City Council Minutes 09-08-1980MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - M ONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
September 8, 1980 - 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Arve Grimsmo, Dan Blonigen, Fran Fair, Ken Maus, Phil White.
Members Absent: None
Citizens Comments:
Mr. Gene Freed, Hospital Administrator, requested that the City Council
consider releasing the utility and drainage easements on the previously
vacated portion of Oak Street between Hart Boulevard and River Street
that was recently deeded to the Hospital. Mr. Freed explained that the
medical clinic proposed next to the Hospital will be built on a portion
of the vacated Oak Street, and the developers of the clinic indicated
they would not like to have the utility easements under their building.
John Badalich, City Engineer, indicated to the Council that at the time
of the vacation, utility rights were retained by the City, but at the
present time he felt that the easements were not that necessary as other
routes could be utilized by the City if necessary in the future.
Motion was made by Ken Maus, seconded by Phil White and unanimously
carried to adopt a resolution authorizing a quit claim deed to be
prepared by the City Attorney, Gary Pringle, releasing all utility
and drainage easements on the vacated portion of Oak Street between Hart
Boulevard and River Street.
1. Report by Engineer on Storm Water Ponding Problem - West River Street.
At a previous Council Meeting, Mr. Ron Nygaard, of 1521 West River St.
in the Ritze Manor Addition, requested that the City review the drainage
problem along the north side of River Street near his home. Mr. Nygaard
indicated that during heavy storm water runoff periods, the water does
not go through the culverts along the north side of River Street thus
resulting in backups of water into his basement.
John Badalich, City Engineer, reviewed with the Council his recommendations
for eliminating some of the problems in this area. His recommendation was
that four residential driveway culverts be replaced along with one new
culvert on Hilltop Drive to allow the drainage to proceed to the creel.
behind Ritze Manor. His recommendation would be to replace the culverts
for Lots 2 & 3, Block 1, Ritze Manor to 18" culverts with Lots 4 & 5,
Block 1, Ritze Manor being 24" culverts and also a 24" culvert on
Hilltop Drive. The estimated cost of replacing these five culverts would
be approximately $4,000, and the possibility was discussed of the City
picking up a portion of this storm sewer project, and placing a portion
on assessments to benefitting property owners.
Council Minutes - 9/8/80
After further review, it was the Council consensus to table this item
until the September 22nd or first meeting in October, 1980 to give
City Engineer time to prepare a more detailed feasibility study and
cost estimates for this improvement.
2. Consideration of Variance Request for Certificate of Occupancy on Land-
scaping Requirements - Clow Stamping Company.
Clow Stamping Company requested a variance to obtain a certificate of
occupancy for their new building in Oakwood Industrial Park, prior to the
completion of their landscaping requirements. The request was for a
60 -day variance to complete the landscaping as occupancy of the building
was expected by September 19, 1980.
In addition, Mr. Steve Paumen indicated to the Council that they do have
a landscaping proposal for their new building, but preliminary cost
estimates for their landscaping are estimated at between $2,500 to
$3,000. City ordinances require a minimum of $1,500 or 1% of the total
building cost, which in this case would be $4,000. Mr. Paumen indicated
that for them to install $4,000 worth of landscaping may be hard to do
and still do an adequate job and requested that they be allowed to
landscape according to their plans and have the Council review the site
to see if more is needed. It was noted by the Council that once the
landscaping was completed, and $4,000 was not spent, this item could be
reviewed under a variance at a later date.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Ken Maus to approve the variance
request for 60 days on the landscaping for Clow Stamping, contingent upon
surety arrangements being made in the amount of $4,000. Voting in
favor: Arve Grimsmo, Dan Blonigen, Ken Maus, Phil White.
Abstaining: Fran Fair.
3. Consideration of 3.2 Beer License - St. Henry's Catholic Church for
September 21 , 1980 Fal 1 Festival .
St. Henry's Catholic Church requested a one -day 3.2 beer license for
their annual Fall Festival to be held September 21, 1980.
Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Phil White and unanimously
carried to approve a one -day 3.2 beer license on September 21, 1980
for the St. Henry's Catholic Church between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 6:00 P.M.
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Council Minutes - 9/8/80
4. Consideration of Approval of Downtown Parking for Addition to Monticello
ThPatrP_
Mr. Michael Muller, owner of the Monticello Theatre in Downtown Monticello,
has plans for an addition for a new auditorium that would be added to the
east side of his existing auditorium and requested approval to utilize
the downtown parking lots without providing any additional parking for
his own theatre.
The existing Monti Theatre has been assessed on the downtown parking
lots, however, a proposed additional theatre would require 37 additional
spaces using the formula within the City's ordinances. With the possible
completion of a new commuter parking lot near the freeway, there is the
possibility that from 50 to 60 additional parking spaces will be made
available in the Downtown area to accommodate additional requirements of
the Downtown businesses.
It was the consensus of the Council that this item be referred to the
Business & Industrial Development Committee, which reviews parking in
the downtown area, for their recommendations which would be reported
to the Council by the next meeting.
5. Consideration of Final Approval for Subdivision Request for John Sandberg's
Riverside First Addition.
Mr. John Sandberg has submitted a final plat to the City for approval for
the subdivision of Lots 3 & 4 of Sandberg's Riverside Addition into three
residential lots.
John Badalich, City Engineer, has reviewed the final plat and noted that
the newly created lots would be less than 15,000 square feet, thus
requiring approval of the Department of Natural Resources since the City
is under the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Shoreland Management Act. Any
lots less the 15,000 square feet must be approved by the DNR prior to
City approval.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously carried
to approve the final plat for Riverside First Addition as presented,
subject to the DNR approval, the restrictive covenant being presented
to the City as previously agreed to, and the City's vacation of prior
utility and drainage easements across one of the lots.
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Council Minutes - 9/8/80
6. Consideration of Funding Pera-Transit Costs for Transportation to Big Lake
Nutrition Center for Monticello Residents.
The Sherburne County Social Services Office requested that the City of
Monticello consider funding a portion of the transportation cost for
Monticello residents to be transported to the Big Lake Nutrition Center.
Currently, the Sherburne County Social Services Office provides this
busing service for approximately ten (10) Monticello residents on a twice -
weekly basis.
According to Sherburne County Social Services, the cost of providing this
service has been estimated at approximately $1,180 per year with revenues
at 25¢ per person for a round-trip fare amounting to $195 per year, thus
leaving a projected deficiency of $985.
The Wright County Board of Commissioners has been approached by the
Nutrition Center requesting that they support and contribute for the
cost of providing this service to Monticello residents, but have not
authorized any funding. It was noted by the Council that funding the
$985 would amount to approximately $1.50 per person per trip, and it was
felt by the Council that other arrangements should be pursued prior to
any funding commitment by the City.
On a motion by Ken Maus, seconded by Phil White it was unanimously carried
to direct the City's Senior Citizens Center Director to study the
alternatives available for providing transportation to Big Lake if nec-
essary and report back to the Council with recommendations.
(See Exhibit 9/8/80 #1)
7. Consideration of Requests from Monticello Youth Hockey Association.
The Monticello Youth Hockey Association requested that the City consider
the following items:
A. Possible help in cleaning off the hockey rink when needed. Sugges-
tions included possible parttime help through CETA or other funding
programs, which may result in no cost to the City.
B. The installation of bathroom facilities at Fourth Street Park.
C. Additional fill within the hockey rink and black dirt around the
outside for landscaping.
D. Mowing the grass inside the hockey rink prior to flooding.
E. Additional lighting for the figure skating rink area.
F. Hand Rails as a safety precaution leading to the warming house.
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In regards to parttime help for cleaning off the hockey rink, the City
Administrator was instructed to check out the possibilities through
such government programs as CETA or Tri -Cap to see if the City would be
eligible to obtain funds for a parttime help. The Council also noted
that the original warming house did not have bathroom facilities because
of the vandalism problems that exist in other parks, and indicated that
there are no plans in the future to install these facilities. It was
noted that the City will provide plowing services to portable satellites
to enable these temporary toilets to be pumped and serviced as necessary.
The City's public works department will provide fill for the landscaping
and inside the rink if the hockey association would be willing to spread
the sand and fill where needed.
The Public Works Director indicated that lighting for the outside general
skating area could be installed possibly by Northern States Power
Company at a cost of approximately $250. In addition, it was estimated
that the cost of installing the hand rails to the warming house would be
approximately $200.
It was the Council consensus that the Public Works Director get addi-
tional cost estimates for installing the lighting and hand rail system
at the warming house and report back to the Council at the next meeting.
(See Exhibit 9/8/80 #2)
8. Consideration of approval of Joint Summer Recreation Costs with Independent
School District #882 for 1981.
In accordance with the agreement previously approved by the City Council
and the School District, a proposed budget for 1981 has been submitted
by the Joint Advisory Board for consideration by the School and City.
The proposed budget calls for the City's 50% share to be $8,059.50 for
1981.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Phil White to approve the
budget for the Joint Summer Recreation Program for 1981 with the
City's allocation being $8,059.50. Voting in favor: Arve Grimsmo,
Fran Fair, Ken Maus, Phil White. Opposed: Dan Blonigen.
(See Exhibit 9/8/80 #3)
9. Consideration of Acquisition of 16 mm. Movie Protector for the Library.
Librarian, Marge Bauer, requested that the City consider purchasing a
16 mm. movie projector for the library.
Mrs. Bauer noted in her letter to the Council that the City can get a
movie projector on loan from the Great River Regional Library System in
St. Cloud, but advance notice has to be given and a projector is not
always guaranteed by the Great River Regional Library.
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It was noted by the Council that a City -owned movie projector may be a
good idea for the library, but due to the uncertainty over the location
of the library in the future months and considering this item was not
budgeted for in 1980, a motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Dan
Blonigen and unanimously carried to deny the request for the movie projec-
tor at the present time, but to note that it would be considered at a
later date; possibly with furnishings for a new library if built.
(See Exhibit 9/8/80 #4).
10. Public Hearinq - Proposed Use of Federal Revenue Sharinq Funds.
Regulations governing Federal Revenue Sharing Funds required the City
to hold a public hearing to allow local citizens and groups an opportunity
to present comments on how the proposed revenue sharing money for 1981
is to be spent.
It is expected in 1981 that the City of Monticello will receive approxi-
mately $112,929 in Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. In 1979 and 1980, the
City Council appropriated its revenue sharing totalling $192,678 towards
the City's share of the new wastewater treatment plant upgrading.
During the public hearing, no comments were heard from citizens or
groups, and therefore, a motion was made by Phil White, seconded by
Dan Blonigen and unanimously carried to earmark the proposed $112,929
in revenue sharing funds for 1981 for the City's share of the Wastewater
Treatment Plant upgrading within the sewer fund.
11. Review of the Preliminary Budqet for 1981.
The City Council reviewed the preliminary budget proposed for 1981 and
will be reviewing the final budget at the September 22, 1980 meeting.
The proposed budget called for a local levy to be increased from $897,000
to $987,000, or an increase of $89,900 for the local share. It was noted
that the primary reasons necessary for the increase were $42,000 for the
increase in bond payment requirements and the other increase of $47,000
primarily due to inflation. As a result, the local levy will increase to
approximately 24.7 mills compared to 22.3 mills for 1980.
It was noted that the capital outlay revolving fund was tentatively
reduced from $115,000 in 1980 down to approximately $60,000 for 1981,
but Council discussion indicated that the possibility exists that this
could be increased somewhat from the $60,000 figure.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously
carried to approve the preliminary budget for 1981 as presented.
(See Exhibit 9/8/80 #5)
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Council Minutes - 9/8/80
12. Consideration of Approval of Lease Agreement between the City of Monti-
cello and Independent School District #882 for a Portion of the
Oakwood School.
As part of the original agreement when the City agreed to purchase the
Oakwood School Building on August 31, 1980, was that the City would lease
back space for Administrative Offices to the School District for an addi-
tional three months at a monthly rental fee of $500 per month. The pre-
vious agreement indicated that the City would pay all utility costs,
custodial fees, etc.
In reviewing the costs for utilities and maintenance, it appeared that
the City would spend more than the $500 in rent that it would receive
from the School District, and thus a rental agreement has been prepared
whereby the School District would continue to pay all utility costs
and the School would waive the provision that the City has to pay
the School District a monthly charge for library rent. In addition,
the School could continue to collect rent from the ABC Day Care Center
up to November 30, 1980, with an additional three -months option on a
month-to-month basis.
Motion was made by Dan Blonig.en, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously
carried to approve the lease agreement with the School District and the
City of Monticello from September 1, 1980 through November 30, 1980
with an additional month-to-month option for an additional three months
after November 30th. The lease agreement would require the School
District to continue to pay all utility costs, custodial costs and
maintenance outside of the building with the City ceasing to pay library
rental. (See Exhibit 9/8/80 #6) (see Resolution 1980 #21)
13. Consideration of Approval of Option with Robert and Clara Dowling for
Additional Property for a Library.
At the last City Council meeting, approval was given to the City
Administrator to negotiate a refundable option for the purchase of the
Robert Dowling property.
Mr. Dowling has agreed to an option for the purchase price of $70,000,
but Mr. Dowling felt the option should be at least $500 and non-refundable.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously carried
to approve the option to purchase the Dowling property with a $500 non-
refundable option on the purchase price of $70,000, good until
November 15, 1980. (See Exhibit 9/8/80 #7)
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14. Consideration of Award of Contract on the Upgrading of the Monticello
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
City Engineers, Orr-Schelen-Mayeron & Associates, have recently completed
their review and tabulation on the bids on the upgrading the Monticello
Wastewater Treatment Plant, and recommended that the low bid submitted
by Paul A. Laurence Company of Minneapolis in the amount of $4,704,000
be awarded.
It was noted by the City Engineer that once the low bid has been accepted
by the City, the PCA and EPA must review and approve prior to awarding
of the contract.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously
carried to approve awarding the contract for the upgrading of the
Wastewater Treatment Plant to Paul A. Laurence Company of Minneapolis
in the amount of $4,704,000, contingent upon the final approval from
EPA and PCA. (see Resolution 1980 #22)
15. Review of Feasibility Report and Consideration of Calling for Public
Hearing for the Cedar Street Storm Sewer.
Recently, the City Council approved a conditional use permit for Cy
Reinert to construct a 36 -unit townhouse complex just northeast of
the intersection of Cedar Street and Lauring Lane, and at that time,
it was indicated by our Engineer that a storm sewer might be necessary
to handle the additional drainage in this area. As a result, City
Engineer, John Badalich, has prepared a feasibility report outlining
his recommendations for Storm Sewer Improvements.
Prior to calling for a public hearing on the proposed improvements,
it was the consensus of the Council that this item be tabled until a
definite commitment has been made by Cy Reinert to build the townhouse
complex as proposed, as the improvements may not be necessary if
the development did not occur in this area.
16. Consideration of Exchange of Land.
NSP recently contacted the City of Monticello indicating that they would
be building a fence around their property for security purposes along
West County Road 39 abutting the City of Monticello's Maintenance Build-
ing property. As part of their plan, they propose to put a fence between
the City of Monticello's property line and NSP's property line, which would
have put the fence very close to the City's existing salt bin located at
the north edge of the property. Although the City's salt bin is entirely
on the City of Monticello's property, City equipment such as the loader or
trucks usually ended up crossing some of NSP's property when loading
operations occurred during the winter months.
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Public Works Director, John Simola, indicated that a better idea would be
for the City of Monticello to exchange a strip of land approximately 30'
wide that the City owns on the west side of NSP's property in exchange for
a piece of land abutting the City's property located near the City's
salt bin at the rear or north end of NSP's property. This exchange
would result in the City acquiring approximately 6,300 sq. ft. and
NSP acquiring approximately 8,300 sq. ft.
In reviewing this exchange of land with NSP representatives, they have
indicated that the exchange of property would be of benefit to both
parties.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried
to approve the exchange of land between the City of Monticello and
Northern States Power amounting to the City receiving approximately
6,300 sq.ft. and Northern States Power receiving 8,300 sq.ft. contingent
upon an easement for a sewer and water service being placed on the
southwest corner of the property exchanged to NSP. (See Resolution 1980 #23)
17. Consideration of Reschedulinq the First Meetinq in October.
Due to the fact that the second Monday in October falls on the observance
of Columbus Day and the meeting cannot be held on a Holiday, it was the
consensus of the Council to reschedule the first meeting in October to
Wednesday, October 15, 1980 at 7:30 P.M.
18. Approval of Minutes.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously
carried to approve the Minutes of the Council Meeting held August 25,
1980, as presented.
19. Planning Commission Resiqnation.
A letter of resignation was received from Dave Bauer from the Planning
Commission, effective immediately.
City Council will be appointing a new member to fill Mr. Bauer's vacancy
on the Planning Commission, but it was the consensus of the Council to
appoint Mayor Arve Grimsmo as a standby member for the upcoming
September 17th and 22nd Planning Commission meetings to serve if a
quorum is not available from the present members.
Meetinq adjourned.
I ; - r 6de
Ric Wolfstell
Assistant Admi
RW/ns
r,
istrator
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