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City Council Minutes 01-11-1988MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, January 11, 1988 - 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Arve Grimsmo, Fran Fair, Bill Fair, Dan Blonigen, Warren Smith Members Absent: None 2. Approval of Minutes. Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held December 14, ].987 . 4. Public Hearing on Downtown Streetscape Improvement. Mr. Geoff_ Martin of Consulting Planner, Dahlgren, Shardlow & Uban, Inc., presented for the Council and the public a brief overview of the proposed Monticello Downtown Rehabilitation Program known as the Streetscape Plan. Mr. Martin noted that a ten block area between Linn Street on the west and Palm Street on the east and River Street to the north and Third Street to the south was considered the project area with main emphasis being on improvements to sidewalk, lighting, and plantings on Broadway and Pine Streets. The first phase of the proposed improvement would include landscaping and improvements to the public parking lots in the downtown area, and the total cost was estimated at $640,000 with previous Council indication that approximately 20 percent or $130,688 would be assessed to the benefiting property owners. The project has been considered for a number of years and has recently been redesigned with input from a volunteer committee consisting of downtown business owners and tenants. After the brief presentation was completed, the public hearing was opened for comments. Mr. Leo Stokes expressed concern over the lost parking spaces that would result in the project designing of nodes in each block. Overall, he felt the project was too costly for the benefits received and that this type of public money should be spent on something else to improve the city. Jenny Hoglund questioned whether the tree plantings along Highway 25 and Broadway would project into traffic lanes which may be a hindrance to bus traffic. It was noted by the planner that typically the trees are pruned and would not cause a problem with traffic. Ms. Hoglund also felt this large of an expenditure for improvements should not be directed only to the downtown area but that other areas of the city need improvements such as sidewalks and street lighting, especially along Oakwood Drive which is becoming more populated with pedestrian traffic. 1 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 Mr. John Novak, owner of Big John's Bait, believed that the plantings and tree grates will only provide a place for garbage to accumulate and was also opposed to the nodes being designed which would take up much needed parking spaces along Broadway. In his opinion, maintenance cost for such items as snow removal, sweeping, and upkeep of the plantings will become a high cost for the City. Property owner, Lawrence Clausen, on West Broadway indicated opposition to the project in front of his property, as it is primarily residential in nature; and he didn't feel it would receive the same benefit as other commercial property in the area. He also questioned the idea of park benches being added along Broadway, as he feels it would cause a problem with loitering and the current problem with cruising. Property owner, Al Loch, noted that in his discussions with Mr. Muller, who owns the theatre, he was in favor of the nodes being established along Broadway especially in front of his establishment. Mr. Loch felt the downtown area needs improvements for business to compete and survive and that the project will be of benefit to all citizens if it enables the retail and commercial activities to thrive in Monticello. Mr. Loch also noted that if this particular plan is not constructed, in the near future most of the property owners will have to replace sidewalks anyway. He was definitely in support of the project and .felt the small cost to the average homeowner would only be in the range of $3 to $10 per year under the present assessment formula. Tis. Audrey Ross of the Comfort Inn expressed concerns over this type of a project being placed primarily on ad valorem taxes when they had to do their own landscaping when they developed their motel site. Mr. Doug Pitt emphasized for the Council that the general public will be responsible for most of the cost of this improvement and shouldn't be done without their approval. Mr_. Pitt noted that other business owners who have developed in recent years outside of the downtown area have paid their own way and didn't ask for taxpayers help for landscaping, etc., and he felt the downtown business owners should likewise be responsible for more of the cost of the project. Mr. Jim Metcalf, speaking for himself and property owner, Stan Douglas, opposed the project because of the cost involved and felt the project was too large and costly for what benefits will be received by the property owners. Mr. George Liefert and Scott Douglas both indicated that some of the proposed curbing and landscaping treatments may hinder freight delivery service to the downtown area and more study is needed to make sure more problems aren't created. 2 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 Sally Martie and Joyce Dowling both indicated that a beautification program such as this is needed to make the City of Monticello look nice and to make people proud of Monticello, as the first impression of many people coming into town is the downtown area. In addition, they noted that it's been 20-25 years since any type of renovation has occurred in the downtown area, and it's time to move ahead or the downtown will eventually die. Marn Flicker also indicated his support for the improvement concept, as he felt it was time to change and renovate the downtown area to provide a good image for the entire city. Mr. John Koppy questioned how much of the public parking lot improvements were being assessed to other property owners. It was his opinion that the improvements would just add to the loitering problem currently existing along Broadway and that the higher maintenance cost for the City would not be warranted. Mr. Doug Stokes felt the cost of the project was excessive for the benefit that would be received and also didn't feel the taxpayers of the city should have to pay for a majority of the improvements to the downtown area. Mr. Stokes also questioned a possible conflict of interest by some of the Council members who may have an interest in property downtown with the assessment ratio only being proposed at approximately 20 percent. Mr. Ken Larson indicated he wasn't convinced that a streetscape project would attract more people to the business community and that the payback to the property owners for the money spent on such an improvement would never occur. In addition, he noted that not all property owners in the downtown area were in favor of the project even at the 20 percent assessment level. Mr. Gary Hammer indicated support of a project concept but felt this particular design was too expensive and should possibly be scaled down to reduce the cost. Property owner, Keith Kjellberg, felt he was still paying for parking lot improvements in the downtown area completed 12 or 13 years ago and could not afford an additional expense for more improvements. Mr. John Gossen and Mrs. Stelton of Stelton's Laundromat opposed the project because of the cost. Mr. Vick Cohen felt the main issue is that something should be done to the downtown area or the retail community will eventually die if not renovated. At this point, Mayor Crimsmo entered into the record letters submitted by property owners in regards to the project. Mr. Kevin Fair of Fair's Garden Center opposed the project, as he felt it would not improve his property. Mr. Steve Johnson supported the project because it would enhance the business community and provide a quality image for Monticello. Mr. Lawrence Clausen suggested the project terminate in front of his property, as it is currently residential in nature, and he would not receive an equal benefit to other property owners. 3 Council Minute - 1/11/88 Mr. George Johnson of the Country Travel Store indicated support of the project although he had some concerns over some of the design specifications. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Topel opposed the project due to the enormous cost. Hearing no further comments, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to close the public hearing. 6. Consideration of Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications on Streetscape Project. After the close of the public hearing on the streetscape project, the Council then deliberated whether the project should proceed as planned or whether alterations should be made to the project design to reduce its scope and cost. Councilmember Bill Fair addressed the issue of a possible conflict of interest and indicated he had no interest in any property in the downtown area and did not feel his voting on the issue would be a problem. Mr. Fair felt the main issue is that some type of improvement will eventually be necessary in the downtown area and that the City has over the past number of years done many projects which have resulted in less than 100 percent assessments to the direct property owner and felt this type of improvement is still a public improvement which will enhance the entire community and, therefore, should be partially picked up on ad valorem taxes if it does proceed. Councilmember Blonigen felt that the project as proposed was too expensive for both the property owners and the taxpayers of the city and should be scaled down in design and cost. Councilmember Fran Fair supported the concept of a downtown improvement in that it is the Council's duty to do what's necessary to help preserve downtown retail activity. Councilmember Warren Smith supported the idea of improvements being warranted in the downtown area and noted that such an improvement is an investment in the city as a whole. Mr. Smith did note that he has some reservations about only 20 percent of the cost being directly assessed and recommended that design changes may have to be made to downscale the project, including elimination of the nodes along Broadway and possibly elimination of public parking lot improvements at this time. Mayor Grimsmo also agreed with the concept of improving the downtown area for the benefit of the entire community. He also supported the idea of reviewing a scaled down version of the project in an effort to lower the cost. After further discussion, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously carried to table any decision on the proposed improvement project at this time until the February 8 Council meeting at which time a revised design could be reviewed with a lower cost. In addition, the Council would at that time review the proposed assessment ratio for the project directly benefiting downtown property owners. 4 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 5. Public Hearing on Improvements to County Road 118, County Road 39, and the Water Systems. Mr. Chuck Lepak, Consulting Engineer, reviewed with the Council and the public the proposed improvements of sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer improvements for County Road 118 and County Road 39 to the easterly end of the city limits. In addition, he reviewed the proposed improvements to the water system, including a new deep well, pumphouse, and appurtenant equipment. The project as proposed would extend watermain from I-94 along County Road 118 and along the new realignment of County Road 39 terminating at the east boundary of the city. The estimated cost for the watermains was estimated at $316,500 with approximately $167,000 being assessable to benefiting property owners. Sewer extensions were proposed along East County Road 39 which would include the construction of a lift station and force main totaling $251,000. Storm sewer improvements along East County Road 39 would cost $70,000 with $16,800 being assessable to benefiting property owners. Other improvements proposed include $89,400 for a new well and $198,100 for a pumphouse. Mr. Lepak noted that the area along East County Road 39 could be served with a 10 -inch trunk sewer that would be capable of serving a total of 138 acres, some of which would be outside of the present city limits. If it was decided to expand the area that could be served by this trunk sewer system, it could be oversized to either a 12 -inch line which would accommodate a 298 acre area, or to an 18 -inch trunk line that could accommodate up to 868 future acres. The additional cost for oversizing the line to accommodate future growth would add $12,300 or $26,800 to the total sewer cost. The engineers then briefly outlined a typical assessment for benefiting property under this project. The estimated assessments for an 8 -inch sanitary sewer would be $28.50 per foot, an 8 -inch watermain at $24.75 per foot, and those areas receiving storm sewer benefit at $22.35 per foot. A typical lot along County Road 39 could have a $7,758 assessment if it received sewer, water, and storm sewer benefits, whereas a commercial lot that received water benefit only between County Road 75 and Mississippi Drive would be assessed approximately $28.00 per foot. Consulting Engineer, John Badalich, also reviewed with the Council the concept idea of also establishing an area assessment per acre for sanitary sewer improvements and water improvements. Mr. Badalich noted that improvement projects such as the one proposed for 39 will eventually benefit a large area and that typically communities establish an acre charge that is assessed to areas that will eventually benefit. The Council noted that an area assessment formula will be considered in the near future. 1 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 The public hearing was then opened to the public and those benefited by the proposed improvements, and no comments were received. As a result, the hearing was closed. 7. Consideration of Resolution Ordering Improvement to the Water System, County Road 118, and County Road 39, and Preparation of Plans and Specifications. After conclusion of the public hearing on the proposed improvements to County Road 39, the water system and County Road 118, Council discussed the merits of continuing the project. Councilmember Bill Fair noted that in his opinion the City would be short sighted if it did not consider the improvements at the present time since the County was in the process of upgrading and realigning County Road 39. After further discussion, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously carried to adopt a resolution ordering the improvement to the water system, County Road 118, and County Road 39 utility extension and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications for the project to include alternates pertaining to the sanitary sewer pipe size. See Resolution 88-1. 8. Consideration of Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications on Phase I of the Water System Improvement and Ordering Advertisement for Bids. As part of the previous item, plans and specifications for the construction of a deep well have been presented by the Consulting Engineer; and it was recommended that this portion of the plans be approved and ordered for advertising for bids. Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Dan Blonigen, and unanimously carried to approve the resolution approving plans and specifications for the new well and authorizing the Advertisement for Bids returnable January 25, 1988. See Resolution 88-2. 9. Consideration of Ordinance Amendment Regulating Snowmobile Operations. Council members reviewed proposed revisions to the snowmobile ordinance for the city which primarily clarified the hours of operation and to clearly state that snowmobile operations within the city limits for recreational use will not be allowed. The ordinance revisions also clarified that public parks are not available for snowmobile use and that snowmobiles shall be operated only on street surfaces and not within the boulevards or sidewalks for recreational uses. Operation of snowmobiles shall be only for a direct access in and out of the city from the owner's property. Motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously carried to adopt the ordinance amendment regulating snowmobile operations as amended. See Ordinance Amendment No. 160. 1.1 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 10. Consideration of Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for Purchase of Aerial Fire Truck. On December 28, 1987, the Fire Department received three bids for a new aerial fire truck as follows: The Fire Department Truck Committee has since reviewed the bids and recommended that the truck be awarded to the low bidder, MN Conway Fire Equipment, in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 fire truck for a $7,500 credit. Financing of the purchase will be determined by the Council at a later date for any amount needed above the funds available from the fire hall construction account. Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to accept the Fire Department recommendation and award the bid for the new aerial ladder truck to MN Conway Fire Equipment in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 Chev for $7,500. 11. Consideration of Entering a 1988 Maintenance Agreement with Wright County Highway Department. The City of Monticello annually performs routine maintenance such as snow and ice removal on certain portions of county state -aid highways within the City of Monticello. The County reimburses cities for all maintenance cost associated with county state -aid highways based on a per mile cost. The total cost reimbursement expected for 1988 would amount to $4,810. Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to approve entering into the maintenance agreement with Wright County on county state -aid highways. 12. Consideration of Adopting a Revised Schedule of Fees for Services, Licenses, and Permits. Annually, the City Council reviews the license and fee schedules for all activities that require licenses, permits, and other fees. It was recommended by the City Administrator that only minor changes be implemented for 1988 consisting of 1) an increase in the Sunday Liquor License fee from $100 to $200 to coincide with the statutory limit, and 2.) increase the animal impoundment fees and fine schedule for animals. It was recommended that the dog impoundment charge be $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second offense, and $50 for the third offense or more as the fine and an additional $6.75 for every day the animal is housed in the dog pound facility. 7 Trade-in Bidder Allowance Sutphen Corp. $8,500 Clarey's Safety Equip. $7,500 MN Conway Fire $7,500 The Fire Department Truck Committee has since reviewed the bids and recommended that the truck be awarded to the low bidder, MN Conway Fire Equipment, in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 fire truck for a $7,500 credit. Financing of the purchase will be determined by the Council at a later date for any amount needed above the funds available from the fire hall construction account. Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to accept the Fire Department recommendation and award the bid for the new aerial ladder truck to MN Conway Fire Equipment in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 Chev for $7,500. 11. Consideration of Entering a 1988 Maintenance Agreement with Wright County Highway Department. The City of Monticello annually performs routine maintenance such as snow and ice removal on certain portions of county state -aid highways within the City of Monticello. The County reimburses cities for all maintenance cost associated with county state -aid highways based on a per mile cost. The total cost reimbursement expected for 1988 would amount to $4,810. Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to approve entering into the maintenance agreement with Wright County on county state -aid highways. 12. Consideration of Adopting a Revised Schedule of Fees for Services, Licenses, and Permits. Annually, the City Council reviews the license and fee schedules for all activities that require licenses, permits, and other fees. It was recommended by the City Administrator that only minor changes be implemented for 1988 consisting of 1) an increase in the Sunday Liquor License fee from $100 to $200 to coincide with the statutory limit, and 2.) increase the animal impoundment fees and fine schedule for animals. It was recommended that the dog impoundment charge be $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second offense, and $50 for the third offense or more as the fine and an additional $6.75 for every day the animal is housed in the dog pound facility. 7 Total Total Price Outright with Trade-in Bid $273,703 $282,203 $281,000 $288,500 $272,000 $279,500 The Fire Department Truck Committee has since reviewed the bids and recommended that the truck be awarded to the low bidder, MN Conway Fire Equipment, in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 fire truck for a $7,500 credit. Financing of the purchase will be determined by the Council at a later date for any amount needed above the funds available from the fire hall construction account. Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to accept the Fire Department recommendation and award the bid for the new aerial ladder truck to MN Conway Fire Equipment in the amount of $279,500 with the option to trade in the 1962 Chev for $7,500. 11. Consideration of Entering a 1988 Maintenance Agreement with Wright County Highway Department. The City of Monticello annually performs routine maintenance such as snow and ice removal on certain portions of county state -aid highways within the City of Monticello. The County reimburses cities for all maintenance cost associated with county state -aid highways based on a per mile cost. The total cost reimbursement expected for 1988 would amount to $4,810. Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to approve entering into the maintenance agreement with Wright County on county state -aid highways. 12. Consideration of Adopting a Revised Schedule of Fees for Services, Licenses, and Permits. Annually, the City Council reviews the license and fee schedules for all activities that require licenses, permits, and other fees. It was recommended by the City Administrator that only minor changes be implemented for 1988 consisting of 1) an increase in the Sunday Liquor License fee from $100 to $200 to coincide with the statutory limit, and 2.) increase the animal impoundment fees and fine schedule for animals. It was recommended that the dog impoundment charge be $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second offense, and $50 for the third offense or more as the fine and an additional $6.75 for every day the animal is housed in the dog pound facility. 7 Council Minutes - 1/11/88 After review of the changes recommended, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously carried to adopt the fee schedule as proposed with the changes for the Sunday Liquor License fee and the animal impound charges as recommended. 13. Consideration of Making Annual Appointments. State Statutes require that at the first meeting of the new year, certain appointments be made. The annual appointments required include official depositories, official newspaper, Planning Commission appointments, health officer, acting mayor, Library Board vacancies, Housing and Redevelopment Authority vacancies, city attorney, city planner, city auditor, and appointments to Community Education Advisory Board, Joint Fire Board representative, and OAA Area Board representative. After review of the appointments needed, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, and unanimously carried to adopt the annual appointments as follows: Official Depositories: Wright County State Bank Security Federal Savings & Loan First National Bank of Monticello Newspaper: Monticello Times Housing & Redevelopment Authority: 1. Ken Maus 1.2/91 (5 -year staggered terms) 2. Ben Smith 12/90 3. Bud Schrupp 12/89 4. Al Larson 12/88 5. Everette Ellison 12/92 Planning Commission: 1. Richard Carlson (1 -year term) 2. Joyce Dowling 3. Cindy Lemm 4. Richard Martie 5. Jim Ridgeway Health Officer: Dr. Donald Maus (l year) Acting Mayor: Fran Fair (1 year) Joint Commissions: Community Education Warren Smith Fire Board Rick Wolfsteller OAA Arve Grimsmo Library Board: (3 -year staggered) Attorney: Planner: Auditor: Council Minutes - 1/11/88 1. Ed Solberg 12/90 2.. Dr. Donald Maus 12/88 3. Mary Jane Punchochar 12/90 4. Pat Schwarz 12/88 5. Marguerite Pringle 12/89 Smith, Pringle & Hayes Dahlgren, Shardlow, & Uban Gruys Johnson 14. Consideration of Application to Renew a Gambling License - Applicant, American Legion Club. Previously, the American Legion Club has been granted a state license for gambling activities pertaining to pull tab operations. The Legion Club has requested renewal of the application before the State Gambling Board and the City Council has an opportunity to oppose the renewal if desired. If no action is taken by the Council, the Gambling Board will renew the license. By Council consensus, no objection was made to the license being renewed. 15. Consideration of Report .from PSG, Inc., on Odor Problems at WV7TP. Odor problems at the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant have become more severe and frequent in the past months and representatives of PSG, Inc., contractor operators of the facility, met with the Council to outline the procedures they plan on implementing in an effort to reduce the odor problem. The main areas they will be working on include the elimination of the trickling filters, piping changes to the gravity thickeners, and additional staff member. The proposed changes may result in additional operating costs for electricity, which PSG at the present time will absorb; but major changes, if necessary, will be discussed at contract renegotiation time. 16. Consideration of Setting Special Meeting for Interviewing Assistant Administrator Applicants. By Council consensus, a special meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 5:00 p.m., for the purpose of interviewing three applicants for the Assistant Administrator position. Rick Wolfstefler City Administrator 9