City Council Minutes 12-09-1996MINUTES
REGULAR, MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, December 9, 1996 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Tom
Perrault
Members Absent: None
Mayor Brad Fyle requested that the dollar amounted noted in paragraph 3 of
the November 12 special minutes be changed from $30,000 to $15,000.
Councilmember Tom Perrault requested that "the addition of Block 55 and
Block A" be added to paragraph 4 on page 6 of the November 25 regular
meeting minutes.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL
MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 12 AS CORRECTED, THE MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 25 AS CORRECTED, AND THE
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 4, 1996, AS WRITTEN.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
A. Councilmember Tom Perrault requested an update on a recent
meeting in Clearwater regarding the Mississippi Bridge crossing.
Assistant Administrator Jeff O'Neill reported that the purpose of the
meeting was to describe the four river -crossing options in more detail.
The options will be scrutinized during the next year in an effort to
narrow down the options further. O'Neill noted that State planners
voiced the importance of maintaining limited freeway access and
encouraging development to remain in existing communities where
utilities are already present.
B. Mayor Fylp
, re!juQ�tpd an update on conveyance of Meadow Oa
parcels from the County.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that he continues to work
with the County Auditor's office in using the best method for
conveyance of the tax -forfeited parcels located in the Meadow Oak
subdivision.
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Mayor Fyle stated that he would like to see the City market the lots in
order to get them back on the tax rolls.
4. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
A. Mr. Robert Jameson congratulated the City for a job well done in
taking care of the roads during the 1995-1996 winter months.
5. Consent agenda.
A. Consideration of fund transfers for 1996. Recommendation:
Approve the transfers as proposed.
B. Consideration of special home occupation permit which would allow
gunsmith services in an R-1 zone Applicant, Daniel Wermers,
Recommendation: Approve the special home occupation permit
which would allow gunsmith services in an R-1 zone with the following
condition:
1. A security system must be installed in the home.
Approval is based on the finding that the gunsmith service as proposed
would be virtually transparent to the neighborhood and would have no
effect on the residential character of the area, and the operation is
consistent with the comprehensive plan.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND SECONDED BY SHIRLEY
ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS RECOMMENDED.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
None.
7. Presentation by representative of Central Minnesota Initiative Fund
recognizing City support—Kathy Adams.
Kathy Adams, representing the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund (CMIF),
presented the City Council with a plaque thanking the City of Monticello for
its $1,000 donation for the year 1997. Funding support enables the CMIF to
make grants and loans to various businesses and community organizations
throughout a 14 -county central Minnesota area. No action was needed by
Council.
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8. Consideration of defining Chelsea Road/I-94/High�3yay 25 roadway
intersection alignments.
Assistant Administrator Jeff O'Neill reported that the concept of improving
transportation access at I-94 and Highway 25 was the result of a
transportation study completed in 1994. After a general study of three
alternatives was completed by OSM, option #1 was deleted since it didn't
meet MN/DOT standards, and the City began obtaining input from the public
on options #2 and #3.
City staff conducted an open house on December 5, 1996, for the purpose of
reviewing the proposed Chelsea Road intersection with the public. O'Neill
noted that opinions and concerns regarding alignment options #2 and #3
were mixed; however, most agreed that a problem existed and that the City
should pursue a solution for the long-term benefit of the city as a whole. In
addition, the concept of developing the loop ramp financed by the State for
eastbound I-94 was well received. O'Neill stated that although cost figures at
this time are vague, it is necessary to select an option so that the figures can
be better identified.
Ron Bray of WSB explained that there have been operational problems and
lack of storage space for left turns at the Oakwood Drive to I-94 area. After
reviewing traffic volumes and accident rates, Bray summarized each option,
noting that option #2 would address safety, capacity, vehicle storage, future
development, and was the most -preferred option by the public. In addition,
he noted that option #2 would have the least overall impact to businesses in
the affected area. Option #3 would address safety and capacity but would
reduce the amount of vehicle storage, and it would have the most impact on
existing businesses. This option would also provide less opportunity for
future development in the area because it would sever parcels that are
currently undeveloped. Therefore, after reviewing each alternative, WSB &
Associates recommended alternative #2 as the best overall plan.
Council discussed options #2 and #3, and it was noted that option #3 was not
included in the information packet for this meeting.
Bret Weiss of WSB noted that both options #2 and #3 would impact
businesses and that it was difficult to identify all possible impacts at this
time. He stated that there would be long-term cost issues for the City
regarding the purchase of property along Chelsea Road and that the City
would be responsible for payment of damages to the owner of the 18 -acre
parcel which would be severed if option #3 was selected. It was Weiss's
opinion that option #2 would be the cleanest option for the City.
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Dorothy Ritz, co-owner of Total Mart, stated that construction plans showed
that a median would be installed to prevent cars from turning left from
Highway 25 to Total Mart and that traffic would be rerouted to enter from
the backside of the building. It was Ritz's opinion that this, along with the
City's strict sign ordinance, would be deadly to their business. She suggested
that the City consider installing a center turn lane such as those used in the
downtown area, or perhaps the City could delay installing the median for 5-
10 years until needed.
Ron Bray and Bret Weiss of WSB explained that setting up left turn lanes
would take away from the storage capacity for the major intersection. In
addition, it was noted that MN/DOT has the authority to close a median
opening at any time, which they have exercised in the past.
Mark Scott requested that the City also consider the property that would be
severed with option #2 near the RV Center. The property was purchased for
expansion purposes, but option #2 would destroy that opportunity.
Bob Abel, a real estate developer from St. Cloud, noted that he has been
working with the City for quite some time regarding development of the 18 -
acre parcel along Chelsea Road. Abel explained that option #3 would disect
that parcel and leave much of the land unusable; however, option #2 would
allow development of the full 18 acres by businesses that have a current
interest.
Public Works Director John Simola questioned whether the City would save
any money with option #2. He recommended that the City select option #3
because it would allow the City to build up the east side of Highway 25.
Option #2 would impact the Sandberg pond where the City's main storm
sewer system is located. Simola was concerned about hidden costs to the City
in trying to negotiate and purchase properties and noted that he would prefer
to see MN/DOT take this project rather than the City.
Dan Mielke, owner of Ultra Lube, noted his support for option #2. It was his
view that option #2 would present the most opportunity for the City and its
residents, as it would create multiple undeveloped prime commercial
properties and bring substantial tax base to the city. Option #3 would create
only one undeveloped commercial parcel.
Dean Carlson of D & D Bus also noted his support for option #2 since it
would have the least impact on his business. Carlson also pointed that
option #2 would allow sufficient stacking room for the school buses which
access his business four times a day.
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The City Council discussed the various impacts of each option, and it was
noted that perhaps the Council should hold a workshop in order to discuss
the impacts of each option in much more detail. City Engineer Bret Weiss
assured the Council that it was not mandatory that they select an option at
this meeting and that he would welcome the opportunity to schedule
additional public meetings or workshops with the Council and interested
parties.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND
SECONDED BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON TO TABLE SELECTION OF AN
I-94/HIGHWAY 25/CHELSEA ROAD ALIGNMENT PENDING FURTHER STUDY
BY THE COUNCIL. Mayor Fyle recommended that staff present funding
estimates for both options at the future workshops. Motion carried
unanimously.
9. Consideration of adopting a new water meter installation policy and
revisions to the water meter charges.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that the growth of the
community over the past several years has had an effect on the water and
sewer collection department in that each one of the new homes, commercial
buildings, or industrial buildings being constructed need to have sewer and
water services inspected and tested, a water meter installed, wires run for
the remote reader on the outside of the building, a final inspection, and at
least one or two turn-ons/turn-offs for the water. Also added are manholes,
hydrants, sanitary sewer, and water main, which all need to be maintained
on a regular basis. In addition, each new home or building constructed
requires four additional visits per year for water meter readings, with some
requiring more for re -reads or problems.
Simola went on to note that an analysis of the workload and discussions with
other communities indicated that the easiest way to free up man-hours is to
have the water meter installed by the plumber and the reader wire installed
by the electrician. This would cut the visits to each house by at least two.
The additional cost to the home for these changes should be minimal since
the plumber and electrician are already at each home.
In addition, Council was asked to consider purchasing meters with encoded
meter heads since the manual read meter head is being discontinued. The
encoded meter head would increase the cost of a meter by $18 plus tax;
however, it would allow the City to plan for newer technologies in the future
such as reading the meters by phone, radio, or scanner. Simola noted that he
would notify all the builders and would allow 60-90 days for builders to plan
for the change.
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A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY SHIRLEY
ANDERSON TO REVISE THE POLICY FOR WATER METER INSTALLATION BY
REQUIRING THAT THE WATER METER BE INSTALLED BY THE PLUMBER
AND THE READER WIRE BY THE ELECTRICIAN, AND TO INCREASE THE
WATER METER CHARGE BY $18 PLUS TAX IN ORDER TO USE ENCODED
METERS. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Consideration of establishing sewer and water rate structure for 1997.
Public Works Director John Simola noted that sanitary sewer and water use
rates were last increased in 1993, the sewer rate by 8.9% and the water rate
from 10% to 16.7%. For 1996, it was projected that the water fund would
break even; however, for 1997, it was estimated that an additional $21,000 in
revenue would be needed to meet the projected budget. Because growth in
the community is not expected to make up the difference, Council was asked
to increase the water rate by 5%.
In regard to the sanitary sewer, an additional $15,000 would be needed for
1997. It was expected that new users would come close to covering the
$15,000 difference; however, since the operations of the wastewater
treatment plant are expected to increase by 20% over the next few years as
the new plant comes on line, Council was asked to begin increasing the rates
now rather than all at once in the future. A 5% increase to the overall sewer
rate was proposed.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON TO INCREASE THE SEWER AND WATER
RATES EACH BY 5%, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1997. THE MINIMUM WATER
BILL WOULD BE MAINTAINED AT $7.50 AND THE MINIMUM SEWER BILL AT
$10 PER QUARTER. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson, Tom
Perrault, Brian Stumpf. Opposed: Brad Fyle. Motion carried.
11. Consideration of reviewing bids received for landfill disposal charges.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that staff placed an
advertisement in the local newspaper and sent a request for proposals
regarding landfill charges to Superior FCR Landfill on County Road 37 in
Monticello Township and Elk River Landfill on Highway 169 in the city of
Elk River. Two proposals were received on December 5, with Elk River
Landfill quoting a price of $28.83 per ton and Superior FCR Landfill quoting
a price of $38.66 per ton. Simola stated that the proposal from Elk River
Landfill appeared to be the most favorable to the City and that he is in the
process of checking references.
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Simola went on to note that he and the City Administrator had met with
Superior FCR Landfill representatives, who indicated they are in the process
of expanding the landfill. They noted they could be much more competitive
in a year and requested that the City consider a one-year contract at this
time and bid the contract again in one year rather than two as proposed.
Council discussed the terms of the contract and noted that locking into such a
good price for two years would be very beneficial to the City.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO AWARD A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT TO ELK
RIVER LANDFILL, INC., FOR LANDFILLING AT A COST OF $28.83 PER TON
BASED UPON THEIR PROPOSAL, CONTINGENT ON SATISFACTORY
REFERENCES BEING OBTAINED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. Motion
carried unanimously.
12. Consideration of purchasing a hydraulic valve for installation of plow on
loader.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that the public works
department would like to have the flexibility of using the spare 12 -ft
reversible snow plow on the 936 Caterpillar loader. The loader has a quick
hitch attachment already installed but does not have the necessary hydraulic
valve to operate the reversible feature of the snow plow. An amount of
$5,500 was placed in the 1996 budget; however, the actual cost of adding the
used valve and necessary hoses was recently estimated at $9,000. Additional
funds were placed in the 1997 budget to make up the difference. Installing a
new valve would increase the estimate by $2,000. It was Simola's view that
using the reversible plow on the loader would increase the department's
efficiency in plowing some of the alleys, parking lots, and cul-de-sacs in the
community.
Councilmember Brian Stumpf stated that unless the used valve has been
completely reconditioned, it may make more sense to install a new valve for
the additional $2,000. It was Mayor Fyle's view, however, that the City
would get very little for the investment and that he would rather see the City
sell the current equipment and invest in a new loader with a plow and wing.
Simola noted that the current loader could be used more often by attaching
additional equipment. He estimated that a new loader would cost about
$100,000.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF THE
NECESSARY HYDRAULIC VALVE AND HOSES ON THE 936 CATERPILLAR
LOADER AT A COST OF $9,000 WITH THE OPTION OF PURCHASING A NEW
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VALVE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $2,000 IF THE PROPOSED USED VALVE HAS NOT
BEEN TOTALLY RECONDITIONED. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Brian
Stumpf, Shirley Anderson, Tom Perrault. Opposed: Brad Fyle. Motion
carried.
13. Consideration of hiring Chief Building Official.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the City received 12
applications and interviewed 4 candidates for the vacant Chief Building
Official position. Due to his tremendous level of experience, Fred Patch was
offered the position of Chief Building Official, and he accepted under the
terms of a private contract. His experience includes 9 years as Chief
Building Official at Brooklyn Park and a number of years as a building
inspector for the City of Golden Valley. In addition, he has a degree in
architecture. The terms were negotiated based on the understanding that in
the near future, the contract arrangement may change to become a full-time
position as originally contemplated.
O'Neill stated that because of Fred's experience and current salary, the terms
of the negotiation included a starting salary as a private contractor at a rate
equal to the highest step in the pay range plus benefits. It was noted that
Fred's level of experience would enable him to perform at a high level, thus
justifying the starting rate. The private contract arrangement was requested
because it would provide Fred with more flexibility in personal financial
planning with regard to PERA benefits. Vacation benefits were negotiated to
accrue at the rate of two weeks the first year and three weeks thereafter,
which would accrue only at such time that Fred would become a full-time
employee.
Councilmember Herbst noted his concern with veering from the vacation
schedule since it had not been changed for the previous Chief Building
Official. Councilmember Stumpf explained that the increase in vacation
benefits was justified due to his experience. He noted that the previous
individual that held the position did not possess this level of experience.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO HIRE FRED PATCH AS THE CHIEF
BUILDING OFFICIAL UNDER A PRIVATE CONTRACT AT A RATE OF PAY
EQUAL TO THE HIGHEST STEP IN THE PAY RANGE PLUS BENEFITS, WITH
THE PROSPECT OF BECOMING A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE IN THE FUTURE, AT
WHICH TIME HE WOULD ACCRUE TWO WEEKS OF VACATION THE FIRST
YEAR AND THREE WEEKS OF VACATION THEREAFTER.
MOTION WAS AMENDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO LIMIT THE PRIVATE
CONTRACT TO A MAXIMUM OF 5 WEEKS.
Council Minutes - 12/9/96
Voting in favor: Shirley Anderson, Tom Perrault, Brad Fyle, Brian Stumpf.
Opposed: Clint Herbst. Motion carried as amended.
14. Consideration of salary schedule adjustments for 1997.
City Administrator Wolfsteller reported that as part of the ongoing
maintenance of the current salary system for all non-union employees, the
City Council annually reviews the salary schedule and makes adjustments in
order to retain the City's pay relationship to the market. In order to provide
sufficient dollars within the budget for possible increases, an amount was
included in the 1997 budget equal to a 5% cost of living adjustment.
Wolfsteller noted that the Minneapolis/St. Paul consumer price index
indicated that the current inflation rate for the metro area is between 3.1%
and 3.3% on an annual basis. In addition to the CPI information, a salary
survey conducted of various communities indicated that the proposals or
actual adjustments all appeared to be in the 3% range. Wolfsteller also
pointed out that the City of Buffalo establishes a percentage for merit
adjustment, which authorizes the Administrator to grant a lump sum merit
to employees.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND SECONDED BY BRIAN
STUMPF TO ESTABLISH A 3.1% COST OF LIVING INCREASE TO THE NON-
UNION PAY SCHEDULE. Motion carried unanimously.
15. Consideration of bills to date for the month of December.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO APPROVE THE BILLS TO DATE FOR THE
MONTH OF DECEMBER AS PRESENTED. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Kare�n Doty 0
Office Manager
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