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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-28 WS & CC Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION & COUNCIL MEETING October 28, 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 October 28, 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. WORK SESSION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the work session to order at 5:02 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Not Approved Council Member Tom Wilharber Council Member Matt Montain Council Member Michelle Lakso - arrived at 5:09 p.m. ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz Attorney Kurt Glaser City Clerk Teresa Bender d to mean that the noted individuals were visibly and audibly present on the videoconference call. II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 2. COVID Mitigation Strategy Administrator Statz stated that the renovation project at City Hall is moving forward and makes sense to sketch out a plan for city offices with the surge in cases of COVID. Having a safe work place for all employees by setting up separate office spaces where employees have social distance, move the kitchen area back into the back corner and the copier up in the front office by the Reception area. If staff is not comfortable about working in the offices, they could continue to work from home and do a rotation basis to serve the public. Administrator Statz also commented what would be the most effective and safe way for the public to engage in public meetings. a. City Hall Re-Opening Council Member Koski stated that he would like to wait until January to have in person Council meeting. Council Member Wilharber agreed that waiting until January or February to have in City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 person council meeting would be a good idea. We need to keep everyone safe. He mentioned that we do not know where people have been. b. In-person Council/Committee Meeting Mayor Love stated whether in person meetings or broadcasting meeting the technology is in place. Mayor Love commented on temperature check on employees and committee Member before each meeting. Administrator Statz stated that would be a good idea but not fail safe being that some ght direction. Council Member Koski stated that offsite meeting (via zoom) are easier to attend, especially when you are traveling. Administrator Statz agreed with Council Member Koski. He stated that zoom meeting works well to observe but are tricky to participate and ask questions. Council Member Lakso stated in this format, work the challenges of more considerations. She commented the state government is looking at opening up sometime in June or July of 2021. They are not in a rush to open being that the number of cases are unknown. She commented that maybe we should wait to see what the new council would like and make a decision at that time or if the plan needs to be modified do so then. We have received notifications from the police department about the number of sicknesses. Administrator Statz stated this was a good suggestion and it would be interesting to know how many cases are in our area. Council Member Lakso stated that the school district is going back to distance learning due to the number of cases. Council Member Koski stated the work is getting done with Zoom, but with council. Council Member Montain stated that everyone needs to be informed. The committees have liaisons and they report back council. The ad including businesses and residents. He stated that everyone on council are informed and feels the line and the newsletter. Council Member Koski stated we need to continue to strive to keep the community updated. Council Member Wilharber mentioned keep an ear open to the public as to their concerns. Sometimes they feel that things are being hid. They will always say that others are doing things differently. Mayor Love commented last year retreat was nice and would like to do so again but not at this point. He would like to have another retreat with the department heads and chairs of the each committee bi- annually and to see where things are going and collaborate and synergy. Council Member Wilharber mentioned Lino Lakes has individual pictures of their council. Mayor Love stated that head shot to click on to bring them to their email/telephone number. We want to hear from the public. It is important to us. Administrator Statz stated he would like to put together another retreat but as a zoom meeting for the new Members of council and committee Members to bring them up to speed on things that are happening in the City. 3. Civil Unrest Preparedness Administrator Statz commented on what happened in the City of Hugo in regards to the protest that happened in a residential area. He stated that issue is very broad and wanted it to be brought up for discussion only. He stated the ordinance attempts to address growing concerns during this Page 2 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 in a business district than a residential district. If a protest happens at a person home, we need to make sure they are safe and the residents around them are also safe. We should be prepared for such situations. Mayor Love stated the majority of council hears our neighbors in Hugo talk about how extensive and bad this was. He is glad that we are having conversations even though we do not have diverse community like others areas. We should be prepared. Council agreed with Mayor Love that they should have a plan in case this happens in Centerville. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Love adjourned work session at 6:16 and with a 14 minute recess before starting council meeting. 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 Michelle Lakso Council Member Tom Wilharber Council Member Matt Montain ABSENT: None. STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz City Attorney Kurt Glaser 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 added to check #34340 to North Metro TV to the agenda. This check is for their COVID expenses. This check was a check he had planned on added but it slipped through the cracks and would not like to delay and noted on the revised check detail list the check was in l was $17,000 to make COVID safe. Everyone else on the JPA is pitching in. Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 Motion by Council Member Wilharber seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Agenda with the additional check to North Metro TV in the amount of $2,164 as submitted. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. None. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS/INPUT 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. None. Administrator Statz mentioned to council the reason there are no minutes is due the over whelming id that they recently pulled in an election judge to help her with the early voting. Hopefully this will help free up some time so she can complete her other duties and also has added the person who does the minutes for Parks and Recreation to help get caught up with the minutes. Mayor Love stated he is glad to hear that we are having a robust year at the polling place. This means there will be less people at the polling place. They are both positives. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through October 23, 2020 (Check #0343008- 034339, 1590E, with voided checks #34212, 34289, 34309, 34310, 34311, 31312, 34313) 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through October 22, 2020 (Check #13434-13468), (E2020038-2020041) & Payroll Check #13432-13433 & 13448-13451 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through October 13, 2020 (Check #8916- 4. le Elementary School Addition 5. October CARES Act Funding Submittal Mayor D. Love provided an opportunity for Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the consent agenda. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Wilharber to Approve Consent Agenda with the additional check #34340, as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. VIII.OLD BUSINESS Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 1. None IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resignation of Mr. Michael Giovinazzo from the EDA and Declaring a Vacancy on the Board Mayor Love stated that Mr. Michael Giovinazzo has turned in his resignation from EDA and declaring a vacancy on the board. Administrator Statz stated the Mr. Giovinazzo has served on the committee for 2 years. He owes the American Family Insurance business in town. He will stay on the board until there is a replacement. Administrator Statz explain how the EDA is set up. It is a 6 year terms for each of the non-council Members. Since we started the EDA a few years ago, those terms were staggered. Mr. Giovinazzo term was the shortest term. His term is up in August of 2021. Whoever fill this seat will be in this seat for 9 months and could be reappointed after that. If anyone is interested in thisnt, please contact him or City Hall. The EDA consist of a business owner that is physically located in town, resident, and resident/business owner. He stated that EDA will interview the candidate and choose someone then go to council for approval. Administrator Statz stated that this will be posted in the letter, on the sign, emailing out to the businesses y appreciates Mr. Giovinazzo for his service. Mayor Love stated that there is now an opening for EDA and Parks & Rec. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Resignation of Mr. Michael Giovinazzo from the EDA and Declaring a Vacancy on the Board, as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. 2. Administrator Statz stated as the renovation is taking place is was noted that our fire alarm system is very outdated but do not necessarily have code violation. He stated that the smoke detectors in City Hall are approximately 30 years old and need to be replaced. Co-Fire Chief Kathy Peil did a full inspection and gave recommendations. We ran this by our engineer and architect and they came up with a set of modest improvements where we would reuse some of our current equipment of these items have been moved for example the exit signs and lights. This was bided out in 2 ty Hall side and the other was the Fire Department. He felt staff would like to recommend to do all at once. Administrator Statz gave a little bit of history of the building when it was built. They had a monitoring there is a junction box that has an alarm monitoring system. As of now, if they were a fire, no one rd would know because this was not hooked up. The system would allow to have a 3 party monitoring the alarms and would notify if they went off. Council Member Koski stated that he does not understand why these change orders come up as they should be a part of the original bid and not tag on afterward. He believes fire safety is Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 important. How did this get over looked? He stated that $15,000 was high but also stated that he does not know a lot about fire alarm systems. He questioned does this really cost this much and we were able to use any of our old system. If we are going to have a monitoring system is there going to be a fee tied to that se paying for monitoring service in the past but never using it. Administrator Statz explain the monitoring fees is approximately $20 to $30 a month. He also stated that some of the equipment is being reused as mentioned before. He said that most of the wiring for this had been reused. As for the cost, the contractor went out and received 2 bids and they were within $5 of each other. Administrator Statz is confident that the price is where it should be. He stated this is in a fire suppression system not a sprinkler system only an alarm system. This system has 4 components: emergency lights, auditable & visible alarm, smoke detectors/CO2 detectors and exit signage. This is for the whole building not just City Hall. Council Member Koski asked how many smoke & CO2 detector is being added. Administrator Statz stated that they are adding 4 or 5 more. One in each office. Council Member Montain stated that he is all for the project but questioned about the water monitored in there? Administrator Statz stated that was a good questions and he believes that they did cover that area and was not sure about the chemical room. He will follow up with that next time. Council Member Lakso stated with fire safety we pay now or pay later. We rather pay now. She is for the project. Council Member Wilharber is for the project. Mayor Love stated Administra ake this the wrong way but h e is very disappointed we did not have a more robust system in place previously. He stated that public safety at City Hall is very important. He also stated that it was hard to hear that we do not have this system currently. He thanked Administrator Statz for mentioning that there was a secondary bid. He stated City Hall is our responsibility but wst to the fire station for this upgrade. Administrator Statz mentioned that in our J PA for the fire department there is a threshold of over $5,000 each city is responsible for their portion. Each City owns their own building. The fire service does not own the building so it becomes the C ity responsibility. Maintenance things he would put on the fire budget. ouncil Member Koski asked is there anything that needs to be reviewed that we should add to C this before we continue the project. Administrator Statz stated that we are going to be getting new furniture but this was accounted for in the budget. Council Member Wilharber asked what about a security system. Administrator Statz explained we curront and that door being that they are the 2 places where there is access into the building. In the future, he would like to look at installing a camera system. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Wilharber to Approve the Citye Replacement as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 3. Re: Outside Storage in the Industrial District (I-1) Administrator Statz stated that there have been a number of ordinances that we are looking at. One is the outdoor storage. It lacks specifics regarding outdoor storage. Outdoor storage is allowed in to how much outdoor storage or whether or not you need a principal structure. There are side references to this. It talks about setbacks to principal structure and how. It talks about outdoor storage and the screening you need. This is not as explicit as we would like it. You cannot just have outdoor storage on your property. You would need a principal structure before you are allowed that. They would like to make a couple of quick changes to the industrial code to protect the City from the giant parking lot of junk or even not junk and/or a little tiny building or no building at all. Administrator Statz stated they checked around our neighboring towns and Lino Lakes has 2.5:1 standard. For example: our commercial district has a outdoor storage which is pretty common in commercial districts. In an industrial district you would expect more outdoor storage per square foot of building and so Lino Lakes has 2.5:1standard. We felt that this was fair and it was the higher of any of the other communities. He thought Hugo had a 1:1. He stated in the packet he used Ruffridge Johnson as an example site and you can see what their outdoor storage looks like to date. We do have a definition in their CUP that defines outdoor storage and what is not. He stated that 2.5:1 is pretty restrictive but is similar to Lino Lakes and general cities. Two main things that we want to make clear: Outdoor storage is an accessory use only and making sure we have a limitation on the outdoor storage at 2.5:1 so we have some substantial investment in the property in terms of building so that it provides some taxable value. They will come back to council in the future with more details on this ordinance. Finally, they are not looking to do a second reading on this ordinance, but looking for this ordinance to pass tonight, then published to make sure we are protected. Council Member Koski stated that Planning and Zoning had a good discussion on all of these public hearings and ordinance revisions. He stated this particular ordinance we are doing the right thing in cleaning things up and being more specific. We want to be business friendly and accommodating. The reality is we have a limited number of commercial spaces in town. Council Member Montain asked how many current commercial businesses do not have a CUP that would not comply. Administrator Statz stated it would be substantial for ex probably 10:1, Sheehy Construction would be grandfathered in. If they were to sell to a manufacturing, this would go away. Council Member Montain stated that Mortenson public areas are very clean, well-kept and shielded. Administrator Statz stated the CUP will transfer as long as the use stays the same. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve Code Regarding: Outside Storage in the Industrial District (I-1). A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso & Wilharber Yay & Montain Nay, 4 to 1 voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. City Code Regarding: Main Street st Commercial District (B-2); Table 156-A-1 Table of Allowed Uses (1 Reading) Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 Administrator Statz stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended that a change be made regarding the Main Street Business District Nursing Homes and Special Care Facilities. He stated that what the Commission desired to do remove these uses from the table. He stated that some areas of the Commercial District set back from Main Street that could allow for the previously stated uses. Administrator Statz stated that the reason for this modification was that prime real estate exists along Main Street which should be more retail intensive. Administrator Statz stated that commercial land is becoming more sought after and there are very few parcels for those types of businesses. He stated that Centerville is very retail poor compared to other cities and the Code amendment will ensure this type of development. Council Member Koski agreed with Administrator Statz regarding the limited amount commercial properties available. He stated that the types of uses would fit better not along Main Street. He Mayor Love stated that he does not desire to discourage building but would prefer to have a strategic plan for particular types of businesses going forward. He stated that rules and regulations need to be in place. He also asked if Council needed to take action this evening on the proposed amendment. Attorney Glaser stated that Council did not, but that the law is not stringent or are there penalties if you decide to take action this evening. He stated that action upon a second meeting would be advisable. Council Member Koski stated that no individuals were at the public hearing to provide input even though there was an opportunity to residents to provide input. Council Member Montain stated that best practice would be to have a second reading. Council Members Lakso and Council Member Wilharber concurred. Steve King, 1724 Sorel Street, stated that for profit and non-profit businesses could change this mid-stream. Mr. King asked if zoning could be changed as a matter of fact and how are taxes affected. State that the City should take into account reasoning when rezoning property and district along with their locations. Attorney Glaser stated that many cities have difficulty with locations for associated business, tax concerns, etc. when determining their zoning districts. He stated that if the Planning & Zoning Commission and Council make good decisions with plenty of research, they are fairly safe in their determinations for zoning districts. Council Member Koski stated that he had concerns foa facility along a major roadway through town, especially if the residents were roaming, developmentally disabled, etc. st 5. City Code Regarding Farm Animals (1 Reading) Administrator Statz stated ws for four (4) hens and includes requirements associated for coops, runs and if chickens do not exist for six (6) months, the coup must be removed in the Fall. Administrator Statz stated that some residents and experienced chicken owners have asked for the Commission to consider allowing six (6) hens, the ability for the chickens to be in an area that is fenced and supervised and that there are no regulations regarding dismantling the coop/run within six (6) months of discontinuation of housing chickens. He stated that the Commission unanimously recommended the modifications. Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 Discussion ensued regarding the size of the area for fencing (not to exceed 500 square feet), what determined the size, direct supervision of an adult, fenced are contiguous to coup, setbacks, potential for setting up for failure of chicken owners, complaint based issues and the expertise of the Planning & Zoning Commission. 6. Code Re: Public Nuisances Affecting Health (1st Reading) Administrator Statz stated that the existing code does not technically address mowing of the grass in your yard and addresses the length of weeds not grass. He stated that it is very difficult to enforce the code if it is not clear. He stated that existing code had been utilized for undeveloped lots (Pheasant Marsh) control weeds and mowing of the boulevard. He reported that the Planning was added to the existing code it would be sufficient. Council Member Koski stated that there was discussion at the Commission level regarding prairie/decorative/ornamental grass and natural yards as there is one (1) in town on Old Mill Road with others having areas of these types of grass. Discussion ensued that the code is not for individuals that have gone out of town for a short period of time but more for foreclosure situations, or unkept yard, vacant lots, etc. Discussion also included the City mowing its property to a length short enough to require less cuttings decreasing costs associated with mowing services and assisting with its budget. Mr. Steve King, 1724 Sorel Street, commented that natural prairie grass or prairie restoration should be clarified so that there is no misunderstanding as to what is allowed or not. Administrator Statz stated that there was discussion at the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding the exclusion of rain gardens and pollinator friendly areas and that he would have to revisit that. Mayor Love stated that this is the beauty of first and second reads as it allows for after thoughts or modifications. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator Statz emailed the report separately and provided an opportunity for questions. He stated that voting is in full swing with direct balloting taking place. He reported that the City of Centerville is second in the response for the Census and thanked all that participated (approx. 90%). Council Reports a. i. No report was given. ii. Centennial Fire Distri No report was given. iii. No report was given. Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 b. i. Economic Development Authority explained that he was absent from the meeting due to a planned th celebration of his 80 birthday. He desired to thank the Centennial Fire District for their drive-by and birthday wishes along with others that participated. st Council Member Koski stated that if was National 1 Responders Day st and gave praise to 1 Responders and thanked them for their service stating that it was incredible work. Council Member Koski desired to acknowledge the residents of Centerville for being second in the State for completion of the Census information. ź͵Council Member Koski report that they held public hearings at the meeting and discussed most of the items on the agenda this evening. He stated that the next meeting of the Commission was be held on November 10 due to the General Elections. ii. Centennial Fire District Steering Committee c. Montain i. No report was given. ii. North Metro Telecommunications Commission Montain reported NMTV was business producing meet the candidates for the 2020 election, stated that Mr. Dick Swanson was retiring from the Commission as he was a long standing representative (23 years) on the Board and also a Council Member from the City of Blaine. He stated that it was felt that a Franchise agreement would be forthcoming in November or December for consideration. d. Love i. Police Governing Board at the Board would be th meeting on the 9 of November. ii. Economic Development Authority discussed their first grant payout and the application for future grants. He stated that they discussed the possible implementation of a business coaching program. iii. Other Mayoral Reports Parks & Recreation Committee had vacancies and that the City was looking to fill them. Mayor Love reported that he had the privilege to represent the City of Centerville in two (2) webinars which addressed the aftermath of the Orlando Castillo shooting and pandemic response. He stated that he had recently visited with local military troops and was honored to be there, stated that the City (Mayor & Administrator) had the opportunity to host a League of MN Cities meeting at City Hall. He explained that it was Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2020 entertaining, productive and thanked those that attended and hosting abilities. Mayor Love stated that Council Member Lakso was currently in Oregon assisting with wild fires. He desired to wish Council Member Wilharber th a Happy 80 Birthday. He reported that the City of Centerville was second in the State for census response and that he was extremely proud of the citizens. He thanked local businesses for their response to available grants associated with the CARES Act and that he was pleased He also desired to thank those that offered cards and prayers associated with the recent passing of his mother. City Administrator Statz stated that he would be remise if he did not recognize that Council Member Montain was promoted to Battalion Chief/Station Chief for Station 3 for Centennial Fire. He also stated that interviews would be held for Captain the following week. He also stated that there is a push for leadership positions filled and the Co-Chiefs (Mr. Jerry Streich & Ms. Kathy Peil) are working hard to complete that task and making the department stronger. Administrator Statz congratulated Council Member/Battalion Chief/Station Chief Montain). XIV. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Montain to Adjourn the October 28, 2020 City Council Meeting at 8:08 p.m. A roll-call vote was taken. 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