HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-12 CC WS Meeting Minutes - Approved
City Council 2011-10-12 at 7:50 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
Present were Mayor Tom Wilharber, Council members Jeff Paar, Steve King, and Ben
Fehrenbacher. Also present were Mark Statz of Bonestroo & Assoc., City Attorney Kurt
Glaser, Paul Palzer, Public Works Director and Finance Director Mike Jeziorski.
Utility Rates
. Staff presented utility fund financial statements, noting that the
Sanitary Sewer Fund and the Storm Water Fund are not covering their cost of
operations and depreciation. Staff was given guidance on rate changes that would be
acceptable for 2012.
Credit Card Policy.
Staff reviewed a proposed credit card program where key staff would be issued a
credit card for purchasing on behalf of the city. The objectives would be to reduce the
number of checks that are issued each month while at the same time make purchasing
from a variety of vendors easier. Protections would be built into the system by
limiting the card use for certain activities as well as setting charge limits for
individual staff based upon need. Consensus was that the program would be
worthwhile and should be placed on the agenda for consideration.
2012 Overlay Project.
Council reviewed the proposed 2012 street mill and overlay
project and discussed whether the hearing process should include the first two yearly
phases. The Council felt that the first phase is distinct from additional phases, in that
the first group of streets were deleted from the 2009 Street Improvement Project. The
consensus was to do only the first yearly phase in the procedures. The schedule
drafted by staff would have initial council action on October 26, 2011, with bids
received in early January and public hearings later in January. The resolution to
initiate the program will be placed on the next agenda.
Grant Application Block 8.
Staff reported that Anoka County has approximately
$150,000 in grant funds that could be used to purchase property in Block 8 of the
downtown redevelopment area. Two properties are currently for sale in the area and it
appears that most of the cost for those parcels could be covered by the grant. Eligible
costs would include acquisition, demolition and administrative expenses. It was
pointed out that the acquisition would meet the Federal objective of clearing slum and
blight, but if the property should later be put to use in a redevelopment, that future use
must also meet a Federal objective. If the future use does not meet a federal object,
some or all of the grant funds may need to be repaid. If the buildings were removed,
the repayment would be for the land value only. Consensus was that the matter should
be placed on the agenda for consideration of making a grant application.
Trail and Sidewalk Plowing.
Current policy for clearing trails and sidewalks was
reviewed. After clearing streets, staff will clear trails, then sidewalks to the extent
staff time allows. In the event that snow accumulations are significant, it may be
necessary to stop clearing some sidewalks and some trails. Consensus was that the
policy should remain as is.
Responsibility for Curb Shut-off Repairs.
Council reviewed the current policy on
repair of curb shut-offs. The City has assumed responsibility for the shutoff valve. An
ordinance to modify the City Code to clarify the policy including what driveway
repairs could be included, has been drafted and circulated for council review. The
council also discussed participation in the warranty program developed by the
National League of Cities. Consensus was not to participate in the warranty program
but to place the ordinance on the next Council agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Dallas Larson, Administrator