HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.15.97 Council Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
DECEMBER 15, 1997
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Mayor Ristow, Councilmembers 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. Roll Call was taken by City Administrator Erar.
4. Mayor Ristow called for a moment of silence in remembrance of former Mayor Eugene "Babe" Kuchera
who passed away December 9, 1997.
5. MOTION by Gamer, second by Fitch to approve the agenda as presented. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Marilyn Weinhold. Chamber a/Commerce - Thanked the City Council for their hard work in obtaining a four-way
stop at the intersection on 3rd and Elm Streets.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Gamer, second by Cordes to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approve Minutes - 12/01/97 (Regular), 12/01/97 (Special)
b) Appoint Officer Kevin Mincke to the position of Police Sergeant
c) Adopt Resolution Nos. R137-97, R138-97, R139-97, R140-97 Approving various Park Grant Applications
d) Approve Contract with CAP-Meals on Wheels
e) Approve Conveyance of City Property - Eagles Development
t) Appoint Dirk Rotty to the vacated seat on the Planning Commission
g) Approve Process of appointments to Boards and Commissions for the year of 1998
h) Adopt Resolution No. R141-97 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Police Unit-
I) Adopt Resolution No. R142-97 1998 COLA Adjustments-Non Bargaining Employees
j) Approve Utility Drop Box -1998 Budget.
k) Housing Needs Grant Application - Information Only
I) Adopt Resolution No. R143-97 Environmental Education Grant Application
m) Approve Capital Outlay Request - Fire Department
n) Accept resignation - Building Inspector
0) Approve list of bills for payment
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. Special Assessment Workshop - Set meeting for February II, 1998. Council will consider
selecting a Citizen (stakeholders) Committee at the meeting.
9. Christmas Lighting and Decoration Information - Parks and Recreation Director Bell
explained to the Council, the involvement the City has had in the past. Marilyn Weinhold, Farmington Area
Chamber of Commerce presented to the City Council a plan for 1998 and future years. It is the Chambers intention
to have business owners be responsible for the installation of lights in the trees in the Downtown area and the
Chamber will contact Dakota Electric, NSP and Frontier to secure volunteer help with the larger trees and
installation of the decorations on light poles. The City will continue to store and distribute the lighting supplies.
Ms. Weinhold thanked City staff for their help this year, in particular, Don Hayes for his assistance in placing the
lights in trees and Karen Finstuen for organizing the decorations at the Exchange Bank Building.
10. City Insurance Rate Reduction - The City of Farmington has property/casualty and workers
compensation insurance through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). LMCIT recently
notified all member cities of the 1998 rate adjustments (15% cut in workers compensation insurance) coupled with a
workers compensation dividend expected in 1998 will amount to reduced expenditures without reduced benefits.
11. 1998 Budget and Property Tax Levy - was presented. Motion by Fitch, second by Cordes to
adopt Resolution No. R144-97 adopting a Budget and Establishing the tax levy for the year 1998 collectible.
APIF, lDotion carried.
12. Result of MnDOT Speed Survey - City Council requested MnDOT perfonn traffic studies on
190th Street and Flagstaff Ave., they also re-studied TH 3.
. 190th Street - the recommended speed limit between Everest Path and CSAH 31 is 30 mph.
. Flagstaff Ave. - it is recommended by MnDOT that the statutory speed limit of 55 mph be maintained.
. Trunk Highway 3 - recommended an increase to the speed limit from 40 to 45 mph.
13. Amendment of HRA Ordinance - Motion by Gamer, second by Fitch to adopt Ordinance
No.091-410 Amending the ordinance by changing the structure of the board to two City Council members and
three citizens appointed at large. APIF, Motion carried.
14. Roundtable
Administrator Erar - Informed Council of upcoming meetings available for newly elected City Officials.
Informed Council of progress in advancing E-mail to staff and the possibility of making available for Council
members. Council requested the Administrator to proceed with this project.
The Snowplowing policy and RFP's for City Attorney are available on the Internet. This saves time and paper a
method of getting this information out to the public.
CIP workshop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 17, 1997.
Finance Director Roland - Logis is installing a cash register system in Finance Department.
Community Development Director Olson - Veterinary Clinic has begun construction on Highway 3.
Police Chief Siebenaler - Toys for Tots is doing well, they have received a "mountain" of toys and approximately
$3000 in donations.
Park and Recreation Director Bell. Outdoor ice is on hold considering the current spell of warm weather.
Mayor Ristow - Thanked the City Council and City staff for a successful year.
15. Adjourn - Motion by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. APIF, Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
j) 0-.- -r--
Cj<-t:...v.- ()~
Karen Finstuen
Administrative Service Manager