City Council Minutes 04-11-2011MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, April 11, 2011— 7 p.m.
Present: Clint Herbst, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf
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 — March 28, 2011 Regular Meeting
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 2011
REGULAR MEETING AS PRESENTED. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0. (CLINT HERBST ABSTAINED FROM
VOTING.)
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda
The following item was added to the regular agenda: a) Pathway lights at west end. Tom
Perrault noted that Sheila Lawrence, known as the "Swan Lady" passed away April 6;
Jeff O'Neill asked to keep her family in your thoughts.
4. Citizen comments, public service announcements, and staff updates
a. Citizen Comments:
1) Joe Mahoney and Wright County Soil & Water Conservation Board
(riverbank improvements) - Angela Schumann introduced Joe Mahoney
and Brian Sanoski. Brian Sanoski provided a presentation about the Soil
& Water Conservation Board in Wright County. There are 91 SWCD
districts in Minnesota. Their mission is to provide leadership in
conservation and wise use of soil and water resources. There are five
supervisors on the Wright County SWCD Board with Mark McNamara
representing Monticello. Six staff members handle the various services
and programs. Examples of services: Working Lands Initiative Area
around Pelican Lake to promote sustainability; water testing; wetland
conservation, and weed management. The Board can provide some cost
sharing for federal and state programs. Brian noted the shoreline
management they get involved in, similar to what Joe Mahoney is working
on. Clint Herbst asked if they are involved with draining Pelican Lake.
Brian noted the Board is split on that and have not decided if they prefer to
lower the water level or maintain it as a fishery. They are working with
the landowners around the take to educate on good conservation practices.
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 1
Joe Mahoney spoke to Council about his efforts to control erosion on the
riverbank at his property, He received a grant through the SWCD to
provide shoreline management by planting grasses and trees that will keep
the bank intact on his and a neighboring property. He would also like to
extend this to the public access easement next to his property at the end of
Maple Street. Clint Herbst asked how long it takes for the native grasses
to take root. Joe noted that there is a 3 year warranty and they have to pay
maintenance for them to come back each year and make sure it is working
the way it should. Glen Posusta wondered how effective grasses would be
at keeping a riverbank from eroding as it is a natural process for the flow
of the river to wear away at the banks. He does not have a problem with
Joe Mahoney working on the riverbank. Council would like to have this
brought back to a future meeting to consider granting permission to work
on the city right -of -way riverbank.
2. Joe Mahoney, who serves on the New River Hospital Board, also asked
Council if they had any questions about the Hospital Board.
b. Public Service Announcements:
1) Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (4/16) — Kitty Baltos invited the public to
this event hosted by Swan River School. Tickets can be purchased in
advance at MCC or at the door.
2) Senior Center Spring Breakfast Fundraiser (4/17) — Kitty Baltos noted that
the Senior Center is hosting breakfast from 8 to 12:30 in the MCC gym on
Sunday, April 17`x'. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
3) Kitty also noted the Early Bird Softball Tournament is going on this
coming weekend at the Xcel Ballfrelds.
4) Embrace Downtown citizen meeting (4/18) — A community meeting will
take place on Mon, April 18 in the Bridge Room. All community
members are invited to see the presentation about the Embrace Downtown
project and ask questions.
5) Hi Way Liquors Wine Tasting (4/29) — Jeff O'Neill noted that the Annual
Spring Wine Tasting is coming up on Friday, April 29. Tickets can be
purchased at the Liquor Store.
C. Staff Updates:
1) Bruce Westby noted that work on the signal systems on the NE Quadrant
project will be starting on Monday, Apr 18 and there will be periods of
time when the signals at River Street will be down. This should be
completed before MnDOT's Sherburne County road project begins across
the bridge.
5. Consent Agenda:
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 2
A. Consideration of approving payment of bills for April I lth. Recommendation:
Approve payment of bill registers totaling $648,377.68.
B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments.
Recommendation: Ratify termination for Liquor Store.
C. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2011 -25 to accept contributions from
Dahlheimer Distributing to sponsor the MCC Early Bird Softball Tournament and
from JoLynn & Thomas Davis for the Fire Department. Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution #2011 -25 accepting donations of $500 from Dahlheimer
Distributing for sponsoring a softball tournament and $100 from JoLynn &
Thomas Davis for fire and EMT supplies.
D. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2011 -26 calling for a Public Hearing for
consideration of easement vacation as petitioned by the owner of Lot 19, Block 3,
Groveland 2 "d Addition. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution #2011 -26 calling
for a public hearing on April 25th to consider an easement vacation for Lot 19,
Block 3, Groveland 2nd Addition (9960 Weston Drive).
E. Consideration of adopting Resolution 42011 -27 calling for a Public Hearing for
consideration of easement vacation as petitioned by the owner of Lot 6, Block 1,
Monticello Travel Center 2nd Addition. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution
#2011 -27 calling for a public hearing on April 25th to consider an easement
vacation for Lot 6, Block 1, Monticello Travel Center 2nd Addition (SW corner of
Oakwood Drive & Cedar Street).
F. Consideration of directing City staff to research potential for vacating easements
in the Groveland area powerline corridor. Recommendation: Direct city staff to
research potential vacation of drainage and utility easements in the Groveland
area powerline corridor.
G. Consideration of approving an emergency replacement of the lift station pump
controller for the West bridge lift station. Recommendation: Approve
emergency replacement of the lift station pump controller for the West Bridge lift
station at a cost of $4850 plus tax.
H. Consideration of endorsing a Letter of Intent pertaining to the sale of the former
River City Lanes at 101 Chelsea Rd to Quarry Church. Recommendation:
Endorse the Letter of Intent submitted by Quarry Church for the purchase of Lot
1, Block 1, Oakwood Industrial Park (101 Chelsea Rd), with final sale contingent
on separate review and approval of necessary zoning and arrangement for
insurance settlement at full amount.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE
ADDITION OF ITEM H (WAS #8). BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
City Council Minutes — April 11, 2011 Page 3
6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion
There were no items removed from the consent agenda.
7. Consideration of accepting quotes and awarding contract for architect to study and
recommend plans for Monticello Community Center exterior building repairs
Jeff O'Neill introduced this item and explained the work that the Natatorium Committee
has been doing to bring this forward to Council. Wold Architects was selected by the
Committee as their choice to review the problems with the building and offer a plan to
conduct repairs. Joel Dunning of Wold Architects introduced himself and noted that
Wold Architects works with public entities to design buildings built to standards that are
expected for public buildings. He reviewed the investigative fees that are proposed by
Wold Architects in order to thoroughly review the problems with the pool area, exterior
of the building, and windows. Clint Herbst asked if there are ways to mitigate the
problems with corrosion and air quality or will the City have to live with the problems
that were created over the last 10 years. Joel Dunning indicated that there are ways to
mitigate the problems and possibly reduce the effects of the corrosion.
Glen Posusta stated that he does have an issue with some of the fees listed in the letter,
such as the visual inspections and thermal imaging. Joel noted that these fees are
supplemental in addition to the scope of work that is proposed in the base amount. He
does not necessarily feel that some of these items need to be done, but wanted to bring
forward the amounts since these items had been discussed in committee. Joel pointed out
that supplemental #1 (pool system evaluation) and 44 (interior air monitoring) were
beyond the basic proposal but would provide some extra services that the committee felt
might be useful to help with energy management.
Lloyd Hilgart stated that he is a little confused why they would be considering additional
services, stating that, if the committee felt these were necessary, they should have been
included in the basic proposal. Clint Herbst explained that the original proposal was
focused on the building and air handling and getting those problems rectified. The
committee also discussed energy management issues when they met. They felt there was
some value in having this work done at the same time as Wold Architects are
investigating the other items. Lloyd Hilgart concurred with including Items 41 and 4
with the proposal.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 ACCEPTING
QUOTES AND AWARD CONTRACT TO WOLD ARCHITECTS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $21,200 TO STUDY AND RECOMMEND PLANS FOR REPAIRING THE
MONTICELLO COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING, PLUS SUPPLEMENTAL
SERVICES #1 ($4,400) AND 94 ($1,000). LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 4
8. Consideration of endorsing a Letter of Intent pertaining to the sale of the former
River City Lanes at 101 Chelsea Rd to Quarry. Church
(This item was moved to the consent agenda as 5H.)
9. Consideration of approving the 2011 Mowing Management Plan for City public
areas, parks, and rights of way
Jeff O'Neill started off this item explaining that 2010 was the first year working with a
mowing plan. City staff has been working on fine tuning the plan and making changes
for 2011. Bob Pasclike noted that the 2011 plan is similar to last year's. One change that
is suggested is to have the Parks Department take care of the irrigation systems so that
they can better coordinate the schedule for all of the systems. Bob noted that control of
noxious weeds is introduced into the 2011 plan so that the City can better address the
problem before it gets out of control. Clint Herbst and Glen Posusta asked what kinds of
things Public Works can do to take care of the noxious weeds. Bob explained that letters
will be sent out to private property owners where they have found weeds such as thistles.
The City would be working with those property owners to remove and spray for weeds as
well as taking care of weeds on city properties. Bob noted that thistles are becoming a
particular problem and the City has identified a number of "thistle hotspots."
Council asked about the tasks that Sentence To Serve workers would be performing. Bob
Paschke discussed some of the areas they would mow and weed whip such as freeway
entrances /exits and help with invasive weed control. Several council members
commented on areas where mowing could be reduced.
Clint Herbst commented on the suggestion in the agenda report to hire a seasonal worker
to assist with the mowing and weed control, noting this will be discussed further by the
Personnel Committee. Brian Stumpf noted that he is not in favor of hiring someone.
Tom Perrault commented that he wasn't too sure about the procedure mentioned for
dealing with thistle as this does not follow his past experience. He was concerned that
the information provided to staff may not be correct. Tom also commented that staff
should also look at reducing the amount of fertilizer being used in parks but continue
applications at the ballfields.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 APPROVING THE 2011
MOWING MANAGEMENT PLAN WITH DECISION ON MOWING TIMES
DETERMINED BY STAFF, AND NOT HIRING A SEASONAL WORKER AT THIS
TIME. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
10. Consideration of accepting proposals and awarding a contract for roof replacement
at the control building for the water reservoir located at 207 Chelsea Rd East
Matt Theisen first pointed out that he is bringing this item back to Council from last year
as the vendor that had submitted the lowest proposal at that time is no longer in business.
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 5
He explained that the roof of the control building for the water reservoir needs to be
replaced along with the 5 skylight domes, of which three (and possibly all five) would be
covered by insurance since they were damaged during the hailstorm in 2009. Matt talked
about the specifications provided to the vendors that submitted proposals, which called
for a 60 mil rubber roof system. With this specification, the roof would be completely
replaced including the insulation. Matt noted that All Elements also proposed an
alternate bid for a 50 mil Dura -Last material, which is a reinforced PVC material with
welded seams. This roofing would go over the top of the current material and would not
include replacing the insulation.
Glen Posusta mentioned that 11e had talked to John Thurber from All Elements about the
skylights. John noted that several cities have switched to a type of box rather than the
skylights; the openings are not necessary for the light but rather for the space needed if
the City would need to pull the pumps or do repair work on the controls.
Glen Posusta would prefer to offer the contract to the local bidder, All Elements, and
noted there was only $400 difference in the roofing quote between All Elements and the
lowest proposal.
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR THE ROOF REPAIR
OF THE RESERVOIR CONTROL BUILDING TO ALL ELEMENTS, INC. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $13,974 FOR THE ROOF AND $4,502 FOR THE SKYLIGHTS.
CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
11. Consideration of appointing Council representatives to the Transportation Advisory
Committee
Bruce Westby summarized the previous action of Council approving establishment of a
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) with representatives from City Council (2),
Planning Commission (1), IEDC (2), EDA (1) and one resident -at- large. At the initial
meeting of the committee, they recommended a meeting date and time of Thursday
morning at 7:30 am every two months, with the first meeting set for May 26, June 2 or
June 9. Bruce Westby also noted that the committee recommends appointing one
additional member from the IEDC, namely Rich Harris. His background and expertise
with transportation issues would be an asset to this committee.
Brian Stumpf expressed his displeasure at the size of the TAC; he feels that there are too
many people on the committee already and does not feel the size is warranted for an
advisory committee. Bruce Westby explained the importance of the committee at this
time with the number of transportation issues that are on the table. He feels it is very
important to have a group like this working on the various issues that the City is facing
with the freeway, Hwy 25 and river crossing in addition to other traffic concerns within
the city. Bret Weiss from WSB concurred with Bruce Westby on the make -up of the
Transportation Advisory Committee, and added that the committee members should be
able to help the City secure funding for transportation projects.
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 6
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 WITH CLINT
HERBST AND LLOYD HILGART SELECTED AS COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
AND RICH HARRIS ADDED AS A THIRD REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE IEDC.
LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -1 WITH
BRIAN STUMPF VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
12. Consideration of approving a design option for a pedestrian crossing on West 7`h
Street at Walnut Street
Bruce Westby summarized the request from Council to look at available options to
improve pedestrian crossings at this intersection. He reviewed the various possibilities
that had been looked at including a pushbutton with advanced warning flasher,
pushbutton flasher at crosswalk (solar), pushbutton "blinking" LED signs (solar), raised
concrete median, all -way stop, or completely moving the pedestrian crossing to Locust
Street or Hwy 25. Moving the entire pedestrian crossing was not considered as it would
require additional sidewalk construction and would not necessarily result in people
changing their route. After reviewing all of these options and considering the cost of
each, it appears that the most cost - effective alternative would be the pushbutton
"blinking" LED solar signs. Two signs would be located on the west side of Walnut
Street, one on each side of 7th Street, for pedestrians crossing 70' Street West.
Brian Stumpf asked about the design of the crosswalk. Bruce Westby said staff prefers
the zebra crosswalk design as it is more visible. Glen Posusta asked about the design of
the curb along the south side of 7`i' Street West, east of the Cub Foods driveway. Bruce
Westby explained that it is not proposed to bump the curb out but instead to stripe the
road to guide traffic.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #1 APPROVING OPTION 3
WITH PUSHBUTTON `BLINKING" LED SOLAR SIGNS AT A COST OF
APPROXIMATELY $3,400 AND USING ZEBRA STRIPING IN THE CROSSWALK.
GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
13. Consideration of design options for vehicles accessing eastbound CSAH 75 from
West River Street in conjunction with the 2011 Street Reconstruction, City Project
No. 11CO01
Bruce Westby talked about the request from Council to take a further look at the
intersection at CSAH 75 and West River Street to see if there was a way to add an
acceleration lane for traffic turning right from West River Street to go east on CSAH 75.
Bruce Westby discussed the research that he did on different alignments at this
intersection and possible solutions for an acceleration lane. He found that it would be
necessary to meet state design standards for an acceleration lane on CSAH 75 and
discussed the diagram that he provided in the agenda packet. Constructing an
acceleration lane under state design standards would cost at least $40,000. Glen Posusta
stated that he feels it would be worth $40,000 to build the acceleration lane. Clint Herbst
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 7
stated that the striping proposed by the County and the City should be adequate to handle
the traffic movements.
John Seefeldt of Electro Industries commented that he would like to see the proposed
acceleration lane added to make it smoother for their employees and others when they are
exiting West River Street.
Tom Perrault asked how the $40,000 costs would be funded and could such a lane be
covered by state aid funds. Bruce Westby noted that he was not sure if the acceleration
lane would be eligible for state aid funds.
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE #1 PROCEEDING WITH
PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR WEST RIVER STREET
AS PROPOSED WITH STRIPING, WITHOUT AN ACCELERATION LANE, IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2011 STREET RECONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS,
CITY PROJECT NO. 11C001. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED 3 -2 WITH GLEN POSUSTA AND TOM PERRAULT VOTING
IN OPPOSITION.
14. Added items
a) Pathway Lights —Clint Herbst reported that a resident was wondering about adding
lights to pathways at the west end of town as there are sections that are quite dark.
Clint Herbst asked staff to look into some LED lighting fixtures that might provide a
lower level light to be used in that area.
h) Local Board of Review -Brian Stumpf reminded Council about Board of Review
hearing on Thursday, April 14`i' at 6 p.m.
15. Adjournment
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:04 P.M. TOM
PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman L41
Approved: April 25, 2011
Attest:
City istrator
City Council Minutes —April 11, 2011 Page 8