City Council Minutes 08-22-1994MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MUNTICELLD CITY COUNCIL
Monday, August 22, 1994 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Dan Blonigen, Warren Smith, Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson,
Brad Fyle
Members Absent: None
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller administered the oath of office for new
Councilmember, Dan Blonigen.
2. Apuroval of minutes of the re~ular_ meetin held August 8, ].99.4.
Clint Herbst requested that the motion an item #4 read as follows:
"After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to appoint Dan Blonigen to fill the vacant
Council seat until the end of 1994."
After dicussivn, a mation was made by Warren Smith and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held
August 8, 1994, with the change as nated. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst,
Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Warren Smith. Abstaining: Dan Blonigen.
3. Citizens comments/uetitions, requests and comulaints.
A. Glen Posusta asked why he was not on the agenda for tonight's
meeting, as he had requested to be on this agenda to discuss curb
cuts on his property.
Mayor Fyle explained that follow-up information from Assistant
Administrator Jeff O'Neill and a letter written by City Engineer Bret
Weiss should have addressed his concerns, but the Council could
discuss this further at the end of the meeting.
Posusta asked what opinion Council had after reviewing the
information and was informed that approval of the conditional use
permit for Amax Storage was contingent on the grading and drainage
plan being prepared by the developer and reviewed and approved by
the City Engineer. The City Engineer also noted that the curb cuts
installed by Posusta were not allowed, and Posusta agreed to fill in
curb cuts.
In addition, at the end of the Council meeting, Posusta asked Council
who issues the occupancy permit if he fills in the curb cuts.
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The City Engineer also noted that the Amax Storage facility does
have atwo-year variance on pavement installation if Council is
comfortable leaving the area graded with a gravel surface.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council that if Posusta fills
in the curb cuts as requested by the City Engineer, occupancy will be
permitted; however, the drainage problem at the site must be taken
care of within the two-year time limit.
B. John Brezinka, representing Simonson Lumber, explained that they
submitted bids to the City of Monticello for the recent concession
stand addition and the deputy registrar office remodeling projects;
however, their bid was not accepted on either project. He noted that
their bid on the concession stand project was only $1Q~ higher than
Maple Lake Lumber and wanted to know what they can do to get the
City's business in the future.
The Mayor noted that the City must have valid reasons to spend
additional taxpayer dollars. Administrator Wolfsteller added that
when working with taxpayer dollars, the City is under some
limitations but does try and stay local if possible. Walfsteller also
noted that other companies won't submit quotes in the future if the
City doesn't accept the lowest bid.
Mayor Fy1e thanked Brezinka for expressing his concerns and noted
that the City will keep Simonson Lumber in mind for future projects.
4. Consideration of a re uest to allow lacement of a veterans memorial
monument within a cit ark.
Joanne Yeager, a local area Girl Scout, requested that Council consider
allowing a veterans memorial monument to be placed within a city park.
She stated that she is working toward obtaining a special badge for Girl
Scouts and has received commitments from the American Legion Club and
the VFW for funding the monument.
The Council discussed possible locations, including Ellison Park, Hillside
Cemetery, Monticello Library, and the Information Center site. Lloyd Lund,
representing the American Legion Club, reported that they don't have one
particular area in mind but would prefer a park over the cemetery location.
Councilman Blanigen suggested that the Legion and VFW present a more
definite proposal defining their commitment to the monument, including
maintenance, before the City commits to the project.
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After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to support the veterans memorial to be located within one
of the city parks and to refer the request to the Parks Commission for a
recommendation on the exact location. Clint Herbst added that an
agreement between the City and the Legion and VFW regarding the
purchase and maintenance of the memorial be established. Motion carried
unanimously.
5. Consideration of antin an increase in the individual ension for
volunteer firefi hter relief association members.
Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported that the Monticello Fire
Department is requesting an increase in individual pensions from the
present $1,225 per year of service to $].,300 per year. He noted that it
appears funding is available to support this request through projected state
aid and earnings; however, Wolfsteller reminded Council that the City does
not have control over investment earnings, and if state aid should be cut by
the Department of Revenue, the City would be responsible for whatever
increase is granted.
Clint Herbst asked what amount state aid will provide next year.
Wolfsteller reported that the City will receive that information in
September or October; therefore, the 1994 calculations must be used for
1995 because the fire department is required to submit their request in
August.
Dan Blonigen stated that, although he is very happy with the service
provided by the fire department, he did not support increasing the
retirement benefit unless the department had enough reserve to support the
increase. Administrator Wolfsteller noted that most communities do
support the fire department retirement benefits with contributions. It's not
likely that the State will cut the aid drastically, and the financial
information shows it to be a viable request.
Mike Johnson, representing the Monticello Fire Department, noted that the
City has only been required to contribute $691 to the fund in the last 20
years, and the department would like to request approval of the increase to
$1,300 per year.
Mark Wallen, Assistant Fire Chief, noted that the volunteer firefighters are
paid a $7 fee for fire calls but are on call 24 hours a day and that a
monetary payment after 20 years of service is a reasonable request. Wallin
asked Council to consider this when voting on the increase.
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After discussion, a motion was made by Warren Smith and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to grant the requested increase in the individual pension
to $1,300 per year. Voting in favor: Warren Smith, Shirley Anderson, Clint
Herbst. Opposed: Dan Blonigen. Abstaining: Brad Fyle.
6. Review of bids for the Meadow Oak storm sewer outlet, Project 93-12C, and
consideration of award.
Bret Weiss, City Engineer, reported that the bids for the Meadow Oak
storm sewer outlet project were in three sections--street construction, the
base bid for the small diameter pipe, and the alternate bid for the large
diameter pipe to handle storm water from ditch 33. The alternate bid for
the large diameter pipe came in at the original estimated cast, and the base
bid came in approximately $$0,000 higher than estimated. Weiss noted
that it's difficult to say what caused the base bid to be $$0,000 higher, but
it's possible that contractors assumed that the alternate would be selected
by the City; therefore, they bid higher on that particular section.
Weiss went on to note that he had informed the State of Minnesota that the
bids were high, and John Simola, Public Works Director, has discussed with
Wyman Nelson the passibility of a County contribution. Weiss was
informed by the State at that time that they were going to let the County
take the lead on the project and would not stipulate how much they might
contribute.
County Commissioner Pat Sawatzke reported that the County wants to help
alleviate the problem in ditch 33 if financially feasible; however, ditch 33 is
a private ditch and is not owned by the Gounty. They act only as a judicial
body to govern the ditch.
Gary Leistico, representing the ditch 33 board, stated that he has tried to
talk to the County and State but doesn't have anything official to report to
the City Council; however, it appears hopeful that something can be worked
out, and it may be beneficial to everyone to delay the project.
City Engineer Bret Weiss recommended that Council reject the bids and bid
one alternative in early 1995. The County and State could be notified that
the City would need a commitment by January 15, 1995. If no
commitments are given by that time, the City could go ahead with the
project.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to reject the bids for the Meadow Oak storm sewer outlet,
Project 93-12C, and try to obtain funding commitments from the State and
County by January 15, 1995. If no commitments are given by that date, the
City will go ahead with the project. Motion carried unanimously.
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7. Consideration of a request to accent wastewater trucked in from St. Michael
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Heights Sixth Addition development in St. Michael.
Mayor Fyle reviewed the request by Ralph Munsterteiger to haul up to
3,000 gallons of sewage per day from the St. Michael Heights Addition
development to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant until St.
Michael has completed the expansion of their treatment plant, which is
estimated to be sometime late in 1995.
Shirley Anderson asked if Kelsie McGuire, Manager of the Monticello
Wastewater Treatment Plant, had any problem with this request. McGuire
responded that he does not think it will be any problem to handle the
additional load.
Brad Fyle noted that if the Monticello Treatment Plant reaches its capacity,
the City would need to stop accepting sludge. Jahn Simola responded that
the last agreement made should be the first one to be discontinued if our
plant reaches capacity during the terms of the agreements.
Simola went on to say that that these agreements do depend upon the
financial stability of developer. Clint Herbst suggested that the City may
want to require cone-month deposit in conjunction with this agreement.
Shirley Anderson stated that she did not want the Monticello citizens to pay
for the additional load at the plant in any way. Plant Manager Kelsie
McGuire assured Anderson that the dollar amount being paid by the
developers to haul the sludge to Monticello should cover any additional
expenses at the plant.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by
Warren Smith to enter into an agreement with Crow-94 Properties for
treatment of up to 3,000 gallons per day from the St. Michael Heights Sixth
Addition until the City of St. Michael completes its wastewater treatment
plant expansion or until such time as the waste proves to be a problem at
the City of Monticello's wastewater treatment plant. Tn addition, aone-
month deposit will be required prior to the start of hauling sludge. Motion
carried unanimously.
8. Review of ro orals for under ound fuel tank removal and dis oral from
the Gille site, and consideration of award of_cantract.
Public Works Director Simola informed the Council that the bids received
for tank removal were less than originally expected, and the low bid was
from Schluender Construction in the amount of $10,425.
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After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson to award the
removal of the fuel tanks to Schluender Construction Company at an
estimated cost of $10,425.
Clint Herbst questioned whether the bid includes transfer and disposal of
the tanks. Jahn Simola reviewed the proposal form and noted that it states
"removal and disposal" of the tanks, so disposal should be included in the
price; however, Simola will double check this with Schluender Construction.
After discussion, Councilmember Anderson's motion was amended by Clint
Herbst to award the removal of the fuel tanks to Schluender Construction
Company at an estimated cost of $10,425, provided the bid includes disposal
of the tanks. The amended motion was seconded by Dan Blonigen and
carried unanimously.
Gary Anderson, Building official, reported that there are three parties
interested in purchasing the Gille property when it becomes available for
sale. City Administrator Wolfsteller noted that the County agreed to give
the property to the City, but the City chose to delay taking title until the
tanks were removed due to the potential liability. Now that we know the
site is not contaminated, the City can choose to title the property in our
name or let the County handle it as a tax forfeiture sale as long as the City
receives reimbursement from the County for the work done at the site.
9. Consideration of authorizin stud to determine location of future industrial
area freewa interchan e.
As part of a county-wide transportation study being completed by Wright
Caunty, the City was asked if they were interested in expanding the scope
of the study to include a recommendation on future freeway interchanges
within the city at a cost of $3,000. Since it appeared likely that future
interchanges west of the present Highway 25 interchange would probably be
in an area outside the current city limits, the study may be premature at
this time.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Dan
Blonigen to deny authorization to spend $3,000 on the freeway interchange
study to be completed by SRF in conjunction with the Wright County
Transportation Planning Study. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Consideration of authorizing staff to seek quotes on the cost to demolish, old
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warmin~ house at West Bride Park.
Councilmember Blonigen stated that he felt West Bridge Park needs a
larger parking area, which could be accomplished by extending parking
northward, and that the ald warming house building should be made into
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Council Minutes - 8/22/94
an open shelter by removing doors and windows. He noted that there is
plenty of room east of the old warming house to add the basketball court.
John Simola, Public Works Director, agreed that it makes sense to enlarge
the parking lot, and that the old warming house could be painted to match
the new warming house. Shirley Anderson concurred that the building
should be made into an open shelter as long as there is a current use for it.
Cathy Shuman, speaking on behalf of the Women of Today and the Lions
Club, stated they would like the shelter preserved as an open building, as it
was used twice this year to raise money to benefit the community. Shuman
noted that the Lions Club has expressed an interest in helping to refurbish
the building, and the Women of Today would also help to raise funds.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Dan Blonigen to deny authorization to demolish the old warming house in
West Bridge Park and that the furnace, windows, and doors be removed to
make it an open shelter. Motion carried unanimously.
Shirley Anderson noted that she would like the City to pursue other
community groups who might want to help with this project.
Public Works Director Simola reported that the Parks Commission also
recommended adding two basketball courts in the community, one in
Cardinal Hills and one in the 4th Street Park; however, there is no room for
a court in the 4th Street Park unless the inside of the existing hockey rink
is used, as the area is large enough for a double court so that one full-court
game or two half-court games could be played. In addition, lights are
available that could be used in the spring and fall. Simola asked for
Council's input an this subject.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to have the Public Works
Director discuss this issue with the Monticello Hockey Association and the
Parks Commission for their input.
11. Consideration of re-sealin the exterior sidin of the Monticello Fire Station.
Gary Anderson, Building official, reported that bids will be arriving this
week on re-sealing the exterior siding of the fire station.
Clint Herbst suggested that this item be tabled since no bids have been
received. Herbst also suggested that the City look at other types of siding
since the current siding requires so much maintenance.
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Dan Blonigen stated that he is not happy with this product and agreed with
Herbst that the City should look at other types of siding.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by
Warren Smith to table this item and look at other alternatives before
making a decision. Motion carried unanimously.
12. Consideration of bills far the month of August.
After discussion, a motion was made by Warren Smith and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to approve the bills for the month of August as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. Other matters.
A. Shirley Anderson reported that a resident recently asked why there
are no green arrows at Highway 75 and 25 and noted that a third
lane is needed. Anderson asked City staff if MN/DOT is the party
the City would contact regarding this request.
John Simola, Public Works Director, reported that Highway 75 is a
county highway, and the City would most likely be required to
participate in adding a third lane. He noted that this type of project
has been discussed in the past, but it would be very difficult to alter
the street on the west side. No action was taken.
B. Shirley Anderson reported that a resident requested that Council
prohibit trucks on Highway 75 due to the large number that use
Highway 75 to connect with I-94. Anderson explained to the resident
that the City is unable to make that stipulation but that she would
inform Council of the request. John Simola stated that the City could
possibly request slower speeds on Highway 75 during the school year
and ask for stricter enforcement of the speed limit.
C. Warren Smith noted that there are some trees that need trimming
near Edina Realty and Holiday Station on Walnut Street.
D. Dan Blonigen stated he would like to see the Council agenda
published in the Monticello Times and that additional items could be
added by Council at the meeting if necessary. He noted he would like
to get the agenda packet prior to Friday night in order to have more
time to review it.
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Clint Herbst agreed that agenda items shouldn't be added late in the
week and that a deadline should be enforced for allowing items on the
agenda. Warren Smith added that receiving the agenda on Thursday
rather than Friday would help give Council more time to review the
packet.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to set the Tuesday
morning before the Council meeting as the deadline for allowing
items on the agenda and to publish the agenda in the Monticello
Times. Any additional items for Council review could be prepared by
staff if time allows, and Council will vote at the meeting to add items
to the agenda.
E. Ollie Koropchak, Economic Development Director, congratulated
Council on receiving State approval of the $250,000 Community
Development Black Grant for H-Window.
1
F. Brad Fyle reported that he received a call from Vic Hellman
regarding possible purchase of the Eastwood Knoll property, although
Hellman did not make a formal offer to purchase the property. After
discussion, no action was taken on this issue.
G. After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to set a special
Council meeting for Tuesday, September 6, 1994, at 5 p.m., for the
purpose of reviewing the preliminary budget for 1995.
There being no further discussion,
1
Kare Doty
Office Manager
the meeting was adjourned.
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