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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-24 WS & CC Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION & CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 24, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Work Session prior to their Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of July 24, 2024, commencing at 5:30 p.m. A bus was provided for the scheduled tour with the Planning & Zoning Commission being provided an opportunity to participate along with the public. The meeting was properly noticed. The Council held their regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on June 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers. The regularly scheduled meeting (6:30 p.m.) was live streamed by North Metro TV. WORK SESSION (5:00 PM) I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 1. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Approved Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Terry Sweeney Council Member Raye Taylor Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) Planning & Zoning Commissioner Bruce Thompson Planning & Zoning Commissioner Dawn Kalina Planning & Zoning Commissioner Richard Nelson MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC: Heather Carciofini James Carciofini Anita Rios Garland Port Dave Killian Loretta Harding, Press Publications ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis Public Works Director, Paul Palzer II. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. LaMotte Park – Community Center Discussion took place regarding location, logistics, e.g. parking, equipment, ballfields, etc. It was stated that possible partners in the construction could be the Centerville Lions, the Centennial School District to name a few. Building types were also discussed such a brick/concrete, conventional, bardominium, etc. 2. Block 7 – Downtown Redevelopment Discussion City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Discussion took place regarding possible projects, e.g. townhomes, community center and others. Administrator Statz gave a brief background of the City’s investment in infrastructure associated with the location such as water, sewer, irrigation, etc. He also discussed that portions of the property were purchased with Community Development Block Grant funds and if requirements were not met or construction did not occur, the funds would need to be returned to Anoka County. He stated that no requests have been made to date. The group walked to the corner of Main Street and Centerville Road. Administrator Statz stated that with the recent traffic study, development around the community, and future development/redevelopment, additional traffic measures would need to take place at the intersection. He also discussed parcels that were zoning M-1 and M-2 in the area. 3. Well #1 (Tracie Joy McBride Memorial Park), Reinvestment Discussion Discussion took place regarding existing infrastructure, use of the well and needed upgrades. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. allowing for return to City Hall to commence the Regularly Scheduled Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 1. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Darrin Mosher Approved Council Member Terry Sweeney Council Member Raye Taylor Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Administrator Statz stated that Ms. Radermacher was running slightly behind, and that Council had received two requests for Public Comment (Derek Lind, Anoka County Election Integrity Team) and (Garland Port). Administrator Statz stated that if Council desired, they could be added under Appointments & Presentations, Items #1 and #2, Page 2 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 with Ms. Radermacher being placed #3. He stated that Check #36916 was added to the check registry in anticipation of consideration of Item #5, Under New Business and that if Council desired not to approve the item, the check would be voided. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Agenda as stated above. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENT/PRESENTATION Mayor Love prefaced that the allotted time would be five minutes, and it would be a one-way conversation allowing for input/comment from those that completed and submitted the Comment Forms prior to the start of the meeting. 1. Mr. Derek Lind, Anoka County Election Integrity Team Mr. Lind thanked Council for their time, presented them with several handouts and stated that they have been operating for approximately two years and that he had appeared before Council previously. He explained that there were six items that his group had determined to be goals of theirs, with one being a post-election review at Anoka County which involved hand-counting ballots to determine the integrity of the voting equipment. He stated that both the cities of Oak Grove and Rasmey passed resolutions to complete this task by sending an election judge to the County 10-days post-election. He stated that he felt that there would be minimal cost to Centerville to complete a similar count as the community has one precinct and approximately 2,400 registered voters with a cost estimate of $1,000. He stated that his group has been in the news recently with a segment being completed by Alpha News which has received 64,000 hits. He stated that he would be willing to attend a work session if Council desired to pass a similar resolution calling for a hand count of the General Election ballots. He stated that a post-election review is required by the Secretary of State’s office for all counties, with Anoka County being required to review at least four precincts out of 128. He stated that the requirements are that only two races needed to be counted by hand, e.g., President and Senate seats. He reported that the resolutions that have been passed by the two communities will count all races if the races are competitive. Council Member Mosher asked if there were a difference in the hand count versus the ballot tabulation and which votes would be counted. Ms. Lisa Henrickson, Linwood Township, stated that she was unsure at this time. She stated that if it were one precinct that would be one thing, if it were throughout the County that would be another. Discussion ensued regarding the goal of double checking and anticipating that there may be minor issues (one or two off), but that the machine was accurately reflecting the ballot counter totals. Mr. Lind did state that the official number is the machine count. Mr. Lind stated that his group felt that elections should be the authority of the cities and not the State. Mayor Love thanked the group for their time. 2. Mr. Garland Port, 7013 LaMotte Drive Mr. Port thanked the Council for providing him with an opportunity to speak. Mr. Port read a prepared statement. He stated that he wanted to bring to Council’s attention that the existing Downtown Master Plan and the community stance on development of high-density development, particularly apartments in Page 3 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 our community. Recent data from the 2023 Market Analysis for Centerville’s downtown redevelopment alongside with feedback from various stakeholders highlight a significant shift in public opinion. The analysis indicates a strong preference for preserving the ”small town” character of Centerville and a clearer vision to the development to apartment complexes. The community’s sentiment reflects as desire for the responsible growth that prioritizes single family homes, townhomes, and low-density housing options. There are some key points from the 2023 Market Analysis. Interviews with residents and informal community surveys reveals a widespread opposition to high density apartment developments. The preference is overwhelmingly in favor of low density, family-oriented housing. He stated that the analysis shows a demand for 45-90 condominium and townhouse units and 150 to 140 affordable rental units with an emphasis on ensuring that these developments fit within the existing character of the community. Residents are concerned that high-density apartments will negatively impact Centerville’s charm, increase traffic congestion, and place additional strain on local infrastructure and resources. He stated that given these findings, it is evident that the 2006 Downtown Master Plan which allows for significant new construction, including high-density housing is misaligned with the current community desires and market realities. He stated that it was crucial that we re-evaluate and revise the plan to ensure it reflects the updated data and respects the wishes of the residents. He stated that he proposed that Council reassess the zoning regulations to limit the development of high-density, apartment complexes and focus on promoting low-density, mixed-use developments that integrate well with our existing community structure and engage further with residents to ensure that their voices continue to guide our planning decisions. The vision for Centerville’s Downtown must evolve to align with these new insights which ensure sustainable growth that enhances our community’s quality of life and preserve the unique character that we all cherish. Since the Downtown Master Plan is not aligned with the wishes of the community or the realities of the market, I urge you to vote today to hold a public hearing on a one-year moratorium on Planned Unit Developments. Mr. Port thanked Council and Mayor Love thanked him for his comments. 3. Ms. Dorothy Radermacher – Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network – Northeast Metro Mayor Love stated that Ms. Radermacher was currently not at the meeting and upon arrival he would circle back to the item. Mayor Love invited Ms. Radermacher to the podium. Ms. Radermacher reviewed the presentation that was contained in Council’s packet with them. Ms. Radermacher as president of the Northeast Metro Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee presented the Mayor of Centerville with a Certificate of Appreciation for hosting a breakfast for the veterans of the community. City Administrator Statz stated that Assistant City Administrator Lewis had several additional comments and would like to point out some things that have been completed locally. She stated that the city has hosted a Veteran’s Memorial in the past and a breakfast in 2024. She reported that the city is a Purple Heart City with parking spaces at City Hall and Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. She also reported that new Beyond the Yellow Ribbon signage has been installed throughout the city (entrance points). She stated that the city is the first City in the regional organization, and that the city also displays the POW/MIA flags within the community. She stated that the City’s appreciation for veterans has been placed in local papers for several years and with social media spots. She stated that the city is attempting to build services/programs that will assist our veterans and their families. Mayor Love stated that the City’s Centerville Cares Program has also provided several offerings during the year. Page 4 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Mayor Love thanked Ms. Radermacher for appearing before them along with recognizing the City’s efforts and veterans as they are an important part of our community. Council Member Koski thanked Ms. Radermacher for all her services and volunteerism. IV. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. None. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through July 24, 2024 (Checks #36875-36916, E2266-E2272 & Voided Check #36701) 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through July 18, 2024 (Checks #15306-15323, E24024054-2024058 & Payroll Check #15303-15305 & Voided Check #15039) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through July 19, 2024 (Checks #97835-9740; 9743-9747, E240008-E240009 & Payroll #9741-9742) 4. Request for Donation – Alexandra House 5. Temporary Dwelling Permit – 7235 Mill Road 6. Resolution #24-0XX – Accepting a Donation to the City from Mar & Mar Properties, LLC (Mark Remillard) for Kids Night at Main Street Market Mayor Love reminded all that added to the agenda was Check #36916. Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Council Member Mosher requested that Item #1 be pulled due to several questions regarding Check #36886 and 36907. Council Member Koski requested that Items #4 and #6 be pulled for comment. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Consent Agenda Items #2, #3 & #5 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Mosher stated that Check #36886 was issued to Evergreen Recycling which was the City’s mattress recycler. Administrator Statz stated that he believed that the fees were offset by SCORE funds and so that it was sort of a pass-through cost for the City as we are reimbursed for it. Council Member Mosher stated that he personally utilized the option, and it had worked out very “slick”. He stated that the process for drop off and bagging worked well. Council Member Mosher stated that Check #36907 was for lawnmowing services, which was discussed at last month’s meeting as well. He stated that he asked about the charges of $7,300, which looked like it was for three services of mowing in June, when typically, it would be four times. He asked if the city was getting to a point of looking at completing the services inhouse and at what point does the city feel the need to save money by providing the services Page 5 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 with their own staff and equipment? Administrator Statz stated that he recently spoke with the Public th Works Director about this matter. Administrator Statz mentioned that Mr. Palzer just completed his 30 year of employment with the City and had reviewed this issue previously about 6-7 times throughout his tenure. Administrator Statz stated that there was a time when this was completed inhouse and it is a large cost that we cannot not review often enough. Administrator Statz also stated that with the addition of another Public Work staff member it may be a good time to look at again. He also stated that it was dependent on the contract timing with the current contractor and that if there was another year remaining of the contract, staff would most likely wait for the contract to expire and then review. Council Member Mosher stated that if the city had a Seasonal, Part-Time employee allocated to this duty it may save money. Council Member Koski stated that he wanted to comment on the donation made to the Alexandra House and explained that they are an organization that assists individuals who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence/abuse and that he thought it was a fantastic organization. He also stated that he was proud and pleased that the city donated to them. He stated that he did not know how to put a value on their services. Mayor Love concurred. Council Member Taylor also felt that the Alexandra House also assists with elder abuse and a growing concern and awareness was critical to our community. Jr. Council Member Sauber stated that the Centennial Lakes Police Department also assist with these types of issues and that it was an asset to the community. Council Member Koski also stated that he wanted to thank Mar & Mar Properties, LLC for their donation to Main Street Market’s Kids Night, that the owner was part of the EDA, (Mark Remillard), and that it is all positive and wonderful stuff. Mayor Love also stated that Mr. Remillard was a Centerville Lion, and the donation is pretty fabulous. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Consent Agenda Items #1, 4 & 6 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love stated that Ms. Radermacher was now in the audience so that Item #3, Appearances/Presentations would be next. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Res. #24-0XX – Calling for a Public Hearing on an Interim Ordinance Prohibiting Planned Unit Developments in the M-1 & M-2 Zoning Districts Administrator Statz stated that this item was a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission to enact an interim ordinance as a vehicle for a moratorium on primarily the downtown area. He stated that all development in the downtown area requires a Planned Unit Development. He stated that a moratorium is generally placed for a maximum period of one year with a few exceptions of those requirements being more difficult to meet. He stated that the purpose of the pause would be to study three of the City’s documents, e.g. City Code, Comprehensive Plan and the Downtown Master Plan as they are the guiding documents of the city and as recently discovered, have some discrepancies. Administrator Statz stated that some of the negative impacts would be a pause in development for up to one year, affecting city owned property (1737 Main Street, the parcel on the corner of Main Street and Centerville Page 6 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Road and Block 7), along with privately owned property. Administrator Statz stated that he wanted Council and the public to know that if a completed proposal, with applications and fees be submitted to the City prior to an Interim Ordinance being effective, the moratorium would not affect that development. He stated that if Council chose to schedule a public hearing that would take place at the next meeting, ndth August 14, 2024, then have a 2 reading on the 28 of August and publish the ordinance on September 3, 2024, and that would be the effective date. He stated that he felt there would be a larger crowd for the meeting and that City Hall Council Chambers would not be a large enough venue for the meeting. He reported that St. Genevieve’s is booked that evening, and the Centerville Elementary School was available. He stated that it had been quite some time since the city has held a meeting there and that he was unaware of the logistics at the location. Administrator Statz stated that the moratorium could be lifted at any point. He stated that he felt that if a deep dive into the documents and a reimaged downtown plan that a year would be a tight timeline. Discussion ensued regarding development and buildings not making the community but residents, community organizations, businesses, etc. The necessity of the guiding documents being in harmony for all concerned (developers, staff and residents), concern for Block 7 and the possibility of having to return CDBG funding, keeping minds open to the public input from the public hearing and the silent majority not attending the meeting and weighing both sides and what is best for the city. Additional comments were stated that staff should always be fixing and making things better without the necessity of a moratorium, legislative pressure of development, the Senator being scheduled to speak with the Council the same evening, being a city that invited development and whether height, density modifications could be amended to address issues that have been brought to light with the proposed apartment building rather than a moratorium. Administrator Statz stated that at the public hearing if Council chose to place the moratorium is when the parameters would be placed, and this evening was consideration of the resolution to call for a public hearing to accept input only. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #24-014 – Calling for Public Hearing as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. EDA 2025 Proposed Budget Assistant City Administrator Lewis provided a review of the distributed proposed budget. She stated that the difference in what was contained in the packet and what was placed before them was the showing of the $15,000 contained in the Capital Budget (5,000 Opportunity Fund and $10,000 for the Façade Grant) with a total requested contribution of $56,658.60. Discussion ensued regarding the General Fund Budget and the approval of the EDA Budget timelines. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the EDA Budget as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. P & Z Commission 2025 Proposed Budget Administrator Statz stated that the Commission prompted the proposed budget as it is a requirement to be received by the Council by July of each year. He briefly reviewed the budget that was contained in the packet. He stated that the proposed budget amount was $15,900. Page 7 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Planning & Zoning Commission Budget as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. Res. #24-0XX – Requesting use of HRA Funds for EDA Local Business Assistance Grant Application – St. Geneveive’s Cemetery Fence Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that at the EDA meeting, the Board discussed the submittal of an application received from the Church of St. Genevieve to construct a decorative fence to replace their existing fence along Main Street and they were asking for half of the cost ($8,137.50) as the program is a matching grant. She stated that the resolution is asking Anoka County HRA to release those funds. She stated that they may have additional requests in the future either due to policy updates or to get to the level of $10,000. She noted that the Board would be discussing the program with possible changes being made to the policy. Discussion ensued regarding how many applications could be submitted within a year, how the funds would be released to the applicant, etc. Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that all the questions would be discussed at the EDA’s next meeting. Council Member Mosher stated that this was the first of issuing funding under this program. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #24-015 – Requesting use of HRA Funds for EDA Local Business Assistance Grant Application – St. Genevieve’s Cemetery Fence as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 5. Res. #24-0XX – Authorizing Purchase of and Transfer of Funds to Centennial Fire District for a New Fire Engine Administrator Statz stated that the Joint Powers Agreement states that all member cities must authorize capital purchases and consider asking for a shortage in the Centennial Fire District Capital Outlay Fund and Centerville’s portion to be added to the fund to allow the purchase is $47,000 with Circle Pines being $58,000. Administrator Statz stated the reason for the shortage is that the cost of the vehicle had increased. He reported that recently the Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Department placed an order for over $900,000 for the same engine and that the price that was being paid was a bargain. He stated that the engine that was being replaced just received repairs of $80,000, but we must have safe and reliable vehicles for our firefighters and the public that is served, and the purchase is not made lightly. He commended the district’s partners as SBM who made the deal for us and who recommended reducing the number of apparatuses to one ladder truck and two engines with one engine at each station. Council Member Koski stated that at the last Steering Committee meeting, lengthy discussion was had regarding the purchase and that the SBM contract was going to expire in the upcoming year. He stated that there was other equipment owned by the department, e.g., grass rig and water rescue equipment and that he felt they did well with this purchase. He stated that the relationship with SBM has worked out better than ever expected. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-016 – Authorizing Purchase of and Transfer of Funds to Centennial Fire District for a New Fire Engine as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 8 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 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. He provided the Council with a brief review. He stated that the festival was a success and thanked all that were involved. Jr. Council Member Sauber thanked the Centerville Lions for their service, the festival and all that participated. 2. Council Reports a. Taylor – Council Member Taylor thanked the Centerville Lions for their service and encouraged individuals to become active in their community. (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Taylor she stated that the Board would be working on the policy for the Main Street Enhancement Grant program. b. Koski – Council Member Koski stated that the festival was a success, and he thanked the Centerville Lions, Parks & Recreation Committee. (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave no report. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski and reported about their budget discussions and that they were anticipating an 18% increase and replenishing the Capital Fund with additional expenses coming. c. Sweeney - (i) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that in 1989 he joined the Fire Department, mutual aid and the way it is utilized then and now have changed. He said that the engines that the district is getting rid of now were the state of the art and how things have changed. He believes the way the Commission and the partnership with SBM and partnership of all emergency services the Council’s and those making decisions are getting in the way as all staff on the ground, work together and that is the way it should work and not politics. He felt that the direction that the Committee is going is the correct direction. He felt that the costs are not going down but the streamlining with SBM had been great and a good decision. (ii) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. (iii) Fire Protection Council – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. d. Mosher – Council Member Mosher stated that he believed that the festival was great with all the events, that it was good to see many participants and he thanked all volunteers. (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher stated that he felt that it was discussed with the EDA 2025 Proposed Budget discussions earlier. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love congratulated Public Works Director Palzer on his completion of 30 years of service with the city. He stated that he is a large part of what is happening in the city. He stated that he recently spent some time with residents of Harbor Crossing in White Bear Lake as his father-in-law has been there for a month. He stated that a previous business owner has recently moved there, and brief discussions were had regarding the property. He also stated that Fete des Page 9 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Lacs was a great success with Music in the Park starting it off. He thanked the Centerville Lions for taking on the organization of the festival and the parade. He stated that it was a great first week of Main Street Market with a Centennial Lakes Police Office on an electric bicycle who assisted on a call with a car accident in the neighboring community. He stated that it spoke volumes on how much we care about each other. He reported that Connor James and Humble Roots had their one-year anniversary, and he congratulated them on their new paint and their businesses. (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love gave no report. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adjourn the Council Meeting of July 24, 2024, at 8:33 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 10 of 10