2015-02-17 CC Agenda Packet
City of Albertville Council Agenda
TUESDAY, February 17, 2015
City Council Chambers
7:00 PM
PUBLIC COMMENTS -The City of Albertville welcomes and encourages public input on issues listed on the agenda or of general community
interest. Citizens wishing to address the Council regarding specific agenda items, other than public hearings are invited to do so under Public
Forum and are asked to fill out a “Request to Speak Card”. Presentations are limited to five (5) minutes.
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Agendas\2015 Agendas\2015-02-17 CC Agenda.doc
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Roll Call
3. Recognitions – Presentations - Introductions
4. Public Forum – (time reserved 5 minutes)
5. Amendments to the Agenda
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 February 2, 2015 regular City Council meeting minutes as presented (pgs
3-9)
B. Authorize the Tuesday, February 17, 2015 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 (pg 10)
7. Public Hearings – None
8. Department Business
A. City Council
1). Committee Updates (STMA Arena, Planning, JPWB, Parks, Fire Board, etc.)
B. Planning/Zoning
1). Variance Review Criteria (pgs 11-14)
(Motion to adopt Ordinance 2015-01 Amending Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance
of the Albertville City Code, Related to Changes to Chapter 500, Section 500.1
Variance Review Criteria.)
Agenda Page 1
City of Albertville Council Agenda
TUESDAY, February 17, 2015 Page 2 of 2
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Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
C. Legal
1). Sale of Prairie Run Lots (pgs 15-17)
(Motion to advertise for bids for the sale of Lots 35 and 37, Block 2, Prairie Run
consistent with the attached advertisement.)
D. Finance - None
E. City Clerk - None
F. Public Works/Engineering - None
G. Building - None
H. Administration
1). City Administrator’s Update (pgs 18-19)
9. Announcements and/or Upcoming Meetings
February 16 Presidents’ Day, City Offices Closed
February 17 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
February 23 Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
Parks Committee, 8:00 p.m.
March 2 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
March 9 STMA Ice Arena Board, 6:00 p.m.
March 10 Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m.
March 16 City Council, 7:00 p.m.
March 23 Joint Powers Water Board, 6:30 p.m.
Parks Committee, 8:00 p.m.
March 30 Joint Governance Meeting, 6:00 p.m., St. Michael City Center
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 CC 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 CC 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 Ice 9 PC 10 11 12 13 14
8 Ice 9 PC10 11 12 13 14
15 H 16 CC 17 18 19 20 21
15 CC 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 JP 23 24 25 26 27 28
22 JP23PK 24 25 26 27 28
29 JM 30 31
10. Adjournment
Agenda Page 2
Page 1
ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 2, 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL 7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch
Absent: None
Others Present: City Administrator-PWD Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Mike Couri, City Planner
Al Brixius, Finance Director Tina Lannes, City Clerk Kimberly Olson, Sergeant Eric Kunkel, Sandy
Greninger, Craig Rens, Eric Lucero, and Max Musicant
3. RECOGNITIONS – PRESENTATIONS – INTRODUCTIONS
A. Representative Eric Lucero
Representative Lucero gave a legislative update to the Council. He reported that he serves on four
committees in the Legislature: Education Innovation Policy, Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy,
Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance, and Transportation Policy and Finance. He
stated the Legislature is currently hearing overviews from the various agencies.
Lucero reported he has chief authored two bills: one on equity in education and one on the I-94 third
lane expansion from Highway 241 to CSAH 19. He stated he has also co-authored several bills and
will be submitting a bill on second amendment rights in the near future.
Lucero stated that he is opposed to any increase in taxes, specifically gas taxes.
B. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Nafstad stated that Finance Director Tina Lannes and the Finance Department received the
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2013 Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report. The award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental
accounting and financial reporting. He indicated only about 11% of municipalities in the United
States receive this recognition and this is the sixth year Lannes has received this recognition.
Agenda Page 3
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
4. PUBLIC FORUM – (time reserved 5 minutes)
There was no one present for the forum.
5. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Hendrickson added Wright County United Way under City Council as Item A1. Couri added Prairie
Run Association Changes/Cul-de-sac Lots as Item D2.
Motioned by Olson, seconded by Sorensen, to approve the Agenda as amended. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, 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 Tuesday, January 20, 2015 regular City Council meeting minutes as presented
B. Authorize the Monday, February 2, 2015 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
C. Approve the annual permit renewal for Consumption and Display of liquor for the City
Hall building, located at 5959 Main Avenue NE, for the period of April 1, 2015 through
March 31, 2016
D. Approve a One-Day 3.2% Malt Liquor License application submitted by the Albertville
Lions Club for March 6, 2015 for the Albertville Lions Club Shrimp and Fish Fry
E. Approve Pay Estimate #13 and Final to Eureka in the amount of $72,838.24 for W.B. I-94
C-D Road
Vetsch abstained from the vote as he was not present at the January 20, 2015 City Council meeting.
Motioned by Sorensen, seconded by Hendrickson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes: Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, and Sorensen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: Vetsch.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
8. DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
A. City Council
1). Wright County United Way
Sandy Greninger and Craig Rens were at the meeting to give a verbal update on the Wright County
United Way program. Both are volunteer members of the Wright County United Way Board.
Agenda Page 4
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
Rens provided an update on contributions given by the Wright County United Way. He stated local
donations stay local and Wright County United Way serves the communities of Buffalo, Monticello,
and St. Michael/Albertville. In 2014, they gave $271,257 in contributions with $94, 047 going to 21
local organizations in St. Michael/Albertville.
Greninger stated they will be focusing on presenting to local businesses to offer employee donation
options. Rens stated there are easy payroll deductions that employees can choose to donate and
those donating can indicate a specific 501 (c)(3) nonprofit group for their donation to go to.
Nafstad indicated they would get the Wright County United Way information on the City’s website.
2). Committee Updates (STMA Ice Arena, Planning, JPWB, Parks, Fire Board, etc.)
Fire Board
Sorensen reported that eight applicants for the full-time Fire Chief position were selected for a
preliminary interview and those will be held on February 4. He stated the State Fire Marshal is
assisting with the process and has been extremely helpful in reviewing the applications. Nafstad
stated there were many well qualified applicants.
Parks Committee
Hudson reported there was no action taken, but there was discussion on the upcoming feasibility
study for a second sheet of ice at the STMA Ice Arena. He reported the caboose in Central Park is
going to be restored and Nafstad stated restoration will likely occur after Albertville Friendly City
Days.
B. Planning/Zoning
1). Albertville Crossing Feb Fest Event
Brixius stated they received an application from the Musicant Group for a Temporary Outdoor
Music Event for Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. He stated they have met all the
conditions relating to noise requirements and the only issues were in relation to a fire lane. Brixius
stated the applicant is willing to meet the Interim Fire Chief’s recommendations.
Conditions of approval would be control of the volume of the music and staff does not anticipate any
issues with the request.
Nafstad clarified that the event is aiming to bring in new businesses and revitalize the Albertville
Crossing area.
Max Musicant, The Musicant Group, was present to speak about the event. He is the event planner
for the event and his company specializes in commercial buildings. They are hoping to boost
business and allow the community to submit and vote on ideas of businesses they would like to see
in Albertville Crossing.
Motioned by Hudson, seconded by Sorensen, to adopt Resolution No. 2015-005 approving an
outdoor music event at Albertville Crossing, located at 5600 LaCentre Avenue NE, for the date of
Agenda Page 5
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
February 21, 2015. Ayes: Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None.
Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED.
2). Goose Hunting
Brixius stated there is a request for a hunting permit to hunt the geese at the lot north of the Joint
Powers Water building and east of CSAH 19. The property in question is vacant and guided for
residential and commercial development, but is currently being farmed in the interim. The City
Code prohibits the discharge of firearms within City limits. In order to allow hunting during the
goose season, Council would need to temporarily lift the prohibition of discharging firearms in order
to grant the temporary hunting permit.
Brixius listed several items of concern such as proximity of residential and commercial
developments, a heavily traveled main thorough fare, and nearby school. He also addressed the
ranges of shot to be used. He showed sample blind locations that could be used and Nafstad stated
only one blind location was acceptable to the DNR. Brixius stated that the geese are shot in the wing
and it is unpredictable as to where the birds may end up. He also cited concerns with property
damage and injury. If a temporary hunting permit is granted, he suggests identification of the blind
location, limited hunting hours, and indemnification of the City in any claims brought forward as a
result of property damage or injury.
Brixius stated that even though the request is for a temporary goose hunting permit, there are other
options available to deter the geese such as pyrotechnics, dogs, and decoys. He stated that the DNR
had indicated the hunting would need to occur more than once in order to be effective.
Hudson inquired about liability to the City. Couri stated they do have an ordinance on the books to
protect the health and safety of residents and suspending that provision could potentially increase the
City’s liability rather than if the City had no ordinance at all. He did not know if someone would be
successful in a lawsuit against the City. He felt that it would be more of a public safety issue than a
liability issue.
Council discussed possibly holding a public hearing to hear comments from the neighborhood.
Brixius stated that if the hunting were to occur, there will be perceptions of danger when shots are
heard.
Olson inquired of Sergeant Kunkel if the Wright County Sheriff’s Office had seen this elsewhere
within the County. Sergeant Kunkel replied that their office responded to calls when hunting
occurred in St. Michael. Sorensen stated that even if they hold a public hearing and send notices to
the surrounding properties, residents will still call if they hear gunshots.
Hudson inquired if the property owner(s) have met with the surrounding neighborhood to gauge
public reaction. Brixius stated they have not.
Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Sorensen, not to suspend Section 6-2-3 of the Albertville
City Code prohibiting the discharge of firearms within the City limits for temporary goose hunting
permits. Ayes: Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None.
MOTIONED DECLARED CARRIED.
Agenda Page 6
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
3). Planning Report
Brixius inquired of Council if they would be willing to set up a workshop on 2015 Goal Setting and
2014 accomplishments at the next meeting. Vetsch stated that he will not be able to attend a
workshop prior to the February 17, 2015 regular meeting. Hendrickson stated that a workshop held
after the regular meeting may not work for all members. Nafstad suggested prior to the March 2,
2015 regular meeting. Brixius would like the workshop to be a joint meeting with the Planning
Commission.
C. Building
1). Year End Building Report
Nafstad reported that there were 23 new homes built in 2014. There were a total of 453 permits for
the year with a valuation of $9.86 million. 209 properties were licensed as rental properties and of
those, 111 were inspected.
D. Legal
1). City Attorney Report
There were no comments on the report.
2). Prairie Run Homeowner’s Association Changes/Cul-de-sac Lots
Couri reported the original association had many shared features such as: driveways, street and
driveway plowing, irrigation systems, and landscaping services. As part of the Fieldstone purchase
agreement, the City will be making changes to the association to remove landscaping and street
maintenance and have individual driveways. Of the two homes currently in the association, one
homeowner is concerned with keeping their irrigation system. The irrigation system is run
commonly through the association. Couri reported the City must pay two months worth of
association dues when the City sells a lot. Staff is suggesting the City pay the two months of
association for all ten lots and then the association can reimburse the property owner to connect their
existing irrigation pipes/system to their home. Council was supportive of moving forward with the
association changes.
Nafstad reported that the City has taken title from the State of Minnesota for the two cul-de-sac lots
in Prairie Run. They will now need to establish a price for the sale of each lot and market the lots.
Couri will bring forward pricing and marketing back to Council at another meeting. He stated they
have received several calls from persons interested in the parcels and he stated there are no
restrictions on the sale of the lots.
E. City Clerk
1). Set Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting
Clerk Olson stated they must set their annual Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for
the year. A tentative date was scheduled for April 20, 2015 prior to the regular City Council
meeting.
Hudson inquired as to the purpose of the meeting. Couri replied that the meeting is the first step for
a resident to appeal the valuation of their property and this is required by State law. If the valuation
is not reset at the local level, the resident can appeal to Wright County and then to the courts.
Agenda Page 7
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
Sorensen encouraged Hudson to attend the next certification training as that certification will last for
four years.
Motioned by Vetsch, seconded Sorensen, to set the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
Meeting for Monday, April 20, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
2). Set February 17, 2015 Workshop
Per previous discussion, Clerk Olson suggested changing the workshop on 2015 Goal Setting to
March 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Motioned by Olson, seconded by Hendrickson, to set a City Council workshop on 2015 Goal
Setting for Monday, March 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
3). Code Enforcement – Verbal Update
Clerk Olson stated that code enforcement is generally going well. There is one situation in relation
to a habitually barking dog that has been occurring since the summer of 2014. She stated that
usually animal complaints are resolved with one or two letters to the homeowner, however the
situation has developed into a situation where an administrative fine could be given. Clerk Olson
stated staff is bringing this to the attention of the Council as administrative fines can be appealed by
the homeowner to the City Council. The Council directed staff to move forward and follow the
Code Enforcement Policy.
F. Finance – None
G. Public Works/Engineering – None
H. Administration
1). City Administrator’s Update
Nafstad reported he will be meeting with the Church of St. Albert’s administrator this week in
regards to the 57th Street NE improvements and coordinated Church improvements. The project is
currently advertised for bids with a bid opening set for February 17. He anticipates bringing the bids
to Council at the first meeting in March.
Staff has obtained quotes for painting of several areas of City Hall. If Council has no objections,
staff will move forward with scheduling. Council had no objections.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND/OR UPCOMING MEETINGS
Nafstad reported that Transportation Day at the Capitol will be on Thursday, February 12, 2015.
Hendrickson stated it is a good opportunity to meet the area’s representatives and senators.
Agenda Page 8
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
Regular Meeting of February 2, 2015
Nafstad reported that there will be a Joint Meeting with STMA School District #885 and the City of
St. Michael on Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. Michael City Center.
Hendrickson reported that the State of the Cities went well and she noticed many local businesses in
attendance.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Vetsch, seconded by Sorensen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Kimberly A. Olson, City Clerk
Agenda Page 9
Mayor and Council Request for Action
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Packet information\2015\021715\2015-02-17 Finance Bills Report (RCA).doc
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
February 12, 2015
SUBJECT: CONSENT - FINANCE – PAYMENT OF BILLS
RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully requested that the Mayor and Council consider the
following:
MOTION TO: Authorize the Tuesday, February 17, 2015 payment of the claims as presented
except the bills specifically pulled, which are passed by separate motion. The claims listing has
been provided to Council as a separate document. The claims listing is available for public
viewing at City Hall upon request.
BACKGROUND: The City processes claims on a semi-monthly basis. The bills are approved
through their respective departments and administration and passed onto the City Council for
approval.
KEY ISSUES:
• Account codes starting with 810 are STMA Arena Expenses/Vendors (bolded) and
key issues will be presented in the claims listing document.
POLICY/PRACTICES CONSIDERATIONS: It is the City’s policy to review and approve
payables on a semi-monthly basis.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: City staff has reviewed and recommends approval of
payments presented.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Mayor and Council have the authority to approve all bills
pursuant to Minnesota State Law, which requires all bills to be paid in a timely manner,
generally within 30 days unless one party determines to dispute the billing.
Responsible Person: Tina Lannes, Finance Director
Submitted through: Adam Nafstad, City Administrator-PWD
Attachment: List of Claims (under separate cover)
Agenda Page 10
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Adam Nafstad
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: February 3, 2015
RE: Albertville – Zoning Amendments: Variances
FILE NO: 163.05 – 15.02
BACKGROUND
In examining a recent variance request, we identified that Albertville’s variance review
criteria have not been updated to match current State Statutes. In 2011, the Minnesota
State Statutes were amended to give cities greater flexibility in granting variances from
local zoning standards. The attached draft ordinance repeals the current local
regulation under Section 500.1.B of the Albertville Zoning Ordinance and replaces it
with the following review criteria:
1. Variances must be consistent with the general intent of the City Code and
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Variances are needed to overcome non-economic practical difficulties unique to
the property that prevents use of the lot in a reasonable manner.
3. The circumstances for the variance are not created by the property owner.
4. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality or zoning district.
5. The variance is not a use variance.
6. The variance is the minimum necessary to accomplish the use of the property in
a reasonable manner.
The past provisions of the amended ordinance places the burden of justifying the
variance on the applicant to demonstrate that the aforementioned conditions have been
satisfied.
Agenda Page 11
RECOMMENDATION
Based on our review of the current Albertville Zoning Ordinance and Minnesota State
Statutes, staff recommends approval of the attached zoning text amendment.
c: Kim Olson
Sue Schwalbe
Paul Heins
Mike Couri
Agenda Page 12
Page 1
CITY OF ALBERTVILLE
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2015-01
AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX A, ZONING ORDINANCE
OF ALBERTVILLE CITY CODE RELATED TO CHANGES TO
CHAPTER 500, SECTION 500.1 VARIANCE REVIEW CRITERIA
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALBERTVILLE ORDAINS:
Section 1. The Albertville Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by repealing Section
500.1.B in its entirety and replacing it with the following language:
500.1. General Provisions and Standards.
B. Criteria for granting variances. The planning commission shall hear and the city council
serving, as the board of adjustments and appeals, shall make findings of fact that the
proposed variance from the literal provisions of this chapter be granted or denied
pursuant to the requirements of Minn. Stats. § 462.357 and any amendments thereto,
which include, but are not limited to the following considerations:
1. Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of city code and consistent with the comprehensive plan.
2. Variances may only be permitted when the applicant establishes that there are
non-economic practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance,
meaning the property owner proposes to use the lot or parcel in a reasonable
manner not permitted by the zoning code.
3. The plight of the property owner must be due to circumstances that are unique to
the lot or parcel and is not created by the property owner.
4. The variances must not alter the essential character of the locality including all
zoning district and overlay district provisions.
5. The board of adjustments and appeals shall have the sole discretion to consider
whether any variance request meets the criteria herein.
6. The request is not a use variance.
7. Variance requested is the minimum variance necessary to accomplish the use of
the property in a reasonable manner.
Agenda Page 13
City of Albertville
County of Wright
Ordinance No. 2015-01
Variance Review Criteria
Page 2
C. Application for a variance shall set forth reasons that the variance is justified in order to
make reasonable use of the land, structure or building.
D. Should the council find that the conditions outlined heretofore apply to the proposed lot
or parcel, the council may grant a variance from the strict application of this ordinance so
as to relieve such practical difficulties to the degree considered reasonable, provided such
relief may be granted without impairing the intent of this ordinance. The planning
commission, in the case of major variance, based upon a report and recommendation by
the city staff, shall have the power to advise and recommend such conditions related to
the variance regarding the location, character and other features of the proposed building,
structure, or use as it may deem advisable in the interest of the intent and purpose of this
ordinance.
Section 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective upon passage and
publication.
Approved by the Albertville City Council this 17th day of February, 2015.
_________________________
Jillian Hendrickson, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Kimberly A. Olson, City Clerk
Agenda Page 14
Mayor and Council Request for Action
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Packet information\2015\021715\2015-02-17 Sale of Prairie Run lots.doc
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
February 12, 2015
SUBJECT: LEGAL – ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE SALE OF TWO PRAIRIE RUN LOTS
OWNED BY THE CITY
RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully requested that the Mayor and Council consider the
following:
MOTION TO: Advertise for bids for the sale of Lots 35 and 37, Block 2, Prairie Run consistent
with the attached advertisement.
BACKGROUND: In August 2014, the City received deeds from the State of Minnesota to 17
residential properties in Prairie Run. Two of these properties are regular-sized cul-de-sac lots,
while the other 15 are small detached townhome lots. Staff believes that the 15 townhome lots
will likely sell to one builder, perhaps after Fieldstone Family Homes sells most of the 10
townhome lots it is already under contract to buy from the City. The two cul-de-sac lots can be
sold separately or together, either to individuals or to builders. The two cul-de-sac lots are valued
for tax assessment purposes at $35,000 each.
Staff would like to put the two cul-de-sac lots up for sale via sealed bids in March 2015. The
City has a list of four people who have expressed interest in the lots. These people would be
contacted, as would several of the builders in the neighborhood, and be informed of the sealed
bid process. Additionally, an ad would be placed in the newspaper about 15 days before bid
opening, which would occur on March 10th.
The proceeds of the sale would be applied to the unpaid special assessments that remain
outstanding from this project.
KEY ISSUES:
• The City acquired these properties for $5,000 each from the State after the properties
went tax forfeit.
• All proceeds of the sale will reduce the deficit in the Prairie Run project fund.
• Staff recommends the City set a minimum bid price in the ad.
• The City can reject all bids if it does not like the bids it receives.
POLICY/PRACTICES CONSIDERATIONS: While the City is not required to advertise for
the sale of land, City staff believes advertising for bids is the best method available to maximize
the amount the City will realize from the sale and provide the fairest sale method in the eyes of
the public.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The ultimate plan is to sell all 27 Prairie Run lots the City
owns and apply all proceeds to the delinquent special assessments attributable to these
Agenda Page 15
Mayor and Council Request for Action – February 17, 2015
Advertisement for Bids for Prairie Run Lots Page 2 of 2
M:\Public Data\City Council\Council Packet information\2015\021715\2015-02-17 Sale of Prairie Run lots.doc
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
properties. City staff hopes that the City will break even on the development when all lots are
sold, but given the litigation expenses the City incurred defending against Gold Key’s lawsuit
several years ago, this may not be possible.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The City can sell these lots by any method it believes best.
However, once it advertises for bids, the City must either accept the high bid for each lot or
reject all bids for that lot. It will not be able to sell the lot to anyone other than the high bidder
unless it goes through an entirely new sale process.
Responsible Person/Department/: Mike Couri, City Attorney
Tina Lannes, Finance Director
Submitted Through: Adam Nafstad, City Administrator-PWD
Attachments: Proposed advertisement for bids
Agenda Page 16
REQUEST FOR SEALED BIDS FOR
SALE OF RESIDENTIAL LOTS IN THE CITY OF ALBERTVILLE
The City of Albertville owns two vacant residentially-zoned lots known as Lot 35, Block
2 and Lot 37, Block 2, Prairie Run, Albertville, Minnesota. The Albertville City Council
will be accepting sealed bids through 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2015 for the sale of each
lot. All bids must be received at the Albertville City Hall, 5959 Main Avenue NE,
Albertville, Minnesota by 2:00 p.m. on March 10, 2015, at which time all bids shall be
opened. All bids must be in a sealed envelope and be clearly marked with “Prairie Run
lot bid” on the outside. Each bid shall specify a price for each individual lot that the
bidder intends to bid on. Bidders may bid on one or both lots.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids for any reason. No bid less than
$__________ will be accepted for either lot. The successful bidder(s) will be required to
enter into a purchase agreement, the form of which is available for inspection at City
Hall. All bids must be accompanied by a check made payable to the City of Albertville
in the amount of 5% of the bid amount, which shall become the earnest money required
by the purchase agreement. The earnest money checks of all unsuccessful bidders shall
be returned to such bidders.
Agenda Page 17
City Administrator’s Update
February 11, 2015
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Fire Department: On February 4, the selection committee interviewed eight very qualified
applicants. Two applicants have been selected for a second interview scheduled for February
20. The selection committee for the second round of interviews will include two AFD members.
Parks Committee: The vacancy has been noticed in City utility bills, submitted to the local paper
for publication, and has been posted on the City’s website. To date, we have received two
letters of interest.
Development Applications: The Planning Commission reviewed the two development
applications on file with the City: Nelson Billboard Variance and Rezoning of Leuer-
Munsterteiger property for Westbridge Community Church. The Planning Commission
recommended denial of the billboard variance and recommended the rezoning of the Leuer-
Munsterteiger property to P/I for Public/Institutional for Westbridge Community Church.
These items will be presented to Council at the first meeting in March.
STMA Ice Arena: The YHA and Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) presented the
STMA Ice Arena Board with a draft market demand study. The report concludes with an
expectation that two sheets of ice would operate close to capacity for prime-time hours during
the season. The MASC representatives graciously offered to continue their pro-bono work and
examine the operational feasibility of two sheets and the Board accepted the non-cost offer.
The Board also began discussions regarding the 2015 budget and potential rate increases.
Joint Meeting: The next joint governance meeting will be at the St. Michael City Center on
Monday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include updates on FYCC, Yellow
Ribbon, school capacity, and legislative reports on education equity and transportation.
Shop St. Michael: Representatives of Shop St. Michael contacted staff and stated they are
interested in expanding their organization to include Albertville and potentially rebranding the
organization as Shop STMA. The organization indicated that they will come and update the City
Council as they progress with the potential change.
ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS
57th Street NE/Church of St. Albert Improvement Project: I met with the Church of St. Albert’s
administrator and am waiting to hear back regarding the status of the right–of-way agreement.
Construction bids will be opened on the February 17.
5-Year Project Plan: The 5-year street improvement plan needs to be updated. I hope to have a
draft list in early spring. The plan should be in place once the 2016 budget process begins.
Agenda Page 18
City Administrator’s Update Page 2 of 2 February 11, 2015
Public Works Committee: Tim and I will be setting a public works committee meeting to discuss
2015 equipment purchases/replacement.
FEMA Funding: We have received the payments from Homeland Security from the disaster
assistance programs we applied for.
UPCOMING EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
• March 30 – Joint Governance Meeting, St. Michael City Center, 6:00 p.m.
Attachments: (none)
Agenda Page 19