City Council Minutes 08-12-2002MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday August 12, 2002 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Roger Belsaas, Roger Carlson, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf and Bruce
Thielen
Members Absent: None
1. Call to order and Pledce of AlleLyiance.
Mayor Belsaas called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and declared a quorum present. The Pledge of
Allegiance was said.
2. Approve minutes of July 22, 2002 regular Council meeting.
ROGER CARLSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 22, 2002
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. BRUCE THIELEN SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED WITH CLINT HERBST ABSTAINING.
3. Consideration of adding items to theagenda.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADD CONSIDERATION OF THE FINAL PLAT OF
AUTUMN RIDGE TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AS ITEM #5J. ROGER CARLSON
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Rick Wolfsteller added scheduling budget workshop meetings to the agenda and Bruce Thielen
added a discussion of the State Auditor's Report concerning activities in the City of Brooklyn Park.
4. Citizens comments/petitions, requests and complaints.
Chris Bonk, 9065 Graystone Avenue, spoke for a group of residents who were concerned about
activities at one of the residences in their area. He cited underage drinking, traffic issues and an
altercation that had taken place. They have called the Sheriff's Department out but the problems still
persist. He came before the Council to make them aware of the problem and also to find out if the
city ordinances addressed the issue of "nuisance houses." The Council indicated that this was a
matter for the Sheriff s Department and directed the City Administrator to work with them on the
issue. Bruce Thielen requested that a follow up report be given to the Council.
5. Consent aLyenda.
A. Consideration of ratifying new hires for the Community Center and Public Works.
Recommendation: Ratify the new hires as identified.
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B. Consideration of 3/12 beer license - River Fest Street Dance - Rescheduled for September
6, 2002. Recommendation: Approve the issuance of a one day license to the Lions Club
for the re -scheduled River Fest Street Dance to be held on September 6, 2002.
C. Consideration of preliminary and final plat for the Monticello Commerce Center 6"'
Addition. Applicant: Monticello Industrial Park, Inc. Recommendation: Approve the
preliminary plat and final plat of the Monticello Commerce Center 6"' Addition contingent
upon final review by the City Engineer. Res. No. 2002-49.
D. Consideration of a request for a conditional use permit allowing installation of a
telecommunications roof mounted antenna. Applicant: Voicestream Minneapolis, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve the conditional use permit allowing Voicestream Minneapolis,
Inc. to install a telecommunications antenna on the roof of the building located at 121 West
Broadway subject to the following conditions and based on the finding that it is in
compliance with the objectives of the ordinance:
Location: Antennas shall be located on existing buildings and structures, if possible.
Antennas located upon a public building or structure shall require the
processing of an administrative permit issued in compliance with the
procedures established by the City Council.
Where an antenna support structure is used to support antennas, the
installation of more than one antenna support structure per property shall
require the approval of a conditional use permit.
2. Yards: Minimum setback requirements for antennas and antenna support structures
shall in all zoning districts be the same as those permitted in accessory
buildings, uses and equipment.
3. Height: Antennas shall not extend more than ten feet above the highest part of the
building or structure to which they are attached and no more than ten feet
above the highest roof elevation.
4. Security: Antennas support structures shall be constructed, fenced, or secured in
such a manner as to prevent unauthorized climbing. No barbed wire, razor
ribbon, or the like shall be used for this purpose.
�. Screenin<): Transmitting, receiving, and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure or screened from view from any public street.
6. NeWhborin!� Propertv
Impact: Antenna and antenna support structures shall be designed and located such
that in the event of structural failure, neither the antenna nor the support
structure will fall on adjoining property.
7. Design: The use of guyed antenna support structures is prohibited. The design and
installation of new antenna support structures must utilize an open
framework or monopole configuration. Permanent platforms or structures
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accessory to the antennas support structure or antenna that increase
visibility are prohibited. No part of the antenna support structure shall
exceed 500 square feet in horizontal area.
Color/Content: Antennas and antenna support structures shall be constructed of a
corrosion resistant material or be painted a neutral color, and shall not be
painted with scenes or contain letters or messages which qualify as a sign.
9. Illumination: Antennas and antenna support structures shall not be artificially illuminated
unless required by law or by a governmental agency to protect public health
and safety.
10. Compliance: Antennas, antenna support structures, electrical equipment and connections
shall be designed, installed, and operated in conformance with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws.
Personal wireless co111munications service antennas, are only permitted as conditional uses and must
meet the conditions in 91 through #10 above as well as the following additional conditions:
Antenna support structures for personal wireless communication systems shall be allowed as
conditional uses provided:
A. Minimum spacing between personal wireless communications service antenna
support structures shall be 1/4 mile.
B. All new antenna support structures for personal wireless communications system
antennas shall be a single ground mounted metal, concrete, or plastic composite (.i.e.,
fiberglass, graphite fiber, etc.) pole. Such antenna support structures shall not exceed
seventy-five feet in height in agricultural open space (AO), Residential (R -1,R -2,R-3,
R-4 and R -PUD), Performance Zone (PZR and PZM) , and Business (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4)
zoning districts, and shall not exceed one hundred sixty-five (165) feet in height in
Industrial (I-1, I-1 A and I-2) zoning districts.
E. Consideration of a concept stage planned unit development to allow for expansion
of a drive-in banking facility and coordinated commercial development within the
Central Community District. Applicant: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Recommendation: Move to approve a development stage planned unit
development contingent on the addition of sidewalk along 4"' Street based on the
finding that the commercial PUD is consistent with the comprehensive plan and
consistent with the character of the Walnut Street Corridor.
F. Review and acceptance of feasibility report for reconstruction of parking lots.
Recommendation: Accept the feasibility study for the Hi -Way Liquor parking lot
and the Block 35 Public parking lot. Resolution No. 2002-53
G. Consideration of annual maintenance agreement with Wright County.
Recommendation: Approve the 2002 Maintenance Agreement with Wright
County with the reimbursement for this year of $11,628.57.
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H. Consideration of adopting a resolution approving Monticello Heartland Express
2003 Budget and Transit Assistance application. Recommendation: Adopt the
resolution approving the Heartland Express 2003 budget Plan and Transit
Assistance application. Resolution #2002-50.
I. Consideration of approving final payment to C.W. Houle, Inc. for Groveland 2"'
Addition, Project No. 2001-05C. Recommendation: Authorize final payment in
the amount of $119,282.83 to C.W. Houle for the improvements to the Groveland
2" d Addition, Project No. 2001-05C.
J. Consideration of final plat approval for Autumn Ridge. Applicant: Shawn Weinand.
Recommendation: Approve the final plat contingent upon determination by the
Parks Commission and City Council as to park dedication requirements, completion
of development agreement and review and approval of plans and specifications by
the City Engineer.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE
ADDITION OF ITEM #5J. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
None.
7. Public hearing on proposed improvements to Downtown Parking Lot, Block 35.
Mayor Bel saas asked if this item could be combined with item # 12. John Simola, Public Works
Director, provided background information on the item including previous improvements done to the
parking lot. He stated that an overlay of the parking lot in its present condition would not serve any
purpose and that the most practical action would be to reconstruct the parking lot. The City has
budgeted money over the past two years to go towards this improvement. There was discussion of
the EDA plan for this area which included improvements to alleyway, drainage improvements and
making a location for a common dumpster. Since it did not seem likely that the EDA project would
get done this year, it was decided to look at making improvements to the parking lot area only. One
of the concerns that the EDA had was that if the parking lot and alleyway improvements were done
this year at the same time as the CSAH 75 project was being done it would be totally disruptive to
the businesses in the area. For that reason the EDA had decided to hold off on the parking
lot/alleyway improvements until after CSAH 75 work was completed.
Mike Nielsen, City Engineer, indicated that the reconstruction of the parking lot could be done
before the CSAR 75 project takes the parking off that side of the road. He felt the contractor
would be able to complete the work in about a week. It is proposed that the reconstruction work
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on the parking lot would extend up to the concrete alley. There was some discussion on what was
all being proposed under the EDA plan and when work would commence. Roger Carlson asked if
there were power lines in the islands and John Simola indicated there was. Clint Herbst asked
about the drainage problems in the area. John Simola stated that the storm drainage pipe is fairly
shallow and there is only one catch basin. If the storm sewer pipe was laid deeper it would remain
open year round and the roof drains could be connected directly to the storm sewer which should
help alleviate some of the drainage problems.
Mayor Belsaas opened the public hearing. Karen Schneider, who owns two properties on the
block stated that she was involved in the EDA meetings regarding the plan for improvements to
parking lot/alleyway. She supported the EDA plan and felt it would be better to have all the
improvements to the area done at one time. She also commented that changes in the snow plowing
and snow removal in the area seemed to have eased some of problems with drainage.
Pat Sawatzke, who owns a business on Block 52, questioned how the six block area was proposed
to be assessed for the improvement. Since money had been budgeted by the City for this project
he wanted to know what portion of the cost would be picked up by the City and what would be
assessed. He wanted to know: 1) What is the amount of City participation; 2) What formula is the
City planning to use in assessing the cost; and 3) What rights do the business owners have in the
parking lot. He felt that if the business owners were going to be assessed there should be some
assurances that the property would continue to be used for parking. John Simola stated that
although they have been budgeting for the work the City is approximately $12,000 short of what is
needed. Mayor Belsaas stated that the City is working on a policy for reconstruction projects but
that has not been finalized. The formula used in earlier assessments for the parking lots
improvements was based on a number of factors, including building size, number of employees and
whether the business provided any additional parking. Clint Herbst suggested that maybe
improvements on the parking lot on the south side should be assessed against the three blocks on
that south and any improvements to the parking lot on the north side should be assessed against the
three blocks on that side.
Doug Schneider questioned why the City couldn't wait one more year with the parking lot
reconstruction and do the work in conjunction with the EDA plan. He was also concerned that by
doing this project the City would be cutting off most of the access to the downtown area. Clint
Herbst asked if some patching work could be done now and then full improvements done at a later
date. John Simola estimated at least $1,000-$2,000 of patching work would need to be done.
Doug Schneider stated that the EDA had budgeted $60,000 for the alley improvements and he felt
the timing of the proposed parking lot reconstruction was bad.
Al Loch of Loch Jewelers, discussed the work that was done with the EDA on the plan for this area
and he favored waiting with this project until the spring.
Susie Wojchouski, Chamber of Commerce stated she was also in favor of delaying the project for
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another year and do all the improvements at one time. Delaying the work another year would also
relieve some parking pressure for the downtown area.
No one else spoke on the proposed improvement and Mayor Belsaas then closed the public
hearing. The consensus of the Council was that the project could be delayed but they also felt
some of the issues relating to the drainage should be looked into further. Brian Stumpf agreed that
the work should delayed and also stated the City needed to be sensitive to the business owners with
the traffic situation on CSAR 75 as a result of the construction.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO DELAY THE PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECT FOR ONE YEAR AND GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE OTHER
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS SO THAT THE ENTIRE PROJECT COULD BE DONE
NEXT SPRING. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION.
BRUCE THIELEN AMENDED HIS MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THAT THE PATCHING
WORK ON THE PARKING LOT BE DONE. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE
AMENDED MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Consideration of quotes for work on parking lot improvements.
Mike Nielsen reviewed the quotes received for the parking lot improvements. The quotes for the
liquor store parking lot and the Block 35 parking lot were separate quotes. Quotes were obtained
from Buffalo Bituminous and Hardrives, Inc. The engineer's estimate was $11,408 and the low
quote from Buffalo Bituminous came in over $14,000. The Council discussed contacting the Towne
Centre developer regarding their paving work and whether this is something that could be done in
conjunction with the paving of 5 I/2 Street. Bruce Thielen noted that to proceed with the liquor
store parking lot improvement did not require Council action since it was below $25,000.
However, he did feel the City should contact Towne Centre and find out what they proposed to do
as far as their paving work. Mike Nielsen noted that Buffalo Bituminous will be doing the CSAH 75
project as well as the angle parking project for Locust and Cedar Streets. At the present time the
contractor is waiting for Xcel Energy to move the power poles at the old senior center site before
they can start.
8. Public Hearing - Consideration to approve a resolution adopting the modified
Redevelopment Plan for Central Monticello Redevelopment Project No. l; and
establishing within Central Monticello Redevelopment Project No. 1 TIF District No. 1-31
and adopting the related TIF plan therefor.
011ie Koropchak provided the background information for the creation of the TIF District for UMC
( (Ultra Machining Company). The life of the TIF District is 10 years and the TIF plan was submitted
�J to the county and school district as required by state statutes. Mr. Don Tomann of UMC supplied
some background information about their company and presented a preliminary sketch of their
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proposed building. They are in the process of finalizing plans and hope to start construction in
September. A ground breaking ceremony has tentatively been scheduled for September 20.
011ie Koropchak stated that the public hearing to approve the business subsidy for UMC was pulled
from the agenda because the notice was not published in time. This hearing will be scheduled for the
August 26`x' meeting.
Mayor Belsaas opened the public hearing. There was no one present who spoke for or against the
proposed establishment of TIF District No. 1-31. Mayor Belsaas then closed the public hearing.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MODIFIED
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CENTRAL MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
NO. 1 AND ESTABLISHING WITHIN CENTRAL MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT NO. 1 TIF DISTRICT NO. 1 -3 1 AND ADOPTING THE RELATED TIF PLAN
THEREFOR. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2002-5 1.
9. Public Hearing - Consideration to approve a resolution adopting the modified
Redevelopment Plan for Central Monticello Redevelopment Project No. l; and
establishing within Central Monticello Redevelopment Project No. 1 TIF District No. 1-32
and adopting the related TIF Plan therefor.
011ie Koropchak provided the background information on the establishment of a TIF District for
Production Stamping. The duration of the TIF District is eight years and the TIF plan was submitted
to the county and school district as required by state statutes. 011ie Koropchak noted that the city
will be getting the "but for findings" letter from the lender so any approval should be contingent upon
that.
Mayor Belsaas opened the public hearing on establishing TIF District No. 1-32. No one present
spoke for or against the proposed district. Mayor Belsaas then closed the public hearing.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MODIFIED
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CENTRAL MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
NO. 1 AND ESTABLISHING WITHIN CENTRAL MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT NO. 1 TIF DISTRICT NO. 1-32 AND ADOPTING THE RELATED TIF PLAN
THEREFOR CONTINGENT UPON RECEIPT OF THE `BUT FOR FINDINGS" LETTER.
ROGER CARLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Resolution No. 2002-52.
10. Removed from agenda.
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11. Public Hearing - Consideration to approve business subsidy for Production Stamping, Inc.
and to authorize entering into the Contract for Private Development among the HRA, the
City, and Wurm Partnership, L.L.P.
011ie Koropchak noted that a letter from the lender committing to the financing and all other statute
requirements have been met. She added that any time assistance is given of $100,000 or more it
requires a public hearing. The Contract for Private Development outlines the terms of the tax
increment financing assistance that is being provided.
Mayor Belsaas opened the public hearing. There was no one present who spoke for or against the
proposal. Mayor Belsaas stated that the business subsidy to Production Stamping, Inc. is a
$295,000 pay-as-you-go TIF note at an interest rate of 7.25% over eight years for land write
down. Mayor Belsaas then closed the public hearing.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS SUBSIDY FOR PRODUCTION
STAMPING, INC. AND TO AUTHORIZE ENTERING INTO THE CONTRACT FOR
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE HRA, THE CITY, AND WURM PARTNERSHIP
L.L.P. BRUCE THIELEN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Consideration of quotes for work on parking lot improvements.
Included with discussion of agenda item 47.
13. Consideration of review and acceptance of feasibilily study for the extension of Cedar
Street, Project No. 2002-06C, authorizing preparation of plans and specifications and
calling for a public hearing on the improvement project.
Jeff O'Neill provided some background information on the proposal noting that a feasibility study
had been done for Cedar Street from Chelsea Road to Dundas Road. This feasibility report looks
at Cedar Street from Dundas Road to Kjellberg's mobile home park and looks at improvements to
Dundas Road as well. The study was requested by Shawn Weinand who has a development
proposed for that area. Roger Belsaas asked if it was wise to order plans and specifications
without developments in the area being firmed up. Staff felt that perhaps setting the street alignment
would be an impetus for developers to set their plans. Staff felt the Council could set the public
hearing and then decide which segments of the roadway to proceed with. Jeff O'Neill stated that
waiting with the plans and specifications until the public hearing might slow it down for the Weinand
development which is ready to go now.
Mike Nielsen from WSB & Associates reviewed the feasibility report with the Council. There are
two segments of roadway being considered: 1) Dundas Road from Cedar Street to County Road
Council Minutes - 8/12/02
117 and 2) Cedar Street from Dundas Road to Kjellberg's East Mobile Home Park. Mike Nielsen
outlined the improvements proposed for each segment. Clint Herbst asked about the curvature of
Cedar Street. The engineer discussed the alignment and noted that curve in the alignment was not as
radical as it looked in the drawings. Clint Herbst also suggested that the City look at the street
connecting to Kjellberg's park and to the Gold Nugget property. Mike Nielsen stated the City does
have right of way north of School Boulevard but would need to acquire right of way on the Lundsten
property. Clint Herbst felt that all the plans and specifications for the project parameters should be
completed as it would give developers information as to where the road is going to be and how it
will impact their property. The Council discussed the two alternatives listed in the staff report
requiring the developers to pay the full cost of the plans and specifications or a pro -rated share of
the cost. The City would fund the cost of the plans and specifications and be reimbursed by the
developers when the property develops. Clint Herbst felt the property in this area may develop
rather quickly.
The Council discussed the alignment of Cedar Street in the area of Kjellberg's and whether the
roadway couldn't be better aligned with the road entering the mobile home park. Shawn Weinand
stated that there is a development plan for that area therefor any adjustment to the alignment would
either have to be made on the Kjellberg side or it would require an amendment to the plat. Shaw
Weinand stated the original thinking on the alignment of the road was that one needed 400 feet of
depth for a commercial building lot. By holding the road in from TH 25 it would create commercial
property along TH 25.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FEASIBILITY
STUDY, CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS WITH DEVELOPERS PAYING THE PRO -RATED
SHARE OF THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND THE CITY FUNDING THE COST
OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE BALANCE. THE DEVELOPER'S UP
FRONT SHARE TO BE REIMBURSED AT SUCH TIME THAT THE PROJECT IS
ORDERED AND THEN INCLUDED IN THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE PROJECT.
ROGER CARLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Review of six month Liquor Store financial report.
This item was moved up on the agenda. Joe Hartman, Liquor Store Manager, was present and
reviewed with the Council the financial condition of the liquor store through the first six months of the
year. He noted that some of the increases in expenditures, particularly for advertising and labor
costs, were a result of the recent expansion of the liquor store. He anticipates that these
expenditures would not be recurring ones. He reported on the expansion of the liquor store, its
impact on sales and comments from residents and others concerning the facility. He also indicated
that the City would be looking at an expenditure in the near future to replace the old cooler shelves.
The Council accepted the report on the liquor store operations.
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16. Discussion of feasibility of converting_ Broadway overhead power to underground.
This item was moved up on the agenda. Rick Wolfsteller indicated that there had been discussion in
the past on removing the overhead lines along Broadway and replacing them with underground lines.
With the proposed construction of CSAR 75, the Council was asked to look at this and determine if
there was interest in doing this work
Darrin Lahr from Xcel Energy was present and discussed the conversion from overhead wiring to
underground wiring. In looking at the conversion, they considered the area from Chestnut Street on
the west to Washington Street on the east. There are approximately 75 poles in that stretch and
approximately 30 crossings of the street (Broadway). He added that not all of these poles and
crossings are Xcel's. Some belong to the cable and telephone companies and these lines would
need to be removed as well. The preliminary cost estimate of approximately $780,000 would not
cover any of the cost of removing the cable and telephone lines. Xcel looked at removing all of the
feeder lines running parallel to the road but 6-9 feeder crossings which run perpendicular to the road
would remain. He also added that in converting from overhead to underground, customers would
have to re -wire their meter sockets. The sockets would have to be rewired in order to accept the
underground service. This work would not be done by Xcel but rather by the customer's
electrician and would run approximately $200-$800 per residence. Darrin Lahr indicated that there
is about 65 customers who would be affected by this. Bruce Thielen suggested that City could get
one contractor to do all the meter socket change outs and thus save the customers a little in cost.
Underground customers have a $2/per month fee on their bill which overhead customers don't have
since underground is more expensive to maintain. Darrin Lahr stated that not only is underground
more expensive to construct but it is also about three times as costly to maintain. He noted that the
estimated $780,000 did not include the cost of any easements. Along CSAH 75 the right of way is
pretty much used up so easements would be needed but he could not provide an estimate of the cost
for the easements.
Darrin Lahr discussed two options for financing the cost of the conversion. The first option
discussed was a franchise fee. The City would notify Xcel Energy to collect a set percentage from
all customers in the City and these funds would be used to pay for the project. He estimated with a
1% franchise fee $60,000 a year would be generated. This would work out to about $1.30/per
customer per month. Under this option the City would finance the project and then pay itself back
with the fiends generated by the franchise fee.
Clint Herbst asked about placing conduit in. Darrin Lahr stated that the conversion work from
overhead to underground does not have to be done in conjunction with the CSAH 75 construction
project and Xcel would prefer not to be in a position where their work could delay the street
contractor. He indicated that by using directional boring the lines could be installed underground
without disrupting the road surface. Darrin Lahr stated that Xcel does not place their lines under
the sidewalk or road surface because they would have no access to it but if there was adequate
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room they could place it between the curb and sidewalk. Clint Herbst suggested the City get prices
from the cable company for moving their lines and also get input from residents as to their interest in
having the power lines underground.. John Simola stated that at the reconstruction meeting there
was discussion by the cable and telephone company representatives about placing conduits.
Contractor indicated he was amenable to placing conduit. The council determined that the following
additional research that needs to be done: 1) The cost to have cable and telephone lines moved; 2)
The residents willingness to covert their wiring system to accept the underground wiring and to
provide easements for the underground wiring; 3) The cost for an electrical contractor to do all the
meter socket changeouts and 4) The cost to have the contractor place the conduits .
The second option mentioned by Darrin Lahr is for the City to request a facility surcharge. The City
would order Xcel to bury their lines at which point Xcel would go before the utilities commission to
request a surcharge be placed on all utility customers in the city until the cost of the underground
conversion is paid back. The maximum is $4.50/per customer per month for 60 months. He
estimated that based on the cost of the conversion this surcharge would run approximately 4 years
for Monticello customers. Bruce Thielen felt the acceptability of this to the residents depends on
how it is presented. John Simola expressed his concern about directional boring citing a couple of
examples where the utility company had bored through storm sewer pipes in the process of placing
their lines. The staff was directed to work on getting the additional information.
14. Consideration of resolution requesting the Commissioner of Transportation to schedule a
public hearing for the proposed at grade railroad crossing for the extension of 7th Street to
County State Aid Highway 75.
Mike Nielsen explained the request for a railroad crossing for the proposed extension of 7t" Street.
Roger Belsaas questioned when the new interchange comes in if the crossing would still be needed.
Mike Nielsen stated that it was possible that it wouldn't but that determination may be a while in
coming and requesting the hearing was a step that would allow the City to keep its options open.
Mike Nielsen stated that it is railroad policy not to allow any more crossings regardless of whether
the railroad tracks are used or not. Mike Nielsen reviewed the alternatives available and since at
this point they don't have specific and detailed information about the I-94 interchange it was
recommended that the City pass the resolution requesting the Commissioner of Transportation to
schedule a public hearing for a proposed at grade railroad crossing to allow for the extension of 7t"
Street to CSAH 75. Clint Herbst felt this might be expensive because it would require stop lights at
more locations. John Simola noted that a lot more study is needed at CR 18 as far as placement of
stop lights. There was additional discussion on the crossing location and how it would impact the
alignment of T" Street. It was noted that if the City's position on this changes in the fixture the
appeals process could be stopped.
BRUCE THIELEN MOVED TO PASS THE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
THE PROPOSED AT GRADE RAILROAD CROSSING FOR THE EXTENSION OF 7TH
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STREET TO COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 75. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2002-48.
Other Ttemc-
Budget Workshop - With September 13)" being the deadline for submitting the preliminary 2003
budget and tax levy to the County, the Council tentatively set the budget meeting workshops for 5
p.m. on August 26, 2002 and September 9, 2002. Rick Wolfsteller noted that this year the City is
under levy limits but he has not yet gotten the City's levy limit amounts from the Department of
Revenue.
State Auditor's Report - Bruce Thielen noted that with the State Auditor's report on the activities
at the City of Brooklyn Park it would be an appropriate time for the City to review the Auditor's
report to make sure that the none of the practices questioned in the report are in use here.
17. Approye payment of bills for August.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR AUGUST. CLINT
HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Adjourn.
ROGER CARLSON MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 8:50 P.M. BRUCE THIELEN SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recording Secretary
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