1990-12-03 CC Minutes
CITY OF ALBERTVILLE
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P. O. BOX 131
ALBERTVILLE, MINNESOTA 55301
PHONE: (612) 497-3384
COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 3, 1990
The regular meeting of the Albertville City Council was called
to order by Mayor Gary Schwenzfeier. Members present included Jim
Krystosek, Bob Braun, Don Cornelius, and Donatus Vetsch. Others
present were Mayor-Elect Jim Walsh, Maureen Andrews, Bob Miller,
Ken Lindsay and Jackie Peterson.
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The agenda for the evening's meeting was reviewed by the
Council. Maureen informed the Council of two additional items to
add to the agenda. The additional items included Ken Lindsay's
request to build a new storage shed. Maureen then explained that
Ken had not previously formally withdrawn his request, but rather
had requested that it had be removed from the agenda. The other
item was the dirty water complaints, probably caused by the
flooding of the hockey rink. A motion was made by Jim Krystosek
and seconded by Bob Braun to approved the agenda. All were in
favor and the motion carried.
The minutes for the November 19, Council meeting was reviewed
by the Council. Don Cornelius made a motion to approve the
minutes. Bob Braun seconded the motion. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
The first item of discussion for the evening was hearing from
the Maintenance Department. Ken Lindsay explained to the Council
the two manholes from Fehn' s to the Lift station, needed to be
raised. He explained that in the Spring it is to wet to get in to
the field, and in the Summer they can not get in because of the
crops in the field. Now that it is Fall, the ground is frozen and
the crops are out. He says that he wants to haul some dirt in to'
build a donut shaped berm around the edge of each manhole. This
way the water will not be permitted to fill in the manhole.
Eventually, he said we need to install 2-3 foot castings and mortar
to raise the manholes.
Ken then discussed the rusty water problem. He said that when
he was flooding the hockey rink he had noticed the rust. He
pointed out that there had been usage from that water line
throughout the Summer. He explained that he was only using a 1 1/2
inch diameter hose. He felt that it should not have cause to much
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Make our City. . . . . . . . Your City
We invite Home, Industry, Business
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disturbance in the flow. of water from the water line. He also
pointed out that Joint Powers did not flush the lines this year,
and felt that this could be the reason for the rust. In a related
matter, Ken then informed the Council that the flooding of the
Hockey Rink was going well, and the water was holding.
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Hearing no further comments from Ken, the Council then heard
from Bob Miller the City"s Attorney. Thore Meyer the City"s
Engineer was not present at the evening's meeting.
Bob explained that he had gone over the Snow and Ice Removal
Policy with Ken Lindsay. He suggested that the Council take the
policy and review it for the next meeting. He then said that he
needed the City Council to direct him to draft a Formal Resolution.
He said that he would have it ready for the Council to review at
the next Council Meeting.
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Bob then explained that most Cities have already adopted some
type of Snow and Ice removal policy. He further explained what
should be included in the policy. He said that it should contain
a list of all equipment used in snow removal, and that there should
by a complaint policy included with it. He noted that all
complaints should be put in writing, and that the person"s name
should be taken before taking the complaint. He said he would get
the draft done by the next meeting so that the Council could
discuss it then.
The next issue Bob discussed with the Council was the final
version of the Administrator"s contract. He suggested that the
Council take the copy of the document and review it before Gary
signed it.
Bob then said that the Attorney, representing Vern
Hackenmueller, had asked the City to adopt a resolution to extend
the Industrial Development Revenue Bond repayment for the
Hackenmueller Grocery and Liquor Store.
He then explained that the extension just allows the bank to
restructure the payments so that the balloon payment which was
designed into the schedule could be ignored. Bob said that the
original Bond Council who had been involved with the issuing of the
Industrial Revenue Bonds had provided an opinion on the extension
of the payment schedule, finding it to be an acceptable request.
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Bob further noted that because these are Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds, the City did not have any "Full Faith
and Credit" attached to them and would therefore not impact the
City in any fashion, and that it would be alright to adopt a signed
resolution.
Hearing no other discussion on the matter, Bob Braun made a
motion to adopt a signed Resolution Approving the Extension of
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The Maintenance Superintendent's position is currently $12.37
an hour with overtime pay. The proposed salary will be
$30,000.00 with overtime pay eliminated.
The Maintenance Worker's position is currently $8.00 and will
raise $.35 effective the 1st of January, and an additional
$.35 July 1st, 1991, for a total of $8.70.
The Secretary position is currently $7.50 and will raise $.25
effective the 1st of January and will increase the 1st of July
$.35. for a total of $8.10.
Don Cornelius made a motion to approve the 1991 Salary
increase for the City Positions. Jim Krystosek seconded the
motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The next item the Council discussed was Ken Lindsay's request
to build a storage shed. Maureen informed the Council that she had
gone back into the minutes and discovered that Ken did not formally
withdraw his request for a variance to build an oversized shed.
Ken then asked the Council if he down sized the building from
14' X 20' to a 14' X 16'. and made the roof pitch the same as his
house. would they then approve his request? He added that if the
Council approved the new building, he would then remove all of his
other buildings.
Maureen pointed out to Ken that if he is granted a special
variance at this point in time, he may loose his right to have a
second driveway. The ordinance states that at any time a special
variance if given, any grand fathered in items may be asked to be
corrected at that time.
Ken pointed out that he needs the driveway to store his 90'
X 158' Motor Home on during the Summer season.
Maureen reminded the Council and Ken that the Hardship clause
needed to be proven, and has not been done as of yet. Ken then
said that he could he has had problems with water drainage.
Maureen said she would check with David Licht. She felt that
maybe the drainage problem could be his proof of hardship. ~ ~
point the Council decided to table any further discussion until
after the meeting with David Licht.
Maureen informed the Council that Thore had footprints of the
new Fire Station building. and that the Firemen were going to meet
to go over more of the specifications needed.
Hearing no further comments from the members of the Council,
Jim Krystosek made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Bob Braun
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Payment for Hackenmueller"s Industrial Development Revenue Bonds.
Jim Krystosek seconded the motion. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
Bob then informed the Council he had met with Kevin Mealhouse
the Building Inspector regarding the Custom Canopy outside storage
problem. He said he had talked with Bill McPhail regarding the
problem. Bill had told Bob that he does not handle these types of
problems, he only handles criminal and traffic matters. He does
not handle City problems. He did say that the City needs to send
a letter of the violation, then file a criminal complaint.
Don Cornelius then made a motion to send a letter to the
owners of Custom Canopy, and then file a criminal complaint. Bob
Braun seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion
carried.
Bob then brought up the issue of the Insurance Policy of 1991.
Bob had spoke to Arlan Middleton, the City"s Insurance Agent
regarding the issue regarding the need to continue the extra
coverage for Public Officials "prior acts" . Bob noted that he was
in agreement with Arlan"s opinion that the City would not need to
continue this coverage since there was five years of coverage with
the additional coverage the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance
Trust is willing to provide to the City.
Bob then informed the Council that he would be meeting with
Loren Kohnen on Wednesday to go over the bills he had submitted to
the City. He said that he will report their findings back to the
Council at the next meeting.
The Council then reviewed the Income and Bills to be paid.
Maureen said that the bill from St. Michael Insurance Agency should
not be paid until she had a chance to check into the matter.
Jim Krystosek asked if the Quarterlies had been done, since"
he had not seen them on the list of bills to be paid yet. Maureen
said that they were being worked on and should be done shortly.
Jim then made a motion to pay the bills, check numbers 11079-
11115 excluding number 11091 to St Michael Insurance Agency. Bob
Braun seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion
carried.
The Council then discussed the approval of the 1991 salaries
for the City employees. Bob Miller informed the Council that the
personnel policy states that the salary increase must be approved
by Council before the 1st of the year~ Maureen then reviewed the
wages with the Council. They were as follows:
The City Administrator's position will increase from
$30.000.00 to $35,000.00, effective January 1st 1991.
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seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
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policy
SROW PLOWIRG AND ICE COR'lROL POLICY
1.
Determination of Reed and Introduction:
The City of Albertville has determined that it is in the
best interest of the residents for the City to assume basic
responsibility for control of snow and ice on the streets under
the jurisdiction of the City. Appropriate snow and ice control
is necessary for emergency services as well as routine travel.
Providing this service in a cost~effective manner is a
discretionary decision of the City Council. The City will use
City employees, equipment and/or contract services as deemed
appropriate to provide this service. Therefore, this policy is
needed to provide direction for these operations and guidelines
for employees and residents based upon available resources.
The City of Albertville has approximately 1-0 (TeN) miles
of streets under its jurisdiction. This policy is intendea to
provide guidelines for snow and ice control operations for
streets under the City's jurisdiction. Some sidewalks are also
covered under this policy.
The City currently has the following equipment available for
implementation of this policy:
(a) 1973 Ford Truck Model 750 with reversible plow and wing
plow;
(b) Ford Tractor and Motor, Model 535, with loader and
detachable snow blower;
(c) 1989 Chevrolet I-Ton Pick-Up, with reversible plow;
(d) 755 John Deere Compact Tractor with snow blower.
2. Commencement of ODerations:
Snow plowing and/or ice control operations shall commence
under the direction of the Public Works Superintendent
("Superintendent"). The Superintendent will decide when to beg~n
snow or ice control operations. The criteria for that decision'
are:
(a) Snow accumulation of 2 inches, with continual snow
fall, warrants commencement of plowing operations;
(b) Drifting of snow may warrant commencement of partial or
full operation, depending upon conditions.
(c) Icing of pavements may also warrant partial or full
operation depending upon extent and conditions.
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(d) The Superintendent or his designated representative,
shall determine the time to start operations and the
extent of the operations.
Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve
the use of limited personnel and equipment. Consequently, snow
plowing operations will not generally be conducted for snow fall
of less than two inches.
3 . SUSPENSION OF OPERA~IONS:
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Operations will continue until all roads are passable.
Widening and clean-up of operations may continue immediately or
on the following working day depending upon conditions and
circumstances. Safety of the plow operators and the public is
important. Therefore, snow plowing operations may be terminated
after IO-12 hours to allow personnel adequate time for rest.
There may be instances where this is not possible depending on
storm conditions and other circumstances. Operations may also be
suspended during periods of limited or zero visibility. Any
decision to suspend operations shall be made by the
Superintendent and shall be based on the conditions of the storm.
4. PLOW ROUTES AND SEQUENCING.
There are City streets, public sidewalks (on Main Street
only), public parking lots and ice rinks under the City's
jurisdiction which are affected by this policy. Sidewalks on
Main street maintained by City crews and sidewalks serving public
facilities shall be cleared by City forces after street routes
are completed. City parking lots and ice rinks shall also be
cleared by City crews. However, they may be cleared in
conjunction with street routes or after street routes have been
completed.
The Superintendent has the responsibility of determining
plow routes and sequencing of operations, and shall from time to
time prepare a copy of such routes and sequencing and file a copy
in the City Administrator's office, after the plow route and
sequencing of operations plan has been approved by the City
Council. The Superintendent shall retain the latitude to adjust,
sequencing or route assignments based on storm conditions, .
equipment availability and/or other conditions warranting
changes.
5. LEVEL OF SERVICE:
The intent of this policy is to provide safe winter driving
conditions appropriate for the type of travel necessary on City
streets. The level of service described herein shall be
considered a guideline with the understanding that immediately
after a storm the level of service provided may be less than
described herein and may vary across the City depending on storm
conditions and other circumstances.
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Streets shall be plowed and/or sanded to provide
intersection approaches and curves to be as safe as conditions
allow. Gravel and dirt road services shall be plowed to provide
a hard packed surface with sand and/or abrasives spread as
necessary for traction. A minimum of chemicals will be used to
achieve the conditions stated and to provide workable stock piles
and/or abrasives.
During light to normal snowfalls streets will be plowed full
width as soon after the initial pass as possible. During heavier
snowfalls the streets shall be plowed as wide as possible
initially and widened as the storm intensity lessens. After the
storm passes, clean up operations shall begin to clear
intersections and snow storage areas along corners and
boulevards. It is the City's intent to complete the initial
plowing and widening operations within twenty-four (24) hours of
cessation of the storm. Clean up operations should be complete
within twenty-four (24) hours for light snowfalls and within
seventy-two (72) hours for heavy snowfalls. Major blizzards may
require additional time.
6. PARKING RESTRICTIONS:
On-street parking is not compatible with efficient snow
plowing operations. Vehicles left parked on the street for
extended periods of time create problems for snow plows as well
as safety problems with packed snow and ice around the vehicle.
Ticketing and/or towing these vehicles may occur in conformance
with City ordinance. Additionally, after large accumulations of
snow the City may find it advisable to prescribe parking
restrictions to facilitate snow plowing and clean up operations.
7 . PROPERTY DAMAGE:
Snow plowing and ice control operations can cause property
damage even under the best of circumstances and care on the part
of the operators. The major types of damages are to improvements
in the City right-of-way which extends approximatelyll-I/2 to 17
feet beyond the curb location. The intent of the right-of-way is
to provide room for snow storage, utilities, boulevard trees,
sidewalks and other City uses. However, certain private
improvements such as mail boxes are required within this area.
Notwithstanding, mail boxes should be constructed sturdily enough
to withstand snow rolling off a plow or a wing. In all events,
boulevard sod damage, and damage resulting from snow is the
responsibility of the residents.
8. RESPONSIBILITY OF RESIDENTS:
Snow storms create numerous problems and inconveniences.
This policy has identified streets, sidewalks, parking lots and
ice rinks that the City will clear. The residents will also have
certain responsibilities. These include clearing their own
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driveways and private sidewalks, clearing areas for trash cans,
clearing around mailboxes and/or newspaper delivery tubes and
fire hydrants adjacent to their property. These areas should be
cleared without depositing any snow into the street. There also
must not be any large piles which obstruct vision of driveways or
walks. Trash cans must not be placed on the street surfaces.
Pipes and similar items should also not be placed in the areas
within the street surfaces or within the boulevard areas which
would come into contact with the snow plowing operations. The
City will not clear private drives or walks.
Snow plowing can cause additional snow to be deposited in
driveway approaches and around roadside obstacles. Operators are
instructed to attempt to minimize these instances, however, it is
not practical to eliminate this situation. Residents should be
aware that they may have to clear their driveways a second time
after their street has been plowed.
Residents should also be aware that snow plows frequently
will be operating in directions contrary to the normal flow of
traffic. Residents have responsibility to observe the
operational modes of the snow plow operators.
Complaints regarding snow and ice control or damage shall be
taken during normal working hours and handled in accordance with
the City's normal complaint procedure. It should be understood
that complaint responses are to ensure that the provisions of
this policy have been fulfilled and that all residents of the
City have been treated uniformly. It is the City's intention to
log all complaints and upgrade this policy as necessary in
consideration of the constraints of our resources. In the event
of people calling the Superintendent, he should make on-site
visits to the site indicated in the complaint if the complaint is
such that site visitation is indicated.
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