City Council Minutes 01-12-2009Council Minutes: January 12, 2009
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday January 12, 2009 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Clint Herbst, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf and Susie Wojchouski
Members Absent: None
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Herbst called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and declared a quorum present. The Pledge
of Allegiance was said.
1.A Administer oath of office to newly elected officials.
City Administrator, Jeff O'Neill administered the oath of office to Mayor Herbst and Council
Members Tom Perrault and Glen Posusta.
2A. Approve minutes of December 1, 2008 Special Meeting -YMCA
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 1, 2008
SPECIAL MEETING RELATING TO THE YMCA PROPERTY NOTING SOME
TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED WITH GLEN POSUSTA ABSTAINING.
2B. Approve minutes of December 8, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Susie Wojchouski commented that she felt it was important that the name of the individual or
company making a donation is always noted in the records and specified that the donation
accepted at the December 8, 2008 meeting was from Wal-Mart.
Tom Perrault noted a correction on Page 6 relating to the discussion of biosolids from the
wastewater treatment plant changing it to: "John Simola said Big Lake doesn't want the City's
filtrate so Monticello needs to reduce it to 16% dry matter."
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 8,
2008 REGULAR MEETING WITH THE CLARIFICATIONS NOTED. BRIAN STUMPF
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED WITH GLEN POSUSTA ABSTAINING.
2C. Approve minutes of December 19, 2008 Special Meeting.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 2008
SPECIAL MEETING. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
WITH GLEN POSUSTA ABSTAINING.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
No items were added.
Council Minutes: January 12, 2009
4. Citizen comments, petitions, requests and concerns.
A. Kathleen Poate: I-94 West Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Poate addressed the Council on behalf of the I-94 Coalition a group that is working
on traffic needs along the I-94 corridor from Maple Grove through Monticello. The
coalition has been meeting with a number of officials including Michelle Bachman to
raise support for this issue. Ms. Poate was asking the Council to sign a resolution in
support of the I-94 Coalition in their effort to get additional traffic lanes on I-94. Ms
Poate explained some of the lobbying efforts of the group and stated that they are looking
for federal funding of this project. She added that the proposed federal stimulus package
would send funds back to the cities for transportation purposes. She distributed
information on the coalition's activities to the Council.
The question was raised if this resolution would commit the City to any financial
obligation. Ms. Poate said at this time it is not a money issue but rather a show of
solidarity on the issues relating to the I-94 corridor. Tom Perrault asked about
modifications to the interchanges that would be required by the construction of additional
traffic lanes. Ms. Poate responded that the coalition is looking only at the lane issue
adding that from TH 101 to Monticello all of the right of way that is needed to construct
additional lanes is in place but that may not be the case for the Maple Grove area.
Glen Posusta asked if the additional lanes are added how will it impact getting across the
river. Kathleen Poate responded that the additional lanes would not necessarily mean
additional traffic but rather more rapid movement of existing traffic volumes.
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION 1N SUPPORT OF THE
I-94 COALITION. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDEDTHE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Brian Stumpf asked for verification that they are not asking for any monetary support
from the City and Kathleen Poate indicated at this time they are not. If financial support
is requested at some later date then the matter would come back to the Council.
5. Consent Agenda:
A. Consideration of ratifying hires and departures Public Works, MCC, Liquor, Building,
Streets and Parks. Recommendation: Ratify the hires/departures as identified.
B. Consideration of approving contract for garbage hauling and recycling services with
Vieola. Recommendation: Approve the three-year garbage and recycling contracts with
Veolia ES Solid Waste, Inc. effective June 1, 2008.
C. Consideration of acceptance of donation for Fire Department from the Monticello
Riverfest Committee. Recommendation: Approve the contribution from Monticello
Riverfest Committee and authorize use of funds as specified. Res. # 2009-1.
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D. Consideration of adoption of resolution supporting maintenance of local title and
registration services. Recommendation: Adopt the resolution supporting maintenance of
local title and registration service. Res. #2009-2
E. Consideration of approving apportionment of special assessments for 1) Amax Addition;
2) Union Crossings 3rd Addition; 3) First Federal Savings Bank. Recommendation:
Approve the assessment apportionment for the plats of Amax Addition, Union Crossings
3rd Addition and First Federal Savings Bank Addition and approve the waiver of the
required surety bond.
F. Consideration of adopting updated City Ordinance Chapter 8-1-11 regarding removal of
snow and ice from the sidewalks. Recommendation: Adopt ordinance amendment #492
updating City Ordinance 8-1-11.
G. Consideration of approving Change Order No. 2 for the Monticello FiberNet Head end
Building, Project No. 2006-32C. Recommendation: Approve Change Order No. 2 to
KC Companies, Inc. for the head end building in the amount of $7,731.00 for upgrade of
the roof panels.
H. Consideration to approve an amendment to Chapter 14B (Central Community District) of
the Monticello Zoning Ordinance as related to the re-assignment of design review in
conformance with the 1997 Downtown Revitalization Plan. This item was moved from
the regular agenda to the consent agenda. Recommendation: Approve the amendment
to Chapter 14B (Central Community District) of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance as
proposed. Ord. Amd. #491
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ADD AGENDA ITEM #13, CONSIDERATION OF AN
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 14B OF THE MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE TO THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS ITEM #SH. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE
CLARIFICATION ON ITEM SC THAT THE DONATION FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS
FROM THE RIVERFEST COMMITTEE, WITH #SF BEING REMOVED AND #13 BEING
ADDED TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AS #SH. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
#SFConsideration of adopting updated City Ordinance Chapter 8-11-11 ~°egarding removal of
snow and ice from the sidewalks. Brian Stumpf questioned the 24 hour period after a 1" snowfall for
clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks. He stated that even the City doesn't get all the streets
cleared within 24 hours so he didn't think it should be demanded of the residents. Clint Herbst
concurred stating he has a difficult time with requiring residents to clear the sidewalks. The residents
are generally assessed for construction of sidewalks and sidewalk repair so requiring them to also do
snow removal is a real hardship.
Public Works Director, Bob Paschke felt the City has been lenient in enforcing this but the purpose of
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the ordinance is to make sure the sidewalks are safe and passable. Brian Stumpf suggested increasing
the time frame to 48 hours and have it apply to snowfalls of 2-3 inches. Bob Paschke explained that
the City waits 24 hours before they give the property owner notice to remove the snow. The property
owner then has 24 hours to remove it. He added that the inspectors do use their discretion in
enforcing this and do a good job in working with the residents.
Susie Wojchouski asked about the charges for snow removal and how they were billed. Bob Paschke
replied that the $75 was a flat fee for snow removal.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO CITY ORDINANCE TITLE 8,
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 11 WITH A REVISION ALLOWING 48 HOURS FROM THE END OF A
SNOWFALL FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER TO REMOVE THE SNOW/ICE FROM THE
SIDEWALKS. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION.
Tom Perrault questioned how important it is to have snow/ice removed from some of these sidewalks
especially in those areas where is not a lot of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk. Bruce Westby stated
the focus is on the sidewalks in the core area of the city. Tom Perrault pointed out that much of the
downtown area sidewalks are on the grid system and are cleared by the City.
With the ordinance revision it would be 24 hours before the notice goes out and 24 hour after the
receipt of the notice for the property owner to do the removal. Susie Wojchouski asked about the
notice given and was informed that it was door to door. Glen Posusta asked if businesses were
targeted more so than residences. Bruce Westby responded that it is applied equally to all properties
abutting sidewalks. Glen Posusta questioned the need for snow removal on sidewalks that go no
where. Bruce Westby stated that this is where common sense applies. He added that staff is looking
at this ordinance and maybe coming back to the Council at some future time with other ordinance
modifications.
Glen Posusta asked what the changes were from the original ordinance. Bruce Westby said the
revisions to the ordinance were to provide a clear direction by detailing how much snow required
removal and directed the assessment for snow removal. Susie Wojchouski felt the snow removal
amount should be at least 2". Glen Posusta reiterated the point made by Brian Stumpf about the City
plowing the streets in a timely manner.
BRIAN STUMPF AMENDED HIS MOTION TO CHANGE THE SNOWFALL AMOUNT TO 2"
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE AMENDED MOTION. MOTION CARRIED WITH
TOM PERRAULT VOTING 1N OPPOSITION.
7. Public Hearing on adoption of an ordinance setting the fee schedule for 2009.
Finance Director Tom Kelly said the City annually adopts an ordinance setting the annual fees. In
setting the fee amount the intention is to make sure the fees collected actually cover the costs incurred
by the City. In addition Tom Kelly noted some changes were made to the language for clarification
purposes.
Tom Kelly then reviewed the various changes in the fee schedule. He noted one of the biggest
changes would be in the processing of delinquent utility accounts. They are proposing that only
delinquent accounts of $50 or more be certified to the County. It was felt that this would
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significantly reduce the number of delinquent accounts that would have to be processed. It is also
being proposed that the delinquent utility accounts be processed twice a year instead of quarterly.
These changes would result in a significant reduction of staff time spent on processing delinquent
accounts.
Clint Herbst questioned since the county's records are on line if the City with their GIS system or
some other means couldn't get the information directly from the County's records. Tom Kelly
responded that the two systems don't mesh in such a way as to allow that.
Brian Stumpf noted that in previous years the City had done an across the board increase of 5% and
he wondered if that had been done with the 2009 fee schedule. Tom Kelly said it was discussed that
sewer and water would have a 5% increase. The reason for that amount of increase was to make sure
the City was covering their operating costs. Clint Herbst asked if the 5% was also applied to the
trunk fees and Tom Kelly indicated it was. Brian Stumpf questioned whether the City would be
better off keeping the fees for sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water the same for a year. He said
since there is little development activity the increase in the rate would not generate significant
revenue for the City. Tom Kelly pointed out that the trunk fees were not increased last year. Jeff
O'Neill stated that the City's position has been that small incremental increases would have less
impact than having to do a big increase when development takes place. Brian Stumpf responded that
by not increasing the trunk fees the City may actually encourage development to take place. Susie
Wojchouski asked if the City monitors how Monticello compares to other cities. Tom Kelly
indicated that WSB had done a survey. The survey found that the City is lower in the area of trunk
fees but a little higher as far as SAC fees. Susie Wojchouski asked for a copy of that survey.
Glen Posusta asked about the $95 charge for mobile home permit and wondered what the City was
providing for the $95 fee. Gary Anderson, Chief Building Official stated the fee was for the mobile
home set up fee. It covers inspection of the unit when it arrives at the site, and inspection of the
plumbing, mechanical and installation. Glen Posusta asked why mobile homes are not charged a
sewer and water access charge. Staff responded that each lot is only charged once for sewer and
water access charge unless a change in use increases the density on that lot. At that point additional
sewer and water access charges are collected covering any increase in density over what was
originally there.
Glen Posusta questioned the $2500 charge for a building burn. Brian Stumpf stated the fire
department incurs a cost to do this. They have to work with a training school to conduct the burn and
they have to check for asbestos. There are other options available to the homeowner for demolition
of a structure and if the homeowner selects this option the fee should cover the costs incurred.
Tom Perrault questioned the deposit required for residential subdivisions plat noting that the rate was
higher for plats of 1-5 lots than for plats containing more lots. Susie Wojchouski questioned if the
rates shown for the MCC room rentals were hourly or daily. Tom Kelly indicated that was an hourly
rate. She also asked for clarification that it was only commercial kennels that were not allowed in the
City. Staff indicated that was the case.
Jeff O'Neill questioned the change in the administrative permits for home occupations. Economic
Development Director Megan Barnett indicated that the administrative permits for home occupations
were added to the administrative zoning permits while the special home occupation permits which are
done under a conditional use process were kept separate.
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The language for diseased tree removal and replacement was discussed. Bob Paschke said it should
be noted that tree removal and replacement is for trees located in the right of way. Tom Kelly
indicated that was how the language was originally worded but at the request of the Park
Superintendent that was changed.
Glen Posusta questioned the charge for a variance. He noted in his experience for a variance he
ended up paying almost $1200. He wondered how any variance could cost that much. Jeff O'Neill
said they try to get the fee to cover the costs incurred. However since individual cases can vary
greatly it his hard to come up with exact fees. He said staff is trying to let the property owners know
when the cost is going to exceed the deposit. Clint Herbst expressed the concern that for applicants it
is difficult paying a fee and then getting hit with additional bills. He wondered if more of the work
could be done in-house thus eliminating some of the consultant's fees. Tom Perrault also questioned
the wording on the variance fee.
Mayor Herbst opened the public hearing. Cathy Shuman representing the Women of Today
questioned the room rental rates that the MCC charged non-profit groups. Initially they had been
paying $10/hour. The rate was increased to $15/hour without them being informed and now it is
proposed to be increased to $17. She was upset that fees had almost doubled and wanted to know if
the Council felt that the fees for non-profit groups were fair and equitable. Clint Herbst said the
MCC utilize the existing rooms fully and when they are taken out for charitable organizations it is
less revenue for the MCC. He added that costs for everything continues to rise and it should not be a
surprise that room rental rates would increase as well. Tom Kelly noted that this is the first year the
room rental fees for the MCC appear on the fee schedule. Tom Perrault asked ifnon-profits still get
three hours of free room rental a month. Cathy Shuman said the Women of Today don't get
anything free. The free three hours is for the Academy Room and the West Prairie Room and the
Women of Today group is too large to utilize either room. Susie Wojchouski stated that the VFW
and American Legion have rooms that are available which might be another option for this group.
Brian Stumpf said he would like to see something done with the sanitary sewer, water and storm
sewer fees as he didn't think they should be increased by 5%. Clint Herbst asked for clarification if
Brian Stumpf meant that all water and sewer fees including rates should not be increased by 5%.
Clint Herbst stated that in setting the 2009 budget the Council approved a 5% increase in rates in
order to cover operating costs. Removing the increase from the user rates would impact the budget.
Brian Stumpf said initially he thought it would be easier to make the change across the board but he
doesn't have a problem with the 5% increase in user rates.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADOPT THE 2009 FEE SCHEDULE WITH THE
RECOMMENDATION FOR NO INCREASE ON THE CONSTRUCTION PORTION OF
SANITARY SEWER, WATER AND STORM SEWER FEES; CHANGE IN DISEASED TREE
REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT DESIGNATING THAT IT APPLIES TO TREES LOCATED
IN THE RIGHT OF WAY AND CHANGES FOR BILLING FOR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS ON
ASEMI-ANNUAL BASIS AND CHANGING THE MINIMUM DELINQUENT AMOUNT FOR
CERTIFICATION. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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8. Consideration of approving appointments for 2009.
The Council discussed the proposed appointments for 2009. Glen Posusta said he would like to look
at the consultants the City uses. He noted that now when development activity is slow might be a
good time to look at RFP's for the consulting services the City uses such as engineering and
planning. He cited the three engineering firms the City has utilized and felt that could be cut back.
He added that both WSB and Northwest Associated Consultants have been with the City a long time
and perhaps have become too comfortable and complacent. He suggested that the City get
information from other firms, weight the cost factor and then decide on whether to retain the existing
consultants or pursue selecting another firm.
Bruce Westby stated the City could bid out projects for the engineering help it needed on a project by
project basis but added that it takes staff time to prepare the RFP's, send them out and review the
RFP's that are submitted. Doing it this way would add a little more time and money up front. Clint
Herbst suggested that the City does a comparison of the City's consultant fees with that of other firms
to see how they compare. Brian Stumpf felt this was something that warranted some additional
research. Jeff O'Neill noted that the City Engineer and Public Works Director were relatively new to
their position and relied heavily on WSB & Associates.
Glen Posusta stated that he has nothing against the work that WSB & Associates is performing for the
City but felt this being a slow time for development activity it would be a good time to check into the
fees charged by other firms. Doing investigation into services and fees of other firms would not
necessarily mean a change in the consultants the City currently uses. In discussion of the consulting
engineers it was noted that Bolton Menk worked with the Big Lake/Monticello joint treatment
facilities. It was discussed whether it was best to stay with one engineer for this or whether each city
should have their own consultant.
In other comments on the appointments it was noted the term on the EDA for Tom Perrault would
run through 2012 and the term for Brian Stumpf would run through 2010. Since there was some
interest by Council members in serving on the Police Commission it was discussed whether two
members of the Council should be appointed. The Council suggested that Tom Perrault along with
Glen Posusta be appointed to the Police Commission.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2009 WITH
MODIFICATIONS THAT THE STAFF WILL CHECK WITH OTHER CONSULTING
ENGINEERS AND CONSULTING PLANNERS FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF GETTTING BIDS
FROM OTHER FIRMS AND TO APPOINT TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE POLICE
COMMISSION WITH THE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES BEING GLEN POSUSTA AND
TOM PERRAULT. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Jeff O'Neill asked if the Council wanted to review who serves on the various subcommittees and task
forces. Clint Herbst said the subcommittees and task forces would remain the same as they were in
2008.
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9. Consideration of approving sale of City property to Mn/DOT for I-94 twin bridge replacement
project over CSAH 75.
Brian Stumpf questioned why the money from the sale of the property was going into the general
fund rather than a separate fund. Tom Kelly said the Council could direct where the funds should go.
Bruce Westby briefly explained the proposed project. Clint Herbst felt MnDOT should have done
the grading for the road that would have led into 95th Street or have MnDOT cover all of the cost of
the grading. Bruce Westby stated that in discussions with MnDOT they talked about doing an
exchange where MnDOT would do the grading work in return for the fill materials. MnDOT has
indicated that they will need the excavated material for their project and are interested in some type
of exchange but Bruce Westby added that they have not given any formal verification of that.
Glen Posusta said that the road could eliminate a lot of traffic from the residential developments in
that area. Clint Herbst asked about the compensation for restoration. MnDOT came up with the
restoration amount because the City was going to put in a road and would have to remove the trees.
The City will be in charge of doing the restoration work. Council questioned whether action on this
item should be tabled until the exchange between MnDOT and the City could be formalized. Bruce
Westby indicated that if the City did not proceed with the easement and property sale, MnDOT would
go the condemnation route. Clint Herbst felt the City should approve the transaction for the land and
the easement but Bruce Westby should continue to negotiate the grading of the road. Bruce Westby
agreed that the grading in exchange for fill material should be separate from the land transaction.
Tom Perrault asked about the five year temporary easement. Bruce Westby said that MnDOT will
grade out to the construction limits and put in turf. The City will be responsible for putting in trees
and shrubs. When the work is completed the City can request return of the easement. Clint Herbst
asked how close the project would come to the pathway. Bruce Westby indicated the pathway would
be removed in this area. During construction 300 feet of pathway will be torn up but it will be
restored. Bruce Westby stated the bridges are in bad shape and MnDOT, as part of this project, is
moving the west bound lane closer to River Mill and the interchange. There was some discussion of
the project scope and design. Clint Herbst asked about the practices used to keep the bridges and
ramps from icing up. Bruce Westby said if the Council would like a presentation on the bridge
replacement project that could be done. Susie Wojchouski suggested that something be put on
Channel 12 about the project. When the City has received a copy of the project design, Bruce
Westby will do a presentation at a future meeting. The level of grading that would be done as part of
this project was also discussed.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO COMPLETE THE
SALE OF BOTH THE TEMPORARY EASEMENT AND THE PARTIAL LAND ACQUISITION
BY MNDOT AS OUTLINED IN THIS REPORT AND PER THE MNDOT DOCUMENTS
PROVIDED TO CITY STAFF AND THAT THE CITY ENGINEER CONTINUES TO WORK
WITH MNDOT ON THE EXCHANGE OF GRADING WORK FOR FILL MATERIAL FROM
THE PROJECT. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION.
Brian Stumpf raised the question again about what fund these monies should go into. Tom Kelly
recommended putting it into a special revenue fund for future construction.
GLEN POSUSTA AMENDED HIS MOTION TO INCLUDE THAT MONIES RECEIVED FROM
MNDOT WOULD BE PLACED IN A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND FOR FUTURE
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CONSTRUCTION. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE AMENDED MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Consideration to enter into a contract between the City of Monticello, Central MN Housing
Partnership and the City of Otsego to obtain funds to establish a Neighborhood Stabilization
Program in Monticello.
Economic Development Director, Megan Barnett, reviewed the grant proposal from the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency for monies to help deal with the problem of foreclosed and abandoned
properties. The grant proposal requires the City to complete the grant application and to partner with
a non-profit organization to administer the grant. The City is proposing to partner with the Central
Minnesota Housing Partnership. Under this contract CMPH will complete the application for the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program and administer the funds according to the regulations of MHFA.
Since Monticello and Otsego have a common area of the same zip code Otsego is requesting 10% of
the grant monies.
Megan Barnett indicated that developments such as Featherstone, Hunters Crossing and Nathan Court
were areas designated for down payment assistance because they were areas with a large number of
foreclosures in a relatively new development area. Once received the grant monies would have to
be allocated within 18 months. It is anticipated the award will be made in February so the 18 months
would start at that time. The program targets homeowners rather than renters. However the Council
can specify if they want to target renters.
Clint Herbst questioned the ability to find the qualified homeowners within that 18 month period.
Susie Wojchouski expressed the concern that this program would get people to buy more house than
what they could afford. Megan Barnett noted that the City also has the option to purchase homes for
redevelopment in the core area of the City. $100,000 is budgeted for purchase and demolition. If the
City can't meet the qualifications of the program the money would get funneled back into the metro
area. Glen Posusta asked how they would be picking out the houses. Megan Barnett said the City
would not pick out house. The City can't identify specific properties only neighborhoods where the
money would be used. Megan Barnett said there is a purchase budget and improvement budget.
Tom Perrault asked about the contract with CMPH and the 8.7% they get for administering the grant.
He noted the contract also called for reimbursement of the expenses and he wondered if that was in
addition to the 8.7% they received. Megan Barnett said the 8.7% comes from the grant monies and
includes the expenses. Brian Stumpf asked if there were additional funds over the 8.7% where would
that come from and how they would be capped. Anything in excess of 8.7% would have to come out
the grant so there should be additional funds the City has to kick in. Clint Herbst said this is a local
tool to get the property back on the tax roll. Megan Barnett asked the Council to specify whether
they want the program geared to homeowners or rents. The Council indicated home owners. She
also asked if they were comfortable with the budgeted amounts for demolition and purchase or
whether more should go to down payment assistance. She said it is important to identify the amount
in each area. The application has to be submitted January 28, 2009. Clint Herbst asked Gary
Anderson if there were any properties that were in bad condition that could be condemned. Gary
Anderson indicated there were some properties like that in the core area of the City.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN MONTICELLO AND
THE CENTAL MINNESOTA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE NSP
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(NEIGHBORHOOD STABILZATION PROGRAM) APPLICATION, SUBMIT THE
APPLICATION TO MHFA AND ADMINISTER FUNDS UPON BEING AWARDED AN NSP
GRANT. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION WITH THE CLARIFICATION THAT
THE PROGRAM WAS BEING GEARED TOWARDS PROPERTY OWNERS RATHER THAN
RENTERS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Update on FiberNet Monticello and Fiber Loop Proiect
Jeff O'Neill gave an update on the status of the project and introduced Don Patten, who will be
working with the City in the capacity of an interim project manager for the FiberNet. At a recent
meeting of the Fiber Optics Committee a multitude of issues dealing with operations, marketing and
other aspects of the project were discussed. The head end building will be completed short and most
of the fiber construction is complete. City staff is in the process of issuing RFP's and getting quotes
for various pieces of equipment as well as negotiating for an Internet connection. They are
continuing to identify the customer base and plan for installation of drops. The City is being assisted
by HBC with issues relating to the operations of the system. The City is also working with CCG
Consulting and HBC on the prices for the services. Glen Posusta questioned why people had not
been contacted about when the City is going on line and what the charges will be for the service. Jeff
O'Neill said they want to be certain that they can provide the service at the price they say they will.
Glen Posusta thought they should have a ball park figure at least to offer proposed users. Clint
Herbst asked what the time frame was for the price information. Jeff O'Neill said they are working
on that. Glen Posusta asked if there were any incentives to get people to sign up. Clint Herbst noted
that the city services are month to month and the user would not be tied to a contract for a set period
of time. Clint Herbst said he was somewhat disappointed that the business drops have not yet been
identified at this point. Clint Herbst added because government has to operate in the open it more
difficult to come up with marketing strategies than it is for the private sector.
12. Consideration of approving purchase of data router for fiber optic loop
Clint Herbst noted that this was something that had been budgeted for. The equipment is being
purchased through the State Cooperative Purchasing Venture. The price came in under estimate as
the budgeted amount was $100,000 but the actual price is $68,641.97 plus tax and shipping.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF TWO CISCO DATA ROUTERS
FROM QUEST COMMUNICATIONS AT A COST OF $68,641.97 THROUGH THE STATE
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING VENTURE. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Consideration of amendment to Chapter 14B (Central Community District) of the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance as related to the re-assignment of design review in conformance with the
1997 Downtown Revitalization Plan.
Approved as SH on the consent agenda.
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14. Consideration of approving payment of bills for January, 2009.
Tom Perrault questioned submitting mileage reimbursement for a full year. Susie Wojchouski
suggested it be done on a quarterly basis. Tom Kelly indicated that for most employees they
have limited mileage so he didn't feel establishing a policy wasn't necessary.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS. GLEN POSUSTA
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Adiourn
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 10:15 P.M. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recording Secretary
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