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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-26 CC Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 26, 2014 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled meeting of March 26, 2014 at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. PRESENT: Mayor Tom Wilharber Council Member Steve King Council Member Jeff Paar ABSENT: Council Member D. Love Council Member Ben Fehrenbacher STAFF: City Administrator Dallas Larson City Engineer Mark Statz Legal Counsel Kurt Glaser I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilharber called the meeting to order at 6: 37 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Subsequent to the pledge, Mayor Wilharber noted that the input meeting was noticed for 7:00 p.m. and suggested that the remainder of the agenda be addressed prior to 7:00 p.m. III. PUBLIC INPUT(S) (Commenced at 7:00 p.m.) 1. Proposed Improvements ~ 2014 Watermain Project – (Royal Meadows Development) Administrator Larson stated the improvement that is being considered this evening is within the th Royal Meadows development along 20 Avenue North and encompasses Cardinal Drive, North, South, and West Robin Lanes. Administrator Larson stated that the City was successful in obtaining a Community Development Block Grant through Anoka County to assist residents that meet income guidelines the ability to connect to municipal water services for little or no cost. Administrator Larson reviewed that within the development, several types of letters were forwarded to residents: those that met the income qualifications received a letter stating that they qualified for connection at no cost, those that did not meet the income qualifications received a letter stating that they did not qualify for connection at no cost along with a price breakout showing connection costs and and a third letter to those that had not submitted a completed survey. Administrator Larson stated that any resident in this subdivision that does not meet the income guidelines desires to connect, the cost would normally be approximately $11,922. However, because of the location in the City’s “Wellhead Protection Area,” if they chose to connect in 2014 along with the project, they would receive a fee waiver incentive of $2,050 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 bringing the total cost to approximately $9,942. Administrator Larson stated that at this time a resident did not have to connect, however, current City Code states that mandatory connection to municipal services if available would be by December 31, 2021. Administrator Larson stated that if residents that did not qualify for grant funding desired to connect, they could enter into an agreement with the City allowing the City to specially assess their property for the connection over a period of approximately 15 years at 5% interest leaving an annual payment of approximately $960 per year. Engineer Statz stated that the Royal Meadows Development was constructed in the early 80’s without municipal water, houses are close together, area streets are in satisfactory condition, directional boring would provide the best installation of water main to the vicinity with the least amount of traffic disturbance, tree removal, yard or driveway restoration. Engineer Statz also stated that all properties will receive a water stub to the property whether or not they desire to connect at this time, explained property line boundaries, drainage utility easements/right-of- ways, grouping of service lines, hydrant location, the need for a 6” water main due to looping and benefits homeowners would receive from strong water pressure for their homes and fighting fires. Engineer Statz reiterated that this evenings meeting is an input meeting and not a public hearing regarding special assessments as individuals are not required to connect at this time and therefor would not incur a special assessment unless they choose to do so. Both Engineer Statz and Administrator Larson stated that residents that connected with this project would be required to seal their wells and that the cost is included in the estimate of assessments forwarded to residents. Engineer Statz reviewed with residents that the development is within the City’s well- head protection area/plan which provides that unused/ abandoned, due to other available sources (municipal services) wells be sealed due to potential for contamination and close proximity the City’s water supply well. Mayor Wilharber questioned whether if one of the residents that had not returned a survey still had an opportunity to do so. Administrator Larson stated yes, however a deadline for acceptance would be within the next few weeks. Mayor Wilharber opened the meeting for public input on the project. Ms. Melinda Hughes, 7187 West Robin Lane, questioned whether the City would attempt to protect existing trees and landscaping, location of fire hydrants, whether driveways would be involved, the projects commencement and notification of same. Engineer Statz stated that the contractors would do their best to disturb as little as possible such as existing trees and landscaping, reviewed the location of the proposed fire hydrants and stated that due to directional drilling there would be minimal, if no disruption of the items that she questioned. Engineer Statz stated that Lead Project Coordinator, Greg Burmeister would be on site throughout the project and he would attempt to minimize disruption. Administrator Larson stated that it is customary to hold neighborhood meetings with residents to obtain input/concerns and inform them of upcoming stages of the project. Page 2 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Ms. Jennifer Hicks, 1989 North Robin Lane, questioned whether the survey should request net income rather than gross income, average cost for water services on a bi-monthly basis, the location of the connection to her home, inability to pay once the assessment once connected and existing wet conditions in the spring in the rear yard and basements within the neighborhood. Ms. Hicks also questioned the ramifications of not connecting by the deadline date. Administrator Larson addressed the question of the survey by stating that the survey was provided to the City by Anoka County and the City can not deviate from its usage, however, he would contact the County to determine whether special family circumstances can be considered in calculating gross income. Administrator Larson stated that water charges are based upon consumption so it is very individualized for each household but she is currently paying a small water management fee just for the services being available throughout the City and that the metered fee is $2 per 1,000 gallons. Legal Counsel Glaser stated that if she desired to connect, she would sign an agreement waiving all rights to appeal the assessment; it would appear on her property taxes and become a lien on the property. Legal Counsel Glaser stated that if the home were foreclosed upon or she desired to sell, the assessment would be usually be paid for by the current owner at closing, but that assessments can be assumed by a buyer. Engineer Statz stated that the resident can purchase flood insurance to assist with flooding issues, that they City has areas within the City that have been given priority to receiving improvements related to drainage and thanked Ms. Hicks for enlightening Council on this drainage issue. Administrator Larson stated that the City does have a program that with cost sharing (resident/City) funding is available for drainage issues within developments. Administrator Larson stated that he would be in contact with Ms. Hicks in the near future to address her issues related to income. Mr. Stanley Angerhofer, 1989 Cardinal Drive, stated that he would be retiring in April of this year which would would lower his income to where he may qualify for grant funding but at this time he does not. Administrator Larson stated that he would speak with Anoka County regarding the closeness of Mr. Angerhofer’s retirement, potential for resubmission of his survey and get back to him. Mr. Angerhofer questioned at what point the City would need to obtain a resident’s desire to connect and interest rate that would be charged on the assessment. Administrator Larson stated by the end of May and 5%. Attorney Glaser stated that if Mr. Angerhofer was 65 years old he could qualify for assessment deferment, however, interest would accrue during the deferred period. Mr. Angerhofer stated that he would be turning 65 on July 5, 2014. Attorney Glaser stated that Mr. Angerhofer would have ninety days from the date of the resolution adopting the assessments to apply for the deferment. Mr. Jeffery Maher, 1984 North Robin Lane, questioned the installation of the water line and amount of disturbance of his property and in his home. Mr. Maher also questioned the process for signing forms if connection was desired. Engineer Statz explained that the water main would be installed through directional drilling/tunneling with each property receiving a water stub whether they desired to connect at this time. Engineer Statz also explained that a 2’ x 2’ area in the home’s basement/crawl space would be cut allowing the water line being brought into home for connection to the existing Page 3 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 piping. Administrator Larson stated that the City would be forwarding documents for voluntary connection within the next month. Ms. Marguerite McGown, 1988 Cardinal Drive, stated that the electrical for her home runs underneath her garage and could pose a concern during connection. Ms. McGown also stated that she would prefer if directional drilling is performed near her existing trees that they be removed due to believed disruption of the root system. Ms. McGown also stated that she runs two to three dehumidifiers all year round. Engineer Statz stated that if the existing trees would be disrupted and Ms. McGown desired for them to be removed, they would be. Engineer Statz addressed the electrical concerns of Ms. McGown by stating that they would not be disturbed and locates would be completed prior to each phase of the project. Engineer Statz again reiterated that the City has a program for drainage issues and a program where cost sharing (resident/City) funding is available for drainage issues within developments and he would address her issues. Ms. Hughes questioned the benefit of a city water connection. Engineer Statz stated that it is a personal decision, most cities have a water system that serves the entire City and is shared by the entire community which is the goal of the City Council, looping, fire services, water pressures, incentive for connection at this time and a safe drinking water source versus one with greater potential for contamination. Mr. Angerhoffer stated that his well is within a closet with his pressure tank and wondered if that would be removed. Engineer Statz stated that generally the well is in the ground outside the home and that he may have a pressure tank inside. Engineer Statz also stated that with this installation everything would be turn-key, meaning all of the work and costs are included. Mayor Wilharber called for additional questions from the audience, hearing none closed the input meeting at 7:48 p.m. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Wilharber added Centerville Claims (Check #28589-28599). Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the Set Agenda with the above stated amendment. All in favor. Motion passed. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes The Mayor provided Council Members with an opportunity to amend the presented minutes. Page 4 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2014 City Council Meeting as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. VI. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville March 13, 2014 through March 26, 2014 Claims (Check #28573- 28535) 2. Centennial Police Department Claims through March 13, 2014 (Check #9822-9838) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through March 11, 2014 (Check #6287-6304) 4. Successful Performance Review ~ Public Works Technician/Building Inspector, Dan Schmitz Mayor Wilharber reported that a resident approached him as stated that Dan had recently been to their home and was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. VII. AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/APPEARANCES 1. None. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None. IX. NEW BUSINESS (Delayed to the completion of the input meeting) 1. Res. #14-018 – Awarding Bids ~ Royal Meadows Improvement Project (Watermain) (Materials & Labor) Engineer Statz stated that the City received separate bids for labor and materials to take advantage of the sales tax exemption similar to the 2014 Street Improvement Project. Engineer Statz briefly reviewed the submitted bids stating that Ferguson Water Works (Materials) and C & I Excavating, Inc. (Labor) were low bidders. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member King to approve Res. #14- 018 – Awarding Bids ~ Royal Meadows Improvement Project (Watermain – Materials & Labor as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. 2. Anoka County Fire Protection Council Joint Powers Agreement Legal Counsel Glaser explained the agreement, its intent, the similarities between the Joint Law Enforcement Council Agreement with Anoka County and the ease of amending that agreement to include Fire Protection; Emergency Services, the agreements necessity of a newly formed Page 5 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 entity that would require management, municipal funding and staff time, potential for loss of municipal control and governance, the lack of expiration date of the agreement not allowing for restructuring per changing needs and insurance coverage requirements. Consensus of Council was that it was not a time sensitive agreement and could be tabled until more information is available. Motion by Council Member Paar seconded by Council Member King to table this item. All in favor. Motion passed. X. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES 1.Administrator Larson reminded Council of their Joint Work Session with the Parks & Recreation Committee and the Planning & Zoning Commission to be held on April 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. 2.Administrator Larson stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee has requested additional information regarding the property for sale and owned by the City at 7212 Mill Road. Committee believes that this property has been dedicated for park purposes in some fashion, has been known as park property in the past and if sold the proceeds should benefit park purposes. Administrator Larson stated that to this point, all research does not support this claim and he would be forwarding a memorandum to the Committee and Council shortly. 3.Administrator Larson stated that the Annual Local Public Officials Meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2014 at the Harvest Grill in Coon Rapids and if any Council Members desired to attend to notify Staff. 4.Mayor Wilharber stated that the packet contained a letter from the City’s Assessor notifying the City that Anoka County believes that some valuations do not meet their Revenue Departments standards and should be increased from his figures of 7.4% to 12.8% for 2015. 5.Administrator Larson stated that Council did not act as the Local Board of Appeal & Equalization last year due to a lapse in certification. However, several members have been trained and Council will need to take action on a resolution to all the Council to again assume those duties and responsibilities. Dallas stated that the County will be holding the Open Book method at their facilities again this year, but that Mr. Tolzmann will attend an upcoming Council meeting to provide a report. 6.Council Member King stated that the FCC found in favor of local cable commissions regarding charges that Comcast was billing their subscribers for DTA equipment calling it a service fee. The FCC has ordered Comcast to unbundle all equipment costs in the DTA service fee, the HD Technology Fee and the HD/DVR service fees. Council Member King stated that the FCC did not find in favor of local cable commissions regarding aggregation method used to set the rates for SD and HD converter equipment and declined to take jurisdiction of the $5.99 “convenience fee”. 7.Mayor Wilharber stated that recently the Parks & Recreation Committee purchased park benches from Minncor for several parks. They will be installed by city forces this spring. 8.Council Member Paar reminded residents and businesses of the Fete des Lacs celebration that would be taking place on July 25, 26 & 27, 2014, registration for the Page 6 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014 parade is on the City’s website and that there will be no Lions Street Dance. Council Member Paar stated that on July 25, 2014 there will be the organized JAM prior to the fireworks at dusk. Council Member Paar also stated that subsequent to the City of Lino Lake’s withdraw from the Centennial Fire District, Chief Streich has informed the Fire Steering Committee that he is a finalist for another Fire Chief position in another community. Council member Paar stated that the Fire Steering Committee cancelled their next meeting and rescheduled for April 24, 2014. 9.Attorney Glaser reported that some progress has been made with the residents of 7121 Centerville regarding ongoing cleanup and building violations. Attorney Glaser stated that the legislature remains in session and no further information regarding the Ticket Education Programs has been brought forward. 10.Engineer Statz reported that no new information has been brought forward in the legislature regarding clarification for the municipal sales tax exemption(s). Engineer Statz stated that the County is currently acquiring right of way easements from residents that abut Centerville Road, desired for Council to consider installation of municipal sewer and water from Dupre Road to City limits along with the CSAH21/Centerville Road project so that the County could be informed of the Councils wishes. Administrator Larson stated that the City could invite those residents that expressed a desire for connection to a meeting to discuss the item in the near future. Consensus was that staff should meet with affected property owners first, to gage their interest in city services. 11.Mayor Wilharber reported that Anoka County recently held a meeting regarding the Chain of Lakes Bald Eagle Regional Trail Plan here in Council Chambers and that he and several members of the Parks & Recreation Committee attended. Mayor Wilharber reported that the Parks & Recreation Committee would like to see the trailway be located in an alternative location and throughout the proposed park being constructed by the City of Lino Lakes at the corner of Centerville Road and Birch Street. Mayor Wilharber stated that the proposed Chain of Lakes Bald Eagle Regional Trail is not expected to be completely constructed for 10 years. Administrator Larson stated that the County would be applying for grant funding which potentially would reimburse the City for 50% of the cost of the trail along Centerville Road. 12.Council Member Paar requested an update on the colored concrete study that has been taking place within the downtown area. Engineer Statz stated that the study is coming to a conclusion of uncertainties and they are unable to point to one thing that has caused the deterioration. Engineer Statz stated that a section of the study was to suggest repair options but it appears that a full depth removal would be needed. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member King to Adjourn the regularly scheduled Council meeting of March 26, 2014 at 8:05 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed. Transcribed by City Staff Member Teresa Bender, City Clerk Page 7 of 7