Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-14 WS, CC & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, CITY COUNCIL MEETING & CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION DECEMBER 14, 2022 5:00 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City Council Work Session, City Council Meeting and a Closed Executive Session on December 14, 2022 in Council Chambers of City Hall and it also was 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 Russ Koski Council Member Steve King Council Member Darrin Mosher Junior Council Member Danny Peterson (Non-Voting) ABSENT: Council Member Michelle Lakso STAFF: City Administrator Mark Statz Finance Director Bruce DeJong Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis City Attorney Kurt Glaser II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Jr. Council Member Interview – Rowan Shaw Mr. Rowan Shaw introduced himself to council and stated that he was recently hired by Kwik Trip, lives within the City, enjoys high school sports, gaming and attends classes at Bethel College through the Post- Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Program. He also stated that he is considering a career as an Electrician and joining the National Guard. He also stated that he enjoyed politics. He stated that his goal is staying true to the Constitution and not averting from its fundamental values. Discussion ensued regarding likes in music, controversy and handling of same, listening skills, hearing of the program through his History teacher, showing interest and a recommendation coming from the Principal. Discussion also took place regarding pay or a scholarship for the position. Outgoing Jr. Council Member Peterson stated that he would agree with compensation in some sort of form for the position. City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 Council thanked Mr. Shaw for his interest in the position and attending this evening. 2. Staff Benefits – Cafeteria Plan Administrator Statz stated that he felt that the item would be best addressed at a Work Session so concerns if any could be discussed. He stated that employees are covered through a Cafeteria Plan that includes health, dental, minimal life, short and long term disability insurance coverage. He explained that each employee is given an allotment per month to fund those benefits at a single level. He also explained that several employees hired prior to a date may chose for excess funding to be placed in a Deferred Compensation account. He reported that employee’s also participate in a Health Care Savings Plan as they are covered under a High Deductible Plan which allows for this practice. He stated that with increases in health insurance and staff not receiving increases in the recent past that it seemed appropriate to increase the allotment to $1,100 which would be an increase of $100/employee. He stated that research was completed and that Centerville’s allotment was at the lower end as surrounding communities are approximately $1,300 – 1,400. Discussion ensued regarding partial funding, Union contract language, amounts paid annually, budget implications and consideration at the regular meeting. 3. Garbage & Recycling Contract Administrator Statz stated that Ms. Beverly Mathiasen, Municipal Services Manager, appeared before the Council the previous month and provided a large amount of information, including approximately a 15% increase in trash rates and 33% increase in recycling rates if the City where to choose an extension rather than going out for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for 2024 and beyond with Republic Services. Discussion ensued regarding costs, economy, net sale of commodities, tipping fees, a new vendor with cart delivery, possible different collection days, servicing philosophies, etc. Possibilities for a year extension and associated pricing and providing Republic with an additional opportunity for another proposal. Administrator Statz will report back with additional information for Council consideration. 4. City Council Retreat Administrator Statz stated that he desired to have a strategy for a retreat with ideas of discussion being population 5,000, downtown redevelopment/EDA market study, Strategic Plan, etc. He stated that all current Council will be serving for at least two (2) more years. He also gave a brief update of hiring a facilitator in the past with the potential for same for 2023. It was discussed that the retreat take place in February or March coinciding with the market study initiated by the Economic Development Authority. 5. Final 2023 Budget Items & Levy Buy-Down Scenarios Discussion Administrator Statz stated that this will be Council’s last opportunity to make changes (decreases) from the proposed 3.7% levy increase for 2023. He stated that Finance Director DeJong would discuss additional opportunities for options for decreasing the levy if Council desired. Page 2 of 11 Approved City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 Finance Director DeJong discussed the current proposed levy increase of $103,000 or 3.7% and reviewed his presentation that was included in the packet with Council. Lengthy discussion was had taking into consideration construction of new buildings, “playing it safe” and having a levy lower than some other local communities. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourn the meeting at 6:23 p.m. allowing for an eight (8) minute break 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 Russ Koski Council Member Steve King 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. City Administrator Statz requested to add voided Electronic Payments #1982E & 1994E to the Consent Agenda and Item #1, Tobacco & Liquor Licenses, e. CenterMart – Renewal Tobacco License (Subj. To All Submissions & Successful Background Check). Mayor Love added Appointment of new Jr. Council Member. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Agenda as Revised. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. None Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 2023 Budget & Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing Administrator Statz stated that Council is being transparent regarding the City’s tax structure and budget levy. He stated that this evening’s meeting does not have to do with property values. He stated that Finance Director DeJong would be providing the presentation and as stated during the Work Session it was stated that a Preliminary 2023 Budget & Levy were set in September and amounts could not increase but decrease. Finance Director DeJong reviewed the presented materials contained in Council’s packet and answered questions. Discussion ensued regarding new properties and their placement on the tax rolls, placement being delayed due to the County’s procedures and completion of building, engineering fees for new construction which are typically covered by the developer being removed from the budget, bonds, debt service and interest and half of the budget being due to public safety. Mayor Love desired to draw attention to the loss of Local Government Aid and the importance of living in a safe community. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member King to Open the 2023 Budget & Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing at 6:55 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love invited anyone who desired to speak on the issue an opportunity to do so stating that the hearing would remain open until closed later in the meeting. 2. Ordinance #XXX, Second Series – 2023 Fee Schedule Administrator Statz stated that on an annual basis Council sets fees for services and it is done through an ordinance with all fees being contained. He stated that a change had been made regarding fees associated with renting a water meter for connection to a fire hydrant. He explained that the previous ordinance called for a $50/day fee which seemed unreasonable if utilized for a lengthy period. He stated that the fee was changed to $50 for the first day and $5/day for each additional. He also stated that a change in sewer fees and structure were made to more align charges that the City receives from Metropolitan Council for treatment. Mayor Love again called for individuals to speak during the Public Hearing for the 2023 Budget & Truth- in-Taxation Public Hearing and no one desired to speak. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Close the 2023 Budget & Truth-in-Taxation Hearing at 7:03 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Open the Public Hearing for Ordinance #XXX, Second Series – 2023 Fee Schedule at 7:03 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 Mayor Love invited anyone who desired to speak on the issue an opportunity to do so stating that the hearing would remain open until closed later in the meeting. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. November 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided an opportunity to Council to make modifications if needed. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member King to Approve the November 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. November 16, 2023 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided an opportunity to Council to make modifications if needed. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the November 16, 2023 Special City Council Meeting Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love again called for individuals to speak during the Public Hearing for Ordinance #XXX, Second Series - 2023 Fee Schedule Public Hearing and no one desired to speak. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Close the 2023 Fee Schedule Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. VII. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. 1. City of Centerville Claims through December 14, 2022 (Check #35483-35604), Voided (Check #35172, 35531, 35546 & 35251) & (1970E-1996E) & Voided (1982 & 1994E) 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through December 8, 2022 (Check #14536-14553 & 14558-14579), (E2022084-2022087) & Payroll (Check #14554-14555 & 14556-145570) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through November 22, 2022 (Check #9400-9413), (E2022014) & Replacement Payroll (Check #9399, 9407-9408) 4. Cancellation of December 28 City Council Meeting and Work Session 5. MN Rural Water Association Membership Renewal 6. Successful Performance Review and Step Increase – Athanasia Lewis, Assistant City Administrator 7. Successful Performance Review and Contract – Mark Statz, City Administrator/Engineer 8. Encroachment Agreement (Fence) – 6907 Sumac Court 9. Site Plan Review – Amazon Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 10. Tobacco & Liquor Licenses a. Kwik Trip – New Licenses Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 i. Tobacco (2022) & 3.2 Off Sale (2022) b. Kwik Trip – Renewal Licenses i. Tobacco (2023) & 3.2 Off Sale (2023) c. Corner Express – Renewal Tobacco License d. Wiseguy’s Pizza – Renewal i. On Sale & Sunday e. CenterMart - Renewal Tobacco License (Subj. to All Submissions & Successful Background Check) 11. Res. #22-0XX – Establishing Precinct & Polling Location for the 2023 Election Year 12. Pay Request #3 – Bituminous Roadways, Inc. (2022 Thin Overlay/City Hall Parking Lot 13. Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation for Approval of Rainbow Tree Care Proposal for Open Space, Park Tree Inventory (Phase I of Tree Inventory) Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Council Member King desired to pull Items #5 and #13 for additional discussion. Mayor Love stated that Council appreciated Ms. Lewis joining the City of Centerville and the great work that she has been completing. Ms. Lewis stated that it was good to be with the City and thanked the Mayor for his kind comments. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve Consent Agenda Items #1-4 and 6-12 as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member King questioned the value of being a member of the MN Rural Water Association. Administrator Statz stated that it may seem to be difficult to quantify but there are relationships with peers that are formed to be members along with lobbying. Council Member King questioned the return on investment (ROI), and he requested that a review of the membership at the end of the year be provided. Motion by Council Member King, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Approve Consent Agenda Item #5 as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member King requested clarification on “Phase I” of a tree inventory which would mean that a Phase II would also be coming in the future. Administrator Statz stated that at this time, the Committee was recommending an inventory within the park areas that were open and not those that were wooded which may come in the future. He stated that the inventory would contain the species, size, GPS coordinates, etc. He stated that the intent of the inventory would be to ascertain the information which would assist in diversification, planning, purchasing, etc. Council Liaison Lakso to the Parks & Recreation Committee stated that the “Phase I” portion is part of a larger tree management plan which would take into consideration Emerald Ash Borer and associated ramifications to all areas within the parks. Administrator Statz stated completion of Phase I would be completed first and consideration in the future for Phase II of which would come before Council for consideration. Council Member Koski stated that he appreciated the comments on both items from Council Member King as the more he listens to those same comments it assists all in clarification and thoughts/recommendation. Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King to Approve Consent Agenda Item #13 as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Res. #22-0XX – Adopting Final Property Tax Levy and Budget Finance Director DeJong stated that the 2023 Budget and Tax Levy were reasonable, affordable and responsible for the long-term health of the City. Mayor Love stated that Council had robust conversations throughout the process with Staff addressing concerns and making adjustments throughout. Brief discussion was had regarding buy down proposals submitted during the Work Session, new construction coming on the tax rolls for 2024, lack of public participation in the 2023 Budget & Truth- in-Taxation Public Hearing, Council and Staff’s due diligence and anticipation for lower tax amounts in the future. Additional brief discussion was held regarding the removal of Local Government Aid and its impacts on City’s. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King to Adopt Res. #22-033 – Final Property Tax Levy and Budget as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Ordinance #XXX, Second Series – 2023 Fee Schedule Mayor Love stated that a Public Hearing was held earlier in the meeting regarding the item. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member King to Adopt Ordinance #129, Second Series – 2023 Fee Schedule as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Res. #22-0XX – Declaring the Amount to be Assessed and Directing the City Clerk to Prepare an Assessment Roll Administrator Statz briefly explained the Improvement/Assessment (MN State Statute requirements 429) with Council and stated that all residential properties that were benefited by the 2022 Thin Mill & Overlay Project would receive an assessment of $650/lot. He stated that there were several commercial/public parcels that the assessments were calculated on front footage and their assessments may be slightly higher. Administrator Statz stated that brief discussion was had with several residents prior to awarding the project and during the project, but once clarification was provided along with an estimate of fees affected property owners were comfortable and felt that it was a good return on their money. Discussion ensued regarding the inclusion of the City Hall parking lot potentially being confused with assessments. Administrator Statz stated that Staff has made every attempt to distinguish the fees associated with each project and these assessments do not include that project. Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #22-034 – Declaring the Amount to be Assessed and Directing the City Clerk to Prepare an Assessment Roll for the 2022 Thin Mill & Overlay Project as Submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. Res. #22-0XX – Calling for a Public Assessment Hearing for the 2022 Thin Overlay Program and City Hall Parking Lot Improvements Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #22-035 – Calling for a Public Assessment Hearing for the 2022 Thin Overlay Program and City Hall Parking Lot Improvement as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Res. #22-0XX – 2023 Appointments Administrator Statz stated that the item was placed on the Agenda for review and preparation of appointments at Council’s next meeting. Administrator Statz stated that Jr. Council Member would be placed on the resolution for the next meeting and Council Member Lakso stated that the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) should be removed from the listing. 2. Res. #22-0XX – Adopting the 2023 Pay and Benefit Plan Administrator Statz stated that this is an annual resolution for consideration as Union Members usually receive a modest cost of living increase and non-union members generally receive the same. He stated that discussion was held at the Work Session regarding a proposed $100/employee increase in cafeteria allotment which would contain all full-time employees. He also stated that the resolution addressed pay for several part-time positions (i.e. Custodial, Election Judges, Warming House Attendants and seasonal staff). Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member King to Adopt Res. #22-036 – Adopting the 2023 Pay and Benefit Plan as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Res. #22-0XX – Supporting Extension of the JLEC Levy Administrator Statz provided a brief summary of the Joint Law Enforcement Commission Levy and stated that it was enacted 10 years ago. He stated that it allowed for such items as dispatch equipment along with other items needed associated with public safety. He stated that there have recently been issues with the County and Members of the Commission but felt that it remained a valuable asset. He stated that it is felt that the levy benefited everyone in the County and should be extended an additional 10 years. He also stated that the City of Centerville was the last city or township to adopt the resolution. He reported that both Chiefs from Centennial Lakes Police and Centennial Fire District were in support of the resolution and the continued levy. Additional discussion took place regarding problems with the current dispatch system, pagers not working and communications. Administrator Statz stated that there had been a large amount of finger pointing as to responsibility for deficits, but it was felt that as a whole, the County and its residents deserve the best regarding the 911 communication system and control would/should not play into the Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 levy and how funding is spent. Council Member King stated that he needed additional information regarding the item prior to his support. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #22-037 – Supporting Extension of the JLEC Levy as Presented. Council Member King opposed. Motion carried (4/1). 4. Appointment of 2023 Jr. Council Member Rowan Shaw & Pay Administrator Statz stated that the Council had an opportunity to interview Mr. Shaw during the Work Session and discussion included pay/scholarship for serving. Outgoing Jr. Council Member Peterson stated that serving is a rather large commitment for someone who has homework, needs to attend two meetings per month, works part-time, etc. He stated that he felt compensation of some sort would be good. Discussion ensued that either a scholarship or stipend was discussed upon inception of the program a year ago and should be considered again, an amount of $1,000-$2,000 or amount per meeting attendance, that Mr. Shaw as a great applicant, $50/meeting attended, City Attorney Glaser’s approval of either a scholarship or meeting attendance pay being allowable, making the payment at the end of the term and compensating outgoing Jr. Council Member Peterson also for his service. Motion by Mayor Love, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Appoint Mr. Rowan Shaw as the 2023 Jr. Council Member with a stipend of $50/meeting to be paid at the end of the term and to provide a stipend of $50/meeting attended by outgoing Jr. Council Member Danny Peterson. Discussion ensued regarding if a stipend is determined then it should be paid on a monthly basis for meeting attendance. Discussion also included taxable amounts on the stipend versus scholarship, if a scholarship and distributing payment directly to them a policy would be needed and funding coming from the general fund. Council Member Mosher opposed. Motion carried (4/1). X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator/Engineer Report – Administrator Statz stated that the Administrator Report would be coming out shortly but numerous things were happening such as Kwik Trip’s Ribbon Cutting on January 4, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and the Centerville Lions’ Christmas in the park on Saturday. He stated that he would take questions if Council had any. Junior Council Member Peterson gave an update on the High School sport teams (volleyball, basketball and hockey). Finance Director DeJong stated that from this evening’s meeting to the end of the year regular disbursements would be made and Council would receive them in January. He reported that initial audit work is being completed. 2. Council Reports Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 a. Lakso -  Parks & Recreation – Council Member Lakso stated that the Committee has been working on the tree inventory which was discussed earlier in the meeting, pallets or real firewood was needed for the upcoming Skate/Sled Event with the Committee accepting donations for same.  Anoka County Fire Protection Council – Council Member Lakso gave no report. b. Koski – Council Member Koski stated that he had attended the Centerville Lions Christmas in the Park event, thanked the Lions for all their work and stated that the event went very well. He stated that the Centennial Fire District Santa Parade also took place with a good turnout also. He thanked all service organizations (police, fire, military, etc.) for serving, especially during the holidays. He thanked Mr. Peterson for serving as the first Jr. Council Member for the City and stated that he felt he performed well and was an asset to the Council. He wished all a Happy Holiday season.  Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski stated that the Commission met on December 6 and discussed electrical vehicle charging stations, the firearm portion of the City Code and temporary usage of rv’s and tents.  Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski gave no report. c. King -  Economic Development Authority – Council Member King gave no report.  Fire Steering Committee – Council Member King gave no report.  Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member King gave no report. d. Mosher – Council Member Mosher stated that he attending the Centerville Lions Christmas in the Park event as a Lion Member. He stated that Santa was available, horse drawn carriage rides, bon fire, smores, hot cocoa, hot dogs, etc. were all available. He reported that it was the first event of its kind for the Lions and that approximately 500 individuals attended. He reported that Council Member Koski attended along with Mayor Love and his wife Susan. He believed that the Lions would be holding the event annually going forward.  Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher gave no report.  Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love thanked Mr. Peterson for his service, stated that it was a great year and that he was very appreciative. He also thanked students of Centennial Schools for their hard work throughout the year with sports and their grades. He also thanked the Centerville Lions and the Centennial Fire District stating that he was very proud of the turnouts for their recent events. He wished all Happy Holidays.  North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love stated that the meeting would be taking place the following week.  Police Governing Board – Mayor Love gave no report.  Other Mayoral Reports - Mayor Love gave no report. Mayor Love recessed the regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 8:26 p.m. Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville WS, City Council & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes December 14, 2022 XI. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – 7121 Centerville Road The purpose of the closed session is to determine the asking price and to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase of real or personal property located on Block 9, in downtown Centerville; and to develop offers or counteroffers for the purchase of that real property. The Closed Session is authorized by Minn. Stat. §13D.05, subd. 3(c). All members of Council were present including Administrator Statz, Assistant Administrator Lewis and Legal Counsel Kurt Glaser. Mayor Love adjourned the Closed Executive Session at 8:51 p.m. and reconvened the City Council Meeting. XII. RECONVENED CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Love reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:51 p.m. XI. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love Adjourned the Regularly Scheduled Council meeting at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 11 of 11