City Council Minutes 03-14-2011MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 14, 2011— 7 p.m.
Present: Clint Herbst, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Brian Stumpf
Absent: Glen Posusta
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Herbst called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
IA. Moment of Silence
Mayor Herbst called for a moment of silence in memory of Dan Blonigen, who served on
City Council between 1971 -1992.
2A. Approval of Minutes — February 28, 2011 Special Meeting
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 28, 2011 SPECIAL
MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
2B. Approval of Minutes — February 28, 2011 Regular Meeting
LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 28, 2011 REGULAR
MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda
The following items were added to the regular agenda: a) Blue Ribbon Commission
meeting at Red Wing on April 15; b) Beyond the Yellow Ribbon update; c) 3- 4 -5 -6 -7
(recycling); d) dedicated parking for Library; and e) Public Works complaint
4. Citizen comments, public service announcements, and staff updates
a. Citizen Comments:
1) Girl Scout Month proclamation: Mayor Herbst presented a proclamation
certificate for Monticello Girl Scout Week to Charlotte Gabler,
representative for local Girl Scout chapters
b. Public Service Announcements:
1) Food Shelf Drive — Kitty Baltos noted that Monticello Community Center
and Senior Center are collecting donations for Monticello Food Shelf
City Council Minutes — March 14, 2011 Page 1
through month of March. Donations can be dropped off at the Community
Center.
2) Community Garden reservations — Kitty Baltos is accepting reservations -
for the Community Garden at this time. There are 6 plots left at $25 for
the season for a plot. City residents are given first chance. Parks
Department will be preparing garden in May.
3) Tree Sales (3/25 deadline) — Tom Pawelk explained the tree sale program
for city residents: residents can order up to 2 trees per household, 5
different varieties, limited trees available so reserve now, deadline is
March 25th. Trees will be available for pickup in April. Mayor Herbst
asked about trees on School Boulevard as he would like to see larger
shade trees planted there. Mayor suggested perhaps residents could
donate a tree to be used on city property if they do not have room on their
own property. Tom Pawelk noted that the City does sponsor a tree
memorial program.
4) State of the City report at Chamber meeting — Jeff O'Neill noted that City
staff and Mayor will be presenting a State of the City report on March 15
at noon at River City Lanes for the monthly Chamber meeting.
C. Staff Updates:
1) Liquor Store net profit report: Tom Kelly noted that the Liquor Store
Manager had reported on Feb 14 regarding sales and gross profit at the
store. However, he did not have figures on the net profits so Tom Kelly
explained those figures for 2009 and 2010. In 2010, the net profit was
$365,161.34 or 7.94 %, which includes a $266,000 operating transfer. In
2009 the net profit was 6.75 %.
5. Consent Agenda:
A. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.
B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments.
Recommendation: Ratify new hires and terminations for MCC.
C. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.
D. Consideration of accepting proposals and awarding contract for maintenance
rehabilitation of Monticello Deep Wells #2 and #5, turbine pump and appurtenant
work. Recommendation: Approve refurbishment of Well No. 2 and 5 and
award the contract to Alberg Water Services in the amount of $18,258 with work
to proceed the week of March 14, 2011.
E. Consideration of adopting Ordinance #525 amending the Monticello Zoning
Ordinance, Section 4.5 — Signs. Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance #525
amending Title 10 — Monticello Zoning Code, Section 4.5 — Signs as follows:
City Council Minutes — March 14, 2011 Page 2
4.5 (C) Permit Not Require d
(2) Permanent signs two (2) square feet or less in size.
4.5 (D) Prohibited Signs
(10) Abandoned Signs.
4.5(l) Temporary Signs
(3) Subject to other provisions of Section 4.5(1), one (1) additional
temporary sign device shall be permitted for a business on a one-
time basis for a period of up to forty (40) days to be utilized within
six (6) months of the first day of the business opening to the public.
Such signage shall not be limited by the provisions of Sections
4.5(1)(2).
F. Consideration of adopting Interim Ordinance #526 providing a temporary
expansion of Temporary Signage Allowances in the City. Recommendation:
Adopt Interim Ordinance 9526 amending Title 10 — Monticello Zoning Code,
Section 4.5 — Signs to provide for temporary expansion of the temporary signage
allowances within the City of Monticello as noted:
1. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.355, et seq., the City hereby adopts and
approves the order for interim ordinance temporarily relaxing Monticello
Zoning Ordinance Temporary Sign regulations 4.5(1)(1), 4.5(1)(2) and
4.5(1) (3) within the City of Monticello.
2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and
after its passage and publication. It shall remain in effect until
the adoption of the official controls contemplated herein or
December 31st, 2011 whichever first occurs.
3. One temporary sign per business shall be allowed by permit.
4. One temporary sign shall be allowed every 75 lineal feet ofstreet
frontage, on not more than two public streets, on the parcel for
which the permit has been issued.
5. The total number of temporary signage days allowed per
business shall be unlimited in number.
6 Signage days must be tracked by permit holder for a permit to be
considered valid.
7. Temporary sign area shall be limited to a maximum of 40 square
feet.
8. This interim ordinance applies only to temporary signs (portable)
and does not include placard signs (movable staked signs of'6
square feet or less) or permanent signage.
9. Signs must be constructed of materials consistent with temporary
signs (portable) such as aluminum, acrylic, plexiglas, lexan,
polycarbonate, or other comparable materials and may not be
constructed of plywood, chipboard, corrugated plastic,
unfinished materials, or other similar materials.
10. The interim ordinance does not include a relaxation ofstandards
pertaining to sandwich boards, as defined by ordinance.
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11. Signs must be located on the property on which the business
activity is located, with the permission of the property owner.
12. Prohibition of all off - premise temporary and permanent signage
shall continue per Monticello Zoning Ordinance regulations
4.5(D)(2), 4.5(D)(9) and general allowable use regulations (5.1).
13. Signs may not be located within any public easement or right -of-
way.
14. The City may enforce any provision of this ordinance by mandamus,
injunction, or any other appropriate civil remedy in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH
REMOVAL OF ITEMS A AND C. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion
#5A. Consideration of approving payment of bills for March 14`x'
Tom Perrault stated he does not feel comfortable with the bills on consent agenda. He
also asked about the fee paid to GFOA for applying for the CAFR (Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report) award. Tom Kelly explained that he suggested having the bill
approval on the consent agenda in a manner similar to most cities. Tom Kelly explained
that the CAFR award is a measure of good fiscal management and often helps with bond
rating and bond sales as well as other fiscal matters. The fee covers the costs associated
with GFOA expenses related to the award. Tom Perrault also asked about roof repair
materials cost paid to Gulfeagle Supply of St Cloud. Bob Paschke explained this was for
a repair of a leaking skylight in the shop with the work performed by public works
employees.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE BILL REGISTER
FOR MARCH 14TH. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED 4 -0 TO PAY THE BILL REGISTER TOTALING $976,036.76.
#5C. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2011 -15 approving contribution from
Land of Lakes Choirboys designated for Riverfest bands
Brian Stumpf noted that the Choirboys have made many contributions over the years and
wondered if the City would consider honoring them in some way for their many
donations. Kitty Baltos noted that they have a plaque in the Monticello Community
Center in honor of Land of Lakes Choirboys, and they also provide a room at no charge
for them to perform once or twice a year at the Monticello Community Center. Clint
Herbst suggested that the Monticello Community Center Advisory Board could discuss
this at their March 15 meeting.
City Council Minutes —March 14, 2011 Page 4
7.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONTRIBUTION OF $2500 FROM
THE LAND OF LAKES CHOIRBOYS TO BE USED FOR RIVERFEST BANDS,
TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
Continuation of Public Hearing - Consideration of adopting Ordinance #527
amending 2011 Fee Schedule for industrial water /sewer rates and fire lock box fee
Tom Kelly explained the items that are recommended to be approved for amending the
fee schedule. The fire lock box fee would be listed at "cost + sales tax" rather than a
specific figure. An adjustment to commercial /industrial water and sewer rates is also
recommended. Tom Kelly noted that city staff met with Cargill Kitchen Solutions to try
to arrive at a satisfactory rate structure. Clint Herbst noted that the City has been
negotiating with Cargill as they are the largest water user in the City and the earlier
increase approved for fees would have had a greater impact on them over time.
Mayor Herbst opened the public hearing.
Cargill Plant Manager Kurt Zweifel thanked the City for working with them to arrive at
an acceptable rate structure.
As there were no other comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 ADOPTING
ORDINANCE #527 AMENDING THE 2011 FEE SCHEDULE AS FOLLOWS. TOM
PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
Fire Lock Box Fee: Cost + sales tax (current cost - $171)
Industrial Sewer Rates: 0 -3740 gallons. $1.801748 gallons
Over 3740 gallons $1.801748 gallons
BOD5: $0.32011b.
TSS: $0.44011b.
Testing
Actual costs + 10% (no change)
Comm Water Rate, Mtr 1
0 -3740 gallons $1.141748 gallons + sales tax
3741-29,920 gallons $1.141748 gallons + sales tax
29,921- 100,000 gallons $1.141748 gallons + sales tax
over 100, 000 gallons 1.14/748 gallons + sales tax
8. Consideration of accepting quotes and approving upgrades to the Monticello
Community Center Warehouse as recommended by the Monticello Community
Center Advisory Board
Kitty Baltos summarized the process leading to asking Council for approval of
remodeling the Warehouse room. Over the last 15 months, the Monticello Community
City Council Minutes— March 14, 2011 Page 5
Center has solicited quotes for various materials and labor to make improvements in the
Warehouse. She provided a sample of the flooring they are proposing to use, which is a
cushioned floor to allow better use for fitness classes. This is a durable flooring which
can withstand other uses in addition to fitness classes. Kitty Baltos displayed a diagram
of the current layout of the Warehouse space and explained the changes that have been
recommended by the Monticello Community Center Advisory Board. The architectural
bumpouts by the booths would be taken out and the booths moved to the back of the
room. The TV area would be changed by removing the storage area that angles out from
the oversize TV. A storage cabinet would be built in along the east wall. They also
propose to increase the lighting in the area so that it could also be used as a meeting room
on occasion. Clint Herbst noted that the Monticello Community Center Advisory Board,
on which he sits, has been discussing this for quite some time and strongly feels that this
room needs to be remodeled to accommodate multiple uses.
Herbst did bring up some suggestions on the process for soliciting quotes or bids.
Although the Council prefers to have local vendors perform the work, they do not want to
limit quotes /bids to just local vendors. He suggested that the City look into adding a web
page for the City to advertise projects and jobs for which they are seeking bids or quotes.
It would take some time to get the word out, but he feels that it would provide a more
equal opportunity for vendors seeking to do business with the City. Brian Stumpf stated
that he likes the idea of putting ads out on the website and letting the vendors decide if
they want to provide a quote /bid.
Kitty Baltos explained how she went about soliciting quotes for the Warehouse
remodeling, starting with local vendors and then seeking additional vendors to provide
quotes. Tom Perrault asked how they determined which flooring would meet the needs
for fitness classes. Kitty Baltos explained that they included all of the potential uses in
the room and included those in the specifications for the vendors. Lloyd Hilgart asked
about the timeline and the possible use of public works employees for the labor. Kitty
Baltos explained the tight schedule that is needed to reduce the Warehouse down time
and how that does not work very well for public works. Although they would prefer to
use public works staff, it could not be fit into their schedule until fall.
Clint Herbst commented that he feels the quote process is problematic. Angela
Schumann noted that an RFP page is already set up on the city website and they could
implement its use among all city staff, if so desired. Brian Stumpf feels that a lot of
thought has gone into this proposal for remodeling, but he would rather see the quotes
updated and brought back to Council at the first meeting in April.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM AND PUT THE REQUEST FOR
QUOTES OUT ON THE CITY WEBSITE. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A
SECOND.
Lloyd Hilgart agrees that using the city website for quotes is a good goal, but feels that
this item has already been quoted and should not go out again as that could affect the
City Council Minutes — March 14, 2011 Page 6
original quotes. He would like to see this item accepted and then move to the city website
for future projects.
LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 ACCEPTING THE
QUOTES AND AUTHORIZING THE REMODELING WORK IN THE MCC
WAREHOUSE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONTRACTORS: FLOORING — AE
MICHAELS AT $13,891.58; DEMO /BUILD STORAGE — BAAS CONSTRUCTION
AT $3,781; LIGHTING — SELECT ELECTRIC AT $4,540; MIRRORS — RAS GLASS
AT $1,549.06; ELECTRONICS /AUDIO — ACOUSTICAL INNOVATIONS AT
$1,778.87; AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ESTIMATED AT $2,200 FOR A TOTAL
OF $27,740.51. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
3 -1 WITH BRIAN STUMPF OPPOSED.
9. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2011 -17 ordering improvements and
authorizing preparation of final Plans and Specifications for Walnut Street / 7th
Street Intersection Improvements project, to be added to City Project No. 11C001
Bruce Westby discussed the issues confronting the intersection at Walnut and 7`h Street
West, including confusion by drivers in which lane to use and by pedestrians in where to
cross 7th Street. Bruce Westby displayed a diagram showing the proposal to adjust the
curb line south of 7ti, Street to even out the width of 7th Street. Designated turn lanes
would be striped on 7th Street both east and west of Walnut Street but no concrete barriers
would be used. On Walnut Street, striping would be added to designate a left turn lane
movement onto 7th Street going east. Bruce Westby also noted the proposed crosswalk
for pedestrians to cross 7ti' Street.
Clint Herbst suggested that they might want to not have a crosswalk at that point and
instead push people down to the Highway 25 lights to cross. Bruce Westby noted that
city staff had looked into possibly adding a flashing crosswalk light, although the cost
would run around $20,000 for that. Brian Stumpf noted that there is a crosswalk further
west on 7th Street where people could cross. Clint Herbst reiterated the danger for
pedestrians to cross at this intersection and would like the City to look into this further.
Jeff O'Neill agreed that the City should make sure it finds a good crossing as Walnut is
designated as a through street from downtown to 7th Street and people do walk along
there.
Bruce Westby also noted that there is no sidewalk on the north side of 7th Street west of
Walnut, or on the south side from the entrance to Cub Foods up to Highway 25. That
creates a need for pedestrians to cross 7th Street near the intersection with Walnut Street
in order to stay on the sidewalk. Lloyd Hilgart would like to see this project completed
and suggested that the City consider a 4 -way stop at that intersection which might also
help drivers maneuver in addition to creating a better crossing for pedestrians. Brian
Stumpf stated that it could create a traffic backup at Highway 25 so the City should study
that if considering a 4 -way stop. Brian Stumpf does like the improvement of that
intersection and would like to see it bid out. Clint Herbst feels strongly that this project
City Council Minutes — March 14, 2011 Page 7
should be completed to improve traffic movement; however, he thinks more work needs
to be done to figure out a solution for a pedestrian crossing.
LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 ADOPTING
RESOLUTION #2011 -17 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING
PREPARATION OF FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATION FOR WEST 7' STREET
AND WALNUT STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO.
11C001; WITH FURTHER STUDY ON A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. TOM
PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
10. Consideration of establishing a Transportation Advisory Committee and appointing
Council representative(s)
Jeff O'Neill explained that the development of this committee came out of work that
Megan Barnett has done with the Embracing Downtown project and the recent approval
of the Transportation Plan. In order to focus on transportation issues in the City as well
as the location of the city along I -94 and the Mississippi River, it is felt that this would be
an important committee to establish at this time. Clint Herbst felt it would be a good idea
to roll it out and see how it develops. Jeff O'Neill noted that Bruce Westby had listed
some of the responsibilities that could be assigned to this committee and suggestions for
make -up of the committee. Bruce Westby noted that the IEDC actually has three very
qualified members and would recommend three rather than two members from the IEDC,
bringing the total to eight members. Brian Stumpf questioned whether they would
actually want two council members on this board. Bret Weiss spoke on behalf of the
committee makeup and how they should function, recommending to include two Council
members so they have a better understanding of the discussions that take place. He also
recommended that the group serve as a sounding board to review and offer options and
recommendations to Council for consideration. Brian Stumpf asked about selecting a
common meeting time and date. Bruce Westby noted that staff had talked about holding
quarterly meetings on a weekday morning.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE 41 ESTABLISHING A
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH THE FOLLOWING
REPRESENTATION. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED 4 -0.
• Two (2) City Council representatives
• One (1) Planning Commission representative
• Two (2) IEDC representatives
• One (1) EDA representative
• One (1) resident at -large representative
Council directed staff to return to a future meeting with a recommended meeting date and
time so they can appoint two representatives.
11. Added items
City Council Minutes —March 14, 2011 Page 8
a) Blue Ribbon Commission meeting to discuss nuclear waste storage - Jeff O'Neill
explained this meeting will be held in Red Wing on April 15th. He is looking for any
members of Council that would be willing to attend with him. Council should contact
Jeff O'Neill if interested.
b) Beyond the Yellow Ribbon update - Jeff O'Neill summarized meeting that city staff
held with lst Lt. Kathryn Helland for possibility of forming a steering committee in
Monticello that would help find resources to assist military families when a spouse
has been deployed. He explained that there are other communities in Minnesota that
have developed a steering committee and become a "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon"
community. Jeff O'Neill noted that staff will come back to Council with a plan.
C) 3- 4 -5 -6 -7 (recycling) - Tom Perrault noticed that the new recycling carts did not have
the plastics recycling codes on top. He called Veolia to find out what was acceptable.
He wanted the public to know that plastics with codes of 3- 4 -5 -6 -7 can be recycled as
long as the pieces are clean.
tl) Dedicated parking for Library - Clint Herbst received a call from the Library Board
concerned about losing their parking when the National Guard weekends are held.
They wanted to know if there was a way to reserve some spots strictly for library
tenants. Kitty Baltos explained that there are over 200 guard members that show up
on those weekends and need to have a place to park. Clint Herbst suggested that
perhaps some businesses in the surrounding area could help out with overflow
parking. Kitty Baltos will work with them in the future to make sure they are aware
of where they should park.
e) Public Works complaint - Clint Herbst noted that there was an incident where a
resident complained anonymously about an employee that he thought was reading the
paper while in a city vehicle. Clint Herbst explained that, in this case, the employee
was doing some GIS mapping that was needed for the job that he was working on.
He also noted that City of Monticello employees deserve kudos for the jobs that they
have been doing with less pay and less staff than in prior years.
12. Adiournment
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:27 P.M. LLOYD
HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman C�
Approved: March 28, 2011
Attest: ee
Cit �,J inistrator
City Council Minutes — March 14, 2011 Page 9