HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.01.81 Council Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR
JUNE 1, 1981
1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Present: Stegmaier, Cook, Kuchera, Orr
Excused: Cummings
Also Present: Administrator Ford, Attorney Gorgos, Police Chief Metcalf, and
Deputy Treasurer Henneke
2. The Mayor reopened the public hearing in which the Council sits as a
Tax Board of Review and which was continued from May 18, 1981. Mr. Charles
Anderson was present representing the Dakota County Assessorls Office and
there appeared to be no citizens present with questions or complaints. The
Assessor informed the Council that those individuals whose complaints or
questions could not be fully answered at the original hearing had discussed
their problem with the Assessor. Motion by Kuchera, second by Cook that the
public hearing be closed and that the Mayor, members of the Council, and
the Administrator affix necessary signatures to documents presented by the
Assessor. APIF, motion carried.
3. The Council reviewed a memorandum from the City Administrator dated May
29, 1981 which set forth recommendations for the leasing of two squad cars
and one pickup from Gelco, Inc. In the discussion that followed, it was
pointed out that the recommendation was based on the continuing policy of
the Council, made previously, which had elected the lease arrangement as
opposed to purchase. Mr. Dale Empey was in the audience representing Jim
Haugen Ford, and suggested that the Council consider a purchase instead of
a leasing. In the discussion that followed, it became evident that when
comparing the leasing of one unit to the purchase of one unit, the actual
dollar cost was very slight, and, in fact, favored the purchase. However,
it was further pointed out that the leasing approach, when viewed over a
period of three budget years, would be more beneficial to the City. It
was the consensus of the Council that in this case, the purchase from
Jim Haugen Ford was preferable based on the following conditions:
1. The total purchase price would not exceed $9,100.00.
2. That a conditional sales contract could be arranged with the
First National Bank of Farmington based on the following elements:
a) Provide for two annual payments with the first payment due
upon date of delivery.
b) That an interest rate of 9% per annum simple, be applied.
c) That the conditional sales contract would meet the requirements
of the Internal Revenue for tax exempt status.
d) That the vendor would limit recourse under the conditional
sales contract to repossession of the equipment.
e) That delivery take place no later than September 1, 1981.
Motion by Cook, second by Kuchera authorizing the purchase of a squad car
in accordance with the specifications from Jim Haugen Ford not to exceed
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$9,100 dollars and in conformance with the above conditions. APIF,
motion carried.
4. The Council then took up the matter of the recommendations of
the City Administrator concerning hiring of a Building Official for
the City to replace Dale McCluskey, who had found it necessary to resign
his position. In a memo dated May 25, 1981, the Administrator recom-
mended to the Counci I that Mr. Dan Miller be employed as Building
Official in accordance with the terms shown on an offer of employment
dated May 26, 1981 submitted to the Council for their review. Motion
by Cook, second by Kuchera that the position of Building Official for
Farmington be offered to Mr. Dan Miller in accordance with the terms
of the above referenced offer of employment. APIF, motion carried.
5. Motion by Kuchera, second by Orr that the Council approve the
application for permit to allow Consumption and Display on intoxicating
liquor in the Arena. APIF, motion carried.
6. Motion by Orr, second by Kuchera to approve the minutes of May 18,
1981. APIF, motion carried.
7. The Counci I earlier had set a special meeting for June 22, 1981
at which time they would discuss the matter of accumulated Comp Time
with the Departmeht Heads. They were now informed that two of the
Department Heads would not be available on that date. However, Police
Chief Metcalf (one of those who would be absent) was present and
indicated that with extraordinary changes in his scheduling he could
make it and would, if the Council decided to stay on the date of the
22nd. He also informed the Counci 1 that he had talked with Paul
Asher (the other Department Head who was going to be on vacation) and
that he, too, would adjust his schedule to be there on the 22nd. It
was decided to remain with that date and to meet with the Department
Heads at that time.
8. Motion by Orr, second by Cook to approve the purchas~
of three dumpsters in the General Services Department from Rayfo, Inc.
in the amount of $738.00 dollars. APIF, motion carried.
9. Motion by Cook, second by Orr to approve the purchase of three
Scot~~Packs from Mid-Central Fire Inc. in the amount of $2,100.00
dollars. APIF, motion carried.
10. Motion by Kuchera, second by Orr to approve the payment of bills
as presented. APIF, motion carried.
11. The Council then examined a memorandum dated May 22, 1981 from the
Deputy Treasurer which showed that the City was subject to an increase
in its current hospitalization coverage carried by Blue Cross/Blue
Shield in which single coverage would go from $28.88 per month to $41.06
and in which family coverage would go from $97.27 per month to $138.07.
The Counci I was informed that as near as Staff could tell, this type
of increase in cost was fairly general throughout the industry and
fairly general throughout other communities. The purpose of the item
on the agenda was for authorization to continue coverage at those rates.
At that point, General Services Superintendent, Bill Hince, who was in
the audience, stated to the Council that he was appearing on behalf of
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his employees and requesting that the City assume 50% of the increase from
now until 12/31/81. Motion by Kuchera, second by Cook that the coverage be
continued, that the City assume 50% of the increase for all none-contract
employees, and that the City Administrator recommend to the Council the
necessary budget adjustments to provide the funds. APIF, motion carried.
12. The Council then took up the matter of a proposed ordinance which would
regulate the blowing of train whistles within the corporate limits of Farm-
i ngton. An extens'i ve discuss i on followed. The proposed I anguage of the
ordinance, which was prepared by the City Engineer, was explained by him
as potentially risky on the part of the City in the matter of possible
liabi lity to the City in the case of an accident involving a railroad engine.
Motion by Kuchera to adopt an ordinance (number pending) which would restrict
the use of locomotive whistles within the corporate limits of Farmington.
Motion died for lack of a second.
13. Recommendations of the County Assessor for tax abatements on five
pieces of property were reviewed. Motion by Orr, second by Cook that the
following tax abatements as recommended by the County Assessor hereby be
approved:
ASSESSED VALUE
NAME PARCEL NO. FROM TO
Eugene G. Kuche ra 14-03100-011-02 $ 1,240 $ 140
Eugene G. Kuchera 14-77000-040-17 1 2 , 1 29 10,025
Eugene G. Kuchera 14-77000-042-33 4,760 2,400
Ma rv i n N. Kuche ra 14-77000-041-33 14,024 9,947
Harry Ross 14-17100-280-02 24, 108 20,370
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Voting For. Stegmaier, Cook, Orr. Absent: Cummings. Abstain: Kuchera.
Motion carried.
14. Motion by Cook, second by Orr to approve the granting of a transient
merchants permit to Fabian Sea Food Company for the sale of shrimp and other
seafood from a motor vehicle located at 122 Elm Street for June 13, 1981.
APIF, motion carried.
15. The Mayor stated to the other members of the Council that at the meeting
of June 15th, the construction bids, opened earlier in the day were to be
presented to the Council. He was asking the other members as an accomodation
to him that they agree not to take any action on those bids at the meeting
of June 15th, because it was impossible for him to be present, and he asked
that action on the bids be delayed to June 18th. All of those members agreed.
The Mayor then set a special meeting of the Counci I for 7:00 P.M. June 18, 1981,
at which time they would take whatever action they deemed advisable on the
construction bids.
16. The Council was reminded that the annual conference of the League of
Minnesota Cities would be held this year in St. Paul, June 9 - 12, 1981.
Motion by Kuchera, second by Orr authorizing the attendance at the conference
of members of the Council and Department Heads. APIF, motion carried.
17. Several incidental matters discussed informally by the Council included:
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a) Enforcement of the 11:00 P.M. curfew by the Pol ice Department
in Rambling River Park shall be done in such a manner as not to
interfere with the playing of tennts.
b) Specifications and timing and cost estimates for exterior
painting of the Arena.
c) Preparation of a master maintenance and repair manual for
Buildings and grounds in the Park and Recreation Department.
It should set out the various tasks, their frequency, required
man hours, and minimum acceptable standards monitored through
scheduled inspections. It should also include all buildings
facilities and structures, as well as lawns, trees, shrubbery,
and natural features.
d) Same as above for the General Services, and Liquor Department.
18. Motion made and seconded to adjourn at 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Wi II iam J. FoqJ-
City Administrator
APPROVED:
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