2011-02-07 CC MinutesNbertville
Uwnw09 oky a,.
ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
February 7, 2011
MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER — PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
7:00 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Mark Meehan, Council members John Vetsch, Dan Wagner, Jillian
Schommer, and Larry Sorensen
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Planner Alan Brixius, City Attorney Mike Couri, City
Administrator Larry Kruse, Finance Director Tina Lannes, Utilities Department Superintendent
John Middendorf, City Clerk Bridget Miller, City Engineer Adam Nafstad, and Building
Official /Zoning Administrator Jon Sutherland
ABSENT: none
CITIZEN FORUM
Robert Schwiesow of 5234 Kali Court NE informed the Council that he noticed the agenda item
to discuss the Prairie Run Residential Development. Mr. Schwiesow resides within the
development and wanted to let the Council know that he would be willing to help with the
Prairie Run Residential Development.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Meehan asked if there were any amendments to the agenda. City Administrator Kruse
requested to add three (3) items under Administration: 6.K.1. Administrator's Oral Update;
6.K.2. Approve a Resolution Requesting State Assistance for a STMA Ice Arena Expansion;
and, 6.K.3. Acknowledge the Written Notice from Acting Out Studio terminating the lease.
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 2 of 11
CMs Sorensen/Wagner motioned to approve the Monday, February 7, 2011 agenda as amended
the agenda adding the three (3) items under Administration 6.K.1. Administrator's Oral Update;
6.K.2. Approve a Resolution Requesting State Assistance for a STMA Ice Arena Expansion;
and, 6.K.3. Acknowledge the Written Notice from Acting Out Studio ending the lease, which
necessary action will be taken in the corresponding order on the agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CITY COUNCIL
Oral Update on the Joint Powers Water Board meeting — No significant action reported.
Public Works & Parks Maintenance Department
P & PM Supervisor Presentation on Garbage
City Administrator Kruse informed the Council that PW Supervisor Guimont had a conflict and
was unable to attend the meeting to give his presentation on Garbage.
Utilities Department (WWTP)
Accept the Utilities Department Superintendent Report
UD Superintendent Middendorf informed the Council the city experienced a water service leak
at 11741 — 55 Street NE. Middendorf continued with the comment that the radio read water
meters are working great and that it takes only four (4) hours to read the entire city.
UD Superintendent Middendorf gave a slide show presentation detailing pump replacement at
the Industrial Park lift station. Staff revamped- revised the lift station raising the electrical panel
out of the wet well so there would hopefully be minimal complications the next time there is a
100 -year flood.
UD Superintendent Middendorf reported on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Reed Beds that are
not functioning well. Staff discovered summer of 2010 there's a considerable amount clay on
top of the soil that does not allow the water or sludge to seep down to the roots. Reed Bed No. 5
looked the sickest of the seven (7) Reed Beds. Staff removed the reeds, cleared the bed of the
clay, and replanted new reeds. Reed Bed No. 5 will be a test pilot to monitor how or where the
clay appears to be coming from.
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 3 of 11
UD Superintendent Middendorf brought to Council's attention staff will be meeting with the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on Monday to discuss the suggested .06
phosphorus limit.
CMs Vetsch/Wagner motioned to accept the Utilities Superintendent's Report. Motion carried.
Building Department
Accept the Building Official's December 2010 Year -end Report
Building Official /Zoning Administrator Sutherland began by thanking the Council for the
opportunity to give an oral report along with the written one. Sutherland gave an overview of
construction activity that took place in Albertville noting December is generally a slow month;
however, in 2010, it was better than prior years taking the economic crisis into account. As
Sutherland continued he informed the Council that the building permit for the Albertville
Meadows rehab /renovation project was submitted in December. Staff continues to monitor
Vacant Property and ensure that the homes are properly registered with the City.
Building Official /Zoning Administrator Sutherland commented about the amount of revenue that
was generated that amounted to $87,738.21 for the calendar year 2010. Of the $87,738.21,
$50,000 was from the conduit revenue bonds for Albertville Meadows apartment renovation
project. Sutherland concluded with the facts that Albertville reviewed and approved 241
building permits for the year that were for a variety of work from the renovation of the apartment
complex to finish basement or business tenant finishes. Staff conducts zoning enforcement
inspections as well as helps the Fire Department with Fire Code Inspections.
CMs Wagner /Schommer motioned to accept the Building Official's December 2010 Year -end
Report. Motion carried.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Authorize the Monday, February 7, 2011 Payment of Claims (bills)
Mayor Meehan asked if the Council had questions regarding any of the checks listed on the
payment of claims. Council member Sorensen asked about check no. 029417 that appeared to be
higher than the previous garbage bills for the STMA Ice Arena. Finance Director Lannes
commented that there were additional events held at the Ice Arena in January so the STMA
Arena Manager Fitch ordered an additional removal.
CMs Sorensen/Wagner motioned to authorize the Monday, February 7, 2011 Payment of Claims
(bills) for check numbers 029373 to 029430 in the total amount of $139,551.60 as presented, that
will be scanned with supporting documents; the electronically scanned version will be kept on
file in the office of the Finance Director that will serve as the City's official record. Motion
carried unanimously.
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 4 of 11
Accept the Finance Director's 4` Quarter Report
Finance Director Lannes stated that the unaudited Fourth Quarter General Fund Summary of
Revenues and Expenditures is as follows: Revenues are at 96.3% and Expenditures are at
84.6 %. Lannes asked if the Council had any concerns or questions regarding the Fourth Quarter
2010 General Fund Summary Report.
CMs Wagner /Schommer motioned to accept the Finance Director's 4 th Quarter Report. Motion
carried.
CITY CLERK
Approve the Tuesday, January 18, 2011 regular City Council minutes
CMs Sorensen/Wagner motioned to approve the Tuesday, January 18, 2011 regular Council
minutes as presented, the signed copy will be scanned and retained as the official City record.
Motion carried unanimously.
Approve the Tuesday, January 18, 2011 City Council workshop notes
Council member Sorensen asked to amend the minutes to reflect his comment regarding the
discontinuation of the Fire fighters electing a Fire Chief and officers versus the Council
appointing these positions. Sorensen wanted to review the Pros and Cons with hiring a Fire
Chief for Albertville.
CMs Sorensen/Wagner motioned to approve the Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Council workshop
notes as amended noting that Council member Sorensen wanted to look into the pros and cons of
hiring a Fire Chief, the signed copy will be scanned and retained as the official City record.
Motion carried unanimously.
Accept the Wright County Assessor's recommendation to set the 2011 Local Board of Appeal
and Equalization meeting for April 18, 2011
CMs Wagner /Sorensen motioned to accept the Wright County Assessor's recommendation to
set April 18, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m. as the 2011 Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
meeting that will have two (2) trained and certified Council members per the Counties
requirements.
Approve three (3) One -Day Liquor Licenses for Geez Sports Bar
CM Vetsch/Mayor Meehan motioned to approve three (3) One -Day 3.2% Malt Liquor License
applications submitted by Geez Sports Bar & Grill for a Broomball Event that will be held at
Central -City Park on Friday, February 11, 2011 to Sunday, February 13, 2011. The times of
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 5 of 11
operation are: Friday, February 11, 2011 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 12, 2011
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and, Sunday, February 13, 2011 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PLANNING
Approve Ordinance No. 2011 -002 Amendments to the Fence Regulations, Section 1000.6.A and
Section 1006J. (Temporary Fences) of Chapter 1000 of the Albertville Zoning Ordinance
(Appendix A)
City Planner Brixius began with the fact that in 2009 -2010 the City received complaints
regarding a snow fence that was put up between two (2) residential dwellings. One of the
homeowners did not want. snowmobilers traveling on their property and for the purpose of
blocking the snow from blowing across the yard. Staff presented the potential of amending the
2005 Albertville Municipal City Code - Zoning Ordinance to document temporary fences.
A draft Ordinance was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in January 2011, the
draft ordinance is included in the February 7, 2011 regular Council packet. The Planning and
Zoning Commission made a request for regulations relating to and not limited to: Construction
site fences, residential garden fences, and snow fences. Upon review of the Ordinance drafted by
staff the Planning and Zoning Commission made a recommendation to approve the ordinance as
presented.
Brixius looked to the Council for input as to what they would like to see, if any, regarding the
proposed Ordinance Amendment relating to Temporary Fences within the Albertville city limits.
It was brought to Council's attention regarding a fence located on 50 Street NE that was
installed to prevent snowmobilers from traveling across their driveway or land. Brixius noted
that if the fence is within the right -of -way the city would have the authority to remove the fence.
City Attorney Couri made a comment relating to the Construction fences adding item C. Said
fence shall be removed upon completion. Couri explained that in prior years the Council and
staff had to deal with temporary construction site fences; otherwise known as `silt fences'.
CMs Schommer /Wagner motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2011 -002 entitled an Ordinance
Amending Section 1000.6 (Fences) of Chapter 1000 (General Building and Performance
Requirements) of Appendix A (Zoning Ordinance) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code
relating to Temporary Fence Regulations as amended as follows:
J. Exception to Fence Permits. The following temporary fences may be installed or erected
without a fence permit:
1. Construction fences needed to secure a construction or excavation site, provided:
a. The project site has an active building permit, demolition permit, or excavation
permit.
b. Said fence location is approved by the City Building Official.
c. Said construction fence shall be removed upon completion of the project.
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 6 of 11
Motion carried.
Approve Ordinance No. 2011 -003 Amendments to Sign Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 7 of the
Albertville City Code related to Number of Temporary Signs Permitted
City Planner Brixius continued with the next ordinance amendment that related to Temporary
Signs. It was proposed in 2009 to increase the number of Temporary Signs allowed from four
(4) to six (6). Staff is recommending extending the Temporary Sign increase until December
2012.
The proposed ordinance was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission who reviewed
the contents at the January 11, 2011 regular meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission
amended the ordinance by increasing the number from the standard four (4) per year /per building
to eight (8) per year /per building.
Mayor Meehan brought up the fact that various establishments are struggling and trying to
increase business. One way would be to adopt the extension of the Temporary Signs permits, but
also in the future to consider reviewing the off - premise signs.
Council member Schommer commented that she recently visited a business and inquired how
things were going and is there anything the city could look at changing. The Store Manager
would like the signage to be addressed. Schommer added that is was not clear what specifically
the Store Manager wanted to address only that it related to signage.
CMs Vetsch/Wagner motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2011 -002 entitled an Ordinance
Amending Section 1000.6 (Fences) of Chapter 1000 (General Building and Performance
Requirements) of Appendix A (Zoning Ordinance) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code
Relating to Temporary Fence Regulations as presented with the Planning and Zoning
Commission's recommendation to go to eight (8) per year /per building that would become
effective upon publication and will be effective until December 31, 2012 per the Planning and
Zoning Commission members recommendation and as presented to the Council at the February
7, 2011 regular Council meeting. Motion carried.
Approve Ordinance No. 2011 -001 Amendment to Non - Conforming Use Regulations, Section
900.2 of Chapter 900 of the Albertville Zoning Ordinance
City Planner Brixius commented that a single - family dwelling along 60 Street NE recently lost
their garage to a fire. The property is zoned B -4, General Business District, where single - family
dwelling is a legal non - conforming use. Brixius further explained that the current zoning of B -4
prohibits the re- establishment of a non - conforming use or structure if damaged beyond 50% of
its fair market value.
Northwest Associated Consultant (NAC) discussed the situation with the Albertville Building
Official and brought to his attention that the Minnesota State Statute 462.357 was amended a few
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 7 of 11
years ago to allow the reconstruction of a legal non - conforming use or structure lost to fire or
peril. Within the Statute language the re- establishment of a structure lost to fire or peril is
allowed if the property owner applies for a building permit within 180 -days of the damage event.
A second Minnesota State Statute change was to extend the time period for abandoned non-
conforming use or occupancy to one year.
City Planner Brixius concluded that an Ordinance was drafted by staff and presented to the
Planning and Zoning Commission for review, approval, and recommendation to Council for
approval at the January 2011 regular meeting.
CMs Sorensen/Schommer motioned to approve Ordinance No. 201.1 -001 entitled an Ordinance
Amending Section 900.2 (Provisions) of Chapter 900 (Non- Conforming Buildings, Structures
and Uses) of the Albertville Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal
Code Relating to Non - Conforming Uses per the Planning and Zoning Commission members
recommendation and as presented to the Council at the February 7, 2011 regular Council
meeting. Motion carried.
Approve Ordinance No. 2011 -004 Amendment to Sign Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 7 of the
Albertville City Code related to Location of Wall Signs
City Planner Brixius began with the fact that recently Space Aliens inquired about possibility of
placing a business sign on the northwest side of the building (the side that faces CSAH 19). As
the Albertville City Code Zoning Ordinance reads and is interrupted the wall signage request
would not be allowed. After careful review of the Sign Regulations set by the City, staff has
prepared and presented the consideration to amend Title 10 (Building and Development
Regulations), Chapter 7 (Sign Regulations) to allow greater flexibility in the placement of signs.
Brixius continued by stating amending the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code allowing
greater flexibility in the placement of business wall signs would be beneficial to the business and
the city by allowing placement of wall signage on that side of a building or tenant bay not facing
a street right -of -way, provided that no sign is located on that side of the building where the lot
directly abuts a residential zoning district.
CM Schommer /Mayor Meehan motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2011 -004 entitled an
Ordinance Amending Section 10 -7 -8 (Permitted Business Signs) of Chapter 7 (Sign Regulations)
of Title 10 (Building and Development Regulations)'of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City
Code Relating to Allow for Business Wall Signage on Walls not Abutting a Public Right -of -Way
per the Planning and Zoning Commission members recommendation and as presented to the
Council at the February 7, 2011 regular Council meeting. Motion carried.
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
Februa 7, 2011
Page 8 of 11
LEGAL
Accept the City Attorney's Progress Report
City Attorney Couri had no additional comments, just left it to Council if they had questions.
Mayor Meehan/CM Sorensen motioned to accept the City Attorney's Progress Report as
presented. Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION
Administrator's Oral Update
City Administrator Kruse stated the Albertville Lions would like to purchase additional kitchen
items that came to the amount of $500 -$600 and in return have the Council waive the rental fee
for the facility.
Mayor Meehan/CM Wagner motioned to authorize the City purchase of $500 -$600 worth of
additional kitchen items with the City paying for equipment with the idea that revenue from
Lions and other rental will ultimately pay for the equipment. Motion carried.
Resolution Requesting State Assistance for a STMA Ice Arena Expansion
City Administrator Kruse brought forward a resolution of support requesting State assistance to
fund expansion of the STMA Arena. At the Joint meeting of the City of Albertville, St. Michael
and the STMA School District it was recommended that the three entities adopt a resolution of
support to be personally carried to Senator Koch.
Mayor Meehan/CM Sorensen motioned to approve Resolution No. 2011 -003 entitled a
Resolution Requesting State Assistance for a STMA Ice Arena Expansion. Motion carried.
Acknowledge Acting Out Studio giving a 90 -day notice to vacate the premises
City Administrator Kruse informed the Council that Amy Nelson with Acting Out Studio has
given her 90 -day notice that the group will be vacating the city facility located at 5975 Main
Avenue NE effective May 1, 2011.
M:\Public Data \City Council\Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 9 of 11
FAMILY YOUTH COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Accept the FYCC Coordinator's 2010 Update
Council member Wagner asked if Sandy Greninger from FYCC could on occasion give an
update on programming.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and or UPCOMING MEETINGS
February 2011.
7:00 p.m.
8
7:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
14
6:00 p.m.
STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
21
all day
Presidents Day observed — City offices closed
22
7:00 p.m.
City Council meeting - TUESDAY
28
6:00 p.m.
Joint Powers Water Board meeting
28
8:15 p.m.
Albertville Council & Otsego Council workshop
(Otsego City Hall)
March 201.1.
7
7:00 p.m.
City Council meeting
8
7:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
10
7:00 p.m.
Law Enforcement Contracting Presentation — Buffalo
14
6:00 p.m.
STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
21
7:00 p.m.
City Council meeting
28
6:00 p.m.
Joint Powers Water Board meeting
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
February 7, 2011 Page 10 of 11
ADJOURNMENT THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO GO INTO A
CLOSED SESSION
Alpine Capital Litigation regarding Proposed Settlement Attorney /Client Privileged material
enclosed
Lamar Land Purchase for the purpose of the I -94 Ramp Project
CMs Sorensen/Schommer motioned to close the regular City Council meeting at 8:25 p.m. to go
into a closed session to review the Alpine Capital Litigation regarding the Proposed Settlement
that has been prepared and to review the Lamar Land Purchase located off of 62 Street NE for
the purpose of the I -94 Ramp Project. Motion carried.
RECONVENE THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Meehan/CM Schommer motioned to reconvene the regular February 8, 2011 City
Council meeting at 8:44 p.m.
Take Action, if applicable, on the Alpine Capital Litigation regarding Proposed Settlement
Attorney /Client Privileged
Mayor Meehan asked the Council if anyone wanted to take action on the Alpine Capital
Litigation Proposed Settlement.
CMs Vetsch/Sorensen motioned to accept the Alpine Capital, LLC Litigation Proposed
Settlement that includes and is not limited to the Defendant (Alpine Capital, LLC) shall deed
Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, Block 2, Plat of Prairie Run, Wright County, Minnesota to
the City of Albertville; and, that the Defendant shall pay the delinquent real estate taxes and
special assessments on the Property, except for Lots 10 and 11, Block 2, which Plaintiff shall not
be required to pay; and, the Defendant shall secure and record the release of all mortgages and
other liens and encumbrances from the Property, except that Defendant shall not be required to
pay delinquent real estate taxes or current or delinquent special assessments for Lots 10 and 11,
Block 2, and other stipulations outlined within the Court File No. 86 -CV -09 -6850. Motion
carried.
Take Action, if applicable, on the Lamar Land Purchase for the purpose of the I -94 Ramp
Project
Mayor Meehan asked if the City Council wanted to take action on the Lamar Land Purchase for
the parcel of land that will be used in the proposed I -94 Ramp Project.
City Attorney Couri stated that the purchase agreement has been a lengthy process and the offer
that is before the Council is a fair marketable offer that would be in the City's best interest to
accept in accomplishing the task of completing the I -94 Ramp Project.
M:\Public Data \City Council\Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 21, 2011
City of Albertville Council Agenda
January 18, 2011
11
Page 11 of
CMs Schommer /Sorensen motioned to accept the Lamar Land Purchase Agreement in the
amount of $405,000 for the property description: that part of the South 60 rods of Government
Lot Nine (9), Section Thirty -six (36), Township One - hundred Twenty -one (121), Randy Twenty -
four (24), Wright County, Minnesota, which lies Northwesterly of the public road now lying
across said Government Lot Nine (9) and lying North of the Northerly right -of -way of proposed
Interstate Highway Number 94, EXCEPT the West one (1) rod thereof and grant an easement for
the billboard(s) that are located on the site; this property will be purchased for the I -94 Ramp
Project. Mayor Meehan, Council members Schommer, Sorensen, and Wagner voted aye.
Council member Vetsch voted nay. Motion carried.
ADJOURN THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TO GO INTO A WORKSHOP
CMs Vetsch/Wagner motioned to adjourn the Monday, February 7, 2011 regular City Council
meeting at 8:48 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
1 1
Bridget Miller, ty Clerk (recording secretary)
M:\Public Data \City Council \Council Minutes\2011 Minutes\M 02 -07 -2011 approved.doc
Meeting Date: February 7, 2011
J_�_ � Albertville City Council
>�lbertAlle
.me. TOWII lhlq. � GW Iq.
February 7, 2011
Public Attendance Record
Page 1
PRINT Name
Address
City
Complete a "Request
to Speak" card if you
want to speak to the
council regarding an
item that is not on the
agenda
Jon Doe
10295 Your Street NE
Annandale
Agenda item
Jane Smith
1579 Albertville Av NE
Albertville
Yes - speeding cars
MAPublic Data \City Council \2011 Public Attendance.doc