City Council Minutes 02-09-1987MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 9, 1987 - 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Fran Fair, Bill Fair, Arve Grimsmo, Warren Smith,
Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: None.
2. Approval of Minutes.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Bill Fair, to approve the
minutes of the regular meeting held January 26, 1987. Councilmember
Warren Smith noted that in the minutes of January 26 under item seven
concerning the conditional use permit for dispensing automotive fuel
at the proposed convenience store site, the minutes referred to the
notation that two areas in Monticello having contamination from gasoline
spillage and that only the Standard Station was noted in the minutes.
As a result, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Bill Fair,
and unanimously carried to amend the minutes pertaining to this item
to include the notation that the second contaminated site was the
old bulk storage site now occupied by the new City Fire Hall. The
original motion to approve the minutes as amended was unanimously
carried.
3. Citizens Comments/Petitions, Requests and Complaints.
Mr. Steve Sunt, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager for PSG, Inc.,
presented to the City Council a refund check of $3,196.07 covering
the unused portion of the repair and maintenance budget for the year
1986. The City of Monticello contracts with PSG for maintenance
and operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the contract
calls for a refund of any unused portion of the repair and maintenance
budget.
4. Continuation of a Public Hearing on an Amendment to the Tax Increment
District #5 Finance Plan.
At the last meeting in January, a public hearing was held for the
purpose of amending the Tax Increment District #5 Finance Plan that
would allow for the construction of a 24 -unit and a 30 -unit apartment
building. The proposed tax increments would be sufficient to pay
for a $490,000 construction improvement project providing street
and utilities.
The original public hearing was continued to allow the other taxing
jurisdictions such as the school district and Wright County the opportunity
to comment on the Tax Increment District Plan. Hearing no comments
from the public, the public hearing was closed.
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Council Minutes - 2/9/87
Motion was therefore made by Bill Fair, seconded by Dan Blonigen,
and unanimously carried to adopt a resolution amending the Finance
Plan for Tax Increment District #5 as presented. See Resolution 87-4.
5. Consideration of Approving Plans and Specifications for Public Improvements
in Construction Five Subdivision and Authorizing a Call for Bids.
The consulting City Engineer prepared plans and specifications for
the improvements to Lauring Lane, Washington Street, and Fallon Avenue
in the area of the Construction Five Tax Increment Project. The
project consists of construction of a new section of Lauring Lane
through the gravel pit ending near the current civil defense siren
site on Fallon Avenue. In addition, Fallon Avenue will be upgraded
to a 36 -foot roadway with curb and gutter with a new entrance approximately
75-100 feet south of the existing entrance near the railroad tracks
and Washington Street.
Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously
carried to adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications
as presented and authorizing an advertisement for bids. See Resolution 87-5.
6. Consideration of Ratifying the Appointment of Mr. Al Larson to the
Monticello HRA.
Recently, the HRA recommended appointment of Mr. Al Larson to fill
a vacancy on the HRA committee.
Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Blonigen, and unanimously
carried to ratify the appointment of Mr. Al Larson to fill the vacancy
on the Monticello HRA, whose term will expire December 31, 1988.
7. Discussion on Invitation from Scandinavian Window Company.
Mayor Grimsmo informed the Council that the Scandinavian Window Company,
which has indicated it plans to build a facility in Monticello, has
extended an invitation to the Mayor, City Administrator, and Economic
Development Director, to visit Norway and their window facilities
in that country May 2 through May 9, 1987. Mayor Grimsmo noted that
the expenses for the trip would be paid for by the window company,
and it was the consensus of the Council that the invited representatives
of the City be allowed to attend.
8. Consideration of Final Payment to Lindberg Paint Company.
Recently, Lindberg Paint Company refinished the City Hall roof beams
and decking. During the project, some extra cleaning work had to
be completed because of overspray of materials. Mr. Lindberg's insurance
company was responsible for the clean up and hired Service Master
of Monticello. The final cleaning had been completed by Service
Master; and as a result, Mr. Lindberg requested final payment on
his work.
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Council Minutes - 2/9/87
City staff members noted that the clean up process seemed completed;
and as a result, motion was made by Blonigen, seconded by Fran Fair,
and unanimously carried to approve the final payment to Lindberg
Paint Company for the ceiling refinishing project in the amount of
$4,897.
9. Discussion on Post Office Expansion Proposal.
Mayor Grimsmo noted that the City of Monticello has received notice
from the Postal Service indicating the proposed plans for an expansion
of the present Post Office facility or the building of a new larger
facility at a new site in Monticello. The Postal Service would like
to have at least 53,000 square feet of land to build a new 12,000 square
foot building or acquire additional land at the present site for
expansion. The three proposals currently under consideration are
as follows:
1. Build a new building on a new site to be owned by the Postal
Service.
2. Build a new building on a new site to be owned by a developer
who then leases to the Post Office.
3. Expand the present facility and purchase additional land adjacent.
City Administrator Eidem noted in contacts with the local Postmaster
that they are agreeable to meet with City representatives to discuss
the possibility of expansion at the present site, but he noted that
the Postal Service is not sure expansion of the present site would
be as feasible as building a new facility somewhere else.
10. Consideration of an Offer to Purchase the Old Fire Hall Building.
Dr. C.A. McCarty submitted an offer of $65,100 to purchase the old
fire hall site on Cedar Street. City Administrator Eidem noted that
the City's appraisal on the property was adjusted to $93,000 and
noted that recently the City did receive an offer of $93,000 from
Mr. Wayne Brinkman of National Bushing Company which did fall through
due to problems being located near the City's well. As a result,
it was recommended that the purchase for $65,100 be rejected.
The Council discussion turned to whether the City should actively
seek selling the property or whether the property will be needed
by other City departments such as water. Councilmember Blonigen
didn't think the location was suitable for the Public Works Department
to use and would be better suited for other commercial or retail
activities in the downtown area.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that
Mr. McCarty's offer be rejected and directed the staff to locally
advertise the building for sale at the appraised value of $93,000.
In addition, the Public Works Department was instructed to place
for sale signs on the building.
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Council Minutes - 2/9/87
11. Consideration of Sharing in the Improvement Cost of Extension of
Highway 25 from River Street to the New Mississippi River Bridge.
A resolution was presented for Council consideration that would provide
for a wider trunk highway from River Street to the Mississippi River
as part of the planned MN/DOT improvements. A resolution indicates
that the City would share in the extra improvements requested consisting
of curb, gutter, base, surfacing, and storm sewer for that portion
of Highway 25 extending from River Street to the bridge entrance.
Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously
carried to adopt the resolution. See Resolution 87-3.
Rick Wolfste ler,
Assistant Admini`;trator
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