City Council Minutes 01-11-1993MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, January 11, 1993 - i p.m.
Members Present: Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brad Fyle, ratty Olsen
Members Absent: Ken Maus
1A. Appointment of Acting Mayor.
Rick Wolfsteller requested that as a first item of business, the City Council
consider appointing an Acting Mayor. Wolfsteller noted that Acting Mayon
serves in the absence of the Mayor.
A motion was then made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Brad Fyle to appoint
Shirley Anderson as Acting Mayor. Shirley Anderson stated that she would
accept the position of Acting Mayor.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Brad.
Fyle to approve the appointment of Shirley Anderson as Acting Mayor. Motion
carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held December 14, 1992.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Brad
Fyle to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held December 14, 1992,
as written. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
None forthcoming.
4. Consideration of request to replat four (4) _existiha townhouse lots into three
(3) townhouse lots.
Gary Anderson reviewed the proposal to replat hots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 1,
Fairway Courts, into three lots rather thail the existing four lots. Gary
Anderson noted that the proposed. replat :meets city requirements.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Patty
Olsen to approve the replat. of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 1, Fairway Courts, as
proposed. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
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6. Consideration of a rezoning request for phase III and the balance of the
undeveloped portion of the Cardinal Hills residential subdivision plat from AO
(agriculture -open space) to R-1 (single family residential).
Assistant Administrator, Jeff O'Neill, reported that in conjunction with the
application for preliminary plat approval for phase III of Cardinal Hills, Value
Plus Homes is requesting that the balance of the Cardinal Hills residential
subdivision be rezoned from AO (agriculture -open space) to R-1 (single family
residential) designation. O'Neill noted that this request is different from
previous rezoning requests relating to Cardinal Hills because this time the
developer is requesting that the balance of the Cardinal Hills development site
be rezoned. Previously, the City has rezoned only that portion of the
development that is being platted and developed.
Rezoning was encouraged to occur only on an incremental basis to this point
because of the concern over the potential of development of the entire property
under one type of housing style and value. It was thought that by preserving
the balance of the property under agricultural zoning status, the City could
buy time to review its zoning district regulations and its housing stock
inventory to determine if a new type of zoning district should be developed and
assigned to the east side of Cardinal Hills. The new zoning district would be
designed to encourage development of higher valued homes at least in a
portion of the Cardinal Hills development area.
O'Neill reported that the City Planner supports the rezoning of the entire
property as proposed by the developer. The Planner stated that some cities do
regulate the housing stock in the community and that this is done commonly
by establishing a zoning district that requires development of larger lots
(16,000 sq ft is common). By requiring a larger lot, the utility prices increase
and, concurrently, the value of the home tends to increase along with the
higher development cost. The Planner also noted that cities typically initiate
this type of specific zoning to assure a mix of housing types throughout the city
and is generally utilized to provide areas for "move -up housing." Grittman
noted that in the city of Monticello, there are relatively large areas of land that
remain undeveloped that can be developed to satisfy the "move up" housing
demand. He did not feel that there was an overriding need to regulate the
type of development in the Cardinal Hills area for the sake of the city as a
whole, as there are other areas within the city where higher -end housing can
flourish.
O'Neill reported that the Planner stressed that even though the house values
in Cardinal Hills and associated tax revenue are relatively low as compared to
the costs associated with providing public services, education, etc., he noted
that the added lot sizes and nearby amenities will add "staying power" to the
development and will likely result in property owners making long-term
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commitments and investments in their property. He also noted that there are
many intangible benefits to the City caused by development in this area. New
{ residents will help support the existing commercial base within the
community, and the added population and employee base will serve to help
attract and maintain industry. Finally, even after rezoning the balance of the
property to R-1, the City still has the option of changing the zoning again if the
need is finally determined.
Brad Fyle noted that the rezoning of the phase III of Cardinal Hills is
appropriate at this time but was not convinced that the rezoning of the balance
of the property was appropriate. Clint Herbst asked if rezoning to R-1 would
result in the chance that commercial use could be developed at the site.
O'Neill noted that commercial uses are not allowed in an R-1 zone; therefore,
it would not be possible to develop commercial business at this location.
After discussion, a motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Brad
Fyle to approve the proposed rezoning of the area indicated in phase III of
Cardinal Hills from AO zoning district to R-1 zoning district and table
consideration of rezoning the balance of the Cardinal Hills development area
and authorize City staff to conduct additional research on implications of
rezoning the balance of the property encompassing the entire Cardinal Hills
subdivision area. Motion was based on the finding that the proposed rezoning
of phase III of Cardinal Hills subdivision is consistent with the comprehensive
plan and is consistent with the geography and character of the area. Voting
in favor: Brad Fyle, Clint Herbst, Patty Olsen. Opposed: Shirley Anderson.
Absent: Ken Maus.
Rick Wolfsteller noted that the formal approval of the rezoning request for
phase III of Cardinal Hills requires a 4/5 vote of approval by the Council.
Wolfsteller asked Councilmember Anderson if she was in support of the
rezoning for phase III for Cardinal Hills. If so, the previous motion should be
amended by separating it into two separate motions.
After discussion, a motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Brad
Fyle to rescind the previous motion and approve the rezoning of phase III of
the Cardinal Hills subdivision from AO (agriculture -open space) to R-1 (single
family residential). Motion was based on the finding that the proposed
rezoning of phase III of Cardinal Hills subdivision is consistent with the
comprehensive plan and is consistent with the geography and character of the
area. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 234.
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A motion was made by Patty Olsen and seconded by Brad Fyle to table further
consideration of the request to rezone the balance of the Cardinal Hills
property from AO to R-1 zoning designation and authorize City staff to conduct
additional research on the implications of rezoning the balance of the property
encompassing the Cardinal Hills subdivision. Voting in favor: Brad Fyle,
Clint Herbst, Patty Olsen. Opposed: Shirley Anderson. Absent: Ken Maus.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 234.
5. Consideration of approval of preliminary plat of phase III, Cardinal Hills
residential subdivision. Applicant, Value Plus Homes.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill informed Council that Value Plus Homes, Inc.,
of Monticello requests the City consider approval of the third phase of the
Cardinal Hills residential subdivision. O'Neill went on to review the proposal
in terms of the city ordinance and noted that the preliminary plat meets the
minimum requirements of the city ordinance.
Discussion focused on the park dedication requirement associated with the
third phase of the Cardinal Hills development. O'Neill noted that the
developers are requesting that they pay cash in lieu of land dedication for the
unsatisfied portion of the park dedication requirement. O'Neill reported that
the Planning Commission recommended that the City accept cash in lieu of
park land dedication for the third phase of the development but make no
commitment on the overall park dedication requirement on the remaining
acreage until additional review by the Parks Commission.
O'Neill also noted that sidewalk and pedestrian issues had been reviewed at
a recent meeting between City and School officials, the local developer, and the
local bus companies. It was the consensus of the group that a sidewalk should
be installed along the northern side of School Boulevard. The group also
discussed crosswalk locations. It was the consensus that crosswalk locations
should be identified at Elder Lane and Pelican Lane, which would be in
addition to the existing crosswalk at the northwest corner of Cardinal Hills
Park.
Brad Fyle asked if the tree planting requirement was met in phases I and II.
He had received complaints from home owners that the trees planted were too
immature. O'Neill noted that he would investigate and determine if the trees
planted met the requirements of the development agreement.
Roger Mack suggested that Martin Drive noted on phase III be renamed
because it does not connect directly to Martin Drive located in phase I.
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After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Patty
Olsen to approve the preliminary plat of phase III of Cardinal Hills
development and accept cash in lieu of land to satisfy the park dedication
requirement for phase III only and direct the Parks Commission to review the
park dedication issue for the balance of the property. Staff is directed to
provide alternatives for amending the current sidewalk policy in conjunction
with the potential development of the School Boulevard sidewalk. Motion
carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
7. Consideration of an ordinance amendment to Chapter 3, General Provisions,
of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance by adding 3-2, "Communication Devices,"
which would allow and regulate the operation of satellite dish/communication
devices.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the proposed ordinance
amendment was requested by the Planning Commission but originally stems
from a request by a home owner to install a satellite dish. Technically,
installation of a satellite dish is not permissible, as it is not identified in the
city ordinance as an allowable use in any zoning district. The proposed
ordinance amendment is geared to control placement of devices in areas and
in a manner that will cause minimal impact on adjoining properties. It
includes a provision for a conditional use permit that would be required when
minimum requirements cannot be met. The ordinance proposed is very similar
to ordinances adopted by other communities.
Shirley Anderson noted that in her view the proposed ordinance is essentially
an update to our existing ordinance and is essentially a necessary
housekeeping matter.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Patty
Olsen to approve the ordinance amendment as proposed based on the finding
that the rule will serve to protect the safety and character of areas in which
communication devices are located. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken
Maus absent. SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 235.
8. Consideration of approving renewal of Joint Fire Department contracts for
Silver Creek Township and City of Otsego.
Rick Wolfsteller informed Council that the Joint Fire Board has recommended
that the City establish a one-year contract with Silver Creek Township and the
City of Otsego to be paid at a rate of $25 per parcel. Wolfsteller reported that
the fire department has provided adequate service of the western portion of the
City of Otsego and has experienced 6 fires this past year. The department has
also been called out 16 times to Silver Creek Township. Based on the number
of calls, $25 per parcel is adequate to cover the cost of serving the area.
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After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Clint
Herbst to approve renewing the fire protection contracts with the City of
Otsego and Silver Creek Township. The annual charge for Otsego is estimated
at $68,000, and the charge to Silver Creek Township is $11,750. Motion
carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
9. Consideration of annual appointments for 1993.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and seconded by Patty
Olsen to approve the annual appointments for 1993 as follows:
Official Depositories: Wright County State Bank
Security Financial Savings & Loan
First National Bank of Monticello
Chief Financial Officer -
authorized to designate other
depositories for investment
purposes only.
Newspaper:
Housing and
Redevelopment
Authority:
(5 -yr staggered terms)
Planning Commission:
Health Officer:
(1 year)
Acting Mayor:
(1 year)
Joint Commissions:
Community Education:
Fire Board
OAA
Monticello Times
1. Tom St. Hilaire
12/96
2. Ben Smith
12/95
3. Bud Schrupp
12/94
4. Al Larson
12/93
5. Everette Ellison
12/97
1. Richard Carlson
2. Jon Bogart
3. Cindy Lemm
4. Richard Martie
5. Brian Stumpf
Dr. Donald Maus
Shirley Anderson
Shirley Anderson
Rick Wolfsteller
Von ma» c
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Council Minutes - 1/11/93
Library Board: 1. Ed Solberg
12/93
(3 -yr staggered) 2. Duff Davidson
12/94
3. Mary Jane Puncochar
12/93
4. Ruby Bensen
12/94
5. Rebecca Jesinski
12/95
Attorney: Paul Weingarden
Planner: Northwest Assoc. Consultants
Auditor: Gruys, Borden, Carlson & Assoc.
Recycling Committee: Shirley Anderson
Economic Development
Authority: 1. Patty Olsen, Council
12/96
2. Clint Herbst, Council
12/94
3. Harvey Kendall
12/96
4. Al Larson
12/97
5. Barb Schwientek
12/93
6. Bob Mosford
12/94
7. Ron Hoglund
12/95
Engineer: Orr-Schelen-Mayeron & Associates
Police Advisory
Commission:
Brad Fyle, Council
12/94
(3 -yr staggered terms)
Warren Smith
12/94
David Gerads
12/94
Jim Fleming
12/95
Curtis Schmidt
12/93
Parks Commission:
Dick Frie
12/93
(3 -yr staggered terms)
Larry Nolan
12/93
Fran Fair
12/94
Bruce Thielen
12/95
Roger Carlson
12/95
Brad Fyle, Council Liaison
Motion carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
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10. Consideration of entering into a joint venture with the cities of Elk River and
Buffalo for purchase of crack sealing equipment for the street department.
John Simola reported that the cities of Buffalo, Elk River, and Monticello are
utilizing a rubberized crack sealer. Simola noted that the City began using
rubberized crack sealer for bituminous pavements in 1990. We are expecting
a 6-7 year life expectancy or more out of the crack sealer, which is very similar
to the period of time between sealcoats; therefore, we are generally crack
sealing just prior to sealcoating.
Simola went on to note that an opportunity is in place to save on crack sealing
costs by jointly purchasing crack sealing equipment to be shared by the three
communities. Simola noted that the public works departments from the three
cities have gotten along quite well over the past years. We have brought some
equipment back and forth and shared technical knowledge on various aspects
of public works. It, therefore, seemed logical that a joint venture of some type
be considered for purchasing this equipment.
Simola concluded by noting that the City of Monticello's total share of the joint
venture is $9,490. With the joint venture as proposed, it looks like we will be
under budget by in excess of $5,000.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Clint
Herbst to approve a joint venture between the cities of Buffalo, Monticello, and
Elk River and to authorize purchase of the Crafco E -Z Pour 200 Melter with
pump and gravity feed and spare parts from Spec Materials, Inc., for $16,990
including sales tax, and to purchase the Crafco Model 200 24 -HP router with
five sets of carbide tip cutters from Spec Materials, Inc., for $7,468 including
tax, contingent upon receiving guarantee of payment of their share from the
cities of Buffalo and Elk River, leaving the amount spent by the City of
Monticello at $9,490. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
11. Review preliminary plans for improvement to eastbound County State Aid
Highway 75 (East Broadway) from Highway 25 to high school.
John Simola reported that the last major improvement to eastbound East
Broadway was completed by MN/DOT in 1960. Some 20 years later in 1991,
well after the state turned the Highway 152 back to Wright County, the
highway surfaces were in poor condition. The County decided to mill off or
remove the top 2 inches of the 5 1/2 inch street surface on eastbound 75 and
replace it with an overlay. This resulted in a like -new street surface; however,
within 2 years, 95% of the previous cracking had reoccurred. Consequently,
this type of surface treatment was deemed inappropriate for a long-term
solution.
Council Minutes - 1/11/93
In 1988 and 1989, the City began to receive complaints from residents along
East Broadway about the noise trucks made as they bounced along the street.
By this time, the cracking had reached a point where the County began
considering replacement.
The City approached the County Board in 1990 asking them to resurface the
road, as there were funds available in the County's municipal state aid fund.
The County felt, however, that although the road was in poor condition, there
were other roads in the county that had higher priority. The City was
concerned that after they became a direct municipal state aid city that the
County's municipal state aid funds would no longer be available for improving
County Road 75. The County Engineer, however, promised they would do the
project in the next 2-3 years.
Simola reported that we find ourselves in 1993 with the proposed project
scheduled for late summer. Simola reported that the County is considering
specifying a 3 -week time schedule to keep business disruption at a minimum.
The project will consist of complete removal of the blacktop surface, shaping,
and compacting the class V and then 5 inches of new blacktop. The City will
also be installing a storm sewer in the first block of East Broadway in the area
of Ernie's Bait to relieve a drainage problem. We will also be replacing
approximately 1/4 mile of curbing. The City's share of the project is estimated
at $30,000, which is our budget figure for 1993.
Simola also went on to discuss concerns regarding individual sewer service
lines along Broadway. He noted that residents could save $1,000 or more by
repairing their sanitary services prior to the project being completed, as they
would not have to replace the blacktop surface. He noted that the question
becomes which services, if any, need repair, and are repairs needed to the
portion of the sanitary sewer service lines lying in eastbound 75.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Clint
Herbst to approve the preliminary plans for the improvement project and to
offer free sanitary sewer service inspection at no cost to any of the 60+
residents along East Broadway from Highway 25 to the high school affected
and who has had past problems or perceives problems with their sanitary
sewer service. This is provided that the resident cleans or has the service
cleaned prior to the tv inspection. Motion carried unanimously, with Ken
Maus absent.
John Simola thanked County Board member, Pat Sawatzke, for supporting this
project at the County Board level.
Brad Fyle requested that the project be completed in as short a time frame as
possible.
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Council Minutes - 1/11/93
12. Consideration of calling a special meeting for reviewing computer system
operation.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill invited Council to consider calling a special
meeting for the purpose of reviewing the current computer system
configuration and operation. The meeting will consist of a review of the
system, along with a visit to each computer terminal work site. The goal of the
meeting will be to provide Council with updated information on the status of
each software product purchased by the City and how the software is being
used to improve information management.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to meet on January 27, 1993,
at 4:30 p.m.
13. Consideration of bills for the last half of December.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded by Shirley
Anderson to approve payment of the bills as submitted. Motion carried
unanimously, with Ken Maus absent.
14. Other matters.
A. Clint Herbst noted that long-term parking is occurring at the sliding hill
parking lot. He was concerned that commuter parking is occurring at
this site. John Simola reported that he would post a "no commuter
parking" sign at the site.
B. Assistant Administrator O'Neill requested that the Council consider
allowing plat development site grading to be included with the
associated public improvement projects ordered by the City. O'Neill
noted that combining the previous separate site grading activities would
allow better coordination of grading activities and reduces overall
development cost. He also noted that under the current method, the
City must wait for the private developer to complete grading activities
prior to the City starting street and utilities construction. This
arrangement adds risk because it does not guarantee that the actual
grading will be done on a timely basis; and potentially, a project ordered
by the City could be delayed because the private developer, for whatever
reason, has not been able to complete the grading. Including grading in
the overall project would be beneficial, as it would also guarantee that
the complete grading of the site and restoration is done in accordance
with original plans. From time to time, the City has had a problem
with getting developers to complete the grading of individual parcels as
identified in the original plans. Including grading in the overall project
would eliminate this problem.
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O'Neill noted that payments for plat development grading expenses
would be made by the private developer as the work is completed. Plat
development grading costs would, therefore, not be included in the
assessments against the property. Prior to initiating the public
improvement project, the City would require a letter of credit or other
financial security that would guarantee that the cost associated with the
plat development grading be paid immediately after completion. The
City would, therefore, not bond for any grading cost and would not
include the cost in the assessment roll.
Clint Herbst noted that he has no problem with the proposal as long as
the developers fund the plat development grading cost upfront as they
normally would have done had they completed the grading completely
on a private basis.
It was the general consensus of Council to include grading activity in
public improvements with the condition that the City obtain a financial
guarantee that the plat development grading be funded directly by the
developer and paid separate from the assessment roll.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
r
Je'e'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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