HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.05.89 Council Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR
JUNE 5, 1989
1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Kuchera, Mayer, McKnight, Sprute, Galler.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Administrator Thompson, Attorney Grannis.
2. MOTION by McKnight, second by Sprute to approve the agenda with the following
changes:
a. Remove item Sa - Excavation Permit - from agenda.
b. Add item ge - Personnel - Part Time Police.
c. Add item 13a - Request for Payment - Budget Adjustment - Cracksealing.
d. Remove item 11h - Bills - from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
e. Remove item 11a - HRA Applicants - from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
3. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to approve the minutes of the May 15, 1989
regular meeting with a change in paragraph #13 that Councilmember Sprute recommended
the amendment rather than Councilmember Mayer. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
4. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera to approve the minutes of the May 24, 1989
special meeting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
5. Gary Cameron commended the Council on the appliance drop off day it recently
sponsored.
6. Jack Benedict commended the Council for its stance opposing the incinerator.
7. Gary Cameron requested the Council monitor the extra traffic from the detour
of Cedar Avenue on to CSAH #31.
8. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to set a public hearing for July 6, 1989
at 7:15 p.M. to consider the application for IRB's to be used by Duo Plastics.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
9. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing at 7:15 P.M. to consider the excavation
permit application by Reisinger Excavation for 5736 Upper 183rd Street West.
Superintendent of General Services Kaldunski stated that Reisinger had first
submitted the required information at 4:30 this afternoon and since he did not have
time to review the information, recommended that the hearing be continued.
James Reisinger, Jr. stated that he could explain the proposed project verbally.
Mr. Reisinger stated that he wished to remove approximately 3,000 cubic yards from
the back yard and regrade the drainage along the lot lines so the property owner
would have flat back yard and improved drainage. The plans had been changed so that
the parkland was not affected. The following testimony was given:
Cm. Galler: What is your timetable?
Mr. Reisinger: It depends on the demand for fill in Dakota County Estates; 1
month, perhaps 2.
Eng. Kaldunski: The permit application states until November, 1989.
10. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing at 7:30 P.M. to consider the pre-
liminary plat of Dakota County Estates 6th. The hearing was continued until
later in the evening.
11. Cm. Galler:
Mr. Reisinger:
What are your erosion control plans?
The project will be done in phases.
Cm. Galler: What will the hours of operation be? (Engineer Kaldunski read
the entire permit application.) I'm concerned about all the kids
being out of school and trucks hauling.
Gary Cameron:
Cm. Mayer:
Eng. Kaldunski:
damage. Since I
know the amount.
Cm. Mayer:
Mr. Reisinger:
Cm. Sprute:
Eng. Kaldunski:
are.
I was concerned about the parkland being disturbed, but now I under-
stand they are not going to touch it.
Will surety be required? If so, how much?
The application states no surety is to be provided. I would
strongly recommend surety be provided for potential street
have not had time to review the application thoroughly, I do not
How many truckloads?
About 300 truckloads.
Are the streets in good shape? What is the design?
They are in relatively good shape with a few places that need
patching. I have not researched what the design of the streets
If they are only 5 ton design, the trucks would be 4 tons
over. I am extremely concerned about damages to the streets.
Eng. Kaldunski: The major problem of damage occurs in the Spring. The City
is constantly exceeding design limitations in residential
areas with its garbage trucks.
Cm. Sprute:
Cm. Mayer:
Mr. Reisinger:
Cm. Sprute:
Eng. Kaldunski:
Cm. Sprute:
Eng. Kaldunski:
Cm. Sprute:
Mr. Reisinger:
Cm. Galler:
Eng. Kaldunski:
Cm. Sprute:
Att. Grannis:
With 300 trucks, I agree we need the surety.
If the streets start breaking up, we'll stop hauling. The
job would not be worth repairing the streets.
How old are the streets?
They were built in the early 1970's.
Older streets break up easier. I have a problem approving
the permit even with surety. How much surety would be required?
I don't know. Again, I haven't had time to research it because
I didn't have the information.
Could you haul 1/2 loads?
It would not work out financially.
How much of a problem would it be on the streets?
The potential for damage is there.
Does the City have any potential liability if the permit
is granted?
Not from surrounding homeowners or accidents. The liability
would mainly be if the streets broke up.
Cm. Sprute:
Att. Grannis:
Cm. Sprute:
concerns. My
caused by the
Eng. Kaldunski:
sections.
Cm. Sprute:
Mr. Reisinger:
What if the neighbors didn't like the reshaping of the grade?
That would pose no problem.
I feel the City
water problems,
major concern is the
project?
should try to help the property owner with his
but the City Engineer has brought out legitimate
streets. How do you determine what damage was
We'll patch the streets first, then videotape it. Mr. Reisinger
and I would go over the streets together and agree on marginal
What type of equipment would be used?
Tandem trucks and cats.
Mayor Kuchera closed the public hearing.
12. MOTION by Galler, second by Kuchera that the permit be granted subject to the
following conditions:
a. Contractor provide surety in an amount determined by the City Engineer
for possible damage to streets.
b. Grading only occurs within the property boundaries of 5736 Upper 183rd.
c. The contractor revegetates any graded areas within 5 days.
d. City repairs streets before grading begins.
e. Contractor signs a document noting all substandard areas of the haul
streets.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
13. Mayor Kuchera opened a public hearing to consider the proposed preliminary plat
of Dakota County Estates 6th Addition. Administrator Thompson gave a brief overview
of the project noting the following areas of concern:
a. The project must be brought substantially up to grade or surety provided.
b. Whether or not the Council will waive the surety provision for principal
and interest payment on the City's cost of improvements.
The following testimony was given.
Jack Benedict: Mr. Thompson gave a good explanation of the plat.
April Shell:
(Mr. Benedict showed the location on the City map.)
Where is the plat located?
April Shell:
Mr. Thompson:
Cheryl Rederach:
Will it be all single family units?
Yes.
Could you do something about the weeds?
Mr. Benedict: The City normally takes complaints, and they are very efficient
about enforcing the ordinance. We normally try to respond right
away, but it may take a couple of weeks. If you have a problem, call Kathy Henderson.
Mayor Kuchera closed the public hearing.
Council Minutes - 6/5/89
14. Councilmember Mayer raised a number of concerns regarding stormwater runoff
in relation to the proposed ditch and pond improvement project south of the plat.
Superintendent of General Services Kaldunski noted that this project would not
be affected by the ditch/pond improvement and that the project would use the
existing 60" storm sewer. Administrator Thompson recommended that if the plat
was acceptable, staff should be directed to prepare a developers agreement and
resolution approving the preliminary plat and authorizing the signing of the final
plat contingent upon the following:
a. Signing of a developer's agreement for publicly funded improvements. (MSA 429)
b. Deposit of required fees and sureties.
c. Receipt of a surveyor's certificate stating the final plat is identical
to the preliminary plat.
d. Submittal of a reproducible print.
Councilmember Mayer asked if the truck traffic would hurt the streets. Mr. Kaldunski
stated that all the streets in Dakota County Estates were equivalent to a 9 ton
design. Councilmember Mayer stated that the City should remain consistent and keep
the surety requirement the same as in previous phases. MOTION by Galler, second
by McKnight to direct staff to prepare the aforementioned documents. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED .
15. The Council next considered a petition to use oil instead of chloride on
220th Street West. Superintendent of General Services Kaldunski noted that about
half of the persons whose signatures were on the petition lived in Eureka Township.
Mr. Kaldunski stated that the City had used oil in the past on high speed roads
but because of a lawsuit and the problems experienced with potholes and maintenance,
the City Council had switched to chloride. Mr. Kaldunski added that if the Council
switched back to oil, the dust complaints were going to change to pot hole complaints,
and General Services would have to purchase special equipment to maintain the road.
Discussion followed with residents along 220th Street regarding the severe dust
problem. It was noted several times by residents that chloride was not doing a
satisfactory job. The Council discussed the possibility of improving 220th Street,
but noted that it would be difficult because half of the road abutted Eureka Township.
Councilmember Galler noted that if the Council was going to remain consistent, then
oiling all gravel roads should be considered. Mr. Kaldunski again noted that the
City may receive a similar lawsuit and that the complaints over potholes would
increase. It was the consensus of the Council that the dust problems outweighed
these concerns. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to place oil base dust control
on 220th Street West in front of Farmington residences and to transfer the funding
from contingency. VOTING FOR: MAYER, MC KNIGHT, KUCHERA, SPRUTE. VOTING AGAINST:
GALLER. MOTION CARRIED. Councilmember Galler clarified his vote stating that he
was not opposed to the oil, but that it should have been for all gravel streets in
Farmington.
16. MOTION by Mayer, second by Galler to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R35-89 relating to
the issuance of a $310,000 Certificate of Indebtedness to the First National Bank
of Farmington. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
17. It was the consensus of the Council that staff prepare an ordinance
relating to all public hearings being set administratively.
18. The Council next considered the proposed solid waste ordinance and policies
which was discussed at the May 24, 1989 work session. Councilmember Mayer stated
that a time limit should be placed on the review of 60 gallon containers and
credits. Councilmember Sprute stated that he supported the time limits, but felt
that some people couldn't handle the 90 gallon containers right now and 60 gallon
containers or plastic bags should be made available immediately. Councilmember
Galler stated the City should have a "shakedown" period in order to determine the
demand for smaller containers. Councilmember Sprute stated that he agreed with the
need for the ordinance and policies, but felt strongly that 60 gallon containers
and senior credits be addressed immediately. Councilmember Mayer stated that since
the entire Council agreed that these matters would have to be addressed, that staff
present a proposal for studying these needs. It was the consensus of the Council
that per recommendation of the City Attorney, the penalty be increased to $700.00.
MOTION by Mayer, second by Kuchera to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 089-214 and policies
relating to solid waste collection and to direct staff to prepare a proposal for
determining various needs. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
19. Independent City Auditor Ken Malloy presented the 1988 City financial report.
Mr. Malloy reviewed the management letter which noted shortcomings and suggested
certain improvements in the accounting system. Mr. Malloy noted that while some
deficit fund balances need to be addressed, the overall financial condition of the
City is healthy. MOTION by Kuchera, second by McKnight to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R36-89
accepting the 1988 Audit Report. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
20. The Council next reviewed the Administrator's memo dated June 1, 1989 relating
to General Services space needs. It was the consensus of the Council that the
present site and the old wastewater treatment plant site could be eliminated.
Councilmember Sprute stated that he was extremely disappointed that staff had not
followed through with his suggestion that a cold storage building be constructed
on the Fire Hall site. MOTION by Galler, second by Sprute to have staff study the
industrial area site on T.H. 50, Adelmann's property and the property south of the
Fire Hall. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
21. MOTION by Sprute, second by McKnight to have staff discuss constructing a
steel building on the Fire Hall site. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
22. The Council next considered a staff report on potential sites for the proposed
compost facility. Administrator Thompson requested that the Council make a deter-
mination whether or not the City was going to proceed with the project. Mayor
Kuchera stated that he felt the project should be delayed. Councilmember McKnight
stated that if the City pursued composting, he favored the MWCC site. Councilmember
Sprute stated that at one point in time he felt the compost facility and County
plant could both be built, but after the County had designated one of its potential
sites close to Farmington, he did not feel he could trust the County with their
commitment not to tax Farmington residents for the burn plant and, therefore, did
not want Farmington residents paying for two facilities. Mr. Sprute added that he
could not support the compost facility until the City knew what the County was
going to do. Administrator Thompson stated that if the Council tabled the project
at this time, the project would be extremely difficult to start again, because the
City could no longer count on the grant program. Councilmember Mayer stated if the
City did not pursue composting on a local level, the City should pursue it on a
County level. Councilmember Mayer asked if the City had any legal recourse with the
County. City Attorney Grannis stated that since the legislature gave the County
almost all authority relating to solid waste processing, there was little the City
could do. Councilmember Galler stated that it would be a mistake to drop composting
since there were no solid figures indicating that it could not work. Councilmember
Galler stated that the Council had better be prepared to answer the citizens when
garbage bills began approaching $100 per quarter. Mayor Kuchera stated that he
had talked to the operators of the Fillmore and St. Cloud plants and both had
told him a composting facility could not operate with less than 50 tons per day.
Councilmember Mayer stated that the City figures showed it could work with
25 tons per day and that the City should not rely solely on the statement of the
St. Cloud operator. Councilmember Galler commended staff on their work done on the
project. Councilmember Sprute stated that he felt composting was the way to go,
but felt he could not trust the County. Councilmember Mayer stated that the City
had better be prepared to address the ash landfill siting issue. MOTION by
Kuchera, second by McKnight to table the composting project until the City learns
of the County's final plans for the incinerator. VOTING FOR: McKNIGHT, KUCHERA,
SPRUTE. VOTING AGAINST: GALLER, MAYER. MOTION CARRIED.
23. City Engineer Kaldunski presented the plans and specifications for the T.H. 50
Industrial Park Sanitary Sewer project. Mr. Kaldunski stated the soil borings
came back positive and noted there would be a "metering" manhole added. MOTION
by Sprute, second by Kuchera to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R37-89 approving the plans
and specifications for the TH 50 Industrial Park Sanitary Sewer project and ordering
the advertisement of bids. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
24. MOTION by McKnight, second by Mayer to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R38-89 approving
the plans and specifications for a General Services truck, snow plow and sander
and ordering the advertisement for bids. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
25. MOTION by Mayer, second by McKnight to hire Kevin Mincke as a full time
Police Officer per the terms outlined in the Police Chief's May 26th memo.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
26. MOTION by Kuchera, second by Sprute to appoint Jeffrey Thill, Brett Wood
and Steve Friemuth as probationary part time officers, and Todd Neumann as a
permanent part time officer and authorizing the training per the terms of the
Police Chief's memo dated June 5, 1989. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
27. The Council next reviewed a staff report on surrounding cities transient
merchant fees. It was the consensus of the Council that while transient merchants
should not be prohibited from selling in the City, the license fees should be
amended so that they cannot pick and choose the traditional high sales days.
MOTION by Mayer, second by Kuchera to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R39-89 amending
Resolution No. R4-89 by changing Transient Merchant fees as follows:
Transient Merchant Fee
$150 annual
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
28. The Council next considered a report by Glenn Cook relating to resodding and
reseeding boulevards in the 1986 Street Improvement Project. MOTION by Kuchera,
second by Galler to authorize Mr. Cook to proceed with the project per his report
and to fund the project from the 1986 Street Improvement Project fund. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
29. MOTION by Kuchera, second by McKnight to move the July 3, 1989 Council
meeting to July 6, 1989, close City offices on July 3, 1989 and to cancel
garbage collections on July 3, 1989. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
30. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a. Approve the budget adjustment as presented.
b. Approve the personnel recommendation for solid waste - Dan Duff.
c. Approve a capital outlay request - Arena - sidewalks.
d. Approve RESOLUTION NO. R40-89 relating to City Equipment to be auctioned.
e. Approve the final request for payment - 90 gallon containers - Macqueen -
$9,069.84.
f. Approve RESOLUTION NO. R41-89 designating City Hall as a "Smoke Free"
building.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
31. MOTION by Galler, second by Sprute to advertise the vacancy on the HRA. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
32. Councilmember Sprute stated that he had pulled the bills because he did not feel
the door installed by Tom Ryan Construction was acceptable. (The Council inspected
the door.) Administrative Assistant Finstuen noted that the holes filled in at the
top were staff's responsibility. MOTION by Sprute, second by Galler to withhold
payment of the bill of $890 to Tom Ryan and to direct staff to contact Mr. Ryan
regarding the installation of a new door or a discount on the bill. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED .
33. MOTION by Sprute, second by Mayer to approve the payment of $12,589.85 to
Bargen, Inc. for cracksealing and to approve a $2,589.85 budget adjustment from
Streets - Salaries to Cracksealing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
34. MOTION by Kuchera, second by Sprute to approve the bills except for the
Tom Ryan Construction bill. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
35. During roundtable the following items were discussed.
a. Communications from Earl Schlegal regarding being bypassed as City
auctioneer.
b. The Mayor would be attending the FAA awards ceremony.
c. Remove the tire from the Fire Station.
d. Possible "brush pickup" day. (Not pursued because the residents do not
have to pay to use the County compost facility.)
e. Weeds at 1st and Spruce Street. (Notice already sent.)
f. Update on County solid waste issues.
36. MOTION by Mayer, second by Sprute to adjourn at 12:30 A.M. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED .
Respectfully submitted,
j(z?:r::- -
City Administrator
Approved
~- \q ~<3q