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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-16 CC MIN (". r r , CITY OF STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 99-4 February 16,1999 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P,M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kimble. Present: Councilrnembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Zoller and Mayor Kimble Also Present: City Coordinator Kriesel City Attorney Magnuson Finance Director Deblon Fire Chief Kallestad Police Chief Dauffenbach City Clerk Weldon Press: Julie Kink, Courier Mark Brouwer, Gazette Councilrnember Zoller requested the minutes of the 4:30 meeting of February 2nd be amended for item No.3, Anchobaypro, Inc. The motion to adopt the resolution regarding financial support of the project was seconded by Mayor Kimble, not Councilrnember Zoller. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilrnernber Thole, seconded by Councilrnember Zoller to approve the February 2,1999, Regular and Recessed Meetings as amended. 4-0-1 (Cummings abstain) PETITIONS. INDIVIDUALS. DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS 1. Nancy Brown - Proposed Nature and Arts Center. Ms. Brown presented a proposal for the creation of a nature and art center in the historic street car building on Lake McKusick. This building was her former residence. The building adjoins city property and has some off-street parking. She submitted letters of support for the project from David Junker, Park Board Chairperson; Kathleen Macy, Superintendent of the Stillwater Area Schools; Hannah Dunevitz, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jyneen Thatcher, Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Sunny Deyoung, Friends of Stillwater Parks; and neighbors of the property. She also stated Rivertown Restoration is interested in taking on this project. She has also been informed there are grants available for this type of project. In addition, the facility would be staffed by volunteers. She stated the building is for sale; she is offering first option to the City. City Coordinator Kriesel informed Council the Park Board voted unanimously to support the concept. In order to consider the project further, the City would need to first obtain an appraisal ofthe property and then fine-tune an agreement on the on-going operations of the facility. City Attorney Magnuson informed Council this type of project would qualify for the use of park dedication funds. , City Council Meeting 99-4 February 16, 1999 Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cwnmings directing staff to obtain necessary information for the possible purchase of the historic street car building on Lake McKusick for development of a nature and arts center and report back to Council. All in favor. r Community Development Director Russell informed Council the intent to nominate form for the Phase II Natural Resource Area under the Metro Greenways Program, included in the Council Packet, was submitted to the DNR. The Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Project has been developed with the support and input from Stillwater Township, Brown's Creek Watershed District, and the Open Space Committee and Parks Board. If the DNR provides positive direction to this intent, a final nomination will be submitted next month. No action is necessary at this time. Community Development Director Russell also stated a meeting will be held Thursday, March 4th, with residents of Deer Path, regarding possible improvements to reduce traffic and the alternatives for and impacts of the improvements. In addition, Mr. Russell stated Burlington Northern is considering all tracks in the downtown area to be excess. The property is first available for purchase by the City and then the public He recommended holding a workshop on March 2nd to discuss the possible purchase. r Council directed Mr. Russell to prepare a report on the possible purchase of the Burlington Northern property in the downtown area for the 4:30 p.m. March 2nd meeting. Mr. Russell stated a workshop will also be held March 2nd with Main Stream Development regarding the Maple Island site. City Coordinator Kriesel informed Council the City of Stillwater Chamber had requested an exclusive permit from the Parks Board to sell refreshments in Lowell Park on July 4th. The Park Board granted them a non-exclusive permit to sell refreshments. However, the parade and fireworks contract with Lumberjack Days/St. Croix Events, on the consent agenda, contains exclusive privileges for Lowell Park for the 4th of July. He has consulted Dave Eckberg, St. Croix Events, Inc.; Mr. Eckberg has agreed to have the City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce also provide refreshments on July 4th. No Council action is required. Mr. Kriesel stated Ed Cain, Legislative Associates, was present. As directed by Council, a memo was prepared by Mr. Cain (included in the packet) which outlines legislative action necessary to obtain two additional liquor licenses and amend the state tax code to enable the City to carry out the tax procedures set forth in the annexation agreement between the City and Stillwater Township. Each action would require a minimum of 16 hours of work per month. Based on the rate of $65 per hour, the total cost for both legislative actions would be $8,320. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Counciirnember Bealka authorizing Ed Cain, Legislative Associates, Inc., to perform legislative work to obtain two liquor licenses and enact an exception to the State Tax Code. All in favor. (' City Coordinator Kriesel reported the baseball boosters have requested the purchase of batting cages for the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center at a cost of$15,000. The Boosters would reimburse the City $10,000 over a 5-year period. 2 City Council Meeting 99-4 February 16, 1999 r Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller approving the purchase of equipment for batting cages at a cost of$15,OOO, with $10,000 to be reimbursed by Baseball Boosters. All in favor. City Coordinator Kriesel requested Council adjourn tonight's meeting to executive session to discuss labor relations negotiations. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka approving the consent agenda. All in favor. r 1. Resolution 99-44: Directing Payment of Bills 2. Resolution 99-45: Contract with Larry Buberl for animal transport activities 3. Resolution 99-46: Employment of Larry Buberl as seasonal, part-time parking enforcement officer 4. Authorization to begin testing process for full time patrol officer 5. Resolution 99-47: Employment of Kathleen Berwald as Senior Account Clerk 6. Purchase of self contained breathing apparatus, air cylinders, and facepieces- Fire Dept. 7. Release of capital outlay funds, Part I - Stillwater Public Library 8. Resolution 99-48: Adoption of Mission Statement - Fire Department 9. Resolution 99-49: Agreement with Lumberjack Days Festival Association 10. Resolution 99-50: Change Order No. 14, St. Croix Valley Recreation Center II. Temporary 1-4 day on-sale liquor license - American Legion, February 28, 1999, for pool tournament UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Report from Open Space committee on open space site priorities. At their January 26,1999, meeting, the Open Space Committee evaluated possible open sites for greatest value based on existing information. Criteria used were 1) natural resource value and diversity; 2) Location, accessibility and linked to open space, greenbelt system; 3) historic value; 4) site size and shape; 5) threat for development, and 6) consistency with ComprehensivelParks plan. The following sites were reviewed and listed in order of priority: 1) Brown's Creek Natural Area; 2) Gadient Woods; 3) Brown's Creek West (north of McKusick Road and east ofCRI5); 4) Stonebridge Property; 5) JC's ballfield; 6) MnDOT BlufI(EIm Street about prison), Radio Tower Site (Brick Street); and 8) Amundson Property. They also recommended the Brown's Creek Tributaries north ofCR 12 and south of Boutwell and also the Laurel Street Ravine be considered for purchase if the opportunity arises. Councilmember Zoller noted the Stonebridge property is not included in the annexation area. No Council action required. r 2. Request for resolution supporting tax credit affordable housing project - Anchobaypro, Inc. 3 City Council Meeting 99-4 February 16, 1999 r At the Council meeting of February 2,1999, Council received a letter from Tim Nolde, Anchobaypro, Inc., describing a housing development concept for land directly west of the intersection .of Curve Crest Boulevard and CR 5. The concept included single family lots, attached for-sale housing and rental apartments. In order to make the rental apartments affordable; the developer requested City financial support of the project. The City support assists the developer get points in the competition for tax credit from Washington County HRA. Community Development Director Russell presented a draft resolution which states the City's policy in the Comprehensive Plan is to assist in the provision of affordable housing. In the event a development plan for affordable housing by Anchobaypro, Inc., is approved, the City will agree to consider assisting establishing a Housing Tax Increment Financing District that can provide $145,000 assistance over the term of the district. The TIP assistance would be used to pay for a portion of the Lakeside Park, as shown on the 62nd Street Plan, over and above the park dedication requirements. Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Thole to adopt Resolution 99-51 agreeing to consider a provision of assistance for affordable housing. Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Zoller and Mayor Kimble Nays: None r 3. Downtown Parking Commission: a) Recommendation to change pay parking rates b) Downtown Parking Program Annual Report - 1998 Community Development Director Russell reported the Downtown Parking Commission recommends th!' Council consider operating the Permit Pay Parking Program only during the summer months (May-October), when parking spaces are at a premium. Currently the program is in effect twelve months a year and a permit is $10 per month. To offset the loss of revenue for the months of November through April, the fee for summer months would be raised to $15 per month. He stated he had discussed the change with City Coordinator Kriesel, Finance Director Deblon, and Police ChiefDauffenbach. Staff felt it may be difficult to get permit purchasers to buy permits during a six month summer season. This would result in added confusion, administration and enforcement costs, lost revenue, and increased signage costs. Staff recommended no change in the current pay parking program. Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to receive recommendation from Downtown Parking Commission and make no change in Pay Permit Parking Program. AIl in favor. {". Community Development Director Russell stated the annual report on the Downtown Pay Parking Program was included in the Council packet for information only. Recommendations for changes in the program for 1999 will be presented at the March 2, 1999, meeting. 4 City Council Meeting 99-4 February 16, 1999 r 4. Possible second reading of ordinance relating to lakeshore fertilizer restrictions (First reading Feb. 2, 1999) Mayor Kimble noted a letter had been received from Ned Gordon, 2970 Marine Circle, requesting further study of the draft ordinance. The ordinance should include the entire city because the storm sewer drainage from these areas drain into the lakes. If only lake shore property is included, the impact will be minimal. City Attorney Magnuson also stated City Engineer Eckles had requested consideration of applying the ordinance to the entire City. It would be better for the environment to apply it to all watersheds. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to table the possible second reading of the ordinance relating to lakeshore fertilizer restrictions. All in favor. 5. Possible second reading of ordinance implementing the conflict of interest and financial disclosure provisions of the City Charter (First reading Feb. 2, 1999) r City Coordinator Kriesel requested clarification on Section 7.01 regarding public employees, Subd. 3 Disclosure Reauired, and the penalty provisions. City Attorney Magnuson stated the draft was prepared, but there has been no time for staff discussion. Because of the serious impacts of this ordinance, he advised staff have time to study the ordinance and clarify its provisions. However, this should be done quickly and without delay. A commitment has been made to the Charter Commission to complete it in a timely fashion. He will meet with Council to explain the provisions in detail. Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to table the possible second reading of the ordinance implementing the conflict of interest and financial disclosure provisions of the City Charter. All in favor. 6. Update: Territorial Prison site. A letter was received from John Lang, Territorial Coalition, Inc., providing an update on the progress of the fmancing package for the hotel project at the territorial prison site. No action necessary. COMMUNICATIONSIREOUESTS 1. Corps of Engineers - Update on Stage 3 of Levee Project. In a memo, City Engineer Eckles reported the letter from the Corps of Engineers provided an update on Stage 3 of the Levee Project. The letter referenced a walkway in front of the Dock Cafe to be constructed. Because there currently is no walkway at that site, it would be a ''betterment to th~ project". The City would be required to pay all costs associated with the concrete walkway. r Because there is no formal pathway in that location, he recommended the City agree to pay for the walkway at a cost not to exceed $6000. 5 . City Council Meeting 99-4 February 16, 1999 ('- Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Cummings directing the City Engineer to notifY the Corps of Engineers that the City agrees to pay for the costs of a walkway in front of the Dock Cafe at a cost not to exceed $6000. All in favor. COUNCIL REOUEST ITEMS Mayor Kimble reported he had received a memo from the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources for the City to appoint a representative to the Lower St. Croix Land Use Advisory Group. Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Cummings appointing Community Development Director Russell as City representative for the Lower St. Croix Land Use Advisory Group. Councilmember Bealka reported several Highland district residents have expressed concern about the lack oflighting on Orleans Street and Benson Boulevard. Council directed staff to investigate the possibility of installing lighting on Orleans Street from West Benson Boulevard to East Benson Boulevard. Councilmember Zoller noted MnDOT was requesting the consideration of City employees taking over the operation of the lift bridge. Costs would be reimbursed by MnDOT. (" ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to adjourn to executive session to discuss labor relations negotiations at 8: 1 0 p.m. All in favor. Attest: -If1. AlIi I ~ 1, d~ City Clerk Resolution 99-44: Directing Payment of Bills Resolution 99-45: Contract with Larry Buberl for animal transport activities Resolution 99-46: Employment of Larry Buberl as seasonal, part-time parking enforcement officer Resolution 99-47: Employment of Kathleen Berwald as Senior Account Clerk Resolution 99-48: Adoption of Mission Statement - Fire Department Resolution 99-49: Agreement with Lumberjack Days Festival Association Resolution 99-50: Change Order No. 14, St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Resolution 99-51: Agreeing to consider a provision of assistance for affordable housing. (\ 6 RECORD OF EXECUTIVE SESSION Date convened: Tuesday, February 16, 1999 Time convened: 8:20pm. Timeadjoumed' 8:26p.m. Members present: Mayor Kimble, Councilmembers. Bealka, Cummings., Thole and Zoller Members absent: None Alsopres.enl: City Coordinator Kries.el and City Attorney Magnuson Purpose of Executive Session: To discuss. labor contract negotiations. Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Thole to continue negotiations with labor unions based on recommendation of City Coordinator. All in favor. Malian by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Thole to adjourn at 8:26 P M. All in favor. Attest: ~~ i,)O~~ 'c Coordinator