HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.21.09 Council Minutes
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COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR
SEPTEMBER 21,2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Larson at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Larson led the audience and Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also Present:
Audience:
Larson, Donnelly, Fogarty, May, Wilson
None
Joel Jamnik, City Attorney; Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator;
Robin Roland, Finance Director; Randy Distad, Parks and
Recreation Director; Kevin Schorzman, City Engineer; Tim
Pietsch, Fire Chief; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant
Beve Preece, Elsworth & Kay Hoeppner, Jeff Thelen, David
Pritzlaff
4. APPROVE A GENDA
Councilmember May pulled items 7b) August 2009 Financial Report, 7g) CDBG
Subrecipient Agreement with Dakota County CDA, and 7h) Bills. She also
recommended removing item lla) CEEF Events as that was handled at the last Council
meeting. Mayor Larson recalled no action was taken as the motion failed for lack of a
second. Councilmember May noted this is the third or fourth time it has been on the
agenda. Mayor Larson stated there is new information.
Councilmember Fogarty pulled item 7a) Council Minutes to abstain, and 7g) CDBG
Subrecipient Agreement with Dakota County CDA.
Councilmember Wilson agreed with Councilmember May regarding item 11 a) CEEF
Events and felt it should be discussed at a workshop.
Councilmember Donnelly pulled item 7a) Council Minutes to abstain.
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Representative Pat Garofalo
The legislature left the Governor to balance the budget on his own.
Representative Garofalo presented the State's general fund projections for fiscal
year 2012-2013. There is a $3.1 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal
biennium. The biggest item for Farmington was the reduction of the market value
homestead credit. For 2012-2013 budget planning he suggested the City should
not plan on those dollars being available. There is still an ongoing battle with the
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 2
transit taxing district which would cause a property tax increase. Representative
Garofalo would not support this unless there is bus service to Farmington. Some
cities are complaining that Farmington has not paid its fair share to reduce the
budget deficit, but the State has taken everything they can from Farmington. The
concern is that the State will demand the City write an extra check to the State
through property taxes to get us up to the same level as other communities who
receive generous amounts of local government aid. He felt this legislation will
not pass for 2009-2010, but the Governor and the legislature will change after the
next election.
b) Bill Coleman - Dakota Futures
Mr. Coleman, Executive Director of Dakota Futures, stated they are a county-
wide economic development organization. He gave an update on their activities.
c) Acknowledged Retirements - Jeffrey Adelmann, Mark Kindseth, Terry
Thraen
Council recognized Mark Kindseth for 23 years of service. Jeffery Adelmann and
Terry Thraen were unable to attend the meeting, but were recognized for 19 years
of service and 26 years of service respectively.
6. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mr. Elsworth Hoeppner, 27 Walnut Street, was disturbed and mad because Saturday there
was a big truck across the street and at 9:00 a.m. it was so noisy you could not stand to go
outside. They had to close all the storm windows. He and his wife got headaches from
the noise. It went on from 9:00 a.m. - 5 :00 p.m. The truck was suctioning stones off the
roof of the building at 517 15t Street. Sunday morning at 6:45 a.m. they started again. He
called the Police Department. An officer came, but could not do anything. Mr.
Hoeppner stated he has been working with the City Planner for two years to get an
ordinance for the noise from the trucks and nothing happens. He has lost faith in the City
because no one works with the residents. They always work with the commercial. Why
can't we get something done? The officer told him there are no regulations for this
situation. Earlier in the spring he called the Police Chief because there were problems
with trucks at that location. The Police Chief spoke with the owners and Mr. Hoeppner
and said from now on, if trucks come Mr. Hoeppner should call 911 and the officers will
take care of the problem. Mr. Hoeppner asked the officer on Sunday if the Police Chief
spoke with him regarding this problems. The officer replied no. He has been fighting
these people for two years. Nothing is done. Mr. Hoeppner felt noise like this should not
be allowed in residential areas. It was louder than a grinder. He asked the officer if he
would put up with this noise and he said no, but there was nothing he could do. Mr.
Hoeppner stated he has lived at this residence for 50 years and in Farmington for 71
years. Now they have to sit there in their retirement years and put up with this. The City
does nothing about it. Mayor Larson recalled this was discussed at the Planning
Commission meetings about the trucks unloading. Mr. Hoeppner stated the truck has a
machine sucking the stones off the roof. He was there from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at
6:45 a.m. Sunday. He left for church and when he came home at 11 :30 a.m. they were
gone. City Administrator HerIofsky noted noise is governed by the state, but staff will
research the issue and respond. Mr. Hoeppner also asked if a permit has been issued for
the work. The contractor was from out of state. Mr. Hoeppner stated he has been
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 3
working with the City Planner for the past two years on other issues at this address
regarding trucks running all night. Staff will research the issue and respond.
Ms. Kay Hoeppner, 27 Walnut Street, stated as a witness she wanted to tell Council the
kind of noise the machine made. You have seen these trucks on the freeway picking up
stones before they seal it with oil and blacktop. It was picking up stones, but it was the
noise from the truck that was so loud. You could not be outside it was just deafening.
Noise like that is not good for one's ears. They had to go inside and close all the storm
windows and you could still hear it. By noon she had a headache from the noise. Mr.
Hoeppner wanted to call the police on Saturday, but she told him to wait. If
Councilmembers had that truck next to their house, they would also call the police. It
was terrible. She could not believe they were back on Sunday. The police officer said he
would not put up with that. Ms. Hoeppner felt the City needs a noise ordinance. She
noted from 2000 there is a disturbing the peace ordinance. She felt Council should
recognize the residents. Residents are just as important as the commercial. We shop
here. The police have been helping with some of the noise from the building. The noise
on Saturday was a deafening sound.
Ms. Beve Preece, 300 Spruce Street, President of Dakota Valley Arts Council, noted with
the cooperation of the Parks and Recreation department, they are trying to repair some of
the art in the Depot Way Arts Parks. She thanked the Parks and Recreation department
for their cooperation. They will be replacing the wood on the walls in the center of the
park, and they are copying some of the artwork from the May Art Show at the Middle
School and will be replacing some of the artwork in the park. They are trying to make
things better in the park and get it back to what it should be. They hoped everyone will
appreciate it and help them keep it that way.
Mr. David Pritzlaff, 20255 Akin Road, commended Councilmember May for trying to
take care of an issue that was not voted on, but by the rules of the Council a motion was
made and not seconded. The rest of the Council should show Councilmember May some
respect as the CEEF issue has been brought to Council 4-5 times, action was somewhat
taken with a motion and no second. Two Councilmembers were not present. He stated
staff should have all the information before it is brought to Council. This is an ongoing
issue and now Mayor Larson says there is additional information. He felt it should be a
dead issue and removed from the agenda. Council has dealt with this three times. How
many times will things come back to the Council because one or two Councilmembers
are not present? You need to take care of business as it comes up. If Councilmembers
are not present, that is their decision. If one or two Councilmembers are not present and
a vote doesn't go a certain way, it should not come back. Hopefully this is the last time it
will be on the agenda. The perception is that Council is spinning their wheels and not
getting anything done on this issue.
Regarding the budget, Mr. Pritzlaff stated at the last meeting when he gave his opinion as
a taxpayer in Farmington, Finance Director Roland gave a response. Mr. Pritzlaff did not
say anything bad about staff; we have a good staff. When he sat down, Finance Director
Roland praised staff as if someone had been dishing staff. He did not do that. His
opinion was as a taxpayer and it should be left at that. He was addressing Council, not
staff. He had urged Council to set a levy amount that they will support and if you need to
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 4
cut people or whatever, except for services. He noted in the past we have not filled
vacant positions and cut positions. In the last few years, there is one area Council has not
touched and that is management team. Maybe that needs to be the situation we look at.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Fogarty, second by May to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
C) School and Conference - Engineering
d) School and Conference - Fire Department
e) Acknowledged Resignation Fire Department - Human Resources
f) Acknowledged Retirement Fire Department - Human Resources
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
a) Council Minutes (9/8/09 Regular)
MOTION by Wilson, second by May to approve Council Minutes (9/8/09
Regular). Voting for: Larson, May, Wilson. Abstain: Donnelly, Fogarty.
MOTION CARRIED.
b) August 2009 Financial Report - Finance
Councilmember May noted the expenditures look very good. The only number
that is a little high is City Hall, but it is not out of line. She asked if staff
anticipates meeting the budget number for property taxes. Finance Director
Roland replied yes because that number has been adjusted for the removal of the
market value homestead credit. City Administrator Herlofsky noted the graph
shows how the cash situation of the City has improved due to the good work of
the department heads managing their budgets. Finance Director Roland noted
regarding the fines revenue, the Police Chief is reviewing whether they will be
able to meet those numbers. There are other areas where the revenues will exceed
budget and offset any loss. As of today, we have achieved 99% of the building
permit revenues and there are four building permits in process. We will achieve
the building permit number and exceed it before year end. This is one potential
offset for fines revenue. Revenues for licenses are received in the fourth quarter.
Councilmember May asked what miscellaneous contains and noted there is a
large number in August. Finance Director Roland replied in August the City
received the first portion of the ALF payout. In 2010 the City will receive the
balance of approximately $30,000. Staff did not put this amount in the 2010
budget, as they were not sure when it would be received. It can be added to
revenues for 2010 if Council would like. Other items in miscellaneous include
reimbursements, various fees, etc. Councilmember May asked about
intergovernmental revenue. Finance Director Roland explained it includes money
received from the State for MSA maintenance on roads, fire payment received
from the State in October and the police aid received in October, anything
received from Dakota County, and federal grants. Staff anticipates meeting those
revenue numbers. Councilmember Wilson asked what construction is occurring
that has brought in the 99% revenue. Staff replied it is residential construction.
MOTION by Wilson, second by Fogarty to approve the August 2009 Financial
Report. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 5
g) Approve CDBG Sub recipient Agreement with Dakota County CDA -
Economic Development
Councilmember May asked for clarification on the issue. City Administrator
Herlofsky explained there is $100,000 in CDBG funds. Of that, $44,000 is
credited to Farmington and managed through the CDA. This is for people who
want to make improvements to their home. The other $65,000 is for the HV AC
system at the new Rambling River Center. The CDA is working with HUD to
determine if they still want to run the program in the same manner. Until they
make a decision we can continue the program as we have been. MOTION by
Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the CDBG Subrecipient Agreement with
Dakota County CDA. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
h) Approve Bills
Councilmember May asked about payment to Castle Rock Bank for $15,000 for
land. Financi: Director Roland explained this was for the Ash Street project. City
Attorney Jamnik stated there was a negotiated settlement on the pond area
constructed. The bank gave the City right of entry and the price was approved by
the Council four years ago. One item agreed on with the bank is that we would
collectively plat the property and make the conveyance of the outlots simpler.
The problem is the land had been assembled by the bank by metes and bounds
from several parcels and there was a gap. We were delayed with clearing title
until the seller was back in the City in April. It was two years to resolve one
property dispute. The $15,000 represents a negotiated settlement. The ponds are
now owned by the City. Funds had been set aside for this settlement.
Councilmember May asked about a payment to Dakota County Financial Services
for contractual services. Finance Director Roland replied those are the fees for
the 800 mghz radios paid monthly because of the DCC project. There are the
DCC fees and fees for the radio licensing use. This is budgeted for in the police
and fire departments under DCC contractual services. MOTION by Fogarty,
second by Donnelly to approve the bills. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) Adopt Resolution - Approve Assessment Delinquent Municipal Services. -
Finance
Residents have until October 21, 2009 to pay delinquent bills to the City. After
this date they will be certified to the property taxes as a one-year special
assessment. All property owners were notified of delinquent bills the first week
in August. There were over 1,000 notices sent to property owners and renters.
There is $5,739 in bills for mowing and snow plowing. Currently there is $1,500
in delinquent bills for services. The utility bills amount to $363,871.99.
Currently the delinquent amount is $303,706. Staff anticipates within the next 30
days the amount will be approximately $250,000. Last year the amount was
$234,000 and covered 446 properties. Some people actually choose to pay their
utility bills in this manner. MOTION by Wilson, second by Fogarty to close the
public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Fogarty, second by
May to adopt RESOLUTION R41-09 certifying the delinquent accounts as
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 6
special assessments to the 2010 taxes of the appropriate properties. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
9. A WARD OF CONTRACT
10. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a) Approve Agreement Room Naming Rights Rambling River Center - Parks
and Recreation
As part of the fundraising program for the new Rambling River Center the Nicolai
Family has agreed to pay for naming rights for the Nicolai Board Room. They
will pay $5,000 in payments of $2,000 in 2009 and $1,000 each year in 2011-
2013. The naming rights program has now raised $24,500. The fundraising goal
is to raise $90,000 within five years. Currently the fundraising total is
$43,552.30. MOTION by Wilson, second by Donnelly to approve the
Agreement with the Nicolai Family to rename the Board Room to the Nicolai
Board Room in the new Rambling River Center building. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
b) Approve Change Order #1 2009 Trunk Utility Improvement Project-
Engineering
City Engineer Schorzman explained the items included in change order #1. One
of the items involved a utility conflict which Frontier felt would not be affected
by the project. Therefore, Frontier has agreed to pay $8,305 due to having to re-
route the storm sewer around their vault and duct. The total amount of change
order #1 is $16,215. However the budget impact will be $7,910 due to the
Frontier reimbursement. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve
Change Order #1 for the 2009 Trunk Utility Improvement Project in the amount
of$16,215.00. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) CEEF Events - Mayor Larson
Mayor Larson put this item back on the agenda. Mr. Jeff Thelen, Treasurer of
CEEF was in attendance and had informed the Mayor he now has the list of bills
that are due from Dew Days. Council received this list in their Council agenda
packets.
Mr. Thelen stated the list of bills is all inclusive, including scholarship payments
that cannot be made until the end of the first semester which amounts to $2700.
This money is in a savings account designated for the scholarships awarded at the
Miss Farmington Pageant. The total accounts payable is $23,271.38. This is
excluding any requests for finance charges. Mr. Thelen stated he took over as
Treasurer 60 days ago. He called all the businesses owed and most were very
understanding, knowing there is a group of people committed to CEEF and to
keeping it going. As time goes on, these people provided their services in good
faith, and some are getting anxious. Mayor Larson understood the way CEEF
was established, if CEEF were to go away, that the City and townships were
responsible to pick up the debt. He asked if that was correct. City Administrator
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 7
Herlofsky replied, excluding the legal answer, CEEF is represented by the
townships, the school district and the City. Many of the vendors in good faith
worked with representatives of CEEF or in some cases City employees working
with CEEF to accomplish a task. There is a responsibility to deal with it. Even if
there is no legal responsibility, there is an ethical responsibility if CEEF goes
away. The idea would be to develop a loan and a financial plan over the next two
years. If other CEEF activities are to continue, including Dew Days, the issue
could be that any services would request cash in advance. The City, school
district and townships need to meet to find a way to resolve this in the short term
and the long term would be to try to get this paid back.
Councilmember May asked about the legal opinion. City Attorney Jamnik stated
the legal opinion is there probably is no direct legal responsibility assuming that a
successful creditor is not able to pierce the corporate veil and say the City,
townships, and school formed CEEF and therefore they should be responsible as
forming entities. It is separately legally constituted, but the amount of money
would be eaten up in any litigation. As a practical matter, even if the City was
able to win the dispute, there would be a price to pay with future activities of
CEEF and Dew Days. The result would be no confidence of going forward with
future activities. It is a legal question you may not want to litigate until you have
a firm answer. It is structured separately. There is no guarantee implicit in the
formation of that entity by the forming jurisdictions even though they represent to
cooperatively undertake activities to the benefit of all.
Mayor Larson stated he brought this back so Council could have an understanding
as to exactly what was owed to who. He had thought the City, school, and
townships would be legally responsible for the debt. Councilmember Wilson
noted Mr. Pritzlaff brought up a valid point that this has been discussed by
Council for several weeks. It is a perfect topic for a workshop to sort out the
details and then come to a Council meeting to make a decision. He had a number
of questions. He had been frustrated there was no accurate list and now Council
has that. Until recently, it seemed the only option the City had was to make a
payment. There are different fiduciary structures he would be interested in
looking at going forward.
Councilmember Fogarty recalled Empire had agreed to pay a portion and asked if
that was deducted from the list of bills. Mr. Thelen stated no, these are the total
bills payable and Empire has offered to pay their share based on population which
is approximately 10%. Councilmember Fogarty felt we are getting closer to
$18,000 rather than $27,000. Mr. Thelen stated the number will get the bills paid
and leave a zero balance for CEEF for any future projects. If Council takes this
on and loans CEEF the money to get back on solid financial footing, it will still
put us in the same position if we have a zero balance and have zero to work with
for the Easter Egg Hunt, the Halloween Walk, and the Haunted House. We will
need a little seed money left for minor ongoing expenses. CEEF needs an idea of
where the Council will be going forward in 2010 for Dew Days activities as far as
what the structure will be and how much participation the City will have. City
Administrator Herlofsky noted on the list there is a $5,000 check being held for
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 8
the Fairgrounds that is not added into the total. Mr. Thelen confirmed this and the
checking account reflects that.
Councilmember Donnelly noted the $2700 for scholarships is included in the
amount in the savings and it is also on the list of bills. Mr. Thelen stated the
CEEF Board has allocated money to the scholarships. After the financial
situation was discovered after Dew Days, that is the only money set aside as that
is in a different category than the rest of the bills.
Council agreed to discuss this in a workshop prior to the October 5 Council
meeting.
Mr. David Pritzlaff, 20255 Akin Road, stated we are talking about $23,271.38
minus what Empire will pay. If this is discussed in a workshop some questions he
felt should be answered are:
- Who runs this afterwards? You cannot leave it in the same hands. This should
be determined before the loan.
- What is the interest rate of the loan? There will be no collateral. What is the
length of time on the loan?
- Can the people that made the decisions to get us to this point be held responsible
so the taxpayers are not paying the loan?
- Going forward, we need to look at future events for 2010. It is not too early to
look at those. We cannot wait until January to make organizational changes.
Councilmember Wilson felt there had to be some legal standing with regards to
decisions made by one or two individuals on behalf of the entire organization and
their liability or lack thereof. City Attorney Jamnik has not reviewed that as far as
CEEF. As a City we have bonds and protocols established to limit that. If the
individual is authorized by the CEEF Board to undertake certain activities and in
good faith contracts with them and the deals fall through, there may not be any
personal liability. He would have to do detailed research of what contracts were
issued, and what authorization or oversight was provided.
Councilmember May commented that what bothers her is the whole process. We
have been through this before. Nothing new has been brought to the table. We
knew approximately this was the amount of money. She did not know how many
times she had to sit here as not only a taxpayer/resident, but as a Councilmember
feeling bad because she had said many times she gives total credit to those who
attempted to put this event together. The City Administrator mentioned the
ethical responsibility. To her that is to the taxpayer. The taxpayer is not a bank.
She was sorry it happened the way it happened. There are many instances where
the word "precedent" has come up. For Skip Moench we cannot set a precedent
for $250, but here we are talking about $25,000. There are other 501 c3
organizations in this community. It is not our responsibility to make them
function and make them whole if their events do not work out. She thought we
had this behind us and could move on to discuss the budget. Now we are talking
about a two hour workshop. There are many votes that have not gone the way she
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 9
would have liked, but she is not bringing it back over and over. We are talking
about two more meetings on this. The people did not show up and now we want
them to pay. The taxpayers are not a bank.
Councilmember Donnelly stated we have reviewed this a few times. He
apologized for his absence from the last meeting. We have not taken any action
on anything. We have received data and we have the final numbers. He watched
the last Council meeting. He understood the precedent. CEEF is not the church,
or the Cub Scouts, it's sole purpose is to promote the community of Farmington.
It is not for one group or another; it is the whole community. If these bills are not
paid, people will not be mad at CCEF, they will be mad at the City of Farmington.
Dew Days is the City of Farmington even though CEEF is the organization put in
place to put on the events. There was a CEEF Board in place that oversaw these
decisions. You cannot blame it on one person. It was the whole board that
oversaw thismd agreed to this. We were given the events that would take place,
where and when. We could have objected at the time. Last year it did not work
out so good, so this year we tried something different and apparently that turned
out worse. If he was a business looking for a place to locate and he hears about
this and that the City is not willing to stick up for their community event, what
kind of a message does that give? What we are talking about is not any cost to the
taxpayers. It is a loan with interest that will be paid back over time. It will not
cost the taxpayers any money and will put Farmington in a good light. Without it
the Halloween Walk and Haunted House will not happen and Dew Days will be
gone forever. We can decide what direction we want that to take, if it all. In
order to avoid a black eye on the City of Farmington we have to consider this.
Councilmember Fogarty agreed with Councilmember Donnelly. She will not
apologize for not being at the last Council meeting. We all make priorities and
her family is just as important as the City of Farmington. One meeting is no more
important than any other meeting; every meeting is important. She tries to make
everyone of them. It was put into the last packet as a verbal update. She had no
idea there would be any action taken on it. We have had several updates. We
have not yet been asked for a recommended action or options for action. This is
the first piece of paper that has been incorporated into the Council packet. This is
the first time she looked at a Council packet and assumed there would be some
kind of action. For it to be said we have dealt with this; not in an official
capacity. Had she thought there would be action at the last meeting on this issue,
she would have requested it be pulled. If any other Councilmembers are going to
be gone and ask for an item to be pulled, she will respect that wish. She did not
know action would be taken and thought there was some new information. She
did not find out until the next day there was action taken.
Mayor Larson stated it is no fault of anyone. The information was changing
constantly. We would receive a report and then two days later, something else
was discovered. Mr. Thelen has worked very hard to finally nail down every
penny. Previously the information was not accurate and it was no one's fault.
Council set the workshop for October 5, at 5:30 p.m. and then put it on the
October 5 meeting agenda to instruct staff to enter into an agreement for a set
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 10
dollar amount and bring it back to Council for actual agreement. Staff could
move forward with contract terms, etc. so the vendors could be paid.
12. NEW BUSINESS
13. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
a) Budget Workshop Schedule -Administration
Council set October 5 at 5:30 p.m. as a Town Hall meeting for residents to
provide comments on the budget and 7:00 p.m. as a Council Budget Workshop.
b) Dushane Parkway Update - Engineering
The watermain has been installed. The sanitary sewer is complete except for one
stub. The grading for the trail along CSAH 50 is close to being done. Staff will
bring a change order to the next meeting to add in a scaled down version of the
sidewalk near McDonald's to change it to a plain concrete cap for the medians. It
will also include relocating two light poles near Spruce Street.
Councilmember Donnelly: He attended the first football game at the new high school.
He encouraged everyone to attend the Homecoming game on Friday. He attended the
dedication ceremony for the high school on Sunday.
Councilmember Wilson: Congratulated the school district on the new high school.
He attended the dedication of the new high school.
Councilmember Fogarty: The new football field feels like you are at a professional
game. The new high school is amazing. Her only concern with Homecoming is the
parking and suggested people carpool. There was only grass parking available for the
first game. Mayor Larson noted there were 200 parking spaces designated in the grass
for overflow parking.
Councilmember May: The Town Hall meeting on October 12 will give Council an
opportunity to hear the residents and get some feedback. She hoped we fill the room.
She asked if there was a date for the opening of 195th Street. City Engineer Schorzman
stated they intend to open the road Wednesday morning. He encouraged residents to
check the website Tuesday evening for a notice as to when it will open. Councilmember
May noted the traffic on 195th Street will change with the road opening. There have been
some e-mails concerning the speed limit and safety issues. She asked that staff stay on
top of it to address those issues. There are some homes at 195th Street and Embers
Avenue that are very concerned. Currently the speed limit will be 55 mph up to Akin
Road. Staff noted the road will not be posted. MnDOT will do a speed study and give us
their recommendation for the speed limit. Councilmember Fogarty noted the road is very
wide and asked if there was the potential for a turn lane in the middle. City Engineer
Schorzman noted that was one of the options and the County will be adding some turn
lanes in the next year or two.
City Administrator Herlofsky: The Vermillion River Crossing project should be
completed this fall. There is no additional development, we are just working on the road.
Council Minutes (Regular)
September 21, 2009
Page 11
There have been a number of projects completed this year including the 195th Street
bridge, Vermillion River Crossing, Flagstaff Avenue, the sea1coat along Akin Road, and
the utility project downtown.
The Ice Arena had some concerns with the floor and not holding ice. It has been
corrected, but we will have to look very seriously during the budget process at a long-
term solution. Anything we do to fix something is very short term on a 30-year old
building. We will have to address this for the 2010-2011 hockey season.
Councilmember Fogarty thanked City Administrator Herlofsky for the good
communication on the ice arena. She has been able to contact the hockey association
with the correct information. City Administrator Herlofsky thanked the employees at the
arena for their work on fixing the ice.
Mayor Larson: Encouraged residents to support the Farmington businesses
whenever possible. If we want more business we have to support the businesses we have.
Residents should check out the specials at the Farmington Liquor Store.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009, there is an open house for the Twin Ponds townhomes.
There will also be a Warrior to Citizen 15t Anniversary celebration on September 22,
2009.
He thanked Dr. Meeks and the school board for inviting him to speak at the high school
dedication ceremony. There were 200 people in attendance.
He asked for an update on the status of Nixie at the next Council meeting.
14. ADJOURN
MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to adjourn at 9:07 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
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Cynthia Muller
Executive Assistant