HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.02.88 Council Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR
MAY 2, 1988
1. Mayor Akin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Akin, Kelly, Sprute.
Members Absent: Mayer, Uhl.
Also Present: Administrator Thompson, Attorney Grannis.
2. Motion by Kelly, second by Sprute to approve the agenda with the following
changes:
a. Remove item llc - Part Time Help (Liquor Store) - from the consent
agenda for discussion.
b. Remove item Ilb - Capital Outlay (Pool and Arena) from the consent
agenda for discussion.
c. Add discussion of the letter from Stephen Doyle dated April 25, 1988.
d. Add discussion of the planters.
e. Consider budget adjustment - Park and Recreation and brush truck.
APIF, motion carried.
3. It was the consensus of the Council to approve the minutes of the April 18,
1988 regular meeting and the April 20, 1988 special meeting.
4. The Council considered a request by Metro Cable for the Council to approve
the transfer of the Cable TV Franchise Agreement to Star Sub, Inc. Attorney
Grannis stated that the transfer of the franchise required ratification by the
Council. Motion by Akin, second by Kelly to adopt Resolution No. R23-88
ratifying the transfer of the Cable TV Franchise agreement to Star Sub, Inc.
contingent upon execution of the transfer by Metro Cable, Inc. and Star Sub
. Inc. APIF, motion carried.
5. The Council next considered various zoning amendments. Administrator Thompson
stated that while most of the changes were in reaction to the Hardee's project, the
Planning Commission felt that the changes would be more appropriate than granting
variances. Attorney Grannis informed the Council that State Law required a 4/5
vote to amend the zoning ordinance, and therefore, no action could be taken at
this meeting. The matter was tabled until the next regular meeting.
6. The Council next considered a staff proposal to establish a stormwater utility.
Administrator Thompson indicated that while the Council had addressed the financing
of storm sewer in the developing areas, the developed area had not been addressed.
Mr. Thompson stated that because of the impending storm sewer project planned in the
old part of town, the Council should give direction as to which way it wished proceed.
It was the consensus of the Council that staff should move in the direction of
establishing a special taxing district. Administrator Thompson noted that while
the special taxing district was much easier to implement, it may receive opposition
from the developing areas which have paid a fee for future storm sewer trunks.
The Council noted that the developing areas had not participated in other existing
facilities, such as the City Hall, water tower, water trunks and so on. Staff
was directed to continue researching the establishment of a special taxing district.
7. The Council next considered a recommendation by Finance Director Henneke to
increase solid waste fees by 25% to fund the deficit and a solid waste coordinator.
Mayor Akin and Councilmember Kelly stated that they would support the 10%
increase for the deficit but felt that 25% was too great of an increase,
especially if the increase would place the fees as the highest in the area.
Administrator Thompson stated that as noted in the recent work session, the
solid waste situation required the attention of a full time coordinator.
Councilmember Sprute felt that the City should stay in the solid waste business.
and if it required a 25% increase, he was in favor of it. It was the consensus
of the Council that the matter be deferred until all five members were present.
8. Motion by Akin, second by Kelly to authorize the addition of a 36th volunteer
firefighter. APIF, motion carried.
9. Motion by Akin, second by Sprute to approve the continuation of the
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Aware Gold health insurance policy and the attached budget
adjustment. APIF, motion carried.
10. The Council next considered a staff proposal to eliminate the City impound
lot. Acting Chief Siebenaler stated that Marek's towing was willing to accept
the responsibility for the towed vehicles. Councilmember Sprute indicated that
it would be an inconvenience to individuals to travel to 35W and 160th Street
to pick up a towed vehicle and wished to have the matter discussed further.
Motion by Akin, second by Kelly to abandon the City's impound lot as soon as
practical and to approve the necessary changes in the towing contract to authorize
Marek's Towing to store and dispose of the vehicles. Voting for: Akin, Kelly.
Against: Sprute. Motion carried.
11. Motion by Kelly, second by Akin to adopt Resolution No. R24-88 accepting
the donation of trees for Dakota County Estates Park. APIF, motion carried.
12. Motion by Akin, second by Sprute to adjust part time officer Rod Hahn's
salary from $8.50 to $9.10 per hour effective April 1, 1988 and to make the
appropriate budget adjustments. APIF, motion carried. (The action was taken
to comply with previous Council policy.)
13. The Council next reviewed the Assessment/Improvement Policy proposed by
Staff. General comments were made on the policy. It was the consensus of the
individual Councilmembers to review the policy and to place the matter on
the agenda for the 2nd meeting in June.
14. Motion by Kelly, second by Sprute to approve the consent agenda as follows:
a. Approve a request to attend school - Administrator/General Services
Superintendent.
b. Approve payment of the bills as submitted.
APIF, motion carried.
15. The Council next considered a capital outlay request to purchase a safe
for the pool and arena. Questions were raised regarding the policy for depositing
pool receipts. Councilmember Sprute expressed concern that the safe would
encourage break-ins at the pool. It was noted by Finance Director Henneke that
the entire fiscal policy relating to the collection of revenues would be
brought to the Council for review. Motion by Akin, second by Kelly to approve
the purchase of 2 safes for $648.00. APIF, motion carried.
May 2, 1988 - Regular Council Meeting - Minutes
16. The Council next considered a request by the Liquor Store Manager to hire
two part time clerks. Concern was expressed regarding part time clerks working
alone on Friday and Saturday evenings. Motion by Akin, second by Sprute to
appoint Barbara J. Ohmann and Lisa Miller as permanent part time liquor clerks
at $5.00 per hour. APIF, motion carried.
17. The Council next considered the letter from Sergeant Churchill's attorney,
Stephen Doyle, relating to the possibility of litigation. Administrator Thompson
and Attorney Grannis stated the Council should be aware that while no law suits
have been filed, if Councilmembers were sued individually, and punitive damages
were awarded, the Councilmember could be held personally liable for the damages.
No action was taken at this time.
18. Mayor Akin stated that the Councilmembers should inspect the planter in
front of the bank which had been improved by Staff. Administrator Thompson stated
that he would approach the HRA for possible financial assistance for improving
the planters.
19. Motion by Akin, second by Kelly to approve a budget adjustment transferring
$500 from contingency to Street Department Repairs and Maintenance for repairs
to the brush truck, and to transfer $133 from Park and Recreation Equipment
maintenance to Park and Recreation Part Time Salaries to fund work on the 1 ton
truck. APIF, motion carried.
20. The following items were discussed during roundtable:
1. It was suggested that someone attend the Castle Rock Planning
Commission hearing relating to the variance request next to
Sunnyside Addition.
2. Acknowledged the letters received praising the Farmington Police
Department, Fire Department, and Rescue Squad for the rescue of
Kelly Brosseth.
3. Acknowledged the receipt of the Vermillion River Watershed Board
report.
4. Acknowledged the receipt of the 1987 Financial Report.
5. Acknowledged the next regular Council meeting will be held at Dakota
Electric Association building.
21. Motion by Sprute, second by Akin to adjourn at 10:00 P.M. APIF,
motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Larry Thompson
City Administrator
Approved
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