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City Council Minutes 02-09-2015MINUTES REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, February 9, 2015 — 7 p.m. Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Present: Brian Stumpf, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta Absent: None 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Stumpf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and declared a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2A. Approval of Minutes — January 26, 2015 Regular Meeting LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO ACCEPT THE JANUARY 26, 2015 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. CHARLOTTE GABLER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda • Mailbox thefts (Jeff O'Neill) • Letter supporting solar energy legislation (Jeff O'Neill) • Region 7W Transportation Policy Board appointment (Glen Posusta) 4A. Citizen comments, public service announcements, and staff updates 1) Citizen Comments: Candy Benoit from Wright County United Way talked about the mission of United Way and the funding it provides in Wright County communities. Candy highlighted some of the donations that are made locally in Monticello. She encouraged Council members to let her know of any businesses that might be a potential United Way donor. 2) Public Service Announcements: a) MCC Winter Block Party (2/21) — Rachel Leonard announced that the MCC is celebrating 15 years in the community this year with a Winter Block Party on Saturday, February 21St. The Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes is sponsoring a snow sculpture contest with cash prizes. There will be a kids snowman contest and other family fun activities. Glen Posusta asked if the event would be cancelled for lack of snow. Rachel Leonard said they are planning to come up with snowblocks for the sculpture contest. City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 1 b) 2015 Spring Tree Sale — Rachel Leonard announced that city residents can still order up to three trees for spring planting. Orders are due to the City by February 27th. 3) Staff Updates: a) Senior Center - Pam Loidolt thanked the city for its support to the Senior Center over the years. Monticello's senior center is the second oldest center in the state, having fo �� ed in October 1967. The senior center has served thousands of seniors, and volunteers have invested thousands of hours helping the senior center. The senior center provides educational programs, health programs, fitness activities, and tax assistance to name a few. Recently, the carpeting was upgraded in the senior center and the lighting was improved. The senior center worked hard raising the funds for those improvements. Pam talked about the switch from the federally - subsidized dining program, which had been discontinued last year. Local businesses now provide senior dining lunches four days a week at a low cost. They average about 22 diners each day and the satisfaction level is very high. Brian Stumpf commented on how nice it is to have many organizations and businesses from the community support the Senior Center. c) Xcel Energy Transmission Line upgrades — Shibani Bisson provided a brief update on the transmission line upgrades that Xcel is working on. Many lines are single phase and they are being upgraded to a higher voltage. Shibani Bisson displayed a map showing overhead lines to be upgraded and lines that will be underground. Overhead lines along Broadway between Elm Street and Linn Street to the River crossing will be upgraded in the next few weeks.The city has been involved in discussions with Xcel on location and height of the powerlines. Brian Stumpf asked about the concerns of UMC. Jeff O'Neill explained that UMC was mainly concerned about reliability and wanted to ensure that the lines to their building will give them the most reliable service. Jeff O'Neill noted that electric consumers pay a surcharge on their electric bill and those funds are used for electric- related operations and maintenance, such as streetlighting. Glen Posusta suggested that businesses in these areas should be contacted to let them know about the line upgrades. 4B. Council Liaison Updates 1) Brian Stumpf (IEDC, MCC, FAB, MOAA, MFRA, BCOL, TAC, Personnel) - IEDC (solar), attending Transportation Day at the State Capitol this week, attended grand opening at Goodwill on Saturday, participated in Winter Carnival parade on Saturday evening. 2) Charlotte Gabler (PC, FAB, Library, Personnel) - PC (Sunset Ponds PUD, zoning amendments and zoning map) 3) Lloyd Hilgart (EDA, IEDC, TAC, M -BL Transp, TSAC) City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 2 4) Tom Perrrault (EDA, PAC, MOAA, M -BL Transp, WWTF, Emerg, Safety) — attended Goodwill grand opening, M -BL Tran (met on January 30th), Emergency Planning (training exercise with Xcel Nuclear plant) 5) Glen Posusta (Parks, BCOL, Comm Ed, TSAC) 5. Consent Asenda: A. Consideration of approving payment of bills for February 9th. Recommendation: Approve the bill and purchase card registers for a total amount of $325,22.75. B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments. Recommendation: Ratify new hires and terminations for MCC. C. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2015 -005 accepting a contribution for 2015 from Tom Perrault to go to the General Fund. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution #2015 -005 accepting a donation of $3,000 from Tom Perrault to go into the general fund for 2015. D. Consideration of adopting 2014 legal amendments to the City's Personnel Policy. Recommendation: Adopt the 2014 legal amendments to the City's Personnel Policy as recommended and incorporate these into the current policy document. E. Consideration of appointing a representative from the Monticello Chamber of Commerce to the Monticello Industrial and Economic Development Commission. Recommendation: Appoint Tara Thurber as the Chamber of Commerce voting representative to the IEDC for a 1 -year calendar year term. F. Consideration of appointing a representative to the Monticello Planning Commission to fill a vacancy for term to expire on 12/31/2016. Recommendation: Appoint Amber Kramer to the Monticello Planning Commission with a term to expire December 31, 2016. G. Consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 610 approving the 2015 City of Monticello Official Zoning Map. TIIHS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM TM CONSENT AGENDA. H. Consideration of scheduling the 2015 Monticello Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on Thursday, April 9th at 6 p.m. Recommendation: Schedule the 2015 Local Board of Review for Thursday, April 9th at 6 p.m. to be held at the community center. I. Consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 611 amending the Monticello City Code, Title 3, Chapter 16 — Rental Housing Licensing with changes as approved on January 26, 2015, and adopt Summary Ordinance No. 611A for publication. Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 611 amending the Monticello City City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 3 Code, Title 3, Chapter 16 — Rental Housing Licensing, approving changes to sections 6 and 7 as proposed and adopt Summary Ordinance No. 611A for publication. J. Consideration of renewing membership in the I -94 West Corridor Coalition for 2015 in the amount of $6,379.50. Recommendation: Approve a contribution of $6,379.50 to renew membership in the I -94 West Corridor Coalition for 2015. LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE REMOVAL OF ITEM G. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 6. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion 5G. Consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 610 approving the 2015 City of Monticello Official Zoning Map Tom Perrault removed this item because he had some questions on the Shoreland map that accompanies the zoning map. He asked about the setbacks on shoreland areas; Angela Schumann pointed out that the setbacks vary depending on the size of the body of water. Angela Schumann noted that the setbacks are governed by state statutes. Tom Perrault asked if this limits development in those areas; Angela Schumann noted that it does not limit development but it establishes some regulations that must be met. In the zoning ordinance, the overlay district section describes and discusses the classification of lakeshore and setbacks. LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 610 ESTABLISHING THE 2015 CITY OF MONTICELLO OFFICIAL ZONING MAP. CHARLOTTE GABLER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 7. Regular Agenda: A. Public Hearing — Consideration of adopting Resolution #2015 -008 ordering the project and authorizing_ preparation of plans and specifications for School Boulevard uiLprovements, City Project No. 140003 Shibani Bisson provided a presentation on the proposed School Boulevard Improvements which would include mill and overlay of School Boulevard between Edmonson Avenue and Fenning Avenue. They are proposing using a Texas underseal subject to MnDOT input and report on the status of the 7t' Street West extension. This project also includes pathway reconstruction on the south side of School Boulevard from Fallon Avenue to Cardinal Hills Park and reconstruction of the pathway on the north side from Edmonson to Fallon. Tree plantings are proposed to be incorporated with the project on both sides of School Boulevard. City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 4 The total estimated cost is $543,100 for the road improvements and $91,400 for the pathway improvements for a total cost estimated at $634,500. Funding sources include special assessments to the school district, municipal state aid, and a future bond issue. Staff met with the school district to discuss the improvements and assessments. The school may wish to make some improvements to an access at the high school. If they do so, those costs would also be assessed to the school. Glen Posusta asked about the crosswalks and what is proposed for striping. Shibani Bisson said they anticipate maintaining the existing crosswalk locations. Glen Posusta also asked if the city was planning to extend a walkway between the ponds at Cardinal Hills up toSchool Boulevard. Shibani Bisson explained that this was discussed in 2006 and can be re- visited at the Council's direction. There is an easement on one of the properties, but not the other. Glen Posusta feels this should be brought up again. Brian Stumpf asked if that could be added to the project as an option. Shibani Bisson said this could be added to the scope of the project since it won't be assessed. Jeff O'Neill confirmed that Council is in favor of looking into the path extension. Mayor Stumpf opened the Public Hearing. As there were no comments, the Public Hearing was closed. Tom Perrault asked about the tree plantings that are proposed and noted he was not in favor of this portion of the project. Shibani Bisson explained the trees would be subject to what would fit into the area, considering power lines, pathway, site lines, and other restrictions. Glen Posusta felt that tree plantings should be included with the project and suggested that recommended tree plantings be included with the plans and specs. A tree planting plan will be brought forward to the Council for consideration. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED FOR ALTERNATIVE #1 ADOPTING RESOLUTION #2015 -008 ORDERING THE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 14C003. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED -r WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION. B. Public Hearing — Consideration of adopting Resolution #2015 -009 ordering the project and authorizing_ preparation of plans and specifications for Fallon Avenue and 85h Street Improvements, City Project No. 14CO03 Shibani Bisson provided a presentation on the improvements proposed along Fallon Avenue and 85d' Street and noted that representatives from Monticello Township are present. This project consists of road improvements along the Hunters Crossing Development on Fallon and 85th and in a section along 85th Street between TH 25 and Edmonson. The project also includes extending a City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 5 pathway along the west side of Fallon Avenue from Hunters Crossing Park to Farmstead Avenue. The street improvements were identified in 2012 as part of the city's Rural Road Improvement program. The city proposes to complete an overlay along Fallon Avenue and 85l' Street to extend the useful life of the road along Hunters Crossing. MnDOT will be reconstructing approximately 700 feet of 85a' Street immediately east of TH 25 as part of intersection improvements in that area. The City proposes to complete the improvement from this point to approximately 900 feet west of Edmonson Avenue. Part of the segment would include a reclamation and paving and the other part would include a 2 -inch overlay. MnDOT will be closing 85th Street for their project and it would be timely for the City to complete their work on 85'x' Street during this period. Shibani Bisson described the Fallon Avenue trail extension and explained how that will be aligned along the road. Glen Posusta suggested that the trail be designed at a lower elevation that the street. Shibani Bisson noted that it had been brought to her attention that there was a drainage issue at the corner of Fallon and 85d' Street. It is possible there may be a plugged culvert and they will be looking into that during design of the project. Shibani Bisson noted that funds were previously collected from Hunters Crossing and Featherstone developments for future road improvements. No parcels are intended to be assessed for this project. It is proposed to reimburse the costs through a future bond sale. Shibani Bisson discussed the notices that were sent to property owners adjoining the areas proposed for improvements. This included township property owners, who will not be assessed, but were informed of the project. If any of these parcels would be annexed into the city, the city retains the right to potentially assess through a development agreement at the time that such property would be developed. This project would be bid and constructed at the same time as the School Boulevard Improvements as one combined project. Brian Stumpf asked about the area at the intersection of Fallon Avenue and Fallon Drive where there have been problems with standing water. Shibani Bisson explained that was included in a former project which is still under warranty, so they have contacted the contractor who will correct the problem this summer. Lloyd Hilgart confirmed the area between the designated improvement lines that would not be improved and wondered why the city did not include that section. Shibani Bisson explained that is still under township jurisdiction and the township would be responsible for maintenance and improvements to those segments of the streets. Lloyd Hilgart asked when the state would be starting on the Hwy 25 project. Shibani Bisson stated that would start in May or June but has not City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 6 received information from the state yet. Lloyd confirmed that the project would be completed this year. Mayor Stumpf opened the Public Hearing. Ron Denn, 8410 Eisele Avenue NE, asked about the land owned by his family partnership to the south of 85h and east of Fallon. He wondered whether they would be impacted by a»y interest that could accrue on assessments. He also noted that the land on the other side of the culvert is a field and not a wetland. He was concerned about a wetland being created if the drainage is changed at the intersection. Shibani Bisson explained that there is a concern about standing water at the corner and they will be looking at the culvert during design of the project. Shibani Bisson explained that interest typically would not accrue on assessments that are deferred or assessed at a later time; rather interest would be determined by a development contract at the time that land would be annexed and developed. Glen Posusta commented that assessments would never be levied against the land if it is not developed. If the land would be sold and developed, any assessments would become the responsibility of the developer. Pete Stupar, Monticello Township board supervisor, made some comments on interest rates and bonding. Jeff O'Neill and Cathy Shuman provided explanations on the assessment process and potential situation if township properties would be annexed. As there were no further comments, Mayor Stumpf closed the Public Hearing. LLOYD HILGART MOVED FOR ALTERNATIVE #1 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION #2015 -009 ORDERING THE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR FALLON AVENUE AND 85TH STREET IMPROVEMENT, CITY PROJECT NO. 14C003. CHARLOTTE GABLER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. C. Consideration of approving a cost - sharing plan for sanitary sewer repairs at 413 West Broadway (PID 155- 010 - 049080 Shibani Bisson introduced this item and summarized the history of the problem_ with the sanitary sewer at 413 West Broadway. Deb Lockhart, one of the property residents, had addressed City Council on December 8h to ask for assistance from the city in resolving the problem. Council directed staff to work with the property owner to get the sanitary sewer repaired and work out a cost - sharing agreement. Shibani Bisson explained the problems that were found with the sanitary sewer line and the repairs that were required to fix the line. City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 7 Brian Stumpf stated that he was surprised that Roto Rooter would not be responsible for any part of the costs of the repair. Matt Theisen discussed the review of the line that was conducted with the new camera, which showed that Roto Rooter's attempts to clear the service line did not break the line; the line was likely broken prior to that time. Lloyd Hilgart asked about the 90 degree elbow at the area of the break; Matt Theisen indicated that section was replaced during the repairs. Property residents Deb Lockhart and Kim Chessen - Litzau offered some comments to Council. Deb explained that during the time of construction in 2002, the contractor hit the line in the street so hard that the line inside their house was damaged. The contractor covered the costs of those repairs at the time. Glen Posusta stated that he doubted the recent line break would have been caused by the construction project 12 years after the reconstruction work took place. Kim feels that the City should take responsibility to make sure pipes are working, whether that means televising or following up after an incident, such as what occurred to them during the 2002 project. Glen Posusta indicated that not all property owners allow the city to come on their property to do inspections; that is why the city asks residents to decide if they want their lines televised. Kim also stated that she feels the city should be replacing old lines like theirs which consist of so many different sections. She had no idea that the line had not been replaced from their property to the main at the time that the contractor made repairs on their property when their line was broken in 2002. Matt Theisen talked about the process used to assess and replace /repair lines at the time of the 2002 project. . Brian Stumpf noted that many of the lines in the older part of town consist of both clay and PVC. Matt reviewed the repairs that were completed on the property in recent months. Glen Posusta questioned why the property owners were asking the City to contribute more than 50% of the cost. Deb Lockhart said they are asking the city to absorb more of the share because of the amount of the damage that was done to their property. They feel that the line had been compromised back during the construction of CSAH 75 in 2002, resulting in the recent problems with their sewer line. Glen Posusta suggested that this could set a precedent if the City were to approve paying for 75% of the cost share. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED FOR A 75/25 SPLIT WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR 75% OF THE COST SHARE PORTION AND THE CITY RESPONSIBLE FOR 25 %; PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE THE OPTION TO BE ASSESSED FOR THE COST. BRIAN STUMPF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -1 WITH CHARLOTTE GABLER VOTING IN OPPOSITION. Charlotte Gabler indicated she would have been more comfortable with a 50150 split on the cost -share of the repairs. City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 8 8. Added items • Mailbox thefts - Jeff O'Neill reported that the Sheriff's Department is investigating a large number of mailbox thefts in Monticello and elsewhere in the county. The city would like residents to be aware of this problem and report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Department. • Letter of support for solar energy legislation - Jeff O'Neill asked Council to consider authorizing city staff to prepare a letter of support for state legislation that would develop rules requiring local review and approval of large solar energy projects before advancing to the MN Public Utilities Commission for consideration. Jeff O'Neill discussed some of the history behind this request. Several years ago, the State developed a Renewable Energy Standard encouraging development of solar and wind energy systems to supplement traditional energy systems. One of the goals of the Renewable Energy Standard is to provide renewable energy sources of at least 25% of the consumed energy by 2025, which would require a significant number of solar farm acres and wind turbines to be installed to meet this goal. Recently, the city received word of several proposals for large solar energy farms to be developed in the MOAA area, one of which is proposed for 600 acres of the Silver Springs golf course. Currently, large energy systems are regulated by the PUC, who can approve such systems without local input. The city has designated certain areas in the MOAA, such as the former Silver Springs golf course, for future urban/residential development. This area is located close to the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park and I -94. The proposed legislation would propose to require county board approval of solar energy systems of 50 megawatts or greater. Lloyd Hilgart commented he is concerned that there is already an offer out there to purchase 600 acres for solar energy and there are potentially a number of other proposals that could greatly expand the area that could be turned into solar farms. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SOLAR ENERGY LEGISLATION. LLOYD HILGAR T SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. • MnDOT Region 7W Board Member - Glen Posusta asked Brian Stumpf if he would consider serving on the Region 7W Board. Tom Perrault indicated that he had submitted his name as a potential appointee. Brian Stumpf indicated that he would be willing to serve on the board. The Wright County Board is responsible for appointing a municipal elected official to fill the vacancy. Brian Stumpf' s name will also be given to the County Board for potential appointment. City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 9 9. Adiournment GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:04 P.M. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman e49W-) Approved: February 23, 2015 Attest: y Administrator City Council Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 10