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City Council Minutes 05-09-1994MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, May 9, 1994 - 7 p.m. Members Present: Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brad Fyle, Patty Olsen Members Absent: None 2. Consideration of a royal of minutes of the re lar meetin held A ril 25 1994. Brad Fyle suggested that the motion in item #10 be changed to state that: "The motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Patty Olsen to request that the City purchase the emergency transfer switch and seek quotes for the labor to install the switch. Staff is authorized to proceed utilizing the company that provides the lowest cost for labor." After discussion, a motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Shirley Anderson to accept the meeting minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Citizens comments/uetitions, recYuests, and complaints. A. Glen Posusta, owner of AMEX Storage, asked Council what could be done to keep the dust down an Dundas Road. He noted that the dust problem creates a problem far his customers. Brad Fyle noted that it may be premature to think it will be tarred in the near future. After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to refer the matter to City staff for review. B. Council. reviewed a variance request submitted by Harold Austin, which was previously approved by the Planning Commission. The 1 1/2 ft side yard variance would allow installation of a 24-ft wide garage. O'Neill informed Council that the Planning Commission has granted this type of variance in the past in situations where the house was placed in a position that made it difficult to install a standard two-car garage without a variance. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Shirley Anderson to grant the variance to Harold Austin located at 106 Marvin Elwood Road, which would allow a 1 1/2 ft encroachment into the side yard setback. Motion carried unanimously. Page 1 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 4. Consideration of a ointment to the Councilmember vacant . Brad Fyle reviewed the situation and noted that four citizens have stepped forward as being interested in serving on the City Council, including Dan Blonigen, Warren Smith, Judy Leming, and Brian Stumpf. Dan Blonigen was present to mention his concerns regarding the Council's selection process. In his statement, he objected to attacks on his character from Councilmember Olsen. He noted that he was asked to serve on the Council by Councilmember Herbst, and he had reason to believe that he had support from at least three of the Council members. He also confronted Brad Fyle with the statement, "You cannot tell me that I am not qualified." In addressing Blonigen, Brad Fyle mentioned that he never committed to voting for Dan to fill the vacancy. He stated that it is obvious that you [Dan Blonigen] have experience; however, there are other candidates that also have experience. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Patty Olsen to select Warren Smith to serve out the remainder of the term of the vacant Council position. Motion carried unanimously. Clint Herbst apologized to Dan Blonigen. He noted that he had approached Dan to fill the position and that he felt that the majority was in favor of Dan's appointment. He also noted that he supports Warren Smith and feels Warren will do a goad job as Council member. At this point in the meeting there was a short recess. After the meeting reconvened, the oath of office was administered to Warren Smith. 5. Consideration of an offer to urchase 7th Street remnant arcel--Land Proiects Partnershiu. Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported that in January 1993 the City Council agreed in principle to offer far sale to Land Projects Partnership a parcel of property located at the intersection of Locust and East 7th Street located across from Kmart. The property was offered to Land Projects at a price of $17,000, which reflects a reduction in the appraisal that the City had obtained, which allowed for potential soil correction and the installation of sanitary sewer and water services. Because of the additional expense that would be needed to put in sanitary sewer and water services, Land Projects had counteroffered at $13,000. As a result of recent discussions, the following proposed compromise for sale of land to Land Projects Partnership has been established. Land Projects would pay $18,000 for the 7th Street remnant, provided the City installs 2 sanitary sewer stubs at the intersection of Locust and 7th Street. These 2 sanitary sewer stubs would be available to the entire 1-acre parcel and would allow the property to be Page 2 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 subdivided in the future if development warrants. It is anticipated that the Cites cost to construct the 2 sanitary sewer services would be approximately $2,500. The City would be receiving approximately $15,500 for this parcel which, in all reality, would reach its best use if combined with the adjacent parcel. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Patty Olsen to accept the proposed purchase price of $18,000, with the City installing 2 sanitary sewer stubs and to authorize City staff to call for a public hearing on the vacation of the 7th Street remnant parcel, with final approval of the land transaction contingent on the street vacation process. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Public Hearin on Phase IV of the Cardinal Hills ublic im rovement ro'ect and consideration of ado tin a resolution acre tin bid awardin contract and orderin ro'ect. Assistant Adminstrator O'Neill described the scope of the project. He noted that a public hearing is necessary in conjunction with phase IV improvements because a portion of the project includes development of a pathway along School Boulevard. This pathway was not a petitioned item and is proposed to be assessed against benefiting property owners; therefore, a public hearing is necessary. O'Neill asked Value Plus developers if they would rather install the pathway themselves ar would they prefer that the pathway be installed through the public improvement process. Holthaus indicated that the price in the bid appeared reasonable and, therefore, it would make sense to complete the pathway as part of the construction project. Shelly Johnson concurred that the prices look reasonable and that it makes sense at this time to complete the connection from Little Mountain Elementary to the Middle School. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Clint Herbst to adopt the resolution accepting bid, awarding contract to R & P Utilities of Annandale in the amount of $517,410, and ordering the project contingent on execution of the development agreement, which includes City acquisition of financial guarantees as required under the development agreement. Motion carried unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 94-14. 7. Consideration of ado tin develo went a eement and consideration of a royal of final lot - Phase N Cardinal Hills residential subdivision. Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed the development agreement and noted that it is very similar to the agreements approved in the past. O'Neill Page 3 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 noted that there has been an increase in the value of the raw land for purposes of calculation of park dedication fees. The development agreement proposes $2,100 per acre versus $2,000 per acre under phases I through III. Clint Herbst noted that it probably would make sense to finalize the park dedication requirement for Phases IV and V, that perhaps the development agreement should be changed to reconcile all park development fee expenses associated with the plat. Clint Herbst suggested that park dedication fees collected be provided to the school district to assist in development of neighborhood facilities used by the development area. Shelly Johnson indicated his appreciation and noted that the school district would happy to work with the Parks Commission in determining how the money should be spent for park facilities on school property. Value Plus developers indicated their support of this concept. Bret Weiss, City Engineer, stated that added erosion control measures will be required with the next phase. He stated that a silt fence will be required along curb lines and that a gravel ramp to each lot with a home under construction will be installed to provide a single access to each property. This measure will help prevent erosion of the soils onto the streets and into the storm sewer systems. The gravel ramps will decrease congestion and traffic movement concerns by limiting access to one location at each developing site. It will also reduce the amount of damage that is done to curbs with vehicles passing over unprotected curbs at various locations. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Patty Qlsen to the adopt development agreement and approve the final plat of phase IV of the Cardinal Hills residential subdivision. Final signing of the plat is contingent on the City being provided financial guarantees as outlined in the development agreement. Motion includes an amendment to the agreement calling for complete reconciliation of all park dedication requirements through phase V. Park dedication funds to be provided to the School District with input on fund use to be provided by the Parks Commission. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Consideration of a resolution declarin intent to reimburse ro'ect costs throw h a future bond sale - Pro'ect 94-01C Cardinal Hills 4th Addition. Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported that IRS regulations require that this resolution be adopted if any expenditures associated with this project are made for engineering or construction prior to the actual bond being sold. Wolfsteller noted that there is not an immediate need far the City to proceed with the bond sale prior to the actual work commencing within Cardinal Hills 4th Addition. Sufficient funds are on hand to handle cash flow needs. The City has one year after the project is completed to sell Page 4 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 a bond if it wishes to reimburse itself for any costs associated with this project. This one-year time period is available if the City Council adopts the resolution. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Warren Smith to adopt the resolution relating to financing of Cardinal Hills 4th Addition to be undertaken by the City of Monticello establishing compliance of the reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. Motion carried unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 94-15. 9. Consideration of antin a conditional use ermit allowin minor auto re air and allowin outside stora a in a B-3 hi hwa business zone. A licant Je s Tawin Service/Milton Olson. Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that this application is made in conjunction with the recent occupancy of Milton Olson's facility by Jerry's Towing Service. Jerry's Towing occupied the facility and began operation without obtaining a conditional use permit. The applicant is now catching up by completing the process at this time. O'Neill went on to report on the Planning Commission's recommendation, which was to approve the conditional use permit but limit the number of vehicles stored outside of the screening area to six vehicles. Gary Anderson mentioned that the applicant may not realistically be able to maintain only six vehicles stored outside and that it might be more appropriate to increase the number slightly. Jerry Foley concurred that he would prefer that a few more vehicles be allowed to be stored outside of the screened-in area. O'Neill noted that the site plan includes landscaping improvements along with a screened in-area. After discussion, a motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Warren Smith to approve the conditional use permit allowing minor auto repair and outside storage in a B-3 zone subject to conditions outlined in the ordinance and subject to completion of site improvements identified on the site plan. Motion to approve the conditional use permit is based on the finding that the operation on the site as proposed is consistent with the zoning ordinance, consistent with the comprehensive plan, and consistent with the geography and character of the B-3 district in that area. In addition, cars being readied for service or awaiting customer pickup outside of the screened-in area shall be limited to 10 cars or trucks. Motion carried unanimously. Page 5 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 10. Consideration of Emmerich/HIein rezonin /cam rehensive lan amendment request. Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed the steps leading to Council consideration of this matter. He noted that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 3, which was continued to April 5 and to May 3. This provided a good opportunity for information and issues to be reviewed and addressed. In addition to the three Planning Commission meetings, there was a joint meeting held on March 30, at which time information regarding the request was provided to various commissions and local organizations. In his presentation, O'Neill noted that the plan calls far placing residential uses next to I-2 uses, which appear to create a conflict in land uses. O'Neill noted that the Planning Commission researched this issue with other cities and determined that a practical level of isolation can be achieved between these two uses through installation of berms and landscaping and by separating residential and industrial road systems. He also reported that the Planning Commission looked carefully at the need to preserve additional industrial land for future development. The Planning Commission examined the option of developing at least 60 acres of the HIein property for industrial development, with the balance being developed for multi-family and single family uses. As a result of their review, it was their finding that, given the present absorption rate of industrial land, the present supply (235 acres) is adequate to address our short- and medium-term needs, and that time is available that will allow the City to explore industrial development in areas currently located in the township or located on the NSP property in the city. O'Neill went on to review a finance plan associated with installation of utilities to the HIein site and described costs associated with preserving the northern half of the HIein site for industrial uses. In order to develop the southern half of the HIein property for residential use, utilities will need to be extended through the northern half of the property, and Fallon Avenue and School Boulevard will need to be installed. According to the City Engineer, the cost for improvements associated with extending utilities and roads through the industrial area are over $400,000. O'Neill went on to outline the Planning Commission's recommendation, which was to approve both the Emmerich rezoning and the HIein comprehensive plan amendments. Reasons for support of the proposal are as follows. 1. Industrial Land Inventory. Currently there are 235 acres of industrial land in the city. In addition, the City owns 60 acres of prime industrial land currently located in the township. The rate of absorption of available industrial land provides sufficient time for the City to develop industrial sites at a more isolated location. Page 6 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 2. Proper transition and a practical level of isolation from I-2 and R-3 uses can be achieved through installation of berming and landscaping and through separation of roadway systems. 3. The City needs to provide land to serve needs of regional commercial enterprises. The plan proposed will provide the land necessary and will encourage development of School Boulevard, which will support development of a regional business district at the location as proposed. 4. UtilitylRoad System Financing. The plan as proposed will encourage developer financing of School Boulevard, Fallon Avenue, water main, and trunk sanitary sewer systems. 5. The Emmerich site is currently zoned Far single family uses, which is inappropriate given the location on Highway 25 and the presence of pipeline and power line easements. The highest and best use for this land area is for commercial purposes as proposed. 6. The Township generally supports the plan as presented. 7. The developer supports the modifications made to the plan by the Planning Commission. O'Neill went on to note reasons for possible denial of the request. ].. Industrial land in the city is finite. Despite the fact that a good supply of industrial land is available to handle our short-term needs, we still may want to hold onto this area far long-term considerations. 2. There are no guarantees that the City will be able to work with the Township in development of the industrial area for the future. 3. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority has expressed an interest in establishing a finance plan to support the preservation of industrial land. This is an option that has not been fully explored. Council may wish to table the matter to provide time for the developer and the HRA to come to terms on a possible method for preserving the industrial land on the HIein site. Finally, O'Neill went on to outline important steps that the Planning Commission recommends in an effort to address the city-wide land use issues that have been raised during the process of reviewing the request. The list of follow-up activities include: Page 7 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 a. Complete comprehensive plan update. Identify future industrial areas. Work closely with the Township on this matter. b. Update zoning district regulations. Maintain diversity of industrial land types for various industriaUoffice uses. c. Develop plans for pending utilities to existing industrial lands, including the Gladys Hoglund site. d. Update B-4 district regulations governing development in regional commercial district. e. Require intense berming by ordinance to separate industrial from residential uses. f. Complete transportation system designs and subdivision designs in a manner separating conflicting uses. g. Improve linkages between commercial areas: 1) Work with the State Highway Department to improve traffic flow on Hwy 25 via improved signal timing. 2) Realign Cedar Street to improve land utilization. 3) Pursue development of Fallon Avenue overpass. Clint Herbst mentioned his concern regarding the planning process used. It was his view that too many long-term issues regarding future development of industrial areas remain unanswered and that the City would be wise to table the matter pending completion of an update to the comprehensive plan. Brad Fyle indicated that he supports the work done by the Planning Commission. In his view, R-1 development at the Kjellberg site is a bad idea; development of regional commercial at this location is more practical as proposed in the plan. He also noted that Planning Commission did a thorough job of researching methods of separating industrial from residential uses through buffering systems. Patty Olsen explained that she intends on voting on this matter due to the fact that she has no conflict of interest. She informed Council that her involvement in the property ended when she was paid for her work as real estate agent when the land closed two months ago. If the vote would have come up before the closing, she would not have been able to vote at that time. She also mentioned that she is a salaried employee of a company other than Emmerich's company and in no way directly benefits from any decision to approve the request. Page 8 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 Shirley Anderson indicated that the Planning Commission made a strong attempt to satisfy the concerns of all those that provided input, and it was her view that the plan as proposed is the best alternative available. She also noted that the City Attorney has reviewed Olsen's participation in the matter and, given the facts as presented, has determined that Olsen is eligible to vote. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Warren Smith to adopt the Planning Commission recommendation to accept the rezoning request as submitted based on the finding that the rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan, consistent with the character and geography of the area, will not result in depreciation of adjoining land values, and there is a demonstrated need for the types of land uses proposed as opposed to the existing zoning which is currently R-1. Voting in favor: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Patty Olsen, Warren Smith. Opposed: Clint Herbst. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 249. At this point in the meeting, a 5-minute recess was taken. When the meeting reconvened, discussion ensued regarding the Klein property. Ollie Koropchak noted that during the past week she received a number of contacts from various industrial users interested in Monticello. She also reminded the Council that the HRA is interested in working with the City and the developer toward development of a finance plan that would support preservation of the Klein property for industrial use. She also noted that the Chamber of Commerce met on Friday to discuss the matter, and the Chamber recommended that the item be tabled to allow time for development of a plan tQ allow use of TIF to preserve the HIein property for industrial uses. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Patty Olsen to amend the comprehensive plan as recommended by the Planning Commission by specifically identifying land uses as requested by Klein with the exception that the R-~ uses proposed to the north and west sides of the property be reduced to a 50/50 split between R-3 and R-2 uses. Voting in favor: Shirley Anderson, Patty Olsen, Warren Smith, Brad Fyle. Opposed: Clint Herbst. Council then reviewed the important planning tasks listed by the Planning Commission that need to be completed in the near future to address concerns voiced by various organizations that have provided input on this matter. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Patty Olsen ~ta authorize City staff to address the items as follows. Page 9 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 a. Complete comprehensive plan update. Identify future industrial areas. Work closely with the Township on this matter. b. Update zoning district regulations. Maintain diversity of industrial land types far various industriaUoffice uses. c. Develop plans for pending utilities to existing industrial lands, including the Gladys Hoglund site. d. Update B-4 district regulations governing development in regional commercial district. e. Require intense berming by ordinance to separate industrial from residential uses. f. Complete transportation system designs and subdivision designs in a manner separating conflicting uses. 1 g. Improve linkages between commercial areas: 1) Work with the State Highway Department to improve traffic flow on Hwy 25 via improved signal timing. 2) Realign Cedar Street to improve land utilization. 3) Pursue development of Fallon Avenue overpass. 4) Pursue upgrading Highwy 25 to a 4-lane highway. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Consideration of contractin far assistance with buildin ins ections. Assistant Administrator O'Neill outlined a proposal to contract out for short-term building inspection needs while the City develops a plan for addressing its overall work farce. Under the proposal, the City would hire an inspector through Paul Waldron Associates at the rate of $24 an hour. This rate includes all expenses, including liability insurance and transportation. There is na charge to the City for transportation time to and from the city. O'Neill outlined reasons supporting the proposal. 1. The inspector assigned to Monticello would be completely trained in residential construction and would have complete familiarity with the building code. Training time for this individual would be minimal, thereby providing oux current Building Inspector with immediate assistance. Page 10 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 2. Contracting out buys the City time to fully analyze building inspections, planning and zoning, and public nuisance enforcement needs and gives us time to determine the level of staffing needed to satisfy those needs. 3. The immediate need can be addressed without further delay. On the other hand, hiring a training student out of a technical college or a carpenter off the street will take time. 4. Funds are available. In the past, it's been the philosophy of the City to charge building inspection services at a rate equal to expenses. In 1993, however, the City made far more money than it spent on building inspections; therefore, revenue is available from this funding source to provide this service. Clint Herbst was concerned that $24 per hour is too high and the City might be able to save more by hiring aless-qualified individual and then have Gary train that person in. Paul Waldron was present to inform Council that the person he would send to Monticello would be fully qualified and able to work immediately. He understands that this is a short-term situation and that there is no commitment from the City to keep this person here any longer than is absolutely necessary. Gary Anderson indicated that utilization of inspectors from Albertville and Elk River have not been fully explored and these cities have people available. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Patty Olsen to table further consideration of hiring a private contractor to assist in building inspections pending collection of additional information regarding alternatives. Voting in favor: Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson, Patty Olsen, Brad Fyle. Opposed: Warren Smith. 12. Consideration of rezonin Outlots C and D of Meadow Oak Estates from R- PUD to R-1. Assistant Administrator O'Neill informed the City Council that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed rezoning based on the finding that the design of the Eastwood Knoll subdivision is consistent with the original design goals of the planned unit development. The R-1 zoning district designation is necessary because this designation and the district rules contained therein will be consistent with the land use as proposed under the subdivision design. Page 11 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Clint Herbst to approve the rezoning of Outlots C and D of Meadow Oak Estates from R-PUD to R-1. Motion carried unanimously. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 250. 14. Consideration of reviewin ro Deals offered for urchase and develo went of Outlats C and D Meadow Oak Estates. Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reviewed the two responses to the RFP, one coming from Value Plus Homes of Monticello and the other From S & J Investment and Finance, Inc., out of Anoka. Wolfsteller noted that the Value Plus proposal actually required that the City kick in an additional $].3,000 in cash along with giving the land away for nothing in order for the proposal to work. This proposal does not seem feasible at this time. The purchase price offered by S & J Investment was $104,000 which equates to $6,500 per acre for the 16-acre parcel. However, the S & J design calls for 35 lots and would require significant grading and associated tree loss. Wolfsteller reviewed a third proposal submitted by Vic Hellman, which was submitted after the deadline and offered less cash per acre than the two other proposals. Clint Herbst noted, "I'm glad we went out and tried to market the property. We have satisfied our conscience that private developers have had an opportunity to purchase the land." After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Shirley Anderson to reject all proposals submitted and proceed with the City developing Eastwood Knoll plat as planned. Motion carried unanimously. 15. Consideration of a resolution orderin lane ands ecifications for the Eastwood Knoll subdivision. A licant Cit of Monticello. Council discussed whether or not to order plans and specifications for completion of improvements to Eastwood Knoll subdivision. Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported that the preliminary plat design as accepted by the City Council requires that the City purchase lots now owned by Dickman Knutson adjoining Meadow Oak Avenue. The delinquent taxes and penalties and interest currently exceed the market value of the lots, and it is likely that the lots will became available to the City through the tax forfeiture process. To expedite completion of the project, the City could purchase these lots at a price equal to the outstanding taxes on the property rather than wait for the tax forfeitwre to be completed. Under this scenario, Dickman Knutson would have to be willing to let the land go for the amount in taxes. Wolfsteller requested Page 12 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 that City Council delay authorization to complete plans and specifications until the City has control over the land needed to connect Meadow Oak Avenue to the interior roadway within Eastwood Knoll. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Clint Herbst to table ordering plans and specifications for the Eastwood Knoll subdivision but authorize preparation of the final plat contingent on the City Administrator obtaining an agreement from Dickman Knutson regarding City acquisition of properties needed for the extension of the interior roadway. Motion carried unanimously. 1 13. Consideration of a rovin reliminar lot of the Eastwood Knoll subdivision. O'Neill informed Council that the Planning Commission has recommended a new design that features changes to the plan that satisfy concerns voiced by area residents and City staff. The major change is the introduction of an additional intersection that inhibits use of the collector road as a throughway. The plan also provides a connection between the two subdivisions that falls at a position west of the original one, which further reduces the appeal of the collector as a roadway. Bret Weiss, City Engineer, reviewed the subdivision preliminary plat in more detail. Bob Grieman, representing the Meadow Oak Estates neighborhood, expressed his thanks for the deliberate process which the City followed in completing this design. It is his view that the design as proposed is acceptable to the neighborhood. After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Shirley Anderson to accept the plat as presented and recommended by the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. 16. Consideration of feasibilit stud for reali ment of Cedar Street at Count Road 117 East Oakwood Drive and resurfacin of East 7th Street between _H~i hway 25 and Cedar,,Street. Jahn Simola, Public Works Director, reported that two areas have been identified as priorities far street improvements. The first one is the existing alignment of Cedar Street at Oakwood Drive. In this area, there have been recurring drainage problems as well as an alignment problem. In this area we have sufficient right-of--way to realign the intersection and to regrade the boulevard to correct drainage problems. Since Cedar Street is a state aid road, we have the option of either using our street budget or state aid maintenance funds or state aid construction money to fund the cost of the improvements. Page 13 Council Minutes - 5/9/94 The other priority is 7th Street between Highway 25 and Cedar Street. The street surface is in need of repair. It is broken up enough to require construction rather than a simple overlay. The options for funding this street section are the same as the Cedar Street improvements. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Patty Olsen to authorize OSM to complete the Feasibility study at a cost not to exceed $1,000. Motion carried unanimously. 17. Consideration of s ecifications for obtainin bids for contract mowin operations. John Simala reported that in 1993 the City Council requested that staff look at the possibility of contract mowing as avast-saving measure ar to put off hiring of additional full-time people and purchase of additional mowing equipment. Clint Herbst questioned why we would be obtaining bids far contract mowing operations when we just purchased a new lawn mower just weeks ago. John Simola reported that it was requested to prepare this bid specification and that a need for the lawn mower exists with or without contracting the bulk of lawn mowing services. After discussion, a motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Brad Fyle to advertise for bids for mowing services to be returned and considered at the May 23 Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. C~•' Jeff O' 1 Assistant Administrator Page 14