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City Council Minutes 04-08-1974Regular meeting of Council - March 25, 1974 - cont d. A motion to approve the issuance of cigarette licenses to Vance's Standard Oil Station and Stella ' s Cafe was made by Martie, seconded by Erickson. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. (Mayor and Clerk author- ized to sign licenses by motion) . A motion to adjourn was made by Erickson, seconded by Rowan. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:40 P. M. Kevin L. LaFrance, Adm. KLLF/lsg Encl. 1: Resolution Approving Plans & Specifications & Ordering Advertisement for Bids. Regular meeting of the City Council April 8, 1974 - 7:30 P. M. City Hall The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall by Mayor Conrad Johnson. Council members present: Bloni gen, Erickson, Martie, Rowan. Absent: None. The Mayor announced that the meeting would be taped. The Minutes for the meeting of March 25, 1974 were approved as presented. Time was allowed for citizen inquiries or comments. None, were made. A presentation was made by Park Board members Jim Lungwitz, Gordon Link and Doug Pitt. Jim Lungwitz noted that the regular meeting date of the Park Board will be at 9:00 A. M. on the day of each City Council meeting. Mr. Lungwitz stated the Park Board would like to have the Council approve a tree planting program (seedling trees). The trees would possibly be provided through the State Agricultural Stabilization Committee. No final decision made on this program, but it will be studied more thoroughly by the Park Board. Mr. Lungwitz noted that Dick Brooks had stated an additional employee will be needed for work in the parks this summer and had also requested authorization to purchase a used cub mower. Mr. Brooks noted that the cub cadet mower is not adequate for extensive use. After discussion, a motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Rowan, to authorize Dick Brooks to purchase a used cub mower at a price of up to $1,000.00. The limit of $1,000.00 would in- clude any needed repair costs. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. 16s Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974 - cont' d. A discussion was held concerning help for the summer months. The Mayor asked for a report on this matter in approximately one month. A discussion was held concerning the Dutch elm disease problem in the city. In this regard, a motion was made by Martie, sec- onded by Blonigen, to appoint Mr. Clarence Roadfelt as park in- spector and give him the duties of Forester. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. The administi°ator was directed to write Mr. Roadfelt a letter of appreciation. Mr. Lun gwitz stated that the Dutch elm problem should be approached from two directions. First, the city would need advertised bids, a formal contract, proper bond. Another approach would be to publish a notice inviting people who have diseased Dutch elm trees to voluntarily sign a statement on file in the city office. This would permit the trees to be cut without formal notices. Mr. Pringle stated he would dictate a form that could be signed by individuals volunteering to have trees removed. The removal of diseased trees for those who sign the form could be commenced as soon as the city signs a tree removal contract. Steps will be taken to implement both proposals. Attorney Gary Pringle gave a presentation regarding amendments needed to the Dutch Elm Disease Ordinance 1311. In this re- gard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie, to adopt an ordinance amending sections 1311.010 and 1311.080 of Ordinance 1311. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. (Copy of ordinance amendment, as drawn by City Attorney, attached as Encl. 1 ) . A motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Erickson, to have the Park Board call for a request for bids regarding removal of diseased Dutch elm trees; the call for bids will include a 5% performance bond. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: none. Motion carried. (Review of bids, insurance requirements, etc. will be made by Park Board - final decision will be made by City Council). Attorney Pringle noted that after the Forester sends a registered letter to a resident who has a diseased Dutch elm tree or trees, the tree could not be removed before a minimum 5 day period. There was city council consensus to set a 30 day maximum period for tree removal after the notice has been mailed. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Martie, stating the City Council adopt the 5 day minimum notice period and a 30 day maximum notice period in regard to the removal of diseased Dutch elm trees. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974 - cont' d. A discussion was held concerning a possible Petty Cash fund for the Park Fund. This fund would be for minor expenditures only. It was decided by the Council, no vote, to have requests for such expenditures go through the City Administrator and in some cases through the street supervisor as the situation dictates. A presentation was made by city engineer, Mr. Thore Meyer. Mr. Meyer explained the different alternatives regarding water main replacement on Locust Street. Mr. Chuck Stumpf noted that the Planning Commission recommended adoption of Alternate Plan E from the proposals outlined by Mr. Meyer in his letter of March 75 1974. Mr. Meyer noted that by Alternate Plan E we would be using an existing water main on Walnut Street, move southerly to Sixth St., and then westerly to the existing water main on Locust Street. The estimated cost for Alternate Plan E is $10,470.00. Mr. Meyer noted that Alternate Plan B was the least costly at $4,740.00. The Mayor noted that he had met with Jim Ridgeway of Wright Co Products and Mr. Ridgeway explained that the firm had been hit by unexpected problems. Wright Co Products had felt the water main entered from the east side of their building as this is how it is shown on city maps. The Mayor stated the maps are in e.-ror as the water main enters from the weft side of the building and Wright Co Products is going to have to change their entire water supply system within the building. The Mayor noted that if Wright Co Products can use a 6" water line they can obtain less expensive insurance. A second problem the Mayor discussed with Mr. Ridgeway concerned the 14 roof drains now draining into the sanitary sewer system. The Mayor noted that Wright Co Products was informed this problem could not continue; the drains will have to run into the ground or into a storm sewer. The Mayor stated he had informed Wright Co Products that if they would assume the least costly method of running a water line across the tracks, the City Council would assume the cost above $4,740.00 if they desire a better system. The Mayor in- dicated that Wright Co Products indicate a willingness to approve this proposal. No final decision was made on this proposal. A motion to approve Alternate Plan E as explained by Thore Meyer was made by Blonigen, seconded by Rowan. Voting in favor: Bloni- gen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Thore Meyer inquired into the possibility of assessing property owners in the proposed improvement area. Council member Rowan stated it has been city policy to assess improvements back to the property owners. Attorney Pringle stated Alternate Plan E would definitely be improving property value in the area. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Blonigen, to have a feasibility study on Alternate Plan E and to have the necessary hearings as in any other improvement project. Balance of pro- ject costs other than that paid by Wright Co Products, would be tl I�f( 161 IN Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974 - cont d. assessed to the benefiting property owners. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A discussion was held concerning possible street improvements this year. Dick Brooks mentioned that 3rd St. may need a seal coat. After discussion of this and other street problems, there was City Council consensus to have a comprehensive report on all street problems submitted in 30 days. This report to be developed by the Roads & Streets Comm. after consultation with the city engineer, street supervisor and administrator. Dick Brooks asked for clarification on a truck route. It was noted by council members that Locust St. from Highway 152 to 4th St. is the truck route. Trucks moving up Locust St. to 4th St. can drive by Maple Street, ( state -aid road) back to Highway 152. Dick Brooks stated he would implement this policy. A presentation was made by Mr. Pringle who stated the city now had the deed to the Municipal Parking Lot. He stated he had received this from the School District, it will be recorded and the abstract will be obtained. Mr. Pringle stated the 4th St. problem has been resolved and the city has a resolution from the School District stating a deed will pass to the city for 4th St. He explained that the School District had won their case in District Court and that case resulted in their owning 4th St. Now, the School District is giving the city a deed for the street and is keeping an easement. By the easement, the School Dist. is keeping the right to use the premises in question (4th St. from Walnut St. to Pine St.) for all school playground pur- poses during school hours and 'can close the premises for any traffic or other purposes during such hours. All costs of main- taining a closure gates will be borne by the city. Upon sensation of reasonable school playground use, the fee -simple;. title shall be in the city of Monticello, free of all reservations. A motion ratifying the agreement with the School District, was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. (Copy of agreement with the School District will be furnished for attach- ment to minutes as Encl. 2),' A discussion was held concerning building permit renewals. In this regard, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie, to have the city attorney notify Bel -Mar Builders, Inc.., and Bureau Investment Corp., that their building permits have expired and they have 30 days to apply for permit renewal. Voting in favor:. Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan, Opposed: None. Motion carried. Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974 - cont' d. A short discussion was held concerning annexation. No decisions made on this matter. A police report was given by Mr. Jim Powers. The Mayor mentioned he would like to see a better line of communication developed between the Fire Dept. and the sheriff's office. Mr. Powers stated he would work on implementing a policy. A presentation was made by Dr. John Kasper, representing the Utilities Commission. Dr. Kasper stated the Utilities Comm. agrees with the decision to use Alternate Plan E regarding the Locust St. water main. Dr. Kasper noted that a study had been made regarding the complaint of a local resident about his assessment for Improvement Project, 1973-1. It was the opinion of the Comm. that the assessment was justified in every way, and they recommend that this assessment stay as computed. There was City Council consensus, no vote, to accept the report of the Utilities Commission. The Administrator was requested to direct a letter to the party disputing the assessment. Dr. Kasper stated that the Utilities Comm. will report soon on the status of school hookup charges and on a sewer rate adjustment; probably, at the next city council meeting. A motion to adopt a recommendation by the Utilities Comm. that there be a sewer and water rate adjustment for firms or individuals who can give evidence of a leaky toilet, faucet or water line, was made by Erickson, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: Blonigen. Motion carried. Included as part of the aforementioned motion is the stipulation that the administrator use discretion in making a rate adjustment. The Administrator was instructed to write the Minn. Dept. of Health that Dr. Donald Maus was the only assigned Health Officer. A motion to approve the issuance of a taxi license to Mr. Martin Menzel for the period April 1 , 1974 through March 31 , 1975 and authorizing the Mayor & Clerk to sign the license, was made by Rowan, seconded by Martie. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A presentation was made by Mr. Tom Schneider in regard to set-up liquor licenses. The Mayor asked for time to study all aspects of the pr6 blem; approximately two weeks. The matter will be re- viewed by the Liquor Comm. Mr. Schneider requested that he would like an answer to such questions as closing time, license period, and the legality of dancing. Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974. - cont' d. The Mayor stated that he would like to see the month of May de- signated as "clean-up" month. A motion to appoint the following individuals on a May Cleanup Commission, was made by Rowan, seconded by Erickson. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John- son, Martie, Rowan. Motion carried. The individuals appointed to the Commission are: Mr. Jean Brouillard, Mr. Ed Schaffer and Mr. Leo Stokes. A discussion was held regarding the salary of the Administrator.. The Mayor stated he f alt this should be raised due to the assumption of greater responsibility. In this regard, a motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Rowan, to raise the salary of the Administrator to $12,400.00 annually, the increase to be effective May 1, 1974. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. A motion to approve the issuance of "On & Off" sale non -intoxi- cating malt liquor licenses to the following establishments and an "Off" sale non intoxicating malt liquor license to Maus Foods, was made by Martie, seconded by Rowan. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Licenses issued to Steak Hut, Schneider' s Re- creation, Monticello Recreation. A motion to approve the listing of bills for the month of March, 1974, was made by Martie, seconded by Blonigen. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, John son, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Liquor: $54,172.96; Admin: $3.,317-06; Fire: $326.32; Park: $57.04; Sewer: $1,649.98; Water: $1,716.03; Service: $26,033.87; Street: $3,645.85. The Administrator noted he had written a letter to Tri -County Builders of Fridley, MN. in regard to a safety hazard at the house they now own in Monticello, There was City Council con- sensus, no vote, to allow a two-week response period. The Mayor announced that he had been assured there will not be a%y problem in procuring materials or volunteer help to make improvements to the front of the Senior Citizen Center. The Mayor announced he would be meeting with a Mr. Wally Houle who was instrumental in setting up a low income housing pro- gram in Annandale and other communities. The Mayor stated there will be an announcement in May by the Liquor Comm. regarding the proposed "Off' sale" Liquor Store. The Mayor noted that he would be meeting with Mr. Franklin Denn from the Monticello Township Board regarding the possible est- ablishmentof a fire district. The Mayor stated no decisions would be made without consulting the Fire Dept. and the City Council. Regular meeting of Council - April 8, 1974. - cont d. There was city council consensus, no vote, to set a basic charge of 500 per sheet to any firm or individual desiring a copy of city records or forms. A discussion was held concerning a recent bill received from attorney William C. Hoffman. The total bill is $12,309-46. The Mayor stated the city attorney, Mr. Pringle, recommends we write a letter to Mr. Hoffman stating the city will pay the $1,500.00 for the appeal and wait for his reply. No check will be mailed at this time; just the letter. The Mayor suggested this letter should be signed by our City Attorney rather than the Administrator to insure the wording is correct. The council members agreed to this proposal. A motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Martie, to adopt the procedure outlined whereby Mr. Hoffman will be sent a letter by the city attorney with the offer to pay $1,500.00. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. ,Opposed: None. Motion carried. There was a short discussion regarding the possibility of having a Civil Defense organization participate in directing traffic at fires. No decisions reached. Jim Powers gave a report on a local restaurant. No action taken or decisions reached. A motion to adjourn was made by Martie, seconded by Rowan. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Erickson, Johnson, Martie, Rowan. Opposed: None. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 P. M. /7 Kevin L. LaFrance, Adm. KLLF/lsg Encl 1: Dutch Elm Disease Ordinance amendment. Fncl 2: Agreement with the School District regarding 4th St. LI Regular meeting of the City Council - April 22, 1974 - 7:30 P. M. - City Hall The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the City Hall by Mayor Conrad Johnson. Council members present: Blonigen, Martie. Absent: Erickson, Rowan. The Mayor announced that the meeting would be taped. The minutes for the meeting of April 8, 1974 were approved as presented. Time was allowed for citizen inquiries and comments. None were made. A HEARING was held in regard to a Zoning Ordinance change. The purpose of the HEARING was to consider an amendment to the Monti- cello Zoning Ordinance, as follows: That Cedar Street to Palm Street on both sides of Highway 152 (Co. Rd. 70) , to include the south half of Block B. the north half of Block D, be re -zoned from the present R-3 classification to a B-2, General Business zoning classification. The east side of Cedar Street from Highway 152 (Co. Rd. 70) , to the northerly property line of the Cedar Street Meat Market to be re -zoned from the present R-3 classification to a B-2 zoning classification. No comments were made in regard to the proposed zoning change. In this regard, a motion was made by Martie, seconded by Blonigen, to adopt the Zoning Amendment as presented. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Johnson, Martie. Opposed: None. Absent: Erickson, Rowan. Motion carried. A discussion was held in regard to a bill presented from attorney William C. Hoffman. The Mayor stated that the City Attorney re- commends that Mr. Hoffman be made an offer of $2,000.00 for his fees in the Fourth Street case; this would include $1,500-00 for the appeal to the Supreme Court and $500.00 for the appeal to the District Court. A motion was made by Martie, seconded by Blonigen, to have the City Attorney, Mr. Pringle, write a letter to Mr. Hoffman stipulating the $21000.00 offer. Voting in favor: Blonigen, Johnson, Martie. Opposed: None. Absent: Erickson, Rowan. Motion carried. An audit report was made by Mr. Gary Wieber of Gruys, Johnson, Mosford & Associates. This report was for the General Fund of the City and included the one year period ending December 31, 1973• Mr. Wieber noted that the tax levy for 1974 was down in all areas but bonds and interest. A $10,000.00 average balance was re- commended for the Liquor Fund and $30,000-00 was recommended for the General Fund. It was noted that an amendment should be made making the "On -sale" non -intoxicating malt liquor license fee $70.00 rather than the $175-00 fee now listed in the ordin- ance book. A discussion was held concerning a salary fee adopted