HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-10 WS CC - Approved
City Council 2010-02-10 6:50 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
Present were Mayor Capra, Council members Jeff Paar, D Love, Linda Broussard-
Vickers, and Ben Fehrenbacher. Also present were City Attorney Kurt Glaser, Engineer
Mark Statz, Public Works Director Paul Palzer and Finance Director Mike Jeziorski.
1)Downtown Drainage Project.
Mark Statz, Engineer, reviewed the status
of the downtown drainage project. Anoka County has agreed to permit use
of a pond in the County park to collect stormwater from downtown, which
would then be pumped onto LaMotte Park through a lawn irrigation
system. The project cost estimate is about $1 million. The City would
receive about $350,000 in grants and would need to fund the balance of
about $625,000 through bonds. A financing schedule was provided which
would pay debt service from stormwater user fees. Some members of the
council expressed reluctance to proceed with the project if the city share is
that large. Staff will find out if the granting agencies will still participate if
the project is phased with a significant portion of the costs delayed until
downtown redevelopment begins.
2)Trail Project.
Mark Statz reviewed the trail project. City Attorney, Kurt
Glaser reported that easements have been secured from all but three
parcels. The eminent domain proceedings are in the works and the court
should grant possession of the remaining easements by the end of March.
The Council will, very soon, be asked to approve resolutions that would
authorize final design and bidding as well as providing financing
arrangements.
3)Nonconforming uses.
The Council discussed the restrictions on
expansion of nonconforming uses, particularly those in the downtown
redevelopment area. Since the redevelopment has not happened as
planned, some are concerned that the property owners are unfairly
prevented from making certain additions and improvements. The Council
requested that staff and P&Z solicit comments from affected property
owners and report back to council with a recommendation.
4)Sidewalks.
The Council considered snow removal on sidewalks adjoining
streets. Many sidewalks have not been kept clear of snow and ice. Due to
the large amount of snow, there are areas that have inadequate snow
storage on the boulevard between the curb and sidewalks. Staff suggested
the possibility of the city clearing sidewalks when snow amounts require
plowing the streets. Additional equipment may be needed. The consensus
is to look at the possibility of changing its policies so that the city would
do some of the snow removal next year. In the meantime, staff will work
with property owners to do a reasonable job of clearing sidewalks.
5)Goals.
The council reviewed a list of goals for 2009. Completed items
were removed and several new goals were added. Some of the list will be
placed at the end for future consideration. Staff will update the list of
goals and present them to the Council for final approval.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:52 p.m.
Dallas Larson, Administrator