Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-14 CC Mintues - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 14, 2014 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled meeting of May 14, 2014 at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. PRESENT: Mayor Tom Wilharber Council Member Jeff Paar Council Member Steve King Council Member D. Love ABSENT: Council Member 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 6:30 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/APPEARANCES 1. Mr. Kenneth Tolzmann, SAMA (City Assessor) Mr. Tolzmann stated that the Board of Equalization/Open Book procedure is the first process in establishing a tax levy for next year. Next the City will prepare a budget and once that is completed, Truth in Taxation Notices will be forwarded to residents in November. Mr. Tolzmann explained that he advocates on behalf of taxpayers while maintaining a duty upholding property tax laws. Mr. Tolzmann also explained how the valuation of homes are derived; by stating that “qualified sales” (not bank sales, relative sales, foreclosure sales or any other type of sales that would not be representative of market value (short sales)) are utilized and compared with unsold properties to establish the upcoming years values. Mr. Tolzmann reported that the current period will use sales from October, 2012 to October, 2013 in which 47 homes were qualified sales and used as comparables which was a 30% increase from the previous year. Mr. Tolzmann felt that this was a representation of improvement in the real estate market. Mr. Tolzmann stated that the taxable market value of homes increased by 12.8% rather than last years’ decline of 2.1%. Mr. Tolzmann reported that there have been 8 foreclosure sales and 28 good sales in 2014. City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 Mr. Tolzmann stated that if any resident feels that their market value is inaccurate, they have the opportunity to contact him to schedule an appointment. They had the opportunity to participate in the Open Book Meeting held at the Government Center in Anoka until June and if they did participate in that, they can file an appeal with the Courts. Mayor Wilharber stated that he is asked on many occasions why Centerville property taxes are so high. Mr. Tolzmann explained that Centerville’s residential stock is 96.1% of the entire stock of parcels, residential parcels are a stable property tax base where commercial is not, commercial values stayed steady and lag behind in increases and if there was more commercial parcels/development it would relieve the residential tax base some. Mr. Tolzmann commented that most of the values in Centerville had increased for residential parcels. 2. Mr. Lou Suski, Gaugh Companies (City Surplus Property) Mr. Lou Suski introduced himself to Council and stated that he is a Broker/Real Estate Agent that has been secured by the City to list/sell numerous properties owned by the City. Mr. Suski stated that commercial real estate market has gotten stronger recently and reviewed showings/inquiries with Council. Mr. Suski stated that the parcels at 1691 & 1697 Main Street are larger than originally thought, sales price has been adjusted from $75,000 to $125,000 and that the parcels would be extra green space or parking for abutting developable land. Mr. Suski had concern over what was originally thought of as being a musty basement odor at 1737 Main Street. Administrator Larson stated that the Public Works Staff has looked at the property, and recommended to remove paneling, carpeting and wet carpet in the poorly finished basement. Mr. Suski stated that the condition of the furnace and water softener are of concern also. Mr. Suski felt that it would not be in the City’s best interest to have the home moved or demolished, it would be better to sell as is and market it as being commercial redevelopment. Mr. Suski also stated that the home has a nice layout for a small real estate office/insurance office, etc. and not a large investment. Council Member Paar felt that the immediate removal by Public Works Staff of those items, (i.e. carpeting, ceiling tiles, paneling, etc.) that hold moisture be removed from the basement to assist in alleviating additional problems in the future. Mr. Suski stated that the market is doing very well and he anticipated that he would be in contact with the City regarding any of the parcels with potential offers soon. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Wilharber added Centerville Claims (Check #28676-28686) should be added. Motion by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Paar to Approve the Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. Page 2 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 IV. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 23, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes The Mayor provided Council Members with an opportunity to amend the presented minutes. Motion by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2014 City Council Meeting as presented. The Mayor stated that he had received numerous inquiries due to his absence at the last meeting and stated that he attended a wake for a prominent Lion Member, Mr. Lynn Johnson. All in favor. Motion passed. 2. April 9, 2014 City Council Joint Work Session Meeting Minutes The Mayor provided Council Members with an opportunity to amend the presented minutes. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love to approve the Council Work Session meeting minutes of the April 9, 2014 City Council Meeting as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville April 24, 2014 through May 14, 2014 Claims (Check #28649-28675) & (Check #28676-28686) 2. Centennial Police Department Claims through May 8, 2014 (Check #9872-9907) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through May 1, 2014 (Check #6346-6391) & Payroll (Check #6335-6345) 4. Successful Performance Review, Mr. Paul Palzer, Building Official/Public Works Director (Completes 20 Years) Mayor Wilharber provided Council Members with an opportunity to remove any item that they desired additional information on. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Anoka County Fire Protection Council Joint Powers Agreement Page 3 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 Legal Counsel Glaser requested that this item be tabled due to additional review and possible modification by the Executive Committee. Motion by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Paar to Table the Anoka County Fire Protection Council Joint Powers Agreement until May 28, 2014. All in favor. Motion passed. 2. Centerville Road - Utilities Administrator Larson stated that Anoka County is waiting for the City to determine whether they desire to provide municipal water and sewer with the project prior to receiving bids. Administrator Larson stated that four (4) property owners are interested in having the services available but only two (2) desired to connect right away. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for development in the areas where individuals have more than one lot, future development of the Vickers property, benefits of installation being anticipated costs of $200,000, which includes all costs associated with Engineering and in the future it would be more, healthy sewer and water enterprise funds, ability to be reimbursed by a developer associated with the Vickers property, the need for individual property owners to install/repair existing equipment if there were failure and costs associated with restoration would not be incurred due to the construction of the roadway. It was also noted that one of the property owners complained that he had been unable to sell his property because it is not served by municipal sewer and water. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Vickers property, its current designation of Green Acres, potential for increased market value/property taxes, removal of the existing home if/when development occurs and bypassing that property with stubs until such time as it is developed. Engineer Statz stated that one home’s basement would have to be served by a pump versus the first floor of the same building being served by gravity and all others along the roadway being serviced by gravity feed. Engineer Statz also stated that the watermain would be installed on the east side of the roadway and run under the roadway to service those properties on the west side. Administrator Larson felt that with the presence services in the roadway there would be potential for phasing the development of the Vickers property and new development along the roadway. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding budget reserves, “healthy balances”, connection fees from those interested and future development (cost recoupment), two other areas of town that lack services, and clarification of that this part of the project is mill, reclaim, and pave of the existing roadway and addition of a 4’ shoulder and concerns for future bonding for funds. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love to authorize Staff to Include Utility (Sewer/Water) services in Anoka County’s Road Reconstruction Bid Process. All in favor. Motion passed. IX. NEW BUSINESS Page 4 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 1. Approval of Special Assessment Agreement with R & R Leasing for Reimbursement of Flood Plain Study Costs Administrator Larson stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been completing a new flood map for Centerville and has determined that a large portion of R & R th Leasing’s property east of 20 Avenue to the freeway should have an elevation four (4) feet lower than the current flood map, based upon work done by Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). Administrator Larson reported that he has discussed this with FEMA and they are willing to consider the mapping supplied by RCWD; however, RCWD would need to supply additional information through their engineer as a consultant. Administrator Larson stated that property owner has signed a Special Assessment Agreement with the City to allow the City to recoup costs associated with the work. Administrator Larson also stated that the agreement provides repayment over a five year period at 5% interest in an amount not to exceed $36,000 and development of the area would be in the best interest of the City due to potential tax base. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Paar to approve the Agreement as presented. All in favor. Motion passed. 2. Consider Acquiring of Vacant Shoreline Abutting Trailside Park (Centerville Lake) from St. Paul Regional Water Services Administrator Larson reported that he had recently met with members of the Bald Eagle Water Ski Club who desired to contribute $5,000 to the City to assist with the purchase of the property that abuts Trailside Park where they have been offering their shows during the summer for the last few years. Administrator Larson stated that several years ago, the City considered purchasing the property from St. Paul Water; however, an acceptable purchase price was not negotiated, and a lease agreement was entered into instead. Administrator Larson stated that he believes that following several years of usage by the Ski Club, parcels unbuildable status and the economy St. Paul Water may consider selling for a more acceptable price and if desire by Council he would again enter into negotiations to purchase the parcel. Lengthy discussed ensued regarding ownership, amount of land, maintenance, trees, entrance to the community, retaining the Ski Club, Parks & Recreation’s desire to have the City own the property, previous negotiations had included more than just the parcel that abuts Trailside Park and the financial offer from the Ski Club. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member King to Staff to enter into negotiations with St. Paul Water to purchase shore land that abuts Trailside Park. Council Member Paar made a friendly amendment to negotiate the addition of the lake shore north of the park if ownership is transferred at no cost and Staff will forward information to Council for consideration of acquisition subsequent to negotiations. All in favor. Motion passed. X. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES Page 5 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 1. Administrator Larson stated that the wetness of the basement at 1737 Main Street should be rectified either by Staff or an outside contractor. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love to contract removal of items that are holding moisture in the basement of the residence at a cost of up to $5,000. All in favor. Motion passed. Council Member Paar stated that registration is available for the parade and 5K/8K Walk/Runs on the City’s website. Mayor Wilharber stated that at the recent Police Commission meeting their audit was presented and there were no issues encountered during 2013. Mayor Wilharber reported that the City recently received Met Council’s annual population statistics (pop. 3,953, 1,370 households with 2.936/household. Attorney Glaser stated that his assistant, Mrs. Sami Corlew, had recently passed the bar examination and was sworn in on Friday. Attorney Glaser stated that she may work on issues for the City from time to time. Mayor Wilharber convened the Council into Closed Executive Session at 7:51 p.m. for the purpose of providing Administrator Larson with his annual performance review. XI. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION (Administrator Performance Review) (Closed unless otherwise Opened) The City Council of Centerville, Minnesota met in a closed session on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at 8:10 p.m. in City Hall. Present were Mayor Tom Wilharber, Council Members Steve King, D Love and Jeff Paar. Absent was Council Member Ben Fehrenbacher. Also present were City Attorney Glaser and Administrator Dallas Larson. The purpose of the closed meeting was to complete the annual performance evaluation of City Administrator Dallas Larson. The Council shared their individual evaluations of Administrator Larson. All members offered positive reviews, but Council Member Love noted that the Street Mill and Overlay Project did fall short of expectations, though not necessarily Larson’s fault, requiring special assessments and Council Member King indicated that he would prefer not to see the occasional last–minute additions to agenda. Overall, Council Members felt Larson’s performance was exceptional. In areas of Human Resource Management, Operational Behavior, and Self-Management the Council consistently rated his performance in the highest category. The meeting was reopened to the public at 9:15 p.m. Motion by Council Member Paar, second by Council Member Love to grant 100 hours additional PTO for 2014 and that Council would work on a phased retirement agreement that would include three months of part-time work commencing about October 1, 2014. All in favor. Motion passed. Page 6 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2014 XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Love to Adjourn the regularly scheduled Council meeting of May 14, 2014 at 9:17 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed. Transcribed by City Staff Member Teresa Bender, City Clerk and Dallas Larson, City Administrator Page 7 of 7