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2015-047, Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on Stillwater Oak Park Heights Street Project - Orleans Street (Project 2014-03a). Ayes: Councilmember Junker and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Polehna Abstain: Councilmember Weidner Consider Parking Commission recommendation for funding the parking lot budget deficit. Community Development Director Turnblad reported that the Downtown Parking Commission has been working on a method to balance the downtown parking lot system's average annual budget deficit of $25,000. An initial recommendation to cover the shortfall by converting Municipal Lots 3-11 from"free"lots to pay lots drew strong concerns from downtown businesses. Subsequently, the Commission decided to search for a method of covering the budget deficit without increasing the number of downtown pay lots. He continued by stating that the Parking Commission now recommends covering operating and capital expenses by Raising the monthly business parking permit fee from $10 to $15; raising the monthly downtown residential parking permit fee from $10 to $20 and raising the parking violation fine from $15 to $25. If the City Council concurs with the Parking Commission's revised recommendation, staff will bring back to the next Council meeting all necessary documents to formalize the decision. Councilmember Junker remarked that those who provided input felt it is prudent to wait until the bridge is done before implementing additional pay lots. He explained that the parking enterprise Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 fund was initially designed to be self-sufficient in order to take the burden off the general fund and that the fees that the Parking Commission is looking at increasing have not changed in years. He felt that the proposed increases seem fair and that parking downtown has never looked better. Councilmember Polehna asked why the monthly business parking permit fee is being increased $5 when the other fees are increasing $10, and Community Development Director Turnblad responded that the Parking Commission felt that the patron parking their car 24/7, 365 is getting more parking lot time than the business person parking during the working day. Councilmember Weidner indicated that he is concerned about the parking enterprise fund going down each year. He referred to the prior proposal of converting the lots to $5 pay lots is a plan that was worked on for 18 months that would have generated more revenue, about $120,000 surplus annually, which could be reinvested in the parking enterprise fund. Since the new plan would generate $27,000 in surplus, he asked what happened to the need for the additional $100,000. Councilmember Junker replied that the notion of charging$3 and$5 was a tough sale.The original projections were based on a five year average,but the year 2014 changed things significantly with increased revenues. Also, going to a pay structure for the other lots would have added capital improvement costs. Councilmember Weidner pointed out that if the $100,000 surplus is not needed for the parking enterprise fund, then he is alright with the proposal as long as the current proposal can be sustainable. He felt that because this proposal it is so different from the original, it causes concern about sustainability and he would like to see a proposal with the ability for growth. Mayor Kozlowski noted that he too would like to generate more reserve. However, considering bridge construction,bike trail and other changes downtown,he would like to see what the revenue looks like after a few years. Councilmember Junker stated that after 2015, the Council could still look at possibly generating more revenue from the parking lots. Councilmember Polehna stated he would like to see the same amount of increase for the monthly business parking permits as for the other two permits. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Mayor Kozlowski, to approve the three recommended changes effective immediately. Ayes: Councilmember Junker and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna Motion failed due to a tie vote. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to Resolution 2015- 047A, amending resolution 2014-203 —2015 fee schedule approving parking permit fees and violation fines, approving recommendations #2 and#3, and direct staff to bring back recommendation#1 for future action. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Page7of9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 Possible approval of a re-subdivision to accommodate a free-standing Dairy Queen on the Valley Ridge Shopping Center property. Community Development Director Turnblad explained that the applicant has submitted a request to subdivide the lot into two parcels. The Heritage Preservation Commission has granted a design permit. The property received a Special Use Permit from the Planning Commission for a drive- through and outdoor eating area. Staff finds the requested resubdivision to be reasonable and recommends approval with conditions. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Resolution 2015- 048, approving a Resubdivision of Property Located at 1240-1570 Frontage Road West, Case No. 2015-2b as conditioned in the resolution. Ayes: Councilmembers Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Weidner thanked Public Works Director Sanders for filling the position of Interim City Administrator. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m. All in favor. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: "Cl6t1"\/ 16)‘()27.Ce-.—, Diane Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2015-039, directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2015-040, approval of Consumption & Display Permit (Liquor) for The Loft at Studio J LLC; dba: The Loft at Studio J Resolution 2015-041, approving Contract with RES Specialty Pyrotechnics Resolution 2015-042, a Resolution Supporting Dedicated State Funding For City Streets Resolution 2015-043, approval of Cleaning Contract with Dan Clark Resolution 2015-044, approving Food for Fines program Resolution 2015-045, a resolution approving the preliminary plat for Richlind, Case No. 2014-39, 13310 Boutwell Road Resolution 2015-046, a resolution approving variances for Richlind, Case No. 2014-39, 13310 Boutwell Road Resolution 2015-047, resolution receiving report and calling hearing on Stillwater Oak Park Heights Street Project-Orleans Street, (Project 2014-03a) Resolution 2015-047A, amending resolution 2014-203 – 2015 fee schedule approving parking permit fees and violation fines Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting March 3, 2015 Resolution 2015-048, a resolution approving a resubdivision of property located at 1240- 1570 Frontage Road West, Case No. 2015-2b Page 9 of 9