City Council Minutes 11-13-1979MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, November 13, 1979 - 7:30 P. M.
Members Present: Arve Grimsmo, Dan Blonigen, Fran Fair, Ken Maus, Phil White.
Members Absent: None
Citizens Comments:
Mr. Tim Doyle presented to the City Council and the City of Monticello a
detailed map of the City of Monticello around the years 1890 to 1895
showing the location of all the town's businesses and residential build-
ings during that time -period. He indicated this was a project he had
been working on for his Eagle Scout service badge and was presenting this
to the City now that he had completed the project.
1. Consideration of Lots 9 & 10, Block 17 for a Future Library Site.
As part of the recent purchase agreement signed by the City for purchasing
the Oakwood Block from the School District, the City had to decide whether
or not Lots 9 & 10 in Block 17 would be used by the City for the purpose
of building a new library.
City Planner, Howard Dahlgren & Associates, prepared a written report
recommending that the Oakwood School Building would be quite costly to
renovate, and recommended that the City pursue a future library on the
lots offered by the School District in Block 17. In addition, his report
recommended that the City and the School District consider a joint -use
parking lot in Block 17 for their new buildings. The Planner has indicated
that if the library was built on Lots 9 & 10, there may not be sufficient
land for parking strictly used for the library unless additional land was
purchased from the School. The School District is considering purchasing
the Robert Dowling property located in the same block and the possibility
exists that the School will sell additional land to the City for the library
parking requirements if necessary.
After discussion of pros and cons of renovating the 1928 Oakwood School
structure, a motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Ken Maus and
unanimously carried to utilize the School Board's proposal of Lots 9 & 10
of Block 17 for a future library site. It was noted that after plans are
developed for a new library, negotiations may continue with the School
regarding additional land if necessary for parking.
2. Consideration of Reducing Assessment to Monticello Country Club on the
1978-1 Improvement Project.
The Board of Directors of the Monticello Country Club requested that their
assessment on the 1978-1 Improvement Project be reduced to the original
proposed assessment that was given to them on the October 9, 1979 hearing
notice. At the Public Hearing, their proposed assessment was $51,023.01,
but as a result of the Council's action at that time to consider the
COUNCIL MINUTES - 11/13/79
change order requested by the Country Club being entirely assessed to the
Country Club property, their assessment was increased by $5,405.98.
Mr. Blaine Nobbs, speaking for the Country Club board, indicated that the
Country Club was not aware until after the hearing that their assessment
would be increased, and thought that their assessment would be as
proposed if no objections were stated by the Country Club. The primary
reason for the increased assessment at the public hearing was due to the
fact that the Country Club had, in the past, changed their minds in
regards to wanting sewer and water extensions to their property, and as
a result, the increased cost of the change order was to be borne entirely
by the Country Club. Mr. Nobbs indicated that as far as he was aware,
the Country Club had not withdrew their petition for sewer and water on
the 1978-1 project and should not have been charged extra for the change
order cost.
In addition, Mr. Nobbs indicated that the Country Club did give the City
the right to put a drainage ditch through their property to help alleviate
problems which occurred during the construction, and indicated to the
Council that the ditch was not constructed per their original agreement,
which was a 4 - to - 1 slope. They indicated that they must be able to
maintain this ditch if it is to remain on their property and asked that
the correct slope be constructed.
Along with the drainage ditch, Mr. Nobbs indicated that the surplus dirt
from the ditch was to be moved to the low spot along their property
along County Road 39, which in his opinion was not done.
In reference to the slope of the drainage ditch and the location of the
dirt removed, it was the consensus of the Council that the engineer and
the Board of Directors will meet to resolve the issues and work it out
to the Country Club's satisfaction.
In light of the fact that on previous improvement projects where change
orders were made part of the contract and included in the total project
with individual assessments being equalized, motion was made by Fran Fair,
seconded by Ken Maus and unanimously carried that the additional assessment
of $5,405.98 be put on ad valorem taxes and reduced from the Country Club's
assessment rolls.
3. Consideration of Request by Yonak Sanitation asking for a loo Increase in
the Remaining Portion of their Garbage Disposal Contract.
Yonak Sanitation requested that the City Council consider their request
for a 10% increase in the remaining portion of their 3 -year garbage
disposal contract which expires March 31, 1981.
The current contract which commenced on April 1, 1978 currently amounts to
approximately $3,000 per month, and as a result, a loo increase would amount
to $300 additional per month. The Yonak's requested the increase due to the
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COUNCIL MINUTES - 11/13/79
unexpected increases such as diesel fuel, tire prices, repair costs, etc.,
above what they anticipated during the life of the contract.
Although the Council is aware that some costs are rising faster than anti-
cipated, it was pointed out that the original contract signed in April of
1978 had already resulted in a 40% increase over the previous contract,
which should be sufficient. It was pointed out by the Council that the
City of Monticello or the garbage haulers can give 6 -months written notice
and terminate the contract if either party desires, and it was recommended
that if the Yonak brothers felt they were unable to continue the present
service in a profitable manner, this alternative would be available to them.
As a result, it was the consensus of the Council to leave the contract
as is with no additional increases to be granted.
4. Consideration of Entering into an Agreement with the YMCA for a Detached
Worker Program for Monticello.
Mr. Michael Melstad, with -the YMCA Detached Worker Program, requested that
the City of Monticello consider entering into an agreement with the YMCA
for providing counseling services to youth in Monticello. As part of the
agreement, the YMCA is asking the City to fund $2,500 for a 12 -month period
of time to help defray the cost of the counseling service.
Letters of support have been received from the Wright County Sheriff's Dept.,
the probation officer for Wright County, School counseling facilities, etc.,
indicating that the YMCA Detached Worker Program is a beneficial program
for the Youth of Monticello. It was pointed out that Mr. Melstad does reach
youth for counseling purposes when other agencies through the County, etc.,
are not always successful.
Although this is not a typical city government program that is funded by
a city, it was noted that the City does help defray the cost of a program
for senior citizens and that the youth of Monticello are just as important.
As a result, a motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Ken Maus and
unanimously carried to enter into a trial 12 -month contract with the YMCA
for a Detached Worker Program with funding in the amount of $2,500.
Mr. Melstad will be presenting quarterly reports on his counseling services
at the quarterly department head meetings of the staff. (See Supplement 11-13-79 #1)
5. Consideration of Increasing Sewer and Water Rates.
In order to make the sewer and water departments self-sufficient, an
increase of approximately 30o would have to be made in 1980 to the sewer
and water rates in order to have revenues equal expenditures.
A new sewer and water rate schedule had been prepared for Council con-
sideration - the first increase since 1971. It was noted that although
a 30o increase at one time may seem quite large, additional increases
will probably be forthcoming in the next few years as a result of the
new wastewater treatment plant. The operational cost of the treatment
plant will probably be two or three times larger than they are now, which
will result in larger increases in the future.
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COUNCIL MINUTES - 11/13/79
The Council discussed the option of levying additional tax dollars to
help support the sewer and water rates, but it was noted that once the
plant is in operation, Federal regulations will require that the sewer
rates be sufficient to defray the operating cost and that the government
does not allow for tax dollars to be used to make the plant self-sufficient.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried
to raise the sewer and water rates by 30o for the first quarter billing in
1980. (See Supplement 11-13-79 #2)
6. Consideration of Putting Up Signs Indicating Parking Prohibited from 2 A.M.
to 6 A. M. from November 15th until April 15th.
The City of Monticello currently prohibits parking on the City streets
from November 15th until April 15th from 2 A.M. to 6 A.M. to facilitate
snow removal operations, etc.
In correspondence recently received from the Wright County Attorney's office,
they have requested that the City of Monticello at least consider placing
signs at the entrances to Monticello to notify people of the parking limi-
tation on City streets. The County Attorney's office indicated that it
is easier to prosecute violators if there is adequate notification, which,
in his opinion, the signs would provide.
It was noted that the City currently publishes the parking regulations in
the paper during the winter months to advise the City residents of the
ordinances. It was the Council consensus that this notification in the
paper should be continued and that the street parking signs would not be
an inviting type of sign to have as you enter a community. Therefore, it
was the consensus of the Council to not install the street parking limitation
signs this year but to continue publishing notices in the paper.
7. Consideration of Parking Lot Proposal for Sam Peraro's Planned Office
Building in Block 34.
Mr. Sam Peraro, at a previous council meeting, has indicated that he plans
on building a 13,500 square foot office building in Block 34. The parking
needs of this proposed complex would require approximately 63 parking spaces
with credit being granted for 8 provided on-site, leaving a net space
requirement of 55 additional spaces.
In reviewing the parking needs of Block 34 with a new office building,
the downtown parking committee reviewed with the planner the proposed
affect of this new office building, and felt that the present municipal
parking lots would not provide sufficient spaces to accommodate such a
complex. As a result of this situation, the parking committee, along with
the planner, suggested that a number of alternatives were available such
as:
A. Assessing a proportionate share of the existing downtown parking lots
to Mr. Peraro.
B. Deny the present office proposal as presented by Mr. Peraro since the
parking lot is not sufficient.
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COUNCIL MINUTES - 11/13/79
C. Require Mr. Peraro to reduce the size of the building to make it
compatible with the parking lot in Block 34.
D. Attempt to provide a solution to the problem by possible purchase of
additional land and assessing this cost back to Mr. Peraro.
In reviewing the alternate "D", it was noted that there is a parcel of
land available in an adjacent Block "D" that could be used for a parking
lot. The parking committee recommended that the City attempt to purchase
this property and assess the cost of the lot and parking improvements
back to Mr. Peraro to provide adequate parking for his needs.
This option has been discussed with Mr. Peraro, who indicated he would not
be interested in such a solution because of the $45,000 estimated cost
of his assessment. Current indications from Mr. Peraro are that he would
rather be assessed similar to the downtown businesses for the municipal
parking lot and felt that there are sufficient spaces available in the
present parking lots to provide adequate parking for his needs. In
Mr. Peraro's opinion, once the commuter cars are located in a different
parking lot rather than in Block 34, he felt the additional spaces would
be adequate for the downtown parking needs.
Since Mr. Peraro was unable to attend the Council meeting due to illness,
it was the consensus of the Council to table any action on this item to
enable Mr. Peraro and City Staff to conduct a survey of the present
parking lots and the number of spaces that are currently available on an
average daily basis. In addition, Mr. Peraro will again be meeting with
the downtown parking lot committee once his survey is completed in order
to attempt to reach a solution to the parking requirements of his new
office complex.
8. Review of Third Quarter Financial Statements for the Municipal Liquor
Stir_ P _
Liquor Store Manager, Mark Irmiter, reviewed with the City Council the
3rd Quarter Financial Statement for 1979.
It was noted that sales have increased approximately 13% over the first
9 -months of 1978, resulting in an additional $89800 in gross profit.
Of this $89800, approximately $600 in operating income gain was achieved.
Mark also discussed with the Council the unexpected 36% increase in
insurance expense over last year, which eliminated a lot of the additional
gross profit income. In line with the insurance costs, Mr. Irmiter noted
that potential liability insurance coverage through Midwestern Federation
of Beverage Licensees Inc. is now being offered to municipal liquor stores
throughout Minnesota. This program is supposed to help reduce the liability
insurance costs which have skyrocketed in the past, but Mr. Irmiter noted
that it might be better to wait before joining this group to see whether or
it is a stable company and organization.
No action was taken by the Council other than acceptance of the report as
presented. (See Supplement 11-13-79 #3)
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COUNCIL MINUTES - 11/13/79
9. Approval of Transfers.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Dan Blonigen and unanimously
carried to approve the following transfers:
FROM
TO AMOUNT
rnMMPMT
General Fund Revenue Sharing $ 360.18 $1,000 had been transferred in
1974 for fire truck renovation
and only $639.82 spent in 1975
& 1976. Balance should be
transferred back to clear the
account.
Sewer & Water 1976 S & W Debt
1976 Special Redemption Fund $15,656.04 Transfer unused portion of
Assmt. Fund bond proceeds to debt retire-
ment fund.
Capital Outlay Street Fund $42,990.00 For purchase & rental of
Revolving Fund Elgin Street Sweeper.
10. Approval of Minutes.
Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Phil White and unanimously
carried to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 22,
1979, as presented.
11. Consideration of Purchasing Additional Equipment for the Public Works
Department.
Public Works Director, John Simola, recommended to the Council that two
pieces of equipment be purchased by the City. Included in the 1980 budget
was $12,000 for the purchase of a used road grader, and approximately
$7,900 for the purchase of a new tractor/snowblower/mower for the park
system.
Mr. Simola indicated that himself and Roger Mack have looked at numerous
road graders throughout the State of Minnesota and recommended that a
1963 Austin -Weston 6 -wheel drive road grader be purchased from a dealer
in North Mankato for $9,995. This grader would be available for delivery
approximately February of 1980 and an additional $4,000 would be needed
for a V -plow and wing attachment. Motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded
by Dan Blonigen and unanimously carried to approve the purchase of the
Austin -Weston Road Grader in the amount of $9,995 with an additional
$4,000 for a plow and wing attachment. It was also noted by the Public
Works Director that should the City want to rent a road grader before
delivery of the one in 1980, the dealer would have one available to rent
at $450 per month.
COUNCIL MINUTES 11/13/79
Motion was also made by Ken Maus, seconded by Dan Blonigen and unanimously
carried to authorize the purchase of a 1980 Bolens 24 -horse diesel tractor/
snowblower/mower attachment from Fleet Supply Company of Annandale in the
amount of $7,900.
12. Miscellaneous.
A meeting was scheduled for Wednesday night, November 28, 1979 at 7:00 P.M.
in the City Hall to meet with the City Employees regarding the 1980 salary
negotiations.
Meeting adjourned.
Rick Wolfst ler,
Administrative Assistant
RW/ns
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