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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-09-26 CC MIN . ;,: . ~ COUNCIL CHAMBERS Stillwater. Minnesota September 26. 1972 7:30 P. M. REGULAR MEETING The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lammers. The Invocation was given by Mr. Marshall. Present: councilmen Balfanz. Peterson. Wohlers and Chairman Lammers. Absent: President Powell Also Present: City Coordinator, Marshall: City Attorney, Kimmel; Superinten- dent of public Works, Shelton: Public Safety Director, Abrahamson: Director of Parks and Recreation, Blekum; consulting Engineer~ Elliott Press: St. Paul Dispatch - Jim Broeoe Stillwater Evening Gazette - Roger Gratiot citizens: Ted Gillen, Jerry Mahoney, Mr. & Mrs.James Schmidt, Richard Ulrich, Four Volunteer Firemen, David Chial Representatives of NSP - Frank Graham and Gene 3ehn Representatives from the Minnesota Highway Department Bill Merritt and Mr. Siqerud INDIVIDUALS - DELEGATIONS - PETITIONS 1. Discussion was held regarding the name changes of City Streets South of Orleans Street and East of South Fourth Street. The City had received such a request from Washington County as it involves the confusion regarding the address for their office building. On motion of Councilman Balfan2, seconded by Councilman Peterson the Clerk made the first reading by title of an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE RENAMING CERTAIN STREETS IN THE CITY OF STILUlATERI! a (see Ordinances) 2. MR. BILL ".ERRITT of the Minnesota Highway Department appeared before the Council regarding the plans for the renovating of the Stillwater bridge across the St. Croix River. The plans fo~ ~~e new bridge are being work on and several locations have been proposed and there Aill be a hearing on the matter. but at the present time such a bridge is as much as ten years away. They are going to do some remedial repairs to the old structure until they can get something new and better for the community of Stillwater. They will be removing the two spands on the West end, and will remove some of the sidewalk and resurface and on the balance of the bridge they remove whatever concrete is in need of replacement and they will cover the deck with waterproofing and bituminous a They will have to close off the bridge for six weeks and they want to make the people "'are of this. They will require the contractnr to work in such a way that he can complete the work in the six week's time. In order to complete this work in this length of time the contractor maybe required to work 24 hours per day and seven days per weeka Concrete removal ano the third spand and Eome of the bituminous work can be oone on the balance of the spand at the same time. They hope to let the contract in December of this year ano 361 . . \ I ... . . . 3(;2 (September 26, 1972 - continued) . start work on the construction when he can perform a continuous operation assum- ing the high water period comes prior to April 15th and work could begin on that date a The pedestrian walkway would remain open during this time and the people could park their cars and walk across or possibly there could be a shuttle bus service down through Hudson to get to Bayport and St. Paul. They had proposed to wait for this until the Hudson Bridge was completed but due to the many strikes and other delays that will not come about until after June of 1973. They also intend to talk to the people of Wisconsin about this. This is something that has to be done and they are trying to do it the most expedious way possible. CHAIRMAN LAMMERS asked when the new bridge is built what will happen to the old one. and MR. MERRITT stated that in ord~agor the State to keep and maintain the bridge they have to put a trunk high/oh it. It would require some kind of legislation to keep and maintain it if there was no highway across it. They are ~~re of the fact that it is an economic concern for this community. It could also revert back to the community to maintain. This is the first decking eince the bridge was constructed and they have had constant maintenance and it is no longer possible to continue this patch work. COUNCILMAN PETERSON asked if the State of Wisconsin works with them and MR. MERRrI"l' responded that they do. The State of Minnesota is responsible for the Stillwater Bridge and Wisconsin has the Hudson Bridqe but both states share the cost of both bridges. On motion of councilman Peterson. seconded by Councilman Balfanz the date of october 24. 1972 was set for an information hearing for the public on the bridge closing and the surrounding communities are to be notified of this hearing. 3. MR. GENE HElIN of NSP showed slides of the various types of lighting for the Croixwood and. Wi1dpines area and explained them in detail. The ornamental Rate Schedule B the City of Stillwater owns them and under ConBumer Residential NSP owns it. If the City owns it the rate is $2.25 per month and if NSP owns it the rate is $5.05. If NSP owns it there is complete maintenance and repair. if the City owns them there is partial maintenance. The city can select any kind of pole - NSP has only wooden poles. These lights are proposed to be 150 feet apart. COUNCII.MAN PETERSON asked how many poles they were proposed for thia area and MR. HElIN' thera would be about forty lights at $600 to $700 per unit. MR. MARSHALL stated that this had been discussed earlier as to whether or not we would require Orrin Thompson to pay for it and basically the people in the rest of the City did not have to pay for the lights and they were provided it at no charge to the residents. We felt it was best for NSP to put in the lights to be functional rather than ornamental and just at the intersections. They would be about 300 feet apart and aliminate them on the cul-de-FJacs. We also felt at that time because of the additional value to the City that we would be able to afford this without burden ov the existing home owner. MR. HBHN said there would be additional distribution circuits for additional lights in the future. COUNCILMAN PERERSON asked if they had any maintenance figures and he said they would be $505.00 per month including. taxes. profit. etc.. i~cluding balstic changes. COUNCILMAN PERERSON felt that the Council had taken the necessary action on this matter earlier and MR. HEHN said they will need a letter as to the particular corners or locations for these lights. On tootion of Councilman Peterson. seconded by Councilman Balfanz that Mr. Hehn should check with the Director of Public Works to check over these plans in cooperation with Mr. Marshall alld make his recommendations at our first meeting in October. '-- . r--. ~ . . . . . " . J (September 26. 1972 - continued) 4. JOYCE SCHMIDT appeared before the Council in reference to the possibility of having Roller S~ing at the Lily Lake Park Complex. She had figures on the number of children from the elementary and secondary schools who were a part of roller skating events at North St. Paul and felt this money could be kept here. COUNCILMAN BALFANZ said they are still working on such programs and he requested that she meet with the Recreation Commission at their meeting in october and present her request. OLD BUSINESS 1. Mr. Abrahamson stated he has had requests from the city Council and others for an ordinance relating to the unreasonable acceleration of automobiles. Mr. Kinmel said this would be trying to define something between speeding and careless driving and felt that the Council did not have the authority to do that. He did not feel that they could define an offense that is not defined by state Law - it is a noise problem. Mr. Abrahamson stated further that DDst of the cases when juveniles are brought in for careless driving or squealing tires the cases are dismissed. Mr. JC:immel felt that it would be a problem to enforce such an ordinance. Chairman Lanners and the council were in agreement there is a problem and that they work with wally and have something in keeping with the State Law. Mr. Kimmel thought that the council mlght consider the possibility of recommending to the legislature that they make some change in the handling of traffic offend~rs in the juvenile courts. Mr. Abrahamson said that the Police Chiefs Association has this on th~ agenda for juvenile drivers to be subject to the same fines as adult traffic offenders as it is now they may lose their license for 30 days. On D>tion of councilman Wohlers, seconded by Councilman Balfanz the City Attorney and Mr. Abrahamson were directed to get together on this matter and get something to the legislature and see what can be done about this problem. THE CHAIRMAN DELCARED A RECESS FROM 8:35 to 8:45 P. M. 2. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz a resolution was intlJoduc.d employing David Chial as a Firefighter in the Fire Department effective october I, 1972 with a salary at one year seniority at $769.00. (see resolutions) 3. on notion of councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman Wohlers a feasibility report was ordered for the improvement of Sunset Drive and Sunnyslope Lane and a sewer main on North Fifth Street to the north to the City Garage. NEW BUSINESS 1. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz a resolution was introduced authorizing the installation of Stop Signs at Echo Lane and South Grove at their interactions with Myrtle Street. (see resolutions). 2. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Wohlers the surety ~-Excavation Bond for Moelter Construction Co. was approved. 363' , . . . 3G4 . (September 26. 1972 - continued) 3. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Wohlers the Clerk made the second reading of an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 383, THE ZONING ORDINANCE, RELATING TO ACCESSORY BUILDING YARD SE'l'BACKS to . The ordinance was read s~ction by section followed by roll call after each section and all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. The chair then put the question, "Shall this ordinance pass?" and on roll call the ordinance was unanimously adopted. 4. On motion of Councilman Balfanz. seconded by Councilman Peterson the date of October 10, 1972 at 7:30 P. M. for a public hearing on Case No. 127, Clarence Johnson and Case No. 131, Richard McKnight for variances. COMIII'INICATIONS 1. Due to the cutting out of the Everett street Lif~ Station pump, sewage has backed up into the basement of the D. B. Perhson restdence at 817 Everett Drive and they have submitted a claim for damages. Mr. Shelton reported that this is the third time this has happened and the other time it went into the Dennis Sli.llivan residence at 1315 South Everett Street. Mr.Shelton recommended to Mr. perhson t18 t he have Mr. Nolde put a piece of plywood over this drain with a pipe against the ceiling and also that a backup valve be put into the new home that is just being built to the north of the Pehrson residence. The cost of the back up valve would be about $100.00. On motion of Councilman peterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz, the Director of Public We l-ks was in.tructed to put in backup valves in at the peLcson and Sullivan residences and that he write a letter to the contractor that he install a backup valve in the home just North of the Pehrson residence. The matter of the sewage problem at the Jagusch home was discussed and Mr. Kimmel said that we are under a District Court order to correct this situation and that this matter should be taken care of at once and also that the other homes in the area that might have pl,;oblems because of correcting this one be taken care of also and if necessary install the backup valves. 2. A claim from Marie Roettger and Albert Renttger vs. the city of still- water, Meelter construction Co., Inc. and Tower Asphalt Company involvinq a fall at the intersection of West oak and South william Streets. (Turned over to McGarry-Keamney Agency). 3. On motion of Councilman peterson, seconded by councilman Wohlers the Director of Public Works and the consulting Engineer was instructed to check into the possibility of Bernard Duffy's home being hooked up to the City's ewer system. 4. Mrs. Thomas Murphy has requested that the City re-imburse her for the cost of removing a boulevard tree which she had Mr. Zoller remove last year at a cost of $175.00. Mr. shelton is to check with Mr. Zoller regarding the number of hours that it took him to do this work and report back to the council. ~. Chairman Lammers asked about the trees that were removed for curtis Gilleland at 719 West Willard Street and if they were boulevard trees or not and Mr. Jack Shelton is to check on this matter. . r', """ ~;;'..i ~ "-/ '- . . (September 26, 1972 - continued) ~ 6. Mrs. Leroy Anderson requested that she should have been assessed only 35% of the footage on her lot involved in Local Improvement No. 98 - project 2. On motion of councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz the city Coordinator was instructed to send a letter to Mrs. Anderson cofirming our present assessment policy and under that policy we cannot give her any reduction in her assessment. CITY COORDINATOR'S REPORT 1. Mr. Marshall informed the council that the Budget is being typed and will be distributed to the Council tomorrow evening. ~ Be also suggested that the Council meet with the firm that audited the books for last year and discuss the condition of the books with this firm. 2. The Charter Commission has recommended a change in the charter on Franchises - Article XIV _ section 301 regarding the approval of the voters to grant, amend, or extend franchises. (This could be amended or changed by an Ordinance adopted by the City Council.) Mr. Kimmel stated that there is no way that we can set this up for our General Election for this year as the people have to have ninety (90) days time to object. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz, the Clerk made the first reading of an ordinance by title - -AN ORDINANCE AJjIBNDING ARTICLE XIV - SECTION 301 OF THE CITY CHARTER", and. set October 24, 1972 for a public hearing on this matter. (see ordinances) (M:'~ Kitml81 also advised that we must- publish the full context of the proposed change) 3. The cesspool cleaners are dumping their _wage into the City Sewage System - they are registered with the Metro Sewer Board but the City should have some kind of bond and they should also be required to take out a license. On motion of Councilman Balfanz, seconded by councilman Wohlers the matter of an Ordinance governing Cesspool Cleaners was referred to the City coordinator and Jack Shelton to work up some kind of an Ordinance on this matter. 4. On motion of councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz the council authorized the lease of the parking lot adjacent to the Post offi<:e for a fee of $1.00 per year and also that they present their plans to the City as to the design for the improvement of this lot. APPLICATIONS On motion of councilman Balfanz, seconded by councilman Peterson the following licenses were granted: CONTRACTORS Aluminum Window and Door Mart 2633 Stillwater Road, Maplewood General (new) HUbbell Excavating 3340 Watertown Road, Long Lake, MD. Excavating (new) petroleum Maintenance Co. 1420 Old H\<iy. 8, New Brighton, Mo. General & Excavating (new) 365' . .. 3()6 (September 26, 197% - continued) ;.-- Stillwater Taxi Co. 230 North Second Street Stillwater, Mn. TAXI CAB Renewal for 1972 CONSULTING ENGINEER 1. On motion of Councilman Paterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz a resolution was introduced ordering a public hearing on Local Improvement No. 107 - North Broadway Sewer and Lift Station. (see resolutions). COMMITTEE REPORTS PUBLIC WORKS 1. Mr. Shelton reported that there are 886 feet of our foot sidewalk on the Oak Street project which the property owners wish to have put in at this time of which 850 lineal feet are assessible. All of the people have been contacted that were on the petition. The matter of the sidewalk on West Myrtle St-reet just East of William Street was discussed and it was suggested tpat this be put into thia sidewalk project as an add-alternate and it would not have to be assessed a8 this could be taken out of the State Aid Maintenance Fund. On motion of Councilman peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz a resolution was introduced "DIRECTING THE CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE SIDEWALK PROJEC'l' ON OAK STREET" with bids returnable on October 10, 1972. (see resolutions). 2. The matter of replanting the trees that were planted last spring and which died was discussed and Mr. Blekum advised that we should wait until next spring to replant these trees. Mr. Marshall wa.s directed to inform the people who needed such trees that they would be replaced in the spring. 3. Mr. A. B. Bebermeyer - 502 South Hemlock has contacted Mr. Shelton in reference to removing the driveway approach between his property and that of Clifford Nelson as it is 2~ feet from the property line. On ootion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Wohlers this matter was referred to the City Attorney to work in conjunction with the Director of Public Works for study and to make a recommendation to the Council at their meeting on October 10th. PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Chairman Lammers stated that as a result of certain recommendations and certain discussion the Council has now met with the Fire Department and representatives of the Volunteer Pire Department and Wally and in summary it is correct to say that there will be no change made in the Public Safety Department at the present time. Mr. Ted Gillen asked about the Police Department and Chairman Lammers said it was not necessary to make any change here and he felt at their meeting on priday they had all gained a lot of information and something maybe done in the future. ADMINISTRATIVE No report r- 1 ~ ',- . . . (September 26, 1972 - continued) 367\. ~ PARKS AND RECREATION 1. The estimated cost of construction for a skating rink at the Ramsey-Grove park is about $2,150.00 and the Council will have to secure quotes to go ahead with the project and Mr. Blekum has requested that we go ahead with this project for this year. On motion of councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman Wohlers the Council approved the improvement of this property for park purposes and Mr. Blekum is to secure quotations for this work. Mr. Blekum informed the Council that they hope to blacktop the area in the future for tennis courts and the rest will be grass for baseball. This rink would be near the Myrtle Street side. ," It was suggosted that we have some kind of hearing with the people in the area to see whether or not they want a park in that area and let them get involved in what type of facilities they would want for their children. Mr. Elliott stated he would check with the County Engineer regarding the proposed changes in Myrtle Street and see if this area would be affected by this improVGl'D8nt. MISCELLANEOUS 1. MR. RICHARD ULRICH colNDBnded the City council for their decision in regard to the Fire Department and apprecited their open-mindedness in the situation. 2. On IlDtion of councilman peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz the dates of the November Council meetings were changed to November 14 and 29th due to the upcoming general election day falling on the same day as the first regularly scheduled meeting for this nonth. ORDrNAHCES First Readings - AN ORDINANCE RENAMING CERTAIN STREETS IN THE CITY OF STILIJfATBR - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TIlE CITY CHARTER - FRANCHISES second Reading - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 383, the ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO ACCESSORY BUILDING YARD SB'rBACKS. RESOLUTIONS The following resolutions were read and on roll call were unanimously adopted: 1. Approving Employment - David Chial, Firefighter 2. Designating Through Stop Sign Locations in the City of stillwater ~ 3 Ordering Hearing on Sanitary Sewer Improvements and preparation of plans and Specifications, Local Improvement No. 107-1972 (North Broadway). 4. Ordering Sidewalk Improvement, Approvling Plans and Specifications and Directing Clerk to Advertise for Bids, Local Improvement No. 108 - (West Oale Street). ADJOURNMENT On motion of councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman Wohlers the meeting adjourned at 10:05 P. M. Attest, Ii:2 .Cl/~ city Clerk r-:> . a~L~-"-?U',"~::::';?"~ ~ Mayor . . .