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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-08-24 CC Work Session, Council Meeting & Closed Exec. Session - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION, CITY COUNCIL MEETING & CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION AUGUST 24, 2022 5.00 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City Council Work Session, Council Meeting & Closed Executive Session on August 24, 2022 in Council Chambers of City Hall and also live streamed by North Metro TV. WORK SESSION (5:00 PM) I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Steve King Council Member Russ Koski (Arrived at 5:06 p.m.) Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Michelle Lakso Junior Council Member Danny Peterson (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None. STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis Finance Director Bruce DeJong City Attorney Kurt Glaser III. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Speed Study – CSAH 14 (Main Street Administrator Statz stated that he had been approached to bring before Council the possibility of a speed study for CSAH14/Main Street in the area of the 35W bridge coming into town. He stated that this area is currently posted 35 mph. He stated that as the Engineer he would not recommend the increase and generally residents are requesting that speed limits are decreased. He also stated that the County has studied the speeds on the roadway previously and found that its current posting is appropriate. Lengthy discussion was had by Council regarding areas of concern along the roadway, such as current turn lanes, the fishing pier, curves, Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows, boats/trailers entering the roadway from the public access and Rice Creek Regional Park, the potential for the study to have the limit decreased, speed limits on other local County roadways, wiring installed at Centerville Road and Main Street for future signals, downtown redevelopment, corridor studies that may or may not consider CSAH14/Main Street and the overall traffic increases could change the limit in the future. Page 1 of 9 Council was not interested in supporting a speed study for an increase in speed from 35 mph to 40 mph. 2. Capital Improvement Plans Finance Director DeJong reviewed the information contained in the packet with Council, he stated that items within the CIP have been previously discussed and approved, that discussions regarding the plan should be incorporated in budget discussions, the utilization of new software for generating the plan, and items being broken down differently than seen before. Additional discussion took place regarding accounting software, cost estimates needing attention/increasing in certain areas, funding adjustments and considerations going forward, and the new look/setup being more understandable. 3. ARPA-Eligible Projects Administrator Statz stated that the Council has reviewed and provided direction previously regarding funding, allocation (revenue loss), appropriate accounting/reporting being completed to the current requirements, the previously discussed CIP and the 2023 budget. Discussion ensued regarding parking lot improvements, thin mill and overlay program, accounting software, the city’s generator, the conditions of roadways in the City, funding for salaries, stable levy, deadline of 2024 for allocation, capital funds, investing in the City and its residents, park funding impacting the entire community, previous City Hall project with many stating that the expenditures were justified, Veterans Memorial, inability to expend funds equally to public safety entities due to each cities infrastructure needs and abilities for the funding allocations and future discussions pertaining to the funds. 4. Expenditure of Charitable Gambling Proceeds Finance Director DeJong stated that the proceeds are regulated with expenditures being restricted to certain uses. He reviewed the areas allowable for the funds to be expended to, stated that the amount is $43,126.10 from 2020 and 2021, and recommended usage for parks and recreation activities, Fete des Lacs, the Parks & Recreation Volunteer Recognition Program. He stated that the budgeted amounts for the activities for 2022 is $26,950. He also stated that two light poles were installed in LaMotte Park totaling $15,271. It was stated that a remainder of approximately $1,000 would be held over for 2023. Discussion ensued regarding scholarship funds for the Jr. Council Member Program at a level of $1,500/annually, recognition of military service and giving money back to youth as the funds came from the Hockey Association. 5. Preliminary General Fund Budget Update Finance Director DeJong stated that three items have been modified since Council last reviewed the preliminary General Fund Budget. He stated that the anticipated LGA has been reduced to zero due to recent legislation, public safety (Centennial Lakes Police Department budgeted amount – reduced by $2,030), development escrow fees and handling them through capital projects which reduces expenditures by $45,000. He stated that the next effect is an increase to the tax levy Page 2 of 9 Not Approved required for a balanced budget of $970. He noted that this is a 3.7% higher than the 2022 certified levy and reminded Council that due to new construction, the increase will be spread over a wider tax base with most parcels experiencing a lower tax increase than the 3.7%. He reported that the budget would be considered at the second meeting in September. Mayor Love reminded the audience and Council that once the Preliminary Budget is approved, it can be reduced but not increased. Finance Director DeJong concurred. Discussion ensued regarding the formula used to calculate the Police budget, hiring difficulties, etc. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the Work Session at 6:23 p.m. allowing for a short recess between meetings. 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 Steve King Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Michelle Lakso Council Member Darrin Mosher Junior Council Member Danny Peterson (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None. STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis City Attorney, Kurt Glaser II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Administrator Statz stated that Staff has received a Public Comment form that was received for a resident to address Council. He stated that it would be placed on the Agenda under Appointments/Presentations, Item #2 and he desired to add under Old Business, Item #3, Residential Tree Trimming. Page 3 of 9 Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Agenda with the Noted Modifications. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. Mr. Jim Boo – Interest in Block 7 Redevelopment Mr. Jim Boo introduced himself to Council and stated that he was the developer for Bayview Villas. He also introduced Mr. Kim Tram and his nephew, Mr. Carson Schifsky, stating that they were his partners in this venture similar to other projects that they have completed in the state. He stated that they are interested in developing the site, similar to that of the previous proposal by Centra Homes. He noted the streetscaping and quality that is desired by Council and felt that they would be able to deliver a good product within a certain price point as the market was not what it was a year ago. He stated that Mr. Schifsky is representing Mr. Boo and Mr. Tram and is working with Staff to enter into a purchase agreement with the City for the property. Mayor Love thanked Mr. Boo and stated that the pending purchase agreement would be discussed in Closed Session later in the meeting. 2. Mr. Jared Grawe, 7227 Clear Ridge Mr. Grawe introduced himself to Council and stated that he appreciated the opportunity to address Council and speak about the proposed Encroachment Agreement for his raised garden. He stated that he desires for Council to be just and fair regarding their decision. He stated that he desires to grow vegetables for his family’s use and to give to friends and neighbors. He stated that his backyard is not suitable for a garden due to dense tree coverage with this being the best possible location in his yard. He stated that he designed to raise garden to be modular and easily removable. He stated that he was unaware of the easement in the front of the property but was aware of the road right-of-way. He stated that the utilities that are in the road right-of-way on effect his home and that the garden was modular for quick removal. Administrator Statz stated that landscaping of 3’ and under is allowed in the front yard similar to a decorative fence. Mr. Grawe stated that he has identified 98 properties with similar items in the front yard drainage/utility easement or right of way. Mr. Grawe asked that the same level of enforcement be provided for his proposed raised garden as the discussed similar violations. He requested that Council use their best judgement as he has taken great care to design the raised garden for movability, aesthetics and use. Mayor Love noted that Mr. Grawe’s Encroachment Agreement would be considered later in the meeting under Old Business, Item #1. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. None. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. June 8, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the June 8, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through August 24, 2022 (Check #35312-35349), (1932E- 1939E) & Voided Check #35318, 35340-35348 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through August 18, 2022 (Check #14433-14443), (E2022061-E2022063) & Payroll (Check #14431-14432) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through August 23, 2022 (Check #9367-9371) & Payroll (Check #9365-9366) 4. Corrpro Annual Maintenance Agreement 5. Res. #22- 0XX – Resolution Proclaiming Constitution Week (9/17-9/23/2022) 6. Encroachment Agreement – 1812 Laramee Lane (Fence) 7. Encroachment Agreement – 1699 Dupre Road (Fence) 8. Encroachment Agreement – 1658 Hunters Ridge Lane (Fence & Retaining Wall) Mayor Love provided an opportunity for Council to add or pull any items for discussion. Council Member King requested that Items #6, 7 & 8 be removed for discussion. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve Consent Agenda Items #1-5 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member King stated that the encroachment agreements addressed on the Consent Agenda are for the same thing as what Mr. Grawe is ask for correct. Administrator Statz stated that they differ as items are being placed in the drainage/utility easements in the side or rear yards and not the front yard. Administrator Statz stated that just as a reminder that if items are placed in an easement, and they need to be moved due to access into the easement by the City, the owners are agreeing that it is their responsibility to remove or it is removed at their expense. Discussion ensued regarding letters from abutting property owners, the agreement being recorded and remaining on the property, setting precedence and procedures for replacement of the item. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve Consent Agenda Items 6-8 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Encroachment Agreement – 7227 Clear Ridge Administrator Statz explained that Mr. Grawe referenced landscaping in front yards that may or may not be in easements or road right-of-ways. He stated that Mr. Grawe’s raised garden is not similar but similar to that of a structure and more robust than blocks/rocks, etc. He reported that in his tenure, no front yard encroachments in easements or right-of-ways have been approved and he would advise against its approval as the City’s Engineer and Zoning Administrator. He explained that it is fairly simple for Mr. Grawe to keep his raised garden if it is moved back approximately 8 ½’. Page 5 of 9 Discussion ensued regarding the structure/versus just a garden, the three previous encroachment agreements that were approved for use in drainage/utility easements, Mr. Grawe’s request for the raised garden to remain were installed due to the fact that if it were moved back, the amount of sunlight that it would receive would be decreased due to the proximity to the garage, the two utilities that are within the road right-of-way servicing his own home and if decreasing the size and moving outside of the drainage/utility easement there would be no need for an encroachment agreement. Motion by Council Member Koski to not approve the landscape project as presented. Additional discussion ensued, and Administrator Statz suggested that the motion should contain denying the encroachment agreement based on the Engineers Findings. Council Member Koski withdrew his previous motion. Motion by Council Member Koski to Denying the Submitted Encroachment Agreement Based on the Engineer’s Findings, seconded by Council Member Lakso. Additional discussion ensued regarding moving the raised garden back without a need for an encroachment agreement, gardens in the front yard, decreasing the size of the garden and moving it back out of the easement and right of way. All in favor - Mayor Love, Council Members Lakso, Koski and Mosher – Aye, Council Member King – Nay. Motion carried (4/1). 2. Res. #22-0XX Accepting Bid - 2022 Thin Overlay Program & City Hall Parking Lot Improvements Administrator Statz stated that Council reviewed the bids at their previous meeting and that they have two choices to either approve the bid with the understanding that it is approximately $100,000 over the estimate or rebid the project in early 2023. Additional research was requested by Council and Ms. Schlegel spoke with the contractor who stated that their bid was lower due to the close proximity of their plant to the City where as the other bidders were not as fortunate and found that finding sub-contractors was difficult for the timing of the project. She briefly reviewed the information contained in the packet. Administrator Statz stated that he would recommend awarding the bid, as estimates were very conservative regarding curb replacement, etc. Discussion ensued regarding processes if delaying the project and rebidding in the spring, ordering public hearings, completion of another feasibility study, associated expenditures, bidding figures being public information which could determine pricing in the future, importance of maintaining roadways, the condition of the parking lot, ability to rebid parking lot as a stand-alone project with the thin mill and overlay being a stand-alone project also, commencing some of the work in the parking lot this season leaving only asphalting for next spring in an attempt to decrease costs, the risks of pricing going up rather than down in the coming months, etc. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #22- 024 – Accepting Bid – 2022 Thin Overlay Program & City Hall Parking Lot Improvements to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. as submitted. Page 6 of 9 Additional discussion ensued regarding estimated costs would be in the future and a lot could change, concerns regarding increase versus tax increase to residents, trusting leadership and the unknown. All in favor - Mayor Love, Council Members Lakso, Koski and Mosher – Aye, Council Member King – Nay. Motion carried (4/1). 3. Residential Tree Trimming Administrator Statz apologized for the item not being on the Agenda. He stated that annually, the City trims trees 2’ on either side of trails/sidewalks and up to 8’ in height. He stated that the seasonal workers trimmed a half dozen branches that were less than ½” in diameter of a tree in the front yard of 1735 Dupre Road. He stated that the homeowners were appalled and came before Council previously requesting a formal apology, suggesting formal notification prior to trimming and funding for professional tree trimming to repair damage to their tree so that it was aesthetically pleasing again. He reported that he and the Public Works Director inspected the tree and found the trimming appropriate, well-rounded, not disfigured and was appropriate. Discussion ensued regarding whether the tree was within an easement rather than a road right-of- way, different avenues for notification to property owners (website, social media, etc.) so that they may take care of themselves, taking photos prior to trimming and after trimming, consider training of staff, setting precedence if paying damages, loss/damages have not been presented to Council by the property owner, trimming to prevent public safety hazard for individuals utilizing trails/sidewalks, not breaking any laws by trimming trees and damage to snow removal equipment during the winter months. Ms. Karen Francois, 1735 Dupre Road, stated that they spend approximately $1,000 - $1,500 each time their arborist comes out in the fall to trim two (2) trees on their property. Administrator Statz stated that Ms. Francois stated that $500 was acceptable for the damages incurred. Mayor Love stated that damages/a loss has not been presented to date which did not justify payment. Ms. Francois shared that they normally hire their arborist every other year and this was not the year. She stated that they need to hire them now that the tree has been damaged. She also stated that they have not been out as of yet and will be out once the leaves have fallen in the fall. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King to table consideration of awarding damages until an opinion is given by the property owner’s arborist regarding damages to the tree in the front yard prior to compensation. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ordinance #124, Second Series – An Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium Temporarily Prohibiting the Establishment of New Uses or the Expansion of Existing Uses Related to Canabis and Nonintoxicating Cannabinoids (CBD) Sales, Testing, Manufacturing or Distribution for a Period of One Year Attorney Glaser stated that at Council’s last meeting they had an opportunity to meet one of his partners, Mr. Scott Baumgartner, who is not the lead expert in Anoka County on Cannabis and its newer state regulations. He stated that it is his understanding that Council determined the appropriateness of researching ways to regulate the new legislature allow for sale of items that Page 7 of 9 contain Cannabis for up to a period of one year with staff being directed to conduct a study or studies to gather information for potential regulation of City Code, if determined to be appropriate by Council to protect the citizens of Centerville. Council Member Koski stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a moratorium. Jr. Council Member Peterson asked if the moratorium could be lifted prior to the one year. City Attorney Glaser stated by Council action but generally a moratorium lasts a year. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Ordinance #124, Second Series – An Interim Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium Temporarily Prohibiting the Establishment of New Uses or the Expansion of Existing Uses Related to Cannabis and Nonintoxicating Cannabinoids (CBD) Sales, Testing, Manufacturing or Distribution for a Period of One Year as presented. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator/Engineer Report – Administrator Statz reported that Block 7 would be discussed in Closed Session and that he was available to answer any questions. Jr. Council Member Peterson reported that the high school students received their schedule the previous day. He report that the starting dates are staggered for the different grades but school would begin for some on September 7, 2022. 2. Council Reports a. Lakso –  Parks & Recreation – No update was given.  Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No update was given. b. Koski –  Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski reported that at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting of August 16, 2022 two new applicants were interviewed for appointment, that Commission Kubat was named Chair with the resignation of Commission Linda Broussard Vickers. He also reported that City Attorney Glaser and City Planner Carlson were on hand to provide presentation about the Open Meeting Law and Land Use.  Fire Steering Committee – No update was given. c. King –  Economic Development Authority – Council Member King stated that the board was given an update on the status of the website. He stated that the board met with a contractor who provides market studies as the board is considering strategies for the downtown area, marketing of properties, attracting national and regional companies for growth. Page 8 of 9  Fire Steering Committee – No report was given. d. Mosher –  Economic Development Authority - No report was given.  Police Governing Board – No report was given. e. Love - Mayor Love thanked both Linda Broussard Vickers and Nick Twohy for their years of dedication service. He also thanked the City’s Election Judges for the service at the Primary Election. He wished all Centennial students well with the new year and the fall sports season.  North Metro Telecommunications Commission – No report was given.  Police Governing Board –No report was given.  Other Mayoral Reports – No report was given. XI. RECESS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Love read that the Closed Executive Session language as follows: This session is closed to the public. The purpose of this closed session is to determine the asking price for real property to be sold by the City, namely Block 7, in downtown Centerville; and to develop offers or counteroffers for the sale of that real property. The Closed Session will be recorded for later review and is authorized by Minn. Stat. §13D.05, subd. 3(c) prior to calling a recess of the regularly scheduled meeting at 8:48 p.m. He stated that a five minute break would be recognized before commencing the Closed Session. XII. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 8:53 p.m. A roll call was taken that showed the following individuals in attendance: Mayor Love, Council Members Lakso, King, Koski and Mosher, City Administrator Statz, Assistant City Administrator Lewis and Attorney Glaser being present. Discussion was had regarding negotiations associated with the selling of Block 7, in the downtown area and a negotiated purchase agreement being agreed upon. XIII. RECONVENE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Love reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 9:24 p.m. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 9:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 9 of 9