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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-27 Council WS & Meeting Minutes - Approved A pproved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION & COUNCIL MEETING May 27, 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 May 27, 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 MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL* PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Matt Montain Council Member Michelle Lakso (Arrived at 6:31 p.m.) Council Member Tom Wilharber ABSENT: None. STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz City Attorney Kurt Glaser 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. Administrator Statz requested that an item be added under New Business, Item #2., New Business, Emergency COVID-19 Operations Bars/Restaurants and that Consent Agenda, Item #7 pulled from consideration. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Montain to Approve the Agenda as Amended. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain, & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. Chief Coan – Annual Report City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Due to audio difficulties, the Chief spoke later in the meeting. 2. Annual Audit Presentation Both Brad Falteysek and Tyler See, ABDO, Eik & Meyers presented Council with a powerpoint of the City’s Financial Statements. They gave a brief overview of the management letter stating that the City has met all state statutes throughout the year, that the audit was a “clean audit” and that the City is in compliance with all regulatory reporting. They reviewed the General Fund and noted a slight dip in 2018 and 2019 due to transfers out of the fund. They stated that they felt that the budgeting (revenues/expenditures) versus actual for 2019 was very accurate. They reviewed all funds of the City (special revenue funds i.e. Cable TV, Capital Project Funds, Water, Sewer, Storm Sewer stating that they had a healthy cash balance, Debt Service Funds (6), garbage and recycling were even balanced. They reported that the City is in line with its peers of other communities within Anoka County of similar population regarding taxes rates where in 2016 the City was 10% higher than others. They stated that the City’s debt outstanding is less than similar cities in population and that the City’s expenditures for day-to-day operations are also in line with other communities within Anoka County but slightly less that within the State of Minnesota. It was reported that Capital expenditures fluctuate from year to year depending on projects but the City appears to be lower than its peers. Council Member Wilharber asked how the tax rate was derived and a brief synopsis was given. Mayor Love thanked both Mr. Falteysek and Mr. See for their presentation of the City’s audit and stated that he was pleased that the City was in good financial shape. He thanked staff for their diligence. Finance Director DeJong thanked Abdo, Eik & Meyers for their ability to work off site during these difficult times and stated that they were wonderful communicators. He thanked all their staff for their dedication to the City and its financial reporting. 1. Chief Coan – Annual Report (Audio Difficulties) Chief Coan apologized for the technical difficulties and presented his annual report to Council. He stated that the City has a wonderful quality of life and that typically an individual or individuals are not driving through town and looking to commit a crime. He stated that the citizens of Centerville are very diligent about suspicious behavior and contact the department when there is a need. He stated that most of the unfavorable contact the Department has is with individuals committing crimes in the area who are individuals that do not reside in the community or fluctuate residencies. He stated for the most part, residents in Centerville heed warnings if in violations of the law. He provided statistics by calls and stated that the Department has a paramedic and two (2) certified EMTs. He stated that the Police Department cannot do their jobs without the involvement and support of Council and citizens. Mayor Love stated that he was thankful for the Centennial Lakes Police Department and the efforts associated with Community Based Policing Programs. He stated that he was very proud of the Page 2 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Department and Officers and the way they perform their duties and handle the public. He stated that with current events in Minneapolis he believes situations similar, will not happen in Centerville. Chief Coan stated that his philosophy has been over the years that if you hire the right people, provided them with the right training, right equipment, the right policies and the right leadership the right things will happen. He stated that recent activities in Minneapolis are deplorable and inexcusable. Council Member Koski stated that he thanked the Centennial Lakes Police Department Officers and leaders for what they do and is very grateful for them. He asked if certain crimes were a common trend throughout the area and Chief Coan stated that drug activity is common but it is felt that this is a fluctuating crime as individuals come in a community and leave a community with situations dissipating over time due to arrests, etc. Council Member Lakso asked about decisions regarding adding additional officers in the near future. Chief Coan stated that it is very difficult to gauge but as cities grow the need becomes more prevalent. He stated that over his tenure he has not requested additional staff but member cities are growing and he would not rule it out. He stated that he will leave those decisions to the next Chief. He did state that he will share all information regarding the department with the new individual once on board. He stated that the Department has prided themselves with providing services to the current standard with the staff that is on board. Chief Coan stated that he could not say enough about the Governing Board and their visions for the Department. He felt that at the present time the Department was in a very good position. Mayor Love stated that the City gets a bad wrap for being an area for having a speed trap between the two (2) lakes. He stated that statistics show that more warnings are given out than speeding tickets. Chief Coan stated that a visible vehicle is a good deterrent and there has never been a “speed trap” in the area that Mayor Love is discussing. Mayor Love thanked Chief Coan along with his Officers for the report and their dedication to serving the public. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. March 11, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided Council Members with an opportunity for modifications. Administrator Statz stated that these minutes were tabled from the previous meeting. Council Member Koski stated that he had noticed several error and forwarded those to the Clerk earlier in the day. Administrator Statz stated that he noticed some grammatical errors that would be corrected. Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Montain to Approve Presented Minutes with the Above Stated Modifications and the Modifications that he had Fowarded to the Clerk. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain, & Wilharber abstained voted in favor. Motion carried. 2. April 22, 2020 City Council Work Session & Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided Council Members with an opportunity for modifications. Council Member Wilharber requested that he be noted as being in attendance of the meeting and where there was a Roll Call vote he also be noted as participating if it was missed. He also requested that on page 7 the proper spelling of Mr. Walmar should be Mr. Walsh owner of Wiseguys. Council Member Koski stated that he forwarded his requested changes to the Clerk earlier in the day. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve Presented Minutes with the Above Stated Changes. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain, & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Centerville Claims through May 27, 2020 (1520E-1525E & Check #33967- 33993) 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through May 12, 2020 (Check #13196-13226, Check #13197-13198 Payroll, Voided Check #13108, ACH 2020015-2020016 US Bank & Delta Dental) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims thru May 22, 2020 (Check #8810-8814) 4. 7th Rider to Agreement – St. Paul Regional Water Service – LaMotte Irrigation Expansion 5. Cost Share Agreement – Rice Creek Watershed District – LaMotte Stormwater Reuse System Expansion 6. 7060 Cottonwood Court – Encroachment Agreement, Fountain th 7. Revised CUP, Centerville Mini-Storage – 6965 – 20 Avenue South st 8. Old Mill Estates 1 Addition – Revised Developers Agreement 9. 7170 Shad Avenue Encroachment Agreement – Driveway Mayor D. Love provided an opportunity for Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the consent agenda. Administrator Statz requested that Item #7 be pulled for additional discussion. Council Member Montain requested that Items #4 and 6 be pulled for additional discussion. Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve The Consent Agenda 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 & ( as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Montain stated that he appreciated the riders and the back history which was included in the packet as he requested. He stated that he had concerns that in areas of the agreement regarding damages and holding harmless. He stated that he felt that the agreement was too one- sided and that no matter what, nothing was the property owners fault even if they backed into our equipment. Attorney Glaser stated that they are attempting to cover themselves as the equipment placed on their property is not their’s and they do not want to be held accountable/liable. He stated that all three (3) entities has been accommodating and willing to work with the City, he did not believe that language could not be modified to incorporate their negligence versus the City’s. It was requested that Attorney Glaser discuss with St. Paul Regional Water if damages were self-inflicted it would be their responsibility. Attorney Glaser stated that he would continue discussions with them. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Koski to Table the th Agreement with St. Paul Regional Water (7 Amendment) Until There is a Modification to the Hold Harmless Language. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Montain thanked Administrator Statz for reaching out to Rice Creek Watershed District regarding their procedures to allowing and maintaining such a structure in a stormwater pond. Council Member Montain stated that he did not have an issue with the encroachment agreement. Administrator Statz again stated that it is in the City’s best interest to monitor the water quality, equipment horsepower, etc. and stated that it is a requirement of the City and RCWD. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve Constent Agenda Item #6 as Presented. Mayor Love stated that he desired to share publicly that there were several fountains in a stormwater pond in the rear of his property and that he would be submitting for agreements as well. He stated that the fountains do require maintenance once or twice a month but aid in the quality of the water and smell. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Administrator Statz stated that he requested that Consent Agenda, Item #7 be pulled from the Agenda as it has been discovered that there is a shared driveway easement on the site and discussions for its location have not been negotiated fully by the property owners. He reported that the site plan will need to reflect the appropriate location. He stated that the abutting property owner has concerns regarding drainage and vehicle delivery accommodations. Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Loved asked to review some of the emails and am aware and agree table existing business satisfied and agreement shared land usage. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Koski to Table Consent th Agenda, Item #7 - Revised CUP, Centerville Mini-Storage – 6965 – 20 Avenue South Until such Time as an Equitable Agreement has Been Reached by the Parties Involved. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Resolution 20-0XX Ambulance Service Provider Administrator Statz stated that Council heard from both providers vetting for the opportunity with one continuing within the community and the other being new to the community. He stated that Council heard from both the Police Chief and the Fire Chief and they recommended M Health as the chosen provider. He stated that we are fortunate to have a choice and he feels that both providers are professional and reputable. He stated that the City has been satisfied with the services offered by Allina. However, M Health has agreed to house an ambulance at the Centerville Fire Department which would allow a shorter response times. He also stated that he forwarded questions and authority to make decisions to the EMRB. He stated that their response was in the packet for review. Administrator Statz also stated that at a later date the City could chose an alternate candidate or go back to a previous provider. Council Member Lakso stated that it would be a difficult decision for Council, she was glad that Staff forwarded a recommendation and felt there were two capable options available to the City. Council Member Montain concurred but stated that he felt that the current provider was the most capable (North Memorial/Allina). He stated that he wanted Council to consider that housing an ambulance would incur expenses that would exceed the amount to be offset by a lease agreement. He also felt that because a provider may house an ambulance at the fire hall they maybe rotating ambulances at the times calls come in for service. He had concern that M Health was not consistent in working with Anoka County Communications, felt that the presentation that was provided by Allina was well-put together and their working history with Departments stands with service expectations. Council Member Koski stated that it was nice to have a choice. Council Member Wilharber had concerns that Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino were all utilizing Allina and there would be a lack of cohesiveness. It was stated that Circle Pines and Lexington do not have the opportunity to choose who their provider is. Mayor Love stated that he felt that Allina’s presentation was complete, he had concerns for continuity between the neighboring cities and communications system. He also stated that he had concerns regarding M Health and their ability to meet call expectations regarding response times but also appreciated the ability of having an ambulance at the fire hall. He did stated that he was surprised by the recommendation from Staff. Chief Coan stated that all attributes of the providers were taken into consideration including the close proximity of their EMS Health Supervisor and other employed Staff members of the vetting agencies. He stated that Allina is a great organization and the City has received excellent service from them. He stated that he felt that the ambulance being housed in Centerville was M Health’s edge. Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 City Administrator Statz stated that if the City choses to continue with the current provider (North Memorial/Allina) there would be no need to pass the resolution but it would do no harm in reaffirming the City’s choice for provider as it coincides with North Memorial and Allina’s merger. Council Member Lakso had concerns if the services were not meeting the community’s needs and asked if it could be reviewed in six (6) months. Mr. Steve King, 1724 Sorel Street desired to ensure that a contract was not being signed for a five (5) year period similar to that of the Garbage/Recycling contract. Administrator Statz stated that in this case there is no need for contract and the City can change their mind down the road and we cannot give exclusive rights to any one provider as there are mutual aid type agreements that allow for available services to provide services if one provider cannot. The resolution states “Preferred Service Provider”. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #20- 016a – Appointing M Health as the City’s Primary Ambulance Service Provider w/A Review Period of Six (6) Months Ensuring Meeting Needs of Community. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso & Wilharber voted in favor. Council Member Montain – Nay. Motion carried 4-1. 2. Stormwater Fund Rate Increase Finance Director DeJong stated that in February the Council discussed the Storm Water Utility Fees. He stated that he included information regarding several scenarios in the packet for consideration. Director DeJong stated that he included scenarios for a zero percent increase, a 4% increase and a 5% increase. He stated that staff would recommend a 5% increase due to the Downtown Street Improvement Project and the expansion of the irrigation system which will utilize a rather large amount of the current funds. He stated that Staff felt that a 5% increase would replenish the account rather quickly and it would provide additional funding for backyard storm water remediation for resident assistance. Discussion included ditch and pond maintenance, anticipated service needs, costs of maintenance, costs estimates relating the maintenance of 72 public wet ponds during a 10 year period each at approximately $14,400/year with a total obligation of $144,000 and staff’s recommendation to commence the program in 2021. He stated that Staff also estimated removal of sediment from ditches would be approximately $40/foot. Director DeJong stated that the City maintains 14 ditches and cleaning of ditches would be over a 10 year period also. He stated that in scenario one (1) the balance to the Storm Water Fund would go negative in 2026, in scenario two (2) with a 4% increase the City would drop below the cash target in 2020 and by 2021 would be back over the minimum cash balance with it rising until 2024 when backyards could be addressed. He stated that scenario three (3) was for a 5% increase in fees. He stated that fees would be reevaluated annually based upon updated projections and MS4 requirements. He felt that the impact to residents would be minimal and did not anticipate any other rate significant increases in other utility funds. Council Member Wilharber asked what the increase would be per household and Director DeJong stated a couple of dollars per year which was very modest. Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Mayor Love asked if a strategic offset by the water fund would assist in balancing the increase in rates. Director DeJong stated that this was not discussed but he stated it is anticipated that the levy for 2021 will decrease due to the 2015 bonds being called. Mayor Love stated that with the COVID-19 virus it is difficult to impose fees on residents. Council Member Lakso stated she would prefer no increase also. Council Member Wilharber declined comment. Administrator Statz stated that the City’s current program for assisting residents with backyard water issues is 25% assistance. He stated without a raise in rates some issues of normal maintenance and there may be a shortage. He stated an increase would allow to increase the City’s assistance program and without an increase it remains 25%. Mayor Love stated that he is not a large fan of backyard fixes as generally these are caused by the residents themselves or their neighbors. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #20-017a as Recommended by Staff. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Lakso and Montain – Nay. Motion Failed. Motion by Mayor Love, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Adopt Res. #20-017a as Recommended by Staff and Offset the Increase by Lowering Water Rates by 5%. Finance Director DeJong stated that offsetting the storm water fees and lowering water fees by a flat percentage rate would be a much higher dollar amount and give a significant lowering of a bill. Mayor Love stated that the intent was to level out the increase. Mayor Love Modified his Motion to Increase the Storm Water Fee by 5% and Reduce the Fee Schedule for Water Fees in an Amount Equal or Greater than Needed to Offset the Storm Water Increase. Council Member Lakso Accepted the Friendly Amendment to the Motion. A roll-call vote was taken. Council Members Montain – Nay. Mayor Love, Council Member Lakso, Koski & Wilharber – Aye. Motion carried. 3. Ordinance #XX, Second Series – Revising the Definition, Location and nd Width of Driveways (2 Reading) Administrator Statz stated that there were slight changes made but nothing substantive by both Mr. Phil Carlson and Attorney Glaser. Attorney Glaser stated that rephrasing and restructuring occurred with wording in areas that unintended consequences could occur. Council Member Wilharber asked if changes could be made since the first reading. Attorney Glaser stated that no substantive changes were made and this is the purpose of having two (2) readings prior to adoption along with receiving public comment. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Montain to Adopt Ord. #105, Second Series – Revising the Definition, Location and Width of Driveways as Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Mayor Love stated that Council and the audience heard the previous review and asked Director DeJong if he had anything to add. Director DeJong stated that he desired to point out the fund balance calculation shown in the presentation did not match up with the fund balance calculation in the report and that it does not match the City’s. He stated that there should be additional fund balance discussions to make sure things are accurate and the funds available. He also stated that this could be a Work Session or in a Council meeting. It was determined by Council that further nd discussion would be had at the 2 meeting of Council in June and that he would work with the Administrator to schedule. Director DeJong also pointed out that in the presentation it showed a substantial fund balance in the Cable TV Fund. He stated that these funds were earmarked for upgrading of the cable equipment to have the High Definition ability. He stated that same was for the Water and Storm Water Fund associated with the 2020 Downtown Street Improvement Project. He also noted that the Debt Service graph and the 2015 Debt Service have been removed due to payment in February. Director DeJong requested that Council accept the report and authorize Staff to forward on to the State Auditor associated reporting. Council Member Montain thanked Staff for their dedicated work. Motion by Council Member Montain, seconded by Council Member Koski to Accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Submitted by Abdo, Eik & Meyers of the City’s 2019 Financials. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Council Member Lakso was Absent for the Vote. Motion carried. 2. Update on Governor’s Order – Ord. #XXX, Second Series – AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO ASSIST BUSINESSES AND ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC City Administrator Statz stated that with the new order bars and restaurants could provide outdoor seating if they follow the remainder of the Governor’s Orders pertaining to it. He stated that Staff will be working with establishments to ensure this ability. Council Member Lakso returned. Mayor Love stated that the city will make every attempt to assist those establishments in their needs and abilities. Attorney Glaser stated that the restaurant cannot exceed seating of more than 50 individuals, must maintain social distancing, have 12 feet between tables, grant the City the right to change existing liquor licenses to expand the business to areas that would allow such seating arrangements. Attorney Glaser stated that it was felt that the issuance of a Zoning Permit would accommodate the use of City property, right of way and anything that would be contiguous Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 to the already licensed liquor establishment. Mayor Love stated that the City desired to assist these businesses in any way that it can. Attorney Glaser read the proposed Ordinance to Council and the audience. Several comments were made by Council Members and Attorney Glaser addressed them. Council Member Wilharber had concerns regarding fire hazards with the use of tents. Administrator Statz stated that similar to other permits there would be a sign-off area for the Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department. Additional discussion took place regarding opening Churches and other entities. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded Council Member Lakso to Adopt Ordinance #104, Second Series An Emergency Ordinance to Assist Businesses and Establishments During the COVID19 Pandemic as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love thanked Staff for their quick response to the Governor’s Order and he hopes local establishments would take advantage of this new process and opportunity. Mayor Love thanked Administrator Statz for the new format changes he completed to the Weekly Administrator Report. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator’s Report Administrator Statz gave a brief review of his report and an update of opening playground structures. He stated that Council and Staff are basing their decision off of the Governor’s Orders, the CDC and DNR. He stated that the concerns is public safety. Council Reports a. Lakso – i. Parks and Recreation Committee – No report was given. ii. Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – No report was given. iii. Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No report was given. b. Wilharber – i. Police Governing Board – No report given. ii. Planning & Zoning Commission – No report given iii. Economic Development Authority – Council Member Wilharber stated that he has attending two meetings and is very impressed with the EDA. He spoke a little about the CenterStage Project that they hired a consultant to complete for every business in town along with the assistance of North Metro TV. He reported that he met the new business Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020 owner in the old caterer’s location and welcomed them to the community. c. Koski - i. Fire District Steering Committee – No report was given. d. Montain – i. North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Council Member Montain reported that they will be opening on June 1. He stated that the Joint Powers Agreement had been approved. He stated that the audit was also approved. He reported that they experience the same as any smaller organization as it relates to delegation of duties notations. He stated that they would be discussion the budget at the next two (2) meeting. e. Love – Mayor Love stated that he felt that Council Member Wilharber was the best individual to welcome the new business to town due to his vast knowledge of the community. Mayor Love share the new slogan for next years’ Fete des Lacs from Administrator Statz – “Double the Fun in 2021”. i. Police Governing Board – No report was given. ii. Economic Development Authority – Mayor Love reported that he felt that this program was a touchdown and has been well received. He also stated that the EDA would be visiting the P & R Committee and the P & Z Commission to ascertain how to jointly work together on project. iii. Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love reported that he had the opportunity to meet with the winners of the Fete des Lacs logo contest winners. He stated that the City will be providing their checks and shirts shortly to them. He stated that the two art teachers were also his older kids’ teachers. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Montain to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of May 27, 2020 at 8:50 p.m. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Lakso, Koski, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 11 of 11