Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-08 CC Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 8, 2025 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Council Meeting of January 8, 2025, commencing at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting was live streamed by North Metro TV. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. 1. Oath of Office a. Mayor Nancy Golden b. Council Member Russ Koski c. Council Member David Kubat d. Council Member Anita Rios e. Jr. Council Member Sophie Wynn City Administrator Statz swore in the above stated individuals. Mayor Golden stated that she was deeply honored and humbled to have taken my oath of office to serve the citizens of Centerville. She stated that it was not a responsibility that she takes lightly. She stated that she vowed to serve with dedication, integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the well-being of our entire community. She stated that she thanked former Mayor D. Love for his many years of service to the city. She stated that he leaves behind big shoes that she will need to fill. Mayor Golden stated that she wanted to recognize City Administrator Mark Statz who has served the city in multiple capacities for the past 20 years. She asked that the audience join her in congratulating him on his new position as City Administrator with the City of Forest Lake. Mayor Golden stated that this was a loss for Centerville, the neighbors to the north will benefit from his expertise, dedication and leadership. Mayor Golden thanked Mr. Statz for his years of service and wished him all the best. Mayor Golden stated that last fall her team made it priority to connect with as many residents as they could. She stated that they knocked on 98% of doors of homes in the community. She reported that they had the pleasure of speaking with 34% of the homeowners. Mayor Golden stated that she heard resident’s thoughts, ideas and concerns. She stated that she was still listening. She addressed the voters who elected her and sincerely thanked them for their trust and support. She stated that she was grateful for the opportunity to represent them and that she would work hard to live up to the confidence that had been placed in her. She addressed those that did not vote for her and stated, please know that your voice is equally important to me. She stated that she was committed in earning their trust and that in the day that are ahead she invited all to reach out to her at any time. Mayor Golden stated that community input was vital to building a bright and prosperous future for Centerville. Mayor Golden thanked her father and sister who taught her the importance of community service. 2. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor Nancy Golden Council Member Russ Koski Approved City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 Council Member David Kubat Council Member Darrin Mosher Council Member Anita Rios Junior Council Member Sophie Wynn (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis Finance Director, Bruce DeJong City Attorney, Kurt Glaser II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Golden provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Motion by Council Member Kubat, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS & PRESENTATIONS 1. None. VI. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None. VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. December 5, 2024, City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes Council Member Koski stated that even if the new members were not present or they had an opportunity to watch via live stream or if they wanted to watch them, they could table the minutes. Council Member Kubat asked whether the minute approval needed to be a quorum of members. City Attorney Glaser concurred. City Attorney Glaser stated that it was within the Council’s power to vote to approve the minutes even though members were not present. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to approve the minutes of December 5, 2024, City Council Work Session & Meeting Minutes as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through January 8, 2025 (Checks #37259-37285 & E2345) – 2024, (Checks #37286-37296) – 2025 & 37297-37317 & E2350-E2353) Page 2 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through December 23, 2024 (Checks #15511- 15533, E2024099-E2024105 & Payroll Check #15508-15510) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through December 23, 2024 (Checks #9825-9831, E240015 & Payroll Check #9823-9824) 4. League of MN Cities Membership Mayor Golden provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Council Member Koski stated that he would like clarification or additional discussion on Check #37262, #37264, #37271, #37281 and 37299. Administrator Statz stated that Council Member Koski would like to pull Item #1 and Council Member Koski concurred. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Koski, to Approve Consent Agenda Items #2-4 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Koski stated that there was not a receipt for the expenditure and questioned staff member’s attendance (Check #37262). City Administrator Statz stated that the item was contingent upon IX. New Business, Item #4, it relies on whether the Council wants him to stay during his 60-day notice period or leave prior to that period as it is an Engineering Conference (January 29, 30 and 31, 2025). Council Member Koski stated that check #37264 was for the City of Lino Lakes, which reimburses them for sewer services associated with Kwik Trip and NorBella sewer charges every two months (pass through costs). Administrator Statz concurred. Council Member Koski asked about (Check #37271) for LRS Portables of Minnesota and he presumed these where for the parks. Administrator Statz stated that throughout the summer months there are more portables and in the winter months, there is one a Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park and at Corner Stone Park. He stated that he felt that it was a quarterly bill but would complete research and get back to the Council. Council Member Koski felt that the bill was rather large for just two portables. Administrator Statz stated that a rough estimate would be $100- $200/month/unit. Council Member Koski stated that (Check #37281) was for reimbursement of a cellphone for the Administrator which is contained in his contract. Administrator Statz stated that he believed the reimbursement was in his contract for 2024 and that these expenditures were only for 2024. Administrator Statz stated that the expenditures was a stipend associated with utilizing his personal cell phone. Council Member Koski questioned (Check #37299) for ASCAP. City Attorney Glaser stated that it is one of the major organizations that pays artists their royalties for use of their lyrics/songs. Attorney Glaser stated that the bands that are hired for Music in the Park generally do not write their own music and play other artists music. Administrator Statz stated that there is another organization that we are also licensed with is SESAC. He explained that it is very difficult to obtain playlists from all bands that may be hired by the Parks & Recreation Commission for Music in the Park, then determine which artists/lyrics will be utilized and then compare with agencies that represent the artists/lyrics. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Rios to Approve Consent Agenda Item #1 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Memorandum of Understanding – New Positions – UOE Local 49 Page 3 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 Administrator Statz explained that a Memorandum of Understanding was less robust than a contract. He explained that with the retirement of Public Works Director/Building Official Palzer, there was rearrangement of duties and responsibilities of staff. He stated that an Organizational Chart has Mr. Peterson taking a more Leadership role in terms of the day-to-day operations and Mr. Schmitz taking on the role of Building Official so the two staff members have moved up in the responsibility realm and Staff felt that those positions qualified for a pay grade adjustment with Council previously voting to approve those positions and explained that this agreement is with the Union notifying them of the positions/pay proposing and obtaining whether they are in alignment with the pay grades, position descriptions and willingness to adding to the existing contract. He stated that it is acknowledgement until the expiration of the existing contract where negotiations will commence again. City Attorney Glaser concurred. Council Member Kubat asked if the Memorandum of Understanding would be signed by the Union as the Memorandum of Understanding contained in the packet did not have a signature block for them. Administrator Statz stated that it would be added upon approval by Council. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Memorandum of Understanding – New Positions – UOE Local 49 as submitted with the additional of a signature block for the Union. Council Member Mosher asked if there was a plan for the remaining Union Members as they grow in their positions. Administrator Statz stated that at this time, there will be a Public Works Foreman position that Mr. Peterson is moving into, and it was felt that the position would remain static with the potential for someone else to move into that position upon availability. He stated that he felt the same with the Building Official/Public Works Technician position but that it was slightly different and unique to find an individual that may be willing to have both responsibilities. Administrator Statz stated that he did not anticipate adding any additional higher-level pay grades within the Public Works Department. He stated that having two in leadership positions and three Public Works Technicians was probably where the levels of staffing would remain for a while. Council Member Kubat asked if the Public Works Foreman and Building Official/Public Works Technician would report to the City Administrator. Administrator Statz stated that it was slightly more complicated than that as with his departure there will need to be additional discussion regarding this. He also stated that a structure would need to be developed regarding the Public Works Director position. Council Member Koski stated that when the decisions were made, Council was unaware that Administrator Statz would be departing, and that he was unsure of moving forward regarding the City Administrator position. City Attorney Glaser stated that Council should consider this now as City Administrator Statz will remain in his position for 60 days and if in the future there were modifications, it would need to go back to the Union and that he would expect that they have been accommodating in the past and will be in the future. Administrator Statz stated that this would probably look like this rather than adding more responsibilities to the positions and what responsibilities the new Administrator would have with rearrangement if needed in the future. He stated that he believed having the Memorandum of Understanding in place was good as it could take a while for the City Administrator position to be filled. Council member Kubat stated that he understood that this was ratification of Council’s previous decisions and wanted to ensure all felt that this was the direction Council wanted to take. Council Member Mosher wanted to ensure that certification and education processes continue for all Public Works Staff. Council Member Kubat felt that discussions should take place with the new City Administrator to ensure the future direction of the Public Works Department, staffing, etc. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 4 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 2. Res. #25-0XX – Revising the Centerville 2040 Comprehensive Plan Administrator Statz stated that the Met. Council’s process for such amendments is a bit iterative as you need to send them something for them to approve, they then send something back to you and then you must ratify their actions. He stated that this is for a guided use of P-1 (Public) and a formal acknowledgement of that as we have their approval. Discussion ensued regarding the process and city responsibility associated with the property, Administrator Statz stated that it becomes a private sale, but the city will publish the ordinance, and it is effective upon publication, a closing date of January 15, 2025. Mayor Golden stated that the school anticipated that demolition would take place soon thereafter. She stated that she wanted to be made aware of when this would take place as she wanted residents to have an opportunity to say goodbye to the house as it has been an integral part of the community. She stated that she would like the Anoka County Historical Society to also be notified for photos even though it is not on the historical registry. She asked the LaLonde Estate if they would give their permission for individuals to enter the property for photos, etc. The LaLonde Estate representative stated that they did not believe, for liability issues, this would be appropriate and declined. Mayor Golden stated that the city could then work with the School District once the property ownership was transferred. Additional discussion took place regarding the statutory requirement for the second reading and whether it was allowable to waive it. Attorney Glaser stated that the city is allowed to waive the second reading as time was of the essence and that they were assisting the community and the school. Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve Res. #25-001 – Revising the Centerville 2040 Comprehensive Plan as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Ordinance #138, Second Series – 1687 Westview Street (LaLonde) Rezone Administrator Statz stated that this was an Ordinance to approve the rezoning with waiving the requirement of the second reading and rezoning the property P-1 (Public). Motion by Council Member Kubat, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Ord. #138, Second Series – 1687 Westview Street (LaLonde) Rezone and Waive the Second Reading Requirement. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Res. #25-0XX – Adopting the 2025 List of Appointments Mayor Golden stated that she discussed with City Administrator Statz that Council Members Mosher and Koski would retain their previous appointments unless they desired to change. Mayor Golden reviewed the draft 2025 List of Appointments. There was additional discussion regarding whether the mayor was required to be on the Personnel Committee and Attorney Glaser stated no. Mayor Golden volunteered to relieve Council Member Koski as he was appointed to the Anoka County Fire Protection Council. Council Member Koski stated that Council Member Rios had a background in Human Resources and that the draft should reflect that the Page 5 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 mayor is not required to serve but could. Discussion ensued regarding the addition of Mr. Carciofini to be appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Administrator Statz requested the modification of Bond Council to Jenny Bolten, Kennedy & Graven. He highlighted the official paper is required by statute and has been the Quad Press and their schedule of publication is timely and works well for the city. He noted that previously the List of Appointments denoted himself as the Engineer and staff modified it to be Kellie Schlegel, Stantec. He also stated that from time to time or over several years, Council Member Koski has stated that he would like to receive Requests for Proposals from some of the contracted services of the city ensuring financial reasonability. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #25-002 – Budget & Tax Levies for 2025 as discussed. Discussion ensued as to whether Mr. Carciofini would be added under Planning & Zoning with his appointment being on the Consent Agenda for the January 22, 2025, City Council meeting. There was also clarification that Council Member Rios was replacing Council Member Koski on the Personnel Committee. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Res. #25—0XX – Not Waiving Tort Liability Limits Administrator Statz stated that State Statute allows cities to waive liability limits. Attorney Glaser stated that this was a political compromise by the legislature and puts a cap on potential liability that the city could face and that he encouraged the council to adopt this resolution and if Council chose not to adopt it would result in if the city were to be sued the sky is the limit on liability amounts. He stated that all cities must chose to not waive or waive the limits on an annual basis. Motion by Council Member Kubat, seconded by Taylor to Adopt Res. #25-003 – Not Waiving Tort Liability Limits as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Payroll Benefit Error Resolution Administrator Statz explained that one employee had been deducted the incorrect amount or a higher value than the dental coverage that was chosen by the individual for his cafeteria plan options. The employee was unaware of the error and if the individual desired, they could have chosen an additional option for their monthly allotment. He stated that through negotiations with the individual, a compromise was reached with an equivalent dollar value of two days of Personal Time Off (PTO). It was stated that the PTO time would need to be utilized in 2025. He also stated that the union was satisfied with the agreement as the employee is a member. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Settlement as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. Resignation of City Administrator Administrator Statz stated that with his resignation, he stated that he wanted to honor his 60 day notice which would follow on Presidents Day, appointing an Interim City Administrator and he reviewed his memorandum with them. Page 6 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 Lengthy discussion was had regarding the three options and the possibility of a fourth option being retired individuals that have held a similar position, appointment turnover upon City Administrator Statz’s last day, the current position of Assistant Administrator as a succession plan, previously hiring a search firm and not hiring a search firm, interviewing search firms at a Work Session and explore the hiring of a search firm, transparency of attending the Engineering conference and the council/city not receiving value for that going forward but he would take calls and be available during the conference, engineering consultant at meetings as previous prior to hiring Administrator Statz who filled that position, if the Interim City Administrator position was filled with a staff member would they become salaried and obtain a pay increase as stated in the memorandum, agreement with the individual for completing the duties, a 10% increase upon his termination or immediately, salary decision would be a legal decision, Attorney Glaser stated that seems appropriate, a transition plan with duties, roles and salary for the interim position. Motion by Council Member Kubat, seconded by Council Member Koski Appointing Assistant City Administrator Lewis as Acting Interim City Administrator, Subject to a Plan with Respect for Pay, Benefits, Duties and Responsibilities for Presentation at Council’s January 22, 2025, meeting with an Effective Day of January 14, 2025. All in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Accept Mr. Mark Statz’s Resignation effective February 15, 2025. Council Member Mosher made a Friendly Amendment of the City Expending Funds for Administrator Statz’s Attendance of the Engineering Conference. The Amendment was Accepted by Council Member Koski. All in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Council Member Kubat, seconded by Council Member Koski to Direct Staff to Complete an Request for Proposal (RFP) for Executive Search firms and Review with the Personnel Committee Arranging Interviews for the January 22, 2025 Work Session. All in favor. Motion carried. 5. League of MN Cities – City Day on the Hill (March 6, 2025) Administrator Statz stated that the budget includes funding for advocacy/training events for Council Members and the Jr. Council Member position. He stated that it is an all-day event and is very beneficial which also allows for meeting of local representatives/legislators. No action was needed. 6. Res. #25-0XX – In Memoriam of Lisa Roemeling for her Contributions to the Centerville Community City Administrator Statz stated that Ms. Roemeling recently passed away, resided in the residence next to City Hall, was the owner of Carbone’s and was active in all city events. He stated that City Clerk Bender would be presenting the resolution to the family at Ms. Roemeling’s wake. Mayor Golden stated that she could attend along with other members of Council. Page 7 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #25-004 - In Memoriam of Lisa Roemeling for her Contributions to the Centerville Community as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMETS 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 reviewed the Centennial Area Chamber of Commerce Winterfest Event. 2. Council Reports a. Kubat – Stated that he was happy to be on Council. (i) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Kubat stated that he was eager for attending the Parks & Recreation Committee as their Liaison (ii) Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – Council Member Kubat gave no report. b. Koski – He welcomed the new Council Members and Jr. Council Member Wynn and stated that he felt that it would be a solid group. He also thanked Administrator Statz and thanked him for his contributions over the years. He thanked Mayor Love for his 20 years of service, sacrifices that he made and his leadership. (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski stated that the Commission is working on the Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan in preparation of the 2050 requirement. He stated that discussions regarding the Peltier Lakes Pond proposed thrd development, traffic and a proposed round about on 20 Avenue at 73 Street. He stated that residents should attend the Lino Lakes Planning & Zoning meetings regarding the development. He stated that Mr. Carciofini was recommended for appoint to the Commission and Ms. Dawn Kalina was appointed Chair. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski gave no report. c. Rios – She thanked Council for the warm welcome, stated that she is ready to commence her duties. She stated that she is honored to serve on the Personnel Committee. (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Rios stated that she was also eager for the role on the board. d. Mosher – He questioned whether concerns about the proposed roundabout be taken to Anoka th County Highway Department versus the City of Lino Lakes as 20 Avenue was a County Round. Council Member Koski stated that he has had discussions with Commissioner Jeff Reinert on numerous occasions. Administrator Statz stated that the County wants to work with both communities as the roadway services both communities. (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Golden – Page 8 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025 (i) Centennial Lakes Police Department Governing Board – Mayor Golden stated that several personnel issue and ratification of union issues. (ii) North metro Telecommunications Commission– Mayor Golden gave no report. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Golden gave no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Rios, seconded by Council Member Kubat to adjourn the meeting of January 8, 2025, at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 9 of 9