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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-22 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION & MEETING September 22, 2021 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City Council Work Session and Meeting on September 22, 2021. The meeting was also live streamed by North Metro TV. COUNCIL WORK SESSION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL* PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Steve King Council Member Darrin Mosher (arrived at 5:11 p.m.) ABSENT: Council Member Michelle Lakso Council Member Russ Koski STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz City Attorney Kurt Glaser City Finance Director Bruce DeJong II. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Downtown Planning Administrator Statz stated that he desired to discuss with Council their processes, readiness and consideration for future development of the downtown area. He explained that over the past several years Tax Increment Financing (TIF) with no real interest after considerable amounts of time were spent working with the developer and bringing the concepts to P & Z and the Council, the EDA has expended funds for a consultant to study buildability/concept plans for a City owned parcel and potential for existing owners retirement/selling of existing properties. He explained that unless staff and council are on the same level precious resources could be wasted but on the other hand if a developer came in and desired to construct within the zoning and code requirements they are allowed. He questioned whether the Council was comfortable with acquisition of properties or assembling properties to assist/entice development. He stated that recently he was made aware of two (2) downtown buildings that property owners were interested in selling and he has reached out to a developer to inform them of the availability of the properties in an attempt to upgrade the area with new business/building venture versus a buyer of the building using it as it has been. He asked at what point does the City step in and affect change? He referred several under/undeveloped properties in prime locations that maybe the city should consider purchasing. City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021 Lengthy discussion ensued that maybe the downtown area is not where the focus should be but closer to the freeway, possibilities of rezoning property if a particular development were to request, working with the EDA and a consultant for concept planning, interest in working with a “master” developer again, opportunities for small business grants, whether there was a goal to keep everything within 15 minutes of residents, Centerville being a destination, will the development of Block 7 recharge the downtown area, and priorities of residential property versus commercial property. 2. Old Mill Estate Trail Update Administrator Statz stated that at Council’s last meeting discussion took place regarding the trail slated for the Old Mill Estates that the Palmer’s were concerned about with the close proximity to their home. He stated that further research has provide the possibility of construction of a boardwalk through the wetland area within the development. He explained that construction could be completed in the area without impacts on the wetland. He stated that the boardwalk would need to be constructed with posts rather than floating. He stated due to the posts costs would be increased. He stated that Stantec had completed a similar project in Blaine approximately 5-6 years ago and is cost $40,000 plus engineering fees. He explained that if the developer were not constructing the trail and rather paid the City the $3,000 to construct a boardwalk, those fees would be applied against the cost. He explained that the property owner was considering options but remains to have interest in the trail being moved. Administrator Statz stated that Blaine’s boardwalk is maintained by the City with more specialized equipment similar to a gator. Administrator Statz stated that he had discussed grant options with Rice Creek Watershed and there were no grant options available. Discussion ensued regarding narrowing the proposed trail, inability to maintain a narrower trail with existing equipment, boardwalk being a part of the city’s infrastructure and not privately constructed, constructing the trail as originally designed, assessing property owners for the construction of a boardwalk and ongoing maintenance if paid for privately. Administrator Statz stated that he is waiting for a true cost estimate for construction of a boardwalk and would discuss options for the trail/boardwalk with the property owner to gain their input. He stated that the item would be placed on the next agenda for further discussion if the property owner remained interested. 3. Junior Council Member Administrator Statz stated that the Mayor brought the idea of a Junior Council Member forward, that he had completed research with the League of MN Cities, the Minnesota Youth Council and other online resources. He reported that most programs involve junior committee members rather than council members. He reported that he found a program in Pennsylvania and reviewed several of their bullet points: non-voting, seated with the full council, actively participate in meetings, etc. Discussion ensued regarding paying a stipend, running program through Centennial High School, Civic student, receiving a grade or extra credit for participation, following Roberts Rules of Order, school session/summer, commencing the position immediately and completing additional research regarding length of Pennsylvania’s program. 4. COVID Response Page 2 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021 Administrator Statz stated that he has received several questions as to whether or not the City will institute a mask mandate and recommended to council that the city follow State and County guidelines. Council concurred. Mayor Love closed the work session at 6:27 p.m. and a 5 minute break would be prior to the start of the regular council meeting. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Steve King Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Michelle Lakso (arrived at 8:03 p.m.) ABSENT: Council Member Russ Koski STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz City Attorney Kurt Glaser City Finance Director Bruce DeJong II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. He noted the EDA presentation would fall under IV. Appointments and Presentations and Rehbein Industrial Developer’s Agreement will be 1.a under New Business IX. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Mosher, to Approve the Agenda as Amended. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. EDA Presentation Mr. Jeff Hanzal, EDA President, appeared before council and presented the EDA’s 2022 proposed budget. He reiterated the EDA’s guiding principles and discussed their 2020- 2021 accomplishments which included free ad and commercials to approximately 50 businesses (Center Stage program), social media posts, the revolving grant loan program, Blue Sign program, 1737 Main Street conception, Business Appreciation event with guest Page 3 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021 speakers, and real estate for site development. President Hanzal reported that Committee Member Weatherhead has work very hard on developing placement, sizing, etc. associated with the downtown banners on light poles. He also stated that EDA purchased 150 swag- bags for the Main Street Market event. He also reported that EDA was involved in promoting the technology corridor along 35E along with other agencies. President Hanzal stated that the EDA would like to have a website for presence and will be looking at designs in the future, research grant possibilities for installation of artwork, explore more uses of HRA type funding, assist in designing streetscaping, increase city parks, assist in developing the downtown waterfront and continue its collaboration with other agencies assisting in the City’s growth, retention of existing businesses and beautification of the city. Council Member Mosher thanked him for the presentation. Council Member King stated that the presentation was excellent and that the committee is accomplishing many things with a minimal budget. Mayor Love stated that the commission established itself three (3) brief years ago and continues to move forward with great ideas and programs. He stated that he desired for the members to continue to make the city proud and strength relationships with local organizations. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. None VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. None VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through September 22, 2021 (Check #34542-34593), (1763-1768E) & Voided Check #34484 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through September 9, 2021 (Check #13993-14001), Payroll Check #13991-13992 & (2021047E) 3. Centennial Fire District Clams through September 14, 2021 (Check #9153- 9156) & Payroll Check #9150-9152 4. Proclamation – October 2021 Domestic Violence Awareness Month 5. MN Dept. of Health, Source Water Protection Plan Implementation Grant Application (3 Well Sealings) 6. Special Assessment Agreement, Waiver of Hearing & Appeal (Water Connection Fees Associated with 1740 Main Street) Mayor Love provided an opportunity for the Council to add or remove any item(s) to/from the consent agenda. Council Member King requested clarification on Item #6. Administrator Statz stated that it was an Assessment Agreement similar to those residents that connected to water associated with the downtown street project and associated municipal connection. Page 4 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021 Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Mosher, to Approve Consent Agenda as Amended. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. 2022 Preliminary General Fund Budget Adoption Finance Director DeJong updated the council on the 2022 preliminary budget including the cancellation of certain debt levies, truth and taxation hearing, working on city priorities that the residents have come to expect, adding a staff position to ease burden on existing staff, adjusted line items in the budget, finalized the police and fire budget, and suggested a 2.7 % property tax levy increase. He stated that the budget was solid and meets city priorities. He explained that if Council chose to approve the resolution, the levy could only be reduced and not increased in December. He recommended adopting the resolution as prepared. Council Member Mosher questioned the details of the 2.7% tax levy. Finance Director DeJong noted that council can set the preliminary percentage but staff is recommending 2.7%, which equates to approximately $73,000. Council Member King stated he would rather see a 0% increase but is satisfied with 2.7% in order to reduce or eliminate city debt. Mayor Love explained he would like to see the levy increase slowly versus an increase all at once. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Mosher, to Adopt the 2022 Preliminary General Fund Budget and Tax Levies for 2022. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. 7064 Centerville Road – Assessment Waiver and Right of Entry Agreement Administrator Statz stated that he would recommend deferring and escrowing funds for municipal water connection as the property owner purchased the property with the intent to redevelop the property. He stated that the agreement is for 4 years and upon non-development or renewal of the agreement the property owner would be required to connect. It was stated that funds are in escrow and that the property has switched hands. City Attorney Glaser stated the date to hook up to municipal water expired and the existing land owner is seeking an extension. Discussion ensued regarding the length of time, progress being made to redevelop the property, rules for holding the escrowed funds, and the extension for one year. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Mosher, to Approve the Assessment Waiver and Right of Entry Agreement for One Year. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Rehbein Industrial a. Developer’s Agreement Administrator Statz explained that there is some conflict between Sutton Transport and Mr. Rehbein in regards to who is responsible for certain fees (i.e. water connection, sewer connection, Page 5 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021 park dedication and sanitary sewer fees. He stated that the Developer’s agreement is similar to the Rehbein Commercial agreement but this is for one (1) lot. He reported that the agreement is for infrastructure and that City Code states at time of subdivision fees will be paid but an agreement may be made between seller and buyer similar to this situation. He explained that certain fees are allowed to be a part of the building permit and paid by the owner/contractor. The developer’s agreement is only for public infrastructure. Attorney Glaser recommended approval of the Developer’s agreement and to empower him to make modifications, if necessary. Several members of council suggestion that a mutual agreement between developer and buyer be made prior to council consideration. Mr. Gerald Rehbein, 43896 Brandon Road, Bove, MN, stated his opposition to the agreement, stated that if was between himself and the purchaser in regards to fees and felt that the City was being difficult to work with versus other communities. Attorney Glaser suggested continued communication between Mr. Rehbein and Sutton Transport. Administrator Statz stated that the fees are guaranteed within the agreement no matter who pays them. Attorney Glaser stated that he would ensure the City’s interest to collect City fees regardless how these parties decided between themselves to apportion payment of the fees. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve Development Agreement as Presented Allowing Attorney Glaser the Ability to Modify the Agreement Slightly Dependent on the Outcome of Additional Negotiations While Protecting the City’s Interest. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Code Revisions a. Chapter 50 – Garbage and Rubbish b. Chapter 156.102 – Home Occupations c. Chapter 156.111 - Fences City Administrator Statz stated that this is the first reading of proposed language amendments to current City Code. He noted that the amendments were passed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council discussion continued regarding fines, enforcement, educational pamphlets, and grandfathering of current businesses along with additional requirements of home businesses and fences in residential districts. Mayor Love requested additional time for public input regarding the proposed amendments. It was discussed that this was the first readings and that the items would again be before council providing an additional opportunity for input from the public. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator’s/Engineer Report – Administrator Statz provided an update on the Atlas Memory Care facility and the Volunteer Appreciated event scheduled for October, 14, 2021 2. Council Reports a. Lakso  Parks and Recreation Committee – Council Member Lakso stated that Movie in the park was well attended and the event went well. Page 6 of 7 City of Centerville Council Meeting September 22, 2021  Anoka County Fire Protection Council – Council Member Lakso had not report. b. Koski –  Planning & Zoning Commission – Due to Council Member Koski absence no report was given.  Fire Steering Committee - Due to Council Member Koski absence no report was given. pc. King  Economic Development Authority – Provided updates d. Mosher  Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher provided no update.  Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher provided no update. e. Love  Police Governing Board – Mayor Love provided no report.  Fire Steering Committee – Mayor Love provided no report.  North Metro Telecommunications Commission - Mayor Love stated North Metro is back preparing a full fall sports schedule and he read updates from past meeting.  Other Mayor Reports – Mayor Love provided no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love Adjourned the Regularly Scheduled Meeting of September 22, 2021 at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 7 of 7