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City Council Minutes 05-11-2015MINUTES REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, May llt', 2015 — 7 p.m. Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Present: Brian Stumpf, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault and Glen Posusta Absent: None 1. General Business A. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stumpf at 7 p.m. with a quorum present. B. Pledge of Allegiance The pledge of allegiance was recited. C. Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes from April 2711, 2015 These will be submitted at the May 26"' meeting for approval. D. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes from April 27t1, 2015 TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 27, 2015 REGULAR MEETING AS PRESENTED. CHARLOTTE GABLER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. E. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda • Biosolids Farm equipment (Brian Stumpf) • Temporary sign ordinance (Jeff O'Neill) F. Citizen Comments None G. Public Service Announcements • Farmer's Market (5/14) — Sara Cahill announced the opening of the 9th year of the Farmer's Market on May 14th. The market will be open from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and there will be a variety of produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, and more available for purchase. Debit & credit cards are accepted. Thank you to sponsors: Uptown Eyecare, Centracare Health - Monticello, Live Wright, Crow River Food Council, and all the vendors. Farmer's Market will be held every Thursday, May through October, in the Library parking lot, rain or shine. • Memorial Day Closures (5/25) — Rachel Leonard reported on the office hours for Memorial Day, May 25th. Most city offices are closed, but Hi -Way Liquors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monticello Community Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brian Stumpf noted that the next Council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26th due to the holiday. City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 1110 H. Council Liaison Updates — Recent Board and Commission Meeting Reports • Brian Stumpf - Bertram Chain of Lakes Advisory Board: reported that staff is working on replacement of trees that were mistakenly removed, some changes to draft agreement, athletic field RFPs have been received, natural playground grand opening on June 27th, working on amphitheater improvements. • Charlotte Gabler — Planning Commission met last week and new vice chair approved, looking for applications for Planning Commission members • Lloyd Hilgart — no report • Tom Perrault — Economic Development Authority to adopt workplan at upcoming meeting • Glen Posusta — no report I. Department Updates Wright County Sheriff's Office — Captain Dan Anselment reported on recent criminal activity in Monticello, including incidents in Ellison Park, motorcycle chase, homicide suspect that turned himself in, and more. In the Ellison Park case, a report came in from a city resident that there was an individual that was acting strangely in Ellison Park. The Sheriff's Office followed up and found that they have dealt with the individual before. He has some mental health issues and thought he was doing a good thing by offering coloring sheets to children at the park. Captain Anselment encouraged the public to contact the Wright County Sheriff's Office if they notice suspicious incidents. The Sheriff's Office does a lot of neighborhood watch programs and Captain Anselment provided some handouts for city hall. The next incident took place at a residence near the middle school. It was reported that the person in question had supposedly brandished a handgun. The person was taken into custody and it was found that it was actually a BB gun that looked like a handgun. The Wright County Sheriff s Office handled this incident within a very short time. The school did not go into lock down mode as this took place off school property after school had released for the day. Captain Anselment mentioned that the school resource officer could come to Council and discuss this further, if so desired. Captain Anselment reported on a motorcycle chase that took place earlier the same day. After receiving a report of a motorcycle driving erratically, an officer tried to stop the motorcycle. When the chase moved to School Boulevard, the officer discontinued the pursuit as it was near the time that school was letting out and traffic was heavy. Captain Anselment next mentioned the arrest of a homicide suspect at the Broadway Kwik Stop. The suspect voluntarily turned himself in by contacting Wright County Sheriff's Office by phone. City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 2 110 Captain Anselment discussed some of the techniques that they are using with social media. They are trying to utilize email, Facebook and other types of social media to reach the public, pass on information, and dispel rumors. Captain Anselment talked about various training opportunities that are provided to all Wright County deputies, including active shooter, firearms, nuclear response, case law and law changes, OSHA, and first aid. Brian Stumpf asked Captain Anselment if there arc any trends that the city should be aware of. Captain Anselment said his staff keeps a watch on crime statistics to track what is happening and watch for trends. Wright County Sheriff's Office is in the process of updating their electronic records system with an improved tracking system. Glen Posusta commented on the great response from the Wright County Sheriff's Office in the recent incidents and feels that they do a tremendous job for the City. Lloyd Hilgart concurred that the value for the City is well worth the cost of law enforcement through Wright County. • FiberNet Monticello — Rachel Leonard noted that the FiberNet Advisory Council is changing the start time of their meetings to 6:30 p.m. starting with the May 12'�' meeting. Glen Posusta noted that it had been requested to receive a summary listing of FiberNet bills on a monthly basis. Finance Director Wayne Oberg will look into including that with the other bills. Rachel Leonard also gave an update on the move from a C7 platform to an E7 platform. This upgrade was completed by FiberNet staff who reconfigured and every subscriber account and, over the past four months, transitioned 1300 subscribers. This upgrade will enable FiberNet to take advantage of some new opportunities ahead and use enhanced tools to monitor the network. City Administrator - Jeff O'Neill announced that the Engineering Inspector position for the city is being reviewed and the job description will be updated by the Personnel Committee so the position can be advertised. Former clerk Cathy Shuman will be helping temporarily with some of the clerk duties until a new city clerk is hired. O'Neill reported that Xcel Energy has denied some requests to process large solar gardens at this time. There will be a hearing at the State to review the legislation governing solar gardens. Glen Posusta questioned the role of solar gardens as he thought those were smaller sized. O'Neill explained that there are companies that are creating small solar gardens and aggregating them into large facilities. Energy companies do not necessarily want to partner with large solar developers and are questioning the intent of the legislation. Jeff O'Neill explained that the solar energy law was to allow small solar energy producers (1 megawatt or less) to sell their energy to Xcel Energy. Instead, developers have aggregated a group of small solar gardens into much larger projects. Scott Johnson from Xcel Energy explained that they are mandated to purchase the energy from solar gardens of 1 megawatt or less. The requests City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 3 110 they have been receiving are from larger solar producers. Xcel is waiting for the Public Utilities Commission to hold a hearing on this. 2. Consent Agenda A. Consideration of approving payment of bill registers for May 111', 2015. Action Taken: Approve payment of bill and purchase registers for a total of $510,253.02. B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments. Action Taken: Approve new hires and terminations for Parks, Streets, and MCC. C. Consideration of approving a Special Event Permit allowing use of city streets and related assistance in conjunction with the Memorial Day parade on May 251i, 2015 Applicant: Monticello American Legion. Action Taken: Approve a Special Event Permit for the American Legion allowing use of city streets and assistance in conjunction with the Memorial Day parade on May 25, 2015. D. Consideration of approving an application for an excluded charitable gambling permit for Riverfest bingo to be conducted by the Monticello Senior Center. Action Taken: Approve the application for a charitable gambling permit for bingo to be conducted by the Monticello Senior Center on July 12, 2015 in Ellison Park. E. Consideration of approving annual liquor license renewals for 2015 - 2016, contingent upon payment of fees and completion of required forms. Action Taken: Approve annual liquor license renewals for the following businesses to run from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, contingent upon payment of fees and completion of required forms. American Legion #260 American Legion #260 Club On /Sunday Apple Minnesota LLC Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar On /Sunday TMC & 1 Taylor Corp Beef O'Bradys On /Sunday Pauly Companies, Inc Bluestone Grille Wine -Beer On Blazin Wings Inc Buffalo Wild Wings #210 On /Sunday IC Enterprises LLC Capitan Pancho Villa On /Sunday West River Restaurants Inc Chatters Restaurant & Bar On /Sunday Lin, Chuan China Buffet 3.2 On Cornerstone Cafe Cornerstone Caf6 & Catering Company On /Sunday Monticello 1998 LLC Cub Foods 3.2 Off Hawk's Sports Bar & Grill Inc Hawk's Sports Bar & Grill Inc On /Sunday Kwik Trip Inc Kwik Trip #345 3.2 Off Monticello Country Club Inc Monticello Country Club Inc On /Sunday City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 4 110 City of Monticello MCC Ballfield Concession Stand (seasonal Apr 1st - Sep 30th) 3.2 On (seasonal) Rancho Grande Mex. Rest. Inc. #2 Rancho Grande Mex. Rest. Inc. #2 On /Sunday River City Lanes, Inc River City Extreme On /Sunday Northern Tier Retail LLC SuperAmerica #4479 3.2 Off Target Corporation (T -2180) Target Corporation (T -2180) 3.2 Off VFW #8731- Club Dorchester VFW #8731- Club Dorchester On /Sunday Wal -Mart Stores Inc I Wal -Mart Supercenter #3624 13.2 Off F. Consideration of approving a Special Event Permit allowing use of city streets and related assistance in conjunction with Party for a Purpose on September 26th, 2015. Applicant: Tara Thurber. Action Taken: Approve a Special Event Permit allowing use of city streets and related assistance for Party for a Purpose 5K on September 26, 2015, with waiver of the permit fee and subject to the following: Continued site plan coordination with the Street Superintendent • Continued coordination with the Wright County Sheriff's Office G. Consideration of adopting Resolution #2015 -037 accepting improvements and authorizing final payment to Huber Technology for the purchase of the sludge dewatering screw press, City Project No. 12C003. Action Taken: Adopt Resolution #2015 -037 to accept improvements and authorize final payment of $85,480.50 to Luber Technology for the purchase of the sludge dewatering screw press, City Project No. 12C003. H. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2015 -038 in support of the change in electric producing system taxation as articulated in SF 1636. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA. TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE REMOVAL OF ITEM H. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 2a. Consideration of items removed from the consent agenda for discussion 5H. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. 2015 -038 in support of'the change in electric producing system taxation as articulated in SF 1636 Tom Perrault asked Jeff O'Neill to explain what the proposed resolution supports. Jeff O'Neill explained that this state legislation is of interest to the Coalition of Utility Cities. The proposed legislation would repeal the current taxation process for energy producing plants and replace it with a new method of determining tax value. There is also a provision for adjusting tax value to accommodate the burden of long term nuclear waste storage; this addresses some of the issues for host cities with nuclear generating plants. Jeff O'Neill pointed out that the city may initially see a drop in tax value with the new City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 5 110 method, but over time that will level out. Under the provisions of the legislation, this legislation would provide transition aid to cover any shortage in tax revenue in the first years. Jeff O'Neill noted that Xcel Energy has taken a neutral stance on this bill. GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015 -038 IN SUPPORT OF THE CHANGE IN ELECTRIC - PRODUCING SYSTEM TAXATION AS ARTICULATED IN SF 1636 LEGISLATION. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 3. Public Hearings There were no public hearings. 4. Regular Agenda A. Consideration of approving five -year contract with Advanced Disposal for residential refuse and recycling collection services Wayne Oberg presented this item and provided information about the city's refuse and recycling program. The contract proposal offers exclusive residential service with about 4,300 carts distributed for refuse and recycling. Multi - family units that utilize individual carts are covered as exclusive under the contract, subject to the city ordinance restricting haulers. Wayne Oberg reviewed the proposals from Advanced Disposal which were negotiated back and forth over several meetings. They arrived at a draft agreement for five years which fixes rates for the first two years and allows an increase of a 2% maximum per year after that, excluding any fuel surcharges. This represents a 14.5% increase from the.current contract, resulting in an annual increase of $70,000 initially and about $46,000 additional by the end of the contract. Wayne Oberg reviewed the variation in diesel fuel prices over the past years, which could play a role in fuel surcharges if diesel fuel prices go above $3.85 per gallon. Glen Posusta asked if the City could get better pricing with other vendors. Wayne Oberg explained that he had done some checking with other vendors. One vendor inquired but did not submit a proposal and another firm would have been higher than Advanced Disposal's proposal. LLOYD HILGART MOVED FOR ALTERNATIVE #1 TO APPROVE A 5- YEAR CONTRACT WITH ADVANCED DISPOSAL FOR RESIDENTIAL REFUSE AND RECYLING COLLECTION SERVICES THROUGH MAY 31, 2020 WITH A $4.75 CAP ON DIESEL FUEL SURCHARGE AND ALLOWANCE TO REOPEN THE CONTRACT IF DIESEL FUEL REACHES $5.50 PER GALLON FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. CHARLOTTE GABLER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 6 110 B. Consideration of approving costs to bury Xcel distribution lines along Chelsea Road between Edmonson Avenue and Fallon Avenue Shibani Bisson presented this item asking for consideration of approving the cost to bury distribution lines along Chelsea Road. She summarized the discussions with Xcel Energy regarding powerline alignments for new distribution lines between TH 25 and Fallon Avenue. Shibani Bisson explained the two alternatives for either underground or overhead lines. Under alternative #1, underground cables would be constructed along Chelsea Road between Edmonson and Fallon. The cost is estimated at $225,000 plus restoration and could be funded by franchise fees of which approximately $630,000 is available in the fund. [This number is revised from what was in the agenda item.] Under alternative #2, overhead lines would be constructed along the west side of Edmonson Avenue between Chelsea Road and Dundas Road and along Dundas Road between Edmonson and Fallon. There would be no cost to the city for this alternative. There were questions on the type of power poles that would be constructed for overhead lines. Xcel representatives, Scott Johnson and Brenda McDermott, explained they would utilize cross -arm poles at a height of 50 -60 feet with the cross arm about 6 feet down from the top. Brian Stumpf commented on future plans for changes to Fallon Avenue that could include an overpass and a potential roundabout on the south side and the possible impact to powerlines. He wanted to ensure that underground cables could be aligned to meet future transportation needs. Xcel explained that underground lines have a life of about 30 years and Xcel would be responsible for future upgrades. Overhead lines have a longer life but generally require more repairs over time. Xcel representatives explained that the project is being done to relieve capacity from the Pulaski station and allow increased loads for this area, which would improve reliability. Lloyd Hilgart spoke in favor of going underground as he doesn't want to see more overhead lines in that area. Tom Perrault commented that he doesn't feel comfortable supporting the cost to the City for underground lines. Jeff O'Neill talked about the funding source using franchise fees that have been collected from agreements set up some years ago. The city was been generating these fees with the intent to use the money for streetlight projects. Jeff O'Neill pointed out that there is a sufficient balance available for other uses such as constructing underground lines or paying for signal light adjustments. Charlotte Gabler noted that the franchise fees can be used for any projects related to electrical generation. Sean Weinand was asked to give his thoughts on this topic. He noted that as a developer he strives to put infrastructure underground as much as possible. He recommends that the City move toward eliminating overhead lines when possible to encourage future redevelopment of areas along the freeway on the south side. City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 7 110 It opens up better possibilities of developing properties without having to work around overhead lines. Shibani Bisson pointed out that there are certain areas along Edmonson Avenue that have no easement areas to locate power poles., Xcel would need to work with those property owners to establish easements. Xcel representatives indicated they would be willing to work with the City on the design for underground construction at the intersection of Fallon and Chelsea, taking into account future changes, such as a roundabout at the intersection. There was some discussion on use of the franchise fees for this purpose or whether underground powerlines should be funded by a levy rather than franchise fees. John Lundsten, owner of property along Edmonson and Dundas, asked for confirmation on where overhead lines are proposed to be located and whether the city has right -of -way in the area. Shibani Bisson explained that the City would have a 33 -foot right of way, from centerline, by prescriptive rights along the property north of Lundsten's parcel, where the right of way is not platted, to locate poles for overhead lines. Lundsten asked if they had considered putting overhead lines along Chelsea Road in an easterly direction. Jeff O'Neill explained that Xcel Energy had designed the route for overhead lines using Edmonson and Dundas roads. Lundsten stated that he prefers underground construction and supports Sean Weinand's comments on constructing underground powerlines. Xcel representatives stated that they are willing to support whichever option the Council so chooses for placement of overhead or underground lines. They would like to complete the work during the summer; their substation will be ready in September. They anticipate it would take about 3 -4 weeks to complete underground boring. Brian Stumpf asked if this is something that Tom Bose would have been involved in as an engineering tech. Shibani Bisson confirmed that he would have been in the field handling the right -of -way permit and inspections as needed. Xcel would have their own inspector since they would be doing the work. The cost was discussed and Xcel representative Brenda McDermott explained that restoration could be done by Xcel or by the city. It is likely that restoration costs could run between $10,000 and $15,000. CHARLOTTE GABLER MOVED FOR ALTERNATIVE #1 TO APPROVE COSTS FOR UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION OF XCEL POWERLINES ALONG CHELSEA ROAD BETWEEN EDMONSON AVENUE AND FALLON AVENUE. GLEN POSUSTA SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -1 WITH TOM PERRAULT VOTING IN OPPOSITION. City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 8110 C. Consideration of approving implementation of a Community Builder Recognitio n Program Rachel Leonard asked Council to consider approving the Community Builder Recognition Program. This was previously presented to Council and concern was expressed about the potential costs. City staff did some research on the costs of plaques and found that Loch Jewelers could provide plaques at a lower cost. Staff feels that this program would be a good way to promote outstanding individuals in the community. Brian Stumpf asked about how many nominations would be expected each year and would the interest wane over the years. Rachel Leonard commented that it would be her responsibility to market the program and make sure that interest in making nominations is sustained over time. Glen Posusta expressed his thoughts and noted that he does not support this program. He feels that nominations would not necessarily include those that should and could be honored. Brian Stumpf feels that public officials should not be nominated or involved in the review, and that nominations should be geared toward those that contributed to the community for many years, leaving a lasting impact. Brian Stumpf indicated that he prefers that the review committee should be made up of members of the general public. Jeff O'Neill pointed out, for example, that an honoree under this program could be a person like Opal Stokes, who recently passed away. She contributed in many ways to the community and yet there is no current method in the community to honor someone like her for her contributions. Consensus of Council was to send this back to city staff to work on some of the suggestions made by council members and bring it back with new recommendations. 5. Added Items Temporary sign ordinance — Jeff O'Neill mentioned some changes that are being proposed to allow temporary signage on property without a principal use, if the use is for community events. The property would also need to be adjacent to another property, under the same ownership, which has a principal use on it. It is suggested that a permit would not be required for this use. Charlotte Gabler felt this should be brought to the planning commission for review before making an exception. Jeff O'Neill indicated that he had talked to the city attorney and there is room to waive rules in a temporary ordinance until there is a permanent ordinance in effect. LLOYD HILGART TO ALLOW TEMPORARY SIGNAGE ON PROPERTY WITHOUT A PRIMARY USE PROVIDED THAT THERE IS AN ADJACENT PROPERTY WITH A PRIMARY USE THAT IS OWNED BY THE SAME PERSON AND THAT THE TEMPORARY SIGNAGE IS FOR A City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 9 1 10 COMMUNITY EVENT. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3 -1 WITH CHARLOTTE GABLER VOTING IN OPPOSITION. (Glen Posusta did not vote). Biosolids Farm equipment — Brian Stumpf brought up the suggestion that unused equipment at the biosolids farm should be liquidated. Charlotte Gabler questioned how long the equipment has been in storage. Mayor Stumpf explained that it has been about two years since the City has discontinued land applications. There are also other items stored out there from city offices and public works that could be disposed of. Stumpf also noted that there may be some items at the Wastewater Treatment Facility to get rid of. Stumpf suggested that the Time Sensitive Acquisitions Committee should be involved in reviewing the equipment that is not being used and making a recommendation as to its disposition. 6. Adiournment GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:44 P.M. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman C" Approved: May 26, 2015 Attest: CitAtfdiinistrator City Council Minutes — May 11, 2015 Page 10 110