City Council Minutes 07-09-2001MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
July 9, 2001 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Roger Belsaas, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf and Bruce Thielen.
Members Absent: Roger Carlson
1. Call to Order.
Mayor Belsaas called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
2. Approve minutes of June 25, 2001 regular Council meeting.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 25, 2001
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Consideration of adding items to theagenda.
The following items were added to the agenda: 1) Landscaping for medians on CSAH 75;
2) Monticello Ford; 3) Follow up on mailbox maintenance; 4) Blight conditions - Red Rock
Lane; 5) Street light - River Mill area; 6) Update on liquor store expansion; and 7) Water
sprinkling. It was noted that Clint Herbst, Bruce Thielen and Jeff O'Neill will be meeting
with representatives of the school district. This meeting was tentatively set for July 24th.
4. Citizens comments/petitions, requests and complaints.
Tom and Jean Matis, 106 Balboul Circle came before the Council to request that the City take
some action to clear up the blight conditions at 110 Balboul Circle (155-031-002080). They
stated that the problem has been ongoing for many years and the City has failed to act on
enforcing the City's ordinance. They stated they are trying to sell their property and the
presence of the blighted property has not only lowered the value of their property but has kept
it from selling.
Clint Herbst stated that the City needs someone who is willing to carry out the enforcement
of the ordinance. The matter was referred to Fred Patch who was directed to work with the
attorney on getting the blighted property into compliance in a timely fashion. City Attorney,
Dennis Dalen indicated that the processing time on a blight issue can be as little as 30 days or
can run as much as 90 days. Bruce Thielen stated he would like to know what is going on and
asked that the Council be updated on the status of this property.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO WORK ON BRINGING THE
BLIGHTED PROPERTY AT 110 BALBOUL CIRCLE INTO COMPLIANCE AND TO
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REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL AT THE NEXT MEETING. BRIAN STUMPF
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
John Young, 9631 Gillard Avenue presented two issues of concern to the Council:
1) Speeding on Gillard Avenue and need for installation of a stop sign and 2) Development of
a pedestrian walkway for the area. He noted that he had come before the Council a year ago
on the same issue but nothing has been done. Mr. Young stated that the sheriff s
department patrols the area but the patrol car is not parked there for any length of time so their
presence has not deterred speeders. He would like to see a three way stop at the intersection
of Gillard and 97th Street.
Recently another child was struck by a vehicle in this area and that prompted a request to have
the City look at some kind of walkway for pedestrians. Ideally residents would like an off-
street pathway from County Road 39 to County Road 75. The Council discussed whether the
problem could best be addressed by a pathway or by sidewalk construction.
City Engineer, Bret Weiss, indicated that placement of a stop sign does not insure that
vehicles will stop so pedestrians may have a false sense of security from the presence of a stop
sign. He noted that the sight distance in this particular instance may warrant placement of the
sign but it would have to be done in agreement with the Township since they have authority
over half of the street. Bruce Thielen stated that placement of stop signs should not be used to
control a speeding problem. He felt that the off street pathway should be referred to the Parks
Commission so that they could develop a plan for that area which would then come back to
the Council for approval.
BRIAN STUMPF DIRECTED STAFF TO HAVE THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PATROL FOR THIS AREA. CLINT HERBST SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jeff O'Neill was directed to provide John Young with the timetable for pathway development
plan.
Jim Freeberg, 2681 Oak Ridge Drive, came before the Council to request a stop sign be
placed at Oakview Lane and Oak Ridge Drive. He pointed out that with the additional
development in the area there is increased traffic and traffic is moving at higher speeds. He
indicated that there is sight problems at this intersection that should be considered. Bruce
Thielen suggested that the City Engineer, Bret Weiss, look at the intersection and make a
recommendation to the Council at the next meeting. Bruce Thielen expressed concern about
making a habit of installing a stop sign at every location and emphasized that stop signs were
not the best way to control speeding.
5. Consent Agenda.
A. Consideration of issuing a gambling license to VFW Post #8731 to conduct gambling
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at the Monticello VFW. Recommendation: Adopt resolution authorizing the State
Gambling Control Board to issue a charitable gambling license to VFW Post #8731.
Res. No. 2001-44.
B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for the Monticello Community
Center. Recommendation: Ratify the hiring of the part-time employees for the
Monticello Community Center as identified.
C. Consideration of an application for rezoning from I-1 to R-2 and a revised
development stage conditional use permit/planned unit development and a preliminary
plat to allow the development of 97 unit Montissippi Trail Townhomes located on the
"Klucas" property. Applicant: Harstad Holdings, Inc. Recommendation: Move to
approve the rezoning from I-1 to R-2; to approve the concept and development stage
planned unit development and approve the preliminary plat for Montissippi Trail
Townhomes on the "Klucas" property with the conditions noted by the Planning
Commission. Ord. Amd. #362.
On the consent agenda, Clint Herbst pointed out that the rezoning request for item #5C must
be approved by a 4/5's vote. John Simola reported that Sunny Fresh had agreed to pay 75% of
the cost for the software changes necessary to incorporate the gravity belt thickener onto the
system so agenda item #7 could also be included on the consent agenda.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA INCLUDING
AGENDA ITEM #7, SOFTWARE CHANGES TO THE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR THE
WWTP. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY THUS MEETING THE 4/5'S REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL OF
THE REZONING.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
None.
7. Consideration of software change to operating system for the WWTP to incorporate the
gravity belt thickener.
Included with consent agenda.
8. Consideration of accepting bids and awarding contract for Bridge and Pathway
Improvements, Project No. 98-02C.
Bret Weiss reviewed the bids received on this project and pointed out that the low bid was
$60,000 above the engineer's estimate but was still within 10% of the estimated cost.
Because the project was bid later in the construction season, it may have resulted in few
contractors submitting bids. Bret Weiss indicated that they are still working on the easement
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acquisition on the Weinand and Dahlheimer property. Mayor Belsaas asked what progress
had been made on getting an access on CSAR 75 for Dahlheimers. Bret Weiss stated that
they are still working on it but it has not yet been resolved. It is the intent that the bridge and
connecting pathway will be completed by this fall.
City Administrator, Rick Wolfsteller, indicated that the City has budgeted through 2001 for
this project totaling $240,000. However, the City will still need to come up with an additional
$185,000-$200,000. The Council will need to make a determination how the balance of the
City's portion will need to be funded.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR PROJECT 98-02C TO
REDSTONE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $698,072.55
CONTINGENT UPON MEETING ALL OF MN/DOT AND FEDERAL APPROVALS.
CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Consideration of approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for
bids for the Cedar Street Improvement Project No. 2000-18C.
This project was tabled at the last meeting to allow the developer and the City Engineer to
meet and review the design for the street project. That meeting took place on July 3, 2001.
The developer was now requesting the Council to consider deferring the assessment for the
street project until 2003. City Administrator, Rick Wolfsteller, explained that the assessment
is normally levied at the completion of the construction. To construct the project in 2001 and
not levy the assessment until 2003 could set a precedent for other projects and did the City
want to have that much of a time gap between the work being completed and the assessment
being levied. Clint Herbst asked about a delayed assessment. Rick Wolfsteller indicated that
it may be possible but it may also drive up the financing cost.
Dan Mielke spoke indicating that his development group had met and their feeling was that
since it was so late into the construction season, they didn't think the project could be
completed this year. Their plan was to get all the design issues resolved and bring the project
back in January for bidding. Upon learning from the City Engineer, that the project could still
be completed this construction season, the development group would like to rethink their plan
of action and proceed with the work this year. Previous Council action on street work and the
interior utilities was contingent upon Mr. Mielke signing a waiver and to date this waiver has
not been signed. Mr. Mielke stated that he could not sign the waiver without seeing the utility
plans. Bret Weiss indicated the plans are ready. Mr. Mielke stated he would like to present
the plans to his development group. The Council discussed the time frame for bidding the
projects and holding an assessment hearing. Adding the 30 day time frame for a possible
assessment appeal would put awarding the contract late into the construction season.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
� 1 THE CEDAR STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS PREPARED AND TO ORDER
�J ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONTINGENT UPON THE DEVELOPER SUBMITTING
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A SIGNED WAIVER FOR THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS BY NOON ON JULY 1 1,
2001. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. Res. #2001-46
10. Consideration of adopting resolution declaring cost to be assessed and setting a public
hearing on adoption of an assessment roll for the Cedar Street Improvement Project No.
2000-1 XC -
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION SETTING THE PUBLIC
HEARING ON ADOPTION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE CEDAR STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2000-18C FOR THE AUGUST 13, 2001 COUNCIL
MEETING. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. Res. No. 2001-48
11. Consideration of revised cost estimate for 7th Street East Improvements Project No.
2001-07C.
City Engineer, Bret Weiss summarized the proposed change to the plans and specifications
which remove all the bituminous surface from the street. This would add an estimated
$135,000 in cost to the project.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO APPROVE THE REDESIGN OF THE 7TH STREET
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND ORDER THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS.
BRUCE THIELEN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Res. No. 2001-47.
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1. Landscaping Medians - CSAH 75: The Council discussed the landscaping for the medians
on the completed portion of CSAH 75. It was suggested that instead of having the Planner
prepare a landscape plan, that the Public Works Department could come up with plan for
suggested plantings. John Simola indicated that he would bring this back at the next meeting.
2. Monticello Ford - Clint Herbst asked how the SAC/WAC charges had been determined for
the car wash portion of the operation. Rick Wolfsteller explained that there is a formula the
City uses that looks at the equipment used, the type of facility, etc. and that is the basis for
determining the charges. Whether the car wash operation is for public or private use is not a
factor in the formula.
3. Mailbox Maintenance - The question of who is responsible to maintain the mailboxes was
brought up at a previous meeting. Maintaining the mailbox is the responsibility of the
homeowner. Bruce Thielen felt that there should be some ordinance in place for maintenance
of what is placed in the right-of-way. City staff is directed to check into this and bring it back
to the Council.
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4. Blight - Bruce Thielen wanted a follow up to the blight complaint on Red Rock Lane which
was brought up at the last meeting. Dennis Dalen indicated the complaints were ready to be
filed. Bruce Thielen asked that the property owners who brought up this matter be notified of
the City's action. Dennis Dalen indicated that he would do so. Bruce Thielen also asked that
the Council be kept informed of any legal action taken.
5. Street Light - River Mill - Brian Stumpf asked if anything had been done about the street
light. John Simola indicated that he had inspected that area and according to standard layout
there appears to be one light missing which will be ordered. Roger Belsaas also reported that
there is a problem with one of the lights along the Meadow Oaks path and asked John Simola
to check into it.
6. Liquor Store Expansion - City Administrator, Rick Wolfsteller, updated the Council on the
proposed expansion to the liquor store and the preliminary layouts that are being looked at.
7. Water Supply - John Simola reported on July 8t" the system pumped 4.3 million gallons of
water which is a record high. The high water usage and the continued dry weather has
prompted the Public Works Department to ask the Council to implement an odd -even
watering system. The Council discussed the effective date of the odd -even watering
restriction, the penalties for violation.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO INSTITUTE AN ODD -EVEN WATER BAN IN
MONTICELLO EFFECTIVE THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2001 AT MIDNIGHT AND TO
INSTRUCT CITY STAFF TO COME BACK WITH AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO
ALLOW IMPOSITION OF THE WATER BAN IN THE FUTURE WITHOUT IT COMING
BACK TO THE COUNCIL AND ALSO TO WORK WITH THE WRIGHT COUNTY
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IN ENFORCEMENT OF THE BAN. CLINT HERBST
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Approve payment of bills for July.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR JULY. BRUCE
THIELEN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Other: Dick Van Allen wanted to goon record as Chairman of the IDC to recommend that thb City
not reinstate an MOAA agreement. He listed a number of concerns about the MOAA agreement. He
also expressed his concern that the City address the need for industrial land. Mayor Belsaas
indicated that the status of the MOAA agreement will be discussed at the July 11 " MOAA meeting.
9. Closed session to discuss Kjeliberg sewer litigation.
The Council closed the meeting at 8:40 p.m. to discuss litigation. At 9:25 the Council
reopened the regular Council meeting. The Council indicated that by motion of the City
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Council the City Attorney was instructed to proceed with the settlement agreement with
minor modifications. The City Attorney was directed to inform the County and the Township
that in light of the recent court action the majority of the City Council, based on a 3 to 1 vote,
is of the opinion that the MOAA Board is no longer in existence.
10. Adjourn.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:30 P.M.. CLINT HERBST SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Da-junn '�A -Ax>!S'g��� --e—
Recording Secretary
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