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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-25 Council MinutesCORCORAN CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 25, 1997 185 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. Present were Mayor Larkin, Council Members Ken Kluck, Dixie Lindsley, Ernie Mayers, and Ken Guenthner. Also present were City Clerk Stacy Doboszenski, City Engineer Vince Vander Top, and Police Chief Paul Schutte. There were approximately 20 people in attendance at the meeting. SET AGENDA There were the following additions to the agenda: • Public Works Report pulled from the agenda • Add Resolution Approving $500 from Corcoran Jaycees for Snowmobile Safety Program under Consent Agenda Joint Meeting Discussion under Other Business SNOWMOBILE PRESENTATION Chief Schutte informed the Council of the two snowmobiles donated to the Corcoran Police Department from the Corcoran Lions and Corcoran Jaycees. There was a picture taken with the Council, members present from the Lions and Jaycees, the Police, and the snowmobiles in the lobby. OPEN FORUM The following people addressed the Council during the open forum: Christine Strubbe, 21250 County Road 10 Mrs. Strubbe was present and stated that she is the one who initially complained about dogs trespassing on their property. She stated that she expects that the dog leash law be enforced. She feels that herself and her child have been terrorized by their neighbor's dogs. She is asking that this problem be taken care of. She stated that both Gustafson's and Mrozek's dogs have been trespassing in their property. Councilor Guenthner stated that there may be an updating of the ordinances needed, so that animals may be impounded when it becomes a problem. Chief Schutte informed the Council that since there is not a transport vehicle, the complainants are asked to bring the dog to Corcoran Pet Care and then they will be impounded. Troy Strubbe, 21250 County Road 10 Mr. Strubbe then spoke and had numerous questions for the Council which focused on why the ordinance is not being enforced and why the City Attorney is not upholding the law that is in place. There was then a lengthy discussion on the response time of the Corcoran Police Department to his numerous dog complaints. _ Mr. Strubbe questioned why his neighbors, the Gustafsons and Mrozeks, were being treated so leniently. He also wanted to know if shooting the dogs on his property is a possibility. Mr. Strubbe stated he is asking for help from the City on controlling the pet problem. 186 Councilor Lindsley asked if there is any way that Corcoran can contract with Hennepin County to transport dogs. Hennepin County Deputy David McNellis, who was present, stated that Hennepin County is not equipped to transport dogs either. They use the Monticello pet hospital for other communities; however, the response time is slow. Officer Hamilton stated that his version of the complaint is different from Mr. Strubbe's. Further stated that Mr. Strubbe was only giving the police department two minutes response time. Officer Hamilton stated the history behind the call. Stated that it was unfair that he expects a two minute response time. Doug Mrozek 21210 County Road 10 Gave history of when he first built his home and the problems with the Strubbe's dogs. Mr. Mrozek then stated that he has a 6 month old puppy. Stated that there are four dogs within the neighborhood that are the same color as theirs. Has a hard time seeing the problem his dog is creating with the Strubbe's. Councilor Guenthner suggested that the owner's fence their property. Stated that if you're coming with a dog complaint, you have to come with clean hands. City needs to find a way to take care of those dogs who do not have responsible owners. At this point there was a lengthy discussion between the Strubbe's and the Mrozeks. Councilor Guenthner suggested exploring the idea of impounding dogs. He then suggested that the neighbors discuss this problem in the lobby. Stated that the Council can not do a lot more than that for them tonight. Councilor Lindsley stated that the best solution would be to fence the property. Chief Schutte suggested that Officer Hamilton be present in the lobby for the neighbors to discuss. There was discussion between the Chief of police and Mr. Strubbe. RECOMMENDATION FROM WASTEWATER COMMISSION ON AK AUTO SEPTIC SYSTEM On a motion by Kluck, seconded by Lindsley, to accept Wastewater Commission's recommendation for approval of the variance application with the understanding that phase two will be completed by the year 2000, and that if said construction is delayed, for whatever reason, the variance approval is to be rescinded. Motion carried unanimously. POLICE REPORT Snowmobile Enforcement Chief Schutte explained there is additional equipment needed for the officers to ride the sleds and that lie estimated the amount to be $1500.00. Councilor Guenthner questioned Chief Schutte's memo regarding turn over of the sleds. Cheif Schutte explained that they bought the sleds 12% under dealer cost, next year they can sell the snowmobiles for what it would cost to buy new. 187 Council then questioned where the money to purchase the extra equipment was coming from and the operating costs of the sleds. Chief Schutte explained that there is a surplus in the vehicle repair/maintenance portion of the Police Department budget and he was planning on taking the money from there. The operating costs would be out of the fuel and maintenance accounts. On a motion by Larkin, seconded by Lindsley, to authorize to spend what is necessary for accessory equipment. Motion carried unanimously. Council discussed among themselves the snowmobile trails. Clinton Cops Grant Chief Schutte gave the history of the cops grant that is available to the Corcoran Police Department. He showed a number of over heads documenting the history of calls and complaints in Corcoran. He then stated that the position would be a three year temporary position after which the Council could evaluate the position and decide whether or not they would like to keep an extra officer. Councilor Lindsley asked if this is the same program as Officer Warren was hired under. Schutte responded it was, however, this position would be a three year temporary position, not a permanent position. Councilor Lindsley questioned the number of youth in the community and asked if the police department would do a ride -along program for the youth. Officer Hamilton explained that with the addition of an officer, he has time to do investigative work for the Department, and that the Department has brought over $20,000 of stolen property back into Corcoran. Councilor Guenthner's concern is that there are a lot of appealing arguments that can be made. However, he is gun-shy because of the timing, stating that they are in the middle of labor negotiations with the police force and this officer would be hired under a union contract. Officer Hamilton stated that an option would be to go from June 1998 to June 2001, and let the Justice Department know that they are interested. Greg Ebert gave input on the problems at his property. Stating that this is a good deal that is being offered to Corcoran. Councilor Lindsley asked if the Justice Department is willing to hold off until the contract negotiations are over. Council consensus was find out if the Justice Department is willing to hold the grant for the City until the contract negotiations are over. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT This item was pulled from the agenda. 1998 BUDGET SESSION Clerk Doboszenski informed the Council that with some minor changes and the reduction of $15,000 in the Police Department budget, that the budget is off balance by $104.26. Clerk Doboszenski then placed the proposed 1998 budget on the overhead for Council and Department head discussion. The following items were modified in the budget: Under Revenues: • The Zoning/Subdivision Fees were increased to $21,000 (an increase of $10,000) due to the Metropolitan Council grant that the City will receive in 1998 for the Comprehensive Plan • The TIF Administration Fees were increased to $10,000 (an increase of $10,000) due to the City doing TIF projects in 1998 • Interest Earnings were increased to $13,000 (an increase of $2000) due to past trends • Refunds/Reimbursements were increased to $20,000 (an increase of $15,000) due to past trends Under Disbursements: • Administrative Coordinator Health Insurance was reduced to $809 (a decrease of $327) due to the Planner/Administrative Coordinator choosing single insurance coverage • Clerk Health Insurance was increased to $4,900 (an increase of $400) due to the Council's increase in health insurance benefit in 1998 • Planner Health Insurance was reduced to $1618 (a decrease of $1682) due to the Planner/Administrative Coordinator choosing single insurance coverage • Police Health Insurance was reduced to $11,000 (a decrease of $2000) due to the insurance coverage chosen by the Police Department • Police Repair and Maintenance was reduced to $5,000 (a decrease of $2,000) due to the payments made in 1997 • Police Insurance/Work Comp was reduced to $4,000 (a decrease of $2,000) due to the payments made in 1997 • Fire Protection was increased to $116,000 (an increase of $9,000) due to the fire contracts awarded at the last Council meeting. • Public Works Dust Control was reduced to $12,000 (a decrease of $4,000) due to the City deciding not to do a test strip of dust control in 1998 • Recycling Operating Supplies was reduced to $0 (a decrease of $4,000) due to past spending trends + Council then informed the Clerk to double check to figure for the cost of Recycling in 1998 No further action was taken. CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Mayers, seconded by Guenthner, to approve the following consent agenda: + Approval of List of Claims #878 - 908 + Approval of the November 13, 1997 City Council Minutes • Approval of Pay Estimate No. 1/Final Pay Estimate to Alber Asphalt for $32,833.25 • Approval of Resolution No. 1997 - 95, A RESOLUTION APPROVING EXPENDITURES OF $500 BY THE CORCORAN JAYCEES FOR CORCORAN SNOWMOBILE SAFETY PROGRAM Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION Correspondence No action taken. Advertisin2 for Ice Rink Attendant There was a discussion between the Council and staff about hiring for a skating rink/warming house attendant. There was a question on whether the past employees would be interested in returning in 1 1997/1998. Wilfred stated that last year, Bob Seward did not help as much as years prior, because o89 his other job. Pat Meister indicated that there was interest from a past ice rink attendant to return. Council then discussed placing ad in local schools instead of advertising in the paper. There was a short discussion on where to place the ad. On a motion by Kluck, seconded by Mayers, to advertise in Crow River News as per the proposed ad. Motion carried unanimously. On a motion by Guenthner, seconded by Lindsley, for all attendants to apply for the position subject to approval by council. Motion carried unanimously. Canceling the December 25, 1997 Council Meeting On a motion by Lindsley, seconded by Mayers, to approve Resolution No. 1997 - 96, A RESOLUTION CANCELING THE DECEMBER 25, 1997 (CHRISTMAS) CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND RE -SCHEDULING IT FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1997, and the agenda is to be minimal. Motion carried unanimously. Setting he Joint Meeting to Discuss the Comprehensive Plan at the Policy Meetings Councilors Guenthner and Lindsley updated Councilors Mayers and Muck on the joint meeting held on November 20, 1997. They asked Mayers and Kluck to call Judy and let her know which work group they will be participating in. Frank stated he will be on the Land Use Committee because that is his greatest interest. There was a brief discussion on having the joint meetings being set at the policy meetings. ADJOURN Mayor Larkin adjourned the meeting at 10:1.0 p.m. and informed the public that the Council will be going into a closed session to discuss police department labor negotiations. ATTEST: �__h City derkj Mayor CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS POLICE DEPARTMENT LABOR NEGOTIATIONS Councilor Guenthner opened the closed session at 10:16 p.m. Council Members present were Mayor Larkin, Guenthner, Lindsley, Kluck, and Mayers. Also present was City Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Doboszenski. The Council discussed the proposed contract for the police department union. ADJOURN On a motion by Kluck, seconded Mayers, to adjourn the closed session at 10:28 p.m. ATTEST: City bero Mayor