City Council Minutes 05-29-1990MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 29, 1990 - 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Fran Fair, Warren Smith, Shirley
Anderson, Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: None
2. Approval of minutes.
Warren Smith noted that the vote on item #6 of the May 14,
1990, minutes should be amended to include Ken Maus as
abstaining from the vote.
Motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Shirley Anderson,
to approve the minutes as amended of the regular meeting held
May 14, 1990. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
None forthcoming.
4. Review of community education/summer recreation program for
1990.
Duane Gates was present to discuss the various activities and
programs provided by the community education/ summer recreation
program.
Members of the City Council asked if a bike safety program is
available through community education. Duane Gates responded
by saying that it is not provided by the school program at
this time; however, if bike safety programming is not being
offered by any other organization, it is something that
community education could look into.
Dan Blonigen asked Gates what the level of participation in
the community education program is for township residents and
city residents. It was Blonigen's view that by contributing
to this program, the City is paying twice, as city residents
pay for both school and city programs.
Ken Maus noted that Dan Blonigen has valid points; however, if
we did not have a joint agreement between the City and the
school regarding summer programs, the City would likely be
saddled with greater expense associated with providing our own
recreation programming.
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Warren Smith noted that City participation in this program
allows for use of existing recreation facilities and potential
to their greatest advantage, which eliminates City duplication
of school district efforts.
Dan Blonigen also asked what percentage of the total cost is
offset by fees.
This being an information item, no action was taken.
5. Consideration of adopting a resolution awarding bids for
Project 90-02, 7th Street and Minnesota Street.
John Simola reported that the bids came in extremely
favorable, with the lowest bid submitted by R.L. Larsonbeing
$47,000 less than the engineer's estimate.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson,
seconded by Fran Fair, to award the 7th Street and Minnesota
Street Project 90-02 to R.L. Larson Excavating of St. Cloud,
Minnesota, for the amount of $242,581.93. Motion carried
unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 90-22.
6. Consideration of hiring operator/mechanic for Public Works
Department.
Administrator Wolfsteller noted that with the transfer of
Richard Cline to the Water/Sewer Collection Department, the
City was left with a vacancy in the operator/mechanic's
position. Sixty-four candidates responded to the
advertisement for the position, and eight individuals were
interviewed. After careful deliberation and checking of
references, the selection committee recommended that City
Council hire Joseph Kovich of 220 Leighton Drive, Big Lake, as
Mr. Kovich has a well-rounded background and skills in the
areas covering almost every job description and should fit in
well with very little training.
Wolfsteller noted that Joseph Kovich's wife, Pat Kovich, works
for the City as one of the deputy registrars at City Hall.
The committee, along with the City Attorney, felt that this
was not a problem, as the departments are totally separate
from each other. It was recommended that if Council is not
satisfied with hiring Kovich, such a decision should not be
based on the fact that his wife also works for the City
because the positions are totally unrelated.
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Cory Flagg, applicant for the position, was present with
questions regarding the selection process. Flagg mentioned
his interest in the position and desire to work for the City
of Monticello.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by
Warren Smith, to select Joseph Kovich to fill the position of
operator/mechanic contingent upon passing of the City
physical. Motion carried unanimously.
7. Consideration of hiring groundskeeper/janitor.
Rick Wolfsteller noted that after placing advertisement in the
local papers, we received 12 applications for the job and
recommend the City hire John Lukach of 222 Kjellbergs Park in
Monticello. John has a background in the building and grounds
maintenance field.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson,
seconded by Dan Blonigen, to select John Lukach for the
position of groundskeeper/janitor contingent upon passing of
the City required physical. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Consideration of adopting process governing information
submittal for variances, conditional use permits, and zoning
ordinance amendment applications.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported to Council that the
proposal to formalize the submittal process stems from
problems associated with late submittal of information by
applicants to City staff which reduces time needed to properly
review land use proposals and limits the City staff's ability
to complete the Planning Commission/City Council agenda
supplements on a timely basis. Adherence to the schedule by
applicants as proposed will assist City staff in performing
their jobs better. O'Neill noted that the policy includes the
ability to override the schedule when necessary providing the
City with flexibility in the event that a development proposal
cannot meet the standard time frame.
Mayor Maus suggested that the application deadline be changed
from the second Friday of each month to 9:00 a.m. on the third
Monday of each month. No other changes were made to the
proposed schedule.
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After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by
Shirley Anderson, to approve the process for review of
conditional use permit, zoning ordinance amendment, and
variance request applications as amended. Motion carried
unanimously.
9. Consideration of establishing a fee for special meetings of
the Planning Commission and consider providing compensation to
Planning Commission members that attend special meetings.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted to Council that the
Planning Commission requests that Council consider
establishing a special fee to be charged to applicants
requesting a special meeting of the Planning Commission for
review of variances, conditional use permits, or zoning
ordinance amendments. The purpose of the fee is to discourage
developers from requesting special meetings and to provide
funds to cover the added cost of conducting special meetings.
In addition, the fee revenue will be used to compensate
Planning Commission members for their attendance at special
meetings. O'Neill went on to note that occasional special
meetings have not been a problem for the Planning Commission;
however, in the past few years, the frequency of the special
meetings has been increasing to an uncomfortable level.
Dan Blonigen noted that he has no problem with a fee for the
special meetings; however, he was concerned that the Planning
Commission members might be compensated at a greater level
than City Council if more than one Planning Commission special
meeting is held per month. Blonigen suggested that the number
of special meetings that the Planning Commission would be
eligible to be compensated for be limited to one meeting per
month.
Ken Maus suggested that the special fee be established at
$250, which is equal to the compensation paid to Planning
Commission members. Maus did not believe that it was
necessary to charge more than the actual cost of the special
meetings.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson to
establish a fee of $250 for special meetings of the Planning
Commission and approve a payment of $50 to Planning Commission
members as compensation for attendance at special meetings of
the Planning Commission. Planning Commission members eligible
for compensation for special meetings is limited to one
special meeting per month. Motion was seconded by Dan
Blonigen and carried unanimously.
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10. Consideration of authorizing purchase of base radio for office
of Public Works Department.
John Simola reported that this is a budgeted item, and the
proposed purchase of a Kenwood mobile base unit and antenna
for the office of the Public Works Department for $753 is less
than the budgeted amount of $1,600.
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by
Shirley Anderson, to authorize the purchase of a Kenwood
mobile base unit and antenna for the office of Public Works
from Audio Communications of Big Lake, Minnesota, for $753.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. Consideration of approving gambling license renewal --American
Legion Club.
City Council reviewed the application and gambling license
report submitted by the American Legion Club. No opposition
to the license was forthcoming; therefore, the license is
automatically granted.
12. Consideration of gambling license renewal --VFW Club.
City Council reviewed the application and gambling license
report submitted by the VFW Club. No opposition to the
license was forthcoming; therefore, the license is
automatically granted.
13. Information --The Ride Across Minnesota --Preliminary Plan.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed The Ride Across
Minnesota preliminary plan with Council. No changes to the
plan were suggested by Council.
14. Information --City Engineer review of PCA Draft Permit for
Wastewater Treatment Plant--Kjellberg West.
City Council reviewed a letter submitted by the City Engineer
on behalf of the City which outlined concerns associated with
a proposal to construct a wastewater treatment facility at the
Kjellberg West Mobile Home Park. The letter was addressed to
the Pollution Control Agency and should result in a formal
hearing regarding this matter.
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Dan Blonigen asked if it is helpful to pass a resolution
noting the City Council's concern regarding this matter.
Blonigen went on to note that the City should be doing
everything we can to prevent the development of a wastewater
treatment plant in such close proximity to city services.
John Simola noted some of the potential techniques for serving
a residential area that is located some distance from the city
utilities. Simola explained that a shallow force main could
be installed to convey sewage from the west park to a city
sewer system manhole. He also noted that service of the west
park is possible without annexation according to existing City
policies.
Ken Maus noted that at some point, the City may need to do a
feasibility study to determine the precise method and cost of
serving the mobile home park. Maus also noted that the City
should set a new deadline for rectifying the Kjellberg East
problem, as the potential of rectifying the problem in
conjunction with the development of the Evergreens subdivision
does not appear to be coming to fruition, as the Evergreens
project does not appear to be moving forward.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by
Dan Blonigen, to authorize the City staff and City Engineer to
actively monitor this matter and provide the PCA with
information and testimony that will assist the PCA in making
a decision regarding the proposed wastewater treatment
facility that is in the best interest of the environment.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. Consideration of adopting a resolution requesting assistance
for the placement of flood elevation reference marks and
signing of 100 -year flood mark at various locations within the
city of Monticello.
Gary Anderson noted that the Department of Natural Resources
has funds available to be used for signage marking the
100 -year flood elevation at various locations within the city
of Monticello.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson,
seconded by Fran Fair, to approve a resolution requesting
assistance for the placement of flood elevation reference
marks and signing of 100 -year flood mark at various locations
within the city of Monticello. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 90-23.
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16. Consideration of inspection criteria and grid system for city
of Monticello sidewalks.
Public Works Director, John Simola, presented criteria for
repair and replacement of sidewalks and a proposed sidewalk
grid system outlining sidewalk development avenues. After
discussion, it was concluded that Dan Blonigen should work
with John in refining the criteria to be used in determining
which sidewalks should be repaired or replaced for safety
reasons.
Ken Maus reviewed the sidewalk development grid system and
noted that the sidewalk located on the grid must serve a
purpose and that sidewalk isn't always necessary on a major
roadway if there is no pedestrian traffic on that roadway.
Maus noted that the grid map should be revised to show
elimination of certain sidewalks and should also show a
phasing in over time of sidewalks as part of the overall grid
system.
Fran Fair supported the development of a grid system. She
went on to note that those properties with sidewalks not on
the grid system and in poor condition should be repaired,
replaced, or removed, as the presence of poorly maintained
sidewalks on city property can create liability for the City.
Ken Maus suggested that Shirley Anderson work with John Simola
toward development of a sidewalk grid system that takes into
account pedestrian volume as well as traffic volume. The
proposed grid system should also include recommendations
regarding staging of sidewalk development over a period of
years.
After discussion, a motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by
Shirley Anderson, to authorize development of a sidewalk grid
system with Shirley Anderson advising John Simola on
development of said system and authorize Dan Blonigen to work
with Simola in the rewording of the sidewalk repair/
replacement criteria. Motion carried unanimously.
17. Consideration of approval of bills for the month of May.
Dan Blonigen was uncomfortable with approving the bills
without the standard check register report and noted that the
report provided does not clearly indicate the purpose for each
expenditure. Administrator Wolfsteller noted that he would
provide a follow-up report that better describes the purpose
for each expenditure to Council members.
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Motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran Fair, to
approve the bills as submitted with full information regarding
the bills to be submitted to Council prior to the next
meeting. Voting in favor: Shirley Anderson, Warren Smith,
Fran Fair, Ken Maus. Opposed: Dan Blonigen.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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