City Council Minutes 06-26-1989MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, June 26, 1989 - 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Warren Smith, Shirley Anderson, Fran Fair
Members Absent: Dan Blonigen
2.
Approval of minutes.
Fran Fair asked for an amendment to the motion approving City payment
of a portion of the repaving cost associated with the paving of Holker
property. It was suggested that the amount of City payment for the
portion of the repaving cost not exceed $1,750 and that the work must
meet the specifications of the quote provided to the City.
Shirley Anderson asked for a clarification of item #4 of the City
policy with regards to distribution and maintenance of water pressure
reducing valves. Item #4 was clarified to read as follows: "That the
City of Monticello recommends that the valve be installed by a
professional plumber. If the homeowner does hire a professional, the
City of Monticello would pay $25 toward the installation cost."
Warren Smith requested that the motion associated with item #10 of the
minutes be amended. It was his suggestion that #3 of his motion be
amended to read as follows: "The City should continue to seek out
possible purchase of land within the city limits and outside the city
limits for application of sludge material."
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Shirley
Anderson, to approve the Council minutes of 6/12/89 as amended. Motion
carried unanimously.
3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests and complaints.
Home builder, Paul Becker, informed Council that the resubdivision of
two parcels has created a situation in which two curb cuts now exist on
a property that he is now constructing a home on. Mr. Becker requested
that Council reconsider its policy which would require that he remove
one of the curb cuts prior to occupancy of the structure. Mayor Maus
suggested that Mr. Becker apply for a variance to the ordinance if
occupancy is needed prior to consideration of the variance. Maus
suggested that Becker escrow funds in an amount equal to the cost to
replace the curb cut, which would allow the City to award the occupancy
permit prior to completion of the variance process.
Warren Smith requested that staff obtain a legal opinion on this matter
as to the City's responsibility in this case. It may be that the City
should replace the curb cut because the situation was created by the
City when it allowed the two parcels to be split in the opposite
direction.
Mary Dorf, 331 East Broadway, along with four other Broadway residents,
were in attendance to voice complaints regarding the cruising
problems. They mentioned that the problem seems to be surfacing
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between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and even Monday
nights. Mayor Maus noted that the Wright County Sheriff has been
encouraged to firmly enforce the new loitering ordinance and that it is
his understanding that the police have made inroads in curbing the
cruising problem. He went on to note that the City will pass on the
complaint to the Sheriff's Department and continue to request firm
enforcement of the cruising related ordinances. The residents in
attendance also requested that the "No U-turn" sign be moved farther
down Broadway.
4. Consideration of accepting the 1988 Audit Report for the City of
Monticello.
Rick Borden and Kim Lillehaug of Gruys, Johnson were present at the
meeting to present a brief review of the 1988 audit recently
completed. In his letter to the City and in his comments, Rick Borden
noted that the audit covers five main categories of compliance to be
tested: contracting and bidding, deposits and investments, conflicts
of interest, public indebtedness, and claims and disbursements. Borden
reported that the results of the test indicate that for the items
tested, the City of Monticello complied with the material, terms, and
conditions of applicable legal provisions. Further, for the items not
tested based on their examination and procedures referred to above,
nothing came to the attention of the auditor that would indicate that
the City of Monticello had not complied with such legal provisions.
Rick Borden went on to note that, as auditors, they appreciate the
cooperative relationship with City staff but wish to emphasize that the
auditors work for the Council and are charged with the duty of making
sure that the City's financial matters are handled properly.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Fran Fair to accept the 1988 Audit Report. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Consideration of bids and award garbage pickup contract.
John Simola reported that the City had received one bid for the garbage
pickup contract from Corrow Sanitation. He went on to report that
Corrow's bid for the existing level of service will result in a
53 percent overall jump in cost from that which the City is now paying
for twice per week pickup. For once per week pickup, the increase in
cost will amount to 22 percent over the existing contract, which calls
for twice per week pickup. Simola also reported that Corrow would be
willing to deduct $12,000 from the annual cost to pickup garbage
service if all residents were to purchase the 90 -gallon containers
which can be used to automate the garbage pickup process. Simola noted
that the cost of the 90 -gallon containers amounts to $66,000, or $50
per household. If the City were to purchase these containers, it would
take three years to pay off half the cost of this purchase with the
savings created by the lower pickup costs. Under this scenerio,
residents would be required to pay half the cost of the 90 -gallon
container, or $25.
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After discussion, it was the general consensus of Council that the
increase in garbage pickup service merits close scrutiny of the
existing garbage pickup program and merits further investigation of
alternatives. It was the consensus of Council to approve the contract
with Corrow Sanitation with the knowledge that the contract can be
rescinded after a 6 -month notice period. Staff was directed to be
examining alternatives such as rebidding the contract or establishment
of a City based service for consideration at some time in the future.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren
Smith, to award the garbage pickup contract to Corrow Sanitation and
that said contract should call for continuing the twice per week
pickup. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Consideration of bids and award of annual sealcoating project.
Public Works Director Simola reported that the area considered for
sealcoating this year lies between Elm Street and Highway 25 and Fourth
Street and Seventh Street. The estimated cost of the project was
$28,500. Simola went on to note that the low bid on the project was
submitted by Allied Blacktop with sweeping in the amount of $30,976.
Simola went on to note that due to the work load experienced by public
works employees, it is not possible for the City to provide the
sweeping portion of the sealcoat project. Therefore, he recommends
that Allied Blacktop be awarded the sealcoating project with sweeping
in the sum of $30,976.
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran
Fair, to award the 1989 sealcoating project to Allied Blacktop to
include sweeping in the amount of $30,976. Motion carried unanimously.
7. Review public transportation need study, review comparative data
regarding municipal transportation systems operating in Minnesota.
Consider authorizing MTRAC to develop Transportation Management Plan
and prepare State Transit Assistance application materials.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed recent studies completed by
the Advisory Committee and reviewed information regarding the potential
for state and federal funding of a Monticello transportation system
designed to meet the local need. O'Neill went on to review the two
studies completed, one which projected the estimated amount of trips
generated utilizing input from organizations that provide services to
the elderly and those that are likely to use bus service. The second
study established projected ridership based on ridership history of
communities very similar to Monticello. The second study also
projected the cost to operate the system based on the experiences of
similar communities. O'Neill reported that according to the studies,
► it appears that a mature transportation system operating in the city of
f Monticello will generate 61 round trip rides per day if Monticello
E residents use the system at a rate equal to the average experienced by
other communities that operate a transportation system. O'Neill also
reported that based on Monticello use of transportation at an average
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rate, it can be expected that the total annual cost of the system will
amount to around $70,000 using 1987 figures. Of that amount, the local
share will amount to 40 percent, or $28,000. Of the $28,000 that makes
up the local share, it is expected that the fare revenue will amount to
$18,000, with ad valorem taxes paying the remaining $10,000. In other
words, City taxes would likely pay about 14 percent of the total price
tag to operate the system. Finally, O'Neill went on to note that the
cost estimates are based on community system history as of 1987, and it
is likely that the costs have gone up since that time, and there may be
other factors on the horizon that we're not aware of that will impact
the cost to operate a transportation system within Monticello. Only
after the management plan is complete, which includes a formal budget,
will we have a clear idea regarding the ultimate cost. Finally,
O'Neill reported the Monticello Transportation Advisory Committee
recommendation to Council that the need for a public transportation
system has been sufficiently demonstrated and that heavy participation
in the funding of a local transportation system by state and federal
agencies, combined with the opportunity to collect user fees, provides
the City with an opportunity to service the transportation need in
Monticello in a cost effective manner. Therefore, the Monticello
Transportation Advisory Committee recommended that Council now
authorize staff to work with MN/DOT and the Advisory Committee in
developing a management plan and materials associated with developing
an application for state funding. Duane Gates was in attendance and
reiterated the position that the studies completed back up the initial
work done by the Transportation Advisory Committee appointed by the
Community Services Board and that the time is right for continued
forward movement on development of a management plan.
Shirley Anderson asked how much the transportation system will cost the
individual homeowner. O'Neill responded by saying that it is estimated
that the taxpayers will pay 14 percent of the cost to operate the
system, which at this time amounts to $10,000. Individual homeowners'
taxes contribute 10 percent of the total revenue required to operate
the City; therefore, the 1,300 residential units in the community will
be sharing 10 percent of the $10,000 ad valorem cost, which results in
a net cost to homeowners of less than $1.00 per household per year.
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran
Fair, to direct staff to work with MN/DOT and MTRAC in developing a
management plan and application for state transportation funding
assistance. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Consideration of an ordinance amendment regulating hours of operation
of off -sale liquor store.
Administrator Wolf steller reported that over the past two years, the
state legislative bodies have changed the statutes pertaining to when
an off -sale liquor establishment can be open for business. Previously,
off -sale liquor stores were not allowed to be open for business on New
Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, or
Christmas Day, along with Sundays. Last session and again this
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session, changes have been made by the state allowing off -sale liquor
stores to be open any holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Wolfsteller went on to report that Monticello Ordinances pertaining to
off -sale liquor stores currently restrict our municipal store from
being open on any of the above holidays. As long as the state statutes
allow, it is recommended our ordinance be amended to coincide with only
Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day being restricted. Wolfsteller
recommended that the City adopt the ordinance amendment to coincide
with state statutes, but not require the City Council to change its
policy regarding days of operation. In other words, Council can, by
approving the ordinance amendment, still decide to remain closed
July 4, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, etc. It gives the
Council the option to have the store open if it desires. Ken Maus
indicated that he would like to see the days of operation continue as
is. However, he does see the benefit in having the flexibility to
change in the future.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren
Smith, to adopt the ordinance amendment to coincide with state statutes
which allow off -sale liquor stores to be open any day except Sunday,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 177.
It was the consensus of Council then to retain the existing schedule
and not utilize the flexibility to open the liquor store on days that
have traditionally been closed. However, in the future the City
Council wishes to review the policy and leave the door open for
modifying the holiday schedule at some point in the future.
After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Fran
Fair, and unanimously carried to authorize closing of the liquor store
for the July 4 holidays.
9. Consideration of type of restroom building - Bridge Park.
After discussion, Council tabled the matter pending development of
additional information by Public Works Director, John Simola. It was
the view of Council that year-round restroom development at West Bridge
Park should be part of an overall facilities development plan for this
park area.
10. Consideration of final payment for Project 88-04A, Well #4.
John Simola reported that after being plagued with problems, it now
appears that well #4 is complete and operational. Most of the problems
we have experienced have stemmed from Fairbanks Pump and Pitless unit
line shaft bearings. During startup on December 12, 1988, a line shaft
bearing seized, causing the main drive to twist and break. Simola also
went on to report that the gallons per minute pumped by this well is at
2,150 gallons per minute versus the expected amount of 2,400 gallons
per minute.
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Ken Maus asked why we are taking the position that we are satisfied
with a lesser volume. John Simola reported that the horsepower
generated by this pump is insufficient to pull 2,400 gallons per
minute. He went on to note that although the capacity is less than
expected, it is sufficient to meet our needs and that from a cost
benefit standpoint, it does not make sense to install a larger motor to
reach the 2,400 gallons per minute level. Warren Smith asked if the 75
horsepower motor now in operation is working beyond its capacity in
generating the 2,150 gallons per minute. Gene Anderson responded by
saying the existing motor is working within its tolerance levels at 71
horsepower. He went on to say that the well is capable of pumping
3 million gallons per day into a system that can hold 1.5 million
gallons.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren
Smith, and carried unanimously to authorize final payment to F.H.
Renner & Sons in the amount of $6,621.54.
11. Consideration of bills for the month of June.
Warren Smith requested an explanation regarding the expenditure of $491
for replacement of curbs and sidewalks. John Simola reported that this
construction was necessitated by damage created when an automobile hit
a fire hydrant and that the City expenses will be reimbursed by the
driver's insurance company.
Motion made by Warren Smith, seconded by Shirley Anderson, to approve
bills for the month of June. Motion carried unanimously.
Other Matters.
John Simola presented the recycling artwork submitted by Monticello
students. After review of the artwork, Council selected Morky and Porky as
the recycling duo charged with providing ongoing recycling information,
inspiration, and advocacy to the citizens of Monticello.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Shirley Anderson, to award first
prize to the artists that created Morky and Porky and approve the award of
$50 to Marcy Chock, Patti Dziekciowski, and Hope Palmquist for first prize,
$30 to Jennifer Walberg for second prize, and $20 to Amber Hendrickson for
third prize.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed the recent discussions conducted by
the representatives of the Meadow Oaks development area and presented the
rough draft of the revised restrictive covenants that area residents will be
reviewing in the next few weeks. O'Neill reviewed the modifications made to
the revised restrictive covenants that were necessary as a result of the
restrictive covenants not being in place prior to the sale of individual
parcels. He noted that recreational vehicles will now be allowed in the
front yards of Meadow Oaks properties. However, no portion of the vehicle
may be placed within the City right-of-way. O'Neill also reviewed the slight
modifications to the sodding and seeding requirement, which requires that the
homeowner sod or seed his property within one growing season, or in the event
of drought conditions, the lawn must be established by June 1 of the
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subsequent growing season. Fran Fair asked if the citizens representing the
Meadow Oaks neighborhood support the newly revised restrictive covenants.
O'Neill reported that at a recent meeting, they did express support.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Shirley Anderson,
to approve the restrictive covenants pertaining to the Meadow Oaks
development area. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
,17
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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