1990-03-02 CC Minutes
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~IL MINUTKS
MARCH 5, 1990
The regular meeting of the Albertville City Council was called to order
by Mayor Gary Schwenzfeier. Members present included fun Cornelius. Bob Braun.
Ibnatus Vetsch and Jim Krystosek. others present included Maureen Andrews, Bob
Miller. Thore Meyer. and Ken Lindsay.
The agenda for the evening's meeting was reviewed by the Ca.m.cil. funatus
Vetsch made a motion and fun Cornelius seconded it to approve the agenda. All
were in favor and the motion carried.
The minutes of the February :;9th meeting were reviewed by the Council.
Before they were approved. corrections were made by Ken Lindsay.
en page 2, paragraph 2. the minutes shculd read City Wastewater Treatment
Facility not just City property.
Hearing no other corrections or additions. fun Cornelius made a motion to
~ the minutes of February :;9th with corrections. Jim Krystosek seconded
the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried..
The minutes of the February 28th special meeting were tabled until the
March 19th Council meeting.
Mr. Jim Walsh, Mr. LeRoy Berning. Mr. Marv Vetsch Mr. Kevin Zachman and
Mr. Tony Bistodeau were present to discuss with the Ca.m.cil their concerns
regarding the City's proposed reuxxJeling of City HalL
Jim Walsh asked. when the City is proposing to do the reuxxJeling. what is
being proposed. why the reuxxJeling is be considered and what types of funds
are going to be used to <:X:Q,>lete the project.
The Ca.m.cil informed Jim that it is the intention of the Council to
caQPlete the reuxxJeling in the next couple months. pointing out that at this
time of year costs associated with the reuxxJeling will be somewhat lower since
contractors are not as b.1sy during the winter JOOllths and are looking for work.
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Maureen Andrews was asked. to make copies of the PI'Qposed raocrleling so
that people present could see what is being proposed is the raocrleling. It was
noted that the Ca.m.cil is looking at the following changes:
1. To divide the back roam in half and. making one side an office for the
Administrator and the other a conference roam to be used. for work
meetings. Planning Cnwmi Rsion and Park Board meetings
2. Change the entrance of the bri.lding fran the fran to the south side
and make it handicapped (l(X)eSSible.
3. Extend the office. that currently the Administrator uses. the
additional four feet that is currently the entrance to the bri.lding
and provide for a window opening between the Council Chambers and the
office. ThiB office will serve as the secretary's office and. will
house the OOIIIPlter. copier and files. The window will be a service
cotm.ter when the public cane in to pay bills. ask questions. etc.
4. Repl acement of windows because of disrepair of existing windows.
5. Replacement of carpet. floor tile and window fixtures because of poor
condition .
6. It was noted that the City is considering the possibility of
bri.lding a new Maintenance Facility and will be looking at adding a
meeting roam in the Fire Station for the firemen's training roam.
ThiB roam will be blilt with a mezzanine above for the pn::pose of
storing old City documents.
The Council noted that the reason that the City is looking to undertake
this raocrleling is that the City is sorely in need of additional spaces and
feel that by adjusting the existing space can better utilize the space that is
currently available. without going to the expense of bri.lding a new structure.
It was further noted that the current internal traffic flow is not conducive
to operating the City on a day-to-day basis.
At this time Jim Walsh noted that he did not feel that the City was is
any need of additional space. noting that the Administrator can shut the door
when not wanting to be disb.1rbed.
He also noted that IbnatuB Vetsch supposedly CCGIDellted to members of the
Lions organization that they did not llbed to meet at City Hall. IhnatuB Vetsch
stated that he had not made such a caJJDellt and would like to know who had IDi'lde
this statement. Jim would not say where the remark had come fran. To this
COIIIDel1t. it was noted that the Ca.m.cil in reviewing this raocrleling had taken
into consideration the fact that City Hall is used for more than city rosiness
and have at~ to focus the raocrleling around this fact.
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It was noted by another member of the Council that the City is looking to
begin to do the City's accounting in-house and will need. accamxxJate this
change and in addition is planning on taking on a intern for a period of six
months to assist with different projects the City is working on. noting that
some of the projects include d.evelopoent. City newsletters. recycling and
contract garbage hauling. etc.
It was noted that the City is not attelQpting to cut down the usable space
wt :rearrange it for better utilization.
At this time it was noted by the members of the service organizations
that it is their goal that a n'lII'JIDmity center be wilt in the near future for
social functions. Noting that they need a place to hold fund raisers, dinners
and other activities that they might have.
The Ca.m.cil noted that they are aware of this goal and appreciate this
concern bIt feel that at this time a <Xmllmity center is not highest priority
item for the City. Noting that at this time the City needs to deal with the
space problem in the Maintenance/Fire Station Wilding as well as the poor
utilization of City Hall space.
It was further pointed out that the City hopes to extend the life of the
Fire Station and City Hall by renx.xieling these structures and Wilding a new
Maintenance lbilding. It was noted that the Council hopes to extend the life
of these wildings for at least another 10 years by making the changes that
are being proposed.
A member of the groqp present noted that he felt that it would be
advisable to get together to discuss the needs of City and the service
organizations and hopefully cane up with a solution that meets the needs of
everyone involved.
Scmeone else questioned the Council on whether or not the City should be
spending the money on these Wilding instead of Wilding new structures? It
was noted that the economics of Wilding new makes that proposal unfeasible at
this time. It was pointed out that when considering the possibility of a new
school being wilt in the district as well as the new County Jail the Wilding
a new fire station and/or city hall does not seem realistic.
Jim Walsh noted that he feels that the City should be acquiring the
properties behind City Hall that are currently list for sale. He state that he
felt that the City could rent the house on the north corner and have it pay
for itself and then stated that the house that had been converted into an
office could. be used. for the Administrative Offices.
It should be noted that the office Wilding could not be used. as is
because it is not handicapped accessible and does not have the right restroom
facilities in it. It would need to changed to meet the state codes.
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The Ca.m.cil stated that they are aware of the property being referenced
and noted that it would be considered for future piblic facilities if it can
be determined that it would meet the needs of the City. If the City was to
consider IUrChasing the property it would have to be determined whether or not
property would meet the needs of the City as it continues to grow. would there
be adequate parking available if a structure was bIilt on the site and what
would be the best use of the property. It was also noted that at this time
the City does not have funds to J;UrChase the land meaning that the City would
be looking. at special financing.
It was questioned whether or not the proposed reJOOdeling and construction
of the Maintenance lbilding was going to be financed with the Lion's money?
The Ca.m.cll informed the group that the City is using money that has been set
aside in this years b.1dget for the :reJOOdeling and that the Maintenance
lbilding would be financed through. an equipnent certificate.
The Council stressed the point that they are trying to plan for the
future growth of the City at the least amount of expense. It was noted that
there had been sane discussion regarding the possibility of expanding the
brllding bIt that it was felt that this proposal had several barriers that
could not be overcome. such as that the brllding already exceeds the ~
maxi.Irum ground coverage, the addition would require on site parking and that
overall the expansion would cost a lot more money and that there would not be
IIIlch more gained fran it.
At this time it was noted that with moving Maintenance into its own
facility there would be roan for training roan to be brllt in the Fire
Station. ThiB would open up the use of the Ca.m.cil Chambers two nights a
month.
The people present stated that they did not think it was fair that when
they donated the money for the reJOOdeling of the back roan five years ago that
the City would now be planning on taking over the use of that roan. They noted
that Lion's Club donate arout $2. sm. the Jaycee's $2.~ and the Lioness'
donated labor and materials.
It was further noted that if the City would cane up with the right plan
that the service organizations would cane up with the funds to finance the
project.
It was questioned why the City would plan on spending $20.~ to reJOOdel
City Hall. which is the figure that is supposed. to have been quoted around
town. The Ca.m.cil state that this figure is not correct, noting that the
estimated cost of the project is expected to run around $8.020.
The Ca.m.cil was questioned why they feel that they need to add any
additional people to the payrolL It was noted that the intern's position is a
t.eJlux>rary position at this time bIt did not that as this grows there will be
need for addition staff people.
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The Council was then questioned why tl1e City was considering acquiring
the Beaudry's property for the Maintenance fuilding when there was land
available at the site of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. It was noted tha.t
t.his site had been considered. rot with shoreland management restrictions
there is not as JD.JCh b.li.ldable land available on that site. It was also noted
tha.t by placing the Maintenance fuilding out the Wastewater Treatment Facility
that it would require that equipoent would need to be hauled into town on a
regular basis for doing the day-to-day maintenance activities. i. e. mowing.
ice maintenance. snow removal and cleanup. etc.
It was further noted tha.t if the City BOluires the HP.Rl~t'Y property that
we would be getting it for the cost of the back assessments and for assuming
the l'P.InAining balance of the assessments. It was noted that the City has
already covered the ten years of assessments because the special assessment
bonds are generally obligated and therefore the City has to make the 00nd
payment wether or not the assessments are paid for.
Additionally it was pointed out that if the City was to acquire any other
parcel of property we would be looking at a plt'Cbase price for the land plus
assessments because the property would :receive benefit for i..JQprovements just
like any other parcel of property.
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The Ca.m.cil noted that their greatest conce:rn about the property is the
fact that the property is to be sold at a Sheriff's Sale for back: taxes
sanetime this spring and that there is a real likelihood that the State of
Minnesota could keep the land as part of their protected. wetland program and
not sell it. which would mean the City would be out all the special
assessments against the property.
It was also pointed out that someone is interested in PJ,rChasing the land
on the north side of Barthel Industrial Drive and would assume the special
as~ts for that parcel. So not only would the City BOluire a site for the
Maintenance fuilding rot would be getting a new bJsiness in town as well.
The Council was asked. if they were paying more for the land than just the
cost of the past assessments. It was noted that the land would be BOlui:red for
just the assessments which is estimated to be about $21.~.m and no other
JOODeY would be involved.
Marv Vetsch asked. how long the current City Hall is going to last. The
Ca.m.cil stated that they hope to extend the life of this b.li.lding for at least
an additional ten years by reIOOdeling to com,pensate for additional staff
people. Marv then COIIIllellted that if the Council is really planning on using
this facility that then maybe the reIOOdeling should be done to i..JQprove the
overall appearance of the b.li.lding.
There was then BaDe discussion about how JD.JCh room the Fire Department
would eventually need if it is true that Otesgo is looking at acquiring
nmicipality statuB. If this would be cane reality would the City continue to
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provide fire protection to Otesgo? It was noted that this is one of the
reasons the Ca.m.cil would like to hold off on blllding a new fire d.epart.ment
at this time.
Jim Walsh stated that heard that the City was looking at acquiring a new
hook and ladder truck for the fire department because of the construction of
the different apartments. The Council informed Jim that this was not true.
there has not been any discussion about the J;UrChase of this type of
equi:r;ment.
Jim went on to say that he did not feel that the Ca.m.cil could accomlt
for the current staff's time on a day-to--day basis and felt that adding any
additional people was not necessary. And then stated that adding people just
adds expense to the City's operating b.tdget through increased salaries.
insurance. etc.
It was finally agreed that two Council representatives would meet with
two representatives of the different service organizations to discuss the
I"eIOOdeling. A meeting has been set for March. Wth at 7 p.m.
The maintenance items were next on the agenda.
The Ca.m.cil first reviewed an ordinance pertaining to driving on the
dikes at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Bob Miller had prepared an
ordinance which would prohibit driving or parking on the dikes.
. Bob noted that the ordinance defines the various types of vehicles that
would not be allowed on the dikes and. then goes on to stipulate that no
vehicle is allowed on the control dike without prior written permission of the
City Ca.m.ciL It was noted that the City would be required to install "NO
TRKSPASSItG" signs around the outside perimeter of the dike, blt that fa.il to
install or maintain any sign. would not be a defense for the violation of the
Ordinance and the penalty would be a misdemeanor.
Bob noted that this ordinance should solve the problem of getting a
conviction when people drive on the dikes. because this ordinance does not
require that the violator be identified. by the caQPlainant as in the case of
the trespassing statute does.
Hearing no other questions or COIIIDellts a motion was made by fun Cornelius
and seconded by Bob Braun to approve Ordinance 1990-1; AN ORDINANCE
PROOIBITltG OPERATION OR PARKItG OF CERTAIN VEHICLES ON TIm WAS'I'EWATKR
TREATMENT FACILITY OONTROL DIKE AND IMEU>ItG A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION THEREOF.
All were in favor and the motion carried..
Ken next informed the Council that the pond's transfer p.mJp is not
working. He noted that the i.JQpeller has been damaged and there is no way to
know for sure how it could be a new i.JQpeller could be designed since the model
has been since discontinued. Ken noted that the p.mJp was damaged when a :rock
was sucked up into the motor.
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The estimated cost of a new pump will be about $1.~ including labor to
make the necessary connections to our existing system. this is assuming that
the motor of the old pump could be reused. It was also pointed out that the
pump is going to be needed in the next few weeks for transferring water so it
is :i.mPortant that the problem is resolved. Ken pointed out that renting a pump
to use during the transfer is ~. m a week and that transfer takes several
weeks to do.
Hearing no other questions or caIIDel1ts a motion was made to pxrchase a
new pump. The motion was made by Jim Krystosek and seconded by fun Cornelius.
All were in favor and the motion carried..
The next item di.scussed was the removal of brush along 50th Street. This
issue had been brought up by a member of the Council earlier when there was
some discussion regarding the possibility of ~ing 50th Street.
The Council was informed that a couple of the residents from 50th Street
had been contacted regarding the upgrading of the street and it had been their
indication that they felt that when the residents found out what the
impI'OVelbt:O.t would cost that they would be willing to IUt up with the dust.
There was BaDe discussion whether or not the City would want to undertake a
preliminary feasibility s-wdy to determine what the cost would be associated
with upgrading the street.
After sane additional discussion it was decided that the City should hold
off on making any decision on this street ilnProvement. The matter was tabled..
Additional discussion regarding 50th Street was then taken up. It was
decided that since the City is not looking a upgrading 50th Street that the
City should consider installing a stop sign on 50th. Street at the intersection
of 50th. and Lansing Avenue.
The reason for this stop sign would hopefully slow traffic down and would
allow for traffic to IOOVe out fran Lansing Avenue with more ease. It was noted
that because of the hill on 50th. Street it is difficult to determine whether
or not there is oncoming traffic coming fran the east on 50th. Street. It was
noted that because of the fact that 50th. Street is under dual jurisdiction
(Frankfort and Albertville) that the City should contact Frankfort to inform
them of our decision and see if they would install a stop sign at the same
intersection on the westbound side.
Ken was asked to order the stop sign and install it as soon as weather is
permitting .
The Ca.m.cil was informed that Ken had checked. with NSP regarding the
lighting on Barthel Industrial Drive on the north side of the railroad
crossing and was informed that they already placed to give the best angle of
lighting for the street.
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In a related matter the discussion regarding the installation of s:igns
for the curves it was decided to hold off on ordering the s:igns at this point.
Instead the City will plan on patching in the corner of the first curve the
next time we undertake a blacktopping project
The Maintenance elQPloyee' s overtime was reviewerl. A motion was made to
approve the overtime. The motion was made by IbnatuB Vetsch and seconded by
Jim Krystosek. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The Ca.m.cil was informed that the P!ark Board had reviewed the sign.
proposal for the Four Season Park and it had been ordered.
The next item on the agenda was legal.
Bob informed the Ca.m.cil that Loren Kohnen had not turned over the
brllding inspection files to the City and had in fact retained. an attorney
regarding the matter. Bob noted that he had not been able to make contact with
the attorney bIt was attempting to do so. The Ca.m.ci1 agreed that Bob should
do what ever was needed to get the issue resolved.
The Incane Received. and Bills to be Paid were reviewed next. Hearing no
questions or oooments a motion was made by IbnatuB Vetsch and seconded by Don
Cornelius to approve the bills. All were in favor and checks W268 through.
W305 were approved.
The Council had :received. a copy of the final draft of the Albertville
Personnel Policy with all the approved changes. Hearing no other questions or
o:mnents a motion was made to approve the policy. The motion was made by Jim
Krystosek and seconded by Bob Braun. All were in favor and the motion carried.
A call for a Public Hearing on Organized Garbage Hauling was called for
April 2nd at 7:m p.m. The motion was made by lhnatuB Vetsch and seconded by
Bob Braun. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The Ca.m.cil next ~ information pertaining to the recycling
containers. In reviewing the information it was decided that the City should
go ahead and order the 3 bag plus with a 10 inch. side for $7.50 each plus
printing cost for "ALBERTVILLE RECYCLES". The Ca.m.cil figures that
approximately Em containers will be needed bIt staff will be checking the
figure before order.
A motion to order the containers was made by lhn Cornelius and seconded
by Jim Krystosek. All were in favor and the motion carried..
The Ca.m.cil approved a resolution for the transfer of the cable
television extension permit. A motion was made by fun Cornelius and. seconded
by Jim Krystosek to approve Resolution 1990-1; AUTHORIZIM] THE TRANSFER OF A
CABLE TELEVISION EXTENSION PlmMIT FRa'.t CABLE TV 14-A. LTD.. TO FBN
CAm..EVISISCfi OF MINNESOI'A LIMITED PAR'l'NEBSHIP. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
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The Council was informed that St. Albert's was requesting to be allowed
to close off 57th Street. between Main and Lander Avenue. the day of their
Parish Festival for rides and games. The Council stated that there was no
problem with this as long as the Fire Department and Sheriff's Office was
contacted prior to the event.
A motion was made to allow St. Albert's to close 57th Street the day of
the Parish Festival. The motion was made by Bob Braun and seconded by Ibnatus
Vetsch. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The Council was informed that Ar lan Middleton had left St. Michael
Insurance at the end of February. They were asked. if the City should (X)l}Bider
changing the Agent of Record with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance
fran St. Michael Insurance to Middleton Insurance since Arlan is familiar with
our insurance coverage. It was agreed that this was a g<XXi idea and should be
as soon as possible.
A motion was made to change the Agent of Record fran St. Michael
Insurance to Middleton Insurance. The motion was made by Jim Krystosek and
seconded by Bob Braun. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The Ca.m.cil was informed that a problem had arisen with the permit issued
to Ron Yannish for an addition onto his garage. In digging the footing it was
found that the soils were bad and no contractor was willing to p.rt the
addition on. Mr. Yannish has asked. that the Council either refund the permit
fees minus expenses or allow him to transfer it to a permit for a storage
brllding that he is now p1.a:nni.ng on constructing this SUJIIJler.
A motion to refund or transfer the brllding permit fees. millllS expense
was made by Bob Braun and seconded by Donatus Vetsch. All were in favor and
the motion carried..
The Council packets included information pertaining to the KARE 11 Bike
Classic. the January's Sheriff's Report and the 1990 Tax Capacity information.
The Council was informed that the City would be getting information fran
Wright County regarding the umrading of the railroad crossing on C.S.A.H.
# 19. In addition. it appears that the County will be overlaying C.S.A.H. # 19
later this year.
There was a brief overview of the Joint Powers Board meeting.
The Ca.m.cil was informed that no action was taken on the pending lawsuit
regarding the Dehmer's Addition and that it had been decided that no lining
will be rec.lUired if the contractor can prove the soils are not corrosive. A
finally that the Joint Powers are looking to have a map of the whole system
caQPleted showing all the pipes and valves. including a number system of the
hydrants and shut offs.
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It was noted that the problem with the residue in the water should be
taken care of because there has been a. change in the chemicals used in the
system.
fun Cornelius thanked the Council and Staff for the flowers while he was
in the hospital. He stated he was feeling a lot better now.
Hearing no other questions or o::mnents a motion was made to adjourn.. The
motion was made by Ibnatus Vetsch and seconded by Jim Krystosek. All were in
favor and the motion carried.
~ ClLu@n" {O~^,d.",UJ;)
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