City Council Minutes 02-24-1992MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 24, 1992 - 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brad Fyle, Dan
Blonigen, Ken Maus
Members Absent: None
2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held February 10,
1992.
011ie Koropchak, Economic Development Director, requested that
the minutes be amended to state the following regarding item
#5 of the agenda, which was "Consideration of adopting revised
job evaluation results/comparable worth study appeals."
"Koropchak asked to have it noted to the Council and
recorded that the Economic Development Director's
position was the only position where Administration
appealed subfactors that were not addressed or appealed
by an individual and true, comment was given by
Administration on subfactors appealed by an individual.
Sherri Le, League of Minnesota Cities, informed Koropchak
that she talked to Administration about this fact and
suggested Koropchak note the fact to Council. Also,
Koropchak noted the Economic Development Director's
appeal was submitted after completion by the League of
all other individual appeals. Koropchak said it was how
the process was handled and not the point factors."
Clint Herbst thought that the meeting minutes as prepared
clearly articulated Koropchak's statement, and he did not
think that it was necessary to change the meeting minutes.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted that there were points
made in Koropchak's statement that were not specifically
included in the minutes, and he could modify the minutes to
include those points.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to modify
the minutes to include points mentioned in Koropchak's
statement that were not included in the meeting minutes of
February 10, 1992.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Brad Fyle to accept the meeting minutes as
modified. Motion carried unanimously.
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4. Consideration of a resolution adopting amendments to the City
of Monticello Comprehensive Land Use Plan in conjunction with
the Chelsea Area Land Use Study.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that in June of 1991,
the City authorized completion of a land use study in
recognition of the need to update land use policies affecting
the Chelsea Corridor area. A number of factors gave rise to
the need for the study, including development of the
elementary school and the need to identify additional land for
industrial development. It was also the concern of the City
Council that the transportation system supporting the
developing area along with the storm sewer plan needed to be
updated. In summary, the study was ordered for the purpose of
establishing policies that would allow the area to achieve its
development potential with a minimum amount of conflict
between land uses.
O'Neill noted that the proposed comprehensive plan amendment
is a result of a planning process that included input from
numerous citizens and committees. O'Neill went on by stating
that by approving this resolution adopting the amendment to
the comprehensive plan, the City Council is approving all of
the attached exhibits with the report, which identify future
land use patterns within the study area.
Steve Grittman of Northwest Associated Consultants provided a
detailed review of the study and outlined major issues
addressed by the plan as follows:
1. Industrial Land Development
The comprehensive plan amendment calls for
expansion of the industrial area. Precise location
of this additional industrial land has not been
established; however, it is likely to be located on
the Klein property or the Kjellberg property.
Final decision on the location of the industrial
area will depend on whether or not the Evergreens
residential subdivision moves forward.
2. Establishment of Business Campus District
The comprehensive plan supports the concept of
developing a business campus zone, which would be
located in the area north of the school property
and south of the freeway. This area is currently
zoned I-1 (light industrial). The business campus
zoning district allows almost all of the land uses
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allowed in a light industrial zone; however, the
business campus district requires additional
screening between industrial and school uses and
includes more stringent site amenity standards.
3. Transportation Circulation Study
The comprehensive plan outlines future roadways
that will be constructed to provide adequate
transportation to the area as well as provide a
plan for separating industrial and residential
traffic as much as possible. The plan outlines a
major collector road extending from Highway 25 to
County Road 118, which would serve developing areas
in the area and provide another outlet to Highway
25, therefore relieving traffic pressure at the
intersection of Highway 25 and Oakwood Drive.
Grittman noted that the City should be looking at development
of the Fallon Avenue overpass, as this overpass will help the
north and south sides of the freeways to become integrated.
He also stated that the plan provides for sufficient area to
allow for the development of an interchange at County Road
118; however, he did not stress the necessity of developing an
interchange in the near future. Grittman noted that the value
of the interchange lies in its ability to provide access to
commercial property. He noted that an interchange at this
location would not likely provide much value in this respect,
as Highway 25 will capture most of the commercial traffic from
the west, and traffic from the travelers coming from the east
will not see this commercial area until they've passed the
current exits.
Ken Maus noted that the B-2 area at the northwest quadrant of
the intersection of Chelsea and 118 calls for 17 acres of B-2
(limited business) property. He wondered if it was necessary
to have this much commercial area available when there is
little chance of development of an interchange at this
location.
Grittman responded by saying he was confident that 17 acres of
commercial property would be needed to serve the large area of
residential and commercial property south of the freeway.
Council discussed the plan further. After discussion, a
motion was made by Dan Blonigen and seconded by Clint Herbst
to adopt the resolution adopting amendments to the City of
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Monticello Comprehensive Land Use Plan in conjunction with the
Chelsea Area Land Use Study. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-4.
5. Consideration of an ordinance amendment establishing a
business campus zoning district which provides for
establishment of limited light industrial business offices,
limited light manufacturing, wholesale showrooms, and retail
uses in an environment which provides a high level of
amenities, including landscaping, preservation of natural
features, architectural controls, and other features.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted that the preparation of
this ordinance amendment was done in conjunction with the
comprehensive land use study and prepared in response to two
factors, one being the development of the school campus along
the boundary of an industrial area, which has created the need
to upgrade industrial site development standards in the area.
In addition, O'Neill noted that the business campus zone was
proposed in response to the need to provide for a slightly
upscale industrial neighborhood for businesses that desire
this type of area.
Brad Fyle stated that he sees the need for this type of
industrial area that has a higher level of aesthetic and
landscaping standards.
Ken Maus noted that establishing this zoning district provides
another option for industries that wish to locate in
Monticello. In the future, if we find that the higher
standards are keeping industry out of the community, or if we
find that we need additional I-1 or I-2 property, the City can
always consider rezoning this property again to I-1 or I-2
uses.
011ie Koropchak noted that the proposed ordinance includes a
grass plot requirement of not less than 30% of a lot, parcel,
etc. She stated this may be difficult to market and gave an
example using a 5 -acre lot, which is approximately 217,000 sq
ft. This would mean a company would be required to have at
least 65,000 sq ft, or 1.5 acres, of grass plot including
shrubbery, plantings, or fencing and shall be landscaped. She
further indicated that today's trends for development of
business parks are to reduce the amount of green space because
of the excess costs to businesses for acquisition,
development, and maintenance. She stated the Industrial
Development Committee had reviewed the land use maps only and
not the ordinance amendments.
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Steve Grittman agreed that a 30% requirement is strict. This
number could be reduced if it becomes a problem.
Clint Herbst stated that he's comfortable with the ordinance
as proposed and made the motion to approve the zoning
ordinance amendment establishing a business campus zoning
district based on the finding that the ordinance proposed is
consistent with the comprehensive plan, and there is a
demonstrated need for the zoning ordinance amendment. Motion
was seconded by Shirley Anderson. Voting in favor: Brad
Fyle, Clint Herbst, Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson. Opposed: Dan
Blonigen. Blonigen was opposed to the amendment because he
did not feel that the amendment was necessary.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NOS. 221 AND 222.
6. Consideration of adopting an ordinance amendment approving
amendments to the zoning map of Monticello proposed in
conjunction with the Chelsea Area Planning Study. Applicant,
Citv of Monticello.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill outlined the amendments to the
zoning map that would occur in conjunction with establishment
of the business campus zoning district and in conjunction with
the Chelsea Area Planning Study.
Ken Maus asked Shelley Johnson if he was comfortable with the
establishment of the business campus zoning district to the
north of the school property. Shelley Johnson stated that the
landscaping standards included with the business campus zoning
district served to buffer the school property to the north.
He has no problem with the proposed zoning ordinance
amendment.
Council reviewed the proposed zoning map changes in detail.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to approve amendments to the zoning map of
the City of Monticello proposed in conjunction with the
Chelsea Area Planning Study. Motion is based on the finding
that the zoning map amendments are consistent with the
comprehensive plan. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 223.
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7. Consideration of a request to amend the zoning map by rezoning
a 12 -acre portion of Auditor's Subdivision, Lot 17, from B-3
(highway business) to a combination of PZM (performance zone
mixed - 5 acres) and B-2 (limited business - 7 acres).
Applicant, Evangelical Covenant Church.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the Evangelical
Covenant Church is requesting again that the City consider
adopting a zoning map amendment that would allow establishment
of a church facility in an area that was originally intended
for commercial use. This request is different from the
previous request in that it provides for 7 acres of commercial
land at the corner of Chelsea Road and County Road 118. The
previous proposal allowed only 5 acres of land in that area
for commercial use.
Brad Fyle noted that he is not in agreement that a good mix
will be created if the church is allowed to be developed in
between a commercial area and a business campus area. He did
not see the need for the rezoning.
Ken Maus stated that certain congregations have shown that
they can be compatible with neighbors. Maus did note his
concern with development of a church facility next to a
business campus district, which, even with higher site amenity
standards, could create conflicts with the church.
Jim Haglund of the Evangelical Covenant Church stated that he
appreciates the opportunity to meet with Council. He
envisions the 7 -acre parcel available for commercial use after
the church is developed to become a professional park. He
noted that there is commercial property across the freeway
that could be used for commercial development; therefore, the
17 acres that the planner feels is necessary is overstated.
He went on to state that church use and patterns are
completely different than industries; therefore, there will
not be a great conflict in traffic patterns. He went on to
state that the visibility of the church at this location is
very important. It is also important that the church purchase
property that has utilities in place where everything is ready
to go.
Clint Herbst agreed that 17 acres is a lot of land to preserve
for commercial use in the area, but he was worried about the
future and the compatibility between the church and commercial
neighbors.
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Jim Haglund noted that a convenience store at the corner could
still be located there and that the church would not oppose
this type of development.
Mick Scott reiterated that office park and church development
are compatible, and it has been successfully done in other
cities.
Mrs. Wolf of the Evangelical Covenant Church stated that the
Council's effort to complete a thoughtful planning process is
great. The City is doing a good job in addressing the land
use needs of the City. She also noted that the people that
live in the city are going to need a church, and the City
should be providing places for churches.
Shirley Anderson stated that the City certainly does not want
to block development of a church facility. She went on to
state that there are other areas within the city that are
properly zoned for church use that should be explored before
rezoning is considered.
After discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen to approve
the proposed rezoning request and seconded by Ken Maus based
on the finding that the amendments are consistent with the
comprehensive plan and compatible with adjoining land uses.
Voting in favor of the motion: Ken Maus and Dan Blonigen.
Opposed: Shirley Anderson, Brad Fyle, Clint Herbst. Motion
failed.
8. Consideration of bids for design/build for baseball and
softball field lighting along with project funding sources.
John Simola, Public Works Director, reported that the final
specifications for the design/build for baseball and softball
field lighting included a base proposal for lighting all four
fields with wood poles on a turn -key basis, an alternate
proposal for lighting two fields with wood poles on a turn -key
basis, and a third alternative for lighting either four fields
or two fields with a steel pole/concrete base combination with
city crews doing much of the pole setting and trenching with
help from Northern States Power crews and subcontractor.
Simola went on to note that proposals were received from two
companies, one from Olson & Sons Electric of Monticello and
another from Electric Systems of Anoka. The low bids were
received from Electric Systems of Anoka and were for $138,495
for lighting four fields with wood poles on a turn -key basis
and $88,512 for lighting two fields with wood poles on a turn-
key basis. Simola went on to note that if the City elects to
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do two fields at this time and waits to do two additional
fields in the future, there will be a $7,000 to $10,000
increase in the total to do four fields.
Simola went on to note that the concept of doing four fields
stemmed from the potential that the City might receive
significant assistance and funding from Northern States Power.
In addition, the City received a pledge of $1,500 from
Professional Services Group, $5,000 from the Softball
Association, $10,000 from the Monticello Youth Baseball
Association, and they would pledge $15,000 to light four
fields. Simola informed Council that, unfortunately, it does
not appear that the Northern States Power grant will be
approved this year; therefore, the additional cost of lighting
the two additional fields would have to come from City reserve
funds, as there are no funds to cover this in the budget at
this time.
Ken Maus noted that we have $80,000 in the budget and that
perhaps we should be lighting two fields at this time and that
perhaps NSP could assist with the lighting of the additional
two fields at some point in the future.
Brad Fyle stated that he could see developing new fields to
meet the demand. He did not agree that adding lights to the
existing fields should be the strategy to use to increase
field availability.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Ken Maus to approve lighting of two fields and to
accept the pledges from outside sources for a total of $16,500
with a total cost to the City of $74,162.80. Voting in favor:
Shirley Anderson, Ken Maus, Clint Herbst. Opposed: Dan
Blonigen and Brad Fyle. Dan Blonigen stated that he is
opposed to developing the lights utilizing pledges from the
ball clubs because promises from the ball clubs have not been
followed through on in the past. It was Blonigen's view that
the users of the ball fields should have to pay to use them.
When you go to the show, you have to pay.
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9. Consideration of postponing the water park study and
authorizing City staff and the Parks Commission to open
dialogue between the school district and adjoining townships
of the goals and defining community recreation/civic center
ice arena needs and identifying cooperative strategies for
meeting needs.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill informed Council that the
Parks Commission requests that the Council postpone further
action on the water park study. Though the Parks Commission
believes that the water park concept should continue to be
explored and should ultimately be placed before the voters.
It has been determined by the commission that further progress
on this concept should be postponed until such time that a
thorough inventory of community -wide recreation needs is
developed.
The first step as recommended by the Parks Commission would be
to establish a dialogue with the school district and all
townships and cities that are part of the "community." This
group would include Becker, Big Lake, Silver Creek, and
Monticello Townships along with the City of Otsego. This
study would also attempt to identify opportunities for
cooperation between jurisdictions in meeting recreation needs.
One goal of the group might be to devise a method of
distributing costs fairly to those who want and use various
local and community recreation facilities.
City/school/township cooperation could potentially include
joint funding of certain capital improvements such as a civic
center, ice arena, aquatic centers, recreation programming,
operation and maintenance of facilities, athletic fields
development and maintenance.
Bruce Thielen, a member of the Parks Commission, stated that
the input recently received caused the Parks Commission to
step back a little bit and look at the big picture. The Parks
Commission hopes that by bringing the City and the school and
townships together that a program can be prepared that meets
the needs of the general public and interest groups.
Ed Reilly spoke to Council. He noted that he's a 24 -year
resident of the city of Monticello. He has been extremely
active in the community service organizations and church
activities. He is chairman of a citizens group supporting
developing of a multi-purpose/multi-use facility to serve the
needs of different organizations. He noted he would like to
offer his help to the school and Council and Parks Commission
as they move forward analyzing the needs of the community.
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Dick Frie stated that he had been contacted by Larry Kounkel,
President of the Lions Club, to let the Parks Commission know
that the Lions Club is supportive of the efforts to develop a
pool or water park facility and has voted to allocate $25,000
a year for three years toward development of the facility.
Jim Herbst, representative from the school board, stated that
it's important to do your homework and get your facts and
figures down regarding the design and cost of the water park
facility or civic center facility and then let it go to the
public for a vote.
Brad Fyle suggested that the City conduct a survey for the
purpose of determining the park and recreation needs of the
community.
Shirley Anderson stated that she is very supportive of
bringing issues before the public via a referendum.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to postpone the aquatic center study and
authorize City staff to invite the school district and
township officials to meet with City representatives to
discuss recreation/civic center facility needs and determine
the potential for cooperation. After discussion, motion
carried unanimously.
10. Consideration of developing a City newsletter.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that over the past
few months, City staff has been gathering information and cost
estimates regarding development of a City newsletter as
previously suggested by the City Council. Staff agrees that
mailing a newsletter to city residents is a good idea because
there is a definite need to provide up-to-date information to
citizens regarding services, and sending information in a
uniform, consistent manner via a newsletter is a good way to
help citizens watch for information on a regular basis. This
is a much better way to reach residents than trying to mail
information with utility bills as we have tried in the past.
Dan Blonigen asked how much the City would save by publishing
a newsletter rather than by printing all of our public
information in the local newspaper.
O'Neill noted that many of the publications that the City now
prints in the local newspaper will continue to be printed in
the newspaper because they are legal publications. A
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newsletter, on the other hand, is not a legal publication;
therefore, it cannot be used to provide official public
notice. In addition, the newsletter will be done on a
quarterly basis, which means some information will continue to
be published in the paper. He went on to say that a
substantial amount of information regarding city programs will
no longer need to be printed in the paper and will be included
in the regular newsletter. Therefore, there will be some
savings to offset the additional costs.
Ken Maus stated that he doesn't look at the newsletter as a
legal publication. Rather, it is a means to help people
become aware of the city programs and provide reference to
people so that they can make the most use out of city
services.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Brad Fyle to approve development of a City
newsletter prepared entirely in-house at an estimated start-up
cost of $2,325, which includes the cost of the word processing
equipment and software necessary to prepare the newsletter.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. Review of public works facility concept plans and
authorization to distribute request for proposals for design
of phase I.
John Simola, Public Works Director, reported that the public
works expansion study authorized by the City Council in
September of 1991 is now complete. The study committee was
made up of himself, Dan Blonigen, Brad Fyle, and Roger Mack.
The building committee worked with Peter Brozek from TKDA
Engineers on a goal of designing an efficient, functional plan
that would meet the needs of the public works department for
20 years. Simola summarized the overall plan, which involved
30,615 sq ft of space combining old and new buildings at an
estimated total construction cost of $1.3 million to be
constructed in three phases.
Phase I would be the construction of a 15,000 sq ft
freestanding building north of the existing maintenance block
building. Construction of this new building would require
removal of the old 2,400 sq ft pole barn and removal of the
existing underground fuel tanks. Additionally, the eastern
portion of this new building encroaches in the old dump area,
so approximately 3,500 cu yds of soil correction will need to
be done during the construction. The estimated construction
cost of this phase when building is approximately $540,000.
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Simola went on to describe phase II, which would consist of
filling in the space between the existing maintenance building
and new storage building using this area for a wash bay and
parts room. This phase would cost $380,000.
Phase III would consist of remodeling or replacement of the
old NSP building for new offices, a reception area for a
secretary, handicap accessory restrooms, showers for men and
women, and a new maintenance area for the water/sewer
collection department. The estimated cost for phase III
assuming demolition of the old NSP building rather than its
remodeling is $380,000.
Ken Maus asked what would be the primary use of the phase I
structure. John Simola reported that this area would be used
for vehicle storage along with storage of other miscellaneous
equipment and materials that the City currently has scattered
at various locations.
Ken Maus noted that the liquor fund has accumulated a
substantial balance in the past few years and the time is
probably right to start drawing down on those funds to pay for
this project.
011ie Koropchak asked if the phase I construction includes
screening, landscaping, and curbing that is consistent with
the city ordinances.
Ken Maus also noted his concern regarding screening. It was
his view that the City should make every effort to properly
buffer the site from the adjoining residential uses.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Dan Blonigen to accept the study and authorize City staff
to distribute RFP's for the design of phase I and allow three
architectural/engineering firms to present their proposals at
a special Council meeting on March 16, 1992. The RFP would
request a design centered around a concrete block building and
alternate for an exterior insulation package. This would
result in the lowest architectural design fee and the lowest
building construction cost. Motion carried unanimously.
12. Consideration of a resolution requesting 25% of the 1992 state
aid allocation for maintenance.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Dan Blonigen to approve a resolution asking for an
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amendment to the state aid allocation for maintenance funds up
to the maximum amount of 250. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-5.
13. Consideration of the purchase of computer hardware and
software for the administration of state aid funds and
projects.
John Simola, Public Works Director, reported that now that the
City of Monticello receives direct state aid for highway
construction, it is the responsibility of the City to account
for all state aid and federal funds received on state aid
projects. MN/DOT requirements as to the forms to be completed
on state aid projects are quite specific. To make it easier
for new cities to adapt to the state aid system, the state aid
pays 60% of the hardware and software costs if the state aid
software program is purchased. Purchasing the state aid
software allows the state aid system to be uniform, and
changes made in the future by the state are done more easily
on a uniform system. The state also provides training
seminars on the use of the state aid computer system.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Brad Fyle to enter into an agreement with the
Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of State Aid,
to purchase computer hardware and software at a cost to the
City of $2,510. Motion carried unanimously.
14. Consideration to review for acceptance the Economic
Development Authority's year-end statement and 1992 budget.
City Council reviewed the EDA's year-end statement and 1992
budget.
After discussion, a motion was made by Clint Herbst and
seconded by Brad Fyle to accept the EDA balance sheet,
statement of revenues and expenditures, changes in fund
balance, 1992 cash flow projections, and the annual activity
report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
15. Consideration of approving a resolution adopting the 1992
Economic Development Work Plan and IDC budget.
011ie Koropchak, Economic Development Director, reviewed the
Economic Development Work Plan and IDC budget.
Ken Maus noted that the work plan pretty well represents the
activities and duties of the Industrial Development Committee
and the Economic Development Director. He noted that
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maintaining a solid economic development program is a lot of
work and an ongoing process that needs to be maintained. Ken
Maus also noted that the City staff should make sure to keep
Council informed of any potential for changes to the state tax
law which would jeopardize the tax status of NSP.
After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and
seconded by Clint Herbst to adopt the resolution adopting the
1992 Economic Development Work Plan and IDC budget as
presented. Motion carried unanimously.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-6.
16. Consideration of bills for the month of February.
After discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and seconded
by Shirley Anderson to approve the bills as submitted. Motion
carried unanimously.
17. Other matters.
Junk Amnesty Day was tentatively scheduled for May 2, 1992.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.
Jbf " - ' Neil
Assistant Administrator
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