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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-17 CC MIN ; , (" r r ~ -' CITY OF STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 98-7 March 17, 1998 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kimble. Present: Councilmembers Bealka, Cummings, Thole, Zoller and Mayor Kimble Also present: City Coordinator Kriesel City Attorney Magnuson Finance Director Deblon Community Development Director Russell City Engineer Eckles Administration Secretary Holman Press: Julie Kink, Courier Mark Brouwer, Gazette APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka approving the minutes of the March 3, 1998 Regular Meeting. All in favor. PETITIONS. INDIVIDUALS. DELEGATIONS & COMMENDATIONS Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Thole approving the proclamation presented Sarah Houge, 1997-98 Miss Deaf Minnesota, supporting her efforts to become Miss Deaf America. All in favor. STAFF REPORTS Finance Director Deblon reported that the City of Stillwater has a capitalization threshold of $200 for fixed assets purchased. She explained that the Government Finance Officers Association recommends the following guidelines in establishing capitalization thresholds for fixed assets: I) 2) 3) 4) 5) Fixed assets should be capitalized only if they have an estimated useful life of at least two years following the date of acquisition. Fixed assets capitalization thresholds should be applied to individual fixed assets rather than a group of fixed assets. Capitalization thresholds should be designed to encompass approximately 80 percent of govermnent's total non-infrastructure assets. A govermnent should not establish a capitalization threshold ofless than $1,000 for any individual item. Govemments should exercise control over their non-capitalized fixed assets by establishing and maintaining adequate control procedures at the department level. Ms. Deblon suggested that the City modify their policy to include these guidelines. , ' . , City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, 1998 (' Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka approving modification of the policy for capitalization oftixed assets to include the guidelines as recommended by the Govetnment Finance Officers Association. All in favor. Finance Director Deblon also reported that the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) performed an energy audit for the Lily Lake Ice Arena as part of the MN Ice Arena Energy Improvement Program and Northern States Power Local Govemment Program. A 50% grant from the State of Minnesota is available for energy improvement measures with a payback between two and ten years. There were six improvements recommended in the energy audit. Three of these improvements qualify for the grant and total $9,906.00. The other suggested improvements are not eligible for grant funds, but would reduce energy costs. Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Thole to adopt Resolution 98-72A approving the application for the grant funds on the three improvements that qualify and directing staff to obtain quotes on the other suggested improvements and return to Council with a recommendation. All in favor. (' Community Development Director Russell gave an update on the downtown parking program. The program will be run by Imperial Parking and be operated from May 15 to October II during the hours of9:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 9:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Sunday. A more reliable machine that takes up to $20 bills and makes change wil1 be used and two ticket booths will be set up at the two parking lots. The booths wil1 be attended Friday, Saturday and Sunday during peek times. Mr. Russell requests that Council approve the revised 1998 Downtown Parking Program. Karl Ranum from the Downtown Parking Commission also reported that the Commission has met several times to discuss the issues, complaints, and success of the program in its first year and feels that these ideas would greatly improve the program. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings approving the 1998 Downtown Parking Program. All in favor. , , Community Development Director Russell also presented information regarding purchase of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company land immediately west of Lowell Park by Mulberry Point. Catel1us Management Corporation has agreed to sell this land for $65,550.00 to the City. In addition, the City could purchase the property west ofPD Pappys and east of the Desch Building for an additional $53,590. The total purchase price would be $119,140. The purchase of both these properties would complete the Downtown Area Plan. The City has available $68,000 from the Elmore Lowell Trust to put toward this purchase. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings to adopt Resolution 98-72 authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Catellus Management Corporation to purchase both of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway properties and to use the funds available from the Elmore Lowell Trust as a source of funding. (' Ayes: Councilmembers Zoller, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. 2 . . , . City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, 1998 (' CONSENT AGENDA. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings approving the consent agenda. All in favor. I. Resolution 98-62: Directing Payment of Bills 2. Hang banner Aug. 28-Sept. 13, St. Mary's Church Wild Rice Festival 3. Waiver of garbage and collection charges, Application No. 98-1 4. 1-4 day temporary on-sale liquor license, Valley Chamber Chorale, April 24-26, 1998 5. Resolution 98-63: Purchase of cargo van from Brookman Motors - Parks Dept. 6. Purchase of two radar units, one protective vest, and five "stop sticks" - Police Dept. 7. Resolution 98-64: Approving abatement of assessments 8. Resolution 98-65: Approving abatement of assessments 9. Resolution 98-66: Approving abatement of assessments 10. Exemption from lawful gambling license - Church of St. Michael, July 18, 1998 II. 1-4 day temporary on-sale liquor license, Church of St. Michael, July 18, 1998 12. Purchase of fax machine - Finance Dept. 13. Contractors Licenses: Gabler Bros. Painting, Stillwater; Timberline Tree Service, Lake Elmo; Thermex Corporation, St. Louis Park PUBLIC HEARINGS (' I. Case No. SUB/98-9. This is the day and time for the public hearing to consider the resubdivision of Lot 6, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition lying easterly ofa line that begins on the north line of Lot 6 distant 14.95 feet westerly of the northeast comer to a point on the south line of Lot 6 distant 16.51 feet westerly of the southeast comer. Timothy J. Freeman, Folz, Freeman, Dupay & Associates, Inc., representing James Finnegan, 819 West Anderson Street, Applicant. Notice of the hearing was placed in the Stillwater Gazette on March 6, 1998 and mailed to affected property owners. Community Development Director Russell reported that the existing house was constructed on the property line 50+ years ago. The request is to move the western property line 14.95 feet farther west. The new lot will be approximately 7750 square feet. The Mayor opened the public hearing. There were no requests to be heard. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka adopting Resolution 98-67 approving the resubdivision of Lot 6, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition. (' Ayes: Councilmembers Zoller, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. 3 , ' City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, 1998 o 2. Case No. SUB/98-12. This is the day and time for the public hearing to consider the resubdivision of Lot 5, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition lying easterly ofa line that begins on the north line of Lot 5 distant 12.15 feet westerly of the northeast corner to a point on the south line of Lot 5 distant 15.62 feet westerly of the southeast corner. Timothy J. Freeman, Folz, Freeman, Dupay & Associates, Inc., representing Mark McGrorty, 813 West Anderson Street, applicant. Notice of the hearing was placed in the Stillwater Gazette on March 6,1998, and mailed to affected property owners. Community Development Director Russell reported that the existing house was constructed on the property line 50+ years ago. The request is to move the western property line 12.15 feet farther west. The new lot will be approximately 9600 square feet. The Mayor opened the public hearing. There were no requests to be heard. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka adopting Resolution 98-68 approving the resubdivision of Lot 5, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition. r Ayes: Councilmembers ZoJler, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. 3. Case No. SV/98-13. This is the day and time for the public hearing to consider the vacation of the east half of South Everett Street bounded on the north by the south line of West Anderson Street and bounded on the south by a line from the southwest corner of Lot 6, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition to the west line of said Lot 6. Timothy J. Freeman, Folz, Freeman, Dupay & Association, Inc., representing Tom O'Brien, 823 West Anderson Street, applicant. Notice of the hearing was placed in the StiJlwater Gazette on March 6, 1998, and mailed to affected property owners. Community Development Director Russell stated that the proposal is to vacate the east half of South Everett Street. The request is to extend the property located at 823 West Anderson Street 20 feet to the property line. The City Engineer has reviewed the request and recommends that the property be moved 10 feet to the west of the existing property line. The other 10 feet would become 5 feet of right of way and a 5 foot easement. Russell requests approval of the request as recommended by the City Engineer. The Mayor opened the public hearing. There were no requests to be heard. The Mayor closed the public hearing. ~ 4 , . City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, ]998 r Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka adopting Resolution 98-69 vacating part of platted South Everett Street. Ayes: Councilmembers Zoller, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Second reading or Ordinance No. 841 relating to the sale, possession, and use of tobacco, tobacco products and tobacco related devices (fIrst reading July 15, 1997) ~ City Attorney Magnuson explained that this is the final draft of the tobacco ordinance. This draft has been changed to eliminate the provision prohibiting employees under eighteen years of age to make sales. The provision on immediate license revocation was changed to provide that the license can be immediately revoked if a felony is committed on the premises by a licensee was modified to make it clear that the felony would have to be committed by the licensee. Mr. Magnuson also explained that there was come concern over vending machines not being allowed in bars. It was decided that if a bar is wiJling to sign an agreement stating that minors are prohibited from entering at all times, they would be able to keep the vending machines. r Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller approving Ordinance No. 841 relating to the sale, possession, and use of tobacco, tobacco products and tobacco related devices in the City and to reduce the illegal sale, possession and use of such items to and by minors as amended. All in favor. 2. Long Lake woodland protection efforts and review of open space program. I Community Development Director Russell stated that the Echo Green property is no lon~er 0 for consideration for purchase. He also stated that an Ad Hoc Open Space Committee h m et several times to discuss the woods and open space issue. They have put together an open program for Council review. Russell summarized the program. After some discussion it was decided that two elements would be removed from the program, item #3 -increasing open space interest on the Parks Board and item #6 placing an open space referendum on the ballot to l,lstablish an open space fund. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Bealka approving the Stillwater Open Space Program with the exception of Items # 3 and # 6. All in favor. Recessed at 8:20 p.m. Reconvened at 8:35. NEW BUSINESS 1. Request for participation in Federal Home Program administered by Washington County HRA. r Community Development Director Russell reported that in order to continue participation in the Federal HOME Program, the City needs to authorize Washington County HRA to administer the program for the City. 5 . . . . City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, 1998 (' Motion Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings approving Resolution 98-70 authorizing the execution of a joint powers consortium agreement, authorizing Washington County HRA to administer the program for the City. Ayes: Councilmembers Zoller, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. 2. Lease extension for Minnesota Transportation Museum for use of Engine No. 328. Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember Bealka tabling discussion of the lease extension agreement for Minnesota Transportation Museum until better language is included for return visits to the City of Stillwater by Engine #328 to the City. All in favor. 3. New gambling premises permit at Trumps Bar & Grill- Outreach Six Acres, applicant. , Mayor Kimble stated that Outreach Six Acres is applying for a gambling premises permit to seJ1 pull tabs at Trumps Bar and Grill. Their intent is to assist people with specialized needs in the local community in which the funds were raised. The gambling profits wiJ1 be used to benefit local charities in the City of Stillwater. r Motion by Councilmember Bealka, seconded by Councilmember Thole accepting Resolution 98-71 approving a Minnesota gambling premises permit for Outreach Six Acres at Trumps Deluxe Grill and Bar, 317 S. Main Street. Ayes: Councilmembers Zoller, Thole, Cummings, Bealka and Mayor Kimble. Nays: None. 4. Discussion of future Public Works organization structure and appointment of temporary street leadworker. City Engineer Eckles discussed the possibility of reorganizing the Public Works Department. With the retirement of George Diethart there is an immediate need to provide additional oversight of the Street Department. Mr. Eckles stated that staffhas been considering two short-term solutions I) informal changes in the relationship between Parks and Public Works and 2) promotion of a current Public Works employee to the position of Leadworker. Because a description of this position has not yet been completed it may be necessary to temporarily assign addition duties to one of the Street Department personnel until such time a formal job description and interviews for the position can be completed. Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Cummings directing staff to develop formal job descriptions and duties for the new position of Streets Leadworker and authorizing staff to assign additional duties along with additional pay as appropriate. All in favor. r" COUNCIL REOUEST ITEMS Mayor Kimble reported that Council met with the Library Board to discuss issues regarding the needs of the Public Library. 6 . .' . . City Council Meeting No. 98-7 March 17, 1998 (" Motion by Councilmember Thole, seconded by Councilmember Zoller directing staff to coordinate and participate on a task force to develop programs to resolve library issues (i.e. parking and building repair maintenance). All in favor. Councilmember Bealka requested that staff investigate the cost and procedure for becoming a member of the National League of Cities and return to Council with a recommendation. Mayor Kimble stated that Chris Baldus, Managing Editor of the Stillwater Evening Gazette requested that staff periodically write informational articles for the newspaper regarding City projects, issues, etc. in an effort to maintain better communication with the citizenry. Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by Councilmember ZoJ1er directing staff to periodically write informational articles for the StiJ1water Evening Gazette. All in favor. STAFF REPORTS (continued) Legislative Consultant Cain updated Council on various issues before the Legislature this session. Some of these issues include the prison wall reconstruction project, the Perro Creek flood project included in the Bonding Bill and the Federal ICETEA Bill. ADJOURNMENT r Motion by Councilmember Cummings, seconded by coun~ 0 adj in favor. ~ __ I Act; ng Mayor :14 p.m. All Atte4tb orh: ~ ~ f Act; ng City Clerk r Resolution 98-4)2: Directing Payment of Bills Resolution 98-63: Purchase of cargo van from Brookman Motors - Parks Dept. Resolution 98-64: Approving abatement of assessments Resolution 98-65: Approving abatement of assessments Resolution 98-66: Approving abatement of assessments Resolution 98-4)7: Approving the resubdivision of Lot 6, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition. Resolution 98-4)8: Approving the resubdivision of Lot 5, Block 14, Holcombe's Addition. Resolution 98-4)9: Vacating part of platted South Everett Street. Resolution 98-70: Authorizing the execution of a joint powers consortium agreement, authorizing Washington county HRA to administer the program for the City. Resolution 98-71: Approving a Minnesota gambling premises permit for Outreach Six Acres for Trumps Deluxe Grill and Bar, 317 S. Main Street. Resolution 98-72: Authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Catellus Management Corporation to purchase the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway property and the adjacent property and to use the funds available from the Elmore LoweJ1 Trust as a source of funding. 7