City Council Minutes 01-09-1989MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, January 9, 1989 - 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson, Warren Smith, Fran Fair
Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: None
1. Call to order.
2. Oath of office.
City Administrator Wolfsteller administered the oath of office to
incoming Mayor Ken Maus and newly elected Councilmembers Shirley Anderson
and Dan Blonigen.
3. Approval of minutes.
Motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Fran Fair to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting held December 12, 1988, as presented. Voting in
favor: Dan Blonigen, Warren Smith, and Fran Fair. Abstaining: Ken Maus
and Shirley Anderson.
4. Citizen comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
None forthcoming.
5. Consideration of adopting official City logo.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the LOGO development
committee and Stephen Henning of Henning and Associates are pleased to
present a proposed City LOGO design for Council consideration. He went
on to review the process by which the design of the LOGO was
established. Early in the process it was determined by the committee and
the City Council that an experienced graphic artist should be enlisted to
shape a new City LOGO based on the input of the Committee. Development
of a request for proposal netted the City seven candidates of which four
were interviewed.
O'Neill reported that once Henning and Associates was selected, work
began in earnest on the actual LOGO itself. The LOGO development
committee met four times with Henning during the process of shaping the
LOGO. The initial meeting consisted of a general brainstorming session
at which time the images and values associated with the community were
assembled. Henning then prepared five designs based on the input he
received at the first meeting. The remainder of the meetings consisted
of committee response to Henning's further refinement of a LOGO concept
selected at the second meeting.
In reviewing the LOGO development process, O'Neill noted that the
Monticello community possesses many unique attributes and is blessed with
a wide array of positive images and values that might be incorporated
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Council Minutes - 1/9/89
into a City LOGO. He went on to say that it would be impossible to
design a workable LOGO that would incorporate all potential LOGO
concepts. As you can imagine, it was a challenge to narrow the focus of
the LOGO to capture the most important concepts or the "essence" of the
community. Although each person will look at the LOGO and interpret it
differently, following are some of the concepts that the LOGO attempts to
project. O'Neill then pointed out those features of the LOGO that
communicate the following concepts.
Positive values associated with a tightly knit community.
Sense of optimism about the future, and the desire to move forward
without relinquishing sense of community and small town charm.
City location on the Mississippi River and next to the "Little Mountain".
City location as a river crossing point.
City location as a bridge between two major metro areas.
At this point in the meeting a general discussion ensued. Council asked
Stephen Henning if the use of the LOGO should be restricted in any way.
Henning suggested that the City allow the LOGO to be used freely by local
non-profit organizations. He mentioned that it might not be a good idea
to allow private commercial interests to use the LOGO, and the City
should consider obtaining a formal copywrite. Council commended the work
of the committee and thanked them for the time and effort on the
project.
There being no further discussion, motion by Dan Blonigen and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to adopt the official City LOGO as presented. Motion
passed unanimously.
6. Consideration of appeal for variance request to allow additional pylon
sign square footage and height - Applicant, First National Bank Attracta
Sign.
Dale Pogatchnik and Jim Metcalf were present to present information
regarding said appeal. The maximum sign height allowed by the Ordinance
is 18 feet in height. The applicant is proposing to be allowed to
construct the sign with a height of 25 feet. The applicant is also
proposing a pylon sign of 108 square feet where the maximum allowed is 50
square feet. In requesting the variances, the applicant seeks
approximate parity with the signs installed by other financial
institutions prior to adoption of the Zoning Ordinance.
Fran Fair noted that the size of signs must be limited at some point. To
approve this variance request would open the door to a doubling of the
current sign size maximum for all signs in the 30 mile per hour zone.
Warren Smith suggested that we attempt to limit the effect of this
variance request to financial institutions only. Ken Maus noted that
Council Minutes - 1/9/89
limiting the precedent to financial institutions may be impossible. It
might be wise at this juncture to look at the issue in a broad sense and
then consider an ordinance amendment. Mori Malone of the Planning
Commission noted that progress does not necessarily mean bigger signs,
and that approval of the proposed variance request will set a precedent
that will have a long term negative effect.
After discussion, motion by Fran Fair and seconded by Shirley Anderson to
continue the matter and direct the Planning Commission to research
potential amendments to the sign section of the ordinance and conduct
public hearings accordingly. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Consideration of appeal for variance request to allow an additional pylon
sign on a B-3 (highway business) lot. Applicant, Tom Thumb Store.
Sign company representative, Jack Lawrance, was present to discuss said
variance request. Staff informed Council that granting this variance
request would establish a precedent that would allow two pylon signs on
each business property in the community. Council was also informed that
the present request for an additional pylon sign by the Tom Thumb store
comes on the heels of a variance request that was approved a few months
ago which allowed the development of a pylon sign that exceeded height
and size maximum.
After discussion, motion by Fran Fair and seconded by Warren Smith to
table the matter and direct the Planning Commission to research potential
amendments to the sign section of the ordinance and conduct public
hearings accordingly. Motion passed unanimously.
8. Consideration of replatting request to replat "The Meadows", an existing
residential subdivision plat. Applicant, Dan Frie.
Assistant City Administrator O'Neill reviewed the design of the proposed
subdivision replat and outlined issues that need to be resolved prior to
approval of the final plat. He indicated that the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the preliminary plat with final approval
contingent upon the developer making minor modifications to his plan and
contingent on the applicant rezoning property from R-3 to R-2. Dan Frie
was present and informed Council that he has no problems with any of the
design changes suggested by the Planning Commission. Warren Smith noted
that he strongly supports the creation of a through street connecting
Marvin Elwood Road to River Street.
After discussion, motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Fran Fair to
approve the re -platting of "The Meadows" subdivision plat. Final plat
approval is contingent on rezoning of the development from R-3 to R-2 and
contingent on modifications as requested by the Planning Commission.
Motion carried unanimously.
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9. Consideration of replatting request to replat an existing lot into six
townhouse lots and one common area lot. A variance request to allow a
replatted lot to have less than the minimum lot width requirement. A
replatting request to replat an existing lot into four townhouse lots and
one common area lot. Applicant, Jay Miller Fairway Court.
After discussion, motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Shirley Anderson
to table this issue pending development of a refined site plan which
shows parking and ingress and egress associated with the development.
Motion passed unanimously. It was the concern of the Council that the
property area might not be large enough to adequately handle parking
requirements associated with 10 townhomes.
10. Consideration of simple subdivision request to allow an I-2 lot to be
subdivided into two lots. Applicant, Oakwood Industrial Park
Partnership.
Staff informed Council that the lots created will meet minimum standards
in terms of lot area and width. It was recommended by staff that the
City request that the applicant provide a 30' utility easement along the
rear lot line of both properties.
After discussion, motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Fran Fair to
approve said simple subdivision of Lot 1, Block 3, Oakwood Industrial
Park, with the requirement that a 30' utility easement be established
along the rear lot line of said property. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Consideration of request by Monticello Youth Hockey Association for
financial assistance.
Jerald James of the Monticello Youth Hockey Association was present with
a request for additional City assistance. James outlined his proposal
and reviewed a survey which outlined the level of support that nearby
communities lend to their hockey programs. The Hockey Association
requested that the City abate $500 annual rental of the warming house,
pay the electric bill, pay the cost of maintaining the rink and warming
house, pay for the cost of repairing the existing tractor, assist with
removal of large snowfalls, and purchase a new snow removal tractor and
sweeper attachment.
Fran Fair asked James how many of the youth that are in the program are
actual residents of the City of Monticello? Dan Blonigen suggested that
the cleaning of the hockey rink should be coordinated with the School
District since it is likely that the school hockey program with be using
the facility. Jerald James reviewed the benefits provided to the general
public created by the work of the Hockey Association. He informed
Council that the Hockey Association maintains the general skating area
and that the hockey rink is open to the public when the Association teams
are not practicing.
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12.
Council Minutes - 1/9/89
John Simola noted that the rink lights should be on so that the general
public could use the facility during evening hours. He suggested that
the City turn the lights on and off and also pay the light bill.
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith and seconded by Shirley
Anderson to direct staff to control the lights, with the City to pay rink
lighting expense, with other issues to be addressed in the future after
consultation with the School District. Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of making annual appointments.
Official Depositories: Wright County State Bank
Security Financial
First National Bank of Monticello
Newspaper: Monticello Times
Housing & Redevelopment
Authority:
1.
Tom St. Hilaire
12/91
(5 -year staggered terms)
2.
Ben Smith
12/90
3.
Bud Schrupp
12/89
4.
Al Larson
12/93
5.
Everette Ellison
12/92
Planning Commission:
1.
Richard Carlson
(1 -year term)
2.
Mori Malone
3.
Cindy Lemm
4.
Richard Martie
5.
Dan McConnon
Health Officer:
Dr.
Donald Maus
(1 year)
Acting Mayor: Fran Fair
(1 year)
Joint Commissions:
Community Education Warren Smith
Fire Board Rick Wolfsteller
OAA Ken Maus
Library Board: 1. Ed Solberg 12/90
(3 -year staggered) 2. Dr. Donald Maus 12/91
3. Mary Jane Puncochar 12/90
4. Pat Schwarz 12/91
5. Marguerite Pringle 12/89
Attorney: Smith and Hayes
It was the consensus of Council to review the current contract with the
City Engineer prior to consideration of appointment.
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13.
Council Minutes - 1/9/89
Motion was made by Warren Smith to approve appointments as presented.
Motion seconded by Fran Fair. Motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of establishing a transportation system development
advisory committee.
Assistant City Administrator O'Neill reviewed the work of the
transportation committee which was established by the Monticello
Community Based Services Committee. He noted that the transportation
committee believes it has found sufficient justification for City
investigation of this matter and is requesting that the City appoint a
committee to analyze the transportation needs of the City and develop a
public transportation system accordingly. The committee also noted that
federal and state funds are available to supplement local financing of
the system. Dan Blonigen noted that the cost to operate systems in other
communities appears to be quite high and that he would not elect to study
the issue further, as the current system utilizing volunteer drivers is
satisfying basic transportation needs. Warren Smith stated he
understands the desire not to destroy the present network that provides
transportation to the home bound; but at the same time, it is worth
checking into. Ken Maus noted that it may behoove us to explore it
because we have a company in the community that leases and operates
transportation vehicles, and this company could potentially operate the
program on an as -you -need -it basis. Contracting for transportation
service would serve to limit financial risk to the City by eliminating
capital equipment purchases that would otherwise be necessary, and
service delivery could be adjusted based on demands.
After continued discussion, motion by Fran Fair and seconded by Shirley
Anderson to establish a five member transportation committee made up of
Shirley Anderson, a Chamber representative, Duane Gates, a representative
from the clergy, and Barb Schwientek. Motion passed unanimously.
14. Consideration of
modification of t
the modification
Financing Distric
the tax increment
No. 1-8, all loca
15.
setting a public hearing date for the proposed
he redevelopment plan for Redevelopment District No. 1,
of the tax increment financing plans for Tax Increment
t Nos. 1-1 through 1-7, and the approval and adoption of
financing plan for Tax Increment Financing District
ted within Redevelopment Project No. 1.
Motion by Fran Fair and seconded by Dan Blonigen to set said the public
hearing for January 23, 1989, at 7:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 89-1.
Consideration of Change Order #1 on Well #4 - Project 88-04A.
Motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Fran Fair to approve change
order #1 on Well #4. Motion passed unanimously.
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16. Consideration of authorization to purchase set of loader forks.
Motion by Dan Blonigen and seconded by Fran Fair to approve purchase of
loader forks in the amount of $3,900 from Ziegler, Inc. Motion passed
unanimously.
17. Consideration of clerical position resignation and replacement.
Rick Wolfsteller updated Council on the recent resignation of Lynnea
Gillham and the impact on the current clerical staff level. Council
discussed the matter with no action taken.
18. Consideration of bills for the month of December.
Motion by Warren Smith and seconded by Fran Fair to approve payment of
said bills. Motion passed unanimously.
19. Adjournment.
Jef O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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