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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.15.08 Council Minutes ,7 a.... COUNCIL MINUTES PRE-MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Soderberg at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Soderberg, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson None Andrea Poehler, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Brian Lindquist, Police Chief; Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director; Kevin Schorzman, City Engineer; Todd Reiten, Municipal Services Director; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director; Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant 2. APPROVE A GENDA MOTION by McKnight, second by Fogarty to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS 4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF AGENDA Councilmember McKnight asked about the cell tower ordinance and if staff had considered asking them for cash for decommissioning. City Planner Smick replied they will be looking into that. They are working on the remainder of the cell tower requirements. Councilmember McKnight asked about the status of the EI Tequila restaurant. Administrative Services Director Shadick replied there are two new owners and they are in the process of obtaining a liquor license. In the meantime, they are requesting a 3.2 beer license. Councilmember Wilson had a concern with taking action on feasibility reports for several street projects before Council receives more detail in the CIP. Even though they would only be approving the feasibility report, they are still spending money. He would like to defer action until after the CIP is reviewed. City Engineer Schorzman replied the purpose of bringing this to Council now is to get away from letting projects in June and July and have the projects ready to go for spring. The feasibility work information will not change over time if Council should decide to delay a project. In the downtown area, the feasibility report would be good for 5-10 years, because there are no major changes that would affect the project in the meantime. Councilmember Wilson stated normally a feasibility report indicates what the fiscal impact would be. If a project is delayed it would probably have a 5-10% impact. He suggested discussing this at the October Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting) September 15,2008 Page 2 budget workshop. Depending on the discussion, the feasibility reports could be approved in October. City Engineer Schorzman stated the intent was to get some of the survey work done in the summer and fall when it is cheaper. Councilmember Wilson noted staff has a chart showing the tax impact for various properties. He asked for information on the tax impact if there had been no change in property value. Councilmember Wilson asked what the consultant expenditures are in the area of economic development for 2009. City Administrator Herlofsky stated a lot depends on the speed we make contact and if we were to acquire any property. We will have a better idea next year. At the last EDA meeting, staff had a spreadsheet with costs noted. Finance Director Roland stated in the budget under professional services, it is listed at $34,345. There is an additional outlay for land which is a guess. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked when the CIP is discussed and approved. Finance Director Roland stated that will be discussed at the budget workshop. Once Council determines which projects will go forward, that will complete the capital projects portion of the budget. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the cost of a feasibility study as if the project will not be done for a few years, he may not want to spend that money now. City Engineer Schorzman replied for the larger projects it is $30,000 - $50,000. For a project such as 4th Street storm sewer extension it would be approximately $15,000 - $20,000. Councilmember Pritzlaff noted he will not approve any big reconstruction projects for 2009 to get the City back into better financial shape. He would rather do maintenance work at this time. Councilmember Fogarty asked Finance Director Roland for a graphical description that was presented 4-5 years ago showing what happens with the cost when projects are delayed. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked if the feasibility studies are done in-house or by Bonestroo. City Engineer Schorzman replied the Willow and Linden Street feasibility study would be done by Bonestroo, the rest would be a joint effort. Councilmember Pritzlaff felt this is some money that could be saved in the budget and would not support doing the studies until Council reviews the CIP. When we cannot assess the full amount ofthe project, the City has to front the money in bonds. Finance Director Roland stated it is not necessarily through bonds. We have existing funds in the road and bridge fund and the permanent improvement revolving fund which are there for the purpose of funding feasibility studies for future projects and then being reimbursed. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the text amendment for the commercial and recreational use in the industrial park. It is currently allowed in the I-I, Spruce Street Commercial and mixed-use districts. This amendment is for play structures indoors. Because of the height of the building required, these buildings would be found in the industrial park. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked about the amendment for parking in residential areas. City Planner Smick explained in older districts there are gravel Council Minutes (Pre-Meeting) September 15,2008 Page 3 driveways on the property line. This would allow them to make the gravel area into a concrete slab and not have to go through a variance for the setback each time. Mayor Soderberg asked about the amendment for the recreational use in the industrial park and if this would also address the first phase. City Planner Smick replied yes, they will need to follow the design standards. This will be a change to the covenants which have been rolled into the design standards. 5. STAFF COMMENTS 6. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by Pritzlaffto adjourn at 6:56 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, rrv;~ COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Soderberg at 7:00 p.m. He asked for a moment of silence for the passing of a firefighter, Brad Parker. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Soderberg led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Audience: Soderberg, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson None Andrea Poehler, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Brian Lindquist, Police Chief; Kevin Schorzman, City Engineer; Todd Reiten, Municipal Services Director; Lisa Shadick, Administrative Services Director; Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant Todd Larson, Ed Samuelson 4. APPROVE AGENDA Mayor Soderberg pulled 9/8/08 Workshop minutes to abstain. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Introduce Promoted Employee - Municipal Services Lena Larson was introduced as the new Municipal Services Coordinator. The duties of the Solid Waste Supervisor and Administrative Assistant have been combined. b) Introduce Promoted Employee - Police Jim Constantineau was introduced as the new Administrative Sergeant. 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS 7. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Council Minutes (9/2/08 Pre-Meeting & Regular) b) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Fire Department Council Minutes (Regular) September 15,2008 Page 2 c) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Fire Department d) Approved Appointment Recommendation - Fire Department e) Approved Temporary On-Sale Liquor License - Administration t) Approved Vending Services Agreement - Parks and Recreation g) Approved School and Conference - Engineering h) Approved School and Conference - Police i) Amended ORDINANCE 008-585 CommerciallRecreational Use in the Industrial Park District - Planning j) Amended ORDINANCE 008-586 Allowance of Cell Towers in the Park/Open Space District - Planning k) Amended ORDINANCE 008-587 Parking in Residential Areas - Planning 1) Authorized RFP Cleaning Services - Administration m) Approved On-Sale Beer License - Administration n) Approved Bills APIF, MOTION CARRIED. a) Council Workshop Minutes 9/8/08 MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to approve the 9/8/08 workshop minutes. Voting for: Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson. Abstain: Soderberg. MOTION CARRIED. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Adopt Resolution - Approve Assessment Delinquent Municipal Services - Finance If municipal services bills are 90 days overdue and not paid, they will be certified to the property taxes. Residents have until October 15,2008, to pay their bill. When the letters were sent, the total amount of delinquent accounts was $312,736.72. As of today, the total is now $263,751.45. Staff expects the amount to decrease even more by October 15. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by McKnight to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to adopt RESOLUTION R62-08 certifying the delinquent accounts as special assessments to the 2008 taxes of the appropriate properties. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a) Project Feasibility Reports - Engineering Council has received a draft CIP for 2009-2013. In order to have the projects bid earlier in the spring thereby utilizing more of the construction season, staff requested Council authorize feasibility reports for the following projects: - Denmark Sanitary Sewer Extension - 9th Street/Hickory Street Rehabilitation - 5th Street Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Council Minutes (Regular) September 15,2008 Page 3 - 4th Street Trunk Storm Sewer Extension - Willow StreetlLinden Street Reconstruction If Council chooses to delay the timing of the projects, the feasibility reports can be used for a period of time. The financial information would have to be updated, but the survey information should be accurate for several years. The cost for the feasibility reports would be $30,000 - $50,000 with the exception of the 4th Street Storm Sewer Extension which would be $15,000 - $20,000. The feasibility study would be done jointly with City staff and Bonestroo. Councilmember Pritzlaff was not comfortable with spending that amount of money now if the projects will not be done for another 1-2 years. He would prefer to review the CIP first. Councilmember McKnight agreed we could wait a month until after the CIP is reviewed. Staff will be providing information on how delaying a project can affect the cost. Councilmember Wilson stated when this is discussed in October it would be helpful to understand why a particular engineering firm would be used over another firm and how a competitive bid process would work for doing a feasibility study. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to table this item until a future date. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEW BUSINESS a) Adopt Resolution - 2009 Preliminary Tax Levy and Budget - Finance Council has discussed the preliminary levy and 2009 budget at the September 2, 2008 Council meeting and September 8, 2008 Council workshop. Initially the preliminary levy was at a 6.9% increase over the 2008 levy. That amounted to $9,489,514. After Council direction, that levy was lowered to a 5% increase over the 2008 levy and that is where it is currently. That preliminary levy amount is $9,313,415 which includes $2,190,616 for debt service and $70,200 for the fire levy. The state imposed levy limits for 2009-2011 means in 2009 the City would be able to levy $346,000 more than what is being proposed. We are not levying to our limit. The Council will also discuss the budget at an October workshop. The City's tax rate for 2008 was 43%; 2009 is a 44% tax rate. With a decline in property values an average household will see a decrease in City taxes. The truth- in-taxation hearing will be held at the December 1, 2008 Council meeting. Councilmember McKnight noted the final levy can still be lowered. He noted residential property taxes will be reduced between $10 - $40. Council Minutes (Regular) September 15, 2008 Page 4 Councilmember Pritzlaff noted they worked hard to get to 5%, however more cuts may happen. He would like to see it lower. Councilmember Wilson was pleased with the reduction in the levy, but still had concerns. He would not support the levy and it is not because of the dollar amount, but because of the priorities. He is not happy with the parks and recreation cuts. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to adopt RESOLUTION R63-08 certifying the 2009 preliminary tax levy to Dakota County and establishing December 1,2008 at 7:00 p.m. as the City of Farmington's Truth-in-Taxation hearing for tax levy collectible in 2009. Voting for: Soderberg, Fogarty, McKnight, Pritzlaff. Voting against: Wilson. MOTION CARRIED. b) Approve YMCA Employee Wellness Program -Human Resources The YMCA is offering to partner with the City for a wellness program and to hold classes at City Hall. MOTION by Wilson, second by Fogarty to approve the Wellness Partnership agreement with the YMCA. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. c) No Parking Signs Akin Road - Police There has been increased traffic congestion surrounding the fields at Akin and 208th Street. This is a result of a change of venue which took youth soccer and replaced it with the youth football league. The amount of traffic has doubled. Most recently there was an accident which resulted in an injury to a participant in the youth football league. Police Chief Lindquist requested to address the most immediate problem which is Akin Road. Akin has a speed limit of 50 mph and 208th Street has a speed limit of 30 mph. The congestion on 208th Street has been cars parked on both sides of the road and there have been significant discussions with the City and the school regarding solutions to those problems. Police Chief Lindquist was concerned with the higher speed on Akin Road as higher speed causes greater damage on impact. He would like to work with the school on the parking problem on 208th Street. He proposed a no parking area on Akin Road from the river just north of208th Street, south approximately 1200 ft to where the end of the plowed field is. This will apply to the east and west sides of Akin Road. Councilmember Pritzlaff was concerned with the speed on the entire length of Akin Road. A few years ago there was a zone that could be 30 mph and 50 mph on either end. He asked about redoing the speed study on Akin Road. Police Chief Lindquist noted the speed limits are set by MnDOT. The speed survey can suggest lowering or raising the speed limit. The current speed limits were suggested. The environment along Akin Road may not have changed enough to make a difference. Councilmember Pritzlaff felt the different use in the fields constituted a change and there have been a few developments added along Akin Road. They will need parking for the events in the field and asked if it would be Council Minutes (Regular) September 15, 2008 Page 5 better to have no parking on just one side. Police Chief Lindquist noted that was considered. Tonight there was a significant number of empty spaces in the parking lot as well as the bus corral that are available for parking for these events. Next year we will have the new high school and events will be moving. Parking on one side of Akin Road still has an element of danger. Long term Councilmember Pritzlaff would still like to see the speed limit lowered on Akin Road. City Engineer Schorzman noted if we request a speed study, we will have to live with the results. Also included in the recommendation could be eliminating parking along the entire length of Akin Road. The shoulders are not designed for parking. They are designed for cars to get off the road in an emergency. Mayor Soderberg stated he would not favor a speed study at this time because the 45 mph speed limit was a compromise. Having an urban section with 30 mph creates a more hazardous situation. The recommendation from the speed study was 50 mph along the entire road. Councilmember Fogarty asked if the City Administrator and Superintendent have discussed this issue during their regular meetings. City Administrator Herlofsky replied it has been discussed and Police Chief Lindquist was asked to make this recommendation. Councilmember Fogarty stated to say this is frustrating is an understatement. It is maddening. The school district knows what they are planning out there. They planned functions for hundreds of families to be in one location, one road with one way in and out for hundreds of children. This is not just football. The pool is being used, there is dance team, etc. It is difficult to drive through, it is difficult to see everything and it is maddening the school district did this, saw it was a problem for two weeks and has yet to do anything to attempt to correct the problem. This was a monumental lapse in judgment. She was frustrated they created this problem and they are not stepping up to make any solutions. The City has to step in and spend City dollars to correct a problem that could have been avoided. When football was held at the high school, there were five different ways to get to the field and it was not congested. These are the types of issues she wants discussed at the monthly meetings between the City and the School District. She wants a partnership with the school that is truly a partnership. She wants them to realize the pressure they put on the City. Police Chief Lindquist has temporary signs ready and his plan was to go forward with placement tomorrow. He will then see if they can work out a solution with the school to see if this congestion can be moved to a different field. There is a possibility we may not need to install permanent signs. Councilmember Wilson preferred the temporary signs and to work with the school rather than spending $500 on permanent signs. There will also be a police officer present during events unless they are on a call. The fine would be $25-$30 for a parking ticket. Councilmember McKnight supported the short term solution. MOTION by Pritzlaff, second by Wilson to create a no parking zone on Akin Road from 100 ft north of 208th Street to 1200 ft south. Mayor Soderberg clarified the Police Chief is authorized to install temporary signage and to work Council Minutes (Regular) September 15,2008 Page 6 with the school. If permanent signs are needed, that will be up to the Police Chief and Engineering. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE a) Council Workshop Schedule Council decided to have a workshop on October 21, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. Topics to be discussed include the 2009 budget, CIP, code enforcement on foreclosed properties, old City Hall, V oiceover IP. Councilmember Fogarty: Asked why Ted's Pizza is closed. Finance Director Roland stated she spoke with the owners of the property and they were also concerned. They are attempting to find out the reason. Councilmember McKnight: Asked for an update on determining a use for the old City Hall. This will be added to the October 21 workshop. Mayor Soderberg recalled staff was going to get some estimates on the cost to renovate the building. City Administrator Herlofsky stated the Rambling River Center toured the building and will ask for a report on the outcome. Councilmember Wilson: Noted the budget workshops are open to the public. Councilmember Pritzlaff: He noted we have 3-4 items to discuss on October 21 and only one item on October 13. Councilmember Fogarty felt the October 13 workshop could last longer. Councilmember Pritzlaff asked for a better explanation on the V oiceover IP. He would like an explanation of the dollar amount for the maintenance portion and overall cost. He asked for a graph to explain it in more detail. Finance Director Roland: Finance Director Roland asked for more clarification on what Councilmember Pritzlaffwants regarding the voiceover IP. Councilmember Pritzlaff stated he thought that the maintenance portion and the overall cost would be taken out of the budget. He was told it would not come from the budget and there seemed to be some confusion as to what the amount would be. Staff was going to prepare a graph to show in more detail the maintenance portion and what would come from the budget. The memo he received does not explain the $50,000 that was to come from the budget. 14. ADJOURN MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn at 8:09 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, . ,...<-~~ ~~~ '-- ~7"- L--7u~ , )./ ~'Cynthia Muller Executive Assistant