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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-05 CC MIN Si 1,\vater 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651 430 8800 _ J The Birthplace of Minnesota .) www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 5, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 4:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker and Polehna Councilmember Elect Odebrecht Absent: Councilmember Weidner Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Turnblad Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Interim Police Chief Jacobson Public Works Director Sanders Library Director Troendle OTHER BUSINESS St. Croix Curling Center City Administrator McCarty provided background on the effort to get a curling facility in Stillwater. Since the Council approved a resolution in May 2020 supporting the concept of a curling facility at the St. Croix Valley Rec Center, the St. Croix Curling Club (SCCC) has been working on the effort and is ready to update the Council. Jim Honsvall, president of SCCC, gave a slide presentation on the St. Croix Curling Center, which was formed in 2018 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Last month, their board passed a resolution in support of a partnership with the City for a curling center connected to the Rec Center. Collaboration with all users and stakeholders of the entire facility will be needed. The board has gone as far as it can go without formal involvement of the City.The next steps are to revise and finalize the design, prepare a comprehensive budget, get additional stakeholder and community input, put together a project team, and establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the Curling Center Board and other groups. SCCC proposes that the City lead and oversee the design process. Brad Kruse, SCCC fundraising chair, stated they envision a combined collaborative capital campaign using a short term pass through fund of the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation. However,fundraising cannot begin until they have a firmer grasp on what they are aiming for. Mr. Honsvall stated the key questions are: Is the Council supportive of exploring this further? Can City staff guide the next steps? Is the Council willing to lead development of a design and budget, and how can all interested stakeholders participate? City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 Mayor Kozlowski commented that before doing capital campaigns, usually a feasibility study is done. He would like a recommendation on how much City involvement is feasible, and some confirmation that it is a worthwhile effort, based on numbers in the community. This would be a major public works project for the City. Mr. Kruse replied that the SCCC Board intends to lead the feasibility study.They have a fairly long list of prospects and believe there is fundraising capacity for this project. Councilmember Junker noted that after the City Council gave concept approval in May, he thought the SCCC would proceed to get firm commitments from potential donors based on the concept of a curling center coming to Stillwater. He questioned what needs to be spent on concept plans to get to that point in fundraising; and Mr. Honsvall responded that at one time there was a possible estimate of$8-10 million for a curling club, but the uncertainties of connecting it to the existing building may increase the cost to $20-30 million. The SCCC felt there was not enough detail to go out and ask for money. Mr. Kruse pointed out that the SCCC has brought in more partners, including the hockey community who have additional ideas for improvements. They do not want to start a fundraising campaign to just focus on the curling center when there may be potential for a bigger campaign to make a number of other improvements to the Rec Center. Councilmember Junker stated he was surprised by the jump from $6-7 million,to more like $10-11 million, and now$20-25 million. Mr. Honsvall stated he does not feel the City will need to spend hundreds of thousands to take it to the next step, but it will be necessary to ask for the right amount when going to large donors. James Hanke,business development with Market&Johnson,stated with every project there are needs and wants.The rough estimate is greater than$21 million because everything has been included as a potential component of the project. The City, the Curling Club and the Rec Center need to winnow this design down to the real needs of the project. Having the City lead that process ensures input from the City and other core stakeholders. He believes the cost will be in the $20-30 million range. Councilmember Junker noted the numbers are more than triple what was discussed earlier. Councilmember Polehna pointed out that a self contained curling center would be much cheaper, but early on, the Council told the SCCC this has to be for the entire community, not just curling. Councilmember Junker recalled that a co-mingled refreshment/kitchen area was discussed. Councilmember Polehna stated new high school boys and girls locker rooms, a possible weight training room, exercise rooms and community rooms were also discussed. Mr. Honsvall noted that connecting it to a public building means certain codes must be met. A standalone building may have been built for $8 million, but adding it to the existing building with shared usage areas greatly increases the cost. Councilmember-Elect Odebrecht asked what is the minimum needed to get a realistic cost estimate; and Mr. Hanke answered that between $20,000-30,000 will allow the SCCC to retain a design expert to refine the design so viable cost estimates can be developed. Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 Mayor Kozlowski asked about the process for building the St. Croix Valley Rec Center; and Councilmember Polehna explained that when the Rec Center was built, it started out with a single sheet ice arena and the dome. The City took the lead on the design and worked with the Hockey Association, high school hockey coach and St. Croix Soccer Club. He stated his concern is more about what this facility will cost in the future to operate and maintain. The Rec Center is the only City arena and dome in the State of Minnesota that is running in the black, thanks to manager Doug Brady. He supports the project and feels the money can be raised, but he would like to see an operating statement of what this facility will cost to operate. Mr. Honsvall stated he could provide a spreadsheet with the curling budget, but the shared costs will be harder to estimate. Mr. Hanke added that it is assumed that the curling component of the project would pay for itself via memberships and other activities. The connecting piece is a revenue generating component. Mayor Kozlowski asked if the City has a funding mechanism for the $20-30,000; and City Administrator McCarty replied that would take some analysis. Typically if the Council undertakes a major capital project, there is consensus, it is planned for in the budget process, and input is received from all the stakeholders. He suggested that all the stakeholders be identified and somehow engaged, then a consultant could generate a Request for Proposals, which can come back to the Council and stakeholders with a range of cost options.This facility is not in the City's 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.The process needs to be firmed up to move forward and it will involve heavy staff workload, therefore some internal analysis of possible staff support is needed. Councilmember Polehna noted the group has already addressed all the user groups and they all have appointed a designated representative. Councilmember Junker reitereated that going from a$10-12 million project to a$30 million project is a huge difference. He questioned what the City is getting for that: the same eight ice sheets for curling; a year round restaurant; and expensive locker rooms and community rooms. Councilmember Polehna noted that when the Rec Center was built, he heard the same concerns. It is now paid for. He is more concerned about the pro-forma, and whether the facility will be able to generate $200,000 a year in revenue. Mr. Hanke stated a pro-forma is critical to analyze operating revenue. The discussion underscores the need for winnowing down the design and defining the real needs and wants of the project. Mayor Kozlowski commented it would be an amazing project, but he wants to be cautious and not turn something that has been successful into a black hole. He would like to move forward and have staff come back with options on the best way to put the next steps together. Doug Brady,manager of the Rec Center,commented that if done correctly this project would be a nice asset for the community. It depends on how much debt service is involved and how much the community can support it. Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 Mr. McCarty suggested the Council direct staff to develop scenarios for a way to move forward, and analyze City resources available to do an existing conditions and conceptual design RFP. He would like to talk to City staff, identify those things and come back with a conceptual process plan for the Council to discuss. Council consensus was to direct staff to prepare a process plan (no motion was made). STAFF REPORTS Interim Police Chief Jacobson commended Officer Zach Lund for assisting a resident stuck in the snow. He reported that many DUIs were issued and a suicide occurred over the holidays,the third since October. Mayor Kozlowski thanked Chief Jacobson for his service. Fire Chief Glaser stated that department staff received the first round of COVID vaccine. He informed the Council that retired Assistant Fire Chief Bob Barthol passed away. City Administrator McCarty stated the King Plant Advisory Panel meetings are on hold until June.The Water Department has transitioned into Public Works as of January 1,2021.Water Department employees are now City employees.There is no City lobbyist for 2021,however the City will provide support to Washington County in its efforts for County Road 5 access to the Browns Creek Trail. Staff will draft a resolution for Council review. Councilmember- Elect Odebrecht voiced concern about safety at Neal and McKusick, which needs a crosswalk. Mr. McCarty recognized Interim Police Chief Jacobson for his service to the City. Chief Mueller will start on Monday. Library Director Troendle reported that the Library will be displaying 30 historic photos along the path in Lowell Park in late January-February. RECESS Mayor Kozlowski recessed the meeting at 5:50 p.m. RECESSED MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. SWEARING IN CEREMONY City Clerk Wolf gave the oath of office to Councilmembers Dave Junker and Larry Odebrecht. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Polehna and Odebrecht Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Turnblad Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Interim Police Chief Jacobson Public Works Director Sanders Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Certificate of Appreciation - Councilmember Tom Weidner Mayor Kozlowski and the Council recognized outgoing Councilmember Tom Weidner for his eight years of service as Ward 3 Councilmember. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2021-001, Resolution Commending Tom Weidner -Ward 3 Councilmember. All in favor. Acknowledging Promotion - Sergeant Hunter Julien Interim Police Chief Jacobson acknowledged the promotion of Officer Julien to Sergeant. Sgt. Julien thanked the Department, the Council and his family. Life Saving Award - Sergeant Dan Young, Officer Michael Mallet and Officer Brian Tennessen Chief Jacobson and Captain Meredith presented Sgt. Young, Officer Mallet and Officer Tennessen with a Life Saving Award for assisting with a call of a possible suicide. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA December 15, 2020 regular meeting minutes Payment of Bills Resolution 2021-002, resolution approving the City of Stillwater 2021 Fee Schedule Resolution 2021-003, resolution granting License to Patricia Wolf for the Operation of Multi-Person Cycle Tours on City Streets in 2021 and rescinding Resolution 2019-148 Ordinance No. 1157,Amending Stillwater City Code Sec 33-1 Subd. 6,Adopting the State Building Code Time Limits Brian's Bocce Ball Event Resolution 2021-004, Designating a Responsible Authority and Assigning Duties in accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2021-005, a resolution approving the Following City Employees as the Official Designated City Authority to Make Electronic Funds Transfers Resolution 2021-006, Designation of Depositories for 2021 Resolution 2021-007, Resolution Adopting Written Statement of Reasons for Denial pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, §15.99, Subd. 2, for a Side Yard Setback Variance to Allow Construction of an addition on the Property located at 313 Pine Street West, Planning Case No. 2020-59 Resolution 2021-008, approving Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible Reimbursement as approved by Human Resources Rec Center Camera Contract Amendment for St. Croix Soccer Club Sanitary Sewer Adjustments Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 Resolution 2021-009, approving the 2021-2022 Labor Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Firefighters Local 1049 Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS CPC Case No. 2020-54 Zoning Map Amendment and Preliminary Plat for proposed subdivision White Pine Ridge at 12950 75th Street. Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Jon Whitcomb of Browns Creek West LLC has submitted an application for rezoning, preliminary plat and associated variances for a 14-lot single family development to be known as White Pine Ridge. The site is located at 12950 75th Street North and contains 8.81 acres owned by Whitcomb and .24 acres (10,264 square feet) of property owned by the Lohmer Trust. The smaller parcel of land, located directly to the east, is proposed to be used exclusively as right-of-way. The applicant requested approval of the following: 1) rezoning of the property from AP, Agricultural Preserve, to TR, Traditional Residential 2) Preliminary Plat known as White Pine Ridge for 14 single family lots; 3) Variances: a) a 25'variance to the 100' setback from CR 12 for Lot 1, Block 1; and b) a 250'variance to the 600' maximum cul-de-sac length. The Planning Commission recommended Council approval of the Zoning Map Amendment and Preliminary Plat; denied the setback variance; and approved the cul-de-sac variance with the caveat that the Preliminary Plat is approved by the Fire Department or the new homes will contain fire suppression systems. While the 845' cul-de-sac's length exceeds 600' from CR 12, it will not exceed 600' from the future right-of-way that will extend to the east in the future. Assistant Fire Chief Tom Ballis has indicated that in this case where future development will occur, the longer cul-de-sac is permissible at this time. The Parks Commission recommended on a 6-1 vote to accept park and trail dedication fees, and an easement on Lot 1,in lieu of public land and improvements pursuant to Ordinance 963. City staff finds the proposal to be substantially consistent with the Stillwater Comprehensive Plan, the plans of jurisdictions with standing, and with the City's development standards and therefore recommends approval of the rezoning and Preliminary Plat with 31 conditions. Councilmember Junker asked about the name change where Northland crosses Highway 12; and Mr. Turnblad replied that Washington County recommends a name change to eliminate confusion, and the developer has agreed to do that with the final plat. Public Works Director Sanders added that Myrtle is the dividing line between North and South,yet Northland Avenue does not have a North and South designation. Councilmember Polehna asked about forcing traffic onto Maryknoll with this development; and Mr.Turnblad replied that this development should not dramatically increase traffic into the Maryknoll neighborhood. Mayor Kozlowski opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2021-010, a resolution approving a Preliminary Plat for White Pine Ridge, Case Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 No. 2020-54 with the 31 staff-recommended conditions, and to approve first reading of an Ordinance Amending the Stillwater City Code Section 31-300 entitled Establishment of Districts by rezoning approximately nine acres to TR, Traditional Residential.All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Designation of Vice Mayor Mayor Kozlowski recommended Councilmember Polehna as Vice Mayor. Motion by Mayor Kozlowski, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to adopt Resolution 2021- 011, Designating Council Vice Mayor for 2021. All in favor. Council Representative Appointments to Boards and Commissions Councilmember Collins stated he would like to be appointed to the Fire Relief Association. Councilmember Odebrecht agreed to be appointed to the Planning Commission. All other appointments will remain the same as 2020. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to adopt Resolution 2021-012, Council Representative Appointments to Boards and Commissions. All in favor. Enacting City Code Chapter 34 Utilities Commission City Administrator McCarty stated that with the incorporation of the Water Department into the Public Works Department,the Utilities Commission has replaced the Water Board. This Chapter of the City Code articulates the roles and responsibilities of the Utilities Commission. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve first reading of an Ordinance enacting Chapter 34 of the City Code of the City of Stillwater regarding the establishment of a Utilities Commission.All in favor. Downtown Ice Rink Event City Clerk Wolf informed the Council that Summer Tuesdays/Water Street Inn has applied for a special event permit to install a public ice rink in parking lot 4 (east side of Water Street Inn). When not being used for events, it will be open for public skating. The organizer is requesting the use of parking lot 4,help with removal of snow piles from outside of the rink, extension of Water Street Inn's On-Sale liquor license over lot 4, picnic tables and benches, trash receptacles,water to flood the rink,possible power usage and waiver of any associated City costs and fees. Due to the timing of this request, the application is not able to be reviewed by the Downtown Parking Commission or Utilities Commission, and is therefore brought directly to the Council for review. An event contract will be brought back to the Council for review at the next meeting. To facilitate access to the Water Street Inn in the event of fire, the Fire Department recommends no parking be permitted on the east side of Water Street from Chestnut to Myrtle and along the south side of Myrtle from Water Street Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 to the gazebo. In order to allow Water Street Inn to expand their liquor sales over parking lot 4 during this event, a Temporary Outdoor Use Sales Permit must be granted. Staff suggests amending Water Street Inn's Temporary Outdoor Use Sales Permit to include the use of parking lot 4 with seven conditions. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2021-013, resolution approving amendment to Liquor License for Additional Temporary License Premises with the staff-recommended conditions.All in favor. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS Councilmember Junker stated that Washington County is now taking applications for business relief funds. He suggested businesses contact the Chamber and the County for assistance. Community Development Director Turnblad asked for clarification whether the motion to approve the Whitcomb Preliminary Plat included first reading of the rezoning ordinance. He asked for another vote. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2021-010, a resolution approving a Preliminary Plat for White Pine Ridge, Case No. 2020-54 with the 31 staff-recommended conditions, and to approve first reading of an Ordinance Amending the Stillwater City Code Section 31-300 entitled Establishment of Districts by rezoning approximately nine acres to TR, Traditional Residential.All in favor. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Collins,to adjourn.All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. • Te ozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: Beth Wolf, City Clerk Resolution 2021-001, Resolution Commending Tom Weidner- Ward 3 Councilmember Resolution 2021-002, resolution approving the City of Stillwater 2021 Fee Schedule Resolution 2021-003, resolution granting License to Patricia Wolf for the Operation of Multi-Person Cycle Tours on City Streets in 2021 and rescinding Resolution 2019-148 Resolution 2021-004, Designating a Responsible Authority and Assigning Duties in accordance with the State of Minnesota Data Practices Statute Resolution 2021-005, a resolution approving the Following City Employees as the Official Designated City Authority to Make Electronic Funds Transfers Resolution 2021-006, Designation of Depositories for 2021 Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting January 5, 2021 Resolution 2021-007, Resolution Adopting Written Statement of Reasons for Denial pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, §15.99, Subd. 2, for a Side Yard Setback Variance to Allow Construction of an addition on the Property located at 313 Pine Street West, Planning Case No. 2020-59 Resolution 2021-008, approving Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible Reimbursement as approved by Human Resources Resolution 2021-009, approving the 2021-2022 Labor Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Firefighters Local 1049 Resolution 2021-010, a resolution approving a Preliminary Plat for White Pine Ridge, Case No. 2020-54 Resolution 2021-011, Designating Council Vice Mayor for 2021 Resolution 2021-012, Council Representative Appointments to Boards and Commissions Resolution 2021-013, resolution approving amendment to Liquor License for Additional Temporary License Premises Ordinance No. 1157,Amending Stillwater City Code Sec 33-1 Subd. 6,Adopting the State Building Code Time Limits Page 9 of 9