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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-04 CC MIN Im/ater 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 The Birthplace of Minnesota www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES December 4, 2018 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim,Junker, Weidner and Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator McCarty Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser Community Development Director Turnblad City Clerk Wolf OTHER BUSINESS Stillwater Lights Event Application City Administrator McCarty informed the Council that the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce has made application to place a metal archway framework of lights for visitors to walk through in Lowell Park, stretching from Mulberry Point to Myrtle Street. The archway will be onsite December through March 31, 2019 and is proposed to remain lighted until 10:00 PM daily. There is no request for use of City parking lots, nor for City public safety staff support. The Chamber is requesting a waiver of the event fees, City payment of electricity costs, and City funding assistance for the cost of the materials. The Parks Commission recommended approval. Staff recommends approval of the Stillwater Lights event in Lowell Park from December 10, 2018 through March 31, 2019, including a waiver of the event fees and City payment of the electricity costs of the lighted archway,with eight conditions. Councilmember Weidner stated that he supports the event and he would like to see it continue and grow next year. Councilmember Junker asked who would be responsible if a section of lights goes out; and Frank Fabio replied that the Chamber would be responsible for operation. They would like to keep adding to it each year. Councilmember Polehna commented that he has contacted MnDOT about putting Christmas lights across the lift bridge. He suggested having local clubs do their own light displays on the waterfront. Councilmember Menikheim commended the Chamber and downtown businesses for coming up with this idea. The City should support it, but he feels it needs to remain a Chamber function, not a City function. City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 Dan O'Neill, O'Neill Electric Inc.,provided a drawing of the electrical plan. He stated there is plenty of capacity and he does not expect any issues. City Administrator McCarty stated partial City funding would be available in the Community Beautification Fund and Special Events funds. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to approve the event application, pay for the electric costs, provide matching funds up to $15,000, and waive the event fees for Stillwater Lights for 2018, with the eight conditions recommended by staff. All in favor. Mr. McCarty summarized the conditions and stated staff will finalize the agreement and bring it back to the Council's next meeting. Planning Division Work Plan for 2019-2022 Community Development Director Turnblad presented a draft work plan for the planning division of the Community Development Department and summarized the projects by year. Staff will bring the draft plan back to the Council in January. STAFF REPORTS Robert Benson, Water Department Manager, updated the Council on the White Bear Lake/Department of Natural Resources court case, the Residential Irrigation Backflow and Smart Controller Program,Washington County Road projects, and other Water Department activities of the past year. Police Chief Gannaway stated once again the Police Department is participating in Toys for Tots. Community Development Director Turnblad updated the Council on the Minar Neighborhood development moratorium. The City has one year to complete the study and adopt ordinances, and will be informing residents of the process. City Administrator McCarty informed the Council that the new Facilities Manager, Mick Greiner, will start December 5, and the new Finance Director, Sharon Provos, will start December 20. Dave Hoover's objection to a street assessment has been handed over to the City Attorney.City Pages 2018 named the Stillwater Veterans Memorial parking lot the Twin Cities' best parking lot. He reminded the Council of the newly elected officials leadership conferences in January and February,and the annual League of Minnesota Cities Conference in June. Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 5:20 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim,Junker,Weidner and Polehna Absent: None Page 2 of 7 City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Land Police Chief Gannaway Fire Chief Glaser Community Development Director Turnblad City Clerk Wolf PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of the November 20, 2018 regular meeting minutes Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2018 regular meeting.All in favor. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS &COMMENDATIONS Swearing in of new firefighters - Hunter Duncan, Joseph Forliti. Peter King, David Martin, and Karl Sinclair Fire Chief Glaser swore in firefighters Hunter Duncan, Joseph Forliti, Peter King, David Martin, and Karl Sinclair who have completed their one year probation. Their families pinned on their badges. OPEN FORUM Carol Eggers and Joleene Bourdaghs, owners of Shorty Cleaners, asked what the City's intentions are regarding their property. They requested that the Council make a statement for the public record that the City is not condemning Shorty's,that the Council has rescinded the attempt to take their property by eminent domain, and will not pursue it in that manner in the future. City Attorney Land stated that the Council took action to rescind the condemnation resolution for Shorty's, and that is all the Council has done at this point. It is not currently up for reconsideration,but that is not to say that the Council would not reconsider the action in the future, because the Council is always looking at development opportunities around the community. Allan Lavalier and Lynn Raarup, 707 West Maple Street, voiced a concern about the extended idling of diesel trucks near their home, which they stated has been creating a nuisance and a health hazard for several years. They have heard from responding officers that the current public nuisance ordinance is subject to interpretation on this topic. They feel the City should adopt specific guidelines to address the extended idling of vehicles. Police Chief Gannaway stated he will work with the City Attorney to determine what is enforceable and what is not under the current ordinance. Mayor Kozlowski commented he would be hesitant to adopt an ordinance preventing people from warming their cars up in the winter time. He feels the issue could be resolved with neighbor relations. Page 3 of 7 City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 Library Director Mark Troendle reported that the library will host a reception December 15 with award winning photographer Craig Blacklock. He thanked all the City departments that have helped the library this year. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2018-263, Directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2018-264, approving contract for mowing, snow and ice removal and cleanup services for 2019-2021 Resolution 2018-265, a resolution of the Stillwater City Council directing the publication of an ordinance by title and summary for the possible approval of the second reading of Ordinance 1116, an ordinance amending Chapter 43 regarding liquor of the Stillwater City Code (2nd Reading) Possible approval of the second reading of Ordinance 1117, an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code Sec. 31-216, Nonconforming Use Regulations (Larson) (2nd Reading) Possible approval of the second reading of Ordinance 1118, an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code Chapter 31, entitled zoning ordinance, by amending the zoning map of the city to rezone certain property within the AP -Agricultural Preservation District by adding them to the RA- One Family Residential District (Nelson) (2nd reading) Possible approval of the second reading of Ordinance 1119, an ordinance repealing Chapter 39A of the Stillwater City Code (TAF) (2nd reading) Resolution 2018-266, resolution granting license to Patricia Wolf for the operation of multi-person cycle tours on city streets in 2019 and rescinding Resolution 2017-251 Resolution 2018-267, approving Assessment Appeal Waiver Agreement for PID No. 21.030.20.43.0099, 209 Wilkins St. E. Resolution 2018-268, approving Solid Waste, Recycling and/or Roll-Off Hauler License Resolution 2018-269, approving 2019 renewal of tobacco license to Fog-E-Cig Stillwater, LLC, dba: Fog E-Cig Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim,Junker,Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. Page 4 of 7 City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 NEW BUSINESS Possible approval of purchase of unmanned aerial system for Police Police Chief Gannaway explained the request and added that the Department has a drone use policy that protects privacy and constitutional rights. Two officers have been trained as FAA licensed operators. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the purchase of an unmanned aerial system for the Police Department. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim,Junker,Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Truth in Taxation Presentation City Administrator McCarty reviewed the proposed 2019 operating revenues and expenditures. He explained the consulting fees which had been targeted for a possible budget reduction in September,when the Council considered the match requirement for the SAFER firefighter grant. Ultimately the City declined the grant opportunity, therefore staff is recommending reinstating those items. He added that the alternative health insurance plan for retirees was well received and will result in savings of at least$50,000. Finance Director Harrison explained how the property tax rate is calculated. She stated the tax rate has jumped slightly due to the increase in property tax levy,but it has remained low because of a 7.5% increase in taxable value. Mr. McCarty reminded the Council that the City is just one component of an overall property tax bill. Councilmember Weidner asked why the consulting fees would be put back into the budget if the City could have gotten by without them. He noted this is the highest budget increase he has seen. City Administrator McCarty responded that the consulting fees were considered a reasonable place to cut because the City did not have a prominent item for legislation at the state level that would require lobbying efforts. The City can survive without reinstating the funding for those areas, it would just mean stretching the timeline to accomplish the planning for those activities. He added that next week, staff will have a much clearer idea of the dollar amount of the potential health insurance savings for the retiree group. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to continue adoption of the final 2019 budget and 2019 levy to the next meeting. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim,Junker,Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None Possible approval of 2019 City Council and Boards/Commission Meeting Calendar City Clerk Wolf noted that three Council meetings needed to be reschedule, the Planning Commission is moving their meeting day from the second Wednesday to the fourth Wednesday and Charter Commission set their meeting dates for the year. Page 5 of 7 City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to adopt Resolution 2018- 270, adoption of 2019 City Council and Boards/Commissions Meeting Calendar. Ayes: Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker,Weidner, Polehna, and Mayor Kozlowski Nays: None COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTS There were no communications/requests. PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS &COMMENDATIONS CONTINUED Proclamation: Bob Webber- French Legion of Honor Medal recipient Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation designating December 5, 2018 as Bob Webber Day in honor of Mr. Webber receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal for his actions as a member of the American 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Polehna stated the 34th MPs are having their holiday ball this weekend. He commended Cub Foods for their support of the military. He added that the annual pheasant hunt for the troops returned from Iraq and Afghanistan will take place this weekend and commended Eckberg and Lammers for their support. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Menikheim, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: z?*6Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2018-263, Directing the Payment of Bills Resolution 2018-264, approving contract for mowing, snow and ice removal and cleanup services for 2019-2021 Resolution 2018-265, a resolution of the Stillwater City Council directing the publication of an ordinance by title and summary Resolution 2018-266, resolution granting license to Patricia Wolf for the operation of multi-person cycle tours on city streets in 2019 and rescinding Resolution 2017-251 Resolution 2018-267, approving Assessment Appeal Waiver Agreement for PID No. 21.030.20.43.0099, 209 Wilkins St. E. Resolution 2018-268, approving Solid Waste, Recycling and/or Roll-Off Hauler License Page 6 of 7 City Council Meeting December 4, 2018 Resolution 2018-269, approving 2019 renewal of tobacco license to Fog-E-Cig Stillwater, LLC, dba: Fog E-Cig Resolution 2018-270, adoption of 2019 City Council and Boards/Commissions Meeting Calendar Ordinance 1116,an ordinance amending Chapter 43 regarding liquor of the Stillwater City Code Ordinance 1117, an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code Sec. 31-216, Nonconforming Use Regulations [Larson] Ordinance 1118,an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code Chapter 31, entitled zoning ordinance,by amending the zoning map of the city to rezone certain property within the AP -Agricultural Preservation District by adding them to the RA- One Family Residential District [Nelson] Ordinance 1119, an ordinance repealing Chapter 39A of the Stillwater City Code [TAF] Page 7 of 7