HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-05 City Council WS & CC Minutes - Approved
CITY OF CENTERVILLE
SPECIAL MEETING WORK SESSION & CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 5, 2024
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Special Meeting Work Session
prior to their Scheduled Council Meeting of December 5, 2024, commencing at 5:00 p.m. The Council
held their Special City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers. The Special 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
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
Finance Director, Bruce DeJong
II. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Budget
Finance Director DeJong reviewed the presented materials contained in the packet with Council.
Comments were received by staff and questions were answered accordingly.
2. Staff Organizational Chart Changes
Administrator Statz reviewed the presented materials contained in the packet with Council. Comments
were received by staff and questions were answered accordingly.
III. RECESSED
Mayor Love recessed the meeting at 6:25 p.m. allowing for a five (5) minute break prior to the starting of
the regular Council meeting.
3. Stormwater Reuse & Rain Garden Project – City Hall Campus
Discussed following the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
City of Centerville
City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2024
4. Light Display Policy
Discussed following the regularly scheduled 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
Finance Director, Bruce DeJong
City Attorney, Kurt Glaser (arrived at 8:10 p.m.)
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Administrator Statz stated that
before Council, a revised agenda and two items (revised Proclamation for Public Works Director Palzer
and the correction of the title of IX. New Business, Item #5., Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service
of Outgoing City Council Member Taylor and the addition of the resolution). Administrator Statz stated
that a Public Comment form had been submitted by Mr. Thomas Wilharber.
Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Set
Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Thomas Wilharber, 6849 Centerville Road (Communication & Accolades Public Works
Director/Building Official Paul Palzer)
Mr. Wilharber appeared before Council, introduced himself and stated that he felt that with the City’s
website, newsletter and social media, the appropriate amount of information is being delivered to
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December 5, 2024
residents. Mr. Wilharber reminisced with Council and Mr. Palzer regarding his hiring in 1994 and other
achievements throughout Mr. Palzer’s career.
IV. APPOINTMENTS & PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Recognizing the Service of Public Works Director Palzer
Mayor Love read the revised Proclamation contained in Council’s packet. Administrator Statz provided
Council with numerous highlights of Mr. Palzer’s 30+ year career with the City stating that Mr. Palzer
was the unofficial emergency response or backup person for the City of Hugo in the mid 90’s for several
years as they only had one Public Works Staff member; served as the city’s emergency representative to
Anoka County, FEMA and the BCA; spearheaded the environmentally friendly practices, and Centerville
became the first of surrounding cities to implement a salt reduction program utilizing the use of salt-brine
roadway treatment and followed up with creating a consortium with the communities of Lino Lakes, Hugo,
Circle Pines and Lexington to receive a grant to purchase equipment for these communities to start their
salt brine programs; a founding member of the Anoka County well-head protection group and surrounding
cities’ backup Building Inspector group; volunteered for the Minnesota Building Officials Emergency
Response Team until 2023; in 1994 Paul was the 1,573 Minnesota Certified Building Official and was
th
currently the 24 longest licensed code official in the state; served as the City of Lexington’s Building
Official for two years; achieved many certificates of expertise in building inspections including the ICC’s
Certified Building Inspector, Certified Building Inspector Plans Examiner, Certified Building Official and
most prominently a Building Code Specialist (highest combination certificate of any Building Official in
the State. He stated that Mr. Palzer had coached four inspectors over the years with three of them having
become Designated Building Officials for Minnesota cities. Administrator Statz also stated that Mr.
Palzer holds a Minnesota Class D Water and Wastewater License and has mentored eight staff members
in receiving their licenses over the years. He stated that Mr. Palzer also created a pond inventory program
for over 100 ponds in the community and represented the city through varies groups (Anoka County
Wellhead, Highway, Parks & Emergency Service Groups, MNWarn, RCWD, MDH, MPCA, AWWA,
MRWA, ICC, MCES, Waterisac, MECA, MS4, DOLI, EPA, DOT, OSHA, MNDOT, DNR and MN Duty
Officer. He reported that Mr. Palzer has been on call 24/7 for 30 years, 8 months and five days as of
December 27, 2024. Administrator Statz provided Council with Mr. Palzer’s most memorable moments
and challenges (water tower freezing, two watermain breaks which emptied the water tower due to
contractors, many power outages, two storms damaging every building in town, underground lightning
putting a hole thru the city’s well pump on a clear afternoon, Y2K, 9/11, 2008 economic crash, staff
reductions, lift station 3 flooding, the installation of a new watertower, overseeing the inspection of more
than 800 new buildings and 40 subdivision/infrastructure project with the population growth from 1,750
to 4,000 throughout his career).
Mr. Palzer thanked Council for the opportunity to serve the city, stated that he could not have had the
career that he did without the dedication of his staff and stated that the city would be in good hands with
the current Public Works staff that was on board.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING
1. None.
VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
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1. November 13, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Love provided an opportunity for Council to make modifications if needed. Council Member
Koski requested that under Appointment/Presentations, Item #2, paragraph 2, reflect “nothing” rather than
“not” between “him” and “but”. He also requested that under Council/Administrator Announcements, e.
Love, sentence 4, reflect “done” rather than “do” between “are” and “right”.
Motion by Council Member Sweeney seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the
November 13, 2024, City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes as Amended. All in favor.
Motion carried.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. City of Centerville Claims through November 20, 2024 (Check #37201-37227, E2330-2334E
& Voided Check #37145)
2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through November 14, 2024 (Check #15479-
15474, E2024084-E2024089 & Payroll Check #15455-15457 & 15475-15477)
3. Centennial Fire District Claims through November 26, 2024 (Check #9809-9816, E240014
& Payroll Check #9807-9808)
4. Grant Agreement – State of MN – Solar on Public Buildings
5. Encroachment Agreement, 7313 Deer Pass Drive - Fence
6. Modify City Hall Hours for December 24, 2024
7. Contract – TruGreen – 2025 Turf Grass Agreement
8. Renewal of Tobacco License – Corner Express
9. Successful Probationary Period – Alex Barmettler – Public Works Technician
Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion.
Council Member Taylor requested that Items #4 be pulled for additional discussion.
Motion by Council Member Taylor seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Consent
Agenda Items #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
Council Member Taylor stated that she wanted an opportunity to express her support for the project,
ensuring that city facilities are being progressive in environmental impacts and changes. She thanked
staff. Mayor Love stated that he was excited in the changes and savings.
Administrator Statz clarified that the solar panels will be on both the City Hall and Fire Hall with them
being on the back side of City Hall.
Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher, to Approve the Consent
Agenda Items #4 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
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VIII. OLD BUSINESS
1. Ord. #XXX, Second Series – 2025 Fee Schedule
Administrator Statz stated that this was the annual fee schedule with major changes made for storm sewer
fees which are directly related to Met. Council’s fees for what the city is charged. He stated that several
years ago the city commenced mirroring their fees. He also stated that a cannabis fee was also included.
Council Member Mosher asked about Food Trucks and licensing. Administrator Statz stated that the City
has licensed these through either a Solicitor’s permit or Special Event permit. Mayor Love asked about
how the city knows about private events. Administrator Statz stated that compliance is generally
completed through the police department with notice coming from the city. Mayor Love suggested that a
reminder be placed in an upcoming newsletter reminding residents of private parties and the need for
permitting as he was unsure that most residents are aware of the requirement. Administrator Statz stated
that the reasoning for permitting is public safety services being aware of the event and the number of
attendees.
Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Ord. #137,
Second Series – 2025 Fee Schedule as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
1. 1687 Westview Street – LaLonde Property – ISD #12, Centennial School District
a. Comprehensive Land Use Amendment
b. Rezoning
Administrator Statz stated that the item was placed before the Planning & Zoning Commission where a
Public Hearing was held where the district presented information and that representatives were at this
evening’s meeting also to present information. Administrator Statz stated that there was general support
for the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Amendment and Rezoning. He also stated that the district is
proposing to purchase the LaLonde property that is currently zoned M-2. He clarified that the district is
asking for the zoning to be amended to P-1 (Public). Administrator Statz stated that the district could
purchase the property, construct a building on the parcel as a public building is an allowed use in all of
the city’s zoning districts. He explained that the reason to rezone the property to P-1 and re-guide the
parcel within the Comprehensive Plan is so the future individuals considering or purchasing property can
see that the parcel will be a Public Use and not Mixed Use. He stated that the city wants to be as transparent
as possible and provides a very clean project for the district when they construct a building on the parcel
with the same zoning as their current/abutting parcel. He reported that it was the Commission’s and staff’s
recommendation. Mayor Love questioned when the parcel would be removed from property taxes and
City Administrator Statz stated that the rezoning does not, but his best guess was when the existing
building is removed. He did state that this was a county question, and he would provide additional
information in the future.
Mr. Jeff Holmberg, Superintendent Centennial School District, introduced himself to Council and stated
that Mr. Pat Chaffee, Executive Director Centennial School District was also present. He stated that this
was a joint application with the current property owners and he reviewed the same presentation as was
presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
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Council Member Taylor thanked the School District for being at the meeting, the partnership that is had
and was supportive. Jr. Council Member Sauber also supported the project. Council Member Koski stated
that the rezoning was much more transparent with the proposed modifications, he previously heard the
presentation when he was at the Commission meeting and that he was surprised at the projections of new
students in the future and very impressive. Council Member Koski stated that the relationship with the
school would be strengthened if a shared facility was a possibility in the future as a community center has
been a priority of residents and the city. Mr. Holmberg again reviewed needs of the facility stating that
some of the schools are still hand-washing their lunch services equipment and Mr. Chaffee spoke of bus
services. Council Member Sweeney felt that a plus would be common usage, and he remembers when all
of the growth was happening. Mayor Love stated that he is supportive of the growth and population of
Centerville is growing and he was convinced that open enrollment was extremely popular and as plans
develop that conversations continue for equally beneficial collaboration. Mr. Holmberg stated that he
appreciated the collaboration with the city.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to approve the submitted
Comprehensive Plan Amendment. All in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to approve the rezoning
of 1687 Westview Street from M-2 to P-1 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
st
2. Ord. #XXX, Second Series – 1 Reading (Cannabis Sales)
City Administrator Statz stated that he would prefer that City Attorney Glaser be present for the item.
Mayor Love stated that they would discuss the item a when Attorney Glaser was present.
This item was discussed following item #5 without the presence of Attorney Glaser.
Administrator Statz stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission has reviewed, stated that the city is
required to register one retailer, not within 1,000 feet of schools, not within 500 feet of daycares and
parks/play equipment. He showed council a map and stated that the required zoning for sales would be
within the B-1 & B-2 zoning district. He stated that the east side of town would be where a licensee will
be able to operate. Attorney Glaser stated that this was on the retail aspect and regulations for citizen
protection. Attorney Glaser stated that with this ordinance, the city is ahead of the game as there remains
litigation and modifications at the state level that continue. Administrator Statz stated that this code does
not regulate the low potency sale of beverages or gummies. City Attorney Glaser stated that the city can
regulate the low potency sale of beverages or gummies if desired. Council Member Koski stated that the
Commission completed a large amount of research. Council Member Taylor stated that she would support
the regulation and Mayor Love stated that at the League desired local control rather than state control as
to who would be receiving a license by the state.
Mayor Love stated that this was the first reading of the ordinance so no action would be taken at this time.
3. Changes to City’s Organizational Chart
Administrator Statz stated that the item was discussed previously at the work session and staff would be
looking for all pay grade, and step increases accordingly along with Mr. Dan Schmitz being appointed as
Building Official.
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Mayor Love stated that a robust discussion was held at the Work Session and asked if any Council
Members had additional comments. Council Member Sweeney stated that the chart will be redrafted to
reflect that the Public Works staff reports to City Administrator Statz.
Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the
submitted Organization Chart with the revisions of the Public Works Department reporting to City
Administrator Statz. All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Advertisement for Open Public Works Technician Position
Administrator Statz stated that with the previous motion to approve the organizational structure, the
replacement of Mr. Palzer as the Public Works Director, staff would like to replace the position with a
Technician position as some of Mr. Palzer’s duties have been absorbed by other positions.
Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to approve the
Advertisement of the Open Public Works Technician position as presented. All in favor. Motion
carried.
5. Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Council Member Taylor
Mayor Love read the resolution that was contained in the packet. Mayor Love also shared that he was
amazed Dr. Taylor’s speed of the operation of Council, her ability to attend additional educational
opportunities and sacrifices that she has made throughout her service. Council Member Koski stated that
she has been very kind, engaging, humanity and has provided many perspectives. Council Member
Mosher stated that he has learned a lot from Dr. Taylor, and he appreciated her service and stated that
working with her has been a pleasure. Council Member Sweeney appreciated her understanding and stated
that it has been a pleasure working with her. Jr. Council Member Sauber thanked Dr. Taylor for her
mentorship and stated that her presence would be missed. Dr. Taylor stated that it had been an honor to
serve, she stated that she could not be fully committed to her continued service so she felt that she would
allow someone else to serve. Assistant City Administrator Lewis stated that she echoed Council’s
previous comments and appreciated the opportunity to work with Dr. Taylor. Administrator Statz stated
that it is rare that one council member will vote against an item, be the only one and he did not doubt that
any council member felt that you voted that way for the wrong reason or were being vindictive as your
reasoning was sincerity in your belief and he thanked her for her strength.
Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #24-026 –
Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Council Member Taylor as presented. 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.
Assistant City Administrator Lewis gave no report.
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Attorney Glaser stated that his partner, Scott Baumgartner completed the major work on the Cannabis
Ordinance.
Jr. Council Member Sauber that it was opening night for the Fall Play.
2. Council Reports
a. Taylor –
(i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Taylor reported that there was an opening
on the board and that she was excited about the holiday lights.
b. Koski –
(i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski stated that the Commission
discussed drafting land use language and the incorporation of all possible businesses. He
stated that they also discussed a Lino Lakes development project adjacent to the previous
Moore property with 262 homes with potential traffic issues that would impact the City
and encourage Centerville residents to attend Lino Lakes Planning & Zoning meeting and
a separate mailing to residents.
(ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski gave no report.
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 he was not at
the meeting.
(ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report.
e. Love – Mayor Love shared his condolences for the owner and family of Carboni’s and he stated
that he wanted to send out thoughts and prayers to them.
(i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love stated that he attended a
workshop which involved a very strong recommendation of not joining another
commission.
(ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love stated that Chief Mork received a successful
performance review. He stated that the City of Lexington would be chairing the meetings
in 2025.
(iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Taylor to adjourn the meeting of
December 5, 2024, at 8:34 p.m.
XII. RECONVENE WORK SESSION
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Mayor Love reconvened the earlier Work Session at 8:39 p.m. All members were present as stated above
in the Work Session section of these minutes.
3. Stormwater Reuse & Rain Garden Project – City Hall Campus
Administrator Statz reviewed the presented materials contained in the packet with Council. Comments
were received by staff and questions were answered accordingly.
4. Light Display Policy
Assistant City Administrator Lewis reviewed the presented materials contained in the packet with Council.
She stated that all comments had been contained in the new draft. Comments were received by staff and
questions were answered accordingly.
Mayor Love closed the Work Session at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender.
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