HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-21 CC MIN
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CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 98-16
July 21, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
7P,M.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kimble.
Present: Councilmember Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Zoller and Mayor Kimble
Also present: City Coordinator Kriesel
City Attorney Magnuson
Community Development Director Russell
City Engineer Eckles
City Clerk Weldon
Press: Julie Kink, Courier
Mark Brouwer, Gazette
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Thole to approve the Minutes
of July 7, 1998 Regular and Recessed Meetings. All in favor.
PETITIONS, INDIVIDUALS, DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS
Mayor Kimble noted the death of Maureen O'Brien Palmer during the morning of July
21, following a long-term illness due to stomach cancer. He stated that, although it is not
the practice of the City Council to read obituaries at the meeting, Stillwater had lost one
of its finest citizens. Maureen O'Brien Palmer will be remembered for her style of
hospitality at the Lowell Inn and her love of the community.
OPEN FORUM
Brent Peterson, Washington County Historical Society, requested the Mayor assist as an
umpire at the 1860's re-enactment baseball game to be held Saturday, July 25 at 2:30
p.m. at the old athletic field at 6th and Orleans. The event is part of the LumbeIjack Days
celebration. His uniform will be an1860's style black wool suit. The game will be
played according to rules of the period.
Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Thole directing Mayor Kimble
to umpire the 1860's re-enactment baseball game on July 25,1998. All in favor.
STAFF REPORTS
Community Development Director Russell reminded Council the CitylTownship Joint
Board will be meeting July 22 at 7 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka approving the Consent
Agenda. All in favor.
I. Resolution 98-182: Directing Payment of Bills
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
July 21, 1998
2. Resolution 98-183: Rescinding Resolution 98-178: Appointing Diane Adams-Grafto
Library Board '
3. Resolution 98-184: Appointing A. William Fredell to Library Board
4. Authorization to start hiring process for part-time fire fighter
5. Utility bill adjustments
6. Resolution 98-185: Memorandum of Understanding with Local No. 49, IOUE, AFL-CIO
7. Attendance of Shawn Sanders at American Public Works Assoc. National Conference
8. Resolution 98-186: Promotion of Stuart Glaser to Fire Captain, Part-time Paid, effective
8/1I98
9. Resolution 98-187: Part-time, temporary employment of Chris Kearney and John Buckley as
Building Inspectors on as-needed basis
10. Resolution 98-188: Agreement with Cardinal Tracking, Inc., for TickeTrak purchase,
service agreement, and software license
11. Resolution 98-189: Agreement with Coverall of the Twin Cities, Inc., for janitorial services
12. Authorization to Final Stretch, Inc. to hold portion of Gopher to Badger Half Marathon in the
City on Sunday, Aug. 16th, 1998
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Case No. SUPN/98-35. lbis is the day and time for the public hearing to consider an
appeal of the Planning Commission's decision for a request from Susan Smith for a
Special Use Permit for a home business and a variance for a number of employees at 430
S. Broadway St. in the RB Two Family Residential District. Notice of the hearing was
placed in the Stillwater Gazette on June 26, 1998, and notices mailed to affected property
owners. (Continued from July 2nd, 1998)
Community Development Director Russell reported the applicant has been conducting an
accounting business out of her home since 1991. She was not aware a Special Use Permit
was required. She has four full-time employees, no outside signage, no on-street parking
required, and supplies delivered about once every two months by a UPS truck. The Planning
Commission heard the business owner's hardship request and determined the business would
be allowed to exist until January I, 1999, and must conform to the Home Occupation Use
Permit after that date (one non-resident employee). An appeal of the Planning Commission
decision has been made by Nick Sparta, 438 S. Broadway.
The mayor opened the public hearing.
Nick Sparta, 438 S. Broadway, appellant, stated he was not opposed to the end result of the
business operating as is until January I, 1999, at which it must be in compliance with the
Home Occupation Use Permit. The process was flawed. lbis was a point of precedent. He
felt the Planning Commission had no grounds to grant a variance. They should have denied
the variance, but delayed enforcement until January I, 1999. Proper procedures would have
then been followed.
Susan Smith stated she has found space for the employees in the downtown area. She will be
applying for a permit to operate the business from her home; she will be the only employee.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
July 21,1998
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka to adopt Resolution 98-
190 overturning the decision of the Planning Commission by denying a variance for the number
of employees at 430 S. Broadway St. in the RB Two Family Residential District, and staying
enforcement until January 1, 1999.
Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Cummings and Mayor Kimble
Nays: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Possible second reading of Ordinance 863 amending City Charter by adding conflict of
interest provision (first reading July 7,1998).
Cummings stated he did not like the spirit of the ordinance. He felt it discourages those in
private practice to run for public office.
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to have a second reading
of Ordinance 863 amending the City Charter by adding the conflict of interest provision.
Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Cummings and Mayor Kimble
Nays: None
2. Update: Aiple PropertylKolliner Park master plan alternatives.
Community Development Director Russell introduced John Larson, SRF Consulting Group,
Inc., the consultant for the preparation of the Aiple property and Kolliner Park Master Plan.
Mr. Larson provided Council with a brief summary of the Master Planning process to date
and a summary of public comment.
Two public survey forms were prepared and distributed within the community. The first was
distributed through local newspapers, at City Hall, and at the first open house. The second
was distributed at the second open house on June 18 and mailed to interested parties. A total
of approximately fifty responses were received.
To encourage public discussion and comment, altemative park concepts (four for the Aiple
property and two for Kolliner Park) were developed and presented at the second open house
June 18th and to the National Park Service on July 2,1998. Somewhat more support was
received for Aiple Property Scheme A than the others. It maximizes green space, minimizes
parking and suggests demolition of the Terra building. Schemes C and D received some
support. C suggested relocating the Andiamo boat docks near the Terra building. D.
included the visitor center concept. Little support was expressed for B, which suggested
adaptive reuse of the Terra building into concessions and a picnic shelter and included a boat
launch with parking for 10 trailers. For the Kolliner site, Scheme B was generally supported.
It includes a swimming beach, picnic areas, and a reconstructed bathhouse to the south and
rustic camping to the north. A wildlife habitat development on the north end (shown in
scheme A) received strong support.
Mr. Larson recommended consolidating concept altematives into a preferred direction for
further study. He recommended dropping Schemes B and C. There does not appear to be
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
July 21, 1998
sufficient space for a boat launch at the south end of the site; there is also significant public
opposition to this use. It is also apparent that the parking demand cannot be met if the
Andiamo docks are relocated (Scheme C). Parking would tie up too much of the level land
offering river views.
He recommended a variation of Scheme A be developed as the Master Plan with an optional
proposal to include the Visitor Center proposed in Scheme D. The south end of the site
would be consistent with Scheme A,adding a possible rowing shell storage facility and no
more than IS parking spaces.
Mr. Larson also recommended Scheme A be pursued for Kolliner Park. It includes a
swimming beach, fishing pier and picnic area on the south end with planting for wildlife at
the north end. Vehicle access would be explored with the State of Wisconsin.
If authorized, detailed discussions with St. Croix County, the State of Wisconsin DOT and
the Army Corps of Engineers will be pursued. A presentation of the preliminary detailed
Master Plan with preliminary costs would be made jointly to the project Advisory Group, the
staff of the LSCMC agencies and the Corps of Engineers during the second half of August.
The plan would be brought to the public in a third open house in mid-September. The Master
Plan would be presented to the City Council on or about October I, 1998.
Council also discussed the need for public docking facilities and related parking issues.
No action was necessary at this time.
Recessed at 8:05 p.m. Reconvened at 8: 17 p.m.
3. Review of Change Orders for St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.
Community Development Director Russell presented an updated budget for the project. Dick
Olsen, construction manager, was present to answer questions and give an update schedule
for project completion.
He presented a request for Change Order No.7 for parking lot light fixtures and additional
storm sewer piping at a cost of$7,801 and Change Order No.8 for parking lot improvements
attributable to the Park and ride lot (reimbursable by MnDOT) in the amount of $14,497.
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka to adopt Resolution 98-
191 approval of Change Orders No.7 for parking lot light fixtures and additional storm sewer
piping and No.8 for parking lot improvements for the St. Croix Sports Complex.
Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Cummings and Mayor Kimble
Nays: None
City Coordinator Kriesel presented a memo from Tim Stefan regarding the bids received
for the security, sound, and telephone system. He requested authorization to issue a
purchase order in the approximate amount of$35,000 to Sentry Security for the security,
sound and telephone system for the sports complex. lbis item was included in the budget.
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
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Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka authorizing the issuance
of a purchase order in the approximate amount of $35,000 to Sentry Security for the security,
sound and telephone system for the sports complex. All in favor.
Community Development Director Russell requested Council determine the name for the
ice arena and field house. A determination is important for building signage and
consistent identification. The following names have been suggested or used: 1) St. Croix
Valley Sports Complex, 2) St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, 3) St. Croix Valley Sports
Center, and 4) use Stillwater Area rather than St. Croix Valley.
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to table the naming
of the new ice arena/field house to the August 4, 1998, meeting. All in favor.
4. Possible second reading of Ordinance 862 amending Chapter 31 of the City Code by
clarifying the Cottage Residential District (CR) regulations. (fIrst reading July 7,1998)
Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to have a second
reading of Ordinance 862 amending Chapter 31 of the City Code by clarifying the Cottage
Residential District (CR) regulations.
Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Cummings and Mayor Kimble
Nays: None
5. Discussion of 1998 Sidewalk Improvement Project.
Mayor Kimble commented on a memo from City Engineer Eckles which explained staff had,
using the City's criteria for sidewalk repairs, identified 18 properties around town in need of
significant sidewalk repair. Property owners were contacted and requested to sign a petition
and waiver requesting the City make the proposed improvement and agreeing to pay haIfthe
cost.
He recommended Council approve the 1998 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project to include the
repair of sidewalks on properties where a petition and waiver has been received.
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to adopt Resolution
98-192 accepting petitions and waivers and declaring adequacy of petition for the 1998 Sidewalk
Improvements and authorizing the City Engineer to obtain quotations.
Ayes: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Cummings and Mayor Kimble
Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS
I. Possible first reading of an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the North Hill
development.
City Engineer Eckles reported the City has seen a signifIcant increase in infill development in
very old neighborhoods. Typically the development is on a marginal piece of property with
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
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difficult development issues. The North Hill in particular is seeing significant attempts at
infill development.
The North Hill currently has no sanitary sewer and water in a very limited. The storm sewer
system is non-existent or wholly inadequate. Further development on marginal properties
will have a serious impact on the surrounding area and topography. Severe erosion, failed
septic systems, potholes, washouts, and minor flooding have occurred on the North Hill;
additional building and development will only increase the problems.
The ultimate solution will be a massive public improvement project. Until the City
completes a feasibility study or master plan for development on the North Hill, infill
development will create more problems and make existing problems more difficult to correct.
Staff is recommending the City Council pass a moratorium on all unsewered areas on the
North Hill.
Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by CounciImember Bealka directing the City
Attorney to prepare findings of fact to justify establishing a moratorium on new construction on
the North Hill. All in favor.
COMMUNlCA TIONS/REOUESTS
I. Letter from Diane Adams-Graf declining appointment to Library Board
A resolution rescinding her appointment was on the consent agenda.
2. Ed Stuart ~ Letter of appreciation
Mr. Stuart thanked the City for the services provided after the recent windstorms. He asked
that the employees who picked up and hauled away the tree branches from storm damage be
thanked for the great job. He stated he appreciated all the fine things the City Council and
staff are doing.
COUNCIL REOUEST ITEMS
Mayor Kimble asked staff to prepare a certificate of appreciation to Elayne Aiple for the
donation of the deck barge and the floating office vessel "Cayuga".
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings directing staff to
prepare a certificate of appreciation to Elayne Aiple for the donation of the deck barge and the
vessel "Cayuga". All in favor.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
City Coordinator Kriesel presented a request from Dave Eckberg, LumbeIjack Days
Festival Association, Inc., to use the City-owned barge for the 1998 Lumberjack Days. It
would be put in place on Thursday, July 23, and removed Monday, July 27.
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
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Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller approving the use of the
City-owned barge July 23rd -27th by the Lumberjack Days Festival Association for 1998
Lumberjack Days. All in favor.
City Coordinator Kriesel also reported the City of Bayport is requesting additional
amendments to the Central St. Croix Cable Communications Commission Joint Powers
Agreement (Cities of Bayport, Oak Park Heights, and Stillwater). Council previously
approved a minor amendment fixing the duration of the agreement to the duration of the
cable franchise. City Coordinator Kriesel recommended no additional changes be made
at this time.
Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Thole determining no further
amendments are necessary to the Central St. Croix Cable Communications Commission Joint
Powers Agreement. All in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
All in favor.
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Attest:
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City Clerk
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City Council Meeting No. 98-16
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Resolution 98-182: Directing Payment ofBilIs
Resolution 98-183: Rescinding Resolution 98-178: Appointing Diane Adams-Grafto Library
Board
Resolution 98-184: Appointing A. William Fredell to Library Board
Resolution 98-185: Memorandum of Understanding with Local No. 49, IOUE, AFL-CIO
Resolution 98-186: Promotion of Stuart Glaser to Fire Captain, Part-time Paid, effective 8/1/98
Resolution 98-187: Part-time, temporary employment of Chris Kearney and John Buckley as
Building Inspectors on as-needed basis
Resolution 98-188: Agreement with Cardinal Tracking, Inc., for TickeTrak purchase, service
agreement, and software license
Resolution 98-189: Agreement with Coverall of the Twin Cities, Inc., for janitorial services
Resolution 98-190: overturning the decision of the Planning Commission by denying a variance
for the number of employees at 430 S. Broadway St. in the RB Two Family Residential District,
and staying enforcement until January 1, 1999.
Resolution 98-191: approval of Change Orders No. 7 for parking lot light fixtures and additional
storm sewer piping and No.8 for parking lot improvements for the St. Croix Sports Complex.
Resolution 98-192: accepting petitions and waivers and declaring adequacy of petition for the
1998 Sidewalk Improvements and authorizing the City Engineer to obtain quotations.
Ordinance 863: amending the City Charter by adding the conflict of interest provision
Ordinance 862: amending Chapter 31 of the City Code by clarifying the Cottage Residential
District (CR) regulations.
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