City Council Minutes 04-28-1997MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, April 28, 1997 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Fair, Bruce Thielen, Roger Carlson, Clint Herbst, Brian
Stumpf
Members Absent: None
2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held A rin l 14, 1997.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND SECONDED BY CLINT
HERBST TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD
APRIL 14, 1997, AS WRITTEN. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Consideration of adding items to the aannd_a.
A. Councilmember Brian Stumpf requested an update from the Public
Works Director on the progress of painting the old water tower.
B. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND SECONDED BY ROGER
CARLSON TO MOVE ITEM #11, CONSIDERATION OF CHANGE ORDER #2
FOR PROJECT 93-14C (WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
EXPANSION), TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AS ITEM 5G. Motion carried
unanimously.
C. Assistant Administrator Jeff O'Neill requested that authorization to
waive the building moratorium and issue a building permit to
Peterson/Grimsmo Funeral Home be added to the consent agenda as
item 5H.
4. Citizens comments petitions, requests, and complaints.
None.
5. Consent agenda.
Councilmember Brian Stumpf requested that item 5E be removed from the
consent agenda for discussion.
Councilmember Roger Carlson requested that item 5C be removed from the
consent agenda for discussion.
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A. Consideration of approval of final plat and development agreement -
Prairie West Second Addition. Recommendation: Approve the
final plat and development agreement for Prairie West Second
Addition.
B. Consideration of ordering a feasibility study on road, sanitary sewer,
water main, storm sewer, and roadway improvements associated with
the proposed Chelsea Road alignment between Wright County Road
117 and Cedar Street. Recommendation: Authorize completion of
the feasibility study subject to the applicant making a deposit of
$3,500.
C. Consideration of calling for a special meeting with Monticello
Township to discuss urbanization plan modifications. Removed from
the consent agenda for discussion..
D. Consideration of approving Monticello Knights of Columbus #6825
implication to operate a gambling license at Comfbrt Inn.
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the State
Gambling Control Board to issue a pulltab license to the Monticello
Knights of Columbus for the Comfort Inn Motel.
SEE RESOLUTION 97-14.
E. Consideration of granting an extension to carnival permit for
Monticello Mall Merchants Association. Removed from the consent
agenda for discussion.
F. Consideration of Arbor Day Proclamation and observance for Friday,
April 25, 1997, Recommendation: Support the staffs Arbor Day
celebration held on April 25, and declare April 25, 1997, as Arbor Day
and the month of May as Arbor Month.
G. Consideration of Change Order No 2 for City Project #93-14C
(wastewater treatment plant expansion). Recommendation:
Approve change order #2 for a net decrease in contract price of $4,687.
H. Consideration of waiving the building moratorium and authorizing
issuance of a building permit for the Peterson/Grim mo Funeral Home.
Recommendation: Approve waiving the building moratorium and
authorize staff to issue a building permit for the Peterson/Grimsmo
Funeral Home.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY BRUCE
THIELEN TO APPROVE ITEMS 5A, 513, 5D, 5F, 5G, AND 5H OF THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS RECOMMENDED. Motion carried unanimously.
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6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for di cup ion.
5C. Consideration of calling for a Uecial meeting with Monticello
Township to discuss urbanization plan modifications.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that in a letter received
from Darlene Sawatzke, Monticello Township Clerk, the Township
Board was willing to have a joint meeting with the City Council on
May 20 or May 27 under the following conditions:
1. The only individuals allowed to have discussion during
the meeting would be the City Council and Township
Supervisors.
2. The meeting would be no longer than two hours at the
Monticello Township Hall or at another neutral site.
3. The meeting would be presided over by a neutral
moderator, which the Supervisors felt should be Pat
Sawatzke, Wright County Board member.
In addition, Wolfsteller noted that although the Township understands
that the meeting must be open to the public, it would not be conducted
as a public hearing and would not allow input from anyone, including
the Monticello Planning Commission and City staff. One of the
agreeing conditions would be that only the Monticello City Council and
Township Board of Supervisors would be allowed to participate in the
discussion.
Councilmember Bruce Thielen stated that because one of the
conditions set by the Township was that County Commissioner Pat
Sawatkze be the moderator of the joint meeting and he is Thielen's
boss, he would abstain from participation and decisions made during
this discussion.
Councilmember Roger Carlson noted that he was under the impression
that the proposal to the Monticello Township Board was to meet jointly
with the City to discuss the Urban Service Area boundaries, and he
was concerned about the Township setting all the guidelines for the
joint meeting without input from the City.
Mayor Fair also noted his concern with the conditions specified by the
Township. He questioned whether a meeting should be conducted
without Planning Commission and City staff input since they have
knowledge of the issue's history.
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Council discussed the role of the moderator and whether Pat Sawatzke
would be considered a neutral party. Councilmembers Herbst and
Stumpf noted that the moderator's role would not be to participate in
the meeting but only to keep the discussion moving and open and close
the meeting. In addition, Councilmember Herbst noted that if motions
were going to be made by the Council to change the urban service
boundaries at the joint meeting, then the Planning Commission and
City staff should participate in the discussion; however, if the meeting
was for discussion purposes only, then their participation may not be
necessary.
Planning Commission Chair Dick Frie requested an update on the
Council motion made at the previous Council meeting regarding
reconsideration of the urban service boundary issue. After Mayor Fair
read the item from the April 14, 1997, minutes, Frie noted that the
Council motion was to include the Planning Commission; therefore,
the Township's conditions were not in compliance with the motion.
Councilmember Herbst noted that although the Township can make a
separate motion, the City Council must decide if they want to abide
strictly by the City's motion or agree to the Township conditions in
order to begin discussions on the issue.
City Administrator Wolfsteller added that in talking with the
Township Clerk, it was noted that one reason the Township preferred
the discussion be limited to the Council and Township Board was that
if the City and Township's Planning Commissions participated in the
discussion, the group would become too large.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO AGREE TO A JOINT MEETING WITH
THE MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP BOARD ON MAY 20, 1997, AT 7:30 P.M.,
AT THE MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP HALL, TO DISCUSS THE
URBANIZATION PLAN BOUNDARIES WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE ONLY INDIVIDUALS ALLOWED TO HAVE DISCUSSION
DURING THE MEETING WOULD BE THE CITY COUNCIL AND
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS.
2. THE MEETING WOULD BE NO LONGER THAN TWO HOURS AT
THE MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP HALL.
3. THE MEETING WOULD BE CONDUCTED BY WRIGHT COUNTY
BOARD MEMBER PAT SAWATZKE, AS MODERATOR.
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Councilmember Roger Carlson stated that he was not supportive of a
joint meeting with another government body setting all the meeting
rules but would support the motion in order to keep the issue moving.
MAYOR FAIR THEN PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION TO
ADD THAT PAT SAWATZKE WOULD MODERATE THE MEETING, BUT
HIS SOLE ROLE WOULD BE TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE MEETING. THE
AMENDMENT WAS SECONDED BY ROGER CARLSON.
Councilmember Herbst noted that if Commissioner Sawatzke was not
allowed to express his opinion at the meeting, he would be considered
a neutral party. Mayor Fair explained that even though Sawatzke
may not be allowed to participate in the discussion, his position as
County Commission would put one of the City Council members in an
uncomfortable position because he is the Council member's boss.
VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT: BILL FAIR, ROGER
CARLSON. OPPOSED: BRIAN STUMPF, CLINT HERBST. ABSTAINING:
BRUCE THIELEN. Amendment to the motion failed.
VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE ORIGINAL MOTION: CLINT HERBST, BRIAN
STUMPF, ROGER CARLSON. OPPOSED: BILL FAIR. ABSTAINING:
BRUCE THIELEN. Motion passed as originally stated.
Bruce Pankonin, representing Orrin Thompson Homes, suggested that
each City Council and Township Board member submit an affidavit of
interest since there are Township Supervisors that have an interest in
land in the area to be discussed. It was his view that if the public was
not allowed to participate in the discussion, board members who have
an interest in the land should also be excluded from the discussion in
order to avoid a conflict of interest.
Ken Scadden, Township Board member, stated that the meeting would
be open to the public; however, in order to keep the discussion moving,
the Township felt it would be best to limit participation to only the
City Council and Township Board members.
No additional action was taken by Council regarding the proposed
affidavits of interest, and Councilmember Roger Carlson noted that
the City has made a good faith step forward to continue discussions of
the urban service boundary issue.
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5E. Consideration of granting an extension to carnival permit for
Monticello Mall Merchants Association.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that in October of 1996,
the Council granted the Monticello Mall Merchants Association a
permit to allow Chuck's Amusements to operate a carnival at the mall
from Wednesday, May 28, through Sunday, June 1, 1997, for a total of
5 days. The Association recently requested that Council consider
allowing the mall to extend the carnival's stay through Sunday,
June 8, for a total of 12 days. The reason for the request was that the
carnival would be moving their operation to Big Lake on the weekend
of June 8 and would like to leave it set up at the mall rather than
dismantling it for less than a week.
Councilmember Stumpf noted his concern that increasing the carnival
permit from 5 to 12 days seemed to be extreme, and he added that the
carnival permit authorized by the City of Big Lake was also for 5 days,
which seemed to be an adequate amount of time.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND
SECONDED BY CLINT HERBST TO DENY APPROVAL OF THE CARNIVAL
LICENSE EXTENSION. Voting in favor: Brian Stumpf, Clint Herbst,
Roger Carlson. Opposed: Bruce Thielen, Bill Fair. Motion passed.
7. Public hearing on adoption of proposed assessment roll for delinquent utility
bills and certification of assessment roll to County Auditor.
Mayor Fair opened the public hearing.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that the assessment roll for
utility billing accounts included accounts which were delinquent more than
60 days, and the assessment roll would be certified to the County Auditor for
collection on 1998's real estate taxes if not paid by November 30, 1997. He
also noted that in addition to the delinquent amount, an administrative fee of
$25 per account was added to each assessment.
There being no comment from the public, Mayor Fair closed the public
hearing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND SECONDED BY CLINT
HERBST TO ADOPT THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR DELINQUENT CHARGES AS
PRESENTED FOR CERTIFICATION TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AT AN
INTEREST RATE OF 8%.
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City Administrator Wolfsteller suggested that Council eliminate the $25
penalty for those residents affected by the flood in the River Terrace Park, as
they may not have received their mail in time to pay prior to deadline.
BRIAN STUMPF THEN AMENDED HIS MOTION TO EXCLUDE THE $25
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE FOR THOSE RIVER TERRACE PARK RESIDENTS
WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE FLOOD. Clint Herbst seconded the amended
motion. Motion carried unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 97-15.
8. Consideration of a request for a reduction in building permit fees previously
paid --Glen Posusta.
In his Council report, Chief Building Official Fred Patch explained that Glen
Posusta, owner of Amax Storage of Monticello, requested that Council
consider a reduction in the building permit fees previously paid in 1996 for
his storage facility. Posusta was concerned about the amount being charged
for the building permit and the method by which the building permit fee was
determined.
Glen Posusta stated that after reviewing the method of calculating building
permit fees, he understood how the Building Official arrived at the building
permit amount, and he withdrew his request for a reduction in the building
permit fees previously paid. However, Posusta stated his main concern at
this time was the valuation of $140,000 which appeared on the building
permit. Posusta was concerned that the assessor would base the real estate
taxes on the $140,000 amount because it appeared on the building permit
even though the building would not appraise for that amount.
Chief Building Official Fred Patch explained that the valuation used for
building permits is based on square footage of the building, which allows the
same formula to be used for every property to maintain consistency. He
noted that the assessor would look at comparable businesses when
computing the valuation for property taxes.
No Council action was necessary.
9. Consideration of increasing sanitary sewer access fee.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that a survey of neighboring
communities regarding sanitary sewer access unit charges (SAC) was
recently completed and presented for Council consideration. He noted that
City staff was also in the process of collecting development cost information
on other fees in order to provide the Council with a comprehensive
understanding of Monticello's development expenses as compared to other
communities.
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Following is the comparative data on SAC charges in neighboring
communities:
Becker
$ 600/unit
St. Michael
3,300/unit
Elk River
1,300/unit
Buffalo
3,700/unit
Big Lake
2,300/unit
Wolfsteller noted that the current SAC charge in Monticello is $1,500, and
staff proposed that Council consider increasing the charge to between $2,000
and $2,500 and earmarking the increase toward retirement of the
wastewater treatment plant debt. It was also suggested that builders and
developers be given a 60 -day grace period to allow builders a chance to pass
the cost on to customers on future contracts.
Council discussed raising the fee to $3,000 and whether additional research
should be completed prior to the increase. Councilmember Herbst suggested
that since the City Council had already discussed increasing the fee during
the past couple of months, a 30 -day grace period would be sufficient.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO INCREASE THE SANITARY SEWER ACCESS
FEE FROM $1,500/UNIT TO $3,000/UNIT EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 1997. NOTICE OF
THE INCREASE WILL BE MAILED TO BUILDERS WITH PUBLIC COMMENT
TAKEN UNTIL JUNE 1. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Bruce
Thielen. Opposed: Bill Fair, Roger Carlson. Motion passed. It was the view
of Mayor Fair and Councilmember Carlson that a longer grace period should
be allowed prior to the increase taking effect.
Consideration of appointing Wright Soil and Water Conservation District as
the authority administering wetland protection laws in the city of Monticello.
Assistant Administrator Jeff O'Neill reported that since 1991, the City of
Monticello has been the local governing unit in charge of regulating
wetlands; however, since wetland law and regulations continue to change
and staff has found it difficult to keep up with the requirements of the law
and technical aspects of administration of the law. In addition,
administration of the wetland act is a service provided by the Wright Soil
and Water Conservation District to cities without charge. Council was
requested to consider appointing the Wright Soil and Water Conservation
District as the authority to administer wetland protection laws in the city of
Monticello.
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AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND
SECONDED BY ROGER CARLSON TO APPOINT THE WRIGHT SOIL AND
WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT AS THE 1991 WETLAND ACT LOCAL
GOVERNING UNIT FOR THE CITY OF MONTICELLO. Motion carried
unanimously.
11. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 for City Project #93-14C (wastewater
treatment plant expansion).
This item was added to the consent agenda.
12. Consideration of bills for the last half of April, 1997,
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY ROGER
CARLSON TO APPROVE THE BILLS FOR THE LAST HALF OF APRIL 1997 AS
PRESENTED. Motion carried unanimously.
A. Councilmember Brian Stumpf requested an update from the Public
Works Director on the progress of painting the old water tower.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that the company
painting the water tower was notified that the temperature was high
enough to continue painting and that the $50 per day penalty would
again begin. to accumulate. Approximately $1,800 in liquidated
damages had accumulated during the fall of 1996.
B. Mayor Fair noted that City staff scheduled a flood relief trip to
Breckenridge on May 1, 1997. Assistant Administrator O'Neill
explained that a relief fund had been established at Marquette Bank;
however, very few dollars had been deposited by meeting time, and
O'Neill requested that Council consider funding the difference between
the cost of the bus and the amount deposited in the relief fund.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY BRUCE
THIELEN TO FUND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COST OF THE
BUS TO BRECKENRIDGE AND THE AMOUNT DEPOSITED IN THE
RELIEF FUND. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Council set a special meeting for Tuesday, May 13, 1997, at 4 p.m., for
the purpose of conducting a prioritization workshop.
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D. Mayor Fair reported that he received a call from the Monticello
Country Club regarding whether the City would be holding a special
election for a referendum on allowing additional liquor licenses within
the city of Monticello. They are considering expanding the club but
would like to have more information regarding the referendum prior to
construction.
City Administrator Wolfsteller reported that the Council can specify in
a referendum the number of additional licenses to be issued, or the
question can be left open-ended by asking if the City can issue
additional liquor licenses.
City staff was directed to contact the Monticello Country Club for more
information and return the item to Council.
E. Mayor Fair reported that he received a proposal from Marquette Bank
for selling their building on Highway 25 to the City for a new city hall.
The appraisal on the 19,000 sq ft building was $750,000, and the
Mayor asked Council members if they would like City staff to proceed
with investigating the property for possible purchase.
It was noted by Council members that although the location did not
match the Monticello Community Partners' plan for a future civic area
on Walnut Street, the price seemed reasonable in that the City would
not be able to build a new city hall for $750,000.
It was consensus of the City Council to direct staff to investigate the
possible purchase of the Marquette Bank building and report back to
the Council.
F. Mayor Fair requested an update on the Highway 25 project.
City Engineer Bret Weiss reported that the property acquisition
process has begun, and MN/DOT has agreed to assume responsibility
for paying all fees directly rather than the City paying the cost and
receiving reimbursement. In addition, Weiss noted that he is working
on obtaining federal approval for the loop ramp, which has been
included by MN/DOT and would likely be constructed with the
Highway 25 improvements. Staff is also working with the City
Engineer on a proposal for relocating the commuter parking lot, which
MN/DOT would like completed in 1997.
Weiss went on to report that Wright County plans to terminate County
Road 117 at the new Chelsea Road and not extend it to Highway 25,
which would relieve them of any financial reponsibility in the project.
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G. Mayor Fair requested an update on the post office access situation.
City Administrator Wolfsteller reported that Brad Larson had
requested that the City consider making the access from Locust Street
a one-way entering the parking lot. The City does own a strip of land
behind the photography building, which Metcalf and Larson have now
sold. Wolfsteller also noted that the owner of the post office building
may be interested in purchasing the neighboring lot from the City for
an additional post office access.
Mayor Fair directed the City Administrator to set up a meeting, which
he would also attend, to negotiate the access points.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. Motion carried unanimously.
Zrbn Doty
Office Manager
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