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City Council Minutes 05-20-1974 SpecialRegular Council meeting - May 1 1 - cont' d. 1 f3 gu g y 3, 974 A motion to approve the list of bills for the month of April, 1974, was made by Dick Martie, seconded by Denton Erickson. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Liquor: $24,340.80; Adm.: $4.,265-77; Fire: $1048.99; Park: $1,161-50: Sewer: $3,331-79; Water: $3,138.86; Service: $2,393.71; Street: $3,174.27; Other; $10041.21. A motion to adjourn was made by Denton Erickson, seconded by Dick Martie. The tape of this meeting was not in operation from approximately 8:00 P. M. to 8:40 P. M. due to a tape entanglement. c Kevin L. LaFrance, Adm. KLLF/lsg Special meeting of the City Council - May 20, 1974 - 7:30 P. M. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall by Mayor Conrad Johnson. Council members present: Blonigen, Martie, Rowan. Council member Denton Erickson arrived after the meeting was called to order. The Mayor announced that the meeting would be taped. The purpose of this meeting was to conduct the annual Board of Review for the City of Monticello with the intention to review and correct, if necessary, assessments in the city of Monticello for the year 1974. All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment were to appear at this meeting. Mr. Bernard Mattson, county assessor, and Randy Des Marais, assistant county assessor, conducted the Board of Review. Three property owners were in attendance: Mr. Hugo Hillstrom, Mr. John Sullivan and Dr. C. D. Bauer. Mr. Mattson answered questions of the pro- perty owners and recommended that anyone not fully satisfied with the answers given stop in at the County Assessor's office and fill out a form which would be presented to the Wright County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Review portion of the meeting adjourned at 8:30 P. M. Regular business of the council was conducted -- the City Council had agreed at the meeting of May 13, 1974 to hold the second council meeting of May on May 20, 1974 rather than May 27. Special meeting of City Council - May 20, 1974 - cont'd. The Mayor announced that approval was needed for the minutes of April 22, 1974. The motion to approve the minutes of April 22, 1974 was made by Erickson, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Erickson, John son, Martie. Opposed: Blonigen. Abstain: Rowan. Motion carried. A motion to approve the minutes of May 13, 1974 was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning the availability of funds for street maintenance as described in a letter from Meyer-Rohlin dated April 22, 1974. Total cost of the improvements was estimated at $14,479.00. The Administrator presented a letter in which he noted Federal Revenue Sharing funds could be used for this purpose; auditor Gary Wieber of Gruys, Johnson, Mos - ford & Assoc., had confirmed the legality of the use of these funds. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Blonigen, to authorize the use of Federal Revenue Sharing funds for street maintenance as outlined in the letter of April 225 1974. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning funds to be used to finance the proposed "Watermain Replacement on Locust Street" as proposed in a letter from Meyer, Rohlin, Inc., dated March 7, 1974; estimated cost to be $10,470.00. The Administrator noted that the council could use a Water Operating Fund Certi- ficate of Deposit for this purpose. The amount used would be paid back to the Water Operating Fund as assessment collections are received. Auditor Gary Wieber of Gruys, Johnson, Mosford, & Assoc. had confirmed the legality of this proposal. In this regard, a motion was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson, to finance the "Watermain Replacement on Locust Street" as re- commended. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A presentation was made by Mrs. Gloria LaBau, Mr. William (Ans) Anderson, of the Monticello Housing Authority, and Mr. Wally Houle who presented information on the avilibility of federal funds. Mrs. LaBau stated that the Housing Authority had been investigating various programs that could be used to finance low income or elderly housing in Monticello. She stated that most proposals presented to the Monticello Housing Authority had been impractical, but the proposal of Mr. Houle which makes use of federal funds under Section 23, had been reviewed and found suitable for the Monticello community. Mr. Houle men- tioned that the release of funds for low income housing is imminent and that it is essential the City choose a site for Special meeting of Council - May 20, 1974 - cont' d. development. Mrs. LaBau stated the Monticello Housing Authority has found the Fourth Street ball park to be an acceptable site; she emphasized that it is the position of the Housing Authority that replacement land be found for park use. Two appraisals were presented in regard to the Fourth Street ball park: Lower Monticello - Block 37 - Lots 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Holker' s Realty - "Reasonable price for the subject pro- perty is $4.,500.00 per lot." Total estimated value of property = $45,000.00. Sandberg Realty - Appraisal value, zoning R-2 = $31,000.00 Appraisal value, zoning R-3 = $54,000.00 Mayor Con Johnson mentioned that the Monticello Housing Authority needs a purchase agreement. Mr. Bill Sandberg stated that lots set aside for a playground should be kept for playground use. Mrs. LaBau stated the need for housing is tremendous and there is not another site available at this time. Mr. Sandberg suggested that a public hearing be held to discuss the matter. Council member Blonigen, stated that an exploration of other sites should be made. Mr. Ans Anderson stated that school sites are available for playground use. Mr. Lee Hatfield stated that more children are using the Oakwood school play ground than the Fourth Street park. Mayor Con Johnson stated the question is: Should action be taken now or should we wait. He stated that by waiting the community could lose the chance for funds and noted that the Monticello Housing Authority would have control over this project. Bill Sandberg stated the objection is to the playground and not to the project. Mayor Johnson noted that the legality of using the field had been investigated by Attorney Walter Johnson and that the purchase of the field by the Housing Authority would be legal. Council member Blonigen, stated his objection is that the matter is being pushed too fast. Council member Martie stated the field is not used much by children and generally has limited use. Mr. Ans Anderson stated that low income or elderly housing has been needed for a long time and that it is time for City Council action. After abatement of the discussion on the housing site, a motion was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson, that a "purchase agreement" be given to the Monticello Housing Authority for pur- chase of the Fourth Street ball park; property to be used with proper restrictions and the agreement is to be drawn by an attorney. The final draft of the agreement is to be presented at the next city council meeting (scheduled for June 10, 1974)• Voting in favor: Erickson, Johnson, Martie. Opposed: Blonigen, Rowan. Motion carried. Special meeting of Council - May 20, 1974 - con t'd. The next item of business was the presentation of bids for the gates to be installed at the Oakwood school. Two bids were presented: Trojan Playground & Equip. Co. -- 884.00 St. C loud, MN. Montgomery Ward & Co. -- 1,699.00 130 Apache Plaza Minneapolis, MN. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie, to accept the bid of the Trojan Playground & Equip. Co. of St. Cloud, MN. at the bid price of $884.00. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. The Administrator presented three resolutions that needed approval in regard to the proposed Locust Street watermain: 1. RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVEMENT. As discussed at City Council meeting of February 11, 1974 2. RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT AND CALLING HEARING ON IM- PROVEMENT - As discussed at City Council meeting of April 8. 3. RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS As discussed at City Council meeting of May 13, 1974• A motion to approve the aforementioned resolutions and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign them, was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A presentation was made by Mr. Axel Rasmussen regarding a re- quest for a building permit by Mr. Hugo Hillstrom. Mr. Ras- mussen stated everything appeared to be in order for this re- quest to improve his building at the present Industrial Science site. Mr. Chuck Stumpf stated that the plans had been reviewed by some Planning Commission members, but emphasized the plans had not been reviewed at a regular meeting. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie, to approve the issuance of a building permit to Mr. Hillstrom subject to the review and follow up by Axel Rasmussen. Voting in favor: Bloni- gen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Mr. itasmussen discussed the Bureau Investment Corporation build- ing permit. He stated he had reviewed the matter and determined they do not have a current building permit. He stated that according to the building code book they would need to pay one half (2) the cost of the original permit. The Mayor stated the City Council was willing to grant renewal at a fee of $250.00. Mr. Rasmussen stated that Bureau Investment Corp. had Special meeting of Council - May 20 1974 - cont'd. 187 P g Y � stated their willingness to pay the State surtax and had paid an additional building fee based on increased valuation; he stated he felt it was a city mistake that the permit had not been renewed. In this regard, a motion was made by Blonigen, seconded by Martie, to issue a building permit renewal to Bureau Investment Corp., with no additional permit fee charge in view of the statement by Axel Rasmussen. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Mr. Howard Rekstad mentioned that North Central Natural Gas Company had called and stated they need approval from the City of Monticello in regard to a natural gas line into the Mall. The Administrator noted that the plan was being reviewed this same evening by the Utilities Commission and that a copy of the plan had been sent to Mr. Thore Meyer. It was noted that North Central Gas Co. would probably receive word on May 21, 1974, regarding the approval of the plan. A motion to approve the City brochure or Information Pamphlet as presented at an earlier meeting was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed; None. Motion carried. Dick Martie stated he would talk to Mr. Jean Brouillard about "clean-up" month activities. A motion to adjourn was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Bloni-gen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:10 P. M. Kevin L. LaFrance, Adm. KLLF/lsg Encl. 1: Copy of notice that the Board of Review was to be held on May 20, 1974 at 7:30 P. M. Special meeting of Council May 30, 1974 - con t'd. After the conclusion of the bond sale, a discussion was held regarding annexation with the following individuals in attendance: Mayor Conrad Johnson., Council members Dan Bloni.gen, Denton Erickson and Dick Martie. Council member Jeff Rowan was absent. Mr. Howard Kaibel, Jr. - Executive Secretary, Minn. Municipal Commission; Mr. David Douglas, Wright County Auditor; Mr. Bernard Mattson, Wright County Assessor; Mr. Thore Meyer, City Engineer; Mr. Gary Pringle, City Attorney; Mr. Gary Wieber, City Auditor. Mr. Howard Kaibel presented a "Joint Resolution as to Orderly Annexation: City of Monticello - Town of Monticello." He stated the resolution had been drawn after consultation with the city of Monticello and the township of Monticello, He noted that the re- solution stipulates that the Northern States Power Company plant would be totally annexed into the City and that the proposed area would triple the size of the city of Monticello. It was emphasized that the agreement is between the city of Monticello and the Township. The Mayor led the discussion into a point -by -point review of the proposed resolution. The Administrator read paragraph 1 and the May -or asked. f c r Paragraph No. 1: A review was made of the property description and it was noted this paragraph calls for the City to "agree to withdraw its request for annexation of any of the area de- signated in need of orderly annexation other than the above described area." Mr. Thore Meyer verified the accuracy of the property description as shown on page 1 of the annexation agreement. Paragraph No. 2: The entire paragraph was read by the Adm. The Mayor asked for comments. A discussion was held concerning several points in this paragraph, but no objections were stated and no proposed changes were made. Paragraph No. 3: No objections nor changes were made. Paragraph No. 4: The Adm. read the entire paragraph and the Mayor asked for comments. An extended discussion was held in re- gard to a proposed formula whereby the city would pay "to the town a portion of its ad valorem tax." Mr. B. Mattson noted that intergovernmental revenue such as Federal Revenue Sharing is involved and that this may be revoked in 1976 which could significantly alter the annual payment requirement. In addition, he noted that the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant is now taxed at its optimum value and that this will be declining at the rate of 22/ per year. It was suggested that a dollar figure should be considered for the amount the Township would be given in a given year. Mr. Kaibel noted that there is no legal problem with the formula as it is taken from the statute. There was City Council consensus that possibly an upper limit could be placed on the amount given to the Township; possibly 50% of the ad valorem taxes received from the annexed area. It was noted