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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.02.03 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR June 2, 2003 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Ristow led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Audience: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Fogarty, Soderberg None Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; Ed Shukle, City Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Kevin Carroll, Community Development Director; Dan Siebenaler, Police Chief; Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Lee Mann, Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director; Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant Steve Wischman, Jeff Krueger, Carrie Wilson-Smith, Carmen Fox Jan Karrmann, Larry White, Steve Fenlon, Aaron Tinklenberg, Michelle Leonard 4. APPROVE AGENDA Mayor Ristow pulled the May 19, 2003 Special Minutes. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS Ms. Carrie Wilson-Smith, 19879 Emperor Court, asked Council to consider developing an ordinance where model homes would require a permit to be placed in developments. Her reason for this request is last week, 19872 Emperor Court was designated as a model home. They live in a cul-de-sac, so traffic has to go in and out. Most model homes are placed on a through street, where traffic does not have to turn around at the end of the cul-de-sac. There are eight children in the development, and the development is 82% complete. Why place a model home in a development that is almost complete? Because they sold the other model home and wanted to sell this home. On Saturday there were nine people that stopped at the model, with numerous cars driving through the cul-de-sac. During the Parade of Homes they are concerned traffic will become a huge issue. Right now, they do not have lawn so the cul-de-sac is the only place for the children to play. She moved from 180th Street, because ofthe traffic. They chose this lot mainly because Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 2 they did not want to be on a through street. She feels this needs to be regulated more by the Councilor the building committee. When you pay $90,000 for your lot, and with the house the cost is over $300,000, it is disconcerting to see a lot of traffic and not be able to park in front of your home because there are too many people visiting the model. The model is open every day ofthe week. Most models are open Friday - Sunday. She would like to see more regulations where they place model homes. Most models are placed in a cluster. Brandl Anderson moved out ofthe cluster on 198th Street, and into the cul-de- sac. The builder's last model was open for 1 1/2 years. She does not want them there for 1 1/2 years. Ifnothing can be done now, she would like to see this regulated in the future. She asked if there was currently any ordinance for placement of model homes? Staff did not recall seeing anything in the code specifying placement of model homes, but staff will research the issue. Ms. Jan Karrmann, 18614 Egret Way, she spoke regarding Just Kidding Around Daycare and the industrial park and to respond to comments made at the May 19, 2003 Council Meeting. Owning your own business is not easy. She has discovered a need in Farmington for daycare. In the last two years there has been no daycare coming to Farmington. It would be wonderful to help the citizens ofthe community to find daycare that is affordable in a reasonable location. The economy is such that many families are two-income families. With the rapid rate of growth in Farmington how better to serve the community, than providing a service those families need. To be able to do it well with a reasonable cost, through a locally owned business is something everyone can be proud of. Our community is not based on one or two people or businesses who are interested in furthering their own personal agendas or grudges. It is based upon what is best for the entire city of Farmington. No one can argue that the city of Farmington definitely needs more daycare. The industrial park is an excellent location for Just Kidding Around Daycare. She is excited and enthusiastic about it. She cannot say enough good things about being part of the industrial park as a service to the many businesses and families of the community. As anyone would do with a business, she has considered all aspects of starting a daycare business. This is a family and business friendly community. Ms. Carmen Fox, 19810 Emperor Court, regarding the model homes, if Council cannot develop an ordinance, she would like Council to require the builder to sell the home before the Parade of Homes due to the amount of traffic during that time. a) Response to Mr. Jeff Thelen - Community Development Staff provided Council and Mr. Thelen a written response to his comments at the May 19,2003 Council Meeting. 7. CONSENT AGENDA 7a) Approve Council Minutes 5/19/03 Special Mayor Ristow stated he pulled the special minutes of 5/19/03 due to some confusion on behalf of the City Hall Task Force. He and Councilmember Fitch met with City Hall Task Force Chair Jim Gerster, Jr. and went over some clarifications. As the minutes are not taped, there is no way to go back, so without the full context of them, Mayor Ristow moved to not approve and leave in the file as stated. He checked with the City Attorney Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 3 who said that was fine. Councilmember Soderberg asked if there can be a meeting without approved minutes? City Attorney Jamnik stated they will be reviewed, but not labeled as approved. There is no action taken. The statute specifies that the official proceedings ofthe City Council have to indicate certain things. The entire text as proposed will still be there. It will be indicated that the Council reviewed them, and did not act to approve them. MOTION by Ristow, second by Fitch that the 5/19/03 Special Minutes be filed as not approved. Councilmember Soderberg stated he did not see any problem with the minutes. Councilmember Fogarty agreed with Councilmember Soderberg. Mayor Ristow stated he did not want to debate but it is just the context of some of them. The minutes were written fine, but there is some confusion. The Task Force is alive and well and it is not ended. He shared with Chair Gerster that a test on the proposed City Hall property has been ordered. If it came back negative, then it probably could have an effect on the site only. Councilmember Soderberg suggested that in order to avoid this, perhaps the workshops should at least be audio recorded so that there is something to go back to to verify until there is a written copy. City Administrator Shukle stated the microphones will not pick up from the middle of the room. Council preferred to have a different forum for workshops than Council meetings. Staff will investigate arrangement of the room to provide for recording. Voting for: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch. Voting against: Fogarty, Soderberg. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Cordes, second by Fitch to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Council Minutes (5/19/03 Regular) b) Approved Dew Days Permits - CEEF Fee Waiver - Parks and Recreation c) Approved Tobacco and Beer License Transfer - Super USA - Administration d) Accepted Resignation - Heritage Preservation Commission - Administration e) Approved Mutual Aid Agreement - Police f) Accepted Donation Rambling River Center - Parks and Recreation g) Adopted Credit Card Use Policy - Finance h) Approved Hoisington, Koegler Group, Inc. Contract - Parks and Recreation i) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Solid Waste - Human Resources j) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Community Development - Human Resources k) Approved Soil Testing Request - 3rd and Spruce Street - Community Development I) Approved Bills APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Issuance of Bonds Trinity Health Campus - Finance When Trinity Hospital closed a few years ago, U.S. Bank acquired the campus of Trinity Hospital and assisted living services. St. Francis Health Services of Morris, Inc. wants to purchase the property from U.S. Bank. St. Francis has approached the city to act as issuer of revenue obligations under state statutes. These obligations are known as conduit debt. The city acts as the issuing agent, however the city has no financial responsibility for the bonds. St. Francis would be responsible to the bond holders for the repayment of the bonds. The city is allowed to act as an issuer for a non-profit corporation. This is the only way a Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 4 non-profit corporation can issue tax-exempt bonds. Mr. Steve Fenlon is acting as agent for St. Francis. The proceeds of$6.5 million worth of bonds will be used to purchase the campus, the facilities, and St. Francis Health Services will provide the services in those buildings. This does not impact the city's debt limit. A city can issue up to $10 million in debt in a year. That $10 million would include this conduit debt. All debt issued this year, including the Main Street bonds, would be added to the bonds issued by St. Francis and that would total less than $10 million. At this point, the city has no intention of issuing more debt this year. It is not detrimental to the city in any way. Keeping those buildings on the tax roles in the community and finding a good solution to the problem, is to the community's benefit. Mr. Steve Fenlon, discussed the bond process and the St. Francis organization. Adoption of the final resolution will be brought to Council at a later time. Mr. Fenlon stated that St. Francis has no intention of reopening the hospital. However, the skilled nursing and independent living areas will continue. Councilmember Soderberg asked if the bond issuance is based on St. Francis' ability or the city's ability? Mr. Fenlon replied 100% St. Francis. All the buyers know the city has no legal or moral obligation. MOTION by Cordes, second by Fitch to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Cordes to adopt RESOLUTION R3S-03 giving preliminary approval to a project under Minnesota Statutes section 469.152 through 469.165, referring the proposal to the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) for approval, approving a housing program under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 462C and authorizing preparation of necessary documents. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT a) Adopt Resolution - Main Street Project Phase 1 - Engineering Four bids were received for the Main Street Project Phase 1. Barbarossa & Sons Inc. submitted the low bid in the amount of $1 ,485,810.00. The total project budget from the feasibility report is $2,095,600. The city sold the bonds for the project on May 19, 2003. Phase 1 ofthe Main Street Reconstruction Project consists of the reconstruction of the streets and utilities along 4th Street and 5th Street north of the railroad tracks and Willow Street between 4th Street and 5th Street. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Soderberg to adopt RESOLUTION R36-03 accepting the total base bid of Barbarossa & Sons Inc. in the amount of $1,485,810.00 and awarding the project. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a) 2002 Audit Report - Finance The city finished 2002 in the black. The city added $458,371 to the general fund balance, bringing it to $2.377 million or 41.2% of2003 expenditures. The budgeted goal was between 35% to 40% of annual expenditures be in the general Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 5 fund. Mr. Steve Wischman, of Kern, DeWenter, Viere stated the audit opinion is unqualified which is the highest they can issue. Mr. Wischman then discussed the audit process. MOTION by Soderberg, second by Fogarty to accept the report. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b) Approve Preliminary Action Plan 2003 Strategic Planning Retreat - Administration Council and management participated in the 2003 Leadership, Planning and Team Building Retreat. The retreat was facilitated by Don Salverda. The primary objectives of the retreat were: 1. To review progress being made by the city 2. To enhance communication and develop renewed team spirit among participants 3. To discuss changes that are likely to impact the city 4. To develop consensus on issues and opportunities facing the city (1-3 year perspective) 5. To develop an updated goals program for the city (1-3 year perspective) 6. To develop preliminary action plans for the highest priority goals 7. To review the roles of the city's leadership team 8. To be an educational and enjoyable day Last year the city adopted a mission statement and a values statement. Council and staff developed five external goals and three internal goals and a timeline and action plan for completion. External Goals 1. To mange the city's growth to insure quality and diverse development and future transportation routes. 2. To continually work on maintaining good communication with the public. 3. To stimulate and promote increased industrial and commercial development and redevelopment. 4. To improve the city's aging infrastructure and municipal buildings. 5. To expand the city's recreational facilities and opportunities. Internal Goals 1. To insure the continuous financial stability of the city. 2. To improve internal communication and team work. 3. To continue to provide a positive work environment for employees. MOTION by Fitch, second by Cordes to adopt the goals as developed at the 2003 Leadership, Planning and Team Building Retreat and approve the action plans as proposed. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 6 12. NEW BUSINESS 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Fitch: 1. Regarding communication with the public, he and Mayor Ristow had a meeting this week with the Chair ofthe City Hall Task Force who received several calls from the task force regarding comments made in the paper and impressions left by the press as far as what the condition of the City Hall Task Force was in. He wanted to reiterate what the Mayor said earlier. Another meeting has been scheduled for June 4, and another meeting June 16. The issue is not dead in the water as a lot of people think. The press has limited space and time to put in their information and comments. He would suggest to the public, ifthey are really interested in an item show up for the meetings and you can hear the context and what is really being said in the meetings. 2. One of the rather stranger items is that he and Councilmember Fogarty did not switch seats in this Council Chamber to signify any specific order or grouping or how we are going to stack up against each other. There are a lot of people that think that. If you have a question you can call either one of us. 3. There was another traffic problem tonight. The idea of stop signs is a wonderful thing. Let's be respectful of each other's neighborhoods, property, and children. You do not have to go 45 mph to get to Pilot Knob or Akin Road, or wherever. There is no reason for it, the time savings is not there. If you want the city to put a stop sign at every single corner to inconvenience everybody, we could certainly do that, but it is not practical. Let's be respectful of each other has human beings and our neighborhoods. Remember when you are on Pilot Knob, you are in someone's neighborhood. It is summer and school will be out and the chiefs office will be inundated with phone calls regarding driving habits. 4. The Mayor mentioned taping of future meetings. He hoped that issue was resolved. That way if someone has a question, we can refer back to them. 5. Some citizens have mentioned they were afraid to call members of the Council. In speaking for all five members, we are public servants, we are very accessible, we all have phones, our numbers are listed on the website, and all have e-mails. Any of us should be accessible to the public at any time. City Administrator Shukle: On June 4, the Budget Workshop will be held at 6:00 p.m. Following the Budget workshop, there will be another workshop to discuss the City Hall facilities. Council Minutes (Regular) June 2, 2003 Page 7 Community Development Director Carroll: Soil testing ofthe Blaha site started May 30. The soil borings and samples have been taken. A verbal report will be ready for the June 16 Council Meeting. Mayor Ristow: He received letters from students and one from a resident on 18ih Street requesting a stop sign at l8ih Street and Easton. 14. ADJOURN MOTION by Cordes, second by Soderberg to adjourn at 8:24 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, /) ~? r ~ J..efiCJ T'~c.cV /T / Cynthia Muller Executive Assistant