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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.20.23 Council MinutesCOUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR March 20, 2023 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, Bernatz, Lien, Porter, Wilson Members Absent: None Also Present: Leah Koch, City Attorney; Chris Regis, Finance Director; Deanna Kuennen, Community Development Director; John Powell; Public Works Director; Kellee Omlid, Parks and Recreation Director; Gary Rutherford, Police Chief, Ed Rutledge, Natural Resources Coordinator. 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion by Porter, second by Wilson to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Introduction of New Employees and Swearing in of Police Officer Kuennen introduced Caryn Hojnicki and Jared Johnson. Rutherford introduced Officer Champange Eiklenborg and administered the Oath of Office. Champange’s mother pinned her badge. 6. CITIZEN COMMENTS 7. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Bernatz, second by Lien to approve the Consent Agenda a) Approve City Council Work Session Minutes March 6, 2023 – Administration b) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes March 6, 2023 – Administration c) Authorize a Professional Services Agreement for the Community Vision and Comprehensive Plan Update – Community Development d) Approve Bills – Finance e) Staff Changes and Recommendations – Human Resources f) Adopt Resolution R20-23 Accepting Donation for a Park Bench – Parks and Recreation g) Joint Powers Agreement for Emergency Management Services - Police h) Out of State Training Request – Police i) Joint Powers Agreement for Pharmaceutical Drug Disposal Program – Police j) Adopt Resolution R21-23 to Accept a Grant Providing AEDs for Squad Cars- Police k) Authorize a Professional Services Agreement for the 2023 Bridge Inspections – Public Works Council Minutes (Regular) March 20, 2023 Page 2 l) Approve the Wetland Replacement Plan for the North Creek Greenway Trail – Public Works 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT 10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEW BUSINESS a) Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize the Advertisement for Bids for the Akin Road Improvements – Public Works Powell introduced the item which asks the council to authorize the Advertisement for Bids for the Akin Road Improvement Project. On March 21, 2022 the City Council approved a professional services agreement to prepare a Memorandum of Findings and to prepare construction plans and bid documents for the 2022 Akin Road Improvement Project. As there were concerns with public safety having two major roads under construction during 2022 and funding concerns the project was moved to 2023. The estimated cost of construction is $2,404,500 and will be funded by a combination of Street Maintenance Funds and Municipal State Aid Construction funds. Council discussion on use of municipal state aid funding and effect on bonding costs, what will happen to trail and bridge on east side, anticipated start and completion dates, ADA improvements on trails, disruption on residents and access. Motion by Porter, second by Lien to Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize the Advertisement for Bids for the Akin Road Improvements. APIF, MOTION CARRIED b) Approve Emerald Ash Borer Plan – Public Works Powell introduced the item which is a follow up to a conversation the City Council had on March 6, 2023 after staff presented background on the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) pest, review of the City’s 2017 EAB plan, current status of EAB and boulevard tress and three options for moving forward. The City Council asked for an alternative option that was both aggressive and keeps public safety in mind. Once plan is approved communication strategy will need to be created. Staff is recommending a six year plan which has an estimated cost of $4,400,000. This plan would utilize treatments for approximately 250 trees up to 1,250 trees, depending on the level of infestation. Staff is also recommending the complete removal of up to 200 trees in 2023 and beginning in 2024 the removal of up to 800 trees a year for the next five years. Solid Waste fund balance is proposed to be used for the estimated $300,000 2023 costs. A funding source for future years would need to be determined. Council Minutes (Regular) March 20, 2023 Page 3 Council discussion on thoroughness of staff proposals, need to move forward with aggressive plan, public safety in front of mind, risk of leaving dead trees standing, loss of aesthetics and trees, potential tree sale for residents, communication with residents, reforestation, community engagement, and education. Motion by Lien, second by Wilson to Approve the Emerald Ash Borer Plan. APIF, MOTION CARRIED c) Approve Contract for Emerald Ash Borer Tree Injection Services – Public Works Powell introduced the item which recommends the approval of a contract with Rainbow Treecare Company to complete Emerald Ash Borer tree injection services for the city and offer a homeowner program for the treatment of trees on private property. Council discussion on communication on homeowner program availability. Motion by Bernatz, second by Porter to Approve a Contract with Rainbow Treecare Company for Emerald Ash Borer tree injection services. APIF, MOTION CARRIED 13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Lien: Wish Gorski speedy recovery. Bernatz: First day of spring. Porter: Energy with spring arriving. Welcome to new staff. Wilson: EDA meeting was well organized. Attended final coffee with the senior and Wilson joined Rambling River Center. Koch: Closed session will not be held tonight. Kuennen: Community vision and comprehensive plan kicking off soon. Micro-grant program coming soon through EDA. Powell: Akin Road and EAB will be priorities. Public Works hiring seasonal staff for summer. Planning for construction season and completion of Spruce Street. GIS Specialist interviews happening next week. Omlid: Hiring seasonal summer positions. Regis: Preparing for audit in two weeks. Council Minutes (Regular) March 20, 2023 Page 4 Rutherford: New personnel coming on board in upcoming months. Constantineau securing grant funds for AED’s. Hoyt: Weather constraints on upcoming street projects and trails. Welcome to new staff. Team culture organization has and continues to build upon. 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION a) Performance Review of the City Administrator – WILL BE RESCHEDULED. 15. ADJOURN MOTION by Porter second by Bernatz to adjourn at 7:44 pm. Respectfully submitted, Julie Flaten Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Director