City Council Minutes 04-12-1999MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, April 12, 1999 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Roger Belsaas, Clint Herbst, Roger Carlson, Bruce Thielen
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf
2. A. A roval of minutes of the s ecial meetin held March 22 1999.
"The minutes were amended to note that Roger Carlson was absent from the
meeting.
A 1VI0'1"ION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN ANU SECONDED BY CUNT
HERBST TO APPROVE 1'HI MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD
MARCH 22, 1999, AS AMENDED. Voting in favor: Roger Belsaas, Clint Herbst,
Bruce Thielen. Abstaining: Roger Carlson. Absent: Brian Stumpf. Motion
carried.
B. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held March 22, 19.99.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY GLINT HERBST' AND SECONDED BY ROGER
CARLSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 'I'1-1E REGULAR MEETING HELD
MARCH 22, 1999, AS WRITTEN. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Approval of minutes of the special meeting held April 6, 1999._
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT IIERBST AND SECONDED BY ROGER
CARLSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OI~' THE SPECIA.I_, MEETING; HELD
APRIL 6, 1999, AS WRITTEN. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Consideration of adding items to the a eg nda.
A. Councilmember Clint Herbst requested a copy of the last two employee
evaluations for his review. Councilrnember Bruce Thielen suggested that a list of
evaluations that have been completed be placed on the consent agenda once a year
in order to keep the Council informed and that Council complete an evaluation for
the City Administrator as well.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BR[JCE THIELEN ANU
SECONDED BY CLINT HERBST TO DIRECT STAFF 'I'O PLACE EMPLOYEE
EVALUATIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AS THEY ARE COMPLETED ON
EMPLOYEF, ANNIVERSARY DATES TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY CITY
COUNCIL, ANU TO CONDUCT AN EVALUATION OF THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 1999, AND ON HIS ANNIVERSARY DATE
EVERY YEAR THEREAF'T'ER. Motion carried unanimously.
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4. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
A. Status report on Danner `T'rucking site redevelopment.
Mr. Jim Fleming, attorney representing Bob Damier of Danner `l'rucking,
requested information from the City to determine what steps need to be taken to
obtain a building permit for reconstruction of the Danner `I~rucking building
located between Cedar Street and South Highway 25. Ile noted that in January
1998, Council approved an interim use permit and vacation of Marvin Road
easement, which would grant one-half of the vacated road easement to Mr.
Danner for the purpose of enlarging the land area to rebuild. Since that time, the
necessary plans/drawings have been provided by Mr. Danner; however,
arrangements have not yet been made to allow him to acquire interest in the
property he needs to enlarge the site to accommodate the building and meet city
code.
City Attorney Dennis Dalen explained that the vacation of Marvin Road is not
complete, as it is contingent on Mr. Danner obtaining a purchase agreement. It
appears at this time the City has control of the site; however, the City is not in a
position to give up the property for approximately two years until fhc construction
phase of the Highway 25 project is complete.
1.
Council discussed the location of the building relative to the temporary road area.
It was suggested that perhaps a building permit could. be issued contingent upon
the City receiving a temporary easement to use the property during the
construction phase and that a purchase agreement could be negotiated with a
delayed closing date and. provisions for him to continue use of the land.
Mr. Dalen agreed that it would be possible to negotiate a purchase agreement and
close on the property upon completion of FIighway 25. He also noted that an
alternative would be to sell the property to Mr. Danner, maintain a construction
easement, and build the Danner Trucking parking lot when the project is
complete. He estimated that the issue could be settled within 30 days.
Deputy City Administrator Jeff O'Neill. reported that the remnant parcel created
by the realignment of Cedar Street would also need to be resolved. It was noted
that if some of the property on Cedar Street was needed, it could be sold at market
value. Mr. Fleming indicated that previous discussions indicated only the cost of
condemnation.
It was the consensus of Council that City staff move ahead on resolving the issue
with Danner Trucking and forward a status report to the Council on April 26,
1999.
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B. Ms. Louise Fasen of 110 C tillcrest Road requested that Council consider installing
a pedestrian overpass or underpass for crossing County Road 7S, as many families
with small children and bicycles find it difficult to cross County Road 75 to reach
the pathway system.
Mayor Belsaas noted that there have been discussions regarding an overpass for
East County Ctoad 75 and that he was aware that County Road 75 was also
difficult to cross at River Street/Prairie Road. City Engineer Bret Weiss added
that improvements to the Prairie Road area have been considered but are not on
the County's agenda at this time.
Mayor Belsaas suggested that the Public Works Director and City Engineer study
the possibility of a County Road 75 pedestrian overpass for future Council review.
5. Consent a eg nda.
A. Consideration of movin = ublic hearin date for CSAH 75 ro'ect from A ril 12
l 999, to Apri126, 1999. Recommendation: Move the public hearing date from
April 12, 1999, to Apri126, 1999, for the CSAH 75 project.
B. Consideration of a resolution su ortin rc eal of the state sales tax for local
government purchases. Recommendation: Adopt a resolution supporting the
repeal of sales tax for local government purchases. SEE RESOLUTION 99-17.
C. Consideration of a re nest for a conditional use ermit within the CCD zoning
district to allow a shopt?in~: center. Applicant: Amcor Construction.
Recommendation: Approve the conditional use permit for a shopping center in
the Central Community District as presented by the applicant, subject to revisions
recommended by the Design Advisory Team and the Planning Commission.
D. Consideration of a conditional use permit for outdoor storage in an I-2 zone, and
consideration of a variance to reduce the 5-ft setback to the curb to one 1 ft.
Ap~cant: .Ebert Construction. Recommendation: Approve the conditional use
permit allowing outside storage based on the finding that the conditional use
permit is consistent with the character and geography of the area, will not result in
depreciation of adjoining property, and is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
The area is fenced and screened from view of neighboring
residential uses or, if abutting a residential district, in compliance
with buffer yard requirements.
2. Storage is screened from view from the public right-of--way in
cotrtpliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance.
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3. Storage area is grassed or surfaced to control dust.
4. All lighting shall be hooded anal so directed that the light source
shall not be visible from the public right-of=way or from
neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with Chapter 3,
Section 2 [H], of this ordinance.
The provisions of Chapter 22 of this ordinance are considered and
satisfactorily met.
6. Development of an opaque screening fence around entire perimeter
of storage area. Material and equipment storage must not rise
above the screening fence.
7. Screening fence detail to be submitted for staff approval prior to
construction.
No barbed wire or razor wire per city ordinance.
E. Consideration of an amendment to the zonin code Cit Ordinance Title 10
Chapter 2, Section 2, Subsectio~l [FK] and. [FL], modif~g the definitions of floor
area and livable floor area. A licant: Zonin Administrator.
Recommendation: Adopt the ordinance amendment to 'l"itle ] 0, Chapter 2,
Section 2, Subsections [FK] and [FL], providing definitions of floor area and
livable floor area. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 321.
F. Consideration of amendment to Cit -Ordinance Title 10 Cha tb er 3, by adding
Section 3-6A Gradin • and amendin Section 3-7 Land Reclamation and
Section 3-8 Minim A licant: 7onin7 Administrator. Recommendation:
Approve the ordinance amendment to Title 10, Chapter 3, by adding Section
3-6A, Grading; amending Section 3-7, Land Reclamation; and amending Section
3-$, Mining. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 322.
G. Consideration of rezoning Lots 5-13, Block 2; Hillside Terrace from I-1 to I-lA.
Annlicant: City of Monticello. Kecommendation: Approve rezoning Lots
5-13, Block 2, Hillside Terrace, from I-1 to I-lA based on the finding that the
proposed rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan, compatible with the
adjoining land uses, will not result in the depreciation of adjoining land values,
and there is a demonstrated need for the use.
SEI ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 323.
H. Consideration of a rovin a tem orar on-sale li uor license for Ducks
Unlimited Banquet and Riverfest. ApTlicant:_ Monticello Lions Club.
Recommendation: Approve issuance of a temporary on-sale liquor license to the
Monticello Lions Club for the Ducks Unlimited Banquet scheduled for May 10,
the Arts and Crafts Expo in F.,llison Park on July 10, the Riverfest dance at the fire
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Council Minutes - 4/12/99
hall on .luly 10, and the Riverfest Celebration on July 11, 1999, and allow aset-up
license for the Ducks Unlimited Banquet. Approval is contingent on the Lions
Club providing proper proof of liability insurance coverage and payment of the
required fee.
I. Consideration of resolution authorizin the renewal of a amblin license for the
American Legion Club. Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the
State Gambling Control Board to renew the gambling license requested by the
American Legion Post No. 260. SEE RESOLUTION 99-18.
Consideration of a resolution callin fora ublic hearin 7 on the Chelsea Road
extension street and unlit im rovements. Recommendation: Adopt a
resolution calling far a public hearing on April 2fi, 1999, for the Chelsea Road
extension project. SEE RESOLUTION 99-19.
A MOTION VAS MADE BY ROGER CARLSON AND SECONDED BY GLINT IIERBST
TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS RECOMMENDED. Motion carried
unanimously.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent a enda for discussion.
None.
7. Consideration of re uest b MOAA Board to remove Exhibit C from. Cit /'I~ownshi
a =reement and re lace it with attern ro osed for that section under the com romise
1'1x11-
On April 7, 1999, the 1VIOAA reviewed the compromise land use plan prepared by the
City Council and responded with a request that the City consider eliminating the
Southwest Area (Exhibit C) from the Township/City agreement and replace it with the
land use pattern proposed under the City compromise plan. "1'he balance of the MOAA
land use plan pertaining to Gold Nugget and points east would then continue to be open-
ended and under study by the MOAA. Previously, at a joint meeting between the City
Council and Township, it was agreed that Exhibit C would be eligible for removal from
the agreement only at such time that agreement was achieved on the entire land use plan.
Councilmember Bruce Thielen reported that at its last meeting, there was much
discussion about the Gold Nugget area, and the Council adopted a resolution which
identified a compromise by the Council and was forwarded to the MOAA Board.
However, at the MOAA Board meeting, Councilmember Herbst noted that he was
concerned about being bound by the Council's resolution, and Councilmember Thielen
requested clarification of whether he intended to vote with the majority of the City
Council.
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Council Minutes - 4/12/99
Councilmember Herbst responded that he was concerned about not being able to vote on
changes to the compromise without bringing the item back to the City Council for
discussion.
The Council discussed the Southwest Area, also known as Exhibit C. The Deputy City
Administrator explained that the City was in the process of changing the land use
designation for this area during the annexation process. The Chadwick property was
designated as part industrial and part residential; however, it then became all industrial as
a result of additional study after the agreement with the Township had been reached. He
also noted that F,xhibit C of~that agreement did not include the Gold Nugget area because
it was understood that the original City Comprehensive Plan would be followed by the
MOAA.
The Council also discussed the MOAA's proposal to leave the Gold Nugget area open. for
further study. Knowing that the MOAA supports industrial uses in this area, there was
concern by some of the Council that the City would lose its bargaining power if they
approved a land use plan which left this area as agricultural pending fiirther study. The
further study could result in turning Gold Nugget from residential to industrial, which is
inconsistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The discussion centered around haw to
ensure that the development would result in higher-end homes if zoned as residential per
the City's Comprehensive Plan. It was suggested that only a portion of the area be
annexed and that the developer be required. to show higher value homes are built. If the
first phase of the development is not to the standard promised, further annexation could
be denied. Deputy City Administrator Jeff O'Neill suggested that additional annexation
criteria could be drafted for MOAA Board consideration. City Attorney Dennis Dalen
noted that one way the City could guarantee higher value homes is to establish a new
zoning district with larger minimum sq ft lot and structure requirements.
The parcel located between I-94 and East County Road 7S was discussed, and it was
suggested that perhaps it could be used for an additional commuter lot, or the State may
need it for future freeway lanes. Staff was directed to review further options for this
parcel.
It was the consensus of Council to continue discussion of the land use plan at the Apri126
meeting.
$. Consideration of reviewin ordinance amendment establishin term len th for Ma or.
This item was tabled until the Apri126 meeting to allow input from all Council members.
9. Consideration of closin ark restrooms to the ublic evenin sand weekends and
eliminatin the osition of Groundskee er/Maintenance Worker.
Park Superintendent Gregg Engle reported that in an effort to reduce vandalism,
maintenance time, and overtime last year, the Parks Commission approved closing the
restrooms to the public in West Bridge Park, Ellison Park, and Fourth Street Park on
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Council Minutes - 4/12/99
weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, with satellites placed at each location. If one
oI` the shelters is reserved, the resident is given a key to open and lock the restroom. Prior
to locking the restrooms, the Groundskeeper had been spending approximately 85% of
his time trying to maintain them, and it was felt his time could be better spent in other
areas. No complaints have been received from the public since the restrooms have been
locked, and the amount of vandalism has been greatly reduced.
The Park Superintendent also requested that Council consider eliminating the
Groundskeeper position and replace it with an additional Park Maintenance Worker, as
incorporating the Groundskeeper duties into the parks department schedule would result
in a more efficient and productive use of employee time.
Council discussed the use of security cameras, pasting park hours, and requesting
additional patroling of the parks by the Sheriff's Department.
A MOTION WAS MADE I3Y BRUCE THIELEN AND SECONDED BY ROGER CARLSON
TO APPROVE CLOSING OF THE PUBLIC RESTROOMS IN THE PARKS ON WEEKENDS
AND AT 4:30 P.M. WEEKDAYS, CONTINUING THE USE OF SA"PELLITES DURING
THOSE HO[1RS, AND ELIMINA'T'ING THE GROUNDSKEEPER/MAIN"PENANCE
WORKER POSITION AND REPLACING IT WI"1'H AN ADDITIONAL PARK
MAINTENANCE WORKER.. Voting in favor: Bruce Thielen, Roger Bclsaas, Roger
Carlson. Opposed: Clint I-lerbst. Absent: Brian Stumpf. Motion. carried.
10. Consideration of resentation of award from the Minnesota Pollution Control A enc to
the Cit of Monticello and Professional Services Grou for the ast ear's o erations of
the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Chuck Keyes, PSG Project Manager for the wastewater treatment facility, presented an
award to the Mayor and Council from the Pollution Control Agency for excellence of
operations of the wastewater treatment facility and for protecting the waters of the state.
11. Consideration of a ro osal to urchase a ortion of cit ro ert at Dundas Road and
Cedar Street.
Mr. Bruce Hamond requested Council consideration of his proposal to purchase 1 acre of
a 5.35-acre parcel owned by the City and located at the intersection of Dundas Road and
Cedar Street south of I-94. He has purchased the former I~Iart Medical Clinic building,
which must be moved to a new location due to Monticello Ford's expansion plans. The
deadline for removal of the building is approximately the end of May. Mr. Hamond
obtained an appraisal from R.A. Field & Associates, the same appraiser the City recently
hired to complete several appraisals, including the 5.35-acre parcel in question. "The
appraisal estimated a 1-acre market value of $72,897. Mr. Hamond proposed a purchase
price of $68,500 for 1 acre and requested consideration of an option on the balance of the
property at the same price per acre. Total purchase price of the entire parcel would then
amount to $366,475.
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AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY GLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY
BRUCE THIELEN TO OPEER THE 5.35-ACRE PARCEL FOR SALE BY ADVERTISING
FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, WITH COLINCIIr TU REVIEW "I"HE PROPOSALS AT
THEIR APRIL 26 MEETING. Motion carried unanimously.
12. Consideration of bills for the first half of April 1999.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND SECONUEU BY ROGER CARLSON
TO APPROVE THE BILLS FOR THE I~'IRST T-TALE OF APRIL 1999 AS PRESENTED.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. Other matters.
A. Danner "T"rucking site development.
Deputy City Administrator requested additional discussion regarding development
of the Danner 'Trucking site, which was discussed earlier in the meeting. When
Cedar Street is relocated, a remnant parcel may be created between the Danner
site and the new Cedar Street. If combined with the Danner parcel, Council
would need to establish a price for the additional land; however, he noted that the
additional area was not necessary for banner's development of the site.
Council discussed the additional land area, noting that the cost of the
condemnation would likely be the amount charged. City Engineer Bret Weiss
informed the Council that the same issue will need to be resolved as a result of the
I-Tighway 25 project in the area between I-94 and Oakwood Drive near Gould
Brothers Chevrolet and Olson & Sons Electric.
Council suggested that staff discuss the issue with Jim Fleming, attorney
representing Danner Trucking.
~_J,
A MUTTON WAS MADE BY RUDER CARLSON AND SECONDED BY BRUCE THIELEN TO
ADJOURN. Motion carried unanimously.
Karen ty
Deputy City Clerk
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