HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-18 CC MIN ii(water 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-8800
The Birthplace of Minnesota www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
June 18, 2019
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Weidner and Polehna
Absent: None
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Land
Community Development Director Turnblad
Police Chief Gannaway
Fire Chief Glaser
Finance Director Provos
Human Resources Director Robole
City Clerk Wolf
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS,DELEGATIONS&COMMENDATIONS
2019 Lumberjack Days Presentation
Brad Glynn, board member of The Locals, updated the Council on plans for Lumberjack
Days. The headliner for Saturday evening concert is Soul Asylum. The entire event schedule
will be published online.
OPEN FORUM
Wendy Gorski, resident of Terra Springs Condos, thanked Chief Gannaway and Captain
Meredith for increased police presence on North Main Street.
Cameron Murray, resident of Stillwater Mills on Main Condos, asked that the pedestrian
crossing markers be returned to North Main Street. Chief Gannaway will notify Public
Works.
STAFF REPORTS
City Clerk Wolf explained that Stillwater Eagles is hosting The Wall That Heals at the Old
Athletic Field,July 25-28, 2019. She announced the boards and commissions picnic is set for
August 22.
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that the Met Council has
reviewed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and provided comments. After revisions are
submitted, they will consider the application complete and the Council should be able to
adopt the plan by the end of August. He also announced City Planner Wittman received a
City Council Meeting June 18, 2019
$10,000 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society for consultant help with historic
preservation programs.
City Administrator McCarty reminded the Council of the June 20 strategic planning review
session at the Armory Building. In response to an RFP issued for the Public Works
operational review, staff will bring to the Council a recommendation for a firm to begin the
work. He provided a brief summary of legislation from the State's special session that
concluded May 25.
Councilmember Polehna expressed hope that funding will be allocated next year for the
intersection of Manning and Highway 36.
CONSENT AGENDA
June 4, 2019 regular and recessed meeting minutes
Payment of Bills
Ordinance No. 1126, amending City Code Chapter 31, Zoning, Chapter 32, Subdivision
Ordinance (CPC Case No. 2019-16)
Ordinance No. 1127, amending City Code Chapter 35, Stormwater Drainage,
specifically affecting the stormwater design standards and submittal, review,
and permitting processes and requirements (CPC Case No. 2019-16)
Resolution 2019-074, resolution amending Resolution 2018-173 adopting 2019 Fee
Schedule
St. Mary's Catholic Church Events
New On Sale Liquor License for The Lodge
Board of Water Commission Reappointment of Karen Jensen
Benson Boulevard Neighborhood Drainage Project
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt the Consent
Agenda.All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2019-23 to consider a Zoning Text Amendment to amend city code pertaining to the citing
of wireless towers.
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that City Code Section 31-512,
Regulation of radio and television towers,indicates the preferred locations for antennas and
towers include: government and utility sites; school sites; and golf courses, or public parks
when compatible with the nature of the park or course. However,the Allowable Uses in Non-
Residential Districts table does not indicate they are allowed in the Parks Recreation and
Open Space (PROS) district,nor the Public Works Facility District(PWFD). Furthermore,the
Code expressly indicates they are prohibited in the Public Administrative Offices (PA)
district. Given the conflicting language, staff is seeking to clarify in which public zoning
districts antennas and towers should be allowed. He explained the proposed amendment,
which is recommended by the Planning Commission and by City staff for approval.
Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor
Kozlowski closed the public hearing.
Page 2 of 6
City Council Meeting June 18, 2019
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve first
reading of an Ordinance amending Article 31-325, allowable uses in non-residential districts,
and Article 31-512, regulation of radio and television towers of the City Code of the City of
Stillwater, Case No. 2019-23. All in favor.
Ordinance amending City Code Section 35-25 (d): Regulations for Commercial Lawn Fertilizer
Applicators.
City Attorney Land informed the Council that the City has historically licensed businesses
that apply lawn fertilizers, however this is not necessary because the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture has the sole authority to regulate the licensing of fertilizer
applications. Staff recommends the repeal of Section 35-25(d) regarding Regulations for
Commercial Lawn Fertilizer.
Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor
Kozlowski closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve first
reading of an Ordinance repealing Section 35-25(d) regarding regulations for commercial lawn
fertilizer applicators of the Stillwater City Code.All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Revised Employment Policy Manual - Resolution
Human Resources Director Robole stated that during the past two years, the City's
employment policy manual has been revised and amended to bring statute and policy
references up-to-date with State and Federal law, and to expand descriptions of current
practice. Due to the number of updates, staff recommends the revised Employment Policy
Manual be approved in its entirety.
Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Weidner,to adopt Resolution
2019-075, approving the revised City of Stillwater Employment Policy Manual.All in favor.
Chicken Keeping Permit for 2509 Hidden Valley Lane
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that the City received a complaint
regarding unpermitted chickens being kept at 2509 Hidden Valley Lane. Through code
enforcement, Patricia Strauss, the property owner, was told that she would have to apply
for a chicken keeping permit or remove the chickens from the property.She chose to submit
the permit application. Objections were received from two nearby property owners. They
request that the permit be denied due to excessive noise, chickens escaping the backyard,
the fact that chickens attract vermin and predators, a twenty foot distance from the coop to
the neighboring house is not adequate,and the overwhelming smell. Four letters of support
were received. Staff suggests revising Condition #2 to limit this permit to one year, since
there are concerns, rather than two years. Staff finds that the application meets all of the
City Code requirements and recommends approval with five conditions.
Page 3 of 6
City Council Meeting June 18, 2019
Councilmember Collins stated he looked at the property and feels that birds and dogs in the
neighborhood generate more noise than the chickens. He believes the request is reasonable.
Councilmember Polehna expressed that he feels chickens do not belong in town.
Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Mayor Kozlowski, to approve the chicken
keeping permit for 2509 Hidden Valley Lane with the five staff-recommended conditions
including the change to Condition #2. Motion failed.
Ayes: Councilmember Collins and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Junker,Weidner and Polehna
Short Term Home Rental Ordinance Amendment Request
Community Development Director Turnblad reported that Brian Brosdahl would like to
convert a Type B2 license for his property at Second and Pine Street to a Type C. Since all 15
Type C1 vacation rental licenses currently allowed by City Code have been issued and there
is a waiting list, Mr. Brosdahl has submitted a request to amend the City Code by increasing
the number of Type C licenses that can be issued. There is only one property that has
generated complaints in the two and a half years that the Short Term Home Rental
Ordinance has been in effect. The amendment has not gone to the Planning Commission
because it has been moved out of zoning ordinance and is now in the licensing section whose
amendments go only before the Council. Staff finds the request to increase the number of
Type C licenses by five Downtown and by five in residential neighborhoods to be reasonable
and timely, and therefore recommends approval of the ordinance amendment.
Mayor Kozlowski noted that when the Council passed the ordinance they were very
cautious. He would have no problem with another five Type C licenses downtown and five
up on the hill. However he does not want future increases to be driven by applications.
Councilmember Junker agreed. He feels Stillwater is becoming a model city for how to
regulate short term home rentals.
Councilmember Polehna stated he does not want downtown filled with nothing but Airbnbs.
He is also concerned about the impacts of increased STHRs on hotels.
Councilmember Collins remarked he feels Type C licenses should be capped at 25.
Councilmember Weidner stated he views the Type C home rentals as mini hotels and he
thinks there are already enough of them in the City.
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve allowing
five more Type C Short Term Home Rental licenses in the CBD Zoning District, and five more in
Residential Zoning Districts. Motion passed.
Ayes: Councilmembers Collins,Junker and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
Maple Island Brewery Bands for the Brave Event
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Doug Kotulski of HOOAH, Inc. has
applied for permission to sponsor an event known as Bands for the Brave at Maple Island
Brewery on September 7, 2019. The owner of the brewery has given consent for the event
Page 4 of 6
City Council Meeting June 18, 2019
to occur in the private parking lot. Proceeds from the event go to HOOAH (Helping Out Our
American Heroes) to help prevent suicide amongst military veterans.Since the event will be
held entirely on private property, a special event permit is not necessary, but Council
permission is required to hold the outdoor event.This would be the second approved event
in the brewery parking lot. Staff recommends approval.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner,seconded by Councilmember Polehna,to approve a permit
for Bands for the Brave at Maple Island Brewery on September 7, 2019.All in favor.
General Obligation Capital Outlay Bonds. Series 2019A- Preliminary Resolution
Finance Director Provos explained the proposed resolution establishes procedures relating
to compliance with bond reimbursement regulations.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution
2019-076, resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with Reimbursement
Bond Regulations under the Internal Revenue Code.All in favor.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
Lumberjack Days Parade
Councilmember Polehna noted that Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will lead the Lumberjack
Days Parade on July 21.
Demolition Designation Study
Councilmember Weidner asked that the Council reconsider its decision to order a $5,000
demolition designation study for the garage tear-down request at 116 Harriet Street North,
which took place June 4, 2019, during a meeting from which he was absent.
City Attorney Land stated that any councilmember who was absent from the vote may make
a motion to reconsider.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Mayor Kozlowski, to reconsider the
authorization for the Demolition Designation Study for 116 Harriet Street North. Motion
passed.
Ayes: Councilmembers Weidner, Polehna and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Junker and Collins
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to table the
reconsideration of a demolition designation study for 116 Harriet Street North, and consider it
at the next scheduled meeting. Motion passed.
Ayes: Councilmembers Weidner, Polehna and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Junker and Collins
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to recess to Closed
Session pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13D.05 subd. 3(b) to discuss attorney-client privileged
Page 5 of 6
City Council Meeting June 18, 2019
communication regarding 121 Chestnut Street East. All in favor. The meeting was recessed to
closed session at 7:59 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Weidner and Polehna. Also
present: City Administrator McCarty and City Attorney Land.
Motion by Councilmember Collins seconded by Councilmember Junker to re-open the meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to recess to Closed
Session pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13D.05 subd. 3(b) to discuss attorney-client privileged
communication regarding 106 Chestnut Street East. All in favor. The meeting was recessed to
closed session at 8:17 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Weidner and Polehna. Also
present: City Administrator McCarty and City Attorney Land.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner seconded by Councilmember Junker to re-open the
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Weidner seconded by Councilmember Polehna to adjourn. All in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Ted Kozlowski, Mayor
ATTEST:
Beth Wolf, City Clerk
Resolution 2019-074, resolution amending Resolution 2018-173 adopting 2019 Fee
Schedule
Resolution 2019-075, approving the revised City of Stillwater Employment Policy
Manual
Resolution 2019-076, resolution establishing procedures relating to compliance with
Reimbursement Bond Regulations under the Internal Revenue Code
Ordinance No. 1126, an Ordinance related to conservation regulations amending the
Stillwater City Code Section 31-101 Definitions, Section 31-523 Soil Stripping,
Section 31-524 Grading, Section 31-525 Stormwater Management Practices and
Section 32-1 the Subdivision Ordinance
Ordinance No. 1127,an Ordinance amending stillwater City Code Section 35-26
regarding Stormwater Management Practices
Page 6 of 6