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City Council Minutes 09-10-1979MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL September 10, 1979 - 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Arve Grimsmo, Dan Blonigen, Fran Fair, Ken Maus, Phil White. Members Absent: None. Citizens Comments - Mr. Ben Smith asked that the City Council look in to having the City crews pick up trash from all of the municipal parking lots on a regular basis. Mr. Smith indicated that the parking lots become littered with beer cans and miscellaneous trash and the Council informed him that they will check with the Public Works department. 1. Public Hearing for Review and Adoption of the Assessment Rolls on the 1977-3 Street Improvement Project. Mr. John Badalich, City Engineer, reviewed the 1977-3 Street Improvement Project and the areas improved and proposed to be assessed with the Council. Mr. Badalich informed the citizens that the proposed assessment for street improvements, including curb and gutter, would be $8.96 per lineal front foot while the storm sewer assessment for a residential lot would be approximately 124 per square foot. A typical single family residential lot consisting of 66' x 165', or 10,890 sq. ft., would have a total proposed assessment of $754.80. The proposed assessment calls for a 20 -year payoff with 6=2% interest. In addition, Mr. Badalich noted that all property owners who received a drive- way approach over 18' wide would be charged an additional $2.28 per foot over 18' for residential lots and an additional $2.54 per foot over 18' for commercial lots. The public hearing was then opened up to citizen's comments as follows: Mr. John Moller, who lives on Front Street near the River, felt that he should not be assessed for all three of his lots since he can't build on the two remaining lots. Mr. Moller has actually 198' of frontage along Front Street, but was issued a building permit for one home due to the small depth of each lot. All three lots together actually amount to approximately 18,000 square feet and he was informed that he was actually being assessed for only 132 feet -of frontage and 12,000 sq. ft. in area. Mrs.Cordelia Ellison inquired as to what an annual payment is expected to be and was informed that a typical residential lot would have an annual payment of approximately $67.00 per year. COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 Mr. Richard Carlson, also a property owner along Front Street, has approxi- mately 3301 of frontage. Mr. Carlson felt that since the majority of his land is not suitable for building homes on, he should not be assessed for the majority of it. He was informed that although the land is quite low and would need quite a bit of fill, the assessment is still based on the amount of front footage. Mr. Everett Ellison, who owns a lot on the corner of Fourth and Vine, indi- cated that he was not notified of the street improvement project nor did his property receive a driveway approach. In checking the records, it was determined that the tax rolls did not show him as owner of the property at the time of the original public hearing and that is why he was not notified by mail. Mr. Ellison is also now in the process of building a home and he was informed that the driveway approach would probably be his own responsibility. Mrs.Armin Diersen, former owner of a home located at 309 East 3rd St., indi- cated that she also was never notified of the original public hearing and indicated that she had not been aware of any assessment against the property. Mr. Diersen indicated that at the time of the closing in September 1978 it was the first time that she was aware that there would be a street assessment against the property. She also stated that she specifically requested a special assessment search for this property and was told that there would be no assessments. Council consensus was to review the matter if Mrs. Diersen can provide a written letter indicating that the City had stated there would be no assessments. Mr. Wilbur Eck asked if at least 20% of the improvement project was being assessed to the property owners and he was informed that this was correct. Councilman Dan Blonigen also indicated that he felt the proposed assessment for his home situated on the corner of 4th and Vine should be given a credit because curb was not extended along Vine Street. This particular property was assessed for 66' frontage along 4th street where the curb was actually installed, and therefore, no action was taken by the Council to reduce his assessment. Hearing no other comments in regards to the proposed assessments, a motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair to adopt the proposed assess- ment rolls for the 1977-3 Street Improvement Project, as presented with the Council to review the assessments against Mr. Everett Ellison, Mr. Richard Carlson and the Diersen property at 309 E. 3rd St. It was noted that these three property owners will be reviewed in regards to the assess- ment with any action to be taken at a later date. Voting in favor: Arve Grimsmo, Ken Maus, Fran Fair, Phil White. Opposed: Dan Blonigen. (See Resolution 9/10/79 #17). 2. Public Hearing on the Proposed Use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. According to regulations governing Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, the City held a public hearing to allow local citizens and groups to present written or verbal comments on how the proposed revenue sharing money is to be spent in 1980. - 2 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 It is expected that the City of Monticello will receive approximately $97,338 in Revenue Sharing funds in 1980, and in 1979, the Federal Revenue Sharing funds in the amount of $89,000 were earmarked towards the City's share of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant grant. Although no comments were heard from the public during the public hearing, a letter was received previously from the Cedar Crest Apartment manager asking that the City Council consider street lighting, more dog patrol and possibly purchasing a piano for the community room at the Cedar Crest apartments. This input was noted by the City Council, but it was the concensus of the Council to earmark the Federal Revenue Sharing funds of 1980 for possible public works department capital outlay equipment and for the additional City's share of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. 3. Public Hearing on Consideration of a Right -Turn Lane for Sandberg South Addition. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has informed the City Engineer that a right -turn lane would be necessary leading into the Sandberg South Addition. This Sandberg South subdivision was improved with curb and gutter, street and utilities during 1978 and now the State is requiring the right - turn lane because of the increased traffic. The proposed cost of the improvement would amount to approximately $5,700 and is proposed to be assessed against all abutting property owners in the Sandberg South addition. Mel Worth, property owner abutting Sandberg South addition, felt that the cost appears quite high and also felt that the right -turn lane is not necessary as other roads on Highway 25 do not have right -turn lanes. Mr. John Sandberg inquired as to whether other right -turn lanes along Highway 25 were assessed directly to property owners. He was informed that as far as the City knows, the State Highway Department has always constructed these right -turn lanes previously. After reviewing the alternatives, it was the concensus of the Council that John Badalich, City Engineer, again review the right -turn lane matter with the State in regards to the necessity and if it is determined that it still has to be constructed, a decision on the assessment of the cost could be determined at a later assessment hearing scheduled for the beginning of October. 4. Consideration of Subdivision Request - Longley Addition. Mr. Rick Longley applied for a subdivision of his lot on South Highway 25 from one large lot into six smaller lots of approximately 14,000 to 15,000 square feet each. Each lot would meet the minimum 100' width requirement and the park dedication fees would not be necessary since they were pre- viously paid when this land was subdivided by John Sandberg. - 3 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 As part of the subdivision, Mr. Longley has requested that additional sewer and water services for each lot be constructed as part of the 1979-1 Improvement Project currently under construction in the area. It was noted by the City Engineer that in order to construct sewer and water services to each individual lot, a 30' permanent easement would have to be obtained between two of the proposed lots to allow services to be brought up to the parcels fronting on Highway 25. Mr. Longley indicated that he is in agreement with the easement required, but did object to the amount of the proposed assessment cost for the improvements. It was noted by the City Engineer that in order to serve all six lots, the addi- tional cost involved should be paid by Mr. Longley with the total improve- ment cost amounting to approximately $34,000. Although an exact figure for each assessment could be determined at the assessment hearing, Mr. Badalich did indicate that he felt the $34,000 figure is accurate in that the additional cost should be borne by Mr. Longley to service his property. Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously carried to approve the preliminary plat for Mr. Rick Longley's subdivision as presented, contingent upon submission of the necessary easements for utilities and obtaining an easement on the plat to assure that the sub- sequent buyers of the lots and the Vaughn Veit property to the North would have access to Highway 25. Motion was made by Ken Maus, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to approve Change Order #1 on the 1979-1 Improvement Project with Barbarossa and Sons in the amount of $26,347 for the additional services required as part of the Longley Subdivision. 5. Consideration of Application for Subdivision of Lots by Harold Ruff. Mr. Harold Ruff applied for a simple subdivision of Lots 4 & 5 in Block S of Upper Monticello. Presently the Lots 4 & 5 are 66' x 165' each and run generally north and south. Mr. Ruff would like to split the lots equally so that they run east and west and make each lot 8212' x 132', which would then front along Minnesota Street. This subdivision request does meet all City ordinances in regards to square footage and Mr. Ruff has also been informed that after the sub- division, the 1977-3 sewer and water improvement assessment would be only for one of the lots with the second lot being assessed in the future if sewer and water services are required for development. The newly created lot would be assessed for sewer and water at the current average rate for the year requested and may also be subject to a future sewer and water assessment should service lines be installed on the south side of the property at a later date. Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Dan Blonigen and unanimously carried to approve the subdivision of Lots 4 & 5 of Block S as pre- sented contingent upon a specific legal description being obtained for each newly created parcel and proof of recording same at County Recorder's Office in Buffalo. - 4 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 6. Consideration of Setting Per Diem Allowance for Fire Department Members to Attend Training Meetings, Etc. Previously, the City Council requested the Fire Department to make a recom- mendation relative to the setting of an established per diem allowance for firemen while they attend training sessions and seminars, etc. At the present time, the City of Monticello has been paying members at the rate of $42.00 per day plus expenses, the $42.00 being based on the same rates as a fire call. At their last meeting, the Fire Department recommended that each member be paid a per diem allowance of $30.00 per day no matter what day it is, plus expenses incurred. It was noted that this recommendation is made in line with Minnesota Statute 438.011 which allows citys to set a per diem allowance for firemen while they attend training sessions. Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously carried to approve the $30.00 per day per diem allowance for firemen attending training sessions. It was also noted that this recommendation will now be forwarded to the Township Board for their approval as part of the Joint Fire Department. 7. Consideration of Approval of Boat Launching Improvement in Ellison Park. At the last Council Meeting, Public Works Director, John Simola, reviewed with the Council a proposal for improving the boat launch facilities in Ellison Park. The Council reviewed the existing boat launch location and the proposed new location inside Ellison Park. Mr. Simola indicated that he previously thought the City had a permit to construct a boat launch facility that had expired, but as it turns out, a new application would have to be made with the DNR for the ramp. Discussing the alternatives available, it was the concensus of the Council that a ramp located in Ellison Park rather than on the deadend portion of Washington Street would create problems for parking and also backing down to the River. As a result, it was the concensus of the Council that a new ramp should be constructed of concrete approximately 20' wide at the end of Washington Street. Mr. Simola was instructed to apply for a permit to construct the ramp from the DNR and in the meantime, the City will be checking with the State on possible funding available for providing a boat launch facility. 8. Review of Preliminary Budget for 1980. The Council reviewed the proposed preliminary budget as presented, which called for a levy in the amount of $894,931. This budget compares to the 1979 budget of $847,734. The new budget would provide for a mill levy rate for the City of approximately 23.28 mills compared to 1979 mill levy of 22.46. - 5 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 In addition to the budget as presented, the Council discussed possible items to be included in the budget from the Public Works Department. Mr. John Simola, the Public Works Director, provided a detailed outline of capital outlay expenditures he would like to see included in the budget for 1980. Among the items discussed by the Council for inclusion in the final 1980 budget were as follows: STREET FUND - A used motor grader for $12,000. Maintenance Building improvements - $4,725 A used pavement roller for $3,000 A J -Tamper for $700 A used tailgate paver for $4,000 PARK FUND - A cushman truckster for $3,955 Irrigation Equipment for $750 TREE FUND - The balance of the cushman truckster - $1,695 It was the concensus of the Council Members. to approve the preliminary budget for 1980 as presented with the additional items being added for capital outlay as presented by the Public Works Director. These additional items will be calculated in the new budget and presented for final approval in a few weeks. A 9. Review of School Board Offer to Sell Oakwood School. Mr. Jim Metcalf, attorney for School District, reported to Council that the School Board has accepted the City's offer to purchase Oakwood School for $100,000 and in addition, is willing to offer the City a portion of Block 17 suitable for a future library site. Mr. Metcalf indicated that the City could accept either the northwest corner of Block 17 for a library site or another portion of Block 17 that was donated by Tom Bondhus to the School District. It was noted that if the City would use the part of Block 17 that was donated by Tom Bondhus, the City would have to negotiate with Mr. Bondhus in regards to lifting the restrictions which presently allow for only school activities to be located on that lot. The School Board intention was that the City should decide within two months which part of Block 17 they would like to use, if any, for a future library site so the School can continue with their plans in designing an administra- tive office building on the remaining land. 10. Discussion on Present Condition of County Road 75 (or Broadway Street). City Council discussed the present deteriorated condition of County Road 75 and discussed approaching the County Board to review the road for possible repairs. Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to authorize the City Administrator to set up a meeting with the County Board in hopes that they will be able to review the road situation in person and also to be placed on the Commissioner's agenda for future discussion. - 6 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 11. Additional Cost - Civil Defense Sirens. Mr. Loren Klein, Civil Defense Director, informed the Council that due to federal regulations in regards to obtaining a radio frequency for operating the sirens, additional radio equipment will have to be purchased amounting to approximately $1,100. In addition, Mr. Klein noted that the County has radio equipment available that they would lease to the City of Monticello for $150 per year, which would include all maintenance and repairs. Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to approve the additional $1,100 cost for radio equipment for the Civil Defense sirens and communications system. In addition, the motion included the contracting with the Wright County Sheriff's Department to rent a radio system for $150 per year to include all maintenance costs for the Civil Defense department. Motion was also made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to adopt a list of succession in regards to civil defense director- ship should something happen to individuals in command. Following is the list of priority in regards to civil defense matters should the Civil Defense Director be uncapable of filling his duties: 1. Arve Grimsmo 2. Phil White 3. Dan Blonigen 4. Fran Fair 5. Ken Maus 12. Consideration of Variance Request on Landscaping and Parking Lot Improve- ments for SMA Elevator Company. SMA Elevator Company is currently constructing a building in the Oakwood Industrial Park and is ready for occupancy. Landscaping and parking lot improvements have not been completed prior to their request for a certifi- cate of occupancy. Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Dan Blonigen and unanimously carried to grant SMA Elevator Company a variance up to sixty (60) days to complete the landscaping and parking lot requirements, provided a bond is posted to cover the cost. 13. Consideration of Approving Additional Official Depository for City of Monticello. Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Dan Blonigen and unanimously carried to name as an additional depository for the City of Monticello, The First National Bank of Minneapolis. 14. Approval of Minutes. Motion was made by P. White, seconded by D. Blonigen and unanimously carried to approve the minute: of the August 27, 1979 Regular Meeting, as presented. - 7 - COUNCIL MINUTES - 9/10/79 15. Consideration of Final Payment on 1977-3 Improvement Project to Arcon Construction Company. Arcon Construction Company has requested that the majority of the final payment being held by the City be released on the 1977-3 Improvement Project. John Badalich, City Engineer, indicated that final payment estimate has been estimated at $132,000 and recommended that all of this except $13,000 be paid. The remaining $13,000 are items that are still up for negotiation between the City of Monticello and Arcon Construction Company. Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to approve a portion of the final payment on the 1977-3 improvement project to Arcon Construction Company in the amount of $119,309.64. Meeting adjourned. Ri k Wolfstel er, Administrati e Assistant RW/ns t