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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-22 Council Meeting292 CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 1998 ;ALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL l Mayor Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members present were: Mayor Larkin and City Councilors: Ken Guenthner, Dixie Lindsley, Ernie Mayers, and Ken Kluck. Also present: City Clerk Stacy Doboszenski, City Engineer Vince Vander Top, Police Officer John Hamilton, and City Planner Roger Bromander. There were approximately 15 people in attendance at the meeting. SET AGENDA The agenda changed as follows: + Add under Other Business, calling a special meeting to canvass the municipal election • Ken Guenthner, Notice of Mediation Letter sent to Recycling Company • Dave Remer, Lawn King, Site Plan Approval OPEN FORUM No one was present to address the Council during the open forum. AMENDMENT TO AN ORDINANCE RELATING SALARIES MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS WITHIN THE CITY OF CORCORAN Ernie Mayers stated that he called a few other cities to see what their rates are, and couldn't find any city whose council members do it for nothing. Some have a base rate, and pay per meeting. Councilor Lindsley stated that she expected to hear that from metro area cities. What drove her to look at cutting wages, is the spending and the cuts the council needs to make, and to look at their own situation. Councilor Guenthner stated he always considers his time as volunteer time. My time I give away, wouldn't mind having an expense reimbursement possibility. Expenses incurred related to the job of councilor can be submitted for reimbursement. Councilor Mayers stated that he feels that is what the salaries cover; expense reimbursement. Councilor Kluck stated that there was times when he was in charge of the roads, that he would have to take time off work to meet with the public works department. This led to a discussion on council members taking time off work to meet with different city departments. Councilor Mayers suggested a base rate of what we have and $25 per meeting, then if you wanted to donate that you could. Bill Halverstadt commented on council keeping their salaries. Mayor Larkin stated he feels that Ernie made a good suggestion. The salaries that are in place now were set in November of 1980. Feels the money would at least cover the expenses. Councilor Lindsley stated that she doesn't see any reason why the council can't volunteer when the Planning Commission volunteers. Mayor Larkin stated that the Planning Commission doesn't have the responsibilities as the Councilors do. 9 9 On a motion by Mayers, seconded by Kluck, to be paid the pay we have now as base pay plus an additional $25 per meeting. There was a discussion regarding having to pay taxes on the salaries donated. Motion carried with Larkin, Mayers, and Kluck voting aye; Guenthner and Lindsley opposed. Vince read from the letter received from the Elm Creek Watershed, which stated that the ditch would be able to be cleaned without having to mitigate, according to Ali Durgunolu. What this means for the water quality ponds is that if no mitigation is necessary, there is no need to construct ponds for that reason. However, in the latter part of the letter, the watershed is completely in favor of NURP ponds, the City would receive credit for the ponds, and the ponds would cover the area of the channel, if mitigation is necessary. The Watershed Commission is still operating under the first generation of their watershed plan. They cannot say at this time, you have to construct those ponds for water quality standards. However, they are currently updating their water management plan to include those ordinances that would require such water quality ponding. We could go forward without constructing the ponds, and have approval from the watershed right now. However, it puts ourselves in an awkward position for the redevelopment of the downtown properties that are going to have to meet water quality standards, once the watershed adopts their new ordinances. It is still an engineering recommendation that the ditch be cleaned and the ponds be constructed. The timing is still objective. We could clean this winter, or we could wait and make a conscious decision of what we have to do with developments we have before us now. Councilor Kluck asked if we could use the pond that was there, or is there a need to construct another pond. Vince responded that 30,000 sq. ft. of pond would be needed. This would be considered a 2 cell system, 20,000 sq. ft. pond in the current area, and another 10,000 sq. ft. pond on the Protech and Permagreen properties. Councilor Kluck asked Vince if he has heard from Paul Jacobs and his organization. Vince stated he hadn't, nor has he contacted them. Council questioned what is the condition of the current pond. Vince responded stating it is full of silt. There was a brief discussion on pond depth and organic growth. Council questioned if as a city, are we ready to go forward, are specs set and out for bid? Vince stated no. He would need to get a little more information in terms of specifications, wouldn't take a lot of time to put together. The general opinion is that this is a benefit to the business owners downtown as we go through development and redevelopment of downtown. No further discussion. 294 1929 BUDGET 1998 Third Quarter Budget Report Clerk Doboszenski reported on three areas of concern with the third quarter budget report: 1. The legal and engineering may end up being over budget, however, $4500 will be reimbursed to the general fund from developer's escrows. 2. The park wages are over budget, due to summer help working into the fall and winter months. 3. There have been more building permits pulled in 1998, which increases the revenue, but will have an impact on the 1999 budget to pay for inspection services. So far in 1998, there have been 27 new homes, when there were only nine in 1997. Councilor Mayers stated that he will talk to Wilfred regarding the part time help. No further discussion took place. 1999 Budgrt Revisions There were no questions from the Council on the proposed budget revisions. It was commented that the City Council salaries would have to be placed back in the budget including the additional $25 per meeting. POLICE REPORT Memo on U.S. Department of Justice Federal COPS Grant Officer Hamilton presented a report to council regarding the COPS grant and creating a "Blueprint for Community Safety". He stated he has two goals in his presentation: 1. Update the council on the COPS grant 2. Discuss the idea of creating a "Blueprint for Community Safety" Hamilton explained that the City of Corcoran has a $75,000 credit with the federal government, and stated that the City has received another opportunity to accept an additional $75,000 grant, if the City chooses to accept the second grant, in essence the City has a credit of $150,000 with the federal government. Hamilton spoke on the blueprint for community safety and stated the following should be considered when creating the blueprint: 1. Snap shot of current police services 2. Community expectations 3. Cost 4. Style of police Service desired 5. Level of police service desired 6. Crime trends 7. Needs assessment 8. Set goals for police Hamilton stated the following is what are we asking the council to do tonight: 1. Support the formation of a "Blueprint for Community Safety" 2. Authorize Mayor and Chief to sign the COPS Universal Hiring Supplemental Award - keep the window of opportunity open Councilor Lindsley questioned what it took for Corcoran to get the grant money. What qualifies Corcoran? What happens with the $150,000, are we going to be approached next year to say use it or lose it? Hamilton stated that is what the blueprint would be designed to answer, do we need the money, if not, we will give it back to the federal government for other communities that want it. Councilor Lindsley stated that the City needs a Community Service Officer, but than one cannot 295 be hired with this grant. Hamilton stated that the hiring is only for a full-time licensed police officer. However, it would ease the burden of the work to be done, and the police could spend more time on community service type issues. Mayor Larkin questioned what the blueprint would be used for. Officer Hamilton stated that it would be information gathering. Councilor Guenthner questioned how this came about. Hamilton responded that there are discussions happening about police service and questions that need to be answered. On a motion by Lindsley to keep the window of opportunity open by having the federal government hold the funds for the city and a date for the community blueprint to be completed by May 1, 1999. Councilor Kluck stated he would like to see more information on Blueprint for Community Safety before making a decision. Becky McNellis spoke on behalf of the police department stating that the Council may not realize the amount of time that can be spent on one call. Hamilton stated that if no action is taken tonight, the City is passing up the opportunity to hold $75,000. Councilor Lindsley stated she feels it is valuable and wants the negatives to stop. She would like everyone to pull together. She would also like a group of young people as part of the volunteers to put the blueprint together. Kluck seconded the motion made by Lindsley. Motion denied with the following vote: Kluck and Lindsley voting aye; Guenthner, Mayers, and Larkin voting no. CONSENT AGENDA Councilor Kluck questioned why a registered engineer was involved in putting quotes out for public bids. Ernie stated that he feels that by putting the quotes out for public bid, maybe the City received a better service or a lower bid. Vince responded to the concern of the Council. Councilor Lindsley asked if someone from public works could do the same work? Vince stated that the public works is not comfortable with obtaining quantities. Councilor Lindsley questioned Vince if it is fair to say that the public works is uncomfortable to do this themselves and that is why they ask you. Vince stated yes. On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Mayers, to approve the following consent agenda items: • Approval of List of Claims #763 - 801 • Approval of the October 8, 1998 City Council Minutes • Approval of Resolution No. 1998 - 51, A RESOLUTION CANCELING THE NOVEMBER 26, 1998 (THANKSGIVING) CITY COUNCIL MEETING • Approval of Resolution No. 1998 - 52, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF HENNEPIN COUNTY CONTRACT NO. A04465 Motion carried unanimously. 296 DISCUSSION Correspondence No action taken. Update- on Meeting with Henn in County Regarding Public Works Shop in Burschville Ernie stated that the meeting was canceled. Mayor Larkin stated that as far as he is concerned, we can cancel the meeting all together. He referred to a letter received from the County. Councilor Kluck spoke on holding tanks and no shelter for salt/sand and stated that it is a time consuming spot for the building; not being centered in the community. There was discussion on the request for right-of-way for the county roads as part of the City subdivision requirements. Councilors Mayers and Kluck stated that they would still like to opportunity to meet with Vern Genslinger. Transportation Committee Letter to Hennepin County Roger commented on why the letter was created by the Transportation Committee. There was a discussion on the intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 50. Vince explained that County Road 19 is earmarked for federal dollars right now for improvements and also stated it would be timely for the council to send a letter regarding the intersection of County Road 10 and 50. Labor ContrN Councilor Guenthner stated that a mediation session is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17th at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall and there are two chairs available. Councilor Kluck suggested that Ken and Dixie do the mediation. Councilor Gucnthner suggested noticing it as a public meeting and have any or all councilors attend. On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Mayers, to notice it as a closed session of the City Council for Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. Councilor Lindsley stated that whoever attends, should have an idea of what we want to deal with; an agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Recycling Lette Councilor Kluck requested staff to send a letter to EZ Recycling to regarding the amount of recyclables blown from the trucks on County Road 50 on the last recycling pick up date. Lawn King, Site Plan Approval Roger stated that Dave Remer requested that his site plan approval be reviewed at the Council meeting. Roger has a question regarding the vacation of an easement on the west side of the property. Mr. Remer stated that when the road was vacated, both the easement and the road were vacated. Roger informed the Council that staff is trying to make sure is that the easement is still not on the property. Roger then recommended utility easements 10 feet along all property lines. Roger stated that staff is uncomfortable with dealing with this application tonight. He then went through his memo detailing possible changes to the site plan and presented the conditions set by the Planning Commission and additional conditions. Vince recommends resolving the issues at a Planning Commission level, not a staff and council level. Councilor Guenthner questioned why it is being considered at 8:50 p.m. tonight. There was a question regarding the 60 day rule. Councilor Guenthner questioned when the application/payment was accepted. Roger stated the application was received the 17th of August. There were comments made that the 60 days the City has to deal with the application has expired. Councilor Lindsley stated that the people do not understand the whole process from point a to point z, that they need to be better informed. Vince stated that the issues should be identified before the Planning Commission reviews the 9 application. There was a discussion regarding the 60 day rule and checklists. Council commented that staff needs to sit with the applicant and come to a reasonable solution. There was additional comment that staff does not accept future applications without a complete checklist. On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Guenthner, to follow procedures detailed tonight. Motion carried unanimously. Special Meeting of the 1 to Canvass theElection On a motion by Larkin, seconded by Kluck, to hold a meeting on Thursday, November 5, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. to canvass the general election. Motion carried unanimously. Correapondencg from Charles Lymangoo There was a discussion regarding a letter sent to the City from Charles Lymangood. Roger explained the sign ordinance in regard to residential identification signs. Roger stated he sent a letter certified to Lymangood. Councilor Guenthner stated to wait for Mr. Lymangood's response to Roger's certified letter. Al Moen, Rockford 1 District Superintendent,i it Qn School District 883 Referendum Al Moen thanked the Council for the chance to speak. He stated the purpose of the presentation is to familiarize the council and city with the referendum. Mr. Moen explained what the current referendum has done and stated that it expires after October 1999. The proposal is to ask the voters for authorization for a 10 year referendum to bring in $467,000 a year. If passed the referendum would be subsidized by the state in the amount of $212,000 the rest would come from local dollars. He then gave a breakdown of how the referendum would affect the taxpayer. Mayor Larkin asked if it is an increase or a continuation of what is being paid now. Al Moen explained that what is being asked for is what is being received currently, plus $40 additional. Councilor Lindsley asked what are class sizes now and what is the goal. Al Moen responded stated the elementary classes are approximately 20 and the middle school classes are approximately 25. He stated that these are reasonable goals and would like to continue them. There was further discussion on the planning for the future for the school district, class sizes, possible shortage of teachers, classes offered, etc. ADJOURN Mayor Larkin adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m. Ci Cle Mayor