Loading...
City Council Minutes 05-13-1974Regular City Council meeting - May 13, 1974 - 7:30 P. M. X77 City Hall The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall, by Mayor Conrad Johnson. Members present: Blonigen, Martie, Rowan. Council member Erickson arrived at 8:00 P. M. The Mayor announced that the meeting would be taped. A HEARING was held regarding "Watermain Replacement on Locust Street." One property owner was in attendance, Mr. James Heckard, representing Burlington Northern. No opposition was expressed to this improvement. Mr. Heckard stated he was at the meeting mainly to understand the type of project being considered. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, sec- onded by Bloni gen, to adopt a "RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS.'► Copy of Resolution attached as Encl. 1. Mayor and Clerk authorized to sign Resolution. It was announced by Mr. Thore Meyer that an assessment policy and rate will be established at a later date. This statement concluded the HEARING. A presentation was made by Mr. Clifford Olson and Mr. Ken Tvedt in regard to a request for a building permit by Mr. Tvedt. In this regard, a motion was made by Blonigen, seconded by Martie, to grant a building permit to Mr. Tvedt with the knowledge that Mr. Tvedt's lot is now 165' deep; side yard requirements were left to the interpretation of the Building Inspector. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Absent: Erickson. Motion carried. Approval of the minutes for the meeting of April 22, 1974, were delayed until the meeting of May 20, 1974. The motion to de- lay approval of the minutes to May 20, 1974, was made by Rowan, seconded by Blonigen. Voting in favor: Blonigen, John- son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Absent: Erickson. Motion carried. A presentation was made by Mr. Steve Mattson, a representative of Juran & Moody, Inc. Council member Denton Erickson arrived in time for the discussion of the 1974 bond issue. In this regard, a motion was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson, to adopt a "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC SALE OF $162,000.00 GENERAL OBLIGATION PARKING FACILITY BONDS OF 1974." Copy of Resolution attached as Enclosure 2. Voting in favor: Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Abstain: Blonigen. Motion carried. k Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974 - cont' d. Mr. Mattson noted that proceeds from the bond sale should be delivered in early July. The Administrator was instructed to insure that the "Notice of Bond Sale" is published in the Monticello Times. The bond sale will be held on Thursday, May 30, 1974 at 1:00 P. M., C.D.S.T., at the Council Chambers in Monticello, Minnesota. The motion to set the bond sale for May 30, 1974, at 1:00 P. M., was made by Martie, seconded by Rowan. Voting in favor: Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Abstain: Blonigen. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning the position of Building Inspector. In this regard, a motion was made by Blonigen, seconded by Rowan, to re -appoint Mr. Rasmussen as the City Building Inspector for a period of one year, effective May 135 1974 - term expires May 12, 1975. Mr. Rasmussen stated he would be available for the full year. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Mr. Rasmussen stated he intends to have regular office hours; probably from 8:00 A. M. to 9:00 A. M. each weekday morning. Mr. Rasmussen and the Administrator were instructed to insure that Mr. Fredin is paid an equitable settlement for the help he gave the city as temporary Building Inspector. A motion to adopt the following building inspection fee schedule, was made by Erickson, seconded by Blonigen. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson., Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. BUILDING INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE $10.00 minimum For valuation up to $5,000.00 $ 2.00 per thousand For valuation from $5,000 - $255000.00 $ 1.50 per thousand For valuation from $25,000 - $1005000.00 $ 1.00 per thousand For valuation over $100,000.00 A discussion was held concerning a proposal from Brauer & Associates. The Mayor recommended, and the Council concurred, to delay action on this proposal for approximately 30-45 days. A discussion was held concerning a proposed Zoning Ordinance change. The presentation on this matter was made by Mr. Chuck. Stumpf, representing the Planning Commission. The proposed change is in regard to property commonly referred to as the "Z etterberg property." The Planning Commission recommended to the City Council that the south half of Block 11 (Lots 1, 2, 3, 4and 12) and Block 12 (to include only the present apart- ment property) be re -zoned from R-2 to R-3. A motion to set a HEARING date on the proposed zoning change was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974 - cont'd. Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. The HEARING date is set for June 10, 1974 at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall. The Administrator was instructed to insure proper legal notice is placed in the Monticello Times. Mr. Chuck Stumpf, representing the Planning Commission, stated it is the recommendation of the Commission to the City Council "that construction begins on a project when ground is moved." A presentation was made by attorney Gary L. Pringle in regard to action being taken against the City by attorney William C. Hoffman. Mr. Pringle noted that a letter had been sent to Mr. Hoffman with an offer by the City to pay attorney fees of $2,000.00 as a settlement for Mr. Hoffman's work on the Fourth Street case. Mr. Pringle stated that Mr. Hoffman's billing indicated that approximately 3 times as much work had been spent on the Appeal portion of the case as on the -District Court action and noted that Mr. Hoffman had informed the City there would be a $1,500.00 charge for the appeal. Mr. Pringle stated that he would act for everyone being sued by Mr. Hoff- man at a cost not to exceed $1,500.00. (This would include all present City Council members and Mr. Marklin g and Mr. Sand- berg if they so desire) . A motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Erickson, to employ Mr. Pringle as the City's legal representative in the dispute initiated by Mr. Hoffman. This would include former Council members if they desire representation. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. The Mayor mentioned the Council salary discrepancy notated in the audit report for 1973. Mr. Pringle stated he would make a study of this matter. Mr. Pringle stated he would talk to Greg Smith regarding the request for legal fee reimbursement by a Liquor Store employee. A discussion was held concerning the status of the building permit for Bureau Investment Corporation. Mr. Rasmussen was requested to check on when the permit was legally issued and when it legally expired. A report will be made on this matter at the meeting of May 20, 1974• A presentation was made by Mr. Jim Lungwitz and Mr. Doug Pitt representing the Park Board. The Administrator presented a bid from J. & K. Tree Removal which stipulates a price of $90.00 per tree removed. This includes cutting, removal and chipping to ground level all diseased Dutch elm trees. Mr. Kroll is to cut trees as directed by the Park Board or City personnel. A motion to accept the bid of J. & K. Tree Removal at the price of $90.00 per tree was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974 - cont'd. Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. There was Council consensus that all insurance costs are to be borne by J. & K. Tree Removal (this will be made a part of the contract) . Street supervisor Dick Brooks noted that the straight cub - mower had been purchased at a price of $700.00 and that approximately $50.00 has been spent on minor repairs. There was Council consensus that this should be a very adequate machine and that the price is reasonable. A study of playground slides that are in need of repair or trade-in will be made by the Park Board. Doug Pitt noted that Mr. Corrow is working out very well as an assistant in the Park and Street department. A presentation was made by Dr. John Kasper representing the Utilities Commission. Dr. Kasper noted that he recommends the City adopt Thore Meyer's proposal in regard to water hookup charges, but that a charge of $375.00 should be made for a one (1) inch water line. The Administrator was instructed to work with the City Engineer and/or City Attorney to draw up this ordinance change. A report is to be made on this matter at the City Council meeting of June 10, 1974• Dr. Kasper informed the Council on latest developments in regard to the Pinewood School hook-up charge; he noted that no agreement has been reached but further study will be made of the matter before it is turned over to the City Council. Dr. Kasper noted the Utilities Commission feels they have arrived at a fair and justified charge. The Administrator was instructed to have the Utilities Commission study the proposal of Meyer Rohlin, Inc., in regard to the Vine Street sanitary sewer, located between Broadway Street and River Street. A report is to be made to the City Council on this matter at the meeting of May 20, 1974• A presentation was made by Mr. Arve Grimsmo representing the Roads & Streets Commission; other Commission members in attendance were Dale Lungwitz and Bob Rierson. City engineer, Thore Meyer, explained a written proposal prepared by his office and dated April 22, 1974. This proposal outlines street problems that should be corrected and estimates the cost of repair. If all improvements were accepted as stated in the letter of April 22, total costs of improvement would be $14,,479-00. Mr. Grimsmo mentioned he feels all proposals are good ones with the exception of the one proposed at the intersection of Highway 25 and E. River Street. This matter will be reviewed by the Roads & Streets Commission and Meyer- Rohlin, Inc. The Mayor noted that a study will be made of Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974. - cont' d. funds available and this matter will be reviewed again at the Council meeting of May 20, 1974.. Mr. Rierson noted there is a problem of cave-ins on the Seventh Street project. The Administrator noted that a retainer fee had been withheld to cover such contingencies. Thore Meyer stated all problem areas will be corrected. A discussion was held in regard to a proposal submitted by the Trojan Playground Equipment Mfg. Co. The proposal stip- ulates the type of gate and total cost for installation of the gates on Fourth Street. The Council assumed responsibility for installation of the gates by action taken at the meeting of April 8, 1974. Council member Blonigen, requested that another bid be obtained. There was Council consensus to accept this recommendation. Bids obtained will be presented at the Council meeting of May 20, 1974• Dale Lungwitz and Arve Grimsmo explained the feeling of the Roads & Streets Commission in regard to an entrance on to Highway 25 from the new Monticello Mall area. It is the con- sensus of this Commission that there is a safety problem in the area and that the State Highway Department hasn't indicated when a median could be installed. The Administrator was instructed to write Mr. Christie of the State Highway office that the Roads & Streets Comm. opposes the entrance on to Highway 25 from the Monticello Mall. The motion instructing the Administrator to write this letter was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Dick Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning the installation of lighting by the Interstate. The Highway Department will be contacted by letter on this matter. Mr. Grimsmo and Council member Dan Blonigen, exchanged comments in regard to recent editorials in the Monticello Times. A presentation was made by Mr. Lee Hatfield and Mr. Lyle Buckingham, representing the Public Safety Commission. Mr. Buckingham stated he would like the Council to consider the establishment of a "designated bicycle area" in Monticello and would like to see more use of the bicycle ordinance, in- cluding licensing of bicycles, etc. He would also like to see designated bicycle areas in the new parking lots. The MaYor noted that the entire City Council was concerned about bicycle safety and informed Mr. Buckingham that the Public Safety Comm. is using the right approach and that they should proceed with their study. In regard to "STOP" signs for use by the Monticello churches, Mr. Buckingham stated he feels there has been some misunderstanding about this matter and that he will be in attendance at a Ministerial meeting. Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974. - cont' d. Mr. Bob Rierson stated there are no signs on Interstate 94 indicating that a hospital is in the area. In this regard, a motion was made by Denton Erickson, seconded by Dick Martie, instructing the Administrator to notify Mr. Christie that hospital signs are needed at both entrances to Monticello. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning the possibility of changing old Highway 152 signs to a speed limit of 30 m.p.h. No decision was reached regarding this matter. A presentation was made by the Reverend Robert Sipe repre- senting the Monticello Housing Authority. Rev. Sipe stated that the Housing Authority had investigated several possibilities in regard to hausing. He mentioned that recent meetings with Mr. Wally Houle of Buffalo had produced some promising ideas. Mr. Houle was responsible for establishing low-cost housing in Annandale, Cokato and Howard Lake. Funds are now being released by the Federal Housing and Urban Development Authority. In this regard, Mr. Houle feels the City should act to pro- cess a request for funds as soon as possible. To do this, the City Council will have to act on several items, including: (1) Invitation to the Monticello Housing Authority to proceed. (2) Authorization to the Monticello Housing Authority to buy land with the stipulation that the land would be used for a specific purpose. (3) Confirmation that sewer and water is readily available. This matter will be discussed again at the City Council meeting of May 20, 1974• One site considered for low-income or elderly housing, is the Fourth Street ballpark. A suggestion was made by council member, Dan Blonigen, to have the Park Board study this matter. No final decisi6n was reached. The Administrator noted in answer to a question that the old sewer and water truck had been junked by the water and sewer department for $5.00. Council member Martie inquired as to May clean-up month. The Mayor stated he would be contacting several people in regard to this matter. The Mayor noted that the annual Board of Review with the County Assessor in attendance will be held on May 20, 1974 at 7:30 P . M. There was Council consensus, to hold the second council meeting of May on May 20, 1974, rather than May 27, 1974.. Business will be conducted after the Board of Review is completed. The motion to accept this proposal was made by Dick Martie, seconded by Jeff Rowan. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Regular Council meeting - May 13, 1974 - cont' d. A motion to approve the list of bills for the month of April, 1974, was made by Dick Martie, seconded by Denton Eri.ck�son. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Liquor: $24,340.80; Adm.: $4,265-77; Fire: $1048.99; Park: $1,161-50: Sewer: $3,331-79; Water: $3,138.86; Service: $2,393-71; Street: $3,174.27; Other; $10,1.1.21. A motion to adjourn was made by Denton Erickson, seconded by Dick Martie. The tape of this meeting was not in operation from approximately 8:00 P. M. to 8:40 P . M. due to a tape entanglement. C� Kevin L. LaFrance, Adm. KLLF/lsg Special meeting of the City Council - May 20, 1974 - 7:30 P. M. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall by Mayor Conrad Johnson. Council members present: Blonigen, Martie, Rowan. Council member Denton Erickson arrived after the meeting was called to order. The Mayor announced that the meeting would be taped. The purpose of this meeting was to conduct the annual Board of Review for the City of Monticello with the intention to review and correct, if necessary, assessments in the city of Monticello for the year 1974. All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment were to appear at this meeting. Mr. Bernard Mattson, county assessor, and Randy Des Marais, assistant county assessor, conducted the Board of Review. Three property owners were in attendance: Mr. Hugo Hillstrom, Mr. John Sullivan and Dr. C. D. Bauer. Mr. Mattson answered questions of the pro- perty owners and recommended that anyone not fully satisfied with the answers given stop in at the County Assessor's office and fill out a form which would be presented to the Wright County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Review portion of the meeting adjourned at 8:30 P. M. Regular business of the council was conducted -- the City Council had agreed at the meeting of May 13, 1974 to hold the second council meeting of May on May 20, 1974 rather than May 27. Special meeting of City Council - May 20, 1974 - cont'd. The Mayor announced that approval was needed for the minutes of April 22, 1974. The motion to approve the minutes of April 22, 1974 was made by Erickson, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Erickson, Johnson, Martie. Opposed: Blonigen. Abstain: Rowan. Motion carried. A motion to approve the minutes of May 13, 1974 was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning the availability of funds for street maintenance as described in a letter from Meyer-Rohlin dated April 22, 1974. Total cost of the improvements was estimated at $14,479.00. The Administrator presented a letter in which he noted Federal Revenue Sharing funds could be used for this purpose; auditor Gary Wieber of Gruys, Johnson, Mos - ford & Assoc., had confirmed the legality of the use of these funds. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Blonigen, to authorize the use of Federal Revenue Sharing funds for street maintenance as outlined in the letter of April 22, 1974. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning funds to be used to finance the proposed "Watermain Replacement on Locust Street" as proposed in a letter from Meyer, Rohlin, Inc., dated March 7, 1974; estimated cost to be $10,470.00. The Administrator noted that the council could use a Water Operating Fund Certi- ficate of Deposit for this purpose. The amount used would be paid back to the Water Operating Fund as assessment collections are received. Auditor Gary Wieber of Gruys, Johnson, Mosford, & Assoc. had confirmed the legality of this proposal. In this regard, a motion was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson, to finance the "Watermain Replacement on Locust Street" as re- commended. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A presentation was made by Mrs. Gloria LaBau, Mr. William (An s) Anderson, of the Monticello Housing Authority, and Mr. Wally Houle who presented information on the a-tilibility of federal funds. Mrs. LaBau stated that the Housing Auth(wity had been investigating various programs that could be used to finance low income or elderly housing in Monticello. She stated that most proposals presented to the Monticello Housing Authority had been impractical, but the proposal of Mr. Houle which makes use of federal funds under Section 23, had been reviewed and found suitable for the Monticello community. Mr. Houle men- tioned that the release of funds for low income housing is imminent and that it is essential the City choose a site for