2014-06-16 CC MinutesNbertville
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ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
June 16, 2014
APPROVED MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
1. CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
7:00 PM
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Olson, Sorensen, Wagner and Vetsch.
Others Present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Mike Couri
3. RECOGNITIONS - None
4. PUBLIC FORUM
There was no one present to speak.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Vetsch asked to add Sewer Jetting as item H3 under Administration.
Motioned by Vetsch, seconded by Sorensen, to approve the Agenda as amended. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Wagner, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the 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 Consent Agenda following the approval of the remaining Consent items. These items will be
approved by a separate motion.
A. Approve the June 2, 2014 regular City Council meeting minutes as presented
B. Authorize the Monday, June 16, 2014 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
Page 1
Motioned by Sorensen, seconded by Hendrickson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes: Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Wagner, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED.
7. PUBLIC HEARING — None
8. DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
A. City Council
1). Committee Updates (STMA Ice Arena, Planning, JPWB, Parks, Fire Board, etc.)
Planning Commission
Wagner reported they had a meeting scheduled for June 10, 2014 that included two
public hearings, but they did not have a quorum of commissioners so no action was
taken. He stated it was unfortunate they didn't have a quorum, because there was an
applicant present for a CUP that was in a time - sensitive situation.
Couri reported that the City Planner suggested they amend the City Code to allow
the Council Liaison to the Planning Commission voting rights only in the absence of
a quorum in order to make the quorum. Nafstad stated staff could bring forward an
ordinance to make that amendment at the next meeting.
Nafstad gave an update on the CUP request and stated that it was discovered in
Albert Villas Sixth Addition that the covenants for that addition do not allow
garages or sheds over 120 square feet. The City Planner has informed the applicant
of those covenants. Nafstad stated that the way the City Code is written the CUP
must be compliant with all PUD requirements and covenants. Wagner inquired if
the applicant can still build the additional accessory structure if it is within the 120
square feet. Nafstad stated the applicant's request was to build the structure in
excess of 120 square feet and although the City Code allows up to two accessory
structures up to a certain amount of square footage, the covenants restrict sheds,
accessory buildings, and garages to no more than one under 120 square feet.
Hendrickson inquired what the applicant can do to build the accessory building.
Nafstad stated the applicant would need approval of 75% of the properties.
Hendrickson inquired if a variance could be pursued. Couri replied that they
generally do not recommend variances unless there is a very strong reason. He was
concerned that it would set precedence and how would they determine what
standard to hold the applicant to.
Couri stated the Council could change the ordinance, so that PUD covenants do not
trump City Code.
Nafstad informed the Council that given the circumstances, the City would be
returning the applicant's application and escrow fee's in full.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Regular Meeting of June 16, 2014
B. Finance
1). Budget Workshop Schedule
Nafstad stated staff has outlined the key dates involved with the budget process and
has recommended setting budget workshops for August 4 and August 18. He is
looking for direction on whether to hold the workshop before of after the regular
meetings.
Motioned by Wagner, seconded by Olson, to set budget workshops meetings for
August 4, 2014 and August 18, at 6:15 p.m. Ayes: Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen,
Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTIONDECLARED
CARRIED.
C. City Clerk —None
D. Public Works/Engineering - None
E. Planning/Zoning — None
F. Building — None
G. Legal
H. Administration
1). Set Joint Meeting Date for June 30, 2014
Nafstad clarified that the meeting will be held with St. Michael and Hanover to
discuss transit and Otsego and Monticello have also been invited. He stated the
administrators have met frequently regarding transit and they feel the northeast
Wright County councils all have similar questions. He reported six cities have
already entered into the transit Joint Powers Agreement and they have since held
their first meeting. He stated the director for Trailblazers will be present and
MnDot has also been invited.
Sorensen was concerned if they sign the agreement, there is no guarantee of the
number of rides, who will ride, or the level of service provided. Vetsch stated that
they do have the option to withdraw out of the agreement. Couri explained that
would require about a nine month notice.
Council discussed the cost to the City if they signed the agreement.
Hendrickson, Olson, and Sorensen stated they would be present at the meeting.
Couri recommended they post public notice of a quorum and possible action on the
transit Joint Powers Agreement.
Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Sorensen, to set a Joint Meeting with the
City Councils of Hanover and St. Michael for June 30, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the St.
Michael Government Center, 11800 Town Center Drive NE. Ayes: Hendrickson,
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Regular Meeting of June 16, 2014
Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
2). City Administrator's Update
It was questioned if there had been any issues or complaints about Friendly City
Days. Nafstad reported that he received only one complaint regarding noise, but
thought the complaint was directed at one of the neighboring bars. Sorensen stated
that the event is very well run and is glad to see a limited number of complaints
considering the amount of activity and number of people attending the festival.
3). Jetting Sewer
Nafstad stated that all sewer lines throughout the City are jetted at least every three
years. They received two complaints from residents that water shot out their toilets
during the jetting process. Nafstad stated that seldom do they receive a complaint of
this type and typically the cause is an internal venting issue. Staff will continue to
research the cause has noted the addresses of the complaints so that they can notify
the residents prior to jetting in the future.
9. Announcements and /or Upcoming Meetings
June 23 Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
June 30 Joint Meeting with STMA School District & City of St. Michael
July 3 City Offices closed in Observance of Independence Day
July 7 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
July 8 Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m.
July 14 STMA Ice Arena Board, CANCELLED
July 21 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
July 28 Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
Parks Committee, 8:00 p.m.
10. MOVE TO WORKSHOP — Fire Committee Report on Recent Discussion
Nafstad reported they have had a number of meetings related to several fire related topics.
Nafstad reported that Fire Chief Tate Mills will not be seeking re- election at the end of the
year. Mills has recommended to the Fire Committee to hire a full -time Fire Chief. Nafstad
reported that he and the Assistant Fire Chief initially met with the State to discuss the process
for reviewing the Department's needs, and since, the Offices have met to discuss, as well as,
the Membership. The Department has been asked to provide feedback regarding staffing
needs of the Department.
Nafstad stated that other topics of discussion have included equipment replacement, fire
inspection services, and Otsego likely needing a substation in the future.
Nafstad stated that they are in the process of compiling feedback from the fire membership in
hopes to give it to the Fire Committee at their July meeting. The City must approve its
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting of June 16, 2014 Page 4
preliminary budget at the first meeting in September, so the goal is to determine how much
money, if any, should be budgeted should the City pursue a full -time chief.
Hendrickson was concerned that there was not enough time before the preliminary budget to
make sure the entire membership had time and opportunity to understand and give comment
regarding a full -time Fire Chief. She wanted to make sure the membership understood all the
details and reasoning behind the recommendation.
Vetsch wants to make sure expectations are defined before continuing discussions. Vetsch
also questioned a joint powers fire agreement. He was concerned what would happen if a joint
powers agreement between Otsego and Albertville would fall through. Couri stated that right
now, Albertville owns all of the equipment and that should be addressed upfront. The funding
formula should take into account land mass, number of calls, and service needs. He stated the
biggest concern that he sees is what would happen if Otsego would choose to form their own
fire department down the road, how and where Albertville would stand in terms of equipment
and fire personnel. Sorensen agreed and stated that many details need to be worked out for a
joint powers agreement.
Couri stated that the Council may want to consider a joint powers agreement if they should
move forward with a full -time Fire Chief without knowing the long -term status of Otsego. He
stated they may want to seek a longer term contract with Otsego for more than five years if
they do pursue a full -time Fire Chief. Nafstad stated that equipment replacement can change
depending on whether the current service agreement with Otsego is for the short term or long
term. Couri stated that in terms of moving forward with a full -time Fire Chief, it would be
very beneficial to know how the economics will be with Otsego.
Sorensen stated that he will support whatever the fire membership feels is best and if they feel
they do not have enough information at this time, the Council can wait until the membership is
ready and that may not be in time to include it in the budget discussions.
Council discussed the benefits and drawbacks of 1306 of the Building Code regarding
sprinkling requirements. Couri clarified that municipalities must adopt 1306 in its entirety and
cannot adopt specific areas of 1306.
Olson suggested a joint meeting with the Otsego City Council. Council discussed the impact
on the budget and salary/benefit costs for hiring a full -time Fire Chief.
Sorensen wanted to make sure there isn't the perception that the Council is rushing into a
decision. He wants to make sure they get opinions from the entire fire membership and felt
they will move forward when the department is ready.
Olson asked to review the selection and appointment process used for the Fire Chief and
Assistant Fire Chief. Nafstad reported that those positions are elected from the membership
and then formally appointed by the City Council. The Department has selection process for
the other officer positions. Nafstad stated the State Fire Marshall's Office and League of
Minnesota Cities have recommended that they move away from the election process and
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting of June 16, 2014 Page 5
move towards a selection process for qualified candidates. Couri explained the election
process for the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief does not comply with current law and
suggested the Council make appointments by selecting from a group of the most qualified
individuals.
Nafstad reported the Relief Association will be present at the next Fire Committee meeting.
Sorensen recommended the Relief Association and City Council hold a joint meeting to review
the Fire Relief funding.
Motioned by Wagner, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the workshop at 8:50 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Sorensen, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Olson, Sorensen, Vetsch, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent. None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly A. son, City Clerk
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting of June 16, 2014 Page 6