City Council Minutes 06-08-1992MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, June 8, 1992 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brad
Fyle, Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: None
2. Approval of minutes.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting held May 26, 1992. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
None forthcoming.
4. Consideration of an ordinance amendment amending the zoning
map by rezoning Thomas Park subdivision and adjacent unplatted
parcel from B-2 (limited commercial) to I-1 (light
industrial). Applicant, City of Monticello.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted that Pat Townsend and
Dave Jamison were not in attendance, and it was his
understanding that they both had planned on providing input to
Council regarding this matter. O'Neill suggested that Council
table this matter until the next meeting of the City Council.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to table consideration of an ordinance
amendment amending the zoning map by rezoning Thomas Park
subdivision and adjacent unplatted parcel from B-2 to I-1.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Consideration of a conditional use request to allow open and
outdoor storage and open and outdoor sales and accessory use
in an I-1 (light industrial) zone. Location is Lot 1,
Block 1, Thomas Park Addition in the city of Monticello.
Applicant, Monticello Boat Works.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to table this matter pending input from
Dave Jamison and Pat Townsend. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Appeal of a variance request to allow a detached garage to be
built within the rear and side yard setback requirements.
Applicant, Dennis Doran.
Gary Anderson, Building Official, noted that Mr. Doran was
unable to attend the meeting because of a funeral that Doran
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was attending. According to Anderson, Doran requested that
Council table this matter until the next regular meeting of
the City Council.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and
seconded by Brad Fyle to table the appeal of a variance
request to allow a detached garage to be built within the rear
and side yard setback requirements. Motion carried
unanimously.
Consideration of granting an increase in the individual
Dension for the Volunteer Fire Relief Association members.
Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported that the
volunteer fire department requests that the City Council
increase the retirement benefit from the present $23,500 to
$25,000. This benefit is payable in a lump sum after 20 years
of service based on the requested increase of $75 per year of
service to the new amount of $1,250. Wolfsteller noted that
the Relief Association's last increase was granted in July of
1990 to the present level of $23,500 or $1,175 per year. In
1989, the benefit was increased to $21,500 or $1,075 per year.
In 1988, the increase was to $19,500 or $975 per year.
Wolfsteller also noted that in 1982, the Council set a policy
that indicated it would not consider any increase in benefits
unless the fund was self sufficient. In other words, assets
are greater than the accrued liability, and any increase would
not result in a contribution from the city taxpayers.
Wolfsteller stated that the 1993 financial schedule as
proposed supports an increase of $75 to the $1,250 amount
without requiring a tax levy by the City to support the
increase. The Association's primary income consists of
interest earnings on their investments along with state aid
funds. These two income sources are sufficient to support the
anticipated $1,250 per year level of retirement benefit,
assuming a 5% interest return on their investments and
assuming that the state aid funds are not cut further.
Wolfsteller again noted that Council should be aware that the
majority of the Relief Association's income is based on state
aid, which the City does not have control over. Therefore, in
the event the state aid is cut, the City is obligated to
support the necessary revenue if interest income by the
Association does not fully fund their obligations.
Dan Blonigen was concerned that the City is making a
commitment to funding a pension based on the reliance that the
state aid funds will continue at the same level indefinitely.
Blonigen noted that the pension fund should be self supporting
without an injection of state aid funds.
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4
Maus noted that the state is in
budget. Maybe the City should
pension fund aid is affected.
Council Minutes - 6/8/92
the process of balancing its
wait and see if the state
After discussion, a motion was made by Ken Maus and seconded
by Clint Herbst to grant an increase of $50 to $1,225 per
year. Voting in favor: Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson, Clint
Herbst. Opposed: Dan Blonigen. Abstaining: Brad Fyle.
Consideration of renewing animal services agreement - Patty
Salzwedel.
Rick Wolfsteller informed Council that the animal services
contract with Patty Salzwedel is up for renewal in July, and
Patty has requested that the entire compensation package be
reviewed by the Council for adjustments.
Wolfsteller informed Council that the work load experienced by
Salzwedel has increased dramatically. The number of animals
impounded in 1991 has almost doubled, and the number of
complaints she responds to has also doubled. Wolfsteller
noted that City Council needs to determine what level of
service the City should provide for animal control related
functions. If Council wishes to maintain the existing level
as noted by Salzwedel, then significant adjustments to the
contract may need to be made. If Council wishes to continue
to compensate Salzwedel at the current level, then the level
of service may need to be reduced from its present level.
Ken Maus noted that the animal control services provided by
Salzwedel have been excellent. It was his view that efforts
should be made to reduce the number of hours that are spent on
animal control activities where possible. At the same time,
Maus noted that Salzwedel should receive an increase in her
contract amount to reflect the growing demands of the
position. After six months, the program should be reviewed.
City Council also reviewed the daily housing fees charged by
the City to other jurisdictions to house and dispose of
animals. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst
and seconded by Dan Blonigen to increase the fee to euthanize
dogs from $18 to $25 and keep the daily housing fee at $8.
Motion includes authorization to reduce the service level
where possible and provide compensation in the amount of
$2,000 per month. Motion carried unanimously.
Review of bids and consideration of award of contract for
public works facility phase I.
John Simola informed Council that eight bids were received.
The base bid, which included the building, soils correction,
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Council Minutes - 6/8/92
and west drive area, ranged from a low of $458,975 to a high
of $507,600. This was significantly lower than our estimated
cost for the basic package of $556,000.
The building committee met on June 2 to review the bids, the
alternates, and to make a recommendation to the City Council.
After reviewing the information from the bidders and
additional information provided by OSM, the building committee
recommended that the City Council award the contract based
upon the low base bid, including site work and soil
correction, from Rochon Corporation for $458,974, with the
addition of alternate #1, the radiant heating system at a cost
of $31,300, and alternate #2, the sign shop and storage
mezzanine at a cost of $20,600, for a total of $510,874. This
recommendation is based upon a cost versus value versus need
for alternates #3, #4, and #5. Simola went on to review the
rationale for selection of the alternates.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to table
further consideration until completion of the conditional use
permit process.
10. Consideration of an ordinance amendment to Chapter 10-9 of the
Monticello Zoning Ordinance by adding "Governmental and Public
Utility Buildings" to be allowed as a conditional use in the
PZM zone. Applicant, City of Monticello Planning Commission.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill informed Council that the
Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and recommended
approval of a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow
governmental and public utility buildings to be allowed as a
conditional use in the PZM zone. The motion was based on the
Planning Commission's finding that the proposed conditional
use and associated conditions are consistent with the purpose
of the PZM zone. In addition, allowing a public building in
the PZM zone will not tend to depreciate adjoining property
values, and this type of use is consistent with the geography
and character of the area.
O'Neill went on to note that technically, in order for the
public utility building to be expanded as proposed, the zoning
ordinance amendment is not necessary because the existing
facility is considered to be a permitted use under the present
ordinance. Specifically, the zoning ordinance states that
permitted uses include "Those uses that exist prior to the
adoption of this chapter." O'Neill noted that the Planning
Commission is recommending that the ordinance be amended by
eliminating this section of the ordinance because it also has
the effect of allowing certain uses not consistent with the
PZM zone to exist as permitted uses.
A discussion regarding the location of the public works
facility at the proposed location ensued.
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Chris Holm, owner of West Cello Apartments, noted his
objection to the project, claiming it would reduce the West
Cello property value.
Clint Herbst stated that the site plan, which includes
extensive screening, will result in a significant improvement
to the site. Improving the site should not devalue the
adjoining properties.
City Attorney, Paul Weingarden, noted that the public works
facility is a permitted use and always has been. The City
could expand the facility without a conditional use permit.
Dan Blonigen noted his support for the site, noting that the
location provides the best access to the city. The site is
large enough to satisfy City needs for many years.
Ken Maus stated from the start the City looked at the site
location issue with an open mind. The intent has been to
provide proper screening and design a site that will not
degrade area property values.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and
seconded by Dan Blonigen to adopt an ordinance amendment
adding "Governmental and Public Utility Buildings" to be
allowed as a conditional use in the PZM zone.
Motion is based on the following finding:
1. The proposed conditional use permit is consistent
with the purpose of the PZM district, which is to
provide a land use transition between high density
residential land uses and low intensity business
land uses. The public utility building site plan,
which includes extensive screening, landscaping,
direct access to county and city state aid
highways, and separation from R-1 and R-2 uses, is
found to be consistent with the stated purpose of
the PZM zone.
2. The present mix of uses in the PZM district at this
location is compatible with the proposed
conditional use, and the proposed conditional use
is consistent with the geography and character of
the area.
3. The proposed
single family
located so as
areas of the
facility.
site is sufficiently separate from
residential areas and is centrally
to provide ease of access to all
city which will be serviced by the
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Council Minutes - 6/8/92
4. The conditional use proposed will not depreciate
the area in which it is proposed, as it will be an
improvement to what was once a permitted use, will
enable the City to store vehicles which would
otherwise remain outside, and will be aesthetically
pleasing.
5. The use of the present site has grown so as to
render the existing buildings inadequate for the
stated purposes and, therefore, requires expansion.
The need for a public works building in a city the
size of Monticello is obvious.
6. The proposed conditional use is consistent with the
comprehensive plan.
7. The proposed site meets the requirements as
outlined by city ordinance.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 225.
11. Consideration of a zoning ordinance amendment to Chapter 10-6
of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance which identifies permitted
uses in the PZM zone by deleting or amending 10-6 [C], "Those
uses that exist prior to the adoption of this chapter."
Applicant, City of Monticello Planning Commission.
O'Neill reiterated that the Planning Commission recommends
that this section of the ordinance be repealed because it's
not consistent with the intent of the PZM zone, as the literal
interpretation allows all uses, even those not consistent with
the PZM zone purpose, to be allowed as permitted uses in the
PZM zone.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Clint Herbst to adopt an ordinance amendment
deleting Section 10-6 [C] of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance
based on the finding that current language is not consistent
with the intent of the ordinance, as the literal
interpretation of the language allows uses not consistent with
the PZM zone purpose to be allowed as permitted uses in the
PZM zone. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 226.
12. Consideration of increasing the minimum water charge as
required by state law.
John Simola reported that new state regulations authorize the
Department of Health to assess an annual fee of $5.21 for
every service connection to a public water supply that is
owned or operated by a city or town or water use district.
Simola reported that since we have approximately 1,380 water
accounts, this would generate approximately $1,808 per quarter
in additional revenue that would have to be sent to the state.
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Simola noted that one method to obtain the necessary funds
would be to authorize an increase in the minimum water rate
from $6 to $7.31 per quarter.
After discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen and
seconded by Brad Fyle to authorize an increase in the minimum
water rate from $6 to $7.50 to meet the state of Minnesota
requirements. Motion carried unanimously.
Consideration of granting an annual license for approval of
municipal licenses.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Clint Herbst to renew the licenses as listed below
contingent on successful completion of all applications,
approval at state level, and submission of proper insurance
coverage.
Intoxicating Liquor, On -sale (fee $3,750)
1. Monticello Liquor, Inc.
2. Silver Fox
3. Joyner's Lanes
4. Robert Eidsvold DBA Comfort Inn
Intoxicating Liquor, On -sale, Sunday (fee $275 --set by
Statute)
0,nn,nw,= 1 c
1. Monticello Liquor, Inc.
2. Silver Fox
3. Joyner's Lanes
4. VFW Club
5. American Legion Club
6. Comfort Inn
Non -intoxicating Malt, On -sale (fee $275)
1. Rod and Gun
2. Pizza Factory
3. Country Club
Non -intoxicating Malt, Off -sale (fee $75)
uono�.�a 1 c
1.
Monticello Liquor
2.
Maus Foods
3.
River Terrace
4.
Tom Thumb
5.
Holiday
6.
Plaza Car Wash
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Council Minutes - 6/8/92
Wine/3.2 Beer Combination, On -sale (fee $500)
O'n"'MT.fa 1
1. Dino's Deli
Set-up License (fee $275)
1. Country Club
2. Rod and Gun (steak fries only)
Club Licenses (fee --set by Statute based on membership)
1. VFW --$500
2. American Legion --$650
Bingo, Temporary (fee $20)
1. St. Henry's Fall Festival
Gambling, Temporary ($20 per device)
1. St. Henry's Fall Festival
2. Rod and Gun Club --Steak Fries in August
Motion carried unanimously.
14. Consideration of an ordinance amendment rezoning phase II of
Cardinal Hills residential subdivision from AO (agricultural -
open space) to R-1 (single family residential) zoning.
Applicant, Value Plus Homes.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted that the Planning
Commission conducted a public hearing on this matter in
conjunction with review of the preliminary plat. Planning
Commission recommended the rezoning be allowed to occur based
on the finding that the proposed rezoning is consistent with
the comprehensive plan and is consistent with the character of
the area. The area proposed for rezoning is limited to the
boundaries of phase II of Cardinal Hills residential
subdivision. The balance of the Cardinal Hills subdivision
will remain under agricultural zoning and is not included in
the rezoning request.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Dan Blonigen to approve the proposed rezoning
request based on the finding that the proposed rezoning is
consistent with the comprehensive plan and is consistent with
the character of the area. Motion carried unanimously. SEE
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 227.
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15. Consideration of adopting Central Minnesota Initiative Fund --
Sponsoring Unit of Government Resolution on behalf of the
Aroplax Corporation.
011ie Koropchak requested that Council consider adoption of a
sponsoring unit of government resolution on behalf of the
Aroplax Corporation. This resolution is the normal procedure
in application for Central Minnesota Initiative Funds.
Brad Fyle asked if this resolution puts the City at risk
financially. 011ie Koropchak stated that the City is not at
any risk financially if it adopts this resolution. This
resolution only notes that the City supports the Aroplax
Corporation project.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to adopt the Central Minnesota Initiative
Fund Sponsoring Unit of Government Resolution on behalf of the
Aroplax Corporation. Motion carried unanimously. SEE
RESOLUTION 92-16.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Jef4f blNeill
Assistant Administrator
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