2007-09-25 CC Minutes Joint Workshop
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JOINT ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
AND OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
MINUTES
Albertville City Hall
7:00 PM
PRESENT FROM ALBERTVILLE: Mayor Ron Klecker, Council members Dan Wagner,
LeRoy Berning, Tom Fay and John Vetsch; City Administrator Larry Kruse and Assistant City
Engineer Adam Nafstad
ABSENT: None
PRESENT FROM OTSEGO: Mayor Larry Fournier, Council members Vern Heidner, Mark
Thorsted, Tom Darkenwald; City Administrator Mike Robertson and City Engineer Ron Wagner
ABSENT: Council member Jessica Stockamp
OTHERS PRESENT: Wright County Commissioners Elmer Eichelberg and Patrick Sawatzke.,
Mayor Klecker and Mayor Fournier called the Albertville/Otsego Joint City Council meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
In the fall of 2006, the Wright County Board appointed Commissioners Elmer Eichelberg and
Patrick Sawatzke to meet with the City of Albertville and the City of Otsego to explore funding
and an agreement to improve CSAH 19. The purpose of the joint meeting was to create a
common understanding of the need for the project. Further to identify how the three entities
could work together to fund the project.
CSAH 19 NORTH FEASIBILITY REPORT
Albertville Assistant Engineer Adam Nafstad presented a draft CSAH 19 North Feasibility
Report discussing the highway layout and costs. The total estimated cost of the project is
$2,700,534. Using the County's Funding Policy approximately $1,711,868 would be Wright
County's share; $935,223 would be Albertville's share and $53,443 would be Otsego's share.
The estimates do not include any right-of-way.
Nafstad summarized Albertville's desire to manage the high traffic volumes, improve pedestrian
safety and improved access. Currently, there are not large commercial project to drive
developer's paying for the improvement. Using CSAH 19 South Project, the City assessed
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Minutes\2007 Minutes\M 09-25-07 Final joint meeting Otsego & Wright Cty.doc
City of Albertville
Joint City of Albertville, City of Otsego
& Wright County Highway Department
September 25, 2007
Page 2 of3
approximately 20% of the total project costs. Even at that rate, assessed properties threatened
contesting the assessment in District Court.
The following is a very generic summary ofthe Albertville Council, Otsego Council and the
Wright County Commissioner's comments.
ALBERTVILLE'S COMMENTS
Mayor Klecker stated the city is in favor of doing the project as soon as possible. The city is
willing to work with Wright County and Otsego with hopes to construct the project in 2010 at
the latest. The Council stated they supported seeking Federal Funds and some method to capture
the taxes generated by new development to pay for construction bonds. The Council stated they
would like to have the County consider a temporary full access at 69th Street.
OTSEGO'S COMMENTS
Mayor Fournier summarized that the improvement was a priority for the City of Otsego and that
it would greatly enhance Otsego's effort as they look towards a future Kadler interchange. The
Council strongly supported a Federal application for 2011 Federal funds. The Council mentioned
a concern about getting right-of-way dedicated prior to development, but a 2010 date gives
everyone some time to plan for the improvement. Council member Heidner stated it is important
to make sure the County was involved. The Council noted a temporary access at 69th Street
didn't matter to Otsego.
WRIGHT COUNTY COMMENTS
The Commissioners said they would rely on the County Engineer for direction on if CSAH 19
was a high enough priority to move it up on the Five Year Transportation Plan. The
Commissioners questioned why private development could not contribute more. The
Commissioners went on to state the County would participate, the question is just how much of
the project they would/could afford and when it would be scheduled. The two Commissioners
were supportive of seeking Federal Funds as long as it didn't compete against another Wright
County Project that had a higher priority. The Commissioners noted they would rely on advice
from the County Engineer before supporting a 69th Street temporary access, but it is a possibility
to pursue. It should be noted that the two Commissioners provided their individual comments
and do not speak for the County Board.
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Minutes\2007 Minutes\M 09-25-07 Final joint meeting Otsego & Wright
Cty.doc
City of Albertville
Joint City of Albertville, City of Otsego
& Wright County Highway Department
September 25,2007
Page 3 of3
OUTCOMES
The following outcomes were identified going forward:
. Seek 2008 application for 2011 Federal Funds
. Evaluate/Study some type of formula to capture taxes on new development with a
portion being dedicated towards construction of CSAH 19 North whereby the
County could reimburse the cities for the project over a period of years.
. Evaluate allowing a temporary access at CSAH 19 North and 69th Street, which
would not involve a raised median in an effort to buy some time until the County is
ready to drive a larger four lane urban project.
The Mayors and Commissioners concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for their
participation and desire to work together.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Fournier and Mayor Klecker sincerely thanked everyone for the great meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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Ron Klecker, Mayor
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Cty.doc
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
MINUTES
Albertville City Hall
8:30 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Klecker, Council members Dan Wagner, LeRoy Berning, Tom Fay and
John Vetsch; City Administrator Larry Kruse and Assistant City Engineer Adam Nafstad
ABSENT: None
FORMER CITY HALL BUILDING
Council and Staff discussed the former City Hall building at great length reviewing the return on
investment and amount of revenue the City expected to receive. The Council concluded the
discussion agreeing to reduce the lease rate significantly in an attempt to get the building
occupied as soon as possible.
FORMER PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING
The Public Works Building was discussed at great length. Conversation centered on whether to
let FYCC and Timber Bay, a non-profit occupy the building for little or no costs. The Council
concluded the discussion directing staff to try to lease the building to a new or expanding
business at a reduced rate. The Council suggested the possibility to lease the office area
separately from the garage area. The Council frowned on involving an architect, knowing the
building is near the end of its expected life.
OTHER RELATED BUSINESS
The Council requested the City Administrator contact the Post Office to pursue future space
needs.
F AMIL Y YOUTH COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE (FYCC)
The Council directed staffto contact the STMA to put FYCC on the STMA, Albertville and St.
Michael meeting agenda at the end of October to discuss FYCC funding and the future ofthe
FYCC program.
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