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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-25 CCCITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 25, 2007 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 25, 2007, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. PRESENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Lee Council Member Linda Broussard Council Member Michelle Lakso Council Member Jeff Paar ABSENT: Mayor Mary Capra STAFF: City Administrator Dallas Larson City Attorney Kurt Glaser City Engineer Mark Statz I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro-Tem Lee called the July 25, 2007, City Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Pro-Tem Lee added 8a to Item 1 of the Consent Agenda and Item 6 to New Business. Councilmember Lakso added the Fire Safety Steering Committee report to Announcement and Updates. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Broussard, to approve the agenda as amended. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. III. PUBLIC HEARINGS None IV. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES 1.July 11, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Broussard, to approve the July 11, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes as presentedAll in favor. . Motion carried unanimously. V. CONSENT AGENDA 1.City of Centerville July12, 2007 through July 25, 2007 Claims. 2.Centennial Fire District Claims through July 17, 2007. 3.Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through July 12, 2007. 4.Veit & Company, Inc. Request for Payment #1, Hidden Spring Park - $119,968.85. 5.Gustafson Excavating, Inc. Request for Payment #1, Fairview Street Improvements - $149,785.65. 6.Budget of $200 for Refreshments for Sesquicentennial Celebration. 7.Mr. Allen Anderson, Public Works Maintenance, Successful Performance Review – Completion of Year Three. 8.Ms. Kris Sweeney, Account Clerk II, Successful Performance Review from Grade 5, Step 6 to Grade 5, Step 7. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee requested that Item 4 be removed and considered under Awards and Presentations. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Broussard, to approve the Consent Agenda items as amended. All in favor. Motions carried unanimously. VI. AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/APPEARANCES 1.Ms. Karen Skepper, Anoka County Economic Development Authority. Ms. Skepper explained that the County Board evaluated the role Anoka County should play in economic development. She stated that on December 19, 2006, the County Board appointed eleven persons and one alternate to serve on the Anoka County Economic Development Exploratory Committee. She pointed out that, per state statute, the committee was made of persons representative of the County to include over half recommended by elected officials of the communities they live in, City and County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, a Mayor and Town Board Supervisor, and two County Board members. Page 2 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 Ms. Skepper stated that the Committee was charged with preparing recommendations including the preferred organizational structure for a county-wide economic development authority. She reported the Committee met four times over a period of 90 days, during which economic development activities took place throughout the County and developed an economic development gap analysis. Ms. Skepper identified committee findings and nine gaps in the level of economic development services. She reported the Committee submitted the final report to the County Board for consideration. She stated the Board voted unanimously to grant the powers of an economic development authority to the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Ms. Skepper stated that the committee recognized the ability of the County Economic Development Organization to serve as a centralized information clearing house for all Anoka County communities. She explained that City participation is voluntary and done so by resolution. She proceeded to explain the types of projects communities could become involved in as well as the benefits. Ms. Skepper explained that a high-speed internet connection feasibly study is part of the first year’s work plan. She estimated the cost would be about $75,000 for consultant fees. She stated that if there were full participation from all 21 cities in the county, the cost of the levy would be about 56 cents per household per year. She listed other projects that could be undertaken. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee questioned if the taxes would directed towards the cities participating. He inquired as to the cost if only a few cities chose to participate. Ms. Skepper replied that the cost would be spread among only those communities participating. City Administrator Larson requested clarification relative to the comment that the EDA/ HRA would only levy the maximum of either an EDA or HRA. Ms. Skepper replied that the EDA had the same levy authority as the City and could levy up to a maximum of 0.0183 of taxable market value. City Attorney Glaser questioned if the City currently had an EDA, whether this would be in addition to the City levy. Ms. Skepper replied that it would appear under the County’s portion of the taxes. City Administrator Larson questioned if there is currently a levy for the HRA, would this show up as a separate line item on the tax statement. Ms. Skepper replied that it would appear in the same line item as the HRA at the County level. Page 3 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 City Administrator Larson again questioned if this is an additional levy. Ms. Skepper explained that if the City chose to opt in, a small incremental amount could go above the HRA levy for the EDA portion. She stated that if the City chose not to participate in the EDA activity, it would remain in the HRA activity. Councilmember Lakso questioned if the City could opt in at any time. Ms. Skepper replied that a City could opt in at any time; however, she hoped cities would not take a wait and see attitude. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee commented that many areas were identified as needing high-speed internet. He inquired whether Centerville is one of the areas identified. Ms. Skepper replied they have not identified any areas. She explained it was rated as a high need on the survey and by members of the task force. Councilmember Paar stated that this is major for Centerville, given the major redevelopment planned for downtown. He stated that he wanted to make sure the entire main street would benefit from high-speed internet and not just the downtown area. Ms. Skepper replied that the feasibility study is needed before the project could begin. She explained that many cities are expecting developers to include high-speed internet infrastructure in development/redevelopment projects. Councilmember Lakso questioned if the high-speed internet would include the residential areas of the City. Ms. Skepper replied that it becomes difficult to reach the far northern areas. She stated the feasibility study would look at residential areas. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee questioned Ms. Skepper if she is looking for a resolution from the Council indicating the City’s desire to participate. Ms. Skepper replied that a resolution declaring participation would need to be received by September 15, 2007. Councilmember Paar questioned if the $75,000 for 2008 would be spread amongst the participating cities and would this be required yearly. Ms. Skepper explained the budgeting process and the levy based on the feasibility study. She clarified that the City participates for a five-year timeframe. She stated that if after five years, a city chooses not to continue participation, it could opt out. She explained that if the EDA were to levy the maximum allowable, it would be $11.86 for the average home. Page 4 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 Councilmember Paar stated that he is in favor of supporting this project because this is the opportune time given the redevelopment plans for the City. Councilmember Lakso questioned if the EDA would advertise for the County to encourage businesses to develop in Centerville or generally for the City and County. She commented that businesses often do not recognize that Centerville is in Anoka County. Ms. Skepper replied that random campaigns occur and explained that the County markets a County and cities tag onto that advertising. City Administrator Larson inquired whether the levy rate of 0.0183 is applied to the participating cities or is it used to create a dollar amount based upon the entire County’s valuation and then applied to participating cities. Ms. Skepper replied that the levy rate is applied to participating cities. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee stated that he anticipates the Council would support this. Ms. Skepper reiterated that resolutions must be received by early September. 2.Veit & Company, Inc. Request for Payment #1, Hidden Spring Park - $119,968.85. City Engineer Statz reported that several furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, swing, bike rack, and grills) have not been sited at the park; however, these items are due on August 1, 2007. He stated one area was not sodded due to other needed maintenance requirements. He stated there are a number of items not in this pay request. He explained that only a percentage is requested for payment until the final approval. He stated that it is common to pay on a monthly basis. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee asked what the outstanding balance would be after this payment. City Engineer Statz replied that the outstanding balance would be approximately $100,000. He anticipated that the actual cost might be less than the estimated $218,000. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee commented that the rain garden is currently filled with water weeds after the last rain. He would like to be sure it is functioning properly. Mayor Pro-Tem requested that Mr. Kevin Amundsen, Parks and Recreation Committee, comment on park issues. Mr. Amundsen presented photos of the park and pointed out the items completed to date and items of concern. He stated that the City of Centerville would enjoy this park very much and noticed citizens are currently taking advantage of it. Mr. Amundsen commented that the rain garden dropped six inches after a recent rainfall. He commented it should empty within 48 hours. He stated that the rain garden should Page 5 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 include plants all the way up the sides rather than grass. He commented that mesh protecting the dirt in the rock outcroppings is required. Mr. Amundsen discussed the spring feature and wondered why the flow has decreased from 240 gallons per hour to 72 gallons per hour. He provided photos of the spring feature. Mr. Amundsen pointed out areas of exposed ground. He stated that this would become an erosion issue. Mr. Amundsen displayed photos of areas where people are walking on the plantings. He stated that the plantings should be protected by fencing. Mr. Amundsen displayed photos of the shoreline. He pointed out concerns with the boom failures resulting in the crushing of new plantings and washed out areas. He stated that additional biologs were placed along the shoreline. Mr. Amundsen displayed photos of the green roof of the picnic shelter, the Eagle Scout Project, and the blue picnic shelter. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee stated that Mr. Amundsen brought up key items of concern. He stressed the water garden, shoreline restoration, and the spring features are of great concern. He stated that this is why he requested the payment be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee commented that he is in full support of the park; however, he wants to know where the engineers were when these items were being constructed. He is very disappointed that the City Engineer did not catch these problems. He stated that he would not support the payment requested by Veit & Company at this time. Discussion ensued. City Engineer Statz replied that the shoreline restoration project has been address and corrected. He stated that the plantings and washed out areas would be replaced at the contractor’s expense and the shoreline would be corrected before it is accepted. He indicated that it was acceptable if the City chose not to pay for it at this time. Discussion ensued on the shoreline restoration warrantee and the biologs. Councilmember Broussard pointed out that the items on the first page of the list (about $63,000) are not in question. She recommended Council approve a reduced payment. City Engineer Statz addressed the rain garden issues stating watershed soil requirements had to be met. He stated that the standing water is the result of daily watering of the sod. He stated the contractor is responsible for replacing dead or dying plants. He stressed that Page 6 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 this is being monitored. He recommended Council not approve payment for the rain garden. Councilmember Lakso questioned whether a consultant from the Water Conservation District could be available for questions and recommendations. City Engineer Statz reported that the crack in the entry sidewalk would be repaired as would the tubes. He stated that the sod around the rain garden would be corrected, dying plants would be replaced, and a solution for washout prevention around the rock outcroppings would be implemented. He commented that the spring feature is puzzling and he assured Council this would be corrected. Discussion ensued. Councilmember Lakso stated that the park is beautiful overall and would be a tremendous asset to the City. Mayor Pro-Tem Lee stated that he agreed the park is a beautiful addition and amenity to the City. He stated his concern is that it is completed properly. Motion by Councilmember Broussard, seconded by Councilmember Lakso, to approve payment in the amount of $75,187.40. Ayes 2, Nays 2 (Lee, Paar) – Motion failed 2/2. Motion by Councilmember Broussard, seconded by Councilmember Lakso, to approve payment for site grading, water main, storm sewer, and trails and equipment pads, estimated at $60,000. Ayes 3, Nays 1 (Paar) Motion carried 3/1. City Engineer Statz commented he would not submit a bill for their services until the project is acceptable to Council. 3.Ms. Suzanne Seeley, Chair & Mr. Kevin Amundsen, Vice-Chair Parks & Recreation Committee – Hidden Spring Park Update. This topic was included as part of the discussion in Item #2. VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. NEW BUSINESS 1.Mr. Wayne LeBlanc – Request to Provide Sailboat Rides on Centerville Lake for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. Page 7 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 Mr. LeBlanc explained that he had planned to request permission from the City of Centerville and the St. Paul Regional Water Services to take people sailing on Centerville Lake to help celebrate the Sesquicentennial and the new park. He reported that since submitting the request, he spoke with Bill Tschida, St. Paul Regional Water Services, who stated he was not in favor of this and as a result is withdrawing his request. 2.Purchase Agreement with Centerville Mainstreet, LLC (Beard Group) for City Block 7 Property. City Attorney Glaser stated that this is one of the steps required to move the project forward. He explained this is a standardized purchase agreement. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve the Purchase Agreement with Centerville Mainstreet, LLC (Beard Group) for City Block 7 Property. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 3.Authorization of Bonestroo to Complete Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Downtown Redevelopment Area City Administrator Larson reminded Council this authorization is required so the street projects could be completed in a timely manner. Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by Council Member Paar, to approve the Authorization of Bonestroo to Complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Downtown Redevelopment Area. Ayes 3, Nays 1 (Broussard). Motion carried 3/1. 4.Ms. Ashley Jenkins, Request for Transient Merchant/Peddler License City Administrator Larson explained that this is a two-part request. He explained that Ms. Jenkins is requesting a peddler license and that secondly that the fee be waived. Councilmember Paar questioned what she is attempting to sell. City Administrator Larson replied he believed she would sell books. Councilmember Broussard stated that the application should include a question stating what would be sold. Motion by Council Member Broussard, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to approve the Request for a Transient Merchant, Peddler License to Ms. Ashley Jenkins with the requirement that the fee is paid by Ms. Jenkins. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. City Administrator Larson commented that he would add the question about products sold to the Transient Merchant, Peddler Information/Application Sheet application form. Page 8 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 5.Resolution #07-029 – City’s Sponsorship of the July 31, 2007 Submittal of the Redevelopment Grant Program to the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) City Administrator Larson explained that the City is reapplying for grant dollars for Phase II through the State Redevelopment Grant Program. He commented that the City received $588,000 for Phase I from the same program. Motion by Council Member Paar, seconded by Council Member Broussard, to approve Resolution #07-029, a Resolution for the City of Centerville’s Sponsorship of the July 31, 2007 Submittal of the Redevelopment Grant Program to the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). All in favor. Motions carried unanimously. 6.Planning and Zoning Commission’s Report and Recommendations – Jason’s th Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Repair Shop, 7137-20 Avenue South. City Administrator Larson reported on the recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission. He explained that application was made in June, 2007 and a public hearing was scheduled in July, 2007; however, Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Repair Shop did not appear at the public hearing nor have they provided the information required/requested. He stated P&Z provided a written recommendation for denial of the application. Councilmember Broussard commented Jason’s began conducting business prior to receiving approval. Motion by Council Member Broussard, seconded by Council Member Lakso, to deny th a Conditional Use Permit Request – 7137 – 20 Avenue, Automotive Repair & Storage Business (Jason Snyder – Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s) based on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s report and notify them to cease all business operation. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. City Attorney Glaser recommended that the City Administrator send a letter to Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Repair Shop indicating the CUP was denied and to stop all business activities. IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES 1.City Administrator Larson City Administrator Larson stated that a letter from Sergeant Aldridge and a report of activities of the Police Department was included in Council’s packet. Page 9 of 10 City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2007 City Administrator Larson stated that he is looking for direction from Council on the issue of Fairview Street. He explained that this street is near a trucking operation and staff is looking for direction whether the road should be restricted or if the wear coat should be applied. Discussion ensued. Consensus was to apply the wear course per City Engineer Statz’s recommendation. 2.Fire Steering Committee Councilmember Lakso reported that the 2008 budget was approved by the Fire Steering Committee for $806,890. She explained that Centerville is responsible for 13 percent of the budget. Councilmember Paar asked about the grant applied for to cover fire suits. Councilmember Lakso replied that there was no news on the grant. Councilmember Lakso stated that the committee agreed. Councilmember Lakso reported that Safety Camp would be held on August 9, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Rice Lake Elementary School. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Broussard seconded by Council Member Paar, to adjourn the July 11, 2007 City Council Meeting at 8:45 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Dianna Wise, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Page 10 of 10