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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-19 CC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 02-04 FEBRUARY 19, 2002 WORKSHOP 4:30 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kimble at 4:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble Absent: Council member Zoller Also present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Police Chief Dauffenbach City Clerk Ward Administrative Secretary Moore OTHER BUSINESS Discussion on Library Fundinq Issues Bill Hickey, President of the Library Board, reviewed the concept plan and some preliminary cost budgets which increased the library size to about 32,000 ft., provide additional parking and meet the collections activity needs as a city facility. Cost estimates are 7.9 million for the library and 1 million for parking. Dick Huelsman, member of the Library Board, discussed the feasibility study conducted by D.A. Petersen and Associates, Inc. to determine potential private support. He stated that 38 candidates were interviewed as potential contributors to a campaign. Mr. Huelsman stated that before any fund raising effort is conducted there needs to be a commitment from the City and a resolution of the parking issue. DA Petersen and Associates recommends that a campaign in the range of $4.0 million be approved and prepared in 2002 and conducted during 2003 and 2004. Mr. Rheinberger asked what the specific resistance is for joining the county system. Mr. Hickey replied there are a number of logistical reasons. One would be the county would get rid of this building and would want to build a new library, probably somewhere in the Oak Park Heights area, the county would not support the children's program or the St. Croix Collection. Mr. Rheinberger stated that he is concerned that the City will end up having a White Elephant. He stated that he saw the only solution would be to become a part of the county system or some sort of a trust to cover the $9 million for the project and $9 million to finance the underlying infrastructure. He stated that a better contribution base is needed. Mr. Huelsman said that it is important that we come out with more facts and statistics and those are some of the things that we have to work on. He stated that if the library City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 had an updated heating and venting and air conditioning system it would cost less than a smaller building. He also stated that the number of personnel that have to be added is probably relatively insignificant compared to the present staff because the space will be used to do more things and not necessarily requiring a doubling of personnel. Mr. Huelsman stated that the City of Stillwater's population has doubled since the last major expansion of the library. He continued by stating that everybody that was interviewed stressed the importance of maintaining this as a Stillwater Library and that the major foundations that were interviewed were adamant that it remain because it is a very important element of the culture in the St. Croix Valley. He also stated that this is a very important issue, that the Library either join the county system or figure out how to maintain a 100 year old institution that is a very important part of the cultural and historical aspects of the City of Stillwater. Councilmember Bealka asked about everyone being interviewed being from the Stillwater area and stated that he heard that 35% of the people using the library are from Wisconsin. Library Director Lynn Bertalmio stated that individuals interviewed were not just from the Stillwater area. She also stated that she did not have the exact number of people from Wisconsin using the library but that people from Wisconsin have to purchase a library card at $45.00 per person. Ms. Bertalimio indicated that she would provide Council with information on the use of the library by Wisconsin residents. Council member Bealka asked if the people from Wisconsin have been asked for donations. Bill Hickey responded saying that representatives of the St. Croix Foundation which are in Wisconsin were interviewed and citizens/residents of Bayport and the whole surrounding area were interviewed it just wasn't exclusively Stillwater residents. Councilmember Bealka asked what happened to the overall project. Is this project by itself now or is it still together with the Parks and Open Spaces. Mayor Kimble stated that what has happened here is the project was proposed and that it was not on the top of the capitol improvement project list because there was not that much money available. He provided a history of the library funding which included Council requesting the library to provide money from private donations of approximately $1 million. He stated that through this study the library might be able to come up with $3 or $4 million, which is considerably more than what was anticipated. He stated that any donations that would come in would have to be held in a separate trust fund and that there would have to be some mechanism to give them back if the project does not occur. Donors would have to have assurance when they made the donation that the project would occur because some of these foundations and private individuals have charitable gifting plans whereby once it is expended they have to proceed according to plan because money can not be returned or they may face tax consequences. Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Councilmember Milbrandt commented this is a high priority project to keep the library with the Stillwater identity and have it grow to meet our needs. Mr. Huelsman said the purpose of coming to the meeting was to bring Council up to date. He also stated that the library is not asking for approval but to ask a question on how they should proceed. There are two issues as a result of the interviews one is the parking issue. Councilmember Milbrandt asked if there was a plan with two levels. Mr. Hickey said there is an option for actually for up to two levels without significant ramping depending on the slope of the land. The initial project estimate that was given to Council in 2000 had priced out only a single level of parking. Mayor Kimble stated the parking issue should be looked at whether the library is expanded or not. The parking issue needs to be studied further, more input gathered, and some solutions found on whether we increase the library or not. Motion by Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Bealka directing staff to work with Library on resolving issues listed in the library report and report back to Council at the April 15, 2002 meeting. All in favor. Request to Purchase Citv Owned Land for Multi-Familv Housinq. Steve Russell, Community Development Director, reviewed the request from Tim Nolde to purchase the city owned site at the corner of Washington Avenue and Orleans Street for a 50-unit tax credit, affordable housing project. The 2.83 acre site was purchased by the City in 2000 for $350,000 for a possible Minnesota Wild Practice Facility or other public use. He stated that the value of the site has increased since that time. The site is on the edge of the business park adjacent to attached housing single family, rental housing and the senior center to the north. A tax credit housing project provides needed affordable housing for community residents. Mr. Nolde is currently requesting the rezoning of a four-acre site located on CR 5 from Townhouse Residential to Multifamily Residential to accommodate the project that will be before Council on March 19,2002. Mr. Nolde, Anchobaypro, Inc., stated that he realizes that the city has uses they may need this land for in the future but states that he is willing to provide the space that is remaining on that site for any future city use, to pay for the installation of utilities and the access and even promote a commercial use for that site. He says the seniors need this facility as the population of seniors is going to double in the next ten years. Mr. Nolde stated that they have received the tax credits for the project. Councilmember Bealka asked if Mr. Nolde had the opportunity to meet with the people around that area. Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Mr. Nolde said he went around the Bodlovick Apartments and to the Senior Center to advise them of his plans. They were very supportive. Council member Rheinberger stated that he thinks its an ideal situation because it's near Cub and many service centers. With housing inflation, people will not be able to live here if we do not provide alternative sources. Mayor Kimble stated that in eviewing the demographics and the needs for senior housing Stillwater does not have enough. He stated that his concern is that the tax credit bonds are valid for 120 days from the date of award which is May 4, 2002. Councilmember Rheinberger asked if this structure would be similar to the Ann Bodlovick Apartments. Mr. Nolde stated that it would be nicer. There will be gazebos, it will be user friendly so people can sit and meet in front of the building and you can walk to Cub. It will not be subsidized. The housing revenue bonds are tax exempt and that allows him to go out and borrow money at tax exempt rates instead of market rates and therefore he can keep the rents lower than what the market rate rents are around town (below $1000.) Councilmember Milbrandt objected to the sale of the land because of the lack of due diligence in determining if the property was best used for a city project. He does not want to give up land contiguous to public property that could be used for a public purpose in the future. Mayor Kimble provided a history on the City's purchase of the property. Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Council member Bealka to sell the property at Washington Avenue and Orleans Street contingent on that that it will be used exclusively for senior housing and directed staff to negotiate the selling price. Ayes - Councilmember Bealka, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble. Nays - Councilmember Milbrandt Absent - Councilmember Zoller Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Council member Bealka to proceed with planning process for rezoning and comp plan amendment. Ayes - Councilmember Bealka, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble. Nays - Councilmember Milbrandt Absent - Councilmember Zoller Railroad Land Purchase City Attorney Magnuson stated the railroad wanted to sell the strip of land between Mulberry and Laurel for $251 ,000. He stated that the railroad is willing to discuss the appraisal. Ray Kirchner has appraised it for $247,000. Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Motion by Council member Rheinberger, seconded by Council member Bealka to convey the appraisal for the strip of land between Mulberry and Laurel to the railroad and start negotiations. All in favor. Mayor Kimble recessed the meting at 6:00 p.m. REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kimble at 7:00 p.m. Present: Council members Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble Absent: Councilmember Zoller Also present: City Administrator Hansen City Attorney Magnuson Community Development Director Russell City Engineer Eckles Police Chief Dauffenbach Fire Chief Kallestad Assistant Fire Chief Glaser City Clerk Ward Administrative Secretary Moore Press: Julie Kink, Courier Stillwater Gazette Representative APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Council member Milbrandt to approve the February 5, 2002 Regular Minutes. All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DElEGATONS & COMMENDATIONS Request to Hold Stillwater Criterion (Bicvcle Race) - Andrew Dahl David Laporte, Director of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival, reviewed his request and stated that this is a fund raiser for Camp Hartland; a summer camp for kids who have aids. Council member Rheinberger asked Chief Dauffenbach for an estimate of the additional costs. Chief Dauffenbach stated they would like about four officers to assist with the event that would result in about 16 hours of overtime. He also stated that the two medical personnel requested by Mr. Laporte would have to be EMTs at Lakeview Hospital and he should contact them directly. A couple of medical people from the fire department should be also be on stand by. Councilmember Bealka asked if the entrants are required to sign a waiver. Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Mr. Laporte stated that they have a standard waiver and the insurance is covered by USA cycling's coverage. Mayor Kimble stated the people who live inside the racetrack are concerned that they will not have access to their homes. Mr. Laporte replied that there are gaps between the races, they will provide the residents with a cell phone number, and they will dispatch a course Marshall with the radio so they can move cars on the course between races. Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Council member Milbrandt to recommend approval to have the bicycle race on June 16,2002, provide the overtime for police officers and for on-call medical people from the fire department will be part of the city's contribution. All in favor. STAFF REPORTS Police Chief Dauffenbach reviewed the Police Department's 2001 annual report. He stated that the department experienced a 16.3% increase over last year in the overall number of calls and major crimes stayed the same. He also stated that calls of service were up by 11.8% and had a significant increase in the number of traffic citations that we issued last year, which was over 44%. Police Chief Dauffenbach thanked the city council for their continued support and stated that all the success that the police department enjoys comes from the city council, city administrator, department heads, other city departments and the citizens of the community. Councilmember Rheinberger remarked that he noticed that there is about one violation per shift per police officer so it shows how little crime exists. Council member Milbrandt asked if there is any way of looking at metro vs. non-metro cities with similar populations. He stated the trend data is excellent but some sort of gauge against how Stillwater is doing against other comparable communities would give a clearer picture. Police Chief Dauffenbach replied that he did not include that in his report but that the City used a universal crime reporting system that is used through the State of Minnesota and he could do a comparison in the future. Councilmember Rheinberger asked if it was correct that the investigative crime units are 41 % is unsolved. Police Chief Dauffenbach replied that that is very close, but if you look at it from the other way, the department has a 59% solving rate that is very high compared to the national average that is approximately 20%. Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Mayor Kimble commented that an important part of Chief Dauffenbach's report is that he points out that without the public support the success of his department would not be possible. Fire Chief Kallestad introduced Asst. Fire Chief Glaser who prepared the 1st Annual Report for the Stillwater Fire Department. Assistant Chief Glaser reviewed the report provided to Council. He stated that 2001 was an extremely busy year, it was the busiest that we have had we had an overall increased of 169 calls we had 1018 total responses which equates to about 19.9% increase in run responses over 2000. As far as the response summary goes we responded to 70 fire instances, 592 medical situations, 66 hazardous situations, 113 false alarms, 107 good intent calls, 9 severe weather related instances, 53 request for service and 8 over pressure calls. The largest increase in any of those particular areas was for the EMS side. We had a 30% increase in emergency medical response calls within 2001. For the City of Stillwater we had a 27.8% increase for responses, we had a 48% in responses to the City of Grant, we had a decrease of about 21 % in May Township and a 67% decrease for the Stillwater Township. The department had over 3600 staff hours in training last year that included mandatory training as well as continuing education. Assistant Chief Glaser thanked the Council for their support of the department. Councilmember Milbrandt stated that both the departments do a tremendous job in staying current with the training that is almost 100 hours a year per person. He also thanked the police and fire departments for their work with citizens. Mayor Kimble also thanked both departments for their great job. Community Development Director Russell updated the council regarding the Highway 36 Partnership Meeting where the Planning Commission represents the City in the discussion of alternative plans for the Highway 36 corridor. He stated that the consultants and MnlDOT are developing alternatives to be considered at a public workshop that will be held in March at the Washington County Government Center. He also stated that there is good participation from Washington County, the City of Stillwater's Planning Commission and Oak Park Heights. Public Works Director Eckles informed the Council that the engineering billable hours that was inadvertently omitted from the Engineering report is included in the packet. Public Works Director Eckles gave an update on the progress of a 1.3 rnillion dollar grant in the legislature's bonding bill for the North Hill project. He stated that he and the Mayor testified today and it seemed to go very well. All that would remain then is if there are any differences in the numbers then it would be placed before a conference committee which would also be attended by the Mayor and himself to make sure the legislature gives the City what it needs and then pursue the Governor's office so he does not veto the grant. He also stated that the City has good support at the legislature. Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 City Administrator Hansen stated that the March 5 meeting is also caucus night so a meeting cannot be held after 6 p.m. He provided Council with the options of limiting the agenda on the 5th to consent items and the McKusick Ravine Project, or try to reschedule the McKusick Ravine Project issue to March 19th which already has a couple of other public hearings already scheduled, or have a Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 1ih. Motion b~ Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Rheinberger to have the March 5t meeting at 4:30 and adjourn at 6:00 pm. If everyone has not been heard on the McKusick Ravine Project, it will be carried over to the March 19th meeting. All in favor. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Council member Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Rheinberger to approve the Consent Agenda. All in favor. Resolution 2002-38, directing payment of bills Approval to purchase 4 X 4 response vehicle - Fire Department Resolution 2002-39, approving labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local 257) Approval to purchase video cameras for squad cars - Police Department Resolution 2002-40, approving development agreement with the Rottlund Company, Inc., DBA David Bernard Builders and Developers for Liberty on the Lake 6th Addition Approval of temporary On-Sale Liquor License for 2002 Lumberjack Days - July 25-28, 2002 Approval of gambling permit for American Cancer Society - August 3, 2002 Approval to purchase four computers - Police and Engineering Departments Resolution 2002-41, accepting bid and authorizing purchase and installation for Recreation Center backup generator and capacitors to connect power factors Resolution 2002-42, approval of State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management Sub-grant Agreement Public Assistance (Infrastructure) Program PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance No. 918 to consider an ordinance amendinq the Charter of the City of Stillwater. City Attorney Magnuson reviewed the ordinance amending the Charter. He stated that the Charter Commission recommended the amendment and the first reading on the ordinance was February 19, 2002. Mayor Kimble opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Kimble closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Councilmember Bealka to adopt Ordinance No. 918 amending the Charter of the City of Stillwater. All in favor. Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Ayes: Nays: Absent: Councilmember Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble None Council member Zoller UNFINISHED BUSINESS Feasibilitv Report for 2002 Street Improvements. Public Works Director Eckles reviewed the Feasibility Report for 2002 Street Improvements. He also reviewed the assessment policy which addresses a 50/50 split for improvement costs but that the recent more difficult project have been assessed at approximate 60/40. Mr. Eckles stated that the approximate assessment for this project would be $2,400. Councilmember Rheinberger stated that he was against the 60/40 split and felt that any cost savings should be given to the residents. Councilmember Milbrandt asked if the 60/40 split used over the last few years was because of significantly more expensive projects and if the 50/50 is being used because this particular project is relatively less expensive than past projects. Mr. Eckles stated that has been the case on the recent projects, but that the actual assessment policy states a 50/50 split between the City and the benefited property owner. Mr. Eckles explained the budget for street maintenance in relation to street repairs. He stated that the street repair amount is limited; staff has recommended doing the worst streets in town or streets like in the Croixwood area. He stated if repairs are not done curb and gutter is lost and the cost of the project doubled, so it would be better to rehabilitate before they have to be reconstructed. He also stated that to reconstruct a street costs approximately $1 M per mile where rehabilitation is approximately $500,000. Councilmember Milbrandt stated that he would be in favor of capping the cost and that any cost saving would be to the City. Motion by Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Council member Bealka to adopt Resolution 2002-43, receiving report and calling for hearing on 2002 Street Improvement Project (Project 2002-02), capping the assessment at $2487.84 for full lots and $1243.92 for half lots and any cost savings would go to the city. Councilmember Rheinberger stated he was against the savings going just to the City it should be split between the City and the homeowner, but he is in favor of the project. Council discussed the requirement to have the vote pass by a 4/5 majority. City Attorney Magnuson stated that the costs to the homeowner and the city are not decided until the project is completed and an assessment hearing is done. Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Council member Milbrandt withdrew his original motion. Motion by Council member Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Rheinberger to adopt Resolution 2002-43, receiving report and calling for hearing on 2002 Street Improvement Project (Project 2002-02). All in favor. Ayes: Nays: Absent: Councilmember Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble None Councilmember Zoller Chanqe in Downtown Pay Parkinq Proqram Community Development Director Russell reviewed the Parking Commissions recommendation regarding the changes in the Downtown Pay Parking Program by changing the Maple Island lot to a two hour from a pay parking lot and changes the Riverview Lot to $5/day lot similar to the South Main Lot. Motion by Council member Rheinberger, seconded by Councilmember Milbrandt to adopt Resolution 2002-44, approving Downtown Pay Parking Program. All in favor. Ayes: Nays: Absent: Councilmember Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger and Mayor Kimble None Councilmember Zoller COMMUNICA TIONS/REQUESTS Letter requestinq funds for Stillwater South Hill Neiqhborhood Association. Council directed staff to investigate this issue and bring back to Council at a future meeting. City receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reportinq Mayor Kimble stated that the City received its 1 ih Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and Council acknowledged the Finance Department's excellent work. Mayor Kimble asked City Administrator Hansen to pass this on to the Finance Department. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Council member Bealka asked who would take a tree down over water. Public Works Director Eckles stated that City staff and the City Forester would investigate if it is on public property and if it should be taken down. If it is on public property City crews or a contractor will remove the tree, otherwise the homeowner is responsible for trees on private property. Mr. David "Choc" Junker asked Council when the McKusick Ravine project would be addressed. Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting 02-04 February 19, 2002 Mayor Kimble stated that input from the public would be on March 5, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Junker asked why the City would purchase a ladder truck for the Fire Department when it is not needed. He stated that Bayport has a truck that can be used. He stated that he thought $750,000 for a ladder truck could be used somewhere else such as street repairs. Mayor Kimble informed Mr. Junker that the issue of purchase has already been before the Council and it has been authorized for bids. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council member Rheinberger, seconded by Councilmember Bealka to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. ATTEST: k. -t'IbtnJ Sue Moore, Administrative Secretary Resolution 2002-38, directing payment of bills Resolution 2002-39, approving labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local 257) Resolution 2002-40, approving development agreement with the Rottlund Company, Inc., DBA David Bernard Builders and Developers for Liberty on the Lake 6th Addition Resolution 2002-41, accepting bid and authorizing purchase and installation for Recreation Center backup generator and capacitors to connect power factors Resolution 2002-42, approval of State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management Sub-grant Agreement Public Assistance (Infrastructure) Program Resolution 2002-43, receiving report and calling for hearing on 2002 Street Improvement Project (Project 2002-02) Resolution 2002-44, approving Downtown Pay Parking Program Ordinance No. 918 amending the Charter of the City of Stillwater. Page 11 of 11