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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-22 CC MIN r SPECIAL MEETING STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June.22, 1993 7:00 P.M. The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Hooley. Present: Councilmembers Bodlovick, Cummings, Funke, Kimble and Mayor Hooley. Absent: None Also Present: City Coordinator Kriesel City Attorney Magnuson Consulting Engineer Moore Public Works Director Junker Water Board Secretary McKean City Clerk Johnson Press: Julie Kink, The Courier Mike Marsnik, Stillwater Gazette Others: Jack Jewell, Dennis Breu, George Hafner, Rod Hobson, Scott DeMarre, David Hartung, Susan Moses, Brian Longseth, Ross Bushman, Colleen Callahan, Patricia Hanson,.Orwin Carter, Richard Waterfield, Vince Capperelli, Jean Schweitz, Chris Charleson, Mrs. Goldstrand, Peggy Doeksen. 1. This is the day and time for the public improvement hearing on the Southeast Area Improvement Project, L.I. 285. Notice of the hearing was published in The Stillwater Gazette on June 11 and 18, 1993 and mailed to affected property owners. r Consulting Engineer Moore proceeded to explain the project, stating it includes the Old Quarry Area and consists of sanitary sewer, watermain, streets and drainage. He then proceeded to explain the various alternates for the sanitary sewer system with Alternate 1 having one small lift station and a sewer with an 8" gravity flow. Alternate 2 would add additional sewer to the portion flowing into Oak Park Heights system. Jack Jewell, 415 So. William St., asked some questions about Alternate 2 and the flow into the Oak Park Heights system. Mr. Moore explained that it would bring the southerly area into the Oak Park Heights system and would require a lif.t station on the north end. Alternate 1 would be the least costly for operation and most efficient. Council directed Staff to look at drainage and if it would be possible to construct some storm sewer on Fifth Ave. and nearby streets. Two MSA streets are on this system where funds would be received from MnjDOT. Mr. Moore then explained the mock assessment roll and City policy regarding assessments. He stated the total project cost is 1.6 million with Alternate 1 being the least r 1 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting r expensive and provides flow into the City system. Alternate 1 has approximately 20 homes on the Oak Park Heights system. Oak Park Heights would be compensated by charging the City on a rate per gallon. George Hafner, 1017 4th Ave. So., asked who the Engineer was and information on construction costs. Discussion followed which included methods used to construct sewers in rocky area. Mr. Hafner stated he does not want blasting done. City Attorney Magnuson stated the contractor would furnish a bond that would protect the home owners from damage. Rod Hobson, 1329 Hillcrest, stated he has been on the Oak Park Heights sewer system for many years and would oppose the project. He asked if he would be assessed if he already has sewer and the answer was no. Scott DeMarre, 1312 4th Ave. So., asked if the City requires hookup to the sewer if his septic system is still working and Staff replied this is usually done within one year. Discussion followed with a modification to the previous answer that more time could be given for hookup, or required when the system fails or when the house is sold. David Hartung, 910 So. 5th Ave., asked how payment of assessments would be made and it was explained that usually it is spread over ten years at 8% and he could use his own contractor to run the service lines to his house. Brian Longseth, 518 E. Burlington, asked whether the assessment for the improvement can exceed the benefit to his home and this item was discussed. Susan Moses, 1009 5th Ave. So., asked questions concerning the decision as to who has to be included and the cut off point as to when a resident has to hook up to the sewer. Ross Bushman, 1215 5th Ave. So., asked to have the survey regarding resident feelings on construction of the sewer explained. Mr. Moore stated the Council did receive a petition, an informational hearing was held and residents appeared in favor of the project. A man stated he has three lots on 5th Ave. and asked whether one of them would become a buildable lot if sewer is put in. It was stated that if a lot is charged for a system then it has to be a buildable lot. Colleen Callahan stated she two lots, one being a big back yard, and they have put the two together into one lot. They are being assessed for the storm sewer per lot. Mr. Moore explained the mock assessment roll is not the final assessment roll and everyone in the drainage area contributes to the system. r- 2 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting A lady asked if Staff had looked at other sources of funding and Mr. Moore answered in the affirmative. Patricia Hanson, 510 Quarry Lane, stated they have a private road where they do not get any city services and asked why they were included in the project. Mr. Moore explained that the City would have to acquire easements in this case. Ms. Hanson asked if the street would benefit from City services and Mr. Moore stated that would be determined by the City. Ms. Hanson stated Quarry Lane is on limestone and asked if the assessment is based on blasting costs. Mr. Moore explained the extra expenses incurred for the removal of rock. r- Orwin Carter, 1029 3rd Ave. So., asked for an explanation of water service charges and Mr. Moore explained that the galvanized water service will be replaced with copper within the right-of-way because galvanized services do not meet health standards. Mr. Carter asked if streets will be redesigned to take care of flooding problems and Mr. Moore stated these streets will have curb and gutter with a better drainage system. Discussion followed regarding a survey of residents to obtain their feelings on whether the project should be done. Discussion also included action from the Pollution Control Agency if pollution was discovered. Brian Longseth stated concerns about hidden costs and favors a questionnaire. Richard Waterfield, 1316 4th Ave. So., asked if any investigation has been done of smaller places that are at risk. Mr. Moore explained that the sewer project has to be constructed all the way down stream to make it work. Further discussion occurred on clarification of assessments. Scott DeMarre further discussed the costs of the sewer and hook-up and the need to hook-up within a year. It was stated that Council would be receptive to a reasonable time to hook-up to sewer. Vince Capperelli, 1215 4th Ave. So., further discussed costs of sewer and hook-up. He is also concerned the PCA may make them remove their tanks. Mr. Moore explained that any costs over and above these mentioned are costs on private property and these costs are very individual. Suggestions and discussion followed regarding the high costs for residents, whether the PCA has done any studies on the aquifer and a requirement that all septics have to be pumped out every other year. Public Works Director Junker reviewed some of the problems with septic systems, such .as the houses on 4th and 5th Ave. with 50 ft. lots where r 3 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting r they have no room to put in a septic, and stated that if the City is willing to pay 50% of the cost and give each resident five years to hook up the assessment" is less now than in 1975. The City cannot tolerate sewer running over the top of the ground. He suggested the tanks could be pumped and filled with sand. Jean SChweitz, 1023 5th Ave., stated the City is giving residents the option of hook up later on and requested that those of us who have problems be given the chance to have them taken care of. Ms. Schweitz asked questions regarding payment of assessments and Mr. Kriesel stated she could pay off the assessment at any time. Dennis Breu, 1318 3rd Ave. So., asked if the project could be broken down into smaller sections and Mr. Moore said if it is a smaller project, the costs may be higher. Mrs. GOldstrand, 1309 Hillcrest Dr., said she doesn't think the north and south hill residents should have "to be involved because of the small number of people who need this -- also she would like to be able to accept or reject the project. A lady at 915 4th Ave. So., asked for information on the possible structural damage and how the City will handle homes because of blasting. Mr. Moore again addressed blasting and the removal of rock to facilitate the project. Chris Charleson, 1030 4th Ave. So., asked if it was possible to be assessed over a longer period of time and it was stated that Council can set any terms. Peggy Doeksen, 503 E. Burlington, stated she will be paying a high assessment and her home is worth $70,000. It was stated that her home will appreciate because of the improvement.. Councilmember Funke stated he is the Council representative for many of these people and would like to personally hear from them. Other comments made were that of a man who thinks people have "sticker shock" over this and the mentality is that everyone else should pay for it. Another person asked if any consideration was given to the improvement when NSP put in gas mains. Discussion included the history of the project, and going through neighboring yards to pick up watermain. Mr. Magnuson explained that sometimes easements are located across neighbors yards, but it is not a good practice. Utilities should be located in the right-of-way. r- 4 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting Council recessed and reconvened at 8:50 P.M. City Attorney Magnuson explained the process for public improvements and stated this hearing is the first time the public had a right to express their views. The second time will be the assessment hearing. Decision on the project can be continued up to six months from tonight. Mayor Hooley closed the public hearing. Council discussion followed, including consideration of a 20 year plan for payment of assessments and inclusion of a five year time limit for hook-up to the system. It was noted that this decision can be made at the assessment hearing. Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Bodlovick to adopt the appropriate resolution ordering the public improvement for the Southeast Area Sanitary Sewer Project and directing the Engineers to prepare the plans and specifications. (Resolution No. 93-111) Ayes - Councilmembers Bodlovick, Cummings, Funke, Kimble and Mayor Hooley. Nays ~ None - r Mr. Moore explained the process that follows which includes the Engineers prepartion of all plans for the project, presentation of these to Council and Council direction for the Engineers to seek bids and then make the award. 2. Possible discussion of Professional Services Agreement with SEH. Motion by Councllmember Funke, seconded by Councilmember BodloV1Ck to postpone a decision on the contract for Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc. and discuss this item at a later date. (All in favor). Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Funke to amend the previous motion to include the scheduling of a workshop on-the Engineering contract at a Special Meeting on July 20, 1993 at 4:30 P.M. (All in favor). 3. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Priority Classification of Stillwater C1ty Dump. Mr. Kriesel explained that the PCA is conducting a stuqy to determine what kind of contaminants are being released in the City dump. 4. Potential Problems in River Flooding Request from P.O. Pappy's for storage of items Motion by Councllmember Funke, seconded by Councllmember Kimble to approve the storage of property from-P.D. Pappy's Bar & Restaurant in" two trucks placed west of their property during the river flooding. (All in favor). Mr. Kriesel distributed a handbook on flood preparedness and explained further regarding procedures. Certain manholes are being sandbagged and r 5 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting the Nelson St. and Aiple Lift Stations are being diked. Mr. Moore stated pumping will be started tonight and pumps will be rented from Northern and Johnson Brothers at approximately $500 per week. New pumps cost several thousand dollars. Mr. Moore will check into the purchase of pumps for the City. Discussion of possible closing of the bridge followed. Mayor Hooley stated he would like to keep the Council informed on a daily basis. Motion by Councilmember Funke, seconded by Councilmember Kimble to authorize the Mayor to take whatever steps are necessary on an emergency basis during the flood. (All in favor.) sealcoatin~ of Streets Mr. Kriese stated there are some streets that need to be added to the sealcoating project and some intersections in Croixwood. This item would add approximately $50,000 to the sealcoating project which"would still be within City budget. r Motion by Councilmember Funke, seconded by Councilmember Kimble to approve the funding of sealcoating for streets as outlined by City Coordinator Kriesel and Consulting Engineer Moore, at an added cost of approximately $50,000. (All in favor) . Employment of Leo Miller as P.T. Code Enforcement Officer Motion by Councflmember Funke, seconded by Councllmember Bodlovick to adopt the appropriate resolution employing Leo Miller on a part-time basis as Code Enforcement Office. (Resolution No. 93-112) Ayes - Councilmembers Bodlovick, Cummings, Funke, Kimble and Mayor Hooley. Nays - None - Discussion of "Attention Li~ht" for Council Chambers Mayor Hooley eXplained the attentlon llght" WhlCh will be added in front of each Councilmember and Staff position place on the dais to alert the Mayor to any specific item needing mention during a Council meeting. Motion by Councilmember Funke, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to approve the Council "attention ltght" as explained by Mayor Hooley. (All in favor). . . Discussion of flooded Kolliner's beach & Lowell Park with impact on July 4th celebratlon Council discussed the above item with the possibility of setting the fireworks off from a barge in the river or changing the date of the display. The Sesquicentennial Committee will meet tomorrow morning and come to a decision. Staff will contact the contractor for the display, to determine if another date could be chosen. r 6 r Stillwater City Council Minutes June 22, 1993 Special Meeting Park & Recreation Commission Councllmember Cummings stated he will be calling a meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission for possibly next week to go over the budget process with the Parks Supervisor. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Bodlovick, seconded by Councilmember Kimble to adjourn the meeting to Executive Session at 9:50 P.M. (All in favor). (J~~ ~y~~ ATTEST:~~-J " C L Resolutions: No. 93-111 - Ordering improvement & preparation of plans & specs for S.E. Sanitary Sewer Project, L.I. 285. No. 93-112 - Employment of Leo Miller as P.T. Code Enforcement Officer. r r 7 IlliCORD OF IDlliCUTIVE SESSION o,,-teconvened: 'T'uesaay, June 2:1.,1993 TimeCDnvened: g:50 p.m. '~iIne adjO\.;rned: 10:28 p.m. M"mberspre""nt: Mayor Hooley, Councilmernbel."sBodlovick, CUmmings,Funkeanc Kimble Members absent: NOlle AlsopresenL: City Coordinat(J~ Kriesel ~"d City Attorney MngnusoIl ~lopuse of Executive Session: To di.scuss: 1) Gri~vance filed by Richard Ulrich tor hoepilal/medic"l. lnsur"ncR coverage ror retire"; 2) Labor agreement negotiations for police; and 3) ree arena manager disc:iplinary hearing procedure. Action Taken: 1) Grie"anc" filed by IUchardU1rich regardi.nqhospit"'l!medlcalcoveraqe for employees reLiring due Lo disability. MoU.on by Councllrnember ,'unke, seconded by Councilrnember CUmmings to deny grlev,mce. Ayes:i, Nays 1, 1 AbsLention Hotion by Councilm<>-'lLber Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Bodlovick to direct City Coordinator to eontad_ palice Local 32G Busine~3 Agent to "ubrnitgricvaneEetoarbltration.All in fdvor. 2) Labat agreement negotiations with Pullce Local 320. Hoti"" byCouncilmember K"flble, seeoodedbyCOllncllmember jo.urJ<e to agree to a f.r, 'percent (2.5%) sa1ary inerea"e lor members of Police Local J20 Leilio>" Agreement. All in f~vor }) l"eArenaManag<lrd.isciplinaryhearinqproe<ldurcs. Mot_i<~n by COllneiimember Funke, s~conded by councilrnember Kimble to appoint_ Cy Srnyth~ to represent the City of ~t.illwater i.n the di,;ciplinary hearing of the Ice ArenCi Manger. Allin!-avor. Atte"L: , ;1,""( r.ity Coordinator If<;v ,'J--< p