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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-22 Council WS & Meeting Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION & COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 2020 5:00 p.m./6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City Council Work Session & Council Meeting on April 22, 2020 via Zoom Videoconferencing at: https://zoom.us/j/478824301, Meeting ID: 478 824 301 with audio only available at: 312-626- 6799. The meeting was also live streamed by North Metro TV. COUNCIL WORK SESSION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the work session to order at 5:02 p.m. ROLL CALL* PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Matt Montain Council Member Michelle Lakso (Arrived 5:16 p.m.) Council Member Tom Wilharber ABSENT: Nonep STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz Public Works Director Paul Palzer Finance Director Bruce DeJong *Note that “present” is construed to mean that the noted individuals were visibly and audibly present on the videoconference call. II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Community Engagement Strategies 2. City Hall Renovation 3. Downtown Redevelopment – Block 7 4. COVID-19 Operations III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love Adjourned the work session at 6:29 p.m. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 ROLL CALL* PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Matt Montain Council Member Michelle Lakso Council Member Tom Wilharber ABSENT: None. STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz City Attorney Kurt Glaser Public Works Director Paul Palzer Finance Director Bruce DeJong *Note that “present” is construed to mean that the noted individuals were visibly and audibly present on the videoconference call. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve the Agenda with the Above Stated Modifications. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. None. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. April 8, 2020 City Council WS & Council Meeting Minutes Council Member Montain requested that on Page 10 of 11 “population” should be exchanged for “subscribers”. Council Member Lakso requested the proper spelling of her last name on Page 6 of 11. There was some confusion as to who made the motion to appoint Mr. Tom Wilharber as Council Member. Upon subsequent review of the video, the motion stands as typed. Page 2 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 Council Member Koski requested that the word “scraping” be replaced with “scrapping” on page 4 of 11. Council Member Lakso stated that unless the reference was a quote she would prefer that the sentence be removed. Administrator Statz stated that staff would refer to the video. Council Member Wilharber requested that his name be included in the roll call vote notations following his appointment throughout the meeting minutes. Council Member Lakso requested that the Police Governing Board and Economic Development Authority items under Council Member Wilharber for reporting was removed as those positions had not been appointed. Mayor Love requested adding the language “following his appointment to Mayor” under Approval of Minutes. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve Presented Minutes with the Above Stated Changes. Council Member Lakso requested that upon appointments this evening the Resolution should be placed on Council’s agenda for review and consideration. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Lakso, Koski, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims January 8, 2020 through January 22, 2019 Claims (Check #33402-33427) & (1508E-1514E) (pg. ) 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through April 15, 2020 (Check #13154-13177), Payroll Check #13152-13153 (pg. ) 3. Changes to North Metro TV Joint Powers Agreement 4. Encroachment Agreement, 6996 Brian Drive - Shed Mayor D. Love provided an opportunity for Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the consent agenda. City Administrator requested that Check #33401 – Met. Council be pulled from the City of Centerville Claims due to an error. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Montain to Approve The Consent Agenda w/the Removal of Check #33401 – Met. Council From the City of Centerville Claims. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Lakso, Koski, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 1. Adoption of 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and Comprehensive Sewer Plan a. Res. #20-0XX – Adopting the 2040 Comp. Plan Update and the Comp. Sewer Plan Administrator Statz stated that the city’s Comprehensive Plan Update has now been approved by the full Metropolitan Council and must now be adopted, officially by the city. Subsequently, documentation of the adoption would be sent to the Met Council as a final step in the process. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Adopt Res. #20-012 – Adopting the 2040 Comp. Plan Update and the Comp. Sewer Plan as Submitted. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. 2. Revisions to List of Appointments Administrator Statz stated that Council should look to replace Mayor Paar with Mayor Love in those places where his name is or where it is required that the Mayor serve. He also stated that Council may desire to consider seniority when appointing. He stated that appointments in all other categories (boards/committee/commissions) should take into account personal schedules, personal preference and longevity served on certain (boards/committee/commissions). Lengthy discussion ensued regarding seniority pertaining to the Acting Mayor position, inclusion of serving on Committees/Commissions, succession plan, City Attorney comments regarding the need for a policy, possibility of involving election counts, alphabetical order and Council Member Wilharber removed himself from consideration stating that he has not been active on Council for several years, the use of a coin flip or the use of a policy from the League of MN Cities. Following lengthy discussion, modifications were made as follows: Acting Mayor Appointee is Council Member Montain; Check Signing Authority Appointee is Mayor Love and Council Member Montain; Centennial Fire District Steering Committee Alternate is Mayor Love; Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board Appointee is Mayor Love, Council Member Montain and Alternate is Council Member Wilharber; North Metro Telecommunications Alternate is Mayor Love; Deputy Weed Inspector is Mayor Love; Economic Development Authority is Mayor Love and Council Member Wilharber; Parks & Recreation Committee Alternate is Council Member Wilharber; Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate is Mayor Love; Personnel Committee Required Appointment is Mayor Love and Alternate is Council Member Koski; and to modify the Insurance Agent of Record to be Mark Remillard, Remillard Insurance Agency. Lengthy discussion was held regarding the filling of the Police Chief position, the importance of longevity and current awareness of pending issues serving on the Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Revise the Listing of Appointments According to consensus during the discussion. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 3. Resolution #20-0XX - Transfer of EDA Funds out of the General Fund Administrator Statz requested that a one-time transfer of funds from the General Fund to a separate EDA account be made at the beginning of each year and stated that Council needed to consider whether or not the remaining EDA Funds from what is budgeted comparative to what is spent should remain with the EDA allowing for a roll over from year to year. Finance Director DeJong stated that the Auditors recommend that Council consider that if it is their desire to transfer any remaining funds at the end of the year from the General Fund to the EDA as resolution is needed. He explained that the EDA has separate funds and is required to do so, but unspent funding is what is being discussed or carry over from year to year. Administrator Statz stated that it would be similar to transferring property to them that Council would not ask for remaining pieces or funds to be returned at the end of the year. He also stated that these funds would remain with EDA. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding check signing authority (Treasurer and one (1) other officer named in a resolution) with others being placed as signers if Council desired, the establishing documents for the EDA did not address similar procedures, that the EDA did appear before Council with goals and a strategic plan, that past awarding of funding to local businesses may have not taken into consideration of City Code violations or similar situations, viable programs bringing businesses together, putting the cart before the horse for some issues, accountability and their current budget of $22,800. Administrator Statz stated that the EDA was established in 2017 with a budget allocation in 2019 of $20,000 plus per diem and fixed costs and in 2020 of $22,800. He stated that at the time, EDA did not have a strategic plan but they have appeared before the Council since. They have been involved with the rebranding efforts, business sustainability during the COVID-19, etc. Discussion ensued regarding the EDA’s authority to spend funding without Council’s approval, Council’s hesitation for allowing their authority, the structuring of the EDA and whether they should be an EDC as in previous years. They discussed the structure of the EDA, Council Members serving on board, monitoring funds, productive value for expenditures, planning, and oversight. Mayor Love stated that the EDA has the authority to spend their funding without receiving Council authority and this is an accounting function. He also stated that this does not take away or give power to/from them. He felt that it impacts them only if Council does not allow unspent funds to be saved separately in their funds. Administrator Statz asked whether Council was uncomfortable with an EDA which is an independent body and when it was incepted the most conservative boxes were checked. He stated that they do not have the ability to issue bonds, TIF financing and do not have the ability for levying with the only source of funding from the General Fund. He stated that the EDA has very minimal financial functioning or the lowest level of functioning structure. He also stated that there are two (2) members of Council who are appointed to the EDA. He reported that they are organized slightly above an EDC which is an advisory board. He also reported that he felt that the last EDC failed due to the lack of meaningful projects and individuals/businesses lost interest. Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 Council Member Montain felt that the EDA was completing wonderful tasks; marketing, rebranding, business networking, and he wanted it to grow. But, also felt that discussions should be had during budgeting and allocation of funding regarding their programs and their value, their strategic plan, etc. He understands that if the funding was just given without accountability that is an issue. He stated that 90% of what they have done has been good for the City, but to spend the $20,000 just because it’s there is an issue. Mayor Love stated that the EDA has reverted some of their original earmarked funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there may be funds left over. Mr. Steve King, 1724 Sorel Street commented regarding a loan that was given to a local business versus requiring them to remove the building due to safety conditions. City Administrator stated that the funding was to be utilized for beautification providing architectural elements that are not required by City Code but would enhance the look of the exterior of the building to blend into the Downtown area look and feel. City Administrator stated that the garage demolition was a part of the grant and the funds would enhance the look of the building. Administrator Statz stated that the funding was coming from Anoka County HRA funds rather than the EDA’s budget. Lengthy discussion was had regarding Council’s comfortability with allowing funds to be spent by the EDA and trusting them to be responsible, the purpose of an EDA, EDC versus and EDA, a Council Members frustration of feeling mislead by a previous Administrator regarding the EDA, a Council Members frustration with Council not appearing to appreciate the EDA or its members for their time and passion to their community, the EDA’s powers, return on investment, whether an EDA is needed in a smaller community, a Council Member’s desire to breakdown the budgeting process rather than just giving the provision of funding. Council Member Montain desired to discuss EDA’s funding at the beginning of the year and desired for the budget to be dissected similar to all other funding. Mayor Love stated he felt that was completed and Administrator Statz provided that detail. Council Member Koski stated that he very much appreciated all Committee/Commission Members and he does not believe that Council gave the EDA a very clear vision. He felt that the city was too small for an EDA and he did not complete enough research several years ago when the EDA was formed. Council Member Wilharber commends those that volunteer but originally questioned who is authorized to sign checks for the EDA. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #20-013 to Transfer $10,000 from the General Fund to the EDA Fund Noting Reasoning and Review Later in the Year. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love stated that he has had discussions with the Chair of the EDA and suggested presenting information to both the Parks & Recreation Committee and the Planning & Zoning Commission along with collaborating on projects that could benefit the entire community. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Listing Agreement – 1737 Main Street Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 Administrator Statz stated that the EDA solicited Mr. Mike Brass, Titus Commercial Real Estate, to draft a pro-forma and sketch of a building that would include apartments on the upper floor and retail on the lower floor for the ½ acre parcel. He stated that 6-7 apartments on the second floor were included with 7,000 square feet of retail on the lower level. He reported that there are some zoning issues with the parcel and the sketched building such as parking and other items but it was felt that this would provide interested individuals a rough idea of a building, costs, revenue, etc. associated with constructing something similar. He stated that this would provide Mr. Brass with a concept for individuals that were interested in purchase retail along with rental above an idea of what could be put on the parcel. He also stated that it would also provide them with rough figures to determine if it was viable for them. City Administrator Statz stated that the building was sketched so dependent upon the individual’s interest or funding the building could be phased, could be decreased in size, etc. Mr. Mike Brass addressed Council and stated that the sketch is intended on providing individuals that may be contemplating purchasing a building for their business and renting retail and apartment space. He stated that the building could be constructed in phases as tenants or money allows. Council Member Montain asked whether the parcel would be available as vacant, options for buildings or just the concept sketch. Mr. Brass stated that the concept sketch is only a tool for visioning. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Enter into a Listing Agreement Contract with Titus Commercial Real Estate for the Sale of City Owned Parcel Located at 1737 Main Street. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. 2. Opt-out Option for new Off-sale Liquor Law Administrator Statz stated that a new law was enacted by the Governor to assist restaurants that that currently possess On-Sale Liquor License to have the capability to sell liquor with a food order without obtaining an Off-Sale Liquor License via takeout. Council Member Wilharber stated that he had spoken with Mr. Walsh who owns Wiseguys Pizza who stated that there was a liquor store located right next door to his establishment and that it would make no sense for him to do this and he also spoke with Mr. Jeff Schultz from Kelly’s Korner who stated that he currently is not selling food for takeout but felt that people could obtain their liquor elsewhere maybe more cost effectively. Council Member Lakso began to motion to adopt the resolution. Based on the discussion, City Administrator Statz interrupted and stated that the resolution was to not allow the option of selling off-sale with food orders. After that clarification, her partial motion was withdrawn and no formal action was taken, thus allowing the law to stand in the community. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator’s Report Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 Administrator Statz stated that the playgrounds at local parks continue to be closed until the Governor’s office opens areas to congregation. He stated that Staff and Emergency policies still consider it to potentially be a health risk. He did state that if Council decided to open them staff would do so. Consensus of Council was for them to remain closed until further notice from the Governor. City Administrator Statz reported that the EDA was planning on scheduling a special meeting the following week to allow for discussions regarding ideas for assisting local businesses. He stated that the Committee has discussed forfeiting amounts from their budget to assist them in unique ways such as social media campaigns, advertising/marketing, etc. He reported that the EDA felt that rebranding and other areas of their planned focus could be modified with their funding being spent elsewhere more prudently. He also reported that the City recently purchased a new copier for City Hall and that the new contract would save money over the existing contract. He stated that Finance Director DeJong is working on a cash flow analysis with the COVID-19 and Anoka County’s potential for delaying property tax payments. He stated that this is one reason why the law requires 40-50% of the City budget to be held in reserve. He reported that the developer was finishing infrastructure in Phase I of Old Mill Estates. They have delayed the Phase II portion of the development due to the economy. He also reported that he has been in contact with Trident the proposed developer for Block 7 to inform them of Council’s consensus that TIF may no longer be a tool supported for a residential development at this time. He stated that Staff is attempting to provide residents with the utmost current information through the City’s digital platforms (reader board, website, Facebook and Twitter). He reported that the Public Works Department received their recent purchase of vehicles which arrived in the incorrect color. He stated that the vehicles were returned. Administrator Statz stated that there was a potential for receiving next year models for the same or lower prices. He also reported that the City was hoping that streets would be swept the first week of May. He stated that the City was successful in obtaining a grant from the RCWD for the downtown stormwater reuse project. He reported that the City also received a grant from the Met Council for the same project. He reported that the City will incur only $33,000 in expenses associated with the $164,000 project. He also reported that the Downtown Road Project will be delayed due to CenterPoint Energy’s corporate policy of not entering homes during the current COVID-19. He explained that the gas mains were to be replaced along with the project but if gas services were switched from the old main to the new mains homes would need to have their pilot lights relighted. CenterPoint Energy will not enter homes unless it is an emergency situation and now is not that time. He stated that the contractor was refraining from continuing with working on the asphalt due to the delay. Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 A member of the audience questioned who would be paying for the gas main that was hit along Sorel Street. City Administrator Statz stated that this would be between the contractor and the utility locate contractor. Administrator Statz also reported that the Parks & Recreation Committee is contemplating cancelling the Fete des Lacs events along with Music in the Park. He stated that they would determine whether these events would go forward at their May meeting. He reported that the Committee was successful in obtaining a grant through Anoka County in the amount of $2,900 for the purchase of picnic tables and marketing associated with the waterski/Main Street Market Event. City Attorney Glaser stated that staff and the Church of St. Genevieve continue to work on documents that will allow the City to irrigate their property for the stormwater project at Laurie LaMotte Park. He stated that with the COVID-19 there is a backlog of court cases (6,000) since the shutdown. He stated those individuals with the most serious crimes are being triaged through other avenues than the courts (WebEx). He stated that once the courts are reopened there are concerns for social distancing and that procedures for court cases may change going forward. Public Works Director Palzer stated that the Public Works Department is working well with staggered work shifts and is eager to receive more direction from Council during the continued work session this evening. He stated that all staff is currently well. Mayor Love stated that he had shared an idea with the Chair of EDA for spotlighting a business of the month and posting a short video on the EDA’s web site. Council Reports a. Lakso – i. Parks and Recreation Committee – No report was given. ii. Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – Council Member Lakso reported that was not in favor of obtaining a proposal/study determining appropriate staffing levels for the District. She reported that the Deputy Chief retired recently and she feels that promoting within was appropriate and now was not the time to complete a study and spending $25,000 to do so. Council Member Koski stated that Council Member Lakso stood strong on her feeling which was very difficult to do. He reported that others felt this was an ample time to complete such a study determining the structure of the organization for the future. iii. Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No report was given. b. Wilharber – Reported that he noticed a controlled burn in the Anoka County Regional Park and that there were approximately 15-20 cars and 30 people Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 using play equipment at the park. He desired to inform the public that the play areas are closed to protect the public and to please refrain from using it. i. Police Governing Board – No report given. ii. Planning & Zoning Commission – No report given iii. Economic Development Authority - No report given. Council Member Wilharber stated that he requested quite a large amount of information from Finance Director DeJong recently and he was provided with the information in a short period of time and he appreciated that. c. Koski - i. Fire District Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that the Committee was presented with the annual audit from MMKR in which they were $15,314 under budget. He stated that most importantly it takes approximately $660,508 to operate the department but all needs are being met during this time. He stated that the Committee hired a consulting firm (Fich & Assoc.), they have provided studies for other metro areas have that he desired that the funding that was expended for the study provide useful information that can be utilized to operate the Department more efficiently in the future. He reported that he recently appeared at a local business (Nobel Welding) and spoke with the owner who purchased the business approximately two (2) years prior. He felt that the EDA could promote businesses by highlighting them and giving the public some background of the owner/business in the newsletter, etc. d. Montain – i. North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Council Member Montain reported that Commission adopted the Joint Powers Agreement, adopted a resolution supported reporting on the FCC order th and how that factors into the Franchise Fees, he stated that the 6 district court attempted to take the order and it was denied, settlement agreement with Century Link is no longer offering cable services as they would be phasing it out by the end of year. He reported a meeting with Century Link has underpaid their Franchise Fees and resolved. e. Love – Mayor Love stated that he apologized to City Staff, Council and the public for not mentioning the importance of their efforts during these difficult times in his Mayor Updates. He stated that a lot of information was reported on and some of the information was edited out that maybe should not have been. i. Police Governing Board – No report was given. ii. Economic Development Authority – Mayor Love reported that he attended the meeting, stated that the EDA is considering adjusting their goals and funding to accommodate for assistance with local businesses Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 22, 2020 due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 with providing them with tools for marketing, tax relief, etc. He stated that they would be utilizing the Receptionist to contact local business to determine needs and obtain ideas for assistance. He reported that the EDA chose to participate in a study along with the property owner, Connexus Energy and Anoka th County to potentially draw a data center to the property along 20 Avenue that is currently vacant. He also reported that the EDA desired to create a residential/property owner’s video marketing the City similar to their recent commercial video but the COVID-19 slowed that progress. He also reported that the City highlighted the business recycling grant funds available to assist businesses with improving their recycling efforts. He stated that businesses and residents would be seeing Facebook and Twitter information about the program. iii. Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love reported that he participated in a meeting with Senator Chamberlain, Representative Runbeck and other local Mayors where they discussed the “New Normal” which included discussion about reopening/lifting of the Stay at Home orders, jump- starting business with sales and property tax payment delays, City and County local tax initiatives, and additional discussion of funding of worker’s compensation for frontline workers with putting a burden on taxpayers to do so. He reported that all local cities were doing well. XI. ADJOURNMENT AND REOPEN RECESSED WORK SESSION Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adjourn the Regular Meeting and Reopen the Recessed Work Session of April 22, 2020 Following a 5 Minute Break at 8:41 p.m. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. XII. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – (Discussion Item #IV – COVID-19 Operations) (Cont’d) As this discussion was held due to time constrains from the earlier Council Work Session the Mayor opened the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Discussion ensued regarding various operational issues related to COVID 19. The Mayor closed the work session at 9:07 p.m. and reopened the regularly scheduled meeting of City Council at 9:07 p.m. Mayor Love Closed the Work Session at 9:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 11 of 11