City Council Minutes 02-09-2009Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday February 9, 2009 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Clint Herbst, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, 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.
2. Approve minutes of January 26, 2009 Regular meeting.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 26,
2009 REGULAR MEETING. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED WITH CLINT HERBST ABSTAINING.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
Glen Posusta indicated he had a comment he would like to make at the end of the meeting.
Finance Director Tom Kelly added information about the wine tasting event being held on
March 27, 2009 and City Engineer Bruce Westby asked for an amendment to a motion made
at a previous meeting relating to the public hearing on the twin bridge replacement project.
4. Citizen comments, petitions, requests and concerns.
A. Presentation by River Rider representative. -The representative from River Rider
was not present at the meeting.
No one else spoke under citizen comments.
5. Consent Agenda:
A. Consideration of ratifying hires and departures MCC and Liquor Store.
Recommendation: Ratify the hires and departures as identified.
B. REMOVED.
C. Consideration of approving a temporary charitable gambling license for Wright
County Ducks Unlimited Chapter 039. Recommendation: Adopt a resolution
authorizing the State Gambling Control Board to issue the one day charitable
gambling license to Wright County Ducks Unlimited Chapter 039 to conduct
charitable gambling activities at River City Extreme, 3875 School Boulevard on May
4, 2009.
Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
D. Consideration of approving a temporary beer license for Riverfest celebration.
Recommendation: Approve a temporary liquor license for the Monticello Lions Club
for the Riverfest celebration on July 11-12, 2009.
E. Consideration of approving the final plat of Union Crossings Fourth Addition.
Recommendation: Approve the final plat and amended CUP for a Planned Unit
Development for Union Crossings 4~' Addition.
F. Consideration of approving a contribution to the general fund from Tom Perrault.
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the contribution and authorizing the
use of funds as specified.
Tom Perrault asked that #SF be removed so he could abstain from voting on the item. Mayor
Herbst indicated that this is not an item that would be considered a conflict of interest as there is
no benefit to Tom Perrault by his vote. Glen Posusta questioned whether the funds should be
earmarked and not just designated to the general fund. He suggested earmarking it for the
YMCA acquisition. Tom Perrault stated the monies were being designated for the general fund.
CL1NT HERBST MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. TOM PERRAULT
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
None.
7. Report and discussion on results of pilot proiect closing of River Street at TH 25.
City Engineer Bruce Westby briefly explained the two pilot projects relating to the closing of
the access on River Street at TH 25 and the resulting impact these pilot projects had. The first
pilot project closed all access to both East and West River Street at TH 25. The result of this
pilot project was a decrease of 85% in traffic volume and a decrease in traffic speed of
approximately 5 mph. A second pilot project was done to accommodate the concern of
business owners about access to their business. Under the second pilot project northbound
traffic on TH 25 could turn left onto West River Street and southbound traffic on TH 25 could
turn right on to West River Street. Right turns could be made from West River Street onto
TH 25. The access from East River Street remained closed through both pilot projects. Bruce
Westby had a drawing illustrating the access closure.
Bruce Westby reviewed with the Council the data from traffic counts taken during the pilot
project period. He noted that with the second pilot project traffic on West River Street went
back to 70% of its original volume. Brian Stumpf asked if the 666 count is traffic that is
going past Locust into the residential area. Clint Herbst asked why the traffic counts were
not taken between TH 25 and Walnut Street. Bruce Westby said the assumption was that any
one turning west onto River Street was going to Locust or beyond. Brian Stumpf felt there
should be two traffic counts; one from TH 25 to Walnut and one from Walnut Street and
beyond. He felt this would provide a break out between business traffic and residential
traffic.
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The Council also questioned the value of the count data in instances where the counting tube
was dislodged. Bruce Westby indicated that with the number of snowfall events that occurred
during the traffic counts, the snowplows did interfere with the operation of the counting
devices. Brian Stumpf responded that was why he had wanted this project done in the
summer. He did not feel that information from a two day traffic count was adequate. He felt
the traffic counts should be extended longer to at least a week or possibly two in order to get
counts that truly reflect the traffic patterns in the area. Bruce Westby stated the City's speed
trailer had been placed out on West River Street and he supplied data on the speeds of traffic.
Bruce Westby noted that most of the residents that responded were in opposition of opening
up West River Street again. The business community felt a different alternative should be
looked at as the pilot project did not help their businesses as they hoped it would.
Clint Herbst said the Council has to keep in mind that nothing can be done until spring is here.
Brian Stumpf recommended calling for a public hearing at the first meeting in April. In the
meantime staff should be taking traffic counts by Walnut Street to see if it can be determined
who actually utilizes Block 52. Brian Stumpf stated he is not in favor of doing another pilot
project and he believes people are using River Street as a cut through. Glen Posusta asked
why the counts are proposed for Walnut and not Locust.. Brian Stumpf said the only access
people have to Block 52 is Walnut Street and the alley. Brian Stumpf felt if people are going
to use Block 52 they are not going to go down to Locust.
Clint Herbst asked if a count of 666 seemed like a lot of traffic for that area. There was
additional discussion on the traffic counts and what is a reasonable level of traffic. Bruce
Westby said staff could take traffic counts at additional locations. Brian Stumpf believes it is
cut through traffic and if additional traffic counts show that is the case then TH 25 and River
Street is not a safe intersection. Brian Stumpf suggested contacting the county or state to find
out the types and numbers of accidents have occurred in the area since the second pilot
project. Clint Herbst noted that these are city roads and everyone is allowed to use them. If
the count is reasonable it doesn't make any difference whether it is cut through traffic or not.
Glen Posusta felt the City needs some comparable counts and suggested taking counts on 3`d
and 4th Street. Clint Herbst agreed that traffic counts need to cover more than two days.
Bruce Westby said most time the counts are taken from Tuesday through Thursday. Brian
Stumpf said because they are talking about a potential major change to an area the City needs
to have documentation to support their action. Susie Wojchouski said if the City is going to
do traffic counts they need to be taken before Xcel closes down for a major outage. She felt
the City should get those counts started as soon as possible.
Leila McCarty, representing 419 West River Street, 413 West River Street and 501 West
Broadway had several questions on the closure. She wondered if closing West River Street at
Locust Street was a viable option and if not, why not. Clint Herbst said he is concerned about
traffic issues but he is not in favor of closing streets off just because the street is used by
people other than the residents. Ms. McCarty talked about the cut through traffic noting that
in her commute to Maple Grove she often utilizes the back roads and shortcuts. Clint Herbst
asked if there was a way to acquire the speed studies without using the trailer. Brian Stumpf
asked about the devices that track the speed which are located on a speed limit sign. Bruce
Westby said the devices are more expensive than the speed trailer and more difficult to secure
and therefore more likely to be stolen. Clint Herbst said excessive speed is the complaint the
City receives most often.
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Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
Deborah Mahoney 425 West River Street noted the number of children in the neighborhood.
There is no sidewalk on River Street so the kids are walking in the street to get to the bus stop
which is several blocks away. She is concerned that the commuters and speeders are potential
traffic accidents. It was suggested that if the residents are interested in getting sidewalks in
the area they should submit a petition to the City. Public Works Director Bob Paschke noted
that West River Street is not identified as a sidewalk route.
Michael Drayna 13 Linn Street agreed with Brian Stumpf about putting the speed trailer out
for an extended period of time and having it in a location where the vehicles coming can't see
it. He added that 24 hours is not adequate time for a count. In this case the trailer was there
just one day. He asked for information as far speed range of the vehicles counted. Bruce
Westby indicated 44 mph was the high. Mr. Drayna cited an instance that occurred in early
morning where the speed trailer clocked the vehicle at 57 mph. Mr. Drayna felt traffic
volume can be handled if the speed is reasonable.
Wayne Elam, Vantage Point Partners representing Charles VanHeel who owns property in the
area, indicated they are working on a redevelopment project on the western part of the Block
53. He indicated if River Street is closed they would need to have access to TH 25. Brian
Stumpf said MnDOT would have to approve any access on TH 25. Susie Wojchouski
expressed her concern about retaining the access points. Glen Posusta asked if they planned
on remodeling the building. Wayne Elam responded that they are proposing to remove the
existing build and construct a new structure.
Steve Johnson, 1233 Sandy Lane, a downtown business owner spoke. He noted there are two
points of view; that of the residents and that of the business owners who need access from
River Street for their business. Nobody wants traffic in the neighborhood at high speeds or
high volumes. He added there is a large contingency of people going out to the power plant
and with the pending outage at the plant additional people will be coming in thus aggravating
the problem. His impression as a business owner was that the last pilot project on River
Street did not work. At a previous Council meeting where this item was discussed he had
submitted a petition requesting that River Street at TH 25 be reopened. If River street is
closed and if the County closes Walnut Street in order t have stacking space on County Road
75, he felt this would further isolate the businesses in the area. Availability of access to the
downtown is important. He suggested a possible solution which would close off West River
Street at Locust Street and East River Street at Cedar Street. This would allow circulation in
the downtown area and would eliminate cut through traffic. Glen Posusta said the right turn
signal is for those who go across the river. If the light would stay on longer so more than a
few cars could get through he thought that would help. Glen Posusta felt blocking off Locust
Street is just pushing the problem somewhere else in the City. It was noted that when
redevelopment takes place in the area they could consider the addition of a right turn lane.
Steve Johnson said he believed the concrete bumpouts at TH 25/CR 75 would block off going
to the left. These could be knocked out to facilitate traffic making a right turn. He also
commented that it is not business against residents since the residents are their customers.
The City needs to find something that works out for all of them. He felt closing Locust Street
was palatable to both the businesses and residents. He suggested this combination be tried for
the next couple of months. Susie Wojchouski felt the City needed to study the area more
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before making a decision. She also mentioned the need to make vehicles aware of children in
the area and the fact that there are no sidewalks.
Josh Dickinson, 600 4~' Street, 106 Walnut and 112 West River Street is a business owner and
a resident of Monticello. He addressed the comment on helping the downtown. He said what
is clear is the existing business owners who have stayed downtown have a loyalty to the
downtown area. He noted the concern with the lack of sidewalks and children being in the
street. He said that closing River Street means that people can come to the store but they
cannot leave the store easily. He asked that consideration be given to closing the access at
Locust Street and Cedar Street but to keep the lights operational. He felt the City might as
well keep River Street closed as to keep it the way it is now. There was no difference
between the impact of pilot project #1 and #2 for the businesses. The Council questioned
whether the county could close off Walnut Street. Clint Herbst added the cost to businesses
was not just in the downtown area but all over Monticello.
Dean Rasmussen, Glass Hut stated he understood the residents' concern on River Street and
agreed that there are speeders on the road. Since the second pilot project they have people
speeding down the alley at 35 mph. and the street closure has restricted access to Bridge Park.
He asked about the possibility of sidewalk or cutting the speed limit to 25 mph for a segment
of the roadway. Clint Herbst said some times it is not the amount of the traffic but the speed
of it. Dean Rasmussen asked about the right turn with the bumpouts. He has seen more
accidents at TH 25/CR 75 than he has seen on River Street. He said he didn't know if there
was awin-win solution in this case. He appreciated the Council listening to the public and
not making a hasty decision.
Shana Bregenzer, 500 West River Street stated she was initially opposed to the closing of the
street and losing access to the park. River Street has become a residential area only with no
way to access the downtown. Since there is no downtown area it should be expected by
vehicles that it is a residential area and respect the speed limits. She felt there should be stop
signs to slow the traffic. With the stop signs and sidewalks the residents could feel safe. She
added that even the bus doesn't drive down the street any more. People can't get to Ellison
Park because the light isn't there. She felt downtown Monticello was being neglected. Clint
Herbst questioned how the City had neglected downtown. She responded that she felt the
Council encouraged business development to take place in areas such as 7~' Street and beyond
and were trying to bypass downtown.
Brian Stumpf said the Council has heard a lot about the need for sidewalks but he hasn't heard
any residents saying they were willing to pay for them. Susie Wojchouski asked if there was
an option for the City to place pedestrian crossing signs or stop signs to slow the traffic. Ms.
Bregenzer questioned what was being done for the downtown area.
Glen Posusta said the City's ability to do something is based on revenue from taxes. Glen
Posusta said the City by itself can't save downtown. He felt the businesses have to adapt and
redevelop. He emphasized that signage attracts business and questioned whether DAT wasn't
too restrictive with what took place downtown. Brian Stumpf took umbrage at the remark and
stated the Design Advisory Team (DAT) was merely charged with enforcing the policy and
ordinances that the City had in place. Jeff O'Neill indicated that TIF funds were available for
redevelopment in the downtown area. The City is also working on the Transportation Plan
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Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
which will have an impact on the downtown. Brian Stumpf asked when the Transportation
Plan would be coming before the Council and Bruce Westby informed him it would be at the
March 9, 2009 meeting. Brian Stumpf didn't feel anything should be done with the
intersection until after the Transportation Plan was done.
Arnie Tessmer, 719 East River Street, felt the public hearing was a good way to handle the
discussion of the intersection and asked what was in the offing for East River Street. Clint
Herbst replied that the East River Street closure seemed to have been successful but he didn't
believe the signal lights would be turned on again. Redevelopment of that block would need
to look at access to the existing building. East River Street is peaceful and quiet as a
residential street should be. Susie Wojchouski asked about access from east to west bridge
park under the bridge.
Tom Moores, Street Superintendent, responded to some of the comments made. He said the
City had made River Street a wider street in lieu of putting in sidewalk. The thinking then
was that it would be cheaper to maintain. He addressed the comments on children being in
the street because there is no sidewalk. While it was noted that speeds and traffic volume
have increased, the City has done things in an effort to alleviate the problem. There is
sidewalk on Broadway so pedestrians could go up one block and use the sidewalk on
Broadway rather than walking in the street. He also commented on the speed trailer stating
they document where the trailer is placed and added that the trailer is out for more than one
day. He indicated they can program the speed trailer to visibly show or not show the speed
traveled. The bumpouts on Broadway were put in a number of years ago because there was
inadequate space for trucks making turns. He commented on directing traffic to go north on
Walnut Street as Walnut is a dead end street that goes into a parking lot. Does the City want
60 cars a day going through a parking lot?
Glen Posusta asked if River Street is plowed curb to curb. Tom Moores stated the City plows
curb to curb but the City doesn't have a clean road policy. Tom Moores stated he gets
comments from residents all over town about traffic moving too fast and the safety of
residents. Bob Paschke said the City could put in sidewalk on River Street when that phase
of the core street reconstruction project is done. Clint Herbst encouraged residents to access
the City's website and let the City know ahead of time about issues of concern to them. Tom
Perrault commented that the light at River Street and TH 25 was meant for the development
of the block. If the Cedar Street Market site is redeveloped the light would be needed for the
development.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FIRST MEETING
IN APRIL (APRIL 13TH) TO ALLOW STAFF TIME TO GET ADEQUATE DATA ON
TRAFFIC COUNTS AND NOT TO DO ANY ADDITIONAL CHANGES TO THE
ACCESS AT RIVER STREET AND TH 25 AT THIS POINT. GLEN POSUSTA
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Glen Posusta asked if it was a good idea to get comparable counts such as at east and west
Third Street and east and west Fourth Street and possibly Elm Street. Clint Herbst stated that
traffic in the area was just one of many pieces of the puzzle that need to be studied.
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Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
8. Consideration of amendments to City Ordinance Title 2, Chanter 7, Police Commission
The Council discussed whether there should be one or two Council members on the Police
Commission and whether they should both be voting members. Having two voting members
could bring up the possibility of a split vote. Tom Perrault thought the Police commission
might feel a little overwhelmed with the presence of two voting Councilmembers. The
Council was okay with only one Councilmember being voting member. Tom Perrault felt one
of the two members should be designated as the voting member and the other would be the
Council alternate. Bruce Westby said the Police Commission looks forward to the two
members but not as two voting members especially on items having a major budget impact.
CLINT HERBST MOVED TO HAVE THE POLICE COMMISISON DESIGNATE ONE
COUNCIL MEMBER AS A VOTING MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION AND ONE
COUNCIL MEMBERAS A COUNCIL ALTERNATE. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED WITH BRIAN STUMPF AND TOM
PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
9. Consideration of renewal of pawn shoe license for Monticello Pawn, Gun and Bargain
Center, 1219 TH 25.
Staff reported that the applicant seems to operating within the original license requirements
and has made payments for billable transactions up to the current billing.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO RENEW THE PAWN SHOP LICENSE FOR
MONTICELLO PAWN, GUN AND BARGAIN CENTER, 1219TH 25. SUSIE
WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Fiber optics: Follow up from fiber optic workshop, if necessary
Prior to the regular meeting a workshop was held on the fiber optic project. Don Patton, an
HBC employee currently working on the Fibernet Monticello project stated FiberNet
Monticello is curtailed only by the legal action against it and the weather that hinders
construction of the project. Clint Herbst stated the City has received some criticism about its
ability to operate the system but the City has engaged the services of competent people in the
industry.
11. Consideration of approval of the project priority listing and facility plan for the
Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Public Works Director Bob Paschke explained to the Council that the previous study for the
wastewater treatment plant dewatering and drying process could qualify for the stimulus
funding being proposed at the federal level. The project permitting was completed but the
City would have to get this project on the project priority listing and facility plan of the
MPCA. It is hoped to upgrade the plan from 2005 to allow the City to submit the plan to the
MPCA for placement on the project priority list and thus qualify for stimulus money to fund
the project. Paul Saffert of Bolton Menk indicated funding would consist of grant money,
forgivable loans and low interest loans. Clint Herbst said while he doesn't believe in the
stimulus package, he does believe the City should take advantage of the possibilities that are
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Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
out there. Even without growth there are improvements that need to be made at the WWTP.
Paul Saffert said their approach would be a two prong attack pursuing continuing discussion
with Big Lake but also presenting the City's plan.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROJECT PRIORITY LISTING AND
FACILITY PLAN WITH THE CONSULTANT FIRM TO PREPARE A PROJECT
PRIORITY LISTING AND FACILITY PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE MPCA BY
MARCH 6, 2009 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,000-$4,000. TOM PERRAULT
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Brian Stumpf asked how much of an update it was going to be and how they came up with the
cost estimate. Paul Saffert indicated they estimate 30-40 hours of work. Paul Saffert said
funding could be a mix of grant funds, forgivable loans and low interest loans. Grant monies
could fund up to 50% of the project cost. The forgivable loans are interest free for a period of
20 years and the low interest loans would have an interest rate of 2%-2.5% instead of the 5%
the City was looking at previously.
Added Items:
Glen Posusta stated that today was his wife's birthday but because he had to attend the
Council meeting he wanted to take the opportunity to wish her a happy birthday.
Tom Kelly informed the Council that the liquor store would be having a spring wine tasting
event on March 27, 2009 at the MCC. Tickets to the event are $20 which covers the wine
tasting as well as food and music.
Bruce Westby asked that the Council amend their motion of January 26, 2009 to change the
date for the municipal consent hearing from March 9, 2009 to March 23, 2009.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION OF JANUARY 26, 2009 TO
CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE MUNICIPAL CONSENT HEARING FOR THE MNDOT
I-94 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO MARCH 23, 2009. TOM PERRAULT
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Consideration of approving payment of bills for February, 2009.
Glen Posusta questioned the bill for 36 pairs of gloves. Street Superintendent Tom Moores
noted that the City has always supplied the gloves for the staff and added that the bill also
included other cleaning supplies. Clint Herbst stated that he had a discussion with the City
Auditor's who are currently working on the audit and they were highly complimentary of
Senior Accountant Karri Thorsten.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APROVE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS. SUSIE
WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Council Minutes: February 9, 2009
13. Adiourn.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:20 P.M. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
\J Guwll~ / ~v 5 5~-~. 4 a
Recording Secretary
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