City Council Minutes 03-27-1989MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 27, 1989 - 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Ken Maus, Fran Fair, Warren Smith, Dan Blonigen
Members Absent: Shirley Anderson
1. Call to order.
2. Approval of minutes.
Motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Fran Fair, and unanimously
carried to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held March 13,
1989.
3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints.
None forthcoming.
4. Public Hearing - Streetscape assessment roll and adoption of resolution
certifying to Auditor.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill provided a project recap informing
Council that the project is virtually complete with the final project
cost amounting to $414,000, which is 2 percent above the budget amount
of $405,000. In reviewing the proposed assessment roll, O'Neill noted
that the assessment amounts are based on the actual bond cost of
$437,000. According to the terms of the general obligation bond that
was issued, at least 20 percent of the cost must be assessed to
benefiting property owners. In preparing the final assessment roll for
Council, O'Neill reported that the assessed amount proposed is
21 percent of the assessment total to provide Council with some leeway
in reducing individual assessments without reducing the total assessed
amount to less than 20 percent of the bond cost. O'Neill continued by
saying the proposed assessment roll calls for assessing property owners
on a front footage basis. Property located on corners were assessed
based on the total number of feet fronting Broadway. The cost to
develop all corner lots is spread among all properties fronting on
Broadway. This method is consistent with the assessment policy of this
project established before the project began. O'Neill went on to say
that four properties within the assessment roll were singled out as
receiving less benefit than the majority of the properties; and these
properties received only sidewalk and some landscaping as part of their
improvement. Such properties paid 20 percent of the actual cost of the
improvements in front of their properties, plus the project overhead
cost.
Steve Johnson was in attendance and asked why the assessment roll is
being prepared prior to the final completion of all components of the
project. John Simola reported that the project is virtually complete
and all items that remain to be done are covered by warranty or the
City is holding final payment to assure that such work is completed.
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Council then discussed the method by which the assessment roll was
calculated, with the general consensus being that the assessment roll
as prepared represents a fair distribution of assessed costs. Steve
Johnson mentioned that the retail committee understood that some
inequalities in the assessment roll would be unavoidable; but since the
City was proposing to pay for 80 percent of the project, potential
inequities in the assessment roll became a minor issue.
At that point in the meeting, the public hearing was closed. Warren
Smith wondered about the 5 percent construction cost overrun and
emphasized that it was his understanding that the project would be on
budget. John Simola reported that the contractor is claiming that the
bid specifications did not include enough materials to complete the
concrete work; and therefore, the contractor was required to purchase
extra concrete to complete the required work. Simola went on to say
that now that the snow is gone, the City can take measurements of
project areas in order to verify the contractor's claim.
Ken Maus noted that requiring that the benefited property owners pay
only 20 percent of the project cost is a deal no matter how you design
the assessment roll. All in all, it's pretty fair.
There being no further discussion on this topic, motion was made by
Fran Fair to adopt the Streetscape assessment roll and adopt a
resolution certifying the assessment roll to the auditor. Motion was
seconded by Warren Smith. voting in favor: Ken Maus, Fran Fair,
Warren Smith. Opposed: Dan Blonigen. SEE RESOLUTION 89-9.
Consideration of adopting an ordinance granting franchise rights to
Wright Hennepin Electric Association.
This item was brought back to Council after being tabled at the
previous meeting pending further staff research on the potential of
taking action to encourage NSP to provide service to the area now
serviced by Wright Hennepin Electric Association.
After discussion, motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren
Smith, and carried unanimously to adopt the ordinance amendment
granting a franchise right to Wright Hennepin Electric Association.
SEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 171.
Consideration of petition for public improvements and authorizing
preparation of feasibility study.
Assistant Administrator O'Neill reviewed plans submitted by Dan Frie
for development of phase I of the replatted portion of the Meadows
Subdivision. O'Neill reported that Dan Frie is asking the City to
participate in the development of phase I by installing the portion of
Marvin Elwood Road that provides the outlet from the neighborhood to
River Street. Frie further asks that the cost of the improvement be
assessed to the benefiting property owners, which includes himself and
Edgar Klucas. Dan Frie suggested that development of the segment of
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roadway by the City would be beneficial to all parties involved.
Council agreed that this segment of roadway is necessary.
Motion was made by Warren Smith to set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m.,
April 10, 1989, on improvements to Marvin Elwood Road at River Street.
Motion was seconded by Fran Fair and carried unanimously.
7. Consideration of resolution entering into a cooperative agreement on
traffic signals at River Street and Highway 25.
After discussion, motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren
Smith, to approve a resolution entering into a cooperative agreement on
traffic signals at River Street and Highway 25. Motion passed
unanimously. SEE RESOLUTION 89-10.
8. Consideration of Council recommendation regarding rezoning request
within OAA (Bohanon property).
Assistant Administrator O'Neill requested that Council provide its
recommendation regarding the rezoning request to the City Council
representative to the Orderly Annexation Area. O'Neill reviewed the
rezoning proposal submitted by Mark Wolston, which calls for the
rezoning of 260 acres which is located east of Silver Springs Golf
Course and west of property rezoned one year ago by Mr. Wolston. This
property has previously been under the ownership of the Bohanon and
Hoglund families. O'Neill reported that the plan calls for development
of 107 lots with an average size of 2.5 acres per lot. The plan had no
provision for park development. Previous Council discussion regarding
the future of this particular area was reviewed by O'Neill. He noted
that Council has provided mild support for the development of the area
so long as the design of the development allows for future extension of
utilities and so long as the administrative structure is in place to
assure that the actual development reflects any approved plans.
Council had also taken the position that rezoning would occur only at
such time that the demand warrants this type of development. O'Neill
reviewed the information received from the Township regarding this
proposal and informed Council that the Township was not in support of
the rezoning because it is not consistent with the existing land use
plan for the area and also because it is not consistent with the
proposed land use plan that is now on the drawing board. O'Neill went
on to report to Council that the rezoning request does not appear to be
consistent with the development plan for the OAA area. He noted that
sanitary sewer and water utilities are relatively close to the area
proposed for rezoning. City trunk utility lines have been sized to
accommodate the area and are available. Allowing development to occur
without city sewer and water is inviting future problems associated
with contaminated ground water and subsequent financial problems that
result when area homes are ultimately serviced with city utilities.
O'Neill noted that a major portion of the storm water that will be
created by this development will pass through city systems. O'Neill
informed Council that the City storm water systems may not have the
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capacity to handle additional runoff created by the rezoned area and
that any plans designed for the area to handle runoff must take into
account the impact on the city system located downstream.
O'Neill noted that no parks are provided for in the plan, and that city
park facilities will be impacted by individuals from this area.
Finally, O'Neill reported that the competition that will be created by
this subdivision will impact the marketability of city lots developed
with sewer and water which are located within the city.
Peter Donahue, representing Mark Wolston, noted that there is a market
for the lots that will be created by this rezoning and reported that
the lots currently owned by Mr. Wolston in the Ponderosa I are now all
sold to contractors. He went on to report that the Township is
deferring any approvals of this proposal to the City. It was his view
that the proposed subdivision is appropriate under an existing land use
plan in that the area designated for rezoning is a major growth area
that will not adversely impact adjacent uses. Drainage issues were
addressed by Donahue whereupon he noted that the flow from the water
shed will be negligible to the city systems. Finally, Donahue noted
that the developer is willing to work out plans for parks. He would
commit to placing a covenant on the title to assure placement of houses
on the lots in a position that would allow for future resubdivision and
would be willing to review all plans and specifications with the
governing body and provide a developer agreement that will assure
compliance with plans and specifications.
Fran Fair noted her skepticism of the project and stated that she would
be inclined to approve the subdivision if it included provision of city
services. Ken Maus voiced his concern over the water runoff --what will
the increase in density do to the city systems? He was not convinced
of Wolston's assessment of the water runoff problem. It was also his
view that it would be difficult for the City to monitor and administer
a plan regulating placement of homes on lots, as the City has no
jurisdiction in the area. Ground water pollution and the resulting
economic impacts to local citizens of extending sewer and water service
to the area was Dan Blonigen's major concern. He did not want to see
the City holding the bag on financing the ultimate extension of sewer
and water to the area. Charlie Holthaus of the Monticello Township was
in attendance and reiterated the reasons why the Township was basically
opposed to the rezoning request. City Engineer, John Badalich, was
concerned about the additional water runoff that will be created by
this development. He noted that even in a density of one home per
2.5 acres, an additional 25 percent increase in water could be created
from this development, which would have a significant impact on the
city systems. Warren Smith expressed his desire that the City promote
well-planned expansion of affordable single family housing.
It became the general consensus of Council that Council is not in
support of the rezoning request as proposed.
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9. Consideration of setting a special meeting to discuss EDA for April 3,
1989.
A special meeting of the Council was established for Monday, April 3,
1989, at 6:30 p.m.
10. Consideration of re -authorization of plans and specifications for the
reconstruction of Mississippi Drive.
Mayor Maus reviewed problems in gaining timely information from the
City Engineer, especially with regards to this specific project. Maus
noted that the Council is not going to be passive and that the City
pays good money to receive information on a timely basis. Council
concurred that the City does not appear high on the priority list.
John Badalich reported that the City of Monticello account is high on
OSM's priority list. Badalich further noted that he will be providing
his full attention to the account and will work hard with staff to
rectify problems.
After discussion, motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren
Smith, to re -authorize development of plans and specifications for the
reconstruction of Mississippi Drive. Motion carried unanimously.
11. Consideration of gambling license application renewals - Monticello
Jaycees.
After discussion, motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Warren
Smith, to approve the gambling license of the Monticello Jaycees.
Motion passed unanimously.
Staff was also directed to request the previous year's summary of the
use of the proceeds and require that future license applications be
submitted 60 days before consideration, including summary of previous
year's use of the charitable gambling proceeds.
12. Consideration of bills for the month of March.
After discussion, motion was made by Warren Smith, seconded by Fran
Fair, and passed unanimously to approve payment of bills for the month
of March.
Other Business
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Warren Smith, to conduct a
recycling seminar for all City employees. Funds for this seminar to be
derived from proceeds resulting from recycling efforts of city
employees. Motion passed unanimously.
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Council tentatively scheduled the 1989 Junk Amnesty Day for May 20,
1989.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Jeff O'Neill
Assistant Administrator
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