Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-20 CC MINi 1 lvva ter The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 20, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Collins, Junker, Odebrecht, Polehna Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator McCarty City Attorney Land City Clerk Wolf Community Development Director Gladhill Finance Director Provos Fire Chief Glaser Police Chief Mueller Public Works Director Sanders Assistant Public Works Director Abdullah PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kozlowski led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. RECOGNITIONS OR PRESENTATIONS Proclamation - Stillwater Area High School Softball Player Allison Benning Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation honoring Allison Benning for her accomplishments as a member of the Stillwater Area High School Girls Fast Pitch Softball team, and the 2021 Star & Tribune and Pioneer Press East Metro Softball Player of the Year. Proclamation - North Carolina State Baseball Player Austin Murr Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation recognizing Stillwater Area High School graduate Austin Murr, junior first baseman for the North Carolina State University baseball team and 2021 Gold Glove 1st base winner for the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings. Council Service Award to Carla Severson for Donation of Automatic External Defibrillators (AE D's) Mayor Kozlowski presented Carla Severson with a certificate of appreciation for donating three AEDs to the City. After witnessing a person being helped by a defibrillator last year, Ms. Severson decided to take donations instead of birthday presents this year and contributed $3,700 to purchase defibrillators. Oath of Duty Presentation for Officer Brandon Crosbie Police Chief Mueller gave the oath of duty to Officer Brandon Crosbie with his family present. City Council Meeting July 20, 2021 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Award of Excellence for North Aiple Park (Lumberjack Landing) Master Park and Vegetation Management Plan JJ Williams of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association presented the 2020 Award of Excellence to the City for the North Aiple Park plan. He explained the work of the MRPA. Resolution 2021-093, Resolution Supporting Designation of the City of Stillwater as a Donate Life City in Partnership with LifeSource Councilmember Odebrecht recognized Susan Larson, strategy lead for LifeSource. He spoke of his family's experience of losing a brother/son to a tragic accident in Stillwater a number of years ago and the choice to donate his organs. Six recipients are alive today because of receiving his organs. He noted also, Doug Lacher of Stillwater is a heart recipient. Jim and Marilyn Opp spoke of the benefits of organ donation. Brenda Welch, LifeSource, gave background information on organ donation. Mayor Kozlowski encouraged everyone watching to choose organ donation. Councilmember Odebrecht read the resolution noting Stillwater is the first city in the nation to become a Donate Life City. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2021-093, Resolution Supporting Designation of the City of Stillwater as a Donate Life City in Partnership with LifeSource. All in favor. Resolution 2021-094, Stillwater Human Rights Award - Dr. Peter Ulland Mayor Kozlowski read a proclamation summarizing the activities of Dr. Peter Ulland benefitting many of the less fortunate in the immigrant/refugee community since 1979 when he became Stillwater's first OB-GYN physician. Dr. Ulland shared his thoughts on being inspired to help others and how the Anuak community has enriched his life. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt Resolution 2021-094, Stillwater Human Rights Award - Dr. Peter Ulland. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. STAFF REPORTS Public Works Director Sanders gave construction project updates. The Utilities Commission is discussing a possible water restriction policy. Councilmember Junker praised the public works team on the completion of the Pioneer Park stairs and railing replacement project. Police Chief Mueller gave updates on Department duties and community engagement. Thefts have increased significantly. He reminded residents to call 911 about suspicious activity. The Department continues to address handling of mental health crises. Fire Chief Glaser reported there was a structure fire on Oak Street West. Burning restrictions may be implemented soon. Finance Director Provos stated the American Rescue Act funding request has been submitted. First distributions are anticipated starting next week. Page 2 of 5 City Council Meeting July 20, 2021 Community Development Director Gladhill stated he continues to visit businesses and get acquainted with the community. The Tax Committee will meet to review a tax increment financing request by 200 Chestnut Street. The Central Commons Tax Abatement application is before Washington County. The plan for the Chestnut Street Plaza should be completed soon. City Clerk Wolf stated the next Council meeting will be August 10. She reminded the Council of the Boards and Commissions picnic August 11. City Administrator McCarty informed the Council the budget process is underway. The Council budget workshop is August 17. CONSENT AGENDA July 6, 2021 Recessed Meeting Minutes Payment of Bills Resolution 2021-095, Resolution Approving Amendment to Legal Services Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Kelly & Lemmons, P.A. Resolution 2021-096, Resolution Approving Amendment to Legal Services Agreement between the City of Stillwater and LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. Our Community Kitchen Outdoor Market Event at Ascension Church Cafezinho New On -Sale with Sunday Sales Liquor License Ordinance 1169, Zoning Text Amendment and Historic Use Variance at 626 4th St N. (CPC Case No. 2021-37) Resolution 2021-097, A Resolution Ending the Covid-19 Local Emergency Gambling Premise Permit for VFW Post 323 Auxiliary at Mad Capper Greeley Street Lift Station Improvements Project Final Payment Parking Lot Project Correction Sanitary Sewer Adjustments Councilmember Odebrecht congratulated the Council and staff on handling of the COVID emergency. Motion by Councilmember Junker, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Council Meeting Date Change Due to Election City Clerk Wolf stated that, due to a special school district election this year, the Council must change its meeting date from November 2 to November 9, 2021. Motion by Councilmember Collins, seconded by Councilmember Odebrecht, to change the November 2, 2021 meeting to November 9, 2021. All in favor. Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting July 20, 2021 Fire Department Paid -On -Call Salary Proposal Fire Chief Glaser presented a proposed pay increase for paid on -call firefighters, who have not received an hourly pay increase for over eight years. The proposed adjustment equates to a 3% increase per year for the last eight years. It is equitable to the salary adjustments received by other City staff annually. A budget increase will not be required. City Administrator McCarty added that staff recommends approval of the request. Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Collins, to approve the Fire Department Paid On -Call Salary increase. All in favor. 2021 Sidewalks Rehabilitation Project Feasibility Report and Call for Hearing Assistant Public Works Director Abdullah reviewed the feasibility report for 2021 sidewalk rehabilitation. 27 properties are proposed for sidewalk repair. The estimated construction cost of the sidewalk portion is $45,540. It is proposed to assess 50% of the sidewalk costs at an assessment rate of $8.05 per square foot. The remaining share would be paid for by the City. If the feasibility report is approved, construction would occur in September/October 2021. Staff requests approval and authorization to proceed with the project. Motion by Councilmember Odebrecht, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adopt Resolution 2021-098, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 2021 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2021-06). All in favor. Councilmember Polehna asked staff to look into a citywide sidewalk and trail replacement program. 2021 Street Improvement Project Maryknoll Drive Update Mr. Abdullah stated that the City Council directed engineering staff to look into traffic calming options for Maryknoll drive. The City hired a consulting firm (SEH) to help prepare options, conduct a survey, and obtain input from residents about the proposed options. Two options were discussed in a public meeting with the residents. Option One would leave the street at 32 ft. wide, add traffic circles at the intersections with Bayberry and Interlachen, add chokers along Maryknoll and add two feedback speed signs. Option Two would reduce the street width to 28 ft., add traffic circles at the intersections with Bayberry and Interlachen, add chokers along Maryknoll and add two feedback speed signs. Most of the residents support option two. Traffic speed was one of the main concerns for residents along Maryknoll Drive. Traffic measurements show motorist speeds to be within the acceptable speed limits on the street. Staff recommends that following items be included as part of Maryknoll Drive Improvement: 1) Narrow road to 28 ft. width. 2) Add traffic circles at Bayberry and Interlachen. 3) Add two speed display signs between County Road 12 and Oakridge Road. 4) Place chokers as directed by the Engineer. 5) Add a sidewalk on the east side of Maryknoll between Interlachen and Oakridge, in a future project. 6) Consider a study of lowering speed limits on residential streets citywide to 25 mph. Public Works Director Sanders added that sidewalk on Maryknoll may not be included in the current project because it was not included in the feasibility study, so it would require another public hearing. Regarding speed limits, a few years ago the Minnesota Legislature Page 4 of 5 City Council Meeting July 20, 2021 gave cities the authority to lower speed limits to 25 mph on residential roads. The City could lower the speed limit to 20 mph but further study would need to be done in order to do so. Staff feels speed limits should be consistent throughout the City. If the Council wishes to consider 25 mph, staff may work toward that goal in 2022 after further study. Late today, staff received information that fire code requires that streets between 26-32 ft. wide must be designated no parking on one side. He would like to pass that info on to the Maryknoll residents and have further discussion with the Fire Department on which way to go because that is not how the project was presented to the residents. The residents favor the traffic circles, chokers and speed display signs, and staff is recommending a sidewalk on Maryknoll be considered for the future. It would be nice to have a sidewalk continue to the south to Croixwood Boulevard, which would require adding sidewalk not only to Maryknoll but also to Oakridge Drive at some point in the future. COUNCIL REQUEST ITEMS City Administrator Review Mayor Kozlowski acknowledged that the City Administrator's annual review was held earlier today and the review was excellent. He also thanked staff, Councilmembers, and volunteers for their tremendous efforts during the pandemic. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Polehna, seconded by Councilmember Junker, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. t 17 • Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: Resolution 2021-093, Resolution Supporting Designation of the City of Stillwater as a Donate Life City in Partnership with LifeSource Resolution 2021-094, Stillwater Human Rights Award - Dr. Peter Ulland Resolution 2021-095, Resolution Approving Amendment to Legal Services Agreement between the City of Stillwater and Kelly & Lemmons, P.A. Resolution 2021-096, Resolution Approving Amendment to Legal Services Agreement between the City of Stillwater and LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. Resolution 2021-097, A Resolution Ending the Covid-19 Local Emergency Resolution 2021-098, Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on 2021 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Project 2021-06) Ordinance 1169, Zoning Text Amendment and Historic Use Variance at 626 4th St N. (CPC Case No. 2021-37) Page 5 of 5