HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-13 CC Minutes - Approved
Approved
CITY OF CENTERVILLE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 13, 2021
6:30 p.m.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City
Council Meeting on January 13, 2021 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 6:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL*
PRESENT: Mayor D. Love
Council Member Steve King
Council Member Russ Koski
Council Member Michelle Lakso
Council Member Darrin Mosher
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
Following the Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Love desired welcomed everyone to the meeting and
thanked all and Council Members for serving their community. He mentioned that there is minimal
pay that is associated with the position but it was an honor and duty to serve. He stated that he
was appreciated He also thanked Staff for being employees of the City of Centerville and sharing
their talents as they do have the opportunity to work for other communities.
Mayor Love also stated that he looked forward to working with this Council and working in a
high-level of stability and respect. He stated that everyone’s opinion is appreciated, valued and
considered. He stated that Council wanted to hear all opinions and that all differences are valued
as that is what makes us stronger.
He shared a quote from a friend as he thought it was appropriate. “It is not about being right but
finding the right answer”. He stated that he would normally not deviate from the agenda but this
City of Centerville
Council Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2021
was the first meeting of the year with a new Council and he thanked them for the opportunity to
share.
Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the
Agenda as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King,
Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
The swearing in of Council Members (Mayor Love, Council Members King, Mosher and Koski)
were completed on January 6 and January 8, 2021 by the City Clerk prior to the meeting in
accordance with State Statute. This allowed all Council Members to vote previously.
The following was ceremonial and for the public.
1. Oath of Office – Steve King
2. Oath of Office – Darrin Mosher
3. Oath of Office – D. Love (Following Council Member Koski)
4. Oath of Office – Russ Koski (Was prior to Mayor D. Love)
Mayor Love stated thanked you to all and congratulated all new members).
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. None
VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. None
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. City of Centerville Claims through January 13, 2021 (Check #33451-34450 &
33459-33486) & (1621E-1636E)
2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through January 7, 2021 (Check
#13538-13597), (E2020049-2020050 & 2021000-2021002) & Payroll (Check
#13552-13554 & 13581)
3. Centennial Fire District Claims through December 22, 2020 (Check #8973-
8978), w/Voided Check #8975
Mayor D. Love provided an opportunity for Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the
consent agenda.
Council Member Koski desired to pull Item #1 for additional discussion – Northland Trust for
Bond Series 2013 and 2016A.
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Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member King to Approve Consent
Agenda Item #2-3. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King,
Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
Council Member Koski asked if the bond payments were annual payment. Finance Director
DeJong stated concurred. He stated that they are due February 1 of each year for principal and
first half interest. He stated that additional payments in August also. Council Member Koski
asked how many bonds were outstanding. Finance Director DeJong stated that there were only
two (2) bonds. He did stated that there was a bond that was issued for the North Metro TV building
but that was paid through Franchise Fees.
Council Member King asked the amount of the North Metro TV bond payment annually. Finance
Director DeJong stated $7,000 per year with approximately $40,915 remaining outstanding.
Council Member King asked the length of the bond and Finance Director DeJong stated it runs
through 2026. Mayor Love stated that all communities within the JPA for the Cable Commission
pay a portion of this bond.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve Consent
Agenda Item #1. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski,
Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
1. Acorn Creek Parking and Trail Improvements
Administrator Statz reminded Council that they have discussed the idea previously about a year
ago regarding adding parking (off street) with the impetus being the Old Mill Roads Estates
development to the north along with the contractor being on site. He stated that the quote that was
received from that contractor did not seem very competitive so an additional quote was sought.
The other quote seemed reasonable, within the discussed budget and the Parks & Recreation
Committee recommended up to $22,000 for the parking lot project. He also stated that the quote
is slightly over $23,000, the expenditure can exceed what was recommended by the Parks &
Recreation Committee, funds for the parking lot will come from Parks Dedication Funds and the
trail could come out of the Trail Fund or Street Fund. Administrator Statz stated that staff is
recommending the second quote. He presented a diagram of the area that would receive the
parking lot with 10 spaces and one (1) handicap accessible space.
Council Member Koski stated that the cul de sac has been removed, a good plan and good project.
He questioned why there was such a difference in the bids. Administrator Statz stated that the
developer’s contractor desires to move the project along and may have felt that the work was
smaller in nature, more tedious and may not have worked with their schedule. Administrator Statz
stated that the work would be sometime in the spring. However, it would be dictated by the
contractor and their schedule in keeping their proposal competitive. He stated that he has received
a suggestion from a resident to rename the park to “Dinosaur Park” as that is what it is known as
to those that use it.
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Council Member Lakso stated that it is a large amount of money, the Committee has been
discussing play structure needs, and questioned the majority of vehicle traffic associated with the
park usage as potentially the soccer fields. Administrator Statz stated that yes young youth use
and the cul de sac has been the parking area. She stated that she likes to take the recommendation
of the Committee/Commissions and that would be her basis for voting.
Council Member King questioned whether A-1 Contracting, (the contractor for the Downtown
area Street Project) had been contacted as they have paving and other smaller equipment.
Administrator Statz stated that they did not ask A-1 to provide a bid, the higher quote was from
the contractor who was working in the area already and that work would include concrete work,
backhoe equipment and etc. which is different than just paving. Council Member King stated that
he felt that maybe it was an opportunity to save money if they were addressed.
Council Member Mosher stated that there was quite a bit of difference in the proposals.
Administrator Statz stated that the second quote was almost the same as his estimate and that is
why the Committee recommended his estimate amount.
Mayor Love stated that the Council recently asked Administrator Statz what the City was receiving
by having him as an Engineer/City Administrator is that he immediately knew the quote was out
of line and that a second quote should be received. He felt that the parking spaces were needed
for those visiting the park rather than vehicles parking in front of homes, he felt that it was a good
idea a year ago and that it would be an improvement to the area.
Motion by Council Member Koski, to Approve the Quote Submitted by T.A. Shifsky and
Authorize the work at Acorn Creek Park for the Parking Lot and Trail Improvements.
Council Member King requested the inclusion of the amount ($37,696.09). Council Member
Koski accepted the friendly Amendment.
Council Member King seconded the motion with the Addition of “in the Amount of
$37,696.09”. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski,
Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution 21-0XX - Adopting the 2021 List of Appointments
City Administrator Statz stated that the City takes this listing very seriously as there are various
agencies and Committees that the City and Council work with such as JPAs, etc. He stated that to
start, he replaced Council Member Montain with Council Member King and Council Member
Wilharber with Council Member Mosher. He stated that everything else remained the same as a
starting point. He suggested that discussion be broken into two (2) sections with one (1) being
appointments to Committees/Commissions and the second being other positions on the listing.
Acting Mayor does not have to be this way but last time Council discussed completing this via
seniority and continuous service on Council. He stated that in order of seniority it would be
Council Member Koski, Lakso, King, Mosher. The following is a synopsis of appointments:
Check Signing Authority, Mayor Love, Council Member Koski and Administrator Statz; Anoka
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County Fire Protection, Council Member King rather than Council Member Montain; Centennial
Fire District Steering Committee, Council Member Lakso Alternate; Centennial Lakes Police
Department Governing Board, Mayor as Required and Council Member Mosher rather than
Council Member Love and Council Member Lakso Alternate rather than Council Member Koski;
North Metro Telecommunications Commission Mayor Love rather than Council Member Montain
as the Appointee and Council Member Koski Alternate; Weed Inspector, Mayor Love (Required);
EDA, Council Members King and Mosher with Council Member Lakso Alternate; Parks & Rec.
Committee Liaison Council Member Lakso with Council Member King Alternate; Planning &
Zoning Commission Liaison Council Member Koski with Mayor Love Alternate; Personnel
Committee, Mayor Love (Required), Council Member Koski with Council Member Lakso
Alternate. Attorney was modified from Smith & Glaser, Kurt Glaser to the firm’s new name of
Berglund, Baumgartner, Kimball & Glaser, LLC, Law, Kurt Glaser. City Engineer was modified
from Mark Statz, PE & Consultant Stantec to Mark Statz, PE; Emergency Services Organization
and Emergency Services Director were added as Anoka County and Terry Stoltzman; Emergency
Services Directors (Civil Defense) was removed in its entirety; Fire Marshal was modified from
Centennial Fire District, Fire Chief Harlen Lundstrom to Centennial Fire District, Interim Co-Fire
Chief Kathy Peil. Insurance Agent of Record was modified from Paul Steffel Agency to Mark
Remillard, Remillard Insurance Agency.
Brief discussion was had regarding the City’s Official paper.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #21-
001 – Appointments for 2021Accounding to the Aforementioned Discussion. A roll-call vote
was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor.
Motion carried.
2. Ordinance #111, Second Series, 2021 Fee Schedule
Administrator Statz stated that the City is required to adopt an annual Fee Schedule. He stated that
very little had been modified from the previous year, research was completed regarding window
replacements with the City remaining competitive with neighboring communities and that if it
were determined, adjustments could be made throughout the year. He reminded the Council that
staff had made several changes in the previous year regarding fee structure and storm water fees.
Council Member Lakso felt that a full research should be completed prior to the 2022 Fee Schedule
Adoption. Brief discussion was had regarding Special Vehicles, Rental Licenses, Sign Permits
and Fees, remaining business friendly and increased fees for Police and Fire.
Motion By Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Adopt Ord. #111,
Second Series – 2021 Fee Schedule as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love
and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
3. Schedule Goal Setting Meeting
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Administrator Statz stated that each year Council has arranged a retreat to discuss Goal Setting,
etc. He stated that last year Staff scheduled the session at the City of Hugo in their Oneka Room
which would allow for COVID restrictions and that last year it was scheduled from 8:00 a.m. –
1:00 p.m. He stated that there was not enough time to cover all items last year but felt that four
hours was sufficient to address a meaningful agenda.
Brief discussion took place regarding it would be the second annual Goal Setting Meeting/Retreat
for the City, Council Members could provide discussion topics to the Administrator for inclusion
on the Agenda, attendees (Commission/Committee Members/Department Heads?) if feasible, and
a date of February 6, 2021,
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Schedule a
Special Goal Setting Meeting of the City Council for February 6, 2021 Commencing at 8:00
a.m.
Administrator Statz questioned an end time and whether Staff was to order lunch for Members.
Council Member Koski Amended his motion to Start at 8:00 a.m. and End at 1:00 p.m.
Council Member Mosher Accepted the Friendly Amendment. A roll-call vote was taken.
Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion
carried.
4. 2013A General Obligation Bond Refunding
Finance Director DeJong stated that he had received a suggestion from Mr. George Eilertson,
Financial Advisor, Northland Securities that it was in the best interest of the City to take advantage
of an opportunity to refund an outstanding bond issue that could potentially save the City $86,000-
$88,000. Finance Director DeJong stated that this goes along with Council’s desire to reduce debt
and reduce the bond levy for property owners. He reviewed a graphic that was contained within
the Council packet.
Mr. Eilertson expressed is thankfulness to Council for again appointing his firm and consideration
of this item this evening. Mr. Eilertson stated that the City has two (2) bonds currently and this
refunding would be for the 2013 General Obligation both associated with the 2013 Street Project.
He stated that the other bond is a 2016 General Obligation originally issued in 2009 for a street
project. He also stated that at the time of issuance of the original 2013A G.O. Bond the City was
rated by Standard & Poors of an AA Bond Rating which was fantastic but if looking at a longer
period of time and $10,500 for the costs of rating along with the time it takes for the rating along
with the interest rates, he recommends the non-rate bond. He stated that if the economy with the
vaccine gets more out into the public, interest rates may increase and a trend moving forward and
savings depleted and looking at non-rated and the additional fee it is well worth it. He also stated
that it can shorten the period of issuance of the bond and in the market for the low interest
environment. He stated he was asking for a motion to move ahead due to two (2) benefits to the
City as management of the levy on existing bond levies and achieving $14,000-$20,000 levy
reduction. Savings of $80,000 to $86,000 net savings.
Discussion ensued regarding savings, nonrating, refunding, simple terms refinancing
debt/refinancing your home similar, lower interest rate, structure new debt, achieve a savings over
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the term of the bonds, nonrating is a timing factor and offsetting the $10,500 fee for bond rating
process, how Northland Securities gets compensated for their services, when named appointments
for year and Northland listed as advisor and two (2) ways of issuing bonds and we could use us
for putting your bonds out for bids or we can invest in them and buy them, appreciation for being
proactive regarding this item, call date/date pre-pay bonds/refinancing can commence beginning
February, 2021, when refinancing can happen, managing existing debt, existing rate 2.76% and
new interest rate is .41%. Finance Director stated look at on a regular basis as there will be a time
for refunding/refinancing/paying, etc. Finance Director stated that he has spoken with Mr.
Eilertson on an annual basis regarding discussing structuring bonds and meeting Council’s goals.
Mr George Eilertson stated that it would not be callable until 2029 and it would be prepayment of
the bonds rather than refinance/refund.
Finance Director DeJong stated that the City would be saving approximately $12,000/year with all
costs included. Mayor Love appreciated Mr. Eilertson’s assistance with leveling out the levy with
no spikes and felt that it was a consideration for Council and felt a great idea.
Mr. Eilertson stated that following discussions with staff and reviewing the numbers it would be
his recommendation to go forward with a nonrating.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King to Authorize
Preparation of Bond Sale Document at a Non-Rated Structure. A roll-call vote was taken.
Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion
carried.
5. Resolution 21-0XX Authorizing Fund Close-Outs and Transfers
Finance Director DeJong stated that there were several funds that are no longer utilized and he
would like Council to authorize the closing of the funds and transfers that are necessary to zero
out the fund/balance to closes the funds 348 and 349. Finance Director DeJong reviewed the
proposed resolution with Council. He stated that closing Funds 348 (Commerce Drive) (Bond
Debt Service Fund - $106,000), 349 (2004/2007 Street Project) (2011 Refunding Debt Service
Fund – slight deficit) and 414 (Trail Fund - $12,000) and transfer funds to 452 (Street Capital
Projects Fund – slight deficit). He stated that interest would be allocated prior to closing the funds
and completed for end of year.
Discussion ensued regarding whether there would be a true deficit in the street fund at the end of
the year even though transfers from the general fund happen annually. Finance Director DeJong
stated that is correct but by the end of 2021 the fund will no longer have a deficit. Administrator
Statz stated that this was known and when considering the projects as to whether paying cash or
bonding.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #21-
002 as Presented. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski
& Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried. (Council Member Lakso was experiencing
technically difficulties and unable to vote).
6. Business Water Hook-up Assistance Program
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Administrator Statz stated that with COVID-19, the EDA, Anoka County and the City have been
attempting to provide the business community with resources to ease their financial situations. He
stated that several businesses within the community have shown a desire to connect to municipal
water services and that there may be a way for the City to provide financial assistance/incentives
to allow for that. He explained that fees would be reduced for businesses that desire to connect,
explained the fee structure for water being based on REUs and how it differs from a private
residence, a timeline for the program of 12 months, offering a 50% reduction in a Water Lateral
Fee ($8,000) if owed and a 50% reduction in the Water Access Charge ($1,850)
Brief discussion ensued regarding what a Lateral Benefit fee was, setting a precedence, economic
implications due to COVID and ultimately giving them more bills to pay every two (2) months
where as having a private well there are no fees except for the base fees, no businesses have
connected to municipal services for quite some time other than new properties, taxpayers paying
for this, the water connection requirements, a businesses’ decision whether to participate or not,
accepting less funds for already paid for infrastructure and a limited amount of businesses not
connecting to municipal water who qualify.
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the
Business Water Hook-Up Assistance Program for Businesses that Connect to Municipal
Water Services Prior to December 31, 2021. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and
Council Members Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Council Member King – Nay.
Motion carried.
X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Administrator’s Report
Administrator Statz stated that his report was contained in the packet and that he would be happy
to answer any questions that Council may have. Administrator Statz stated that to new Council
Members that this is a report that he completes in conjunction with the meeting and it is fashioned
similar to a newsletter and is utilized for the newsletter which is then forwarded to residents
through an e-mail blast and their utility bills.
Brief discussion was had regarding a shooting that took place Sunday evening where a suspect
shot at a Centennial Police squad and the building. Attorney Glaser stated that the suspect is being
formally charged through Anoka County with bail being set at $400,000. Discussion ensued that
at the time of the shooting there were three (3) officers in the building and that officers frequently
complete their reports in their squad cars.
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Attorney Glaser thanked Council for his firm’s reappointment and stated that this was the 15 year
of working with the City and that he was very appreciative. He also stated that he has asked several
partners to join his firm with the understanding that most work with municipalities. He felt that
this will only benefit the City’s that they work with as joint efforts can be made on behalf of all
cities working for.
Council Reports
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a. Lakso -
i. Parks and Recreation Committee – Council Member Lakso stated that currently
gatherings of more than 15 people are in effect which is a challenge for scheduling skating
events, she stated that the Committee has a skate night scheduled in February and the public
should check the City’s web site for updates.
ii. Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – No Report Given.
iii. Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No Report Given.
Mayor Love thanked the Police Chief for his timely updates following Sunday’s events.
b. Koski – Council Member Koski thanked the Centennial Lakes Police Department for their
services and stated that he was grateful no one was hurt. He also thanked outgoing Council
Member Wilharber and Montain for their years of continued service to their community
and welcomed back Council Member Steve King. He also welcomed Council Member
Mosher to his new role as a Council Member rather than a Planning & Zoning Commission
Member. He also thanked the Mayor for his years of services and mentioned the Mayor’s
minutes produced by North Metro TV. He stated that they have fantastic staff along with
the Mayor providing his wonderful updates. He also desired to thank staff for their service
throughout COVID. He reported that he was impressed with the amount of donations
received by the Santa Parade provided by the Centennial Fire District. He also reminded
residents to keep their fire hydrants for ease of access by the Fire Department. He also
reminded residents to keep their mailboxes clear for mail delivery.
i. Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski reported that the January P
& Z meeting was cancelled but the February 2, 2021 meeting would include Requests for
Proposals for Block 7 and a Joint Meet with EDA and City Council. Administrator Statz
stated that he was excited to have the meeting and felt that issues could be taken care of
prior to the meeting with an RFP.
ii. Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – No Report Given.
c. King – Council Member King stated that it was good to be back on Council and that he
anticipated providing reports to Council from the EDA.
d. Mosher – Council Member Mosher stated that he has attended many meetings of Council
via Zoom prior to his appointment and that he was greatful to be able to be on Council and
represent citizens of the community. He thanked all Public Safety individuals for their
service.
e. Love – Gave speech at beginning and excellent job thanking previous council and thank
you all and citizens of Centerville
i. Police Governing Board –
ii. Economic Development Authority –
iii. Other Mayoral Reports –
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XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member King to Adjourn the
Regularly Scheduled Council meeting at 9:37 p.m. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love
and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Mosher & King voted in favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bpender.
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