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City Council Minutes 07-25-1988MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, July 25, 1988 - 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Arve Grimsmo, Fran Fair, Warren Smith, Dan Blonigen, Bill Fair. Members Absent: None. 2. Approval of minutes of regular meeting held July 11, 1988. Council member Smith requested that Item #11 be updated to reflect the vote on the Item. Motion made by Warren Smith to approve the meeting minutes as updated, seconded by Dan Blonigen, motion passed unanimously. 3. Citizens Comments, Petitions, Requests and Complaints. None in attendance for this agenda item. 4. Consideration for Petition for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. Staff reported that a petition for abatement of dangerous building was received Wednesday, July 20, 1988 from neighboring property owners of the Clifford Olson rental property at 100 East Fourth Street. Present at the Council meeting voicing their concerns regarding the dilapidated rental house were a number of nearby property owners. Spokesperson for their group, Jerry Clemette, noted that the old gray building is an eyesoar and needs to come down. It also represents a public safety hazard and its presence reduces the property values of the nearby buildings. Dan Blonigen asked if the building is rentable. Building Inspector, Gary Anderson noted that the building is not fit for habitation at this time and that it would be very expensive to make the improvements to the building that would be required prior to allowing habitation of the building. At this point, Staff and City Attorney, Tom Hayes, outlined the abatement proceedure. Being no further discussion, motion made by Bill Fair to proceed with procedures required for the abatement of the dangerous building owned by Clifford Olson at 100 East Fourth Street. Motion seconded by Dan Blonigen, motion passed unanimously. 5. Consideration of Concept Plan for Development of Infectious Waste Disposal Facilitv. Art Fretag, of North Central Laboratories, presented a concept plan for development of an Infectious Waste Disposal Facility in Monticello. Mr. Fretag requested Council feedback regarding the potential development of this plant prior to development of full scale plans. Mr. Fretag noted that the facility would be highly regulated by the Pollution Control Agency and all activities associated with the plant create no public safety hazard. He noted that the loading and unloading of materials is done completely within the facility. Mr. Fretag went on to state that in the past, this type of waste has been sent to landfills, now however, hospital waste must be incinerated. Council member Fair asked Fretag to describe some of the state regulations governing the operation he is proposing. Fretag remarked that the PCA is very aggressive and a facility such as his are monitored closely. Council 1 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 member Fran Fair asked what types of vehicles will be utilizing the facility. Fretag noted that all materials coming in and out the structure are brought in small containers by marked white vans. He went on to note, hospital waste burning process of the Big Lake/Monticello Hospital is not as clean as that which is being proposed with the facility under consideration. Fretag stated that the facility would employ six people plus a sales person and will have a taxable value of $210,000. Fran Fair asked where this facility would be located. Fretag replied that there are industrial sites available at Oakwood Industrial Park area that would suite his company's needs. Fran Fair requested more information regarding the facility and it's operations prior to giving her full support. Council member Bill Fair requested that City Staff distribute to Council the state regulations governing such facilities he also stated that he would like more information prior to giving full support. Council member Blonigen stated that we must make sure that it is a clean facility, that we do not want Monticello to be known as the garbage dump for the state. As the discussion concluded on this topic was the general consensus of the Council that the development of an Infectious Waste Disposal Facility would not be rejected at the stage and that it could receive potential support from the Council after review of more specific details on the operations and regulations pertaining to the facility. 6. Consideration of Replatting Request to Replat an Existing Lot into Eight (8) Townhouse Lots and One (1) Common Area Lot. Applicant, Jay Miller. -` Motion by Warren Smith, seconded by Dan Blonigen to approve the replatting request. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Consideration of Simple Subdivision Request. Applicant, Don Bauer. Staff informed Council that the lots, when subdivided, will meet the minimum width and square footage required by City Ordinance. After discussion, motion by Fran Fair, seconded by Dan Blonigen to approve the simple subdivision as requested. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Consideration of Concept Approval of a Replat of Portion of "Meadows" Subdivision, Utilities Installation, and Re -Assessment of 81-1 Project Assessments. John Sandberg, Tom Holthaus, Dayle Veches, and Dan Frie, were in attendance for this agenda item. City Administrator, Wolfsteller, outlined the proposal submitted by John Sandberg. Wolfsteller noted that the proposal presented to Council has not been reviewed by the Planning Commission as of yet, that the developers are seeking input regarding a number of consessions from the City prior to preparing a preliminary replat. The developers are requesting that the City Council consider financing and reconstructing the street curb and gutter, and utility extentions throughout the plat and assessing 100 percent of the cost along with approximately $400,000 in current delinquent assessments against 20 of the 27 originally created 2 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 lots. As part of the proposal, Mr. Sandberg indicated that they would be a willing to continue Marvin Elwood Road in a northwesterly direction and connect River Street through a corner of the former Edger Klucas property. This would provide access from the subdivision through River Street and possibly divert some of the traffic from going through the "Meadows" and "Anders Wilhelm" to get to River Street. Wolfsteller went on to note that although it is proposed by the developers to create approximately 27 single family lots, they are requesting that only 20 of the lots be assessed for improvements with the remaining 7 being free of any outstanding assessments. The rational for this is that they would be able to sell the 7 lots without any assessments and use this money to pay off their outstanding bank loans. Developers have indicated that unless the City is agreeable to 1) approval of the proposed replat, 2) financing of the utility and street construction within the new subdivision, and 3) agreeing to re -assess the delinquent assessments totaling approximately $40,000 to all 20 of the newly created lots, the developers feel it would not be feasible to develop the property on their own and would let it sit vacant. Furthermore, the likelyhood of the development of multi -family dwellings in this area will be increased as the existing utilities can be used to service mutli-family development in the area. Council member Bill Fair noted that respreading of assessments leaves the �- City out on a limb, he wondered what assurance does the City have that the assessments on the 20 remaining lots would be paid. It was noted by Dan Frie that the lots without the assessments need not necessarily be sold first, and that an agreement could be struck wereby the lots with outstanding assessments could possibly sold first or simultaneous to the selling of the 7 lots without assessments. Frie also noted that the "Meadows" development has a good track record in terms of payment of assessments. City Administrator, Wolfsteller concerned that they have done a good job in paying off assessments. Dan Blonigen noted that we may be setting a bad precident by approving the proposal unless a tradeoff or special circumstance can be demonstrated. Council member Bill Fair noted that the City should negotiate with the developers and that the alternative of development of multiple family homes in the area is not a good alternative for the area. Fran Fair asked what can be done to clean up the Klucas problem. Dan Frie noted that once the "Meadows" is fully developed then the developers will be in a position to work on developing the ajoining property. The concensus of the Council was to direct Staff and Developers to negotiate on terms for paying back assessments associated with the proposed improvements. 9. Consideration of Committee Report on Closure of River Street Access to Highway 25. Council members Smith and Blonigen reported on the Committee recommendation. They noted that after looking at seven options originally layed out by Traffic Engineer, Jack Anderson, that the Committee's almost unanimous recommendation was that the intersection be redesigned to 3 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 safetly accomodate all traffic movements. It was suggested by the -n Committee that installation of semiphores be utilized to insure the safety of individuals utilizing that intersection. Fran Fair was concerned that it would be difficult to develop a safe intersection, and that street closure should be seriously considered. Dan Blonigen noted that by closing River Street, traffic would be diverted to Broadway, which will reduce the safety and increase traffic at the Broadway and Highway 25 intersection. Bill Fair stated that safety is the primary concern at River Street and Highway 25 intersection. Mayor Grimsmo supported development of an option that would create the safest situation for pedestrians and motoring public. Motion by Bill Fair to direct Minnesota Department of Transportation to design and install all improvements necessary to assure safe movement of all traffic movements at the intersection of State Highway 25 and River Street. Motion seconded by Warren Smith, motion passed unanimously. 10. Consideration of Water Tower Design, Elevation, and Pressure. City Engineer, Badalich, reviewed the design features of a number of stand pipe reservoirs. After his presentation, Council selected a design of a water reservoir standpipe located in Deer River, Wisconsin. Motion made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith to direct City Engineer to redefine cost estimates of the water tower project based on the design of the reservoir located in Deer River, Wisconsin. Motion passed unanimously. No authorization to complete design of standpipe reservoir was provided by Council. A discussion of the proposed elevation of the average water level insued. The concensus of Council that the average water level should be set at 1105 with a low level of 1074. ,john Simola noted that the City can bring the pressure up slowly thereby allowing the City to monitor the impact of the higher pressure on the plumbing located in some of the older structures of the community. City Administrator, Wolfsteller noted that the City may not wish to install pressure reducing valves in individual homes as the City may be liable for the problems that might occur in the years to come. 11. Consideration of Odor Control Measures at Waste Water Treatment Plant. Public Work Director, Simola, reported to Council that the Waste Water Treatment Plant trickling filters need to be back on line in order to control odors eminating from the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He went on to say that PSG has investigated various odor control systems for trickling filters. He noted that the best alternative for the City at this time is to authorized PSG to purchase the spray mist odor control system from Tech Sales Company of Minneapolis, in the amount of $3,885 plus installation materials, and to authorize PSG and Staff to install the system. To reimburse PSG up to $6,000 annually for chemical usage to control odors. He went on to say that this is the most cost effective means to control odors in the trickling filter area. It allows the flexibility to operate the system utilizing various chemicals. After discussion, motion by Bill Fair, seconded by Fran Fair to authorize PSG to purchase the spray mist control system from Tech Sales Company for the amount of $3,885.30 plus installation materials and to authorize PSG and Staff to install the system and to reimburse PSG up to $6,000 annually for chemical usage to control odors. Motion passed unanimously. 4 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 12. Consideration of Sealcoating Hillcrest Area to Chestnut Street. Public Works Superintendent, John Simola provided Council with Alternatives for maintenance of subject streets. He noted that sealcoating the streets in the area will slow down the deterioration rate of the streets which will extend the life of the streets for five year. The other option is to reconstruct the streets sooner, utilizing sealcoating funds for reconstruction. After discussion, motion to advertise for bids for sealcoating of Hillcrest area to Chestnut Street made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Bill Fair. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Consideration of Purchase of Park Equipment for Meadow Oak Park and Par West Park. Residents from the Meadow Oaks Development were in attendance for this agenda item. A resident of the area asked, if a fence is planned around the drainage pond in the Meadow Oaks Subdivision. Park Superintendent, Mack stated that a fence is not planned for the pond area because it was considered to be far enough away from the Meadow Oaks play area. In addition, the level of the pond are not constant and it would very difficult to establish the proper placement of the fence. Council member Bill Fair asked if the park equipment has been budgeted for. Staff informed that the equipment is in the City Budget. There being no further discussion. Motion made by Bill Fair to authorize purchase of landscape structure from E. F. Andersen in the amount of $4,700 and authorize purchase of 3 -unit swing set from E. F. Andersen in the amount of $1,470. Motion seconded by Fran Fair, motion passed unanimously. 14. Consideration of Permit and Fee Adjustments. Assistant City Administrator outlined recommendations made by the Industrial Development Committee regarding a proposed reduction in the overall cost for residential building permits in the City of Monticello of approximately 20 percent. O'Neill then outlined two methods by which the 20 percent reduction could be accomplished. Alternative #1 included modification of survey requirement and reduction in the plan review fee. Alternate #2 included maintaining the full survey requirement and a large reduction in the plan review fee. Both alternative included a 10 percent reduction in the building inspection fee. Motion made by Bill Fair to approve Alternate #2 which called for a 10 percent reduction in building inspection fee, 85 percent reduction in plan review fee, and continued requirement of a survey. Motion seconded by Warren Smith, motion passed unanimously. 15. Consideration of Approving Permits Allowing Use of Public Boulevards. Staff informed Council that presently there are items such as chairs, tables, and newspaper containers placed on City Boulevards in violation of City Ordinance. Such articles are not allowed on Public Boulevards 5 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 without the approval of the City Council. Council was asked to review the situation and provide a permit or direct staff to enforce the ordinance accordingly. Motion made by Bill Fair to direct Staff_ to review the current ordinance regulating boulevard encroachments and to establish criteria for granting permission to utilize the boulevard for placement of articles on a short term basis and that motion including direction to Staff to enforce the ordinance as it now exists. Motion included granting of permits associated with the Crazy Days Activity. Motion by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran Fair. Motion passed unanimously. 16. Consideration of Awarding Bids on Pump and Pumphouse #3. Tom Hayes was in attendance to review a letter from the second high bidder, Phillips & Klein Company, Inc., which claimed that the bid submitted by the low bidder should be rejected because of the absence of affidavit of non -collusion in the original bid. Tom Hayes noted to Council that the City has received the letter of affidavit of non -collusion from the low bidder and that the City now has a complete bid package. He went on to say that the bid of the low bidder is legitimate and that the Council must determine that if it is in the 'best interest of the City to award the bid to the low bidder based on the ability of the low bidder to complete the project. In his discussion, Hayes noted that in a similar situation, the state rejected because of the absence of the letter of non -collusion. In turn, the courts ruled that the states action was not warrented. Mike Klein, representing Phillips & Klein Company, Inc. reiterated that he can't see how qualifications can be accepted after the fact. There being no further discussion, motion made by Bill Fair to approve Resolution 88-24 which awards Project #88-01C to Richmar Construction, Inc. for a bid amount of $221,630. Motion seconded by Don Blonigen, motion passed unanimously. 18. Consideration of July Bills. Motion made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith to approve the bills for July. In other matters, Economic Director 011ie Koropchak reported that a private consulting firm has contacted her regarding a client which is interested in locating in Monticello. The consulting firm requests an indication from the City Council if it would be willing to utilize general fund money or tax increment fund revenue to pay costs associated with establishing a financial package necessary for the establishment of the company in the City of Monticello. Mayor Grimsmo noted that the $10,000 would be paid only if the company located in the community. Bill Fair stated that he would support the concept of paying the consultant for his work to get the company into Monticello only if the company to be located here meets an acceptable standard in terms of employee numbers and average wage. In addition, the company should not negatively impact the quality of life in the community. Council incurred with Bill Fair's 1.1 Council Minutes - 7/25/88 comments. At which time a motion was made by Fran Fair to allocate $10,000 from the general fund for potential payment of consulting fees associated with locating the unnamed company to Monticello so long as the unnamed company meets City standards. Motion seconded by Warren Smith and passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator