2013-10-07 CC MinutesN.
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ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, October 7, 2013
ADOPTED MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
1. CALL TO ORDER — PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
7:00 PM
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner
Absent: None
Others Present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Michael Couri, City
Planner Alan Brixius, Finance Director Tina Lannes, Public Works Supervisor Tim Guimont, City
Clerk Kimberly Olson, and Joe Holtz
3. RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS - None
4. PUBLIC FORUM
Joe Holtz, Neighbor's Eatery & Saloon, stated he wished to address the underage liquor violation
they received in the spring. Hendrickson stated that she would add it to City Council business.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Hendrickson added Neighbor's Saloon & Eatery Liquor Violation under City Council business.
Sorensen added Oakside Park vandalism under City Council business. Clerk Olson added 152 Club
Noise Complaint under City Clerk business.
Motioned by Vetsch, seconded by Hendrickson, to approve the agenda as amended Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by City Staff and will be enacted
by one motion. In the event an item is pulled, it will be discussed in the order it is listed on the
Page 1
Consent Agenda following the approval of the remaining Consent items. These items will be
approved by a separate motion.
A. Approve the September 16, 2013 regular City Council meeting minutes as presented
B. Approve the September 30, 2013 Joint meeting minutes as presented
C. Authorize the Monday, October 7, 2013 payment of claims as presented, except bills
specifically pulled which are passed by separate motion. The claims listing has been
provided to City Council as a separate document and is available for public view at City
Hall upon request
Lannes asked that another payment be added to the list of claims. The payment is in the amount of
$5,850.00 to Underground Piercing, Inc.
Motioned by Sorensen, seconded by Wagner, to approve the consent agenda with the above
amendment. Ayes: Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent.
None. MOTIONDECLARED CARRIED.
7. PUBLIC HEARING — None
8. DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
A. City Council
1). Committee Updates
Fire Board
Sorensen reported they will be having discussions on equipment and capital needs
that will be necessary with a long term commitment to serving Otsego. Nafstad
stated they would need to look at a ten or fifteen year replacement plan for fleet
replacement and additional capital needs.
Sorensen stated that an organized practice burn went well for the Fire Department.
Vetsch inquired if the Joint Fire Board has discussed adopting the 1306 Fire Code.
Sorensen replied that it has been brought up a number of times to the Joint Fire
Board. Vetsch stated it would be easier to require sprinklers at the time of building
rather than retrofitting a building or they could at least require installation of the
piping. Nafstad stated that the industrial area does not have and may not intend to
have water service. Vetsch asked if the Fire Code could be applied to specific areas
within the service district and Couri replied it would be a determination of the state
building official.
Hendrickson inquired why there would be such a push to adopt the 1306 Fire Code
for all service areas. Couri replied that it is a safety concern for the firefighters and
a benefit to property owners as there would be less damage to the building during a
fire. Vetsch asked the Council representatives on the Joint Fire Board to continue
the discussion.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013
Parks Committee
Sorensen reported two "Little Libraries" were donated by the STMA Rotary. One is
located off of 57h Street NE at the resting area by the Fire Hall. The other is
possibly planned for Villas Park along with a bench that was also donated by
Rotary. Guimont stated they would most likely take down the "Little Libraries" in
the winter time.
2). Memorial Park
Sorensen reported the turnout for the Memorial Park dedication was great. There
were many from Pelican Rapids in attendance as well as members of the Fire
Department. Representative Fitzsimmons was also present at the dedication.
Sorensen thanked the Public Works Department for their work on the park, the
garden and the installation of the sign.
3). Neighbor's Eatery& Saloon
Joe Holtz stated that he wanted the City to know how the underage liquor violation
occurred and how they try to run the business. He explained the situation and stated
they are very proactive in their liquor law training. The establishment pays for
staff's training at Wright County, they use card readers, and have many signs in
place showing the legal age to consume alcohol. He stated the individual was not
technically an employee and had not punched in yet when the violation occurred.
He asked Council to waive the fine for the violation. He stated the underage liquor
violation is not how they want the restaurant to be reflected and stated they have
worked hard to have above board practices.
Couri stated that since the employee was in the establishment, the employee in
essence would be considered under the direction of the management. However, he
stated the language in the liquor violation resolution allows Council flexibility to be
able to waive fines if they choose to do so. Nafstad stated that in past practice a fine
was waived if the establishment purchased a card reader for driver's licenses to
verify age and eligibility. Holtz stated they use one for liquor sales and one for pull
tabs, but the one for liquor was recently broken. However, he wanted to let Council
know they have been using the other one and keeping with the practice. Vetsch
suggested the money for the fine could be used to purchase a new card reader.
Wagner stated he was not opposed to that idea. He stated that he doesn't want to set
a precedent of waiving fines, but that if they do, there are City requirements that
must be met. Couri stated that if the Council wished to pursue this option, they
should stipulate that an invoice and a receipt showing payment for the device be
given to the City.
Motioned by Wagner, seconded by Hendrickson, to waive the $500.00 f ne upon
receipt of proof of card reader purchase. Ayes: Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen,
Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED
CARRIED.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013
4). Oakside Park Vandalism
Sorensen reported the City received a complaint about vandalism to the park's
equipment. Guimont replied they have gone out and removed the foul language and
picked up cigarette butts. There are burn holes in the slides and they are expensive
to replace.
B. Finance
1). Building Interconnection Project/Upgrade
Lannes reported that they have met the contractor for the installation of the inground
fiber lines and hope to begin that phase of the project next week. Wagner stated that
these next two phases are approximately $112,000 of the approximated $200,000
project and he asked about the amount for the fiber quote. Lannes stated they had
estimated Phase I to be approximately $80,000, but the low quote appears to be
coming in at the mid to high $50,000 range. Lannes suggested they will also want
to allow room for other minor costs that may arise during the project. Wagner
wanted to verify that any funds not used would remain in reserves for the building
and Lannes replied they would. Sorensen inquired about the time frame for the
project. Lannes reported they would like to get the fiber lines installed yet this fall
and finish with the project by the first of the year.
2). Accounts Receivable Report
Lannes indicated the outstanding invoices and stated assessments will go out in
November.
3). 3rd Quarter Report
Lannes reported that revenues should be at 60% and are currently at 54.1 %.
Expenditures should be 75% and are currently at 57.4 %. She stated there has been
an increase in building and permit revenue and the City is in good condition.
C. City Clerk
1). 152 Noise Complaint
Clerk Olson stated they City received at a total of three complaints regarding noise
during the 152 Club's September 28, 2013 Oktoberfest event. Vetsch stated he
heard complaints from the neighborhood surrounding the establishment that the
music was loud enough to shake walls inside homes. Nafstad stated the owner was
not aware of the complaints and she estimated they had 800 -850 people attend
throughout the event. Nafstad stated the complaints indicated it wasn't the band that
was too loud, but the music CD that was played in between sets. Vetsch stated that
he would prefer to see more restricted hours; even though it was on a weekend,
many are trying to go to bed around 10 p.m. Hendrickson stated that the event is
only once a year and good for the business. Sorensen cautioned that additional
restrictions would or could apply to Friendly City Days. Brixius stated residents
always have the option to call the Wright County Sheriff's Department and the
Sheriff's Deputy can require the sound to be turned down. He suggested that for
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013
future major musical performances the Sheriff's Deputies be notified and paid to be
in the area.
D. Public Works and Engineering — None
E. Planning
1). Planning Update
Brixius reported a request will be going to the Planning Commission from John
Darkenwald to rezone 88 acres from I -1 to B2 -A. No plans have been submitted,
but they need to show for their financing that the City is supportive of their proposal
and the City can do that by allowing the rezoning to occur.
Brixius stated there is a request for an oversize accessory structure off of Large
Avenue NE. Vetsch had concerns that a business could be run of the building.
Brixius replied the Conditional Use Permit required for the building would
expressly prohibit any home occupation in the building or property.
Brixius reported there is a request to reopen the former Sunoco site and to obtain a
Conditional Use Permit for a drive - through service lane. He said there are concerns
with the flow of the drive - through service lane. On the positive side, they would be
getting a tenant in a currently vacant space. However, it is up to the applicant to
prove the workability of the site.
F. Building — None
G. Legal
1). City Attorney Report
Court reported that he heard back from Charter Communications that Federal rules
allow Charter to implement a user fee that would be passed onto the customers if
$10,000 in funds were given to the City for recording equipment. He stated that he
could work with another firm who specializes in this area to get their determination
of the regulations and inquired if the Council would like him to pursue the issue.
He stated the cost would be a couple hundred dollars; one advantage is the firm may
have worked with another city that has dealt with this issue. Council discussed
several ways other cities record their meetings. Wagner was supportive of spending
up to $200 on the firm if it means they could end with funds for the camera.
Council directed Couri to engage the other firm.
Sorensen stated the City collects an annual franchise fee that goes into the general
fund and he felt it should go back to the public and should be looked at the next time
the franchise renewal is up. Vetsch stated that it does benefit the taxpayers as it
offsets the levy needed each year.
H. Administration
1). RiverRider Transportation Agreement
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013
Nafstad reported the agreement is between Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, and St.
Michael for bus transportation between the cities. He stated that it would be ten
hours of service per week and the agreement is for a three year period. The
combined cities are responsible for 15% of the cost. If there are no rides, the cost to
Albertville would be $1,035; however, the cost is reduced by every paid fare and the
cost could be zero if they reach 3,300 rides. He anticipates it will mostly be utilized
by seniors and it was in fact advocated for by the seniors. Olson felt this is a good
thing for the community and Nafstad stated this is the most cost effective way to
provide transportation to the community. Hendrickson asked staff to make sure it is
promoted in City resources.
Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Sorensen, to approve the RiverRider
Agreement for shared public transportation services between the Cities of
Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, and St. Michael, subject to no material changes
being made by one of the other parties. Ayes: Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen,
Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTIONDECLARED
CARRIED.
2). City Administrator's Update
Nafstad reported Guardian Angels has asked for a small change to the site plans that
Council had previously approved. The change would be to remove a small pond on
the east of Kassel Avenue NE and they have checked with the MPCA about
removing the pond. Couri stated Council would need to make a motion adopting
the corrected site plan.
Motioned by Vetsch, seconded by Hendrickson, to approve the Guardian Angels
plan set dated October], 2013 for the Engel Haus project. Ayes: Hendrickson,
Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Nafstad reported Wright County is seeking input from cities about its road funding
policies. He would like to submit several recommendations to the County. He felt
there are some disparities in the current policy where cities over 5,000 population
have more costs for road projects even though they contribute more to the tax base.
He also felt that traffic signals should be funded by the jurisdiction of each leg of
the intersection. Vetsch inquired if the funding policy mentioned bonding for
transportation projects and if Council will have time to come up with more ideas.
Nafstad replied they could take more comments at the next meeting. Nafstad also
felt federal funding dollars could be applied to the road projects first and then move
onto the County's funding plan. Hendrickson stated that any comments the Council
had about the funding policy be directed towards Nafstad.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS and /or UPCOMING MEETINGS
October 7 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
October 8 Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 12
November 18
November 25
November 28
November 29
STMA Ice Arena Board, 6:00 p.m.
City Council, 7:00 p.m.
Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
City Council, 7:00 p.m.
Veterans Day, City Offices Closed
STMA Ice Arena Board, 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m.
City Council, 7:00 p.m.
Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
Parks Committee, 8:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day, City Offices Closed
City Offices Closed
Hendrickson stated the groundbreaking ceremony for Guardian Angels will be on Wednesday,
October 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. for any who wish to attend.
11. ADJOURN MEETING
Motioned by Wagner, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respec lly ubmitted,
Kimberly . Olson, City Clerk
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
Regular Meeting of October 7, 2013