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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.04.91 Council Minutes MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING REGULAR MARCH 4, 1991 1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Kuchera, Orr, Derington, Galler. Members Absent: Mayer. Also Present: Administrator Thompson, Attorney Grannis. 2. MOTION by Orr, second by Galler to approve the agenda with the following changes: a. Add EDC discussion. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. MOTION by Orr, second by Derington to approve the minutes of the February 19, 1991 regular meeting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Officer Ted Dau presented a brief overview of the DARE program and acknowledged the organizations which had contributed to the program: Farmington VFW, Farmington American Legion, SAnD, Farmington Chamber of Commerce, Eagles Club, Kasota Boosters Club (Farmington Lanes). 5. The Council next considered a recommendation by the Planning Commission to rezone the N~ of vacated Locust Street and Lot 9, Block 5 from B-3 (Heavy Business) to R-3 (High Density Residential). Administrator Thompson reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation and indicated that the Council could adopt the ordinance or set a public hearing. Discussion followed regarding whether the property should be rezoned to R-3 or R-2. Tom Ryan indicated the neighborhood was not opposed to the rezoning, but did not want to see a 6-plex constructed. Councilmember Orr noted that under the R-3 zoning, the maximum number of units would be a 3-plex or possibly a 4-plex with a variance. Councilmember Galler noted that either the R-2 or R-3 zoning would conform with surrounding zoning and that the R-3 would make development of the property more economically feasible. MOTION by Kuchera, second by Orr to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 091-244 rezoning the N~ of vacated Locust Street and Lot 9, Block 5, Town of Farmington from B-3 Heavy Business to R-3 High Density Residential. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. The Council next considered rezoning the E~ of the NW~, Section 23 from R-1 Low Density Residential to A-2 Agricultural Preserve. Administrator Thompson noted that the Planning Commission had recommended the rezoning based on a request by the property owner in order to allow the property to qualify for the Ag Preserve Program. MOTION by Orr, second by Kuchera to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 091-245 rezoning the E~ of the NWt, Section 23 from R-1 Low Density Residential to A-2 Agricultural Preserve. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. The Council next considered a comprehensive amendment to the City's assessment policy. Administrator Thompson presented various options to the Council, noting that Option II would equalize sanitary sewer assessments in a given area and corner lot street assessments would be approximately 25% higher than interior lots. Mr. Thompson stated that because of the odd configuration of blocks and lots in the old part of town it would never be possible to equalize assessments. A number of citizens were present to discuss the policy. It appeared to be the sentiment that street improvements should be assessed on a per unit basis, with corner lots being equal to interior lots. Tom Ryan stated that he felt the 12% for engineering was excessive and should be closer to 6%. The Council noted that 12% was much lower than a private consultant would charge and that the fees were included as part of the general fund budget. It was the consensus of the Council that it should establish ~~ Council Minutes - 3/4/91 - Page 2 generally stated policy goals and develop a map of the City listing proposed assessments on each property. Also, the Council should establish an assessment rate and eliminate the "phase in "policy. There also was some sentiment for equalizing all street assessments. The Council also discussed the possibility of issuing rebates to corner lots in the 89-3 project. Staff was directed to draft policy language and immediately prepare a sample assessment roll for the 1991 Street Improvement Project and to begin preparing a master assessment roll for the entire City. 8. MOTION by Derington, second by Galler to authorize the Fire Chief to repair the 1987 squad car as he deems appropriate. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 9. It was the consensus of the Council that the Salary Committee conduct the employee salary appeal process and report back at the first meeting in April. 10. MOTION by Orr, second by Derington to approve the following item relating to Project 87-7 (Fairground Sewer and Water - Richard Knutson, Inc.): a. Approve Change Order No. 4 - Add $1,920.00 for Extra Meter Depth. b. Approve Change Order No.5 - Add $1,009.00 for Extra Interior Plumbing. c. Approve Payment No.3 - $26,305.14. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 11. It was the consensus of the Council to tentatively meet on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 P.M. to discuss the proposed amendment to the City Personnel Policy. 12. City Engineer Kaldunski presented a feasibility report for the 1991 Street Im- provement Project (Spruce Street from 4th to 8th Streets). Mr. Kaldunski reviewed the report noting proposed improvements and costs. It was the consensus of the Council that a hearing not be set until the Council has adopted an assessment policy. MOTION by Orr, second by Derington to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R16-91 accepting the feasi- bility report for Project 91-1 - 1991 Street and Utility Improvements. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 13. Staff presented an overview of the proposed State LGA cuts. Administrator Thompson noted that because the 1991 cuts are relatively small compared to 1992 cuts, it was recommended that the Council consider the 1991 budget adjustments in conjunction with the review of the 1992 and 1993 budgets. Administrator Thompson stated that staff would prepare a report on the impact of the recent LGA cuts and Governor's proposed budget. 14. The Council next considered the proposed survey questions. It was the consensus that the following questions be asked: a. Quarterly vs. monthly billing, b. Airport, c. City services with comments. Councilmember Derington suggested that a statement regarding publication of results should be placed on the survey. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera to approve the aforementioned questions and to publish the results in the Farmington Independent and the City newsletter. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 15. MOTION by Orr, second by Galler to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R17-91 approving the plans and specifications for an automated packer truck and 300 gallon containers, with the addition of a requirement to have a service location within 60 miles and to order the advertisement for bids. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Council Minutes - 3/4/91 - Page 3 27 16. The Council next considered a proposed increase in Solid Waste User Fees as out- lined in the Administrator's February 14, 1991 memo and the Finance Director's February 25, 1991 memo. Finance Director Henneke explained the need for the increase, citing in- creased personnel costs due to recycling efforts and administrative oversight, increased fuel costs and increased landfill fees. Administrator Thompson stated that staff had been monitoring revenues and expenditures throughout the year, but that some unantici- pated expenditures in November and December created a $45,000 deficit. Administrator Thompson added that inefficiencies and extra cost due to the change in commercial hauling and recycling would require an increase to $49.00 per quarter. A number of questions followed regarding costs and notifying the public. Finance Director Henneke stated that special pickups should also be increased to $17.50 per cubic yard to com- pensate for increased landfill fees. MOTION by Galler, second by Orr to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R18-91 amending the Solid Waste residential fees to $49.00 per quarter, increasing all other rates by 15.3% and special pickups to $17.50 per cubic yard. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 17. MOTION by Orr, second by Kuchera acknowledging the designation of Farmington as a Tree City USA and to proclaim April as Arbor Month and April 26, 1991 at Arbor Day. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 18. MOTION by Orr, second by Galler to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R19-91 approving the plans and specifications for a Sewage Flow Monitoring Station and ordering the Advertisement for Bids. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 19. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a. Approve School/Conference Request - Section Fire School. b. Approve School/Conference Request - Police Department First Responder. c. Approve City Hall Maintenance Agreement - Furnace. d. Add Assistant Engineer Position to the Organizational Chart. e. Approve payment of the bills as submitted. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 20. Councilmember Galler informed the Council that the EDC had tentatively set the annual planning meeting for April 11, 1991. 21. During roundtable the following items were discussed: a. Water Use Survey from surrounding communities. b. VRWMC Joint Powers Agreement. c. Update on the McVicker property. d. Councilmember Derington would miss a small portion of Saturday's workshop. e. Thelen building update. f. Update on OWM Resource Recovery Grant - appears it will be denied. g. Council workshop this weekend. h. Upcoming Regional Airport meeting - March 7, 1991 and March 13, 1991. 22. MOTION by Orr, second by Kuchera to adjourn at 11:45 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~~strato Approved 6 -\<=t, -<1\\