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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-01 CC MIN '1 Water THE IIOTMPLECE OF YINMEEOTO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 1,2015 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Turnblad Public Works Director Sanders Finance Director Harrison Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser St. Croix Recreation Center Manager Brady City Clerk Ward OTHER BUSINESS Budget Workshop (Continued from August 18, 2015 meeting) City Administrator McCarty continued discussion of the draft 2016 budget.He presented three options for reducing the levy increase. Option 1 includes delaying start dates for three new administrative positions,which reduces the levy increase to 5.9%.Option 2 includes delaying start dates for the three administrative positions as well as reducing the street improvement debt service by $25,000, which would reduce the levy increase to 5.85%. Option 3 includes delaying start dates for the three administrative positions and further reducing debt service on the street improvement program,thereby reducing the levy increase to 5.4%. All options include modifying some capital outlay items for City Hall,remodeling, and Police Department renovation which would have a target date for completion at the end of 2017. Councilmember Junker stated he would like the HR position to start earlier, January 1 if possible. Councilmember Menikheim agreed and asked about the impact of starting the HR position April 1. City Administrator McCarty replied that would add about$27,000 back into the budget. Councilmembers Junker, Menikheim and Mayor Kozlowski expressed support for Option 2, but to include an April 1 start date for the HR position, which would add $27,000 back into the budget. Councilmember Weidner noted he would rather stay with the recommended proposal as he felt it would not make that much difference to start the HR position three months earlier. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adopt Option 2, modifying the start date for the HR Manager position to April 1. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 Councilmember Polehna expressed a desire to move the HR position start date earlier in the year. Mayor Kozlowski suggested that the Water Board and Library Board may be able to contribute some funding in order to start the position earlier.City Administrator McCarty stated staff can communicate with the Water and Library Boards regarding this issue. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to set the Truth in Taxation hearing for December 1, 2015. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None STAFF REPORTS Doug Brady, St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Manager, reported that he is trying to attract a Tier II Junior Level North American Hockey League team and wants to make sure that the Council is comfortable with this. It would bring additional revenue and heightened interest in ice hockey. He would like to move forward to negotiate a lease. Councilmembers expressed support for the concept. Fire Chief Glaser informed the Council that the transition to the new Fire Station is complete as of Saturday morning. The new address is 250 Maryknoll Drive North. The public open house and dedication ceremony will be October 10. The Department will participate in a Stillwater High School recognition of the September 11 tragedy. Community Development Director Turnblad stated that the RFP for the Downtown Plan Chapter update should be done in the next month. The Shoddy Mill buildings have been painted brown. Public Works Director Sanders reported that TIF money may be used for the study of relocating power poles in the downtown area. He will sign the contract and relay it to Xcel Energy. With remaining federal dollars,the City purchased five pumps for use for future floods. RECESS The meeting was recessed at 5:34 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Magnuson Public Works Director Sanders Community Development Director Turnblad Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser Finance Director Harrison City Clerk Ward PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Page 2 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Polehna,seconded by Councilmember Junker,to approve the August 18,2015 special and regular meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2015-148, directing the payment of bills Resolution 2015-149, approving the Certified Local Government Grant Acceptance Form from the Minnesota Historical Society Resolution 2015-150, approving SEH to perform bridge inspection on box culvert at Neal Avenue and Brown's Creek Resolution 2015-151, approving Northstar Mudjacking & More to perform sidewalk repair work on Fourth Street Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No.2015-22.A public hearing to consider a request by Sterling Black of Fairway Development LLC to approve a 19 lot residential preliminary plat and associated variances, Zoned RB: Two Family Residential, all for property located at 1902 Williams Street North. Community Development Director Turnblad summarized the preliminary plat and variance application. Sterling Black, Fairway Development, LLC is requesting Preliminary Plat approval for a 19-lot detached single-family development to be known as HAZEL PLACE VILLAS which is located at the western terminus of Hazel Street next to the Stillwater Country Club. He stated that the first version of the Preliminary Plat was tabled by the Planning Commission with a recommendation to eliminate the many variances which is done. The revised Preliminary Plat eliminated one lot and all variances, however on a 4-1 vote the Planning Commission recommended that the Council deny the Preliminary Plat request. He noted that several letters have been submitted, including a letter from the developer's legal counsel, a petition and letter from the immediate neighborhood, and several emails regarding the length of the cul-de-sac. There are two different interpretations. Staff interprets City code to measure a cul-de-sac from the middle of the new cul-de-sac to where it branches from the existing roadway, which means that the cul-de-sac is less than 600 feet long, and therefore would not require a variance.He continued by stating that the Planning Commission believes a cul-de-sac should be measured from the last point where there is a chance to turn off the street(Fifth Street in this case), which would mean the cul-de-sac in question is more than 600 feet in length, and therefore the Planning Commission recommends denial of the plat. He informed the Council that the review deadline is at least a month away, the Council could give a conceptual approval tonight if it desires, so staff may bring back further documentation to the next meeting. Staff recommends approval with 13 conditions. Councilmember Junker asked if there has been any further discussion with the DNR since the Brown's Creek Trail has opened., and Community Development Director Turnblad replied there is nothing new, except that the DNR agrees with the City that this portion of trail segment has more potential for Page 3of10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 conflict than any other. Sight lines at Hazel and the trail crossing are difficult.The DNR is now looking at options for improving safety at that crossing. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. Brian Larson, 2008 Hazel Court, stated that neighbors are not against development,just the number of units.Rezoning in 2007 allowed this density and the proposed cul-de-sac is 850 longer than allowed. He felt that the garage-forward design conflicts with the zoning code that calls for de-emphasizing the garage. He urged the Council to consider the situation unique and that cul-de-sacs that were built in the past should not affect today's decision. The project should be considered on its own merits. He referenced a legal opinion that Minnesota courts have concluded that land use decisions do not create any precedent. He encouraged the Council to deny the present Preliminary Plat. Marilyn Meier, 405 West Hazel Street, asked the Council to deny the existing plan. She stated that they are not against a reasonable plan to develop the property, but attaching a cul-de-sac to a cul-de- sac should not be done because it raises safety issues and changes the character of the neighborhood and felt that the new trail has brought a huge influx of traffic to the area. Pat Lockyear, 2001 Hazel Court, urged the Council to uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation for denial. The City has placed a no exit sign on Hazel Street at Fifth Street,therefore that is the point at which the cul-de-sac should be measured. The 2007 development plan should never have been supported because it was not in keeping with essential character of the neighborhood and went against zoning practices. The Council should stand behind its Planning Commission and deny development that should never have been approved in 2007. This application should be reviewed on its own merits, not its history. Ken Harycki, 2004 Hazel Court, commented that the previous development agreement provided protections for the neighborhood because the units in that plan were to be$500,000 townhomes bought by people who would not winter in Stillwater. He felt that developing 19 units does not fit the neighborhood character. He continued by stating that Hazel Street is narrow, making it tight for vehicles, and the cul-de-sac should be measured from Fifth Street,the nearest outlet. John Schoenecker,301 East Willow Street,voiced concern about the impact of construction equipment on Hazel Street, for which residents are still paying assessments. He was concerned that the street will be damaged, and that the density is too high for the neighborhood. Bryan Boucher, 317 West Hazel Street, felt that the cul-de-sac should be measured from the point where there are two routes of ingress/egress. He said that the proposed development is not harmonious with the existing neighborhood and that five to ten houses would be enough. Sonja Larson, 2008 Hazel Court, encouraged the Council to support the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the proposed development, for safety reasons. James Purcell, 2001 Hazel Court, felt that the proposal is not eco-friendly, does not preserve natural resources, and clearly does not meet the definition of an allowable cul-de-sac. He requested that Council deny the proposal. Melanie Ebertz, 1924 North First Street, stated there is chaos on Hazel Street. She stated that there are lots of families with kids on the North Hill and that traffic safety is lacking. She felt that the new trail is a bigger issue than the bridge and she has been very disappointed by the Council's actions. Stillwater Country Club representatives Ed Simonet and Rick Schefchick stated they are concerned about the effect of the development on the golf course. They have not seen the recent plan and would like to have an engineer analyze how the drainage might affect the golf course.They are also concerned that the rain gardens, which are to be taken over by homeowners, because if the homeowners do not Page 4 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 maintain them,the Country Club will have to take care of them.Mr. Simonet,expressed concern about liability and safety of the future residents of the development, because the 12th and 13th holes run parallel to the development, and that the safety corridor for golf balls runs right through many of the units. Mick Lynskey, Lake Elmo, who owns various properties in Stillwater, stated that the first plat and development agreement were approved eight years ago, but they decided not to move forward with it due to market conditions.At that time,they approached the City and asked for assurances that the final plat would not expire, which they obtained in writing, stating that as long as it was developed in the manner that it was approved, it would not expire. Mr. Lynskey felt that this fact is important. They sold their interest,their approvals received and letter to Mr. Black,and stated that there is an approved plan. He understands the developers are moving forward with this plan that he got approved, but believes theirs is a better plan. He continued by stating that if the Council agrees that, with the City's assurances that this is a valid plat with no expiration, then the Council should approve it. He pointed out four differences from the previous plan: there is one less unit, the setbacks from existing homes have been reduced, the grading plan is more friendly to the site with less grading, and the cul-de-sac is a little shorter than what had been proposed. He felt it was important to state that based on letters from the City stating the property could be developed in this manner as previously approved. Tim Sinclair, 14411 Dellwood Road North, who lives directly across the creek from the proposed development, stated although he lives is in Stillwater Township, he has concerns. He strongly urged the Council to follow the recommendation of the Planning Commission and deny the application. He felt that there is not room enough for 19 houses, and that the development does not fit into the neighborhood. Dave Hatch, 2009 Third Street North, expressed concerns about traffic safety, as his children cross Hazel Street to Schulenberg Park several times a day. He would like the Council to deny the application. Jay Libby, 203 Hazel Street,told the Council he is not anti-building or anti-development, however he has had to pull up on the curb to allow a garbage truck or school bus to pass. He felt that with the trail, there is more traffic and that trail users, especially young children, do not stop at Hazel. Sterling Black, owner/developer, stated they have done what they can to try to make the development fit the neighborhood, while maintaining financial viability. He referred to written documentation addressing the neighbors' concerns. He stated that they have a high quality product whose intended buyer is the empty-nester in the $550,000-700,000 range.He has had good conversations with the golf course leadership and will ensure they are satisfied with the quality of work being done. He also reviewed his history with the property, which he purchased in 2009. The previous plat had been approved, however he waited for the market to improve before starting discussions about building the homes, reducing the grading, the retaining walls, less tree removal and the amount of roadway, and through this process they introduced single family homes with less massing than in the previous plan. He stated that meeting with the City it was determined he would need to reapply for a new plat. They are heavily invested in this project and feel the new plan is better. If denied today,there is little choice but to proceed with the previous plan that was approved because they cannot start over, and that a project of five to ten units would not be viable. Roger Humphrey, Humphrey Engineering, stated he understands the concerns that were raised about the previously approved plan. They have met with the golf course, the watershed district and the neighbors. He compared the old and the new plans to indicate how the issues have been addressed. The rain gardens are highly vegetated green spaces and the water will be directed into the City storm water system. The lot on the end of the cul-de-sac was eliminated because the watershed district had Page 5 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 its greatest concern. They have a letter from the City detailing the approval process which they provided to Councilmembers. He reviewed the developer's responses to concerns expressed at the Planning Commission meeting, regarding narrow streets, and that Hazel Street is 30 feet wide, three lanes in width, which exceeds City standards and felt it as not substandard because it is relatively flat and fairly straight and that Hazel Street narrows at the ery last segment before reaching Highway 95. He provided documents showing other developments hat have higher densities and in an extreme event, EMTs and other emergency vehicles could access the neighborhood across the fairway from the road by the maintenance shed of the golf course. He continued that the light pollution, all designs meet current standards for cut-offs and lights that shine straight down and that nothing is proposed that would exceed City standards. He spoke to the integri y of the retaining walls,the new design has six foot walls which are standard and safety concerns about Hazel Street, the straight section is 30.8 feet wide and is straight with no vertical curves. He stat•d that there are many existing cul-de-sacs within the City and with cul-de-sacs people feel quite sec ire, more so than those who live on through streets. He has called several insurance companies to inq ire about policy risks for homeowners who live on cul-de-sacs, which is not an issue with insurers. He believes the fire department is equipped to handle any disasters and the proximity of the development is better than he has seen in other cities and have added several fire hydrants to the project to increase fire protection. He finished by stating that they feel all concerns have been addressed. Koleen Roach, 1901 North Second Street, called the developers' view myopic, and felt that the proposal is too dense for the neighborhood. She reminded the Council of what is at stake for all the current residents, and stated that Council needs to deny the variance and work toward a more reasonable development plan. Mary Harycki, 2004 Hazel Court, agreed with previous neighbors' comments and disagreed with the developer on the width of Hazel Street. She thanked the Mayor and Councilmember Junker for meeting with the neighborhood. She welcomed the developer to come measure the street with her. She felt that a stop sign to prevent traffic from four houses from interrupting traffic from 19 proposed homes seemed ludicrous. She urged the Councilmembers to keep an open mind and listen to constituents. Teresa Libby, 203 West Hazel Street, encouraged the Council to look at the proposal from the neighbors' point of view and she supports the neighbors who want lower density. Bruce Malkerson, Malkerson Gunn Martin LLP, attorney representing Sterling Black, informed the Council he has been a land use lawyer for 42 years and has taught land use law for 40 years.Neighbors usually say they are not against development because they know it is smart to say that and it is not unusual for neighbors to want lower density. He stated that almost every subdivision proposal has opponents who say it is not safe. He pointed out that staff has stated repeatedly that this subdivision, as revised,complies with all City ordinances,and stated that this is a fact and a matter of law.He noted that the only thing he has heard from the neighbors about possible non-compliance with the law is that the length of the cul-de-sac must take into account roads that are outside of the proposed plat. He felt this argument runs contrary to decades of decisions and recommendations by the staff, the Planning Commission and the City Council, which has correctly interpreted this ordinance many times in the past. He continued by stating that they believe strongly that staff is correct in the interpretation because there is nothing in the ordinance that suggests that parts of other pre-existing local streets should be considered in calculating the length of the cul-de-sac. He informed the Council that his client has purchased the property in reliance upon this historical interpretation and if the Council at this time decides to re-interpret the cul-de-sac provisions, it needs to go back and identify every instance where the new interpretation would have made some prior plat approvals illegal, give notice to them, and require them all to apply for variances. He felt that this subdivision also differs from others because Page 6 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 it involves a previously approved development and hat approval is still valid per a letter issued by the City in 2008. He asked Council if the developer could be allowed to speak after the public hearing is closed if they hear an erroneous statement made. Robert Williams, Morrison Sund PLLC, attorney representing a number of the neighbors, addressed Mr. Malkerson's points. He pointed out that today's application does not necessarily comply in all respects with the existing subdivision code. He felt if the Planning Commission determined that the cul-de-sac measurement should come from Fifth Street,that conclusion could be upheld by the Council and the application could be denied based on a new interpretation of the statute. He did mention that the ordinance does not say the point from which the measurement is to take place for the cul-de-sac, however the policies behind the original ordinance are important in determining its meaning.He stated that it is clear that it is a public safety-focused ordinance and that it makes the most sense that the origination be the farthest point of exit from that one way street. He continued by stating that this Council is not bound by prior interpretations of other Councils, and is not prohibited from making a new interpretation tonight to make it right and that they are free to take steps to undo the 2007 development agreement. He informed the Council that there are statutory provisions that protect the right of the developer to proceed under a development agreement for a period of two years from the date of the agreement. His supposition is that there are no vested rights with regard to when a developer has gone so far into a project to change the entitlements to prevent him from proceeding and felt that has not happened here. He stated that the Council does have the option of denying the application for the Preliminary Plat tonight and is not bound by previous precedent. Dale Shaller, resident of the North Hill for 26 years, voiced support for the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the proposal. He urged the Council to think creatively about alternative options. Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing. Councilmember Junker thanked the neighbors for being respectful in their opinions and applauded the development team for revising the plans. He reflected on all the development that has occurred in Stillwater over his lifetime. He stated the minimum lot size for the proposal is 7,500 square feet,which is the average lot size in Stillwater and the uniqueness of Hazel Street is its proximity to the Brown's Creek Trail, and the fact it is blind and steep,does raises safety concerns.He would like City staff,the DNR and developer to work on somehow increasing the safety of Hazel Street. Councilmember Weidner remarked that he understands both staffs interpretation and the Planning Commission's interpretation of length restriction in regard to measuring the cul-de-sac. He believes under the circumstances the cul-de-sac is too long.The most reasonable interpretation of the ordinance would measure the cul-de-sac from the nearest through street. On a question by Mayor Kozlowski to address the issue of the property owner's vested rights, City Attorney Magnuson explained that the question of vested rights recognizes property interests that must be compensated if they are taken. He responded to the question regarding of how long a Preliminary and Final Plat are valid, and how long the rights to develop the parcel last, consistent with those approvals: He informed Council that Minnesota statutes state that for one year after Preliminary Plat approval, the Council cannot change the zoning classification or the ordinance, and for two years beyond the Final Plat approval,the zoning cannot be changed. He continued by stating that the statute goes on to say that those rights may be extended by written agreement. He stated that happened in 2008, when then developer Lynskey Clark and Companies expressed concern about how long these rights would last and in response to their inquiry, Community Development Director Turnblad wrote them on November 18, 2008 stating that the City's ordinance does not specify a sunset date for approved Final Plats and the only sunset date mentioned is that the Final Plat application must be Page 7 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 submitted within one year approval of a Preliminary Plat, which was done. He informed Council that the Final Plat is valid indefinitely as long as it is developed according to the approved Plat and development agreement. His opinion is if a developer bought this property based on this representation,it would validate those vested rights to develop it consistent with the approved Plat and development agreement. Mayor Kozlowski inquired if the letter from staff constitutes a contract between the City and the developer, and that it is binding on the Council, and City Attorney Magnuson replied yes, he believes it is. He added that the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are often involved in similarly contested issues and they have cautioned City Councils to be mindful that the objections of neighbors standing alone are never a sufficient reason, by themselves, to deny an application of any kind. He continued, that it is not the number of people for or against any proposal, it is the quality of their objections that is important and municipal decisions are overturned by a court when they are found to be arbitrary and in his opinion to deny plat approval for a plat that is consistent with ordinances and standards is arbitrary. Mayor Kozlowski commented he feels a dead end street starts at the point where a vehicle has to turn around to get out of it. He feels the proposal would require a variance for the cul-de-sac and that it seems obvious as to not require definition. Councilmember Weidner commented, in reference to the binding nature of the plat in 2007,that is not the basis for his decision. He views this as a new plat. Councilmember Polehna stated he is one of the Councilmembers who approved the plat in 2007 and at the time he thought it was the right decision. However, because there is not another access into the area, the cul-de-sac length concerns him. He stated he would not have a problem supporting the proposal if there were another access point and that the cul-de-sac issue needs to be defined so it does not come up again in the future. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to deny Preliminary Plat approval. City Attorney Magnuson suggested taking a straw vote and directing staff to come back to the next meeting with findings consistent with the decision. Councilmember Weidner withdrew the motion and Councilmember Polehna withdrew the second. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to deny the Preliminary Plat and directing staff to prepare findings for the next meeting. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 9:02 p.m. Mayor Kozlowski reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Case No 2015-15.Continued consideration of the Minnesota Shooting Academy request for a Special Use Permit to operate an indoor gun range at 2159 Curve Crest Boulevard (Tabled from August 18, 2015 meeting). Councilmember Weidner recused himself from discussion due to a conflict of interest. Page 8 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 Community Development Director Turnblad summarized that two variances are being requested: one for square footage and the other for parking. Councilmember Junker stated he likes the green space between the site and the liquor store, but is concerned about approving the variances. Councilmember Polehna pointed out that the application involves a freestanding building and that the skateboard park, for which the 3,000 square foot limit was originally enacted years ago, was part of another property. He felt that the City needs to adjust the ordinance to separate proposals for freestanding buildings from proposals for adjacent properties.He is not in favor of granting the parking variance. Councilmember Menikheim noted he finds the variance difficult to accept because the 3,000 square foot restriction was initially developed for a nonprofit, but this is a commercial business asking for a 135% increase is not a minor adjustment. Mayor Kozlowski noted staff has stated that the purpose of the 3,000 square foot maximum was to preserve the office nature of the office park and the variance being requested seems like too big a variance. He stated that he has less of an issue with the parking variance, but finds it hard to establish the practical difficulty to justify the square footage variance. Councilmember Menikheim remarked that the amusement and entertainment category did not take into consideration the other side of a shooting range. He stated the involvement of law enforcement training introduces the issue of self-defense and the application of lethal force and felt that is a long stretch beyond amusement and entertainment. Mayor Kozlowski stated he has no problem with the permitted use, but for him, the issue is the size so if it were a smaller variance it would be easier to consider; this is massive. Councilmember Polehna recalled that 18 years ago,the City put its own recreation center and ice arena in an area that was considered industrial. Mayor Kozlowski reminded the Council that the zoning prohibits amusement or recreational uses over 3,000 square feet and the variance being requested is huge. He is in favor of approving the SUP, but denying the variances. Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to approve the SUP as conditioned, but deny the variances. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Polehna Possible approval of second reading of Ordinance 1082,an Ordinance Amending the Stillwater City Code, Chapter 29, Sewers, Sec. 29-3 and approval of agreement with Washington County for septic system permitting and inspection services Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Ordinance 1082, an Ordinance Amending the Stillwater City Code, Chapter 29, Sewers, Sec. 29-3. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Page 9 of 10 City Council Meeting September 1, 2015 Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Resolution 2015-152, approving agreement with Washington County for Septic System Permitting and Inspection Services. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. STAFF REPORTS CONTINUED Public Works Director Sanders requested Council approval for capital outlay of$3,900 for 31 trees to be planted in Lowell Park. Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna,to authorize the expenditure of$3,900 for trees as proposed. Councilmember Junker commented the tree planting project is moving too quickly and that placing 31 trees in Lowell Park is a big step. He stated would like to see more input,because it is a drastic change and the trees will be there for a very long time. Councilmember Polehna stated the City has talked to everybody but the Lofts residents and he will be talking to them tomorrow. He mentioned that historically there were a lot more trees there and the Parks Commission reviewed the plan and approved it. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: Councilmember Junker ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. All in favor. Tee :0 i,Mayor ATTEST: A ' L_ l _ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Resolution 2015-148, directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2015-149, approving the Certified Local Government Grant Acceptance Form from the Minnesota Historical Society Resolution 2015-150,approving SEH to perform bridge inspection on box culvert at Neal Avenue and Brown's Creek Resolution 2015-151, approving Northstar Mudjacking & More to perform sidewalk repair work on Fourth Street Resolution 2015-152, resolution approving Agreement with Washington County for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Page 10 of 10