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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.02.98 Council Minutes COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR February 2, 1998 1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan None City Administrator Erar, Attorney Gannis 2. Mayor Ristow led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Introduced New City Employees - Police Chief Dan Siebenaler introduced Police Officer Brian Lindquist and City Administrator Erar introduced Executive Assistant Lori Folie. 4. Swearing-In Ceremony - The Oath of Office was administered to Officer Brian Lindquist. 5. MOTION by Gamer, second by Cordes to approve the Agenda as presented. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. Citizen Comments - Mr. Henry Iwerks, 1105 Sunnyside Drive, expressed thanks to Attorney Grannis for providing a copy of a particular law to him; expressed appreciation to Arvilla Neff for her competent assistance; requested Council to assist him in going after the Government to ensure that they "clean up their act"; expressed concern regarding "blue slip" from the City inserted in his utility bill which was confusing to him, and in essence, an increase in the State solid waste tax. 7. Consent Agenda MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to approve the Consent Agenda: a) Approved Minutes 1/20/98 (Regular) b) Accepted 1997 Liquor Store Operations Summary c) Adopted Resolution No. R07 -98 Revoking MSA Status - CSAH 31 d) Approved Capital Outlay Purchase - Outdoor Warning Siren/Squad Car - Police Department e) Approved Conference Request - Police Department f) Adopted Resolution No. R08-98 - Support Youth Initiative Bill g) Adopted Resolution No. R06-98- Business Recycling Recognition Program h) Accepted Solid Waste Survey Results i) Approved Capital Outlay Purchase - 6 computers/2 printers - MIS j) Approved Capital Outlay Purchase - carpet/carpet cleaner - Parks & Recreation Department k) Approved Bills for Payment (This attachment was inadvertently excluded from the original Council packet and was therefore added at the time of the meeting) APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 8. Public Hearings - None. 9. Award of Contract Adopt Resolution - Accept Bids/Awards Contract - ADA Upgrade at Pool Bath House and Rambling River Park Restrooms Jim Bell stated that this item was going to be deferred to the February 17, 1998 Council Agenda. I I I I ~. I ~ I I ! ! ~ ! ~ ! Towing Contract - Zoning Confirmation Chief Dan Siebenaler updated the Council on the business status of Dakota County Towing. By Resolution of the Vermillion Township Board, Dakota County Towing is operating a legally authorized business and may continue to operate until January 20, 1999. MOTION by Gamer, second by Fitch to award the towing contract to Dakota County Towing, the lowest bidder. It was agreed that a workshop would be held in late summer or early fall to discuss a process for awarding contracts to businesses in town and avoid future controversy. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. Petitions, Requests and Communications ALF Ambulance Service Refund Councilmember Gamer explained the service refund from ALF Ambulance Service and indicated the possibility for a similar refund next year. MOTION by Gamer, second by Strachan to accept the ALF Ambulance service refund of $19,160 and designate this same amount to the General Fund balance reserve. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Dakota County League of Governments Legislative Policy Issues This item was presented by City Administrator Erar for information only. There was no action necessary . Request for Support - Proposed Housing Tax Credit Projects Dave Olson, Community Development Director, discussed the two requests for a letter of support for low income rental housing projects proposed in Farmington: Cameron Woods, a 62- unit townhome development; a 16-unit townhome project in East Farmington. Representatives of both developers were present at the Council Meeting. Mayor Ristow was concerned about the public's reaction to this change in the PUD from owner occupied to rental property. Mayor Ristow was also reluctant to agree to the letters of support for fear it would be perceived by the residents as a strong show of support for the projects. After a lengthy discussion, Council agreed that the City is in need of low income housing to help the City meet its Livable Communities Act Agreement and to accommodate the many families that work in the community and earn between $8-$10 an hour. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to provide letters of support for the applications of Low Income Housing Tax Credits submitted by Sherman Associates and Sand Companies, Inc. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Developer Request for MUSA - Neilan Property Dave Olson, Community Development Director, indicated that this matter required no action, only that Council acknowledge Mr. Allen's request for MUSA to be considered during the next 2 Comprehensive Plan Update. There was a consensus by all Council that this request was acknowledged. 12. Unfinished Business Adopt Strategic Planning Process MOTION by Gamer, second by Cordes to approve the Strategic Planning Implementation Plan as presented. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. MOTION CARRIED. Accept Implementation Plan for Municipal Control of Infrastructure Lee Mann, City Engineer/Public Works Director, presented an Implementation Plan to Council which would allow the City to control design and construction of infrastructure in new developments. Mr. Mann requested approval to put the Plan in motion for approval at a future Council meeting. It was agreed by Council and staff that quality work was the primary concern. Steve Juetten of Genstar Land Company asked that Council keep an open mind; stated the deadline of March 2 may not be doable as they need time to research issues on both sides. Councilmember Fitch was apprehensive about the scrutiny from developers; the City's manpower and ability to serve the developer and his timeline. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to accept the Implementation Plan authorizing a meeting with developers and a final review at a future Council Meeting. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. MOTION CARRIED. 13. New Business -- Schedule Public HearinglProject Update - CSAH 31 Lee Mann, City Engineer/Public Works Director, advised Council that this project is out for bids and requested a public hearing before the project is awarded by the County. Mr. Erar explained individual notices would be mailed to residents on March 2, 1998, and an advertisement would be placed in the local newspaper on March 4, 1998. MOTION by Gamer, second by Cordes to adopt Resolution No. R09-98 setting a public hearing for March 16, 1998, at the Farmington High School. Voting For: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan. Voting Against: None. MOTION CARRIED. 14. Council Roundtable Councilmember Cordes: Met with the Water Board and had good discussions. Working on policies to implement rate increases. City Administrator Erar: Praised the Water Board for the way they have managed business. Meeting scheduled with Dakota County on February 5, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall regarding the Library facility. Special assessment Council workshop next Wednesday, February 11. Special HRA meeting on February 4, 1998, 7:00. Engineer Mann: Vermillion River Watershed Management Organization -- Will look for potential members to sit on this advisory committee. He will attend Board Meetings. 3 Citizen John Richardson: (Address: 35 Elm Street) Praised firefighters for their fine work in putting out the recent house fire at 300 First Street in such a short time and thanked the Police Department for handling the traffic. Mayor Ristow: Would like to see the Capital Outlay for our expanded warning siren system communicated to residents. Thought Lena Larson did a fine job on the recycling survey and thought it should have also received more recognition including some of the good comments. Acknowledged the grand opening of the new pool at the Middle School on February 1, 1998, and commented on what a "masterpiece of art" it is. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 9:30 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~~G}~ Lori 1. Folie Executive Assistant 4