City Council Minutes 01-25-1999 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, January 25, 1999 - 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Roger Belsaas, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Roger Carlson, Bruce Thielen
Members Absent: None
2. Consideration of a ointments to HRA.
At the January 11, 1999, meeting, the City Council tabled the annual appointment to the
HRA pending further discussion.
Councilmember Clint Herbst stated that he was previously unaware of the power of the
HRA and felt the City Council should provide additional input on appointments. It was
his view that when the Mayor seat changed after the November election and the new
majority made public their intent to stop the community center project, the HRA did not
act in the City's best interest by voting to proceed with construction of the community
center without a referendum. Therefore, Councilmember Herbst recommended that Steve
Andrews and Bob Murray be removed from tl~e HRA.
Councilmember Bruce Thielen responded that the HRA acted according to the Council in
office at that time. To penalize them now for actions taken under a previous Council
could only be considered retaliation. He noted that the new Council took effect on
January 4, 1999, and not in November 1998. Councilmember Herbst pointed out that
after the election, the direction of the new City Council was made public and should have
been followed by the HRA.
Economic Development Director OI lie Koropchak distributed a copy of the State
Statutes, Section 469.010, and reported that HRA Commissioner Dan Frie could be
replaced since his term had expired; however, removal of other members would require
that written charges be submitted followed by a hearing. Councilmember Bruce `Thielen
then read Section 469.010 of the Statutes.
Councilmember Brian Stumpf questioned why only two of the four HRA. members who
voted. against the wishes of'the new Council should be penalized and suggested that they
discuss the passibility of the Council acting as the HRA. Councilmember Herbst
explained that the reason for removal of Steve Andrews and Bob Murray was due to their
attempt to move forward with the project prior to reviewing all the information.
Mayor Roger Belsaas suggested that a joint meeting with the HRA be scheduled to
discuss the issue. Deputy City Administrator Jeff O'Ncill noted that Council should also
meet to review the goal-setting worksheet to assist the commissions in accomplishing
goals set by the Council.
No action was taken by the Council at this time.
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Special Council Minutes - 1/25/99
3. Consideration of sta Bred terms for Plannin =Commission members.
At the January 11, 1999, meeting, Council tabled appointments to the Planning
Commission pending research and additior-al discussion regarding staggered terms rather
than annual appointments. Deputy City Administrator Jetf`O'Neill suggested that an
ordinance amendment be prepared establishing 3-year staggered terms and, after Planning
Commission members select term expirations, the ordinance be adopted by Council.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIELEN AND SECC)NDEU BY CLINT )"IERBST TO
APPOIN"I" DICK ERIE, RICHARD CARLSON, RUU DRAGSTEN, ROY POPILEK, AND
ROBBIF SMITH TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND AU"I'HORIZE STAFF TO
PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ESTABLISIIING 3-YEAR STAGGERED
TERMS. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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Karen Doty
Deputy City Clerk
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MFFTING - MONTICELLO CITY COLINCIL
Monday, January 25, 1999 - 6 p.m.
Members Present: Roger Belsaas, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Roger Carlson, Bruce '1"hielen
Members Absent: None
2. Consideration of desi n alternatives for im rovin safet and traffic flow at the intersection of
Hi hwa 25 and Broadwa .
Mr. Tom Dumont of MN/DO'T' reported that the number of accidents at the intersection of
Highway 25 and County Road 7S has reached approximately 25 in three years, which is not
higher than the statewide average; however, improvements could be made to reduce the number
of accidents by about SO%.
Of the three options reviewed, option #3 would create the least amount of vehicle delay by
creating east and westbound left turn lanes and one additional westbound lane, with the current
median remaining in place; however, this option would require the elimination of parking on
County Road 75 near the theater.
Option #3A would make additional improvements to the intersection by lining up the left turn
lanes, installing left turn green arrows in conjunction with a green ball and removal of the current
median and installation of a narrow curb/lane delineator. This option would include two 11-ft
westbound lanes, a 13-ft inside lane, and an 8-ft parking lane near the theater. Mr. Virgil
Hawkins, Assistant County Highway Engineer, noted that Wright County favored option #3 over
#3A, as there were concerns regarding the safety of the 11-ft driving lanes and 8-ft parking lane.
In addition., Wright County did not have funds budgeted for this project.
Council discussed each option and concerns with regard to loss of parking, access management
using the curb/lane delineator, truck traffic movement, snowplowing, and project cost. The
Public Works Director reported that the total cost of option #3A was approximately $35,000,
plus $7,000 for blacktop sensors. Wright County would cover the cost of the signal light
changes.
Mr. Brad Larson, owner of the Country Travel building, suggested that the City could replace
lost parking by using the vacant lot next to his building and the vacant lot currently owned by the
HRA.
AFTER DISCtJSSION, A MO'T'ION WAS MADE BY BRUCE THIF.,LEN AND SECONDED BY
BRAN STUMPF TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO CONTINUE WORKING
WITH WRIGI-IT COUNTY TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT USING OPTION #3A. Motion
carried unanirnausly.
"1"here being no further business, the .meeting was adjourned.
Karen oty
Deputy City Clerk