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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 1, 2015
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
4:30 P.M.
Present: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, Mayor Kozlowski
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Magnuson
Community Development Director Turnblad
Finance Director Harrison
City Planner Wittman
Public Works Director Sanders
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
City Clerk Ward
OTHER BUSINESS
Discuss scoping document for Bergstein Buildings Business Plan Advisory Committee
Community Development Director Turnblad led discussion of a scoping document for the
Bergstein Buildings Business Plan Committee. He stated the Committee's function would be to
develop an operation plan for the future use of the Bergstein Warehouse and Shoddy Mill.
City Planner Wittman reviewed the proposed make-up of the Committee and the expected
timeline for the study, and that final plan adoption is expected by the end of July.
Councilmember Weidner emphasized that all committee members should be aware that the plan
will not be implemented unless funding is raised; and Ms. Wittman responded that the City has
not budgeted the estimated $75,000 necessary for the specific plans to be developed. Community
Development Director Turnblad added that each year, the City does capital improvement planning
to determine what should be funded each year.
Councilmember Menikheim noted the process seems overly complicated. He questioned whether
the committee would really need six months to plan.
Mayor Kozlowski stated that in his opinion, six months seems appropriate.
Councilmember Weidner agreed that six months seemed reasonable, considering all the other
planning issues the City is working on.
City Planner Wittman explained that the process was developed this way to stay on schedule, and
pointed out that the committee is a large group of people with very diverse interests.
City Council Meeting
December 1, 2015
Councilmember Polehna commented the six-month timeline seems reasonable, that his only
concern is whether this is a real priority for the City, as he does not want other projects to suffer.
Councilmember Menikheim indicated that he feels the Downtown Revitalization Committee
should be added to the committee list. Ms. Wittman replied that since the Chamber is on the
committee, she felt the Chamber would probably inform the Downtown Revitalization
Committee.
Councilmember Weidner commented he would like to make sure the Committee is strong enough
to say "no," since there may be many organizations that will want a piece of the operation, and
the Committee needs to be able to say that something will not work if it does not support or
enhance the operation.
Councilmember Polehna agreed, and added that interpretation is great, but he hoped organizations
would not expect the City to pay for it all.
City Planner Wittman remarked that the reuse study indicated that the likelihood of a revenue
generator in this facility is very minimal. It is generally recognized that a lot of the work would
be the responsibility of the property owner, the City.
Ms. Wittman informed the Council that a resolution will be brought back to the Council to
establish the committee based on the scoping document. In June a draft plan would be submitted
to the Council, which would include summary rehabilitation recommendations.
Update on Solid Waste & Recycling Contract
City Clerk Ward explained that the City's current contract with Waste Management expires on
December 31, 2015. Staff members have been in negotiations with Waste Management since June
and will bring back the contract, with a resolution for the rates, for Council approval. The main
change will be quantity limits on appliances and large bulk items.
Discussion on Purchasing Policy
City Administrator McCarty reviewed the current purchasing policy, in light of concerns
expressed by Councilmembers. The question had been raised whether the current procedure for
approval of the purchase of capital outlay items is necessary and/or required by City policy, or
whether the City could manage its capital outlay purchases in a manner consistent with the
purchasing procedure for other services, thereby only requiring City Council approval for
purchase of budgeted capital items in excess of $50,000. This would be more efficient.
Councilmembers voiced preference for the more efficient procedure, that avoided every single
capital outlay purchase to come before the Council. City Administrator McCarty concluded that
appropriate amendatory language and protocols for purchase of budgeted capital items would be
drafted for review, and a resolution to amend the City's Purchasing Policy would be brought back
to the Council.
Discussion on Legislative A eg nda
City Administrator McCarty presented a preliminary list of possible legislative agenda items
identified by Councilmembers and staff. It was determined that staff would review the legislative
agendas of the League of Minnesota Cities, State Police Chiefs, and Fire Chiefs Associations, and
Metro Cities to determine what may align with the City's interests. He asked Councilmembers to
do the same thing in preparation for more discussion in January.
Page 2of8
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORTS
December 1, 2015
Police Chief Gannaway noted the Council that Toys for Tots are collected in the City Hall lobby
and at the Police Department for drop off December 16. He and Fire Chief Glaser also reminded
the community to make safe decisions during the holidays.
Community Development Director Turnblad updated the Council on committees to be formed
within the City. Over the next three months, the Council will see a list of volunteers and be asked
to make selections for the Downtown Plan, Trail Plan, and Bergstein Operations Plan
Committees. He encouraged Councilmembers to have any interested candidates contact him.
Public Works Director Sanders reminded residents of odd -even parking and no parking from 2-6
a.m. downtown; also on garbage day, to put containers behind the curb to not interfere with snow
plowing.
RECESS
The meeting was recessed at 5:28 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
Community Development Director Turnblad
Finance Director Harrison
Public Works Director Sanders
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
City Clerk Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of November 17, 2015 regular meeting minutes
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to approve the
November 17, 2015 regular meeting minutes. All in favor.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS
Certificate of Appreciation: Liberty Homeowners Association Donation
Councilmember Polehna awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Liberty Homeowners
Association for neighborhood activity that generated a donation for the Stillwater Beyond The
Yellow Ribbon Program.
Page 3 of 8
City Council Meeting
OPEN FORUM
December 1, 2015
Leslie Davis, 408 Third Street North, approached the Council about her assessed market value
and resulting 33% tax increase. Mayor Kozlowski pointed out the City taxes are only one portion
of the total tax increase. City Clerk Ward added that an open book meeting is held by Washington
County, which does the assessing for Stillwater. City Administrator McCarty suggested Ms. Davis
contact the County about the assessed value, and invited her to stay for the Truth in Taxation
hearing covering the City's portion of property taxes.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution 2015-205, directing payment of bills
Resolution 2015-206, final acceptance of work for Third Street Reconstruction Project (Project
2012-04)
Resolution 2015-207, approving new wine and strong beer liquor license to 2Js LLC, DBA:
The Meet Market
Resolution 2015-208, approving Master Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services for
Governmental Agencies (Police Department)
Resolution 2015-209, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001
Resolution 2015-210, adopting delinquent garbage bill charges Project No. 0002
Resolution 2015-211, approval of 2016 Towing License for Stillwater Towing
Resolution 2015-212, resolution approving Certificate of Completion, Release, and Conformity
(Simonet Furniture)
Councilmember Weidner asked City Attorney Magnuson if he should recuse himself from voting
on Resolution 2015-212 and if the item needs to be pulled and voted on separately. City Attorney
Magnuson responded that there is no conflict, as it is a non -controversial matter of clearing a
conflict in the title.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt the Consent
Agenda.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Possible adoption of resolution establishing the Trail Plan Advisory Committee
Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the proposed Resolution establishing the
Trail Plan Committee, and asked for Council clarification on discussion points regarding
formation of the Committee.
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim to adopt a resolution establishing a Trail Advisory
Committee. There was no second.
Councilmember Polehna stated he thought the Parks Commission should function as the Trail
Advisory Committee, because there is not a lot of Parks Commission business lately.
Page 4 of 8
City Council Meeting
December 1, 2015
Councilmember Junker suggested making the Trail Advisory Committee a subcommittee of the
Parks Commission and incorporating it into the Parks Commission meetings over the next few
months. He added that there appeared to be many people passionate about trails who could add
valuable input, and that a separate subcommittee should be formed to include that input and not
overload the Parks Commission.
Councilmember Menikheim rescinded his motion and suggested changing the name of the Parks
Commission to the Parks and Trails Commission. City Attorney Magnuson noted that it would
take an ordinance amendment to change the Commission's name.
Councilmember Weidner suggested leave the name Parks Commission and acknowledge that they
also handle trail issues. He would not want a separate subcommittee.
Councilmember Polehna agreed. He voiced that perhaps one person from each ward could be
added to the Parks Commission, and then expand its purview to include trails.
Mayor Kozlowski remarked that all those who gave comments during consideration of the Trail
Plan should be invited to serve on the Committee.
Councilmember Polehna added that the new group, Friends of Stillwater Trails, should be
included.
Councilmember Menikheim pointed out that this is really about the growth taking place in the
City.
Mayor Kozlowski stated it would require less staff time to simply add trails as an agenda item at
the Parks Commission meetings, for now.
Councilmember Menikheim concurred that the City could try a subcommittee and then if it does
not work well, maybe it can grow into its own Commission.
Councilmember Weidner stated the Parks Commission should come to the Council and report
whether they can handle the addition of trails issues.
It was the consensus of the Council, to request the Parks Commission, with Friends of Stillwater
Trails invited to add input, and list trails as an agenda item on Parks Commission meetings.
Possible adoption of resolution of findings related to the Bugbee appeal
Community Development Director Turnblad updated the Council with the proposed Findings of
Fact related to the Bugbee appeal.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2015-
213, resolution adopting findings of fact, conclusions and order related to an appeal of administrative
interpretation by Robert & Rachel Bugbee, located at 1427 Lydia Circle Case No. 2015-38.
Update on 2015 System Statement
Community Development Director Turnblad provided a letter from LisaBeth Barajas, manager of
the Local Planning Assistance Department of the Metropolitan Council, that responded to
Resolution 2015-203, which challenged the 2015 System Statement. He explained that the letter
acknowledged the City's Resolution, and accepted the City's position that the Minar and
McKusick Road North neighborhoods would not be included in the 5 unit per acre aggregate
calculation for new development and redevelopment projects.
Page 5 of 8
City Council Meeting December 1, 2015
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution
2015-214, resolution accepting 2015 system statement and rescinding resolution 2015-203.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation: Truth in Taxation and possible adoption of resolutions for 2015 Budget and Tax Levy
City Administrator McCarty and Finance Director Harrison presented the 2016 Truth -in -Taxation
budget, which included total operating revenues; 2016 proposed operating expenditures; and 2016
proposed property tax levy, that resulted in an increase of 6.093% over 2015. Mr. McCarty noted
the property tax system and impacts on property owners.
On a question by Councilmember Polehna if there is a way to get the levy increase under 6%, Mr.
McCarty replied that it would require reduction of the levy by roughly $25,000; for instance,
reduce the debt service portion of the levy by reducing the proposed budget in one of the program
areas, such as street improvements.
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution
2015-215, adopting the final budget and the commitment of certain revenue sources for the fiscal year
2016.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
Motion by Councilmember Menikheim, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution
2015-216, adopting the final tax levy for the year 2016.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
Possible approval of first reading of Ordinance 1084, amending the Stillwater City Code Cha tep r 29
Sewers and Chapter 32, Nuisances
Public Works Director Sanders informed the Council that the City's consultant, WSB, reviewed
the City of Stillwater's ordinances and identified areas that have deficiencies in the area of
Minimum Control Measure (MCM) III, which deals with Illicit Discharge Detection &
Elimination according to the new requirements of the MS4 General Permit. Illicit discharge is
generally defined as any non -storm water drains into the City's storm sewer system. Mr. Sanders
summarized changes required to bring the City's ordinances into compliance with the new
requirements of the MS4 General Permit.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve first reading
of Ordinance 1084, amending the Stillwater City Code to comply with current requirements of the
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: None
Page 6 of 8
City Council Meeting December 1, 2015
Possible approval of cleaning services proposal for City Hall and Public Works
City Administrator McCarty informed the Council that the current contract with Dan Clark
expires on December 31, 2015. RFPs were sent to 27 vendors, resulting in six proposals for a one-
year contract. The lowest responsible bidder is with Plymouth Ridge Inc., DBA Coverall Twin
Cities in the amount of $27,744. Staff recommends that the proposal from Plymouth Ridge Inc.,
DBA Coverall Twin Cities be accepted.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adopt Resolution
2015-217, accepting the Plymouth Ridge Inc., dba Coverall Twin Cities proposal and awarding
contract for City Hall and Public Works cleaning services.
Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: None
COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTS
There were no communications/requests.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
There were no council request items.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn the meeting at
8:22 p.m. All in favor.
Ted Kozlowski, Mayor
ATTEST:
Diane F. Ward, City Clerk
Resolution 2015-205, directing payment of bills
Resolution 2015-206, final acceptance of work for third street reconstruction project (Project
2012-04)
Resolution 2015-207, approving new wine and strong beer liquor license to 2Js LLC, DBA: the
Meet Market
Resolution 2015-208, resolution approving master agreement for Minnesota court data services
for governmental agencies (Police Department)
Resolution 2015-209, adopting delinquent sewer charges Project No. 0001
Resolution 2015-210, adopting delinquent garbage bill charges Project No. 0002
Resolution 2015-211, renewal of towing license for 2016
Resolution 2015-212, resolution approving certificate of completion, release, and conformity
(Simonet Furniture)
Resolution 2015-213, resolution adopting findings of fact, conclusions and order related to an
appeal of administrative interpretation by Robert & Rachel Bugbee, located at 1427 Lydia
Circle Case No. 2015-38
Page 7 of 8
City Council Meeting
December 1, 2015
Resolution 2015-214, resolution accepting 2015 system statement and rescinding resolution
2015-203
Resolution 2015-215, adopting the final budget and the commitment of certain revenue sources
for the fiscal year 2016
Resolution 2015-216, adopting the final tax levy for the year 2016
Resolution 2015-217, accepting the Plymouth Ridge Inc., dba Coverall Twin Cities proposal
and awarding contract for City Hall and Public Works cleaning services
Page 8 of 8