HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-11 CC MIN i I 1Water
TNF IIN TN/LACE OF MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 11, 2017
REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim (left at 6:35 p.m.), Junker,
Weidner and Polehna
Browns Creek Watershed District President Leiser, Secretary Johnson and
Manager Maule Miller, Administrator Kill, Camilla Correll - Emmons &
Olivier Resources, Inc., Olivia Sparrow, Emmons and Olivier Resources, Inc.
Absent: None
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Magnuson
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
Community Development Director Turnblad
Public Works Director Sanders
Finance Director Harrison
City Clerk Ward
OTHER BUSINESS
Workshop with Browns Creek Watershed District - Karen Kill
Browns Creek Watershed District Administrator Karen Kill introduced Olivia Sparrow, Emmons
& Olivier Resources, Inc. Ms. Sparrow reviewed the feasibility study done in partnership with
City of Stillwater to address drainage and flooding issues east of Marylane Avenue. She explained
the drainage issues reported by residents, reviewed existing conditions, and summarized a
proposed mitigation strategy. A combination of options is needed according to the study,
including: 1) either a pond or a culvert across Macey Way; 2) a new local drainage pathway; and
3) minor grading and clearing to pull the remaining ditch away from the houses. Ms. Sparrow
added that estimated costs are around 1/2 million dollars.
Councilmember Junker asked if flooding is due to heavy rains. Ms. Sparrow replied that the warm,
wet year, compounded by the construction on Rutherford Station which compacted the soils and
increased the runoff, caused the flooding to the backyards.
Councilmember Weidner asked if the flooding is a temporary problem or if it will persist when
development is completed. Ms. Sparrow replied that both the pre-development and ultimate
conditions models showed there will still be some nuisance flooding, though not reaching the
houses, because the rear yards of Browns Creek Preserve are very flat. She added that many
residents were unaware how close the drainage easement is to their houses when they purchased
their houses.
City Council Meeting July 11, 2017
Councilmember Menikheim asked who will fund the mitigation project. Public Works Director
Sanders responded he included some money in next year's capital outlay budget for a funding
mechanism. Otherwise, the City could possibly use money from the stormwater utility fund, or
levy assessments. Ms. Kill added that there may be some possibilities for clean water grants.
One resident stated that in 40 years, flooding was never an issue until development began on
Rutherford Station. He feels Rutherford Station should share the costs for stopping the water flow.
Another resident stated she heard stated it could be 10-15 years before Rutherford Station is fully
developed.
Ms. Sparrow stated that unfortunately, there's no information to confirm whether the Marylane
culvert was compacted by development. She added that the BCWD is working with contractors
about mitigating the issues.
Councilmember Weidner asked whose responsibility it is to sign off on a drainage plan. Ms.
Sparrow replied that the BCWD reviews each development in terms of compliance with all the
flood mitigation and rate control rules. The BCWD is really focused on protecting water quality.
Administrator Kill added that the BCWD rules require a two foot separation from a foundation to
the highest water level, and that is being maintained. The existing situation is unique because
there is an older development sandwiched between new developments. The City oversees land
use and approval of the development, and the watershed district looks at how water leaves the
site.
Councilmember Weidner asked if the BCWD would help fund the mitigation project.
BCWD President Leiser stated the BCWD has the option to submit a designated project for state
funding under the clean water act, but there is no guarantee. If grant money is not available, the
BCWD would have to look at its annual funding, its tax levy, and modify its 10 year plan.
A resident explained that in the past,the lot there always had a lot of water. The small culvert that
was there handled the water flow from west to east. Developers then built up the road a little
higher and started to get ponding on both sides. Water levels kept getting higher, so they pumped
it all out which is probably what caused the big problem. She suggested the developer contribute
something toward a solution for everyone.
Administrator Kill stated the BCWD is looking for direction from its board and the City to
determine if staff should move forward and expend time on the mitigation project.
Councilmember Junker stated he feels the project should move forward with the BCWD,the City,
and the Rutherford Station developer as well.
Councilmember Weidner asked who would get assessed for the project, if assessments were
levied.
City Attorney Magnuson replied that by law, anyone who benefits from the project to the extent
that the benefit increases the market value of the parcel in an amount equal to the assessment.
Councilmember Weidner stated he would oppose using assessments to fund the project. Mayor
Kozlowski stated he doesn't think the project will boost market values.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to accept the feasibility
study, to work with the BCWD on the grant application, and to direct staff to start looking at funding
options. All in favor.
Page 2 of 6
City Council Meeting July 11, 2017
Tour of the Police Department
The meeting went into recess for a tour of the Police Department. The meeting was then
reconvened.
Legislative Discussion
City Administrator McCarty explained the National Park Service Legacy Act, and a proposed
resolution of support for a House of Representatives bill.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to approve
Resolution 2017-138,resolution of support for the National Park System.
Ayes: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner and Polehna
Nays: None
Discussion on Passenger Rail Service
City Administrator McCarty informed the Council that the Passenger Rail Organizing Council of
the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, a passenger rail advocacy group, is proposing
privately funded passenger rail service to go from Eau Claire to downtown St. Paul. The group is
looking for resolutions of support from communities along the proposed railway.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to table the discussion for
further information.
Ayes: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker and Polehna
Nays: Councilmember Weidner
Discussion on Closing Bridge Event Saturday August 12
Councilmember Polehna explained the proposal for an August 12 community celebration of the
closing of the lift bridge. The proposal is to close Chestnut Street from Main to the promenade in
front of the bridge for a polka dance. He would like the City to contribute funding for the event.
City Administrator McCarty added that estimates for the entertainment,traffic control,barricades,
restrooms and garbage collection are around $7,000 and possibly more. He added that an
individual has booked the gazebo for a wedding at 6 p.m. that evening, so staff will have to
coordinate with them.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to approve the event
application, to authorize funds up to $12,000, to direct staff to notify the wedding party of the event,
and to approve the submission of an application to MnDOT to close Chestnut Street. All in favor.
Discussion on August 2 meeting
Mayor Kozlowski shared tentative plans for the actual closing of the lift bridge on August 2. There
will be speeches in Lowell Park for 45 minutes to 1 hour, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Mayor Kozlowski, to move the recessed meeting
on Wednesday, August 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All in favor.
Page 3 of 6
City Council Meeting July 11, 2017
STAFF REPORTS
Police Chief Gannaway reported that the 4th of July event went fairly well.
Community Development Director Turnblad reported the Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee has 20 members.
Finance Director Harrison reminded the Council of the August 15 budget workshop at 3:30 p.m.
Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 6:47 p.m.
RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Junker, Weidner and Polehna
Absent: Councilmember Menikheim
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Magnuson
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
Community Development Director Turnblad
Public Works Director Sanders
Finance Director Harrison
City Clerk Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of June 20, 2017 regular and special meeting minutes
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the June 20,
2017 regular and special meeting minutes. All in favor.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS
Officer Daniel Young -Night to Unite
Officer Young provided information on activities Night to Unite, Tuesday, August 1 at
Washington Square Park and for asked Councilmembers to volunteer for the dunk tank.
Community Thread 2018 Budget Request—Sally Anderson, Executive Director
Community Thread Executive Director Sally Anderson summarized Community Thread
programs serving the citizens of Stillwater. She asked the Council to consider$16,000 of financial
support for 2018.
Youth Service Bureau 2018 Budget Request—Bob Sherman, Executive Director
Bob Sherman, Executive Director of Youth Service Bureau, provided an update Youth Service
Bureau programs and requested funding in the amount of$10,500.
Page 4 of 6
City Council Meeting July 11, 2017
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution 2017-134, Directing Payment of Bills
Resolution 2017-135, approving appointments to Heritage Preservation Commission
Possible approval of Faster than the Pastor Special Event— 10/07/17
Possible approval of Bagpipes and Bonfires Special Event—09/23/17
Possible approval to purchase switch for Armory
Possible approval to purchase key card items two doors
Resolution 2017-136, approval of"easement or agreement" for drainage & utility purposes
Resolution 2017-137, approving amendment to the 2017 Lumberjack Days special event
contract
Possible approval of Cable Communications Budget for Fiscal Year 2017
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Weidner, to adopt the Consent
Agenda.
Ayes: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Junker, Weidner and Polehna
Nays: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Comprehensive Plan Scoping Document
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that he will prepare an RFP in
the next two weeks for planning consultant services for the remainder of the Comprehensive Plan.
He presented a scoping document that outlines basic elements required by state law or suggested
by the Met Council.
Duane Arndt, representing the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, asked if
the Met Council's goal for Stillwater of 227 units of affordable housing in 2040 will be included.
Mr. Turnblad replied that the scoping document summarizes the elements that are required by the
Met Council.
COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTS
There were no communications or requests.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
There were no Council request items.
Page 5 of 6
City Council Meeting July 11, 2017
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn the meeting at
7:34 p.m. All in favor.
Michael Polehna, Vice Mayor
ATTEST:
/014:iti &9.
Diane F. Ward, City Clerk
Resolution 2017-134, Directing Payment of Bills
Resolution 2017-135, approving appointments to Heritage Preservation Commission
Resolution 2017-136, approval of"easement or agreement" for drainage and utility purposes
Resolution 2017-137,approving amendment to the 2017 Lumberjack Days special event contract
Resolution 2017-138, resolution of support for the National Park System
Page 6 of 6