City Council Minutes 08-24-1992MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, August 24, 1992 - 7 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson, Brad Fyle, Clint
Herbst, Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: None
2. Approval of minutes.
It was noted that item #12, listing the appointed election
judges, had Walter Lusti and Mary Bray listed twice.
It was also noted that item #8, last paragraph, regarding the
motion, is amended to delete reference to the square footage
of the wetland lost within the development and should indicate
that the size of the wetland was insignificant.
Item #6, last sentence, regarding the motion, was amended to
indicate that Clint Herbst stated it was his view that the
present ordinance was sufficient to cover home occupations and
businesses should be located in commercial districts.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen,
seconded by Clint Herbst, and unanimously carried to adopt the
amended minutes as presented for the regular meeting held
August 10, 1992.
4. Consideration of resolution ordering preparation of assessment
roll and setting a public hearing on adopting assessments --
1992 sidewalk improvement project.
The Council was informed that the 92-08SW sidewalk improvement
project has been completed, and City staff is in the process
of determining the final cost.
A motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Dan
Blonigen, and unanimously carried to adopt a resolution
authorizing the preparation of an assessment roll for the
sidewalk improvement project in accordance with past policy of
assessing benefiting property owners 20% of the improvement
cost. Motion included setting a public hearing on adopting
the assessment roll for September 28, 1992.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-23.
5. Consideration of appointing City Assessor.
Administrator Wolfsteller noted that the City had received six
applicants for the position of City Assessor, two of which did
not meet qualifications. Of the four remaining candidates,
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two individuals presently were full-time employees of counties
and two individuals were self employed doing assessment work
and/or fee appraisal work. The four individuals who qualified
proposed fee arrangements from $5 per parcel assessed to
$7.25.
It was noted by the Administrator that after reviewing the
qualifications, references, and discussing the duties with the
candidates, it was recommended that Mr. Jerry Kramber of
Kramber & Associates be offered the position of City Assessor
at a rate of $5.25 per parcel. Mr. Kramber was a self-
employed fee appraiser who also did assessment work for
townships and cities.
A motion was made by Clint Herbst, seconded by Dan Blonigen,
and unanimously carried to authorize entering into a contract
arrangement with Jerry Kramber to perform the assessment
duties for the City at a contract fee of $5.25 per parcel.
6. Consideration of approving sale of tax forfeited land parcels
by County Auditor.
The Wright County Auditor's office is currently preparing for
an upcoming public auction sale of tax forfeited parcels. The
City was notified that four parcels proposed for public sale
are in the city of Monticello; and prior to the sale, the
County requested approval from the City to proceed with the
public auction on these parcels.
Minnesota Statutes also allow cities to request conveyance of
the tax forfeited parcels for public use by the municipality.
Previously, the City HRA had requested that Outlot A of
Country Club Manor, one of the tax forfeited parcels, be
conveyed to the HRA in lieu of the special assessment debt
owing on the property. The County Board has agreed to convey
the property to the City with the understanding that the
delinquent real estate taxes totaling $4,327.26 be paid by the
municipality.
Another tax forfeited parcel consists of the former Gille Auto
Sales site on West Broadway. The Council discussed its
interest in the City or its HRA in possibly acquiring this
parcel for redevelopment purposes in an effort to clean up the
blighted area; and it was noted by the Administrator that the
City could request that the County delete from public sale
this parcel for up to one year to allow the City to further
investigate the site for possible acquisition.
The County also requested confirmation of the delinquent
special assessments pertaining to the four tax forfeited
parcels in the amount of $296,342.48.
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After further discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen,
seconded by Shirley Anderson, and unanimously carried to adopt
a resolution requesting that Outlot A of Country Club Manor
and the former Gille Auto Sales property be removed from tax
forfeiture sale and requesting conveyance of Outlot A to the
Monticello HRA at a cost of $4,327.26. The resolution also
verified the delinquent special assessments outstanding and
noted that any remaining special assessments remaining unpaid
after applying proceeds of the public auction sale would be
reassessed to the tax forfeited parcels.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-25.
7. Consideration of purchasing two additional bleachers for the
softball complex.
As part of the 1992 budget, $3,600 was included in the park
fund budget for purchasing additional bleachers at the NSP
softball field complex. The public works department received
quotations from the Specialty Bleacher Company of Aurora,
Colorado, for $3,380 and from E.F. Anderson of Bloomington,
Minnesota, for $3,645.
Councilmember Blonigen expressed concerns over continued
expenditures at the ballfield complex without receiving a
commitment from organizations utilizing the fields.
Councilmembers noted that the City has expended large sums of
money for improving this complex, including the installation
of lights, and suggested that further expenditures be tabled
until a financial report from the organizations utilizing the
fields is presented.
Park Superintendent, Roger Mack, noted that the Little League
Baseball Association has been a primary user of the ballfield
complex and questioned whether the City intends to request
additional user fees from these organizations. It was noted
that neither the Softball Association or the Little League
Baseball Association has requested additional bleachers; but
rather, it was an improvement the public works department felt
was needed for spectator safety.
Because the softball/baseball season is almost over, a motion
was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Brad Fyle, and
unanimously carried to table any action on purchasing
bleachers at this time and reconsider the request in the
spring of 1993 after reviewing the financial commitment of the
Softball Association.
8. Consideration of a resolution adopting a proposed preliminar
1993 budget and setting a proposed tax levy.
Administrator Wolfsteller presented to the Council a
preliminary 1993 budget with three optional tax levy
requirements. According to state law, the City must adopt a
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
preliminary tax levy by September 15 and certify the amount to
the County Auditor. The certified preliminary tax levy would
be the maximum amount the City would be able to adopt at its
official public hearing in December 1992.
The three optional tax levy amounts proposed included a .69%
decrease from 1992's requirements to $2,771,922, a tax levy
requirement equal to 1992's at $2,791,263, and a 3% increase
to $2,875,000. The Administrator noted that the preliminary
budget did allow the City to leave the tax levy requirements
equal to the 1992 amounts and still provide adequate funds for
existing programs and proposed expenditures.
Councilmember Herbst noted that the City has the opportunity
to adopt a tax levy and budget that would not result in any
increases for next year and proposed that the preliminary
budget tax levy be adopted without a tax increase.
After further discussion on the preliminary budget, a motion
was made by Clint Herbst, seconded by Dan Blonigen, and
unanimously carried to adopt the resolution proposing a
preliminary 1993 tax levy at $2,791,263, which is equal to the
1992 levy.
It was also the consensus of the Council that the public
hearing on adoption of the final 1993 budget and tax levy
would be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, with a
continuation date of Wednesday, December 9, 1992, at 5 p.m.,
if necessary. SEE RESOLUTION 92-24.
9. Consideration of establishing City requirements for sanitary
sewer hookup of East and West Kjellbergs Mobile Home Parks.
Administrator Wolfsteller noted that the MPCA has stepped up
its efforts in attempting to resolve the Kjellbergs East and
West sewage disposal system violations and is attempting to
require Kjellbergs to connect their east and west mobile home
parks to the City's sanitary sewer system. The PCA has
requested the City's position regarding connection charges and
the City's intent on annexation of the west mobile home park.
The Council previously discussed the merits of pursuing
annexation of the west mobile home park in regards to the
feasibility of providing services such as garbage pickup as a
result of annexation.
City staff recommended the Council adopt a policy that could
be forwarded to the PCA that was consistent with the present
City requirements. As a result, the following recommendations
were provided for Council review:
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
1. Connection of sanitary sewer by the east and west mobile
home park would require a hookup fee of $225 per unit
(mobile home pad). The fees would be payable at time of
connection and would be similar to those currently in
effect for multiple housing units.
2. The City would agree to support annexation of the west
mobile home park provided both east and west parks were
connected to the City's sewer system at the same time.
Annexation of the west mobile home park currently in the
township would not occur until the east park was also
connected.
3. If the east mobile home park was not connected to the
City sewer system, the west mobile home park hookup fee
would be consistent with our present policy of three
times the normal rate, or $675 per unit.
4. The mobile home parks would be subject to an area
assessment charge for trunk sewer at $1,250 an acre.
5. The City would agree to provide at no charge a 20 -ft
permanent and a 10 -ft temporary easement across City
property to facilitate the west mobile home park force
main construction. If the proposed connection of the
west park by gravity sewer system results in fill
material being placed on the easement to accommodate the
construction, the City would agree to sell the property
at appraised value to Kjellbergs, Inc. It was noted that
Kjellbergs, Inc., would be responsible for obtaining the
appraisal at their cost.
Councilmember Anderson expressed concern over annexation of
the west mobile home park due to the economics of providing
garbage service at no charge.
Councilmember Blonigen did not feel the City should have to
subsidize the cost of servicing a mobile home park by
providing free garbage service; and if annexation did occur,
the City should consider a surcharge for providing garbage
service.
Councilmember Fyle felt the normal City policy of requiring
hookup fees to be paid at the time of connection should apply
to the mobile home parks; and at this point, the City should
not be considering financing any of the charges.
A motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by Dan Blonigen, and
unanimously carried to adopt the policy as noted in the above
items and inform the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency of our
requirements concerning the potential east and west park
connection policy.
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10.
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
Consideration of change orders #1 and #2 for Project 92-06,
City of Monticello Vehicle Storage Facility.
The Council was presented with two change orders pertaining to
the vehicle storage building project for approval. The first
change order recommended involves the change from styrofoam
bead insulation inside the concrete block walls to a foam
insulation at an additional cost of $1,500. The second part
of change order #1 involved an additional cost of $4,545.72
for removing excess materials from the excavation site.
The Council was also informed of change order #2 that involved
additional electrical work for the building. The change order
would include the installation of an additional light on the
west wall of the structure for $377, an "instant on" quartz
feature for two of the light fixtures within the building for
$198, the addition of emergency lights in the area of the
three main exit doors at a cost of $352, the addition of a
time clock to control exterior lights and deletion of the
photo cell at a cost of $44, and the addition of 3/4 -inch PVC
conduit from the electrical control box to the future lavatory
for $126. Total change order #2 recommended would cost
$1,097.
Upon discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson,
seconded by Clint Herbst, and unanimously carried to approve
change order #1 in the amount of $6,045.72 and change order #2
in the amount of $1,097 for the vehicle storage maintenance
building.
Consideration of purchase of new or used 1 -ton with utility
box for the water department.
The public works department presented a proposal to purchase
a 1 -ton truck with utility box and lifting crane for use
within the water department. The proposed truck would be an
additional vehicle for the sewer collection and water
department, but it was noted that the 1989 Ford pickup would
be available for use by the City's Construction Inspector, Tom
Bose, who currently is using his own vehicle.
The public works department developed specifications for a new
or used 1 -ton cab and chassis and solicited quotes from
Monticello Ford and Gould Brothers Chevrolet. The lowest and
only price received for a new cab and chassis was from
Monticello Ford for $18,952 plus $1,231.88 sales tax for a
total cost of $20,183.88. No quotations were received from
either dealer for a used 1 -ton cab and chassis.
Four quotations were received for a ne
1 -ton truck, with the lowest quote for
department's needs from ABM Equipment
Hopkins for $4,991.66.
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w utility body for the
the unit meeting the
and Supply Company of
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
The Council then discussed the necessity of having an
additional vehicle available for the Construction Inspector
and discussed whether the present vehicles were being used
efficiently.
Councilmember Herbst indicated a preference for trading one of
the City's existing vehicles on the new 1 -ton truck rather
than adding a vehicle to the City fleet.
Councilmember Fyle noted that any purchase of vehicles for the
sewer and/or water department should be financed by the sewer
and water funds and not the general fund budget.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Brad Fyle and
seconded by Dan Blonigen to authorize the purchase of a new
truck cab and chassis for $20,183.88 from Monticello Ford and
purchase a new truck body mounted for $4,991.66 from ABM
Equipment and Supply Company provided the purchase is financed
from the sewer and/or water department budget. In addition,
the motion included directions for the public works department
to investigate obtaining a used truck if possible before
making acquisition. Voting in favor: Ken Maus, Shirley
Anderson, Dan Blonigen, Brad Fyle. Opposed: Clint Herbst.
Matt Theisen, Water Superintendent, further discussed with the
Council the eventual need for replacing the sewer and water
department van, which was budgeted for replacement in 1993.
Council members questioned whether the water department would
need a new van with the authorized purchase of a 1 -ton truck
and utility box vehicle. The Water Superintendent noted that
the new vehicle could replace the existing van.
And as a result, a motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by
Dan Blonigen, and unanimously carried to authorize the
purchase of the 1 -ton truck and utility box vehicle provided
the existing sewer and water department van is traded in. It
was noted that if the department found an adequate used
vehicle, the existing van would be sold separately.
Consideration of purchase of 1/2 -ton 4 -wheel drive pickup for
street department.
The public works department presented a proposal to purchase
an additional 1/2 -ton 4 -wheel drive pickup for use within the
street department. Street Superintendent, Roger Mack, noted
that the street and parks department has a shortage of
transportation equipment for moving men and small tools to
various job sites throughout the city and has very often
needed to use the larger dump trucks for transportation needs.
Mr. Mack felt this was an inefficient use of equipment and
that many of the job requirements could be handled with a
pickup.
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
Council members expressed concern over acquiring an additional
vehicle when the City currently has two 1 -ton trucks and two
pickups with only seven full-time employees.
The Street Superintendent noted that during the summer the
City employs four to six additional people within the park and
street department, with some of the vehicles being needed
consistently for park maintenance and other vehicles needed by
the Public Works Director and Street Superintendent for
supervision.
Council also discussed the option of contracting for some
services such as paint striping and park mowing services,
which could eliminate the need for additional vehicles.
The public works staff noted that cost information on
contracting out certain services could be provided to
determine if contracting services was a viable option.
As a result, Councilmember Blonigen made a motion to table
consideration of purchasing additional vehicles until such
time as the Council has had an opportunity to review
contracting cost savings. Motion was seconded by Clint
Herbst. Voting in favor: Ken Maus, Brad Fyle, Clint Herbst,
Dan Blonigen. Opposed: Shirley Anderson.
13. Consideration of granting the Chamber of Commerce a license
for a traveling circus.
The Monticello Chamber of Commerce applied for a license to
sponsor the Kelly -Miller Circus to be held Friday,
September 4, at the Pinewood Elementary School property. The
Council noted that the elementary school site does have
parking available but requested that the Chamber contact the
Sheriff's Department to provide traffic control should parking
become a problem.
The Council was informed that the Chamber has received a
certificate of insurance covering liability from the operator,
Kelly -Miller Circus.
As a result, a motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by Dan
Blonigen, and unanimously carried to grant a license to the
Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Kelly -Miller Circus and
to waive the normal $100 license fee. It was also suggested
that the Chamber of Commerce be notified that in the future,
an application requesting a license should be applied for
before scheduling or sponsoring future events.
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Council Minutes - 8/24/92
14. Consideration of resolution declaring costs to be assessed,
ordering preparation of proposed assessment, and setting a
hearing on proposed assessment.
The Council was informed that the 91-2 improvement project,
which provided utilities and street construction within the
Briar Oakes Estate development, was nearing completion; and
estimated costs of the improvement have been calculated. The
total project costs were estimated at $316,640, of which
$312,040 could be assessable to benefiting properties.
A motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by Shirley Anderson,
and unanimously carried to adopt a resolution ordering
preparation of the assessment roll and scheduling a public
hearing for September 14, 1992.
SEE RESOLUTION 92-26.
15. Approval of bills.
A motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by Shirley Anderson,
and unanimously carried to approve the bills for the month of
August as presented.
16. Consideration of authorizing the City Engineer to prepare a
feasibility report --Meadow Oak Estates Outlot.
Council was informed that Homes Plus of Brooklyn Park had
requested that the City authorize its City Engineer to prepare
a feasibility report for servicing Meadow Oak outlots with
sewer and water. The outlots are part of the property
currently owned by AgriBank, which intends to auction the
property September 15. Homes Plus is interested in
determining the cost of improving the outlots on a preliminary
basis and has agreed to reimburse the City for the cost of the
feasibility study.
As a result, a motion was made by Clint Herbst, seconded by
Brad Fyle, and unanimously carried to authorize the City
Engineer to prepare a feasibility study for extension of sewer
and water to Meadow Oak outlots provided Homes Plus deposits
with the City an amount equal to the cost of the feasibility
study.
Rick Wolfstreller
City Administrator
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