City Council Minutes 09-12-1994 SpecialMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MUNTICELL~ CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 12, 1994 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Warren Smith, Dan
Blonigen
Members Absent: None
2. Consideration of adding additional agenda items.
A. Consideration of acce tin an offer for the urchase of a lot owned b
the City within Oakwood Industrial Park 2nd Addition.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to add this item to
the agenda after item #7.
3. A royal of minutes of the re lar meetin held Au st 22 1994 and the
special meeting held September 6, 1994.
Councilmember Anderson requested that item #8 of the August 22 minutes
regarding award of contract for underground fuel tank removal and disposal
from the Gille site be amended to reflect that Anderson's motion was
amended by Clint Herbst.
Anderson also requested that paragraph three of the September 6 minutes
be amended to show that she agreed with Councilmember Smith that the
City's contribution to the School District for the community education
program ($17,500) helps pay for administration of recreation programs that
the City would have to provide at a higher cast otherwise.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Clint Herbst to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held August 22,
].994, and the special meeting held September 6, 1994, as amended. Motion
carried unanimously.
4. Citizens comments/ etitions re nests and com laints.
None forthcoming.
5. Report from Community Arena Organization.
Dennis Taylor, member of the Community Arena Association, reported that
over the past 1 1/2 years the association has raised between $88,000 and
$93,000 of the required $100,000. He asked Council if this amount was
sufficient to allow the referendum to be conducted or should they continue
efforts to raise funds. Mayor Fyle asked if they have met the other required
commitments.
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Council Minutes - 9/12/94
Assistant Administrator O'Neill stated that the feasibility study detailing
site plan requirements, grading and drainage issues, and the final finance
plan was not completed as required by the City Council. Therefore, the
detailed information necessary to conduct a referendum is not available.
O'Neill went on to note that a referendum for this item cannot be on this
year's ballot but could either be on the ballot at the 1996 election, or a
special election could be held. Councilmember Anderson stated that she
preferred that the cost to conduct a special referendum be paid by the
Community Arena Association.
Shirley Anderson asked Taylor if the association had received a
commitment from Big Lake Township to help fund the arena. Taylor
responded they had not obtained a commitment on funding from Big Lake
but had received donations from individuals from that area. Anderson
suggested that the association try again to obtain a commitment from Big
Lake and Becker Townships.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council that additional discussion
is needed before a referendum on the community arena can be authorized;
however, such discussion should be delayed until after the new City Council
takes office. At that time, the association could present a new proposal to
Council far consideration.
6. Consideration of resolution to enter into s ecial ro'ects a Bement with
MN/DOT far Meadow Oaks outlet storm sewer.
City Engineer Bret Weiss reported that it is possible to obtain funding from
MN/DOT far the portion of storm water entering the Meadow Oak storm
sewer originating from the freeway system adjoining the Gene Bauer and
Meadow Oak property. Since the City will be bidding the Meadow Oak
storm sewer project in the spring of 1995, MN/DOT can consider our
request for funding if Council passes a resolution authorizing the City to
enter into a special projects agreement for such funding.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Warren Smith to adopt a resolution requesting a cooperative agreement
with MN/DOT for storm water drainage improvements on Interstate 94 in
accordance with the Meadow Oak storm water outlet project, 93-12C.
Motion carried unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 94-3Q.
7. Consideration of amendin minor and mar "nal access/cul-de-sac street
width requirements.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the request to amend street
width requirements for minor and marginal access/cul-de-sac streets comes
from developers who believe that Monticello street width requirements are
extreme when compared to contemporary standards. O'Neill explained that
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a marginal access or cul-de-sac street serves a limited number of properties
and that a minor street is typically a street that serves numerous properties
within a residential area and provides a local "collector" function. The
minor street width requirement in Monticello is 36 ft. The marginal access
street width requirement is 32 ft. Research by the City Engineer's staff
shows that Monticello does require wide streets when compared to other
cities. Of the cities surveyed, 8% had 36-ft wide minor streets and 2% were
greater than 36 ft. For marginal streets, 28% of those surveyed were at our
standard of 32 ft, with 6% greater than 32 ft and another 7% greater yet.
In his report, O'Neill reviewed reasons to continue the present standard
such as safety, easier plowing, better maneuverability, additional area for
pedestrian movement, and availability of parking on bath sides of the street.
He also outlined reasons in favor of narrower street widths such as a
limited need for off-street parking, creation of a neighborhood atmosphere,
likelihood of slower speeds, lower maintenance and replacement costs, less
run-off, and less environmental impact.
O'Neill went on to report that the Planning Commission reviewed the
matter at its September 6 meeting, and they felt that the reasons for
amending the street widths outweighed the reasons for maintaining the
existing requirement; therefore, Planning Commission favors amending the
ordinance as proposed. O'Neill added that as another alternative, the
variance process could be used to handle special circumstances that might
justify narrower road widths for a particular subdivision.
During discussion, Councilmembers noted that they favored the wider
streets because it is easier to see children, wider streets are safer, and it
affords a place for pedestrians in lieu of sidewalks. Allowing narrower
streets could result in the need for sidewalks, which places an unfair
expense to homeowners on the side chosen for placement of sidewalks.
Shirley Anderson stated that she supports the current ordinance.
John Simola, Public Works Director, noted that he also prefers wider
streets, and the added expense associated with sealcoating and overlaying is
minimal. Simola and the City Engineer noted that the right-of--way
requirement should be increased to from 50 ft 60 ft for marginal access
streets to provide sufficient area in the boulevard for placement of signs.
Jon Bogart, a current member of the Planning Commission, agreed with the
60-ft right-of--way requirement but noted that he disagreed with
maintaining the wider street requirement. He pointed out that wider
streets promote children playing in the street, on-street parking, and higher
traffic speeds. In addition, the cost to plow wider streets is higher, and
eventually, in an effort to reduce pollution of lakes and streams, the PCA
will crack down on the water quality and amount of run-off from streets.
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The Mayor noted that he would not have a problem with alternative #3,
which would maintain the current ordinance of 36 ft for minor street width,
but Council would review all proposed roads to determine which category
each would fall under. Councilmember Herbst favored the idea of
developers obtaining a variance, provided that the street width is never less
than 32 ft.
After discussion, a motion was made by Warren Smith and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to deny amendment of minor and marginal access/cul-de-
sac street width requirements, but approved an amendment of the right-of-
way width from 50 ft to 60 ft for marginal access roads. Motion carried
unanimously. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ND. 255.
2A. Consideration of acce tin an offer for the urchase of a lot owned b the
Citv within Oakwood Industrial Park 2nd Addition.
City Administrator Wolfsteller reported that the City has received an offer
to purchase Lot 4 in the Oakwood Industrial Park 2nd Addition, consisting
of approximately 2.3 acres, in the amount of $36,000 from Miley Gjertsen,
who is interested in relocating his business from Rogers to Monticello.
Wolfsteller explained that since June ].991, the City has generally agreed to
hold Lots 1, 2, and 3 for possible future expansion of H-Window's complex,
and the City has granted a Right of First Refusal for Lots 4, 5, and 6. Even
though this agreement actually expired on January 31, 1994, Council may
still want to give H-Window the opportunity to purchase these parcels
before selling them to someone else. In addition to considering the offer of
$36,000, Council may also want to discuss what type of structure can be
constructed on the property. Metal buildings are allowed, but Council can
dictate a higher standard if desired.
It was the consensus of Council that a metal structure is acceptable on this
property.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Warren Smith to accept the offer of $36,000 from Miley Gjertsen for Lot 4,
Oakwood Industrial Park 2nd Addition, and to give H-Window the Right of
First Refusal for 10 working days to expire Monday, September 26, 1994.
Anderson also noted that H-Window must commit at this time to any other
lots in the area that they wish to purchase since the Right of First Refusal
agreement is now expired. Motion carried unanimously.
S. Consideration of ordinance amendment ad'ustin Ma or and Council
compensation.
Shirley Anderson stated that due to the fact that only two people have filed
For Council office at this time, she would like to release Dan Blonigen and
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Council Minutes - 9/12/94
Warren Smith from their oral commitment to her that they will not run for
office in this year's election.
Administrator Wolfsteller noted that state statutes require any increase in
Mayor and Council compensation be done by ordinance amendment or
resolution prior to any municipal election, which in Manticello's case would
be prior to the general election in November. Wolfsteller noted that the
compensation rates have not changed for a number of years. He went on to
review a survey of a number of cities which showed that the Monticello
Mayor and Council compensation is lower than average. He noted that
there are a number of ways Council could increase the compensation such
as establishing a flat monthly amount, a monthly amount plus an additional
amount for each meeting, or any other method it chooses.
Mayor Fyle noted that Monticello is an active community, which would
justify an increase in the compensation. Dan Blonigen felt there should be
a bigger difference between the Mayor and Cvuncilmember's compensation
since the Mayor's position is more time consuming.
After discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen and seconded by
Warren Smith to increase the Mayor's compensation to $450 per month and
Council's compensation to $350 per month. Voting in favor: Dan Blonigen,
Warren Smith, Brad Fyle. Opposed: Clint Herbst, Shirley Anderson, as
they felt the increase was too high.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT N0. 256.
9. Consideration of observance of second annual Waste Reduction Week
October ~-9, 1994.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Clint Herbst to declare October 3-9, 1994, as Waste Reduction Week, and
also to declare the month of October 1994 as Waste Reduction Month, which
authorizes Vasko to leave garbage containing recyclables at curbside during
Waste Reduction Week and one additional time during the month of
October. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Consideration of urchasin emer enc b ass um far sanita sewer
collection system.
John Simala reported that Matt Theisen, Water Superintendent, may have
received a verbal quote that is lower than what was listed in the agenda
supplement; therefore, the total for purchasing the necessary equipment
would be less than $3,500.
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Council Minutes - 9/12/94
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Dan
Blonigen to authorize purchase of the. Flygt pump from Waldor Pump and to
purchase the necessary electrical components, hose, and fittings, for an
amount not to exceed $3,500. Motion carried unanimously.
11. Consideration of final a ent to Veit far Gille house demolition.
After discussion, a motian was made by Dan Blonigen and seconded by
Warren Smith to authorize final payment to Veit & Company, Inc., in the
amount of $6,2Fi0.50 for demolition of the old Gille house. Motion carried
unanimously.
12. Consideration of final a ent to Schluender Construction Com an for
Gille fuel tank removal and disposal.
After discussion, a motion was made by Warren Smith and seconded by Dan
Blonigen to authorize final payment to Schluender Construction in the
amount of $8,947 far removal and disposal of underground fuel tanks at the
old Gille site, contingent upon receipt of the necessary forms and
documentation. Motion carried unanimously.
13. Consideration of final a ent to Northwest Mechanical on Project 93-11C
chlorination/dechlorinatian s stem at the W WTP.
After discussion, a motian was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by
Shirley Anderson to authorize final payment to Northwest Mechanical in
the amount of $2,451.90 Far the chlorination/dechlorination system at the
WWTP. Motion carried unanimously.
14. Consideration of final a ent to Bituminous Consultin and Contractin
for Pra'ect 93-13C Monticello Ford storm sewer.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by
Dan Blonigen to authorize final payment to Bituminous Consulting and
Contracting, lnc., in the amount of $2,105.19 for Project 93-13C, contingent
upon receipt of all lien waivers, release of liens, and applicable forms
required by contract. Motion carried unanimously.
15. Other matters.
A. Shirley Anderson reported that the manhole covers on Broadway are
very noisy when trucks drive over them and requested that they be
fixed. John Simola, Public Works Director, reported that this has
been discussed with the County, and the County did adjust the
manholes; however, staff will try to re-adjust the noisy one adjacent
to city hall.
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Council Minutes - 9/12/94
B. Councilmember Anderson asked if the state had been contacted
regarding left turns on Broadway. Jahn Simala reported that he had
not yet contacted the state but will review correspondence relating to
this request.
C. Councilmember Anderson noted that a student was hit by a car near
the high school last week and asked if the state had been notified.
John Simola reported that the state is always notified of traffic
accidents.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to have the Public
Works Director ask the Wright County Deputies to more closely
patrol Highway 75 near the high school.
D. Councilmember Smith reported that he received a call from Mike
Carley of Kmart, who was concerned that due to his store design, he
will have difficulty in regulating sales as defined by the ordinance.
Smith noted that he has encouraged Carley to attend a Council
meeting to voice his concerns.
Administrator Wolfsteller noted that he also talked to Carley.
Wolfsteller suggested to Council that the City could adjust the
ordinance, as the intent was to rid easy accessibility to single pack
sales, not cartons as in Kmart's situation.
Mayor Fyle noted he had also received a complaint from Total Mart
regarding the tobacco ordinance.
No action was taken an this item at this time.
E. Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that a petition has been
received from Gould Brothers Chevrolet and D & D Bus for sewer
service. This item will be on a future agenda for Council
consideration after further planning and consultation with the
Township.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
L
r n Doty
Office Manager
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