City Council Minutes 12-08-2008Council Minutes: December 8, 2008
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday December 8, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Clint Herbst, Wayne Mayer, Tom Perrault, Brian Stumpf and Susie Wojchouski.
Members Absent: None
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Herbst called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and declared a quorum present. The Pledge
of Allegiance was said.
2A. Approve minutes of November 19, 2008 Special Meeting -Transportation Plan.
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 19,
2008 SPECIAL MEETING RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. BRIAN
STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2B. Approve minutes of November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Wayne Mayer clarified on Item #15 on page 7 that the motion was not unanimous but that he
and Tom Perrault had voted in opposition. Tom Perrault noted on the agenda item relating to
the additional hours for the Human Resources Manager the extension date should be April 2009
not 2008.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 24, 2008
REGULAR MEETING WITH THE CORRECTIONS NOTED. WAYNE MAYER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
Brian Stumpf asked that those individuals who speak at the meeting to please use the
microphone so that they can be heard. Susie Wojchouski asked that the rental ordinance be
brought up for discussion. John Simola added to the consent agenda consideration of the
maintenance agreement with Wright County. Wayne Mayer asked for an opportunity to say a
few words at the end of the meeting.
Bob Paschke was introduced as the new Public Works Director for the City of Monticello.
4. Citizen comments, petitions, requests and concerns.
No one spoke under citizen comments.
5. Consent Agenda:
A. Consideration of ratifying hires and departures MCC, DMV, Parks and Building
Department. Recommendation: Ratify the hires and departures as identified.
Council Minutes: December 8, 2008
B. Consideration of accepting a contribution from Wal-Mart for Fire Department
equipment. Recommendation: Approve the contribution and authorize the use of
funds as specified. Resolution #2008-94.
C. Consideration of rescinding withdrawal from membership in the Sherburne-Wright
Cable Commission. Recommendation: Rescind the motion to withdraw from the
Sherburne-Wright Cable Commission effective January 1, 2009, with written notice to
be given before December 31, 2008.
D. Consideration to review and adopt the 2008 Natural Resource Inventory and
Assessment. Recommendation: Adopt a resolution supporting the approval and
adoption of the Monticello, Minnesota 2008 Natural Resource Inventory and
Assessment. Resolution #2008-95.
E. Consideration of reassignment of TIF agreement as it relates to Prairie West, TIF
District 1-20. Recommendation: Assign the Developers Agreement for TIF District
I-20 for Cedrus Creek Craftsman, Inc. /Prairie West to Linda A. Smith, contingent on
the approval by the Economic Development Authority.
John Simola explained that the maintenance agreement with Wright County is the same as in
previous years but the City is getting a little more money under this agreement. Brian Stumpf
noted that the NRI document in the agenda packet was not complete and ended at page 22.
Staff indicated the balance of the document will be sent to out to them. Items #SC and #SD
were pulled from the consent agenda.
WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA OF ITEMS #SA, #SB
AND #SE WITH THE ADDITION OF THE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH
WRIGHT COUNTY AS #SF. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
#SC Rescinding withdrawal from membership in the Sherburne-Wright Cable Commission:
Wayne Mayer in pulling this item noted that in the staff recommendation it stated there is no benefit
to withdrawing from the Commission at this time. Jeff O'Neill said a portion of the fees from
cable subscribers goes to the Commission and then is distributed back to the member cities. If the
City withdrew from the Commission the money would come directly to the City instead of coming
through the Commission. The benefit of staying with the Commission is that they have the
contracts and expertise in place. Wayne Mayer asked what ramifications there are to FiberNet if it
is allowed to launch next spring. Joel Jamnik said there is no adverse impact to FiberNet from
continued participation in the Commission.
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO RESCIND THE MOTION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE
SHERBURNE-WRIGHT CABLE COMMISSION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009 WITH
WRITTEN NOTICE TO BE GIVEN BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2008. TOM PERRAULT
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED WITH WAYNE MAYER VOTING IN
OPPOSITION.
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#SD Adoption of 2008 Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment: Tom Perrault indicated he
was in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting when they adopted the NRUA. He feels that
property rights will be violated with the adoption of this plan. Susie Wojchouski asked if his
concern was with the greenway. Clint Herbst felt the NRUA merely documents what is out there in
the way of natural resources.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE APPROVAL
AND ADOPTION OF THE MONTICELLO MINNESOTA 2008 NATURAL RESOURCE
INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT. WAYNE MAYER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
7. Consideration of approving fma12009 tax lew and budget.
Tom Kelly, Finance Director presented information on the 2009 tax levy and budget which must be
certified to the County in December. The budget document is a result of a process that was started
in May and culminates with the adoption of the document at this meeting. The 2009 budget of
expenditures for all funds is $31,761,184 with revenues estimated at $26,464,353. These figures
include debt service and capital improvements. This is over a 3% decrease from 2008. He noted the
budget proposed a 5% increase in sewer and water rates. The current rates pay for operation of the
sewer and water system but do not cover debt service cost. Tom Kelly noted the importance of
having the rates cover the debt service. John Simola explained how previous improvements to the
water and wastewater system expansions were funded. He added that most cities do have debt
service built into their rates. John Simola stated that in addition to the 5% increase they are looking
at the way the rates are structured. They will be looking at factors such as BOD (biological oxygen
demand), flows and TSS (total suspended solids). Going with the 5% increase means more of the
sewer revenue can be applied to debt service.
Tom Kelly explained that over $500,000 of debt service reserves are proposed to be used to fund
the budgeted expenditures. The street reconstruction will be funded with $150,000 of liquor store
reserves. The proposed tax levy for 2009 is $7,750,000 which results in a tax rate of 46.183%.
Tom Kelly noted that Monticello is one of 12 cities and townships in Wright County that is
proposing a tax decrease in 2009. He added that the impact of the home foreclosure situation will
be seen next year.
Tom Perrault asked about the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District. Tom Kelly explained that
the County Assessor forgot to back out the value for the TIF Districts. The original market value
was $17,952,883 but after the TIF District value is back out the market value is $16,781,096. Tom
Perrault asked if any of the TIF Districts were going to be decertified. Tom Kelly said an analysis
of the TIF Districts is being done and the consultant may make some recommendation on
decertifying districts earlier.
Jeff O'Neill asked Tom Kelly to address possible cuts in aid from the State. Tom Kelly said
estimated funds from the Market Value Homestead Credit are expected to run between $260,000
and $270,000 in 2009. The City is also expecting to get Utility Transition Aid which is meant to
offset the decrease in value of the Xcel facilities. In 2009 this is anticipated to be $355,000. Tom
Kelly expects to see the aid cut in some form. He felt it would not be good for the City to cut its
levy because at this point it is not known what the state cuts will be. Staff will come back to the
Council Minutes: December 8, 2008
Council when it is known how the state will make up their shortfall.
Tom Perrault asked if the state looks just at the levy amount or if they take into consideration the
City's use of its reserves. Tom Kelly indicated it is just the tax levy. Wayne Mayer submitted the
following motion noting that he did so even though there were some items in the budget that he
would like to remove;
WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO ADOPT THE 2009 BUDET AND RESOLUTION AS
PRESENTED WITH A TAX LEVY OF $7,750,000. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Tom Perrault felt there were still some areas that could be cut citing the Administrative Assistant as
one such item. Wayne Mayer said he agreed with Tom Perrault but he questioned shooting down
the entire budget for one item. The amount budgeted for the Dutch Elm Disease program was
questioned. John Simola replied that they have seen a big increase in the disease and so they are
budgeting for tree replacement and removal. The City needs to keep the program going. Clint
Herbst said the City has to be careful not to cut itself short. He said the budget is used as a
guideline and things in the approved budget will not be rubber stamped by the Council.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING
OPPOSITION.
8. Consideration of shifting the pay scale for 2009.
Finance Director, Tom Kelly provided information from other cities on what they had done as far as
cost of living increases for 2009. He noted that some communities have larger increase because
they are locked into a union contract through 2009. The majority of the communities had increases
in the 3% range. City staff was not making a recommendation as to the cost of living increase.
Tom Kelly suggest tabling this item until after union negotiations are completed and whatever
increase is approved for the union can be extended to all city employees. Brian Stumpf questioned
why they wouldn't establish an increase for the employees and then bring that to the union. Jeff
O'Neill said with a potential loss of $600,000 in revenue it is important that the cost of living
adjustment not be set too high and he felt that anything over a 1 % increase would be too risky.
Wayne Mayer asked about insurance costs. Tom Kelly explained that Blue Cross proposal was
calling fora 23% increase. Staff pursued proposals from other health care providers and Health
Partners submitted a plan that was similar to what the City had with Blue Cross but at a lower price
than what was being offered by Blue Cross. The City is currently in the process of renewing their
dental insurance and hope to keep the increase for dental insurance to 5%-6%.
Jeff O'Neill said they can't really cut any more from the budget without cutting staff or service.
Clint Herbst said the Council appreciated the efforts staff made in cutting back spending. Wayne
Mayer said in these economic times it is hard to justify any increase at all. He noted that the
Council had given a 1% increase last year. Susie Wojchouski emphasized that the Council
appreciates their employees but the economic times dictate using discretion. Tom Kelly said there
are 4-5 cities that provide cola increases at the beginning of the year and also mid-year. He felt
there were a number of ways that the cola could be handled.
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WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO APPROVE A 2009 COLA INCREASE OF 1 % EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2009. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION.
Tom Perrault asked if the increase could be changed mid year and Susie Wojchouski asked about
increases in the previous years. Susie Wojchouski would like to see the increase reviewed on June
1St and see how the City is doing with their budget. Clint Herbst said no matter what the amount of
the increase is it is not a reflection on the quality of the employees. He said the increase is based on
market conditions. With wages and benefits making up almost a third of the city's budget it is an
area of expense the City needs to monitor. Wayne Mayer felt the City was going to have problems
negotiating a union contract if the percentage ofnon-unions employees is changed in the beginning.
UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN, MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM PERRAULT AND SUSIE
WOJCHOUSKI VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
9. Consideration of an amendment to Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 20 of the City Code as related to
Utility Shut-off.
Angela Schumann, Community Development Director explained the purpose of the proposed
amendment. The City has experienced problems with home and property damage as a result of
foreclosed and abandoned homes not having utilities disconnected. The proposed ordinance would
allow authorized city staff to disconnect the utilities outside the home under certain conditions
which include the property being vacant; the property being uninhabitable; other utilities such as
gas/electric being disconnected and if running water at the property creates an unsanitary or unsafe
condition.
Brian Stumpf asked if staff has the authority to go onto property to shut off the water. Joel Jamnik
said generally the water shutoff valve is the easement or right of way but if it is an emergency
situation staff could enter onto the property and shut the water off. Wayne Mayer asked if the City
could go on private property when the curb stop is not in the front yard but is in the back yard or
would they need to get an administrative order. John Simola said in emergency situations like
where water is coming out of the window they enter onto the property to shut the water off. Susie
Wojchouski asked if there were any issues with shutting of water in houses with water heat. Joel
Jamnik said no because those are generally closed systems
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO TITLE 7, CHAPTER 2,
SECTION 20 OF THE CITY CODE FOR PROVISION FOR SHUT-OFF OF SERVICE. TOM
PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Presentation of update on long range plan for wastewater treatment plant.
John Simola noted the long range plan for the wastewater treatment plant was to be completed in
December. The City has been meeting with Cargill Kitchen Solutions regarding their discharge
agreement. They are a major industrial user and have significant impact on the wastewater treatment
plant. Staff has also met with the City of Big Lake about cooperative ventures related to wastewater
treatment.
Paul Saffert from Bolton & Menk stated they are still getting detailed information for the report
which would not be done until January. Because Cargill Kitchens is a significant industrial user
Council Minutes: December 8, 2008
they had to start the expansion planning with them. Cargill generates 3000 pounds a day of bod
(biological oxygen demand) and 360,000 gallons of daily flow. The City's wastewater system has
three sequencing batch reactors and when all three are running it can handle 8,100 pounds cbod per
day but when one tank is taken out of operation for maintenance or other reasons then the system
can handle 5.400 pounds cbod per day. Of the flows handled by the City's system 7% come from
Cargill, 51% from residential users and 36% from other commercial users. The system cannot
meet the permitted capacity under the Cargill discharge agreement. When capacity is met it would
trigger improvements to the wastewater treatment plant. Needed improvements would be a new
influent lift station and an additional sequencing batch reactor. Other factors to consider are room
on the existing site for expansion and more stringent effluent standards. Clint Herbst asked if 2030
is the life of the City's current wastewater treatment plant site. Paul Saffert said it would be 2050
especially if they are upgrades in treatment technology. Paul Saffert felt the capacity was there to
utilize the site to 2050. The current site plan of the wastewater treatment facility was reviewed and
a site plan was presented showing the site fully maximized. The City needs to make a decision on
the biosolids and whether they want to continue with Class B sludge disposal or convert to Class A
sludge removal. Another possibility to look at is regionalization. Big Lake is designing
improvements to their facility and there is a possibility that some of the capacity from those facility
improvements could be used by Monticello for the short term. Paul Saffert showed the site plan
changes needed if the City brings some of the biosolids to the Big Lake facility. Paul Saffert further
discussed what the City would have to do their site in order to produce the biosolids in a form
acceptable to Big Lake. It would be necessary for Monticello to construct a dewatering and drying
facility. John Simola said Big Lake doesn't want the City's filtrate so Monticello needs to reduce
the liquids in the biosolids to 16% dry matter. This reduction in liquids would allow the material to
be trucked over to Big Lake in cake form. John Simola said in the future it is possible that the
eastern portion of the community could be taken to Big Lake wastewater treatment facility.
Brian Stumpf asked what type of equipment the City would have to have to accomplish the
biosolids reduction and whether the City couldn't apply it to the land. John Simola responded the
City is running out of land. The existing sludge disposal site is at capacity so the City would need
to acquire additional land and get it permitted by the PCA. Brian Stumpf said the biosolids dryer
was not something the Council was interested in when it was presented 4-5 months ago. John
Simola noted that even with staying with Class B biosolids the City would have to make
improvements to the plant and there would be continuous demand for land for sludge application.
Eventually the City would have to dry the biosolids into a cake so it could be landfilled. John
Simola said the City is maxed out on how much sludge they can apply to the current land area.
Brian Stumpf questioned whether trucking the biosolids and acquiring additional land seemed a
more practical solution. John Simola said the City has two options which are to either stay with
Class B biosolids or convert to a Class A biosolids process. Either option will necessitate some
changes to the current wastewater treatment facility.
Susie Wojchouski asked if there would be another meeting with Big Lake prior to the report being
submitted in January. Staff indicated that there could possibly be a meeting in February.
The schedule for the facility plan was reviewed. A number of decisions will have to be made by the
City within the next month or so. The report coming to the Council in January will outline
alternatives and provide cost information. Clint Herbst said he had a problem with Bolton & Menk
when they had previously recommended a $10,000,000 upgrade for the wastewater treatment
facility. He didn't think they were looking after the City's best interest. Clint Herbst stated that
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other communities such as Annandale and Maple Lake were looking at a joint facility. He also
wondered why Bolton & Menk were not making that kind of recommendation. Clint Herbst agreed
with Brian Stumpf that the City should be looking at some land. for use in the interim until a
decision could be made on treatment of the biosolids.
Susie Wojchouski asked if the meeting in January could be a workshop format. Paul Saffert
indicated that could be set up as that. Brian Stumpf asked about capacity in the City's system and
in Big Lake's system. He felt the City needs to be looking now because Big Lake will need a
certain amount of time to expand their facility and make excess capacity available to Monticello.
Wayne Mayer asked with the river could Big Lake and Monticello continue to do something jointly.
Paul Saffert said there are a number of communities that pump under the river. John Simola said
Monticello is locked into the requirements that were put in place many years ago. John Simola said
the plant could be utilized to 2050 but by 2040 the City needs to have a plan in place for what they
are going to do in the future for wastewater treatment. John Simola said the City is looking at one
or two properties as possible sites for spreading biosolids. Tom Perrault noted the City of Otsego is
looking at their wastewater treatment facilities and might be interested in some type of regional
venture.
11. Consideration of approving amended snow plowing policy.
Brian Stumpf felt since this item contained only minor modifications it could have been handled on
the consent agenda.
BRIAN STMUMPF MOVED TO ADOPT THE 2009 SNOW PLOWING/REMOVAL POLICY
WITH THE CHANGES PROPOSED. WAYNE MAYKER SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Consideration of replacing cobrahead lights on TH 25 from the I-94 Bridge to the Mississippi
Bridge.
John Simola provided the background information noting that Xcel's representative had informed
the City this type of fixture is outdated and need to be replaced. The proposal is to replace the
fixtures and add a new controller cabinet. The estimated cost is $13,981 which is lower than the
original estimate. Brian Stumpf asked how the old lights will be disposed off. John Simola said
the lights would be taken to the recycling center in the industrial park. John Simola stated because
they are proposing to by the fixtures through the state bid the City doesn't have to get quotes. Bob
Paschke checked with a number of vendors, local and non-local on the installation cost for the
lights.
SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE NEW FIXTURES
AND LAMPS FOR T.H. 25 THROUGH THE STATE BID FROM CARLO LACHMANSINGH
SALES AT A COST OF $4,771.20 AND HAVE THEM INSTALLED BY OLSON & SONS
ELECTRIC, INC AT A COST OF $3,820.00 AND TO FURTHER AUTHORIZE THE
REPLACEMENT OF THE CONTROL PANEL TO BE ORDERED NOW AND REPLACED IN
THE SPRING AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $4,800.00 INCLUDING INSTALLATION
MAKING A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $13,391.20. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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13. REMOVED FROM AGENDA.
14. Foreclosure Prevention and Remedy Options.
Economic Development Director, Megan Barnett explained that Monticello has an opportunity to
obtain monies from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to help offset the negative
impact of the recent home foreclosures. There is a detailed application process to obtain these
funds and the program requires the City to partner with anon-profit organization that has had
experience administering this type of loan. City staff has arranged a meeting with CMHP (Central
Minnesota Housing Partnership) to discuss the possibility of partnering on this venture. This is a
neighborhood stabilization program requiring the City to submit a plan on how the City would
stabilize a neighborhood. Staff is pulling statistics together and doing visual surveys of property for
preparation of a plan The funds can be utilized to purchase property, rehabilitate property and offer
buyer assistance programs. Brian Stumpf questioned with the number of foreclosures and vacant
homes how much an impact $523,000 would make on the problem. Megan Barnett said there is a
formula that is used and by the next meeting staff should be able to come up with how many house
could be rehabilitated. Tom Perrault asked if the program is geared for home ownership and not for
rental property. Home ownership is targeted by this program but the buyer's assistance program is
not for people who currently own homes. To obtain these funds the City would have to approve a
neighborhood stabilization plan which is proposed to come before the Council in January.
15. YMCA
A. Consideration of approving an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding on
Bertram Chain of Lakes Project adding draft lease agreement as an exhibit.
B. Consideration of approving a lease agreement enabling the City to use parcels #1 and
#2 for athletic fields.
C. Consideration of approval of purchase agreement.
Jeff O'Neill provided background on the various agreements that were to be considered. Clint
Herbst noted that there was a community meeting on the YMCA on December 1, 2008. The concept
plan has been reviewed by the YMCA, County and City. The amendment to the Memorandum of
Understanding includes the ground lease agreement for the establishment of a camp on the south
side of Bertram Lake. The second document is the purchase agreement for parcels #SA, #11 and
#6. When the purchase agreement is adopted a closing for the property can be scheduled. The
purchase price is $3,600,000 of which the City's share is $1,200,000. The City has funds available
in the park dedication fund in the amount of $1,000,000. The second phase of funding could be
paid through unallocated bond fund and the sale of City owned land in Jefferson Commons. The
City could also levy for the funds to acquire the property. If the Council decides to move forward,
staff will be looking to set up a committee to wok on the planning for the athletic fields and general
park area.
Clint Herbst discussed future funding and he felt the sale of the Jefferson Commons property could
supply some of the funding needing. Clint Herbst felt the City could earmark these dollars for the
YMCA. He noted that one of the parcels in that development had an option agreement a couple of
years ago but it has not been development. He felt they should put in on the market and try not to
levy for the YMCA acquisition.
Tom Perrault had questions on the ground lease and subletting of the property. Joel Jamnik said the
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ground lease would not be executed until some future point. Also the YMCA would retain a 99
year ground lease. The YMCA felt the right to use this property was important and it was a central
factor in the negotiations. From the City and County perspectives it is important that after a 99 year
lease the buildings and property are in good condition. If the property is sublet it would be
something that is consistent with use of the land.
Susie Wojchouski asked about the option on the ball fields. She didn't think the City should be
looking at the ballfied in the next couple of years and should hold off because of the bad economy.
Clint Herbst said staff and park staff have to justify the development of the fields but they still need
to get the lease in place. The lease is only $1.00/year. Susie Wojchouski asked if there was a vision
as to when pathways and other improvements would actually be added. Right now the focus of the
City and County is just on acquiring the land.
Wayne Mayer felt the City needs to have options open to be flexible in making payments. While
County is looking at putting the pathways in, the City's concern is the ballfields. Wayne Mayer
said what needs to be defined is the symbiotic relation between the City and County.
Clint Herbst questioned Tom Perrault's opposition to the proposal and whether there were particular
things within these documents that he is opposed to or just a general opposition to the park.
WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY, COUNTY AND YMCA WHICH INLCUDES A
DRAFT GROUND LEASE. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO APPROVE THE LEASE AND OPTION AGREEMENT
PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF ATHLETIC FIELDS ON PARCELS #1 AND #2.
BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM PERRAULT
VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
WAYNE MAYER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT GOVERNING
THE YMCA SALE OF PARCELS #SA, #6 AND #11 TO THE CITY OF MONTICELLO AND
WRIGHT COUNTY. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
Added Items
Rental Ordinance: Susie Wojchouski questioned the rental ordinance noting the project was bigger than
what was anticipated as far as number of hours required. She suggested looking at something different.
Maybe have the renter be given something when he signs the lease that would allow them to contact the
City for an inspection. She felt the ordinance required an excessive number of hours to enforce. Clint
Herbst questioned a tenant requested inspection being done at the expense of the landlord since it might
cause the renter to be displaced.
Jeff O'Neill noted a high percentage of housing stock in the City is rental. It was discussed how to make
the enforcement of this ordinance more streamlined. Clint Herbst didn't feel that the City should be
creating more work than needed. Susie Wojchouski and Clint Herbst will meet with staff on the rental
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ordinance. The original intent of the ordinance was to give the City some control over what was
happening with rental properties
Personnel: Clint Herbst noted that tonight was the last Council meeting for Council Member Wayne
Mayer and Public Works Director, John Simola. The Council expressed their appreciation for their
dedication and service to the City. John Simola thanked the Mayor and Council. He stated when you get
involved in a community, whether you live there or work there you do everything you can to help the
community. He expressed his appreciation for the time he was able to spend in Monticello. Wayne Mayer
asked if his comments could be deferred until after payment of the bills.
16. Consideration of approving payment of bills for December, 2008.
Brian Stumpf questioned the costs for the election judges. It was explained that the costs
covered both the primary and general election. Most judges worked an eight hour shift at each
election and had a minimum of two hours training time but there were also additional hours for
nursing home voting, conducting accuracy tests for the equipment and set up and take down of
the polling place. It was pointed out that because of the error in the printing of the ballots, the
election judges were required to transfer the information from the approximate 300 plus ballots
on the misprinted ballot to the correct ballot. Because of the number of voters processed
throughout the day, the election judges were not able to commence this duty until polls closed
which also added to the hours worked by the judges.
Wayne Mayer had a question on a $350 cell phone. He noted a new cell phone was purchased
fro the City Administrator and wondered what happened to the old one. Wayne Mayer asked
about a fee by WSB for project management on fiber optics. He said he was not aware that
WSB did this. Bruce Westby responded that it was for on the headend building and
drainage/site improvements for the building.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS. WAYNE MAYER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLLY.
Added Item:
Wayne Mayer spoke saying it was his last Council meeting and he wanted to thank his supporters and
his wife, Patty for their help and support during his term. He noted newly elected Council member
Glen Posusta was present at this meeting. He felt different viewpoints make the leadership strong. The
proactive approach of the Council makes it a stronger body. The community is in for a long hard time
and it will require strength and vision to get through this.
He spoke of the YMCA property acquisition and the importance of making the land available to the
local residents. At the public forum there was an opportunity for the people to speak on acquisition of
the property and he expressed his disappointment that so few residents spoke out on this issue.
Wayne Mayer said that he, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf looked at all sides of the issue. He felt this is
how all issues should be looked at. He said the initial step the City took four years ago with a proposal
for fiber optics was needed to make Monticello an attractive area to locate to. He felt two competitive
fiber optic networks give Monticello an edge most other communities do not have. With the fiber
optic system installation, Monticello should be ahead of the curve and should fare well. He went on to
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Council Minutes: December 8, 2008
chastise the local newspaper saying that the paper should not pit one system against the other. The
local paper and the Chamber of Commerce need to realize that competition is what is needed. He felt
the newspaper and Chamber of Commerce should ask what the impact of their stance is when June
2009 arrives. Competition will be good for both systems. He felt because others could not build the
system in Monticello it was necessary that the City could take the initiative and build the fiber optic
system. He had serious questions about the role of the Chamber of Commerce in this project citing
that Monticello was the only community that passed a referendum without the support of the Chamber
of Commerce and the local paper. He felt to be an effective leader for any city you have to remember
that you were elected to represent the people. The interests of the people should be first and foremost.
He added that he would give the paper a copy of his statement so that he would not be misquoted.
17. Adiourn
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:40 P.M. WAYNE MAYER SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recording Secretary
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