HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.15.21 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
November 15, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hoyt at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hoyt led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Hoyt, Pearson, Porter, Wilson
Members Absent: Bernhjelm
Also Present: Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; David McKnight, City Administrator;
Lynn Gorski, Assistant City Administrator; Chris Regis, Finance
Director; Gary Rutherford, Police Chief;Justin Elvestad, Fire Chief;
Samantha DiMaggio, Community Development Director; Kellee
Omlid, Parks and Recreation Director; Katy Gehler, City
Engineer/Public Works Director;Jennifer Gabbard, Human
Resources Director; Cynthia Muller, Administrative Assistant
Audience: Commissioner Mike Slavik; Katie Ellis, 360 Communities
4. APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by Porter, second by Wilson to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Donation to 360 Communities for Farmington Food Shelf
During the month of October, Farmington Liquor stores held a food drive for the
Farmington Food Shelf. Total donations amounted to $12,804 for 2021. The
2020 donation was$6,566. Ms. Katie Ellis, 360 Communities, was in attendance
to accept the donation.
b) Dakota County Commissioner Slavik
Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik gave an update on county activities.
Residents will be receiving 2022 property tax notices in the mail today.
Farmington is the lowest in the county overall. The average property will see a
$10 reduction in county taxes. Dakota County has the lowest county tax rate in
the state.
Libraries are transitioning back to normal library hours and park programs.
The upcoming year will be busy for transportation projects. CR86 will be a two-
year project south of Farmington. A roundabout will be constructed on TH3 at
CR66. The county received the city's resolution requesting a traffic signal at
CR50 and Flagstaff. The county is analyzing the area and will meet with city staff
next week.
CDA workforce housing is being discussed with the city.
Council Minutes(Regular)
November 15,2021
Page 2
Councilmember Wilson noted the CR50 and Flagstaff intersection may not show
a lot of activity now. He asked if the county looks at the type of population on
the road and future development. Commissioner Slavik replied no, they do not
consider that, but county staff has been observing traffic. He did bring up the
high school and surrounding development.
Councilmember Porter asked for a breakdown of the two regional parks with
improvements. The county did an $11.5 million upgrade to White Tail Woods
Regional Park and Lake Byllesby.
Councilmember Pearson noted corporations are pushing IT equipment now. She
asked if the county connects with businesses to expand their IT offerings at
libraries. Commissioner Slavik replied no, the county uses federal funds to
purchase equipment. We are still not back to pre-2020 checkout numbers for
chromebooks. County libraries are no longer charging children a late fee as of
January 1, 2022.
Mayor Hoyt noted he and city staff attended the ribbon cutting for the new CDA
housing on Robert Street. It is a great project and it was nice to see how it can fit
in Farmington. He noted very few people are as committed to their job as
Commissioner Slavik. He genuinely cares about his jurisdiction.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Pearson, second by Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approved November 1, 2021, City Council Work Session and Meeting Minutes -
Administration
b) Adopted RESOLUTION R57-21 Approving 2022 Non-Bargaining Compensation—
Human Resources
C) Adopted RESOLUTION R58-21 Approving 2022 Fire Compensation —Human
Resources
d) Approved 2022 Seasonal Wages— Human Resources
e) Adopted RESOLUTION R59-21 Approving AFSCME Clerical,Technical,
Professional Contract for 2022—2024—Human Resources
f) Adopted RESOLUTION R60-21 Approving Maintenance Contract for 2022-2024—
Human Resources
g) Approved Reclassification of Park Maintenance Worker—Human Resources
h) Adopted RESOLUTION R61-21 Accepting donation from Edward Panyk to the
Rambling River Center- Parks
i) Adopted RESOLUTION R62-21 Accepting Donations to the Park Naming Contest-
Parks
j) Approved Certificate of Completion and Release of Development Contract for
Round Bank—Community Development
k) Approved Community Waste Abatement Grant Application —Public Works
1) Approved Policy and Procedures for Federal Awards Administration - Finance
m) Approved Bills- Finance
Council Minutes(Regular)
November 15,2021
Page 3
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) Adopt Ordinance Approving 2022 Fee Schedule
City staff has reviewed the 2021 fee schedule to determine changes for 2022.
The City Council reviewed the changes at the November 1, 2021, work session.
There were changes to fees for parks and recreation, community development,
fire and public works/engineering. Various fees were reviewed and approved by
the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Rambling River Center Advisory Board
and the Water Board. Councilmember Porter asked if the fees traditionally
follow the curve of inflation. Assistant City Administrator Gorski stated yes and
they are included in the 2022 budget. MOTION by Wilson, second by Porter to
close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Wilson, second
by Porter to adopt ORDINANCE 021-765 approving the 2022 fee schedule. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
b) Adopt Resolution Vacating Drainage and Utility Easements at 3072 212th Street
West
The city has received a petition from Zoe Roberts to vacate certain drainage and
utility easements at 3072 212th Street West in the New Sunrise Addition. Ms.
Roberts' home was built on Lot 3, Block 7 in 2019. She has now purchased the
adjoining vacant lot (Lot 2, Block 7) and has combined the two lots into a single
PID number. She wants to construct an addition onto the west side of her
existing house, therefore the interior side yard drainage and utility easements
for both lots will have to be vacated. There are no city utilities located within
these easements. Councilmember Wilson asked if the addition will be consistent
with development in the neighborhood. Planning Manager Wippler stated yes, it
is for additional living room space. MOTION by Wilson, second by Porter to close
the public hearing and adopt RESOLUTION R63-21 authorizing the vacation of
the easements. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
9. AWARD OF CONTRACT
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12. NEW BUSINESS
a) Approve Contract for Solid Waste/ Recycling Services
The expiring solid waste operations contracts have been discussed at a number
of work sessions this year. The services from the three existing contracts have
been combined as well as addressing changes in service due to new county
requirements. A new contract has been drafted with our current contracted
hauler, DSI, that combines the services. General terms of the contract are:
- The agreement is slated to be for a term of five years with one five-year extension
and up to two two-year extensions.
Council Minutes(Regular)
November 15,2021
Page 4
- The agreement incorporates the new weekly recycling requirements from Dakota
County Ordinance 110.
- The city and DSI will share 50% revenue on recyclables.
- DSI will purchase the city waste haulers and all of the current city carts at$775,103.
- DSI collects, transports and disposes of refuse and recycling at no charge to city
facilities.
- DSI will use their current practices for non-payment of accounts.
- Valet service will continue to be provided for seniors and those with decreased
mobility that can show need.
The Solid Waste Fund will have a balance to support any employee liabilities resulting
from the transition of service.
There will be no change for customers. DSI will have fewer holiday changes than the
city.
Councilmember Pearson confirmed the $4 increase includes moving to weekly recycling.
Councilmember Wilson thanked Public Works Director Gehler for her work and
organization put into this. He was very concerned about the rates for weekly recycling,
but is very happy with the small increase. Councilmember Porter was pleasantly
surprised to see the insignificant increase and thanked Public Works Director Gehler for
her work. Mayor Hoyt thanked the entire team for working on this transition. There
will be a lot of communication coming out in the next few weeks. Roll-offs were not
part of the contract and will be discussed at a future time.
City Administrator McKnight stated Council talked about the sale of the vehicles and
using the funds to pay the first quarter utility bills. Staff will bring that to the next
meeting. Mayor Hoyt added DSI customers will pay ahead. So they will get a fourth
quarter bill, but the city will use the funds to pay the first quarter bill. MOTION by
Pearson, second by Porter to approve the solid waste/recycling services agreement
with DSI. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Wilson: Kudos to the Fire Department for Turkey Bingo. Congratulations to the
Farmington football team who did a great job.
Porter: Congratulations to the Farmington Tigers. Snow is coming and she
encouraged residents to shovel their sidewalks and adhere to the parking restrictions.
She urged residents to check in on each other.
Pearson: With Thanksgiving approaching,this is the time of year we express
gratitude and give thanks for what we have. She encouraged residents to shop local.
Jamnik: Things have been quiet at the city attorney's office.
Council Minutes(Regular)
November 15,2021
Page 5
Gorski. We have openings on our boards and commissions. The application
deadline is December 6 at 4 p.m. Applications are available on our website or at City
Hall.
McKnight: On December 2 we will be having a reception for our board and
commission members at the Rambling River Center.
Regis: The Federal Awards Administration policy adopted tonight increases the
micro-purchasing threshold from $3,500 to $25,000.
DiMaggio: There will be a ribbon cutting on November 18 at 3 p.m. at Fisson
Training and Dog Kennels at 923 8th Street in the Farmington Mall.
Omlid. Trains and Treats will be held at the Rambling River Center on November
27. The model train club rebuilt the train display. The secret holiday shop is December
4. Parents are encouraged to shop downtown while their children are at the holiday
shop. This is the last day to register your home for the holiday lights tour. The Rambling
River Center is selling Metro Dining Cards. These are great for gifts.
Rutherford: 360 Communities does amazing work. There is a hygiene drive taking
place through December 10. Toys for Town donation bins are out. Last year the police
department served over 120 families. Donate a new, unwrapped toy or cash for food.
Elvestad: Turkey bingo was a huge success and a record-breaking year. He thanked
the City Council for approving the firefighter wage scale.
Solinger: Thanked his crew for their work on the fundraiser. They are working on
cool things for the liquor stores.
Hoyt: This time of year things get busy. There are lots of opportunities to
donate. The community continues to show up. He attended the coffee break at the
Rambling River Center and was at the high school for Veteran's Day. He spoke to
Riverview Elementary third graders about city government. The Spirit of Giving event is
coming back this year on December 11 in downtown from 4-8 p.m. There will be lots of
activities. Turkey bingo was a great event. He will be attending the Mayor j Manager
meeting on Friday with Secretary of State Simon. He encouraged residents to support
Farmington.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by Porter, second by Wilson to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia JUCCer
Cynthia Muller
Administrative Assistant