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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-25 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION & CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Work Session prior to their Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of September 25, 2024, commencing at 5:00 p.m. The Council held their regularly scheduled City Council Meeting 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 Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) ABSENT: Council Member Raye Taylor STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis City Attorney, Kurt Glaser Finance Director, Bruce DeJong II. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2025 Budget Discussion Finance Director DeJong reviewed the information that was submitted in the packet with Council. It was stated that the amount of the proposed levy could be lowered if it were Council’s desire in the future. 2. LaLonde Property Update Administrator Statz reviewed a memorandum that was contained in the packet with Council. Discussion ensued regarding the use of eminent domain, construction/duel use as a Community Center, shared parking, sparking the growth of the downtown, and the necessity of reviewing plans. th 3. Rezone Request – Commercial to Multi-Family Residential – 20 Avenue S. & Center Street Administrator Statz stated that the City has received a request for rezoning the property from B-1 (Commercial) to a higher density which would allow an apartment (25-50 units). Administrator Statz stated that the property is surrounded by (three sides being zoned Commercial) and (one side being zoned City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Single-Family), to the west. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan guides nearby property for high- density, but not this parcel. Discussion ensued regarding spot-zoning, receiving public input, and whether the property owner desired to pursue his request, he could go before the Planning & Zoning Commission. 4. Downtown Study Logistics Administrator Statz reviewed the information that was provided in the Council packet. He stated that following meeting a with the City of Centerville’s Metropolitan Council representative, the second timeline contained in Council’s packet was more accurate, as the issuance of one Request for Proposal would work for the Comprehensive Plan which would contain an enhanced section for the Downtown (e.g. one plan). III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the 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 Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) ABSENT: Council Member Raye Taylor STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis City Attorney, Kurt Glaser Finance Director, Bruce DeJong 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 Mosher, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 2 of 7 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 IV. APPOINTMENT/PRESENTATION 1. None. IV. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. None. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through September 19, 2024 (Check #2295E-2298E, 27032-37070 & Voided Check #37050, 37051 & 36965) 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through September 19, 2024 (Check #15394- 15409, E2024072-E2024075 & Payroll Checks #15391-15393) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through September 10, 2024 (Check #9769-9774) 4. Accept the Resignation of EDA Member Tony Smith and Declare a Board Vacancy 5. Request for Final Payment – 2022 Thin Overlay 6. Res. #24-0XX – Appointing Election Judges for the General Election Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Motion by Council Member Sweeney seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Res. #24-0XX – Setting the 2025 Preliminary Budget and General Fund Levy Administrator Statz stated that this evening, Council would be setting the top end of the budget which meant that the budget can not increase, but it could be brought down prior to December 11, 2024, when the final budget is required to be approved. He stated that this action certifies amounts that are given to the County so that they can forward to property owners a notice telling them what their proposed property taxes will be. Finance Director DeJong stated that what has been presented was a responsible budget that meets Council’s priorities and remains affordable for residents. He briefly reviewed the information contained Page 3 of 7 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 in the packet. He stated that the budget, as proposed, leads to a 1.36% increase in property taxes to a median home or $19/year. He stated that in 2029 the city will be debt free and freeing up approximately $200,000 annual revenue that could be dedicated to something else. Discussion ensued regarding the Parks & Recreation Capital Equipment Plan of 15 years. Being fiscally responsible, comparison to other communities being much higher, bonding for purchases and in the past being approximately $600,000 of debt. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #24-020 – Proposed Budget & Tax Levies for 2025 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Audit Engagement Extension with Abdo Finance Director DeJong stated that the city has had a three-year agreement with Abdo which expired following the completion of the 2023 Audit. Staff and Abdo are requesting the agreement be extended for three years with very reasonable rates. Discussion ensued regarding the length of time that Abdo has been contracted with the City, when should the City engage in sending out Requests for Proposals (RFPs), does it pay to complete them, why it was not completed in this case, it being very difficult for firms to propose to complete audits as experienced Certified Public Accountants are very limited in the market currently and with firms not recouping their fees within the first three years, the size of the City and pricing being reasonable, four firms that primarily complete city audits, desire to complete the Request for Proposals following this extension’s expiration. Finance Director DeJong stated that the audit is time consuming, new government standard requirements may affect the fees that the firm is charging and that Abdo did not feel additional costs would be involved going forward. The increases seeming to be modest with inflation, etc. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Audit Engagement Extension with Abdo as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Meal Packing Event Support Administrator Statz introduced Mr. Jacob Pfeffer, Centennial Fire District. Mr. Pfeffer stated that the Department was working on an event to support local food shelves (Hugo & Centennial Food Shelves). He stated that the Department has partnered with Meals from the Heart. Mr. Pfeffer stated that they have been seeking donations and volunteers. He recapped stating that there were two spots available out of 80 for volunteers. He stated that the amount that had been raised was $4,250 to date, out of $7,100, which is needed. The funds cover all the packing of food, logistics, etc. He stated that the Centennial Fire Relief Association had offered to provide $1,000. He stated that they were shy $1,850 and he was awaiting responses from approximately 25 potential donors. He asked if there were any other pools that could be pulled from. City Administrator Statz stated that perhaps Council would want to utilize funding similar to what is utilized for the Alexandra House or the utilization of Charitable Gambling Funds. He also stated that there were plenty of expenditures that would qualify for use of the funds with annual accounting of same. Mr. Pfeffer stated that if the Department were to exceed the $7,100 level, those funds would go to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s military Thanksgiving packages and does not go to waste. Mr. Pfeffer stated that their website and social media outlets had links for donations and signing up for packing. Page 4 of 7 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Discussion ensued regarding the appreciation for the Centennial Fire District, Council Member Sweeney stated that the Centerville Lions have supported both monetarily and with volunteers for the event. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Koski to Assist the Centennial Fire District with their Event by Donating $1,850 to them. Council Member Koski asked if this event could be included in the Centerville Cares program. All in favor. 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. He provided the Council with a brief review. Administrator Statz addressed rumors regarding property owners being unaware that their property was rezoned. He stated that City records indicate that individuals had received notices due to several property files showing that notices were returned to the City and that numerous individuals attended the respective public hearings as the minutes reflect their attendance. He also addressed the rumor that staff has contacted the diocese to discuss tearing the church down which is false. He stated that what staff has completed is attempting to contact the local priest at the local Catholic church to discuss the future of their property. He stated that the church is not being used on a regular basis for Sunday services and staff feels that it is appropriate for us to understand the future thoughts of the church on that property. He stated that the church has been unwilling to meet. Administrator Statz stated that he has never spoken with the priest and only spoken with their business manager, Ms Susie Irlbeck. He stated that he has spoken with some of the trustees of the church to broker a meeting/discussions. Administrator Statz stated that Staff had been contacted regarding Campaigning and stated that the city does not get involved in whether things are being done correctly or incorrectly. City Attorney Glaser stated that candidates needed to seek private legal advice or to reach out to the Secretary of State’s office with concerns. City Administrator Statz stated that the city would enforce the ordinance regarding signage in a right-of-way, etc. He stated that the Clerk provided a rather large packet to all candidates upon their filing for office, which contacted Campaign rules and regulations along with other items. Assistant City Administrator Lewis gave a brief overview of the Economic Development section of the Administrator’s Report. Jr. Council Member Sauber stated that the previous week was Homecoming week where the Powder Puff team lost right away, the football team won their Homecoming game, and the dance took place on Saturday. She stated that the upcoming week would be full of athletics. 2. Council Reports a. Taylor – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Taylor was absent. b. Koski – Council Member Koski stated that he neglected to thank Assistant City Administrator Lewis for her time working with the League of Minnesota Cities and felt that it was a very nice letter of recognition that was read at the previous Council meeting regarding her efforts. Page 5 of 7 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave no report. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that the meeting would be taking place on October 24, 2024, where discussions would be had regarding extending the contract with Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View c. Sweeney - (i) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. (ii) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. (iii) Fire Protection Council – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. d. Mosher – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher stated that the Committee discussed City Hall lighting, and the tree out front of City Hall. He also stated that they are working with small businesses in the community by getting them involved in the programs that are being offered. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love stated that at every Council meeting there were opportunities for individuals to address Council if they complete a form available on the counter or on the city’s website prior to the meeting and present it to the Mayor or City Administrator. Mayor Love thanked Mr. Tony Smith for his service on the EDA and stated that there was an opening on the board. (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love stated that they covered the 2024 USA Cup Soccer Tournament along with 27 games and earned approximately $17,000 for providing these services. He stated that the sport staff received some much- deserved recognition from NATOA for government programming. The received an award for an honor in the live sports events category and the Pride of the Pines Documentary about the Centennial Cougars. They also won an award of honor and distinction in the editing category. He also reported that long time Public Access producer Rick Larson of th Blaine recently reached a remarkable milestone, in July he produced his 1,900 episode of his show Love Power. He stated that Interim Co-Executive Director/Studio Manager, Mr. Eric Houston brought a brand-new class to the Mary Ann Young Center which teaches seniors how to utilize the internet to complete their own online antique research and appraisal. He also stated that producers TJ Tronson and Eric Nelson hit the streets for this year’s Night to Unite with focus on Lino Lakes and Blaine this year with rotations for next year. Mayor Love reported that the Local Decision 2024 is officially underway with candidate interviews available on their website. He stated that Comcast has offered the Commission a five-year extension and the board accepted the extension. He reported that on July 29 representatives from the Operations Committee and staff met with the Northwest Suburban Cable Commission regarding merging and discussions continue. (ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love gave no report. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report. XI. RECESS REGULAR MEETING Mayor Love read the following prior to recessing the meeting. “The purpose of the closed session is to determine the asking price and to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property for real property; namely a parcel located at 1687 Westview Street, Centerville. The Closed Session is authorized by Minn. Stat. §13D.05, subd. 3(c)”. Page 6 of 7 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Mayor Love recessed the regular Council meeting at 7:46 p.m. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION I. CALL TO ORDER The purpose of the closed session is to determine the asking price and to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property for real property; namely a parcel located at 1687 Westview Street, Centerville. The Closed Session is authorized by Minn. Stat. §13D.05, subd. 3(c). Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 7:47 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Mayor D. Love, Council Members Koski, Mosher, and Sweeney, City Administrator Statz, Assistant City Administrator Lewis and City Attorney Glaser were present. III. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Consider purchase of property at 1687 Westview Street Discussion was held and no action was taken on this item. IV. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the Closed Executive Session at 8:49 p.m. XII. RECONVENE TO COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Love reconvened the Council meeting at 8:49 p.m. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. 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