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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 2, 2019
REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker,Weidner (arrived at 4:49
p.m.) and Polehna
Absent: None
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Land
Police Chief Gannaway
Assistant Fire Chief Ballis
Community Development Director Turnblad
Director of Public Works Sanders
Finance Director Provos
City Clerk Wolf
OTHER BUSINESS
Brown's Creek Watershed Discussion
Karen Kill, Brown's Creek Watershed District (BCWD) Administrator, introduced BCWD
President Craig Leiser, Manager Anne Maule Miller, Manager Gerald Johnson and Manager
Klay Eckles.She explained that they are here to discuss BCWD rules, Minimal Impact Design
Standards (MIDS), and how to better coordinate standards and regulations governing
stormwater management.
Camilla Correll, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc., Engineer, stated that BCWD recently
compared MIDS, a State effort, to the current BCWD standards, especially in regard to the
Long Lake drainage area and the diversion structure. There are inconsistencies in the
stormwater management requirements for a permit. MIDS, which Oak Park Heights and
Stillwater have both adopted, the drinking water supply management area rules, the Trout
Stream Mitigation Project Agreement and the Kern Center Pond Agreement(OPH) all dictate
which rules may apply. In all there are eight different combinations of rule applications in
certain areas.
Mr. Leiser added that BCWD felt it in the best interest of all parties to simplify the rules and
make them more consistent among all communities served. This will make it easier for
citizens to be served under the same set of rules with same requirements as the rest of
Stillwater, which is in the Middle St. Croix Water Management Area. It will be easier for
developers and contractors to understand clearly the expectations and requirements, and
meet them with less angst.
City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
Public Works Director Sanders stated he is pleased the City and BCWD are working together
on volume control requirements. Maybe in the future, the City could take on all permitting.
Ms. Kill added that one of the next steps will be to review the existing Trout Stream
Mitigation Agreement and modify or dissolve that agreement to allow MIDS to be applied in
the entire drainage area.
Washington County Commissioner Gary Kriesel stated he is pleased to hear the agencies are
working towards consistency.
Seasonal Food Vending Permit Policy
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that food trucks are increasingly
popular as caterers for private gatherings. Food trucks require permits from the City, but
since food trucks used as caterers do not have the same impact as food trucks offering food
to the public, the City does not require permits for them. Staff would like to discuss current
practices with the City Council to confirm or get direction to change them. He discussed the
following situations: 1) food trucks catering in residential neighborhoods outside of
downtown. Currently the City allows this to happen as long as there is no parking on public
property and no sales to the general public.
Councilmembers stated they have no problem with that.
Mr. Turnblad went on to discuss situation 2) food trucks catering downtown. Currently any
vending trucks require a permit. Staff feels that if it is truly for a one-time catering job, as
long as it is on private property and occurs three times per year or less, it should be allowed
without a permit. If more frequent than that, staff feels it is part of the business plan and
should be addressed through the special use permit, as it could impact the amount of
parking available to meet parking requirements.
Councilmember Weidner stated he does not relate food trucks to other events that have a
bigger impact. He would look at the number of times allowed being more than three times,
maybe 10.
Mr. Turnblad brought up situation 3) food vending as catering for private gatherings in City
parks. Currently it is allowed, as long as it meets parameters. It has to be legitimately under
contract to a group. It is not allowed at all in Lowell Park.
Council consensus was they are fine with this.
Mr. Turnblad stated situation 4) involves administrative issuance of seasonal food vending
permits. There are 24+ guidelines and this is very heavily regulated. He asked if staff could
handle these permits administratively rather than the Planning Commission.
Council consensus was this situation could be better handled administratively than by the
Planning Commission.
Mr. Turnblad will bring back a proposed ordinance amendment based on the discussion.
Discussion on concept of concurrent detachment/annexation of properties within Oak Park
Heights
Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Council that Canvas Health
approached the City about a future plan to redevelop their property on the south side of
Orleans Street between Panama Avenue and Ozark Avenue. The property lies partly within
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
Stillwater and partly within Oak Park Heights. Canvas Health would like their whole
property to be located within Stillwater. This would require detachment from Oak Park
Heights and annexation to Stillwater. Oak Park Heights supports the detachment request if
the City of Stillwater is willing to concurrently detach the right-of-way property that
Lookout Trail traverses. If the Council agrees, the staffs of the two Cities will draft a
memorandum of understanding to bring back to the Councils for formal adoption.
Council consensus was to proceed with the concurrent detachment and annexation
documents.
615 Broadway Street South Designation Study Clarification
Mr.Turnblad stated that on June 4 the Council voted 2-1 to begin the process of local historic
designation, which would prohibit demolition. Mr. Turnblad was not at the June 4 meeting,
so he would like clarification on what the Council's intent was. The official action was to
reject the designation study performed by a historian on the City's approved list. By
rejecting the study which found that the property does not meet the Department of Interior
guidelines for designating property, the City is initiating the process of locally designating
the property rather than nationally designating it, thereby creating a prohibition on
demolition.
Mayor Kozlowski asked is there a third option whereby the Council could deny the
demolition permit without ordering the designation study; and City Attorney Land
answered that she believes the only options are to approve the demolition or order the
study. She acknowledged that the Council received a letter from an attorney challenging a
couple of points, claiming there is not a denial yet because the process is ongoing. Ms. Land
believes the Council has given the denial by the action on June 4. Pursuing a local historic
designation option means the Council has effectively denied the demolition permit.She does
not feel the City has enough in the record as to why the Council denied the permit,especially
in light of the study that says it does not meet standards and criteria for national
designation. What is the criteria for designating it locally? If that cannot be outlined, then
the Council should approve the demolition. Under Robert's Rules,a motion to reconsider an
action must be made at the meeting immediately following that action. In this case, there
has been a meeting in between, so the Council would need to suspend Robert's Rules to
reconsider the June 4 vote or continue it to a future meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Mayor Kozlowski, to suspend Robert's Rules
of Order. Motion failed.
Ayes: Councilmember Polehna and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Junker, Collins and Weidner
STAFF REPORTS
Police Chief Gannaway stated 4th of July preparations are done. All the river lots will be
closed with jersey barriers. The Wall That Heals is coming to the Old Athletic Field in July.
Staff will enforce one side only parking on the surrounding residential streets.
Assistant Fire Chief Ballis noted any fireworks that project into the air are illegal.
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
Community Development Director Turnblad reported that Stillwater was recognized as a
Step Two GreenStep City at the League Minnesota Cities conference in Duluth. He stated the
revised Comprehensive Plan was resubmitted to the Metropolitan Council and review will
take 4-5 weeks.
Councilmember Junker stated he received calls regarding the number of trucks on the North
Hill hauling fill;and Public Works Director Sanders replied he thinks the majority of the road
work is completed.
Police Chief Gannaway added that the State Patrol's commercial vehicle enforcement
division will be doing some extra checks on the north end of town due to truck hauling.
Councilmember Junker asked when the Main Street stairs will be open; and Mr. Sanders
responded that a geo technical engineer is reviewing the project.The stairs could be opened
up again within the next month.
City Administrator McCarty stated the City is ready for the 4th of July celebration,backup is
July 5th. A summary is being prepared from the Strategic Planning Session held on June 20.
The 2020 budget is underway.
RECESS
Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 5:36 p.m.
RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins,Junker,Weidner and Polehna
Absent: None
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
City Attorney Land
Police Chief Gannaway
Assistant Fire Chief Ballis
Community Development Director Turnblad
Director of Public Works Sanders
Finance Director Provos
City Clerk Wolf
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS&COMMENDATIONS
Councilmember Polehna recapped plans for the 4th of July celebration. There will be no
radio simulcast because there is no longer a radio station in Stillwater.
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
OPEN FORUM
Cameron Murray, 350 Main Street North, thanked the City for reposting the signs that say
pedestrian crossing. He requested more garbage cans on Second Street.
CONSENT AGENDA
June 18, 2019 regular meeting minutes
Payment of Bills
Ordinance 1129, 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 - 2nd Reading
Ordinance 1128, an ordinance repealing Section 35-25(d) regarding regulations for
commercial lawn fertilizer applicators of the Stillwater City Code - 2nd Reading
Baker-Tilly (formerly Springsted) Financial Consulting Contract
Resolution 2019-077, approving the Minnesota Historical Society Minnesota
Historical &Cultural Heritage Grant acceptance form
Resolution 2019-078, approving revisions to City of Stillwater Employment Policy
Manual due to new Minnesota Wage Theft Law
Knights of Columbus Off-Site Gambling application
Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Polehna,to adopt the Consent
Agenda.All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CPC Case No. 2019-26 to consider a Zoning Text Amendment for the creation of a Rural
Residential Zoning District. (Motion to remove from agenda).
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker,to remove this public
hearing from agenda.All in favor.
CPC Case No. 2019-33 to consider an amendment to City Code Section 41-8, Subd. 11(3) to
increase the number of Type C Short Term Home Rental Licenses-Ordinance 1st Reading
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that a public hearing snafu caused the
last discussion, thought to be first reading, to technically be a conceptual approval. Fifteen
Type C1 vacation rental licenses are currently allowed by City Code to be issued in the City.
All 15 have been issued. However, Brian Brosdahl (applicant for this case) would like to
convert a Type B2 license for his property at Second and Pine Street to a Type C. Since no
Type C licenses are available, he has submitted a request to amend the City Code by
increasing the number of Type C licenses that can be issued. At the June 18, 2019 meeting,
the City Council gave conceptual approval of this amendment on a 3-2 vote.The effect of the
ordinance would be to increase by five the number of available licenses in the Central
Business District and another five in residential districts. Staff recommends first reading of
the amending ordinance.
Councilmember Weidner asked if there was a maximum number of Type C licenses available
specifically downtown and in residential previously; and Mr. Turnblad replied no,
distribution was not regulated. Staff is suggesting the distribution restrictions.
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
Councilmember Weidner noted that the ordinance says these rentals may be detrimental to
a neighborhood, so why would the Council allow more of them in residential
neighborhoods; and Mr. Turnblad responded that the main reason the Council looked at
limits initially was so as not to overwhelm a particular neighborhood. As it evolved, the
rentals did not end up being clustered in any particular area, they were well spread out, so
staff thinks another five in the residential districts probably will not have a negative effect.
Mayor Kozlowski asked if there is a prohibition on clustering them. He mentioned a rental
in a house at the top of Chilikoot Hill. It troubles him to see them clustered there but he has
not heard any complaints; and Mr. Turnblad replied that staff originally looked at whether
there should be a certain amount of distance between them like BnBs. The general
consensus was that rather than regulate separation distance, the City would limit the
number of permits.
Councilmember Weidner remarked that he views Type Cs as businesses which could be
detrimental to residential neighborhoods. He would like to alter the allowable number so
there are 15 allowed downtown and 10 in the neighborhoods.
Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing.
A man, no name given, stated he has been in that house at the top of Chilikoot Hill and there
are actually three bedrooms and two bathrooms, not six.
Mayor Kozlowski closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Polehna stated he would rather see more Type Cs downtown than in
neighborhoods.
Councilmember Collins commented he has not personally received any complaints. He
would support allowing five more Type Cs in neighborhoods, but is also OK with a smaller
number.
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve first
reading of an ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code Sec. 41-8, Short Term Home Rental
Regulations. Motion passed
Ayes: Councilmembers Collins,junker and Mayor Kozlowski
Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Demolition Designation Study- 116 Harriet Street North
Community Development Director Turnblad explained that Dan and Allison Boblit would
like to demolish their two-car garage and replace it with a similarly-sized three-car garage.
On May 15, 2019, the Heritage Preservation Commission denied the demolition of the
garage on the basis the structure is a historic resource and there are feasible alternatives to
demolition. He stated this was based not so much on the structure itself, but the history of
people associated with the structure.At the City Council's June 4, 2019 meeting,the Council
authorized the preparation of a demolition designation study for the accessory structure.
However, at the June 18 City Council meeting, Councilmembers absent from the June 4
meeting requested reconsideration of the preparation of the demolition designation study.
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
Councilmember Weidner asked if the designation study costs the City $5,000; and Mr.
Turnblad replied yes.
Councilmember Weidner pointed out that the Council chose not to accept the last
designation study that was done for another location. He asked if a demolition permit is
denied and the Council chooses to proceed with a designation study,is there a set of criteria
about what may be designated locally as historic; and Mr. Turnblad replied yes, but such a
study would be done in house.
Councilmember Weidner commented, so historic value could be the story behind some
people who used to live there; and Mr. Turnblad replied yes. In this case, the builder of the
structure was a steamboat builder. It is not known if he constructed steamboats in this
building but steamboat parts were found in the building.
Councilmember Weidner stated it seems like a waste of money to do a designation study,
especially if the Council does not follow the advice of people it designates as experts.
Councilmember Junker stated for the record, the HPC was told there might be a reduction
in the cost of the study because of the area (garage only) to be studied.
Councilmember Polehna agreed that it seems a waste if the Council is not going to follow
the advice of the firm chosen do to a study.
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to grant the
demolition permit for the garage at 116 Harriet Street North. Motion failed.
Ayes: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
Nays: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins and Junker
Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to order a designation
study for the garage at 116 Harriet Street North. Motion passed
Ayes: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins and Junker
Nays: Councilmembers Weidner and Polehna
NEW BUSINESS
Lumberjack Days 2019 Parking Request
City Clerk Wolf reported that the organizers of Lumberjack Days would like to reserve
parking Lot 3 as a valet lot for Water Street Inn guests. In the past, the City allowed parking
Lot 4 to be used for Water Street Inn guests, while their lot was being used for the event.
However,this year with MnDOT's construction items and limited access to Lot 4,they would
like to use Lot 3. The request was reviewed by the Downtown Parking Commission at their
June 20 meeting.The Commission recommends a reservation of 22 spaces and a reservation
fee for 4 days, according to the 2019 fee schedule (total cost would be $264).
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to approve the
request for Lumberjack Days to reserve 22 spaces in Lot 3,waiving the fee.All in favor.
Ragnar Relay Event
City Clerk Wolf stated that an application was received for the Ragnar Relay to be held
August 16, 2019. This is a long distance running event consisting of approximately 450
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City Council Meeting July 2, 2019
teams of runners starting in St. Paul and ending in Duluth with many stops along the way.
Two of those stops are in the City of Stillwater. This event has been held in Stillwater for
over 15 years.The event would run through Stillwater during the early morning hours with
little impact to the City. This year the route, size of the event, and type of exchange point
have changed.The Council needs to review the event and enter into an agreement.The event
will have a minor exchange stop at the Evangelical Church on Manning Avenue and a major
exchange stop in South Lowell Park.The Downtown Parking Commission had concerns with
the number of vans that would be involved. At the downtown Stillwater exchange there
would be the potential for around 300 vans around 10:30 a.m. If the Council wishes to
approve the special event they should pass a motion approving the 2019 Ragnar Relay event
and contract with Ragnar Events LLC, subject to coordination of the event with the City's
Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works to meet the City's requirements.
Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve the 2019
Ragnar Relay event and contract with Ragnar Events LLC.All in favor.
COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS
Councilmember Polehna stated the Council will be leading the Lumberjack Days parade.
ADJOURN
Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. All in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
c
Ted Kozlowski,,lVlayor
ATTEST:
Beth Wolf, City Clerk
Resolution 2019-077, approving the Minnesota Historical Society Minnesota
Historical &Cultural Heritage Grant acceptance form
Resolution 2019-078, approving revisions to City of Stillwater Employment Policy
Manual due to new Minnesota Wage Theft Law
Ordinance 1128, an ordinance repealing Section 35-25(d) regarding regulations for
commercial lawn fertilizer applicators of the Stillwater City Code
Ordinance 1129, 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
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