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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-23 WS, CC & Closed Exec. Session Minutes - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION, CITY COUNCIL & CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION October 23, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Work Session prior to their Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of October 23, 2024, commencing at 5:00 p.m. The Council held their regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m., and following the regular meeting a Closed Executive Session was held in Council Chambers. The regularly scheduled meeting of 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 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Community Priorities Administrator Statz stated that over the course of the last 12 months or so, the Parks & Recreation Committee has obtained the community’s input regarding amenities/priorities. He stated that these opportunities for participation were March 25 – Community Open House, July 16 – Music in the Park, July 18 – Main Street Market and July 20 – Fete des Lacs. He explained that individuals were given 5 colored dots, and they placed them on each amenity/priority or a write-in priority. The colored dots were given priority levels with point allocations of 1-5, with 5 being the highest priority. Administrator Statz stated that a summary of the aggregated results were contained in Council’s packet. Brief discussion was held by Council. 2. Fire Station Roof Administrator Statz explained that upon Council’s direction, staff submitted for a solar grant for panel installation on the roofs of City Hall and the Fire Station. He stated that notification City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 of award would be received on October 21, 2024, if successful. He explained that the roof on the fire station was flat and was original to the building (approx. 1991). It was stated that the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund had the roof scheduled to be replaced in 2028. Administrator Statz stated that once the solar panels are placed, if replacement of the roof was needed, additional costs would be involved to remove the solar equipment. He stated that Council may want to consider replacing the roof prior to installation of solar equipment if the grant application was successful. Brief discussion was held by Council. 3. Public Display Policy Administrator Statz stated that the EDA recently placed permanent lighting on City Hall that has color changing options as part of their beautification/placement making program. It was stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee also will be purchasing a Fiore Tree for Corner Stone Park that has the option for lighting. He stated that staff drafted a policy regarding when the lighting would be illuminated (evenings, events, holidays, and authority of granting requests). He stated that staff had researched other communities within Minnesota who had policies: however, each policy was unique to the responsibility of authorization. Brief discussion was held by Council. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. allowing for a 5-minute break prior to starting the regular Council meeting. COUNCIL MEETING (6:30 PM) Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER 1. 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 Page 2 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 City Attorney, Kurt Glaser II. PLEDGE OF ALEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Administrator Statz stated that there was a request for public commentary submitted from Ms. Nancy Golden which would be heard under Public Comment. Mayor Love stated that under Appointments & Presentations, the individuals have requested that their items be combined as they were about the same topic. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Agenda with the modifications stated above. All in favor. Motion carried. Public Comment Ms. Nancy Golden, 1654 Lakeland Circle, asked if Council and staff missed an opportunity for representatives of Anoka County to be at the meeting to discussion the recent incident that th happened on 20 Avenue and concerns of the business and residents that requested to be placed on the agenda this evening. Mayor Love stated that he would respond to Ms. Goldens concerns by stating that he did reach out to the County Commissioner who stated that he was aware of the incident, that he would be speaking with the Director of Public Safety. Mayor Love stated that he has yet to hear back from him. He stated that he was fully aware of the agenda item this evening. IV. APPOINTMENTS & PRESENTATIONS 1. Cassie Williams, Director of Creative Kids Academy - Safety on 20th Avenue Cara and Grant Johnson – Safety on 20th Ave near Creative Kids Ms. Cara Johnson, 1862 Partridge Place, Centerville, MN and Ms. Cassie Williams, 30980 Walmark Lane Dr, Chisago, MN and both introduced themselves to Council. th Ms. Johnson commented on the recent motorcycle accident that happened on 20 Avenue near Creative Kids Daycare on October 15, 2024. She stated that the motorcyclist lost control of th his motorcycle, came across 20 Avenue, across the path and crashed into the fencing of the daycare center’s toddler play area. She stated that no one was hurt, but what if. She thanked Creative Kids staff for their quick response to the victim, daycare children and their parents. She also thanked the public safety officials for their services. Ms. Johnson stated that she was asking that all take action to continue to protect the public from any other action that may happen and to protect the public from this type of incident happening again. She stated that th she had spoken with Commissioner Reinart, who seemed open to placing a barrier along 20 Avenue & Center Street protecting the Creative Kids Academy from a similar event in the future. She also stated that the burden of securing such barrier should not be borne by the Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 business but rather Anoka County and the City of Centerville. Ms. Johnson also asked that th the passing zone between 20 Avenue and Center Street be removed, reduction of speed on th 20 Avenue north and south between Main Street and Center Street and supportiveness between Anoka County, City Council and Creative Kids Academy along with transparency for the process. Ms. Johnson stated that she understood that a traffic study would be needed for speed adjustments, but what she wanted to understand was how to address this immediately and processes needed in partnership. Ms. Johnson also stated that the handout that was presented to council was where she would like to see the barriers and where the removal of the passing zone should be. Ms. Cassie Williams, 30980 Walmark Lane Drive, Chisago, MN, stated that she had spoken with two individuals with Anoka County who stated that the location of Creative Kids Academy is far enough away from the roadway to be in a considered “safe zone” from a roadway that has a 50-55 miles per hour speed zone. She stated that she was unsure how fast the motorcycle was traveling, but if it was a car, truck, a cargo van, etc. the accident would have been worse. She stated that the County has stated that a traffic study would be at least a year out. She asked if the city could assist in fast-tracking a study following this incident and possibly making the area around the Academy a school zone. Ms. Williams stated that she has started a petition and has 200 individuals signed up already. She stated that the safety of her kids mattered a lot. She thanked Council for their time and hoped she had their support. Mayor Love asked Attorney Glaser if Council had the ability to amend the agenda to add this item to the agenda. Attorney Glaser stated yes with a motion. Mayor Love asked Council for a motion. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Taylor to add Item th #3, under New Business, 20 Avenue Traffic. All in favor. Motion carried. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. None VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. September 25, 2024, Work Session, City Council, and Closed Executive Minutes. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Approve the September 25, 2024, Work Session, City Council, and Closed Executive Minutes, as stated above. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through October 23, 2024 (Checks #37103-37143, E2309-2315 & Voided Check #36814, 36891, & 37044) 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through October 17, 2024 (Checks #15429-15441, E2024080-2024082 & Payroll Check #15426-15428) Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through October 22, 2024 (Checks #9794-9796, E240013 & Payroll Check #9792-9793) 4. Encroachment Agreement, 1811 Laramee Lane - Fence 5. Contract – Embedded Systems – Warning Siren Monitoring 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. Personnel Policy Updates Administrator Statz stated that the City’s Health Care Savings Plan was turned down by the State of Minnesota and Finance Director DeJong thought that more flexibility for employees that may have been utilizing the program could take advantage of. He stated that the proposed language reverts to the previous language accordingly. Discussions were held internally with staff regarding the matter. Administrator Statz stated that the other modification was regarding the Earned Safe and Sick requirements with part-time employees earning over 80 hours, committee/commission members, etc. He stated that staff will continue to comply with the requirements. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Approve the Personnel Policy updates as presented. All in favor. Motion carried 2. Resolution 24-0XX Supporting Grant Application - Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMS) Administrator Statz stated that this resolution is for a grant but not funding. He stated that it is for technical support associated with community engagement and it seemed to fit with our Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan in which this is geared towards obtaining community input. He stated that this would be a start and at little to no cost. Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that she had participated in conversations with individuals from the University of Minnesota to obtain whether it would be viable to utilize the grant for community engagement and they concurred. She stated that the project would take 9-12 months, and that the city would be in line for additional funding due to the study and she felt that it was a good opportunity. She stated that the submittal timeframe is February 2025, and staff is asking for direction as to whether to submit and participate in the project in 2025. Council discussion ensued regarding follow-up/reporting, additional funding that may be needed. Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that it was just technical assistance and no compliance reporting or matching funding requirements. Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res.#24-022 Supporting Grant Application – Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMS) as presented. All in favor. Motion carried th 3. Discussion of 20 Avenue & Center Street Traffic/Safety Mayor Love stated that he believed that the pedestrian path was the city’s and the city does have control over that. He stated that the city could make requests of the County and work with them but cannot make specific changes on our own. Administrator Statz stated that obstructions cannot be placed in the County’s road right-of-way. Discussion ensued regarding the City’s role with it being a safety issue, the corridor study recently completed do what we can with law enforcement, short term mitigation, state regulations, and things that can be addressed by the city. It was stated that it would be nice to protect pedestrians on the trail, alleviate last minute signaling and braking in the area, completing the Fairview Street and Center Street alignment in the future, having additional space between the trail and road right-of-way, assisting with accelerating the alignment, ability to place signage such as no passing, etc. Administrator Statz presented the final study and stated that the recommended future plan for th 20 Avenue was that Fairview Street and Center Street align and include turn lanes. He stated that funding from Amazon was received to complete this in a two-year plan. He questioned whether to complete this as a stand-alone project or include it with Anoka County’s project. He stated that he advocated that it be a stand-alone project and on everyone’s radar. He stated that a round-a-bout was considered but eliminated as there would be either one at Cedar Street or Birch Street or both. He also stated that Amazon deeded a sliver of property to Anoka County where the roadway may have a potential to be moved to the east of this area and the th timing, 2 years, or with the 20 Avenue project. City Administrator Statz stated that the focus should be placed on immediate changes and what can be completed. He stated that constructing a barrier may be an option. He stated that he did not believe that the County would allow the city to construct a barrier in the right-of-way or at least out of the “clear zone”. He explained that if there was an obstruction in the “clear zone” a guardrail is needed but if not in the “clear zone”, no guardrail per engineering guidelines and principles state. He felt that a temporary barrier could be constructed within days or weeks at the right-of-way or on private property. He also stated that discussions would be needed as to type, costs, permissions, etc. He felt that nothing stands in the way of placing barriers on private property as the County does not have jurisdiction on private property. He also stated that the City’s code can be adjusted if need be for this safety issue. He stated that he felt that was the quickest way to address this issue at this time and the other concerns were going to take longer to address than everyone would like. He stated that he does believe that the city can work with the County to expedite the other items as quickly as possible. Administrator Statz stated that he reached out to the Engineer as well and expected that a meeting will be held in the very near future. City Administrator felt that a no passing zone did not have unintended consequences, lowering the speed limit does not slow people down the data shows that it is not effective. He stated he was unsure that whether a daycare could be allowed to be Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 designated a school, but City Attorney Glaser may speak to that issue. City Attorney Glaser stated that a school must qualify for a specific agenda and if they do then they qualify as a school zone and the speed limit would be reduced to between 15-30 mph during school hours. City Administrator stated that with a project looming, it poses an opportunity to make some improvements that are sensible and incorporated into the project. Additional discussion ensued regarding placement of a speed trailer/sign, additional law enforcement, kids at play signage, the trail being constructed in the county right-of-way, the area feeling weird while walking, height of a barrier and trajectory of a vehicle play into this issue and stopping anything. Administrator Statz stated that the goal of the study is to lower th the speed on 20 Avenue, and with round abouts are visual ques to drivers that it is an urban area and needs for decreasing speeds. Mayor Love stated installation of a guardrail on the Creative Kids site could be immediately installed along with a flashing yellow light and sign stating kids at play. City Attorney Glaser stated that if Creative Kids Academy meets the criteria of a school the County must recognize that and place signage and decrease the speed limit during school hours. Staff was directed to work with Creative Kids Academy to see if they meet the criteria of a school. Mayor Love asked Administrator Statz for an estimate of the cost of a barrier to be located on the Creative Kids Academy property. Administrator Statz stated that it would be a “Jersey” type barriers with Q3 completing the installation at approximately $10,000. Council Member Koski stated that he also spoke with the County Commissioner earlier today and “Jersey” barriers would be a quick fix. He also stated that moving the play area to the other side of the building would also protect the children as this incident may increase their insurance rates. Administrator Statz stated that discussion needed to be had regarding public purpose of this expenditure and whether it was appropriate to be placing these barriers on private property. Administrator Statz stated that the EDA may want to include safety improvements to buildings for businesses to their grant program. Mayor Love stated that it needed to be determined whether the daycare fit the requirements of being considered a school, work with the County as three members of the Council have contacted them regarding the issue and advocate for collaboration on public safety in the area with potentially accelerating the intersection correction plan. Mayor Love stated that the Council was discussing the issue at the meeting which was being transparent. Motion by Mayor Love, seconded by Council Member Koski to allow staff to expend no more than $15,000 to install “Jersey” barriers, with the permission of Creative Kids Academy on the daycare side of the path from the corner of the front façade of the building to the south property line. Council Member Koski questioned whether the type of barrier needed to be distinguished, concern for cost and allowability of the City’s installation on private property and was their any conditions that should be placed in the motion for same. City Attorney stated that staff would determine, if clarification was needed, the item would be brought back to Council for consideration, but the motion was for authorization of staff to act on the installation. Council Member Mosher desired for the installation of a speed sign to be included, and Mayor Love stated that placing signage along the roadway would be completed by Anoka County Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 rather than the city. Administrator Statz stated that Centennial Lakes Police and the County have mobile signage for speeds that could be deployed at no cost and staff will take care of. Council Member Taylor stated that she would be remiss to not support the motion, but she was not supporting the cost as a Council Member. She stated that she would vote against the motion, but not against the notion and that she was fully supported of the idea, but at this point in the juncture, she did not feel that she could vote in the affirmative as there was too many pieces of the puzzle that were not there. She clarified that it was the responsibility piece of have we explored all the options and then this is the last one and we are going to do that as answers would be coming in the next two weeks when the Council will meet again. Council Member Sweeney stated that he had concerns regarding setting a precedence but was in favor of making the area safer without ramifications of Council’s action. Attorney Glaser stated that staff needed to ensure that the expenditure was a public purpose expenditure, and a report will be forthcoming soon. Council Member Sweeney asked if the motion covered the city. Attorney Glaser stated that law governs staff every day, and the motion directs staff to get the job done with parameters. He stated that staff would follow law ensuring that it gets completed. Council Member Sweeney stated that this was a temporary fix for a problem that needs a permanent fix. 4/5 vote with Council Member Taylor, nay. Motion carried. X. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORT 1. Administrator’s 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 Council with a brief review. Assistant City Administrator Lewis provide a brief review of the Centerville Cares portion of the Administrator’s Report and reviewed the EDA Board vacancy information contained in the report. She also reported that the EDA was collaborating with the Centennial Area Chamber on a Shop Local Campaign for local businesses to participate in marketing, discounts, promotions that they would like to entire shoppers in conjunction with Small Business Appreciation Week November 25-29 and Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024. Jr. Council Member Sauber stated that winter sports were beginning, she stated that there was an Activities Fair recently for all non-athletic clubs, the Centennial Knowledge Bowl was starting their practices this week. Attorney Glaser thanked all that shared their concerns regarding the recent motorcycle accident and that it really illustrates the importance of traffic safety, and he thanked Council for taking quick action on the matter. 1. Council Reports Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 a) Taylor (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Tayor stated that the lights had been installed on City Hall. b) Koski – Council Member Koski stated that the Volunteer Appreciation event took place the previous evening with the event being well organized. He stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee was the organizers, and he thanked volunteers and participation was good. (i) Planning and Zoning Commission – No report was given. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that the meeting would commence at 7 p.m. at the Circle Pines City Hall. He stated that there would be discussion regarding the contract with SBM (Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View) Fire Department c) Sweeney – Council Member Sweeney stated that St. Genevieve’s Church was also having a Trunk or Treat event at the church on October 26, 2024, later in the evening. (i) Parks and Recreation Committee – No report was given. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that the meeting was moved to October 24, 2024. (iii) Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No report was given. d) Mosher (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher stated that their annual Business Appreciation would be taking place on November 4, 2024, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Southern Rail. He stated that dinner would be served, and a guest speaker would be on site. Council Member Mosher stated that every year the participation grows. (ii) Police Governing Board e) Love – Mayor Love thanked Ms. Heidi Errickson-Grahek, Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee, for organizing the Volunteer Appreciation Event and he thanked all for their volunteer efforts (e.g. gardeners, Scouts, Lions, Committee/Commission Members, election judges, Main Street Market volunteers, etc.). He stated that it was a good turnout and a great event. He also reported that recently there was a Fire Department Open House which was also well attended. He stated that a member of the public held a cancer fundraising event and that too was well attended. He stated that Trunk or Treat and the Centennial Fire District would be holding events on October 26, 2024. Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 He reported that he would be announcing the upcoming Centennial Football game. (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission -No report was given. (ii) Police Governing Board – No report was given. (iii) Other Mayor Reports – No report was given. XI. RECESS REGULAR MEETING Mayor Love recessed the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 8:05 p.m. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION This meeting is closed pursuant to MN State Statutes 13D.05, Subdivision 3(a), to evaluate the performance of the City Administrator. Mayor Love called to order the Closed Executive Session at 8:06 p.m. I. Call to Order/Roll Call Present were Mayor Love, Council Members Koski, Mosher and Sweeney, City Administrator Statz and City Attorney Glaser. II. Agenda Items 1. Annual Performance Review – City Administrator, Mark Statz This session’s duration was one hour and twenty-nine minutes. III. Adjournment Mayor Love adjourned the Closed Executive Session at 9:43 p.m. COUNCIL MEETING (CONT’D) XII. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING Mayor Love reconvened the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 9:43 p.m. XIII. NEW BUSINESS (CONT’D) 3. Summary of Conclusions regarding the Evaluation of the City Administrator The City Administrator received a successful review. The terms and compensation of his employment were discussed. 4. Contract Amendment – City Administrator Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Meeting October 23, 2024 Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to increase the City Administrator’s Salary to $143,520, effective January 1, 2025, and to instruct the City Attorney to revise the Administrator’s written contractual agreement to ensure if reflects an ongoing employment-at-will relationship, subject to the additional terms found in the written agreement. All in favor. Motion carried. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Taylor to adjourn the City Council meeting at 9:44 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 11 of 11