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City Council Agenda Packet 11-09-2009AGENDA REGULAR MEETING – MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, November 9, 2009 – 7 p.m. Mayor: Clint Herbst Council Members: Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf, Susie Wojchouski 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. 2A. Approve minutes of October 26, 2009 Special Meeting. 2B. Approve minutes of October 26, 2009 Regular Meeting. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. 4. Citizen comments, public service announcements and Council updates. a. Citizen Comments: b. Public Service Announcements: 1) b. Council Updates: 1) 5. Consent Agenda: A. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments B. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009-65 to accept contribution of $250 from Tom Perrault to go into the General Fund C. Consideration of accepting GFOA matching grant award for an internship in the amount of $3000 and approve advertising for an intern for the Finance Department D. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009-64 Calling for a Public Hearing to issue Revenue Bonds by the City of St Cloud on behalf of CentraCare Health System E. Consideration of ratifying the EDA approval of a $2000 contribution to Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation 6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion 7. Public Hearing – Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009-67 approving the vacation of a portion of drainage and utility easement for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, River Forest 2nd Addition 8. Consideration of approving a Letter of Support for application for 2009 Legacy Grant funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 9. Consideration of approving amended assessment agreement with John Chadwick for Outlot D of Otter Creek Crossing for taxes payable 2010 10. Consideration of approving reduction in warming house hours for the 2009-2010 winter skating season 11. Consideration of approving application for Forest Protection Reserve state grant funds 12. Approve payment of bills for November 9th. 13. Adjournment. Council Agenda: 11/9/09 1 5A. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments. (TE) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The Council is asked to ratify the hiring and departures of employees that have occurred recently in the departments listed. It is recommended that the Council officially ratify the hiring/departure of all listed employees including part-time and seasonal workers. A.1 BUDGET IMPACT: None A.2 STAFF WORK LOAD IMPACT: Until the positions are filled again, existing staff would pick up those hours. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Ratify the hire/departures of the employees as identified on the attached list. C. RECOMMENDATION: By statute the City Council has the authority to approve all hires/departures. There is no other recommendation but for the Council to exercise the authority given to them by state statute. D. SUPPORTING DATA: List of new/terminated employees. Name Title Department Effective Date Class Name Reason Department Last Day Worked Class Frank Robinson Voluntary Parks 10/30/09 Seasonal James Maanum Voluntary Parks 10/30/09 Seasonal Herb Schoenborn Voluntary Parks 10/30/09 Seasonal NEW EMPLOYEES TERMINATING EMPLOYEES 5A council_employee list.xls: 11/6/2009 Council Agenda: 11/9/09 1 5B. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009-65 to accept a contribution of $250 from Tom Perrault to go into the General Fund. (CS) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The City has received a donation of $250 from Tom Perrault to go to the General Fund As required by state statute, if the City accepts the donation of funds, the City Council needs to adopt a resolution specifying the amount of the donation and its use. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Approve the contribution and authorize use of funds as specified. 2. Do not approve the contributions and return the funds to the donors. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommendation is to adopt the resolution accepting the contributions. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Resolution No. 2009-65 City of Monticello RESOLUTION NO. 2009-65 RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRIBUTIONS WHEREAS, the City of Monticello is generally authorized to accept contributions of real and personal property pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Sections 465.03 and 465.04 for the benefit of its citizens and is specifically authorized to maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Said gifts may be limited under provisions of MN Statutes Section 471.895. WHEREAS, the following persons and or entities have offered to contribute contributions or gifts to the City as listed: DONOR/ENTITY DESCRIPTION VALUE Tom Perrault Cash (Oct) $250 WHEREAS, all said contributions are intended to aid the City in establishing facilities, operations or programs within the city’s jurisdiction either alone or in cooperation with others, as allowed by law; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it is appropriate to accept the contributions offered. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Monticello as follows: 1. The contributions described above are hereby accepted by the City of Monticello. 2. The contributions described above will be used as designated by the donor. This may entail reimbursing or allocating the money to another entity that will utilize the funds for the following stated purpose: DONOR/ENTITY RECIPIENT PURPOSE Tom Perrault City of Monticello General fund Adopted by the City Council of Monticello this 9th day of November, 2009. ______________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ Jeff O’Neill, City Administrator City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 5C. Consideration of Accepting Matching Internship Grant and Authorize Staff to Advertise the Position. (TK) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The Council authorized staff to apply for the Minnesota Government Finance Officer’s Association (MnGFOA) internship grant. The grant is a matching grant up to $3,000 for a finance/accounting intern. The purpose of the grant is to expose an accounting or finance student to governmental accounting, while providing the entity with needed staff help. On October 29th the City received notification that the City was awarded the grant for 2010. If Council accepts the grant, staff would like to advertise for an intern to begin work at the beginning of 2010. Staff has drafted a job description for this purpose. A1. Budget Impact: The City would be responsible for its match of the grant up to $3,000. The funding source would be the FiberNet Monticello Fund, which has a 2010 budget of $39,000 for general accounting. A2. Staff Workload Impact: The hiring of an intern should help the finance staff complete tasks and prepare for the annual audit more efficiently and help with the setting up of vendors and accounting systems and creation of reports for the new FiberNet Monticello operations. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to accept the grant from MnGFOA and authorize staff to advertise position. 2. Motion to not accept the grant from MnGFOA and authorize staff to advertise position. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends Alternative #1 to accept the grant and advertise the position. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Letter from MnGFOA awarding the Internship Grant Finance Intern job description Temporary Finance Intern City of Monticello Title of Class: Finance Intern Effective Date: November 3, 2009 Revised Date: DESCRIPTION OF WORK General Statement of Duties: Performs general accounting work for the City and performs related duties as required. Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Senior Accountant. Supervision Exercised: None. TYPICAL DUTIES PERFORMED The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all positions in this class. Duties may vary somewhat from position to position within a class. *Assists in setting up FiberNet accounting records and vendor accounts for payables and receivables. *Assists in creating various FiberNet reports for the FiberNet Advisory Board, City Council and bond holders. *Assists in the year-end processing and audit preparation. *Prepares account lead schedules for supporting documentation for audit. *Assists in the creation of W-2’s and 1099’s. *Assists in updating capital asset records and corresponding inventory. *Assists in account reconciliations, analytical review, journal entry preparation and entry into the Springbrook financial system. *Performs account reconciliations including payroll liabilities, escrow deposits, and various other general ledger accounts. *Obtains necessary statistical information for CAFR along with formatting the report and verifying the necessary reporting requirements. *Provides requested financial information to assist in the preparations of agenda items, project reports, and supporting documentation. *Assists Finance Department in the creation of accounting policies and procedures. *Assists Finance Department in long range financial planning. *Assists in providing monthly and quarterly reports to department heads and City Council. *Assists in grant administration. *Assists with updates on the City’s webpage. *Assists with daily activities including cash receipting, deposit preparation, and general ledger inquires. *Assists the Payroll Clerk with payroll timesheet entry, proofing payroll entries and processing various on-line payments. *Assists in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and utility billing processing as necessary. Performs other duties as needed or required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES *Working knowledge of standard office equipment, including computers and standard office software. *Working skill in operating office equipment including operation of a personal computer, cash register and calculator. *Considerable ability to type and enter data with speed and accuracy into databases, spreadsheets and word processing software. *Considerable ability to communicate effectively. *Considerable ability to perform basic mathematics and to accurately reconcile and proof documents and figures. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Prefer either a junior or senior working towards a four-year degree in Finance or Accounting. Knowledge of governmental accounting a plus but not required. City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 5D. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009-64 Calling for a Public Hearing to issue Revenue Bonds by the City of St. Cloud on behalf of Centracare Health System (TK) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The St. Benedict’s Senior Community, here in Monticello and operated by CentraCare Health System, a Minnesota nonprofit, was originally financed as part of a revenue bond issued by the City of St. Cloud. As a nonprofit, they can issue debt using a government entity’s tax exempt status, in which they have facilities located. Since CentraCare Health System has locations in St. Cloud and Monticello, they issued debt using St. Cloud’s tax exempt status. CentraCare Health System is now trying to refinance their debt again using the City of St. Cloud as the debt issuer. Since part of the bonds financed St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello, the City of Monticello is required by state statute to hold a public hearing and approve the sale of debt. Therefore, the attached resolution calls for the required public hearing to be held at the next Council meeting on November 23, 2009. This action has no affect on the City of Monticello or commits the City to any future debt obligations or expenses. A1. Budget Impact: This action has no financial impact on the City. A2. Staff Workload Impact: This action has no staff impact now or in the future. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Approve Resolution #2009-70 calling for the public hearing on November 23, 2009. 2. Deny the resolution calling for the public hearing. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends Alternative #1, to approve the resolution calling for a public hearing on an issue of revenue bonds by the City of St. Cloud on behalf of CentraCare Health System. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Resolution #2009-64 Exhibit A - Notice of public hearing to be published in the newspaper by CentraCare Health System City of Monticello RESOLUTION NO. 2009-64 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ISSUE OF REVENUE BONDS BY THE CITY OF ST. CLOUD ON BEHALF OF CENTRACARE HEALTH SYSTEM BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Monticello, Minnesota (the “City”), as follows: 1. CentraCare Health System, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, on behalf of itself and its nonprofit affiliates (the “Corporation”), has advised this Council of its desire to refinance all or a portion of the Health Care Revenue Bonds (The Saint Cloud Hospital Obligated Group), Series 2000-A (the “Refunded Bonds”) issued by the City of St. Cloud, Minnesota (the “Issuer”) on behalf of the Corporation to finance and refinance certain facilities of the Corporation, including but not limited to St. Benedict’s Senior Community – Monticello, located at 1301 and 1305 Seventh Street in the City, all with the proceeds of revenue bonds (the “Bonds”) issued by the Issuer under the authority of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C and Sections 469.152 through 469.165. 2. Since a portion of the facilities proposed to be refinanced by the Bonds are located in the City, Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder, require that prior to the issuance of the Bonds, this Council approve the issuance of the Bonds by the Issuer, after conducting a public hearing thereon. A public hearing on the proposal that the Issuer issue the Bonds is hereby called and shall be held on November 23, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Monticello. 3. The City Clerk shall cause notice of the public hearing, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City, once not fewer than 14 days prior to the date fixed for the public hearing. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Monticello on this 9th day of November, 2009. Clint Herbst, Mayor ATTEST: Jeff O’Neill, City Administrator EXHIBIT A CITY OF MONTICELLO 505 WALNUT AVE., SUITE ONE MONTICELLO, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS BY THE CITY OF ST. CLOUD UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 462C AND SECTIONS 469.152 TO 469.165, ON BEHALF OF CENTRACARE HEALTH SYSTEM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing shall be conducted by the City Council of the City of Monticello, Minnesota (the “City”), at the City offices, 505 Walnut Ave., Suite One, on November 23, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., on a proposal that the City of St. Cloud issue revenue bonds (the “Bonds”) on behalf of CentraCare Health System, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (the “Corporation”) and its nonprofit affiliates, in one or more series, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C and Sections 469.152 to 469.165, in an amount not to exceed approximately $200,000,000, for the purpose of refunding all or a portion of the Health Care Revenue Bonds (The Saint Cloud Hospital Obligated Group), Series 2000-A, issued by the City of St. Cloud on behalf of the Corporation and its affiliates (the “Refunded Bonds”). A portion of the proceeds of the Refunded Bonds were used to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of St. Benedict’s Senior Community – Monticello, located at 1301 and 1305 Seventh Street in the City (the “Facilities”). The Facilities are operated by Saint Cloud Hospital, an affiliate of the Corporation. The Bonds will not be issued by the City. All persons interested may appear and be heard at the time and place set forth above, or may submit written comments with the Administrator prior to the date of the hearing set forth above. Dated: November 5, 2009. By s/ Jeff O’Neill City Administrator City of Monticello City Council Agenda: 11/9/09 1 5E. Consideration of ratifying the EDA approval of a $2000 contribution to the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation (MB) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation (CMIF) is an organization that provides gap financing for start up and expanding businesses. The organization also provides grants to various non-profit and government agencies. The Foundation is requesting the City contribute $2,000 to the organization in 2010. Per State Statute, cities are able to contribute not more than $50,000 annually for promoting, advertising, improving, or developing the economic and agricultural resources of the city or town. The Foundation is a well known and established organization that provides great economic growth to Wright County. They also have a strong community focus that is shown through their grant programs. Staff would also like to mention that the City recently applied for a community building grant through the Foundation. The purpose of the grant request is to assist with the administration fee required by the University of MN Extension Services to implement their Business Retention and Expansion Program in Monticello. Staff is optimistic that the City will receive the requested grant. A1. Budget Impact: The preliminary 2010 EDA marketing budget has been established at $20,000. Allocating $2,000 within this line item will still allow good marketing to be accomplished utilizing the remaining $18,000. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to ratify the EDA approval of a $2,000 contribution to the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation for the year 2010. 2. Motion to deny contributing money to the Initiative Foundation. 3. Motion to table action for further research and discussion. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The EDA discussed the request by the Initiative Foundation at their October 14, 2009 regular meeting. The EDA supported the request by a 5-0 vote (two members were absent). The EDA also recognized the positive contribution, the Initiative Foundation has made in Wright County and in Monticello specifically. 2 City Staff concurs with the EDA’s recommendation to contribute $2,000 of the 2010 economic development marketing budget to the Initiative Foundation. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Letter of request from Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation Detailed information regarding the Initiative Foundation City Council Agenda: 11/9/09 1 7. Public Hearing– Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2009-67 approving the vacation of a portion of drainage and utility easement for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, River Forest 2nd Addition. (BW/AS) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: On October 12th the City Council called for a public hearing concerning the vacation of a portion of the drainage and utility easements along the western boundaries of Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, in the River Forest 2nd Addition. Notice of tonight’s hearing was published in the Monticello Times on October 22nd, and all property owners directly impacted by the proposed vacation received mailed notices of the hearing. The easement vacation is required to accommodate a request made by the property owner at 9631 River Forest Drive, otherwise known as lot 3, block 4 of River Forest 2nd Addition, who wants to construct a storage shed in their rear yard. While reviewing the request it was discovered that the shed would encroach into the existing 40-foot drainage and utility easement along their westerly property line so they would not able be to construct the shed as requested. Staff then researched all available records to determine the purpose of the 40-foot easement, which is larger than normally required for a residential lot, but no record could be found describing the need for the easement. A review of the site was then conducted, along with a review of all known existing utilities, and based on these reviews staff knows of no reason why the easement cannot be reduced per Figures A and B of the supporting data. While conducting our research staff also looked into the easements for the two properties south of the subject property, lots 1 and 2 of block 4, since they also have larger than average drainage and utility easements along their western property lines and might be inclined to request similar easement vacations in the future. As with lot 3, no record of any specific need for the large easements on these two properties could be found. Vacating portions of the drainage and utility easements for the 3 properties identified above is therefore feasible and is being recommended by staff to accommodate the current request of the property owner of lot 3, block 4, as well as to prevent the need for staff to process future easement vacations for lots 1 and 2 of block 4, River Forest 2nd Addition. A1. Budget Impact: Budget impacts related to the vacation of the unneeded drainage and utility easements are negligible, consisting of costs associated with publishing and mailing notices for this public hearing, as well as other customary administrative and recording costs. A2. Staff Workload Impact: Staff impacts were minimal, consisting of a small amount of time needed to prepare the required documents for public notice and recording. City Council Agenda: 11/9/09 2 B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2009-67 approving the vacation of a portion of drainage and utility easement for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, River Forest 2nd Addition as described in Exhibits A and B attached. 2. Motion to deny the vacation of a portion of drainage and utility easement for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, River Forest 2nd Addition at this time. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approving Alternative Action No. 1. D. SUPPORTING DATA: City of Monticello Resolution No. 2009-67 – Exhibit A Easement Vacation Sketch – Exhibit B Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 8. Consideration of approving a Letter of Support for application for 2009 Legacy Grant funding through the Department of Natural Resources (AS) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: The City of Monticello and Wright County continue to actively pursue all available State funding options for the phased acquisition of the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. As the Council is aware, future land purchases at Bertram depend on a model that includes a third of the acquisition cost coming from State of Minnesota sources. As another component of a coordinated State financing approach, Council is asked to consider approving a letter of support for the County’s application to the Department of Natural Resources Park & Trail Legacy Grant program. The goal of the Legacy grant program was to provide grants to local units of government to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by the voters in 2008. The funds from that amendment are allocated into four distinct categories: Parks & Trails, Water, Arts & Culture and Habitat. Based on the rules and definitions set out thus far, the Bertram Chain of Lakes is eligible to apply for funds within the Parks & Trail category. For distribution of Park & Trail funds, a 2009 grant program has been developed which allocates $3,383,250 to be split equally between Park and Trail grants, with applications due no later than November 13, 2009. Another grant cycle for both components will follow in spring of 2010. Please note that entering a request for funding via the grant program does not obligate the City to accept the grant, but does indicate an intent to contribute a cash match if accepted. The City’s funding of this match would be coordinated in tandem with Wright County, consistent with the approved Memorandum of Understanding and agreement with Wright County. Approval of this resolution would be consistent with previous action of Council to support working cooperatively with the County in funding this purchase. A1. Staff Impact: Wright County is applying for the 2009 grant cycle. The grant is being authored by Wright County Park Administrator Marc Mattice. A2. Budget Impact: The maximum grant award available under this program is $500,000. If the request for 2009 and 2010 State appropriations is successful, the City and County would then consider moving forward with a second purchase. The size of the acquisition would depend on the funding allocation amount. To- date, the County and City have been successful in acquiring $266,499 in grant funds in 2009, which are to be allocated toward a second purchase. Council Agenda: 11/09/09 2 The City’s share of the match would be fulfilled under the existing partnership with Wright County. This partnership allows the City to continue making annual payments to the County in an amount not to exceed $475,000 until the acquisition cost is paid in full. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to adopt a letter of support for application to the Department of Natural Resources Parks & Trails Legacy Grant program for the Bertram Chain of Lakes project. 2. Motion to deny adoption of a letter of support for application to the Department of Natural Resources Parks & Trails Legacy Grant program for the Bertram Chain of Lakes project. 3. Motion to table the matter. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff supports Alternative #1. Participation by the State is critical to the financial package for acquisition of the Bertram property. Each grant application and potential award is critical to additional acquisitions. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Proposed Letter of Support City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 9. Consideration of approving an amended assessment agreement with John Chadwick for reapportionment of special assessments for Outlot D, Otter Creek Crossings for taxes payable 2010. (JO/AS/TK) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: At the October 26, 2009 City Council meeting, the Council authorized moving forward with the preparation of an amended assessment agreement as related to the reapportionment of the special assessments for Outlot D, Otter Creek Crossings. The terms identified in Council’s motion were the reapportionment of the balance of payable special assessments to a 15 year term at a 5.5% interest rate. As directed, the City Attorney has prepared the amended agreement for Council review and approval. Mr. Chadwick indicated his preliminary consent to waive his right to a public hearing for the reapportionment in order to meet the deadlines to submit the revised assessment to Wright County for taxes payable 2010. That waiver is formally included in this agreement. To follow is additional background information, which was previously provided in the October 26th staff report. Property owner John Chadwick has requested that the City Council consider a request to re-apportion the special assessment on his remaining property at Otter Creek Crossings. The special assessments are related to the infrastructure and improvements associated with Chelsea Road from 90th Street to CSAH 39, through Otter Creek Crossing. In his request, Mr. Chadwick notes that the inability to sell property given current economic conditions has made payment of the special assessment costs difficult. In 2005, Mr. Chadwick, along with adjacent property owner Jim Bowers, entered into an assessment agreement obligating them to 79% of the infrastructure costs for the Chelsea Road improvements. The total assessment amount of $2,383,226.77 was to be apportioned between Outlots C and D over 10 years at 5.5% interest. Currently, Mr. Chadwick is in year 3 of that repayment schedule. He is current in his payments and has paid $622,831.48 in special project assessments. The new payment schedule, as prepared by finance director Tom Kelly is attached. The City will need to balance with this request with the understanding that the City will still be required to make its debt payment on the 2005 bond that included these infrastructure costs. That annual payment on the bond totals approximately $3,200,000. A1. Budget Impact: By extending out the assessments, the City would need to use reserves (which the City currently has ability to utilize for this purpose) for the difference between what currently is owed each year and the new amounts. City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 2 However, by extending the assessments over the life of the assessment, the property owner would pay more in interest, so the City would be paid back what it uses from reserves plus additional interest. A2. Staff Workload Impact: There is a small amount of consultant and staff time involved in preparing the amended assessment agreement and revised assessment information for Wright County. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to approve an amendment to the assessment agreement for the reapportionment of remaining special assessment for Outlot D, Otter Creek Crossings to a 15 year term at 5.5%, with the 15 year term beginning with taxes payable 2010. 2. Motion to deny the amendment to the assessment agreement. 3. Motion of other. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The City Council task force committee charged with evaluating development fees, including Mayor Herbst and Councilmember Posusta (subbing for Wojchouski), had an opportunity to review this request and recommended approval of Chadwick’s request. It was their view and the view of staff that the request is reasonable and supportable for the following reasons, some of which already noted above: Chadwick is current on his tax and assessment payments. Chadwick is funding 78% of the Chelsea Road costs via the special assessment in the first place. Although the proposed reduction in the annual debt service affects the City’s ability to make the associated bond payment, the City currently has the capacity to fund this difference. Total interest revenue to the City is higher after reapportionment. By extending the assessment out and allowing the property owner to continue to pay the property taxes and keep them current, the City is better off receiving a partial (reapportioned) payment as compared to receiving no payment. Given unique circumstances noted above, this decision does not necessarily set a precedent for other assessment apportionments. It is the view of staff that review of potential requests that could come along in the future need to be examined on a case by case basis taking into account the various factors noted above. City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 3 D. SUPPORTING DATA: 1. Request Letter – 10/8/09 2. Council Agenda – 10/23/06 3. City Resolution 2006-102 4. Property Tax Statement – 2009 5. Assessment Reapportionment Illustration 6. Proposed Amendment to Assessment Agreement AMENDMENT TO ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT THIS AMENDMENT TO ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is executed this ____ day of ________________, 2009, by and between the CITY OF MONTICELLO, a Minnesota municipal corporation (“City”) and OTTER CREEK, LLC. RECITALS A. Owner is the owner of certain parcels of real property situated in Wright County, Minnesota, legally described on Outlot D Otter Creek Crossings (referred to as the “Subject Property”). B. City and Owner have previously entered into an Assessment Agreement involving the Owner’s property and City Project No. 2002-01C, (Chelsea Road West Extension; 90th Street to CSAH 39), (hereinafter “Project”). C. In that Assessment Agreement, City and Owner established the amount that the Subject Property was to be assessed for the Project. D. The special assessments are related to the infrastructure and improvements associated with Chelsea Road from 90th Street to CSAH 39, through Otter Creek Crossing. E. Owner has petitioned the City, and the City Council has approved the reapportionment of the special assessments, pursuant to the authority granted the City by M.S. 429.071, upon a finding that such reassessment or reapportionment of assessment for Outlot D, Otter Creek Crossings, conditioned on the execution of this Amendment to the Assessment Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants and obligations herein set forth, as follows: 1. Special Benefit. Owner acknowledges that the Subject Property received a special benefit from the Project. 2. Assessment Amount. The Subject Property was assessed a total of $2,383,226.77 for the Project pursuant to Minn. Stat. 429.011, et. seq. The assessment was deferred pursuant to Section 5 of the assessment agreement and was also subject to increase pursuant to Section 6 of that agreement, and other provisions. 3. Payment to date. Owner has made payments on the special assessments, is current with the scheduled payments, and seeks to reapportion the remaining amount of the assessment levied against Outlot D over 15 years at 5.5% interest, in accordance with the payment schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A. 4. Assessment Adopted. The assessment is deemed adopted on the date this Agreement is signed by the parties. 5. Survival of other provisions of Assessment Agreement. Aside from the reapportionment of assessments and the modification or the term and interest rates shown on the attached schedule, all other provisions of that earlier Assessment Agreement survive and shall be given full force and effect. 6. Waiver. Owner hereby waives unconditionally all procedural and substantive objections to the Assessment in the amounts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, any rights of Owner to hearing requirements and any claim that the assessment does not constitute a special benefit or that the amount of the assessment exceeds the special benefit to the Subject Property. The Owner further waives any appeal rights otherwise available pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 429.081 or other laws. 7. Recording. This Agreement will be recorded against the Subject Property and will run with the land and bind Owner’s successors and assigns. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. CITY OF MONTICELLO By: Clint Herbst, Mayor By: Jeff O’Neill, City Administrator OTTER CREEK, LLC By: Its: By: Its: STATE OF MINNESOTA ) )ss. COUNTY OF WRIGHT ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________, 2009, by Clint Herbst and by Jeff O’Neill, respectively the Mayor and City Administrator of the City of Monticello, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation and pursuant to the authority granted by its City Council. Notary Public STATE OF MINNESOTA ) )ss. COUNTY OF __________ ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of ______________, 2009, by _______________________ and _____________________, respectively the _____________________ and __________________________ of Monticello Industrial Park, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on behalf of said corporation. Notary Public THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: CAMPBELL KNUTSON Professional Association 317 Eagandale Office Center 1380 Corporate Center Curve Eagan, Minnesota 55121 651-452-5000 JJJ EXHIBIT A TO ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT That part of Lots 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19 Auditors Subdivision No. One, lying East of Monticello Commerce Center Second Addition, and lying Southwesterly of the Southwesterly right of way of Interstate Highway No. 94 being part of the Northeast Quarter of Section 13, Township 121, Range 25, Wright County, Minnesota, which also lies northeasterly of the following described line: Commencing at the northwest corner of said Northwest Quarter; thence on an assumed bearing of South 1 degree 14 minutes 38 seconds West along the West line of said Northwest Quarter, a distance of 708.88 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be descreibed; thence South 63 degrees 32 minutes 35 seconds East, a distance of 4016.29 feet and there terminating. (See Survey Identifed as Exhibit “A-1”) AND That part of Lots 11, 18 and 19 Auditors Subdivision No. One lying East of Monticello Commerce Center Second Addition, Monticello Commerce Center Third Addition and Monticello Commerce Center Fifth Addition and lying West of Monticello Commerce Center Sixth Addition being part of the Northeast Quarter of Section 13, Township 121, Range 25, Wright County, Minnesota, which lies southwesterly of the following described line: Commencing at the northwest corner of said Northwest Quarter; thence on an assumed bearing of South 1 degree 14 minutes 38 seconds West along the West line of said Northwest Quarter, a distance of 708.88 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be described; thence South 63 degrees 32 minutes 35 seconds East, a distance of 4016.29 feet and there terminating. (See Survey Identified as Exhibit “A-2”) AND Lot 1, Block 1, Monticello Commerce Center Fifth Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Wright County, Minnesota. AND Lot 2, Block 1, Monticello Commerce Center Sixth Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Wright County, Minnesota. City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 10. Consideration of approving reduction in warming house hours for the 2009-2010 winter skating season (TP/JO) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: City Council is asked to consider approving a reduction in warming house hours during the winter skating season. This request for consideration of a reduction in hours stems from the current budget situation and the desire to better match hours of operation with frequency of use by skaters. Please note that under the options noted below, the rinks will continue be flooded and cleared as usual. In addition, it is suggested that the warming house and hockey rink be made available for use by the Youth Hockey Association during weekday hours when an attendant is not present. Council may wish to consider making the warming house available for the Hockey Association during the weekdays with conditions. See the attached agreement with the Youth Hockey Association for more information relating to the use of 4th Street Park. City staff maintains four skating rinks during the winter season. The rinks are located at West Bridge Park and 4th St Park. There is a general skating rink at West Bridge Park and 4th St Park features a general skating rink and two hockey rinks. Cleaning these rinks is also a part of our snow plow policy that was approved at the last council meeting. A few weeks ago, prior to the start of the process of hiring rink attendants, the Personnel Committee reviewed attendance records at the rink and asked staff to submit to the City Council their proposal to reduce the number of hours that the warming houses are open. The main reduction proposed by the Personnel Committee includes closing the warming houses during weekdays. The outline below compares three basic options for your review. Council certainly has the option to mix and match. Option One is the current schedule on which the 2009 budget was based. Option Two is the schedule proposed by the Personnel Committee taking into account the current budget situation and patterns of use. Option Three proposed by Tom Pawelk and the Parks Commission proposes a fine tuning of the hours based on patterns of use, but keeps the warming houses open on weekdays. Please note that all options will include the regular posting at the warming house of open skating hours at Moose Sherritt arena. Weekdays Option One - current Open Monday thru Friday 3 pm to 9 pm Option Two Closed Monday thru Friday – Except YHA has key for 4th Street Option Three Open Tuesdays 4pm – 9pm 4th St will be open at 5:00 pm weekdays City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 2 Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) Option One - current Saturday 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday 11 am – 9 pm Option Two 1pm – 9pm (both days) Option Three 1pm – 9pm (both days) Holiday and School Vacation Hours Option One - current 9 am – 9 pm Option Two 11 am – 9 pm Option Three 11 am – 9 pm Total Hours of Operation per week, not including Holidays and School Vacations. (Note: all of this is based on a 9 week plan.) Option One 54 hrs/week 972 total hrs $9,574.20 Both rinks Option Two 16 hrs/week 88h Hol + 144h Wknds $4,570.00 Both rinks Option Three 40 hrs/week 360 total hrs $3,546.00 4th Street rink Option Three 30 hrs/week 270 total hrs $2,659.50 West Bridge rink $6,205.50 In the event City Council closes the warming house at 4th Street Park on weekdays, it is proposed that a key be provided to the Hockey Association for its use of the facility. As you probably know, the warming house and hockey boards were developed with significant assistance from the Hockey Association. Although it can not be predicted that the absence of an attendant while the Hockey Assoication is using the facility will result in problems, I think there is some risk. The question is, how should the public use of the warming house be monitored/managed while the Hockey Association has it open? If the Hockey Association is given a key, then the YHA will need to be responsible for managing what happens in the warming house while under its control. Perhaps YHA will need to have someone in the warming house to monitor other members of the public that use the warming house during Hockey Association practice or perhaps YHA should be required to lock the warming house while teams are on the ice and limit its use to Hockey Association members only. A1. Budget Impact: With the 2010 budget impacts to the Parks Department, the cost to have the rinks open is not to exceed $6,000 between both rinks. A2. Staff Workload Impact: The Parks Department staff will maintain the ice and two skating attendants will be staffed during the hours proposed above. City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 3 B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to keep the warming houses as in previous years with no change at an estimated cost of $9,754.20. 2. Motion to reduce the number of hours as shown in Option Two or Three or a combination, as desired, with a total cost not to exceed $6,000. NOTE: Council is asked to consider whether or not to provide a key to the YHA and assist in defining conditions for YHA use. Further consideration as to whether the general public should or should not be allowed to use the warming house while in use by YHA or should YHA be asked to lock it once their players are on the ice. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Personnel Committee would like to see weekday hours eliminated for the warming houses. The ice will continue to be maintained so skaters will have the option of using the rinks during weekdays. In addition, the City has purchased ice time for free skating at Moose Sherritt arena, so elimination of warming house hours reduces this duplication. Interestingly, usage of the outdoor rinks has grown since the ice arena has been built. The Parks Commission recommends keeping the warming houses open under a reduced schedule as identified under Option Three. From a staff standpoint, I think we would like to see the warming houses open on weekdays, but understand that this is truly a policy decision and up to the Council to weigh level of service versus cost. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Graphs of usage for West Bridge and 4th Street rinks (during warming house hours) Youth Hockey Agreement Moose Sherritt Arena – public skating hours F:\CITY CLERK\AGENDAS\2009 COUNCIL AGENDAS\11-09-09 CC AGENDA\10 MYHA AGREEMENT - 2009.DOCX - PAGE 1 OF 3 - YOUTH HOCKEY AGREEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING This agreement, entered into this __________ day of , 2009 executed between the City of Monticello (hereinafter referred to as the City) and the Monticello Youth Hockey Association (hereinafter referred to as the YHA) sets out provisions for the use of the building facilities in Fourth Street Park. The City and the YHA do hereby agree as follows: 1. The City shall assume responsibility for routine maintenance and repairs. The YHA will assist with labor, if necessary. 2. The City shall pay for all normal utility (fuel and electricity) costs; however, YHA will be billed for abnormal events such as leaving the lights on, not picking up litter after use, etc. In this case the YHA will be billed the cost of an employee plus 2.25% overhead costs. 3. The YHA will provide a schedule to the Park Superintendent of the times of practices and they may request abnormal hours (e.g., during holidays) which must be cleared with the Park Superintendent. 4. The City will continue to provide a rink attendant during the specified hours of operation; Hours of Operation - The warming house will be open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Christmas/holidays from 1p.m. to 9 p.m. The warming house attendant will be given explicit instructions to lock the facility after closing hours. No use of the facility will be allowed by the YHA after closing. 5. All litter shall be picked up from the entire site by the YHA after all practices and events. 6. Lights shall be shut off by the YHA after all practices and events. 7. If the City finds the facility the next day with items 5 and 6 not completed, the YHA will be billed accordingly. F:\CITY CLERK\AGENDAS\2009 COUNCIL AGENDAS\11-09-09 CC AGENDA\10 MYHA AGREEMENT - 2009.DOCX - PAGE 2 OF 3 - 8. The City will supply to the YHA two keys for the storage facility. These keys may not be duplicated. These keys shall be returned at the end of the season and distributed in the fall to the appropriate personnel. 9. The City will be responsible for removing snow in accordance with the snow removal policy. 10. The YHA will have use of the storage facilities at the 4th Street Rink throughout the year. If use takes place in the off season, the YHA will be required to check out a key from the Monticello Public Works Department, informing the City of who is using the key and how long they will have the key in their possession. The YHA shall assume full responsibility for the opening and closing of the facility during the period of time specified in provision #10. This shall include turning off lights and securing all entries. 11. The YHA will exercise substantial responsibility in supervising the activities of the YHA in the facility. 12. The YHA, while the building is being used primarily by them, will assume the responsibility for reasonable care and maintenance of the facility; including clean up, litter, lights shut off; the facility to be left the way they found it. 13. The YHA will notify City Staff as soon as is feasibly possible of any repair and/or maintenance problem that may require City attention. 14. The City will be responsible for flooding both the hockey rink and the open skating area with the assistance of the YHA volunteer group. Both skating areas should receive equal priority in terms of flooding. 15. The YHA has exclusive use of one of the two rinks during scheduled practices, with supervision. The rink closest to the railroad tracks is the designated hockey rink. If the YHA uses the second rink they will be billed for the maintenance fees. The YHA is only allowed to use one hockey rink each time they practice. The other rink will always be available for general skating only. 16. The YHA shall notify the Park Superintendent of the date and times of organized events being held at the rink. Organized events will be billed to the YHA accordingly. F:\CITY CLERK\AGENDAS\2009 COUNCIL AGENDAS\11-09-09 CC AGENDA\10 MYHA AGREEMENT - 2009.DOCX - PAGE 3 OF 3 - 17. When it is a Monticello Youth Hockey organized event, the coaches will be in charge of enforcing safety rules and regulations for those YHA members participating in the event. When it is not an organized event of the YHA, the skating rink attendant will have full authority to enforce safety rules and regulations. 18. The Wright County Sheriff=s Department will be directed to enforce the parks schedule. No one will be allowed to use the facility after hours. For the Association: For the City: _______________________________ ______________________________ Park Superintendent ________________________________ PUBLIC SKATE SCHEDULE Moose Sherritt Ice Arena Sunday, 11/8 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 11/15 12:00-2:00pm Tuesday, 11/17 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 11/22 12:00-2:00pm Friday, 11/27 11:15-1:15pm Sunday, 11/29 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 12/6 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 12/13 (Skate with Santa) 12:00-2:00pm Tuesday, 12/15 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 12/20 12:00-2:00pm Thursday, 12/24 12:00-2:00pm Sunday, 12/27 12:00-2:00pm Monday, 12/28 1:30-3:30pm Tuesday, 12/29 1:30-3:30pm Wednesday, 12/30 1:30-3:30pm Thursday, 12/31 (New Years Skate) 1:30-3:30pm City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 1 11. Consideration of approving application for the Forest Protection Reserve Grant,. (BP, TP) A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND: To combat the threat posed by new invasive forest pests, Forest Protection Reserve funds were appropriated from the Outdoor Heritage Fund to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MN Laws 2009 Chapter 172, Article 1, Section 7). A portion of the total funds (at least $875,000) is available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as competitive, matching grants to local units of government and other entities seeking to plan and prepare for the invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer. The priority of the State is to prevent or slow the spread and subsequent impacts of Emerald Ash Borer. Similarly, a $1 million grant program called the “Forest Protection Reserve – Incident Response Grants Program” is available to applicants whom have documented infestations of Emerald Ash Borer on lands under their jurisdiction, ownership or management. Staff is currently working with the Department of Agriculture in monitoring traps for the Emerald Ash Borer within the City as part of a early detection program in which, if discovered, would put us into a category for other programs that are developing. Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Local units of government and other entities in Minnesota are eligible to apply for these grants. Applicants must have an Emerald Ash Borer preparedness plan in place or create a plan within the first six months of the grant. Staff has already prepared this plan and it is included in the supporting documentation for Council approval. We also have been proactive in-house by scripting the required grant information since the deadline approaching is November 20, 2009. Level of Assistance The maximum Planning and Preparedness Grant available is up to $100,000. Funds will be administered on a reimbursement basis for qualified documented expenses, with a quarterly reimbursement frequency. The organization must do the work and pay expenses before they can be reimbursed from the State. Grant funding through this program is intended to supplement, not supplant, existing budgets. Match Requirement A 15% or greater non-state cash or in-kind match is required and must be identified at the time of application. In-kind contributions that qualify for use as a match could include labor, services, equipment, supplies, materials or in-kind donations directly related to attaining the goals of the project. Staff has identified the needs of mapping our Urban Forest as part of the City’s infrastructure which can be overlaid on our GIS system; software is required for this operation, which would be part of what this grant covers. This software is the basis and the strategy for our grant application and execution. Staff, interns or a consulting firm may perform the recording and plotting of trees in our community consisting of City Council Agenda: 11/09/09 2 Boulevards, Parks, Cemeteries, Wetlands and right of ways. This software has other uses for street and utility applications which can be used simultaneously but not as part of this grant. The City has already invested a great deal of funds, labor and interest with plantings in our Boulevards, Parks, Cemeteries, Wetlands and right of ways. Staff suggests that the necessity of monitoring and maintaining this infrastructure is as important as other city assets. A1. Budget Impact: Staff has budgeted $8,000 in 2010 for diseased tree removal; some remaining funds unused for equipment purchases in 2009 could be applicable to this year’s application. A2. Staff Workload Impact: Some staff time will be required for preparation of the grant application. If the City receives grant money, the funds would help support the staffing needed to implement the grant. B. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: 1. Motion to adopt the Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan and to approve preparation of an application for the Forest Protection Reserve Grant to include City’s matching funds or in-kind contribution of staff time, with city contribution not to exceed a value of $15,000.00. 2. Motion to adopt the Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan only and deny preparation of a grant application for the Forest Protection Reserve Grant. 3. Motion to deny both adoption of the Preparedness Plan and preparation of grant application. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: City staff recommends Alternative #1. Staff supports applying for the Forest Protection Reserve Grant in order to identify and prepare for possible infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer. Although there are no findings of infestation in Monticello at this time, there are numerous incidents in the metro area which is only 25 miles from here. If grant funds are received, staff would ask Council for approval of the grant and matching funding for staffing, software and other support needed to implement the program. D. SUPPORTING DATA: Emerald Ash Borer preparedness plan Emerald Ash Borer Public Fact Sheet