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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-02-20 CC MIN . " . ,.. i i ~ ~ I'. .. " .... COUNCIL CHAMBER Stillwater. Minnesota February 20. 1973 7,30 P. M. REGULAR MEETING The meeting was called to order by President Powell. The Invocation was given by Mr. Marshall. Present: Councilmen Balfanz, peterson, Thompson, Wohlers and President Powell Absent: None Also Present: City Coordinator, Marshall: Superintendent of Public Works, Shelton: Public Safety Director, Abrahamson: Director of Parks and Recreation, Blakum: Consulting Engineer, Elliott; Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Conwnission. Arndt: Bonding Consultant. Ron Langness Press: St. Paul Dispatch - Jim Bro~de Stillwater Evening Gazetto - Roger Gratiot Citizens: Leo ]'"Ohmer, Charles Pozzini, Rod Lawson, Bill Davenport, Robert Lange, James Wooster, Ed Fyre. John DeCurtins. Jerry Wallace. Jerry Mahoney. Robert Kelly. Leroy Christian- son. Andrew Finken. Jeff Zoller. Ted Gillen. Dick Jeans. R. M. Hadrath. Dave Warner Representatives of the Power Squadron a Robert Kelly INDIVIDUALS - DELEGATIONS - PETITIONS 1. ROBE..'tT KELLY spokesman for the St. Paul Power Squadron appeared before the Council requesting permission to lease the Legion Beach property in Wisconsin from the City of Stillwater for the boating season. He explained that they have had a very successful operation on the Kinnikenick River. COUNCILMAN BALFANZ stated that the Recreation Commission has set up some specifications for this area which were sent out several years ago and on which they did not get any returns. The Jaycees are at the present time doing 30mething with the North side but they haven't expressed what they plan to do with the South side of the bridge or the Legion Beach area. He suggested that the Power Squadron come to the next meeting of the Recreation Commission on March 8th. MR. ZITON of the St. Paul ,Power Squadron explained that their program is on~ of safety through education - they teach the rules of the road for water safety and boating. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz this matter was referred to the Recreation Commission for their study and recommendation and also suggested that the Power Squadron attend the March 8th meeting of the Recreation Commission and that perhaps a lease could be drawn up with the City Attorney so that when we have the recommendation of the Recreation Commission there won~t be any delay in this matter. 439. . . . t . . I I ~ , ~ 440 . (February 20. 1973 - continued) 2. INFORMAII HEARING ON THE SIGN ORDINANCE BILL DAVENPORT. Executive Vice President of the St. Croix valley Area Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter to the Mayor and the City Council regarding the need for an up-dated set of regulations to prevent the abuse of signing in the City of Stillwater. He requested that the Council postpone action because he eSimated that sixty percent or more of the signs in the community will probably be in violation of the proposed sign ordinance as presently written. He felt that these matters could be hammered out and they could come up with a good Ordinance. MAYOR POWELL said there is no particular rush - the need is foreseen and that there had to be some place to start and there was no intention of it being finalized this evening. MR. DAVENPORT said the businessmen understand that we are trying to improve the community. He would like to meet with the City to make sure that the restora- tion program is right and that this sign ordinance goes along with this. COUNCILNAN PETERSON agreed that there is a need for some type of Sign Ordim nce but not necessarily in the form that was presented. He felt that there would be some input from the people who are directly affected by it and people who are experienced in the production and erection of signs. MAYOR POWE~~ said the main intent is for dny new areas in Stillwater. COUNCILMAN BALFANZ suggested that the sign people sit in with the Planning Commission. MR. MARSHALL said there has been two or three Planning Commission sessions on this. This is still being discussed and there can be input from the people affe~ted. COUNCILMAN WOHLERS felt that this should be carried over and get a more reasonable ordinance. The Or""inance now is prohibitive in some areas. It should be delayed until we can get some input from the retail merchants and other interested people who have to advertise - the manufacturers, installers and painters. MR. DAVENPORT suggested that a committee be appointed to -work with the City on this matter. On motion of Councilman wohlers, seconded by Councilman Balfanz that a Committee' from the Chamber of Commerce meet with the Pl~~ning Commission on this Ordinance. 3. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded March '0, 1973 at 7:30 P. M. was set for a of a dike, said resolution was introduced. by Councilman Wohlers the date of public hearing on the construction (see resolutions). OLD BUSINESS 1. Mr. Marshall explained that he was asked at the last meeting for an elaboration of the memo which proposed that the Separation Project be financed as far as is possible by the use of Sewer Revenue. He proposed an assessment of $150.00 per unit in the project area and the remainder to be financed by the use of sewer revenue bonds. The Sewer Separation is a primary benefit to the City as a whole. He recommended that insofar as is possible. payment for the City's share of the project should come from sewer revenue rather than from taxes and assessments. This is for three reasons: (1) to protect our bond rating . r' r' I' \ ... '- . ~ . r . f""' . ~ ,.. (2) f'\ .. I , I'"~ III '" .. .lW . (February 20. 1973 - continued) to keep special assessments as low as possible so as to not needlessly burden those in the core:, of the City who in rrost cases are also paying for street and utility improvements: and (3) because the separation project primarily is a benefit to the sanitary sewer system. He further stated that we cannot use Revenue Sharing to pay for the City's share of the cost of a project for which a grant has been received. If this was done, we would have to forfeit that Jl'K)ney and they would also examine our books to make sure that we do not try to adjust other funds for this purpose. It was his recommendation that we go to the $150.00 assessment per unit in the project area and finance the balance from the sewer revenue bond. Sometime this year he would propose to increase the rates to $6.00 per quarter minimum for 6,000 gallons and the average would be $9.50 rather than the $6..20 average that we now have. DAVE WARNER, 306 Maryknoll Drive asked if he would be assessed for this project and MR. MARSHALL stated that nobody in Fairmeadows would have to pay this figure as they were previously assessed. MAYOR POWELL said that we were aware of the separation for a long time and in that area it was separated at the time the sewers were put in. CHARLf;S fOZZIN!, 723 West Olive Street asked how much the commercial units would have to pay and MR. MARSHALL said it would be either l~ or two times the $150.00 figure, but no definite determination has been made on this. COUNCILMAN PETERSON said that on the commercial units basically all the water comes off their sidewalks and parking lots and there isn1t much that soaks into the ground and he recalled that they would be charged twice the residential rate and they wOuld pay $300.00. MR. POZZINI asked what used up our "A" rating and MAYOR POWELL stated that every improvement we make we have to borrow IrDney and sell bonds. We are entitled to sell so many according to the evaluation of the City. When it gets close to the ILuit, then the bidders think we aren1t as good a risk. We have no choice in this storm water separation project as we were told by the PCA that we had to do it. The City is still trying to protect its "AM rating and try to run the City. They feel in the long run this will save the City JrDney. One-half percent on a million dollars is a lot of money over twenty years. MR. WARNER said we are going to lose our precious "A" rating now or at some future date. MAYOR POWELL said this should be our last large bond sale. The streets that were done are the ones that won't have to be done in the separation project. The streets that are in reasonable shape will be restored after the separation and those that will need rebuilding will be rebuilt and become a part of this project. There are still some streets in town that will still be gravel roads and the Council plans to get all of those improved and they will be taken care of in time. As far as any big bond issues in the forseeable future, he couldn't really see that there should be any. MR. MARSHALL stated that there could be three year issues like Orrin Thompson's but these have no effect on this rating. MAYOR POWELL said that it has taken a lot of thought and it is the best program that we can possibly offer the people. There has been a lot of work and thought gone into getting the federal aid for this program. He said if the people feel that it is not right, that he would like to hear from them. 2. On motion of Councilman Peterson. seconded by Councilman Wohlers a resolution was introduced "PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND PUBLIC SALE OF $75,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS " (For the purchase of a new ladder truck - no revenue) (see resolutions). . 441 . \ I . . . . 442 . (Februry 20, 1973 - continued) 3. The City clerk presented to the Cou~cil proposed forms of notice of sale for $615.000 General Obligatio~ sa~er Revenue Bonds of 1973 and $1,065.000 Improvement Bonds of 1973. to be issued for the purpose of funding a portion of the sewer sepa~ation project and financing con- struction of local improvements. re6pe~ti~ely. The forms of notice were considered and approved by the co~rtcil, and the clerk was directed to file a copy of each notice in his atfice and to attach a copy thereof to the minutes of this meeting. Counctlman Balfanz then introduced Resolution No. 4860 entitled "RESOLtn'IO:N l"ROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE AND PUBLIC SALE OF $615.000 GENERAL OIlLIGA'rION SEWER REVENUE BONDS OF 1973 AND $1.065.000 IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 1973." Councilman Wohlers seconded the motion and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Councilmen ealfanz, peterson, Thompson, Wohlers and President Powell. and the following voted against the same: None whereupon the resolution was declared adopted by the required four-fifths vote. (see t'esolutions) 4. on motion of councilman Balfanz. seconded by councilman Peterson the city coordinator was authorized to prepare and send out the Eire Service contracts for 1973-74 using the Sa~ rates as last year as follows: Stillwater ToWnship $7.000 May Township $2.500 Grant Township $5.760* *new breakdown with the division bet~een the city of Stillwater. Village of ~~tomedi, and the city of White Bear Lake (TIlE MAYOR DECLARED A REcESS fROII 8.30 to 8,45 P. M.) NEW BUSINESS 1. On motion of councilman Peterson, ~eCOJlded by Councilman Balfanz a resolution was introduced "REQUEST:ING PlUJNESOTA HIGBWAY DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEPARATION OF S:f!.WEI\S.'. (On Main street T. H. No. 95). (see resolutions). 2. On moti.:m of Councilman peterson, seconded by Councilman Wohlers a resolution was introduced nRESTRxcT:tNC PAAKING ON EAST LAUREL STREET" (be~:6en North Second and Third Streets). (see resolutions). 3. On IrDtion of Councilman Wohlers, geconded by Councilman Peterson the Council approved the issuance of ~ permit to Richard Anderson for a septic tank for his property located on Fifth Avenue South. 4. On rrPtion of councilman Peterson, seConded by Councilman Balfanz the city's Engineering staff was authoriZed and instructeu to study the drainage area north of Fourth and tifth Avenues in the Quarry area. 5. On motion of councilman Thompson, se~onded by Councilman Balfanz. Roger peterson was nominated as vice-pr8sident Mayor Pro-Tam. 6. On motion of Councilman Peterson. se~onded by councilman wohlers a resolution was introduced aut~ori~in9 t~e Mayor and the city Coordinator to execute an agreement with the ChiCago and Northwestern Transportation Co. allowing the City to place sa~it~tY sewer pipes beneath their tracks. r- ~ . r /,." '- ~ . (February 20, 1973) o . ,... APPLICATIONS On motion of councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Wohlers siding and repairs Contractor's License was granted to Gerald J. Croix Valley Improvement, P. o. Box 201, Stillwater, Minnesota. a roofing, cook, St. (renewal) . on nntion of Councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman Peterson an "ON SALE LIQUOR" License was granted to W. C. Fields, Inc., 106 South Main Street and 231 East Myrtle Streets, Stillwater. (~~ansfer from Danny Walker - effective March 1, 1973). ,.., On IIDtion of Councilman Balfanz, seconded by councilman Peterson a "SUNDAY ON SALE LIQUOR" license was granted to W. C. Fields, Inc., 106 South Main street & 231 East Myrtle Streets, Stillwater. (Transfer from Danny Walker effective March 1, 1973). -- , b?;,~ On motion of councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman Paterson a Cigarette and a Soft Drink License was granted to W. C. Fields, Inc., 106 South Main street and 231 East Myrtle Street, Stillwater. (Transfer from Danny Wa1ker- effective M~rch 1, 1973). COMMUNICATIONS Prom Lu Ann Hordick in reference to turning the old Post Office Bldg. into a youth Center. Chief Abrahamson asked if he could turn her Letter over to the St. croix Valley youth Commission and Mayor PoWell asked the city Coordinator to reply to Miss Hordick's letter and tell her what disposition is being made of her request. CITY COORDINATOR'S REPORT 1. Mr. Marshall stated that the city has received 22 applications for a Mechanic for the City. IIll I. On motion of Councilman Balfanz, seconded by Councilman wohlers, Mr. Marshall and Jack shelton were directed to interview theBe applicants and bring the number down to five for the whole Council to screen. 2. Mr. Marshall requested a special meeting for Tuesday, February 27th to take care of the salaries for the police and fire departments, the I.hllldinJ Inspector position, and some of the matters to be considered by tho State Legislature. w On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz the Council approved the scheduling of a special meeting on Tuesday, February 27th for the above items. 3. Mr. Marshall distributed to the council members a copy of the OPEN SPACE PROPOSAL which was drafted by Mary Lou True, Jeff Zoller and Lee J(asun of the Planning Commission for their study. 4. The Planning Commission will be discussing two Ordinances at their next meeting - "AN ORDINMCE ESTABLISHING A HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION;' AND "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 383, THE ZONING ORDINANCE, RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRIOT". !ill . v 443 . . \ l. . . I . . ~ l I , .. r 444 . (February 20, 1973 - continued) CONSULTING ENGINEER I S REPORT 1. On motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Balfanz a resolution was introduced "ORDERING AN ASSESSMENT HEARING ON LOCAL IMPROVEMENT NO. 105" (North Third street sewer and watermain). The dats of the hearing will be April 10, 1973 at 7:30 P. M. (see resolutions). CO~MITTEE REPORTS . PUBLIC SAFETY No report PUBLIC WORKS No r€>por",_ ADMINISTRATIVE 1. 01. motion of Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilnan Balfanz a resolution was introduced "AUTHORIZING THE rolRE DEPARTMENT TO GO TO THE LEGISLATURE REGARDING THEIR BENEFITS". (see resolut;ions). 2. On motion of councilman Peterson, seconded by councilman Balfanz, a resolution was introduced appointing ROy Holsten as assistant city Attorney. (see resolutions). PARKS AND RECREATION 1. C~uncilman Balfanz requested that a full-time man be hired for the Parks Department who would be available April 15# 1973. (This matter will be taken care of at the special meeting on February 27# 1973) 2. Mr. Blekum asked about the special meeting that the Council indicated would be held regarding equipment for his department and other requests. (These matters ~ill also be considered on the 27th). CITY A'l"l'ORNEY'S REPORT No Report ORDINANCES None . r' . , r " , '-- . . . . . . f"'" (February 20, 1973 - continued) 445 r- I RBSOLUTIONS The following resdbtions were read and on roll call were unanimously adopted: 1. Ordering a Hearing on a Dike Construction. *2. providing for the Issuance and Public Sale of $75,000 General Obligation Bonds (For Ladder Truck) 3. providing for the Issuance and Public Sale of $1,065,000 Improvement Bonds (1972 and 1973 street work) 4. providing for the Issuance and Public Sale of $615,000 General Obligation Sewer Revenue Bonds ~ 5. Requesting Minnesota Highway Department to participate in the Separation of Sewers 6. Restricting parking on East Laurel Street (Between North Second ana Third Streets) 7. Authorizing the Fire Department to Go to the Legislature Regarding their Benefits. r. B. ordering Assessment Bearing on Local Improvement No. 105 (North Third Street Sewer and Watermain) 9. Authorizing the Mayor and City Coordinator to Execute an Agreement with the Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. (placing of sanitary sewer pipes beneath their tracks) 10. Appointing Assistant Attorney - RoY Holsten of * Not published - sale/these bonds not authorized by the Bonding Attorneys per City charter provisions ADJ01lRNMENT ~ 011 motion of Councilman Thompson, seconded by Councilman Wohlers the meeting adjourned at 9:20 P. M. .. ,/......--~ / ) /- r / I, -JI / ' '" Attest. ~'/)"Ll,)J!> L 0, ) L, L { \j/ City Clerk Uhe~Q~<L Mayor 101 . , y .