HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.16.97 Council Minutes
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COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
JUNE 16, 1997
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 P.M..
Members Present: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: City Administrator Erar, Attorney Grannis.
2. Mayor Ristow led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. MOTION by Gamer, second by Cordes to approve the agenda with the addition of
supplemental materials for Item 6a (Accept Bids/Award Contract for EVP System).
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
4. Citizen Comments
Marilyn Weinhold: Chamber of Commerce - Reminded those present of upcoming
weekend's Founders Festival and thanked the City and staff for
their help in making the celebration a success.
S. Consent Agenda
MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approve minutes - 5/27 - Special, 6/2 - Regular
b) Approve Northern Natural request to construct a pole building on their property.
c) Continue Solid Waste Contract approval until July 7, 1997 meeting.
d) Approve the agreement with South Suburban Medical Clinic for Elm Street Extension
Project assessments.
e) Receive update on 800 Mhz Radio system.
f) Approve transfer of cigarette and 3.2 beer licenses to new owners of Budget Mart.
g) Receive liquor store remodeling project update.
h) Receive pool filtration system replacement update.
i) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. R73-97 approving a gambling premise permit for Eagles Club.
j) Approve radio purchases - Fire Department.
k) Receive Spring Clean Up Day Report
l) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. R74-97 accepting donation from Dakota Electric - P & R.
m) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. R7s-97 accepting donation from 4-H Club - Mobile Meals
n) Approve Local Performance Aid Certification
0) Approve Temporary 3.2 Permit - Softball Tournament
p) Adopt ORDINANCE NO. 097-396 amending Code relating to the development process.
q) Approve payment of the bills as submitted.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
6. Award of Contract - Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption Device
City Engineer Mann informed Council that bids had been received for the installation
of the signal device at TH 3 and Ash Street. The low bid was submitted by
Electrical Installation and Maintenance Company in the amount of $8,600.00. MnDOT
and the City would share the cost of the project, with the City's share amounting to
$4,930 to be funded through the Road and Bridge Fund. MOTION by Gamer, second by
Fitch to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R76-97 accepting the bid and awarding the contract for
an emergency vehicle pre-emption traffic device to Electrical Installation and
Maintenance Company. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
7. Chamber of Commerce Representative - Redesignation
Current representative Member Strachan noted that attending the Chamber Business
meetings was a very valuable experience which was worth the time spent. MOTION by
Strachan, second by Fitch to nominate Councilmember Gamer as the new representative
and Councilmember Cordes as the alternate. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. Elm Street Extension Plans and Specifications
City Engineer Mann stated that South Suburban Medical Clinic had approved the
assessment agreement for the project and that plans and specifications had been
completed. Councilmember Strachan asked if berming, to shield neighboring homes
from the new street extension, was proposed. Engineer Mann replied that only trees
and landscaping can be required by the City. Mayor Ristow asked whether a citizen
who had concerns regarding screening at an earlier meeting had been notified. The
Engineer replied that he would contact the citizen. Another concern was whether a
stop sign would be placed at the intersection of Oak Street and Highway 3. Engineer
Mann stated that a traffic study would need to be done after the project had been
completed to determine if a stop sign was warranted. MOTION by Gamer, second by
Cordes to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R77-97 approving the plans and specifications and
authorizing the advertisement for bids for the Project 97-15 - Elm Street Extension.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
9. East Far.mington Sidewalks
Discussion regarding sidewalks and driveway aprons in East Farmington which had been
installed and did not meet City specifications concluded with the following points
being noted: the 4" thick sidewalks which were installed were adequate if they were
installed properly; driveway aprons must be concrete and 6 inches thick; the 4 "
walks were not being removed because of inconvenience to homeowners; the contractors
have been informed that 6 inch thick walks and aprons are required by City code.
Questions were raised as to whether the funds being escrowed for future repair would
be adequate if replacement didn't occur for a number of years. It was noted that
the funds would be placed in an interest bearing account. It was also noted that
the funds were not refundable to the developer. MOTION by Fitch, second by Strachan
to approve the agreement with Sienna Corporation for escrow of funds to replace
substandard sidewalks and driveway aprons in East Farmington. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
10. Alley Dustcoating
Discussion of this topic was brought about by a request from a resident who was
concerned that the change to "No parking" along Elm Street would increase traffic in
his alley. Councilmembers stated they felt they had given their word to the
resident that his alley would be dustcoated. Staff informed Council that funding
had not been provided in the 1997 budget for alley dustcoating, and that it may set
a precedent for other residents to request alley dustcoating as well. It was the
consensus of Council that staff should prepare a policy defining the circumstances
under which alley dustcoating would be done. MOTION by Gamer, second by Fitch to
dustcoat the alley between Elm and Oak Streets from Division to First Street. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
1l. County Road 31 Update
City Administrator Erar informed Council that he had met with the County and it was
necessary for Council to begin working on the financing options for the project.
Council needs to sign the agreement with the County so that the County can begin
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easement acquisition. Actual construction will not begin until the Spring of 1998.
Administrator Erar also noted that this project was vital to continued growth
because it is the major north/south corridor for the City. He will bring financing
options and information to the July 7th Council meeting. Council requested that a
general public notice is to be placed in the newspaper for two weeks prior to the
meeting so interested citizens are aware of the discussion. It was further
requested that the July meeting be held at the meeting room in the Library.
12. Annual Financial Statement
Finance Director Roland presented the results of the 1996 City audit. She noted
that several changes had been made which provided for more internal control of
funds. She explained various aspects of the report and the City's auditing firm's
comments. Councilmember Strachan congratulated Director Roland and her staff for
the excellent job done on both the audit and Finance Department policy changes.
13. Roundtable
Councilmember Strachan: At the Chamber Business meeting, discussion had taken place
on establishing a graffiti ordinance which would make
property owners responsible for its removal.
Councilmember Cordes: Had received a call from a resident regarding noise from a
neighbors pool filtration system. Member Cordes asked
whether the City had a noise ordinance. Staff will check into the situation.
Councilmember Fitch: Had met with Chamber representatives regarding parking issues
and had a mini tour of the Exchange Bank Building.
14. Council took a 5 minute recess at 8:03 P.M. prior to adjourning into Executive
Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Hanson
Clerk/Typist