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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-10 CC & Closed Exec. Session Minutes - Approved Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING & CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville the City Council held its 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. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Golden called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. City Administrator Lewis administered the swearing-in of Council Member Linda Broussard Vickers. Her term runs from this evening (September 10, 2025) through the first Monday of January 2027. 1. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor Nancy Golden Councilmember Linda Broussard Vickers Council Member Russ Koski Council Member David Kubat ABSENT: Council Member Anita Rios Junior Council Member Sophie Wynn (Non-Voting) STAFF: City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis City Attorney, Kurt Glaser City Engineer, Kellie Schlegel II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Golden provided an opportunity for staff and council to add or delete items. Item #1 under New Business was requested to be removed from the agenda. Motion by Mayor Golden, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the agenda as amended. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS & PRESENTATIONS 1. Fete des Lacs and Centerville Parade – Summary of Recent Events Centerville Parade Organizer, Ms. Bridget LeMire provided a summary of the parade for the year. Centerville Lions President, Ms. Mel Lawlis, provided a Fete des Lacs update. Mayor Golden thanked both for their work on these events. City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 OPEN FORUM Mr. Chad Wagner, 6781 Beaver Pond Way, thanked all for their service on the City Council. He addressed the City Council regarding the switchover of the Fire Department to Spring Lake Park/Blaine/ Mounds View. He asked why Lino Lakes was not asked for a bid for service. Homeowner insurance considers water availability. The Lino Lakes station could service Centerville within 5 minutes. Lino Lakes would hire the Centerville firefighters and would not need the fire equipment, which could be sold by Centerville. He does not understand why Lino Lakes would not be utilized. Council needs to consider what is best for the residents. Mr. Rodman Smith, 1630 Hunters Ridge Lane, has 31 years of experience working in public safety. He encouraged the Council to consider receiving a bid from Lino Lakes for fire services. Mr. Smith stated that he hears more sirens in Centerville than when he lived in Minneapolis and that he has heard stories of the difficult relationship of working with the City of Lino Lakes in the past, but he believes this would be best for Centerville. Mr. Scott Bosell, 6793 Beaver Pond Way, recently retired from the Minneapolis Fire Department after 34 years. Response time is very important for a good outcome for incidents. He finds it troubling that three other cities are responding to incidents in Centerville. Lino Lakes has a new fire station ¼ mile from Centerville City Hall. Mr. Jeff Pfeffer, Lieutenant, Centerville Fire Department stated that he was indifferent to the discussions being held and understands that Centerville was surrounded by the City of Lino Lakes. He stated that he was confident that Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View will make it work here. Mayor Golden closed the Open Forum. V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. None. VI. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Golden provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. 1. City of Centerville Claims through September 10, 2025 (Checks #37833-37864 & E2486- E2491) 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through September 4, 2025 (Checks #15854- 15864, E2025060-2025067 & Payroll Checks #15851-15853) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through September 9, 2025 (Checks #9971-9974) 4. July 9, 2025, Work Session & City Council Meeting Minutes 5. Acceptance of Resignation Letter & Res. #25-0XX – Recognizing & Honoring Mr. Richard Nelson, Planning & Zoning Commissioner 6. Res. #25-0XX – A Resolution Proclamation for Constitution Week Page 2 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 7. 2026 Agreement for Residential Recycling Program – Anoka County Contract #C0011694 8. Special Event Permit Application – Private Property, 1700 Block of Dupre Road 9. Park and Recreation Committee Recommendation – Volunteer Appreciation Council Member Koski requested that Consent Agenda Items #5 and #9 be pulled from the Consent Agenda for additional discussion. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Kubat to Approve Items #1-4, and #6-8 on the Consent Agenda, as presented. All in favor (Broussard-Vickers abstained). Motion carried. Council Member Koski stated that he pulled Item #5 as he wanted to acknowledge outgoing Planning & Zoning Commissioner Nelson’s service and provide an opportunity for the mayor to read the resolution to the audience. Mayor Golden stated that outgoing Commissioner Nelson was her father. Council Member Koski stated that he has enjoyed his interactions with outgoing Commissioner Nelson. Mr. Richard Nelson thanked the Council for allowing him the honor of serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Kubat to Approve Consent Agenda Item #5, Res. #25-025 – Recognizing & Honoring the Service of Planning & Zoning Member Richard Nelson as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. He Council Member Koski stated that he pulled Item #9 as he wanted to acknowledge all volunteers of the City. Mayor Golden added that the Volunteer Appreciation event would be held on October 22, 2025. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Mayor Golden to Approve Consent Agenda Item #9 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. 6996 Brian Drive Pond Administrator Lewis stated that the property owners of 6996 Brian Drive have been working with the City toward the resolution of their wet backyard for quite some time. A cost-share option was proposed through the City’s backyard drainage program – the cost-share option was considered viable with the understanding that the neighbors would all sign special assessment waivers. Since not all the neighbors were willing to do this, the Council requested that staff seek additional options for helping the homeowner. Administrator Lewis stated that elevations of the ponds, adjacent homes, ditch and culvert were obtained and evaluated by City Engineer Kellie Schlegel. Ms. Schlegel provided additional information to resolve the issue and summarized her report contained in Council’s packet. The City Engineer proposed two options: Page 3 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 Option 1 – Channel Improvements – This option would involve clearing and grubbing, excavation of the existing channel (4’ wide), and restoration. The estimated construction cost for this option is roughly $35,000 - $56,000. Option 2 – Pump Station – This option would involve clearing and grubbing, installation of a single pump and lift station structure, controls, force main, power source, and restoration. The estimated construction cost for this option is roughly $100,000 - $150,000. A stormwater utility project was discussed, focusing on the yards of four homes located at 1922, 1932, 1940 Eagle Trail, and 6996 Brian Drive. The Council had discussed a proposal to lower the pond. The cost for lowering the pond was estimated to be $45,000, and there would be an additional cost of about $5,000 for a feasibility report, should the property owners be assessed. The Council directed staff to contact the residents to see if they were still interested in the project since there was no consensus among the neighbors. In January 2025, Staff proposed moving forward with the project, as no permit was needed with the Rice Creek Watershed District, and Special Assessment Agreement & Waivers of Hearing and Appeals would be obtained by the affected property owners as all seemed amenable to the project. The estimated project cost did not include any indirect fees. In February 2025, all affected property owners received a proposed Special Assessment Agreement/Waiver of Hearing & Appeal. Two of the property owners signed the agreements: 6996 Brian Drive and 1940 Eagle Trail. The Special Assessment Agreement/Waiver of Hearing & Appeal was emailed to the 1922 and 1932 Eagle Trail property owners for the second time. No responses were received. In April 2025, Staff contacted both property owners via telephone to ascertain their interest in the project, and both stated that they were not in favor of the project as their properties would be the ones impacted. Both property owners also felt that the owner experiencing the drainage issue purchased the home knowing that it abutted a pond, and that an individual solution could be found. These property owners felt that they were not experiencing the same conditions and that it did not appear to be a neighborhood problem. The project is estimated to cost $45,000, including construction and engineering costs. Staff will handle as much of the engineering in-house as possible, but the permitting process may need to include modeling, which would require a consultant’s assistance. Funding for the project would include special assessments, estimated at $12,000. The remaining costs ($33,000) would come from the City’s stormwater fund. The assessments on this project would represent a contribution of 27% from the adjoining homeowners and 73% from the City. Staff recommends that if the City Council is amenable to the proposed cost share for this project, Staff will complete some initial discussions with the watershed and return for formal approval of a feasibility study to begin the project process. There was a discussion about a stormwater pipe using the current system, which is still an option. This would tie into the existing storm sewer drainage on Eagle Trail. The cost for that was approximately $45,000. There is a lot of debris clogging the drainage. The most effective option would be to pump the water out of the pond. The question came up of what would happen if the debris were cleared. Clearing the debris would not solve the problem forever. Is it the City’s responsibility to take care of issues like this? A precedent may be set. This is a private pond. The question of what the homeowner’s responsibility Page 4 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 is. Generally, the City does not take responsibility for private ponds. There was a discussion about whether there is an easement and its location. There are platted utility and drainage easements. City Attorney Glaser provided some input on the matter. The estimate for Option 1 seems high, and Engineer Schlegel explained what would need to be done. Council Member Broussard Vickers stated she would not support this without resident contribution. Mr. Toni Boddie, 6996 Brian Drive Pond, stated they did not know their property would flood the way it did until the Spring after they moved in. They have put in two sump pumps. He was told he should not have a walk-out home. He fears he may have an issue in trying to sell the property in the future. He stated that the standing water would damage the foundation. Ms. Amy Boddie, stated in 2022 they started speaking with Staff. As this goes on, the cost is going up. She said they had nothing to do with the construction of the home, and it was a walk-out. They have looked at options with landscaping, etc. The worst is in the spring when there is standing water in the yard. It could not be regraded. Heavy rain requires his sump pumps to run for 6 days. The option proposed by former Administrator Statz would have brought the level of the pond down 1 ½ feet. Council Member Broussard Vickers asked if the pond size could be increased. The stormwater drain would run to the south, and it would be an underground pipe. If the existing pipe were to be cleared, it would fill up again with debris and would need to be cleared periodically. There would be a grant opportunity that could be applied for. Administrator Lewis explained the grant program. The program would need to be revised. The stormwater fund is healthy. The guidelines need to be amended. The question was raised whether there are other areas where the City would have similar issues. Mayor Golden stated the City Council needs to make a decision that benefits the entire City. She would be comfortable with the original estimate. Council Member Koski stated that all properties on the pond would benefit if this were fixed. A fence or structure constructed in an easement would need to be removed. He would like to research the earlier plan further. Staff would be directed to go back to the property owners to sign. The City would contribute $33,000 per the original option. Staff was directed to research the current cost for the original option. Attorney Glaser stated the city is under no obligation for the City to take care of this. The easements are in favor of the City, and easements are required on all lots. There is no legal precedent. There was discussion about previous discussions with former Councils and why no action was taken. Updated bids are needed for this project. The highest cost would be connecting the larger pipe under the street to the catch basin. The 12” pipe is the standard size for storm sewer. City Staff was directed to get a bid to see what the cost would be at this time. Mr. Boddie noted he had seen a neighbor put debris in the ditch to block the pipe. At this point, it should be cleaned out. Code enforcement letters need to be sent out. Motion by Mayor Golden, seconded by Broussard Vicker to direct Staff to obtain 3 bids for the project to install a pipe, send code enforcement letters to the surrounding properties, and have a city cost-share of 75% up to $33,000. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. NEW BUSINESS st 1. 7181 -21 Avenue Rezoning Request – Equinox Construction, LLC. – This item was removed from the agenda Page 5 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 2. Concept Plans for Block 7 City Planner Fuerst reviewed that the city received four concept plans for Block 7, and they were reviewed at the September 2, 2025, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The proposals were from Equinox Construction LLC, Joshua Markum Builders, Southwind Holdings LLC, and True Blue Construction Services. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended two of the proposals for City Council review. Planner Fuerst reviewed the City Code requirements on projects such as this and the redevelopment plan requirements. The CDBG Grant Options were reviewed. The existing trail may possibly need to be moved. Since this is City-owned property, all four will be reviewed. The details of all four proposals were reviewed in detail. a. Equinox Construction, LLC. – 20 rental units - Centerville Heritage Townhouses with two levels. These units could meet CDBG’s requirements. City Engineer’s notes regarding this proposal: It appears that residential units are shown over the existing sanitary sewer and water main. The developer may need to account for the relocation of existing utilities (including the abandonment of the existing sewer stub) such that they are located within utility easements and are not located under housing units. It appears that one or more of the existing parking stalls along with the south side of Sorel will be impacted by the proposed northerly entrance to the development. The City may consider requiring the replacement of the lost stalls. The proposed trail location is generally acceptable; however, the City and County will review the ultimate alignment of the proposed trail through the site, including the crossing of Heritage Street. The City is engaging in discussions with the watershed district to determine on-site stormwater requirements for rate control. b. Joshua Markum Builders. – 30 owner-occupied units, 2 ½-3 story buildings City Engineer’s notes regarding this proposal: The developer should note that there are existing City utilities located within an existing easement through this parcel. Utilities may need to be relocated to accommodate the proposed units. The City should initiate discussions with the watershed district to determine on-site stormwater requirements for rate control. The plan shows the existing regional trail shifted westerly. The existing trail crossing at Heritage Street should shift west such that it is in line with the proposed trail alignment and cross perpendicular to Heritage Street. c. Southwind Holdings, LLC. – 20 owner-occupied units. City Engineer’s notes regarding this proposal: Page 6 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 The proposed plans do not appear to accommodate the existing Anoka County Chain of Lakes Regional Trail that runs along the west and north edges of the site. These trail segments shall either be maintained in place or relocated within the site to maintain the continuity of the County’s trail system. It appears that residential units are shown over the existing sanitary sewer and water main. The developer may consider relocation of existing utilities if needed, such that they are located within utility easements without encroachment of housing units. It appears that one or more of the existing parking stalls along the south side of Sorel will be impacted by the proposed northerly entrance to the development. The access aisles should be a minimum of 20’ in width. The City should initiate discussions with the watershed district to determine on-site stormwater requirements for rate control. d. True Blue Construction Services. This plan has 26 owner-occupied units. City Engineer’s notes regarding the proposal: It appears that residential units are shown over the existing sanitary sewer and water main. The developer may need to account for the relocation of existing utilities (including the abandonment of the existing sewer stub) such that they are located within utility easements and are not located under housing units. It appears that one or more of the existing parking stalls along the south side of Sorel will be impacted by the proposed northerly entrance to the development. The City may consider requiring the replacement of the lost stalls. The proposed trail location is generally acceptable; however, the City and County will review the ultimate alignment of the proposed trail through the site, including the crossing of Heritage Street. The access aisles should be a minimum of 20’ in width. The City is engaging in discussions with the watershed district to determine on-site stormwater requirements for rate control. Planner Fuerst reviewed the Criteria for Evaluation. The Planning & Zoning Commission discussion was reviewed. They preferred owner-occupied units, emphasized general conformity with Redevelopment Plan design guidance, preferred 2-story buildings, and concern for impacts of the proposals on existing neighbors surrounding the site. The Planning and Zoning preferred the proposals by Southwind Holdings, LLC, and True Blue Construction Services. Staff is looking for guidance on how to proceed, with the following general options: 1. Select a concept to move forward. 2. Select no concepts to move forward. 3. Wait until the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Project concludes (9-12 months) to determine next steps. Page 7 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 Planner Fuerst reviewed the opportunities of waiting vs. the risks of waiting. The Council discussed the option of single-story options vs. the two-story options, the number of units in the project, Population 5,000, Downtown Master Plan. Council Member Koski suggested delaying a decision until the study is completed. These proposals meet the master plan. Council Member Broussard Vickers provided a discussion about homeowners' associations. She noted there are parts of each proposal that she likes and parts she does not like. She would like the roads to be public. Council Member Kubat stated he prefers the proposal from True Blue Construction. Council Member Koski reviewed the public hearings that were held, where residents voiced their opinions. He wants residents to be part of the process. Mayor Golden stated she is in favor of moving forward with one of the proposals. The land has been sitting there for at least 27 years. Taxes could be brought in for this property. There are no rental properties currently available in the City. There is also a shortage of single-level housing. There was a discussion of why the Comprehensive Plan has not been revised. Administrator Lewis stated that it can still be done. Planner Fuerst noted this is a PUD, and if any of the proposals were to go forward, a lot more detail would be forthcoming. Each Council Member stated which one they would prefer. Council Member Kubat stated True Blue Construction Services. Council Member Broussard Vickers stated her preference would be Southwind Holdings, LLC, with her second choice being Joshua Markum Builders. Mayor Golden stated her choices would be Equinox Construction and Southwind Holdings. Council Member Koski stated his choices would be Southwind Holdings or True Blue Construction. Planner Fuerst summarized that the Council is requesting the proposals be resubmitted by the developers. IX. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Administrator Report – Administrator Lewis provided a written Administrator’s Report for Council consideration and we available for questions. 3. Council Reports a. Council Member Kubat – (i) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Kubat stated that the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Upgrades were in progress along with the planning of Movie in the Park for 2026. He reported that the Committee will be bringing the Fiore Tree purchase and installation be to Council. (ii) Centennial Fire District Committee – Council Member Kubat stated that the district was currently hiring Paid On-Call positions. b. Council Member Koski - (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski stated that the Commission reviewed the four concept plans for Block 7 and one Rezone, Comprehensive Plan st Amendment request for 7181 – 21 Avenue North. He stated that density should be discussed further. (ii) Centennial Fire District Steering Committee – No report was given. (iii) Anoka County Fire Protection Council – No report was given. Page 8 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 c. Council Member Rios - (i) Economic Development Authority – No report was given. d. Council Member Broussard - (i) Economic Development Authority – No report was given. (ii) Centennial Lakes Police Department Governing Board - e. Mayor Golden – (i) Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board – No report was given. (ii) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – No report was given. (iii) Other Mayor Reports – She acknowledged the Public Works Department for superior service. Administrator Lewis read the letter that was received from a resident. f. Jr. Council Member Wynn – No report was given. g. City Attorney Glaser – No report was given. Mayor Golden read the statement below prior to recessing of the regular City Council meeting to the Closed Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. X. RECESS TO CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – The City Council will meet in closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(c) to develop or consider offers or counteroffers related to the potential transfer of real and personal property in connection with proposals for fire services. The closed session will also address labor negotiation strategy related to fire services pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.03, subdivision 1(b). CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Golden opened the Closed Executive session following a five-minute break at 9:20 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call Mayor Golden, Council Members Broussard Vickers, Koski, and Kubat present, along with Administrator Lewis and City Attorney Glaser. II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Service Contract 2026. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding possibilities for fire service, contract language, etc. Page 9 of 10 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 III. ADJOURNMENT OF CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION & RECONVENE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Golden closed the Executive Session and Reconvened the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting at 10:15 p.m. CITY COUNCIL (Cont’d) I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call Mayor Golden, Council Members Broussard Vickers, Koski, and Kubat present with Administrator Lewis and City Attorney Glaser. II. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Service Contract 2026 Note: There was no Resolution Directing the Centennial Fire District to Transfer Assets to the Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Department and the submitted contact contained that language. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Rios to Approve the Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Service Contract 2026 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Kubat to adjourn the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting of September 10, 2025, at 10:18 p.m. All in favor. Motion carries. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 10 of 10