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City Council Minutes 11-09-2009MINUTES REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, November 9, 2009 — 7 p.m. Members Present: Clint Herbst, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf, 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 recited. 2A. Approval of Minutes - October 26, 2009 Special Meeting BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 26, 2009 SPECIAL MEETING AS PRESENTED. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0 WITH SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI ABSTAINING. 2B. Approval of Minutes - October 26, 2009 Regular Meeting GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 26, 2009 REGULAR MEETING AS PRESENTED. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0 WITH SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI ABSTAINING. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda The following items were added to the regular agenda: a) Leaf pickup policy, b) Update on the acid storage area for the pool, and c) Resolution on nuclear waste storage. 4. Citizen comments, public service announcements and Council updates a. Citizen Comments: none b. Public Service Anriouncements: none C. Council Updates: 1) River SU Hwy 25 intersection: Bruce Westby noted that MNDOT contacted the City and they will be here on November 17 to turn on signals at Hwy 25 and River Street. The signs to be posted in the area have arrived. Glen Posusta asked what has been done to update the public. He suggested a notice be published in the Times and Shopper to explain how the signal lights will work and put that information on Channel 12 as well. Susie Wojchouski asked about progress on the I -94 bridge work at East County Road 75. Bruce Westby explained that section will not be used until spring work commences. Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page I 5. Consent Agenda A. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments. Recommendation: Ratify new departures for Parks. B. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009 -65 to accept contribution of $250 from Tom Perrault to go into the General Fund. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution #2009 -65 for contribution of $250 from Tom Perrault. C. Consideration of accepting GFOA matching grant award for an internship in the amount of $3000 and approve advertising for an intern for the Finance Department. Recommendation: Accept GFOA matching grant for $3000 and approve advertisement for the intern position. D. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009 -64 Calling for a Public Hearing to issue Revenue Bonds by the City of St Cloud on behalf of CentraCare Health System. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution #2009 -64 to Call for a Public Hearing on issuance of revenue bonds on behalf of CentraCare Health System. E. Consideration of ratifying the EDA approval of a $2000 contribution to Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Recommendation: Ratify EDA approval of $2000 contribution to Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion (No items were removed from the consent agenda.) 7. Public Hearing — Consideration of adopting Resolution #2009 -67 approving the vacation of a portion of drainage and utility easement for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 4, River Forest 2"d Addition Bruce Westby summarized the call for a public hearing to vacate a portion of an easement on these lots in River Forest 2nd. This vacation request came about due to an application by a homeowner to build a shed on his property, which would have encroached into the easement. After researching the history of the easement, no reason could be found for such a large easement. Clint Herbst recalled that at one time there was consideration of a need for a larger drainage easement on these lots. Brian Stumpf asked why the fourth lot was not included in the vacation. Bruce Westby explained that lot has only a 10 foot easement and does not to have part vacated. The three lots in question have no utilities in the portion to be vacated and it is not needed for drainage. Mayor Herbst opened the Public Hearing. As there were no comments, the public hearing was closed. Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 2 GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION #2009 -67 VACATING A PORTION OF THE DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT FOR LOTS 1, 2, AND 3, BLOCK 4 OF RIVER FOREST 2ND ADDITION. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 8. Consideration of approving a Letter of Support for application for 2009 Legacy Grant funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Angela Schumann explained the reason for this request is to obtain state funds that could be used toward future purchase of land at Bertram Chain of Lakes property. Mark Mattice of Wright County would be in charge of writing and submitting the grant application. Clint Herbst explained that it is important for the City and County to attempt to obtain whatever sources of funding are available. SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 TO ADOPT A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR PARKS & TRAILS LEGACY GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE BERTRAM CHAIN OF LAKES. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -1 WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION. Brian Stumpf noted that this is consistent with previous actions to obtain land at Bertram Chain of Lakes. 9. Consideration of approving amended assessment agreement with John Chadwick for Outlot D of Otter Creels Crossing for taxes payable 2010 Angela Schumann noted that, at the October 26th meeting, Council approved having the City Attorney develop an amended assessment agreement to address a request by John Chadwick for reapportionment of the special assessments on Outlet D of Otter Creels Crossings. She noted that John Chadwick waived his right to a public hearing on the assessment reapportionment and staff found that the request was reasonable and supported by a series of unique findings. Clint Herbst asked Tom Kelly about the status of current bonds and whether it would be favorable to refinance the bond. Tom Kelly pointed out that the bond is not eligible for refinancing at this time and the City could handle the bond payments under a reapportionment of this assessment. Tom noted that the city's bond consultants do keep the City informed on potential situations where it may be advantageous for the City to refinance a bond. BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 TO APPROVE THE ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT FOR REAPPORTIONMENT OF REMAINING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR OUTLOT D, OTTER CREEK CROSSINGS WITH A 15 YEAR TERM AT 5.5% INTEREST BEGINNING IN 2010. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Council Minutes —November 9, 2009 Page 3 10. Consideration of approving reduction in warming house hours for the 2009 -2010 winter skating season Jeff O'Neill opened up discussion by explaining why this item is up for consideration. Due to the cutback on state funds and attempts to keep the budget within control, open hours at the warming houses came up at a recent Personnel Committee meeting. It was requested that staff look closely at the skating rink usage and attempt to come up with a reduction in hours that the warming houses would be open. He explained the various options that could potentially be adopted for weekdays, weekends, and holidays and school vacation days. Jeff O'Neill pointed out the amounts that could be budgeted for the various options. Jeff O'Neill also brought up the question of how to monitor warming house use at 4th Street Rink if the Youth Hockey Association would be using the rink outside of hours maintained by city rink attendants. Tom Pawelk noted how he had come up with the hours on Option 3 related to a combination of hours at 4`t' St and Bridge Park rinks. These rinks would not always be staffed at the same time. Mayor Herbst opened up the meeting for comments from the audience. Bantam coach Eric Hanse, 2525 Alpine Court, spoke in favor of Option 3 to provide more weekday hours for hockey skaters on the 4th Street rink. He would prefer not to have to deal with obtaining keys and monitoring the warming house when it is not open to the public. Clint Herbst pointed out that the public is always welcome at the rinks, although they would not have use of the warming houses when they are closed. He feels that Option 2 would be a good compromise by allowing the YHA to open the warming house anytime they need. Susie Wojchouski asked exactly what was proposed for weekdays under Option 3. Tom Pawelk explained that 4th St Rink is proposed to open from 4 to 9 p.m. except Tuesdays it would open at 5 p.m. West Bridge would close earlier than 9 p.m., opening only 30 hours per week. Susie Wojchouski asked if there could be more flexibility for the YHA, while not have the City keep the warming house open for so many hours. Glen Posusta agreed with Susie Wojchouski that he would prefer to have the warming houses open less hours for the public and have the YHA take more responsibility for maiming the 4th Street Rink and warming house. Eric Haase stated that YHA would make it work if they have to be responsible for the warming house, but it would be the more ideal situation if the City would be in charge of the hours during the week. Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 4 Steve Hammer, 16843 SE 169 St (Big Lake), stated that he would be in favor of keeping the 4th Street rink and warming house open for more hours and close West Bridge rink warming house during the week. He would like to see the rink at 4th Street open at least some days during the week. He noted that the outdoor rinks tend to be used more for hockey when the varsity hockey season is in full swing. James Preusse, 6262 Co Rd 37 NE, noted that the hockey rink is used for both practices and scrimmages during the prime hockey season. It may cover about 3 -4 hours a night. Susie Wojchouski asked, if the 4th Street warming house was open 2 evenings during the week, would that be adequate for practices. Mr. Preusse pointed out that would be a start but they would probably use the key to open it up for use on other evenings, depending on their game schedules. Brian Stumpf noted that it appears that as the season moves into its prime, there would be a bigger need for weekday hours. He feels that it might be worthwhile to adjust the hours depending on the demand. Glen Posusta said that there are not a huge number of hockey players in the community and the YHA should be able to be responsible for opening and closing the warming house during the week. Clint Herbst pointed out that the demand does not appear to justify having the warming house open every day during the week according to past statistics. Clint Herbst noted that he has heard complaints from people that the warming houses are open and there is no one at the rink. Jim S., 13441 80th St NW, stated that he feels the important thing is to provide skating time for those that want to skate during the week. He has been involved in the YHA for over 12 years and that the 4h Street Park is a great facility. He stated that the YHA would be able to make things work if they had to open and close the warming house. He suggested that it may be possible to obtain donations from Hockey Association families to help support the costs of keeping the warming house open more hours. Glen Posusta suggested that donations of time to monitor the warming house may be better than cash donations. David Warwas, 9148 Orchard Lane, spoke from a public skating aspect. He asked if the public skating rink would be available with the lights on. Tom Pawelk said that would be the plan; the only question is whether the bathrooms would be open because there are a lot of problems with vandalism. Tom Pawelk suggested that he could meet with the YHA and come up with some options including volunteer time and possible fees to help offset costs of skating rink attendants. Susie Wojchouski asked if Tom Pawelk could work up an option where the 0h Street Rink would be open a couple of weekdays but West Bridge would only be open on Thursday during the week and show the costs. Tom Perrault suggested that they also consider reducing the hours after President's Day since the numbers show a big decline after that. Brian Stumpf asked when the Parks Department normally starts preparation of the rinks. Tom Pawelk said they usually start sometime after Thanksgiving as weather gets colder. Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 5 SUSIE WOJCHOUSKI MOVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM AND BRING BACK TO THE NEXT MEETING WITH REVISED OPTIONS AFTER MEETING WITH THE YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 11. Consideration of approving application for Forest Protection Reserve state grant funds Bob Paschke spoke about the Forest Protection grant funds and explained how the funding could be used toward supporting a program to identify an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. Clint Herbst explained that the grant application allows the City to be eligible for the funding. They could decide at that time whether to accept the funding. Bob concurred and noted that the funding would be a reimbursement of City expenses at 85% of costs. The City would be responsible for 15% match which could be cash or other sources. Susie Wojehouski asked if the GIS programming could be used for trees other than ash trees. Bob Paschke explained that would be possible but the grant could cover only the portion for ash tree identification. Glen Posusta feels that, if the City is going to count and inventory trees, they should include all trees that would be of value for maintaining in the City. Brian Stumpf asked if there was any kind of an early detection system for EAB. Bob Paschke explained that the DNR is working on a system where they are monitoring trees in various areas of the state to keep ahead of the EAB infestations. Brian Stumpf asked who would be responsible for removing the diseased trees once an infestation is found. Tom Pawelk explained the Diseased Tree program that the City has in place. A homeowner would be reimbursed for half the cost of removing a diseased tree up to $225. When they purchase a replacement tree they can turn in the receipt to get reimbursed for half the cost up to $30. BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 TO ADOPT THE EMERALD ASH BORER PREPAREDNESS PLAN AND APPROVE APPLICATION FOR THE FOREST PROTECTION RESERVE GRANT WITH CITY CONTRIBUTION NOT TO EXCEED $15,000. MOTION SECONDED BY GLEN POSUSTA. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Brian Stumpf noted that he would like to see the City come up with a plan for handling diseased ash trees if we are approved for grant funds, Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 6 Added Items• a) Leaf Pickup Policy — Clint Herbst noted that there are a lot of leaf bags sitting around town, that were put out after the City held the leaf pickup day. He asked if it would be possible to send out some employees to pick up the bags. Consensus of Council is to change the date of leaf pick up so it is held after Halloween and Opening Deer Hunting. Bob Paschke suggested that staff could work on a Saturday but it might result in some overtime. Council prefers this be done during regular work hours and avoid any overtime. Bob will come up with a date to pick up the bags in about 2 weeks. Brian Stumpf suggested that City make sure public is aware that they can get a key to the compost facility and empty their leaf bags. Susie Wojchouski suggested that some large signs be put up alerting the public when Public Works is going to go back out again to pick up leaf bags. b) Acid Storage Room — Kitty Baltos explained that they originally brought up the idea of adding a room to the exterior of the community center to hold the acid containers that are used for the pool with the understanding that this was the best solution for acid storage. The MCC staff has since foimd that they can set up a different arrangement to store the acid containers without building a separate room. The cost would be well below the prior estimated costs and would not require bids. They are hoping to have this completed in the near future. c) Resolution for Nuclear Waste Storage —Jeff O'Neill explained the reasons behind the proposed resolution which is being considered by the City of Red Wing as well as Monticello. Since it appears there is no longer support at the federal level for nuclear waste storage, these 2 cities in Minnesota wish to see legislative action to address needs and impacts of nuclear waste storage. Clint Herbst noted that Monticello needs to look out for long term concerns of what is stored in our back yard. It is disappointing that the federal government has backed away from the promises they made earlier to develop a storage site. Brian Stumpf noted that it is possible that the City may be asked to help fund possible research toward solutions for nuclear waste storage and that Council should be aware of that. Jeff O'Neill concurred that it is expected that the City would be involved in such discussions. Glen Posusta asked why this is being proposed by the host nuclear energy cities and not Xcel Energy. He feels that Xcel should be approaching the State and encouraging them to take action on this problem. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION #2009 -66 IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION ADDRESSING THE NEED AND IMPACTS OF LONG TERM NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE, TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 7 12. Approve payment of bills for November 9t" BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS FOR NOVEMBER 9TH. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0 TO PAY THE BILL REGISTERS TOTALING $1,663,147.18. 13. Adjournment TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 P.M. SUSIE WOJCHOUSI{J SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Recorder: Catherine M Shuman( Approved: November 23, 2009 Attest: "Awministrator Council Minutes — November 9, 2009 Page 8