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Home My WebLink About2024-11-13 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE WORK SESSION & CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 13, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Work Session prior to their Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of November 13, 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 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 P.W. Director/Building Official, Paul Palzer II. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Junior Council Member Interview The Council, round robin style, asked a set of standardized questions from candidate Ms. Sophia Wynn, Centennial High School’s chosen candidate. Ms. Wynn answered each question professionally and provided additional background if questioned further regarding her initial answer by Council members. 2. North Metro Telecommunications Commission Discussion Interim Co-Executive Directors, Ms. Danika Peterson and Mr. Eric Houston introduced themselves to Council and reported their past and future efforts to replace Public/Educational/Government (PEG) Fees that are being lost due to resident selections of alternative service providers other than traditional cable providers. They also discussed their research regarding possibilities of merging their services with NWSCCC/CCX Media (Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission – Cities: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale). They discussed the differences in entities, lost subscribership, revenue and program generation reviewing a memorandum that was submitted in the packet. Consensus of the Council was not to continue merger discussions with NWSCCC/CCX Media at this time. City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 3. Mowing Contract Administrator Statz stated that it has been difficult for the City to receive competitive bids for lawn services and the current contractor, RJ’s Property Management, Inc., has continued to provide such bids. Public Works Director Palzer concurred and stated that the contractor has always been receptive to additional requests or being proactive with requests for improvement of services. Discussion ensued regarding the frequency of mowing being weekly, the past quality of services provided by RJ’s, and internal completion of similar services not being a fiscally sound option as equipment needed and additional staff needs would exceed the bid amount. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Love adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. allowing for a five (5) minute break prior to the starting of the regular Council meeting. 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 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 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 Council had a Set Agenda placed before them prior to the meeting and explained the additions/subtractions. He stated that Check #27206 (reimbursement for a resident that overpaid their utility account incorrectly) and E2327 (TASC an employee benefit service) were added under the Consent Agenda, Item #1 and the data provided by Anoka County and a Resolution for canvassing and declaring winners of municipal races for the 2024 General Election under IX. New Business, Item #1, Election Canvass Anoka County Delay of Results & Res. #24-0XX Canvass & Declare Winners. Mayor Love Page 2 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 requested that a correction be made to the Request for Council Action cover sheet for the Veteran’s Day Recognition resolution have no cost associated with adopting the resolution. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Set Agenda as presented and Removal of Costs Associated with the Recognition of Veteran’s Day. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENT/PRESENTATION 1. Junior Council Member Mayor Love stated that the Council interviewed candidate Ms. Sophie Wynn in their earlier Work Session. He stated that this would be the fourth year of the program, that the program has been very successful, in great partnership with the Centennial High School, has won state-wide awards and duplicated by many other cities across the state. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Appoint Ms. Sophie Wynn as the Council’s Junior Council Member for 2025. All in favor. Motion carried. NOTE: Jr. Council Member Sauber provided a honorary vote in favor of appointment. 2. Accept Resignation of Planning Commissioner Matthew McCabe and Declare a Vacancy Administrator Statz stated that Mr. McCabe had been a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission for approximately one year and unfortunately has family and job commitments that will call him away from the committee and he is submitting is resignation. Administrator Statz stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission did accept the resignation and declared a vacancy. Mayor Love thanked Mr. McCabe for his service and dedication to the city. Council Member Koski also thanked Mr. McCabe, wished him nothing but the best and hoped that he will serve again. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Accept the Resignation of Mr. Matthew McCabe from the Planning & Zoning Commission and Declare a Vacancy as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Delinquent Utility, Garbage and Nuisance Abatement Charges Administrator Statz stated that annually, by State Statute, the city is allowed to obtain reimbursement from property owners for outstanding charges that are delinquent. He also stated that the city is charged by the county for placing these fees on individual property owners’ property taxes for the upcoming year along with the city being required to hold a public hearing and notify the property owners of same. He stated that the city does charge a $50 fee for these services. He reported that at times, the amounts can be significant, and residents may feel that this is their way of paying their utilities yearly rather than every other month when charges are due. He also noted that if individuals have outstanding balances for municipal services and/or agreements for waivers of assessments for projects, they would also be included. Page 3 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Administrator Statz stated that Council would need to open the public hearing to receive public comment and right to appeal and following that action, Council could adopt the Resolution contained in Item #3, IX. New Business. Council Member Mosher asked if this is a common occurrence of individuals not paying their bills and allowing the city to certify their fees. City Administrator Statz concurred and stated that many are the same individuals annually. Council Member Mosher asked how many times the city has reached out to them. Administrator Statz stated that they receive their bills every two months which clearly states if they have past due amounts, but they receive one annual letter that warns them of their delinquency, the certification process and the public hearing. Administrator Statz stated that some, that receive the notice make payment to keep from being certified and that is why some are crossed off the resolution as they have paid prior to the meeting. Mayor Love opened the Public Hearing for Delinquent Utility, Garbage, and Nuisance Abatement Charges at 6:42 p.m. He called for individuals to speak on the issue, and none came forward and he stated that they would leave it open for a period of time allowing for others to come before the Council. 2. 2025 Fee Schedule Administrator Statz stated that annually, the city adopts a stand-alone ordinance for its fees. He explained that a public hearing is required because it is an ordinance. He stated that it is identical to the 2024 Fee Schedule except for several exceptions: sewer rates mirroring the Metropolitan Council fees that the city is charged. He stated that the base fee is not adjusted but the per gallon. He stated that there was additional information contained in the packet for their review regarding Metropolitan Council’s fees; the addition of a cannabis registration fee as at least one business will need to be registered and the fee in the schedule is the maximum allowed by state statute; clarification for individual background check fees associated with solicitation application and a per license fee; and clarification of additional items contained in escrow fees associated with new building permits. Mayor Love asked how solicitor licensing was enforced and whether they receive something so that residents are aware that they are licensed. Administrator Statz stated that it was policed mostly by complaint and usually this is if someone is licensed, and a resident believes that they have not be polite or too pushy. He stated that the Centennial Lakes Police Department will on occasion contact the city to ensure whether a company/individual is licensed, they provide the background checks, but they are not actively looking for those that are unlicensed. We do not send staff out to enforce. Administrator Statz stated that he believed they received a license on an 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper but not something that could be worn. Administrator Statz stated that most solicitors are aware that they need a license or certificate. Administrator Statz stated that if vendors are in town providing services to one address and they pass out flyers to neighboring residences that it solicitation and requires permitting. Council Member Taylor asked about more real-time fees regarding pass through fees. Administrator Statz stated that there is at least one of them and that is a water meter fee where it is stated “cost + 5%” is this is a pass-through fee from a vendor. He stated that others could be looked at going forward. Mayor Love asked if there were members of the public that wished to speak on the Delinquent Utility, Garbage, and Nuisance Abatement Charges. No individuals appeared before Council. Page 4 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Closed the Public Hearing on Delinquent Utility, Garbage, and Nuisance Abatement Charges at 6:52 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love opened the public hearing for the 2025 Fee Schedule at 6:52 p.m. He called for individuals to speak on the issue, and none came forward and he stated that they would leave it open for a short period of time allowing for others to come before the Council. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. October 9, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Love provided an opportunity for Council to make modifications if needed. Motion by Council Member Sweeney seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the October 9, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. October 23, 2024, City Council Work Session, City Council Meeting & Closed Executive Session Mayor Love provided an opportunity for Council to make modifications if needed. Council Member Sweeney requested that the word “signally” be changed to “signaling” under IX. New Business, Item #3, second paragraph, second sentence; paragraph four, the third paragraph, sentence six, change “place” to “placed”; the fifth paragraph, first sentence, remove “on” and sentence seven remove “also” between “today” and “and”. Mayor Love stated that during the Announcements/Updates, e) add “Volunteer Appreciation” between “event” and “and” in the first sentence of his report. Motion by Council Member Sweeney seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the October 23, 2024, City Council Work Session, City Council Meeting & Closed Executive Session Meeting Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love called for any public comment regarding the 2025 Fee Schedule. Hearing none. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to closed the public hearing at 6:53 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through November 13, 2024 (Check #37144-37206, E2327 & Voided Check #37099 & 37128) 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through October 31, 2024 (Check #15442- 15454 & E2024083) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through November 12, 2024 (Check #9797-9806) 4. Liquor/Tobacco License Renewal Page 5 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 a. S & B Corporation, DBA Kelly’s Korner, (Off Sale, On Sale & Sunday) b. JV Summit Corporation, DBA Southern Rail (On Sale & Sunday) c. Kwik Trip, Store #1182, (Off Sale & Tobacco) 5. Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation Forest Lake YMCA Request for Sponsorship/Donation 6. Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation Centerville Lions Use of Laurie LaMotte Park – Christmas in the Park, December 14, 2024 7. Membership Renewal – MN Rural Water Association 8. Encroachment Agreement – 1865 Partridge Place – Fence 9. Contract – RJ’s – Lawn Services 10. Performance Review and Contract Amendment – City Administrator Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Council Member Taylor requested that Items #5 and #10 be pulled for additional discussion. Mayor Love thanked the Centerville Lions for organizing Christmas in the Park as it has been a well- attended event in the past and it is anticipated that it will be again this year. He hoped the weather would be not too cold like last year. Motion by Council Member Sweeney seconded by Council Member Taylor to Approve the Consent Agenda Items #1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 & 9 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Taylor stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee fully supports Item #5, Sponsorship/Donation to the Forest Lake YMCA, stated that several of her neighbors utilize the facility, and that she is grateful that the community and the Committee find value in their services. Council Member Koski stated that Planning & Zoning Commissioner Bruce Thompson is a volunteer at the YMCA and he wanted to thank him for his service and bringing the item to Council’s attention. He stated that the YMCA offers swimming lessons, day camps, senior programs along with many other programs all of which are very, very valuable. Council Member Taylor expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the Administrator and his service for the time that she has been a part of Council. She thanked him for his hard work this year and she wanted to publicly acknowledge that. Mayor Love stated thank you for the fantastic work that you do for the city and caring about our City. He stated that it strikes him that during Mr. Statz’ days off he makes it a point to attend events with his family shows that you care about our city and that you want to be a part of it. He felt that that speaks volumes among all the other duties that are a part of your position. Council Member Koski stated that he looks back at other Administrators that have been employed with the City and Administrator Statz does a fantastic job, Council has pushed him to separate what he does an Administrator versus his engineering expertise, and it has been difficult for him to do that but there is a real bonus of having both skills that at times is difficult to measure. Council Member Koski stated that you can hear those skills during meetings, reporting, etc. where Administrator Statz attended rather than an engineer. He stated that Administrator Statz did a fantastic job at what he does and that it was much appreciated. Page 6 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski, to Approve the Consent Agenda Items #5 and #10 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Election Canvass Anoka County Delay of Results & Res. #24-0XX Canvass & Declare Winners Administrator Statz stated that the results of the election, a very detailed results and send those results to the County and the State. He thanked the elections judges who served, stated that the Head Election Judge was retiring and that the Clerk was planning a recognition of the individual. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-022 – Canvass the City of Centerville Election Results and Declare Winners as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love congratulated all of the winners and looked forward to seeing the new Council do great things for the city. 2. Res. #24-0XX – Proclamation Recognizing Veterans Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that she thought it would be nice if the proclamation could be read out loud. She read the resolution as contained in the packet. Motion by Council Member Taylor seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-023 – Proclamation Recognizing Veterans as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Res. #24-0XX – Adopting Delinquent Municipal Utilities, Garbage & Nuisance/City Abatement Service to County Property Tax Statements Payable 2025 Administrator Statz stated that this was discussed at the Public Hearing and reviewed the amounts per resolution. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-024 – Adopting Delinquent Municipal Utilities, Garbage & Nuisance/City Abatement Service to County Property Tax Statements Payable 2025 as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. SCORE Funds Agreement Administrator Statz stated that each year the City has a contract with Anoka County to assist to administer funds received from property taxes based on a plan that the City organizes and submits. The plan speaks of programs, staff time, purchases of allowable items promoting recycling, difficult recycling item coupons, education programs, mattress trailer and funding for future programming. Page 7 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Taylor to approve the SCORE Funds Agreement as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 5. First Reading – Ordinance #XXX, Second Series – 2025 Fee Schedule Administrator Statz stated that a public hearing was held earlier in the meeting with no public comment received. He stated that modifications that had been proposed with this being on the next meeting’s Consent Agenda. 6. Res. #24-0XX – Acknowledging Program Guidelines and Authorizing City Administrator to Apply for & Execute the Agreement for the Private Property Inflow & Infiltration Grant Program through the Metropolitan Council Administrator Statz stated that the grant is for Inflow and Infiltration and our sanitary sewer system which is to be a sealed system in which only sanitary sewer goes into. He explained that years ago, that was not the case where Minneapolis and St. Paul were a combined system where your storm water and wastewater went into the same pipe, and that was purposeful, and the product was not allowed to go into the river, we sent everything to a treatment plant which was good for the river but wildly inefficient due to the ratio of stormwater to wastewater is 10 to 1 if not more with it coming in big surges. He explained that over the years Minneapolis and St. Paul separated their sewers and as the suburbs built out, they were all built to the standard that we are. He stated that we have separated sewers and always have. He also stated that but what happens is as those sewers deteriorate and as people put perhaps illegal connections into the pipe from say a drain tile around their home or their sump pump directly piped into them those items add fresh water/ground water to our sewer system. He reported that a rain event will elevate the amount that is being enter into our system and recently a letter was received stating that the city exceeded the 80% threshold which Met. Council sets during rain events for communities. He stated that that action puts the city in as a qualifier for this grant to attempt to abate some of this improper drainage. He stated that the program is similar to the Smart Irrigation Program/Grant where is it a reimbursement program for citizens to participate in hiring a plumber to fix their drain that goes out from their basement out to the street, or they could have their sewer line televised to see if there are any problems in the line. Some rules or certain areas of town with older housing stock will come back and there is no cost to the city as it is 50% Met. Council and 50% to property owners. Council Member Mosher stated that with a previous home he owned in the city, sump pump inspections were completed but he does not see that happening any longer. Administrator Statz stated that the inspection is completed with the new home permit and the city has not completed inspections in 20+ years of door-to-door sump pump inspections. He did state that it may be something to consider at some point, but it is a major undertaking to get into everyone’s basement and it may be invasive to residents. Council Member Mosher stated that you can drive through town and see streaming of water coming from individual’s sump pumps. Administrator Statz stated that is why staff wants to continue to advocate for back yard drainage funding. He felt that the more that was completed in individuals’ yard to keep them dry there would be less likelihood of people piping the water into the sanitary sewer. Council Member Mosher asked if residents where aware that piping into the sanitary sewer was illegal and City Administrator Statz stated that from time to time we place articles in the newsletter providing public education. Administrator Statz stated that information would be forwarded to property owners regarding the program and language could be contained regarding the proper piping of the sump pump outdoors. Council Member Koski stated that he felt it was education and identifying those that needed assistance. Page 8 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-0XX – Acknowledging Program Guidelines and Authorizing City Administrator to Apply for & Execute the Agreement for the Private Property Inflow & Infiltration Grant Program through the Metropolitan Council as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 7. Public Light Display Policy Mayor Love stated that this item was discussed in a previous Work Session held by the Council. Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that the draft before Council represents the comments and feedback that was provided by them. She reviewed the modifications. Council Member Mosher stated that he desired for the policy to be more open versus state and federal holiday recognition and Ms. Lewis stated that the policy is a draft. Consensus was that the policy return to EDA for additional input. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to table the item. All in favor. Council Member Mosher stated that he wanted to keep it open and Ms. Lewis would expand the list and additional discussion would be held at EDA. 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. Assistant City Administrator Lewis gave a brief overview of the Business Appreciation Event stating that approximately eight businesses were represented and a very good venue with a presentation from Michelle Koch and program information for EDA and Anoka County representatives were also on hand. Jr. Council Member Sauber stated that today commenced signing of students for playing D1 or D2 athletics, that the Girl’s state swim and dive tournament was this week with two swimmers and one diver going. She reported that the Centennial Concert Band had started as marching band has ended. She also reported that the senior college English class took a field trip to the U of M on Friday to participate in a poet presentation by Ms. Natasha Tretheway. She stated that Centennial had a wealth of first-time voters and that a friend of hers, Lucas Chung, entrepreneur and notable community member was in Washington D.C. speaking to congress about the Boundary Waters which is an advocacy campaign for Minnesota National Parks. She stated that there was a blood drive coming up and two weeks ago she utilized Council Chambers for a video essay. 2. Council Reports a. Taylor – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Taylor reported that the EDA has been working on the lighting protocol and reminded the audience that the EDA meeting Page 9 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 th was rescheduled to the 18 at 6:30 p.m. along with reminding individuals to shop small, local and maybe homebased. b. Koski – He congratulated all the elected officials that were successful in their races and thanked the Centerville Lions for all that they do for the community. He thanked them for bringing back Christmas in the Park. He also thanked all veterans and their families along with all in uniform. He thanked Ms. Suzanne Seeley for her dedicated services and volunteerism. (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave no report. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski stated that there was a meeting where they discussed the budget and that they were on budget for the year with the contract with SBM contract expiring at the end of the year but have decided to extend it for another 12 months. He stated that they were working on a more detailed agreement and that had more sharing of capital equipment. He stated that a few more firefighters are needed at station #3 (8 right now) and if interested please inquire. c. Sweeney - Council Member Sweeney wanted to also congratulate the newly elected officials and he wished them well and there was a very good turn out for elections. (i) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that there have been discussions about a program for individuals that want to volunteer with the Department such a cleaning trucks, setting up truck and picking up after a fire call (Fire Core). (ii) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Sweeney stated that the Committee held a very lengthy discussion about a disc golf course within LaMotte Park and the Committee very much want more individuals to utilize the parks. He also stated that Assistant Fire Chief Matt Montain appeared before to request the installation of a dock so that access to the lake could be gained at Trailside Park for emergency response. He also stated that there was discussion regarding the possibility of installing pickleball courts in the hockey rink at LaMotte Park with trying a sport court surface and painting several other courts. (iii) Fire Protection Council – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. d. Mosher – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher stated that the Business Appreciation Event was held at Southern Rail with Kelly’s Korner catering for opening Southern Rail to the EDA to hold their annual event. He stated that the numbers keep growing every year. He appreciated Mayor Love and Council Member Koski’s attendance. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love thanked Assistant City Administrator Lewis for organizing the Business Appreciation Event and the Centennial Chamber. He stated that an item that he brought up was a partnership where businesses could sponsor parks as being a conversation between EDA and Parks & Recreation to see how there is a potential for this type of program that was shared by a citizen and the level of participation by the business could be something small or large. Mayor Love wanted to thank the election judges knowing that some where there until 11 or so in the evening, making sure that our community was well represented and taken care of. He stated that he feels very secure that things are done right in Centerville. He also congratulated the newly elected city officials and stated that it is a big job with big responsibilities. Mayor Love also thanked Centerville Elementary School for the veterans’ banner and placement of smaller cards along Main Page 10 of 11 City of Centerville City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes November 13, 2024 Street and he also wanted to thank our veterans for everything that they do as a part of our community and our world. Mayor Love also wished all a Happy Thanksgiving (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love stated that they have an upcoming meeting on Tuesday of next week. (ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love stated that they have an upcoming meeting on Monday of next week. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to adjourn the meeting of November 13, 2024, at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 11 of 11