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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-24 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION & CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled City Council Work Session and Council Meeting on January 24, 2024, in Council Chambers and the meeting was live streamed by North Metro TV at 6:30 p.m. WORK SESSION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. Love called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Raye Taylor Council Member Terry Sweeney Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (non-voting) ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Anoka County Housing Needs Study – Karen Skepper, Anoka County Director of County & Government Relations Ms. Skepper, Anoka County Director of County & Government Relations, introduced herself to Council and gave a brief overview of her presentation that was contained in Council’s packet. It was stated that the study was commissioned by Anoka County some time ago, that they contained comments received from the city and that they would be incorporating information that was obtained from the data received from the City’s EDA sanctioned LOCi Consulting, LLC, Market Analysis for Redevelopment of the Downtown area. Ms. Skepper stated that an updated Anoka County report would be provided after its completion. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love recessed the Work Session at 6:25p.m. allowing for a five (5) minute break before commencing the regularly scheduled meeting. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Approved City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 1. Roll Call II. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Raye Taylor Council Member Terry Sweeney Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis City Attorney, Kurt Glaser III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Agenda as stated above. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENT/PRESENTATION 1. EDA Annual Report – Mark Remillard, Centerville Economic Development Authority President Mr. Remillard introduced himself to the Council and provided them with a brief review of the presentations that were contained in the Council’s packet. Council Member Koski asked whether the CenterStage program would continue. President Remillard stated that they would be obtaining input from local businesses regarding the participation in the program. Council Member Koski enjoys the program, placemaking with the holiday lighting and their concepts. Mayor Love thanked the EDA members for their dedication along with Staff Liaison Lewis. Mayor Love asked President Remillard what their largest goal for going forward would be. President Remillard stated that the EDA continues to determine whether an “incubator space” for businesses in the downtown area would be feasible and viable for Centerville. Administrator Statz stated that Council may consider what their role will be going forward (i.e., engaging in acquiring land or being a landlord-type partnership, levy, issuing bonds, etc.). Mayor Love wanted discussions to continue and not to stifle the opportunity to share ideas. He thanked the President for attending and updating the Council. Page 2 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 2. Introductory Meeting – Gail Cederberg – Metropolitan Council Area Representative Ms. Cederberg introduced herself to the council and thanked them for the opportunity to present to them. She provided a brief background of her appointment being in March of 2023 with the redistricting. She stated that she grew up in St. Paul, believes in public schools, loves the environment, and has graduate degrees in hydrogeology, hydrology, and enviro-engineering with a career in it for 30+ years. She reviewed the district map with the council. She felt that most of her district members had commonality, large amounts of water, open/rural/ag space, PFAS issues, etc. She stated that the Council is in the middle of their 2050 planning cycle; regional development plan utilizing census data; policy plan and water supply management plan. She stated that there are subregional plans with individual groups. She stated that the 2050 transportation plan and housing plan are in draft form on thier website and she would be happy to take comments from Council on them or they can submit their comments online. She stated that there are many committees that provide opportunities for serving on. Council Member Taylor thanked Ms. Cederberg for attendance. Council Member Koski asked about transportation and at what point going over budget and what do you do. Ms. Cederberg stated that funding is there and revamping of approval of change orders and who approves. He stated that resources were limited but couldn’t that money be utilized elsewhere and be more efficient. He also asked about sewer/wastewater rates and trends. Ms. Cederberg stated that sewer rates are interesting and have built- in projects and what is paid can only go for upgrades of the system and treatment. He also asked about pumping water from the Mississippi River and the potential for water wars. She stated that it is very complicated and fleshed out in the next few years. She stated that the funding cannot be utilized for transportation. Council Member Mosher questioned the demand for light rail. Ms. Cederberg stated that they will have more data in March; with COVID and time of day determine ridership. He asked about bus routes versus light rail and Ms. Cederberg stated more bus lines will be coming. He asked about census numbers and how the numbers are obtained from those facilities and how those numbers are tabulated. She stated that she would contact him with that information. Mayor Love stated that Centerville has been active in the census and our population increased then decreased, but average household numbers dipped, and he did not understand that. He stated that growth and economic development is important to Centerville and an off-ramp/on-ramp from 35E assisting in traffic counts. Ms. Cederberg was unsure what the Council had to do with transportation and MN DOT. Jr. Council Member Sauber appreciated the development and improvement of transportation. Ms. Cederberg stated that she would love to discuss this with Ms. Sauber individually and other individuals of her age group. 3. Centerville Lake Alum Treatment – Matt Kocian – Rice Creek Watershed District Mr. Matt Kocian, Rice Creek Watershed District, gave a brief review of the presentations that were contained in the Council’s packet. He stated that he appeared before the Council approximately one year ago discussing the water quality of Centerville Lake, its algae blooms driven by phosphorus and potential for cleanup. Administrator Statz stated that with the efforts of the RCWD, DNR and the city’s efforts it is not from outside of the lake but internal loads. He stated that the best and most common way to treat internal phosphorus loading is with Aluminum Sulfate (“Alum”). He stated that it was previously treated in 1998 but at a very low dose and it was no longer providing benefits. He explained what Alum was and that it was a liquid that dissolves in water to form aluminum hydroxide and sulfate which binds phosphorus that will sink to the bottom. He explained that last time he appeared before the Council he anticipated the cost to be 1 million dollars, and that the RCWD received a Clean Water Fund grant for $954,500. He stated that it is an aggressive plan but hoping to complete the first treatment in the Spring of 2024 and Page 3 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 another in the Spring of 2026. He stated that the Lake Association was asking that the RCWD arrange a Water Management District/special taxing district which was within their powers. He stated that the benefit of the clean water is that there are more native/good plants, he addressed that humans can swim and fish following its treatment and that Alum can be purchased from the store and is in many over the counter items. He stated that the treatment will take approximately one week and that with the grant funding will cover 85-90% of the project, they are no longer advancing a Water Management District/special taxing district but are seeking financial support from project partners abutting Centerville Lake (Centerville, Lino Lakes, RCWD and Anoka County) with the City of Centerville’s portion projected to be 3%/$35,000. He stated that their website has FAQ and that public meetings will be had going forward. Council Member Sweeney asked that shutting down the pumping by St. Paul Water and the artesian wells may have had an effect on the water quality. Mr. Kocian could not answer the question. City Administrator Statz stated that the ground water system has changed over time and potentially private property owners. He stated that attempts to reestablish them may be a benefit. Council Member Sweeney stated that the temperature of the lake has changed over time also. Council Member Mosher asked if there were any fish that clean the phosphorus and Mr. Kocian stated yes (zooplankton) but there is too much for them to eat in the lake. Council Member Koski stated that they were taking samples of the bottom of the lake and at what time of year do you complete this. Mr. Kocian stated that it does not matter that much but the treatment does. Council Member Koski asked if the treatment is needed repeatedly, and Mr. Kocian stated that the phosphorus is bound to the bottom of the lake and is taken care of, it is the internal loading that can affect the treatment. He stated that the measures that have been taken over the years by the city, DNR, and RCWD to minimize that loading and not a lot is coming in. Mr. Kocian stated that they had to complete studying carp populations within the lake, will complete another study and they have a program that will deplete the population if need be. Council Member Taylor asked if dredging was an option and Mr. Kocian stated the expenditure would well exceed the cost of this project and that he has not heard of many successful projects. She felt that if someone was interested in completing this project, we could volunteer our lake for the project. She asked about mitigating invasive species in weeds. Stated that they have attempted to take care of these in the past which will assist in the new vegetation. Mr. Kocian stated that the process should be to see the results of the treatment, vegetation studies and then will address if needed and collaboration with the DNR. She asked if zooplankton has been introduced to saturate the lake and have they been introduced. Mr. Kocian stated that he is ill-informed about the use of them and where to purchase enough and he would be happy to research it. Jr. Council Member Sauber asked about plant surveys pretreatment and following treatment or the same with zooplankton. Mr. Kocian stated that studies have been completed but he did not have the figures/difference. Mayor Love stated that he is happy without a taxing district and hoping that the treatment can happen in 2024. Mr. Kocian stated that there is a larger amount of phosphorus in the lake since treated previously and the treatment amount of alum last time may have been based on affordability or acceptable amounts at the time. Mayor Love asked if they could ask the County to expend more funding. Administrator Statz stated that the funding would come from the Storm Water Fund with fund levels of available. V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None Page 4 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. January 10, 2024, City Council Meeting & Closed Executive Session Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided an opportunity to the Council to make modifications if needed. Council Member Sweeney stated that there were several typographical errors on page 3 regarding the private assessor and paying Anoka County (both) and clarification should be made, along with several other typographical errors. He provided staff with his corrections. Motion by Council Member Koski , seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the January 10, 2024 City Council Meeting & Closed Executive Session Meeting Minutes with the typographical error and private assessor versus paying both corrections. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through January 24, 2024 (Checks #36479-36505, 2185E-2190E & Voided Check #36452-36478) 2. Centennial Lake Police Department Claims through January 18, 2024 (Check #15057- 15076, E2024007-2024010 & Payroll Check #15055-15056) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through January 23, 2024 (Check #9639-9644, E240001 & Payroll Check #9637-9638) 4. Organizational Membership a) Metro Cities b) Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition 5. Res. #24-0XX – Renewal of EDA Appointment – Chris Swenson 6. Res. #24-0XX – Approving Donation to the Anoka County Historical Society (ACHS) 7. Res. #24-0XX – Appointing Election Judges for 2024 Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINES 1. Amazon Escrow Release Requests Administrator Statz provided Council with a background of funding/securities and bonding that were necessary and negotiated with the development. He stated that they are requesting return of funds due to completed work, inspections, etc. He stated that they had a site escrow and bond (initial security - $50,000 escrow and a $450,000 bond which they are requesting to be fully released along with an infrastructure escrow reduction to 35% or $105,000 level. He stated that it was his recommendation to release the funding and bond as requested with the retainage of $105,000 until the two-year warranty period expired. He stated that the city has $650,000 for transportation improvements, $80,000 for noise study/barrier and a possibility of an additional $20,000. Page 5 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 Council Member Mosher stated that a testing would take place once they were fully operational, in October. a) Site Securities Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to approve the release of the Amazon Site Escrow of $50,000 and Site Security Bond of $450,000 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. b) Infrastructure Securities Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to approve the reduction of the Amazon Infrastructure Escrow from $300,000 to $105,000 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. 2023 EDA Annual Report Administrator Statz stated that Council should consider approving what was presented this evening and formally endorse their report. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the 2023 EDA Annual Report as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. 2024 EDA Annual Goals Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Approve the 2024 EDA Annual Goals as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. DEED Redevelopment Grant Application Administrator Statz stated that Staff request to either table or not take action on the item at this time as the developer has not completed several of the items that are required such as soil reports, resolution for a TIF District, etc. He did state that Deed made this a 6-month cycle with the next deadline being August. He did note that there was a 50% match and he believed that the maximum was $500,000. He stated that when it was brought to the Council again for consideration, he would have a robust detail of the funding and how it would be financed. Council Member Mosher asked if it was upfront funding or following the TIF schedule in years. City Administrator Statz stated upfront. Council Member Koski asked if it was half of the $500,000, match the $500,000 or whether the 50% could be passed through. Administrator Statz stated that it would be the match of the $500,000. No action was taken at this time on this item. 4. Public Works Building Boiler Replacement Page 6 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 Administrator Statz gave a brief review of the Memorandum that was contained in Council’s packet and stated that staff’s recommendation to purchase the replacement boiler of the same model off of eBay arranging for transportation and installation for $5,750. He did state that it was a little unconventional and then reviewed the options contained in the Memorandum and explained that we would have replacement parts from the unfunctional until. Lengthy discussion was had regarding purchasing from eBay, no warranty, energy efficiency models, pumps, old/new purchase, parts, sound infrastructure, natural gas, the necessity to make environmental considerations, staff recommendation and knowledge, etc. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Mayor Love to purchase the 97% high efficiency boiler as presented. Discussion ensued regarding keeping parts available, receiving additional input from Public Works Director Palzer and the possibility of an electric unit. Council Member Sweeney and Mayor Love Aye, Council Members Koski, Mosher and Taylor Nay. Motion failed (2/3). Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to table the item. Mayor Love, Council Members Koski, Mosher and Taylor Aye. Council Member Sweeney Nay. (Motion carried.) X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator/Engineer Report – Administrator Statz stated that his report was contained in the packet and that he would be happy to address any questions from the Council. The Mayor requested that he provide the Council with a review and he did so. Assistant City Administrator Lewis that the proposed day for the State of the City Address was March 21, 2024, 8-9:30 a.m. and asked if the date worked for most members. 2. Council Reports Junior Council Member Sauber that the Spring semester had just started, and lacrosse had started. City Attorney Glaser reported that his office has been working with the new officers and is excited to see the department grow. a. Taylor – (i) Economic Development Authority - Council Member Taylor stated that the meet was rescheduled due to illnesses. b. Koski – (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave no report. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that they appointed a new Chair, Matt Percey. They completed a budget review and that they were slightly over with additional costs and revenues coming in. Exceed budget by slightly over $35,000 with Page 7 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 maintenance costs, wages and training. He stated calls were up and the Chief is looking into the types of calls and how minor calls can be addressed or alleviated. He also stated that they are considering the sharing of equipment. He stated that we are in the third year of the contract for administrative services with SBM and discussions and planning will be implemented shortly for going forward. c. Sweeney - (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that the Chief is researching whether firefighters are being utilized properly and completing a large amount of training. (iii) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that the Committee provided volunteers for their services in 2023 with a coffee mug, candy and hot cocoa (iv) Fire Protection Council – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. d. Mosher – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love stated that he was appreciative of the Parks & Recreation Committee and their thoughtfulness with the Volunteer gift. He wanted to thank Ms. Chris Swenson for her service on the EDA. He also thanked the Election Judges who elected to serve. He reminded Council of their retreat on February 3, 2024, and the scheduling of the State of the City Address. (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love stated that the meeting was scheduled for February 5, 2024. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Adjourn the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of January 24, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. WORK SESSION (Cont’d) The Mayor reconvened the Work Session from prior to the Council meeting at 9:35 p.m. following a 5 minute break. All members and staff except Attorney Glaser were present. II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION (Cont’d) 2. 2022-2023 City Council Strategic Plan Review Assistant City Administrator Lewis gave a brief review of her presentations that were contained in Council’s packet. She stated that the information was pertinent for Council’s upcoming Special Meeting scheduled for February 3, 2024, where they would be discussing their 2024-2025 Strategic Plan and Goals. Page 8 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 Mayor Love adjourned the Work Session at 10:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 9 of 9