HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-14 CC Minutes - Approved
CITY OF CENTERVILLE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 14, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly
scheduled meeting of September 14, 2011, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Wilharber
Council Member Ben Fehrenbacher
Council Member Steve King
Council Member D. Love
Council Member Jeff Paar
ABSENT: None
STAFF: City Administrator Dallas Larson
City Finance Director Mike Jeziorski
City Public Work Director/Bldg. Official Paul Palzer
City Attorney Kurt Glaser
City Engineer Mark Statz
Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Patrick Branch
I.CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wilharber called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II.PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None scheduled.
III.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Mayor reviewed the set agenda with Council. The Mayor requested that under New
Business, “Mediation Services – New Executive Director, Dave Bartholomay” be added
and that a “Closed Executive Session” would follow the regularly scheduled meeting.
Council Member Paar requested that under Old Business the “Downtown Colored
Concrete” be added and under Updates the “Fire Steering Committee.” Council Member
Fehrenbacher requested that under Updates the “Police Governing Board” be added.
Council Member King requested that Item #4 be pulled from the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member Love, to
approve the Set Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member King stated that he did not desire to undermine the Committee, that they
provide excellent opportunities for the residents and work hard; however, he had
concerns regarding Item #4 and requested that the Finance Director explain more in depth
the request of the Committee. Director Jeziorski explained that what is being requested is
that all revenues from the event be set aside for the sand volleyball court ($3,666), with
the expenses being paid from the budget line item instead of revenues minus expenditures
equaling profit and the profit being set aside. Director Jeziorski stated that the 8K
Run/Walk is budgeted as a break even event.
Parks & Recreation Committee Chairperson Branch stated the Committee is attempting
to set aside funds to construct a sand volleyball court and in previous years the
Committee was allowed to set aside revenues for the court.
Administrator Larson stated that was true for the first year; however, the event was
originally proposed as being a self supported activity.
IV.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.August 24, 2011 City Council Meeting Minutes
The Mayor questioned whether any members had requests for modifications. Hearing
none.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member King, to
approve the Minutes of the August 24, 2011 City Council Meeting as presented. All
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
2.August 24, 2011 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes
The Mayor questioned whether any members had requests for modifications. Hearing
none.
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love, to approve
the Minutes of the August 24, 2011 City Council Work Session Meeting as presented.
All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
V.CONSENT AGENDA
1.City of Centerville August 25, 2011 through September 14, 2011 Claims
(Check #26658-26689) w/Voided Check 26617 & (Check #26690-26701)
2.Centennial Fire District Claims through September 6, 2011 (Check #4946-
4972)
3.Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through September 8, 2011
(Check #8567-8601) w/Voided Check #8602
4.Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation for Allocation of Excess
Revenue From the 2011 8k Walk/Run, In-Line Skate
5.Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation for Usage of a Small
Amount of Planting Materials for the Corner Stone Park Fountain
6.Successful Performance Review, Mr. Greg Burmeister, Lead Project
Coordinator – Move to Step 8, Grade 6
Council Member Love requested that Item #6 be pulled from consideration of the
Consent Agenda for more discussion.
Motion by Council Member Fehbrenbacher, seconded by Council Member Paar, to
approve the Consent Agenda Items 1, 2, 3 & 5 as presented. All in favor. Motion
carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda, Item #4 discussion continued with Council’s consensus that the
allocation of net profit (revenue ~ $3,666, less expenditures ~ $1,633.08 and deficit from
the previous year ~ $103.81 equaling $1,949.01 is the true net profit) be set aside for the
volleyball court project.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member
Paar, to approve placing $1,949.01 in the Parks & Recreation Sand Volleyball
Reserve Fund rather than the Committee’s requested amount of $3,666. All in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Love requested a definition of the Step, Grade ~ Pay Scale.
Administrator Larson explained that all staff follows a Step, Grade ~ Pay Scale for hiring
and performance appraisals. Director Jeziorski stated that there are 15 Grades and 9
Steps for each grade. Council Member King questioned how the system was derived and
Administrator Larson stated that a consultant was hired to complete a pay study and
ensuring meeting pay equity compliance.
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love, to approve
Item #6. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
VI.AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/APPEARANCES
None.
VII.OLD BUSINESS
1.Xcel Energy Franchise Ordinance ~ Tabled From Previous Meetings
Attorney Glaser briefly reviewed the Franchise Ordinance with Council. Attorney Glaser
stated that the 20 year agreement allows Excel Energy permission to construct, operate,
repair and maintain infrastructure within the City to provide electric services to residents
through public grounds/right of ways. Council had several questions regarding the
presented Ordinance. Attorney Glaser stated that if Council desired the agreement allows
for placing franchise fees on the provider which then would get passed through to
customers. Attorney Glaser stated that the Ordinance needed to be filed with the Public
Utilities Commission and published in the local paper with Xcel Energy reimbursing the
City for the associated costs.
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love, to approved
the Xcel Energy Franchise Ordinance as presented. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
2.Setting the Date for Fete des Lacs, 8K Run/Walk, In-Line Skate & Kids ½
Mile Fun Run
Chairperson Branch reported that all parties involved (Parade Committee, Centerville
Lions, Radio Club and Parks & Rec.) concurred that the run date should coincide with
Fete des Lacs and continue to take place on Saturday. Chairperson Branch reassured the
Council that with scheduling adjustments with the run/walk, in-line skate and fireworks
there would not be the same experiences for 2012. Council Member Love questioned
whether the Committee has ever considered hiring an outside organization to take care of
the event. Chairperson Branch stated no.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Fehrenbacher, to
approve Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation for Setting the 2012 8K
Walk/Run, In-Line Skate, Kids ½ Mile Fun Run for the Same Weekend as other
th
Fete des Lacs events (July 27, 28 & 29, 2012) with July 28 being the run/walk, in-
line skate date. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Paar read a memo from Chairperson Branch thanking the Committee
and recognizing them for all of there efforts over the 4 years that he has been affiliated
with them. (See Attached)
3. Downtown Colored Concrete Deterioration
Council Member Paar had concerns that due to the time of the study inspections, the
concrete may experience more deterioration throughout the winter months. Engineer
Statz stated that the question is whether to repair/replace the existing concrete prior to the
winter season and before the study commences or wait and see what happens. Both
Engineer Statz and Public Works Director Palzer felt that the existing concrete was fairly
stable. Consensus was that the concrete should be left until the State completes the study
of colored concrete, likely causing this to be delayed until next year.
VIII.NEW BUSINESS
1.2012 Budget & Levy
a. Res. #11-017 – Approving the Proposed 2012 Budget &
Preliminary Tax Levy
Finance Director Jeziorski reviewed the preliminary budget and levy through a power
point presentation with Council. Prior to the current meeting, the council had four Budget
Work Sessions to discuss budget and levy matters. Finance Director Jeziorski stated that
the process is to submit the preliminary levy to the County by September 15, 2011 with
an additional final submittal in December. Following the preliminary budget, only a
decrease to the levy can be made.
Council Member Fehrenbacher stated that Council made very difficult decisions by
reducing staffing levels and other areas while providing essentials services and road
projects. Council Member Paar stated that since he has been on Council, each year has
proven to be a challenge and the economy continues to worsen. Consensus was that
Council personally cares deeply about their employees and appreciates their commitment;
however, staff and Council tried extremely hard to balance the budget without increasing
the levy. Council has expressed to the residents that they may experience slight delay in
non-emergency services and requested that they be patient.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve
Res. #11-017 – Approving the Proposed 2012 Budget & Preliminary Tax Levy as
presented. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
2.Source Water Protection Plan Implementation Grant Application
Administrator Larson reviewed the application with Council stating that this would assist
residents that reside within the Wellhead Protection Area who desire to seal their wells.
Administrator Larson stated that this is not a matching fund grant to the City; however,
the Council could place requirements on the recipients for matching or partial funding.
Administrator Larson stated that there would be minimal cost incurred by the City for
implementing this grant.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member Paar, to
approve the submission of the Source Water Protection Plan Implementation Grant
Application as presented. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
3.Res. #11-018 – Directing a Change in Traffic Control Devices
Mayor Wilharber questioned whether the police have had an opportunity to review the
removal. Administrator Larson stated that expenses are associated with signage and this
would alleviate some of that. Both Administrator Larson and Public Works Director
Palzer recommended the removal.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member Love, to
approve Res. #11-018 – Directing a Change in Traffic Control Devices on east-bound
Peltier Lake Drive at Centerville Road and at Mill Road as presented following
Centennial Lakes Police Department Reviewal. All in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
4. Municipal Violation Bureau
Mayor Wilharber stated that this presentation was brought before the Governing Board on
Monday evening and they motioned to forward it to member cities for consideration.
Mayor Wilharber stated that the Operations Committee had also reviewed. City Attorney
Glaser reviewed the presentation with Council acknowledging the fact that he is the
developer and owner of this program; however, it is not a conflict of interest. This would
provide the member cities with an opportunity to receive a larger amount of the revenues
from tickets than what they are currently receiving and an educational opportunity for the
offender. Attorney Glaser stated that the City of Lexington approved of the program for
the test phase (30 days/100 petty misdemeanor tickets) last evening and the City of Circle
Pines will be considering it at their next Council meeting. Attorney Glaser stated that the
Governing Board would review the program’s operation subsequent to the test phase and
determine whether they desired to continue with the program and forward their
recommendation(s) to member cities Councils. Attorney Glaser stated that this is an on-
line service that would accept credit cards and he desired to have authorization to obtain a
vendor that would provide such services for the testing phase. He also stated that the
revenues from this program would be held in a fund or trust to offset the cost of the
program and remaining revenue would be forwarded to member cities.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher seconded by Council Member Paar, to
approve the usage of the Municipal Violation Bureau system through the test phase.
All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
5.Mediation Services
Mayor Wilharber stated that he recently received a mailing from the new Executive
Director of Mediation Services and explained that he is the current Mayor of Circle
Pines, Mr. Dave Bartholomay. Mayor Wilharber stated that Mediation Services is a
service that is provided by Anoka County for its residents, free of charge.
IX.ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES
City Administrator Larson reported that Xcel Energy will be replacing power lines in a
small section of town (Progress Road, Heritage Street and along Centerville Road to
Birch Street). These power lines will be above ground, in the right of ways and provide
additional capacity for them.
City Administrator Larson reported that the storm water irrigation project is nearing
completion. He suggested that when the system is completed, an open house of some
type be held inviting organizations that where involved with the construction and those
who might be interested in the concept. Council consensus was that the event would be
held after completion and weather dependant.
Engineer Statz reported that the trail project is nearing completion with concrete,
trees/shrubs and sod being placed. He requested that if residents had concerns that they
contact the City.
Council Member Paar reported that the Fire Steering Committee approved the 2012
Budget and explained that Chief Streich and his staff have incorporated innovative ways
to increase the departments revenues, retain and recruit firefighters and incur only a
$4,000 increase from last years budget. Council Member Paar stated that it costs
Centerville $32.33/resident per year for fire services.
Council Member Fehrenbacher reported that Attorney Glaser presented the Municipal
Violation Bureau System to the Governing Board, the Police Department recently held a
ceremony for a new officer and hired a Chaplain. The Governing Board determined that
going forward they would meet on a quarterly basis.
Mayor Wilharber reported that he and Council Member Fehrenbacher received emails
regarding the County’s willingness to complete ditch, right of way and a small amount of
construction work on CSAH21/Centerville Road.
Administrator Larson stated that due to the reduction in staffing and a bargaining unit
representing one of the affected positions, a closed executive session was needed.
Mayor Wilharber recessed the regularly scheduled Council Meeting at 8:35 p.m. and
convened the Closed Executive Session following a five minute break.
XI. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION - POTENTIAL
1.Employee Negotiation Matters
The City Council of Centerville, Minnesota, reconvened their regular meeting of this date
at 8:40 p.m. and then met in a closed session. Present were Mayor Tom Wilharber,
Council members Jeff Paar, Steve King, D Love, and Ben Fehrenbacher. Also present
were City Attorney Kurt Glaser, Public Works Director Paul Palzer, Finance Director
Mike Jeziorski and Administrator Dallas Larson. The purpose of the closed meeting was
to consider staff reductions and negotiating separation agreements and severance
packages.
Administrator Larson reviewed draft resolutions directing the staff reductions and
authorizing associated severance packages.
City Attorney Glaser presented a draft separation agreement and reviewed the legal issues
associated with the reductions in staff. It was pointed out that one of the employees is a
member of a bargaining unit, so the Union bargaining agenda would need to be involved
in working out details for that employee.
After considerable discussion, consensus was that the reductions should be implemented
immediately in order that the associated costs can be taken from the 2011 budget.
The meeting was reopened to the public at 9:30 p.m.
Mayor Wilharber stated that the only items discussed during the closed session were the
issues surrounding the reduction in staff, associated separation agreements and severance
benefits.
Motion by Council Member Fehrenbacher, seconded by Council Member King to
adopt Res. #11-019 – A Resolution Directing a Reduction in Full-time Staff. All in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love to adopt Res.
#11-020 – A Resolution Authorizing Certain Termination Benefits. All in favor.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Fehrenbacher to
authorize the administrator to execute the Separation Agreements with the staff that
will be terminated. Motion carried unanimously.
X.ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Council Member Paar seconded by Council Member Love to
adjourn at 9:35 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed unanimously.
Transcribed by: Teresa Bender, City Clerk, with Closed Executive Session and
Adjournment Transcribed by: Dallas Larson, City Administrator.