City Council Minutes 05-22-1995
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 22, 199b - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Tom
Perrault
Members Absent: None
2.
and the special joint meeting held Mav 15,_ 1995.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERR,AULT TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING HELD MAY 8, 1995, AS WRITTEN. Motion carried
unanimously.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN STUMPF AND SECONDED BY TOM
PERRAULT TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
HELD MAY 15, 1995, AS WRITTEN. Motion carried unanimously.
C
3. Consideration of adrL9ng items to Le agenda"
A. Consideration of annointi g new HRA n].ember.
Economic Development Director Ollie Koropchak reported that the
HRA members and Councilmembers Clint Herbst and Tom Perrault
interviewed Mr. Roger Carlson for the HRA seat vacated by the
retirement of Ben Smith. Following the interview, the HRA elected
not to readvertise for the vacated seat and unanimously approved
recommending that Council appoint Mr. Carlson to the HRA. She
noted that it is Carlson intent to resign from the Parks Commission
upon appointment to the HRA.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON
AND SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO APPOINT ROGER CARLSON TO
THE HRA. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Consideration of n»*rhaaino 1-t n bnek .t ~rnnk.
Public Works Director Jahn Simola reported that at the May 8 Council
meeting, staff presented information regarding the possible purchase
of a 1-tan bucket truck that would serve as a bucket truck and as
transportation within the parks and street departments; however,
Council restricted the budget to $10,000 for purchase of a
1-ton bucket truck, and any proposed purchase beyond $10,000 would
Page 1
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
require Council approval. Simola noted that two trucks have been
found, one in Kansas City for $10,500, and one in South Bend,
Indiana, for $12,500. Staff has also learned that Wright Hennepin
Electric will have swell-used 1-ton truck for auction or bids in the
near future. It was staffs recommendation that Council increase the
allowable expenditure to $15,000 in order to find a truck that is in
good serviceable condition and is safe.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Tom Perrault to approve an expenditure of up to $15,000
without Council approval to purchase a 1-ton bucket truck. Voting in
favor: Shirley Anderson, Tom Perrault. Opposed: Brad Fyle, Brian
Stumpf, Clint Herbst. Motion failed.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to authorize staff to
bid on the used 1-ton truck owned by Wright Hennepin Electric.
C. Consideration of a resolution xn~mvine h isa ianrn of a pamh in
li one n M .BA it r .n a Fnnd - dnvner L.~nes.
City Administrator Rick Wolfsteller reported that the Minnesota
License Beverage Association (MLBA) Children's Fund is requesting
approval from the City for operating apull-tab gambling operation at
Joyner Lanes. The MLBA Children's Fund is a charitable organization
based out of Minneapolis that contributes funds to various
organizations related to youth activities. He noted that in the past,
the Monticello Jaycees have run the pull-tab operation at Joyner
Lanes; however, Joyner Lanes has now decided to allow the MLBA
Children's Fund to operate pull-tabs in their facility.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY SHIlLLEY ANDERSON TO DENY ADOPTION OF THE
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION FOR A GAMBLING
LICENSE. It was Council's view that gambling licenses should be
operated by local organizations to ensure that profits are put back into
the local community. Voting in favor: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson,
Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf. Abstaining: Tom Perrault, as he is a
current member of the Monticello Jaycees and an employee of Joyner
Lanes.
Page 2
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
was their view that additional information regarding the status of the
project could be provided to the Council by Presbyterian Homes at the
public hearing.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION CALLING
FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 12, 1995, REGARDING MODIFYING
THE HOUSING PROGRAM AND FOR ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS
TO A NEW NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 95-34.
4. ('iti . ne rn m n .s~petition~ rsgnrF .R" ~ d comnl~~nt_a
A. Ms. Iris Peter, owner of parcel #155-046-001060, requested that
Council lower the estimated market value of her property from the
proposed $130,000 to $115,000, which is the price paid for the home
when purchased in September 1994. She stated she would not be able
to sell the home for $130,000 if on the market today.
City Assessor Jerry Kramber noted that the valuation of properties
along the golf course and the river were adjusted this year to more
accurately reflect the market value, and the property in question is
located on the golf course. It was his view that the $130,000 value is
in line with other properties in the area. He also noted that several
items were missed this year such as a porch that has been enclosed
and finished and two additional porches, which will be added to the
value next year.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley to reduce the 1996
market value of parcel #155-046-001060 to $120,000. It was her view
that the valuation should reflect the price at which property will sell.
Matian failed for lack of a second.
AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY BRIAN
STUMPF AND SECONDED BY BRAD FYLE TO LEAVE THE ESTIMATED
MARKET VALUE AT $130,000 FOR PARCEL #155-046-001060 AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ASSESSOR. Voting in favor: Brian
Stumpf, Brad Fyle, Clint Herbst, Tom Perrault. Opposed: Shirley
Anderson. Ms. Peter was informed that she may appeal the Council's
decision to the Wright County Board of Equalization.
Page 4
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
5. Consideration of an uFdate from the City Assessor on ~ropertiea that were_r~-
City Assessor Jerry Kramber was present to report the following findings
after re-evaluating a number of parcels discussed at the Board of Review
meeting held on May 4, 1995.
155-035-004040 Wayne Spicer
1995 EMV: $77,200 Reduced to $70,700
155-059-002110 Barbara Hamilton
1995 EMV: $90,900 Reduced to $87,400
155-035-004120 Tom Holthaus
1995 EMV: $97,500 No change
155-048-003010 Kathleen HIemz
1995 EMV: $159,000 No change
155-020-001020 Robert Vosika
1995 EMV: $132,500 No change
155-500-123300 Robert Jameson
1995 EMV: $78,400 Reduced to $46,500
155-059-003060
1995 EMV: $79,900
155-010-052031
1995 EMV: $179,300
155-010-052070
1995 EMV: $18,100
155-010-052090
1995 EMV: $77,200
155-010-052131
1995 EMV: $28,000
155-010-009080
1995 EMV: $10].,600
Tom Rowen
No change
Steve Johnson
Reduced to $168,000
Steve Johnson
No change
Steve Johnson
No change
Steve Johnson
No change
Marvin Arvidson
Na change
Page 5
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
155-046-001060 lris Peter
1995 EMV: $130,000 No change
(reviewed by Council under citizens comments)
155-500-182101 Gary Host
1995 EMV: $92,300 Reduced to $86,100
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CUNT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE CITY ASSESSOR FOR THE ESTIMATED MARKET VALUES OF THOSE
PROPERTIES THAT WERE RE-EVALUATED. Motion carried unanimously.
6.
subdivision. Annlicant, Gene Bauer. AND
7. Consideration of annrov 1 of a ~n ~tio al + ne it. whi h wo ild llnw twn
R-imi ..na:.hom a'n n R-2 district. An 1~ .ean} (:ens Baner.
Building Official Gary Anderson reported that Gene Bauer is requesting
preliminary plat approval to construct two three-unit townhouse buildings on
four platted lots, along with a conditional use permit which would allow two
three-unit townhomes to be constructed in an R-2 district. The request as
submitted to the Planning Commission also included a variance to the
requirement that driveways be located 3 ft from the side yard property line.
As a result of the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting, the
applicant modified the site plan eliminating the need for the variance.
Anderson went on to note that the Planning Commission recommended that
the preliminary plat and conditional use permit be approved based on the
finding that the preliminary plat and conditional use permit will result in a
development that is consistent with the character of the area and consistent
with the purpose and intent of the R-2 zoning district.
AFTER DISCUSSTON, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY GLINT HERBST TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF
THE PINEHURST RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION BASED ON THE FINDING THAT
IT TS CONSTSTENT WITH THE CHARACTER OF THE AREA. Motion carried
unanimously.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY GLINT
HERBST TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING TWO
THREE-UNIT TOWNHOMES IN AN R-2 DISTRICT CONTINGENT ON THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Page 6
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
1. A revised site plan is submitted indicating the distance between
the intersection and the curb cut of any driveway in excess of 40
ft, as well as compliance with the 3-ft setback for driveways
from side property lines.
2. A grading/drainage plan is submitted which indicates drainage
patterns and grading necessary to divert surface water run-off
away from the townhouse structures}.
3. A landscape plan is submitted which indicates the trees on site
being preserved, as well as any additional landscape
improvements associated with the townhouse project.
4. The connection of public utilities is found to be acceptable by the
City Engineer and appropriate to the City's service capacities.
5. The applicant establishes a Property Owner's Association for the
primary purpose of maintaining the property's common spaces.
Motion carried unanimously.
8.
Jerry Shannon of Springsted, Inc., the City's financial consultant, reported
that eight bids were received on May 22 Far the sale of $3,890,000 in G.O.
improvement bands for various city improvements. The low bidder was
Norwest Investment Services, Inc./FBS Investment Services, Inc. with an
interest rate of 4.9647% and net interest cast of $1,119,735.83. It was
Shannon's recommendation that Council award the bid to the low bidder.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE
BIDS AND AWARDING THE SALE OF $3,890,000 IN G.O. IMPROVEMENT
BONDS TO NORWEST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC./FBS INVESTMENT
SERVICES, INC., AT AN INTEREST RATE OF 4.9647%'0. Motion carried
unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 95-35.
9. -
Studv.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that, as directed by Council at
the last meeting, City staff has negotiated a contract with Craig Anderson of
Buchen Environmental for development of an inflow and infiltration
reduction program. The project outline included program development at a
Page 7
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
cost of $3,500; public relations and education program, $7,000; inspections at
$42.50 each (minimum of 300 inspections); administration of inspection
program appointments, $3,000; and report, $4,000.
Simola also reported that a letter had been received from Visu-Sewer of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota, stating that they would like to submit a proposal for
the sump pump inspection project; however, it was noted that, after checking
references, Buchen Environmental was the best firm for the program. The
City Engineer supported Simola's recommendation, noting that many cities
use quality-based selection rather than selection by price alone.
Rick Lymer of Visu-Sewer requested that Council allow them to submit a
proposal and noted that he could provide additional references.
Council discussed whether the I & I study needed to begin immediately or
could wait for additional proposals. Simola stated that it was just recently
discovered after development of the treatment plant facilities plan that it is
vital to obtain the I & I information for designing the wastewater treatment
plant expansion. He noted that if the I & I study is delayed, the treatment
plant will likely need to be designed for a larger capacity than if the flow of
clean water to the system can be reduced through the I & I program.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Brian
Stumpf to allow additional proposals to be received on the project. Voting in
favor: Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf. Opposed: Shirley Anderson, Tom
Perrault, Brad Fyle. Motion failed.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY TOM
PERR.AULT TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH BUCHEN ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN I & I REDUCTION PROGRAM. Motion
is based on the finding that Buchen Environmental received a favorable
recommendation upon checking references. Voting in favor: Shirley
Anderson, Tom Perrault, Brad Fyle. Opposed: Brian Stumpf, Clint Herbst.
Motion passed.
10.
p~IIg lot hard surfacing -Amax Storage. Gle ~~~as~,.
Glen Posusta, owner of the Amax Storage facility located south of Dundas
Road, requested an extension from the requirement to complete the driveway
and parking hard surfacing of his facility by August 1995. Because
additional buildings will be constructed in the future, Posusta preferred to
hard-surface the driveway area after construction is complete to avoid
Page 8
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
possible damage to the hard surfacing. He noted that the hard surfacing will
be completed between buildings #2 and #3 this week and between buildings
#1 and #2 sometime this summer.
It was noted by staff that variances to the hard surfacing requirement have
been approved in the past for areas on which the expansion will occur, but
driveway area hard surfacing has been required.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON TO MAINTAIN THE AUGUST 1995
DEADLINE FOR THE HARD SURFACING REQUIREMENT, AND POSUSTA MAY
RETURN TO COUNCIL AT THAT TIME FOR CONSIDERATION DF AN
EXTENSION. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson, Brad Fyle,
Brian Stumpf. Opposed: Tom Perrault.
11. ConeidPratinn of adRp~g_policies gov~_no gzn_ Ling of final n c+tip~
perm .its prior to fill nmgletion of a_itP imnrovements.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the City has had difficulty in
the past making sure that site improvements such as grading, driveway
improvements, tree installation, and seeding/sodding are completed on a
timely basis in residential developments after allowing occupancy prior to
such improvements being completed. The most significant reason for not
completing all improvements prior to occupancy is weather; however, he also
noted that many home buyers wish to complete site improvements on their
own after occupancy. The City has been granting conditional occupancy
permits with a notation that certain improvements are not completed, and
the mortgage company and builder have been establishing an escrow fund to
assure completion of the improvements; however, often the escrow fund is
released by the mortgage company without inspection by a City official,
which sometimes results in improper completion of grading plans.
O'Neill asked Council to consider establishing a City escrow policy to help
ensure that site improvements are completed properly. He noted that
requiring a deposit and reinspection fee for incomplete items maybe one way
of encouraging improvements to be completed prior to occupancy.
Dave HIein, a local builder, supported the idea of an escrow but noted that
escrowing funds with both the City and mortgage companies would be very
difficult since the amount could be as high as $4,000 for each home and
results in doubling up of the security. HIein also requested that any escrow
policy adopted affect only new permits and not be retroactive to homes
already under construction.
Page 9
Cauncil Minutes - 5/22/95
O'Neill suggested that the topic be discussed with the City Attorney to
investigate ways to require a city inspection prior to release of the escrow by
the mortgage company.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to continue with allowing
conditional occupancy permits until the subject is discussed with the City
Attorney.
12. (~onaideration of a reaolntion ~provine plans ~ d ~necificationa for
rnnat cfrm of S hnnl Bo ,1 v rd b w n F llnn Avenue ~ d Highway 2Ci.
City Engineer Bret Weiss reported that plans and specifications have been
prepared for the extension of School Boulevard between Fallon Avenue and
Highway 25 and for extension of utilities to the proposed Business Center.
Weiss suggested that Council consider extending utilities across Highway 25
at this time, which could eventually serve the nearby trailer park.
Weiss went an to explain the two alternatives for proposed tree plantings
along School Boulevard, which would be financed through general city funds.
The alternatives included a staggered planting of trees every 40 ft, or a
randomly-spaced grouping of trees. Weiss noted that Cauncil would also
need to decide whether they preferred a standard concrete median on Schaal
Boulevard or a median that included a colored strip in the center, which is
the median preferred by developer Tony Emmerich.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Cauncil to plant the trees along
School Boulevard in a staggered fashion and to install a concrete median
with a colored strip in the center as preferred by Emmerich. It was also
concluded that tree planting would be done concurrent with land
development adjacent to the roadway, thus better assuring proper
maintenance of trees. There was also a consensus that tree planting along
School Boulevard between County Road 118 and Fallon Avenue would follow
the plan proposed by Weiss but be planted over a period of years on a staged
basis.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHI.RLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL BOULEVARD, INCLUDING
EXTENSION OF UTILITIES ACROSS HIGHWAY 25, AND AUTHORIZING
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 95-36.
Page 10
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
13.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill asked Cauncil to consider directing the City
Engineer to begin the planning and design process associated with
development of roadway improvements in the area of the Highway 25 and
Oakwood Drive intersection. This intersection has become a bottleneck for
traffic circulation; and as noted in the transportation plan adopted by the
City Council a few years ago, the alignment of this intersection needs to be
moved farther to the south in order to accommodate vehicle stacking
requirements for vehicles southbound on Highway 25.
O'Neill reported that City staff met with County and MN/DOT
representatives on May 12, 1995, to discuss possible improvements to this
area. MN/DOT has plans far developing afour-lane section between the
freeway bridge and the Oakwood Drive intersection sometime in 1998. The
Wright County Engineer indicated that the County would be interested in
assisting with funding a portion of the cost to realign Oakwaod Drive/CSAH
117. It was the consensus of the State, County, and City engineering staff
that the City needs to begin acquiring the necessary right-of--way, which can
only be done after the proper alignment of the roadway has been identified
through a feasibility study.
Mayor Fyle and Councilmember Herbst questioned why the City is required
to conduct the planning for Highway 25 since it is a state road, as it was
their view that MN/DOT should spend the funds necessary to study the
roadway improvements. City Engineer Weiss explained that the State
recognizes that there is a problem, and the County and State will participate
in the cast of improvements once area planning is completed by the City.
O'Neill noted that it is important that land needed for the alignment be
identified as soon as possible to allow acquisition prior to development thus
limiting land acquisition cost.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF $1$,000 FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY 25/OAKWOOD DRIVE ROAD SYSTEM,
WHICH INCLUDES PREPARING PLAN WORK FOR THE ENTIRE SYSTEM ON
HIGHWAY 25 BETWEEN SCHOOL BOULEVARD AND OAKWOOD DRIVE.
Voting in favor: Shirley Anderson, Tom Perrault, Brian Stumpf. Opposed:
Brad Fyle, Clint Herbst. It was Fyle and Herbst's view that the State should
be responsible for the cost to study traffic issues on Highway 25.
SEE RESOLUTION 95-37.
Page 11
Council Minutes - 5/22/95
14.
ramp and bridee imnrovernents at County Road 11$ _and I-94.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill requested that Council consider authorizing
the City Engineer to prepare a feasibilility for development of freeway
interchange improvements at County Road 11$ in order to obtain the
necessary approvals from the State of Minnesota and MNlDOT. This project
was included in the City's transportation plan prepared a few years ago and
was discussed at the recent joint commission meeting in conjunction with
potential development of an outlet mall near Chelsea and County Road 11$.
At a meeting held on May 12, 1995, the County Engineer noted that Wright
County may help fund a portion of the estimated $3.5 million project;
however, although MN/DOT officials support development of an interchange
at the proposed location, no construction funding would be provided by the
State, as it was their view that the primary purpose of the project is to
improve local traffic flow only and enhance land developability in the area.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON FREEWAY
INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS AT COUNTY ROAD 1IS AND I-94. Motion
carried unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 95-38.
15.
Public Works Director John Simola reported that specifications far contract
mowing and landscape maintenance include mowing at the library, liquor
store, and fire hall on an as-needed basis. In addition, mowing of public
nuisance property for weeds and tall grass was also bid. Simola noted that
on May 18, 1995, bids were received from Carefree Lawn Service and Quality
Lawn Maintenance.
Council discussed the individual prices shown on the bid tabulation for both
the city property mowing and the public nuisance mowing. It was noted that
although the public nuisance mowing price was bid at $60 by Carefree Lawn
Services and $45 by Quality Lawn Maintenance, the low bid for the city
property mowing was made by Carefree Lawn Services.
AFTER DISCUSSION, A MOTION WAS MADE BY CLINT HERBST AND
SECONDED BY SHIRLEY ANDERSON TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR
MOWING AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TO CAREFREE LAWN SERVICES.
Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson, Brian Stumpf, Tom
Perrault. Opposed: Brad Fyle.
Page 12