City Council Minutes 03-24-1986MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 24, 1986 - 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Fran Fair, Bill Fair, Jack Maxwell, Dan Blonigen.
Members Absent: Mayor Arve A. Grimsmo
(Fran Fair was Acting Mayor)
2. Approval of Minutes.
Motion was made by Maxwell, seconded by Blonigen, and unanimously
carried to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held March 10
and the special meeting held March 13, 1986.
3. Citizens Comments/Petitions, Requests and Complaints.
Mr. Lionel Kull, partner in the West Cello Apartment development
appeared before the Council to request permission to apply for their
fourth 12 -unit apartment building building permit prior to the completion
of their required screening and landscaping. As part of the original
PUD approval, the City required the developer to complete their plantings
that would screen their development from the abutting residential
property prior to the issuance of their fourth building permit.
The developers agreed to place in escrow an amount of approximately
$23000.00 to cover the cost of the plantings which they plan on doing
later this spring, but would like to start their next building as
soon as possible.
Motion was made by Maxwell, seconded by Fair, and unanimously carried
to require the West Cello developers to place in escrow $2,000.00
to cover the anticipated cost of the screening buffer and to allow
the fourth building permit application to be submitted.
Mr. Marvin Kramer, property owner along south Minnesota Street, inquired
as to whether the City had any plans to install sewer and water along
Minnesota Street to his property this year. Mr. Kramer was informed
that the City currently has no present plans for this type of improvement,
but noted that Mr. Kramer along with other affected property owners
could petition for the improvements if they would be agreeable to
paying for the cost of the engineering feasibility study.
4. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Initiating Orderly Annexation.
Previously, the Council members received a copy of the recently completed
planning study done by the City's Consulting Planner and Consulting
Engineer which reviewed the Orderly Annexation Area as to whether
the area is currently in heed of annexation into the City. The study
provided conclusive evidence in favor of annexation.
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The Orderly Annexation Area, consisting of approximately 5,000 acres,
was established ten years ago for the purpose of allowing for orderly
annexation of areas that are or are about to become urban in nature.
As result, it was recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution
initiating orderly annexation procedures pursuant to the recently
completed study. As part of the procedures, it was recommended that
a joint meeting be established with the Monticello Township Board
to review the Annexation Study and to hopefully reach an agreement
that could be submitted to the Municipal Board for their approval.
Councilmembers Maxwell and Blonigen felt a joint meeting with the
Township Board to discuss the annexation of the entire OAA area would
be beneficial prior to formal Council action initiating annexation
of the entire area. It was noted by the staff that the Annexation
Study indicates the entire OAA area should be considered ready for
annexation and the proper procedures would be to accept the report
and to initiate annexation of the entire area with a joint meeting
invitation extended to the Town Board for participation.
After further discussion, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded
by Maxwell, and unanimously carried to adopt the resolution initiating
orderly annexation and inviting the Township Board to participate
in the annexation procedures. See Resolution 86-7.
5. Consideration of Awarding a Contract for the Construction of the
Interceptor Sewer.
Bids were received on the 86-1 Interceptor Sewer Project on March 10,
1986, with the low bidder being L & G Rehbein, Inc., in the amount
of $935,720.75. As part of the sewer project, an Environmental
Assessment Worksheet had to be prepared and receive approval from
the Minnesota PCA prior to start of the project. In addition, a
permit from the Burlington Northern Railroad for crossing the railroad
tracks at Cedar Street would also be necessary; and as a result,
it was recommended by the City Engineer that all of the necessary
permits should be available by Monday, April 7; and as a result,
recommended that action be delayed until that time.
As a result, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Maxwell, and
unanimously carried to set a special meeting for 7:30 a.m., Monday,
April 7, for the purpose of awarding a contract on the interceptor
sewer project provided all necessary permits are available at that
time.
6. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications,
Ordering the Improvement, and Calling for an Advertisement for Bids
for the Construction of Sixth Street Between Trunk Highway 25 and
Cedar Street.
As part of the Tax Increment Financing Plan for Raindance Properties,
the City will be constructing an extension of Sixth Street between
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Highway 25 and Cedar Street. Plans and specifications for the street
construction were presented by the City Engineer, who estimated the
cost at approximately $68,000.00. Financing for the improvement
was originally included in the bonds sold for the Tax Increment project.
Motion was made by Blonigen, seconded by Bill Fair, and unanimously
carried to adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications
and ordering the Advertisement for Bids for the improvement of Sixth
Street. See Resolution 86-8.
7. Consideration of Granting Approval to the Final Plat for Pitt Subdivision.
Applicant, Doug Pitt.
Mr. Doug Pitt appeared before the Council to present his final plat
which creates four residential building lots on West River Street.
At the previous Council meeting, there was discussion on the recovery
of additional special assessments for the extra three lots created
by the subdivision and the required park dedication fees for this
plat.
City Administrator Eidem informed the Council that it was his recommendation
the final plat be approved as presented provided the park dedication
fees are paid prior to recording and that the City would have to
hold an additional public hearing at a later date if it wants to
consider additional assessments against the property for sewer and
water benefits. The special assessment for additional utility charges
should not be made part of the plat approval.
Developer Pitt expressed his opposition to the park dedication fees
of $2,207.33, which he felt was excessive for the small plat being
considered. Mr. Pitt was informed that he has always had the option
to obtain a separate appraisal of his property if he felt the park
dedication fees were excessive, but to date has not supplied the
City staff with this appraisal.
After further discussion, it was the Council's consensus that park
dedication fees have always been required of subdivisions and that
the market value of the property determined by the City staff seemed
appropriate; and as a result, a motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded
by Dan Blonigen, and unanimously carried to approve the subdivision
plat as presented contingent upon the payment of park dedication
fees as established in the amount of $2,207.33.
8. Consideration of a Conditional Use Request to Allow an Addition to
a Shopping Center to be Constructed in a B-3 (Highway Business) Zone.
Applicant, Lincoln Monticello Commercial Partners Ltd. Partnership.
Lincoln Properties, the new owners of the Monticello Mall, requested
a conditional use permit to allow the construction of an additional
22,000 square feet to the existing mall facility. As part of the
expansion plan, the developers plan on re -orientation of the project
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towards 7th Street access points because of the planned Highway 25
median which would restrict access from Highway 25 in the future.
The developers have met all the City's requirements regarding the
expansion proposal, including the City's recommendation of refuse
containers being screened from view along with additional plantings
being placed within their parking lot. As part of the proposed expansion,
the City of Monticello requested the developer to dedicate an easement
on the northwest corner of their property to allow for the proposed
Seventh Street realignment the City is planning in the future. The
developers have agreed to provide the easement consisting of approximately
a 25 -foot by 80 -foot triangle.
After further review, motion was made by Maxwell, seconded by Bill
Fair, and unanimously carried to approve the conditional use permit
for the shopping center expansion contingent upon 1) the City's Consulting
Engineer approval of the drainage plan; 2) refuse deposit and collection
sites being screened from view; 3) additional plantings be placed
in both the northerly and easterly parking lots; and 4) the granting
of an easement for street construction purposes for 7th Street realignment;
and 5) additional screening trees along I-94 if the proposed screening
plan does not achieve the desired effect.
9. Consideration of a Conditional Use Request to Allow an Office Building
in a PZ -M (Performance Zone -Mixed) Zone. Applicant, David Anderson.
Mr. David Anderson requested a conditional use permit to convert
an existing single family house on Lots 13, 14, 15, Block 38, along
West Broadway into an office building for Century 21 Real Estate.
The proposed use is allowable in a PZ -M Zone as a conditional use
provided parking spaces are provided along with screening of abutting
residential properties. The proposal presented by Mr. Anderson would
provide for 10 parking spaces, which is sufficient to meet City Ordinances,
but requested the parking area be allowed to be surfaced in red rock
with landscaped timbers for curbing rather than hard surfacing with
bituminous or concrete. Mr. Anderson's reasons for not hard surfacing
the parking area was to allow for easy conversion of the property
back to residential at some future date if the property was no longer
suitable for office building use.
It was noted by the staff that since this operation would be a commercial
enterprise, City Ordinances require hard surfacing of the parking
lot to provide proper drainage, and the City would be agreeable to
a combination of concrete curbing on the approaches to the parking
lot with wood landscaping timbers being used in other areas of the
parking lot. Mr. Anderson felt hard surfacing would be an undue
hardship and expressed concerns over continuing with the development
if so required by the City.
After further discussion, motion was made by
Bill Fair, and unanimously carried to approve
permit to allow the office building to exist
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Maxwell, seconded by
the conditional use
in a PZ -M Zone provided
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1) hard surfacing consisting of concrete or asphalt is installed
for the parking lot; 2) curbing consisting of concrete be constructed
on the driveway approach area with landscape timbers being used on
the balance of the property; and 3) that the landscaping and screening
plan be submitted prior to building permit application to provide
adequate screening from adjacent residential properties.
10. Consideration of Granting a Sunday Liquor License to the Monticello
American Legion.
The Monticello Legion Club applied for a Sunday On -sale Liquor License
in addition to their present Club License. Representatives of the
Legion Club indicated to the Council that their facility has the
capability of serving at least 30 guests at one time with food which
they plan on making available on Sundays.
As a result, motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Maxwell, and
unanimously carried to approve the issuance of a Sunday On -sale Liquor
License to the Monticello Legion Club with the annual license fee
of $100.00 pro -rated until July 1, 1986.
11. Consideration of Granting Approval to the 1986 Industrial Development
Committee Operating Budget.
Under the Economic Development Plan adopted in 1982 for the Star
City Certification, the Industrial Development Committee proposed
budget is to annually be adopted by the Chamber of Commerce and the
Monticello City.
011ie Koropchak presented the proposed budget for Council review;
and a motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Dan Blonigen, and
unanimously carried to adopt the Industrial Development Committee
proposed budget as presented.
12. Consideration of Adopting a Resolution Establishing Flow Control
nn T.PFiVPR _
Last fall, the City opened its leaf composting facility near Montissippi
Park. As part of the City's garbage contract with Corrow Sanitation,
the City plans on setting at least three dates annually whereby leaves
and other grass clippings will be picked up by the City and taken
to the compost site.
Public Works Director, John Simola, noted that the goals of the 1980
Waste Management Act are to reduce Minnesota's dependence on landfills
and promote alternatives to land disposal. In conjunction with this,
Wright County is preparing a Solid Waste Management Plan to look
at alternatives to land disposal which would include waste reduction
and waste recovery. One way for the City of Monticello to reduce
its waste tonage would be to require leaves and grass clippings,
etc., to be deposited at our leaf composting site rather than being
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allowed to be included with garbage and hauled to a dump site. This
reduction in waste could save the City thousands of dollars per year
in dumping charges which is anticipated to increase in the coming
years. As a result, the Public Works Director recommended the City
pass a resolution adopting a policy whereby separate pickups will
be made for leaves at curb side three or four times per year and
that the current garbage hauler not be allowed to pick up bagged
leaves with regular garbage.
Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Maxwell, and unanimously
carried to adopt a resolution establishing flow control on leaves.
See Resolution 86-9.
13. Information Item - Presentation of a Proposed Request for Proposals
for WWTP Contracting.
Public Works Director, John Simola, presented to the Council a sample
Request for Proposal form that he recommended the Council review
which would contract out the operation of the City's WWTP to a private
concern. Mr. Simola noted that a number of communities have gone
to private concerns operating wastewater treatment plants on a contract
basis which eliminates personnel problems, etc., for the City and
can reduce the operating cost of the facility.
The sample Request for Proposal was presented for Council review
over the next few weeks, and the item will again be discussed at
a future Council meeting to determine whether the City should solicit
bids from private contractors interested in operating the City's
WWTP.
14. Consideration of a Request by Fullerton Lumber to Reduce Retainage
on Fire Hall Construction.
Fullerton Lumber Company, the general contractor on the Fire Hall
construction project, requested that the 5% retainage amount on the
contract be reduced to a lower amount, as they felt they have completed
a majority of the work required under the contract. The current
terms of the contract do not allow any draw down below the 5% retainage
until everything is completed and accepted by the City.
It was recommended by the City Administrator that the Fire Hall Building
Committee be authorized to review the progress of the contractor
and be allowed to close out the contract rather than bringing the
request back to the Council for each individual item. It was noted
that once the project is entirely completed, the actual final payment
would be a Council item for consideration.
Motion was made by Bill Fair, seconded by Maxwell, and unanimously
carried to authorize the Fire Hall Building Committee to close out
the construction contract on the Fire Hall project and to approve
miscellaneous equipment purchases such as furniture, etc., that were
planned as part of the project initially.
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15. Consideration of Preparing an Amendment to the City Zoning Ordinance
to Allow Auto Body Shops as a Conditional Use Within a B-3 (Highway
Commercial) Zone.
Mr. Rick Longley, owner of property on south Highway 25 adjacent
to his Glass Hut business, appeared before the Council to request
the Council initiate an ordinance amendment that would allow auto
body shops as a conditional use within a B-3 Commercial Zone. Mr.
Longley indicated he would like to build a major auto body shop adjacent
to his Glass Hut facility which would require the City amending its
zoning map to create an industrial zone along Highway 25, or amend
the zoning text to allow auto body shops as conditional uses.
The Council discussion centered on whether auto body facilities would
be appropriate uses in highway business zones due to the outdoor
storage of vehicles that usually occurs at such facilities. It was
noted by the Council that it may be more appropriate for body shops
to be located in industrial zones rather than adjacent to other retail
activities and did not feel a body shop fits into the category of
retail activities. The Council had the option of holding a public
hearing to receive citizen input regarding the proposed ordinance
amendment or could deny the request and simply not hold a public
hearing at this time.
After further discussion, it was the Council's apparent consensus
that the proposed ordinance amendment would not be appropriate for
the area; and as a result, Mr. Longley withdrew his request at this
time for the ordinance amendment.
16. Consideration of Bills for the Month of March.
Motion was made by Maxwell, seconded by Blonigen, and unanimously
carried to approve the bills for the month of March as presented.
Rick Wolfst ler
Assistant Administrator
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