HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.16.93 Council Minutes
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MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR
FEBRUARY 16, 1993
1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Kuchera, Ristow, Orr, Rotty, Galler.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Administrator Thompson, Attorney Grannis.
2. Citizens Comments:
A. Mayor Kuchera presented the following awards:
1. Certificate of Appreciation - Gary Cameron - PARAC,
2. Certificate of Appreciation - Carol Sprute - HRA,
3. Certificate of Appreciation - Don Mayer - Council/HRA.
B. Boy Scout Troop 119 Citizenship Merit Badge participation.
3. MOTION by Orr, second by Galler to approve the agenda with the following changes:
a. Remove item 5g - Annexation Legislation - from Consent for general discussion.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
4. MOTION by Orr, second by Galler to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a. Approve minutes of the February 1, 1993 regular meeting.
b. Approve the sale of unused property - Police Department firearm.
c. Approve School/Conference Request - Minnesota Chiefs of Police Spring Institute.
d. Approve disposition of forfeited cash.
e. Approve School/Conference Request - EMT Refresher Course - Rescue Squad.
f. Approve School/Conference Request - Fire Sectional Conference.
g. Set public hearing for March 15, 1993 at 7:15 P.M. to consider the partial
vacation of utility easements in Dakota County Estates 7th Addition.
h. Approve Change Order #2 and Payment #3 ($7,717.49) to Ryan Contracting for
Project 92-15.
i. Approve Police Department chaplaincy program.
j. Set public hearing for March 1, 1993 at 7:15 P.M. to consider rezoning of
Lots 8 and 9, Block 17, Town of Farmington from R-2 to B-2.
k. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. R7-93 supporting Minnesota Main Street Program.
1. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. R8-93 approving Metropolitan Council Planning Assistance
Loan.
m. Approve payment of the bills as submitted.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
5. The Council considered a resolution opposing legislation relating to annexation.
Administrator Thompson indicated that he had not heard back from Lakeville and
Rosemount regarding the joint Mayor's letter. Councilmember Orr requested the
matter be tabled until the next meeting and to invite Senator Pariseau to explain
her support of the Bill. It was the consensus that the resolution be tabled until
the first meeting in March and to direct the Administrator to invite Senator Pariseau,
Representative Ozment and Representative Macklin to the next meeting.
20 Council Minutes - 2/16/93 - Page 2
6. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing at 7:15 P.M. to consider a proposed ordinance
relating to architectural designs and standards. Administrator Thompson presented
an overview of the ordinance, noting the ordinance addressed the following issues:
a. lower value homes,
b. sameness,
c. accessory buildings/garages.
Administrator Thompson suggested testimony be taken and to discuss the matter with
the Planning Commission on February 20, 1993. The following comments were heard:
Cm. Orr:
If we make substantial changes, can we continue the hearing
or should a new hearing be set?
You can continue the hearing, but if you substantially
change the ordinance, a new hearing should be set.
Pole buildings in other A-I and C-l districts may be approved
by the Council. Should the Planning Commission be a part
Also, I would like a clarification under 4-5-5 (A)2 relating
cellars (Mayor May "Not" be used as living quarters.)
Atty. Grannis:
Cm. Ratty:
of this process?
to basements and
Jack Benedict: What is the intent of the ordinance? It would be hard
to comply with the sameness. We have 22 different exteriors,
but with 450 building sites it would be hard to comply. I would suggest approving
designs as part of the subdivision process. I also feel its going to cost a lot
of money getting building permits and it is going to be difficult for your staff
to administer. I agree with the concept of setting minimum standards, but it should
be accomplished in a different way.
Ernie Darflinger: Zoning ordinance must address health, safety and welfare.
I assume this ordinance is addressing the welfare issue.
I believe it is actually addressing the aesthetics. I also feel the ordinance
would be an administrative nightmare and most permits would end up in front of
the Council. Mr. Benedict and Rod Hardy would like to work with the City to come
up with a more workable ordinance.
7. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing at 7:30 P.M. to consider amending the
zoning ordinance relating to churches/schools/funeral homes in residential areas.
The hearing was continued until later in the evening.
8. Architectural Designs and Standards Hearing - continued:
Jack Benedict:
Bill Weierke:
I would like to work with the City to develop an ordinance.
Would this impact all parts of the City? I've heard a lot of
rumors and feel citizens should be better informed.
Adm. Thompson:
Bill Weierke:
It would affect all areas of the City.
If my house burned down, I couldn't rebuild because my house
is the same as my neighbor's.
It could be appealed to the Council.
The ordinance may have faults, but by and large it addresses
concerns. Will the accessory storage building apply to PUDs?
Yes.
Can I store a boat or RV outside?
Adm. Thompson:
Cm. Ratty:
Atty. Grannis:
Meyers:
Dan Siebenaler:
There may be some confusion on this. You cannot store on
the street, but it is okay on your private property.
Council Minutes - 2/16/93 - Page 3
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Gary Cameron:
Cm. Galler:
John Rotert:
Adm. Thompson:
What if someone wants to build an accessory storage building?
You must use materials similar to the house.
John Rotert:
How does this impact small storage sheds?
You will be allowed one accessory storage space and up to
800 square feet of detached garage.
What if a person needs the additional garage space for storage?
We want to look at people's needs, but also the rights of the
neighbors.
I support the intent of the Council.
Cm. Ratty:
Alan Wangebach:
MOTION by Orr, second by Ristow to close the hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
9. Mayor Kuchera opened the public hearing to consider the proposed amendment which
would change churches/schools and funeral homes from a permitted use to a conditional
use in residential/agricultural areas. Administrator Thompson noted the ordinance
was recommended by the Planning Commission to allow more citizen input for such
development. Upon questioning, it was noted that a conditional use permit required
mandatory approval rather than the discretionary approval under variances. MOTION by
Galler, second by Rotty to close the hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
10. MOTION by Rotty, second by Orr to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 093-298 amending the
zoning ordinance changing churches and schools from permitted uses to conditional
uses in the agricultural and residential districts, and the same for funeral homes
in the R-3 district. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
11. The Council next considered a request by Wausau Lumber to annex into the City.
Empire Township Clerk Floyd Henry stated that while Wausau had sent a letter to
the Township regarding sewer and water, no official request had been made. Also,
it appeared Wausau exceeded City density requirements. Councilmember Rotty estimated
the building size could be 250,000f square feet. Mayor Kuchera asked if the property
could be served by sewer and water. Engineer Kaldunski stated that he believed
it could be served. MOTION by Galler, second by Orr to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 093-299
annexing certain unincorporated property abutting the City of Farmington, consisting
of 13.5 acres (Wausau Lumber) contingent upon:
a. Wausau paying all filing fees,
b. Wausau paying all associated legal fees,
c. Staff informing Wausau of City development requirements.
Councilmember Orr expressed concern regarding the problems associated with small
annexation requests. VOTING FOR: Ratty, Galler, Orr, Kuchera. ABSTAIN: Ristow.
MOTION CARRIED.
12. The Council next considered the proposed assessment roll for Project 92-3
(Hill Dee/Hillview/Terra Drainage). Questions were raised regarding the costs
of the project and whether or not the entire system should be installed at this
time or delayed. Administrator Thompson noted that a number of lots were in tax
forfeiture (Terra Systems). MOTION by Rotty, second by Orr to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. R9-93 accepting the assessment roll and calling for a public hearing for March 15,
1993 at 7:30 P.M. to consider such assessment roll for Project 92-3. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED .
13. The Council next considered a recommendation by the City Engineer to hire
Lena Larson as an Engineering/Solid Waste Specialist. A lengthy discussion followed
regarding the need for the position and the duties. MOTION by Galler, second by
22 Council Minutes - 2/16/93 - Page 4
Orr to appoint Lena Larson as Engineering/Solid Waste Specialist as recommended
by the City Engineer. VOTING FOR: Orr, Ratty, Galler. AGAINST: Ristow, Kuchera.
MOTION CARRIED.
14. The Council ,next considered the status of the Southeast Area Storm Sewer project
as outlined in the City Administrator's memo dated February 12, 1993. Discussion
followed regarding the project. It was the consensus of the Council to proceed
as outlined in the memo.
15. The Council considered the proposal to reorganize space for Administration
and Finance as outlined in the Administrative Assistant's memo dated February 12,
1993. Questions were raised regarding the timing of the library relocation, financing,
design and additional bids. It was the consensus of the Council to continue with
the project.
16. City Engineer Kaldunski presented the feasibility report for Project 93-4
(Walnut Street, 2nd Street Parking). A number of questions were raised regarding
the width and design of the streets; sidewalks, storm sewer, drainage system for
sumps, tree removal, sanitary sewer services, street lights and bidding the 2nd
Street parking as an alternate. MOTION by Orr, second by Rotty to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. RI0-93 accepting the feasibility report for Project 93-4 and setting a public
hearing for March 1, 1993 at 7:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
17. MOTION by Kuchera, second by Ristow to appoint Craig Schlawin to fill the
Planning Commission vacancy. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
18. MOTION by Galler, second by Rotty to approve MnDOT change order and supplemental
agreement #1 to 195th Street project (Project 92-8) for $1,088.50 for storm sewer
revisions. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
19. The following items were discussed during roundtable:
a. Orfield Bill meeting on February 19,1 993 at the State capital.
b. Notification of upcoming meetings.
c. Councilmember Ristow to replace Councilmember Rotty as the City's representative
to the High School expansion committee.
d. Look at possible environmental affairs commission to advise on solid waste.
e. Update of Reisinger citations.
20. MOTION by Ristow, second by Orr to adjourn at 11:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
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Larry Thompson
City Administrator
Approved
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