HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-12 CC Minutes - Approved
Approved
CITY OF CENTERVILLE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 12, 2021
6:30 p.m.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City
Council Meeting on May 12, 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 6:00 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
City Planner Phil Carlson
*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. He noted that he would
like to add an item #2 under New Business, to discuss Code Enforcement Issues – 7300 Block of
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20 Avenue.
Administrator Statz added item #3 under Appointments/Presentations, Accept Resignation of P &
Z Commissioner Mr. Ben Fehrenbacher and Declare a Vacancy and also add item #3 under Old
Business, Water Tower Fence Quotes.
Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to Approve the
Agenda as Amended. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King,
Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
City of Centerville
Council Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2021
1. Centennial Lakes Police Department
Administrator Statz reminded the Council that one of their goals discussed at their retreat was to
engage better with some of the City’s partners. He stated that throughout the year they are going
to try to bring in some of those partners and have them give a presentation or update on their
activities. He introduced Centennial Lakes Police Chief, Jim Mork.
Chief Mork gave an overview of the Centennial Lakes Police Department’s annual report. He
explained that their goal is to make every call better than how they found it. He noted that the
department responds to over 1,000 service calls every month. He stated that he is attempting to
continue the mantra started by former Chief Coan, “If you hire the right people, provide the right
training, the right equipment, and the right supervision, then the right things will happen.” He
reviewed the core components of the department’s strategies for progressive law enforcement. He
reviewed the crime statistics as compared to previous years, but noted that it was a bit difficult
because of 2020 being so unusual due to the pandemic. He noted that there had not been too large
of an increase overall in Class 1 crimes, but there has been a fairly significant increase in thefts.
He stated that overall, Class 2 crimes decreased. He expects that this was due to the pandemic
with people being home more and bars/restaurants being closed for a period of time. He reviewed
the traffic stops, accident reports, and miscellaneous activity data. He stated that he is hopeful
that they will be able to hold some of their events, such as Night to Unite, in 2021. He expressed
his appreciation for the City’s leadership and especially Administrator Statz.
Mayor Love asked how the number of calls impacts how each of the cities are charged for their
share of the police department.
Chief Mork stated that it is an interesting formula that he is trying to get a grasp on. He stated that
they take the population of the three cities along with the calls for service at each city and then
those calls are also weighted depending on severity and then that is tabulated and he believes that
it is average over the last 3 years.
Administrator Statz confirmed that Chief Mork described the calculations correctly and noted that
it is 40/40/20 which means 40% call volume, 40% population, and 20% for the final weight of the
severity of the calls.
The Council expressed their appreciation for the work of the Police Department in supporting the
citizens.
Mayor Love noted that if the simulator comes back to the department, he has asked that it be
offered to the other Council Members.
2. Anoka County Sheriff’s Office
Administrator Statz introduced Commander Paul Lenzmeier with the Anoka County Sheriff’s
Office and reiterated that this presentation is in keeping with the Council’s goal of engaging with
partner agencies.
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Commander Lenzmeier stated that he had been with the Sheriff’s office since 1997 and has
commanded the patrol division, which is the largest division, for the last 4 years. He gave a brief
overview of the divisions of the Sheriff’s office: Jail; Forensic Lab Division; Justice Service
Division; Civil Division; Court Security Division; Transport Division; Warrants Division;
Records Division; Administration Division; Criminal Investigation Division; and the Patrol
Division. He answered Council questions regarding the department, public safety, mental health
options, and details about their budget.
3. Accept Resignation of P & Z Commissioner Ben Fehrenbacher and Declare Vacancy
Administrator Statz explained that Commissioner Ben Fehrenbacher has resigned his position on
the P & Z Commission. He stated as soon as the Council declares a vacancy, staff can begin
searching for new candidates to fill that position.
Mayor Love stated that he wanted to publicly thank Commissioner Fehrenbacher for his many
years of service to the City on various commissions, including the City Council. He stated that he
also wanted to thank him for his fabulous work with the Fete des Lacs parade and for being a
valuable member of the community, a strong voice, and an advocate for the City. He stated that
he also wanted to thank Mr. Fehrenbacher’s wife and children for sharing him and supporting him
in the time he has given to the City.
The Council Members echoed Mayor Love’s expression of appreciation for Mr. Fehrenbacher’s
years of service to the City.
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski, to Accept the
Resignation of P & Z Commissioner Ben Fehrenbacher and Declare a Vacancy. A roll-call
vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in
favor. Motion carried.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. None.
VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. None.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. City of Centerville Claims through May 12, 2021 (Check #33709-33739) &
(1699E) & Voided Check #33705-33708
2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through May 6, 2021 (Check
#13789-13832) (E2021020-2021021
3. Centennial Fire District Claims through May 11, 2021 (Check #9068-9075) &
(2E021006)
4. Encroachment Agreement – 7341 Deer Pass Drive – Gazebo
5. Encroachment Agreement – 1817 Prairie Drive – Shed
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6. Request of Church of St. Genevieve – Special Event Permit (Annual Parish
Festival), Temp. On-Sale Liquor License and Temporary Charitable
Gambling (Bingo, Pull Tabs, and Raffle)
Mayor Love provided an opportunity for the Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the
consent agenda.
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member King, to Approve Consent
Agenda as Amended. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King,
Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion carried.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
1. Kwik Trip Site Plan
Administrator Statz explained that the stie plan for Kwik Trip does not require any sort of public
hearing or special zoning application. He stated that the use and the site plan have been reviewed,
meet the requirements of the City’s Zoning Code and staff is recommending approval.
Mayor Love stated that since he had neglected to give the applicant, Mr. George, an opportunity
to address the Council at the last meeting, he would like to extend that opportunity to him tonight.
Mr. George stated that they are very excited to be joining the community and thanked the Council
for the time they have taken to review their plans. He stated they believe they fill some holes and
would be a benefit to the community.
Council Member Lakso noted that she would like to explore shorter business hours than what has
been requested.
City Attorney Glaser noted that the only thing for the Council to review this evening is the site
plan.
Council Member Lakso suggested that the Council have a discussion sometime about the possible
ripple effect this may have on the area.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King, to Approve the Kwik
Trip Site Plan as Presented, contingent upon approval of the Final Plat and subject to
comments detailed in the staff reports, with the Car Wash excluded until such time as the
City Code may be changed and a Conditional Use Permit issued. A roll-call vote was taken.
Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor. Motion
carried.
Administrator Statz explained that the guest for the item under New Business has a time constraint
and asked if that could be moved earlier on the agenda.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
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1. History Niche – Memorandum of Understanding – Anoka County Historical
Society
Administrator Statz introduced Ms. Rebecca Ebnet-Desens from the Anoka County Historical
Society and explained that they have stepped up to essentially be the professional curators for the
new History Niche in Council chambers. He gave a brief overview of some of the things included
in the Memorandum of Understanding. He stated that they are hopeful that by June 1, 2021 there
will be a display.
Ms. Ebnet-Desens expressed her appreciation for the Council’s care and keeping they have for the
legacy of the City. She shared some ideas of ways that this project could involve public interaction
and involvement.
The Council expressed their excitement about this project.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to Approve the
History Niche – Memorandum of Understanding – Anoka County Historical Society.
A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher
voted in favor. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS – CONTINUED….
2. Block 7 – Centra Homes Concept Plans
Ms. Carla Dunham, Centra Homes, gave an overview of the three concept plans for Council
consideration and took a high level look at the pros and cons of each proposal. She reviewed some
renderings of the streetscape and scale of the buildings.
Administrator Statz gave an overview of the P & Z Commission discussion on the options. He
stated that the Council is being asked to give direction on a concept that they would prefer.
Mayor Love asked if the developers had one of the options that they felt more comfortable with or
would rather have.
Mr. Dave Pattberg, Centra Homes, stated that when they are working with City-owned land, they
feel strongly that the City should have some say in the situation and clarified that they are very
open to what the City would like to do. He stated that they had a great conversation with the P &
Z Commission and actually have a fourth concept that came out of that conversation. He stated
that they have confidence that they will be able to market and sell any of the options the City may
select.
The Council discussed the various concept plan details including parking issues, and expressed
their opinion about which concept they would feel comfortable supporting and narrowed down
their favorite options as #1 and #3.
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Motion by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to Approve Option
#3 as the Preferred Site Layout, Direct Staff and Developer to Prepare Plans, Draft a
Purchase Agreement and Developer’s Agreement for review.
The Council discussed differences between Options #1 and #3.
A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted
in favor. Council Member King voted in opposition. Motion carried 4-1.
Administrator Statz noted that he thinks the Council gave great feedback and now that there is just
one concept they will bring back more details for their consideration. He explained that there will
be some things that will trigger a public hearing, but noted that the Council could also choose to
have a public meeting as part of the process.
3. Water Tower Fence Quotes
Administrator Statz explained that the City is at the point with the fence around Alex’s
Landscaping and the water tower, has not received a response from Alex or his representation on
the construction of a fence that either the City consider legal action or it may be advantageous to
construct a fence on our own. He stated that he is proposing that the City construct and owns the
fence on their property so that we retain control over it and ensure easy access when necessary for
maintenance. He reviewed the property location and the existing easements for access to the site.
He stated that funding for the fence would come from Water Funds and noted that Attorney Glaser
is reviewing the quotes from a few months ago.
The Council asked questions about the easement, gate location, entry points, fence materials,
driveway installation timing, fence height, and noise deflection.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King, to table discussion
of the Water Tower Fence until there is additional pertinent information.
Council Member Lakso asked the City to consider using local vendors for the quotes or anything
under State contracts that would apply.
A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher
voted in favor. Motion carried.
X. NEW BUSINESS – CONTINUED…..
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2. Code Enforcement Issues – 7300 Block of 20 Avenue.
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Attorney Glaser explained that the conditions on the 7300 block of 20 Avenue have been a
problem for a very long time. Staff got involved in about January of 2020 and there has been a
long and steady involvement with the City which has gotten gradually more intensive. He stated
that the conditions today are probably as bad as they have ever been. The police have been out
within the last week, there is open garbage on the site which has been that way for some time,
rotting food/garbage, and fecal matter in some of the piles. He stated that the issues stem from the
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fact that there is no electricity or water at the site. He noted that they do have garbage service
available, but do not appear to be using it. There are people who are more or less squatting in the
yard, in both RVs and in the house, without utilities. He stated that he has been prosecuting the
property owner and had a watershed moment yesterday in court where through her attorney she
said she would agree to allow the City to come in and clean up the property because his
understanding is that she is incapable of doing it by herself. He stated that the problem is that it
will cost the City and shared the possibility of assessing the cost of the cleanup back to the
property. He stated that the cost in this situation could be substantial and shared some of the issues
that the neighbors have had to deal with. Staff is asking the Council if they would be agreeable to
this project and then he will enter into an agreement with the property owner that would grant the
City permission to enter the property to rectify the existing nuisances.
The Council discussed the legal process, longevity, details surrounding this issue, possible ways
to stop it from reverting to this condition again.
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski, to Authorize Staff
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to Initiate City Cleanup of the Property located at 7353 - 20 Avenue. A roll-call vote was
taken. Mayor Love and Council Members King, Koski, Lakso & Mosher voted in favor.
Motion carried.
X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Administrator’s Report
Council Reports
a. Lakso -
i. Parks and Recreation Committee – Council Member Lakso gave no report.
ii. Anoka County Fire Protection Council – Council Member Lakso gave no report.
b. Koski –
i. Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave an overview of
the recent meeting.
ii. Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that there would be
upcoming meetings that were scheduled for May 13 and 20, 2021.
c. King –
i. Economic Development Authority – Council Member King stated that the
meeting would be the following week.
d. Mosher –
i. Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher stated that the
meeting would be the following week.
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ii. Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher reported the Officer Mannin
was promoted to Corporal.
e. Love –
i. Police Governing Board – Mayor Love report that this item was previously
covered.
ii. Fire Steering Committee – Mayor Love report that this item was previously
covered.
iii. North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love provide no report.
iv. Other Mayor Reports – Mayor Love thanked the Council Members for attending
the Special Council Meeting last week. Mayor Love also stated that volunteers re
needed for Fete des Lacs and if anyone was interested to contact the City or the
Fete des Lacs website. Mayor Love reported that he had received several emails
regarding inequity within funding for school districts and that he desired for
Council to be aware of the issues. He also commented that some emails that he has
been receiving are inappropriate and that he does feel privileged to live in the
Minnesota, the United States and serve on Council similar to others.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Love adjourned by General Consent at 10:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender.
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